《Seizing Destiny From Heavens Hands》 Chapter 01: Transmigration Qingxuan Sect. The sound of the bells tolled continuously, resembling the rumbling of thunder. This noise abruptly awakened Shen Mo. He found himself in a spartan room. A sharp pain pierced his chest. Wiping the corner of his mouth, he found dried blood. "Where am I..." Before Shen Mo could ponder further, a flood of unfamiliar memories surged into his mind. After a brief headache, he quickly realized, "I''ve actually transmigrated into another world." This body also bore the name Shen Mo, hailing from Qingshan City, and at the age of twelve, he was initiated into the Qingxuan Sect. Originally, his predecessor was a youth with exceptional talent, reaching the peak of the Body Tempering Realm by the age of sixteen, and stepping into the Qi Condensation Realm just a year later! His predecessor''s status in the Qingxuan Sect had risen to be the top outer disciple, highly praised and the center of attention. According to the sect''s rules, the top three outer disciples who stepped into the Qi Condensation Realm could challenge inner disciples. Winning the challenge would grant them the status of inner disciples. However, three days before his predecessor was to challenge the inner disciples, his cultivation inexplicably regressed, deteriorating back to the beginner level of the Body Tempering Realm over the span of three days. This event even alarmed an elder, who personally examined him and concluded that Shen Mo was afflicted with "Blood Scatter Poison," rendering his four years of Body Tempering and one year of Qi Condensation useless. The Blood Scatter Poison also irreversibly damaged his spiritual roots; without an exceptionally powerful elixir, he could only hope to return to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm at most, never again reaching the Qi Condensation Realm. The elder ordered a thorough investigation, but no culprit was found. A year passed, and the matter was shelved. No one would waste time on someone deemed useless. The stark contrast in circumstances left his predecessor increasingly despondent, never recovering from the setback. What''s worse, the outer disciples faced a last-place elimination system. The Body Tempering Realm was divided into entry-level, minor achievement, major achievement, perfect, and peak. An outer disciple at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm who couldn''t advance to the minor achievement level within a year was deemed to lack cultivation aptitude, would be stripped of their disciple status, and sent down the mountain. His predecessor had been deeply worried about this. Just yesterday, he died suddenly from a surge of blood to the heart. It was at this moment that Shen Mo''s soul transmigrated into this body. "This is just too tragic..." Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile wryly, "Now, with only two months left until the annual outer disciple assessment, it''s difficult for me to advance to the minor achievement of the Body Tempering Realm." "In the end, I will still be expelled from the mountain." "Where is that golden finger when you need it? Old grandpa, help out here, will you?" He called out in his mind but received no response from the old grandpa. Instead, he saw a panel. [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Entry Level of Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Son of a Pharmacist, Innate Wisdom, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Ordinary Luck.] [Destiny: Two months from now, failing the outer disciple assessment, expelled from the mountain. On his way home, pursued by a rogue cultivator, falls off a cliff and dies with no remains.] [Recent Opportunity: None.] Shen Mo sighed as he read through it. This fate is really too harsh! He took a closer look at the panel. [Son of a Pharmacist: White Fate. Born into a family of pharmacists in Qingshan City, going back three generations, all dedicated to healing others, you''ve inherited a nature of helping others and enduring hardship.] [Innate Wisdom: Blue Fate. You have good comprehension, which accelerates your understanding of cultivation techniques and martial arts, often gaining new insights into various matters.] [Sword Dao Enthusiast: Blue Fate. You have a passion for swords, exhibiting better talent and ease in forging powerful swords.] [Ordinary Luck: White Fate. Your luck is very ordinary, the kind of luck involved in finding money while walking down the street is almost nonexistent for you.] Shen Mo contemplated. It seems that fate is something intrinsic to a person, influencing their destiny. Fates are categorized from low to high as white, green, blue, purple, orange, red, and gold. "It seems this is my golden finger, being able to see my own fate, destiny, and opportunities." "Wait, can I see others''?" Just as this thought entered Shen Mo''s mind, he heard several footsteps approaching. Bang! A fierce young man with a brutish face kicked open the door and entered the room. Four skinny, fearful young men followed him. The fierce young man saw Shen Mo sitting up on the bed and sneered coldly, "Awake? Good timing! I have a task for you!" Memories related to this man surfaced in Shen Mo''s mind. This person was named Lei Yong, also an outer disciple. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He, like his predecessor, came from Qingshan City and joined the Qingxuan Sect at the same time. Previously, when his predecessor was the top outer disciple, Lei Yong was earnest and seemed like his most loyal subordinate. But as soon as his predecessor fell from his position and it was clear no one would stand up for him, Lei Yong immediately revealed his true nature. The spirit stones accumulated by his predecessor were secretly stolen by Lei Yong and his men over several instances. Relying on his cousin being an inner disciple, Lei Yong also began to steal the Hundred Grass Elixir distributed monthly to the outer disciples for cultivation; each person received two bottles. Lei Yong was clever, only targeting weaker outer disciples, and even actively offering the elixir to those who were strong or had potential. Additionally, Lei Yong had rallied several outer disciples to strengthen his own influence. Combining multiple factors, Lei Yong had become the dominant force among the outer disciples, and no one dared to provoke him. Shen Mo''s predecessor was once the top outer disciple, but now with his strength severely diminished, bullying such a fallen genius only added to Lei Yong''s pleasure. Seeing that Shen Mo had not yet responded, Lei Yong intensified his tone, his eyes flashing fiercely, "Can''t you hear me speaking?" Shen Mo took a deep breath and immediately replied, "I heard you." Satisfied with Shen Mo''s prompt submission, Lei Yong nodded, "Listen carefully!" Then, turning to the young men behind him, he continued, "You all listen too! Today, each of you must chop four spirit woods, and if anyone cuts less than half, I''ll make sure you can''t leave your bed for half a year!" "Yes!" The group managed to squeeze out a response from their throats. Shen Mo frowned deeply. Lei Yong often engaged in such activities, accepting the more challenging tasks from the mission hall and forcing weaker outer disciples to do them for him. He would hand off the hard labor to others while monopolizing all the rewards for himself. Shen Mo wanted to refuse. But daring to speak such words would result in Lei Yong beating him severely on the spot. Reluctantly, Shen Mo had no choice but to stand and follow the team. However, he kept his eyes on Lei Yong''s back, pondering a solution. It was then that he suddenly noticed Lei Yong''s information panel. [Name: Lei Yong.] [Realm: Major Achievement of Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Family Scion, Master of Weapons, Somewhat Lucky.] [Destiny: Will ultimately reach the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, serve as a deacon of the Qingxuan Sect, and die ten years later in a factional conflict within the sect.] [Recent Opportunity: Accepted the task of chopping spirit wood, and during a casual stroll, accidentally discovered a small cloth bag in a tree hollow containing a Marrow Cleansing Pill.] Shen Mo carefully reviewed the details of the three new fates that emerged. [Family Scion: Green Fate. Born into the Lei family of Qingshan City, you were immersed in medicinal baths from a young age, never having to lift a finger for anything, never lacking in wealth.] [Master of Weapons: Green Fate. You have always been fond of weapons, showing a greater talent in swordsmanship and spearmanship.] [Somewhat Lucky: Blue Fate. Your luck is better than average; you often find money on the road and sometimes avoid disasters.] Shen Mo was astonished. Such a malevolent person as Lei Yong had such good fortune. Treasures in the world are categorized into Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heavenly grades, each divided further into lower, middle, upper, and supreme levels. The Marrow Cleansing Pill is a supreme-grade Profound elixir. Consuming one pill could cleanse and reshape the marrow and roots. It was the perfect choice to repair his foundation! The Qingxuan Sect did not sell such miraculous medicines as the Marrow Cleansing Pill, and it was a mystery why the pill was in the tree hollow. But Shen Mo knew that if he could obtain this Marrow Cleansing Pill, he could restart his cultivation, and perhaps even leverage the pill''s power to directly advance to the minor achievement of the Body Tempering Realm. That way, he could at least pass the outer disciple assessment in two months. Before long, everyone arrived at the forest behind the Qingxuan Sect. Many robust trees grew here. These trees were spirit wood cultivated by the Qingxuan Sect, excellent choices whether for construction materials or for refining into elixirs. However, spirit wood was much harder than ordinary wood, making chopping extremely laborious. For a disciple like Shen Mo, at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm, swinging an axe all day would leave his arms sore, yet he could only manage to chop down three or four logs. It was hardly worth the effort. Thus, the task of chopping spirit wood was generally chosen by disciples at the minor and major achievements of the Body Tempering Realm. Because they were much stronger, their chopping efficiency was also higher. "Get to work quickly, don''t let me catch you slacking off!" Lei Yong took five axes and threw them on the ground, grunting coldly. Including Shen Mo, the five outer disciples each picked up an axe and began chopping trees. As Shen Mo chopped, his gaze moved around the forest, searching for that tree hollow. He soon spotted a hidden tree hollow, likely made by humans. However, Shen Mo did not immediately reach in to grab it. Lei Yong was still watching them fiercely. Taking it now would easily be seen by Lei Yong. He needed to wait for the right moment. Chopping spirit wood was a tedious task. Soon, it was midday. Shen Mo and the others were drenched in sweat. Lei Yong grunted coldly, "I''m giving you half an hour to eat and drink, make good use of it." This was not out of kindness. After working all morning, if they didn''t rest a bit, they would surely pass out. That would mean the task he took on would be incomplete. Therefore, he gave Shen Mo and the others half an hour to rest. The five hurriedly took out their dry food and, using their water skins, ate quickly before closing their eyes to rest. This brief time was precious, and they treasured every second. Lei Yong, too lazy to watch any longer, found a clean patch of grass to lie down on, taking out the food he had prepared earlier and began to eat heartily. Seizing this opportunity, Shen Mo, under the pretext of needing to relieve himself, quickly moved away from them and approached the tree hollow. He cautiously used a small stick to probe inside, confirming there were no poisonous snakes, then quickly reached in and pulled out a small cloth bag. Opening it, he found a white precious box inside. Within the box was a thumb-sized emerald pill, indeed the Marrow Cleansing Pill! Shen Mo immediately tucked it into his chest, then found a spot to eat and drink, closed his eyes to rest, pretending as if nothing had happened. Soon, the half-hour had passed. Lei Yong barked sharply, kicking a man who still wanted to sleep, "Get back to work!" The man, too angry to speak, could only drag his tired body and continue swinging the axe. Time continued to pass. To avoid a beating, Shen Mo also had to chop trees diligently. During this time, he noticed Lei Yong casually strolling over to the tree hollow. Just then, a squirrel burrowed into the hollow, which Lei Yong noticed. He reached in, pulled out the unfortunate squirrel, and then, in front of everyone, cruelly crushed it to death. "Hmph, I thought there was something good in this tree hollow, but it turned out to be just a squirrel," Lei Yong grunted coldly, hands behind his back, continuing to supervise. As dusk fell. Shen Mo and the other four had completed their task, each having chopped down four spirit wood logs. "Alright, get out of here," Lei Yong nodded in satisfaction. As for the spirit wood, someone from the mission hall would come to inspect them later. The people hurried away as if fleeing from the plague. Shen Mo also quickly returned to the outer disciples'' quarters, back to his own dwelling. Chapter 2: Small Achievement Stage of the Body Refining Realm, Lei Yong’s New Fortune Shen Mo, upon waking up, immediately felt a surge of energy and clarity he hadn''t experienced in a long time. Opening the wooden box, the Marrow Cleansing Pill inside exuded a refreshing herbal scent, bringing a tired smile to his face. Without hesitation, he swallowed the pill. Once ingested, the Marrow Cleansing Pill quickly dissolved, unleashing a powerful medicinal force that spread through his limbs, flesh, and bones. Shen Mo''s skin turned red and warm, and steam seemed to rise from his head. Deep within his bones, there was an itching sensation as if ants were crawling inside, signaling rapid growth and healing, as though broken parts were fusing back together flawlessly. Then, intense pain struck. Shen Mo found it increasingly difficult to bear, struggling to maintain consciousness before eventually passing out from the overwhelming discomfort. An hour later, he slowly awoke, feeling refreshed and invigorated as if reborn. To his surprise, all the aches and fatigue had vanished under the potent effects of the Marrow Cleansing Pill. The strength coursing through his arms and legs had significantly increased, a clear indicator of his enhanced condition. "The Marrow Cleansing Pill not only repaired my foundations but also boosted me into the minor achievement stage of the Body Tempering Realm!" Shen Mo was elated. This meant he no longer had to worry about the upcoming outer disciple assessment in three months. He quickly introspected and noticed changes in his panel: [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Minor Achievement of Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Son of a Pharmacist, Innate Wisdom, Sword Dao Enthusiast.] [Destiny: Poisoned the day before the outer disciple assessment two months later, foundations destroyed, failed the assessment, expelled from the mountain. Chased by rogue cultivators on the way home, too weak to defend, dies from excessive blood loss.] [Recent Opportunity: (Obtained) Found a small cloth bag containing a Marrow Cleansing Pill while chopping spirit wood.] Shen Mo, frustrated, muttered, "Damn it, why am I still getting poisoned, and why are these rogues after me?" He quickly surmised that his sudden recovery might have alerted whoever was behind the original poisoning, prompting them to act against him again. "I''m still not strong enough; I need to break through to the Qi Condensation Realm as soon as possible." The cultivation realms included the Body Tempering Realm, Qi Condensation Realm, Foundation Building Realm, Core Formation Realm, Nascent Soul Realm, and the Divine Transformation Realm. Each realm was subdivided into five stages: entry, minor achievement, major achievement, perfect, and peak. Most outer disciples were in the Body Tempering Realm, while inner disciples were almost all at the Qi Condensation Realm, with a few elites reaching the Foundation Building Realm. The Qi Condensation Realm was sufficient to hold the position of a deacon in the Qingxuan Sect, while the Foundation Building Realm allowed one to become an outer sect elder. The Core Formation Realm was the level of the sect leader, deputy sect leader, and inner sect elders of the Qingxuan Sect. The stages beyond, the Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation Realms, were seen only in more powerful sects. If Shen Mo could quickly return to the Qi Condensation Realm, he would certainly be able to protect himself. ... The next day. As soon as Shen Mo woke up, he heard crying outside. Opening his door, he saw Lei Yong and his two lackeys ganging up on another outer disciple, beating him while hurling insults. "Last month you borrowed twenty low-grade spirit stones from me, and with the agreed interest, you owe me thirty this month!" His lackeys, taking advantage of their position, chimed in, "Right, right, Brother Lei is only asking for twenty-five this time, he''s already being more than fair!" The beleaguered disciple pleaded, "That''s what I saved to buy Body Tempering Pills. Without them, I can''t pass the end-of-year assessment. Brother Lei, please give them back, I''m begging you." The other outer disciples watching the scene showed two starkly different attitudes. Those who were stronger, either close to or above Lei Yong''s level, watched with arms crossed, indifferent and uninterested in intervening. The weaker ones were filled with fear, terrified that they might be the next targets, and likewise, they dared not step forward to help. In the end, they could only watch helplessly as the outer disciple was beaten bloody. Lei Yong stood on the disciple''s chest and sneered coldly, "Remember, you still owe me five low-grade spirit stones!" His two lackeys chuckled, "Let''s go, Brother Lei. Let''s head to the Dining Hall for a meal." Lei Yong grunted, "Yeah, after eating, we''ll go to the Scripture Pavilion. I need to pick a badass martial technique." With that, the three of them swaggered off. Shen Mo watched from his room; his current strength was not sufficient to intervene. Moreover, he recognized the beaten outer disciple. When his predecessor was still the top outer disciple, he was generous and often helped the weaker disciples. This beaten disciple was one of them. However, after his predecessor''s fall back to the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm, none of those he had helped returned the favor. This disciple was no exception. "Nevertheless, Lei Yong seems to have found another opportunity," Shen Mo thought reflectively. He had clearly seen Lei Yong''s panel information: [Name: Lei Yong.] [Realm: Major Achievement of Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Family Scion, Skilled with Blades and Spears, Somewhat Lucky.] [Destiny: Ultimately stops at the Great Achievement of the Qi Condensation Realm, serves as a deacon of the Qingxuan Sect, and is killed by a passing demonic cultivator while on a mission seven years later.] [Recent Opportunity: Feeling his defensive techniques were lacking, he went to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a martial technique and accidentally found a Profound-grade martial technique in the cover of ''Tiger''s Roar Fist''.] Shen Mo noticed two things. First, Lei Yong''s destiny had undergone significant changes. Previously, he was destined to stop at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, but now he was downgraded to Great Achievement. This indicated that the Marrow Cleansing Pill had indeed greatly enhanced Lei Yong. After all, it could cleanse the marrow and eliminate bodily impurities, effectively accelerating his future cultivation. Secondly, Lei Yong''s recent opportunity. "Going to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a martial technique and accidentally finding a Profound-grade martial technique... that''s something straight out of a novel''s protagonist''s luck," Shen Mo mused. Cultivation techniques and martial skills, like treasures, are categorized into four tiers: Heavenly, Earthly, Profound, and Yellow, each with four grades: low, middle, upper, and supreme. Outer disciples can select a Yellow-grade cultivation technique or martial skill for free from the Scripture Pavilion every time they break through a minor realm. Other times, they must pay with spirit stones. A Profound-grade martial skill, however, is available for free only to inner disciples, or else it costs at least three hundred low-grade spirit stones. When his body''s former owner was the top outer disciple, he had also wanted to save up for a Profound-grade martial skill. But coming from a poor background, he could only rely on himself. Spirit stones also needed to be spent on Body Tempering Pills. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus, he could never save enough spirit stones. If he could acquire this Profound-grade martial skill, his strength would surely soar! "Taking advantage of him going to the Dining Hall for breakfast, I''ll head to the Scripture Pavilion first and take that Profound-grade martial skill before he does!" Thinking this, Shen Mo immediately set off for the Scripture Pavilion. The Qingxuan Sect was established within the Qingcang Mountain Range. The tallest and largest of these, Qingcang Mountain, towered above all. Menial and outer disciples lived at the foot of the mountain. Buildings like the Scripture Pavilion, Treasure Pavilion, and the inner disciples'' quarters were located on the mountainside. Further up were the residences of the elders, deputy sect leader, and sect leader. As Shen Mo climbed the steps, the peak in front of him emanated a formidable spiritual energy. A great white waterfall, like a flowing ribbon, cascaded from the summit into a deep pool below, its thunderous roar echoing like a herd of charging horses. Mighty trees with branches twisted like dragons lined the staircase, with many pavilions and halls hidden among them. This was Shen Mo''s first time witnessing such a celestial scene, stirring his spirit profoundly. ? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 3: Seizing the Profound-Grade Martial Skill: Thunder Shadow Sword Technique! A moment later, Shen Mo walked into a pavilion. This was a grand and magnificent pavilion, constructed from centuries-old spiritual wood, ensuring it would not be susceptible to insect damage or rot. At the entrance of the first floor of the Scripture Pavilion stood a middle-aged man with a sinister face. This man was the deacon responsible for guarding the Scripture Pavilion. Of course, he was not some highly esteemed elder or unparalleled expert. He was merely an ordinary deacon at the Qi Condensation stage. In front of Shen Mo, there were two other disciples waiting in line to enter. Both were outer sect disciples, one burly and the other emaciated. The burly disciple had a broad back and a robust build, with a powerful aura of vitality. With a glance, Shen Mo could tell he had at least reached the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. As for the emaciated disciple, his face was sallow, and he was only at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm. Such outer sect disciples were always the targets of Lei Yong''s extortion. When the deacon of the Scripture Pavilion saw the burly disciple, he enthusiastically stood up, "Please come in, come in. If you need anything, just let me know." But when the emaciated disciple tried to enter, the deacon''s demeanor changed. He rudely extended his hand, "One lower-grade spirit stone." Spirit stones are the hard currency among cultivators. Spirit stones are classified by purity into supreme-grade, high-grade, mid-grade, and lower-grade. The exchange ratio is roughly one to one hundred. One mid-grade spirit stone can be exchanged for one hundred lower-grade spirit stones. However, one hundred lower-grade spirit stones might not necessarily be exchanged for one mid-grade spirit stone; the price often inflates to about one hundred and six or one hundred and ten. The emaciated disciple was stunned upon hearing this, gritting his teeth, "Why doesn''t that senior brother have to pay to enter, but I do?" The deacon of the Scripture Pavilion sneered disdainfully, "How can someone at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm compare to someone at the peak? Pay up! Otherwise, you won''t be entering today!" In the end, the emaciated disciple couldn''t stand the confrontation and had to leave in frustration. One lower-grade spirit stone was already a third of his entire wealth; he couldn''t give it up so easily. After the emaciated disciple left, it was Shen Mo''s turn. The deacon glanced at Shen Mo, "Name?" Shen Mo reported his name. The deacon looked up at him and sneered, "So you''re the former number one outer sect disciple. Your foundation is ruined, yet you still want to choose martial skills?" Shen Mo frowned, "Every disciple of the Qingxuan Sect can choose martial skills. Why can''t I?" The deacon let out a strange laugh, "Of course you can. Hand over one lower-grade spirit stone, and I''ll let you in." Shen Mo was speechless. According to sect rules, disciples could enter and exit the Scripture Pavilion for free, only needing to pay after selecting a technique or martial skill. But where there are rules, there are ways around them. The deacon had limited power, but he could still exploit the weak and collect extra fees. He cleverly avoided targeting the strong, so no one could do anything about him. Not wanting to waste time, Shen Mo took out a lower-grade spirit stone and handed it over. The deacon grinned, "That''s the spirit. I like people who know their place. Go on in." He waved his hand, not bothering to argue further with Shen Mo. Shen Mo couldn''t help but shake his head. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The lower levels had become like this, and the upper levels of the Qingxuan Sect didn''t intervene? Or was the entire Qingxuan Sect rotten to the core? Shen Mo glanced at his life panel. The deacon''s potential had reached its end; it would take him three years to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and he would only achieve minor success in that lifetime. However, the deacon had a good opportunity coming up. [Upcoming Opportunity: In three days, during a trip to Qingshan City to seek pleasure, he will encounter a Treasure Seeking Rat but fail to catch it, only picking up three lower-grade spirit stones.] "A Treasure Seeking Rat is a spirit beast particularly fond of shiny treasures, especially spirit stones. Its attack power is weak, but it''s incredibly fast. Without special bait, even a peak Qi Condensation stage cultivator can''t catch it." Shen Mo noted this opportunity. The bait wasn''t hard to make, but it needed to be prepared in advance. In three days, if he brought the bait to that location, he would surely catch the Treasure Seeking Rat and obtain all the spirit stones it carried. He walked briskly, moving among the many bookshelves. The first floor of the Scripture Pavilion housed Yellow-grade techniques and martial skills. On the second floor, there were Profound-grade techniques and martial skills, but only inner sect disciples could go upstairs. The layout was such because Profound-grade techniques and martial skills were rare and precious. The Qingxuan Sect was the largest force within a hundred miles, but it only had three Profound-grade techniques and eight Profound-grade martial skills. Such high-grade texts were naturally reserved for the top-tier genius disciples. Outer sect disciples naturally couldn''t access these. Shen Mo slowly advanced, his gaze quickly moving among the various techniques and martial skills, examining each one carefully without missing any. After a moment, he found his target. "Yellow-grade low-tier martial skill, Tiger Roar Fist!" He picked up this seemingly ordinary fist technique and examined it closely. He noticed that the cover of this book was slightly thicker than usual. If he hadn''t picked it up and looked carefully, no one would have noticed this detail. Shen Mo pressed firmly and indeed found something unusual beneath the heavy cover. He pulled out two yellowed pages from the inside of the cover. The pages were densely packed with small characters. At the top, there were four prominent characters: "Thunder Shadow Sword Modification." Shen Mo was slightly surprised. He had heard of the Thunder Shadow Sword technique. It was one of the eight Profound-grade martial skills kept in the Qingxuan Sect''s vault, known for its great power and extreme speed, classified as a mid-tier Profound-grade technique. However, it was very difficult to cultivate, so even among the inner sect disciples, few practiced it. "This seems to be a new sword technique created by some expert after innovating the Thunder Shadow Sword." Shen Mo was excited and immediately tucked it into his chest. Regardless, this was a Profound-grade martial skill. Even a slight achievement with it would greatly enhance his strength! Shen Mo placed the Tiger Roar Fist back in its original position and turned to leave the Scripture Pavilion. Just as he stepped out, he ran into Lei Yong, who was just coming in. Lei Yong frowned slightly when he saw him, "What are you doing here?" Shen Mo hadn''t expected to run into him right after coming out. However, he didn''t show any panic and responded calmly, "Many of my martial skills have been neglected, so I came to the Scripture Pavilion to review them. Is there a problem with that?" Lei Yong let out a strange laugh, "Of course not." If they were at the foot of the mountain, and Shen Mo dared to speak to him like this, he would have punched him on the spot. But here, on the mountainside, people were coming and going, including both inner and outer sect disciples. If he directly attacked Shen Mo, it would not look good. Shen Mo continued forward. "Wait." Lei Yong glanced over and suddenly noticed Shen Mo''s slightly bulging chest. "Your chest looks a bit puffed up. Are you hiding something?" Lei Yong smirked, grabbing Shen Mo''s clothes. His eyes seemed to say, "If you don''t show me, I''ll check myself." "I need to take on tasks to earn spirit stones. I''ll get hungry while working, so I brought a few buns with me. What''s the problem?" Shen Mo pulled open his front, took out a bun, and waved it in front of Lei Yong. Lei Yong gave a forced smile, "Fine, of course, it''s fine." He withdrew his hand without saying more, "Don''t forget the rules. For any task you take on, I get a tenth of the reward." Shen Mo said nothing, cold-faced, and quickly walked away. Lei Yong snorted and stepped into the Scripture Pavilion. The deacon at the entrance recognized Lei Yong and immediately greeted him warmly. Though he was a Qi Condensation stage cultivator, he was already in his forties, with his potential exhausted. But Lei Yong was only eighteen or nineteen years old. As long as he grew normally, his future achievements would certainly surpass his. Moreover, Lei Yong was from a family, with a cousin who was an inner sect disciple. Naturally, he treated Lei Yong with utmost enthusiasm. Lei Yong nodded at him and walked among the bookshelves. His gaze roved over the various techniques and martial skills. But he couldn''t find a martial skill that suited him. At some point, he suddenly stopped. His eyes rested on a martial skill called "Tiger Roar Fist." "Eh, there''s something odd about this book''s cover." Lei Yong picked up the Tiger Roar Fist and immediately felt there might be something hidden inside the cover. But after pressing it, he found it was empty. "Tch, just my imagination." Lei Yong put the Tiger Roar Fist back, not wasting any more time. However, for some reason, he suddenly felt a sense of loss. It was as if something he was supposed to obtain had inexplicably slipped away. ? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 4: The First Level of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, Lei Yong’s Death On the other side. Shen Mo left the Scripture Pavilion and hurried back to the outer sect disciples'' courtyard at the foot of the mountain, returning to his residence. As soon as he got back, he tightly closed the door and took out the two pages from his chest, beginning to study them earnestly. He spent two hours reading through them. After finishing, Shen Mo sighed, "This person''s modifications to the Thunder Shadow Sword are quite peculiar. On one hand, it enhances the power and speed, but on the other hand, it also increases the difficulty of cultivation." "However, I can continuously seize others'' opportunities, so I''ll surely find a way to speed up my cultivation." "Let''s start practicing now!" Shen Mo put away the sword technique, picked up an iron sword, and began practicing diligently. With such serious cultivation, half a month quickly passed. In a bamboo forest at the foot of the mountain. At this moment, the sound of slicing through the air echoed continuously. From a distance, one could see a young man wielding an iron sword like a wild snake! Swift as lightning! Deadly as a serpent! A moment later, the young man sheathed his sword. The ground was littered with dozens of halved bamboo leaves. The young man, drenched in sweat, laughed with satisfaction, "The first level of the Thunder Shadow Sword technique is indeed formidable, each strike is lethal, but it consumes a lot of stamina." "Luckily, I have reached the major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm, otherwise, a single strike would have left me exhausted." The young man was none other than Shen Mo. The Thunder Shadow Sword technique had only three levels. Many inner sect disciples and elders had also practiced the Thunder Shadow Sword technique, but they only managed to comprehend the second level and got stuck there. Few could comprehend the third level. Shen Mo''s rapid improvement in half a month and his ability to comprehend the second level of the Thunder Shadow Sword technique was due to fortuitous opportunities. Previously, he had intercepted the deacon''s opportunity, using bait to catch the Treasure Seeking Rat, obtaining more than twenty lower-grade spirit stones. He used these spirit stones to buy two Body Tempering Pills from the Treasure Pavilion. Subsequently, during this half month, he intercepted two more opportunities from Lei Yong. One was a nighttime walk, where he inadvertently had an epiphany at Sword Cliff, improving his swordsmanship. The other was slipping and falling into water, where he unexpectedly found a piece of Emerald Pond Algae underwater. This algae is a high-grade Yellow-grade medicinal herb. Without needing to be refined into a pill, consuming it directly can enhance one''s cultivation. One piece of Emerald Pond Algae is equivalent to two Body Tempering Pills, very valuable. Shen Mo seized both of these opportunities before Lei Yong. In total, he had the equivalent of consuming four Body Tempering Pills, restoring his cultivation to the major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm! "If I remember correctly, today is the day for distributing medicinal liquid to the outer sect disciples." Shen Mo suddenly recalled and headed toward the outer sect disciples'' courtyard at the foot of the mountain. Every month, outer sect disciples receive two bottles of Hundred Herb Liquid. This medicinal liquid is far inferior to Body Tempering Pills, ten bottles barely equaling one Body Tempering Pill. But still, having it is better than not having it. Moreover, the Hundred Herb Liquid is distributed for free, with everyone receiving two bottles. Sure enough, when he returned to the outer sect disciples'' courtyard, many disciples had already gathered there. At the center was a makeshift platform. On the platform stood a deacon with a composed demeanor. Deacons, unlike elders, were generally also inner sect disciples. Some deacons were assigned to towns governed by the sect, responsible for managing inns, merchant associations, or recruiting new disciples. Within the territory of the Qingxuan Sect, there were three towns including Qingshan City, over a dozen villages, and hundreds of hamlets. The outer sect disciples lined up, one by one receiving their two bottles of Hundred Herb Liquid from the deacon. When receiving the medicinal liquid, they had to verify their outer sect disciple token and appearance to ensure no one received extra. Shen Mo also received his two bottles of Hundred Herb Liquid. Though this liquid was mediocre, it was better than nothing. After distributing the Hundred Herb Liquid, the deacon quickly left without interacting with the outer sect disciples at all. Shen Mo also planned to wander around, looking for any valuable opportunities. However, just as he had this thought, he saw Lei Yong already leading his two lackeys, knocking on doors to seize the Hundred Herb Liquid from each disciple. One bottle was taken for every one bottle kept. They probably know that if they take everything, these outer sect disciples will have no choice but to fight them desperately. Those unwilling to hand over their share were immediately beaten up by Lei Yong and his gang. Soon, they arrived at Shen Mo''s place. Lei Yong sneered, "Yo, Senior Brother Shen, haven''t seen you in a few days. Every time I see you, I think of the once mighty number one outer sect disciple!" His two lackeys laughed loudly, "Indeed! So glorious back then!" "Too bad, now you''ve become a loser!" Lei Yong sneered, "Hand it over, or do you want a beating too?" Shen Mo narrowed his eyes. At this distance, Lei Yong was wide open, while his sword hung at his waist. If he struck with the Thunder Shadow Sword technique, he could hit Lei Yong''s throat in one move, killing him instantly. Lei Yong''s two lackeys, only at the minor achievement of the Body Tempering Realm, would be no match for him. But Qingxuan Sect had strict rules forbidding killing within the sect. Killing Lei Yong would feel great, but it would also result in punishment and death by sect rules. Instead, it would be better to find an opportunity to quietly eliminate Lei Yong outside the sect. Understanding this, Shen Mo handed over one bottle of Hundred Herb Liquid without resistance. Lei Yong smirked, "No, one bottle is not enough." Shen Mo''s gaze sharpened. Lei Yong''s sneer deepened, "Your foundation is damaged. Drinking more Hundred Herb Liquid is useless. Better give it to me; I''ll make better use of it." His two lackeys laughed even louder, "Yeah, it''s pointless for a cripple to drink Hundred Herb Liquid!" After a moment of silence, Shen Mo handed over the second bottle as well. Lei Yong sneered, "Smart move..." Then suddenly, he kicked Shen Mo in the chest, sending him flying. "But who said that just being smart would save you from a beating? Hahaha!" Lei Yong laughed heartily, holding the two bottles of Hundred Herb Liquid, and walked out with his two lackeys to the next house. Shen Mo calmly got up, holding his chest, a cold gleam in his eyes. Today, Lei Yong would die. Just now, he saw a new opportunity appearing for Lei Yong. [Name: Lei Yong.] [Realm: Major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Family Disciple, Weapon Mastery, Minor Luck.] [Destiny: Ultimately stops at the entry level of the Qi Condensation Realm, becomes a deacon of Qingxuan Sect, five years later, while on a mission, gets betrayed and killed by teammates.] [Recent Opportunity: This afternoon, leaves Qingxuan Sect, meets a female disciple for a rendezvous at Bull Dragon Mountain. The female disciple has found a stronger man and stands him up. In his rage, Lei Yong vents his anger on the surrounding trees and accidentally discovers a century-old Blood Lingzhi. Consuming it helps him surpass the perfection of the Body Tempering Realm and reach the peak of the Body Tempering Realm.] Blood Lingzhi is an extremely rare medicinal herb, classified as a supreme Yellow-grade herb. A century-old Blood Lingzhi is even a mid-tier Profound-grade herb! Although it could be used to refine pills for better results, consuming it directly was also beneficial. Shen Mo''s eyes deepened. He immediately began making preparations. ... Bull Dragon Mountain. This place was about thirty miles from Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate. Under a giant tree, Lei Yong had arrived early, waiting for the female disciple. Just thinking about her fiery figure made Lei Yong feel hot. "Today, I''ll make sure she experiences the prowess of my silver spear!" He chuckled, lost in his fantasies. However, after waiting a long time, the beautiful figure still hadn''t appeared. Lei Yong frowned deeply. He realized he had been stood up. Could it be that the woman had found another man? The thought made Lei Yong furious. Blinded by anger, he started venting his rage on the surrounding trees. At that moment, he wished someone would appear so he could beat them like a sandbag. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just then, a surprised voice came from behind him, "Senior Brother Lei, you''re here too, great!" ? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 5: Killing Lei Yong and Obtaining the Blood LIngzhi Lei Yong was taken aback and looked towards the source of the voice. He saw a familiar figure. Shen Mo, the one who had fallen hard from the top position of the outer sect. Lei Yong sneered, "Shen Mo, you''re just in time! I was just thinking..." Shen Mo quickly said, "I discovered a dying second-rank demon beast! We can split the spoils from killing it, ninety-ten, you get ninety, how about it?" Lei Yong was stunned. Demon beasts were simply categorized into ranks, such as first-rank, second-rank, third-rank, and so on. A first-rank demon beast was equivalent to a Body Tempering Realm cultivator. A second-rank demon beast was equivalent to a Qi Condensation Realm cultivator. And so it continued in this manner. Demon beasts were treasures all over. Their fur could be made into clothing, their flesh could be eaten, their bones could be crafted into weapons. Importantly, a second-rank demon beast might have a demon crystal in its body. Qi Condensation Realm cultivators could absorb demon crystals to quickly enhance their cultivation. A thumb-sized demon crystal could sell for at least fifty lower-grade spirit stones! Lei Yong immediately set aside his anger. What was a woman compared to a demon crystal? He quickly asked, "Where is the dying demon beast? Take me there!" Shen Mo nodded, "Follow me." He walked ahead, leading Lei Yong to a nearby grove. Lei Yong watched his back with a sinister look in his eyes. A second-rank demon beast, even without a demon crystal, would still be worth fifty lower-grade spirit stones if sold completely. Shen Mo had proposed a ninety-ten split. But even with a ninety-ten split, Lei Yong felt he was losing out. He wanted it all. And here, far from the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate, even if he did something against the sect rules, no one would know. If Shen Mo, who had no background, disappeared, no one would notice. As for whether he could kill Shen Mo. That wasn''t even a question. He was at the major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm, with enhanced skin, muscles, and bones. But Shen Mo was just at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm. Even if he stood still and let Shen Mo attack, Shen Mo wouldn''t break his defense. But one punch from him would gravely injure Shen Mo! His overwhelming superiority in cultivation gave him confidence! At this moment, Shen Mo pointed to the front where a dying demon beast lay, "Look, it''s right there." "You deal with it head-on, and I''ll support from the side." Saying this, he drew his sword from his waist. Lei Yong was overjoyed and immediately walked over. His entire focus was on the demon beast. Unaware, behind him, Shen Mo''s gaze was fixed on his back. Now, Shen Mo and Lei Yong were only half a meter apart. Lei Yong''s back was completely turned to him. Shen Mo had deliberately set up this situation to expose Lei Yong''s vital points completely! Thunder Shadow Sword Technique! Shen Mo''s sword suddenly thrust forward. Like a gust of wind and thunder. Like a striking serpent. Without any warning, it precisely pierced Lei Yong''s back! Pfft! Blood splattered. The intense pain made Lei Yong suddenly realize that Shen Mo had attacked him! But by the time he realized it, it was too late. Strength seemed to flow out of his body like water. He barely turned around, only to see Shen Mo coldly looking down at him. Lei Yong, terrified, said, "You''re not at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm!" The entry level of the Body Tempering Realm could never break through his defense. The only answer was that Shen Mo, like him, was also at the major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm. But wasn''t this person supposed to have his foundation destroyed? How could he still cultivate? Shen Mo looked down at him, "You must really want to know the answer." Lei Yong nodded weakly, "Considering I''m... dying, tell... me." Shen Mo withdrew his sword and directly pierced his throat, sneering, "Why should I let you die in peace?" Lei Yong''s eyes bulged like a goldfish. To his death, he could not understand how Shen Mo could repair his foundation and reach the major achievement of the Body Tempering Realm in such a short time. Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent. Fighting Lei Yong head-on, he had a seventy to eighty percent chance of killing him. But there was still a ten to twenty percent chance that he might escape. So, to ensure a hundred percent kill, he set up this trap. The so-called dying second-rank demon beast was just a large first-rank demon beast he found along the way, severely injured, and placed here as bait. Shen Mo bent down and searched Lei Yong''s corpse. He only found more than twenty lower-grade spirit stones. But that was normal. Who goes out for a tryst carrying all their wealth? Afterward, Shen Mo went to the giant tree. The tree looked normal, but when he pierced it with his sword, he found it hollow inside. After digging out a large hole, Shen Mo saw a blood-colored lingzhi inside. "Indeed, it''s Blood Lingzhi." Shen Mo carefully took it out, wrapped it in a clean cloth, and put it in his chest. As for Lei Yong''s body, he slashed it a dozen times with his sword, deliberately letting the blood flow out and intensifying the smell of blood in the air. There were many demon beasts in this area. Smelling the blood, they would naturally come over. Demon beasts were the best way to dispose of a body. Killing Lei Yong, Shen Mo felt no discomfort. Such villains deserved to die. Soon, Shen Mo returned to the outer sect disciples'' courtyard at the foot of the Qingxuan Sect mountain, went back to his residence, tightly closed the door, and bolted it. Only then did he take out the Blood Lingzhi. He carefully examined the palm-sized, blood-colored lingzhi. With a light sniff, he smelled its refreshing fragrance, making him salivate. With a gentle poke, the Blood Lingzhi trembled like a woman''s smooth skin. Shen Mo first cut off a small piece of the Blood Lingzhi and put it in his mouth. The Blood Lingzhi melted in his mouth, quickly turning into a surging warmth that flowed into his organs, limbs, and bones. Just this thumb-sized piece made him feel warm all over, incredibly comfortable. Shen Mo hurriedly cut the rest of the Blood Lingzhi into small pieces and ate them all. Buzz, buzz, buzz. He felt a hot little snake seemingly slithering through his body. Sometimes it appeared in his organs, sometimes it traveled through his blood vessels, sometimes it roamed his muscles and bones, and sometimes it wandered through his limbs. Each time the hot little snake moved, it made the areas it passed through stronger and tougher. A sensation of soreness and pain also came, gnawing at Shen Mo''s nerves. He gritted his teeth and endured, not fainting. After an hour, the warmth in his body gradually subsided. Shen Mo clenched his fist, feeling as if his body had become heavier. His heartbeat grew stronger, like a high-powered pump. Each beat pushed the viscous yet vibrant blood throughout his body, nourishing his muscles and bones. If someone could see inside his bones, they would see that his bone marrow was as pure as jade, flawless and free of impurities. The blood produced seemed to carry a hint of jade glow. Blood like mercury, marrow like frost! This was the hallmark of the peak of the Body Tempering Realm! His previous self had reached this realm, so upon noticing the changes in his body, Shen Mo immediately knew he had returned to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm! "No wonder it''s a mid-tier Profound-grade treasure. Just one Blood Lingzhi directly pushed me from the major achievement to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm!" Shen Mo clenched his fist, his expression full of joy. ? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 6: Peak of the Body Tempering Realm, Lei Xiaojun’s Plot After a brief moment of joy, Shen Mo opened his panel again. [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Peak of the Body Tempering Realm.] [Fate: Pharmacist''s Son, Innate Wisdom, Sword Path Enthusiast, Mediocre Luck.] [Destiny: Two months later, while on a mission, ambushed and captured by Lei Xiaojun and several rogue cultivators. Taken back to Qingshan City to force Shen Jiuding to hand over a mysterious elixir. Shen Jiuding, to save his son, reluctantly hands over the elixir. Both father and son are then killed by Lei Xiaojun.] [Recent Opportunity 1: (Obtained) Discovered a hollow inside a giant tree while killing Lei Yong and found a Blood Lingzhi, consuming it to reach the peak of the Body Tempering Realm.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Passes the outer sect disciple assessment in one and a half months, reclaiming the top position among outer sect disciples.] Shen Mo was slightly surprised. The "Mediocre Luck" fate, which previously belonged to Lei Yong, had now transferred to him. This meant he would occasionally encounter opportunities similar to those Lei Yong had. He continued reading, and his eyes flashed coldly as he saw his destiny and recent opportunities. His destiny had significantly changed since his realm advanced to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. He also got a name. Lei Xiaojun. Shen Mo was very familiar with this person. Lei Xiaojun was Lei Yong''s cousin and the most outstanding young man of the Lei family in Qingshan City. In the inner sect, Lei Xiaojun had a great reputation, always portraying himself as a gentleman. He knew about Lei Yong''s frequent bullying of weaker outer sect disciples and often scolded Lei Yong publicly, repeatedly warning him not to bully fellow disciples. However, Lei Yong always pretended to comply on the surface while secretly defying him. Many outer and inner sect disciples had heard of this. Many inner sect disciples believed Lei Xiaojun had the potential to become a true disciple! True disciples were the elite among the inner sect disciples. Each true disciple had the potential to reach the Core Formation Realm in the future. The Qingxuan Sect allocated many resources to the true disciples. Despite controlling three cities, over a dozen villages, and hundreds of hamlets, with the entire Qingcang Mountain Range under its domain, the Qingxuan Sect could only support five true disciples. Shen Jiuding was Shen Mo''s father, a renowned pharmacist in Qingshan City. He spent his life doing good, treating and saving many people. "A mysterious elixir?" Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I remember now. My former self''s father once mentioned that he saved a dying cultivator who gave him several precious elixirs, saying these pills could enhance wisdom and help his descendants tread the path of immortality..." Shen Mo pondered. Such an elixir must be very valuable, possibly a supreme-grade Profound-tier elixir. His former self gained the "Innate Wisdom" fate and extraordinary comprehension after consuming the elixir. The Lei family must have learned about this and decided to seize the elixir. However, due to Shen Jiuding''s high reputation, the Lei family couldn''t rob him outright, so they kidnapped Shen Mo to force Shen Jiuding to hand over the elixir. "Everything makes sense now." "Shen Jiuding sent me to the Qingxuan Sect to cultivate, hoping to remove me from danger. If I progressed normally and entered the inner sect, my status would increase, and the Lei family''s covert threats would be less concerning." "The Lei family couldn''t allow this, so they secretly poisoned me, causing my cultivation to plummet, leading to my expulsion from the Qingxuan Sect." "The person who orchestrated my poisoning must have been Lei Xiaojun, with Lei Yong carrying out the act." Shen Mo quickly pieced everything together. After all, one only lets their guard down around those close to them, making it possible for a close person to poison their food and drink. During that time, Lei Yong had pretended to be his most loyal subordinate. Shen Mo quickly sorted his thoughts. "The panel shows I''ll be captured by Lei Xiaojun then, and there''s nothing I can do about it. The difference in strength between the peak of the Body Tempering Realm and the Qi Condensation Realm is too great." "In that case, I must advance to the Qi Condensation Realm and become an inner sect disciple." "Once I reach the Qi Condensation Realm, with the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, Lei Xiaojun won''t be my match." "Becoming an inner sect disciple will grant me the sect''s protection, unlike the precarious status of an outer sect disciple." If an outer sect disciple died, the Qingxuan Sect wouldn''t be affected. But if an inner sect disciple died, the Qingxuan Sect would thoroughly investigate. Every inner sect disciple was a valuable asset to the sect. As long as they grew normally, they could at least serve as deacons. If they had great potential, they could even become outer or inner sect elders. It was even possible for them to become the next sect master! If inner sect disciples could die casually without any investigation, the sect would surely fall into chaos. Shen Mo''s gaze deepened, his goal became firm. Body Tempering Realm cultivators could passively absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Once spiritual energy was nurtured into a cyclone within the dantian, it signified entry into the Qi Condensation Realm. From then on, they could use spiritual energy in battles. Compared to the Body Tempering Realm, which relied solely on physical strength, the Qi Condensation Realm''s power was at least three times greater! "But with my current aptitude, naturally entering the Qi Condensation Realm might take a year or two. I need to find an opportunity to breakthrough as soon as possible." At dawn the next day, Shen Mo pushed open the door and stepped out. He needed to find a significant opportunity. Outer sect disciples bustled to and fro, and their life panels appeared before Shen Mo one by one. However, they either had no opportunities or had minor ones, such as finding a few lower-grade spirit stones. Some were even doomed to fatal misfortunes, like being accidentally struck on the head during a meal and dying instantly. Shen Mo was speechless at these unfortunate panels. Just then, he heard a group of outer sect disciples shouting. "Did you hear? Lei Yong was found dead at Bull Dragon Mountain! His body was discovered by a passing disciple, and I heard that even his body was eaten clean by demon beasts! It''s a tragedy! If not for his outer sect disciple token, no one would have known it was Lei Yong." "Really? That''s great news! That bully got what he deserved! But how did he die? Was he attacked by demon beasts?" "Who knows, but it must have been demon beasts. It''s not uncommon; there are plenty of demon beasts around the Qingcang Mountain Range." "Now that Lei Yong is dead, his two lackeys have no backing. Let''s go teach them a lesson!" "Yeah, let''s go! Damn, they stole my spirit stones. This time, I''m stripping them bare!" The news spread quickly. Soon, the entire outer sect disciples'' courtyard knew of Lei Yong''s death. Moments later, the sounds of fighting and looting could be heard from a distance. Lei Yong''s two lackeys were beaten until they were barely breathing and wouldn''t recover for three to five months. They would likely be expelled from the mountain in the future. Shen Mo felt no sympathy for such people. They deserved their fate. Just as he was about to head to the mountainside to see if any disciples there had significant opportunities, he overheard a conversation nearby. "Let''s go to the mountainside and watch the show. Xiao Fan has broken through to the Qi Condensation Realm and is challenging Lei Xiaojun! Lei Xiaojun just found out about his cousin Lei Yong''s death, and he''s in a foul mood. This will be interesting!" Shen Mo''s lips curled into a cold smile. Interesting indeed. He was familiar with both individuals. Lei Xiaojun was, of course, Lei Yong''s cousin and an inner sect disciple. As for Xiao Fan, Shen Mo remembered that when he was still the top outer sect disciple, Xiao Fan had just joined the sect. Lei Yong frequently targeted new disciples like Xiao Fan. As a result, Xiao Fan had often been beaten up. Shen Mo had helped him once, even giving him some spirit stones to buy healing pills. Xiao Fan had been grateful, vowing to repay Shen Mo''s kindness. However, when Shen Mo fell from grace, Xiao Fan had disappeared faster than anyone, never mentioning Shen Mo again, treating him like a stranger. "But for Xiao Fan to break through to the Qi Condensation Realm in just over a year since joining the sect, his fortune must be strong. Perhaps I can find an opportunity through him to reach the Qi Condensation Realm." Shen Mo hurried to the mountainside. ... Mountainside, Martial Arena. When Shen Mo arrived, over a hundred outer sect disciples had already gathered around the arena, discussing fervently. Their discussions revolved around the famed techniques and the strength comparison of the two combatants. On the arena stood two figures. One wore a deep blue outfit, with a sword at his waist. The other was dressed in black, unarmed. They were Lei Xiaojun and Xiao Fan. The two stood motionless, yet their powerful auras radiated, indicating their entry into the Qi Condensation Realm. Their intense auras heightened the spectators'' anticipation, eager to see who would emerge victorious. Shen Mo first glanced at Lei Xiaojun''s life panel. Chapter 7: Xiao Fan, First Child of Fortune [Name: Lei Xiaojun.] [Realm: Minor achievement of the Qi Condensation Realm.] [Fate: Family Scion, Thunder Spirit Body, Remarkable Luck.] [Destiny: Ultimately stops at the major achievement of the Core Formation Realm, becomes an inner sect elder of Qingxuan Sect, and dies twenty-six years later during an external campaign.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Wins the battle against Xiao Fan, leaves the sect to investigate the cause of his cousin Lei Yong''s death, and accidentally discovers a Dragon Root in Green Vine Valley, increasing his cultivation after consuming it.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Two months later, instructs disciples to post a task to lure Shen Mo into accepting it. Once Shen Mo leaves the sect, Lei Xiaojun commands rogue cultivators to ambush and capture him. They take him back to Qingshan City to force Shen Jiuding to hand over the mysterious elixir. After obtaining the elixir, Lei Xiaojun kills both father and son and consumes the elixir, greatly enhancing his comprehension.] [Family Scion: Green fate. You are from the Lei family of Qingshan City, raised with medicinal baths from a young age to build a solid foundation, never lacking in wealth.] [Thunder Spirit Body: Purple fate. You have a natural affinity for lightning and can cultivate thunder attribute techniques and martial skills faster than others.] [Remarkable Luck: Purple fate. You have extraordinarily good luck, often astonishing others with your fortune.] Seeing this, Shen Mo''s eyes flashed with coldness. His life panel and Lei Xiaojun''s had verified each other. This person indeed planned to kidnap him to force Shen Jiuding to hand over the elixir. However, now that Shen Mo was aware of Lei Xiaojun''s intentions, he only needed to increase his strength to escape this predicament. He then turned his gaze to Xiao Fan. [Name: Xiao Fan.] [Realm: Entry level of the Qi Condensation Realm.] [Fate: Child of Fortune, Immortal Grace, Reincarnation of a Great One, Surviving in Desperation, Scorching Sun Flame Body (unawakened).] [Destiny: Stops at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, becomes the Hall Master of the Burning Heaven Hall, honored as True Immortal Chifeng. To sever mortal ties, he seeks enlightenment through slaughter, massacring ten cities, leaving corpses piled high and rivers of blood, ultimately losing himself in the carnage and dying from a spiritual energy backlash.] A series of radiant red fates almost made Shen Mo unable to keep his eyes open! Looking closer, he was even more astounded. [Child of Fortune: Red fate. You are blessed with incredible luck, often receiving peerless treasures just by walking around and finding top-tier techniques on your way home.] [Immortal Grace: Red fate. You are exceptionally handsome, with every move charming people of all ages and genders. This makes it easy for you to receive help from others.] [Reincarnation of a Great One: Red fate. You are the reincarnation of a Divine Transformation stage cultivator who used a secret technique to be reborn.] [Surviving in Desperation: Red fate. You can always turn danger into safety, and while others face certain death, you will survive.] [Scorching Sun Flame Body (unawakened): Red fate. A heavenly constitution with a remarkable fire spiritual root. Cultivating fire attribute techniques and martial skills yields twice the results with half the effort.] Shen Mo marveled at this. With so many powerful fates, it was no wonder Xiao Fan had advanced from an ordinary person to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm in just over a year. However, his ultimate end was quite horrifying. "Seeking enlightenment through slaughter, massacring ten cities, leaving corpses piled high and rivers of blood..." Just imagining the scene made Shen Mo feel nauseous. He continued to look at Xiao Fan''s opportunities and was stunned. [Recent Opportunity 1: Loses the battle against Lei Xiaojun but gains the favor of the Deputy Sect Leader''s daughter, Liu Fei, who provides a Rejuvenation Pill to help him recover.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Ten days later, while on a mission, he encounters a demon beast attack, falls into a cave in Twin Dragon Mountain while fleeing, and obtains Earth Mother''s Spiritual Liquid, advancing to the minor achievement of the Qi Condensation Realm after consuming it.] [Recent Opportunity 3: One month later, receives three Qi Condensation Pills from Liu Fei, advances to the major achievement of the Qi Condensation Realm, and challenges an inner sect disciple, successfully advancing to become an inner sect disciple.] [Recent Opportunity 4: One and a half months later, soaks in Qingxuan Sect''s No. 3 medicinal pool, where he discovers the hidden Blazing Sun Fire Essence, awakening his Scorching Sun Flame Body.] [Recent Opportunity 5: Two months later, discovers a hidden cave in the deep pool of Qingxuan Sect, finding the heavenly technique "Hell Flame Destruction Manual" left by True Immortal Hell Flame.] [Recent Opportunity 6:...] Shen Mo was amazed at the sheer number of opportunities Xiao Fan had. Xiao Fan''s most important upcoming opportunities were the Scorching Sun Flame Body and the Hell Flame Destruction Manual. The Scorching Sun Flame Body was a heavenly constitution. Heavenly constitutions were extremely rare and precious. In the 600-year history of Qingxuan Sect, only one heavenly constitution genius had ever appeared. However, that genius had an unfortunate fate and poor luck, being assassinated by a rival sect after reaching the entry level of the Core Formation Realm. Even earth-level constitutions, one tier below heavenly constitutions, had only appeared a dozen times in Qingxuan Sect''s history. The rarity of powerful constitutions was evident. Most geniuses only had profound-level constitutions. Sar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lei Xiaojun''s Thunder Spirit Body was a profound-level constitution. The lowest yellow-level constitutions didn''t need to be awakened. Anyone who reached the Qi Condensation Realm had a yellow-level constitution. The Hell Flame Destruction Manual was even more astounding. True Immortal Hell Flame was a Divine Transformation stage cultivator who had dominated the region years ago. His strength was formidable, and his personality eccentric, often playing jokes on others. Before his death, he had claimed to have left his legacy, the "Hell Flame Destruction Manual," in a cave. Many had searched for the cave but to no avail. The Qingxuan Sect eventually established its sect in this area, and the rumor was forgotten, dismissed as True Immortal Hell Flame''s final joke. Shen Mo''s eyes lit up with joy. Now, he knew the exact location of the Hell Flame Destruction Manual! "However, that deep pool is a busy area. If I suddenly jump in, it will attract attention..." "I''ll wait until I become an inner sect disciple. Then I can use the excuse of tempering my body with the waterfall''s water to enter the deep pool without raising suspicion." After all, it was a heavenly technique. Even the sect leader of Qingxuan Sect might shamelessly try to seize it! Shen Mo quickly left the Martial Arena, ready to act, "Why choose between opportunities when I can have them all?" He left the sect and headed straight for Green Vine Valley in the Qingcang Mountain Range. This valley was filled with various types of vines, including carnivorous ones. Carnivorous vines were highly aggressive but offered little reward upon defeat, so disciples rarely ventured into Green Vine Valley. Shen Mo guessed that this was likely why the Dragon Root had not been picked by any disciple, allowing Lei Xiaojun to benefit from it instead. Soon, Shen Mo discovered a peculiar orange-yellow plant in a hidden corner. Its leaves resembled fish tails, and its stem was covered with small, scale-like protrusions. Shen Mo carefully uprooted it. Its roots looked like a dragon''s head. Hence, it was named Dragon Root. "It''s truly a supreme yellow-tier treasure." Shen Mo took a deep breath, inhaling the rich medicinal fragrance, feeling slightly emotional. He immediately shook off the dirt, wrapped it in a clean cloth, and placed it in his chest. Then, he quickly left Green Vine Valley and headed toward Twin Dragon Mountain. Twin Dragon Mountain was also within the Qingcang Mountain Range. The distance between the two locations was not far. Before long, he found a hidden cave at the base of Twin Dragon Mountain. Its entrance was concealed by wild grass and low bushes. The ground nearby was already starting to loosen. A heavy step would cause one to fall directly into it. Shen Mo descended and reached the deepest part of the cave. Here, he found a stalactite hanging upside down. Below the stalactite was a stone pit, filled with a small pool of milky white liquid. This was Earth Mother''s Spiritual Liquid, a mid-tier profound-grade treasure! "I might as well break through here." "With the Dragon Root and Earth Mother''s Spiritual Liquid, I should be able to condense a spiritual energy cyclone." These two treasures could be used by both Qi Condensation Realm cultivators and peak Body Tempering Realm cultivators. Qi Condensation Realm cultivators could consume them to advance their realm. Peak Body Tempering Realm cultivators could use them to condense a spiritual energy cyclone. Shen Mo sat cross-legged, took out the Dragon Root, peeled off its tough outer skin, and took a bite. The juice burst in his mouth. The medicinal power surged, rushing towards his abdomen. This was where the dantian was located. Inside Shen Mo''s body, the spiritual energy absorbed unconsciously during the Body Tempering Realm began to gather in the dantian under the influence of the medicinal power. A small point was forming. But it was still far from complete. Shen Mo immediately took out a water pouch, filled it with Earth Mother''s Spiritual Liquid, and gulped it down. Glug glug glug! The spiritual energy contained in the liquid was even more abundant than in the Dragon Root. As the liquid entered his stomach, it felt like a small bomb exploding in his belly. The surging spiritual energy made Shen Mo feel as if every inch of his body was rapidly expanding! With such abundant spiritual energy pouring in, the unformed cyclone in his dantian began to spin faster. Buzz, buzz, buzz. One turn, two turns, three turns... Whenever the spiritual energy depleted, Shen Mo drank more of the Earth Mother''s Spiritual Liquid. Time passed slowly. The cyclone spun faster and faster. At a certain moment. Even without external spiritual energy, the cyclone continued to spin on its own, seemingly never stopping. Streams of heaven and earth spiritual energy were absorbed and refined by the cyclone, eventually transforming into pure spiritual power! Spiritual power was the fundamental strength that made Qi Condensation Realm cultivators far superior to Body Tempering Realm cultivators! Shen Mo suddenly opened his eyes and laughed heartily. "Qi Condensation Realm!" He stood up, drew his sword, and used the Thunder Shadow Sword technique on the cave wall. Spiritual power surged, the sword shadow flashed, intertwined with lightning. Crack. The cave wall shattered! Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy. The cave walls were very hard, and previously, even when he was at the peak of the Body Tempering Realm, he could at most leave a shallow mark on them with all his strength. But now, he could easily shatter them with the use of spiritual power. This was the strength of the Qi Condensation Realm! Chapter 8: Dangerous Probing "My destiny, how is it now?" Shen Mo once again opened his panel. Name: Shen Mo. Realm: early stage Qi Condensation. Fates: Pharmacist''s Son, Innate Wisdom, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Minor Luck. Destiny: Ultimately cultivated to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage, served as an Outer Elder of the Qingxuan Sect, lived a peaceful life, and died of natural causes. Upcoming Opportunity 1: (Acquired) Went to Lu Teng Valley, discovered a Dragon Root, and after consuming it, accelerated the condensation of the spiritual qi vortex. Upcoming Opportunity 2: (Acquired) Went to Twin Dragon Mountain, found an underground cave, obtained Earth Mother Spirit Liquid, and after consuming it, successfully condensed the spiritual qi vortex, entering the Qi Condensation Stage. Shen Mo let out a long, comfortable breath. Finally, he was no longer doomed to a violent death. He glanced at the pool. There was still some Earth Mother Spirit Liquid left. "Even after entering the Qi Condensation Stage, this substance is still effective. It shouldn''t be wasted. I''ll take it all." Shen Mo picked up a water bag and took every last drop of the remaining Earth Mother Spirit Liquid. Then, he returned to the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate. Just as he arrived, he saw a deep blue figure rushing out of the gate. It was Lei Xiaojun. He was moving so fast that several disciples couldn''t dodge in time and were directly knocked flying. Shen Mo was among them. He instinctively wanted to resist but suppressed his body''s reflexes and allowed himself to be knocked away. If he had resisted, Lei Xiaojun would have noticed his realm. Just as Shen Mo thought Lei Xiaojun would rush out of the gate, he suddenly stopped, turned back, and helped those he had knocked down. "Are you injured? Is it serious?" "I have some healing pills here. Take them, I apologize." "I just received news of my cousin Lei Yong''s death. I was in a hurry to investigate and lost my composure..." Lei Xiaojun''s eyes were red, tears welling up. The disciples quickly waved their hands, saying they were fine, and thanked Lei Xiaojun for the healing pills. Then, Lei Xiaojun came to Shen Mo and naturally grasped his hands. "You are Shen Mo, right? I know you. My cousin often bullied you. I warned him many times not to bully fellow disciples, but he wouldn''t listen..." As he spoke, Lei Xiaojun not only gave him a bottle of healing pills but also a bottle of body refining pills. "Junior Brother Shen, this bottle of body refining pills is for you. In a few days, I''ll have someone send you more body refining pills. With these pills, you should be able to pass the outer disciple assessment." "Consider it compensation on behalf of Lei Yong. Ah, you junior brothers have had it tough..." As he said this, he stared intently into Shen Mo''s eyes. Shen Mo first pretended to be stunned, then his eyes lit up, and he spoke sincerely, "Thank you, Senior Brother Lei, you are truly a good person!" He quickly grasped the body refining pills in his hand. It was as if he was holding the most precious treasure. Or like he was gripping a lifeline. Lei Xiaojun didn''t notice anything unusual and patted Shen Mo''s shoulder, then looked at the other disciples he had knocked down, "Once again, I apologize to everyone." The disciples all cupped their fists, expressing their understanding. Only then did Lei Xiaojun nod and hurry out of the gate. After he left, the disciples began to talk in low voices. "Senior Brother Lei is really a gentleman. If it were me, I couldn''t have calmed down to apologize." "Yes, and you don''t know, Lei Xiaojun has always admired Liu Fei. But after he defeated Xiao Fan, Liu Fei went to care for Xiao Fan''s injuries. That must have been a huge blow." "The news of his cousin''s death, and the woman he admired turned to another man. Tsk tsk... If it were me, I would have been consumed by rage." "Senior Brother Lei even compensated Shen Mo on behalf of Lei Yong. He is truly a kind person." The disciples all felt sympathy for Lei Xiaojun. At the same time, they greatly admired Lei Xiaojun''s ability to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor under such circumstances. Shen Mo stood there, but his heart was alert. He had long known that Lei Xiaojun was not as simple as he appeared. In that brief interaction, they had already had a short confrontation. Lei Xiaojun deliberately took out a bottle of body refining pills and used the promise of more pills as bait to test him! Shen Mo thought, "Body refining pills are only useful to Body Refinement cultivators. If my realm were still at the entry level of the Body Refinement Stage, I would be very eager to obtain them when Lei Xiaojun offered them." "If I didn''t show such a reaction, it would likely mean my realm had changed." He looked in the direction Lei Xiaojun had left, "This person is truly the most promising disciple of the Lei family. He is indeed extraordinary." Shen Mo quickly left the area and returned to his room. He needed to improve his strength as quickly as possible. Only by becoming stronger could he feel at ease and not have to continue pretending with someone as ruthless as Lei Xiaojun. The next day. Shen Mo got up early. As soon as he got up, he noticed the porcelain bottle on the table. It contained the five body refining pills Lei Xiaojun had given him. "A Body Refinement entry-level cultivator would eagerly consume these body refining pills." Shen Mo immediately got up, dug a hole under his bed, and buried two of the pills. Then he covered the loose soil, disguising it seamlessly, and nodded slightly. He was now in the Qi Condensation Stage, and taking Body Refining Pills would not only be useless but also cause pill poisoning. Therefore, he had to handle it this way. "I should go to the dining hall for breakfast first, then see if there are any opportunities suitable for me." Shen Mo was about to push the door open and leave. Then he heard a knock on the door outside. When he opened the door, he saw Lei Xiaojun, who wore a gentle smile and looked like a refined gentleman. Lei Xiaojun was holding a lunch box. Lei Xiaojun smiled, "It seems I came at the right time." Shen Mo was taken aback, "Senior Brother Lei, what brings you here?" Lei Xiaojun smiled, "I am investigating the cause of my cousin''s death and came to ask you about it." "May I come in?" Shen Mo nodded, "Of course." He opened the door wide, and both of them sat down. From this angle, the disciples outside could clearly see what was happening inside the room. "You haven''t had breakfast yet, have you? I brought breakfast from the dining hall." Lei Xiaojun took out five or six dishes from the lunch box. Shen Mo hadn''t eaten yet, so he picked up the chopsticks and started eating with great relish. Shen Mo knew that Lei Xiaojun was demonstrating that the food was not poisoned. He began to eat as well. After taking a few bites, Lei Xiaojun picked up the small porcelain bottle on the table and asked casually, "Junior Brother Shen, did you take the Body Refining Pills I gave you yesterday? How effective were they?" Shen Mo happily replied, "I took two pills. They were very effective. I feel like my foundation has been somewhat repaired. If I work hard today, I might even reach the Minor Achievement of the Body Refinement Stage." Lei Xiaojun nodded slightly and opened the bottle. Indeed, there were three pills left, indicating two had been used. Lei Xiaojun took out another bottle of Body Refining Pills, "I keep my word. Here is another bottle of Body Refining Pills as compensation for my cousin''s actions." Shen Mo said excitedly, "Thank you, Senior Brother Lei!" Lei Xiaojun glanced around Shen Mo''s simple room and noticed the iron sword in the corner. He remarked casually, "I remember you used to practice fist and palm techniques. Why are you using a sword now?" Shen Mo shook his head, "You may not know, Senior Brother Lei, but I also studied sword techniques before. I learned the Yellow Rank Mid-Grade ''Instant Light Sword Technique,'' but I didn''t think it suited me, so I rarely showed it in front of others." Lei Xiaojun nodded, "Sorry, I''m being overly sensitive. I found sword wounds on my cousin''s body during my investigation yesterday, so I''m more sensitive to those who use swords." Shen Mo replied, "I understand." Lei Xiaojun sighed, "Actually, I knew Lei Yong wasn''t a good person. I warned him privately many times, even threatened to expel him from the family, but he just wouldn''t listen." "I want to catch the murderer just to hand them over to the sect for punishment according to the rules. I suspect the killer is someone Lei Yong bullied. According to the sect rules, they won''t face severe punishment, probably just expulsion from the sect." Shen Mo nodded, "I think so too." S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lei Xiaojun sighed deeply, "Alright, Junior Brother Shen, I won''t stay long. I still have to investigate a few more people." Shen Mo stood up, "Take care, Senior Brother Lei, and thank you for the Body Refining Pills!" Lei Xiaojun nodded and turned to leave. Only then did Shen Mo slowly sit down and continue eating the hearty breakfast on the table. His heart was in turmoil. Just now, Lei Xiaojun tested him several times. He even said that the murderer would only be handed over to the sect for punishment, not execution. It was all bait. If it were an ordinary person, they might have revealed everything after a few words. Fortunately, Shen Mo had long seen through the true nature of the Lei family and Lei Xiaojun through his life panel. As he was about to get up and pack his things, he noticed Lei Xiaojun still watching him from outside. Shen Mo''s heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "Senior Brother Lei, haven''t you left yet?" Lei Xiaojun waved his hand, "No worries, I just felt I owed you too much. I was thinking about whether I should give you some more spirit stones." Hearing this, the outer sect disciples all looked at Shen Mo with envy. Shen Mo gratefully said, "Then I will accept them. To be honest, I really need spirit stones." Lei Xiaojun smiled, "I''ll have someone send the spirit stones over later." "Junior Brother Shen, see you later." After saying that, he finally left. Only then did Shen Mo''s heart return to its normal state. What a guy, pulling a sudden check like that. Luckily, he didn''t have a habit of talking to himself, or Lei Xiaojun might have heard something. "This person is not simple, too dangerous." "I must quickly gain the strength to surpass him, defeat him, and kill him!" Shen Mo''s determination grew stronger. Just now, Lei Xiaojun had two opportunities on him. [Upcoming Opportunity 1: While investigating Lei Yong''s death, he found a disciple who stammered under questioning. The disciple admitted to selling Qingxuan Sect information to other forces. Lei Xiaojun reported this to the sect and received three hundred low-grade spirit stones and a reward of choosing a martial technique for free.] [Upcoming Opportunity 2: While investigating Lei Yong''s death outside, he stumbled upon a Tier 2 demonic beast''s nest. The demonic beast returned from hunting, and after a battle, Lei Xiaojun killed the beast and found three Tier 2 demonic crystals in the nest.] "The first opportunity is hard to seize; I can''t reveal my identity right now." "The second opportunity is suitable for me. Three Tier 2 demonic crystals are enough for me to cultivate to the Minor Achievement of the Qi Condensation Stage! I can go there when the beast leaves its nest to hunt and easily get the three demonic crystals." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Chapter 10: I Reclaim the Title of Number One in the Outer Sect, Does Anyone Object? At this moment, Shen Mo had already stepped up to the power-testing pillar. He took half a step forward with his left leg and slowly gathered strength in his right arm. His body was taut like a drawn bow. In the next instant, a tremendous force converged into his right fist. He struck out with a punch! Bang! The silver liquid shot up to a height of one foot and three inches! The deacon''s mouth dropped open in shock. "One foot... one foot and three inches! This... this must be the strength of a Qi Condensation Realm!" His gaze towards Shen Mo changed dramatically. His foundation was destroyed, yet he had cultivated back to the Qi Condensation Realm? The low murmurs of mockery and ridicule from the crowd below abruptly ceased. Everyone was stunned. They couldn''t fathom how Shen Mo, previously only at the entry level of the Body Tempering Realm with a ruined foundation, had suddenly reached the Qi Condensation Realm! Xiao Fan''s intrigued expression froze suddenly. Lei Xiaojun, Liu Yuefeng, and Gao Peng, who had been relaxed and at ease, also had their expressions change abruptly. Shen Mo turned around to face the crowd. "I, Shen Mo, have regained my place as the top of the outer sect today. Does anyone object?" The entire venue fell silent, eyes lowered, no one dared to meet his gaze. Xiao Fan, who had previously been ungrateful and felt guilty, lowered his head when Shen Mo glanced at him. Only Shen Mo stood proudly! Suddenly, Lei Xiaojun shouted, "Junior Brother Shen, wasn''t your foundation destroyed? How can you cultivate again?" His voice echoed across the martial arts field, piquing everyone''s curiosity. Indeed, someone with a destroyed foundation being able to cultivate to the Qi Condensation Realm again was too strange. Shen Mo smiled slightly. "I was lucky and found a Marrow Cleansing Pill, which restored my foundation. Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Lei." As soon as he said this, the crowd below erupted in astonishment. "No way? He found a Marrow Cleansing Pill? What luck!" "A Marrow Cleansing Pill is a top-tier profound-grade pill! My god, when will I ever have such luck!" "Shen Mo is so lucky! If only I could have a bit of that luck Suddenly, Lei Xiaojun smiled broadly. "Junior Brother Shen, you seem to have never displayed the strength of the Qi Condensation Realm during this period. Why did you deliberately hide it?" Shen Mo returned his smile. "Naturally, I was worried about someone harming me." Their gazes met in the air. It was as if two forces clashed in the sky, sparks flying. Some shrewd disciples quickly noticed the undercurrent between the two. Gao Peng, beside Lei Xiaojun, whispered, "This man is likely connected to your cousin''s death!" Liu Yuefeng also said in a low voice, "We should act tonight, lure him out of the sect, and kill him!" Lei Xiaojun sneered. "No, you''re all underestimating this person, and so did I. If he dares to show his strength now, it means he''s already prepared. If I''m not mistaken, his next step is... to challenge me." On the martial arts platform, Shen Mo turned to the deacon beside him. "Senior Brother Deacon, can I challenge an inner sect disciple now?" sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The deacon was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly replied, "Of course you can! The top three of the outer sect can challenge an inner sect disciple at any time. If you win, you can take their place!" After speaking, the deacon froze, a terrifying thought rising in his mind. "Junior Brother Shen, you''re not thinking of challenging Lei...?" he said in shock. Lei Xiaojun was at the Minor Achievement level of the Qi Condensation Realm! Generally, when outer sect disciples challenge inner sect disciples, they challenge those at the entry level of the Qi Condensation Realm. That way, their chances of winning are much higher. No one was foolish enough to challenge an inner sect disciple at the Minor Achievement realm of the Qi Condensation Realm. That wasn''t a challenge; it was a beating. Shen Mo pointed at Lei Xiaojun in the pavilion, still wearing that smiling expression. "Senior Brother Lei, would you accept my challenge?" The voice wasn''t loud, but as soon as he finished speaking, the whole venue was shocked. "He just reached the Qi Condensation Realm and dares to challenge Lei Xiaojun?!" "My heavens, Shen Mo is too bold!" "Yeah, even Xiao Fan failed when he challenged Lei Xiaojun. Xiao Fan is a genius, and if he lost, Shen Mo, who can''t compare to Xiao Fan, definitely isn''t a match for Lei Xiaojun." The disciples were buzzing with discussion, all staring at Shen Mo with bewildered expressions. Is this guy, Shen Mo, out of his mind? Out of all the people to challenge, why choose Lei Xiaojun? Everyone turned their attention to Lei Xiaojun, curious to see his reaction. Lei Xiaojun smiled. "I always enjoy a good sparring match. Since Junior Brother Shen is so interested, I naturally can''t refuse. However, I am a bit stronger. If Junior Brother Shen gets hurt, you can''t blame me." He leaped forward gracefully, like a falling leaf, landing lightly. Then, he quickly walked towards the martial arts platform. The disciples hurriedly made way for him. Lei Xiaojun stepped onto the platform, facing Shen Mo. The deacon quickly retreated. When two Qi Condensation Realm cultivators fought, being too close could result in injury. The two came to a distance. Lei Xiaojun still wore a smile and spoke in a voice only they could hear. "I never expected this. I tested you so many times, and you managed to evade each one. You''re revealing your strength today, so you must think you''ve surpassed me? Young man, you''re still too young and impatient." Shen Mo smiled back. "You''re acting all high and mighty, but you''re only three years older than me." Lei Xiaojun''s face stiffened, then he sneered. "All you have now is a sharp tongue." In the next moment, he pounced like a fierce tiger descending a mountain. The muscles on his arm bulged. A strong wind rushed at Shen Mo! A huge fist aimed straight for Shen Mo''s face! Shen Mo responded with a punch. Bang! Their fists collided. Both of them stepped back simultaneously. Shen Mo took five steps back, while Lei Xiaojun took three steps. The outer sect disciples watching were wide-eyed. What the heck? Only a difference of three and five steps? Doesn''t that mean Shen Mo''s strength is comparable to Lei Xiaojun''s? The outer sect disciples were in disarray. It was hard to accept this fact in such a short time. Lei Xiaojun''s face also darkened. He didn''t expect Shen Mo to hide his strength so deeply. In that punch exchange, he clearly felt the other''s strength, only slightly weaker than his own. If he didn''t use martial skills, even if he won, it would look bad. He had to use martial skills to defeat him decisively and cleanly! Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. He had deliberately held back slightly. It was all part of his plan to act for everyone. Only this way could he justify going all out to defeat Lei Xiaojun later. Lei Xiaojun suddenly laughed heartily. "Junior Brother Shen is indeed powerful after years of hidden cultivation! Very well, I will use my Thunderclap Fist, watch closely!" Xiao Fan''s eyes flashed. "Lei Xiaojun is going to use his strongest card, the Thunderclap Fist! I heard he has cultivated this fist technique to the fourth level, significantly enhancing its power." Liu Fei nodded. "Yes, cultivating Thunderclap Fist to the fourth level is a qualitative change, increasing its power by at least 30%. Lei Xiaojun relies on this technique to suppress many inner sect disciples." Facing the incoming Thunderclap Fist, Shen Mo''s eyes remained indifferent. Thunderclap Fist, a top-tier yellow-grade martial skill, was nothing. He didn''t even need to use his trump card, the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. He could easily handle it with the Tiger Roar Fist. After all, he was at the Great Achievement Realm of Qi Condensation, while Lei Xiaojun was only at the Minor Achievement Realm. The gap between them wasn''t something a Thunderclap Fist could bridge. Shen Mo also shouted loudly. "Senior Brother Lei is indeed powerful. I must go all out! My trump card is the Tiger Roar Fist!" "However, the power of my Tiger Roar Fist is immense. Once I use it fully, even I''m afraid. If Senior Brother Lei gets injured, don''t blame me!" Chapter 11: Defeating Lei Xiaojun, Advancing to Inner Sect Disciple! When Shen Mo finished speaking, not only Lei Xiaojun but also the disciples watching couldn''t help but almost burst into laughter. Good grief, treating a mere low-grade yellow martial skill, the Tiger Roar Fist, as a trump card? And saying that using it to its full extent even frightened himself. Who would believe that? Lei Xiaojun sneered but maintained a facade of false warmth and kindness, "Don''t worry, Junior Brother Shen, no matter what injuries occur, it''s not your fault. I, Lei Xiaojun, am not a petty person." "Good! I admire Senior Brother Lei''s magnanimous nature!" Shen Mo praised. With that, he suddenly threw a punch. It seemed ordinary but was faster than the eye could see! There was a faint sound of a tiger''s roar in the air! Lei Xiaojun''s fist also shot out, accompanied by the sound of wind and thunder! Bang! Their fists collided in midair. A cloud of fine dust exploded from where their fists met! Crack! The sound of bones breaking suddenly echoed! Lei Xiaojun''s right arm cracked inch by inch, blood and flesh splattering. Before Lei Xiaojun could scream in pain, Shen Mo''s left fist shot out, striking straight at his dantian! Crack! With a burst of immense force, it shattered his dantian directly! The spiritual energy cyclone was completely destroyed. Lei Xiaojun''s cultivation level plummeted back to the Body Tempering Stage! His body was sent flying, like a kite with a broken string! Shen Mo cried out in surprise and quickly helped Lei Xiaojun up, "Oh no, oh no, Senior Brother Lei, I used too much force. Are you alright?" "Ah, I told you, my Tiger Roar Fist is terribly powerful, but you wouldn''t listen. Look at you, so badly injured now, what should we do?" "Senior Brother Lei, I feel so guilty!" Shen Mo''s voice trembled as if he was about to cry. Lei Xiaojun opened his eyes to see Shen Mo''s face filled with exaggerated emotions. Pain, shock, anger, and humiliation surged through him all at once. Lei Xiaojun was so enraged that he spat out blood and fainted on the spot. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The entire venue was silent. The outer sect disciples below the platform, as well as Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng watching from the pavilion, were all in the same state. Shen Mo looked up and sighed, "Senior Brother Lei, how did your strength decline to this extent? I I really didn''t hold back enough!" He shouted, "Someone come quickly and help Senior Brother Lei to the infirmary. Senior Brother Lei has been so kind to me, giving me Body Tempering Pills and spirit stones, I cannot let him down!" Several outer sect disciples hurriedly helped Lei Xiaojun up and quickly left the martial arts field. Shen Mo anxiously called out again, "When Senior Brother Lei wakes up, please tell him I will apologize to him in person! I feel so bad!" After speaking, he wiped away non-existent tears and turned to the stunned deacon, "Senior Brother Deacon, this should count as a successful challenge, and I should become an inner sect disciple, right?" The deacon, still in shock, snapped back to reality at Shen Mo''s voice. He gave Shen Mo a deep look and nodded heavily, "Congratulations, Junior Brother Shen, you are now an inner sect disciple." "If Junior Brother Shen is free, please come with me to receive the rewards for becoming an inner sect disciple." Shen Mo eagerly said, "Right now, I''m also in a hurry to apologize to Senior Brother Lei." The deacon nodded, "Alright." He called up to the pavilion, "You two, come help oversee the outer sect disciples'' assessments. I need to register Junior Brother Shen as an inner sect disciple." "Yes" Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng, still in shock, nodded blankly. Shen Mo walked ahead, the deacon following beside him. The two of them slowly left under the reverent gazes of the disciples. Once their figures disappeared, the disciples erupted into a frenzy. "I feel like I''m dreaming. Shen Mo actually defeated Lei Xiaojun so easily. Pinch me ow, ow, ow!" "So inspiring! If Shen Mo can do it, so can I! From today, I''ll train twelve hours a day!" "Can you find a Marrow Cleansing Pill on the road?" "Don''t bring that up, or I''ll hit you!" On the other side, Shen Mo and the deacon were heading towards a pavilion. Shen Mo''s expression had long lost any trace of urgency, replaced by calmness. The deacon stole a few glances at Shen Mo, seeing his unwavering demeanor, and felt a surge of admiration. An outer sect disciple becoming an inner sect disciple was a huge leap. Yet, Shen Mo''s expression remained calm, as if he had merely accomplished a trivial task. Shen Mo, meanwhile, was deep in thought. He was considering how to finish off Lei Xiaojun. Just as he had anticipated, after Lei Xiaojun fell unconscious, he noticed that the life panel had changed again. [Name: Lei Xiaojun.] [Realm: Peak of the Body Tempering Stage.] [Fate: Family Scion, Thunder Spirit Body, Remarkable Luck.] [Destiny: Dantian destroyed, unable to continue cultivating, becomes a marginalized figure in his family, eventually growing bitter and dying in three years.] [Recent Turn 1: (Occurred) Challenged by Shen Mo, defeated, dantian destroyed, stripped of inner sect disciple status, demoted to outer sect disciple.] [Recent Turn 2: Upon waking, realizes he is no match for Shen Mo, and hurriedly leaves for the Lei family in Qingshan City that night to report this to his family, but is ambushed by a first-level demonic beast on the way. Although he kills the beast, he is left moderately injured.] "Lei Xiaojun is indeed sharp. Realizing his demotion, he didn''t linger at Qingxuan Sect and planned to flee that night," Shen Mo thought to himself. This person was different from those simple-minded villains. Therefore, tonight, Shen Mo needed to kill Lei Xiaojun and eliminate any future threats. Lei Xiaojun''s hurried escape provided a perfect opportunity to kill him silently. As Shen Mo and the deacon walked further, Shen Mo casually asked, "Senior Brother, what rewards does an inner sect disciple receive?" The deacon quickly replied, "There are quite a few. First is the inner sect disciple robe. Unlike the outer sect robe, it''s not just clothing. It''s warm in winter and cool in summer and can resist ordinary weapons, being a top-tier yellow-grade item." "Additionally, the sect directly grants one hundred low-grade spirit stones." "Lastly, there''s the inner sect disciple token. With the token, you can select a weapon and two bottles of Qi Condensation Pills from the Treasure Pavilion for free, and you can soak in the medicinal pool once, which might awaken a powerful constitution." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Indeed, these rewards were quite good. Soon, they arrived at a tall pavilion. The deacon whispered, "This is where Elder Wu Huairen resides. He is responsible for various logistical matters for the inner sect disciples." The deacon''s eyes carried a hint of warning, "No matter what Elder Wu says or does, Junior Brother Shen, do not provoke him." "Elder Wu oversees logistics. With a flick of his finger, he could cause you endless trouble." Shen Mo frowned but still nodded. They crossed the gate and soon saw a thin middle-aged man lying on a bamboo chair. Beside him were two young and beautiful female disciples, each holding a large palm fan, fanning him diligently. The two female disciples were sweating profusely from their efforts. Wu Huairen''s hand was rubbing the thigh of one of the female disciples. The female disciple endured the discomfort, not daring to move away, allowing Wu Huairen to take liberties with her. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/NovelFire releases. (currently 100+ chaps ahead. join patreon now to enjoy reading 100+ chaps, as i will quickly close the gap.) Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 12: Plucking My Wool, Huh? Lei Xiaojun Fled The deacon lightly coughed, "Elder Wu, I brought a new inner sect disciple for registration." "Hmph!" Wu Huairen snorted from his nose, clearly displeased at being interrupted during his moment of pleasure. Wu Huairen got up from the bamboo chair and glanced at the two, noticing Shen Mo. Shen Mo casually glanced at his life panel. [Name: Wu Huairen.] [Realm: Peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage.] [Fate: Wealthy Merchant''s Son, Earth Spirit Body, Business Acumen, Average Luck.] [Destiny: Three years later, dies of exhaustion during a field battle.] [Recent Opportunity: Ten days later, while gathering aphrodisiac herbs, stumbles upon a demonic beast graveyard in Mountain, obtaining twenty-one second-tier demon crystals and three third-tier demon crystals.] "You... why do you look familiar to me?" Wu Huairen asked with a slight frown. The deacon quickly responded, "This is Shen Mo from the outer sect, once the top disciple there. He mysteriously fell victim to a blood-dispersing poison, which destroyed his foundation. However, he has recently resumed his cultivation." "Just now, he defeated inner sect disciple Lei Xiaojun and has thereby become an inner sect disciple himself." Wu Huairen''s eyes flickered, "Oh? A foundation ruined by blood-dispersing poison, yet still recoverable? Boy, how did you manage that?" Shen Mo directly answered, "Elder, I was fortunate enough to find a Marrow Cleansing Pill, which allowed me to rebuild my foundation." Wu Huairen exclaimed in surprise, "A Marrow Cleansing Pill? You found such a profound-grade pill? Where did you find it?" Shen Mo casually made up a story. Wu Huairen smirked, "Your luck is indeed good! However, even if you rebuild your foundation, your future achievements will still be limited." "Wait here, I''ll get the inner sect disciple rewards for you." He walked towards the backyard storeroom. After a while, he returned with some items. Wu Huairen handed over a dark green disciple robe, "This is the inner sect disciple robe, made from silkworm silk. It''s warm in winter and cool in summer, and it also repels insects. The first set is free, but if it gets damaged, you''ll need thirty-five low-grade spirit stones to buy a new one from me." Then, he handed over a brand-new token, "This is the inner sect disciple token, symbolizing your status." Finally, he gave a cloth bag to Shen Mo, "Inside the bag are eighty low-grade spirit stones." After speaking, Wu Huairen waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, you have all the items. Now leave, I''m very busy." Shen Mo frowned, "Eighty low-grade spirit stones? Isn''t it supposed to be one hundred?" Wu Huairen said indifferently, "The number of spirit stones is variable." "Exceptional talents can receive up to one hundred fifty stones." "If you''re merely mediocre, you get fifty." "After all, cultivation resources are limited. Instead of wasting spirit stones on mediocrities, it''s better to concentrate them on geniuses." "Shen Mo, as a member of Qingxuan Sect, you should always consider the sect''s best interests, right?" Shen Mo''s frown deepened. Nonsense. His words sounded noble, but it was clear he had pocketed the stones. The deacon quickly tugged on Shen Mo''s sleeve and hastily interjected, "Thank you, Elder Wu. I''ll take Shen Mo to choose his quarters now." "Yes, go quickly." Wu Huairen lay back down on the bamboo chair, continuing to grope the two female disciples. The deacon pulled Shen Mo away in a hurry. Wu Huairen watched them leave and snorted. He believed he could see through Shen Mo''s future. A damaged foundation, even if repaired, couldn''t change the fact that it had been damaged. In the future, even if he exhausted his potential, the best he could achieve was the peak of the Qi Condensation Stage. Giving spirit stones to such a person was a waste. Those twenty spirit stones were better kept in Wu Huairen''s hands. Only then could they be put to good use! After leaving the pavilion, the deacon quickly lowered his voice, "Junior Brother Shen, don''t get angry. We can''t afford to provoke Wu Huairen." Shen Mo exhaled a breath of turbid air, "I just didn''t expect him to dare to skimp on the rewards for inner sect disciples. This will surely dishearten many who have just become inner sect disciples." The deacon sighed helplessly, "He''s very shrewd. If it were Senior Brother Xiao Fan coming to receive the inner sect disciple rewards, he might even give Xiao Fan some extra treasures for free. He treats people differently based on their status." "These matters are beyond our control as small figures." "Come on, I''ll take you to choose your residence." "Many inner sect disciples, after exhausting their potential, choose to become deacons and have gone to Qingshan City, Xishan City, and Gufeng City for their duties. Their residences are now vacant." Shen Mo nodded. Those three cities were under Qingxuan Sect''s control. Many disciples who went there as deacons were also helping the sect expand its influence. Before long, Shen Mo picked a residence. It had a small pool and a cedar tree inside. "This will do," Shen Mo said with satisfaction. The deacon added, "Do you have any valuable items in your outer sect residence? I can have someone move them here for you. Now that you are an inner sect disciple, just a wave of your hand will make many outer sect disciples eager to help." Shen Mo shook his head, "No, there''s nothing important there. Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Brother." The deacon waved it off, "No need to be polite. In the future, if you achieve success, I''ll rely on you to look after me." Shen Mo cupped his hands in thanks, and the two bid farewell. So far, Shen Mo hadn''t encountered many decent people in Qingxuan Sect. This deacon senior brother was barely considered one. After the deacon left, Shen Mo closed the door and smiled. "Becoming an inner sect disciple really does come with many benefits." "Tomorrow, I''ll head to Yinfen Mountain to find that demonic beast graveyard and take all the demon crystals." "Daring to fleece me, I''ll take all your wool!" Shen Mo thought coldly of Wu Huairen''s methods of skimming rewards from inner sect disciples. "But tonight, I have another important task." Shen Mo began to prepare. Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... As night deepened. Lei Xiaojun, Liu Yuefeng, and Gao Peng quietly left Qingxuan Sect, using a small path under the cover of darkness. After walking briskly for more than ten miles, far from Qingxuan Sect, Lei Xiaojun finally breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Yuefeng, seeing his demeanor, laughed, "Xiaojun, don''t worry so much. With the two of us protecting you, you''ll be safe." Gao Peng also nodded repeatedly, "There''s no way Shen Mo could know you left the sect tonight. Rest assured." Lei Xiaojun looked at his two friends and nodded bitterly, "I hope so... but I still feel uneasy. It''s a feeling I''ve never had before." "By the way, Xiaojun, when will you give us what you promised?" Liu Yuefeng couldn''t hold back and asked in a low voice. Lei Xiaojun looked deeply at them, remained silent for a moment, then said, "I keep my word. As long as you escort me to Qingshan City, I will definitely give you the Thunder Spirit Pill and the Earth Spirit Pill." The Thunder Spirit Pill and Earth Spirit Pill were top-grade yellow level pills that could slightly enhance thunder and earth spirit roots. This would speed up the cultivation of thunder and earth attribute techniques and martial skills. Increasing spirit roots a little was equivalent to saving a few days of cultivation. Every cultivator strives to improve their spirit roots. Therefore, the Thunder Spirit Pill and Earth Spirit Pill were very expensive. Each pill cost at least five hundred low-grade spirit stones. Though Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng were family scions, their families didn''t only have the two of them. Many resources had to be earned by themselves. Lei Xiaojun''s offer of the Thunder Spirit Pill and Earth Spirit Pill was the reason they were willing to escort him to Qingshan City. Otherwise, they would have only escorted him out of Qingxuan Sect, considering it their utmost effort. After all, Lei Xiaojun''s dantian was destroyed. Without a miraculous pill to repair his dantian, it was nearly impossible for him to recover to the Qi Condensation Stage. Such a "friend" no longer held much value. Liu Yuefeng chuckled dryly, "Xiaojun, don''t worry. We''re still friends! But you know, even brothers have to settle accounts clearly." Gao Peng quickly agreed, "Exactly, exactly." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 13: Instantly Killing Lei Xiaojun and Selecting a Weapon Lei Xiaojun''s expression grew increasingly bitter. "I understand..." Just a day ago, he had been a highly regarded inner sect disciple and the most outstanding young member of the Lei family, with a promising future. Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng, who had limited potential, were always his followers. However, within just one day, the situation had reversed. "Strength and status!" "If I still had these, how would they dare treat me like this? How would they dare demand payment from me?" Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It felt as if a fierce beast was roaring in Lei Xiaojun''s heart. "I need to get home quickly and tell my father everything. No matter what, I must capture Shen Mo alive!" "I want to see him kneeling on the ground, begging for mercy!" "I must get the mysterious pill from Shen Jiuding!" Lei Xiaojun took several deep breaths, gradually calming himself. The three continued onward. After walking a few more miles, Liu Yuefeng suddenly said, "Do you hear something? It sounds like a demonic beast is following us." Gao Peng''s expression grew serious. "I hear it too. Agile and lightit might be wolves." A wolf''s howl suddenly rang out. Several pairs of green eyes appeared in the dark forest. Hungry wild wolves were closing in on the three of them. Liu Yuefeng sneered, "If it were a pack of wolves, I''d be a bit cautious. But you, just six first-level demonic beasts, dare attack Qi Condensation Stage cultivators?" The two of them immediately took their stances, wielding iron swords and blades to confront the wolves. Lei Xiaojun felt somewhat reassured. Starving first-level demonic beasts. He had thought it was a human ambush. Just as this thought arose, Lei Xiaojun suddenly felt a fierce wind behind him. Instinctively, he turned around. He saw a flash of lightning-like shadow rushing towards him. Swish! The sword struck swiftly and decisively, piercing Lei Xiaojun''s heart directly. His life force was instantly destroyed by the powerful might of the profound-grade martial skill. The dark figure grabbed Lei Xiaojun''s body and disappeared into the dark forest with a few swift leaps. Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng only realized something was wrong when they heard the sound of the sword slicing through the air. They turned to look at Lei Xiaojun. But all they saw was a pool of still-warm blood on the groundnothing else. The two exchanged glances, seeing the fear in each other''s eyes. Gao Peng said, "He''s gone? Who did this?" Liu Yuefeng replied, "Even though Lei Xiaojun''s dantian was damaged, he still had the reflexes of a Qi Condensation Stage cultivator. Yet, he disappeared without making a sound..." Gao Peng''s face darkened. "This means the person who acted is stronger than us." "You don''t think it could be... him?" He thought of Shen Mo. Liu Yuefeng quickly covered Gao Peng''s mouth and gave him a meaningful look. "Lei Xiaojun was taken by passing bandits." Gao Peng quickly understood, "Ah, yes, he was taken by bandits! We couldn''t keep up and have to return to the sect." The two of them hurriedly left, not daring to stay any longer. In the shadows, a figure watched them leave and sneered. "Those two are smart, adept at seeking advantages and avoiding dangers." "I left no evidence behind. Even if they return to the sect, they cannot accuse me of killing Lei Xiaojun." Beneath him lay Lei Xiaojun''s lifeless body. The shadow, of course, was Shen Mo! He had followed the three all the way, waiting for the wild wolves to appear before making his move. "Young Master Lei, I couldn''t possibly let you return home to rally reinforcements." Shen Mo looked at the body with a calm expression. The Lei family would certainly react in the future. But at the speed Shen Mo was growing, by the time the Lei family discovered Lei Xiaojun''s disappearance and suspected him, he would be powerful enough to confront the Lei family. Shen Mo searched Lei Xiaojun''s body and found several valuable items. The first was a finely crafted silk pouch containing three clear spirit stones and several dozen less pure ones. "Mid-grade spirit stones!" Shen Mo smiled. Lei Xiaojun had indeed accumulated quite a few resources over the years. When escaping from the sect, he must have exchanged his low-grade spirit stones for mid-grade ones for easier carrying. Now, all of these belonged to Shen Mo. "One mid-grade spirit stone is equivalent to one hundred low-grade spirit stones." "These amount to three hundred thirty low-grade spirit stones in total, enough to exchange for a profound-grade martial skill!" (the exchange price can vary between 100-120 lower spirit stones for one middle grade spirit stones, depending on quality of spirit stones) Shen Mo nodded slightly. Of course, since he already had the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, there was no need to use all the spirit stones to exchange for another profound-grade martial skill. Besides the spirit stones, Shen Mo also found four bottles of pills on Lei Xiaojun. One bottle contained Thunder Spirit Pills. One bottle contained Earth Spirit Pills. The other two bottles contained Qi Condensation Pills. Shen Mo put them all away. Before leaving, he employed his usual method, cutting numerous wounds on Lei Xiaojun''s corpse. The scent of blood quickly spread through the forest, carried by the mountain wind. Soon, many demonic beasts would swarm in. They would clean up the body for Shen Mo. Shen Mo watched from a distance as the beasts cleaned up the remains, then left satisfied. Even if someone wanted to investigate, they wouldn''t be able to determine the cause of Lei Xiaojun''s death. Even if Liu Yuefeng and Gao Peng reported it, without evidence, the sect wouldn''t convict Shen Mo based on their words alone. "With Lei Yong and Lei Xiaojun dead, the heavy burden on my shoulders is finally lifted." Walking along the dark forest path, Shen Mo felt much lighter. ... The next day. Shen Mo had a rare good night''s sleep. After getting dressed and washing up, he headed to the dining hall. Along the way, all the outer sect disciples he encountered respectfully saluted him. Their expressions were full of respect. Shen Mo merely acknowledged them with a nod. After he passed by, these outer sect disciples gathered in groups, discussing the astounding achievements of their newly promoted inner sect senior brother from the previous day. When Shen Mo ate breakfast in the dining hall, the eyes watching him were full of reverence and admiration. He sighed inwardly. Status and strength are the unchanging truths. Before yesterday, he was an outer sect disciple who was bullied and ignored. In just one day, he had leapt to become a newly promoted inner sect disciple. Now, outer sect disciples saluted him with utmost respect. Even some inner sect disciples, upon seeing him, respectfully cupped their hands. Because those inner sect disciples were all weaker than the former Lei Xiaojun. Having defeated Lei Xiaojun, Shen Mo could naturally defeat them as well. After finishing breakfast, Shen Mo headed straight to the Treasure Pavilion. The deacon from the previous day had informed him. After becoming an inner sect disciple, there were many benefits. One of which was the ability to receive a weapon and two bottles of Qi Condensation Pills for free from the Treasure Pavilion with his inner sect disciple token. Shen Mo''s iron sword was a crude item bought for just one low-grade spirit stone, not worth mentioning. After using the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique a few times, cracks had already appeared on its surface. He definitely needed to get a better sword. There was also a deacon on the first floor of the Treasure Pavilion. Upon seeing Shen Mo''s inner sect disciple token, the deacon greeted him respectfully and enthusiastically, ushering him inside. At that moment, a curious female voice came from behind. "Brother Xiao Fan, if you want a good weapon, just tell me. There''s no need to come to the Treasure Pavilion. I can ask my father to give you one!" Following that was Xiao Fan''s voice, "No, if I get everything from you, wouldn''t that make me a freeloader? Everything I, Xiao Fan, have should be earned by myself!" "Besides, as a new inner sect disciple, I have a chance to receive a free weapon. Who knows, I might find a spiritual sword in the Treasure Pavilion!" Liu Fei looked at him admiringly, "Brother Xiao Fan, I really admire your self-reliant character. It''s so attractive!" The two of them, inseparable, also entered the Treasure Pavilion. Shen Mo''s eyes flickered. He came too? Xiao Fan was known to have the fate of a child of fortune. If he came to the Treasure Pavilion, there must be a great opportunity waiting for him! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 14: Top-Grade Profound Rank Thunder Strike Sword and Soaking in the Medicinal Pool Shen Mo glanced at Xiao Fan and immediately saw his life panel. Hmm, no changes in his fate. Clearly, the opportunities Shen Mo intercepted had not caused any lasting impact on Xiao Fan. "After all, he is a child of fortune, with opportunities as numerous as hair on your head." Shen Mo continued reading and saw Xiao Fan''s recent opportunities. [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, at the Treasure Pavilion, he will obtain the top-grade yellow weapon, Thunder Sword. It contains a faint spirituality and will become a top-grade profound weapon after a blood sacrifice.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Three days later, he will soak in Qingxuan Sect''s medicinal pool No. 3, which hides a long-concealed Fiery Sun Flame Essence at the bottom. Absorbing it will awaken the heaven-grade physique, Scorching Sun Flame Body.] [Recent Opportunity 3: Ten days later, he will discover a cave dwelling in the deep pool of Qingxuan Sect, obtaining the heaven-grade technique, Hell Flame Destruction Technique, left by the True Immortal Hell Flame.] [Recent Opportunity 4: ...] Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. His guess was correct. Xiao Fan had brought him new opportunities again. Shen Mo couldn''t help but give him a mental thumbs-up. "Senior Brother Shen..." At this moment, Xiao Fan and Liu Fei clearly noticed Shen Mo. Xiao Fan recalled the shocking scene from the martial arts platform yesterday. His tone became unnatural, but he still awkwardly greeted, "Senior Brother." Shen Mo responded with a faint "Mm" and walked towards the second floor. The Treasure Pavilion was similar to the Scripture Pavilion. The first floor housed yellow-grade treasures, while the second floor had profound-grade treasures. Shen Mo arrived on the second floor and saw the weapons on the racks were shrouded in light spheres, except for the yellow-grade weapons. The light spheres were restrictions set by Qingxuan Sect elders. If a disciple could resonate with a weapon within the light sphere, they could take it. This was done because profound-grade weapons, like profound-grade techniques, were very rare. Moreover, weapons were unique compared to techniques. Techniques could be copied for disciples to take and cultivate. But weapons were singular. Once taken, they were gone. Hence, the restrictions were put in place. Shen Mo ignored the profound-grade weapons shrouded in light spheres and looked among the yellow-grade weapons. Soon, he found the Thunder Sword. At first glance, it appeared ordinary, with no noticeable luster. It even had some dust and rust spots. It couldn''t be described as a divine weapon; it looked more like scrap metal. Xiao Fan, who had also reached the second floor, saw the sword Shen Mo chose. sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was puzzled. Why did Shen Mo choose a yellow-grade weapon? Why not try resonating with the profound-grade weapons? Xiao Fan froze for a moment, then suddenly realized. ''I understand now. Shen Mo knows his potential is limited and can''t resonate with profound-grade weapons, so he opted for a yellow-grade weapon.'' This person is quite self-aware. Shen Mo, satisfied with his choice, took the Thunder Sword and left. Before leaving, he glanced at Xiao Fan again. His opportunities had already changed slightly. [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, at the Treasure Pavilion, he will resonate with a profound-grade weapon and obtain the mid-grade profound weapon, Gale Sword.] Shen Mo walked while pondering. He seemed to understand the power of the "child of fortune" fate. Even if Shen Mo intercepted Xiao Fan''s opportunities, the "child of fortune" fate would provide new ones. Equivalent to compensation. However, these compensated opportunities would be inferior to the original ones. Shen Mo speculated that if he now took the Gale Sword, Xiao Fan would soon get another profound-grade weapon, likely of lower quality, a low-grade profound weapon. "Time to go. I still need to get Wu Huairen''s opportunity. Can''t waste it." Shen Mo quickly left the Treasure Pavilion and returned to his courtyard. The first thing he did upon returning was to perform a blood sacrifice on the Thunder Sword. A drop of crimson blood fell on the blade. The dust-covered, rusty sword seemed to come alive! Clang! A clear, resonant sound rang from the sword. The rust and dust on the blade were instantly swept away! A sharp, lightning-flashing long sword appeared before Shen Mo. The hilt bore one ancient inscription that shone brightly. "Thunder!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, "From now on, you will be my weapon!" He flicked the sword lightly. Clang! A joyous, clear sound rang out from the sword, as if a joyful spirit resided within it. ... Three days passed in the blink of an eye. That morning, Shen Mo got up, washed, and prepared to go to the dining hall for breakfast as usual. Knock, knock, knock. Respectful knocking sounded outside the courtyard. When he opened the door, he saw an unfamiliar outer sect disciple. The disciple hurriedly said, "Senior Brother Shen, Brother Zhang asked me to inform you that your medicinal pool is ready, and you can soak in it today." Shen Mo nodded slightly, "Lead the way." The outer sect disciple bowed respectfully, "Yes." Brother Zhang, the deacon responsible for the outer sect disciples'' assessments, was named Zhang Weihu. On the day Shen Mo defeated Lei Xiaojun and became an inner sect disciple, Zhang Weihu had already applied for the qualification for Shen Mo to soak in the medicinal pool. Every new inner sect disciple received this benefit. If one had great potential, they might awaken a powerful physique. However, the medicinal pool required many medicinal materials and was difficult to prepare. Therefore, at least five new inner sect disciples were needed to prepare it. Previously, there had already been four new inner sect disciples. Three days ago, Shen Mo joined the inner sect, making it five. "Today is also Xiao Fan''s time to soak in the medicinal pool. I must get the Scorching Sun Flame Body!" Shen Mo was filled with anticipation. "This is a heaven-grade physique! If I obtain it, the sect will surely favor me with resources." "From now on, even if the Lei family wants to harm me, they will hesitate." Shen Mo smiled. As far as he knew, Qingxuan Sect had only ever produced one disciple with a heaven-grade physique in its history. However, that person had fallen before they could grow. It had always been a regret for Qingxuan Sect. If he could become the second disciple with a heaven-grade physique, the sect would surely nurture him vigorously! "Any major events in the sect recently?" Shen Mo asked casually as they walked. The outer sect disciple thought for a moment, "Nothing much... but I heard that Lei Xiaojun, whom you challenged, has gone missing. Some people speculate that he went back to his family home in Qingshan City, knowing he couldn''t cultivate anymore." Shen Mo nodded and said no more. Soon, led by the outer sect disciple, he arrived at a valley. Upon entering, Shen Mo was greeted by a refreshing medicinal fragrance. Inhaling deeply, he felt invigorated and light. He looked towards the center of the valley, where five pools had been carved out. The pools were already filled with green medicinal liquid. Ten outer sect disciples, divided into five groups, were pouring medicinal liquid into the pools under Zhang Weihu''s direction. From a distance, Zhang Weihu spotted Shen Mo and waved with a smile. Shen Mo nodded in return. He glanced around and saw four people in dark green disciple robes nearby, one of whom was Xiao Fan. The other three must be the new inner sect disciples here to soak in the medicinal pool. They were engaged in a lively conversation but stopped and looked over when Shen Mo appeared. Apart from Xiao Fan, the three new inner sect disciples cupped their hands and smiled warmly at Shen Mo. Their eyes held a touch of reverence. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 15: Shen Mo Absorbs the Scorching Sun Flowing Fire Essence Xiao Fan couldn''t stand out and had to perfunctorily cup his hands as well. Shen Mo smiled faintly and returned the gesture. The reverence in the eyes of these three was naturally due to him defeating Lei Xiaojun in public. The three of them had not yet reached Lei Xiaojun''s level, so they held great respect for Shen Mo, who had defeated him. One of the female disciples quickly approached Shen Mo. Although her appearance was not exceptionally stunning, her features were delicate, her skin fair, making her a pleasant sight. Particularly striking was her waistslender yet strong and agile, like a leopardess. It was hard to look away once you saw her. The female disciple reached Shen Mo and said enthusiastically, "Senior Brother Shen, hello, I''m Zhao Rou. If you have time, we could do some missions together?" He smiled and nodded, "Sure, when I have time." Hearing his affirmation, Zhao Rou was very pleased and eagerly continued chatting with Shen Mo. Xiao Fan glanced at Zhao Rou''s waist a few times, feeling quite disappointed. He thought to himself, "I''m so handsome, strong, and full of potential. I should be the center of attention." Just then, continuous footsteps sounded from behind. Shen Mo looked back. Three middle-aged men were striding towards them. The leading man, with graying temples and dressed in a purple brocade robe, walked with a dragon-like stride, clearly of high status. Beside him was a beautiful young girl. Following them were two middle-aged men in their forties or fifties, dressed in moon-white robes with powerful auras. Their chests were embroidered with a green mountain insignia. Moon-white robes with a green mountain were worn only by inner sect elders of Qingxuan Sect! Seeing the young girl, Xiao Fan''s eyes brightened instantly. Shen Mo frowned. Wasn''t that Liu Fei? So, the middle-aged man beside her was... the deputy sect master of Qingxuan Sect? What were they doing here? "Deputy Sect Master Liu, stop keeping us in suspense. Why did you bring us here? Isn''t this just about some new inner sect disciples soaking in the medicinal pool?" the tall elder frowned. "Indeed, I''m busy with my cultivation. Aren''t you wasting my time?" the skinny elder also complained. Deputy Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng laughed heartily, "Don''t be impatient. I brought you here to see my future disciple!" The tall elder was stunned, "Didn''t you say you wouldn''t take any more disciples? Why the change of heart today?" The skinny elder nodded, "Yes, I remember both the sect master and you, Deputy Sect Master Liu, said ten years ago that you wouldn''t take any more disciples to avoid delaying your cultivation." Liu Yuanfeng laughed again, "You''ll see soon enough! If I tell you now, it won''t be as interesting." The two elders smiled wryly, "Alright, alright, let''s see what kind of disciple can make you break your rule!" Their arrival made the disciples present nervous. All the disciples, including Shen Mo, hurriedly saluted. Liu Yuanfeng waved his hand grandly, "You all continue with the medicinal pool. We are just here to take a look." Liu Fei winked at Xiao Fan from afar. Xiao Fan felt a surge of excitement, understanding that Liu Yuanfeng was here for him. Today would be the day he made a name for himself in Qingxuan Sect! Shen Mo quickly understood as well. Liu Yuanfeng wanted to show off in front of the two elders. Look, the one who awakened a powerful physique is my future disciple! However, the outcome might disappoint them. Shen Mo smiled knowingly. By this time, all the medicinal liquid had been poured into the pools. Zhang Weihu nodded slightly, "Five junior brothers, the medicinal liquid is ready. You can start soaking now." Zhao Rou glanced around. The pools seemed no different from each other, so she headed towards pool number two. Shen Mo took big strides towards pool number three, "I''ll take number three." Xiao Fan also wanted pool number three, instinctively feeling a connection to it. But since Shen Mo had already chosen it, he couldn''t get angry in front of Liu Yuanfeng and the two elders, so he chose pool number five instead. Soon, all five new inner sect disciples had chosen their respective pools. Zhao Rou quickly removed her disciple robe, revealing the tight white inner clothing she had prepared. If she had only worn undergarments underneath, it would have been embarrassing. The other four disciples, all male, entered the pools shirtless without concern. Shen Mo leaped and dived into the bottom of the pool. Shen Mo''s eyes scanned the bottom of the pool. Sure enough, he spotted a fist-sized, fiery red crystal in an inconspicuous crevice. Its surface was covered by accumulated medicinal liquid, which had kept it hidden all this time. Shen Mo reached out and grabbed it, holding it in his palm. The Scorching Sun Flowing Fire Essence wasn''t scorching; instead, it felt pleasantly warm. Shen Mo then floated back to the surface, closing his eyes like Xiao Fan, Zhao Rou, and the others, focusing on absorbing the medicinal liquid from the pool. However, while others were only absorbing the medicinal liquid, Shen Mo was also absorbing the power of the Scorching Sun Flowing Fire Essence. Buzz, buzz, buzz. The warm energy flowed through him like a fiery red snake, nourishing every inch of his skin, flesh, and bones. Meanwhile, changes were occurring in Xiao Fan''s pool. The medicinal liquid began to boil. Xiao Fan''s skin turned red, as if he were about to burst into flames! The air temperature around him rose sharply. Zhang Weihu and Liu Fei immediately felt a wave of heat. The two elders stood up in shock. "That disciple is about to awaken his physique!" "His physique is so powerful that it''s affecting the temperature within dozens of feet, even before fully awakening... This phenomenon... it must be at least a mid-grade earth-level physique!" They turned their bright eyes to Liu Yuanfeng, "Deputy Sect Master Liu, no wonder you brought us here. You wanted to show off, didn''t you?" Liu Yuanfeng laughed heartily in delight. He had expected Xiao Fan to awaken a top-grade profound physique, which would already have been incredibly fortunate. He never imagined Xiao Fan would awaken an earth-level physique. With such a physique, Xiao Fan could potentially reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage! Qingxuan Sect had a bright future ahead! Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several figures flew in from various parts of Qingxuan Sect, landing in the valley. Almost all of them wore moon-white robes with green mountains, signifying they were inner sect elders of Qingxuan Sect. Usually high-ranking and hard to meet for ordinary disciples, now all the inner sect elders had gathered here! Their strength was on par with Liu Yuanfeng, being the strongest under the sect master. "What''s happening here?" "I sensed the temperature rising and came to check." "A disciple is awakening their physique! It seems to be earth-level!" "A new inner sect disciple? They must be mine!" The elders looked at Xiao Fan in the fifth pool with astonishment. Liu Yuanfeng cleared his throat and said calmly, "He is already my disciple, so there''s no need for you to waste your words." "Ah..." The elders'' faces immediately showed disappointment. This guy was too quick. blub, blub, blub! The medicinal liquid boiled. Thick green steam completely enveloped the fifth pool. The medicinal liquid turned into gas, merging into Xiao Fan''s body at an accelerated pace. Moments later, Xiao Fan''s eyes shot open, and he roared towards the sky. Whoosh! A gust of wind erupted, blowing the steam away. A robust figure came into view. Xiao Fan''s entire skin was bright red, as if he were on fire. His heart seemed like a fireball bouncing in his chest! Several crimson lines radiated from his heart, extending to his shoulders, arms, and legs. At this moment, everyone''s attention was focused on Xiao Fan. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 16: Alarming the Qingxuan Sect’s Master Liu Yuanfeng, the two elders, Zhang Weihu, and Liu Fei watched intently, as if observing a rising star. Especially Liu Fei at this moment, she felt a sweetness in her heart, as if she had tasted honey. The person attracting everyone''s attention was her man! Back when Xiao Fan was just a newly admitted outer sect disciple, Liu Fei had fallen in love with him at first sight at the sect entrance. She knew that this young man''s future was limitless. Now, all her efforts had paid off. Xiao Fan was beginning to show his astonishing potential! "What kind of physique is this? I''ve never seen it before," one elder exclaimed in surprise. "I haven''t seen it either. Perhaps my knowledge is lacking..." the elder next to him scratched his head. "I think I''ve seen those patterns before! I think I recognize them!" The tall elder stared at the patterns intensely, suddenly shouting in realization. Liu Yuanfeng, excited, asked, "What is it? Quickly, tell us!" The tall elder took several deep breaths, striving to clear his mind, and finally recalled the ancient texts he had once studied. "It''s a mid-grade earth-level physique, the Blazing Fire Battle Body!" "Those who cultivate fire attribute techniques and martial skills will progress faster than other cultivators." "During normal cultivation, their speed of absorbing and converting the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into their own spiritual power is more than twice that of ordinary cultivators!" Liu Yuanfeng was so excited that he was trembling, "Fei''er, this is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Liu Fei''s delicate face was filled with pride and joy. The young man who had awakened an earth-level physique was her man! Xiao Fan slowly opened his eyes and landed on the ground. Liu Fei hurried forward, draping a robe over him to cover his exposed body. "What kind of physique?" Xiao Fan asked in a low voice. "Mid-grade earth-level, the Blazing Fire Battle Body. My father and the others are overjoyed!" Liu Fei couldn''t hide her excitement. Liu Yuanfeng quickly approached Xiao Fan, his eyes full of admiration, "Good lad! Will you become my disciple?" Xiao Fan, being a smart person, immediately half-kneeled, respectfully saying, "Xiao Fan greets Master!" "Hahaha! Good, come with me, from now on, you will be my personal disciple!" "Today, I will pass on the Blazing Fire Manual to you. Your Blazing Fire Battle Body is perfect for cultivating it!" Liu Yuanfeng grabbed Xiao Fan''s hand, feeling an indescribable satisfaction. In the history of Qingxuan Sect, earth-level physiques were extremely rare. Today, Liu Yuanfeng had the opportunity to mentor someone with an earth-level physique! He prepared to leave with Xiao Fan. The other elders followed suit. There was nothing special about inner sect disciples awakening, but an earth-level physique was extraordinary! The Blazing Fire Manual was one of the three profound-level techniques in Qingxuan Sect, reaching mid-grade. Liu Yuanfeng himself cultivated the Blazing Fire Manual. The elders were eager to see how Xiao Fan''s Blazing Fire Battle Body would perform with the Blazing Fire Manual. At that moment, the medicinal pool trembled again. This time, it was the third pool where Shen Mo was. Liu Yuanfeng paused, turning his head. The elders also turned around. Their keen senses immediately detected something unusual. "The third pool... is boiling as well. That disciple is also about to awaken a physique!" "I wonder what kind of physique it will be. At first glance, it seems to be only profound-level." "A profound-level physique is still good. It can at least reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage." "Does anyone know the name of that disciple?" The elders spoke excitedly. Normally, it would take two to three years for even one disciple to awaken a physique. Today, there were two. "I think I recognize him. He was once the top of the outer sect but was mysteriously poisoned, causing his foundation to be destroyed and his cultivation lost. I didn''t expect him to recover and cultivate again," one elder said in surprise. "I remember now. His name is... Shen Mo?" an elderly woman paused, then recalled. Over a year ago, she had handled the matter, which had attracted considerable attention at the time. Unfortunately, the culprit was never caught, much to her regret. Unexpectedly, over a year later, this young man had repaired his foundation and resumed his cultivation! Xiao Fan''s eyes flickered with surprise, thinking, "Shen Mo is also awakening his physique. His potential is quite impressive, but he certainly can''t compare to my mid-grade earth-level Blazing Fire Battle Body." Buzz, buzz, buzz! A column of flames suddenly appeared, completely enveloping the third medicinal pool. Boom! A pillar of fire shot skyward, tearing the clouds! This phenomenon was visible within a ten-mile radius. Qingxuan Sect''s outer and inner disciples, regardless of what they were doing, stopped and looked towards the fiery pillar. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The intense heat forced the disciples in the nearby pools to quickly retreat. Their medicinal pools'' liquid rapidly evaporated. Xiao Fan''s mouth fell open in astonishment. Actual flames had appeared?! Liu Yuanfeng and the other elders were equally dumbfounded. The tall elder exclaimed in shock, "Such a phenomenon can only be a heaven-level physique!" Whoosh! A streak of light emerged from the Qingcang Mountains, arriving at the scene in an instant. A fragrant breeze swept through. The elders instinctively made way. A beautiful woman in a sea-blue palace dress landed gracefully. Her tight dress highlighted her voluptuous and alluring figure, resembling a ripe peach. Her expression was cold and aloof, like an unmeltable iceberg. As soon as the beautiful woman appeared, the elders respectfully greeted her, "Greetings, Sect Master Murong." Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes flickered, glancing at the woman''s figure with a hint of heat in his eyes. "Sect Master, you''ve been in seclusion for over ten years. Why have you come?" he suddenly asked. The woman gazed at the pillar of fire, a look of joy appearing on her delicate face, "A heaven-level physique has appeared. How could I not come?" "It''s truly a heaven-level physique?!" The elders were both shocked and delighted. At this moment, the fiery pillar began to dim. A robust and perfect figure slowly emerged. Shen Mo''s clothes had been entirely burned away by the flames, leaving him completely exposed. Fiery red lines like dragons roamed his body before gradually retreating and vanishing. From a distance, Zhao Rou stared with wide eyes, licking her lips involuntarily, "Such... such muscles." The beautiful woman, filled with excitement, declared, "A top-grade heaven-level physique, the Scorching Sun Flame Body!" The elders were both amazed and overjoyed. The woman, her face full of joy, asked, "Does anyone know his name?" Zhang Weihu quickly replied, "Reporting to the Sect Master, his name is Shen Mo!" "Good." The woman''s tone suddenly turned icy cold, "Everyone present is to keep this a secret. Anyone who leaks that Shen Mo has awakened a heaven-level physique will be considered a traitor and will be killed without mercy!" "Yes!" The elders and disciples were instantly alarmed, quickly bowing their heads in agreement. The phenomenon of a heaven-level physique was too visible to hide from everyone in the Qingcang Mountains. But as long as Shen Mo''s identity could be kept hidden for a while, it would be beneficial. The previous demise of a heaven-level physique in Qingxuan Sect must not be repeated! The woman glanced around, nodding slightly, "Moreover, from today onwards, Shen Mo is my disciple! All elders, follow me to the sect council hall. I will establish him as the fifth true disciple of Qingxuan Sect!" The elders exchanged looks. Some immediately followed the woman, while others looked at Liu Yuanfeng, standing still. Liu Yuanfeng took a deep look at Shen Mo, who was gradually waking up, and quickly left. The remaining elders then hurriedly followed. At this moment, Xiao Fan was biting his teeth in jealousy. Today was supposed to be his day to shine. Unexpectedly, Shen Mo had stolen all the attention. Liu Fei, noticing his expression, quickly comforted him, "brother Xiao Fan, don''t worry. To me, you are the most talented." "Moreover, Shen Mo''s foundation was destroyed before. Even if it''s partially repaired, it can''t hide the fact that his foundation was damaged. Even with the addition of a heaven-level physique, his cultivation speed can''t match yours." Xiao Fan''s mood gradually improved, "Fei''er, you''re right. I don''t need to be jealous of him. I am the real genius." The two left quickly. Chapter 17: Qingxuan Sect Master Murong Yue, Shen Mo Benefiting from a Strong Backer Very soon, only a few people were left here, including Zhang Weihut and Zhao Rou. Zhao Rou and the others looked at Zhang Weihut eagerly, "Senior Brother Deacon, what about our portion?" Zhang Weihut couldn''t help but laugh, "Next time... This is an uncontrollable factor. I will ask the Elder to refine more portions for you." At this moment, Shen Mo''s consciousness gradually became clear, and he slowly landed. Zhao Rou''s cheeks were flushed as she hurriedly brought over her disciple robe for Shen Mo to cover himself. Shen Mo scratched his head, "Thanks... What just happened?" Zhao Rou quickly recounted everything that had happened. Even retelling it, she felt her heart racing. Even the sect master, who had been in seclusion for years, was alarmed by Shen Mo. Shen Mo''s future was boundless. ''I must cling tightly to this thick and sturdy support!'' Shen Mo hadn''t expected that awakening his constitution would trigger such a shocking phenomenon. "The Scorching Sun Flame Body, it really is a heaven-grade constitution, and it''s top grade at that!" He sighed inwardly. With this, he could become a disciple of the sect master. No matter what plans the Lei family had, they wouldn''t dare to make a move against him. Offending him was equivalent to offending the Qingxuan Sect Master. Sar?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How could a small Lei family dare to provoke such a figure? They would be utterly annihilated! Zhang Weihut approached Shen Mo enthusiastically, "Junior Brother Shen, come, come, let''s go to the Dining Hall for a big feast, my treat!" Shen Mo smiled slightly, "Alright, I''ll accept your kind offer." That day. An astonishing piece of news swept through Qingxuan Sect like a hurricane. A disciple had awakened a heaven-grade constitution! However, no one knew who that disciple was. For Zhang Weihu, Zhao Rou, and the others, this feeling of knowing the answer but being unable to say it was extremely frustrating. Night fell, Shen Mo was sitting cross-legged on his bed, adapting to his awakened constitution. "My life panel has changed." Shen Mo looked at his life panel, lost in thought. [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Major achievement stage Qi Condensation Realm] [Fate: Son of Pharmacist, Innate Wisdom, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Slightly Fortunate.] [Destiny: Ultimately cultivates to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage. Dies in five years during the Divine Sword Sect''s attack on Qingxuan Sect.] [Recent Opportunity: Today, formally becomes a disciple of the Qingxuan Sect Master.] "Divine Sword Sect... I''ve never heard of it. It seems I need to brush up on the major forces around here." "I was supposed to die peacefully before, but now I will die in the sect''s conflict..." "I get it, it''s related to my status." "Before, I was just an ordinary disciple of Qingxuan Sect. Even if Divine Sword Sect won, Qingxuan Sect disciples would just become Divine Sword Sect disciples." "But now it''s different. I''ve awakened a heaven-grade constitution and been accepted as the sect master''s disciple." "If the sect master fights to the death against Divine Sword Sect, as the sect master''s disciple, I''ve already been branded with Qingxuan Sect''s mark. Divine Sword Sect definitely won''t let me go." "Even if I''m willing to surrender to Divine Sword Sect, their disciples wouldn''t want to see me join and take away resources meant for them. They''d secretly eliminate me on the battlefield!" Shen Mo pondered for a moment and figured out the whole situation. "I didn''t expect that becoming stronger would drag me into even bigger conflicts." He smiled wryly, then quickly firmed his resolve, "However, I can intercept opportunities, which is the biggest variable." "This predetermined fate will definitely be broken by me!" Knock, knock, knock! At this moment, there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find Zhao Rou, whom he had seen during the day. Zhao Rou smiled sweetly, "Senior Brother Shen, the sect master has summoned you." "Where to?" "The mountain top." "Also, Senior Brother Shen, I''ve picked up a new inner disciple robe for you from Elder Wu." Zhao Rou handed over a brand new inner disciple robe. Shen Mo was surprised. His disciple robe had been burned when he awakened the Scorching Sun Flame Body. He had planned to get a new one tomorrow. Unexpectedly, Zhao Rou had brought one for him. Shen Mo asked in confusion, "You know my size?" Zhao Rou blushed, "I could tell." Shen Mo nodded, "How many spirit stones? I''ll pay you back." Zhao Rou blinked, "Consider it a small gift from me to Senior Brother Shen. If you feel like it, you can give me a small gift in return next time." Shen Mo nodded, "Alright, I''m pretty good at cooking. I''ll make you some noodles sometime." After parting with Zhao Rou, he headed to the mountain top. At the top of the mountain was a plain courtyard. It was very different from the luxurious halls hidden among the green trees on the mountainside. Shen Mo lightly knocked on the courtyard door, "Sect Master, disciple Shen Mo requests an audience." A clear and bright female voice came from inside, like a stream passing through a stone forest, "Come in." Shen Mo opened the courtyard door and saw an ordinary little courtyard. There were a jujube tree on each side, each with a pond, with goldfish swimming in them. A beautiful woman in a sea-blue palace dress stood with her back to him, trimming the dead branches of the jujube trees. When the sect master appeared earlier, Shen Mo was awakening his constitution and was completely unaware of what was happening outside. So, this was his first time seeing the Qingxuan Sect Master. Shen Mo gazed at the back of the beautiful woman, feeling a sense of awe. This sect master, with her captivating figure and voluptuous beauty, exuded a charm that seemed to stir others'' nerves with every move. But when the beautiful woman turned around, her stunning face and cold expression made Shen Mo''s heart skip a beat. Passionate like fire, cold as icetwo completely different temperaments coexisted in one person without seeming out of place. It was quite strange. Shen Mo instinctively looked at her life panel. [Name: Murong Yue.] [Realm: Peak of the Core Formation Stage.] [Fate: Blessed Star, Peerless Beauty, Fortunate Aura, Untimely Death, Flame and Frost Dual Body.] [Destiny: Stagnates at the peak of the Core Formation Stage. Five years later, perishes in the Divine Sword Sect''s campaign to unify all sects in Xuanjiang Prefecture, fighting to the death alongside Qingxuan Sect, and dies on the highest peak of the Qingcang Mountains] Shen Mo raised his eyebrows and examined the fate details. [Blessed Star: Orange Fate. You always encounter good fortune, such as having a powerful mentor and an immensely talented disciple.] [Peerless Beauty: Orange Fate. Your appearance is stunningly beautiful, always attracting the attention of the opposite sex.] [Fortunate Aura: Orange Fate. Luck surrounds you, and those closely related to you also experience better fortune.] [Untimely Death: White Fate. Due to treachery around you, you will die early in your prime.] [Flame and Frost Dual Body: Purple Fate. Your fire and ice spiritual roots are exceptionally advanced, making cultivation in these attributes doubly effective.] The opportunities required the strength of a Core Formation Stage cultivator to obtain, so Shen Mo did not look further. "Murong Yue perishes alongside Qingxuan Sect, and I also die in this conflict. It seems the fate of Qingxuan Sect is quite grim," Shen Mo thought deeply. Through the life panel, he had gleaned much useful information. "Shen Mo, from now on, you are my disciple. I have never taken a disciple before; you are the first and will be the last," the beautiful woman said indifferently. Shen Mo was stunned and quickly nodded, "Thank you, Sect Master!" "You probably don''t know my name. I am called Murong Yue. From now on, address me as Master," the beautiful woman waved her hand. "Yes, thank you, Master!" Murong Yue gazed at him, "You possess a heaven-grade constitution, which is both a blessing and a curse. Do you understand?" Shen Mo nodded, "I understand." Having a heaven-grade constitution meant cultivation would be as easy as eating and drinking. As long as no major mishaps occurred, he could potentially reach the Nascent Soul Stage in the future. Such a world-changing genius would undoubtedly arouse the jealousy of surrounding sects. Especially those with enmity towards Qingxuan Sect, who wouldn''t sit idly by. "I have ordered everyone to keep silent, but secrets always find a way out. This could take a short or long time." "In at most three years, your heaven-grade constitution will be known throughout Xuanjiang Prefecture." "I hope you can grow as quickly as possible within these three years." "I don''t expect you to reach Core Formation in three years, but you must at least cultivate to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage." "The fall of that heaven-grade genius back then will not be repeated under my watch!" Murong Yue finished speaking and handed over an ancient ring and a jade pendant. "This low-grade storage ring contains three hundred mid-grade spirit stones, thirty bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, fifty bottles of Healing Pills, fifty bottles of Qi Recovery Pills, fifty bottles of Detoxification Pills, and a copy of the Blazing Sun technique, including my insights while cultivating it. All these are yours." "Additionally, there is a book inside detailing the friendly and hostile forces of Qingxuan Sect. Make sure to study it." "This pendant contains the power of three full-strength attacks from me. It can save your life." "Thank you, Master." Shen Mo accepted the jade pendant and storage ring, feeling quite pleased. Having a powerful mentor felt great. Spirit stones and pills were sent his way without hesitation. A storage ring was a valuable item. It contained a small independent space. As long as it wasn''t a living thing, anything could be stored inside. A low-grade storage ring was worth a thousand low-grade spirit stones, equivalent to ten mid-grade spirit stones, making it quite expensive. Ordinary people couldn''t afford it. Yet, Murong Yue had directly given him a low-grade storage ring. As for the jade pendant, its value was even more immeasurable. Outer and inner elders would likely scramble to buy it. After all, it contained the full-strength attacks of a Core Formation expert like Murong Yue! "The situation in Xuanjiang Prefecture is also recorded in that book. Read it thoroughly and remember it," Murong Yue said casually. "Yes." Shen Mo nodded. The country he was in was called Great Jing. Great Jing consisted of nine provinces. This place was Xuanjiang Prefecture. It was named after the Xuanjiang River that flowed through it. How large Xuanjiang Prefecture was, how many cities, how many sects, the exact status of Qingxuan Sect, and the strength of the Divine Sword Sect were all unknown to him. After all, his former self had grown up in Qingshan City and came to Qingxuan Sect when he was a bit older, never having been anywhere else. "Alright, continue your cultivation. I don''t like teaching disciples and won''t impose on you," Murong Yue waved her hand. Shen Mo was even happier. Not being overly supervised was even better! "Yes, I''ll take my leave now." Shen Mo bowed and left. Murong Yue continued trimming the jujube tree. After a long time, she sighed softly. "After being in seclusion for so long, the sect has become so corrupt... Even my attempt to appoint a fifth true disciple was jointly rejected by the elders." "The sect is full of factions and entangled interests. Any rash move could provoke a strong backlash. If I insist, I might be forced into opposition..." "But if I do nothing, the sect will continue to decay..." "What should I do?" "Master was right; my indecisive nature makes me unsuitable to be the sect master..." Chapter 18: Xuanjiang Prefecture, The Five Great Sects, and the Underwater Cave The Next Day. Shen Mo turned over and got out of bed. Images of the book he had read overnight floated in his mind. S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The book''s script was both elegant and bold, likely written by Murong Yue herself. "The situation in Xuanjiang Prefecture is indeed complicated." "In a radius of a thousand miles, there are eighty-six cities, with more than ten sects of the same scale as the Qingxuan Sect. Each sect controls three to five cities." "And the most prosperous cities in Xuanjiang Prefecture are controlled by the Five Sects of Xuanjiang, namely, the Divine Sword Sect, the Rising Sun Sect, the Thunderfire Sect, the Verdant Vine Sect, and the Heavenly Water Sect." "The strength of these sects depends solely on the number of Core Formation stage cultivators." "Each of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang has more than thirty Core Formation stage cultivators, with the Divine Sword Sect having more than thirty-five Core Formation stage cultivators on record." "The Qingxuan Sect used to be one of these five sects, but thirty years ago, a conflict erupted, and twelve Core Formation stage cultivators, including the Qingxuan Sect''s leader, died in battle." "The death of the twelve Core Formation stage cultivators was a massive blow, causing the Qingxuan Sect''s strength to plummet. Its position was overtaken by the rising Heavenly Water Sect, forcing it to retreat to the southernmost part of Xuanjiang Prefecture, occupying an area centered around Qingshan City, Xishan City, and Gufeng City." "This area was also where the Qingxuan Sect initially rose to prominence and has been relatively well-maintained." "Fortunately, even a lean camel is bigger than a horse. The surrounding forces do not dare to provoke the Qingxuan Sect, which is good news." Shen Mo frowned in thought. His predecessor believed the Qingxuan Sect was the greatest hegemon. Little did he know, there are always higher mountains and greater skies! Above the Qingxuan Sect, there are the Five Sects of Xuanjiang. They are the true dominant forces of Xuanjiang Prefecture! After breakfast, Shen Mo headed straight to the deep pool. Murong Yue had gifted him a copy of the Xuan Grade technique "Blazing Sun Technique" and had thoughtfully shared her own insights with him. She was indeed very considerate. But he had a better option. That was the Heaven Grade technique! There was the "Hell Flame Destruction Manual" under the deep pool, something Shen Mo had long anticipated. He hadn''t come before because it would have been too conspicuous. After all, the area around the deep pool was bustling with people. If he suddenly dove into the pool, others would surely become suspicious. But now, his identity was different. Aside from his Heaven Grade physique and being a disciple of the sect leader, he had also defeated Lei Xiaojun head-on. Such strength made him a top-tier disciple within the inner sect. Even if he entered the pool, few would dare to question him. As he walked, Shen Mo remembered something. After awakening his physique yesterday, both Zhang Weihu and Zhao Rou mentioned that Murong Yue had called a meeting with all the elders to discuss making him the fifth true disciple. But today, Murong Yue hadn''t mentioned it. "Most likely, the elders rejected it." Shen Mo''s eyes were deep. It seemed that although Murong Yue was the sect leader, her control over the Qingxuan Sect wasn''t strong. Only her current strength was the greatest, allowing her to suppress everyone, including Liu Yuanfeng. "The Qingxuan Sect''s higher-ups are not united. Besides Murong Yue, who sincerely helps me, I need to be wary of everyone else." Shen Mo nodded. As for the identity of a true disciple, he didn''t mind. While becoming a true disciple would be good, not having this status for now wasn''t a big deal. After all, he couldn''t rely on the limited resources of a true disciple to grow quickly; he had to seize opportunities on his own. Thinking as he walked, Shen Mo soon arrived at the deep pool. There, several muscular disciples were sitting under the waterfall, having stripped off their clothes. This method of body tempering through water pressure was not uncommon; many people did it. However, the waterfall''s water pressure from the mountaintop was immense. Most people gave up after a short time. Shen Mo''s arrival immediately caught the disciples'' attention. "Senior Brother." "Greetings, Senior Brother Shen!" Both outer and inner sect disciples looked at him with respect. "Senior Brother Shen, are you here to temper your body as well?" Zhao Rou was also there. Seeing Shen Mo, she immediately beamed with joy. Compared to these ignorant disciples, she truly knew Shen Mo''s identity! Shen Mo nodded. "I''ll give it a try." He took off his disciple robe, preparing to throw it on the ground. Zhao Rou, with a smile on her face, caught it. "I''ll hold it for you; don''t dirty it by throwing it on the ground." Shen Mo smiled and nodded. "Alright." He handed the disciple robe to Zhao Rou. The disciples saw Zhao Rou being so enthusiastic toward Shen Mo and felt a wave of envy. Usually indifferent to many male disciples'' advances, Zhao Rou now seemed like a different person. With a leap, Shen Mo jumped into the deep pool. The white, silk-like hundred-foot waterfall suddenly crashed down. Shen Mo clenched his teeth, his entire body enduring the incredible water pressure. One breath, two breaths, three breaths... Until the eleventh breath! Only then did Shen Mo feel he couldn''t hold on any longer, so he didn''t continue. "Eleven breaths! He''s already surpassed Liu Yunxuan, who held the longest time among Qi Condensation Realm disciples!" "That''s right, back then Liu Yunxuan, Senior Brother Liu, challenged this when he was at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, and he only lasted nine breaths." "Not many Qi Condensation Realm disciples can last more than five breaths; Senior Brother Shen is amazing!" "Senior Brother Shen''s physical body is so strong! He must have tempered it in the Body Tempering realm for a long time." "Shh, don''t you know? Senior Brother Shen''s foundation was once damaged, but he later rebuilt it, reaching his current level. He has endured more hardships in the Body Tempering realm than anyone else." The disciples discussed fervently. Some even talked about Shen Mo''s past experiences, which were both lamentable and admirable. "Who is Liu Yunxuan?" Shen Mo leaned against the poolside and casually asked. Zhao Rou giggled, her eyes flowing with affection like water. "Senior Brother Shen, you don''t even know him? Liu Yunxuan is the son of Vice Sect Leader Liu and one of our Qingxuan Sect''s four true disciples. He is now a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator." "Many inner sect elders see him as a strong candidate for the next sect leader." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Then, with a dive, he swam towards the depths. Soon, he took out a blue pill and popped it into his mouth. This was a Breath-Holding Pill, a low-grade Huang Tier pill, the most basic kind. Its only function was to allow underwater breathing for a period. Shen Mo had long been prepared for the Hell Flame Destruction Manual under the deep pool. His vision scanned the dark waters. Soon, he felt a faint sense of foreboding. His gaze turned to a recessed crack. "I understand now, it''s my Scorching Sun Flame Body resonating with the inheritance site." "No wonder no one had ever discovered the inheritance site before it was found by Xiao Fan. It was because of the Scorching Sun Flame Body." "Surely, the Immortal Hell Flame had prepared this, only allowing those with Heaven Grade fire attribute physiques to discover the inheritance site." Shen Mo felt a surge of joy and immediately swam toward the crack. The crack was initially narrow, barely allowing a person to pass, but after swimming ten more feet, it suddenly opened up. However, it still seemed like just a rock wall. Shen Mo examined it closely and suddenly felt inspired, pressing his palm against the rock wall. Buzzing. An unusual power emanated from the rock wall, quickly spreading throughout Shen Mo''s body through his palm. It felt as if it were examining his physique. A few breaths later, the rock wall slowly disappeared, revealing a cave behind it. Shen Mo passed through the rock wall, immediately feeling like he had gone through a water-repelling barrier, with the water instantly being repelled. He removed the Breath-Holding Pill and took a deep breath. The cave was very simple, not like the so-called inheritance sites. Inside, there was only a table and a chair. However, the fire spiritual energy here was astonishing, several times denser than on the surface. On the table, a ball of light floated quietly. Inside it, golden Inscriptions flickered. They seemed to have life, swimming back and forth in the light like little golden snakes. Chapter 19: Xiao Fan’s New Opportunity – Acquiring the Flame Hell Destruction Manual Shen Mo knew that it was the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. Without hesitation, he reached out towards the light cluster. In an instant, all the golden scriptures seemed to have found an outlet and surged towards him. In just a moment, these scriptures rushed into his mind! A severe pain struck instantly! It felt like his head was about to burst! Shen Mo gritted his teeth and forced himself to endure. The Scorching Sun Flame Body automatically operated, frantically absorbing the fire spiritual qi from the cave, converting it into his own spiritual power through the spiritual qi vortex, striving to ensure his head wouldn''t suffer any damage. After several breaths, the pain gradually subsided. The fire spiritual qi in the cave had also been completely absorbed by the Scorching Sun Flame Body. Shen Mo knew he couldn''t stay underwater for long, otherwise, the other disciples would become suspicious. So, he quickly left the cave and rapidly ascended. Before long, he returned to the surface. At this moment, Zhao Rou and the others had already gone into the water to search for him. Shen Mo emerged from a crevice, attracting no one''s attention. When he appeared in front of Zhao Rou, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. The two of them surfaced together, returning to the surface. Zhao Rou hurriedly said, "Senior Brother Shen, where did you go? You scared me to death just now." Shen Mo looked at this lotus emerging from the water and smiled, "Out of curiosity, I explored this deep pool, but unfortunately, I wasn''t lucky and didn''t find any treasures." Zhao Rou rolled her beautiful eyes, "This deep pool has been turned upside down a long time ago. If Senior Brother Shen really found any treasure, it would be a miracle." The other disciples also let out good-natured laughter, "Yeah, yeah, many people thought there must be treasures at the bottom of this pool and kept searching persistently, but they all came back empty-handed." Shen Mo returned to the shore. Zhao Rou immediately handed him a clean towel. Shen Mo took it, still with a faint fragrance on it. He smiled faintly. He knew Zhao Rou''s intentions very well. She merely saw his limitless potential and wanted to cling to this big, sturdy leg. To be honest, Zhao Rou looked quite good, especially her waist, which was slender yet powerful, full of the explosive force of a female leopard. Establishing some deep yet shallow improper relationships was understandable. But after seeing Murong Yue, Zhao Rou seemed to lack a bit of charm. "My standards have risen," he clicked his tongue and smiled lightly. While drying himself, he inadvertently saw Xiao Fan and Liu Fei also arriving together. Judging by Xiao Fan''s eager expression, he clearly wanted to try the pressure of the hundred feet waterfall as well. Shen Mo''s eyes flashed as he looked again at Xiao Fan''s opportunities. Xiao Fan''s two greatest opportunities, the Scorching Sun Flame Body and the Flame Hell Destruction Manual, had both been intercepted by him halfway. His future fate was likely to have changed significantly. [Name: Xiao Fan] [Realm: Minor achievement Qi Condensation Realm] [Fate: Child of Fortune, Graceful Immortal, Reincarnated Mighty One, Survive in Desperation] [Destiny: Stops at Perfection in Divine Transformation Realm, becomes the Hall Master of the Scorching Heaven Hall, honored as Immortal Chi Feng. While seizing the treasures of an ancient cultivator''s inheritance site, he was surrounded by several Divine Transformation Realm cultivators. He killed two, severely injured one, but ultimately perished.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, he will try the waterfall pressure in the deep pool, fail, dive into the deep pool, and inadvertently discover a medium-grade spirit stone at the bottom.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Five days later, he will take on the task of hunting the Green Forest Python, and after killing it, he will find an indigestible top-tier Profound-grade treasure, the Dragon Blood Tree Heart, in the python''s stomach. After refining and absorbing it, he will advance to a major achievement in Qi Condensation.] [Recent Opportunity 3: Half a month later, he will take on the task of eliminating the Black Wind Bandit Camp. After clearing the camp, he will find a broken earth-grade spiritual artifact, the Forest Sword Technique, in the bandit''s treasure vault.] [Recent Opportunity 4: A month later, on behalf of Deputy Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng, he will go to Xishan City to handle the malicious competition among three families. On the way, he will encounter an old man who is astonished by his talent and gifts him a heaven-grade technique, the Purple Heavens Subduing Technique.] [Recent Opportunity 5: ...] Shen Mo clicked his tongue. Truly worthy of being the Child of Fortune. ''I had just intercepted the Flame Hell Destruction Manual, and this guy immediately got the Purple Heavens Subduing Technique, another heaven-grade technique.'' Moreover, this Purple Heavens Subduing Technique couldn''t even be intercepted. It was forcefully given by a passing wandering cultivator! Shen Mo shook his head. Then he decided to reluctantly collect the Dragon Blood Tree Heart and the Forest Sword Technique. After getting dressed, he left the deep pool. At this moment, Xiao Fan could no longer endure the water pressure and had to leave from under the waterfall. "Nine breaths! Brother Xiao Fan, you persisted as long as my elder brother!" Liu Fei clapped her small hands and exclaimed happily. Xiao Fan immediately showed a trace of pride. Indeed, he was a genius. He had just arrived and already matched the record for the longest duration. If he reached the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, he would definitely surpass nine breaths! Zhao Rou coughed lightly, "Currently, the longest duration is eleven breaths." Xiao Fan and Liu Fei were stunned. Liu Fei exclaimed, "When was the record broken? How come I didn''t know?" Although persisting under the waterfall''s pressure was just a private contest among Qi Condensation Realm disciples with no rewards, it was not something easily broken. Liu Yunxuan had held this record for five years without anyone breaking it. Zhao Rou pointed to the figure of Shen Mo walking away, "Look, it was Senior Brother Shen." "And I believe Senior Brother Shen didn''t even use his full strength. If he had gritted his teeth and persevered, he might have lasted even longer," she said seriously. The surrounding disciples nodded repeatedly. "I think so too. Senior Brother Shen looked quite at ease." "What level is Senior Brother Shen at now? He hasn''t reached the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm yet, right? When he reaches the peak and comes back, he will definitely last longer!" Hearing these comments, Xiao Fan and Liu Fei fell silent. Xiao Fan felt a deep jealousy in his heart. Despite his exceptional talent, why was he always overshadowed by Shen Mo? On the other side. Shen Mo turned and headed to the Mission Pavilion. The Mission Pavilion covered a large area and had two floors. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Each floor had a large stone tablet displaying various tasks. The two floors corresponded to outer sect disciples and inner sect disciples, respectively. One had to become an inner sect disciple to take on tasks from the second floor. Posting tasks was also simple; one only needed to go to the counter on each floor, tell the steward the task details, and the steward would display the task on the stone tablet. Generally, tasks posted by the sect were more stable. The dangers were known, and the rewards were usually modest. However, tasks posted by disciples could have unpredictable dangers, with rewards that could be very high or very low. It was early morning, the busiest time at the Mission Pavilion. Disciples would come in the morning to take on tasks. When Shen Mo arrived, disciples were bustling back and forth, making the place lively. Many disciples were also exchanging information in the main hall of the Mission Pavilion. For example, the appearance of dangerous beasts. Or places where disciples had fallen, with unknown dangers. Shen Mo quickly went to the second floor. His eyes scanned the stone tablet. "Nine-star task, find the Inheritance site of the Flame Hell Immortal, reward: fifty high-grade spirit stones, direct promotion to inner sect disciple." "Nine-star task, kill the Great Strength Demon Ape in the Demon Ape Valley of the Qingcang Mountains, reward: forty high-grade spirit stones, free selection of a profound-level cultivation method or martial skill, and a personal guidance session from Vice Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng." "Eight-star task" Chapter 20: Encounter with Liu Yunxuan Nearby, three inner sect disciples expressed their admiration. "I heard that the Flame Hell Immortal''s cave mansion is somewhere in the Qingcang Mountains. If I could find it and obtain the Flame Hell Destruction Manual, I would be set for life!" "Give it a rest. Many experts have searched for hundreds of years without finding it. You, a mere Qi Condensation minor achievement cultivator, think you can?" "Yeah, I heard it''s a heaven-grade technique. The sect master, the vice sect master, and many elders must have secretly searched for it too. Since there''s been no news, it means they haven''t found it either." "I wonder who will eventually get lucky and find it." The three inner sect disciples took their tasks and walked away, still dreaming about finding the cave mansion. Shen Mo touched his nose. In truth, he wanted to say, "You guys are wasting your time looking for it." The Flame Hell Destruction Manual was already in his hands, so no matter how hard others searched, they would never find it. Unfortunately, he couldn''t say that. If he did, even his current master, Murong Yue, would force him to hand over the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. Shen Mo continued looking at the stone tablet. Soon, he found his target. "Four-star task: Kill the Green Forest Python. Reward: thirty low-grade spirit stones." "Three-star task: Clear out the Black Wind Bandits harassing Ironwood Town. Reward: twenty low-grade spirit stones." Both tasks were posted by the sect. The star rating corresponded to the difficulty of the task. Tasks that Body Refining Realm disciples could handle were only one or two stars. Tasks that Qi Condensation cultivators could handle were three or four stars. Beyond that, tasks were suited for Foundation Establishment or Core Formation cultivators. "Ironwood Town... I''ve never been there." Shen Mo approached the mission steward on the second floor. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The steward, a round-faced woman at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, was dozing off with her chin in her hand. Shen Mo lightly tapped the table. "Senior Sister Steward, I need a map of the sect''s surroundings." The round-faced woman glared at him, then pulled a map from the drawer. "Three low-grade spirit stones." Shen Mo nodded and handed over the spirit stones. The price was clearly marked, and it was indeed three low-grade spirit stones. She wasn''t overcharging him. "The Green Forest Python is in this valley, and the Black Wind Bandits are near Ironwood Town. Perfect, I''ll deal with the Green Forest Python first, then handle the Black Wind Bandits on my way back." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "But before that, I need to enhance my strength." Since obtaining the Flame Hell Destruction Manual, he hadn''t practiced it yet. He believed that the first time he cultivated it, he would be pleasantly surprised! Shen Mo returned to his inner sect disciple residence, closed and locked the door, then sat cross-legged on his bed and began to cultivate according to the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. A cultivation technique, in essence, is a breathing method. Its purpose is to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, convert it through the spiritual power vortex, and turn it into one''s own spiritual power. The higher the grade of the cultivation technique, the faster the conversion rate. Shen Mo took out two bottles of Qi Condensation Pills from his storage ring and poured them into his mouth after pulling out the cork. Ten Qi Condensation Pills were ingested. Combined with the cultivation of the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. The spiritual power within him was rising at an astonishing speed. After two hours, he naturally reached the perfect stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. He could even feel his spiritual power swelling within him. It seemed he wasn''t far from the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm either! Shen Mo suddenly opened his eyes, feeling the surging spiritual power within him, revealing a look of surprise. "As expected of a heaven-grade technique!" "I reached the perfect stage of the Qi Condensation Realm so quickly." The Flame Hell Destruction Manual is divided into six levels. Comprehending the first level would allow one to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm. Comprehending the second level would lead to the Peak stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Comprehending the third level would lead to the Core Formation Realm. Comprehending the fourth level would lead to the peak stage of the Core Formation Realm. Comprehending the fifth level would lead to the Nascent Soul Realm. Comprehending the sixth level would lead directly to the peak stage of the Nascent Soul Realm! Shen Mo eagerly anticipated the day he would comprehend the first level and enter the Foundation Establishment Realm! He stood up and wielded his Thunder Sword, performing a set of Thunder Shadow Sword Techniques. Swish, swish, swish. In the small courtyard, sword shadows crisscrossed, and the sound of the sword slicing through the air suddenly arose. Fiery spiritual power surged, and a scorching aura clung to the blade. Each strike was decisive and lethal. Even a Qi Condensation cultivator of the same level would not be able to withstand three of Shen Mo''s strikes in a direct confrontation! "After reaching the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, I can unleash up to four strikes at full strength." Shen Mo nodded with satisfaction. "Now, it''s time to set off!" ... Shen Mo, dressed in the dark green inner sect disciple robe of the Qingxuan Sect, carrying the Thunder Sword on his back, left the mountain gate alone, heading towards the nameless valley where the Green Forest Python resided. The further he advanced in that direction, the fewer disciples he encountered. The Qingcang Mountains were vast and majestic, nominally under the control of the Qingxuan Sect, but many high mountains and deep valleys were beyond the sect''s reach. Shen Mo walked through the lush, dense forest, feeling a sense of joy and relaxation as he took in the verdant scenery. Suddenly, he smelled blood in the air. Ahead, he also heard the feeble cries of a beast. Shen Mo paused, then quickly headed towards the source of the blood scent. Before long, he discovered a dying, critically wounded beast. This beast was over three meters long, with a massive, snow-white body. In his previous life, it would have been comparable to a small car. Its body was covered in knife wounds and burn marks. Clearly, it had been injured by a cultivator skilled with blades and possessing a fire spiritual root. As he approached, Shen Mo felt a faint pressure. It was the suppression of a higher realm over a lower realm! "This size and this pressure, it''s a third-rank beast!" Shen Mo was overjoyed. A third-rank beast was equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Killing it would definitely yield a third-rank monster core. Such a core would certainly fetch a high price. Could it be that his "somewhat lucky" fate led him to encounter a dying beast by chance? He instinctively checked his life panel. "No... I don''t have such an opportunity recorded." Shen Mo was puzzled. After pondering for a while without understanding, he decided to take out a small knife to gut the third-rank beast and retrieve the monster core. If he refused a free gift, he''d be a fool. Shen Mo made a precise cut, ending the beast''s life. Sure enough, he found a large, pristine monster core. This third-rank monster core was as big as a fist, crystal clear and bright. The spiritual power contained within was evidently immense. However, the spiritual power in a third-rank monster core was too powerful for a Qi Condensation cultivator to absorb. Forcing absorption could cause the body to explode. Shen Mo only intended to take it back to the sect for trade, to exchange for items he needed. At that moment, a cold voice came from behind him. "Hand over the monster core." Shen Mo''s heart sank as he quickly turned around, seeing a tall, handsome young man with an air of elegance. With sharp brows and bright eyes, the young man had an imposing presence and extraordinary aura. He clearly held a high position. Moreover, the aura emanating from this person was terrifying, clearly surpassing Shen Mo by a significant margin! "Didn''t you hear me? Hand over the monster core." The young man frowned and scolded when Shen Mo didn''t respond. Shen Mo also frowned. "Who are you?" The young man frowned deeper. "You''re a Qingxuan Sect disciple and don''t recognize me? I am Liu Yunxuan!" Shen Mo was slightly surprised. So this guy was Liu Yunxuan. No wonder he was one of the four true disciples, truly impressive. "Senior Brother Liu, I found this dying beast and the monster core is mine." Shen Mo cupped his hands in respect. The other party was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and their strengths were not on the same level. Therefore, Shen Mo hoped to reason with him. Chapter 21: Liu Yunxuan’s Opportunity Liu Yunxuan sneered, "Nonsense! I''ve been chasing this beast through the forest for a long time. It forced me back when it was on the verge of death, which is why it escaped." "All these injuries on it were caused by me. Do you think you can just take it with a few words?" Shen Mo glanced at the sword at Liu Yunxuan''s waist, sensed the icy spiritual power flowing within him, and then looked at the knife wounds and fire burns on the beast. He fell silent. Ah, right, you''ve been chasing this beast for a long time. "I made a mistake. This indeed belongs to Senior Brother Liu." He smiled and tossed the monster core over. Liu Yunxuan caught the fist-sized third-rank monster core, nodded in satisfaction, and said, "You''re a smart person." With that, he quickly walked away. Shen Mo glanced at his life panel from a distance. [Name: Liu Yunxuan] [Realm: Foundation Establishment Great Accomplishment] [Fate: Lucky Star, Handsome and Graceful, Turning Misfortune into Fortune, Smooth Sailing, Lesser Yin Profound Ice Body] [Destiny: Stopped at the peak of Core Formation Realm, serving as the deputy sect master of the Divine Sword Sect. Died fifty-nine years later during the Divine Sword Sect''s external campaigns.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, while heading to Xishan City to meet the granddaughter of the Grand Elder of the Divine Sword Sect, he discovered Shen Mo encountering a dying beast and forced Shen Mo to hand over the third-rank monster core.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Five days later, while passing by the Sword Cliff of Qingxuan Sect, he will experience a sudden downpour, and the movement of bamboo leaves will lead to an epiphany, comprehending the first level of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique.] [Recent Opportunity 3: Ten days later, while executing a task from Liu Yuanfeng to kill the Striped Tiger, he will discover a naturally formed underground ice lake, containing a supreme-grade profound treasure, the Profound Yin Ice Essence. After refining it, his physique will be enhanced, and he will reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm.] [Lucky Star: Orange Fate. Your luck is always excellent. Encountering dying beasts or randomly obtaining earth-grade cultivation techniques and martial skills is just commonplace for you.] [Handsome and Graceful: Orange Fate. You are very handsome and always attract the attention of the opposite sex. Visiting the brothel, you not only get things for free but can also make money.] [Turning Misfortune into Fortune: Orange Fate. Every time you encounter danger, you can turn it into an opportunity.] [Smooth Sailing: Orange Fate. Your life is extremely smooth, rarely encountering setbacks, and you always end up on the winning side.] [Lesser Yin Profound Ice Body: Orange Fate. Middle-grade earth physique. Your ice spiritual root talent is exceptional, and you cultivate ice attribute techniques and martial skills faster than others.] After reading, Shen Mo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "No wonder I didn''t have an opportunity here. This opportunity was his, and I was just a background character in it..." "This guy''s fate is quite different from Xiao Fan''s. Xiao Fan''s fates are all red, while his are all one level lower, all orange." "But what''s going on with him meeting the granddaughter of the Grand Elder of the Divine Sword Sect and eventually becoming an inner sect elder of the Divine Sword Sect?" Shen Mo thought about it and quickly figured it out. Either the Qingxuan Sect was destroyed, and Liu Yunxuan joined the Divine Sword Sect, or Liu Yunxuan betrayed the Qingxuan Sect and joined the Divine Sword Sect! "He looks like a gentleman, but he''s actually a traitor." Thinking about his third-rank monster core being taken, Shen Mo added, "A greedy traitor!" This small episode didn''t anger him much. Although the third-rank monster core was precious, it was nothing compared to the Profound Yin Ice Essence. "Since you took my third-rank monster core, I''ll reluctantly take your Profound Yin Ice Essence." Shen Mo snorted and continued towards the nameless valley. The process of killing the Green Forest Python was not full of twists and turns; in fact, it was rather uneventful. The Green Forest Python was only a second-rank great accomplishment beast, equivalent to a Qi Condensation Great Accomplishment cultivator. Shen Mo, however, was at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm. Realm suppression, strength suppression. With just three strikes, he killed the Green Forest Python. Then, Shen Mo took out a small knife and cut open the python''s belly, finding a section of blood-red tree heart. This was the supreme-grade profound treasure, the Dragon Blood Tree Heart! It contained immense and pure wood spiritual energy. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo took a water bag from his storage ring, washed off the mucus from the tree heart, and then held it contentedly. "This can serve as one of the foundations for my Dao foundation." Shen Mo nodded with satisfaction. Body Refining and Qi Condensation realms were not very different as long as one had the right pills and practiced diligently. The only difference lay in the levels of techniques and martial skills, which determined the strength disparity. However, for a Qi Condensation peak cultivator to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm, they needed to condense a Dao foundation within their spiritual power vortex. The quality of the Dao foundation marked the first significant divide among cultivators. "Dao foundations are classified into ordinary, traceless, and perfect." "By refining and absorbing five lower or middle-grade profound treasures corresponding to the five elements, one can establish an ordinary Dao foundation." "By refining five upper-grade profound treasures of the corresponding five elements, one can establish a traceless Dao foundation." "If one refines five supreme-grade profound treasures of the corresponding five elements, one can establish the most powerful perfect Dao foundation!" "This step is where many Qi Condensation cultivators get stuck." Shen Mo sighed. Ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators couldn''t intercept opportunities everywhere like him. Their only option was to save up spirit stones desperately to buy profound treasures to build their Dao foundations. But the price difference between lower-grade and supreme-grade profound treasures was enormous. A lower-grade profound treasure usually required only three hundred low-grade spirit stones. But a supreme-grade profound treasure required three thousand low-grade spirit stones! This disparity caused many to get stuck at this stage, not because of their lack of talent, but because of financial constraints. By the time they saved enough for the required materials, their prime years for cultivation would have quietly slipped away. "Dao platform, also known as Dao foundation, is the root of the Great Dao." "Since I have such a golden finger, I must pursue the perfect Dao platform!" Shen Mo set a small goal. Before becoming a Divine Transformation Realm powerhouse, he aimed to first forge a perfect Dao platform! Shen Mo placed the dragon blood tree heart into his storage ring and then headed towards Ironwood Town. The bandits harassing Ironwood Town were relatively weak. Most of them were only at the minor or major accomplishment stage of the Body Tempering Realm. Even the leader of the Black Wind Bandits was only at the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. With such strength, Qingxuan Sect could sweep them away with just one or two disciples at the major accomplishment stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. The reason why no one had taken action yet was simply due to the lack of money and too many affairs. One or two Body Tempering Realm disciples couldn''t handle the Black Wind Bandits. If more Body Tempering Realm disciples were sent, there wouldn''t be enough reward to go around. As for the Qi Condensation Realm disciples, they had enough strength but didn''t care for the meager reward of clearing out the Black Wind Bandits. Therefore, the Black Wind Bandits could rampage for a long time, making the surrounding ordinary people suffer greatly. Shen Mo quickly slaughtered everyone in the Black Wind Bandits. Then, he went straight to the treasure vault of the Black Wind Bandits to search. Before long, he found his target. Half of a calligraphy scroll. The scroll was rolled up. Shen Mo carefully opened it. There was only one word on it: "Forest." It was written very carelessly, like wild grass swaying in the wind. "Is this an earth-grade spiritual weapon? It doesn''t seem very impressive." Shen Mo tried to refine it with a drop of blood, but there was no response. Then, he injected spiritual power into the scroll. The scroll started to vibrate. Shen Mo suddenly felt a pang of fear and quickly turned his head aside. Whoosh! A sharp sword aura suddenly shot out from the scroll, slicing the hard rock wall behind Shen Mo into two! The cut surface was incredibly smooth. As if cutting through snow. Shen Mo''s eyes widened. If he hadn''t turned his head just now, his head might have been split in two! "This strike definitely has the power of the Foundation Establishment Realm!" Shen Mo was overjoyed and immediately put it away. Now he understood why this item was called the "Forest Sword Art." Chapter 22: The Townspeople’s Admiration and the Invitation to Join Senior Brother Song Leaving Black Wind Stronghold and passing by Ironwood Town, Shen Mo saw the townspeople shivering at the entrance, next to several ox carts. The ox carts were piled high with various goods. There was grain, dried meat, and valuables. These were all the hard-earned savings of the townspeople. At this moment, some parents were tearfully bidding farewell to their daughters, as if they were sending them into a fire pit from which they would never return. Shen Mo''s dark green disciple robe was quite eye-catching, immediately drawing the attention of many townspeople. An elderly man, leaning on a cane, hobbled over in a hurry. His frail appearance made Shen Mo feel as though he might fall apart at any moment. The old man urgently asked, "Im- Immortal, are you a disciple of the Qingxuan Sect?" Shen Mo nodded slightly. With a thud, the old man knelt before Shen Mo, "Please, Immortal, save our Ironwood Town. The Black Wind Stronghold bandits have been ravaging us for years, yet no one from Qingxuan Sect has come to purge them. We can no longer provide food for the bandits of Black Wind Stronghold..." "If this continues, people in the town will starve to death..." As the old man finished speaking, the emaciated townspeople behind him also knelt down with a thud. Each one was sobbing uncontrollably. It was clear they had suffered enough from the bandits'' harassment. Shen Mo''s heart tightened. No matter the world, the ones who suffer the most are always the common folk. The bandits of Black Wind Stronghold were easy for him to deal with. But these bandits had inflicted long-lasting harm on the people of Ironwood Town. They had torn families apart and ruined lives. A young man rushed over, trying to pull the old man up. "Grandpa, don''t kneel to him!" "Black Wind Stronghold has been entrenched for six years, and we''ve never seen anyone from Qingxuan Sect come to clear them out. Why kneel to him?" The young man glared fiercely at Shen Mo. Shen Mo helped the old man up. He did not blame the young man. If he were in the young man''s shoes, he would be just as angry. Shen Mo said loudly, "Black Wind Stronghold is no more. You can all rest easy." The old man was stunned, and the townspeople were also shocked. The old man exclaimed, "Really? Immortal, did you really destroy Black Wind Stronghold?" At that moment, Shen Mo waved his hand and left, "The warehouse in Black Wind Stronghold is full of food. Help yourselves." He had more important matters to attend to. The young man watched Shen Mo''s swiftly disappearing figure and snorted, "Impossible. He''s just boasting! How could one person destroy so many bandits at Black Wind Stronghold?" The old man, both astonished and doubtful, said, "We''ll see if it''s true. A few young men, go check out Black Wind Stronghold!" The young man raised his hand, "I''ll go!" Soon, five men volunteered. The five ran to Black Wind Stronghold. When they returned, their eyes were red. "Grandpa, Black Wind Stronghold has truly been destroyed!" The young man was the first to return, filled with joy. The old man''s eyes welled up with tears. He knelt tremblingly in the direction Shen Mo had left, prostrating himself. Using all his strength, he shouted, "Thank you, Immortal!" Behind him, the people of Ironwood Town also knelt from the bottom of their hearts, "Thank you, Immortal!" The young man, too, knelt with the others, feeling deeply ashamed of his previous words. ... At this moment, Shen Mo had already returned to the Qingxuan Sect. "The wood foundation is in place; now I need the other four elements." He nodded slightly. The Fiery Sun Flowing Fire Essence he had obtained earlier was a heaven-grade treasure and had already fused with his body, making it unsuitable as a foundation for his Dao platform. "It''s time to cultivate, to break through to the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm as soon as possible. In the Qi Condensation Realm, I will be invincible." Shen Mo sat down cross-legged, following the Flame Hell Destruction Manual to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. As for pills, he still had dozens of Qi Condensation Pills given to him by Murong Yue in his storage ring. Even if he consumed the Qi Condensation Pills like beans, he could reach the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm. With such diligent and hardworking cultivation, three days passed in the blink of an eye. In three days, he consumed ten bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, a total of thirty pills. With such rigorous and diligent cultivation, his realm immediately broke through to the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm effortlessly! Shen Mo opened his eyes, feeling the immense aura surging from within him, and felt a surge of joy. "It''s time to submit my tasks to the Mission Pavilion." Every task had a deadline, with a maximum of seven days. If a task wasn''t completed within seven days, not only would there be no reward, but there would also be consequences. Although Shen Mo didn''t really need the rewards from these two tasks, he didn''t want to face any repercussions either. At the Task Pavilion. Shen Mo once again arrived there. He was greeted by the same round-faced girl who liked to doze off. He tapped the table lightly, "Senior Sister Deacon, I''m here to submit my tasks." As he spoke, he took out two tokens. Submitting tasks required tokens as proof; it couldn''t be done by mere words alone. The token for killing the Green Forest Python was its green fang, which was hard to forge and could only be extracted from the python''s mouth. The token for clearing out Black Wind Stronghold was the stronghold''s flag. The round-faced girl nodded sleepily and handed the rewards to Shen Mo. Shen Mo took the spirit stones and left the Task Pavilion, ready to intercept Liu Yunxuan''s opportunity for the Xuan Yin Ice Marrow. At that moment, he noticed the martial arts field was crowded with disciples. Moreover, there were few outer disciples; most of them were inner disciples. They were noisily discussing something. High above, there was an elderly woman in a green and white robe, who seemed to be an inner sect elder in charge of supervision. Shen Mo found her somewhat familiar. It seemed that she was the one who had been responsible for investigating when his previous self had been poisoned. Shen Mo didn''t know what was happening, so he casually pulled aside a disciple to inquire about the situation. The disciple was initially impatient but, upon seeing it was Shen Mo, quickly recognized him as the newly promoted inner disciple who had recently defeated Lei Xiaojun in a public duel. His attitude softened immediately, and he hurriedly replied, "The four true disciples are recruiting inner disciples." Shen Mo frowned, "How come I didn''t hear about this?" The disciple scratched his head, "This was announced two days ago. The four true disciples would be personally present, and any inner disciple joining them would receive Qi Condensation Pills, mid-grade spirit stones, and other rewards. That''s why so many disciples have gathered..." Shen Mo suddenly understood. He had been refining the heart of the Dragon Blood Tree for the past three days, so he was unaware of the outside developments. However, the open recruitment of inner disciples by the four true disciples would likely exacerbate the factional divisions within Qingxuan Sect. Why would Murong Yue agree to this? Shen Mo shook his head, uninterested in getting involved in these matters, and was about to leave. However, he had barely taken a few steps when two female disciples'' eyes lit up and they blocked his way. "Junior Brother, you must be the one who defeated Lei Xiaojun recently... Shen Mo, right?" the girl on the left smiled. Shen Mo shook his head, "You''ve got the wrong person. My name is Zhang Yide." The smile on the girl''s face froze. The girl on the right gave an awkward smile, "Junior Brother Shen, there''s no need for that. I recognize you." Shen Mo frowned, "What do you want?" The girl on the right quickly said, "Naturally, we''re inviting you to join Senior Brother Song Junjie''s faction!" sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Our Senior Brother Song''s father is Grand Elder Song Chaofeng. He has amazing potential and great strength, having already achieved minor achievement in the Foundation Establishment Realm. He will certainly become a Core Formation Realm cultivator in the future." "Junior Brother Shen, your strength is remarkable. If you''re willing to join Senior Brother Song''s faction, you''ll receive three Qi Condensation Pills and a mid-grade spirit stone for free. What do you think?" Shen Mo remained silent. Anger flared within him. They wanted him to be a subordinate and were offering such meager rewards. It was truly insulting. Shen Mo naturally looked down on these offerings. Not to mention, he still had dozens of bottles of Qi Condensation Pills given to him by Murong Yue in his storage ring. It was laughable; he couldn''t possibly use them all. Chapter 23: The Angry Song Junjie and the Elder’s Reprimand "No need." Shen Mo waved his hand, uninterested in entangling with them, and was about to leave. The faces of the two female disciples grew even stiffer. The girl on the left was particularly annoyed, pointing at Shen Mo''s nose and scolding him. "Shen Mo, don''t be ungrateful. We are only inviting you because of your strength to join Senior Brother Song''s faction." "Being invited by us is an honor for you, don''t fail to appreciate it." Shen Mo sneered. He detested people like this the most. Arrogant and self-important. However, he couldn''t be bothered to argue with such people. So, without saying more, he chose to leave. At this moment, a loud laugh slowly echoed. "Junior Brother Shen? I''ve heard your name, defeating Lei Xiaojun head-on. You have some strength. Why not join my faction?" Shen Mo turned around and saw a tall, upright young man. This person, like Liu Yunxuan, put on the airs of a refined gentleman. However, his appearance was noticeably inferior to Liu Yunxuan''s. His actions and tone seemed to be deliberately imitating Liu Yunxuan, rather clumsily. Shen Mo knew the names of the four true disciples of Qingxuan Sect. This person''s surname was Song, so he was naturally Song Junjie, ranked second among the four true disciples. Shen Mo was about to speak when another dull voice rang out nearby. "Are you Shen Mo? My sister often mentions you." "Why not join my faction under Zhao Ting? Joining Song Junjie''s weak faction will only dull your skills and ambitions." Shen Mo looked towards the voice and saw a tall, muscular young man with bulging muscles. His loose dark green disciple robe was worn like tight-fitting clothing. Zhao Ting, a member of the Zhao family from Gufeng City. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. So, this person was Zhao Rou''s brother. Zhao Rou was standing beside Zhao Ting at that moment. Upon hearing Zhao Ting''s words, her pretty face turned red, and she pinched her brother''s waist hard. Song Junjie raised an eyebrow, "Zhao Ting, speak properly. Don''t resort to verbal attacks, or you''ll face the consequences. I''m not someone to be trifled with!" Zhao Ting sneered, "Say that again when you can beat me." The simultaneous comments from Song Junjie and Zhao Ting immediately drew the attention of many inner disciples. These inner disciples looked at Shen Mo, recalling the remarkable achievements of this fierce new inner disciple from not long ago. Liu Yunxuan, along with another true disciple, Luo Shengnan, also looked over. Liu Yunxuan recognized Shen Mo, frowning slightly. Three days ago, when he went to Xishan City, he had inadvertently encountered an inner disciple who had obtained a demon crystal. He had ordered the disciple to hand over the demon crystal. Unexpectedly, that person turned out to be Shen Mo. His father, Liu Yuanfeng, had mentioned this name to him in secret. "The person Father mentioned is actually him..." Jealousy flickered in his eyes. Even though Murong Yue ordered silence on the matter, Liu Yuanfeng still told him about Shen Mo awakening a heaven-grade physique. Therefore, Liu Yunxuan was genuinely envious. He had only awakened a low-grade earth physique. This person, however, had an upper-grade heaven physique. Barring any accidents, Shen Mo''s future achievements would far surpass his own. Luo Shengnan, meanwhile, looked Shen Mo up and down, then dismissed him with a curl of her lip. "This guy is so effeminate; he''s useless. I don''t want someone like him." She licked her lips, eyeing Zhao Ting''s back. "It''s a pity Zhao Ting is a true disciple; otherwise, I''d pick him first!" She sighed and continued to pick other inner disciples for her faction. Luo Shengnan was a woman, but her bulging muscles and broad frame made her more manly than many men. Thus, the inner disciples she recruited were all brawny types. Shen Mo, with his handsome appearance and well-proportioned build, was not in her selection criteria. However, despite this, the sudden competition between two true disciples for one inner disciple attracted the attention of most people in the martial arts field. Everyone wanted to see how this situation would unfold. After all, joining Song Junjie''s faction would offend Zhao Ting. Joining Zhao Ting''s faction would offend Song Junjie. It was a dilemma. Xiao Fan and Liu Fei were also in the crowd. Seeing this scene, Xiao Fan couldn''t help but sneer. He knew Shen Mo was already a disciple of the Sect Master, so he definitely wouldn''t join any faction. This matter had blown up and would not end well. Shen Mo rubbed his temples. What did I do to deserve this? "I''m just passing by!" "I don''t want to join anyone''s faction right now," Shen Mo said in a deep voice. "Goodbye!" With that, he turned and walked away. As a disciple of the Sect Master, my beautiful master naturally provides me with all sorts of resources. Additionally, I can go out and seize even better opportunities on my own. There''s no need to join any true disciple''s faction and be treated like a lackey. After Shen Mo said this, the reactions of the disciples varied. Some shook their heads, some clicked their tongues and gave thumbs up, while others crossed their arms and sneered. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Most of them had a look of watching a show. Choosing one side would offend the other. If you tried to stay neutral, you would end up offending both sides. Zhao Ting snorted, "You... ow..." Before he could finish, Zhao Rou pinched the soft flesh at his waist. Song Junjie''s eyebrows raised, "Refusing to give me face?" In this public setting, rejecting me outright, isn''t that a slap to my face? Shen Mo met his gaze without fear. Even though Song Junjie was a whole realm above him, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Shen Mo was not afraid. I am the Sect Master''s disciple, and this is the sect''s grounds. What can you do to me? Song Junjie''s gaze turned colder, "Stop!" Shen Mo ignored him and continued walking out. "I told you to stop!" Song Junjie shouted, stomping the ground and launching himself like an arrow. His fist aimed directly at Shen Mo''s back! "Qingxuan Sect rules, no fighting within the sect grounds, violators will be punished!" An old voice sounded. The spiritual energy in the air fluctuated for a moment. Then, Song Junjie''s charging figure stiffened. It was as if he was bound by an irresistible force. Veins bulged on his forehead, his face turned red, and he barely managed to squeeze out a few words, "Elder Li..." The disciples instinctively looked up, towards the elderly woman in the green and white robe, feeling a sense of awe. She was an inner sect elder, a Core Formation stage powerhouse. Elder Li didn''t even need to move; a mere flick of her finger could manipulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to restrain lower-level cultivators. "Song Junjie, considering you are a true disciple, you are exempt from punishment. Go to the Sword Cliff and reflect on your actions," the elderly woman said indifferently. Song Junjie clenched his fists tightly. But in the end, he could only lower his head, "Yes..." Even as a true disciple, he couldn''t go against an inner sect elder. If he did, the punishment would be even more severe. If his father''s enemies got wind of this, the most severe consequence could even be losing his true disciple status! Step by step, Song Junjie left the martial arts field with a face full of humiliation. The disciples looked on in astonishment. Why would Elder Li side with Shen Mo? Even if a true disciple attacked someone, most inner sect elders would turn a blind eye. Moreover, Song Junjie''s father was Grand Elder Song Chaofeng. Shen Mo was also surprised, and he couldn''t help but glance at the elderly woman. Elder Li looked at him and nodded slightly. Shen Mo immediately understood. This Elder Li was on Murong Yue''s side! His heart warmed instantly. Having a powerful backer is great! He bowed from a distance, "Thank you, Elder Li, for upholding justice. Qingxuan Sect should indeed be fair and just!" Elder Li nodded and said nothing more. Shen Mo also left the martial arts field without lingering. He had many things to do. There was no need to waste time here. After Shen Mo left, the martial arts field gradually became lively again. However, the disciples were all discussing what had just happened. Was Elder Li Shen Mo''s backer? Would Elder Li really risk offending Grand Elder Song Chaofeng for Shen Mo? Such gossip was the most tantalizing. Liu Yunxuan, being in the know, naturally understood why Elder Li would help Shen Mo. He snorted coldly. If Song Junjie''s punch had landed, Shen Mo would have been severely injured. If Song Junjie were even more ruthless, he might have severely damaged Shen Mo''s foundation, possibly even destroying his heavenly-grade physique! What a pity! Chapter 24: Profound-Grade Top-Tier Tiger Gold, Fierce Tiger Forest Shen Mo left the martial arts arena, his mind filled with the life panel he had just seen. [Name: Song Junjie] [Realm: Entry-level Foundation Establishment] [Fate: Astonishing luck, handsome appearance, dual sword and blade mastery, Wind and Thunder Sword and Blade Body] [Destiny: Stops at the Great Achievement in the Core Formation Realm, serves as an inner elder at the Divine Sword Sect. Fifty-six years later, while seeking breakthroughs, he dies from an ambush by an elder from a rival sect.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Attempted to recruit Shen Mo to his faction at the martial arts arena today but was rejected, leading to anger and an impulsive attack. Eventually stopped by an inner elder, he was punished to meditate on Sword Cliff, where he unexpectedly gained insights and advanced to the third level of the Gale Sword Technique.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Three days after punishment, left the sect to vent his anger in the Qingcang Mountains. Accidentally discovered a corpse in the Tiger King''s cave in the Fierce Tiger Forest. The corpse had a low-grade storage ring containing a superior-grade Profound-grade treasure, Tiger Gold, which can be used as the metal element in foundation.] "Tiger Gold, a superior-grade Profound-grade treasure, clearly a precious metal attribute item." sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo smiled. If he hadn''t clashed with Song Junjie today, he would have missed this opportunity. This item was perfect for crafting his ideal Dao Foundation with a metal element. "However, judging by his destiny, he is also quite the traitor." Shen Mo sneered. "I should first head to the Underground Ice Lake, then to the Fierce Tiger Forest, conveniently in a straight line." "I truly am a genius at planning my time." Shen Mo quickly left the sect, heading straight for the Underground Ice Lake. The Underground Ice Lake was extremely secretive. If it weren''t for Liu Yuanfeng accidentally discovering it, no one would have found it. When Shen Mo arrived, no one had been there yet. The cold here repelled many beasts. However, Shen Mo was well-prepared. He had purchased some Warming Pills from the Treasure Pavilion of the Qingxuan Sect. Warming Pills, like Breath-Holding Pills, were low-grade Yellow-level pills and easy to obtain. Their effect was simple: just holding them under the tongue continuously provided warmth. This way, he wouldn''t be frozen by the cold of the Ice Lake. Thus, he easily obtained the Profound Yin Ice Marrow at the bottom of the lake. After placing the Profound Yin Ice Marrow into his storage ring, Shen Mo hurried towards the Fierce Tiger Forest. The Fierce Tiger Forest was also located within the Qingcang Mountains, but this forest was not exclusively for Qingxuan Sect disciples; many itinerant cultivators were present as well. This was understandable. Although the Qingxuan Sect was nominally the master of the Qingcang Mountains, the range was too vast to be completely controlled by the sect. There were always corners that the Qingxuan Sect could not reach. These places became havens for itinerant cultivators. Some Qingxuan Sect disciples were even robbed and killed by these cultivators. Hence, the previous sect leader stepped forward. He knew well that the Qingxuan Sect could not fully control the Qingcang Mountains nor expel all the itinerant cultivators. So, he decided to open certain areas to them. This maintained stability in the Qingcang Mountains. Since then, the Qingxuan Sect has opened parts of the Qingcang Mountains to itinerant cultivators. The condition was that they could not attack Qingxuan Sect disciples. Thus, the cultivators had a way to make a living and wouldn''t risk attacking the sect''s disciples. The Fierce Tiger Forest was one of these open areas. This forest covered a large area, filled with fierce tigers, hence the name. Tigers were valuable. Tiger skin, bones, meat, blood, and even genitals could fetch a good price. So, many itinerant cultivators came to the Fierce Tiger Forest to hunt tigers. Additionally, the forest produced several precious herbs. The Qingxuan Sect purchased these herbs at high prices. These herbs were treasures sought after by itinerant cultivators. When Shen Mo arrived at the entrance of the Fierce Tiger Forest, it was bustling, forming a small market. It was filled with cultivators coming and going. There were even outer and inner disciples of the Qingxuan Sect among them. The market was noisy with shouts and sales pitches. However, most of the goods were fake, meant to swindle money. Shen Mo walked through the crowd with great interest, looking around. To his left, a stall owner shouted, "Fellow Daoists, pay attention! Three Golden Python eggs! They will at least grow to the third rank! Don''t miss this chance! Only one hundred medium-grade spirit stones for all three!" On the ground in front of him were three large, yellowish eggs that looked quite impressive. A cultivator passed by and asked, "Can you lower the price?" "Of course." "Hmm... One hundred low-grade spirit stones." "Deal! Pay up quickly!" The cultivator immediately showed a look of regret. "Seems like I still lost out." Laughter erupted around them. Shen Mo walked briskly through the small market and arrived at the entrance of the Fierce Tiger Forest. This was the gathering spot for forming teams. Some cultivators, feeling their strength was insufficient, would form teams. Some would team up with acquaintances. Some, being alone, would have to temporarily team up with strangers. This was very risky. If there were no gains, it would be fine. But if the gains were significant, well, it might even include oneself as part of someone else''s gains. As soon as Shen Mo arrived, a beautiful woman''s eyes lit up. She swayed her hips like a snake as she quickly walked towards him. "Little brother, I am She Yan. Would you like to team up and do a task together?" She then whispered softly in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I know a secret location with Tiger Gold. We can split the loot fifty-fifty!" She deliberately moved very close, even pressing her soft chest against Shen Mo''s arm. Shen Mo frowned slightly. The pair of ''cushions'' in front of her were indeed large. But anyone who came on so strong definitely had bad intentions. He instinctively glanced at her life panel. [Name: Wu Lan] [Realm: Perfection in Qi Condensation Realm] [Fate: Astonishing luck, venomous woman, loves poison, naturally toxic body] [Destiny: Stops at the Perfection in Foundation Establishment Realm. Sixteen years later, uses her old tricks to harm a disciple of the Thunderfire Sect, angering the Grand Elder. Several Core Formation Realm elders chase and finally kill her mercilessly.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, deceives an ignorant cultivator into teaming up to explore the Fierce Tiger Forest, takes advantage of a moment of inattention to launch a sneak attack, kills him, and gains three medium-grade spirit stones and two high-grade Yellow-level weapons.] [Recent Opportunity 2: One month later, tries to deceive Qingxuan Sect''s true disciple Zhao Ting, gets chased by Zhao Ting, falls into an underground cave but luckily finds a superior-grade Profound-grade treasure, Earth Vein Marrow, and refines it to reach the peak of Qi Condensation Realm.] Shen Mo''s eyes flickered. What a cunning woman. She called herself She Yan, but her real name was Wu Lan. Her usual work seemed to involve deceiving ignorant cultivators into teaming up and then killing them. Her end was tragic though, angering the Thunderfire Sect and dying miserably. However, the Earth Vein Marrow was a valuable item. It would be perfect for his earth foundation. "No team-ups." Shen Mo flatly refused and walked past her straight into the Fierce Tiger Forest. Wu Lan pouted. He seemed smart and not easily swayed by lust. Smart men were hard to deceive, and those not easily swayed by lust were also hard to deceive. She couldn''t be bothered to waste any more time and turned to look for those easily controlled by their lower halves. Soon, she found her target. A young man who looked na?ve and inexperienced, followed by three mature-looking middle-aged warriors. One glance was enough to see that he was the type of family disciple nurtured from a young age and just recently started traveling. "Young master, you look like a family disciple. I am Song Li. How may I address you, and what brings you to the Fierce Tiger Forest?" Wu Lan swayed her hips as she approached the young man. The young man, never having seen such enthusiasm, was immediately captivated and confessed, "I am Luo Fei... from the Luo family of Ancient Wind City. I am here to hunt the Tiger King! These three are the warriors I hired!" Wu Lan discreetly sized up the three men and chuckled, "The Tiger King? I know about it. Why don''t we team up?" "Great! Thank you so much!" Luo Fei responded with a joyful smile. Chapter 25: Instantly Killing the Tiger King to Obtain Tiger Gold "Damn, this Fierce Tiger Forest is really winding." Shen Mo kicked away a fierce tiger bleeding from all its orifices and scratched his head. He had been searching for a long time but still hadn''t found the Tiger King''s cave mentioned in the life panel. Along the way, he encountered a few itinerant cultivators. He wanted to ask them about the location of the Tiger King''s cave. However, they quickly avoided him, showing a high level of vigilance. Thus, Shen Mo wandered around the Fierce Tiger Forest. Apart from killing a few fierce tigers and some hard-skinned wild boars, he found nothing. "Hmm? Such a powerful tiger roar?" Shen Mo''s ears twitched as he heard an astonishing roar coming from the southeast. This roar was completely different from the fierce tigers he had killed earlier. It exuded the majesty and ferocity of the king of beasts. Clearly, it was undoubtedly the Tiger King. Shen Mo quickly headed in that direction. On the other side, in front of the Tiger King''s cave. Luo Fei watched in horror as the Tiger King bit off the upper bodies of the two warriors he had recruited, spraying him with blood. He was stunned. He hadn''t expected the outside world to be so dangerous. Nor had he expected the woman who led them here to disappear immediately. S~ea??h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although he had no experience traveling outside, he understood now. He had been set up! "Young Master Luo, run quickly! This Tiger King is too fierce; we are no match for it!" Another warrior cursed as he dodged the Tiger King''s claws, shouting. As soon as he finished speaking, the Tiger King''s sharp claws slashed across his neck. In an instant, his head was separated from his body. Luo Fei stood frozen in place, his legs feeling like they were made of lead, unable to move. "I... I..." He smiled bitterly. The Tiger King''s bloodthirsty jaws were already opening towards him. The foul stench hit his face. Scenes of him with his father and sister flashed quickly through his mind. "If I hadn''t sneaked out from home, if I hadn''t wanted to kill the Tiger King to gather materials to treat my father''s illness, I wouldn''t be dying now." At that moment, a blinding flash of sword light, like lightning, streaked across the sky. With a splashing sound. A spray of hot blood erupted from the Tiger King''s body, drenching the ground around it. The Tiger King let out a miserable cry and immediately retreated. It looked at its attacker with anger and astonishment. Luo Fei, as if revived from despair, looked at the young man who had suddenly appeared. He stood tall, wearing a dark green robe, his face sharp and handsome. "I''ve been looking for you for a long time, and here you are." Shen Mo sneered and activated his Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, charging again. Before coming, he had investigated that the Tiger King was only a second-tier beast, equivalent to a cultivator at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm. Shen Mo, now at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, found it easy to deal with such a beast. That first sword strike almost killed the Tiger King instantly. However, the Tiger King had instinctively avoided a fatal hit, thus preventing an instant kill. Clang, clang, clang! Shen Mo struck three more times. Each strike was as swift and fierce as lightning, targeting vital points. The Tiger King initially resisted. But as its vital points were continuously injured and blood gushed out, it grew weaker. In the end, it roared angrily and pushed Shen Mo back, trying to escape. But Shen Mo wouldn''t give it a chance to flee. With the fourth strike, he pierced its heart, shattering it! The Tiger King let out a final, desperate cry and collapsed. Shen Mo cautiously delivered a few more strikes to ensure its death, then sheathed his sword. His formidable skills left Luo Fei dumbfounded. So many warriors had attacked the Tiger King but barely harmed it. Yet he, alone, took it down with just four strikes? "I''ve seen strong people before, but never anyone this strong!" Luo Fei snapped back to reality and quickly called out, "Benefactor! Could you sell me the Tiger King''s bones? I''m willing to pay double!" Shen Mo glanced at him. "Why should I sell them to you?" Luo Fei hurriedly explained, "My name is Luo Fei, from the Luo family of Gufeng City. My father, injured in a battle, is now critically ill. My sister is working hard at Qingxuan Sect to gather spirit stones. I felt I should do something too, so I came out to find the Tiger King and extract its bones." His tone was very sincere. "The Tiger King''s bones are a crucial ingredient for the medicine. If I miss this, it will be hard to find another Tiger King." "Name your price!" Luo Fei''s eyes reddened. "You are also a disciple of Qingxuan Sect. If I don''t have enough spirit stones, I will take you to my sister at Qingxuan Sect." Shen Mo frowned. This kid is truly naive. Who reveals their bottom line right away? If it were someone else, they would have extorted a sky-high price for the Tiger King''s bones. "A second-tier perfected beast''s body parts usually require one hundred and fifty low-grade spirit stones." "It''s the Tiger King, so the price should be higher. Give me two hundred low-grade spirit stones." Shen Mo waved his hand. That amount of spirit stones was nothing to him now, but he wouldn''t give away the Tiger King''s bones for free. He wasn''t some self-sacrificing saint. "Two hundred... two hundred spirit stones..." Luo Fei stammered, feeling embarrassed. "I only have one hundred on me. I was swindled out of many along the way." "But my sister definitely has money. She wears the same green disciple robe as you!" "Oh? What''s your sister''s name?" Shen Mo asked casually. "Luo Shengnan! Benefactor, do you know my sister?" Luo Fei asked excitedly. Shen Mo sighed, "I''ve met her." It''s hard to imagine that such a robust woman like Luo Shengnan has such a naive and simple-minded brother. "Wait here. Later, you will come back to Qingxuan Sect with me." Shen Mo instructed, storing the Tiger King''s corpse in his storage ring. "Okay!" Luo Fei nodded vigorously. Shen Mo entered the Tiger King''s cave and soon found a corpse with a blurred face. He found a storage ring under the corpse. Inside, there was indeed a fist-sized piece of Tiger Gold. Shen Mo put the items away and walked out of the cave. "Let''s go, time to find your sister." After the two left, Wu Lan emerged from her hiding place, her eyes full of shock. "Luckily, I didn''t team up with that Qingxuan Sect disciple. That guy... is too strong." "I need to be more careful when deceiving people next time." Wu Lan (She Yan) searched the bodies but found nothing valuable, leaving in frustration. On the other side. Shen Mo and Luo Fei had arrived at the Qingxuan Sect''s gate. At this time, the recruitment activity of the four true disciples for inner disciples at the martial arts arena had ended. Shen Mo found Luo Shengnan and brought Luo Fei to her, handing over the Tiger King''s corpse as well. Luo Fei burst into tears on the spot. After explaining everything, Luo Shengnan looked gratefully at Shen Mo. "Thank you so much!" "I''ve heard about this Tiger King. I searched for it several times but never found it. You took it down in just a few strikes!" "I used to think you looked thin and weak, but you''re actually very strong!" Luo Shengnan patted Shen Mo''s shoulder. Shen Mo''s shoulder sank under the weight, and he gasped. Luo Shengnan laughed heartily, "I have a lot of strength and sometimes can''t control it. But still, thank you very much!" "I''ll take the whole Tiger King''s body. Four hundred low-grade spirit stones, how about that?" "That''s fine." Shen Mo nodded. Luo Shengnan handed over four medium-grade spirit stones. After settling the matter, Shen Mo immediately left. Luo Fei looked at his departing figure with admiration, "Sister, can I become like Brother Shen in the future?" Luo Shengnan was puzzled, "Why do you want to be like him? Isn''t your sister strong enough?" Luo Fei looked at his muscular sister and shook his head like a rattle, "Strength doesn''t matter. I like using a sword. It''s cool." Luo Shengnan''s face stiffened. She raised her palm, as large as a fan, "Seems I''ve been away from home too long. You''re getting too bold." Luo Fei cried out, "Sister, no!" Chapter 27: Forging the Perfect Dao Platform and Entering the Foundation Establishment Realm Ding, ding, ding! A faint, crisp knocking sound resonated from within Shen Mo''s body. Each knock echoed deep within his mind and soul. Shen Mo kept his eyes tightly shut, continuously circulating the Inferno Hell Annihilation Manual. With each moment of forging, his breath rotated, condensed, and sublimated bit by bit! Transitioning from the Qi Condensation Realm to the Foundation Establishment Realm is a qualitative leap. A transformation, a rebirth! Three days later. Above the spiritual energy vortex, the Dao foundation had fully formed. The platform, infused with the five elements and five colors, was radiant and flawless. It was a masterpiece, as if the grandest creation of heaven and earth. The moment the Dao foundation fully formed, it suddenly pressed down on the spiritual energy vortex! Like the weighty Mountain descending from the sky. Boom! The spiritual energy vortex was subjected to immense pressure. The spiritual energy within it immediately began to compress. The lowest layer of spiritual energy was the first to change. It started to transform from a gaseous state to a liquid state. This process was long and tedious. Another three days passed. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first drop of liquid spiritual energy appeared. Its appearance was like the prelude to a downpour after the clouds part. All the gaseous spiritual energy stored within the vortex rapidly converted to liquid spiritual energy. Second drop, third drop, fourth drop... Until the spiritual energy vortex completely disappeared, transforming into a small pool. The pool shimmered, about the size of a spring. The weighty Dao foundation now floated above the pool like a wooden boat. At that moment, Shen Mo suddenly opened his eyes. Boom! An astonishing aura burst forth like the rising sun. The surrounding dust was blown away, pushing out of the courtyard. Within a ten-meter radius around Shen Mo, there wasn''t a speck of dust. He finally showed a look of joy. "This is the Foundation Establishment Realm!" He felt the liquid spiritual energy in his dantian and was overjoyed. Shen Mo picked up the Thunder Sword and used the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique on a wooden stake in the yard. Boom! A flash of lightning and sword light passed by. The wooden stake exploded into hundreds of pieces. Shen Mo was even more satisfied. This wooden stake had been specially made for him. It was made of ironwood, extremely hard. Only a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator could break it. Just this piece of ironwood alone cost thirty low-grade spirit stones. Ordinary cultivators couldn''t afford such a luxury. But now, as a disciple of the Sect Master, Shen Mo had a small fortune. If the stake broke, it broke. Knowing his current strength was worth it. Shen Mo looked at his life panel. Nothing else had changed. But under his fate, a new entry appeared: [Fortune-Blessed (Temporary)]. This had appeared after he became Murong Yue''s disciple. As he continued reading, he discovered a new opportunity. [Recent Opportunity: Go to the mountaintop courtyard of Qingxuan Sect to meet your master Murong Yue, revealing that you have forged a perfect Dao foundation platform. Murong Yue, delighted, will reward you with abundant cultivation resources and grant you special access to the Qingxuan Cave.] Shen Mo chuckled to himself. He had intended to go see Murong Yue immediately. Having forged a perfect Dao foundation platform and entered the Foundation Establishment Realm, this was great news to share with his master first. Learning of this would undoubtedly make Murong Yue treasure him even more. His safety would be further ensured. "Qingxuan Cave? What kind of place is that? I''ve never heard of it before." With curiosity, Shen Mo headed straight to the mountaintop courtyard. Along the way, he saw disciples with joyful expressions, excitedly discussing various news. Shen Mo casually grabbed a disciple to inquire. Upon realizing it was him, the disciple didn''t dare show the slightest impatience and answered truthfully. After getting the information, Shen Mo let him go. "A lot has happened in the past few days while I was breaking through." "Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan''s families encountered issues, forcing them to leave the sect and return home." "Qingxuan Cave showed signs of opening early yesterday... It''s a rare cave that opens once every fifty years, where the spiritual energy has condensed into liquid droplets. Cultivating inside for a day is equivalent to consuming ten bottles of Foundation Stabilizing Pills!" Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. Foundation Stabilizing Pills are low-grade Xuan-level pills that stabilize the Dao foundation. Foundation Establishment cultivators use these pills, and the more they consume, the faster their realm improves. "Only Foundation Establishment cultivators can enter Qingxuan Cave. Those below the Foundation Establishment Realm would explode and die upon entering." "And there isn''t much spiritual liquid inside, so older, potential-exhausted Foundation Establishment cultivators aren''t eligible to enter. This means only the four true disciples can enter Qingxuan Cave." "At such a crucial time, Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan''s families encountered problems, forcing them to leave." "If there isn''t some manipulation behind this, it would be truly strange." "It seems Murong Yue must be worried about this as well." Shen Mo quickened his pace and arrived at the mountaintop courtyard. Today, Murong Yue was dressed in a gradient blue-purple tight-fitting palace dress, with pleated skirts falling to her calves, exposing her fair and slender legs and ankles. However, compared to their last meeting, Murong Yue''s brows were furrowed with even more worry. She didn''t even notice Shen Mo''s arrival and was muttering to herself. "... The early opening of Qingxuan Cave should be good news, but why is this happening..." "Luo Shengnan''s father is critically ill. She left for home three days ago, missing the opportunity to enter Qingxuan Cave." "Zhao Ting''s family is under attack from hostile forces, forcing him to leave the sect and return home." "Now, only Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie can enter Qingxuan Cave, but they..." "Sigh, if only Shen Mo were in the Foundation Establishment Realm." Shen Mo scratched his head and called out repeatedly, "Master? Master?" Murong Yue hadn''t expected anyone to overhear her muttering. Shen Mo''s sudden voice startled her. Seeing it was her beloved disciple, she calmed down. Murong Yue, with a stern face, said, "Don''t scare me like that again!" Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. ''I didn''t mean to scare you.'' "What brings you here today? If it''s nothing important, I will surely reprimand you!" Murong Yue''s face turned even more serious. Seeing her expression, Shen Mo guessed her thoughts and smiled knowingly. As the Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect, Murong Yue had never lost her composure in front of others. This time, she lost her composure in front of her disciple. She surely wanted to find an excuse to discipline him to maintain her authority as a master. "Too bad, this time you won''t get to punish me, and you might even lose your composure again." Shen Mo chuckled inwardly and said, "Master, I have forged a perfect Dao foundation platform and entered the Foundation Establishment Realm!" Murong Yue looked completely incredulous, "Impossible! I just gave you the Dark Flame Crystal six days ago. How could you have collected the other four superior-grade Xuan-level treasures in just six days?" After saying this, she seemed to realize something and comforted, "I know you want to ease my worries, but don''t use such means." "I''ve always disliked liars." Shen Mo didn''t explain and just looked at her. Seeing no panic on her disciple''s face, Murong Yue was taken aback. Could it be true? She quickly extended her hand to check Shen Mo''s lower abdomen. Her cold hand suddenly pressing against his firm abs made him let out a low, muffled sound. Murong Yue asked, "Hmm? What''s wrong?" Shen Mo struggled for a moment before replying, "...Master''s hand is too cold." Chapter 28: Gathering the Elders for a Meeting, Announcing the News, Shocking Everyone Murong Yue nodded and said nothing more. Her cool, smooth hand moved up and down, carefully channeling spiritual energy into Shen Mo''s lower abdomen to sense his spiritual energy. Before long, she indeed detected the presence of a perfect Dao foundation platform and liquid spiritual energy. Murong Yue opened her mouth in shock and finally spoke after a long pause, "You truly have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm." After the shock came immense joy. Murong Yue waved her hand, and a large number of pills and spirit stones appeared from her storage ring, landing beside Shen Mo. "I bestow upon you ten bottles of Foundation Stabilizing Pills to aid your Foundation Establishment cultivation, three hundred medium-grade spirit stones, and two high-grade Profound-Grade spiritual weapons. These are your rewards." The array of treasures filled with spiritual energy dazzled Shen Mo. He quickly stored them all in his storage ring. Good things are always welcome! Shen Mo nodded. "Earlier, I heard that Master seemed troubled?" Murong Yue''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes! Now that you have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, you can enter Qingxuan Cave!" "Follow me! I will immediately convene a meeting with the elders." As she spoke, Shen Mo felt a fragrant breeze sweep past him, and the next moment, he was flying through the clouds. Beside him was Murong Yue''s soft, cool body. "I''m flying?" Shen Mo looked down at the ground, his eyes wide open. This feeling was too wonderful. No wonder mortals desire to become immortals, free to roam the heavens and earth. In a few breaths, Murong Yue landed with him at the entrance of the grand hall halfway up the mountain. The disciples passing by were stunned. They stared intently at Murong Yue and Shen Mo. In the past, Murong Yue had been in seclusion for years, so many disciples didn''t know who the Sect Master was. But yesterday, Murong Yue had just held a meeting, so many disciples now knew that the mature and beautiful woman was their Sect Master, Murong Yue. Today, Murong Yue appeared again, and there was a disciple with her? The disciples immediately began whispering among themselves. "Who is that male disciple? He''s quite handsome." "The Sect Master seems to value him a lot. I saw them flying down from the mountaintop." "You don''t know him? That''s Shen Mo, the one who defeated Lei Xiaojun. He''s really strong! Some even say he''s a strong contender for the fifth true disciple position!" "Get real. Recently, it was rumored that our sect has a Heavenly Physique disciple who wasn''t even made a true disciple. Why would Shen Mo be chosen just because he''s handsome?" Shen Mo heard the disciples'' discussions below and couldn''t help but smile wryly. At that moment, he saw Murong Yue flick her finger. A strand of spiritual energy shot out, striking the large bronze bell at the entrance of the grand hall. Dong, dong, dong! The ethereal sound of the bell echoed through Qingxuan Sect. This was the signal for the Sect Master to convene a meeting! No matter what they were doing, all elders of Qingxuan Sect had to immediately drop everything and rush to the grand hall. The disciples, however, were puzzled. Hadn''t there been a meeting just yesterday about Qingxuan Cave''s early opening? Why were all the elders being called again today? The disciples'' discussions grew louder. Meanwhile, Murong Yue had already led Shen Mo into the grand hall. Cloud Mist Peak. This was where Vice Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng lived. His son Liu Yunxuan and several of his disciples also resided here. At this moment, Liu Yuanfeng was playing chess with Liu Yunxuan. Father held the black pieces, son held the white. On the chessboard, the black Knight was fiercely attacking the white formation. Unless a miracle move was made, there was almost no chance for the white pieces to turn the game around. Liu Yunxuan acknowledged, "Father, your chess skills are becoming more refined. I am far inferior." Liu Yuanfeng laughed heartily, feeling pleased. Liu Yunxuan joined in the laughter. "Father, you seem particularly happy today. Have you made progress in your cultivation?" Liu Yuanfeng''s laughter grew louder. "Yes, I have a premonition that within two years, I might reach the peak of the Core Formation Realm!" "That''s wonderful news! If you can break through to the peak of the Core Formation Realm early, our plans can..." Liu Yunxuan exclaimed excitedly. Liu Yuanfeng glared at him. Realizing his mistake, Liu Yunxuan quickly shut his mouth. "Sorry, Father, I got too excited." "No matter. There''s no one around to hear, but you must keep your mouth shut in public." Liu Yuanfeng sipped his tea calmly. "Right now, we haven''t completely sidelined Murong Yue. Once we do, you can say whatever you like." Liu Yunxuan chuckled and then asked, "Father, is Qingxuan Cave really that important? Why did you have to use your connections to force Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan to leave?" Liu Yuanfeng replied sternly, "Do you know why it is opening early? It''s because a great treasure is about to be born! This crucial information came from a divination by an old friend of mine at Hevenly Secrets Sect." "Remember, no matter what treasure is in Qingxuan Cave, you must be the first to get it! Even though Song Chaofeng and I are temporary allies, his son must not get that treasure!" "Yes! I will not fail you!" Liu Yunxuan replied with excitement. Dong, dong, dong. At this moment, the sound of the bell echoed. Both men furrowed their brows. "Father, Murong Yue is convening a meeting of the elders," Liu Yunxuan said in a low voice. Liu Yuanfeng''s brows furrowed deeply, but he quickly composed himself. "Hmph, that indecisive woman has no cards left to play. I want to see why she is convening the elders." On the other side. The conversation between the Qingxuan Sect''s Grand Elder, Song Chaofeng, and his son, Song Junjie, was almost identical to that between Liu Yuanfeng and Liu Yunxuan. However, Song Chaofeng also wanted his son to firmly grasp the treasure in Qingxuan Cave and not let it fall into Liu Yunxuan''s hands. The sudden bell also took Song Chaofeng by surprise. "Father, could there be any unexpected developments?" Song Junjie couldn''t help but ask. Song Chaofeng sneered, "What unexpected developments could there be? Qingxuan Sect, including Murong Yue, has a total of twelve Core Formation Realm cultivators, but six of them are already on our side." "Her means of retaliation are dwindling," he said blandly. "This meeting is likely just for her to vent her frustrations!" ... The Qingxuan Grand Hall. This is the most luxurious hall in Qingxuan Sect. It is usually kept tightly closed. It only opens for major meetings or significant ceremonies. However, in the past two days, Sect Master Murong Yue had already held two meetings. Therefore, this usually unnoticed grand hall had now drawn the attention of many disciples. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Streams of light appeared from various directions, landing in front of the hall. Some elders even flew back from the Qingcang Mountains, hurrying to the hall. Soon, all twelve Core Formation Realm cultivators, including Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and Song Chaofeng, gathered. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The grand hall doors slammed shut. The disciples outside were chattering, speculating about the topic of this meeting. Inside the hall, it exploded into an uproar after Murong Yue made an announcement. "What? This disciple has reached the Foundation Establishment Realm?!" Song Chaofeng exclaimed in shock. Liu Yuanfeng''s face darkened as he stared at Shen Mo, saying nothing. The other elders had various reactions. But without exception, all were stunned. Seeing their shock, a barely perceptible smug smile appeared on Murong Yue''s lips. Then, she dropped an even bigger bombshell, "Shen Mo not only reached the Foundation Establishment Realm but has also forged a perfect Dao foundation!" As she said this, the three elders who had always supported Murong Yue were ecstatic, rushing to Shen Mo''s side. "Sect Master, is this... is this true? A perfect Dao foundation?!" Elder Li, who was quite elderly, had tears in his eyes. Everyone knew how to forge a perfect Dao foundation platform. But it required both wealth and luck. The five superior-grade Profound Grade treasures were not something money alone could buy. Among everyone present, only Murong Yue had a perfect Dao foundation platform. She managed it because her master, the former Sect Master, had devoted all resources to her cultivation. Now, another perfect Dao foundation platform had emerged! As staunch supporters of Murong Yue, they couldn''t be happier. This meant Murong Yue had a worthy successor! Chapter 29: Eternal Flame in Qingxuan Cave Elder Li excitedly extended his hand, "Let me feel it, is it really a perfect Dao foundation?" The elder next to him was also overjoyed, "Let me feel it too!" Shen Mo had been smiling happily, but he immediately froze upon hearing this. It was one thing for Murong Yue to touch, but you guys too?! At this moment, Liu Yuanfeng suddenly said, "I do not doubt the Sect Master''s discernment, but I am concerned that in her excitement, she may have made an error in judgment. Therefore, I would like to verify it personally." Song Chaofeng nodded, "I feel the same way." Both men stood up and approached Shen Mo. Shen Mo immediately became alert. These two might not really want to feel the foundation; they could have some ulterior motives. ''Master, help!'' A fragrant breeze swept by. Murong Yue''s graceful figure stood in front of him. "My disciple is very important to me. I am worried that during your examination, you might inadvertently cause harm. Please sit down." Murong Yue''s beautiful eyes were fixed intently on them. Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng remained silent for a moment before smiling amiably. "The Sect Master overthinks. Everything I do is for the benefit of the sect. How could I harm your disciple?" Liu Yuanfeng waved his hand. Song Chaofeng added, "I always prioritize the sect''s interests. I am delighted that the Qingxuan Sect has such a talented disciple and would never harm him. Sect Master, your concern saddens me." After speaking, both sat back down. Murong Yue then coldly snorted and sat back down, pulling Shen Mo close to her, almost protectively. Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. ''My master is so good!'' "Did the Sect Master convene us just to discuss this? It seems a bit of a waste of our valuable time," an elder suddenly spoke up. Murong Yue glanced at him. This elder was a staunch supporter of Liu Yuanfeng, clearly speaking on his behalf. "Not only that." Murong Yue looked around and said deliberately, "Qingxuan Cave has opened. According to the ancestral rules, only disciples who have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm and possess exceptional talent may enter." "Today, my disciple Shen Mo has also reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, so he should enter Qingxuan Cave!" Her voice echoed through the grand hall, ringing in every elder''s ears. The elders'' expressions changed subtly, exchanging glances with each other. Shen Mo also smiled inwardly. My beautiful master has some strategy. There were twelve Core Formation Realm cultivators present, including Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng, which left ten elders. Among these ten elders, some were staunch supporters of Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng, some were firm supporters of Murong Yue, and some were fence-sitters, undecided. Murong Yue''s announcement about Shen Mo''s perfect Dao foundation and entry into the Foundation Establishment Realm was a move to win over these undecided elders. She was sending a message: the Sect Master''s disciple is the legitimate successor! Moreover, her disciple possessed a Heavenly Physique, a perfect Dao foundation, and had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm at seventeen! His talent and potential were undoubtedly the best among all Qingxuan Sect disciples! Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng''s expressions grew increasingly grim. It was clear that Murong Yue''s sudden second meeting was all about Qingxuan Cave. However, with Shen Mo suddenly reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, they couldn''t think of a reasonable way to obstruct him. If given more time, they could have forced him, like they did with Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan, to choose between his future and his family, forcing him to leave Qingxuan Sect at this critical moment. But now, there was no room for maneuver. The only option left was to call for a vote. After all, they had more elders on their side. They could offer more benefits to the two undecided elders. Liu Yuanfeng gave Song Chaofeng a look. Song Chaofeng cleared his throat, ready to speak. Murong Yue spoke loudly and clearly, "I did not convene this meeting to discuss with the elders." "This is an announcement." "My disciple deserves such a privilege!" "Tomorrow, Shen Mo, Liu Yunxuan, and Song Junjie will be the selected disciples to enter Qingxuan Cave." "Meeting adjourned!" With that, she waved her wide sleeves and left with Shen Mo. This left Song Chaofeng and Liu Yuanfeng, who had been about to speak, looking at each other in frustration. The elderly Elder Li chuckled, "Vice Sect Master, Grand Elder, this meeting wasn''t to decide Shen Mo as the fifth true disciple, so there was no need for a vote." "The selection for Qingxuan Cave only needs to meet the conditions. The Sect Master''s word is enough to decide! Don''t forget who the Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect is!" She let out a cold laugh and turned to leave. The other elders who firmly supported Murong Yue also left with him. Soon, only Liu Yuanfeng, Song Chaofeng, and their staunch supporters remained in the grand hall. "Elder Song, the treasure in Qingxuan Cave must not fall into Shen Mo''s hands," Liu Yuanfeng said calmly. Song Chaofeng snorted, "I know, you don''t need to remind me. Junjie has always been lucky; that treasure will naturally be his!" Liu Yuanfeng stood up slowly and said, "What I mean is that, if necessary, we can use some less honorable methods." Song Chaofeng''s eyes sharpened as he grasped his meaning. ... Mountaintop Courtyard. Murong Yue and Shen Mo landed gently. The voluptuous beauty seemed a bit tired and went straight to her desk to sit down, resting her heavy chest on the table. "No need to be formal, have a seat." Murong Yue waved her hand. Shen Mo nodded and found a chair to sit in. Murong Yue tapped the table lightly for a while before speaking in a serious tone, "After you enter Qingxuan Cave tomorrow, the cave will be sealed for three Months. We will have no knowledge of what happens inside, so be cautious." Shen Mo nodded slightly. He wasn''t too worried about Song Junjie. Both being at the entry level of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he had the advantage of cultivating a heavenly-level technique, possessing a heavenly physique, and having forged a perfect Dao foundation, which meant his strength would surpass Song Junjie''s. However, Liu Yunxuan was at the major accomplishment stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. The difference was significant. In a head-to-head fight, Shen Mo believed he could ensure his survival but couldn''t defeat Liu Yunxuan. Murong Yue saw his concern and smiled faintly, "Don''t worry. With the Communication Stone I gave you, he can''t kill you." "Moreover, Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng are so anxious, even using underhanded methods to force Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan to return home. It must be because something significant has emerged in the deepest part of Qingxuan Cave." "If you obtain that item, Liu Yunxuan won''t be your match." Shen Mo''s curiosity was piqued. What could possibly give him the ability to counter someone two minor realms above him? Murong Yue''s eyes gleamed with longing, "An Eternal Flame!" "In the deepest part of Qingxuan Cave, there''s a Red Lotus Flame that has been absorbing underground fire energy for many years!" She continued, "The power of an Eternal Flame is incredibly strong. Once it attaches to an attack, it can multiply its power several times over!" "You possess the supreme heavenly physique, the Scorching Sun Flame Body. This fire attribute physique is the most suitable for taming the Red Lotus Flame." "While taming it, you will also absorb the rich spiritual energy of Qingxuan Cave. With your talent, reaching the small achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm in a short time is entirely possible." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "By then, with the Red Lotus Flame, how could Liu Yunxuan possibly be your opponent?" Chapter 30: Qingxuan Cave Officially Opens, Liu Yunxuan’s Opportunity After Murong Yue finished speaking, Shen Mo''s interest was piqued. "Master, could you explain more about the Eternal Flame? I have never heard of it before," he asked eagerly. Murong Yue smiled, "Eternal Flames are flames naturally born from heaven and earth." "The attributes of Eternal Flames vary. Some can control minds, some are wildly explosive and can burn everything, some possess strange devouring abilities, some can turn water into ice, and some feed on lightning." "There are a total of forty-nine types of Eternal Flames in the world. However, only those with great fortune can obtain them." "Eternal Flames don''t have ranks but are listed on the Eternal Flame Rankings. Generally, those ranked higher are more powerful." "But this is not absolute. Even if the world''s number one Eternal Flame has just been born, it naturally cannot compare to an Eternal Flame that has been growing for many years." Shen Mo nodded repeatedly after hearing this. It seemed that Eternal Flames were indeed the most formidable things in the world. Murong Yue smiled, "I believe in you. With your Scorching Sun Flame Body, you are destined for the Red Lotus Flame. You will surely tame that Eternal Flame!" "I will not disappoint Master!" Shen Mo cupped his hands in respect. He was equally excited. If he could tame the Red Lotus Flame, his combat power would undoubtedly skyrocket! ... The next day. All the disciples gathered at the deep pool of Qingxuan Sect. The entrance to Qingxuan Cave was behind the waterfall. This was something many disciples had not expected. The entrance to Qingxuan Cave was currently shrouded in azure flames. These flames were extremely explosive and terrifying. Even Core Formation Realm cultivators dared not approach. Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and Song Chaofeng channeled their spiritual energy, attacking the flames at the entrance. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their forces clashed. The power of the azure flames visibly weakened. Behind them stood Shen Mo, Liu Yunxuan, and Song Junjie. These three were the chosen disciples to enter Qingxuan Cave this time. Xiao Fan and Liu Fei stood among the crowd below. Xiao Fan made no effort to hide his envy and jealousy. "I should be one of those standing there!" A fierce beast seemed to roar within his heart. Liu Fei noticed his mood and quickly comforted him, "Brother Xiao Fan, you are always the best in my heart." "Missing Qingxuan Cave is nothing. My father can provide you with many other cultivation resources." Xiao Fan forced a smile. He felt that he should be there, that he should be one of those entering Qingxuan Cave to cultivate. Yet, somehow, he had become just a spectator. It felt as if his place had been taken by someone else. "Perhaps, luck truly isn''t on my side," Xiao Fan thought, his eyes dimming. "Am I really a genius? Am I truly favored by fortune?" Shen Mo glanced at the despondent Xiao Fan in the crowd, his expression calm. The first time he had seen Xiao Fan, Xiao Fan''s life panel indeed showed that he would enter Qingxuan Cave in the future. And it was Xiao Fan who was supposed to tame the Red Lotus Flame. However, Xiao Fan''s heaven-grade technique and heavenly physique were intercepted by Shen Mo. As a result, Xiao Fan''s cultivation had slowed significantly. He hadn''t reached the Foundation Establishment Realm before Qingxuan Cave opened and was still only at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm. Therefore, he wasn''t chosen to enter Qingxuan Cave. Fate was easily altered. A slight nudge could lead to a completely different life path. Shen Mo no longer paid attention to Xiao Fan and instead checked his life panel. [Name: Shen Mo] [Realm: Entry-level Foundation Establishment] [Fate: Son of a Apothecary, Innate Wisdom, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Slightly Lucky, Scorching Sun Fiery Body] [Destiny: Ultimately cultivates to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Five years later, dies during the Divine Sword Sect''s attack on Qingxuan Sect.] [Recent Opportunity: Today, enters Qingxuan Cave for cultivation.] [Recent Turn 1: A month later, while cultivating in Qingxuan Cave, gets severely injured by Liu Yunxuan, who has tamed the Red Lotus Flame. No progress in realm.] [Recent Turn 2: A month and a half later, upon leaving Qingxuan Cave, gets framed by Liu Yunxuan, who claims that Shen Mo caused Song Junjie''s death.] This morning, Shen Mo woke up and saw these two pieces of information, feeling quite helpless. It seemed that his luck was still lacking a bit. The Red Lotus Flame would definitely be found by Liu Yunxuan first. He wondered what method Liu Yunxuan used to tame that violent Eternal Flame. Shen Mo quickly glanced at Liu Yunxuan. [Name: Liu Yunxuan] [Realm: Major Achievement Stage of Foundation Establishment Realm] [Fate: Great Fortune, Handsome and Graceful, Avoids Danger, Smooth Sailing, Lesser Yin Profound Ice Body] [Destiny: Reaches the peak of the Core Formation Realm and becomes an inner elder of the Divine Sword Sect. Forty years later, while attempting to seize a supreme earth-level treasure, he is besieged by three Core Formation Realm cultivators. Hidden injuries and external wounds flare up, and he is killed by the three.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, gains entry to Qingxuan Cave for cultivation.] [Recent Opportunity 2: One month later, with the help of the Eternal Flame Crystal provided by his father Liu Yuanfeng, he finds the Red Lotus Flame in the fourth deep cave of Qingxuan Cave and barely tames it, greatly increasing his strength but leaving him with hidden internal injuries.] "Eternal Flame Crystal? I''ve never heard of it, but it sounds similar to the Dark Flame Crystal." "It must be something very important for taming an Eternal Flame. That''s why he could find and tame it so quickly." "My guess was right; he could only barely tame it. After all, his physique is ice-attribute, more suitable for taming ice-attribute Eternal Flames, while the Red Lotus Flame is a pure fire-attribute Eternal Flame." Shen Mo pondered and then looked at the unlucky Song Junjie. [Name: Song Junjie] [Realm: Entry-level Foundation Establishment] [Fate: Incredible Luck, Handsome Appearance, Master of Swords and Blades, Wind and Thunder Sword Body] [Destiny: One month later, finds the Red Lotus Flame with the help of the Eternal Flame Crystal but discovers Liu Yunxuan has beaten him to it. In an attempt to seize Liu Yunxuan''s Eternal Flame, he is killed by Liu Yunxuan.] [Recent Opportunity: Today, gains entry to Qingxuan Cave for cultivation.] Shen Mo shook his head. What an unlucky fellow. Lacking strength and average luck, yet still wanting to seize the Eternal Flame. You''d be lucky if he didn''t crush your skull. At this moment, Murong Yue suddenly raised her eyebrows. Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng also noticed the azure flames beginning to weaken. All three of them breathed a sigh of relief. Using spiritual power directly to counter the azure flames and open the entrance was extremely exhausting. Even though all three were Core Formation Realm cultivators, they couldn''t sustain it for long. Murong Yue immediately said, "The flames at the entrance of Qingxuan Cave are about to disappear. You only have thirty breaths." "Two months later, I, the Vice Sect Master, and the Grand Elder will reopen the entrance together. Remember the time." "If you miss the opportunity to come out, you will have to wait fifty years to get out!" Shen Mo and the other two replied solemnly, "Understood!" A few breaths later, the azure flames completely disappeared. The three of them lightly touched the ground and, like a gust of wind, rushed into Qingxuan Cave. After they entered, Murong Yue and the other two stopped channeling their spiritual energy. The azure flames reappeared, sealing the entrance once again. Liu Yuanfeng suddenly chuckled, "Sect Master, aren''t you leaving?" Murong Yue directly sat cross-legged on the spot and said calmly, "I will wait here for two months." Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng exchanged a glance and sneered inwardly before quickly leaving. Only Murong Yue remained, quietly waiting. Chapter 31: Entering Qingxuan Cave, Shen Mo Finds the Red Lotus Flame Crossing through the azure flames, Shen Mo found himself in an unfamiliar environment. All around were greenish-blue rock walls. Crystals embedded in the walls emitted a faint glow. Despite the lack of sunlight, visibility was not hindered. Shen Mo realized that they were at the highest point of Qingxuan Cave. Looking down, he saw a maze of interconnected tunnels. It was dizzying. "What a hot place," Song Junjie muttered. Shen Mo glanced at him, also feeling the intense heat in the air. The temperature inside Qingxuan Cave was at least double that of the outside. Fortunately, as Foundation Establishment cultivators, their bodies were more adaptable to extreme temperatures than those in the Qi Condensation Realm. "The spiritual energy here is indeed abundant," Liu Yunxuan said, taking a deep breath in amazement. Shen Mo also took a deep breath, feeling the scorching spiritual energy rush into the Dao foundation in his dantian. The platform transformed it into pure and refined spiritual energy. The spiritual energy vortex had long been suppressed and disappeared due to the Dao foundation platform. Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie adjusted to the environment of Qingxuan Cave. Song Junjie then turned to Shen Mo and sneered, "I heard you forged a perfect Dao foundation?" Shen Mo didn''t bother to reply and chose a path to walk down. This kind of indifference felt like hitting cotton, making Song Junjie quite annoyed. "So what if you have a heavenly physique and a perfect Dao foundation? Without growing, it''s all for nothing!" Shen Mo stopped and smirked, "How do you know I have a heavenly physique?" Song Junjie was startled and then realized he had slipped up. "Master ordered that no one should reveal my heavenly physique. So, where did you get your information, Senior Brother Song?" Shen Mo laughed mockingly, "Oh, your father is the Grand Elder. It seems the Grand Elder leaked the information." "Tsk tsk, what''s the Grand Elder''s intent? Ignoring the Sect Master''s orders? Does he have other intentions?" In a few words, Song Junjie turned red with anger, "You speak nonsense! My father has always been loyal to Qingxuan Sect! I... I got the information from..." He struggled to find an excuse. "I will report this to Master after leaving Qingxuan Cave!" Shen Mo said calmly. Song Junjie, furious, instinctively lunged at Shen Mo. Liu Yunxuan quickly held him back, "Junjie, don''t be impulsive." Then he whispered, "Have you forgotten our true purpose for entering Qingxuan Cave? Now is not the time to clash with him." "Wait until we get that treasure, then we can deal with him." Song Junjie calmed down, "Yes! I almost let him provoke me." He took a few deep breaths to compose himself, "Thank you, Brother Yunxuan, for reminding me." Liu Yunxuan chuckled, "No need to thank me. We''re like brothers, closer than family. I''ll always be on your side." "If I can''t get the treasure, I''ll let you have it. It must not fall into Shen Mo''s hands." "Great! Brother Yunxuan is indeed worth befriending!" Song Junjie felt warm inside. Shen Mo overheard their low conversation and couldn''t help but chuckle. Poor Song Junjie, being used and still helping the user count money. Liu Yunxuan was already digging a pit for him, earning his trust. No wonder they both had Eternal Flame Crystals, but the Red Lotus Flame ultimately went to Liu Yunxuan, not Song Junjie. This kid''s intelligence was indeed worrisome. Soon, the three parted ways. Shen Mo headed straight for the deepest part. He had already obtained crucial information from Liu Yunxuan''s life panel. Cave number Four! This meant that the deepest part of Qingxuan Cave had multiple deep caves. As for the numbering, it was likely done by predecessors who had been here before. He needed to find the Red Lotus Flame before Liu Yunxuan used the Eternal Flame Crystal to locate and tame it! Shen Mo moved downward without any pause. Even when he encountered places with extremely dense spiritual energy, thirty times that of the outside world, he didn''t stop. Having a clear goal from the start had its advantages. Everything else was secondary. A few days later, Shen Mo arrived at a fork in the cave. The temperature here had risen to an uncomfortable level. However, Shen Mo''s heavenly fire attribute physique made him much more tolerant of high temperatures than the average person. At this depth, it felt like soaking in a hot spring. There was no burning sensation yet. "There are indeed several deep caves here." Before Shen Mo were six deep tunnels, each leading further down. Someone had carved numbers beside each tunnel with a weapon. They were labeled one to six. Without hesitation, Shen Mo chose tunnel number four and continued downward. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Along the way, due to the intense heat, he had to stop several times to drink fresh water from his storage ring. Ten more days passed. The surrounding temperature suddenly began to soar wildly. The brightness in the cave also started to climb. Shen Mo was delighted rather than alarmed. This temperature, this brightness. It had to be the Red Lotus Flame. He was getting close to its location! "Lovely treasure, I''m coming for you!" Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy as he continued forward. Rounding a corner, a verdant lake appeared before his eyes. Upon closer inspection, Shen Mo realized that the lake wasn''t water but fire. This wasn''t a lake; it was a sea of flames! In the midst of this green sea of fire was liquid fire spiritual energy, also known as fire spirit liquid! And at the center of this red-orange sea of fire, a lotus-like flame was burning quietly. The flame had nine petals, with each petal forming a lotus flower around the center. It was the Red Lotus Flame! Sensing the approach of a stranger, the Red Lotus Flame stirred, instinctively preparing to flare up and attack. Shen Mo''s eyes flashed, and he quickly took off his disciple robe. He then activated the Hell Flame Destruction Manual, revealing his Scorching Sun Fiery Body. His chest began to glow, becoming scorching hot. Nine lines extended from his heart towards his head, hands, and feet. The Red Lotus Flame, about to attack, suddenly paused. Then, it approached Shen Mo at a much faster speed than before. Shen Mo took a deep breath, standing still. The Red Lotus Flame soon reached his side. The flames swept over his feet, instantly burning his boots to ash. As the flames coiled around his legs, his pants disintegrated. In an instant, Shen Mo stood completely naked, revealing his strong, muscular body. Wherever the Red Lotus Flame touched, a strong burning sensation followed. Shen Mo gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, and didn''t move. He was afraid that any slight movement might scare off the Eternal Flame. The Red Lotus Flame circled him once, as if examining him. Finally, it seemed to express a feeling of satisfaction. The next moment, it lunged directly at Shen Mo''s abdomen! "Hiss...!" Shen Mo clenched his teeth. Good heavens. A bit lower, and I''d be a eunuch! "Little Flame, don''t be so rough. Let me guide you. Come here." Shen Mo endured the pain and guided the Red Lotus Flame towards his mouth. Seeing an opening, the Red Lotus Flame happily darted inside. Chapter 32: Taming Eternal Flame As soon as the Red Lotus Flame entered his body, Shen Mo felt as if he had swallowed a burning coal. His body instinctively resisted, trying to expel the foreign flame. But Shen Mo endured the discomfort, still guiding the Red Lotus Flame towards his dantian. Meridians, flesh, bones... Every part of his body that the Red Lotus Flame passed through began to deteriorate to varying degrees. Because it was so damn hot. Shen Mo remembered a condition called heat stroke, where high temperatures cause organ failure and cessation of function. He felt no different from that situation now. "Hold on, hold on!" Shen Mo gritted his teeth and downed two bottles of Stabilizing Pills and three bottles of Healing Pills. At the same time, he activated the Flame Hell Annihilation Technique. The damaged body tissues slowly regenerated. But they were quickly affected by the high temperature again, deteriorating once more. Shen Mo''s body underwent a prolonged tug-of-war between deterioration and regeneration. After a full ten days. The Red Lotus Flame finally reached his dantian. Once there, it was as if it had found a comfortable home. The Red Lotus Flame settled down on the Dao Foundation. A large amount of spiritual power surged forth, merging into the flame, enhancing its power. In the blink of an eye, about a third of Shen Mo''s spiritual power was consumed. Fortunately, this devouring only lasted for a dozen breaths before it subsided. Shen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thus, the Red Lotus Flame was thoroughly subdued. From now on, it would respond to his will. With just a thought, this powerful foreign flame would be at his command. Shen Mo looked down at his body and smiled wryly, "I''ve lost a lot of weight." He had already slimmed down considerably. Half of the water in his body had been evaporated. If not for becoming a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator and possessing a physique much stronger than that of an ordinary person, along with having a top-tier body constitution, the Scorching Sun Flame Body, an ordinary cultivator''s body would definitely suffer backlash from forcibly subduing the Red Lotus Flame. Liu Yunxuan had clearly forced it, which left him with hidden injuries and dark ailments. Shen Mo introspected his dantian. Originally, his dantian contained a lake of spiritual power, above which was the Dao Foundation. Now, the spiritual power lake had shrunk significantly. On the Dao Foundation, a red flame quietly burned. Shen Mo estimated. Even without fighting, the Red Lotus Flame consumed one-tenth of his spiritual power every ten breaths. This was an alarming figure. Because, even with the Flame Hell Destruction Manual Technique, a heavenly-grade cultivation method, and possessing a perfect Dao Foundation, his sea of spiritual power could only replenish one-tenth of his spiritual power every ten breaths. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If he were to use the Red Lotus Flame to fight enemies, the consumption would be even greater. "I understand now why it''s almost impossible for ordinary cultivators to subdue the Red Lotus Flame." "This thing is a spiritual power sucking vaccum cleaner!" Shen Mo shook his head. For an average Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, achieving a top-grade Profound grade cultivation method and a flawless Dao Foundation would be considered quite impressive. But such methods and foundations could only replenish one-thirtieth of their spiritual power every ten breaths. Even with rigorous daily cultivation, it would never be enough to satisfy the Red Lotus Flame. Ultimately, the result would be being drained dry by the Red Lotus Flame, ending up as a dried corpse. "Well, my realm..." Shen Mo was about to get up when he suddenly paused, "I''m already at the small achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment realm?!" "How did I not notice?!" He thought for a while before realizing. It was probably because he was too focused on subduing the Red Lotus Flame and neglected his own realm. Upon reflection, it made sense. While subduing the Red Lotus Flame, he had been taking Stabilizing Pills and activating the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. The heat from the Red Lotus Flame accelerated the transformation of the Stabilizing Pills into medicinal power. This allowed him to rapidly break through to the small achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. "I still have a lot of Stabilizing Pills, plus the abundant spiritual energy here..." Shen Mo laughed heartily, "I must not waste this opportunity; I must improve as much as possible!" He took out all the Stabilizing Pills given to him by Murong Yue, popping them into his mouth like beans. Then, he began to activate the Flame Hell Annihilation Technique. His body seemed to become the center of a funnel. The surrounding spiritual energy rushed towards him wildly. Moreover, due to the influence of the Red Lotus Flame, the spiritual energy in the Qing Xuan Cave was almost entirely fire spiritual energy. Shen Mo''s physique was also fire attribute. A perfect match. His cultivation speed couldn''t be described as a snail''s pace; it was more like lightning speed! At the same time, Liu Yunxuan, panting heavily, arrived at the fourth deep cave. The guidance from the Fire Crystal wasn''t very detailed. He could only deduce that the Red Lotus Flame was either in the fourth or fifth deep cave. But he guessed wrong and went to the fifth deep cave first. Finding nothing at the deepest part, he had no choice but to turn back and head to the fourth deep cave. Now, he was here. "The temperature seems about the same as in the fifth deep cave. Could I have made another mistake? Or is there something wrong with the Fire Crystal?" Liu Yunxuan felt uneasy. Something didn''t seem right. Then, he turned a corner and was stunned. Before him was a vast lake of redish-orange color. But he quickly realized that this was not a lake but an ocean of flames! The area was filled with fire spirit energy liquid! "The Red Lotus Flame must be here, it must be!" Liu Yunxuan was overjoyed. He took out a bead exuding a cold aura and quickly crushed it. The bead released layers of cold mist, enveloping his entire body. This was the Ice Mist Bead, a Profound-grade treasure given to him by his father, Liu Yuanfeng, before entering the Qingxuan Cave. Each use of the bead would release a protective ice mist, isolating him from the high temperatures. The ice mist could last for at least a quarter of an hour. This item wasn''t too expensive, but each bead cost three hundred and fifty low-grade spirit stones. Liu Yunxuan had already used six Ice Mist Beads along the way. He didn''t have many left in his hand. He had to save a few to withstand the Red Lotus Flame. Relying on the protection of the Ice Mist Bead, Liu Yunxuan directly entered the sea of fire and walked towards its center. One step, two steps, three steps. He gritted his teeth, persisting with all his might. Because he knew that hope was right in front of him. As long as he held on, he could obtain the Red Lotus Flame, subdue it, and become a prodigy who controlled the eternal flame! In the history of the Qingxuan Sect, no one had ever controlled an eternal flame. Even the founder of the Qingxuan Sect had not! If Liu Yunxuan subdued the Red Lotus Flame, he would be the first in the history of the Qingxuan Sect! Even if he joined another sect in the future, he could rely on the Red Lotus Flame to dominate other geniuses! So, he had to get it! A hundred steps, two hundred steps... Liu Yunxuan finally reached the shore. Then, in the flames, he saw a figure. The figure was sitting cross-legged on the ground, stark naked. Surrounded by a tangible red flame, the robust and muscular body looked like a king who commanded fire. Liu Yunxuan knew that face all too well. He had thought about killing this person day and night. That person was Shen Mo! Wasn''t that the Red Lotus Flame swirling around Shen Mo? The Red Lotus Flame he had longed for day and night had been subdued by Shen Mo? Liu Yunxuan''s handsome face instantly twisted with rage. "Shen Mo, I''ll kill you!" He roared, drew the sword from his waist, and charged at Shen Mo. Chapter 33: The Trap on the Path Murderous intent surged. Shen Mo instinctively sensed danger. He abruptly opened his eyes. Facing the sword thrusting toward his throat, he dodged as if by muscle memory. The sword grazed past his throat. Simultaneously, Shen Mo''s palm ignited with a red flame. With lightning speed, he struck Liu Yunxuan''s chest with a fierce blow! A full-force strike! Boom! Liu Yunxuan was sent flying backward. The sword slipped from his hand. Before he even hit the ground, he spat out blood in mid-air. The blood evaporated into steam in the high temperature, disappearing without a trace. Liu Yunxuan was terrified, "Your... your realm?!" Shen Mo''s eyes gradually focused. Until now, he had been immersed in cultivation; the dodge and counterattack were purely muscle memory. Now, he realized. Using the Red Lotus Flame and mobilizing all his spiritual power, he had severely injured Liu Yunxuan with one strike. Such power was beyond what the minor achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment realm could muster! Shen Mo sensed his own state and found that the spiritual power lake in his dantian had expanded significantly. "I''ve reached the major achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment realm!" He was overjoyed. Glancing at the sea of fire around him, he immediately understood why he had grown so quickly. The sea of fire was filled with fire spirit energy liquid. But it was now much less than when he first arrivedat least three-quarters had been consumed. "No wonder my realm has improved so rapidly." "Murong Yue underestimated me and the density of spiritual energy in the Qingxuan Cave." Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy. Meanwhile, Liu Yunxuan''s expression was filled with sheer terror. Before Shen Mo could act, Liu Yunxuan struggled to stand and fled. Afraid that Shen Mo would kill him. Shen Mo sneered at his pathetic retreat. He wouldn''t kill Liu Yunxuan. Though it would be satisfying in the short term, it would lead to a complete split between the faction led by the sect leader and Liu Yuanfeng''s vice-sect leader faction. This would not be good. After all, even though Liu Yuanfeng had been flirting with the Divine Sword Sect, he still respected Murong Yue as the sect leader and maintained basic sect order on the surface. Now, Shen Mo had surpassed Liu Yunxuan. In the future, Shen Mo had countless ways to deal with him, there was no rush. "Now, I need to absorb all the fire spirit liquid here; I can''t let it go to waste." Shen Mo immediately sat down and continued cultivating. Liu Yunxuan''s appearance was just a minor interruption. It didn''t cause any significant disturbance. Time passed day by day. In the blink of an eye, two months had flown by. Shen Mo had absorbed all the fire spirit energy liquid gathered by the Red Lotus Flame. The temperature here had significantly decreased. Shen Mo''s realm hadn''t increased further. But he could feel that he had thoroughly stabilized his major achievement stage in the Foundation Establishment realm. After leaving the Qingxuan Cave, even by accelerating his cultivation with Stabilizing Pills, it would take at most three months to reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm. "It''s time to leave." Shen Mo took out a new inner disciple robe from his storage ring, put it on, and walked toward the entrance with large strides. He had calculated the time precisely. At full speed, it would take him only five days to return to the entrance. Worried about unexpected events, like interference from Liu Yunxuan or Song Junjie, he had ended his cultivation a day early. "Liu Yunxuan is seriously injured by me, and part of the Red Lotus Flame''s power is still in his body. Even if he has some healing treasures, he can''t recover quickly." "He''s currently at less than thirty percent of his peak strength." "As for Song Junjie, he entered the Qingxuan Cave at the beginning stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, and now at most, he''s at the small achievement stage, posing no threat to me." Shen Mo pondered for a moment and opened his life panel. Although he believed he could easily handle any interference from Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie, he checked the life panel to ensure nothing went wrong. [Name: Shen Mo] [Realm: major Achievement Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm] [Fate: Son of a Pharmacist, Innate Wisdom, Sword Enthusiast, Slightly Lucky, Fiery Sun Flame Body] Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Destiny: Ultimately cultivates to the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm. Forty years later, feeling too lonely in the Qingxuan Cave, he commits suicide.] [Recent Turning Point: Today, while heading towards the Qingxuan Cave entrance, you fall into Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie''s poisoned crossbow trap at the entrance of the fourth deep cave. Your leg is severely injured, and you fail to reach the Qingxuan Cave entrance on time, becoming trapped within the cave.] A flicker of realization flashed in Shen Mo''s eyes. It was a trap. At first, he thought those two would ambush him on his way back to the entrance. "But now that I know the location of the trap, it won''t be difficult to dismantle it." Shen Mo smiled confidently and continued on his original path. Before long, he arrived at the entrance of the fourth deep cave. Upon closer inspection, he indeed found several very fine, almost imperceptible threads on the ground. The threads extended far into the rocks on both sides. Shen Mo took a knife from his storage ring and threw it from a distance. The knife fell onto the threads. The threads snapped. Immediately, crossbow bolts as thick as a baby''s arm were launched from the rocks on both sides. Whoosh! Whoosh! The two bolts were incredibly sharp, piercing deeply into the ground. Shen Mo glanced around and noticed a faint green hue on the bolts. They were indeed poisoned. Moreover, he observed that the poison on the arrowheads was quite special, not only highly lethal but also capable of penetrating a cultivator''s spiritual power. Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed. Previously, Murong Yue had given him a handwritten book. It detailed the Qingxuan Sect''s situation, its allies, and enemies. It also elaborated on the Five Sects of the Xuanjing River. One of these sects was named the Verdant Vine Sect. The Verdant Vine Sect was renowned for its use of poison. Furthermore, in the Verdant Vine Sect''s territory, there was a unique plant called the "Spirit-Breaking Flower," whose venom could directly penetrate spiritual power. They applied this venom to various weapons, including these arrowheads. "It seems that Song Chaofeng has the backing of the Verdant Vine Sect." Shen Mo chuckled. Cautiously, he took another weapon and threw it from a distance. After confirming there were no more crossbow bolts, he carefully crossed the area. Before leaving, he conveniently stored the two crossbows and bolts into his storage ring. At the entrance of the Qingxuan Cave. Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie sat cross-legged, quietly waiting for the cave to open. They had already exchanged information. Song Junjie had long known that Shen Mo had subdued the Red Lotus Flame. Initially, he had thought about confronting Shen Mo to see if he could snatch the Red Lotus Flame. But after learning about Liu Yunxuan''s injuries, he immediately dismissed the idea. Liu Yunxuan''s chest was still bandaged. With each breath, the bandage was stained with blood. Clearly, his condition was not optimistic. Every time Song Junjie saw Liu Yunxuan in such a state, he couldn''t help but feel a chill. Because he knew very well that Liu Yunxuan''s strength far exceeded his own. The fact that Shen Mo, who had subdued the Red Lotus Flame, possessed such formidable power, indicated that Song Junjie was no match for him. At this moment, Liu Yunxuan''s face had a sickly red hue. "By my calculations, that guy should be passing by the entrance of the fourth deep cave soon," he sneered. Song Junjie nodded, "Indeed." "Junjie, are you sure the crossbow bolts are set up correctly? And those threads, won''t Shen Mo detect them?" Liu Yunxuan asked. Song Junjie waved his hand, "Don''t worry about that. Those crossbow bolts are powerful weapons my father bought from the Verdant Vine Sect." "A few crossbows firing in unison are enough to shatter the protective spiritual power of a Foundation Establishment great achievement cultivator." "Moreover, the bolts are coated with the Verdant Vine Sect''s Bone-Corroding Poison, for which only they have the antidote." "As for the threads" Song Junjie chuckled, "They''re made from the silk of a century-old ice silkworm my father acquired. Even if you get within three feet, you can''t see them." Liu Yunxuan nodded heavily upon hearing this. The arrangement was indeed very thorough. Shen Mo would definitely be hit by the bolts and would not be able to return to the entrance of the Qingxuan Cave on time. "What good is subduing an eternal flame, having a heavenly constitution, or a perfect Dao foundation, if you''re trapped in the Qingxuan Cave for fifty years? Any genius would end up lonely enough to commit suicide!" Liu Yunxuan sneered inwardly. Click, clack, click, clack. At that moment, footsteps echoed from a distance. Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie''s expressions changed abruptly. Chapter 34: Do I Need a Reason to Leave Qingxuan Cave The two of them immediately looked in the direction of the sound. They were stunned to see a familiar figure. Their expressions froze. How did he get to the entrance of Qingxuan Cave? Liu Yunxuan immediately glared at Song Junjie. ''Didn''t you say your trap was foolproof?'' ''Didn''t you say that the protective spiritual power of a Foundation Establishment cultivator could be easily shattered?'' Song Junjie was equally dumbfounded. What the hell is going on?! Shen Mo looked at their bewildered faces and smiled, "What''s the matter, gentlemen? Aren''t you happy to see me?" Without waiting for a response, he continued, "Actually, I understand. Seeing me must indeed be disappointing for you." "You..." Song Junjie hesitated. Setting traps wasn''t exactly a noble act, and he was too embarrassed to speak directly. Shen Mo smiled, "Want to know how I avoided your trap?" Song Junjie instinctively nodded. Shen Mo chuckled, "Your trap was so easy to spot that anyone could avoid it." Song Junjie was flustered. ''Am I really that bad?'' Can''t even set up a proper trap? Seeing Song Junjie''s reflexive acknowledgment, Liu Yunxuan shook his head in frustration. This idiot. He just sold himself out with one sentence. Shen Mo''s voice grew colder, "Song Junjie, setting traps to harm a sect master''s disciplewhat do you think your punishment should be?" Song Junjie''s heart trembled. He knew he was in the wrong. Moreover, Shen Mo''s strength far surpassed his. With Liu Yunxuan already having suffered a defeat, he dared not confront Shen Mo either. Faced with Shen Mo''s questioning, he stood there, frozen, unable to utter a word. Shen Mo sneered. This person had clearly lost all will to fight. "Don''t get too cocky. Don''t think that just because you''re the sect master''s disciple, no one will dare touch you," Liu Yunxuan said ominously. Shen Mo walked up to him and, without waiting for him to spew more threats, slapped him hard. Smack! Liu Yunxuan''s handsome left cheek instantly swelled up, a bright red handprint appearing. Liu Yunxuan was shocked. The burning sensation on his cheek told him he had indeed been slapped. "You...!" He was instantly furious. Even his father had never hit him like this! Shen Mo smiled and slapped him again on the right cheek. Smack! Another crisp sound echoed. Another bright red handprint appeared. Liu Yunxuan was furious, trying to stand up and fight back. Shen Mo lifted his leg and kicked him over, then stomped hard on his chest, right on his previous wound. Liu Yunxuan screamed in pain. The wound from the Red Lotus Flame had yet to heal. Now, Shen Mo''s stomp made it tear open even more. "How dare you do this to me? My father won''t..." Liu Yunxuan roared. Smack! Another slap. "My father..." Smack! This time on the right cheek. "I..." Smack! This time he slapped both cheeks. Liu Yunxuan, filled with anger but not daring to speak, covered his right cheek, glaring at Shen Mo. Shen Mo smiled and slapped him again. Liu Yunxuan was enraged, "I didn''t even say anything...!" "Do I need a reason to slap you?" Shen Mo''s smile grew brighter. But to Liu Yunxuan, this smile was sinister and terrifying, like that of a demon. He looked to Song Junjie behind Shen Mo for help. But saw that Song Junjie had shrunk into a corner like a frightened chick, not daring to look at them. As if everything had nothing to do with him. As if the crisp sounds of slaps were just background music. Liu Yunxuan was in despair. This idiot was not only stupid but also cowardly. At that moment, the blue flames at the entrance of the Qingxuan Cave began to quiver. The temperature of the flames gradually decreased, and the color began to fade. Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie became excited. They could finally leave! I don''t want to stay in the Qingxuan Cave any longer. "Let me out now!" On the other side, just outside the cave entrance. Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and Song Chaofeng stood there, channeling their spiritual power into the flame barrier of the Qingxuan Cave. Further outside, there were nine inner sect elders, dozens of outer sect elders, many stewards, and both inner and outer sect disciples. Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan, two direct disciples, had hurried back to the mountain gate after dealing with their family affairs. They regretted missing the opening of the Qingxuan Cave. Now, with the cave about to reopen, they naturally came to see what changes had occurred in those three. Luo Shengnan eyed Zhao Ting, who wore her loose disciple robe like a tight outfit, and licked her lips, "Zhao Ting, I heard that the Qingxuan Cave opened early this time because a great treasure might have appeared." "Who do you think is most likely to obtain the treasure, Shen Mo, Liu Yunxuan, or Song Junjie?" Zhao Ting''s gaze was calm, "First of all, Song Junjie is out of the question. He''s just an arrogant idiot relying on his father, the Grand Elder." "Although Shen Mo has great potential, his strength is slightly inferior to Liu Yunxuan''s." "If Shen Mo gets the treasure first, it might be taken by Liu Yunxuan." "If Liu Yunxuan gets the treasure, Shen Mo won''t be able to take it from him." "So, I still favor Liu Yunxuan." Luo Shengnan chuckled, "I don''t think so. I find Shen Mo quite interesting. Who knows, maybe he''ll surprise us." Then she looked at Zhao Ting''s younger sister, Zhao Rou, "What do you think, little sister?" Zhao Rou said firmly, "I believe in Shen Mo!" Among the inner sect disciples, another pair attracted attention. The man was handsome, the woman beautiful. They were Xiao Fan and Liu Fei. Liu Fei clung to Xiao Fan''s arm, her head resting on his shoulder, whispering, "Brother Xiao Fan, my father said that the eternal flame will definitely be obtained by my brother, and Shen Mo will most likely be left in the Qingxuan Cave." Xiao Fan sneered, "He deserves it." "He''s completely blind to the current situation in the Qingxuan Sect." "Murong Yue is not a reliable backer; the Vice Sect Master and the Grand Elder are." "He dared to offend both the Vice Sect Master and the Grand Elder. It''s a miracle he hasn''t been secretly killed." Liu Fei caressed his chest intimately, "Brother Xiao Fan will be much happier without him around." Xiao Fan smiled, "Of course, my mood is already great!" He grabbed Liu Fei''s fair wrist, whispering in her ear, "How about we go to the back mountain pond tonight and try some water play?" Liu Fei blushed, whispering like a mosquito, "Okay." Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, the blue flames at the entrance of the Qingxuan Cave rapidly dimmed. Everyone perked up, looking towards the entrance. Murong Yue glanced at Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng, seeing their confident expressions, she couldn''t help but feel anxious. However, after being the sect leader for decades, she had grown a lot and was no longer the young girl in her forties. No matter how anxious she felt, she wouldn''t show it. "Shen Mo... please be safe," Murong Yue prayed in her heart. Then, footsteps were heard from the entrance. Song Junjie rushed out as if escaping. Seeing his father standing there, he ran straight to his side, as if a terrifying beast were chasing him. Song Chaofeng was initially pleased, but seeing his son''s expression, he frowned. However, this was a public setting, so he didn''t ask much, merely holding Song Junjie''s hand to reassure him. More footsteps followed. This time it was Liu Yunxuan. Liu Yunxuan''s handsome face was severely swollen, looking like dough. He was wrapped in bandages, which were dripping blood onto the ground. Seeing Liu Yunxuan in such a miserable state, everyone present was shocked. What exactly happened in the Qingxuan Cave? Chapter 35: Murong Yue’s Fury At that moment, a third figure emerged from the cave. Shen Mo strode out of the Qingxuan Cave with large steps. He took a few deep breaths of the fresh, cool air outside, feeling extremely refreshed. Upon seeing Shen Mo, Song Junjie became even more terrified and shrank further behind Song Chaofeng. His appearance caused Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng''s hearts to sink. In the crowd, Xiao Fan and Liu Fei''s expressions also changed drastically. Shen Mo wasn''t supposed to leave the Qingxuan Cave. How was he able to come out alive? Moreover, Liu Yunxuan was severely injured, and Song Junjie looked as if he had seen a ghost, while Shen Mo was perfectly fine and seemed to have even advanced in his cultivation. What on earth had happened? Xiao Fan felt like his brain had turned to mush. He believed Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng were equally puzzled. With a sullen face, Song Chaofeng immediately berated, "Shen Mo, what did you do to my son?!" The invisible pressure of a Core Formation stage cultivator pressed down on Shen Mo, intending to instill fear. Murong Yue snorted coldly, stepped forward, and stood in front of Shen Mo, shielding him from Song Chaofeng''s pressure. "Grand Elder, what kind of tone is that? Are you interrogating my disciple as if he were a criminal?" The beautiful sect leader''s voice turned icy cold. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''No matter what, my disciple is definitely not at fault. Even if he is, he''s still right! How dare you speak to my disciple so harshly? I''ll retort without hesitation.'' Shen Mo is the sect leader''s disciple? Since when? What kind of extraordinary potential does Shen Mo have to make the sect leader, who has never accepted a disciple, take him in personally? Shen Mo suddenly smiled, "Grand Elder, I can explain, but are you sure you want me to do so in front of everyone?" "Speak! Why wouldn''t I dare to hear it? What''s there that can''t be said?" Song Chaofeng shouted angrily, "You must give an explanation for scaring my son like this!" Murong Yue turned to look at Shen Mo, her beautiful eyes flashing with a questioning look. Shen Mo glanced at her and gave a barely noticeable nod. Seeing this, Murong Yue felt reassured. Shen Mo then smiled faintly, "Alright, since the Grand Elder insists, I''ll speak loudly." "A few days ago, when I finished my cultivation and was preparing to return to the entrance of Qingxuan Cave, I encountered a trap halfway." "Grand Elder, can you guess what kind of trap it was? It was crossbows and special arrows designed to pierce spiritual power." Upon hearing this, Song Chaofeng''s expression changed drastically. Murong Yue also seemed to have thought of something, her eyebrows furrowing. Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes flickered, pondering something. Shen Mo reached into his storage ring and pulled out two crossbows and several arrows, throwing them on the ground. "I don''t know who set up such a trap on my way back to the cave entrance. I''m guessing it wasn''t Brother Liu or Brother Song, right? It must have been some senior disciple who entered the cave fifty years ago." Shen Mo flashed a brilliant smile, looking at Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng. Murong Yue gestured, and the crossbows and arrows floated in front of her. Her eyes flickered with recognition. As the sect leader, she was well aware of the trademarks of the Five Sects of Xuanjing prefecture. Verdant Vine Sect was known for its poisons and the special venom of the Spirit-Breaking Flower. These crossbows were also produced by Verdant Vine Sect. However, the mark of Verdant Vine Sect on the crossbow handles had been erased. Murong Yue''s icy gaze swept over Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng, "You two, you need to give me an explanation." It turned out that the beautiful sect leader, who rarely got angry, was extremely terrifying when enraged. Even though she was holding back her anger, the fire in her eyes made Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng tremble with fear. "I know nothing of this," Liu Yuanfeng immediately shook his head. Song Chaofeng also gritted his teeth, "I don''t know either." "Summon all the elders for a meeting!" Murong Yue commanded sharply. Boom! Boom! Boom! Thunderous bell tolls echoed throughout the Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo and the others did not participate in the meeting. There was no need for them to. As soon as he took out the crossbows and arrows, the evidence was enough for Murong Yue to seize the opportunity and pressure Song Chaofeng into compromising and yielding significant benefits. Unless Song Chaofeng intended to rebel against the sect, he would have to give in. Shen Mo deliberately produced these items in front of everyone to maximize the impact. "That old guy still has some brains, but unfortunately, his son is an idiot." Shen Mo sneered. If he had indeed been left in the Qingxuan Cave, no one would have known about the crossbows and arrows from Verdant Vine Sect. Fifty years later, even if someone discovered these items, the poison would have long dried up and been impossible to identify. The poison on them would have long dried and become unrecognizable. Unfortunately, they miscalculated. Through his life panel, Shen Mo had seen everything clearly. When Shen Mo, Liu Yunxuan, and Song Junjie walked down from the cave entrance, all the disciples'' eyes were on Shen Mo. Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie, these two direct disciples, had become insignificant. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, Zhang Weihu, and other acquaintances quickly approached Shen Mo. Luo Shengnan greeted him with a punch to the chest. "You, you''re quite something!" Shen Mo laughed heartily. Luo Shengnan was surprised. Her strength was significant, enough to make even a disciple at the major achievement stage of Foundation Establishment Realm wince. Yet, Shen Mo didn''t even blink. Zhao Ting whispered, "Did you get the treasure?" Shen Mo smiled, "What if I say no?" "Don''t joke around. Look at Song Junjie; he doesn''t look like a victor. As for the heavily injured Liu Yunxuan, he couldn''t have gotten the treasure either," Zhao Ting said, his eyes deep with thought. "The final winner must be you." Shen Mo smiled. He hadn''t expected Zhao Ting, who appeared rough and burly, to analyze so meticulously. "Well, it''s a sect secret, hard to say, hard to say. Let''s just say Song Junjie got the treasure; he deserves it!" Shen Mo laughed heartily. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou all rolled their eyes. The distant Song Junjie, who was leaving alone, heard the mocking laughter behind him and felt even more desolate. He quickened his pace, looking like a defeated dog. Liu Yunxuan left with the help of Xiao Fan and Liu Fei. Before leaving, he gave Shen Mo a deep, lingering look. ... As night deepened, the heated discussions in the main hall continued. Disciples passing by the hall could see various lights shooting into the sky. This was the power inadvertently released by the emotional Core Formation stage cultivators. Throughout the day, the disciples chattered endlessly about the incident. Wu Huairen walked nervously on the path to the inner sect disciples'' courtyard. The inner sect disciples he encountered greeted him respectfully on the surface, but mocked him behind his back after he passed. The extent of this outer sect elder''s despicable behavior was well known. Any inner sect disciple who wasn''t particularly talented would find their rewards secretly deducted by him. If he could even deduct rewards for newly promoted inner sect disciples, there was nothing he wouldn''t do. Wu Huairen couldn''t bother with the inner sect disciples'' mocking behind his back. He was almost walking on instinct. Before long, he arrived at an unremarkable small courtyard. To his surprise, there was someone at the gate. Judging by the attire, it was a steward from the Library Pavilion. "Elder Wu... you''re here too?" The Scripture Pavilion steward said in surprise. Wu Huairen muttered, "Yes... I have some business with Shen Mo..." "Me too. Why don''t you go first..." The steward said awkwardly. "No, you go first. My business isn''t urgent," Wu Huairen showed a rare display of grace. "No, no, Elder Wu, you should go first. You are, after all, an elder, and respect should be given to seniors." "No, no, you go first. I never take advantage of my age..." At that moment, the courtyard door opened. Shen Mo frowned, staring at the two of them, "What are you doing? Disturbing my cultivation?" Both of them were instantly embarrassed. Chapter 36: Wu Huairen Apologizes and Offers Compensation, Shen Mo Promoted to True Disciple Shen Mo glanced at Wu Huairen, "I recognize you." Wu Huairen''s expression was awkward. He had to bow and say, "I behaved improperly before and embezzled the rewards that should have gone to you, Shen Mo. I have come today to return them." With that, he respectfully presented ten mid-grade spirit stones. Shen Mo smiled faintly. Previously, when he was promoted to an inner disciple, he had, under the guidance of Zhang Weihu, received the inner disciple''s reward from Wu Huairen. According to the rules, he should have received one hundred low-grade spirit stones. However, Wu Huairen withheld twenty, handing over only eighty. As time passed, Shen Mo had pushed this matter to the back of his mind. Now, Wu Huairen had come to him proactively, not only returning the withheld amount but offering several times more. This surprised Shen Mo a bit. "And you?" Shen Mo glanced at the deacon of the Scripture Pavilion beside him. The deacon immediately knelt down, "Senior Brother Shen Mo, I was wrong! I was terribly wrong!" "At that time, I shouldn''t have let greed take over. You were just entering the Scripture Pavilion normally, and I had the audacity to take a spirit stone from you." "Since then, I''ve often felt guilty. Today, I have come to my senses and realized I should come and apologize!" With that, he also presented a mid-grade spirit stone as compensation. Shen Mo smiled faintly. Feeling guilty? Coming to his senses? Nonsense! It was quite simple why these two had come to apologize. The news that Shen Mo had become the sect master''s disciple had spread throughout Qingxuan Sect! Moreover, there was a rumor that a rare treasure, suspected to be an Eternal Flame, had been obtained by Shen Mo in Qingxuan Cave. This news had spread among the disciples like wildfire. Although Shen Mo hadn''t admitted it himself, many believed it to be true. That he had obtained the Eternal Flame. This news had reached the ears of Wu Huairen and the deacon of the Scripture Pavilion. Naturally, they were terrified. They never expected that the disciple they had once exploited and extorted had become such a formidable figure! Shen Mo casually accepted the spirit stone from the Scripture Pavilion deacon. "Get lost. If I find out you''re exploiting ordinary disciples again, don''t expect to stay in Qingxuan Sect." Shen Mo said indifferently. "Yes, yes, thank you, Brother Shen Mo." The deacon expressed his gratitude tearfully. Wu Huairen was stunned for a moment, "What about me..." Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Elder Wu has extorted quite a few disciples over the years. How could you have only ten mid-grade spirit stones in your pocket?" "Look at this deacon of the Scripture Pavilion; he offered a mid-grade spirit stone as compensation." "With Elder Wu''s ability to accumulate wealth, you shouldn''t be outdone by a deacon." Wu Huairen, upon hearing this, became even more embarrassed. He had no choice but to rummage through his storage ring and produced twenty more mid-grade spirit stones. "Is this enough?" Wu Huairen asked hopefully. Shen Mo remained silent. Wu Huairen, looking pained, took out a mid-grade inner armor made of forest python skin, "This inner armor is made of forest python skin. It''s durable, resistant to ordinary weapons, and can withstand fire." Only then did Shen Mo nod slightly. Thirty mid-grade spirit stones and a mid-grade inner armor, barely acceptable. "Elder Wu, you should discipline yourself well in the future and never repeat your mistakes." Shen Mo admonished with a faint smile. "Yes, yes, I won''t dare again." Wu Huairen felt as if he had been granted amnesty. ... As night deepened, Shen Mo sat cross-legged on his bed, practicing the breathing technique of the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. He had a feeling that he would soon master the second level of the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. With this opportunity, he could reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. At this moment, a fragrant breeze suddenly wafted in. Before Shen Mo could react, a curvaceous and beautiful figure appeared in front of his bed. It was his beautiful master, Murong Yue. Shen Mo immediately got up and saluted as a disciple. Murong Yue, still beautiful as ever, had a deeper look of sorrow between her brows. She waved her hand and casually sat down on a wooden chair in the bedroom. "Master must have come because the matter has been resolved." Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue nodded, "Song Chaofeng claimed that Song Junjie only intended to use the crossbows and bolts of the Verdant Vine Sect as a trump card against enemies. Those crossbows and bolts were purchased by Song Junjie through the black market and not directly traded with the Green Vine Sect." "He attacked you in a fit of rage." Shen Mo scoffed. This was clearly just an excuse. With Murong Yue''s experience and wisdom, she certainly wouldn''t believe it. "Song Chaofeng, feeling that he had failed in teaching his son, has resigned from the position of Great Elder and will spend four years in seclusion on Sword Cliff, reflecting on his actions." "Song Junjie, for purchasing the Verdant Vine Sect''s crossbows to harm fellow disciples, is expelled from Qingxuan Sect effective immediately and will never be allowed back." "As for the vacant position of True disciple left by Song Junjie, it will be given to you." Murong Yue finished speaking and looked at Shen Mo. Shen Mo cupped his hands, "Thank you, Master." All of this was within his expectations. According to the normal trajectory of his life panel, the Sword Sect''s campaign against the various sects of Xuanjiang Prefecture was still more than four years away. Song Chaofeng didn''t fall out with Murong Yue; instead, he compromised and retreated. Clearly, he believed that the time was not yet ripe, and his strength was not fully developed. "Disciple, my master often said that great trends are irreversible; one can only sail with the wind and never against the current," Murong Yue suddenly said. "But sometimes, I wonder, is it truly irreversible? Wouldn''t everything be solved by just slapping Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng to death?" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Murong Yue had also noticed the changing trends in Xuanjing prefecture. However, the idea of slapping Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng to death was dangerous. Liu Yuanfeng was colluding with the Divine Sword Sect. Song Chaofeng had close ties with the Verdant Vine Sect. If these two died, the Divine Sword Sect and the Verdant Vine Sect would definitely seek revenge. This could even lead to the premature destruction of Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo said solemnly, "Master, your disciple has a thought." Murong Yue nodded her fair chin. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo carefully chose his words, "For most people, the great trends are indeed irreversible. But if one''s strength is sufficient, then the great trends will only bow at your feet." A strange light flashed in Murong Yue''s eyes. "Good disciple!" She was silent for a long time, then suddenly exclaimed with joy. Murong Yue''s aura suddenly became uncontrollable. It fluctuated, becoming strong and weak alternately. Shen Mo was slightly surprised, "Master, what''s happening..." Murong Yue smiled, "I have had an epiphany. This might be an opportunity for me to reach the peak of the Core Formation stage." Shen Mo cupped his hands, "Congratulations, Master!" Before he had enough strength, he naturally hoped Murong Yue would become stronger. Moreover, he knew that everything this beautiful master did was for his own good. He wished Murong Yue would become the number one expert in the world. Murong Yue, in high spirits, relaxed her furrowed brows, "You''ve tamed the Red Lotus Flame, haven''t you? Let me have a look; I''ve never seen an Eternal Flame in my life." Shen Mo nodded. With a thought, a flame in the shape of a red lotus appeared in his palm. It burned quietly, without any violent or fierce tendencies. Murong Yue reached out to touch it. The Red Lotus Flame instinctively attacked. Murong Yue instinctively cried out and quickly withdrew her fingers. Shen Mo also immediately retracted the Red Lotus Flame, scratching his head, "Sorry, Master, it''s still wild and untamed. Sometimes it attacks without my command." Murong Yue, however, laughed even more happily, "No problem, the stronger it is, the happier I am!" "I will be in seclusion for a while. If you need anything, feel free to find Elder Li. Also, these are for you." She said this and disappeared in an instant. Shen Mo looked closely and saw a brand-new storage ring on the table. Opening it, he was greeted by a mountain of elixirs and treasures. Shen Mo was overjoyed. This kind of support was truly delightful! Chapter 37: Another Encounter with Xiao Fan and Xiao Fan’s New Opportunity As time passed, the turmoil surrounding Qingxuan Cave gradually subsided. Great Elder Song Chaofeng was in seclusion on Sword Cliff, and his son Song Junjie had been stripped of his disciple status. Meanwhile, the news that Shen Mo had become the fourth true disciple had spread throughout Qingxuan Sect. Even if some didn''t know who the sect master was or who the vice sect master was, everyone certainly knew about Shen Mo, the rising dark horse. Half a month later, Shen Mo stopped cultivating and got up from his bed. He frowned slightly. Since leaving Qingxuan Cave, he had been taking Foundation Stabilizing Pills and practicing the Flame Hell Destruction Manual to reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. However, even though the spiritual power in his dantian was fully accumulated, and his Dao foundation was stable, he just couldn''t break through that barrier. It always felt like something was missing. "It seems that cultivation can''t be achieved by shutting myself away; I need to go out and see more of this beautiful world." Shen Mo nodded slightly. In plain terms, he needed to seek opportunities. "Just in time for a meal, I''ll go to the Dining Hall for some food." Shen Mo got up and headed straight for the Dining Hall. He pushed open the door and walked briskly. His robes had changed from the previous dark green inner disciple robes to the deep green robes with gold trim of a true disciple, indicating his elevated status. As he walked, all the inner disciples, no matter what they were doing, stopped to respectfully salute him. Their gazes were full of admiration and reverence. Shen Mo nodded slightly. He felt a bit emotional. A few months ago, he was a humble outer disciple, always at risk of being expelled from Qingxuan Sect. Now, he had become one of the four true disciples of Qingxuan Sect, enjoying the sect''s resources. Even the inner elders would not easily provoke a true disciple. Because true disciples were highly likely to reach the Core Formation stage in the future. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Offending a true disciple was essentially offending a future Core Formation cultivator. As he passed a deep pool, Shen Mo suddenly saw Xiao Fan and Liu Fei. Many disciples were gathered around them. These disciples surrounded Xiao Fan, their tones full of admiration. "Brother Xiao Fan, you really forged a perfect Dao foundation? That''s incredible." "Yes, indeed. In our Qingxuan Sect, there are probably fewer than five people who have forged a perfect Dao foundation." Faced with this flattery and praise, Xiao Fan''s face was full of confidence. Someone else said, "As far as I know, only two people in our sect have forged perfect Dao foundations: our sect master, Murong, and Brother Shen Mo." "So, Brother Xiao is the third after the sect master and Brother Shen Mo!" "To stand shoulder to shoulder with Brother Shen Mo, Brother Xiao is truly extraordinary!" Hearing this, the self-satisfaction on Xiao Fan''s face suddenly stiffened. It was replaced by anger. ''Comparing me to Shen Mo, what do you mean by that? Am I inferior to Shen Mo?'' At this moment, another disciple exclaimed, "Everyone, look! Brother Shen Mo is over there!" "Oh my gosh, it''s really Brother Shen Mo! I''m a fan of his!" "Brother Shen Mo, I''ve always admired you. Can we become Dao partners?" "Get lost, do you think you''re worthy of being Brother Shen Mo''s Dao partner? Move aside, it''s my turn!" The disciples quickly left Xiao Fan''s side and flocked to Shen Mo. In an instant, only a few people remained around Xiao Fan, while more gathered around Shen Mo. Xiao Fan''s expression turned from stiff to cold. He had just forged a perfect Dao foundation and entered the Foundation Establishment stage, just started enjoying the attention and adoration of others. Yet, in the blink of an eye, it was taken away. This feeling was too stifling! At this moment, several beautiful female disciples surrounded Shen Mo. They were of various types, all stunningly beautiful. Some bold female disciples even began to touch Shen Mo''s body. Shen Mo smiled helplessly and had to activate his protective spiritual power to fend off their restless hands. Xiao Fan, furious, waved his hand and left with Liu Fei. Shen Mo watched his departing figure, lost in thought. "He truly deserves to be a reincarnation of a great one and a child of destiny. Even though I''ve intercepted many of his opportunities, he still managed to forge a perfect Dao foundation. In the future, he will surely receive the sect''s preferential resources." "However, he still has many great opportunities on him, and I can''t miss them." Shen Mo smiled faintly. He had just seen that Xiao Fan''s life panel revealed new opportunities. [Name: Xiao Fan.] [Realm: Entry Level Foundation Establishment Realm.] [Fate: Child of Destiny, Graceful Immortal, Reincarnation of a Great Power, Surviving Against the Odds, Fiery Battle Body.] [Destiny: Will stop at the Major Accomplishment of the Nascent Soul Stage, become the Hall Master of the Scorching Heaven Palace, and be honored as the Immortal Chi Feng. He will bid for a valuable treasure at an auction, but his identity will be exposed, leading to a chase by old enemies, and he will ultimately die in battle.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, he will accept a mission to hunt the Amethyst Lion and go to Lion Roar Valley in the Qingcang Mountains. During his escape from the Lion King and rogue cultivators, he will accidentally discover a rudimentary cave left by a Nascent Soul stage cultivator in the southeast corner of Lion Roar Valley. In the cave''s alchemy furnace, he will find three Pure Essence Foundation Pills. After consuming them, he will continuously advance and reach the Major Accomplishment of the Foundation Establishment Realm.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Three days later, after reaching the Major Accomplishment of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he will leave the cave and immediately counterattack the Lion King and the rogue cultivators, obtaining the Lion King''s demon crystal and the treasures from the rogue cultivators.] [Recent Opportunity 3: Ten days later, following Liu Yuanfeng''s orders, he will go to Qingshan City to secretly meet Ouyang Qian, the daughter of the deputy sect master of the Divine Sword Sect. The two will fall in love at first sight. Ouyang Qian will give him five bottles of Grand Foundation Pills, and after consuming them, he will reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm.] [Recent Opportunity 4: One month later, he will again go to Qingshan City to secretly meet Ouyang Qian, and on the way, he will be intercepted by rogue cultivators. After killing them, he will find another part of the Forest Sword Art in their storage ring.] [Recent Opportunity 5: Two months later, he will go to Qingshan City intending to consummate his relationship with Ouyang Qian, but will be ambushed by the Hng Fngzhng. After chasing it to its nest, he will find a storage ring containing three Earth-grade Everlasting Body Protection Pills.] Shen Mo pondered. He had heard of the Pure Essence Foundation Pills, which were said to be refined using secret methods to create Foundation Pills of the highest grade in the Profound Rank. One Pure Essence Foundation Pill was equivalent in potency to thirty ordinary Foundation Pills. However, the method of refining Pure Essence Foundation Pills had long been lost. As for the Grand Foundation Pills, they were similarly refined using secret methods and were a unique formula of the Divine Sword Sect. One Grand Foundation Pill was equivalent in potency to ten ordinary Foundation Pills. "Those Grand Foundation Pills are gifts from the deputy sect master''s daughter to Xiao Fan, so I won''t be able to obtain them." "But I definitely can''t miss out on the Pure Essence Foundation Pills." "After consuming them, I have a high chance of directly reaching the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage." "Additionally, I must obtain the other part of the Forest Sword Art." The Forest Sword Art was one of Shen Mo''s trump cards. Although incomplete, it was still an Earth-grade spiritual weapon. If it were complete, even Core Formation cultivators would covet it. "Moreover, the Everlasting Body Protection Pills are excellent items. When I cultivate the Flame Hell Destruction Manual to break through to the Core Formation Stage, I will need to condense and destroy the Flame Hell Golden Core nine times." "Shattering the core will severely injure the body, and the Flame Hell Destruction Manual mentions that it requires treasures containing immense life energy to heal. The Everlasting Body Protection Pills are one such treasure!" Shen Mo was pleased. Since that was the case, he decided not to go to the Fire Hall but headed straight to the Mission Pavilion instead. The disciples in the Mission Pavilion saw him and immediately saluted, their expressions extremely respectful. Although Shen Mo had just become a true disciple, many had clearly seen that Liu Yunxuan was covered in injuries when he left Qingxuan Cave! Therefore, many disciples believed that Shen Mo''s strength had already surpassed Liu Yunxuan''s, making him the strongest among the four true disciples! It was only right to show respect to such a person! Chapter 38: Doing a Mission Together and the Zhao Family’s Past Turmoil Shen Mo arrived on the second floor of the Mission Pavilion. Before he could look at the stone tablet to find the task, the Mission Pavilion steward hurriedly approached him, "Is that you, Junior Brother Shen? What task would you like to take on? I''ll help you find it!" S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo looked at her. It was the same round-faced woman who was always dozing off before. But now, she was full of energy. Shen Mo smiled. The status of a true disciple really had its perks. The last time he came to the Mission Pavilion, this steward had been quite indifferent towards him. "Hunting the Amethyst Lion," Shen Mo nodded. The round-faced woman quickly found the task. "A five-star task, hunting the Amethyst Lion, with a reward of sixty low-grade spirit stones and a bottle of Foundation Pills." After saying this, she immediately praised, "With Junior Brother Shen''s strength, completing this task will surely be easy." Five-star and six-star tasks were meant for Foundation Establishment realm disciples and stewards. The difficulty of a five-star task was roughly suited for entry-level to great accomplishment Foundation Establishment realm. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. This task seemed simple, only five stars. In reality, it would provoke the Lion King and attract rogue cultivators'' attacks. The actual difficulty was definitely six stars. However, he wouldn''t reveal this to anyone. After all, he saw it on Xiao Fan''s life panel. "Eh? Senior Brother Shen, you''re here too?" A familiar female voice sounded behind him. Shen Mo turned to see a slender and agile woman. It was Zhao Rou. Zhao Rou said with surprise, "Senior Brother Shen, are you here for a task too? How about we do it together?" Shen Mo was about to refuse but subconsciously glanced at her life panel. [Name: Zhao Rou.] [Realm: Peak Qi Refining Realm] [Fate: Family Disciple, Surprisingly Lucky, Short-Lived, Skilled in Spears and Staffs, Pure Water Condensation Body.] [Destiny: Today, she will take on a task to steal an Amethyst Lion cub, but will be caught by the Lion King provoked by Xiao Fan. While escaping, she will be attacked by Xiao Fan and used to stall the Lion King. Despite her desperate attempts to flee, she will be unable to escape and will ultimately be devoured by the Lion King.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, she will find a mutated Amethyst Lion cub in the Lion''s den.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Today, while escaping, she will accidentally find a top-grade Profound rank treasure, the Everlasting Vine, by a small pool in Lion Roar Valley but will be unable to take it.] Shen Mo felt a twinge of pity after reading this. Zhao Rou was a decent person. She was attractive, with a slender waist like a water snake. Moreover, when he was soaking in the medicinal pool, she had always sided with him, believing he was a strong ally. "Originally, she would have obtained the mutated Amethyst Lion cub and, if she didn''t die this time, her strength would greatly improve. What a pity." Shen Mo also noticed the Everlasting Vine. The Everlasting Vine contained a vast amount of life energy and was one of the treasures mentioned in the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. If refined into a pill, it would be even more effective. This item was rare and had to be secured. "Since I''m taking her opportunity, I''ll save her life as well. It''s only fair." With this thought, Shen Mo nodded slightly, "Alright, let''s do the task together." Zhao Rou beamed with a bright smile, "Thank you, Senior Brother Shen!" The two then left the Mission Pavilion, heading straight for the area in the Qingcang Mountains where the Amethyst Lion resided. Many disciples in the Mission Pavilion saw them so close and looked on with envy. Zhao Rou was one of the top beauties among the inner disciples. But usually, she was indifferent to everyone. Even the handsome Liu Yunxuan, Song Junjie, and the charming Xiao Fan had not stirred her heart. Many male disciples thought she preferred women. Unexpectedly, she admired Shen Mo. More than an hour after the two left the Mission Pavilion, Xiao Fan also arrived. He planned to take on a high-difficulty task to test his strength. After all, having just entered the Foundation Establishment realm, he was itching for action. The round-faced woman saw the handsome Xiao Fan and immediately beamed with joy. "Junior Brother Xiao, what task would you like to take on? I''ll help you find it." Xiao Fan discreetly glanced at her ample chest, then smiled gracefully, "Thank you, Senior Sister Steward. I just entered the Foundation Establishment realm and would like to take on a five-star task to test my skills." "A five-star task..." The round-faced woman checked her records, "Unfortunately, the most suitable task for you, hunting the Amethyst Lion, has already been taken by Junior Brother Shen Mo and Junior Sister Zhao Rou." A flicker passed through Xiao Fan''s eyes. Shen Mo again! Why is this person always ahead of him? Moreover, Shen Mo was doing a task with Zhao Rou. That slender-waisted girl had long been the object of his desires. Yet, Zhao Rou never gave him a chance. Now, she had easily been taken by Shen Mo. "Well, there''s this task of stealing an Amethyst Lion cub. It has a good reward, and Junior Brother Xiao might find some lone Amethyst Lions to practice on." The round-faced woman smiled. "Alright, I''ll take this one." Xiao Fan nodded, took the task, and left the sect, heading towards the Qingcang Mountains. ... On the other side. Shen Mo and Zhao Rou were advancing through the dense forest. Foundation Establishment cultivators could fly on swords, though the term "sword" could refer to any type of spiritual weapon. However, sword flight was more stylish, so it was commonly referred to as such. The two were not flying on swords because it consumed spiritual power too quickly and was unnecessary. At the Core Formation stage, cultivators could truly fly using their spiritual energy, which consumed mostly the ambient spiritual energy, with only a small portion coming from their own reserves. That was the best way for cultivators to travel. As they walked, they chatted. "...By the way, what happened recently that forced you and your brother to rush back to Gufeng City?" Shen Mo suddenly asked, recalling something. Zhao Rou sighed, "There have been rogue cultivators forming a bandit camp around Gufeng City, frequently attacking the city''s merchant caravans, severely harming the business interests of the Gufeng City Chamber of Commerce." "Three years ago, our Zhao family led several small families and hired experts at great expense to flatten the bandit camp. Almost all the bandits were killed, except for their leader." "Recently, somehow, that bandit leader reached the Foundation Establishment realm and obtained a Profound-grade spiritual weapon. He gathered a group of Qi Refining rogue cultivators and attacked our Zhao family''s assets." "My second uncle was killed, my third uncle was severely injured, and my father lost a hand." "The situation was dire, so the family had no choice but to send letters asking us to hurry home and help." Zhao Rou shook her head, "Who knew that as soon as we got home, there were signs that Qingxuan Cave was about to open here in the sect." Shen Mo pondered. These events seemed too coincidental. Considering Liu Yuanfeng''s dealings with the Divine Sword Sect and Song Chaofeng''s connections with the Green Vine Sect, it became clear. He could guess that one of them had secretly instigated these events. Given their abilities, it wasn''t difficult for them to help a rogue cultivator at the peak of Qi Refining reach the Foundation Establishment realm and arm him with some Profound-grade spiritual weapons. "You must have guessed something, right? My brother did too, but he didn''t want to tell me. He said it would be worse for me to know." Zhao Rou sighed. Shen Mo nodded slightly, "It''s better not to know for now. The mastermind behind this will reveal themselves eventually. Just wait." "Alright, I trust Senior Brother Shen." Zhao Rou nodded repeatedly, having great confidence in Shen Mo. Chapter 39: The Three-Step Plan to Obtain the Pure Essence Foundation Pills The two continued to walk along the mountain path. Shen Mo pointed to the valley ahead, "We''ve arrived. This Lion Roar Valley is the core area where the Amethyst Lions reside, and the surrounding areas are their hunting grounds." "I''ve heard there are eleven Amethyst Lions in this group, including one Amethyst Lion King that has reached the peak of the third stage. What''s your plan, Senior Brother Shen?" Zhao Rou asked eagerly. Shen Mo smiled, "My plan is in three steps: enter, kill them all, and clean up the battlefield." Zhao Rou was stunned. Then, she saw Shen Mo''s robes fluttering as he walked into Lion Roar Valley alone. This was originally Xiao Fan''s opportunity. Xiao Fan, lacking strength, could only run when faced with eleven third-stage demonic beasts, including a peak third-stage Amethyst Lion King. But Shen Mo was now at the major accomplishment stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. Moreover, his cultivation technique was of the top Heaven grade, his martial skills were of the middle Profound grade, and he had the assistance of the Eternal Flame. With such strength, if the Amethyst Lion King exposed its vital points, he could kill it in one move! As for the ordinary Amethyst Lions, Shen Mo could easily dispatch them with a single strike. Roar! A thunderous roar of the Amethyst Lion echoed through the valley. Before Zhao Rou could react, she heard the dying wails of the lions. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhao Rou quickly grabbed her spear and rushed into the valley. However, Shen Mo''s speed in killing the Amethyst Lions far exceeded her expectations. In less than a quarter of an hour, all eleven Amethyst Lions lay dead on the ground. The once majestic peak third-stage Amethyst Lion King, which had killed many Qingxuan Sect disciples and rogue cultivators attempting to steal its cubs, now lay in a pool of blood, its once-bright eyes lifeless. Shen Mo stood there, his gold-trimmed disciple robes spotless and untainted by blood. Killing this group of Amethyst Lions seemed effortless for him. Zhao Rou gazed at Shen Mo''s figure with admiration. Since childhood, the person she admired most had been her elder brother, Zhao Ting. But now, this young man had stormed into her heart with an unmatched aura. Compared to him, her elder brother seemed to pale in comparison. "Perhaps, I truly like him..." Zhao Rou felt her heart flutter. "You take care of the beasts. There seems to be something over there. I''ll go check it out," Shen Mo said casually. "Alright." Zhao Rou nodded sweetly. Shen Mo walked straight toward the southeast corner of Lion Roar Valley. There, the rock wall indeed had a barely noticeable crack. With a little force, the crack began to loosen. With a strong push, the crack suddenly opened wide. Shen Mo, already prepared, lightly stepped onto the ground and did not fall. The noise startled Zhao Rou, who rushed over only to see a deep cave, its depth unclear. She called out anxiously, "Senior Brother Shen, what''s wrong?" Shen Mo''s voice echoed from below, "Don''t worry, just checking. There might be some unexpected treasures." Zhao Rou quickly replied, "Senior Brother Shen, I''ll go with you!" Shen Mo continued, "No need. You guard the Amethyst Lions'' bodies and the cubs in their den. They are very valuable; don''t let any rogue cultivators get to them." Zhao Rou immediately understood, "Alright, I''ll follow your orders, Senior Brother Shen." In the dark cave, Shen Mo lit a torch. After searching for a while, he found a simple cave dwelling. There was only a stone bed and an alchemy furnace. A skeleton sat cross-legged on the stone bed, long dead. Judging by its appearance, the person had died of natural causes. Shen Mo bowed respectfully to the skeleton before approaching the alchemy furnace and opening it. The furnace had been sealed for many years. However, the interior was still slightly warm. As soon as Shen Mo opened it, he smelled a refreshing fragrance. Looking inside, he found three marble-sized pills. The pills were entirely multicolored and had intricate patterns. "These are the Pure Essence Foundation Pills." Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy as he placed them in a small jade bottle and stored them in his bag. "This alchemy furnace seems valuable too. I''ll take it as well." Before leaving, Shen Mo bowed slightly to the skeleton once more. Taking someone''s relics, it was only proper to show respect. Shen Mo continued searching the cave and soon found an exit leading back to the surface. However, when he returned to the surface, he saw four rogue cultivators attacking Zhao Rou. Lion Roar Valley, long dominated by the Amethyst Lions, was quite dangerous and rarely visited by rogue cultivators. These Qi Refining realm rogue cultivators were not there to hunt Amethyst Lions but to search for herbs near the valley. Not hearing any lion roars for a long time, they grew suspicious and came to investigate. Seeing all eleven Amethyst Lions dead and only a lone Qingxuan Sect female disciple present, they became greedy. They coveted not only the Amethyst Lions'' bodies but also Zhao Rou herself. Zhao Rou was a woman of exceptional beauty, with a slender and agile figure, the kind many rogue cultivators could only dream of having. At present, Zhao Rou was only at the peak of the Qi Refining realm. She could handle one or two Qi Refining cultivators, but facing four at once, she quickly found herself at a disadvantage. "I warn you, there is a Senior Brother of mine in the Foundation Establishment realm here in Lion Roar Valley. If he shows up, you will all be dead!" Zhao Rou shouted angrily. The leader of the four rogue cultivators laughed heartily, "Little lady, you''ve been trying to scare us with that, but where is he? Making up stories isn''t right." Another rogue cultivator sneered, "Heh heh, let''s move quickly and knock her out. Even if she has a Senior Brother in the Foundation Establishment realm, he won''t be able to do anything to us!" At that moment, Shen Mo strode forward, "I heard someone was looking for me?" This sudden voice startled the four rogue cultivators. The leader stared at Shen Mo, feeling his aura, and immediately panicked. Zhao Rou''s face lit up with joy. Shen Mo had indeed returned! She knew he would come! At this moment, her heart felt sweeter than honey. "Foundation... he really is in the Foundation Establishment realm..." the leader swallowed nervously. A rogue cultivator beside him growled, "Boss, don''t be afraid! There are four of us! Can''t we take on one Foundation Establishment cultivator?" Smack! The leader slapped him hard, scolding, "You''re courting death! Do you have any idea how powerful a Foundation Establishment cultivator is?" He immediately knelt before Shen Mo, "Big brother! No, my lord! We were blind and offended your Dao partner. Please, be magnanimous and spare us!" Hearing "Dao partner," Zhao Rou blushed. She and Shen Mo weren''t Dao partners; it was a misunderstanding by the rogue cultivator. Seeing Shen Mo remain silent, the leader hurriedly added, "My lord, we are actually on the same side as Qingxuan Sect. We are allies!" Shen Mo''s smile was faint, "Oh? How so?" The rogue cultivator quickly explained, "Our leader works for Deputy Sect Master Liu! He assigned us to find an alchemist''s cave in the Qingcang Mountains. We''ve been searching for three or four years." "Deputy Sect Master Liu praised our leader, saying he does excellent work." "So, you see, we really are on the same side!" Shen Mo''s eyes narrowed. An alchemist''s cave? Was it the one he just found? No, it couldn''t be. The cave Liu Yuanfeng was looking for would be far more valuable than the simple cave he discovered. "Hmm, it seems we are indeed allies." Shen Mo smiled. The four rogue cultivators breathed a sigh of relief. "However, I am not on the same side as Liu Yuanfeng." Shen Mo''s eyes suddenly turned sharp. In the next instant, he drew his sword. Lightning-fast sword strikes! Blood splattered! Before the four rogue cultivators could react, they clutched their throats and collapsed, quickly losing their lives. Zhao Rou witnessed this and felt even more sweetness in her heart. To her, this was Shen Mo''s way of protecting her. "Still just standing there watching? As a fellow disciple, don''t you have any intention to help?" Shen Mo patted her shoulder and then called out loudly to the side. Zhao Rou was startled. There were more people? From Shen Mo''s tone, it seemed they were Qingxuan Sect disciples? Chapter 40: Returning to Qingshan City and Elder Li’s Life-Saving Jade Pendant From behind the rock wall came an awkward laugh. "Senior Brother Shen, with you here, I didn''t see the need to show myself." Xiao Fan emerged, smiling awkwardly. He had thought he was well-hidden, but Shen Mo had still discovered him. Zhao Rou was initially stunned, but her gaze soon turned sharp. "Junior Brother Xiao, what do you mean by this? You could have stepped in to save me just now, so why didn''t you?" she demanded, staring directly into Xiao Fan''s eyes. Xiao Fan''s expression grew even more awkward. He had planned to jump in at the last moment to help. That way, Zhao Rou would be on the brink of being violated and psychologically broken. He could then play the hero, rescuing her and easily breaking through her psychological defenses. But when he heard Zhao Rou mention that Shen Mo was also in Lion Roar Valley, he abandoned the idea. Xiao Fan knew well that he was no match for Shen Mo. "Seeing a fellow disciple in trouble and having the ability to help but choosing not to is something I will report to the elders when we return to the sect," Shen Mo said coolly. Hearing this, Xiao Fan''s eyes turned cold, and he snorted, "Then go ahead and report it, Senior Brother Shen." With that, he turned and left. Shen Mo narrowed his eyes. He had the power to kill Xiao Fan. But he worried that Xiao Fan''s fate, "Surviving Against the Odds," would come into play, allowing him to escape. Moreover, he still needed to rely on Xiao Fan for more opportunities. Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If he killed the sheep now, there would be no more wool to gather. "There''s no other way. He has too many opportunities to take advantage of!" Shen Mo sighed inwardly, watching Xiao Fan leave. Zhao Rou, on the other hand, was furious, "He looks like a gentleman but is actually disgusting." Shen Mo smiled faintly, "He once did the same to me." He then recounted how he had once helped Xiao Fan, only to be abandoned by him after he was poisoned and his strength plummeted. Hearing this, Zhao Rou''s anger grew, her chest heaving with emotion. "That scumbag! The deputy sect master''s daughter must be blind to have taken a liking to him," she cursed, "I bet he''ll eventually abandon Liu Fei and find a new lover!" Shen Mo thought to himself, you guessed right. In a while, this guy will fall for the deputy sect master''s daughter from the Divine Sword Sect. "Forget about him. How was the harvest this time?" Shen Mo asked casually. Zhao Rou happily took out a piece of sparkling purple crystal, "In the Lion King''s head, there was a palm-sized demon crystal, very pure. We''ve hit the jackpot!" "And there were three cubs in the den. I feel that one of them is quite extraordinary, maybe a mutation in its bloodline." She brought out three cubs and pointed to one of them excitedly. Shen Mo looked at the little creature and nodded slightly. This cub was larger than its siblings, with fur not only purple but also streaked with gold. "Keep this Amethyst Lion cub and raise it. In the future, it might reach the fourth stage," Shen Mo smiled. A fourth-stage demonic beast would be equivalent to a Core Formation cultivator! No matter where you went, you would be respected. In Qingxuan Sect, your status would rise significantly. "Is this a gift from Senior Brother Shen?" Zhao Rou blushed. Shen Mo smiled, "If you don''t want it, then I won''t give it to you." He reached out to take the cub. Zhao Rou quickly held the cub close. The little cub burrowed into her chest, making her blush even more. They gathered all the loot into their storage rings. Besides the Amethyst Lion cub, Zhao Rou refused to take any other items. As they left Lion Roar Valley, Shen Mo guided them, and sure enough, Zhao Rou found an Everlasting Vine along the way. Shen Mo proposed exchanging some materials from the Amethyst Lion for the Everlasting Vine. Zhao Rou readily agreed. Then, they returned to Qingxuan Sect. ... The next day. Shen Mo woke up early. After dressing and washing up, he heard a knock on the door. Opening it, he saw a familiar face. It was Deacon Zhang Weihu. "Senior Brother Zhang, what''s the matter?" Shen Mo asked with a smile. Zhang Weihu scratched his head, "Elder Li sent me. She said that Xiao Fan was spared by Deputy Sect Master Liu, and his punishment is only a three-month suspension of inner disciple resources." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Yesterday, after he and Zhao Rou returned to the sect, he informed Elder Li about Zhao Rou being attacked by rogue cultivators and Xiao Fan standing by idly. Elder Li, knowing that Xiao Fan was under Liu Yuanfeng''s protection, naturally took advantage of the situation. However, she could only impose a minor punishment on Xiao Fan, such as suspending his resources for three months. "Message delivered. I''ll head back now," Zhang Weihu said, nodding. Shen Mo suddenly spoke, "Senior Brother Zhang, could you pass another message to Elder Li for me?" Zhang Weihu eagerly nodded, "I''d be happy to. What do you need to say, Junior Brother Shen?" Now, as one of the four true disciples of Qingxuan Sect, Shen Mo held a high status. Many were willing to assist Shen Mo. Now that Shen Mo asked for his help, Zhang Weihu was more than willing. "It''s nothing much, just let Elder Li know that I plan to visit Qingshan City. I haven''t been home to see my father since I joined the sect at twelve. It''s been over six years now," Shen Mo said with a smile. He had joined Qingxuan Sect at twelve, spent four years tempering his body, reached the Qi Refining realm a year later, and then had his foundation ruined by the Blood Scattering Poison, taking another year to recover. He was now eighteen. Zhang Weihu nodded repeatedly, "Alright, I''ll make sure to deliver the message. Don''t worry, Junior Brother Shen." He quickly left. Shen Mo then sorted through the items in his storage ring. He was heading to Qingshan City to intercept the opportunities involving the other part of the Forest Sword Art and the Everlasting Body Protection Pills. He also wanted to see his father, Shen Jiuding, and resolve some doubts in his mind. Soon, a powerful aura appeared. "Shen Mo, you''re going back to Qingshan City?" came the voice of an elderly woman. Shen Mo turned around and saw a white-haired old woman leaning on a cane. He was quite surprised that Elder Li had come in person. He nodded, "Disciple misses his family and wants to check on his father''s health." Elder Li nodded, "It''s understandable to miss your family after being away for so long." She thought for a moment and then took out a jade pendant, tossing it over. The jade pendant stopped right in front of Shen Mo. "Right now, the Sect Master, Liu Yuanfeng, and Song Chaofeng haven''t completely fallen out, but I can''t say they won''t target you when you leave the sect alone." "Take this jade pendant. It contains three protective spiritual powers from me, which can protect you for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Although it''s not as good as the Qingshan Pendant the Sect Master gave you, it''s still a life-saving card." "If you activate this pendant, I will arrive to save you within the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Don''t doubt it; a Core Formation cultivator does indeed have that speed." Elder Li gave a kind smile. "Thank you, Elder Li!" Shen Mo bowed respectfully. Elder Li nodded slightly, tapped her cane on the ground, and disappeared. "With this, along with the Qingshan Pendant, this trip will be even more secure." Having made all the necessary preparations, Shen Mo immediately set off. Chapter 41: The Alchemist King’s Cave and Returning to Qingshan City Shen Mo had just left Qingxuan Sect when a disciple quickly reported the news to Liu Yuanfeng. Liu Yuanfeng was resting with his eyes closed. Upon hearing the news, he slowly opened his eyes, a strange glint flickering in them. "Leave," he waved his hand. The disciple respectfully left. Not far away, Liu Yunxuan hurried over, "Father, this is a great opportunity." "Shen Mo''s cultivation speed is too fast. His strength is already above mine. If we don''t take this chance to eliminate him while he''s alone, when will we?" Liu Yunxuan''s expression was somewhat anxious. Ever since his chest injury had healed, he harbored a deep hatred for Shen Mo, always thinking about destroying him. However, even when Shen Mo left the sect, he never went too far. Such a distance was still within the range for the Core Formation realm elders like Murong Yue to arrive in just a few breaths. It was not an ideal place to make a move. Now, he finally saw an opportunity. Liu Yuanfeng smiled faintly, "Yunxuan, you''re still too impatient. Here''s what you should do: tell this news to Song Chaofeng and see what he does." Liu Yunxuan was stunned but still nodded patiently, "Alright." He quickly left Cloud Mist Peak and headed to Sword Cliff. Sword Cliff was a smooth rock wall, towering a hundred feet high. It was said that it was cleaved by the founder of Qingxuan Sect with a single sword strike. Disciples often came here to gain insights and improve their swordsmanship. After the Qingxuan Cave incident, Song Chaofeng had voluntarily stepped down from his position as Great Elder and had been reflecting on his actions here. When Liu Yunxuan arrived, he saw Song Chaofeng sitting at a low table, eating meat and drinking wine, not looking at all like he was reflecting. "Hmm?" Song Chaofeng raised an eyebrow, "What did your father send you here for?" Liu Yunxuan told him about Shen Mo leaving the sect. Song Chaofeng immediately understood, "I see." "Boy, you''re indeed impatient." Liu Yunxuan was puzzled, "Elder Song, we are steadfast allies in wanting to kill Shen Mo. Have you forgotten how much he made Junjie suffer?" Song Chaofeng replied indifferently, "Of course I remember." "Then why..." Liu Yunxuan was even more puzzled. Song Chaofeng continued, "Do you know that Elder Li personally went to see Shen Mo when he was leaving the sect?" Liu Yunxuan was taken aback. Song Chaofeng added, "As Murong Yue''s disciple, do you think she wouldn''t give him life-saving items?" Liu Yunxuan fell silent. Song Chaofeng pressed on, "With so many life-saving cards on him, ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators are no match for him. Who do you suggest we send? A Core Formation realm elder?" Liu Yunxuan had nothing to say. Song Chaofeng snorted, "Think things through more carefully." "Shen Mo must die, but not now." "Acting against him now would be time-consuming and laborious, and we would also have to face Murong Yue''s wrath." "We aren''t ready, and neither are they." Song Chaofeng pointed upward. Liu Yunxuan nodded, understanding that he was referring to the Divine Sword Sect and the Verdant Vine Sect. "Go back. The time isn''t ripe yet." "When the time comes, Shen Mo will die faster than anyone else." Song Chaofeng waved his hand dismissively. Liu Yunxuan nodded respectfully, "I understand, Elder Song." He quickly returned to Cloud Mist Peak to meet Liu Yuanfeng again. Liu Yuanfeng smiled faintly, "It seems you understand now." "Yes, I was indeed too impatient," Liu Yunxuan sighed. Liu Yuanfeng pondered for a moment, "Start working on the Alchemist King''s cave. The exact location is almost found; we only need the key, which is the pills he personally refined." "As far as I know, the Alchemist King gave his pills to three people." "One is Shen Jiuding, Shen Mo''s father, but with Murong Yue''s people watching, we can''t make a move there." "The second is the head of the Zhao family in Gufeng City, but the Zhao family has allied with the Luo family, making it difficult to infiltrate." "The last one is a woman from Qingyi Pavilion in Xishan City. Years ago, the Alchemist King, Gu Sanqiu, spent days and nights with her and left her a Youth Retaining Pill." "My men have already tracked her down. You must go retrieve the pill yourself; I don''t trust anyone else with this task." Liu Yunxuan was thrilled, "Yes! I''ll handle it right away!" He couldn''t help but ask, "Father, is it true that the Alchemist King''s cave is filled with mountains of pills?" Liu Yuanfeng nodded slightly, "It''s true." "If we can open it, I will certainly reach the peak of the Core Formation realm and surpass Murong Yue." "Then, Song Chaofeng will be wary of me, and all actions will be led by me. The wavering Core Formation realm elders will know who to side with." "Good! I look forward to that day!" Liu Yunxuan said excitedly and quickly left. ... Qingshan City. Returning to this old city full of memories, Shen Mo felt a wave of nostalgia. Although he had never actually lived here, coming back touched on those distant memories, making him feel a sense of connection. Shen Mo, wearing the gold-trimmed true disciple robes of Qingxuan Sect, immediately attracted the attention of passersby. It didn''t take long for soldiers to bring an elderly man and a middle-aged man to him. The elderly man bowed to Shen Mo, "Greetings, Senior Shen. I am Gao Yuan, the city lord of Qingshan City." Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The middle-aged man also bowed, "Greetings, Senior Shen. I am Song You, the chief deacon stationed in Qingshan City by the sect." There were only four true disciples in Qingxuan Sect. With a little inquiry, they easily identified Shen Mo''s identity. Shen Mo nodded slightly and returned their bows. As a true disciple of Qingxuan Sect, he automatically received the position of Senior when traveling. Given his special status, even the chief deacon of a city had to treat him with utmost respect. The city lord, being a manager elected by a few families in the city, held a position lower than the chief deacon but higher than an ordinary deacon. "Senior Shen, have you come to conduct an inspection on behalf of the sect?" Song You asked nervously, moving closer. Shen Mo smiled and shook his head, "No need to worry, Senior Brother Song. I''m just here to visit my family. The sect''s inspection is someone else''s task." Song You sighed in relief. Qingxuan Sect sent special deacons annually to inspect the three cities. Deacons who failed to properly manage city trade and recruit disciples would be reprimanded. Those who were corrupt or lazy would receive severe penalties. After several reprimands, a deacon could lose their position. Therefore, the deacons of the three cities were most concerned about inspections. Gao Yuan quickly added, "Senior Shen, your father is at the clinic now. Shall I take you there?" "Thank you, City Lord," Shen Mo smiled. "Pharmacist Shen is a miraculous doctor in Qingshan City. I''ll join you in visiting him," Song You added eagerly. Thus, accompanied by the chief deacon of Qingshan City, the city lord, and a group of soldiers, Shen Mo was escorted to the clinic in the center of a crowd, like a star surrounded by admirers. Along the way, the townspeople discussed excitedly. "What''s going on? The chief deacon and the city lord are escorting a young man?" "That young man is Shen Mo, Pharmacist Shen''s son!" "But why are the chief deacon and city lord escorting him?" "Didn''t you see his robe with gold trim? That''s the robe of a true disciple of Qingxuan Sect!" "What? A true disciple? My goodness, I remember he joined Qingxuan Sect just a few years ago. How did he achieve this so quickly?" Amidst the enthusiastic discussions, Shen Mo arrived at the Shen Clinic and met his father, Shen Jiuding, whom he hadn''t seen in many years. Chapter 42: Foundation Establishment Realm Perfection Shen Jiuding was tall and had a fair, beardless face with graying temples. [Shen Jiuding = Divine Nine Cauldrons. try guessing his identity in the plot] Although wrinkles had formed at the corners of his eyes, it was evident that he must have been quite handsome in his youth. He wore a plain white doctor''s robe, which had been washed so many times that several parts had turned pale, yet he had not replaced it with a new one. Since his transmigration, Shen Mo had only seen this father in the memories of his predecessor. Now, meeting in person, he suddenly felt a strange mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity. He felt quite uneasy. "Father..." Shen Mo quickly walked over and called out softly, just as he remembered. At that moment, Shen Jiuding was writing a prescription for a patient. Hearing this voice, he was momentarily stunned. He abruptly looked up and immediately saw his son. His son, who made him immensely proud and gratified. "Mo''er, you''re back?!" Shen Jiuding exclaimed with joy. Gao Yuan and Song You also entered, cupping their hands in congratulation, "Pharmacist Shen, it''s an honor to meet you." Shen Jiuding was taken aback when he saw the city lord and chief steward and hurriedly tried to salute them. Gao Yuan quickly helped him up. "What is the meaning of this...?" Shen Jiuding looked bewildered. These two were highly esteemed figures in Qingshan City, rarely seen in public. Why were they now standing behind Shen Mo? Gao Yuan laughed heartily, "Mr. Shen, you have a fine son. Shen Mo is now a true disciple of Qingxuan Sect!" Song You also nodded slightly, "A true disciple must be greeted with proper etiquette. If we did not accompany him, it would be a breach of decorum." Shen Jiuding was even more shocked, "Am I... am I dreaming?" My son, who was still an outer disciple six years ago. How has he suddenly become a true disciple? Seeing his father''s astonished expression, Shen Mo''s lips curved into a smile. It was understandable that Shen Jiuding did not know. After all, the news of his promotion to true disciple and being accepted as a disciple by the sect master had only spread within the Qingxuan Sect. Beyond the sect, few people knew. In Qingshan City''s three towns, ordinary people rarely interacted with Qingxuan Sect disciples, so it was even less likely for them to know. It was no wonder Shen Jiuding was unaware of this news. "Father, the gold trim signifies the robe of a true disciple of Qingxuan Sect," Shen Mo explained with a smile, "I am indeed a true disciple now, you are not dreaming." Overjoyed, Shen Jiuding burst into tears and embraced his son tightly. Gao Yuan and Song You waved their hands, signaling the others to leave. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The patients, who admired Shen Jiuding, also left as long as their ailments were not too serious. After all, it had been over six years since the father and son had seen each other, and they indeed needed some time to talk. Shen Mo observed this man with graying temples, and his impression gradually aligned with his memory. Shen Jiuding gave him a feeling very similar to his father before his transmigration. Silent by nature, yet all his emotions were conveyed without words. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Mo brought up the purpose of his visit. "Father, you mentioned that many years ago you saved a severely injured cultivator who gave you some pills as a token of gratitude, right?" Shen Jiuding nodded, "Yes, at that time you were just one or two years old, too young to remember." Shen Mo asked again, "Did that cultivator leave a name?" Shen Jiuding shook his head, "No, he only gave me two pills, saying they could enhance wisdom roots, but a person could only take one and had to consume it before the age of ten. I''ve kept the other one." Shen Mo nodded slightly and then told him about the Lei family''s desire to seize the pill. He also recounted how he had been poisoned, his foundation destroyed, and how he accidentally found a cleansing pill to rebuild his foundation. "What?!" Shen Jiuding was furious upon hearing this, "The Lei family did such a thing?" "Did they harm you again later?" Shen Mo shook his head, "No, they didn''t. After I became the sect master''s disciple, there were sect members in Qingshan City, so the Lei family didn''t dare to act rashly or take the pill directly from you." Shen Jiuding was stunned, his eyes suddenly glistening with something. He quickly turned away, wiped his eyes, and then turned back. He patted Shen Mo''s shoulder, looking relieved, "I never thought one day I would be protected by you." Shen Mo smiled, "Father, my cultivation level has long surpassed yours. From now on, I will protect you." Shen Jiuding was even more gratified, "Good." Shen Mo had only this one father; as for his mother, she had passed away from illness when he was three or four years old. Because of this, Shen Jiuding vowed to cure all illnesses and save people throughout his life. "Father, give me that pill. It will be safer with me," Shen Mo suggested after some thought. "Yes, it should be given to you," Shen Jiuding nodded. He returned to his room, retrieved the pill from a hidden compartment, and handed it to Shen Mo. Shen Mo opened it and saw it was indeed a wisdom-enhancing pill. The pill had intricate and obscure patterns on its surface. It didn''t look like something consumable, but rather like a piece of art. Night fell. City Lord Gao Yuan specially invited the best chefs in Qingshan City to prepare a grand feast for Shen Mo and his father. After the father and son had eaten their fill, they returned to their respective rooms. Shen Mo reached out and took out the three Pure Essence Stabilising Pills. He picked up one and swallowed it. Buzz! The pure medicinal power erupted, surging towards his dantian. This medicinal power was dozens of times stronger than that of ordinary Solidifying Pills. Its purpose was to solidify his Dao Foundation. However, before the medicinal power could merge with his Dao platform, the Red Lotus Flame atop the platform absorbed most of it. The remaining medicinal power was equivalent to about five or six ordinary Stabilising Pills. Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile wryly. This was why he had been unable to achieve perfection in the Foundation Establishment Realm during this time. The Red Lotus Flame had a voracious appetite. Even in standby mode, it consumed a tenth of his spiritual power. Whenever Shen Mo took pills, it absorbed about fifty percent of the medicinal power. "Wait I feel something!" Suddenly, Shen Mo sensed a subtle change in his Dao platform. He was overjoyed and quickly operated the Flame Hell Destruction Manual, adjusting his breathing rhythm. Two hours later, the Flame Hell Destruction Manual advanced to the second level, and his realm naturally progressed to the perfection stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm! Feeling the more vigorous spiritual power surging within him, Shen Mo smiled with delight. "Foundation Establishment Realm perfection, combined with my cultivation technique, martial skills, and Eternal Flame, I can remain undefeated even against peak Foundation Establishment cultivators." "As for cultivators of the same realm, I can easily secure victory!" ... Shen Mo stayed in Qingshan City for three days. The father and son enjoyed harmonious interactions. Thanks to Shen Mo''s status, both Gao Yuan and Song You promised to strongly support the Shen Family Clinic''s endeavors. Shen Jiuding was so happy he couldn''t stop smiling. Three days later, Shen Mo bid farewell to his father and returned to the Qingxuan Sect. On his way back to the Qingxuan Sect, guided by his life panel, he swept through a bandit hideout occupied by rogue cultivators. These rogue cultivators were engaged in robbery and often attacked the caravans of Qingshan City. Their deaths were well-deserved. After killing all the rogue cultivators in the hideout, Shen Mo quickly found the other part of the Forest Sword Technique. He then found the nest of the Scarlet Wind Kite in the nearby dense forest. After killing two mature third-level Scarlet Wind Kites, he discovered a skeleton in the nest. On the skeleton, he found a low-grade storage ring, which contained three Everlasting Protective Pills. "It worked!" Shen Mo nodded slightly and swiftly returned to the Qingxuan Sect. Chapter 43: The Grand Ceremony of a Hundred Sects in Xuanjiang Prefecture On the way back to the Qing Xuan Sect, Shen Mo stumbled upon a spring. At the bottom of the spring was a shiny stone. Upon picking it up, he realized it was a top-tier Profound-grade treasure, the Crimson Dragon Crystal. The Crystal was entirely crimson, as if it contained a drop of dragon''s blood. This item was filled with pure fire spiritual energy. Shen Mo checked his life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Today, on the way back to the Qing Xuan Sect, feeling thirsty, you pass by a spring and discover a crystal at the bottom while drinking water. Upon picking it up, you find it is a top-tier Profound-grade treasure, the Crimson Dragon Crystal.] Shen Mo smiled with joy. The combination of his "Small Fortune" and "Temporary Good Luck" fates had indeed brought him some good luck. "This item can serve as one of the foundation material for my Core Formation." Shen Mo nodded slightly. The Flame Hell Destruction Manual detailed the process of Core Formation. Core Formation, more precisely, involves condensing a Golden Core. Similar to constructing a Dao platform, condensing a Golden Core requires five foundations, corresponding to the five elemental attributes. Different cultivation techniques produce different types of Golden Cores. However, the quality of a Golden Core is distinguished by the number of cracks on its surface, categorized into ordinary Golden Cores, flawless Golden Cores, and perfect Golden Cores. The fewer the cracks, the closer it is to perfection, and the stronger one''s power after successful condensation. The Flame Hell Destruction Manual condenses the Flame Hell Golden Core. This type of Golden Core was chosen by the Flame Hell Immortal after years of insight. It doesn''t belong to the categories of ordinary, flawless, or perfect Golden Cores. To be precise, it surpasses even the perfect Golden Core! After all, even condensing a perfect Golden Core doesn''t require condensing and shattering the core nine times repeatedly. However, the Flame Hell Golden Core requires shattering the core nine times to achieve the ultimate strength. Of course, this means Shen Mo needs to prepare forty-five top-tier Profound-grade treasures. This Crimson Dragon Crystal was just a minor episode along the way. Before long, Shen Mo returned to the sect and resumed his persistent cultivation. ... Half a year passed in the blink of an eye. The Qing Xuan Sect remained peaceful, with little change compared to six months ago. Reports from various places indicated that Xuanjiang Prefecture was also calm. However, one day while Shen Mo was eating in the kitchen hall, he accidentally overheard some startling news from Lingyun Prefecture, south of Xuanjiang Prefecture. The authorities in Lingyun Prefecture, citing the disappearance of soldiers near the Jinyang Sect, forcibly demanded to search the sect''s grounds. When the Jinyang Sect refused, the authorities mobilized an army and directly razed the sect. The sect master and deputy sect master were killed, and dozens of Core Formation cultivators either died or fled. It''s important to note that the Jinyang Sect was one of the three major sects in Lingyun Prefecture. The fact that the authorities easily flattened the sect sent a wave of terror through the remaining sects in the Prefecture. Subsequently, the authorities swept through every sect in Jiande Prefecture. Those who resisted were eradicated. Those who were wise surrendered immediately. Second and third-rate sects followed suit and surrendered. In just one month, the authorities cleared out all the sects in Lingyun Prefecture. A place once known for its numerous sects and rampant disorder became entirely stabilized. When this news spread in the Qing Xuan Sect, it caused some anxiety among the disciples. They feared that similar events might occur in Xuanjiang Prefecture. However, Xuanjiang Prefecture remained calm during this time, and the elders strictly forbade discussing the matter, allowing the issue to gradually settle. People are forgetful creatures. It didn''t take long for this event to fade from memory. ... On his bed, Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes. He had already used up the three Pure Essence Solidifying Pills he had acquired. He originally thought these three pills would be enough for him to reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Unexpectedly, after using them all, he still couldn''t touch the threshold of the peak. However, Shen Mo did sense the presence of a bottleneck. If there were an experience bar above his head, it would indicate that he had reached the end of the Foundation Establishment perfection stage. He only needed an opportunity to break through to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. At that moment, a fragrant breeze wafted by. Before Shen Mo''s eyes could adjust, he saw a familiar graceful figure appear in the courtyard. Murong Yue was dressed in a light blue palace dress, accentuating her proud chest, slender waist, and curvaceous hips. The dress reached the ground, revealing only a pair of delicate, tiny feet, which were faintly visible. "Master." Shen Mo bowed respectfully. He sensed for a moment and noticed an increase in Murong Yue''s oppressive aura. "Has Master made progress in her cultivation?" he asked. Murong Yue smiled charmingly, "Indeed, otherwise I would not have come out of seclusion." "Congratulations, Master!" Shen Mo also showed genuine joy. Murong Yue''s strength increasing made him sincerely happy. Moreover, from the looks of it, she seemed to have come to him immediately after her breakthrough. Her demeanor was less like a sect master and more like a girl next door who had encountered something delightful. "I came this time to inform you of something." Murong Yue walked over gracefully. Soon, she stood right in front of Shen Mo. The distance between them was only about a foot. Shen Mo cupped his hands, "Please speak, Master." "Five days ago, the Great Five Sects of Xuanjiang notified all sects in Xuanjiang Prefecture that the Grand Ceremony of a Hundred Sects will be held two months earlier than scheduled." "At that time, every sect with a Core Formation cultivator will have to select elite disciples to go to Divine Sword City of the Divine Sword Sect to participate in the ceremony." "Currently, only the sect leaders know about this; it has not been announced to all disciples yet," Murong Yue said solemnly. After listening, Shen Mo frowned. The Grand Ceremony of a Hundred Sects? Divine Sword City? Things might not be that simple. There had been Grand Ceremonies of a Hundred Sects before, but they were held once every ten years. The last one was six years ago, so it shouldn''t be brought forward by so much, no matter how early. Murong Yue noticed his expression and chuckled, "You are indeed astute, immediately sensing something wrong." She waved her hand, brushing the dust off the table and chairs, and casually sat down. She also gestured for Shen Mo to sit. Sitting across from each other, Murong Yue continued, "A few months ago, you must have heard about the authorities in neighboring Lingyun Prefecture nearly wiping out all the sects." Shen Mo nodded, "Is Master implying that Xuanjiang Prefecture might face a similar situation?" Murong Yue sighed deeply, "It''s not just a possibility; it''s a certainty." Shen Mo remained silent. Murong Yue spoke lightly, "Yuzhou has the strongest sect forces among the nine provinces of the Jing Kingdom." "Lingyun Prefecture, next door, had the most rampant sects among the ten prefectures of Yuzhou." "How rampant, you ask? Two years ago, the prefect of Lingyun Prefecture died under mysterious circumstances. Officially, it was said he drowned, but everyone knew that as the leading sect of Lingyun Prefecture, Jinyang Sect was certainly involved in his death." Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So, Lingyun Prefecture became the new emperor''s first target." Shen Mo frowned, "The second target will be Xuanjiang Prefecture?" Murong Yue shook her head, "It''s hard to say; it could be Xuanjiang Prefecture or perhaps Jingshan Prefecture to the north." "The Five Sects of Xuanjiang scheduling the Grand Ceremony of a Hundred Sects earlier is likely for the sect leaders to discuss countermeasures. The elite disciples'' competition is secondary." Shen Mo nodded in understanding. As the five strongest sects in Xuanjiang Prefecture, it was natural for them to react after witnessing the fate of Jiande Prefecture''s sects. "So, Master, do you mean I am to participate in this Grand Ceremony of a Hundred Sects?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue smiled brightly, "Of course, our Qing Xuan Sect rarely produces someone with a Heaven-grade physique like you. You must participate, and you must win. Win decisively, win spectacularly!" Shen Mo nodded firmly, "I will not fail in my mission." Chapter 44: Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, Second Level The Next Day, At the early hour. The bronze bell in front of the main hall of Qingxuan Sect suddenly started to vibrate. The sound of the bell echoed through the mountain gate. The voice of Murong Yue resounded throughout the entire sect. "Two months from now, our sect will send ten disciples to participate in the Hundred Gates Ceremony hosted by the top five sects of Xuanjiang." "Therefore, one month from now, the sect will conduct a disciple selection." "Any disciple who can pass the selection and become one of the ten will receive a Profound-Grade spiritual weapon, ten bottles of Foundation Stabilizing Pill, and one hundred mid-grade spirit stones!" As soon as the news spread, the disciples went wild. "Wow! I''ve been an inner disciple for six or seven years, and I''ve only saved up eighteen mid-grade spirit stones!" "They''re giving out such rewards just for passing the selection?!" "Starting today, I''ll only sleep three hours a day and spend the rest of the time cultivating!" S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hmph, I''ll only sleep one hour a day!" "I...I won''t sleep at all!" "Stop competing on who sleeps less and take a closer look. It seems like there are ten slots, but in reality, there are only six." "Right, the four true disciples are the strongest, no one can compete with them, the top four will definitely be among them." The disciples were abuzz with discussions, their hearts filled with excitement. However, many believed that at least a Foundation Establishment stage level was necessary to win the selection. Otherwise, with just a Qi Condensation Realm, it would be too difficult to pass the selection. Even at the peak of Qi Condensation, facing an entry-level Foundation Establishment stage opponent, one would certainly lose within two moves. The gap between the two stages was just too great. Amidst this commotion, Shen Mo didn''t pay much attention. He didn''t even care about the rewards of the selection. Those items, while plentiful to others, were not significant to him. In his storage ring, just the spirit stones given by Murong Yue amounted to five hundred mid-grade ones. In addition, he had dozens of bottles of Foundation Stabilizing Pill. As for the Poround-grade spiritual weapons, they were somewhat useful, but Shen Mo didn''t lack them. After all, for daily combat, he had the Thunder Sword; for daily defense, he had the Forest Python Skin Inner Armor; and as a trump card, he had the Grass Character Sword Book. Shen Mo spent his days in his courtyard, cultivating martial skills. He had been busy snatching opportunities everywhere recently, and had not settled down to hone his martial skills. His Thunder Shadow Sword Technique was still at the first level. "I possess the innate talent of a Sword Dao Enthusiast and a Innate wisdom far superior to others." "Even without snatching opportunities, through my own efforts, I can comprehend the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique to the second level." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Half a month later, he indeed saw changes on his life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Today, while practicing the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, it suddenly started thundering and raining, leading to an epiphany. The Thunder Shadow Sword Technique was comprehended to the second level.] Shen Mo smiled, indeed! He practiced his sword as usual. Before long, the sunny weather suddenly changed. Dark clouds pressed down, thunder roared. In no time, torrential rain poured down. Shen Mo stood motionless in the rain, entering a state of enlightenment. A dozen breaths later, the thunder boomed, and lightning tore through the dark sky like a sharp sword. At that moment, the lightning seemed like a ray of wisdom, piercing through his chaotic mind. Shen Mo suddenly felt his thoughts become clear. He immediately picked up the Thunder Sword and resumed practicing. Sure enough, the power greatly increased! "The Thunder Shadow Sword Technique has reached the second level!" Shen Mo was pleasantly surprised. In the blink of an eye, several days passed. As usual, Shen Mo headed to the fire stove hall for a meal. On the way, he noticed a group of disciples surrounding Liu Yunxuan, who seemed to be engaged in a lively discussion. From a distance, he saw Liu Yunxuan wearing a proud expression. Shen Mo couldn''t be bothered with his trivial matters and planned to head straight to the fire dining hall. However, Liu Yunxuan spotted him from afar. A thought flashed through Liu Yunxuan''s mind, and he suddenly shouted, "Shen Mo! Long time no see!" As his voice fell, the surrounding disciples all turned their attention. The disciples were well aware of the conflict between Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan. Some of the more perceptive disciples even realized that the conflict between Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan was actually a reflection of the tension between Sect Master Murong Yue and Vice Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng. As soon as Liu Yunxuan spoke, all the disciples realized that a good show was about to unfold. Shen Mo frowned, "What is it?" Liu Yunxuan smiled slightly, "The selection for the Hundred Sects Ceremony is about to start. Shen Mo, do you dare to compete with me? Let''s see who can take first place!" Shen Mo was puzzled. Where did this guy get the confidence to challenge him? Instinctively, he glanced at Liu Yunxuan''s life panel. [name: Liu Yunxuan.] [stage: Peak Foundation Establishment.] [fate: Fortunate Encounter, Graceful Appearance, Turning Danger into Safety, Smooth Sailing, Lesser Yin Mysterious Ice Body.] [destiny: Stops at major achievement of the Core Formation realm, serves as an inner elder of the Divine Sword Sect. Dies forty-one years later during an external campaign of the Divine Sword Sect.] [Recent opportunity: Three days later, participates in the Qingxuan Sect''s Hundred Sects Ceremony selection battle, uses Ice Crystal Flame, secretly consumes Eternal Flame to try to defeat Shen Mo and take first place, but is sternly reprimanded by Murong Yue. After leaving Qingxuan Sect overnight, meets secretly with the granddaughter of the Divine Sword Sect''s Great Elder, receives two Dark Fire Crystals from her, greatly enhancing the Ice Crystal Flame.] Shen Mo''s mouth twitched. Ice Crystal Flame... This type of flame is not a eternal fire but a beast fire born within an Ice Flame Wolf. However, Ice Crystal Flame is quite rare. It can only be found in an elder Ice Flame Wolf that has reached the fourth tier. Presumably, this flame was obtained for Liu Yunxuan by Liu Yuanfeng. It is indeed very suitable for Liu Yunxuan''s Lesser Yin Profound Ice Body. But to use it to compete with the Red Lotus Flame, while not exactly comparable, it is at least worlds apart. Moreover, Liu Yunxuan''s life panel also showed that he failed. He only obtained a new opportunity after failing. Seeing this, Shen Mo waved his hand, "Not interested." First place would only mean more mid-grade spirit stones, what other rewards could there be? He had plenty of treasures, he didn''t need this so-called first place. Liu Yunxuan wanted to continue provoking him, but saw that Shen Mo was already walking away. He was somewhat annoyed. It felt like he had punched a piece of cotton. "With my Ice Crystal Flame and my peak Foundation Establishment stage, who''s stronger or weaker is still uncertain!" Liu Yunxuan snorted coldly in his heart. ... Three days later. It was time for Qingxuan Sect to select its disciples. Shen Mo got up early, washed up, and headed to the martial arts field. Along the way, every disciple he encountered would unconsciously stop and salute him respectfully. They would also address him as "Senior Brother Shen." The sect master had even gotten angry at Vice Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng and Great Elder Song Chaofeng for his sake. One could see Shen Mo''s standing in the sect master''s heart. When Shen Mo arrived at the martial arts field, the disciples naturally parted to make way for him. Up ahead, Luo Shengnan laughed heartily, "Shen Mo, come over here, this spot has a good view of the whole martial arts stage." Zhao Ting, sitting opposite Luo Shengnan, also waved at Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded slightly. It made sense, given his high status, he shouldn''t stand among the crowd. Soon, in the pavilion beside the martial arts field, Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou sat opposite each other. This table was by the window, allowing them to clearly see the battles on the martial arts stage. "As true disciples, we don''t need to fight right now." Luo Shengnan waved his hand boldly, "We''ll only step in after they have determined the top six." Chapter 45: The Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang Shen Mo glanced at Zhao Rou and noticed a change in her aura. He raised an eyebrow, "Zhao Rou, did you reach the Foundation Establishment stage?" Zhao Rou smiled sweetly, "Yes, but unlike Senior Brother Shen, it''s not a Perfect Dao Foundation, just a Flawless Dao Foundation." Shen Mo nodded, "A Flawless Dao Foundation is still impressive, better than most." Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan looked thoughtful. "But compared to a Perfect Dao Foundation, it''s quite a gap," they said. The Dao Foundation is the basis of the Dao. They had only established Flawless Dao Foundations, so their future achievements would certainly be lower than those of Shen Mo, who had established a Perfect Dao Foundation. The four of them then started chatting idly. During this time, Zhao Rou went to the martial arts stage. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she easily entered the top six. Luo Shengnan, noticing Shen Mo''s aura was as unfathomable as a mountain, couldn''t help but ask, "Shen Mo, what is your current stage?" Shen Mo replied, "Peak Foundation Establishment." There was no need for him to hide his stage, as it would be revealed in battle anyway. "So soon?!" Zhao Ting, who was sipping tea, was shocked. Luo Shengnan scratched her head, "I just broke through to the Major Achievement of the Foundation Establishment stage a few days ago. I didn''t expect you to advance even faster." Zhao Rou''s eyes sparkled with admiration. No wonder he has a Heaven-Grade Physique. His cultivation speed is far beyond ordinary people! "Shen Mo''s cultivation speed, not just in Qingxuan Sect, but in the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture, is among the top," Zhao Ting remarked. "Shen Mo, have you heard of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang?" Shen Mo was puzzled, "No, I haven''t." Luo Shengnan scoffed, "Called young supremes, but who knows if they''re secretly doing despicable things." Zhao Ting cleared his throat, "Divine Sword Sect''s Sword Supreme Zhou Qingcang, Rising Sun Sect''s Fiery Supreme Hong Chilong, Thunder Fire Sect''s Thunder Supreme Wan Renjie, Green Vine Sect''s Demonic Supreme Mo Yuheng, and Heavenly Water Sect''s Dark Supreme Yin Xuege." Shen Mo pondered for a moment. He quickly understood. These five must be the top talents of the five major sects of Xuanjiang. They might even possess Heaven-Grade Physiques. "All five of them are at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage." "The reason they haven''t formed their cores yet is that they''re gathering materials for a Perfect Core." Zhao Ting sighed, "They are exceptional talents, so they naturally aim for a Perfect Core." Luo Shengnan was also moved, "If I ever reach the Core Formation stage, I''ll be content with a Flawless Core." Shen Mo shook his head, "Aim high to achieve the middle, aim for the middle to achieve the low. If you set a low goal from the start, your achievements will be even lower." Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou were all taken aback. Luo Shengnan paused, then laughed heartily, "No wonder the sect master favors you; it''s no wonder you''re ahead of us!" Zhao Ting nodded, "I''ve learned something today. I must also aim for a Perfect Core!" Just then, a commotion arose from below. The four of them looked towards the martial arts stage. On the stage, Xiao Fan had defeated his opponent with a thunderous force. His opponent was also a Foundation Establishment disciple and had a good chance of passing the selection. But now he was stopped by Xiao Fan. Clearly, the opponent''s luck was not good. Shen Mo shook his head. How can ordinary people compare to someone with great fortune? "Xiao Fan''s stage... seems to have reached the Minor Achievement of the Foundation Establishment stage. This guy is strong too," Luo Shengnan scratched her head. Zhao Rou''s expression turned cold, "A hypocrite and a true scoundrel. He has an Earth-Grade Physique, what a waste." Xiao Fan''s Earthly Physique was not kept secret like Shen Mo''s Heavenly Physique by Murong Yue''s order. Many people knew about it. Luo Shengnan was puzzled, "What''s the story behind this?" Zhao Rou then recounted how she was almost harassed by rogue cultivators one day and how Xiao Fan, hiding in the shadows, did nothing to help. Zhao Ting already knew this and had no reaction. But it was Luo Shengnan''s first time hearing it, and she was instantly furious. "Clearly having the ability to save someone but choosing not to, it''s truly disgusting!" "Originally, I thought he had decent strength and was considering befriending him." Luo Shengnan looked as if she had just found a fly in her food. "Ignore him, he''s with the Vice Sect Master, not on the same path as us," Zhao Ting waved his hand dismissively. At this moment, the elder responsible for arbitration on the martial arts stage nodded slightly, infused his voice with spiritual power, and announced loudly, "The six disciples have been selected. Now, the four true disciples, please enter the arena!" His voice echoed like a bell, resounding throughout the sect. "Look, Liu Yunxuan is here too," Luo Shengnan suddenly pointed in a direction. The four of them looked over and saw Liu Yunxuan striding confidently towards the martial arts stage. The disciples along the way instinctively made way for him, filled with awe. "Finally, it''s our turn," Luo Shengnan rubbed her wrists. "When we draw lots, I hope I draw Xiao Fan. Sister Rou, watch me beat him up for you!" Zhao Rou covered her mouth and giggled, "Alright!" Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, and Luo Shengnan, the three true disciples, walked down from the pavilion. They stood across from Liu Yunxuan at a distance. On the martial arts stage, alongside Xiao Fan and Zhao Rou, stood the six disciples who had passed the selection. There were a total of ten people. The watching disciples were all excited. Now, all ten people on the stage were at the Foundation Establishment stage! After waiting so long, they were finally about to witness a fierce battle! At this moment, several streaks of light flashed across the sky. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several figures appeared in the sky. Leading them was a person dressed in a crimson palace robe, the Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect, Shen Mo''s master, Murong Yue. Beside her were several Core Formation elders, including Vice Sect Master Liu Yuanfeng. Their arrival signaled the beginning of the final battle. Qingxuan Sect''s ten strongest disciples were about to compete! Liu Yuanfeng suddenly spoke loudly, "Although this selection is to choose elite disciples for the Hundred Sects Ceremony, it wouldn''t be right without a reward." "As the Vice Sect Master, I should set an example." With that, he casually tossed a book into the air, where it floated, tightly wrapped in a sphere of spiritual light. "This is a top-grade Profound-Grade martial technique, ''Eight Directions Thunderous Movement.'' It will be the reward for the first place." Upon seeing this, the disciples gasped. And it''s not from the sect''s library; it must be Liu Yuanfeng''s personal collection! He actually took out a top-grade Profound-Grade martial technique! Murong Yue frowned, not understanding why Liu Yuanfeng would offer something so valuable as a reward. Even Core Formation experts like them rarely had Earth-Grade techniques. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, many of the techniques used by Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and others were top-grade Poround-Grade Liu Yuanfeng said calmly, "Sect Master, what about your reward? As the Sect Master, shouldn''t you also set an example?" Murong Yue pondered for a moment, then threw out a jade branch and a drop of crimson blood. "A top-level Profound-Grade treasure, Crystal Branch, which can serve as a wood foundation for establishing a Dao Foundation or condensing a Golden Core." "A top-grade Profound-Grade treasure, Lesser Dragon Blood, which can stabilize the body and increase the success rate of forming a Golden Core by thirty percent." When these two items were presented, the disciples gasped again. Each of these items was worth more than a thousand mid-grade spirit stones. Many inner disciples, even if they worked hard their entire lives, might not be able to save up even a fraction of their value. Following Murong Yue, the other elders also presented their rewards. The least valuable were mid-grade Profound-Grade treasures. The seven or eight treasures floating in the air all shone with a captivating light, attracting everyone''s attention. Chapter 46: Crushing Liu Yunxuan in Battle Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and the others all looked eager and ready to fight. Even Shen Mo could use these items. He glanced at Liu Yunxuan. He saw that Liu Yunxuan was brimming with confidence. Shen Mo scanned his life panel, remaining calm. Liu Yunxuan''s fortune had changed slightly; he had obtained the Dark Fire Crystals earlier, enhancing his Ice Crystal Flame. But even with the greatly enhanced Ice Crystal Flame, it still couldn''t compete with his Red Lotus Flame. Liu Yunxuan''s life panel still showed him failing. Shen Mo wasn''t surprised. His opponents were no longer just the true disciples of Qingxuan Sect. They were the five mentioned by Zhao Ting earlier. The Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang! An elder with a kind face waved his hand, and a bamboo tube appeared before everyone. "Everyone, come draw lots." "There are ten bamboo sticks in the tube, each marked with a number from one to ten." "Those who draw numbers one and two will go up first." "Then those who draw three and four, and so on. Do you understand?" Shen Mo and the others nodded in unison. Shen Mo drew a stick marked "two," meaning his opponent would be number one. At that moment, a familiar voice came from nearby, "Who drew number two?" Shen Mo looked up and saw Liu Yunxuan. Their eyes met. Both instantly realized the other was their opponent. "Will the disciples who drew numbers one and two please come up," the elder announced. With a leap, Liu Yunxuan jumped onto the stage. Shen Mo strode up steadily, like a mountain. The other eight disciples stepped down from the stage. Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing this, the disciples below were surprised. Including Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Xiao Fan. "Who would''ve thought the first match would be between Senior Brother Shen and Senior Brother Liu!" "These two are definitely the strongest among the disciples. Some outer elders might not even be their match." "Hehe, this will be good! I think whoever wins between them will probably be the first and second place." The disciples were buzzing with excitement. High above, Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and the others remained calm. "Sect Master, who would''ve thought our disciples would meet so soon," Liu Yuanfeng said casually. Murong Yue was expressionless, "I hope your son doesn''t lose too badly." Liu Yuanfeng, "..." On the martial arts stage. Liu Yunxuan waved his bamboo stick and smiled, "See this? Even the heavens are telling me I''ll be first, and you''ll be second." Shen Mo casually tossed his bamboo stick aside, "You think this is fate? Then I''ll shatter fate itself." Liu Yunxuan sneered, thinking Shen Mo was just being stubborn. "Begin!" the elder shouted. Liu Yunxuan suddenly drew his sword, a flash of cold light aimed directly at Shen Mo''s throat. The speed of his sword light was astonishing. However, to Shen Mo, it seemed incredibly slow. Compared to his Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, it was like heaven and earth. "Let me show you what true speed is." Shen Mo drew his sword, and the Thunder Sword flashed out of its sheath. In an instant, the air was filled with sword light and thunder shadows. This strike, though initiated later, arrived first. Their sword tips collided in mid-air. Boom! A fierce explosion sounded. Blinding lightning and cold light intertwined and extinguished. Both of them retreated simultaneously. Shen Mo only took three steps back. Liu Yunxuan stumbled back seven or eight steps! Their exchange seemed slow, but it actually happened in a flash. The disciples below only then realized they had already clashed. Moreover, Liu Yunxuan was at a disadvantage! Liu Yunxuan''s face turned grim. "It seems I must use my trump card!" He suddenly mobilized his spiritual power and drew out something from his dantian. With a swipe of his hand, a layer of icy flames ignited on his sword! As soon as the flames appeared, the temperature on the stage dropped significantly. Some disciples close to the stage even felt a bit chilly. Murong Yue frowned slightly, "Ice Crystal Flame? But it''s different from the usual Ice Crystal Flame." Liu Yuanfeng smiled proudly, "My son was fortunate enough to tame the Ice Crystal Flame and accidentally acquired several Dark Fire Crystals, greatly enhancing it." "It''s almost comparable to an Eternal Flame!" He had a basis for his claim. The might of a fully formed eternal flame far surpasses that of beast fire. However, an eternal flame requires a continuous supply of spiritual power and more time to grow. Beast fire, on the other hand, grows quickly and shows results fast. With several top-level Profound Grade Dark Fire Crystals, the power of beast fire can rival or even surpass that of an eternal flame. This is entirely plausible. The Red Lotus Flame that Shen Mo tamed hadn''t grown for thousands of years; it hadn''t even been around for a hundred years. It had only grown for fifty years before it accidentally came into being. If it had to be described, it was like a fully armed infant. Liu Yunxuan''s Ice Crystal Flame, though unarmed, was like a strong adult! Even if the strong adult had no equipment or weapons, he could easily overpower a fully armed infant! "Go ahead, strike him down in front of everyone!" Liu Yuanfeng was in high spirits, as if he already envisioned Shen Mo being sent flying, with Murong Yue heartbroken, rushing to rescue him. The disciples below were also shocked. "What kind of flame is that? Is it the legendary eternal flame?" "It looks incredibly powerful!" "It seems to be Ice Crystal Flame, the beast fire born within the Ice Flame Wolf." "Yes, but even though it''s beast fire, taming it is no simple task." The disciples buzzed with discussion, full of envy. Finding Ice Crystal Flame was already difficult, let alone taming it. Liu Yunxuan truly deserved to be one of the four true disciples. "Take this!" Liu Yunxuan shouted, his sword carrying a tremendous chill, as if intending to freeze Shen Mo completely. Shen Mo remained calm. He could already feel the Red Lotus Flame in his dantian eager to be released. "I''ll let you out now." Shen Mo murmured. As he spoke, an astonishing red flame appeared out of nowhere, quickly spreading along his arm and onto the Thunder Sword. Clang! The Thunder Sword let out a loud sword cry. The faint spirituality within it seemed to sense itself being enhanced tenfold, a hundredfold, filling it with joy. "Thunder Shadow Sword Technique!" Shen Mo thrust his sword. A torrential flame surged forward. In comparison, Liu Yunxuan''s Ice Crystal Flame seemed pitifully weak. As they closed in on each other, the Ice Crystal Flame was increasingly suppressed. Liu Yunxuan''s pupils contracted sharply. He exclaimed, "How can your Red Lotus Flame be so powerful!" Shen Mo remained silent. Boom! Their swords clashed once more. A loud sword cry echoed across the sky. Following that was the sound of a sword shattering. Crack! Liu Yunxuan''s Profound Grade weapon became fragile under the impact of extreme heat and cold, shattering into pieces on the spot. The Red Lotus Flame did not lose momentum and struck Liu Yunxuan''s chest. His body flew out like a rag doll, sent dozens of meters away! If not for Liu Yuanfeng''s quick reflexes in catching him, Liu Yunxuan would have flown straight into a nearby deep pool! On the martial arts stage, only Shen Mo stood proudly. Holding the Thunder Sword, wreathed in red flames, he looked majestic and imposing! The entire audience was stunned! Chapter 47: The Alchemy King’s Inheritance Site "Excellent!" Murong Yue spoke loudly, a smile spreading across her face. "Wonderful, wonderful!" "Senior Brother Shen is mighty!" "Senior Brother Shen is awesome!" The disciples suddenly burst into cheers. Applause thundered, echoing for a long time. Many people''s hands were red from clapping. In the crowd, Xiao Fan''s face was gloomy, while Liu Fei hurried over to check on Liu Yunxuan''s injuries. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and the others showed genuine admiration. Zhao Rou''s eyes were filled with adoration. Zhao Ting glanced at his sister and shook his head repeatedly. Clearly, Shen Mo''s stature in her heart had grown even more impressive. "Elder, it''s time to announce the result," Shen Mo reminded. The elder on the martial arts stage, still in shock, finally came to his senses at Shen Mo''s words. He quickly nodded towards Shen Mo, "In the battle between Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan, Shen Mo is the victor!" Shen Mo strode down the martial arts stage. The disciples parted the way for him, looking at him with respect. "Carry on, why are you all looking at me?" Shen Mo said with a faint smile. The elder cleared his throat, "Yes, yes, Number three is Zhao Ting, and number four is a disciple named Liu Yong. Their battle, while not extremely thrilling, was at least one-sided. Zhao Ting, after all, was a true disciple at the Major Achievement stage of Foundation Establishment. Defeating a disciple at the Minor Achievement stage of Foundation Establishment was not difficult. Then, the battles continued. Numbers five and six were Luo Shengnan and Xiao Fan. Seeing the burly, muscular woman before him, Xiao Fan''s face turned grim. Luo Shengnan grinned mischievously, cracking her knuckles. She whispered, "Kid, I know what you did to Sister Rou. Today, I''ll teach you a good lesson!" Xiao Fan''s eyebrows twitched wildly. He quickly said, "Elder, I forfeit!" The elder was stunned, "So quickly?" Luo Shengnan was furious, "You little..." Xiao Fan hurriedly jumped off the stage. He knew very well that he wouldn''t be a match for Luo Shengnan. The disciples below sighed. They looked down on Xiao Fan for forfeiting so readily. Even if you can''t win, you should at least put up a fight, right? The battles continued. However, none were as exciting and intense as the match between Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan. Eventually, the first round ended, and the second round of drawing lots began. In the second round, there were five lots. Those who drew numbers one and two, and three and four, would face off, while the one who drew number five would have a bye. Shen Mo happened to draw number five. He was happy to relax, and the other four breathed a sigh of relief. In the end, Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, and Luo Shengnan smoothly entered the third round. Again, there would be one person with a bye. Shen Mo drew number three, meaning he had the bye again. No one complained about his luck. His strength was evident. Neither Zhao Ting nor Luo Shengnan could be his match. Having Shen Mo with a bye was actually beneficial for the others. Ultimately, Zhao Ting defeated Luo Shengnan. Shen Mo and Zhao Ting stood on the martial arts stage. This was the final battle. However, many people believed that the match between Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan was the true final battle. The first place among the ten had long been decided to be Shen Mo. "Actually, I would like to forfeit, but that would look too bad. Let''s have a bout," Zhao Ting said, clearing his throat. "Go easy on me; I still want to maintain some status in my sister''s eyes." Shen Mo laughed, "Alright." The two exchanged blows for more than ten rounds, both giving and taking. In the sixteenth round, Shen Mo seized an opportunity and struck Zhao Ting in the chest, sending him off the stage. The elder in charge of arbitration nodded knowingly at Shen Mo, "In the battle between Shen Mo and Zhao Ting, Shen Mo is the victor!" Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Shen Mo was holding back. But so what? Shen Mo was a future Core Formation cultivator. Many people were eager to curry favor with him, let alone expose him. Thus, the first place had been decided. Murong Yue nodded in satisfaction and flicked her fingers, sending the light spheres floating in mid-air into Shen Mo''s arms. "The selection battle is over. I hereby announce Shen Mo as the first place winner!" The martial arts field erupted in cheers once again, with disciples looking on with immense envy. Shen Mo gathered all the prizes, looking pleased. "By the way, it seemed like Liu Yunxuan had another opportunity?" Shen Mo pondered, glancing at Liu Yunxuan being helped away by Liu Yuanfeng and Liu Fei. [Recent Opportunity: A month later, near Cold Water Ravine by Qingshan City, discovering the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site. Using the Alchemy King''s elixirs, the father and son duo opened the inheritance site, allowing Liu Yunxuan to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment and enhance his physique to top-level Earth Grade.] Shen Mo''s heart stirred. The Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site? Liu Yunxuan''s stage and physique would be greatly enhanced. It seemed the items in the inheritance site were extraordinarily valuable! This opportunity had to be seized! "But who is this Alchemy King? I need to ask Master." That night. Shen Mo arrived at the small courtyard on the mountaintop. Before he could knock, the wooden door opened on its own. "What do you need?" Murong Yue asked, her back to him, watering the flowers. Clearly, she had sensed his arrival and opened the door before he could knock. Shen Mo bowed as usual, "Master, I have a question." "Ask," Murong Yue put down the watering can, looking at him with a satisfied expression. Shen Mo nodded, "Master, have you ever heard of the Alchemy King? While on a mission, I unintentionally heard about the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site." Murong Yue was taken aback, her breath quickening, "Where did you get this information?" Shen Mo had already thought of an excuse, "I once took on a mission to eliminate a bandit stronghold. While clearing out the storage of those rogue cultivators, I found it by chance." "I didn''t find the exact location of the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site, just some records in a book." Murong Yue seemed a bit disappointed but quickly masked it. "It''s no harm telling you this." Murong Yue made a gesture, and a blue and white porcelain teacup flew in front of Shen Mo. Then, a pot of hot tea appeared, and she poured tea for him. "The Alchemy King, whose name was Gu Sanqiu, was a Core Formation rogue cultivator with extraordinary alchemical skills." "Given his alchemical prowess, even the top five sects of Xuanjiang would have treated him as an honored guest, but he declined every sect''s invitation and remained a rogue cultivator." "About ten years ago, the Alchemy King disappeared. Some speculate he died of natural causes, others think he met with an accident. There are various theories." "Some time later, the Alchemy King''s only disciple spread the word that the Alchemy King left three inheritance sites in Xuanjiang Prefecture, each filled with a huge quantity of elixirs and various treasures." "The keys to these inheritance sites are the elixirs he crafted." sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo was astonished, "It sounds similar to the rumors about the True Immortal Hellflame. Could this be another trick by the Alchemy King?" Murong Yue chuckled, "I thought the same until three years ago when the Divine Sword Sect found one of the Alchemy King''s inheritance sites!" Shen Mo was even more surprised, "Is it true?" "Yes, the inheritance site was filled with mountains of elixirs and treasures, including elixirs that could enhance one''s physique! Because of this, a disciple from the Divine Sword Sect''s physique was elevated from top-grade Earth to Heavenly grade," Murong Yue said with emotion, "That person is Zhou Qingcang, known as the Sword Supreme." Shen Mo''s eyes sparkled. It seemed that the inheritance site discovered by Liu Yunxuan and his father was one of the three left by the Alchemy King. Who would have thought that the inheritance site was near Qingshan City? As for the key... Shen Mo suddenly understood why the Lei family was so eager to seize the elixir from Shen Jiuding. That elixir must have been crafted by the Alchemy King! Chapter 48: Earth-Grade Elixir Shen Mo asked a few more questions related to the Hundred Sects Ceremony. After getting his answers, he left the mountaintop courtyard. Returning to his residence, he thought, "Eight Directions Thunderous Movement is a top-level Profound Grade martial skill. I should start learning it." Shen Mo took out the reward he had won today. It was a thin book with the four characters "Eight Directions Thunderous Movement" written boldly on the cover. Shen Mo carefully read through it. Upon finishing, he immediately realized that it was a movement technique. Cultivation methods are used to increase one''s stage, whereas martial skills are used for combat. Therefore, martial skills are classified into various categories, far more than cultivation methods. Martial skills can be at least divided into offensive skills, defensive skills, and movement skills. Additionally, there are special skills that cannot be used directly for combat but can provide other significant benefits. "Although Thunder Shadow Sword Technique is a mid-grade Xuan-level skill, its power is strong enough to rival top-grade Xuan-level skills." "I already have an offensive skill, but I''m lacking in defensive and movement skills." "This Eight Directions Thunderous Movement can be my movement skill." Shen Mo immediately began to diligently comprehend and practice it. Eight Directions Thunderous Movement had eight levels. Each level could enhance speed. Shen Mo planned to master the second level before heading to Cold Water Ravine near Qingshan City to find the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site. This would ensure greater safety. Half a month later, in Shen Mo''s courtyard. A figure moved like a swift gust of wind. The wind howled within the courtyard. Leaves were caught in it and instantly shredded into countless pieces. "Hoo..." The figure suddenly disappeared. Shen Mo stopped and took a deep breath. Although he was covered in sweat, his face was full of joy. The speed of Eight Directions Thunderous Movement was faster than he had imagined. Having just mastered the second level, his speed already far exceeded typical Profound Grade movement skills. Among the eight Profound Grade martial skills of Qingxuan Sect, four were offensive, two were defensive, and two were movement skills. The two movement skills were mid-grade and top-grade Xuan-level, called Spirit Snake Steps and Ripple Shadow. Zhao Rou practiced Spirit Snake Steps, and Zhao Ting practiced Ripple Shadow. Shen Mo had seen them perform these movement skills, but their speed was nowhere near Eight Directions Thunderous Movement. "Good, it''s time to head to the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site." Shen Mo prepared himself thoroughly. Before leaving, he glanced at his life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Today, you will go to Cold Water Ravine near Qingshan City, discover the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site, and use the Insight Elixir in your possession as a key to open the door, gaining entry and claiming all the treasures inside.] Shen Mo was delighted. The life panel''s indication meant that even if there were any formations or traps within the Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site, he would be able to overcome them with his current strength. "The Alchemy King''s Inheritance Site is mine!" "I hope to find enough top-level Profound Grade treasures to aid my Core Formation. I would be satisfied with just over twenty." Shen Mo smiled. He didn''t leave through the main gate but quietly exited Qingxuan Sect without anyone noticing. Then, he headed directly to Cold Water Ravine outside Qingshan City without stopping. The ravine was an ordinary mountain stream. However, its water was exceptionally cold and clear. It seemed normal, but ordinary people would experience severe stomach pains after drinking it. Shen Mo observed that the water contained a high concentration of ice spiritual energy. Ordinary people couldn''t absorb such an amount of ice spiritual energy, naturally leading to unbearable abdominal pain. At least a cultivator in the Qi Condensation Realm was needed to drink this water. Without hesitation, Shen Mo popped a Breath Holding Pill into his mouth and jumped into the ravine. He swam straight towards the depths of Cold Water Ravine. The depth exceeded his expectations. However, he had prepared dozens of Breath Holding Pills. As long as the ravine wasn''t over a thousand meters deep, he was confident he could reach the bottom. After descending about three hundred meters, Shen Mo finally touched the bottom. He took out a fist-sized pearl from his storage ring. The pearl emitted a bright light in the water, allowing him to see clearly. This item was called a Water Bright Pearl, which only glowed when it encountered water. It wasn''t valuable, merely a yellow-grade treasure that could be bought for a few dozen low-grade spirit stones. Shen Mo meticulously explored the rock walls, and after about half an hour, he found a peculiar spot. The rock wall here was extremely smooth. However, in the center of the smooth rock wall, there was a circular indentation. Shen Mo''s heart stirred, and he took out the Insight Elixir, placing it into the indentation. Creak, creak. A subtle sound came from within the rock wall. Then, a powerful suction suddenly appeared. Shen Mo couldn''t control his body, and everything spun around him. He felt as if he were being sucked into somewhere. His head felt dizzy, and darkness surrounded him. When light gradually returned to his vision, he found himself in a stone chamber. There was no water, and it was quite dry. Shen Mo looked at himself and found no traces of water on his body. It seemed that upon entering, the moisture on his body had been repelled. "As expected of the Alchemy King, what a skillful method." Shen Mo looked around, carefully examining his surroundings. The stone chamber was exquisitely carved, with no signs of roughness. Inside the chamber were a stone table, stone chairs, and a stone bed, indicating that someone had lived here. Shen Mo approached the stone table and found a jade slip and a storage ring. He picked them up instinctively. As the jade slip touched his fingers, a voice entered his mind. "There are no killing formations or poisons in this inheritance site; you can rest assured." Shen Mo''s heart stirred. This must be a message left by the Alchemy King. "What kind of storage ring is this?" Shen Mo cautiously touched it and sent his consciousness inside. He was surprised by what he found. Inside the storage ring were two bottles of elixirs, labeled as Pure Essence Stabilizing Pills! But that wasn''t the most surprising thing. The most surprising thing was that the storage ring''s capacity was much larger than he had imagined! It measured ten feet in length, width, and height! "This is a top-grade storage ring! Its capacity is a thousand times that of a low-grade storage ring!" Shen Mo was thrilled. The storage ring he had from Murong Yue was a low-grade one, with dimensions of just one cubic meter. A mid-grade storage ring had dimensions of three feet and was usually owned by Core Formation experts like Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng. As for a top-grade storage ring, Shen Mo hadn''t seen anyone in Qingxuan Sect possess one. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Receiving such a grand gift right away, with this top-grade storage ring, my trip is already worthwhile." Shen Mo was satisfied. He approached the stone door and gently pushed it. The door opened with ease. In the next moment, a radiant treasure light filled his vision, and a rich spiritual energy filled his nostrils. Three light clusters floated on three basalt stone platforms. They looked like ownerless treasures awaiting a new master. Each light cluster contained an item. On the left was a dark purple elixir. In the middle was a crimson demon soul. On the right was another elixir, but this one was emerald green. Shen Mo reached out, and the three treasures obediently fell into his palm. Each of the three stone platforms had inscriptions. Shen Mo examined them one by one. The dark purple elixir was named the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, a low-grade Earth-level elixir, used to enhance one''s physique. The crimson demon soul belonged to a peak fourth-tier demonic beast, the Scarlet Flame Python, and could be used as a spirit for a spiritual weapon. The emerald green elixir was named the Great Insight Elixir, also a low-grade Earth-level elixir, which provided even greater insight. "These are Earth-level elixirs!" "As expected of the Alchemy King! These must be his masterpieces." Shen Mo was full of admiration. Earth-level elixirs were extremely difficult to refine, requiring numerous Earth-level medicinal materials, and had a very low success rate. Just gathering the materials could take decades. The Alchemy King not only succeeded but also managed to produce more than one. This alone was worthy of great respect from future generations. Chapter 49: Peak of Foundation Establishment "I''ll take the Great Unity Soul Nourishing Pill and the Great Insight Elixir right now." "Although my physique is top-level Heaven, one Great Unity Soul Nourishing Pill may not be enough to enhance it to peak Heaven grade. But something is better than nothing." "And since this place is rich in spiritual energy, I''ll go ahead and push myself to the peak of Foundation Establishment here; it should be sufficient!" Shen Mo immediately took out the Pure Essence Stabilizing Pills from the top-grade storage ring. Normally, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could rise from entry-level to completion with these Pure Essence Stabilizing Pills! However, with the Red Lotus Flame consuming much of the spiritual power, only about half of the pill''s power would actually reach his Dao foundation. "Even half is enough. I must reach the peak of Foundation Establishment before the Hundred Sects Ceremony!" Shen Mo swallowed a Pure Essence Stabilizing Pill and began his cultivation. ... Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. At Qingxuan Sect''s martial arts field. Liu Yunxuan, Zhao Ting, and the other nine were already prepared to set off. But one person was still missing. Murong Yue, dressed in an ink-green palace robe, was pacing back and forth. Liu Yuanfeng frowned, "Where is Shen Mo? Is he coming or not? We''re all waiting for him." Murong Yue responded calmly, "He mentioned to me that he would be cultivating in the Qingcang Mountains for a while. He should be on his way back now." In the crowd, Xiao Fan snorted, "Cultivating outside? What can he possibly achieve out there?" Although Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan didn''t say anything, their expressions betrayed their thoughts. Cultivation is not about isolating oneself. Interacting with fellow cultivators of the same stage, exchanging techniques and martial skills, is often more beneficial. Sometimes, a conversation with a friend could lead to an epiphany. It''s difficult to rely solely on one''s own comprehension. Not everyone has the innate talent of a prodigy. "Let''s wait for some time," Murong Yue ordered. However, before she completed her sentence, Shen Mo had already returned. Seeing her disciple return safely, Murong Yue sighed in relief. She knew perfectly well that Shen Mo was alive. But she was still concerned about his safety. Liu Yuanfeng frowned and scolded, "Where have you been? Do you know we''ve been waiting for you for almost two hours?" Shen Mo cupped his hands apologetically, "I apologize. I was in the midst of a breakthrough last night, which lasted until this morning, so I was delayed." "Breakthrough... breakthrough?" Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes widened. If he remembered correctly, Shen Mo was at the perfection of the Foundation Establishment Realm during the selection battle. Breaking through... would mean stepping into the peak of Foundation Establishment? After Shen Mo''s words, everyone looked at him. Murong Yue excitedly came to his side and asked seriously, "Did you succeed?" "I did. I am now at the peak of Foundation Establishment," Shen Mo replied with a smile. He maintained his belief that there was no need to hide his strength. Even if he hid it now, during the competition, under everyone''s watchful eyes, it would be obvious. "Great! I knew your external cultivation would pay off! You never disappoint me!" Murong Yue''s face was full of satisfaction. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and the others were also shocked and quickly stepped forward to congratulate him. Zhao Ting was especially amazed. Shen Mo had resumed his cultivation not long ago. He had risen from the Body Tempering stage to the Qi Condensation stage, then reached Foundation Establishment. Now he had surpassed them all, reaching a level they could only aspire to. His cultivation speed was incredibly fast! Compared to him, they felt like they were moving at a snail''s pace. Liu Yuanfeng and Liu Yunxuan, on the other hand, looked as if they had bitten into a wormy apple. "Sect Master, now that everyone is here, let''s get going to avoid wasting time," Liu Yuanfeng said darkly, interrupting the congratulations. Murong Yue restrained her smile and nodded. She took out a bamboo whistle and infused it with spiritual power. The whistle produced a melodious and long-lasting sound. The sound carried far, even reaching deep into the Qingcang Mountains. Not long after, a loud cry echoed from the sky. A giant bird with a wingspan of over ten feet soared out of the mountains and appeared above Qingxuan Sect. It then landed steadily in the martial arts field. Its entire body was a deep green, with feathers as sharp as steel. Its piercing eyes seemed to see through people''s hearts. Its sharp beak looked capable of piercing the hardest rocks. Shen Mo and the other nine were visibly astonished. Shen Mo was also very surprised, having never seen such a large demonic beast before. Murong Yue smiled, "This is the Azure Feather Eagle, raised by my master. It usually resides in the Qingcang Mountains. It will take us to Divine Sword City." She gently patted the beak of the Azure Feather Eagle. The Azure Feather Eagle, understanding her intent, lowered its wings to form a ladder. Shen Mo and the others climbed onto the back of the Azure Feather Eagle one by one. "During the flight, hold onto the feathers of the Azure Feather Eagle." "As for the strong winds during flight, Vice Sect Master Liu and I will take care of them." Murong Yue looked around seriously. "Yes!" everyone responded. "Elders, Vice Sect Master Liu and I will be going to Divine Sword City to attend the Hundred Sects Ceremony. The affairs of the sect will be in your hands," Murong Yue said to the gathered elders. "We accept the responsibility!" the elders responded. "Go!" Murong Yue patted the head of the Azure Feather Eagle. With a sudden spread of its wings, the Azure Feather Eagle took off. The sect''s mountain gate quickly became a small dot. In an instant, Shen Mo and the others were floating among the clouds. The clouds drifted past them. Such a sight would amaze anyone, making them widen their eyes in astonishment. Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng, one at the front and one at the back, used their spiritual power to dispel the strong winds. Otherwise, the winds generated during the flight of the Azure Feather Eagle would be enough to cut the faces of the ten Foundation Establishment disciples. "Master, isn''t it true that Core Formation cultivators can carry people while flying? Why use a demonic beast to transport us?" Shen Mo asked curiously. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou also looked on with curiosity. They too wanted to know why a demonic beast was used for transport. Murong Yue chuckled, "Divine Sword City is in the northernmost part of Xuanjiang Prefecture, while our Qingxuan Sect is in the southernmost part, a distance of over eight hundred miles." "A Core Formation cultivator can fly this distance in a day, but it would consume a lot of spiritual power, requiring them to stop and rest along the way." "So, to be safe, we use large demonic beasts for transport." "Although it is a bit slower, it is much safer. We only need to dispel the strong winds, which doesn''t consume much spiritual power, and we can deal with any dangers along the way more easily." Shen Mo nodded in understanding. There could be fourth-tier demonic beasts along the way, comparable to Core Formation cultivators. Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng indeed needed to conserve their spiritual power to deal with any potential dangers. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Four days later. A large city appeared ahead. In the center of the city stood a giant stone sword, reaching a height of a hundred feet. It soared into the clouds, piercing the sky. Outside Divine Sword City, many open spaces had been designated. These were for the landing of large demonic beasts. Everyone''s spirits lifted. "That must be Divine Sword City!" Zhao Rou said excitedly. "Yes, we are almost there," Murong Yue nodded. Soon, the Azure Feather Eagle landed on one of the open spaces outside Divine Sword City. Shen Mo jumped off the Azure Feather Eagle and felt the solid ground beneath his feet, feeling quite emotional. The past four days had not been smooth; they had been attacked twice. Both times by fourth-tier demonic beasts, but Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng, being vigilant and full of spiritual power, quickly repelled the attacks without any unforeseen incidents. Now that they had finally arrived at Divine Sword City, Shen Mo felt much more at ease. After all, during the past four days, they had been in the air. If anything had happened, he couldn''t fly. Chapter 50: Encounter with the Heavenly Water Sect Shen Mo lifted his head and gazed at the magnificent city. The city walls of Divine Sword City stood ten feet high, built entirely from basalt, imposing and grand. The gate tower pierced the sky like a sharp sword, resembling a towering giant guarding the city and intimidating all who approached. Additionally, Divine Sword City had a moat filled with many demonic beasts meticulously bred by the Divine Sword Sect. If the city were ever attacked, closing the drawbridge would prevent any intruders from breaking through this mighty fortress. Beside Divine Sword City flowed the Xuanjing River, which traversed the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture, with merchant ships and cargo vessels frequently stopping here for transshipment. Ordinarily, Divine Sword City was the most bustling city in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Its prosperity even surpassed the prefecture capital, Great River City. Now, with the Hundred Sects Ceremony approaching, everyone in Xuanjiang Prefecture knew about the event, and people flocked to Divine Sword City. Leaders from various sects convened for discussions, and elite disciples competed. Ordinary people seized the opportunity to make money. As a result, merchants gathered here in large numbers. With all these factors combined, Divine Sword City was more than five times busier than usual! Looking at the grand city, Zhao Ting, Liu Yunxuan, and the others felt a surge of ambition. Everyone wanted to become stronger. They also wanted to compete against the best and prove themselves. This was the perfect stage for them to shine! Xiao Fan, standing beside Shen Mo, was filled with admiration. "No wonder they call it the number one city in Xuanjiang Prefecture!" Luo Shengnan snorted, "What do you mean by that? Are you belittling our sect while praising others?" "Our Qingxuan Sect was once one of the top five sects of Xuanjiang, on par with the Divine Sword Sect!" Xiao Fan smiled awkwardly and withdrew his comments. Liu Yuanfeng spoke calmly, "You can''t just focus on the past glories of Qingxuan Sect and ignore the current strength of others." Luo Shengnan couldn''t find a retort and turned away, not bothering to engage with Liu Yuanfeng since she wasn''t part of his faction. "Let''s go! Follow me into the city," Murong Yue said calmly. Everyone followed. The city gates were open. A squad of silver-armored soldiers stood guard on either side of the gate. The appearance of the Azure Feather Eagle had already caught their attention. As the Qingxuan Sect members approached, the leading silver-armored general bowed respectfully, "May I ask which sect you are from?" Murong Yue replied, "Qingxuan Sect. I am the Sect Master, Murong Yue." The silver-armored general''s respect deepened. He signaled a nearby soldier to record the name and handed over a token. "Sect Master Murong, this is the token for your lodging." He then called over another soldier, "You, guide the Qingxuan Sect members to their quarters." "Yes!" The soldier nodded and took the lead. Along the way, passersby curiously glanced at Shen Mo and his group. Especially Murong Yue at the front. Her stunning beauty drew many eyes. However, they only dared to look and not entertain any thoughts. Recently, many sects had arrived from across Xuanjiang Prefecture. The leaders of these sects were invariably Core Formation cultivators. The cold and beautiful woman leading this group was evidently a Sect Master, likely a Core Formation cultivator as well. Disrespecting a Core Formation cultivator would undoubtedly lead to severe consequences. Before long, they arrived at a large residence. Above the entrance hung a plaque with three elegant characters: "Hidden Dragon Pavilion." Two silver-armored soldiers stood guard at the entrance of Hidden Dragon Pavilion. After Murong Yue showed the token, they allowed entry. The guide then returned to the city gate. The group entered Hidden Dragon Pavilion. The residence was spacious, divided into various sections. It had serene woods, clear lakes, large rock formations, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. There were even several large martial arts arenas where cultivators could practice their skills. Murong Yue led the group around for a while. Zhao Rou asked in confusion, "Sect Master, it seems like we''ve been here before." Murong Yue paused, "Ah... have we?" Shen Mo smacked his lips. If nothing else, it seemed like something unexpected had happenedthey were lost. He hadn''t expected his master to have a poor sense of direction despite her beauty. He glanced at Murong Yue and noticed a blush on her fair cheeks. Evidently, she had realized she had led them the wrong way. At that moment, figures appeared before them. A group of people dressed in blue robes with mountain and water motifs embroidered on their chests came into view. Shen Mo''s eyes narrowed. BLUErobes with mountain and water embroideryit was the Heavenly Water Sect! In the past, the Qingxuan Sect was one of the top five sects of Xuanjiang. But an accident caused them to lose more than half of their Core Formation cultivators, drastically weakening their overall strength. The Heavenly Water Sect took advantage of the situation and defeated the Qingxuan Sect. Ultimately, they gained recognition from the other four sects and joined the ranks of the top five sects in Xuanjiang. Since then, the Qingxuan Sect had declined to a second-rate sect, retreating to its former stronghold, only controlling three cities. As a result, there was old animosity between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavenly Water Sect. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, meeting face to face, their hostility was evident. Leading the Heavenly Water Sect was a tall, beautiful woman, much like Murong Yue. However, while Murong Yue was cold and aloof, this woman was sinister and cold, with thin lips indicating a harsh personality. "Well, well, isn''t this Sect Master Murong? I didn''t expect our two sects to be staying together," the Heavenly Water Sect Master said with a mocking smile. Murong Yue''s expression remained calm, "Let''s go." But the Heavenly Water Sect Master blocked her way, "I heard your Qingxuan Sect has a disciple with a Heaven-grade physique. Who is it? Let us from the Heavenly Water Sect have a look." The disciples of the Heavenly Water Sect all cast their eyes towards the Qingxuan Sect disciples. They had heard this rumor too. It was said that not long ago, there was a pillar of flame reaching the sky from the Qingxuan Sect. The phenomenon was extremely grand, surely caused by the awakening of a Heaven-grade physique. However, the Qingxuan Sect had not confirmed this news. Murong Yue said coldly, "Whether we have a Heaven-grade physique or not is none of your concern." The Heavenly Water Sect Master smiled, "What about an Earth-grade physique? I heard your Qingxuan Sect also has a mid-grade Earth physique, the Fiery Battle Body, right? Is it Xiao Fan?" "Which one of you is Xiao Fan?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Fan straightened his back and puffed out his chest with a proud look on his face. He hadn''t expected the Heavenly Water Sect Master to know his name! He must be feeling extremely excited inside. The Heavenly Water Sect Master saw his expression and couldn''t help but laugh, "You must be Xiao Fan? Not bad, not bad. If the Qingxuan Sect doesn''t work out for you, you''re welcome to join our Heavenly Water Sect." "I''ll personally make sure our doors are open for you!" Xiao Fan didn''t dare say much, he could only bow respectfully. Murong Yue frowned, "Poaching my disciples right in front of me, Shui Qingyan, as a sect master, you really have no shame." The Heavenly Water Sect Master laughed heartily and walked past Shen Mo and the others with her disciples. As she left, Shui Qingyan sneered, "Murong Yue, I remember the last Hundred Sects Ceremony, your Qingxuan Sect ranked twenty-sixth. How low will you fall this time? Thirty? Forty?" "Hahahahaha!" Murong Yue remained silent. The term "Hundred Sects Ceremony" was figurative. Just as numbers like three, six, and nine often had figurative meanings in ancient texts. Although called the Hundred Sects Ceremony, in reality, at most fifty sects qualified to participate. After all, such sects needed at least one Core Formation cultivator to oversee them. Most Core Formation cultivators preferred to be elders in powerful sects rather than struggling to manage a sect on their own, having to acquire all resources themselves. "This time, the Qingxuan Sect will not repeat the same mistakes," Murong Yue declared loudly. Shui Qingyan snorted coldly and said no more. Chapter 51: The Beast Supreme Mo Yuheng After a while, the members of Qingxuan Sect finally found the right path and arrived at their pre-arranged accommodation. It was a standalone courtyard located in the southeast corner of Qianlong Pavilion. There were numerous rockeries and lakes, the air was fresh, making it a very suitable place to live. "Each of you can pick a room for yourself," Murong Yue waved her hand, "I''ll go out for a stroll." "Choose freely?" Shen Mo immediately glanced at the fortunes of Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan. Sure enough! A new opportunity appeared on Xiao Fan''s life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Today, after entering the southeast area of Dragon Pavilion, choosing Room No. 4, Xiao Fan unintentionally activated the Sun Marrow Flower seeds underground while practicing at night. The Sun Marrow Flower bloomed overnight, and consuming its dew enhanced his physique.] Shen Mo''s heart stirred. He had heard of the Sun Marrow Flower. It was a low-grade earth-level treasure. Its effect was to enhance one''s physique. If it was a profound-level physique, there was a high chance it could directly upgrade to earth-level. An earth-level physique, if lucky, could also be raised by a small realm. "I don''t know if it works on heaven-level physiques, but no matter what, it will definitely be beneficial after consumption." "Accumulating enough earth-level treasures should also enhance a heaven-level physique." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Then, without waiting for the others to choose a room, he walked straight towards Room No. 4. Xiao Fan frowned. He had wanted to pick that room. But Shen Mo walked ahead of him. There wasn''t much he could say about it. After all, all the rooms were the same. Moreover, these rooms were specifically for them, the outsiders, to live in. It was unlikely that there would be any treasures hidden inside. Xiao Fan had to give up and chose Room No. 6. Shen Mo walked into Room No. 4 and carefully examined it. All the rooms were the same, decorated with low-key luxury. Each room had an independent soundproof array. This alone was enough to show the wealth of the Divine Sword Sect. A soundproof array, after all, was a top-grade yellow-level item. Each soundproof array required a set of array flags and consumed three low-grade spirit stones daily. In this courtyard, there were over a hundred identical rooms. Cumulatively, this amounted to a vast number! "As the head of the five major sects of Xuanjiang, they are indeed wealthy. This alone leaves Qingxuan Sect far behind." Shen Mo marveled in his heart. He didn''t feel like going out, so he simply closed the door and started cultivating. Night soon fell. Three servants brought meals, delivering them to each person''s room. Before long, night deepened. Shen Mo immediately began serious cultivation. Following the breathing technique of the flame hell destruction manual, he rhythmically breathed in shallow and deep cycles. Divine Sword City was a treasure land, said to have a massive spirit-gathering array beneath it, absorbing all the surrounding spiritual energy. The spiritual energy here was dense and vibrant, at least two or three times richer than that of Qingxuan Sect. Cultivating here, Shen Mo achieved twice the result with half the effort and quickly entered a state of cultivation. Meanwhile, a stone slab on the ground began to loosen. It seemed as if something was trying to emerge from beneath the stone slab. Before long, the stone slab made a slight sound, silently cracking into dozens of pieces. A golden plant slowly grew, stretching its stems and leaves. Its appearance was very mystical, with a straight stem and two leaves resembling small suns. In an instant, Shen Mo''s room was filled with light. However, since other rooms were also lit, this anomaly did not attract attention. Noticing the change, Shen Mo opened his eyes and glanced at the ground. At the top of this golden plant, a small flower bud was forming. Inside the bud was the Sun Marrow Flower Dew. That was the true earth-level treasure. It was not yet time for the flower to bloom. At this moment, Shen Mo felt a stirring in his heart and suddenly looked towards the window. There was a small snake there. The snake was entirely snow-white, flawless, and pure as if carved from white jade. Only its eyes were blood-red, resembling small rubies. The little snake was staring intently at Shen Mo, its scarlet tongue flicking in and out, seemingly very interested in him. "Hmm? A spiritual beast? This wasn''t mentioned in the opportunity." Shen Mo could sense its intelligence and extraordinary nature. "Little one, come here." He beckoned. The little snake tilted its small head, curiously observing Shen Mo. It was very perceptive but cautiously did not approach directly. It first moved from the windowsill to the floor, glanced at the Sun Marrow Flower, and ignored it, then circled around Shen Mo''s bed a few times before finally coming to his side. The snake gently nudged his hand, as if urging him for something. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo was puzzled, "Want to eat something?" He took out a few pills and some spirit stones from his storage ring. But the snake only sniffed at them and showed no interest. It suddenly opened its mouth and sprayed a high-temperature fire element spiritual energy. Shen Mo realized. He possessed a top-grade heaven physique, the Fiery Sun Scorching Body, which naturally attracted a lot of fire element spiritual energy. Moreover, he was currently cultivating the heaven-level technique, Flame Hell Destruction Manual, which attracted even more and purer fire element spiritual energy. This little creature was attracted by the fire element spiritual energy. "Alright, I''ll give it to you." Shen Mo immediately began cultivating the Flame Hell Destruction Manual. Strands of fire element spiritual energy began to flow in from all directions. The little snake comfortably nestled in Shen Mo''s arms. Its entire body seemed to relax as its scales glimmered in contentment. About thirty percent of the surrounding fire element spiritual energy was absorbed by the little snake. Shen Mo just smiled and didn''t drive it away. The little creature was quite cute, and Shen Mo couldn''t bear to chase it off. However, given its intelligence, it was certainly raised by someone. Who raised it? A disciple of some sect? Or an elder or the head of some sect? Since the little snake was well-behaved and did not disturb his cultivation, Shen Mo continued his practice peacefully. However, it wasn''t long before footsteps could be heard approaching. Shen Mo looked up towards the window. He saw a young woman with a graceful and exquisite figure. Her long, jet-black hair was casually draped over her shoulders. Her smooth, fair skin was like white jade. She wore very thin clothing, exposing her fair arms and flat abdomen. Her full bosom was barely covered by a piece of black gauze, drawing all attention. Her features were enchanting and seductive. Anyone who saw such a sight outside the window would find it hard to stay calm. Moreover, Shen Mo was only eighteen years old. But Shen Mo sensed danger from her. A very real and palpable danger. If Murong Yue was an ice-cold beauty, this person was a snake-like beauty. Anyone ensnared by her beauty would pay with their life. Shen Mo''s heart tightened, and he immediately checked her life panel. [Name: Mo Yuheng.] [Realm: Peak Foundation Establishment.] [Fate: Sect Disciple, Fortunate Timing, Master of Medicine and Poison, Inheritor of Strange Arts, Myriad Beast Spirit Body.] [Destiny: Will cultivate to the early Nascent Soul stage. Sixty-one years later, while seeking a breakthrough, will encounter a beast tide and perish under the attack of tens of thousands of frenzied beasts.] [Recent Opportunities: None.] Shen Mo looked again. [Sect Disciple: Blue Fate. You are a disciple of Qingteng Sect, one of the five major sects of Xuanjiang, and have been taught by the sect master since childhood, making your cultivation speed superior to others.] [Master of Medicine and Poison: Red Fate. You cultivate medical and poison arts faster than ordinary people.] [Inheritor of Strange Arts: Blue Fate. You excel in using unconventional weapons such as whips and darts.] [Myriad Beast Spirit Body: Orange Fate. A lower heaven-grade physique, you can communicate with beasts without barriers and are more likely to gain their favor.] Shen Mo pondered. Mo Yuheng was the one Zhao Ting had mentioned, one of the Supremes of Xuanjiang, known as the Beastly Supreme? Shen Mo had assumed Mo Yuheng was a man. He had not expected her to be such a stunning yet dangerous young woman. Chapter 52: Meeting of the Sect Leaders Mo Yuheng glanced at Shen Mo and blinked. "Are you at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage?" she asked with a smile, her voice as melodious as a clear spring. Shen Mo did not respond. Mo Yuheng did not get angry. Instead, she whistled softly, the sound light and airy. Upon hearing the whistle, the small snake in Shen Mo''s arms suddenly woke up. The snake glanced at Mo Yuheng, seemingly reluctant. Mo Yuheng gave a faint smile and waved her slender finger. Only then did the snake reluctantly leave Shen Mo''s embrace, moving like a white lightning bolt, and in the blink of an eye, it was back on Mo Yuheng''s shoulder. Mo Yuheng gently tapped the snake''s head, as if reprimanding it. One person and one snake walked into the night. At that moment, Liu Yunxuan, unable to sleep, stepped out of his house to gaze at the moon in the courtyard. Unexpectedly, he saw a fiery and tall figure leaving from the side of Shen Mo''s window. The long, snow-white beautiful legs were faintly visible under the nearly transparent black skirt, shimmering slightly in the moonlight, extraordinarily alluring. Liu Yunxuan''s eyes were glued to the sight, and he instinctively wanted to call out to the woman. Mo Yuheng stopped at the doorway, turned her head to glance at him, and curled her lips into a captivating smile. Then, she swayed her soft waist and disappeared into the night. Even just her back view was extremely enchanting. Liu Yunxuan gazed at that back view for a long time. He recognized this woman. The Enchantress, Mo Yuheng! Her reputation for beauty was widespread. Many young elites desired to be at her feet. Mo Yuheng seemed to enjoy this superior position, occasionally flirting with her many admirers, but never choosing anyone. "Why was Mo Yuheng at Shen Mo''s window?" "Is she interested in Shen Mo? Impossible!" "Or perhaps, the faction led by the head of the Verdant Vine Sect is extending an olive branch to Shen Mo? But that doesn''t make sense, not many people know about Shen Mo''s heaven grade physique." Liu Yunxuan took a few deep breaths, shaking off the enchanting thoughts from his mind, and began to ponder. However, after thinking hard for a long time, he still couldn''t understand why Mo Yuheng appeared outside Shen Mo''s window. Inside Shen Mo''s room. The sudden appearance of such a captivating woman like Mo Yuheng surprised him. However, it was just a minor interlude. Shen Mo quickly returned to his cultivation state. The Sun Marrow Flower on the ground grew even more vigorously as a result. About three hours later, the bud of the Sun Marrow Flower finally opened. A rich fragrance filled the entire room. Shen Mo stood up and approached the Sun Marrow Flower. He took out a jade bottle and carefully collected all the dew from the flower. The Sun Marrow Flower seemed to lose all its vitality and began to wither and wilt within a few breaths. Finally, it returned to the ground. "The Sun Marrow Flower needs to absorb a lot of spiritual energy to bloom." "It will take at least fifty years for it to bloom again." Shen Mo sighed. Opportunities in the world are like this. For the past forty-nine years, many people had lived in this room. But none of them witnessed the blooming of the Sun Marrow Flower. Only today did Shen Mo encounter it. Shen Mo returned to his bed, poured the flower dew into his mouth, and drank it all in one gulp. His stomach immediately felt warm. It emitted a gentle medicinal power, nourishing his body. By dawn, Shen Mo had fully absorbed the medicinal power. His cultivation level had slightly improved. However, being already at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, there was not much room for further improvement. He also felt that his physique had improved. His sensitivity to fire spiritual energy between heaven and earth was stronger. His speed in cultivating fire attribute techniques and martial skills, as well as his comprehension speed, should also improve slightly. But not significantly. "I have previously taken the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, which greatly enhanced my physique." "I estimate that I need to consume six more doses of Sun Marrow Dew to enhance my Scorching Sun Flame Body to the supreme celestial grade." "The road ahead is long and arduous." Shen Mo did not feel discouraged. After all, he managed to snatch this opportunity. In the future, there will be more chances! ... Two more days passed. The sects from various parts of Xuanjiang Prefecture finally gathered. This time, the number of sects was different from the Hundred Sect Ceremony six years ago. Last time, there were fifty-two sects. But this time, there were only forty-nine. Several sects, due to a lack of resources, had chosen to merge. This led to a reduction in the number of sects. That night, the leaders of all the sects began their meeting in the Sword Tower of Divine Sword City. This was the most important part of the Hundred Sect Ceremony. The leaders of the forty-nine sects would discuss the overall interests of Xuanjiang Prefecture, as well as the interests of their respective sects. Especially with the recent events in Lingyun Prefecture, this discussion became particularly crucial. Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To fight or to surrender. A decision had to be made. At the same time, the list of disciples participating in the ceremony from the forty-nine sects was also announced. The list was arranged according to the disciples'' cultivation levels. At the top were the Five Young Supreme. Below them were the peak Foundation Establishment disciples from various sects. Divine Sword Sect had the most, with two. Then came Rising Sun Sect, also with two. Thunderfire Sect, Verdant Vine Sect, and Heavenly Water Sect each had one. Further down, there was an unfamiliar name. Qingxuan Sect, Shen Mo. His cultivation level was also at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. "Qingxuan Sect, which sect is this, that they can produce a peak Foundation Establishment disciple?" "I have a bit of an impression. Thirty years ago, Qingxuan Sect was one of the top five sects in Xuanjiang. Later, most of their Core Formation stage cultivators died, and Qingxuan Sect was pushed out by Heavenly Water Sect." "Oh, now that you mention it, I remember too. Qingxuan Sect indeed has some heritage. After all, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse." "It seems this Shen Mo is the strongest of the new generation of Qingxuan Sect. However, it will be difficult for him to compare with the geniuses of the top five sects in Xuanjiang." While the disciples were discussing, they also began to meet frequently. They hoped to understand each other''s backgrounds through these interactions, at least to prepare more. Another day passed. The discussion among the sect leaders finally concluded. However, the result was not pleasant. Many people saw numerous Core Formation stage cultivators flying out of the Sword Tower with displeased expressions. In the southeastern district of Hidden Dragon Pavilion. Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, and Luo Shengnan were sitting in the courtyard, chatting casually. The topic was the information about the elite disciples of various sects. Luo Shengnan''s family was in the medicinal herb business and often traveled around Xuanjiang Prefecture, so they could gather some intelligence. The information on the elite disciples of various sects was provided by Luo Shengnan. At this moment, a streak of light suddenly appeared and landed in the courtyard. Shen Mo and the others immediately stood up and saluted, "Greetings, Sect Master." Shen Mo glanced at Murong Yue secretly. He noticed that Murong Yue''s aura was somewhat unstable, as if she had been angry. "Shen Mo, come to my room. You all continue your discussion." Murong Yue waved her hand. "Yes." Shen Mo followed Murong Yue to her room. Murong Yue sat down and brewed a pot of cold tea for both of them. Then, she drank it in big gulps. She looked completely different from her usual serene and cold demeanor. "Master, was the meeting unpleasant? Feel free to tell me," Shen Mo said after taking a sip. Murong Yue sighed deeply, finally finding someone to confide in, and said immediately, "It was more than unpleasant." "The top five sects of Xuanjiang plan to resist the government. I agree with this, but they actually want all the other sects to join under the top five sects'' banner." "The top five sects of Xuanjiang are led by Divine Sword Sect, which is also the strongest. This proposal was clearly made by Divine Sword Sect." Chapter 53: The Hundred Sects Ceremony Officially Begins Shen Mo frowned, "Joining under their banner, does that mean... merging?" "It''s not merging, it''s assimilation," Murong Yue sighed. "Merging implies equality, while assimilation means inequality." "If our Qingxuan Sect is assimilated into the Divine Sword Sect, you would only be ordinary disciples of the Divine Sword Sect and wouldn''t receive the same treatment as true Divine Sword Sect disciples." "Furthermore, as outsiders, we would surely be resented by the elders and disciples of the Divine Sword Sect." Shen Mo pondered over this. Murong Yue continued, "Out of the forty-four sect masters apart from the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing, twenty were against this." "The meeting ended on a sour note." Shen Mo nodded. He understood. Murong Yue, including his own life panel, showed that their ultimate fate hadn''t changed. The Qingxuan Sect would be leveled by the Divine Sword Sect. Many elders and disciples would die. Murong Yue would fall in the Qingcang Mountains. Shen Mo would be no exception. Murong Yue sighed, "I shouldn''t have told you this. It might disrupt your emotions and affect your performance in the Hundred Sects Ceremony." "I shouldn''t have said it. It was my mistake." Shen Mo shook his head. Disrupting his emotions wasn''t really possible. After all, he had long seen their ultimate fate through his life panel. "Master, you don''t need to blame yourself. I share both honor and disgrace with the Qingxuan Sect. It''s better to know sooner," Shen Mo comforted her. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He realized that his beautiful master, who appeared to be as unyielding as an iceberg, was actually as fragile as an ordinary girl inside. "Good," Murong Yue looked at him deeply, feeling very gratified. "Go back to your cultivation. The disciples'' martial competition in the Hundred Sects Ceremony will be in two days. The Five Top Sects of Xuanjing will present many rewards, which will benefit you and our sect." "Understood, Master." Shen Mo cupped his hands and left. Murong Yue watched his departing figure, her previous unhappiness completely dissipated. She had indeed accepted a good disciple. ... Two days later. The Hundred Sects Ceremony was held as scheduled. The location was the central martial arena of Divine Sword City. This arena was much larger than that of the Qingxuan Sect, about four times the size. Around the arena, four grandstands were built. The grandstands rose from low to high, accommodating up to forty thousand spectators! Dong, dong, dong! The sound of bells rang out as the forty-nine sects entered the arena. Each sect brought ten elite disciples. Those sects that couldn''t gather ten elite disciples didn''t even qualify to participate. The grandstands were bustling with excitement. "Look, that tall and handsome guy in the gold-trimmed robe from the Qingxuan Sect is Shen Mo!" "He does look very dashing, and his demeanor is indeed extraordinary." "Zhou Qingcang, look! He''s the top disciple of the Divine Sword Sect!" "Look over there at the Verdant Vine Sect, Mo Yuheng is here too. Look at that figure, that grace! I''d give twenty years of my life to have her as my wife!" "Hey, does anyone know the rules of the competition?" A young nobleman anxiously asked, "Will I get to see the goddess Mo compete?" "Don''t you know? Let me explain!" A young man holding a folding fan smiled smugly. "Master Liu, please tell us," the surrounding young nobles and noble ladies urged him. They were just there for entertainment and didn''t know the detailed rules. Master Liu smiled confidently and waved his fan, "The Hundred Sects Ceremony consists of three rounds." "The first round is a grand melee involving all four hundred ninety participants from forty-nine sects. They all fight until only one hundred remain!" The surrounding crowd immediately erupted in chatter. "Damn! The first round will eliminate nearly four-fifths of the participants!" "Of course, the winners of the Hundred Sects Ceremony must be the elite of the elite!" Master Liu, annoyed, interjected, "Are you listening or not? Don''t interrupt!" "Sorry, please continue, Master Liu," the interrupters said with embarrassed smiles. Master Liu cleared his throat and continued, "The second round, which will be tomorrow, involves one hundred participants fighting in pairs to determine the top fifty. These fifty will then fight in pairs again to decide the top twenty-five." "Then comes the third round, starting the day after tomorrow. These twenty-five will continue to fight in pairs, but there will be byes." "Only when the top ten have been decided will the Hundred Sects Ceremony be considered complete, and the prizes will be awarded to the top ten and their respective sects." The surrounding people suddenly understood. "The Hundred Sects Ceremony happens every ten years, and those who come here are all geniuses. They each have unique insights and skills in martial arts." "Watch closely and learn well. It will greatly benefit us!" Master Liu said with an air of authority. The atmosphere in the stands was incredibly lively. People couldn''t wait, their gazes frequently darting to the disciples of the various sects, wondering when the event would start. In the resting area for the sect disciples, the atmosphere was also heating up. They looked at each other with high fighting spirits and sharp gazes, silently evaluating whether they could defeat their opponents. In the Qingxuan Sect group, Liu Yunxuan spoke gravely, "This year, the teams from the various sects are very strong. Be prepared and don''t hold back." Luo Shengnan glanced at him and said, "That''s not for you to say. If anyone should be giving orders, it should be our strongest, Shen Mo." Liu Yunxuan''s face darkened with anger. He had forgotten. He was no longer the strongest among the four true disciples. Shen Mo was. When he spoke just now, he had unintentionally placed himself in the position of the strongest. Shen Mo nodded slightly. "The first round''s grand melee is unpredictable. Liu Yunxuan is right; we must stay united and give it our all." "Especially be wary of the Heavenly Water Sect joining forces with other sects to target us." Zhao Ting nodded slightly and pointed to a few sects. "Those sects have close ties with the Heavenly Water Sect and could be considered their affiliates. We need to be cautious." Shen Mo''s gaze swept over the various sects. Suddenly, a stunning figure caught his eye. With a fiery figure, beautiful face, fair skin, and a revealing outfit, she was extremely eye-catching. More than half of the crowd''s attention was focused on her. However, they seemed somewhat wary and didn''t dare stare for too long, only glancing occasionally. It was the Enchantress Mo Yuheng! She was playing with a white jade snake in her arms. Sensing Shen Mo''s gaze, Mo Yuheng looked in his direction. Her purple eyes were enchanting and seductive, as if gazing into them for too long would lead to complete infatuation. The disciples of the Verdant Vine Sect followed her gaze to look at Shen Mo. Liu Yuanfeng noticed this and immediately frowned, whispering, "Don''t stare! Provoking the Verdant Vine Sect now will give us another enemy in the melee." Liu Yunxuan also chimed in, "Shen Mo, look away!" Shen Mo withdrew his gaze. "Is she the Enchantress Mo Yuheng?" Zhao Ting nodded. "Yes, she''s also the daughter of the Verdant Vine Sect''s leader and is skilled in using poisons." "She reportedly has a Heaven-grade physique, allowing her to communicate freely with beasts." Shen Mo nodded and continued to observe the other sects. Although he stopped looking, Mo Yuheng continued to watch him from afar. As a result, the disciples of the Verdant Vine Sect also kept their eyes on him, expressionless and cold. Their sudden attention drew the eyes of other sects and even the spectators in the stands towards the Qingxuan Sect. What''s going on? Did the Qingxuan Sect provoke the Verdant Vine Sect? ============================================================= ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 50 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 54: Strike First From the Heavenly Water Sect, Sect Master Zhang Mo let out a sinister laugh upon seeing the situation, "Interesting. Qingxuan Sect has really toughened up." "Xuege, Ziyue, and the rest of you, listen up. When the melee begins, make sure to take down Qingxuan Sect first!" Behind her, apart from the Vice Sect Master, were the ten disciples of the Heavenly Water Sect. Leading them was Yin Xuege, an eerily handsome man, who had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. Behind him was another peak Foundation Establishment disciple, Bai Ziyue. Of course, even within the peak Foundation Establishment stage, there was a significant difference in strength between someone who had been at that level for five or six years and someone who had just reached it. "Understood." Yin Xuege, Bai Ziyue, and the others all nodded in agreement. The other sects, observing this scene, were equally delighted. It seemed the Verdant Vine Sect had set their sights on Qingxuan Sect. Additionally, the Heavenly Water Sect had a longstanding enmity with Qingxuan Sect. With two of the top five sects targeting Qingxuan Sect, it meant Qingxuan Sect would be attracting the attention of both Verdant Vine and Heavenly Water Sects, easing the pressure on the other sects. Even Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng found this strange. Their sect had no significant grudges with the Verdant Vine Sect. Even back when Qingxuan Sect was among the top five sects, their relationship with Verdant Vine Sect was distant and rarely interacted. Why was Verdant Vine Sect suddenly focusing on them? At that moment, the white jade snake in Mo Yuheng''s arms suddenly disappeared. It darted through the crowd like a white lightning bolt, arriving at Qingxuan Sect''s group and coiling around Shen Mo''s leg, climbing up to his knee. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The snake''s red tongue flicked out, seemingly enjoying Shen Mo''s presence. Shen Mo extended his finger to gently tap the little creature''s head. However, the white jade snake nudged his hand, indicating it wanted some fire spiritual energy. Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile wryly. This wasn''t the place to cultivate. "Hmm? Senior Sister, what''s going on?" The disciples of Verdant Vine Sect were puzzled. Mo Yuheng had been raising that white jade snake for years, and it wouldn''t let anyone else touch it. How come it was now willingly going to Shen Mo and even seemed affectionate? The other sects were also surprised. Normally, tamed beasts only cared about their masters and ignored everyone else. Moreover, Mo Yuheng''s physique, known to be a heaven-grade inferior Myriad Beast Spiritual Physique, was publicly acknowledged by Verdant Vine Sect. This physique naturally attracted various beasts, making them willingly submit. Mo Yuheng whistled to call the snake back. However, the snake ignored her, remaining in Shen Mo''s embrace, continuously urging him for fire spiritual energy. The fact that the tamed beast didn''t return when called drew even more attention from the spectators. "Yuheng, do you know that Qingxuan Sect boy?" A burly man in green clothes with a beard in Verdant Vine Sect''s team asked, lowering his voice. Mo Yuheng shook her head, "We''ve only met once." The bearded man scratched his head, "That''s strange. This Blazing Heaven Snake barely acknowledges me, yet it went to a stranger." Mo Yuheng whispered, "Let''s leave it with him for now, Father. Let the Divine Sword Sect Master announce the start; we don''t want any trouble." The bearded man nodded, "Lord Luo, please announce." Divine Sword Sect Master Luo Chaotian nodded slightly, said a few courteous words, and then announced loudly, "The first round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony is about to begin. All teams, take the stage!" His voice, infused with spiritual power, resonated throughout the arena. The atmosphere instantly heated up. Thousands of eyes locked onto the martial arena. Finally, it was starting! Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! One by one, figures, either agile, graceful, or imposing, descended onto the arena. Shen Mo tried to put the snake down before entering the arena, but the little creature clung to his hand, leaving him helpless. "If you get hurt during the fight, I can''t compensate," Shen Mo said softly. The snake shook its head, as if saying it didn''t need any compensation from him. Shen Mo had no choice but to bring it along into the arena. The ten disciples of Qingxuan Sect followed him onto the stage. Before they set off, Murong Yue whispered, "Everyone, follow Shen Mo''s orders." "Understood." Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou nodded without hesitation. Following the strongest was only natural. Liu Yunxuan and Xiao Fan, though outwardly agreeing, harbored their own thoughts. "The first round begins now!" Luo Chaotian shouted. This voice ignited the already tense atmosphere. The martial arena now hosted forty-nine teams, totaling four hundred ninety people. Once the melee begins, it won''t stop. Four-fifths of the participants will be eliminated. Only the remaining one hundred will qualify for the second round! Someone shouted first. Immediately, everyone plunged into a chaotic battle! Clang! Clang! Clang! Bang! Bang! Bang! There were clashes of swords and blades, as well as fists and kicks. The sounds of metal clashing and the dull thuds of fists hitting flesh filled the air. The disciples of Qingxuan Sect were also affected by the atmosphere, itching to charge into the fray immediately. Liu Yunxuan quickly suggested, "I recommend we retreat immediately and withdraw to a corner." Xiao Fan nodded, "I agree with Senior Brother Liu." Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan seemed thoughtful. This was a tactic. Preserve strength, wait for the numbers to dwindle, then seize the opportunity. Many weaker sects would choose this strategy. Though it might not look impressive, it would at least keep them in the game longer. But Shen Mo smiled faintly, "We can''t retreat. We need to fight, and fight hard!" "Strike first, strike hard!" "If we''re ruthless enough, no one will dare to provoke us." Liu Yunxuan frowned, "Are you crazy? Doing this might mean we won''t even pass the first round!" Xiao Fan also questioned, "Shen Mo, you''re risking Qingxuan Sect''s reputation. I don''t agree!" Shen Mo responded coolly, "Did you not hear what the Sect Master said before we came? Are you all deaf and blind?" Xiao Fan''s face flushed with anger, ready to argue. Liu Yunxuan sneered, pulling him back, "Fine, we''ll follow your lead. Just hope you don''t regret it!" The ten disciples of Qingxuan Sect, led by Shen Mo, moved like a sharp blade, piercing straight into the crowd. Shen Mo''s target was not some small sect. From the start, his target was Heavenly Water Sect! As one of the top five sects in Xuanjiang, Heavenly Water Sect was strong enough. If they could severely damage the Heavenly Water Sect team while preserving their own strength, other teams would naturally avoid provoking them. Everyone knew that if they had the power to seriously harm Heavenly Water Sect, they could easily defeat the weaker sect teams and drive them out of the arena. Yin Xuege and Bai Ziyue''s eyes narrowed. They were just about to move towards Qingxuan Sect. They didn''t expect Qingxuan Sect, under Shen Mo''s lead, to come straight at them! "Ridiculous, do they think they can use us to make a statement?" Yin Xuege''s pale, sickly face showed a hint of a cold smile. He was smart and quickly saw through Shen Mo''s intentions. But he thought Shen Mo was foolish. A mere second-rate sectno matter if Shen Mo had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stagehow could he match up to Yin Xuege, the so-called Prince of Shadows! The other disciples of Qingxuan Sect were even less of a match for the disciples of Heavenly Water Sect! "Meet them head-on!" Yin Xuege commanded with a wave of his hand. "Yes!" The nine disciples behind him also wore cold smiles on their faces. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Currently You can read 110 chapters ahead of NovelFire relases. } Chapter 55: I Spoke Cautiously—Three Moves to Take You Down The battle erupted instantly. Although Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Liu Yunxuan, and the others were top talents in Qingxuan Sect with strong abilities, they were still somewhat inferior when facing the disciples of Heavenly Water Sect. In terms of cultivation, weapons, techniques, and martial skills, they were slightly lacking in all aspects. Adding up all these gaps made a significant difference. So, right from the start, they were at a disadvantage. Shen Mo''s opponent was Yin Xuege. As soon as they met, Yin Xuege extended a hand, "Five moves, and I''ll have you down." Shen Mo sneered, "If I don''t fight you, how are you going to take me down in five moves? Your boasting isn''t very convincing." Yin Xuege''s face stiffened. Shen Mo had a pointif he refused to fight, how could Yin Xuege show off? "What I say is more reliable. I''ll take you down in three moves," Shen Mo smiled. In the next moment, he decisively drew his sword. The Thunder Sword was unsheathed. He executed the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. Thunder Shadow Sword light interwove in the air. Fast and fierce, it aimed directly at Yin Xuege''s throat. Yin Xuege did not expect such a fierce move from Shen Mo right at the start. Even before the sword struck, he felt goosebumps on his throat. His heart skipped a beat. He had underestimated Shen Mo! "You use a sword, I use a sword too. You''re no match for me!" Yin Xuege took a deep breath and swiftly drew his sword. His sword was peculiar. It had two colors: blue like water on the left and red like blood on the right. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Two completely different forces flowed through it. Shen Mo showed no fear, moving even closer to Yin Xuege. Clang! Their sword tips collided suddenly. A piercing metallic sound echoed. Clang, clang, clang! Shen Mo took two steps back. Yin Xuege retreated five steps. His face darkened immediately. He felt a numbing sensation in his hand. He could barely hold his weapon. Shen Mo''s strength was far beyond his expectations. In their first clash, he was slightly at a disadvantage. This angered Yin Xuege. With his strength, he should have suppressed Shen Mo with ease! He was one of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang! "Come again!" Yin Xuege shouted angrily, swinging his sword once more. Shen Mo smiled. From the previous strike, he had gauged his opponent''s strength. Weak. And significantly weaker. Physique and techniques were the biggest factors in the gap. As for martial skills, they were just ways to display power. With a strong enough physique and powerful techniques, one could easily overpower many others. "I miscalculated earlier. I won''t need three moves; two will be enough to take you down." Shen Mo stomped the ground, executing the Eight Directions Thunder Movement. His speed soared to the extreme. In an instant, he seemed like a shadow of thunder, disappearing from Yin Xuege''s sight. Yin Xuege lost his target, his expression froze. But he instinctively swung his sword behind him. "It''s good you have this instinct, but you''re still too slow." Shen Mo''s calm voice came from behind him. The next moment, the Thunder Sword pierced directly into his back. Even though he instinctively blocked, deflecting the attack, part of the force still surged into his body. The violent power exploded. Yin Xuege''s body flew seven or eight meters away, crashing into several disciples from other sects. He tried to get up, but found blood flowing beneath him. His strength quickly drained away. Humiliated and furious, his rage surged, causing him to spit out more blood. "Damn, impressive! Shen Mo, your strength has really skyrocketed!" Luo Shengnan exclaimed in surprise. Bai Ziyue was shocked by the sight and quickly shouted, "Protect him!" Yin Xuege, as one of the Five Young Supremes and the strongest of the new generation in Heavenly Water Sect, was their symbol of pride. If Yin Xuege were to be eliminated in the first round of the melee, what face would Heavenly Water Sect have left? Therefore, while others might be expendable, Yin Xuege absolutely could not be harmed! In an instant, the tide of battle shifted. Zhao Rou, who had been struggling under pressure, suddenly found her opponent withdrawing to protect Yin Xuege. Zhao Ting immediately shielded his sister. "Chase them! Now''s our chance to counterattack!" Shen Mo shouted. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou echoed loudly, "Yes!" Bai Ziyue and the others gritted their teeth, "Retreat! Preserve our strength!" They fought while retreating, trying to escape Qingxuan Sect''s attack range. Yin Xuege had been severely injured by Shen Mo in just two moves and couldn''t recover his combat strength quickly. Seeing Shen Mo still in peak condition, they realized they were no match for him. Their only option now was to retreat. Shen Mo sneered, "Retreat? To where?" "Chase them! Knock every single Heavenly Water Sect disciple out of the arena!" He was the first to charge forward, his Thunder Sword aimed straight at Bai Ziyue''s chest. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou''s eyes lit up, and they immediately followed. Xiao Fan frowned, glancing at Liu Yunxuan. Liu Yunxuan sighed, "Let''s follow them." Under Shen Mo''s leadership, the Qingxuan Sect team moved like a deadly blade, relentlessly pursuing Heavenly Water Sect. Disciples from other sects stepped aside to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. This scene, witnessed by the audience in the stands, left them in shock. "Wow! Qingxuan Sect is actually chasing down Heavenly Water Sect!" "Who is that leader from Qingxuan Sect? He''s amazing! He took down Yin Xuege in two moves!" "I didn''t expect Qingxuan Sect to be the dark horse of the Hundred Sect Ceremony!" Heavenly Water Sect''s Sect Master, Zhang Mo, frowned deeply. "What kind of strength does that boy have to severely injure Xuege in just two moves?" The vice sect master next to him was equally astonished. "He''s probably the heaven-grade physique that Qingxuan Sect has been hiding for a long time," Zhang Mo said in a serious tone. The vice sect master was shocked, "What? No wonder!" "Let''s watch closely. The situation is very unfavorable for us. I hope Ziyue can hold on. Anyone can be eliminated, but not Xuege!" Zhang Mo took a few deep breaths, feeling a bit anxious. If Yin Xuege were eliminated in the first round, she would be too embarrassed to remain seated here. In contrast to Heavenly Water Sect''s gloom, Murong Yue was overjoyed. She realized she had underestimated her precious disciple''s strength. "Well done! Excellent!" Murong Yue couldn''t help but exclaim. Beside her, Liu Yuanfeng frowned deeply. Shen Mo''s growth rate was terrifying. To have reached such strength already? He truly deserved his heaven-grade superior physique. The sect masters and vice sect masters of Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, Thunderfire Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect watched the scene from a distance, their faces showing various expressions. Some were amused, some were amazed, and some were admiring. On the martial arena, the teams from Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, Thunderfire Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect stood with folded arms, watching the spectacle. Because of their overwhelming strength, no other sect teams dared to provoke them. The Hundred Sect Ceremony was always like this. The top five sects of Xuanjiang could simply watch during the first-round melee and easily make it to the second round. Only this year, Heavenly Water Sect encountered a little setback. Within the Rising Sun Sect team. "It''s been a while, but Yin Xuege''s strength has weakened," Hong Chilong said, wiping his huge sword without even looking up. "That kid only knows some underhanded tricks. When it comes to real strength, he''s not even worthy to carry our senior brother''s shoes," a Rising Sun Sect disciple next to him boasted with a proud smile. Chapter 56: The Shining Dark Horse "What do you all think of that Shen Mo?" Hong Chilong asked again. "Just average. Not to mention comparing him to our senior brother, he''s still far behind our second brother," the disciples replied, even more boastful. "Wrong," Hong Chilong said flatly. The disciples of the Rising Sun Sect were stunned. How could they be wrong? Hong Chilong said calmly, "When he fought Yin Xuege just now, he wasn''t even using his full strength." "You still think he''s not strong? Foolish!" The disciples'' faces turned red with embarrassment, but they dared not refute and could only nod in agreement. "Senior Brother, should I go test his strength?" a disciple stood up. He was also at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, second only to Hong Chilong among the young disciples of the Rising Sun Sect. "No rush, let''s wait a bit," Hong Chilong smiled, "I want to see him wipe out Heavenly Water Sect first." "Really... But Senior Brother, look, some sects are already gathering over there. They are all allies of Heavenly Water Sect," the disciple pointed at the crowd. Hong Chilong chuckled, "A bunch of rabble." Similar conversations were happening within Divine Sword Sect and Thunderfire Sect as well. Qingxuan Sect chasing Heavenly Water Sect was entertainment to them. If Yin Xuege was in good condition, he would definitely come looking for trouble with the other four major sects. He might even knock one or two of their disciples out of the arena. Now, with Heavenly Water Sect being overwhelmed, the other sects could preserve their strength in this melee. All four sects, a total of forty disciples, might easily pass the first round. In the Verdant Vine Sect team. "Senior Sister, aren''t we going to intervene? Didn''t you dislike that guy?" a disciple asked. Mo Yuheng rolled her eyes, "I don''t dislike him; I''m just curious about him." "Besides, my little snake is still with him." The disciples of Verdant Vine Sect scratched their heads, "So, we''re just going to watch?" "Yes, just watch. Don''t interfere," Mo Yuheng waved her hand. Her beautiful eyes looked distantly at Shen Mo, who was pursuing Heavenly Water Sect. She thought to herself, "He can attract my little snake and make it disobey me. What kind of physique does he have?" "Could it be even superior to mine?" On the other side. Shen Mo led Qingxuan Sect in a fierce pursuit of Heavenly Water Sect. Three Heavenly Water Sect disciples had already been hit in the back by Shen Mo and knocked out of the arena. Bai Ziyue was carrying Yin Xuege, running ahead, glancing back from time to time with a cold gleam in his eyes. At this moment, Zhao Ting shouted, "A sect is approaching from the left! It''s the Baihe Sect!" Luo Shengnan called out, "The Xuehe Sect is coming from the right!" Liu Yunxuan and Xiao Fan scanned the rear, "Lingxi Sect is coming up from behind." The Heavenly Water Sect team also stopped. Bai Ziyue sneered, "Chase us, why don''t you? Now you''re surrounded by four teams, and Qingxuan Sect will be buried here!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, "A bunch of nobodies, and you call this a siege?" During the pursuit, Shen Mo had been alert to his surroundings. Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had already assessed the teams from Baihe Sect, Xuehe Sect, and Lingxi Sect. The strongest among them was only at the perfect Foundation Establishment stage. The rest were at varying levels within the Foundation Establishment stage. As long as he took out the leading disciples of these three sects, the others could be handled by Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and the rest. "Arrogant, what can you do..." Bai Ziyue sneered. The next moment, his vision blurred as Shen Mo charged like a storm. Bang! Bang! Bang! The perfect Foundation Establishment disciple of Baihe Sect hadn''t even reacted when his chest was hit with immense force. In the next instant, he flew out like a kite with a broken string, spewing blood mid-air, and landed in a heap. Nearby disciples from other sects, already deep in the melee, rushed in and beat him further. The disciples of Baihe Sect widened their eyes and quickly rushed to rescue him. Though they were subordinate to Heavenly Water Sect, they couldn''t bear the consequences if their strongest disciple got seriously injured. So, it was imperative to rescue their own immediately. After defeating one person, Shen Mo charged towards the leading disciple of Xuehe Sect. That disciple was still in shock from seeing the Baihe Sect disciple being sent flying. By the time he reacted, Shen Mo''s fist was less than half a foot away from him. In a rush, he could only cross his arms to block. Bang! The reality proved that in the face of overwhelming strength, no amount of blocking would work. He too was sent flying far away, just like the previous person. Shen Mo deliberately aimed him towards the densest part of the crowd. If the disciples of Xuehe Sect didn''t rescue him, he would definitely be severely injured, possibly even at risk of losing his life. After sending these two flying, Shen Mo moved on to the third person. Describing the process takes time, but in reality, Shen Mo used his supreme-level martial skill, Eight Directions Thunder Movement, at an extremely fast speed. Each strike was quick and powerful enough to end the fight instantly. By the time he reached the leading disciple of Lingxi Sect, that person had just realized what was happening. However, with Heavenly Water Sect''s order, he couldn''t dodge or flee. After much consideration, he made a decision. Stand firm! Lingxi Sect was known for its defensive martial skills, and it wasn''t difficult for a perfect Foundation Establishment stage disciple to withstand the attacks of a peak Foundation Establishment stage opponent. He roared, and a giant rhino phantom appeared around him. His body was as solid as a rock, as resilient as a mountain enduring the elements. The next moment, Shen Mo''s fist struck down. Bang! The disciple''s defense shattered in less than three breaths. He followed the same fate as the previous two, flying far away. Lingxi Sect''s defensive martial skill did help; he only flew four or five zhang away. "Go save him, why are you standing there?" Shen Mo said calmly. The disciples of Lingxi Sect gritted their teeth but could only rush to rescue their comrade. With these three swift punches, Shen Mo had quickly broken the encirclement of Qingxuan Sect. Now, their opponents were only the Heavenly Water Sect''s team. Bai Ziyue''s expression shifted from a sneer to shock, and finally to extreme discomfort. "Retreat!" Bai Ziyue shouted angrily. "Retreat? Stop trying to make it sound noble!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, stomped the ground, and pursued them. Yin Xuege, who had just regained consciousness, heard this and was so enraged that he spat out blood and fainted again. This scene, witnessed by the spectators, left countless people in awe. "Wow! That''s incredibledefeating three perfect Foundation Establishment stage disciples with three punches!" "From being surrounded to turning the tide, that''s amazing!" "Only such a significant gap in strength can break through like this. Any other sect would have already been defeated in such a situation." "Amazing! Qingxuan Sect is truly the darkest of dark horses this time! They''re shining!" Bang! Zhang Mo slapped the table, her face dark with anger, almost dripping with malice. The surrounding audience fell silent, fearing to anger the Heavenly Water Sect''s leader. In contrast to Zhang Mo''s dark mood, Murong Yue was smiling brightly, her joy sweeter than honey, drawing many admiring glances. "I knew I didn''t misjudge him!" she thought with immense satisfaction. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 57: The Focus of the Entire Arena Qingxuan Sect chased, while Heavenly Water Sect ran. This scene of cat and mouse was seen not only by every spectator in the stands but also by the disciples on the martial arena. Whenever Shen Mo and his team charged through the crowd in pursuit, disciples from smaller sects would tactfully make way. No matter how fiercely they were fighting, they dared not block the path of Shen Mo leading Qingxuan Sect. Especially after witnessing the power of those three punchesboth skillful and strategic. No one wanted to offend such a formidable Qingxuan Sect. To many disciples, the Qingxuan Sect team now seemed capable of matching the teams of the top five sects in Xuanjiang! In the Rising Sun Sect team. Hong Chilong polished his giant blade until it gleamed brilliantly. Hearing his disciples'' surprised discussions about Shen Mo''s three-punch victory, he finally looked up. He watched the two teams, one chasing and the other fleeing, and suddenly smiled. "Interesting, Qingxuan Sect has produced a talent!" "I think Yin Xuege''s title as Young Supreme should be revoked and given to Shen Mo!" The disciples of Rising Sun Sect burst into laughter. It was true that Yin Xuege was one of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang. But he had fought against the other four and never won. His best result was a draw against Thunderfire Sect''s Lei Junzi Wan Renjie. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, Wan Renjie and Yin Xuege were known to be good friends, and some said Wan Renjie deliberately held back, resulting in the draw. Thus, Yin Xuege was privately nicknamed the Weak Supreme. In the Thunderfire Sect team. Nine disciples surrounded Wan Renjie, their gazes also fixed on Shen Mo. Wan Renjie, tall and lean, was seething with anger. Seeing Yin Xuege in such a pitiful state, he felt a shared indignation, as if those injuries were inflicted on him. "Move! Stop them!" Wan Renjie growled. In the Verdant Vine Sect team. Mo Yuheng''s gaze at Shen Mo grew increasingly curious and amused. The disciples of Verdant Vine Sect noticed Thunderfire Sect''s movements, "Senior Sister, it looks like Thunderfire Sect is about to make a move." "How dull," Mo Yuheng chuckled, "Watching the show is much more fun. Why intervene?" "Senior Sister, you mean...?" The Verdant Vine Sect disciples were eager to act. "Block them. Don''t let them interfere," Mo Yuheng said with a light laugh. "Yes!" The disciples of Verdant Vine Sect quickly moved and, in the blink of an eye, stood in front of Thunderfire Sect, blocking their path. Wan Renjie''s eyebrows furrowed deeply, "Mo Yuheng, what are you doing?" Mo Yuheng covered her mouth and laughed, "We like the scenery here. Can''t we stay?" Wan Renjie took a few deep breaths, suppressing his anger, "Fine! This place is yours. We''ll take a different route!" He gestured for the Thunderfire Sect disciples to follow him around the Verdant Vine Sect team. But Mo Yuheng stepped forward again, blocking his path. Wan Renjie''s veins bulged, "What exactly do you want?" Mo Yuheng smiled teasingly, "What do you think?" Wan Renjie shouted, "Move! Or I''ll make you!" Mo Yuheng laughed heartily, "Go ahead and try. Let''s see if you can beat me." Wan Renjie gritted his teeth. He knew he wasn''t a match for Mo Yuheng. Among the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang, Mo Yuheng''s strength was second only to Young Sword Supreme Zhou Qingcang. "I might not be able to beat you, but can you protect all the other disciples of Verdant Vine Sect? Do you want only Mo Yuheng to enter the second round?" Wan Renjie sneered. Mo Yuheng retorted, "Oh? And can you protect all the Thunderfire Sect disciples from my attacks? Have you forgotten Verdant Vine Sect''s specialty?" She reached out and lightly flicked her hair. Wan Renjie''s eyebrows shot up, and he instinctively stepped back. Mo Yuheng laughed, "Relax, I haven''t used poison yet." Wan Renjie''s expression shifted between anger and frustration. Verdant Vine Sect''s specialty was poison. Poison powder, poison water, poison smokeif truly deployed, Wan Renjie could at best protect himself, while the others would be on their own. They would hope they carried enough antidotes. Mo Yuheng''s earlier gesture was her typical move when using poison. Wan Renjie had suffered from it before, almost forming a reflexive muscle memory. Unexpectedly, Mo Yuheng was bluffing this time. Both sides were at a standstill. "Senior Brother, what should we do?" a disciple of Thunderfire Sect asked quietly. Wan Renjie thought it over several times before finally saying, "Retreat. Yin Xuege... let him fend for himself." "Understood." The Thunderfire Sect team had no choice but to retreat. This scene left those around them quite astonished. The Enchantress, Mo Yuheng, had always been proud and viewed men as insignificant. Why was she helping Shen Mo this time? Mo Yuheng, uninterested in Wan Renjie, continued watching the chase between Qingxuan Sect and Heavenly Water Sect. As the two sects remained in a stalemate, Shen Mo''s team managed to knock several more Heavenly Water Sect disciples out of the arena. Now, only Yin Xuege and Bai Ziyue remained from Heavenly Water Sect. Bai Ziyue, carrying Yin Xuege, weaved through the crowd, finding it increasingly difficult to continue. The only thing he could do now was run! The number of participants in the martial arena was also rapidly decreasing. The count dropped from 490 to 200 in just the time it took for an incense stick to burn. These 200 then entered a long period of stalemate. Everyone knew that enduring just a little longer might mean advancing to the second round. The battle was reaching a fever pitch. Even so, no one dared to challenge the teams from Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, Verdant Vine Sect, and Thunderfire Sect. From start to finish, these four teams remained quite relaxed. Had it not been for maintaining their image, they might have even sat down to play cards. The scene of Shen Mo leading Qingxuan Sect in the pursuit of Yin Xuege and Bai Ziyue became increasingly prominent and eye-catching. Nearly seventy percent of the audience''s attention was on Shen Mo. Everyone wanted to see if Shen Mo could ultimately knock Yin Xuege out of the arena. If that happened, it would be even more interesting. The distance closed bit by bit. Bai Ziyue felt a prickling sensation on his back. He instinctively dodged. However, Shen Mo was faster. "Thinking of dodging now? Too late." Shen Mo''s calm voice rang out. The next moment, his massive fist struck Bai Ziyue''s back. Bai Ziyue felt his internal organs churning, and a metallic taste filled his mouth. With all his strength, he threw Yin Xuege away. His own body was then propelled out of the arena by the force of Shen Mo''s punch. He had no chance to counterattack. The prolonged evasion and running had already drained his spiritual energy. Now, he couldn''t withstand even a single punch. Yin Xuege spat out several mouthfuls of blood and slowly stood up. Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and others quickly surrounded him. Yet, Yin Xuege showed no fear. Instead, he glared coldly at Shen Mo. "Do you really want to make a move on me and completely break with one of the top five sects, Heavenly Water Sect?" Yin Xuege threatened, "If I get knocked out, my master will be furious and will use all her connections to turn every sect against Qingxuan Sect in the subsequent battles!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Ting, Liu Yunxuan, and Xiao Fan''s expressions changed slightly. Yin Xuege was right. If he was eliminated in the first round, Heavenly Water Sect would lose face, and Zhang Mo would likely incite other sects to target Qingxuan Sect. Although they might pass the first round, the second and third rounds would become extremely difficult. Xiao Fan immediately said, "Shen Mo, I suggest we let him go. There''s no need to completely sever ties." Liu Yunxuan nodded, "Regardless, we are all sects of Xuanjiang Prefecture. It''s better not to escalate things. If we give them face now, we might need Heavenly Water Sect''s help in the future." Luo Shengnan glared angrily, cursing, "Bullshit! You two cowards!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 58: Zhang Mo’s Fury Xiao Fan''s face turned bright red. Liu Yunxuan''s expression, on the other hand, remained unchanged. Shen Mo said calmly, "Address me as Senior Brother." Xiao Fan was taken aback. Shen Mo turned to him with a cold gaze, "Xiao Fan, don''t you understand respect and hierarchy?" Xiao Fan lowered his head, gritting his teeth, "Yes, Senior Brother Shen." Shen Mo continued, "Do you think that letting Yin Xuege go now will make Heavenly Water Sect spare us in the second or third round?" "Absolutely not!" "You all saw clearly what kind of person the Heavenly Water Sect leader is when you met her for the first time!" Shen Mo looked directly into Liu Yunxuan''s eyes, "As for showing Heavenly Water Sect some respect, thinking we might need them in the future, that''s absolute nonsense." "Back when Qingxuan Sect was pushed out of the top five by Heavenly Water Sect, did they show us any respect? Did they not seize the opportunity to crush us further?" sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Why didn''t they consider that they might need Qingxuan Sect in the future?" Liu Yunxuan''s composure finally broke. He knew Shen Mo was absolutely right, and there was no way to argue against it. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and the other disciples of Qingxuan Sect cheered for Shen Mo from the bottom of their hearts. His reasoning was meticulous and foresighted. One couldn''t help but admire him! After saying this, Shen Mo turned his gaze towards Yin Xuege. Hearing Shen Mo''s words, Yin Xuege''s expression turned panicked. He realized that the disciples of Qingxuan Sect were not intimidated by his threats. Instead, Shen Mo''s words had unified them even more against their common enemy. "You, you need to think carefully." "You''re too selfish. How can you not consider the other disciples of Qingxuan Sect?" Yin Xuege instinctively stepped back, spitting out a few weak threats. Shen Mo''s face remained as calm as ever. "The other four Young Supremes seem quite formidable, so why are you so lacking?" Shen Mo shook his head and suddenly struck out with his palm. Bang! Yin Xuege was instantly sent flying. He was launched out of the martial arena. Upon landing, he was so enraged that he spat out blood and fainted on the spot. The moment Yin Xuege was sent flying, a collective gasp arose from the stands. When Yin Xuege had been surrounded by the Qingxuan Sect team, he had already captured the attention of nearly ninety percent of the audience. Everyone wanted to know whether the disciples of Qingxuan Sect dared to knock Yin Xuege out of the arena. After all, he was one of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang and the face of the younger generation of Heavenly Water Sect. In past first rounds, there had been conflicts among the Five Young Supremes, but they had always tacitly avoided eliminating each other. Would the Qingxuan Sect disciples break this unspoken rule? Or would they be so intimidated by Yin Xuege that they would let him leave, even in his severely injured state? Now they knew. Shen Mo dared! He truly dared! "Good! Good! Good!" Heavenly Water Sect leader Zhang Mo stood up abruptly, her face extremely calm as she uttered three consecutive "goods," her voice echoing throughout the martial arena. She then turned and left with a flick of her sleeve. Her demeanor and tone clearly indicated that her inner fury had reached its peak! "Haha, this Shen Mo is truly an interesting person," Mo Yuheng covered her mouth, laughing softly, her smile growing even brighter. "Damn it! In the second round, if we encounter Qingxuan Sect disciples, show no mercy. Use your full strength, understood?" Wan Renjie growled. "Yes!" the disciples of Thunderfire Sect responded in low voices. In the Rising Sun Sect team, Hong Chilong laughed heartily, "Well done! Yin Xuege, that guy, doesn''t deserve to be one of the Five Young Supremes!" Within the Divine Sword Sect team, Zhou Qingcang, who had been silently polishing his long sword, finally stood up and cast his gaze toward Shen Mo. "Senior Brother, what do you think of him?" a Divine Sword Sect disciple asked. Zhou Qingcang pondered for a moment, "Very strong, very smart." The Divine Sword Sect disciples were astonished. Zhou Qingcang had never given anyone such high praise before, not even to Hong Chilong, Mo Yuheng, or Wan Renjie. Yin Xuege''s elimination marked the moment when the number of participants in the martial arena reached one hundred. Divine Sword Sect leader Luo Chaotian, who had been keeping an eye on the count, infused his voice with spiritual energy and announced, "Cease fighting!" These two words seemed to have a magical effect. As soon as they were spoken, all the disciples simultaneously stopped their battles. "Congratulations to the one hundred disciples who have passed the first round." "The second round will begin tomorrow at the hour of the rabbit." "Rest well. Tomorrow, we will announce the rewards for the top ten of the Hundred Sect Ceremony." All the disciples responded in unison, "Yes!" As soon as the first round ended, Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng quickly approached the Qingxuan Sect disciples. Murong Yue''s usually cold and elegant face was now beaming with a bright smile. "Shen Mo, well done! That''s how it should be!" Shen Mo bowed, "Your disciple has not disgraced the mission." Liu Yuanfeng said coolly, "Leader, you should think more about how to handle Zhang Mo''s impending wrath in the second and third rounds." Murong Yue, still in high spirits, was suddenly doused with cold water by Liu Yuanfeng''s words and snorted coldly, "I am well aware of that, no need for Deputy Leader Liu to remind me!" At this moment, the Verdant Vine Sect team approached. Their arrival made Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and the others put away their smiles and turn to face the newcomers. Zhao Rou gazed blankly at the beautiful woman. How could someone have such stunning looks and an alluring figure? Compared to Mo Yuheng, she felt inferior in every aspect. Not big enough where it should be, not long enough where it should be, not curvy enough where it should be. Luo Shengnan, on the other hand, eyed Mo Yuheng warily, wondering what this enchantress wanted. Mo Yuheng chuckled lightly, "Can I have my little snake back now?" Shen Mo shrugged and took out the white snake from his arms, handing it over. "It came over on its own." The white snake opened its mouth, making soft noises, and before leaving, it gently bit Shen Mo''s finger. It didn''t draw blood or break the skin; it was more like a pet''s playful nip to its owner. Mo Yuheng smiled as she took the white snake, tapping its head with her slender finger, "Who is your master?" The white snake turned its head away, seemingly annoyed. After a moment of contemplation, it dove into the light gauze at Mo Yuheng''s chest, causing her body to shiver slightly. "Goodbye, I hope you can make it through the second round." Mo Yuheng waved, throwing a kiss to Shen Mo as she left. That fleeting gesture captivated many men, making them stop and stare. Shen Mo''s heart raced, and it took a while for it to return to its normal pace. Murong Yue frowned slightly and stepped in front of Shen Mo. I can''t let my excellent disciple be easily seduced by women. "Leader Mo, please keep your daughter in check," she said, looking at the bearded man in green behind Mo Yuheng. The bearded man coughed lightly, "My daughter has grown up and is hard to discipline now, ahem." He then reminded, "Leader Murong, be careful. Leader Zhang may not react well to this." Murong Yue nodded and watched as the Verdant Vine Sect team departed. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {You can read 50 chapters ahead of NovelFire releases in the price of 20, limited only this month. I implore you to take advantage of this by joining patreon.} Chapter 59: Supreme Earth-Grade Demon Armor Fragment The first round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony came to an end. All the sects returned to their temporary quarters. The spectators in the stands also began to leave. However, even as they left, many people continued to excitedly discuss the chase between the Qingxuan Sect team and the Heavenly Water Sect team. It had been so exciting and eye-catching. Even those who didn''t want to talk about it couldn''t help but do so, as everyone else was discussing it. Particularly memorable was the moment when Yin Xuege loudly threatened Shen Mo, who then decisively knocked him out of the arena. That scene was etched into the minds of countless people. Shen Mo. This name began to spread through Divine Sword City just like the names of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang. Moreover, because he was a dark horse that shone brightly, his name spread faster and wider than those of the Five Young Supremes! Bang! "Useless trash!" Zhang Mo suddenly crushed her teacup. Scalding tea splashed over her hand and the ground, but she didn''t seem to notice in her rage. Bai Ziyue quickly brewed a new cup of tea and respectfully brought it to her side, "Sect Master, please calm down." Zhang Mo suppressed her anger, "How is Xuege''s injury?" Bai Ziyue responded immediately, "Senior Brother''s injuries are not severe, mostly internal due to emotional distress." Zhang Mo got up and strode towards Yin Xuege''s room. Inside the room, Yin Xuege stared blankly at the ceiling. He no longer had the spirited look of one of the Five Young Supremes. He looked more like a defeated dog on the run. Zhang Mo sat beside him, holding his hand, and spoke softly, "Xuege, don''t dwell on it too much. This is a learning experience for you." "You''ve always been proud, and I''ve worried about your mindset. This setback might be a good thing." Yin Xuege remained dazed, as if he had lost all his vitality. Zhang Mo suddenly stood up and slapped him hard across the face. Yin Xuege''s cheek immediately swelled up with a bright red handprint. The sudden slap made Bai Ziyue shudder. It seemed to wake Yin Xuege up, restoring the light to his eyes. Zhang Mo coldly said, "If you fall into despair over this failure, I will immediately strip you of your status as a true disciple." "Go back to your family and never return to Heavenly Water Sect. Consider it my mistake for accepting you as a disciple in the first place!" Yin Xuege turned to Zhang Mo, his lips moving slightly, "Master." "I just didn''t expect to lose so miserably." "He''s just a disciple from a second-rate sect." Zhang Mo replied calmly, "Shen Mo possesses a superior heaven-grade physique. Losing to him is nothing to be ashamed of." Yin Xuege was stunned. Bai Ziyue''s eyes widened. Heaven-grade, superior? Among the Five Young Supremes, the strongest physique belonged to Hong Chilong, but it was only a mid-grade heaven physique. Shen Mo had a superior heaven-grade physique? "Master, where did you get this information?" Yin Xuege asked, his eyes sparkling. "From Qingxuan Sect''s Deputy Leader Liu Yuanfeng," Zhang Mo sneered. Bai Ziyue was utterly shocked, "This" Yin Xuege quickly grasped the situation, "Qingxuan Sect is so divided?" "A superior heaven-grade physique, and instead of protecting him, they expose him to outsiders?" Zhang Mo scoffed, "Qingxuan Sect is like a sieve now. Deputy Leader Liu Yuanfeng is closely tied with Divine Sword Sect, and former Elder Song Chaofeng has connections with Verdant Vine Sect." "Even if Shen Mo has a superior heaven-grade physique, he won''t get the resources he needs." "As long as you regain your confidence and train hard, you won''t lose to him." "Besides" Zhang Mo''s gaze deepened. "Divine Sword Sect will eventually conquer Xuanjiang Prefecture, and we at Heavenly Water Sect will follow closely behind. Qingxuan Sect is unlikely to submit. When the time comes, you will personally wipe away this shame." "You will take his life!" Zhang Mo grasped Yin Xuege''s shoulder firmly, staring into his eyes. "Yes!" Yin Xuege responded with renewed determination. ... Divine Sword City, East Market. Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou were wandering around the market. Invited by Zhao Ting and the others, and because Shen Mo had his own reasons for visiting, the four of them decided to come here. Divine Sword City was enormous, housing four markets, each located in a different district. The East Market was the smallest of the four but was closest to Hidden Dragon Pavilion, where the Qingxuan Sect disciples were staying. Shen Mo had a specific reason for visiting. During the melee, he had glimpsed Yin Xuege''s life panel and noted a significant opportunity meant for Yin Xuege. Shen Mo recalled the details from Yin Xuege''s life panel. [Name: Yin Xuege. Cultivation Level: Peak of Foundation Establishment. Fate: Scion of a prominent family, Lucky Star, Born Sword Embryo, Nine Yin Body. Destiny: To stop at the peak of the Golden Core stage and become an inner elder of the Divine Sword Sect. Sixty-two years later, he will be killed in an internal factional conflict within the Divine Sword Sect. Recent Opportunities 1: Today, inspired by the encouragement of Heavenly Water Sect leader Zhang Mo, he will regain his spirit. In the afternoon, he will wander the East Market and discover a supreme earth-grade treasure, a fragment of a Demon Armor, at the stall of a bald old man. Recent Opportunities 2: Tomorrow, while practicing swordsmanship in the southeast area of Hidden Dragon Pavilion, he will discover a nearly mature True Intent Grass under a fake mountain and acquire this supreme-grade treasure.] "A supreme-grade treasure, True Intent Grass, can serve as the wood root for my formation of a Golden Core." "What is a supreme earth-grade Demon Armor fragment? It sounds powerful." Shen Mo mused to himself. Since it''s a supreme earth-grade treasure, it must be valuable and not some worthless item. No matter what it is, it''s worth taking. At this time, many cultivators were setting up stalls in the East Market. The cultivators'' levels varied greatly. The lowest were at the Qi Condensation stage. The highest reached the Golden Core stage. The items they sold were also diverse and strange. There were fragments of so-called heaven-grade spirit artifacts. There were fossilized beast eggs that had been petrified for a thousand years. There were also ancient elixirs encased in amber. Of course, most of these items were fake. Shen Mo couldn''t help but sigh. Unfortunately, there was no anti-fraud system in this world. Otherwise, he could make a fortune busting scams here. As they wandered through the market, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou bought a lot of items. With their discerning eyes, they could avoid most of the fakes, sifting through to find genuinely valuable things. For instance, Zhao Rou was lucky enough to buy a bottle of Yuan Spirit Blood. This item was a high-grade treasure. It wasn''t actual blood but a product of alchemy. It wasn''t meant for humans to drink but for beasts. After consumption, it could enhance their bloodlines and physical bodies. Previously, Zhao Rou had acquired a mutant amethyst lion cub, which she always kept with her in a beast-controlling bag. The Yuan Spirit Blood was prepared for it. "Shen Mo, why aren''t you buying anything? Did the leader not give you money?" Luo Shengnan asked boldly, wrapping her arm around Shen Mo''s shoulder. Shen Mo laughed helplessly. At that moment, his gaze suddenly focused on a bald old man ahead to the left. The old man was picking at his foot, showing a complete lack of the demeanor of a cultivator. The items on his stall were equally unimpressive. They were mostly covered in dust and dirt. Even when the four of them stood before his stall, the old man continued picking at his foot with complete focus. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was as if nothing else existed in the world but his foot. Shen Mo''s eyes, however, lit up as he spotted a fragment of purple-black metal among the items. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 60: The Second Round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony "Old man, I want this, this, and this. Give me a price," Shen Mo said, pointing to a few items around the metal fragment before finally pointing to the metal fragment itself. The old man suddenly stopped picking at his foot and looked at Shen Mo, calculating something with his fingers. "You are not the destined one. This item is not for sale to you." He was about to look away when he recalculated. "Wait a minute, how are you now the destined one?!" The old man was very surprised. Shen Mo''s heart stirred. The old man seemed skilled in divination or some sort of fortune-telling. He also knew that this Demon Armor fragment was indeed a supreme earth-grade treasure. But the old man intended to sell it only to the destined one. In the original course of events, the destined one would have been Yin Xuege. But now, Shen Mo had intercepted the opportunity. This led to the old man''s confusing statement about who the destined one was. Luo Shengnan frowned, "Old man, what are you talking about? Just say whether you''re selling it or not!" The old man frowned for a long time before saying, "Of course I''m selling it!" "How much for all of this?" Shen Mo asked. The old man held up a hand with five fingers spread. "Fifty mid-grade spirit stones." The trio inhaled sharply. "Why don''t you go rob a bank?" Luo Shengnan exclaimed. Shen Mo then pointed directly at the Demon Armor fragment. "What if I only want this?" The old man grinned. "Still fifty mid-grade spirit stones." Luo Shengnan cursed loudly, "Damn it! It''s just a piece of armor covered in mud!" "Is the armor made of gold, or is the mud made of gold?" The old man shook his head. "If you are the destined one, buy it. If not, don''t." Shen Mo checked the old man''s life panel. He frowned slightly. This old man was just a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator who would never form a Golden Core, and in a few years, he would die of old age. "Alright, I''ll buy it," Shen Mo said, handing over fifty mid-grade spirit stones. He could afford it, thanks to the ample funds given by his beautiful master. "What? You''re really buying it?" Luo Shengnan was baffled. That was fifty mid-grade spirit stones, not fifty low-grade ones! Shen Mo looked at the old man, handing over the spirit stones. "It''s worth the price!" The old man merely chuckled. On the way back to Hidden Dragon Pavilion, Zhao Rou asked curiously, "Senior Brother Shen, what exactly is that thing?" Zhao Ting also looked puzzled. "Yes, fifty mid-grade spirit stones are quite valuable. Make sure it''s not a worthless item." Shen Mo smiled. "It could be an earth-grade treasure." The three of them were stunned. "Really?" Luo Shengnan''s eyes widened. "However, it''s just a fragment. I thought it might be useful, so I bought it." Shen Mo nodded. "I see. Earth-grade treasures can indeed become fragments. Some fragments are very useful, while others are completely useless," Zhao Ting sighed. The four of them returned to their respective rooms. Shen Mo washed the mud off the Demon Armor fragment, revealing its true form. It was a piece of purple-black metal with complex and profound patterns. Just looking at it made Shen Mo feel dizzy, so he quickly averted his gaze. "How peculiar!" Shen Mo was astonished. Such a small fragment had such a strange effect. If it were a complete Demon Armor, it would be even more mysterious. "A single fragment reaches the supreme earth-grade. A complete Demon Armor might be a heaven-grade treasure!" Shen Mo was excited and began trying to activate the Demon Armor fragment. "Through willpower? Blood? Or spiritual energy?" He began to experiment. Willpower and spiritual energy had no effect. Then, Shen Mo cut his finger and pressed it against the Demon Armor fragment. The next moment, he felt an incredible suction force from the fragment. Instantly, his blood began to flow towards the fragment wildly. Within a few breaths, Shen Mo''s face turned pale. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The fragment had already drained almost a quarter of his blood! Seeing this wasn''t right, he quickly took out some pills and swallowed them. These pills were for healing and could speed up blood regeneration. This barely restored balance. After more than thirty breaths, the fragment''s suction finally weakened. Shen Mo was left panting, his storage ring nearly empty of healing pills. Then, to his astonishment, the Demon Armor fragment started to sink into his palm! Shen Mo''s eyes widened as he tried to pull it out. However, the fragment had already completely merged into his body. Shen Mo quickly used his internal sight to examine himself. But he couldn''t find any trace of the Demon Armor fragment. "Where... did it go?" Shen Mo was puzzled. Suddenly, he felt a stirring within him. With a single thought, a palm-sized piece of purple-black Demon Armor appeared on his chest! Another thought brought the armor to his shoulder, then his arm, then his thigh. Shen Mo was thrilled. He understood now. This artifact could appear on any part of his skin. Its purpose was clearly to defend against attacks. With another thought, Shen Mo made it appear on his left palm. He then took out the Thunder Sword with his right hand and struck the armor on his palm with force. Clang! A metallic sound rang out. The Thunder Sword vibrated intensely. But Shen Mo felt no pain at all. "This defense is incredible!" Shen Mo was even more excited. He then used the Thunder Shadow Sword technique on his left hand. Clang! Another metallic sound. The Demon Armor remained completely unscathed! Shen Mo was about to express his joy when he suddenly felt dizzy and quickly stopped. After a brief contemplation, he realized the truth. "I get it now." "The Demon Armor fragment can directly block some attacks." "For those it can''t, it consumes my blood to strengthen the defense and continue blocking." Understanding this, Shen Mo felt even more elated. Thanks to his superior heaven-grade physique, his blood regeneration was certainly better than most. He could definitely make good use of this Demon Armor fragment! "In the future, if I get the chance to obtain treasures that enhance blood regeneration, I must acquire them." "This artifact will be my ultimate defense!" Shen Mo nodded firmly. ... In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived. The martial arena was once again filled with spectators. Disciples from various sects gathered at the arena. However, this time, most of the disciples had to sit in the stands as spectators. Only the one hundred who had passed the first round the previous day were qualified to enter the arena. As one of the top five sects of Xuanjiang, Heavenly Water Sect had now become mere spectators. This was unprecedented since they had joined the top five sects. Many people directed their gazes toward them. The disciples of Heavenly Water Sect felt their faces burning with shame. All around them seemed to be eyes filled with mockery, disdain, and scorn. They had never experienced such humiliation! "Remember these looks. Every moment, remember them." "Whenever you feel proud and complacent, think of these looks. Think of the shame of being knocked out by Qingxuan Sect yesterday." Heavenly Water Sect leader Zhang Mo spoke calmly. "We understand!" The ten disciples of Heavenly Water Sect nodded quietly. "Now, let''s enjoy the show. Today''s show will be quite spectacular," Zhang Mo said with a serene expression. "Yes." Yin Xuege glanced at the Qingxuan Sect team. His master had contacted more than a dozen sects the previous day, making promises or offering generous rewards. The only request was for them to unite against Qingxuan Sect today. Today, Qingxuan Sect would become everyone''s target! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 61: The Rewards of the Hundred Sect Ceremony – Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill The leader of Divine Sword Sect, Luo Chaotian, looked at the other four sect leaders and announced in a loud voice, "Everyone, today we will reveal the rewards for the top ten of the Hundred Sect Ceremony." The leader of Heavenly Water Sect, Zhang Mo, was the first to stand up. "I will set an example and offer ten pieces of Cold Marrow Stone." With a casual flick, ten orbs of light flew into the air. The crowd gasped in amazement. Cold Marrow Stone, a supreme-grade treasure of the Profound grade, was an excellent choice for both forging Dao Foundations and condensing Golden Cores. Heavenly Water Sect had a Cold Marrow Stone mine, which allowed them to generously offer such a treasure. Each piece of Cold Marrow Stone would cost at least three thousand low-grade spirit stones. The leader of Rising Sun Sect then tossed out five orbs of light. "I am not as wealthy as Leader Zhang, but I will offer five Dark Fire Crystals as prizes." The crowd was again taken aback. Dark Fire Crystals, also supreme-grade treasures of the Profound grade, were equally useful for forging Dao Foundations and condensing Golden Cores. Shen Mo felt a stir in his heart. When he had prepared to condense a perfect Dao Foundation, Murong Yue had given him a Dark Fire Crystal. Rising Sun Sect could casually offer five of these crystals. Indeed, there was a significant gap between Qingxuan Sect and the top five sects of Xuanjiang. After the Rising Sun Sect leader sat down, the leader of Verdant Vine Sect spoke loudly, "Our Verdant Vine Sect is willing to provide three Green Vine Pearls for the top three disciples of the Hundred Sect Ceremony!" With that, he sent three green orbs of light into the air, merging with the other light clusters. "Green Vine Pearls?!" The crowd''s eyes widened. These were supreme-grade treasures of the Profound grade, even more valuable than Cold Marrow Stone and Dark Fire Crystals. Green Vine Pearls were incredibly rare treasures that could enhance the physical body. After refining one, the speed of wound healing could be significantly accelerated. A person could only refine one Green Vine Pearl in their lifetime. Taking more would greatly diminish the effect, almost to the point of being ineffective. Each Green Vine Pearl would cost at least four thousand low-grade spirit stones! Moreover, because Verdant Vine Sect had to mine these pearls from deep underground, their yield was very low and often unavailable in the market. Unexpectedly, three of them appeared all at once! Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Green Vine Pearls were valuable, and he needed them. At this point, the leader of Thunderfire Sect swung his sleeve, sending three objects into the air. "These are deeds to three Thunder Crystal Mines. The top three disciples'' sects will each receive one Thunder Crystal Mine," he said calmly. "Hiss!" The crowd collectively sucked in their breath. Wow, that was a grand gesture! Mines were the foundation of any sect and were always guarded by Golden Core stage cultivators. The Thunder Crystals produced by these mines were not only beneficial to cultivators with thunder attributes but also accelerated the training of thunder attribute techniques and martial skills, making them highly sought after. Every sect desired such resources. The audience now turned their gaze to Luo Chaotian, the leader of Divine Sword Sect. The previous four leaders had offered increasingly valuable prizes. As the head of the top sect, Luo Chaotian''s contribution had to be equally impressive. Sure enough, Luo Chaotian flicked his finger, sending an object emitting golden light into the cluster of light orbs. "Earth-grade pill, Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, which can enhance physique!" "This pill was obtained from the Alchemy King''s abode. There were originally two pills; one was consumed by our disciple Zhou Qingcang, elevating his physique from supreme earth-grade to heaven-grade. This is the remaining pill." Luo Chaotian spoke indifferently, his voice echoing throughout the arena. As his words fell, the entire arena erupted in excitement. A pill that could enhance one''s physique! Extremely rare and precious! Many people might never have the chance to improve their physique in their lifetime. A Profound-grade physique would remain Profound-grade. An Earth-grade physique would remain Earth-grade. But now, an opportunity to enhance one''s physique was right in front of them! Countless eyes turned towards the hundred disciples in the arena. Their gazes were filled with envy and jealousy. On the field, the hundred disciples were even more eager to obtain these treasures. Each one yearned to be the first! Shen Mo, however, pondered more deeply. What was Divine Sword Sect planning? Offering even a Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill as a reward. "Are they not afraid of outsiders getting it?" But then, Shen Mo quickly understood. Actually, Divine Sword Sect wasn''t afraid at all. Zhou Qingcang was undisputedly the strongest among the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang. In Divine Sword Sect''s view, there was at least a 70% chance that Zhou Qingcang would take first place in this Hundred Sect Ceremony. Even if Zhou Qingcang didn''t win, the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill was likely to end up in the hands of a disciple from one of the Five Great Sects. In any case, Divine Sword Sect would still come out ahead. This move not only showcased Divine Sword Sect''s generosity and wealth, attracting the attention of elders and disciples from other sects, but also ensured that the pill didn''t fall into the hands of outsiders. A win-win situation, both in terms of reputation and substance. At the highest point of the stands, Luo Chaotian looked around, satisfied with the atmosphere. With a wave of his hand, a hundred marble plaques floated into the air. He announced in a resonant voice, "These one hundred marble plaques are numbered from one to one hundred." "Reach out to the plaques, and you will randomly receive one." "Number one will fight number two, number three will fight number four, and so on." "Begin!" With that, he returned to his seat. The disciples, including Shen Mo, reached out to the floating marble plaques. The plaques seemed like little spirits, flying towards the disciples. Shen Mo received a plaque. Looking closely, he saw the number eleven. "My opponent is number twelve," he nodded slightly. An elder from Divine Sword Sect stepped forward and announced loudly, "The arena has been divided into ten areas, with ten pairs of disciples fighting at a time." "Will the disciples with numbers one and two, three and four, ... nineteen and twenty, please take the stage!" Shen Mo stepped onto one of the fighting platforms. His opponent was a disciple from Lingxi Sect. Many spectators focused on Shen Mo''s fight. "Shen Mo''s opponent is only at the major accomplishment stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, completely not his match." "I think, with Shen Mo''s strength, this person won''t even have a chance to hurt him." "Heh, I agree. After all, he''s the one who seriously injured Yin Xuege with just two punches!" Almost everyone had strong confidence in Shen Mo. The scene of Shen Mo chasing and defeating the Heavenly Water Sect team yesterday had left a deep impression on them. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the platform. Each arena had an elder from Divine Sword Sect acting as the judge. This elder looked at the two of them and asked, "Are you ready?" "Ready," they answered in unison. "Begin," the elder nodded slightly. In the next moment, the Lingxi Sect disciple roared, his whole body bursting with energy and blood, exuding a fierce aura like a beast. Shen Mo frowned. He recognized this move, it was Lingxi Sect''s secret technique called Lingxi Transformation. After using it, one could gain immense physical strength and defense. But this Lingxi Transformation caused irreversible damage to the body. It was usually only used by Lingxi Sect disciples in life-or-death battles outside. There was no need to use such a self-destructive technique in a competition. The Divine Sword Sect elder acting as judge was also taken aback. He clearly hadn''t expected the Lingxi Sect disciple to be so ruthless. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 62: Battle Against Thunder Supreme Wan Renjie The spectators in the stands were even more astonished. "What''s going on? Why use the Lingxi Transformation? Although it greatly enhances strength in a short time, it requires at least half a year of bed rest to recover." "Could it be that the Lingxi Sect and Qingxuan Sect are mortal enemies?" "Impossible. I remember there is almost no connection between the two sects." "Wait a minute, the Lingxi Sect has always revered the Heavenly Water Sect. Do you think this could be an order from the leader of Heavenly Water Sect..." "Hiss... That''s very likely!" On the platform. The Lingxi Sect disciple roared and charged at Shen Mo, like a mad rhinoceros. His speed was fast, and his strength was tremendous. Even though he was only at the major accomplishment stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, with the boost from Lingxi Transformation, he was as powerful as someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment. If this blow landed, Shen Mo would be slightly injured. Shen Mo frowned and quickly used the Eight Directions Thunder Move. His speed was astonishing. Just before the Lingxi Sect disciple could hit him, Shen Mo narrowly dodged. However, this extreme evasion cost Shen Mo some spiritual energy and stamina. He panted a few times. Yet the Lingxi Sect disciple ignored this and charged again like a crazed bull! Shen Mo had to keep dodging swiftly. With the Lingxi Transformation, his opponent''s defense was too high. If Shen Mo couldn''t land a critical hit, he wouldn''t inflict any significant damage and might even make his opponent more frenzied. On the contrary, he could end up injured himself. Getting injured at this point would be serious. It could affect his subsequent battles. Bang! Bang! Bang! The Lingxi Sect disciple kept charging relentlessly. Shen Mo continued using the Eight Directions Thunder Move to dodge. His extreme maneuvers made the spectators hold their breath in suspense. After half an incense stick''s time, the Lingxi Sect disciple''s momentum began to wane. Clearly, the duration of the Lingxi Transformation had reached its limit. Shen Mo seized the opportunity to punch his opponent in the face. At that moment, the Lingxi Sect disciple shouted decisively, "I concede!" Shen Mo had to stop his punch just before it landed on his opponent''s face. The Divine Sword Sect elder nodded slightly. "This match goes to Shen Mo of Qingxuan Sect!" Shen Mo cupped his hands in salute to the elder. He then looked thoughtfully at another platform. On the adjacent platform, Zhao Rou was fighting a disciple from Baihe Sect. As expected, the Baihe Sect disciple aggressively used a self-damaging secret technique right from the start. Facing the savage, beast-like attack, Zhao Rou was unable to defend. After more than ten rounds, she was knocked off the platform. Shen Mo frowned slightly. He wasn''t a fool. He quickly realized the connection behind these actions. "It seems Zhang Mo has done a lot to target Qingxuan Sect." Shen Mo returned to the Qingxuan Sect team and shared his suspicions with the others. Zhao Ting snorted coldly. "We guessed it. That person is too vindictive." Luo Shengnan cracked her knuckles. "Who cares! Whoever comes up, I''ll smash them!" "Don''t be upset, Zhao Rou. Given your strength, making it to the second round is already impressive," Luo Shengnan comforted Zhao Rou, seeing her red eyes. Zhao Ting rolled his eyes. "Is that how you comfort someone?" Shen Mo also couldn''t help but laugh. Even Zhao Rou was amused by their banter. "I know. I just didn''t expect my opponent to fight so desperately..." Zhao Rou sighed. At this moment, Murong Yue also spoke solemnly, "Be cautious. There will definitely be more opponents like this in the upcoming battles." "Especially beware of sects closely related to the Heavenly Water Sect!" "Yes!" the Qingxuan Sect disciples responded in unison. Soon, all the Qingxuan Sect disciples had taken their turns on the platform. Zhao Ting lost, Luo Shengnan won, Liu Yunxuan won, and Xiao Fan lost. Out of the ten-member team, only Shen Mo, Luo Shengnan, and Liu Yunxuan advanced. The other seven all lost to opponents who used self-damaging tactics. "Next, it''s the battle for the top twenty-five," Shen Mo announced. The leader of Divine Sword Sect, Luo Chaotian, spoke loudly, reaching out his hand to retrieve all the marble plaques from the disciples. They flew back into his hand. He removed the plaques numbered fifty and above, leaving only the top fifty. "As before, reach out and call for the plaques," Luo Chaotian said calmly. Shen Mo reached out to the floating plaques. A new plaque landed in his hand. "Nine, which means my opponent is ten." Shen Mo ascended the fighting platform. His opponent appeared almost simultaneously. Shen Mo saw his opponent and frowned slightly. The other man hesitated for a moment, then revealed a cold smile. "Shen Mo, I didn''t expect us to meet so early." "It looks like you have no chance of making it to tomorrow''s third round." His voice was icy. This person was Wan Renjie, a disciple of Thunderfire Sect, known as the Young Supreme of Thunder! Seeing Shen Mo and Wan Renjie standing on the same platform, countless spectators were excited. Now, there was a good show to watch! Aside from Shen Mo and Wan Renjie''s battle, the other three Young Supremes had relatively ordinary opponents. As a result, nearly half of the audience focused their attention on this fight. Yin Xuege''s eyes lit up. "He''s bound to lose! Renjie is my friend, he''ll avenge me!" Zhang Mo nodded slightly. "Shen Mo''s luck is bad, running into Wan Renjie. It seems my subsequent arrangements are unnecessary." Bai Ziyue was delighted. "He''ll be stopped here!" In the Qingxuan Sect team. Murong Yue frowned. Zhao Rou exclaimed, "How can he fight one of the Five Young Supremes in the second round?" "Exactly, even if Shen Mo defeats Wan Renjie, it will cause trouble. Thunderfire Sect is also one of the Five Great Sects..." Zhao Ting frowned deeply, seeing the deeper implications. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xiao Fan also saw this and smirked coldly. "Serves him right! He recklessly knocked Yin Xuege out, provoking Heavenly Water Sect''s wrath, causing me to be eliminated early. This is his retribution!" Xiao Fan cursed under his breath. In the Verdant Vine Sect team. The enchantress Mo Yuheng had not yet entered the ring. Seeing this scene, her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Father, do you think someone manipulated the match between Shen Mo and Wan Renjie?" she asked quietly. The leader of Verdant Vine Sect glared at her. "Don''t speak nonsense. Only Luo Chaotian would know about such things." He glanced meaningfully at the calm Luo Chaotian. "However... fifty years ago, when Qingxuan Sect was still one of the Five Great Sects, Divine Sword Sect did often kick them while they were down. Zhang Mo could easily have persuaded him." "What? Are you interested in this boy?" "He is quite impressive, strong, and handsome, reminds me a bit of myself in my youth," the leader of Verdant Vine Sect chuckled. Mo Yuheng rolled her eyes. "I''m just curious about him. It''s far from being ''interested''." "Pity, the boy will be stopped here," the Verdant Vine Sect leader smiled. "Not necessarily, his physique seems unusual..." Mo Yuheng recalled something. "Father, didn''t you say there was an anomaly in Qingxuan Sect recently, suggesting the emergence of a heaven-grade physique?" "Yes, do you think it''s him?" Mo Yuheng nodded slightly. The leader of Verdant Vine Sect looked deeply at the stage. "Then I must watch his performance closely." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of Royalroad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 63: Wan Renjie’s Epiphany in Battle On the martial stage, Shen Mo and Wan Renjie eyed each other. Naturally, Wan Renjie was just observing. But Shen Mo was already checking his life panel. "Attributes: Sect Disciple, Fortunate, Master of Fists and Palms, Mighty Body of Strength." He nodded slightly, understanding this person''s capabilities. Looking further down, he saw the recent opportunities. [Recent Opportunity: Today, during the second round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony, he will be suppressed by Shen Mo. Just as he is about to be knocked out, he will have an epiphany, comprehending the third level of the Thunderfire Art, and turn the tables against the unsuspecting Shen Mo, advancing to the third round.] Shen Mo frowned slightly. Really? An epiphany right in the middle of the battle? Shen Mo pondered seriously. He knew about the Thunderfire Art, a profound-grade martial technique of the Thunderfire Sect. Each of the Five Great Sects of Xuanjiang had their own profound-grade cultivation techniques and martial skills. However, these were incredibly difficult to comprehend. Even the Five Young Supremes, with their heaven-grade physiques, might not fully grasp them. The Thunderfire Art had six levels. With each level comprehended, a new move could be learned. The first level was Thunder Palm. The second level was Fire Fist. The third level was the combination of Thunder Palm and Fire Fist, called Thunderfire Dual Strike, which involved attacking with both attributes simultaneously. The power was immense. Even cultivators of the same realm would be severely injured by this move. However, since Shen Mo now knew this from the life panel, he was naturally prepared. After all, the panel showed that he would be hit due to being caught off guard. His trump cards, such as the Grass Character Sword Book, the Demon Armor Fragment, and the Azure Lotus Heart Fire, had yet to be utilized. With preparation, countering the Thunderfire Dual Strike would be straightforward. At this moment, the Divine Sword Sect elder on the stage shouted, "Begin!" Wan Renjie sneered. "I heard you''re good with a sword. Use it then. My strongest weapon is my fists!" Shen Mo, not underestimating his opponent, immediately drew his Thunder Sword. Currently, he had no powerful fist or palm techniques. His strongest skill was the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. Naturally, he would use his sword to fight. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the next moment, both moved like lightning. Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound of metal clashing filled the air. Yes, the clash between the sword and fists produced a metallic sound. Clearly, Wan Renjie had tempered his fists extensively. His fists were as hard as steel. This scene left the spectators in shock. "Wan Renjie, being one of the Five Young Supremes, truly has his strength!" "Shen Mo being able to exchange blows with Wan Renjie, win or lose, will make his name known throughout Xuanjiang!" "Indeed, people will know there is someone on par with the Five Young Supremes, and it''s Shen Mo!" "Amazing, I''m really getting my money''s worth today." In the blink of an eye, the battle on stage had lasted over thirty rounds. Wan Renjie was panting heavily. His stamina and spiritual energy were greatly depleted. But when he looked at Shen Mo, he found him calm and composed. Not even breaking a sweat. As if the previous exchanges were of no consequence. Wan Renjie took a deep breath. "Interesting. Did you also forge a perfect Dao Foundation?" Shen Mo replied calmly, "Naturally." "What''s your physique? It seems stronger than my Mighty Body of Strength," Wan Renjie asked. Shen Mo smiled serenely. "You''ll know tomorrow." Tomorrow was the third round, where Shen Mo would face the true powerhouses like Sword Supreme Zhou Qingcang and Enchantress Mo Yuheng. His trump cards would be revealed then. His heaven-grade superior physique would be fully displayed. "Arrogant! Do you think you can defeat me?" Wan Renjie sneered. "Thunder Palm!" He shouted, his giant palm striking with lightning speed. Shen Mo used Eight Directions Thunder Move to easily dodge. "Just waiting for you to dodge!" Wan Renjie sneered, his right fist suddenly striking, engulfed in fierce flames. "Fire Fist!" This punch was aimed right at the spot where Shen Mo was about to appear. Shen Mo showed no fear and immediately thrust his sword. In an instant, the space around them was filled with the shadowy flashes of the Thunder Shadow Sword! Clang! A violent metallic sound echoed. Wan Renjie staggered back, retreating continuously until he was almost at the edge of the stage. His robes were shredded into many strips by the Thunder Shadow Sword. Shen Mo, on the other hand, walked forward with confident strides. Apart from a few singed edges on his clothes, he was nearly unscathed. This scene left the spectators stunned. "Holy! Both at the peak of Foundation Establishment, Shen Mo is actually stronger than Wan Renjie?!" "Amazing! Truly amazing!" "Is Wan Renjie going to be knocked out? Wow, after defeating the Young Supreme of Shadows, Shen Mo is now going to defeat the Young Supreme of Thunder?" "Wait, look! Wan Renjie''s aura is changing. What''s happening?" "It looks like an epiphany. Wan Renjie is having an epiphany!" The audience was astonished, focusing intently on Wan Renjie. Shen Mo also put on a puzzled expression, watching Wan Renjie. But in reality, he had already grasped the Forest Sword Art. He had already obtained two copies of the Forest Sword Art. When they came together, they fused into a more powerful version. "Hahaha! I didn''t expect to have an epiphany of the third level of the Thunderfire Art at this moment!" "Indeed, the heavens are aiding me!" Wan Renjie suddenly fixed his gaze on Shen Mo. His aura surged violently. It seemed as if lightning was crackling around him, and flames were erupting! "The third level of the Thunderfire Art? That''s the Thunderfire Sect''s top-tier profound-grade martial skill!" "I''ve heard that many inner sect elders of the Thunderfire Sect can''t comprehend the third level of the Thunderfire Art. Wan Renjie has done it, and he''s having an epiphany right in the middle of battle." Mo Yuheng frowned. "The third level of the Thunderfire Art, Thunderfire Dual Strike, is extremely powerful. Shen Mo can''t withstand it." The Verdant Vine Sect leader shrugged. "It seems he''s still a bit lacking." Many who supported Shen Mo sighed in disappointment. Meanwhile, those who despised Shen Mo, like Zhang Mo and Yin Xuege, were overjoyed. From the moment Shen Mo and Wan Renjie stepped onto the stage, to the point where Wan Renjie was almost knocked out by Shen Mo''s sword technique, and now with Wan Renjie''s epiphany, their emotions had been like a roller coaster. Now, the final result was imminent! "Thunderfire Dual Strike!" Wan Renjie shouted angrily, simultaneously striking with his fist and palm! His left palm crackled with lightning. His right fist was wrapped in flames. The incredible heat and blinding light seemed ready to engulf Shen Mo entirely. Shen Mo''s response was a tattered piece of paper with a messy forest character written on it. Swish! A water-ink sword light shot out from the paper. Clang! A sword''s hum flashed through the air. In the next moment, the lightning and flames exploded, disintegrating and vanishing without a trace. In mid-air, only the deep, black water-ink sword light could be seen! Wan Renjie''s chest seemed to be struck by an enormous invisible brush, creating a massive wound that gushed blood. His body, as if hit by a giant elephant, was sent flying more than ten yards before crashing hard off the stage! The entire venue fell into dead silence! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {For Every new member that joins, I will post 1 more chapter. This is Valid for this month only. So to avail this offer, join patreon and read 20 chaps ahead of NovelFire releases.} Chapter 64: New Opportunity at Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion Whether they supported Shen Mo or hoped for his defeat, at this moment, all eyes were on Shen Mo. Or rather, on the piece of paper in his hand. The Verdant Vine Sect leader was astonished. "A profound-grade spiritual weapon? No, it''s a damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon." Mo Yuheng''s beautiful eyes sparkled with intrigue. "The Qingxuan Sect actually gave him a profound-grade spiritual weapon as a trump card?" The Verdant Vine Sect leader shook his head. "Impossible. The Qingxuan Sect''s profound-grade spiritual weapons were almost all destroyed, and the remaining few should be with their Golden Core stage cultivators. They wouldn''t give one to a Foundation Establishment disciple." "That item must be Shen Mo''s own fortuitous encounter. Luck is also a part of strength." Zhang Mo slammed her chair in cold fury. That kid actually had a damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon! Unbelievable! If it weren''t for that damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon, it would be Shen Mo lying on the ground now! As for the Qingxuan Sect. Zhao Rou''s eyes were red as she was the first to shout out. "He won!" Zhao Ting and the other disciples also followed with a loud shout, "Shen Mo! He won!" Even Murong Yue was moved. Everyone had thought he would lose, but he won. The stark contrast and the emotional rollercoaster made it hard for the Qingxuan Sect disciples to contain themselves. Even she, a Golden Core stage cultivator, found it hard to control her emotions. He won! Her disciple defeated one of the Five Young Supremes, the Young Supreme of Thunder, and advanced to the third round! Xiao Fan muttered, "Using a spiritual weapon, not his own strength, what''s the big deal" Bam! Luo Shengnan''s massive fist struck his face. Xiao Fan staggered, almost falling to the ground. He clutched his cheek, glaring at his robust senior sister. Then, he backed down. Given her cultivation level and physique, she could easily crush him. He didn''t dare provoke Luo Shengnan. He just hadn''t expected her to hear his low muttering. "Shen Mo fought with his life on the line up there, and here you are muttering insults. Have you no shame?" Luo Shengnan scolded. Xiao Fan remained silent, clutching his face. He didn''t dare speak. Deputy Sect Leader Liu Yuanfeng noticed the commotion and scolded, "What''s going on? Attacking your fellow disciple in front of everyone, where''s your sense of honor for the Qingxuan Sect?" Murong Yue also said, "Shengnan, return to your seat." "Yes." Luo Shengnan released Xiao Fan''s collar, huffed, and returned to her seat. This scene in the Qingxuan Sect''s ranks also drew curious glances from nearby sects. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Was there really such discord within the Qingxuan Sect? At this moment, on the martial stage, the presiding elder announced loudly, "Shen Mo versus Wan Renjie, Shen Mo wins!" Luo Shengnan, Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, and others jumped up, shouting, "Shen Mo, victory! Shen Mo, victory!" Their voices were highly infectious. Soon, teams from smaller sects around them joined in. Then, the spectators who came for the excitement also joined the chant. In an instant, the entire martial arena echoed with one name. Shen Mo! "Hmph!" Zhang Mo snorted coldly, swishing her sleeves as she left. Yin Xuege, Bai Ziyue, and other disciples of the Heavenly Water Sect stared fiercely at the proud figure on the stage. Their eyes filled with shock and humiliation. Especially Yin Xuege, who could hardly believe Shen Mo had defeated Wan Renjie. The battle between Shen Mo and Wan Renjie concluded. The second round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony also came to an end. The sects and spectators began to leave. However, as they left, almost everyone was discussing that battle. After all, there wasn''t much to say about the other matches. Zhou Qingcang of the Divine Sword Sect, Hong Chilong of the Rising Sun Sect, and Mo Yuheng of the Verdant Vine Sect defeated their opponents in less than five rounds. Only the match between Shen Mo and Wan Renjie was worth talking about. And the city of Divine Sword was a martial city. That day, the streets, alleys, and dining tables of the city were abuzz with discussions about Shen Mo''s battle. Some were envious, some admired, and some sneered Dragon Pavilion Shen Mo was practically surrounded by the Qingxuan Sect''s team as they returned to the Dragon Pavilion. Along the way, Zhao Rou, Luo Shengnan, and the others chatted excitedly, creating a lively atmosphere. Murong Yue kept glancing at Shen Mo, her lips curling into a gentle smile. Midway through, Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan slipped away quietly. Shen Mo noticed their movements from the corner of his eye and saw their life panels, pondering over it. "Why is Xiao Fan''s face swollen?" he asked casually. Luo Shengnan proudly said, "I hit him! That guy said you only won against Wan Renjie because you relied on your weapon and not your own strength." Zhao Ting scoffed, "How is a powerful weapon not part of one''s strength? It''s like saying Wan Renjie didn''t have any powerful weapons." "Right, I heard Wan Renjie had one too, but he didn''t even have the chance to use it before Senior Brother Shen knocked him out." Zhao Rou giggled. Shen Mo nodded slightly. People like Wan Renjie and Yin Xuege, being among the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang, likely had life-saving trumps. However, they probably didn''t want to use them under the watchful eyes of the audience. If everyone knew about their trumps, they wouldn''t be trumps anymore. "Master, why don''t we find a restaurant to celebrate tonight?" Luo Shengnan suggested happily. "Yes, we should celebrate! Two of our Qingxuan Sect members made it to the third round," Zhao Rou agreed. In today''s battles, Luo Shengnan lost, while Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan won, so the Qingxuan Sect had two members advancing to the third round. Murong Yue smiled and nodded, "Alright, let''s go to Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion!" Luo Shengnan''s eyes widened, "That''s the most luxurious restaurant in Divine Sword City! Master, you''re the best!" Shen Mo''s heart stirred. Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion was precisely where Xiao Fan''s opportunity lay. It was perfect timing to seize it. Earlier, when Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan left, Shen Mo had noticed a new opportunity on Xiao Fan''s life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Feeling increasingly upset by midnight, Xiao Fan goes to Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion to drown his sorrows. He drinks the most exquisite Divine Phoenix Brew and gains insight from the Phoenix Rebirth painting in the pavilion, leading to the first layer of the fragmented Heaven-grade lower cultivation technique, Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique.] "Xiao Fan''s opportunities are far superior to those of Yin Xuege and Liu Yunxuan. I must seize this chance!" Shen Mo nodded slightly. ... That evening, at Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion. Murong Yue led Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yunxuan to the most luxurious restaurant in Divine Sword City. The entrance was bustling with people. The scent of wine and food filled the air, enticing the appetites of the patrons. As the Qingxuan Sect team appeared, they immediately drew attention from all sides. The first to catch the eye was the stunning beauty, Murong Yue. Dressed in a gradient blue-purple palace dress, her perfect figure was accentuated flawlessly. Compared to the enchanting Mo Yuheng, Murong Yue exuded a more mature and captivating charm. After noticing Murong Yue, people quickly recognized the young figure in the team. Shen Mo! The very Shen Mo who had defeated the Young Supreme of Thunder, Wan Renjie, in the second round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony today! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 65: Where’s My Wine? Bring It to Me Now In an instant, the entrance of the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion became chaotic. People rushed to catch a glimpse of the dark horse who had consecutively defeated the Young Supreme of Shadows and the Young Supreme of Thunder, curious about this remarkable figure. The manager of the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion even personally came to greet them. Accompanied by dozens of attendants, the Qingxuan Sect''s team ascended directly to the top floor, finally escaping the bustling crowd. The top floor of the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion offered a broad view, overlooking a large surrounding area. It gave one the feeling of standing proudly above the clouds, looking down on the world. Naturally, the pricing here was the highest. A minimum expenditure of ten thousand low-grade spirit stones was required to enter. Of course, with Murong Yue''s status, such rules did not apply. She could enter directly. After all, no one would offend a Core Formation realm cultivator without reason. Once Shen Mo and the others reached the top floor, the manager promptly arranged for exquisite dishes and fine wine. In no time, steaming hot dishes filled the round table, their aroma alone making one''s mouth water. Luo Shengnan wanted to eat but was glared at by Zhao Ting, "The master hasn''t spoken yet, and you want to eat?" Luo Shengnan had to look at Murong Yue with a pitiful expression. Murong Yue smiled gently, "Go ahead and eat. Today is a celebration, so enjoy yourselves." After the meal and wine, everyone began to chat merrily. Luo Shengnan laughed, "Do you all know what the most amazing thing in Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion is?" "What is it?" Zhao Rou blinked her eyes. "The Phoenix Rebirth painting! It''s on the wall of the top floor; we saw it when we came in." Luo Shengnan said excitedly. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s just a mural; what''s so amazing about it?" Liu Yunxuan said casually. Luo Shengnan snorted, "You have no idea." Liu Yunxuan, "..." "That mural is the true work of a Divine Transformation stage cultivator!" Luo Shengnan said with admiration, "It''s said that the mural contains the true meaning of that cultivator''s understanding." "If you can comprehend it, you can obtain extremely powerful cultivation techniques." "Unfortunately, no one has managed to comprehend it over the years." Murong Yue nodded with a smile, "Shengnan is right. I once tried to comprehend the powerful technique from it when I was young but failed." Liu Yunxuan became interested, "I''ll go take a look." Zhao Ting and Zhao Rou also got curious, "Let''s go and see." "Let''s go, disciple. Maybe you are the destined one." Murong Yue smiled. Shen Mo got up and followed. Although Xiao Fan was the original destined one, now that Shen Mo had intercepted the opportunity, he might be the new destined one in another sense. The group arrived in front of the mural. The mural was enormous, about three meters high and one meter wide. Converting to earthly measurements, it was roughly ten meters long and three meters wide. No ordinary home could fit such a thing. At the center of the mural was a flame, within which a phoenix was reborn in the fire, undergoing its nirvana. Surrounding the mural were numerous beasts, ferocious creatures, ghosts, and vengeful spirits. The theme of the mural was evident. The phoenix died under the attack of these demonic creatures but was reborn in the fire. The moment the phoenix completed its nirvana was when these demonic creatures met their doom. Shen Mo examined it closely, noticing that each feather of the phoenix was depicted perfectly, lifelike. It seemed as if touching it lightly would allow one to feel the texture of the feathers. Of course, touching was not allowed. The mural was protected by a transparent cover to prevent any damage from people touching it out of curiosity. Liu Yunxuan stared at the mural for a long time, trying to discern something. But apart from his eyes getting bloodshot, he saw nothing. Next, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and other Qingxuan Sect disciples also tried, but none of them had any insights. At this moment, a soft laugh was heard. "Little girl, this Phoenix Rebirth painting isn''t something you can comprehend so easily." Shortly after, the breathtakingly beautiful Mo Yuheng gracefully stepped out from another private room. The Verdant Vine Sect leader, along with several of their disciples, followed behind. Murong Yue nodded at the Verdant Vine Sect leader as a form of greeting. "We meet again," Mo Yuheng waved at Shen Mo, casting him a flirtatious glance. Shen Mo smiled and nodded in return. Murong Yue huffed and stepped in front of Shen Mo, blocking Mo Yuheng''s view. At this moment, a booming voice echoed from the stairs. "Make way, today I''m getting drunk! Hmm... you''re all here too?" The Rising Sun Sect disciple, Hong Chilong, the Young Supreme of Fire, strode onto the top floor. He was surprised to see Shen Mo, Mo Yuheng, and the others. Mo Yuheng glanced behind him, "Is Zhou Qingcang here too?" Hong Chilong nodded, "Yeah, I dragged him along. That guy just trains all day; he needs to relax." With that, he gave a mighty pull, and Zhou Qingcang, the Young Sword Supreme, appeared. Now, with the Young Sword Supreme, Young Supreme of Fire, and Young Supreme of Charms all present, along with Shen Mo, who had just defeated the Young Supreme of Shadows and the Young Supreme of Thunder, it was a gathering of the new generation''s elite of the Xuanjiang Prefecture. "Shen Mo? A pleasure to meet you," Zhou Qingcang nodded at Shen Mo from a distance. Shen Mo was surprised. He had always thought Zhou Qingcang, being the top among the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang and highly favored by the Divine Sword Sect''s leader, would be arrogant and overbearing. However, today''s encounter revealed Zhou Qingcang to be quite amicable. But upon reflection, Shen Mo understood. To Zhou Qingcang, only the strong mattered. Shen Mo, having consecutively defeated Yin Xuege and Wan Renjie, was no less formidable than the Five Young Supremes, earning Zhou Qingcang''s respect. Hong Chilong laughed heartily, "Shen Mo! I''m so glad you knocked that coward Yin Xuege down. He doesn''t deserve to be called the Young Supreme of Shadows. I think the Five Young Supremes should include you!" Saying this, he walked over and familiarly threw an arm around Shen Mo''s shoulders. "Come on, let''s drink!" Shen Mo chuckled. This guy seemed like a character. He looked to Murong Yue, seeking her approval. Murong Yue nodded, "Go ahead." "Yes," Shen Mo bowed slightly. As Zhou Qingcang passed Liu Yunxuan, the latter hastily said, "Senior Brother Zhou, I''ve admired you for a long time. I''m Liu Yunxuan and have some connections with your sect." Zhou Qingcang paused, "Oh... Liu... Hmm, sorry, I haven''t heard of you." With that, he followed Hong Chilong to join the drinking. Liu Yunxuan stood there, biting his lip in jealousy. Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, and Mo Yuheng''s treatment of Shen Mo showed they considered him an equal. And Mo Yuheng, such a stunning woman, also treated Shen Mo differently. Why? Was Liu Yunxuan so inferior that he couldn''t even get their attention for a moment? Even though his father, Liu Yuanfeng, had long been closely connected with the Divine Sword Sect! Murong Yue saw this out of the corner of her eye and internally scoffed at Liu Yunxuan''s reaction. Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, and Shen Mo drank heartily, enjoying their food. Hong Chilong frequently burst into hearty laughter, keeping the atmosphere lively. At one point, apparently dissatisfied with the current drinks, Hong Chilong roared, "Waiter, where''s the waiter?" A young attendant quickly ran over, "Master Hong, what do you need?" Hong Chilong laughed, "I remember your Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion''s finest wine is called Divine Phoenix Brew. Bring it over!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 66: Falling into Enlightenment The young servant scratched his head. "Master Hong, that wine is very expensive. A jar costs a thousand mid-grade spirit stones. Do you have enough money with you today?" Hong Chilong''s laughter suddenly froze. A thousand mid-grade spirit stones were indeed a bit pricey. Zhou Qingcang thought for a moment and tossed over a translucent spirit stone. "Is this enough?" The servant glanced at it and widened his eyes. "This, this is a high-grade spirit stone?!" "Master Zhou, this is very precious, but it''s still not enough. One high-grade spirit stone can only be exchanged for a hundred mid-grade spirit stones." "Oh." Zhou Qingcang nodded and then tossed over nine more high-grade spirit stones. "Is this enough now?" "More than enough! I''ll fetch the Divine Phoenix Brew for the three of you right away!" The servant''s eyes gleamed with excitement. Hong Chilong grumbled, "You''re this wealthy?" Zhou Qingcang shook his head. "I wouldn''t have known if the servant hadn''t mentioned it. These were all given to me by my master, and I still have over a hundred more on me." Hong Chilong and Shen Mo were speechless. As expected of the top sect of the Xuanjiang Five Sects, the Divine Sword Sect! Extravagant beyond measure! Shen Mo coughed lightly. "This wine is too expensive. I think I''ll pass." Hong Chilong grabbed him. "No way! If the three of us drink together today, we''re friends. Consider this drink on us!" Zhou Qingcang didn''t speak but nodded in agreement. "Alright, then I''ll drink," Shen Mo smiled. Such a practiced act of playing hard to get! Before long, the servant solemnly brought a jar of wine to the three of them. Shen Mo glanced at it; the jar was very small, barely over a foot high. The servant wiped off the seal on the jar''s mouth and used a bamboo ladle to fill three wine cups, handing them to the three men. Hong Chilong complained, "What''s this? Such a small cup, so dainty. Who can drink to their heart''s content with this?" The servant hurriedly smiled and explained, "Master Hong, you may not know, but the Divine Phoenix Brew is extremely potent. Ordinary people get drunk after just half a cup. You three have to participate in the hundred sect ceremony tomorrow, so you really shouldn''t drink too much." Hong Chilong wanted to say more. Zhou Qingcang nodded. "He''s right. One cup is enough." "Alright, but leave the jar. My brother bought this!" "Of course, of course." The servant covered the jar and set the Divine Phoenix Brew aside. Hong Chilong was the first to raise his cup. "Come, let''s toast!" Shen Mo and Zhou Qingcang also raised their cups. Clink. The three of them clinked their cups and drank in one go! As soon as the Divine Phoenix Brew entered his mouth, Shen Mo felt as if he had swallowed a mouthful of lava. Scorching hot, it seemed to burn through his esophagus and stomach entirely. But this sensation quickly vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth. A warm and soothing force spread from his stomach to his entire body. His vision began to blur and turn hazy. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Shen Mo looked at the Phoenix Nirvana painting again, he suddenly felt as if he saw a vivid and lifelike phoenix. Its cry pierced the heavens. Its fire scorched the plains. Reborn from the flames. Phoenix Nirvana! Shen Mo couldn''t help but mimic the phoenix in the mural, starting to wave his arms. A peculiar aura suddenly surged around him as he moved his fists. It felt as though he was a phoenix reborn from the fire! This scene immediately caught everyone''s attention. Murong Yue was first startled, then showed a look of surprise. Shen Mo was having an epiphany! Hong Chilong and Zhou Qingcang were taken aback, instinctively looking at the Phoenix Nirvana painting. Zhou Qingcang still felt nothing. Hong Chilong, however, felt the same as Shen Mo. Before long, he too began to imitate the phoenix, embarking on a path of rebirth through fire! Zhou Qingcang, slightly tipsy, showed a hint of surprise and admiration on his face. He was smart and quickly understood why. He had an ice attribute sword body, while Shen Mo and Hong Chilong had fire attribute physiques. They had a higher affinity with the Phoenix Nirvana painting, making it difficult for him to comprehend it. "This place holds no opportunity for me, but other opportunities will come in the future." Zhou Qingcang felt no jealousy, instead stepping back to avoid disturbing Shen Mo and Hong Chilong''s enlightenment. Murong Yue quickly moved to their side. The master of the Verdant Vine Sect also appeared beside them. Murong Yue looked at the Verdant Vine Sect master. "Master Mo, these two disciples have entered enlightenment. Although Hong Chilong is not from our sects, he should be protected from external disturbances." The Verdant Vine Sect master, Mo Hanshan, nodded. "Naturally, I''m not a petty person." "Good!" Murong Yue nodded appreciatively and then sternly ordered, "Everyone, stay back!" The two masters formed a powerful aura, protecting Shen Mo and Hong Chilong and immediately pushing back the surrounding crowd. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and others looked on with envy at Shen Mo and Hong Chilong, who were being protected by the two Nascent Soul stage masters. Not far away, Zhou Qingcang and Mo Yuheng were also observing the changes in the two. They didn''t feel envy or jealousy, only a bit of curiosity. The other disciples each had their own thoughts. Liu Yunxuan, watching from a distance, was nearly bursting with anger. The Phoenix Nirvana painting had gone uncomprehended for over a hundred years. How did Shen Mo achieve enlightenment today? Why couldn''t it be me? His heart was nearly consumed by jealousy. He could already foresee that once Shen Mo succeeded in his enlightenment, he would be welcomed by everyone present. Zhou Qingcang and Hong Chilong would treat him as an equal genius. Mo Yuheng would greatly admire him. Shen Mo''s combat power would soar. But he, Liu Yunxuan, would remain the same, stuck in place! The more Liu Yunxuan thought about it, the angrier he became, and he simply turned and left. At this moment, Shen Mo and Hong Chilong were both immersed in their spiritual realms. Everything in the outside world seemed to disappear. News of someone achieving enlightenment from the Phoenix Nirvana painting on the top floor quickly spread. Many people wanted to come to the top floor to see for themselves. But Fengqi Tower immediately dispatched many enforcers to guard the entrance to the top floor, keeping the curious onlookers out to prevent them from disturbing Shen Mo and Hong Chilong''s enlightenment. Time passed by second by second. The aura around Hong Chilong gradually rose. It was as if a phoenix was reborn in flames within him. The next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes. He even spewed actual flames from his mouth. Hong Chilong was overjoyed and wanted to shout out his excitement. But the auras of Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan quickly pressed down on him. Hong Chilong immediately shrank back. Seeing that Shen Mo was still deep in enlightenment, he nodded repeatedly, indicating he understood, and made no sound. After stepping out of the aura''s range, Hong Chilong let out a sigh of relief. Mo Hanshan asked softly, "What did you comprehend?" Everyone else cast curious glances. The Phoenix Nirvana painting had been here for over a hundred years. People only knew it was an authentic piece left by a deity-transformation stage cultivator. But no one knew what insights it could provide. Hong Chilong said proudly, "The Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. I''ve comprehended the first form." Murong Yue''s eyes narrowed. "Only the first form? What grade is it?" Hong Chilong scratched his head. "I don''t know, but it feels very strong." Mo Hanshan nodded. "Once Shen Mo finishes his enlightenment, you two can find a place to practice it." "Alright!" Hong Chilong said excitedly. He vaguely felt that this first form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique was likely stronger than the earth-level martial arts of the Shaoyang Sect. Another two hours passed. The aura around Shen Mo also began to rise rapidly. Along with it came an astonishing increase in temperature! Everyone became alert. Shen Mo was about to awaken! Chapter 67: Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique Boom! Red flames suddenly ignited, burning Shen Mo''s robes clean off, revealing his strong, muscular physique. This scene made disciples like Zhao Rou exclaim in shock. Murong Yue almost rushed over. However, when she saw Shen Mo unharmed amidst the flames, she understood. These flames were the Red Lotus Flame that Shen Mo had tamed earlier. Now, it had appeared on its own to protect its master. Mo Hanshan, seeing these red flames, raised an eyebrow and looked at Murong Yue. His gaze had a questioning look. With his experience, he naturally recognized this as a strange fire, the Red Lotus Flame! Murong Yue nodded in confirmation. Mo Hanshan, receiving this confirmation, was even more astonished and became more interested in Shen Mo. Boom! Boom! Boom! The Red Lotus Flame burned more fiercely. The flames gradually took the shape of a phoenix. At the moment when the phoenix formed, Shen Mo felt a sudden insight and opened his eyes! High-temperature heat waves swept in all directions. Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan immediately acted, using their Golden Core stage spiritual power to suppress the heat waves. This prevented the disciples around them from being harmed. Shen Mo''s eyes gradually cleared. He looked overjoyed. "Master!" He bowed to Murong Yue, his eyes full of joy. Murong Yue blushed slightly. "You should have spare robes, right? Quickly change into a set." Zhao Rou and the other female disciples quickly covered their eyes. On the other hand, Mo Yuheng giggled and stared intently at Shen Mo. Shen Mo looked down and found himself completely naked! The critical parts were stubbornly protected by the Red Lotus Flame. However, it still vaguely revealed some details. He smiled awkwardly, quickly realizing that the Red Lotus Flame must have ignited during his enlightenment, burning his robes. He hurriedly took out a new set of robes from his storage ring and put them on. He thought to himself that he needed to find clothes that wouldn''t burn so easily in the future. Otherwise, being exposed in front of others like this would be unacceptable. "What did you comprehend?" Murong Yue asked. "The Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, the first and second moves," Shen Mo nodded. Before anyone else could express their surprise, Hong Chilong was the first to react in shock. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What the heck? I could only comprehend one move. How did you comprehend two?!" He was stunned. "Could it be your physique..." He didn''t finish his sentence, but everyone understood. Shen Mo also laughed. He had been puzzled at first. After all, he saw on Xiao Fan''s life panel that Xiao Fan had only comprehended the first move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. Yet, he had comprehended two moves. After a brief thought, he understood. Xiao Fan''s physique was the Earth-grade Fiery Battle Body. His own, however, was the Heaven-grade Scorching Sun Flame Physique. Naturally, he could comprehend more. The Phoenix Nirvana Diagram only contained these two moves. "Let''s go outside the city to an open area and test the power of these moves!" Murong Yue suggested excitedly. "Alright!" Shen Mo nodded. Hong Chilong was excited. "I''m coming too!" "Let''s go, Old Zhou, you should come and take a look too." Zhou Qingcang nodded, "I was thinking the same." Whoosh. In an instant, everyone left the Sleeping Phoenix Tower and headed outside the city. Many curious onlookers eagerly asked who had comprehended the Phoenix Nirvana Diagram. But no one answered. Some people wanted to follow them out of the city. However, Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan released their auras. Terrified, these people didn''t dare to follow. ## Chapter 67: Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique Outside the city. The group found a secluded mountain valley. Hong Chilong chuckled, "I''ll go first!" "The first move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique is a fist technique." He took a deep breath, and suddenly spiritual energy surged as he punched the rock in front of him. Boom! Boom! Boom! The wild flames roared, and immense force erupted. In an instant, the hard rock was shattered into countless fragments under the fierce flames! The disciples from Qingxuan Sect and Verdant Vine Sect were all shocked. Too powerful! This was definitely not a Profound-grade martial skill; it was at least an Earth-grade skill. Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan, experienced and knowledgeable, exchanged glances and nodded slightly. "The power is at least Earth-grade superior grade." "It is very likely to be an Earth-grade top grade." "But we can only make a guess." Hong Chilong chuckled, "Anyway, it''s at least Earth-grade, stronger than the martial skills of our Rising Sun Sect!" "Shen Mo, you give it a try," Murong Yue said. Shen Mo nodded, "I won''t demonstrate the first move. The second move is a palm blade." He gathered spiritual energy into his palm. In an instant, substantial flame spiritual energy gathered on his palm. It formed a real palm blade. It was about three feet long. Extremely sharp, with scorching heat. He suddenly slashed at the rock in front of him. Crack! The rock was instantly shattered into countless fragments. Compared to Hong Chilong''s punch that smashed it into pieces. It was evidently stronger. Hong Chilong slapped his thigh, "Impressive! This move is stronger than mine!" Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan nodded repeatedly. Murong Yue said, "The power of this move is at least Earth-grade top grade!" Mo Hanshan sighed, "It''s a pity it''s just a fragment. If it were the complete Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, it might be a Heaven-grade martial skill!" Heaven-grade! These two words were like a giant hammer hitting everyone''s hearts. Everyone couldn''t help but feel a surge of longing. Even Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan, Golden Core stage sect masters, couldn''t help but yearn for it. Heaven-grade techniques and martial skills were extremely rare in the entire Xuanjing Prefecture. One had to go to Yuzhou, a larger stage, to find them. Of course, some might have the luck to obtain Heaven-grade techniques and martial skills, but that was an exception. At least, the Five Sects of Xuanjing did not have any Heaven-grade techniques or martial skills. Hong Chilong looked at Shen Mo with increasing appreciation, "Shen Mo! You''re a worthy opponent! I hope we can have a good fight tomorrow!" Shen Mo smiled, "You might not be able to defeat me." Hong Chilong laughed heartily, "I''m not like Yin Xuege or Wan Renjie. Regardless of winning or losing, as long as it''s fair, I''ll accept it willingly!" At this moment, Zhou Qingcang also looked at Shen Mo and spoke, "Tomorrow, I''ll be waiting for you in the final battle." This statement echoed in everyone''s hearts. The disciples were all taken aback. Zhou Qingcang''s meaning was clear. He believed that Shen Mo was the one who would meet him in the final battle. Neither Hong Chilong nor Mo Yuheng was worthy. "Alright." Shen Mo smiled lightly. Zhou Qingcang nodded, "Sect Master, I am going back to cultivate." After bowing and bidding farewell, he walked alone towards Divine Sword City. "If only Shen Mo and Zhou Qingcang were my sons," Mo Hanshan sighed as he watched them. Mo Yuheng giggled, "Father, what do you mean?" Mo Hanshan took a deep breath, "Nothing! Don''t pinch me!" "Let''s go back," Murong Yue waved. "Sect Master Murong, I have something to discuss with you," Mo Hanshan suddenly said. Murong Yue stopped, "Please speak, Sect Master Mo." Mo Hanshan smiled, "Just as Qingxuan Sect is not monolithic, neither is Verdant Vine Sect. Factions within the sect are inevitable." "Don''t let the dealings of some people in our sect affect the relationship between our two sects." Murong Yue was moved, "Since you say so, Sect Master Mo, let''s wait and see." Shen Mo was also thoughtful. Mo Hanshan must have been referring to the dealings between Song Chaofeng and some people in Verdant Vine Sect. It seemed that this was not Mo Hanshan''s intention. Rather, some people in Verdant Vine Sect were acting without his knowledge. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 68: Changes in the Third Round Rules Chapter 68: Changes in the Third Round Rules This night was destined to be anything but peaceful. At the Sleeping Phoenix Tower, the news that someone had comprehended the Phoenix Nirvana Diagram spread rapidly. Despite Murong Yue and Mo Hanshan''s efforts to conceal it, they couldn''t. However, who exactly comprehended the Phoenix Nirvana Diagram was still undetermined. After all, with so many people there, no one knew who it was. Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, Mo Yuheng, and Shen Mo were all top young talents. Moreover, many young disciples were also at the Sleeping Phoenix Tower. It was possible that they, too, could comprehend the Phoenix Nirvana Diagram. Once the news spread, the entire city was abuzz. Many people discussed this matter heatedly. The atmosphere became increasingly tense and lively. In such an atmosphere, the sun rose, marking the arrival of a new day. The Martial Arts Arena quickly became noisy again. Compared to the previous two days, the audience increased by at least fifty percent. Some people even came from other parts of Xuanjing Prefecture. After all, today was the final round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony. The top ten would be decided. Just thinking about the generous rewards for the top ten, even those not participating felt their hearts racing. They wished they could kick a few disciples out of the way and fight themselves. Moreover, many had heard that this year''s Hundred Sect Ceremony, held ahead of schedule, was quite different. In the first round, Shadow Supreme Yin Xuege was defeated. In the second round, Thunder Supreme Wan Renjie was defeated. The one who defeated them was the same person. This outstanding dark horse, comparable to the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjing, naturally attracted countless eyes. Some who originally didn''t plan to come rushed over overnight upon hearing the news. Many in the audience eagerly discussed who had learned a move or two from the Phoenix Nirvana Diagram. Would the moves from the Nirvana Diagram bring new variables to the third round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony? These were very important points of interest. Just thinking about it made people excited. In such an atmosphere, the twenty-five disciples who passed the second round entered the arena one after another. Each of these twenty-five disciples was exceptional, and each, barring any accidents, would achieve great things. Exaggerating a bit, these twenty-five were the future top twenty-five Peak Golden Core cultivators of Xuanjing Prefecture! If they sneezed, the entire Xuanjing Prefecture would tremble three times! The Sword Sect Master Luo Chaotian spoke loudly, "I usually don''t like to waste words, but there is news I must tell you." "To speed up the competition and eliminate most unfair factors, I discussed with the other four sect masters and decided to slightly change the third round''s rules." As soon as he finished speaking, the elders, disciples, and audience were all stunned. Although the rules of the Hundred Sect Ceremony changed slightly every time, weren''t the rules already announced before the competition started? Why the sudden change? But Luo Chaotian, after all, was the Sword Sect Master and a top Peak Golden Core expert. The other four sect masters of Xuanjing''s Five Sects also agreed. Naturally, no one else had much to say. Luo Chaotian looked around and nodded slightly. With a wave of his hand, a hundred marble tokens floated in the air, shimmering brightly. Some marble tokens remained stationary, while others moved as if alive. Some even seemed to have wings, moving at incredible speeds. Luo Chaotian smiled, "Here are a hundred marble tokens. You have half an hour. The one who captures the most tokens wins." "This will clearly determine the rankings from first to tenth place." "If there''s a tie in the number of tokens, then fight it out. The winner gets the higher rank." "Remember, the tokens cannot be stored in a storage ring. They must float around you." The audience immediately began whispering, discussing the pros and cons of the new rules. Shen Mo''s eyes narrowed. These rules were indeed clearer and more straightforward than the previous one-on-one battles. The time consumed would also be shorter. But there was a fatal flaw. What if someone became the target of everyone and was besieged? The twenty-five people on the field were all elite talents. Against ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, each of them could almost fight multiple opponents at once. Maybe not ten at a time, but handling three or five was definitely within their capabilities. Even with strong individual abilities, none of them could take on three to five elite opponents alone. Shen Mo believed that among the twenty-five people on the field, he could at most handle five opponents simultaneously, excluding Zhou Qingcang, Mo Yuheng, and Hong Chilong. Thinking of this, Shen Mo glanced towards the Heavenly Water Sect team. Zhang Mo, as usual, sat there with a calm expression, her lips still cold and harsh. At that moment, a cold jade-like hand grabbed his. Shen Mo looked up to see it was Murong Yue. The beautiful master smiled and said, "Don''t worry, go ahead boldly. Your master will always be your strongest support." Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. "Yes." "All disciples, enter the arena!" Luo Chaotian shouted. "Yes." Shen Mo and the twenty-five disciples nodded solemnly. Then they walked towards the martial stage with large strides. The twenty-five people spread out, maintaining a distance of about ten feet from each other. Although their faces showed no emotion, they were all very vigilant in their hearts. None of those standing here were easy to deal with. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No one would underestimate the others. Shen Mo''s position was neither good nor bad. There were only three people around him. These three were from the Sword Sect, Thunderfire Sect, and Lingxi Sect. The ones most likely to make a move against him were the disciples of Thunderfire Sect and Lingxi Sect. The former because Wan Renjie was defeated by him in the second round. The latter for a simpler reason. Lingxi Sect was essentially a subordinate sect of Heavenly Water Sect. Although not stated openly, their relationship was very close. It had even happened that Lingxi Sect sent their most talented disciples directly to Heavenly Water Sect. That was the case with Bai Ziyue. This person was originally a disciple of Lingxi Sect, and when he entered the Foundation Establishment stage and awakened his physique, the next day, he was personally sent to Heavenly Water Sect by the Lingxi Sect master, becoming a Heavenly Water Sect disciple. "Begin!" At the elder''s command from the Sword Sect, the twenty-five disciples simultaneously stamped their feet and rushed towards the sky. There were three types of marble tokens: those that stayed in place, those that moved at normal speed, and those that moved at high speed. Each type of token numbered about thirty. Naturally, the first target was to snatch those stationary tokens. As for those tokens that moved faster than rabbits, they could be grabbed if possible, and if not, then grab someone else''s! Everyone understood the essence of the rules. It was said to be about snatching tokens. But in the end, it still came down to fighting. Defeat the opponent, and their tokens naturally became yours. The battle started immediately. Shen Mo used his Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique, appearing like a thunder shadow. In a flash, he grabbed two marble tokens. Landing, he dashed again, snatching another two tokens right before someone else. A disciple from Lingxi Sect''s eyes flashed as he charged at Shen Mo. Shen Mo was prepared and kicked the disciple in the back. Using the recoil, he distanced himself from the disciple and went for other tokens. The Lingxi Sect disciple gritted his teeth, moving closer to Shen Mo while grabbing tokens. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Shen Mo acted decisively, aided by his strong movement skills. In the blink of an eye, the tokens around him increased to twenty. On the field, Hong Chilong, not skilled in movement techniques, had only five tokens. Zhou Qingcang and Mo Yuheng were better off, with ten and eleven tokens, respectively. Shen Mo had the most tokens. Immediately, several people targeted him. "Let''s get him!" they exchanged glances and charged from three directions simultaneously. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 69: Invincible Against Six The three attackers, with one leading at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, though not quite at the level of the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang, were not far off. The other two were at the Great Perfection stage of the Foundation Establishment. All three were top elites of their respective sects. Now, surrounding one person simultaneously, they forced him to defend, preventing him from obtaining more marble tokens. The longer he was occupied, the lower his final ranking would be. Shen Mo glanced at them and smiled faintly, "Those others are your allies too, right? Bring them on." He had noticed early on that ever since the third round began, some people''s gazes had been fixed on him. No matter where he was in the arena, these people would quietly move closer. At any given moment, there were always at least three people surrounding him. The longer he was trapped, the more people would join the encirclement. "You didn''t give the Heavenly Water Sect any face in the first round, defeating Yin Xuege. You should have expected this day to come," the peak Foundation Establishment stage disciple sneered. Swish, swish, swish. Three figures attacked simultaneously. It had to be said that these three were indeed elites of their respective sects. Their attacks left Shen Mo no room to dodge. No matter how he used his Eight-Direction Thunder Move, he couldn''t break through. If he tried to force his way out, he would crash into one of them. The only option was to confront them head-on. Further away, several other disciples were also hurrying over. If Shen Mo couldn''t break free in five or six breaths, more would join the encirclement. The audience noticed this as well. "Wow, the third round just started, and there are still many tokens out there. How did it get so intense already?" "Yeah, those guys don''t even care about the tokens; they''re focused on surrounding Shen Mo." "The Heavenly Water Sect must have a lot of influence. They probably convinced these sects to join forces against Shen Mo." "Sigh, it''s tough for smaller sects. Shen Mo probably won''t make it to the top ten. Such a shame, I thought he could at least make it to the top five!" In the Qingxuan Sect''s group, Murong Yue glanced at Zhang Mo in the Heavenly Water Sect''s group. The two beautiful women''s gazes met, and it seemed like sparks flew in the air. Murong Yue saw a cold, triumphant smile on Zhang Mo''s harsh lips. She remained calm, turning her attention back to the arena. Zhang Mo, however, raised an eyebrow. "Murong Yue is usually bad at hiding her emotions. I thought she would be shocked, but she seems unaffected." "Could it be that she gave Shen Mo some sort of trump card?" "But what kind of trump card could the Qingxuan Sect have?" In the arena, facing the three-pronged attack, Shen Mo showed no fear. He suddenly mobilized his spiritual power. Flames roared to life. In an instant, they gathered on his fist, forming the shape of a phoenix. The Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, first form! Shen Mo suddenly punched out! Boom! The fierce flames swept forward. All three attacks were obliterated by this strike. The phoenix-shaped flames continued unabated, crashing directly into the peak Foundation Establishment stage disciple. Bang! He was instantly engulfed by the flames. His body was sent flying, his robes burning to ashes mid-air. Upon landing, he spat blood, which quickly evaporated in the heat. It was clear he was severely injured and unable to fight. "Elder, I... I concede!" he shouted in terror. The arbitrating elder waved a hand, immediately removing him from the arena. He was the first to be eliminated in the third round of the Hundred Sects Ceremony. The ferocious flames Shen Mo had just displayed drew the attention of many. Though both were using martial techniques, Shen Mo''s easily overpowered his opponent''s. This indicated that Shen Mo''s technique was far superior in grade. Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Coupled with the phoenix-shaped flames, many widened their eyes in realization. The Thunder Fire Sect master stood up abruptly, gritting his teeth, "The one who comprehended the Phoenix Nirvana painting is him?!" "Damn! The martial technique from the Phoenix Nirvana painting was left by a Divine Transformation stage cultivator. For hundreds of years, no one has comprehended it, and now it turns out it was Shen Mo who did!" "I remember now, I was at the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion last night and did see Shen Mo there. I thought it was Zhou Qingcang or Hong Chilong who had comprehended it." "Amazing, Shen Mo truly lives up to defeating Yin Xuege and Wan Renjie!" "Look! Hong Chilong is also using that punch!" The crowd looked towards the martial arena. Sure enough, they saw Hong Chilong also using the same punch while grabbing tokens. The cry of the phoenix, the flames of the phoenix. It was indeed the martial technique from the Phoenix Nirvana painting! "Now it''s clear, the ones who comprehended the Phoenix Nirvana painting last night were Shen Mo and Hong Chilong!" "Both of them seem to have fire attribute physiques, which is why they could comprehend the Phoenix Nirvana painting." The spectators were filled with admiration. Why didn''t such an opportunity come to them? Hong Chilong pouted, "Damn it, Shen Mo stole the spotlight first." Zhou Qingcang lightly tapped the ground, grabbing a high-speed token with ease, and said calmly, "Don''t worry, he''s going to draw even more attention soon. Look, more people are surrounding him already." Hong Chilong chuckled, "No matter how many surround him, it''s useless. The power of his palm blade is something ordinary people can''t withstand!" Swish, swish, swish! Shen Mo looked around. There were already six people around him. Shen Mo figured he could handle five opponents at once. But now there were six. He wasn''t intimidated. "You knocked my brother out of the competition. Today, I will avenge him!" The leader, a burly and fierce man, growled. "I''ve knocked out many people. Who''s your brother?" Shen Mo asked, puzzled. The man gritted his teeth. "Wan Renjie! I''m his brother, Wan Renxuan!" "Alright, come at me then," Shen Mo smiled faintly. "You''re too arrogant!" Wan Renxuan sneered, then shouted, "Attack!" Led by Wan Renxuan, the group launched their attacks simultaneously. Sword shadows, blade lights, spear tips, raging flames, mysterious ice... All kinds of attacks converged on Shen Mo, seemingly to erase him entirely. Shen Mo took a deep breath and slowly extended his right hand. That hand stretched out straight. Wan Renxuan glanced at it. It was clearly a hand, but in his eyes, it transformed into a blade capable of cutting through gold and jade! "Cheap trick!" Wan Renxuan sneered. Buzz, buzz, buzz! Flames gathered in Shen Mo''s hand once again. In an instant, they formed the shape of a palm blade. But that wasn''t enough. Shen Mo flicked his hand, and the strange azure flame settled on it, dyeing it completely blue. With a single slash, it seemed to repel all evil and impurities. Invincible! The second form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, fused with the Green Lotus Heartfire, slash! The fierce, domineering flames surged forward, colliding with the attacks of the six opponents. Boom, boom, boom! A series of explosive sounds echoed. The six attacks were instantly obliterated. The azure flaming palm blade continued its momentum, crashing into the six opponents. Bang! The six were sent flying, spurting blood mid-air. Three were thrown dozens of zhang away, knocked out of the arena. The remaining three were still in the arena but had fainted, unable to fight any longer. Their tokens were seized by Shen Mo in one swift grab, all floating around him. In an instant, Shen Mo had thirty tokens, far surpassing everyone else in the arena! At that moment, the entire arena fell silent! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 70: The Final Battle of the Hundred Sects Ceremony After a brief silence, the stands erupted in enthusiastic applause. "Damn! What was that move? It''s insanely powerful!" "Mom, why are we kneeling to watch the match? Oh my God." "Wait, could that move be something he comprehended from the Phoenix Nirvana painting?" Zhang Mo''s face, which had previously held a cold smile, turned an even darker shade than liver-colored. She now understood. Why Murong Yue''s expression remained unchanged when Shen Mo was surrounded by so many people. Murong Yue had known all along! Shen Mo must have comprehended a powerful martial technique from the Phoenix Nirvana painting! At least Earth grade! Zhang Mo gritted her teeth. These people were the ones the Heavenly Water Sect had spent heavily to recruit. Now that they were defeated, no one else would surround Shen Mo. Her plan had failed! Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, and Mo Yuheng also reacted to this scene. Hong Chilong''s eyes widened in amazement. "See? I told you that move is absurdly strong!" Zhou Qingcang murmured, "That azure flame seems like an Eternal Flame..." Hong Chilong''s heart trembled. "An Eternal Flame? Are you sure?" Zhou Qingcang shook his head. "I haven''t seen it before, but I''ve read about it." Hong Chilong smiled bitterly. "It looks like I definitely can''t beat Shen Mo. Zhou, it''s up to you!" "Why exclude me? Do you think I can''t beat Shen Mo?" Mo Yuheng laughed softly. Hong Chilong rolled his eyes. "You''re not much stronger than me, and a lot of your strength comes from your tamed beasts." Mo Yuheng chuckled but said nothing. This was true. She possessed the Myriad Beasts Communion Physique, which meant her strength lay in taming powerful beasts. Her individual combat ability was not particularly strong. Moreover, her tamed beasts were too powerful to participate in the ceremony. Otherwise, she would undoubtedly take first place. Members of other sects and groups also had intriguing expressions. As for those who had traveled from all over the Xuanjiang Prefecture to watch the ceremony, they were overjoyed. Just witnessing Shen Mo defeating six opponents was worth the ticket price! "Phew..." Shen Mo exhaled deeply. The Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique was a Heaven grade martial art. Despite being incomplete, it consumed a tremendous amount of spiritual power. The Red Lotus Flame was even more demanding, constantly depleting his energy. If Shen Mo hadn''t also cultivated the Inferno Hell Annihilation Technique, another Heaven grade technique, which gave him over ten times the spiritual power capacity of others at his level, he would have run out of energy long ago. "Anyone else want to try? Come at me together." Shen Mo scanned the area. He could feel several gazes still watching him. But his display of defeating six people simultaneously was too shocking. Those hidden figures didn''t dare to reveal themselves. "Then I won''t play with you anymore!" Shen Mo said calmly and continued to grab tokens. Time ticked by. The number of tokens floating around Shen Mo reached thirty-five. This number practically guaranteed first place. As the time neared its end, it was clear that Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, and Mo Yuheng had far fewer tokens than Shen Mo. Shen Mo was evidently in first place. However, in the arena, the disciples of the Divine Sword Sect gathered around Zhou Qingcang, handing their tokens directly to him. Zhou Qingcang frowned. "What is this?" The disciples whispered, "Senior Brother, you must be first." Zhou Qingcang looked over at the Divine Sword Sect''s master, Luo Chaotian. Their eyes met. Luo Chaotian''s gaze brooked no argument. Zhou Qingcang gritted his teeth. This strange scene with the Divine Sword Sect''s disciples didn''t go unnoticed by the audience. "What''s going on? Isn''t this cheating?" "Shh, the Divine Sword Sect is the strongest sect. They have the power to do what they want. What can you do about it?" "If they did this halfway through the third round, Shen Mo would still have a chance to grab more tokens. But now, with the round almost over..." Shen Mo also noticed and frowned slightly. Doing this at the last minute was purely infuriating. Zhou Qingcang took several deep breaths and asked Shen Mo, "Brother Shen, how many tokens do you have?" "Thirty-five," Shen Mo replied. "Master''s orders cannot be defied, but I also do not wish to go against my own principles. I currently have thirty tokens. I''ll take five to reach thirty-five, and then we''ll compete." He refused the additional dozen or so tokens from the Divine Sword Sect disciples and only took five. Thus, both he and Shen Mo ended up with thirty-five tokens each. According to the rules, they needed to battle to determine the first and second place winners. Shen Mo looked deeply at Zhou Qingcang. This Sword Supreme had far more martial virtue than he had imagined. "Time''s up, it''s over!" The elder in charge of arbitration shouted. "Count the tokens!" A moment later, the results for third to tenth place were clear. Third place went to Mo Yuheng, with ten tokens. Fourth place went to Hong Chilong, with eight tokens. Those ranked lower had even fewer, with only three to five tokens each. Most of the tokens were concentrated with Shen Mo and Zhou Qingcang. "Non-participants, leave the arena. Zhou Qingcang of the Divine Sword Sect and Shen Mo of the Qingxuan Sect will now battle to determine the first and second place." The elder shouted again. The crowd left the arena, leaving only Shen Mo and Zhou Qingcang. "Your fight has no time limit, unless one of you concedes." The elder said solemnly. Shen Mo and Zhou Qingcang cupped their hands to each other, indicating their understanding. "Begin!" The elder commanded. Like tigers descending the mountain or dragons emerging from the sea, the two clashed suddenly. Fists and palms met with dull thuds, exchanging dozens of strikes in an instant. "Zhou Qingcang, you are most skilled with the sword, why don''t you use it against me?" Shen Mo asked. Zhou Qingcang laughed heartily. "Alright, then I''ll use the sword!" The two separated with a simultaneous palm strike, then drew their swords. Clang, clang, clang! Lightning, sword shadows, and frost interwove in midair. They exchanged dozens of rounds, each sensing the other''s astonishing strength. Their abilities were evidently well-matched. To Shen Mo, Zhou Qingcang was the strongest cultivator of the same level he had ever encountered, seemingly on the verge of comprehending sword intent. Sword intent was a concept realized after reaching a certain level in swordsmanship. With sword intent, one could cut through the heavens, earth, sun, moon, and stars with a mere blade of grass, even without a sword. Zhou Qingcang felt the same. Shen Mo''s strength had long surpassed that of his peers. Both were the strongest of their generation. The spectators watched, their blood boiling. This was truly a battle of kings! "I don''t like wasting time. Since our strengths are evenly matched, let''s use our strongest techniques." Shen Mo declared. "Agreed. I was thinking the same," Zhou Qingcang nodded slightly. "However, do you have a life-saving card? I cannot guarantee the power of my strike." Shen Mo smiled. "Don''t worry, I have one." "Good," Zhou Qingcang nodded. Heroes respected heroes. An opponent like Shen Mo was rare. With no deep-seated hatred between them, Zhou Qingcang did not wish to seriously injure or kill Shen Mo. Shen Mo felt the same. "Frost Soul Severing Sword!" Zhou Qingcang shouted, his long sword coated in frost, seemingly capable of freezing the soul. Endless icy spiritual energy gathered from all directions, forming a tangible whirlwind. Zhou Qingcang stood at its center. "Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, Second Form!" Shen Mo abandoned his sword and formed a palm blade, azure flames erupting. Fire spiritual energy surged from all directions, merging into his body and transforming into a torrent of fiery power. Moreover, the spiritual energy he attracted was even greater than Zhou Qingcang''s. The resulting flame whirlwind was also larger. The audience gasped in amazement. "Zhou Qingcang''s whirlwind has a diameter of over ten meter! Shen Mo''s whirlwind is even more terrifying, over fifteen meter!" "I heard only those with Heaven-grade physiques can attract such a massive whirlwind!" "Everyone knows Zhou Qingcang has a Heaven-grade physique. Could Shen Mo also have one?" "Yes! If he didn''t have a Heaven-grade physique, how could he defeat Yin Xuege and Wan Renjie? If he didn''t have a Heaven-grade physique, how could he face Zhou Qingcang in this final battle?" "My God, even a second-tier sect like the Qingxuan Sect has produced someone with a Heaven-grade physique!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 71: The First Place in the Hundred Sects Ceremony, Flame Lord Shen Mo The audience was utterly stunned. The reactions from the second-tier and first-tier sects were even more intense. For these sects, it was incredibly rare to have a disciple with a Heaven-grade physique even once in several decades or centuries. Disciples with Earth-grade physiques were already considered treasures. They never expected the Qingxuan Sect to produce someone with a Heaven-grade physique. At this moment, they had no idea! In an instant, all the sects started making their own plans. Especially those with grudges against the Qingxuan Sect. Should they try to recruit, suppress, or secretly assassinate? Their thoughts churned like an undercurrent. Compared to these sects, the higher-ups of the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing had no reaction. They knew about the phenomenon triggered by the Qingxuan Sect, which might have been unknown to the first and second-tier sects, but the Five Top Sects were fully aware. They had long known that the Qingxuan Sect had a disciple with a Heaven-grade physique and had been investigating the true identity of this disciple through various channels. Based on the changes within the Qingxuan Sect during this period, even if they couldn''t confirm, they could guess that the Heaven-grade physique holder was Shen Mo. On the martial stage, red flames intertwined with sharp ice. They clashed, annihilated each other, and dissipated wildly. The blinding light forced those with lower cultivation levels to close their eyes. The next moment, a violent explosion resounded! Boom! Two figures were simultaneously thrown back. Shen Mo slammed his palm into the ground, forcibly halting his backward momentum. On his chest, a flash of black armor fragments deflected the most potent force. Zhou Qingcang, meanwhile, plunged his sword into the ground, avoiding being thrown out of the stage. Both were in tattered clothes, coughing up blood. However, Shen Mo, though staggering, remained standing. Zhou Qingcang, on the other hand, held on for a few breaths before collapsing, "You... win." The entire arena fell silent. Then, thunderous applause erupted! The elder from the Divine Sword Sect, responsible for arbitration, didn''t dare to announce the result immediately. Instead, he looked towards the sect leader, Luo Chaotian, standing above. Luo Chaotian''s expression remained unchanged. "Why are you looking at me? Announce what you saw. Otherwise, wouldn''t the world mock our Divine Sword Sect for manipulating the results?" "Yes, yes, my mistake." The elder quickly nodded and then loudly declared, "Shen Mo versus Zhou Qingcang, Shen Mo wins!" "I now announce the top ten of this Hundred Sects Ceremony." "First place, Shen Mo from the Qingxuan Sect!" "Second place, Zhou Qingcang from the Divine Sword Sect!" "Third place, Mo Yuheng from the Verdant Vine Sect!" "Fourth place, Hong Chilong from the Rising Sun Sect!" "Fifth place, ..." After announcing all the top ten names, the crowd was jubilant! "I think the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjing will now have to be called the Six Supremes!" "What do you think Shen Mo''s title should be? Qing Supreme? Xuan Supreme?" "Those don''t sound good. Isn''t Shen Mo best known for his flames? How about Flame Supreme?" "Yes, Flame Supreme sounds great!" "Flame Supreme Shen Mo! That''s what we''ll call him from now on!" The audience cheered enthusiastically. The most thrilling thing in the world is watching someone rise from obscurity, defy the odds, and defeat powerful opponents. In the eyes of the spectators, Shen Mo was such a person. What was supposed to be a Hundred Sects Ceremony dominated by the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjing turned out to be even more spectacular because of his appearance! The disciples of the Qingxuan Sect rushed onto the stage, lifting Shen Mo high. Shen Mo was one of them. Shen Mo''s fame brought glory to the Qingxuan Sect, and as his fellow disciples, they were naturally proud. Murong Yue stood nearby, her face full of gentle, gratified smiles. "Shen Mo, how are you feeling? Do you need me to heal your wounds?" she asked. Shen Mo shook his head. "I''m fine, Master. Thank you for your concern." "Good, then hang in there a little longer. We''ll receive the rewards and then you can rest. We''ll have a celebration banquet today and return to the Qingxuan Sect tomorrow," Murong Yue said brightly. Meanwhile, Liu Yuanfeng, Liu Yunxuan, and Xiao Fan remained seated in the stands, motionless. This scene was noticed by some observant individuals, who began to ponder its implications. "Let''s distribute the rewards," Luo Chaotian commanded with a wave of his hand. All the rewards automatically went to the top ten participants. Each received a piece of Cold Essence Crystal. The top five each received a piece of Dark Fire Crystal. The top three each received a Green Vine Pearl. The top three sects also received the deed to a Thunder Crystal Mine. Most importantly, only the first place winner received the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, which could enhance one''s physique. Shen Mo stored everything in his storage ring, feeling a stirring in his heart. He had already taken a Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill before and later consumed Sun Marrow Flower Dew, which had significantly enhanced his physique. This Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill might further enhance his physique to a top-tier Heaven-grade! At that point, his cultivation speed would surely increase, and his combat power would become even stronger! "Everyone, please hold on. I have someone to introduce to you," Luo Chaotian suddenly spoke loudly. Everyone frowned. What was it that required the Divine Sword Sect''s leader, the head of the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing, to speak personally? Murong Yue looked at Mo Hanshan, the leader of the Verdant Vine Sect, and saw that he had his head down, seemingly aware of what was happening. Not only Mo Hanshan, but also the leaders of the Rising Sun Sect, Thunder Fire Sect, and Heavenly Water Sect seemed to know as well. Murong Yue suddenly had a bad feeling. Shen Mo also sensed that something was off. "Lord Ji, everyone is waiting for you," Luo Chaotian suddenly called out. At this moment, a golden light appeared on the horizon. It was extremely eye-catching. Boom! The golden light descended suddenly beside Luo Chaotian. As the golden light dissipated, it revealed a tall and burly figure. Clad in heavy black iron armor, with a sword at his waist. Under his helmet, his determined face was chiseled and resolute. His entire being exuded the aura of a battle-hardened warrior. An almost tangible aura of killing intent seemed to emanate from him. Luo Chaotian smiled and said, "This is the newly appointed governor of Xuanjiang Prefecture, Ji Shilong!" Murong Yue was stunned. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sect leaders were wide-eyed. Shen Mo asked softly, "Master, do you know this person?" Murong Yue nodded, "I do. Not only I, but many Core Formation stage cultivators should know him." "Shen Mo, you should remember the incident in Lingyun Prefecture not long ago." "The government led troops to wipe out all the sects in Lingyun Prefecture, including the strongest sect, Jinyang Sect." "The general who led the troops was Ji Shilong!" Shen Mo''s expression also changed slightly. "At a time like this, sending Ji Shilong to Xuanjiang Prefecture and even making an exception for a general to serve as governor, the purpose is obvious," Murong Yue sighed. Shen Mo looked around and saw that the other sect leaders were also whispering among themselves. Ji Shilong''s sudden appearance made them all uneasy. High above, the heavily armored general beside Luo Chaotian smiled slightly, "You should all have heard of Ji Shilong. I won''t say much about myself. Oh, I''m the governor now." "This time, I have been ordered to Xuanjiang Prefecture as governor not to replicate what happened in Lingyun Prefecture but to bring gifts!" His words left the crowd uncertain. Truth or falsehood? Ji Shilong smiled, "Xuanjiang Prefecture has developed well, with many flourishing sects. However, there is no strict hierarchy, which is not good. It''s too disorderly." "My advisors have designed a hierarchy system, which I will now explain to you." "The top tier is the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing, which must have at least thirty Core Formation stage cultivators, five hundred Foundation Establishment stage disciples, and three thousand disciples in total. If these standards are not met, they will be downgraded." "Below the Five Top Sects are the first-tier sects, which must have at least twenty-three Core Formation stage cultivators, one hundred Foundation Establishment stage disciples, and one thousand disciples. Failure to meet these standards will result in a downgrade." "Below the first-tier sects are the second-tier sects, which must have at least fifteen Core Formation stage cultivators, fifty Foundation Establishment stage disciples, and five hundred disciples." Ji Shilong continued, "The government will re-evaluate each sect every six months and provide rewards accordingly." "Second-tier sects will receive ten thousand low-grade spirit stones and one thousand yellow-grade pills." "First-tier sects will receive ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones, one thousand yellow-grade pills, five hundred profound-grade pills, and five earth-grade pills." "The Five Top Sects will receive ten thousand high-grade spirit stones, one thousand profound-grade pills, and thirty earth-grade pills." After finishing, Ji Shilong looked around with a smile, "I am here to bring you gifts. Shouldn''t you applaud?" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 72: The Terrifying Open Conspiracy The entire venue fell silent. The sect leaders were deep in thought, and the disciples dared not speak. Luo Chaotian spoke loudly, "Lord Ji has asked you a question. You should respond." Suddenly, one sect leader shouted, "Thank you, Lord Ji! We will do our best to elevate our sect''s level!" As soon as he spoke, it was like a signal. "Yes, yes, with such generous rewards, we will certainly strive for them!" "Thank you, Lord Ji, thank you, government!" More and more sect leaders began to speak passionately. In the Qingxuan Sect''s group, Xiao Fan exclaimed in surprise, "Is the government really so generous? They''re giving us such big gifts?" "It does sound quite good," Luo Shengnan nodded in rare agreement. Shen Mo, however, felt a chill in his heart. Gifts? Rewards? Big gifts? No, this was a terrifying open conspiracy! Aside from the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing, the standards for first-tier and second-tier sects were just a bit higher than the current accepted standards. The required number of Core Formation stage cultivators increased, the number of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators increased, and the total number of disciples increased as well. Increasing the number of disciples was relatively easy. The number of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators could be increased even if it meant some forced growth. But the number of Core Formation stage cultivators was extremely difficult to increase. Gaining even one more was very challenging. For example, the Qingxuan Sect currently had twelve Core Formation stage cultivators. How could they easily increase that to fifteen? Their Foundation Establishment stage disciples couldn''t break through to Core Formation stage that quickly. The only way was to recruit Core Formation stage cultivators from elsewhere. But there weren''t many roaming Core Formation stage cultivators. Once these independent cultivators were recruited by various sects, the sects would naturally turn their attention to weaker sects. Second-tier sects would target weaker sects, either swallowing them whole, forcing mergers, or coercing them to join. This would be the only way to increase the number of Core Formation stage cultivators in a sect. First-tier sects would attack second-tier sects and weaker first-tier sects. Once this cycle began, it would never stop! Even if some sects wanted to remain neutral and give up on the government''s rewards, other sects would covet those rewards and attack them. That was why Shen Mo immediately saw through this as a forthright yet incredibly terrifying open conspiracy. This Ji Shilong was not only an excellent military commander but also deeply understood human nature and how to exploit its weaknesses! "I know you may not trust me, thinking I won''t distribute the rewards." "So, I came to this Hundred Sects Ceremony with everything you want." "This time, I will distribute the rewards based on the current accepted levels of each sect." Ji Shilong laughed loudly, "First, the rewards for the second-tier sects." He made a gesture, and over thirty storage rings flew out from his sleeve, floating in mid-air. "These storage rings each contain ten thousand low-grade spirit stones and one thousand yellow-grade pills." "Simply reach out, and they will be yours." The sect leaders looked at each other, bewildered. The leader of the Lingxi Sect suddenly said, "Thank you, Lord Ji!" He reached out and took a storage ring. With someone taking the lead, others quickly followed. Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the blink of an eye, all the storage rings were taken. Murong Yue also took one. This was the time to accept benefits. There was no hidden danger yet, so they might as well take the offered rewards. Ji Shilong laughed heartily and then threw a dozen more storage rings into the air, "These are the rewards for the first-tier sects." He then threw out five particularly eye-catching storage rings, "These are the rewards for the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing." Soon, these storage rings were also taken by the sect leaders. When they opened the storage rings, they indeed found the promised rewards, no more, no less. For a moment, many were overjoyed. It was real? Not empty promises? Ji Shilong smiled, "The next evaluation will be in six months. All sect leaders, remember the time!" "I have other matters to attend to, so I will not stay here any longer." "Everyone, farewell!" He stomped the ground, and in a flash of golden light, disappeared into the horizon. "The Hundred Sects Ceremony is officially over. You may all leave," Luo Chaotian said with a faint smile. His expression revealed no emotions. ... The residence of the Qingxuan Sect, Hidden Dragon Pavillion "Sect Leader, this is great news! We can''t miss such an opportunity!" Xiao Fan exclaimed with joy. Shen Mo shook his head, "Haven''t you realized it yet?" Xiao Fan was puzzled, "Realized what?" Shen Mo sighed, "This is Ji Shilong''s open conspiracy. If you''re not sharp enough, you''ll easily fall into his trap." He then casually explained his analysis. After he finished, everyone was shocked. Zhao Ting and others had sensed something was off but couldn''t pinpoint it. After hearing Shen Mo, they immediately understood. It was indeed a sinister and ruthless trap, yet one that was impossible to refuse. Luo Shengnan scratched her head, "So... should we play it safe and not attack other sects, and advise them to maintain the status quo?" Zhao Ting shook his head, "With such huge benefits in front of them, some sects will definitely become greedy, especially since they''ve already had a taste of the rewards." Shen Mo nodded. Yes, the temptation was simply too great! Shen Mo said gravely, "Moreover, I bet that initially, everyone will be more restrained. But some sects will make the first move, likely already bought by Ji Shilong." "There are always those willing to be the government''s lapdogs." After he spoke, everyone nodded in agreement. Murong Yue looked at him with a pleased expression. Shen Mo''s insights were even beyond what she had considered. Her disciple not only had extraordinary talent but also a meticulous mind! Murong Yue lightly tapped the table, "Let''s not dwell on this now. We''ll discuss it in detail once we return to the sect." "Today is a day of celebration. I have decided to hold a banquet for Shen Mo tonight at the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion!" Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and others cheered excitedly. In stark contrast to their joy were Liu Yunxuan and Xiao Fan. Although Liu Yunxuan made it to the second round, he faced a formidable opponent and didn''t advance to the third round. Xiao Fan fared even worse, not even making it past the first round. Now, they could only watch as Shen Mo was celebrated like a star. "Senior Brother, should we go to the banquet?" Xiao Fan sighed, his expression complicated. Unbeknownst to him, Shen Mo had surpassed him by such a large margin. "Yes, we should go and enjoy ourselves. Don''t give anyone a reason to criticize us," Liu Yunxuan said with a faint smile. "Understood," Xiao Fan nodded. That night, the Qingxuan Sect held a celebration banquet at the Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion. News of Shen Mo''s victory over Zhou Qingcang and his first-place finish in the Hundred Sects Ceremony had spread throughout the entire Divine Sword City. Everywhere in the city, people were fervently discussing his name. The title "Flame Supreme" also began to spread. The name Flame Supreme Shen Mo was now mentioned alongside Sword Supreme Zhou Qingcang, Enchantress Mo Yuheng, and Blazing Supreme Hong Chilong. In contrast, Yin Supreme Yin Xuege and Thunder Supreme Wan Renjie were rarely mentioned anymore. The Five Supremes of Xuanjiang seemed to be gradually turning into the Four Supremes of Xuanjiang. After a night of celebration, everyone, led by Murong Yue, boarded the Qingyu Sculptures and headed back to the Qingxuan Sect. "Qingxuan Sect, we are home!" Shen Mo smiled as he looked southward. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 73: Shen Mo Returns Qingxuan Sect. Steward Zhang Weihu was busy directing outer sect disciples to move spiritual wood to repair the buildings that had either decayed or been infested with insects. These buildings were almost two hundred years old. After such a long time, decay and infestation were inevitable. However, the insects that infested spiritual wood were no ordinary pests. Zhang Weihu also had to direct the disciples to catch these insects. These plump, white insects were considered a delicacy. The disciples called them "white wood meat." They only needed to be cleaned and fried in oil without any seasoning. Their meat was sweet and aromatic, with a hint of milk flavor, filling one''s mouth with a rich, pleasant taste. Some disciples, who initially claimed they would rather starve or jump off a mountain than eat white wood meat, ended up finding it so delicious that they searched for the insects every day. "Good, send all of these to Elder Li," Zhang Weihu breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes," the outer sect disciples nodded and prepared to leave. Just then, someone suddenly pointed to the sky and shouted in surprise. "Look! There''s a dark shadow in the sky!" "It''s getting bigger. Could it be a fourth-rank beast attacking the sect?" "Hurry, find the elders! Quick, quick!" "Wait, it doesn''t look like that I see it clearly now. It''s the Green-scaled Eagle, our sect master''s mount. They''re back!" The disciples were overjoyed and all looked up at the sky. Zhang Weihu, full of excitement, shouted, "Clear the training ground! Make space!" "You few, help disperse the other disciples!" "Yes!" The disciples called out loudly, and soon the training ground was cleared. The Green-scaled Eagle slowly descended. A strong wind blew, causing the disciples to stumble and even making it hard to keep their eyes open. They had to retreat repeatedly. Finally, the Green-scaled Eagle landed completely and stopped flapping its wings, and the wind subsided. On the back of the Green-scaled Eagle, Murong Yue, Shen Mo, and the other ten disciples gracefully landed. Murong Yue patted the Green-scaled Eagle''s head. The large eagle let out a long cry, flapped its wings, and quickly disappeared into the clouds, evidently going to hunt in the Qingcang Mountains. "Welcome back, Sect Master! Welcome back, Deputy Sect Master!" The disciples cupped their hands in salute. Several streaks of light appeared from various parts of the mountain gate and quickly arrived at the training ground. These were the inner sect elders. Leading them was an old woman, Elder Li, a staunch supporter of Murong Yue. She couldn''t wait to ask, "Sect Master, how did it go? Did we make it to the second round in the Hundred Sects Ceremony this time?" The other elders also looked eagerly. Even those who supported Liu Yuanfeng rather than Murong Yue were keen to see the sect prosper and gain fame in Xuanjiang Prefecture. If the disciples performed well in the Hundred Sects Ceremony, it would naturally bring glory to the sect. However, since the Qingxuan Sect was squeezed out of the Five Top Sects of Xuanjing by the Heavenly Water Sect and became a second-tier sect, its performance in the Hundred Sects Ceremony had been getting worse each time. They hadn''t made it past the first round for several consecutive years. Elder Li''s expectations weren''t high. Just making it to the second round would be considered progress. Murong Yue heard Elder Li''s question and, for once, her beautiful face showed a rare, peculiar smile. Not only her, but Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and others also had strange expressions. Seeing their expressions, Elder Li assumed the results were disappointing. She quickly comforted, "It''s okay, winning and losing are common. Even if we didn''t make it to the second round, it''s not a big deal." "After all, it''s just the Hundred Sects Ceremony. It doesn''t prove anything." Despite her words, her face showed signs of sorrow. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Qingxuan Sect she loved had fallen so far... The other elders exchanged looks, each with their own thoughts. Even the more distant disciples caught wind of the conversation. If the sect performed well, they felt proud. If the sect failed to achieve results in the Hundred Sects Ceremony, they also felt embarrassed. Murong Yue finally couldn''t hold back and burst into laughter, her smile bright and joyful. "Elder Li, you guessed wrong!" "This time, we not only made it to the second round but also advanced to the third round!" Elder Li was stunned, "Really? The third round means the finals! Even if we ranked last, we''d still be in the top twenty-five! Who was it? Shen Mo or Liu Yunxuan?" She quickly looked at the two in the group. Liu Yunxuan avoided her gaze. Murong Yue shook her head, "It''s not Shen Mo, nor is it Liu Yunxuan." "What?" Elder Li was confused. Murong Yue smiled, "Shen Mo, he took first place!" Elder Li instinctively began to console, "First place, it''s okay, first place isn''t... wait, did you say first place?!" Murong Yue smiled, "That''s right, Shen Mo took first place." This time, she infused her voice with spiritual energy. Her voice, like a great bell, echoed throughout the entire Qingxuan Sect. The elders were in disbelief. The disciples'' eyes widened. Elder Li was overwhelmed with excitement, "Tell me in detail, what exactly happened?" Murong Yue''s smile grew even brighter, and her voice even more resonant, "In the first round, the grand melee, Shen Mo led our Qingxuan Sect team to defeat the Heavenly Water Sect, knocking out all ten of their members, including Yin Xuege!" "In the second round, Shen Mo encountered Wan Renjie of the Thunder Fire Sect early on, but despite Wan Renjie''s mid-battle breakthrough, Shen Mo defeated him and knocked him out of the arena!" "In the third round, Shen Mo was surrounded, yet he fought six opponents at once and defeated them all. He finally faced Zhou Qingcang of the Divine Sword Sect in the final match and secured first place!" "Elder Li, did I make myself clear?" With each statement, the disciples were shaken. By the time she finished her last sentence, the disciples were in utter awe, looking at Shen Mo with eyes full of admiration! Elder Li was teary-eyed, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" She now looked at Shen Mo as if he were her own grandson. "Not only Shen Mo, but the other disciples also performed well and made it to the second round." "This is the best performance our Qingxuan Sect has had in nearly fifty years!" Murong Yue couldn''t help but feel proud of her disciple. "Great! Great!" "Brother Shen is amazing!" "The Qingxuan Sect is amazing!" A disciple couldn''t hold back and suddenly shouted. His voice was like a signal. All the disciples began to shout and cheer excitedly. It felt as if they were the ones who had won first place in the Hundred Sects Ceremony. Shen Mo watched the bustling sect, a smile spreading across his face. "Today, I will host a celebration banquet in the training ground, and every disciple is invited to attend!" Murong Yue announced loudly. "In addition, each outer sect disciple will receive ten low-grade spirit stones, and each inner sect disciple will receive fifty low-grade spirit stones!" Upon hearing this, the disciples were ecstatic. Shen Mo winning first place in the Hundred Sects Ceremony brought immense honor to the Qingxuan Sect. As disciples of the Qingxuan Sect, they now had a prestigious reputation. But this was only a spiritual reward. Murong Yue''s announcement of spirit stone rewards was a tangible, material benefit. Because of this, more people would admire Shen Mo. If it weren''t for him, they wouldn''t have the chance to receive so many spirit stones for free. Hearing Murong Yue''s words, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that Murong Yue was planning for the future, building loyalty towards him in advance. Murong Yue clearly saw him as the next sect leader. As long as he reached the Core Formation stage, the position of the next sect leader of the Qingxuan Sect would undoubtedly be his. "Elders, please come to the main hall. There are important matters to discuss." "Shen Mo, you handle the celebration banquet arrangements," Murong Yue said with a smile. "Yes," Shen Mo cupped his hands. He knew that Murong Yue was going to discuss Ji Shilong''s situation with the elders. This was the matter that would determine the future structure of the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture and the fate of the Qingxuan Sect. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 74: Song Chaofeng Admits Guilt and Heads to the Mines Alone Qingxuan Sect, Sword Cliff In the secluded Sword Cliff, the former grand elder Song Chaofeng remained in solitude, reflecting on his past actions. His son, Song Junjie, frequently brought meals to his father. Despite his period of reflection, Song Chaofeng''s cultivation had not waned; in fact, he had become even more refined and vigorous, a stark contrast to his former self. Song Junjie had just set out a meal for Song Chaofeng when his father suddenly remarked, "The Azure Scale Eagle has returned." Song Junjie was taken aback. "Father, did you sense it?" With a self-satisfied smile, Song Chaofeng picked up his chopsticks and popped a fried peanut into his mouth. "The Azure Scale Eagle is a fourth-level beast. It naturally stirs the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth more easily than human cultivators. Sensing it is not unusual." "Father, they must have suffered a crushing defeat, just like last time. They probably didn''t even make it to the second round," Song Junjie sneered. Song Chaofeng responded indifferently, "Naturally. Qingxuan Sect is just a second-rate sect. The randomness of the first-round melee often leads to them being targeted by first-rate sects and getting eliminated early." At that moment, they heard the voice of Murong Yue infused with spiritual power. "Shen Mo has taken first place!" The father and son froze in shock. "Father, did I hear that wrong...?" Song Junjie asked, bewildered. Song Chaofeng furrowed his brow deeply. "Impossible. How could Shen Mo defeat Zhou Qincang and the others? Go to the martial arena and find out the real results of the Hundred Sect Ceremony." Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, Father." Song Junjie hurried out and soon returned, looking grim. "Father... Murong Yue was telling the truth. The disciples in the martial arena are ecstatic. Shen Mo really did win first place in the Hundred Sect Ceremony!" Song Junjie knelt, his tone filled with disbelief and intense jealousy. Defeating the Five Top Sects of Xuanjiang and winning the first place in the Hundred Sect Ceremony was something he couldn''t even dream of. Shen Mo, an outer disciple who had risen through the ranks, had actually achieved it. It was simply unbelievable and deeply envy-inducing. Song Chaofeng felt unsteady on his feet. The dishes he usually enjoyed lost their flavor. He suddenly seemed to have aged several decades. "I... I need to contact the Verdant Vine Sect immediately..." Song Chaofeng hastily pulled out a communication tablet. The tablet, known as the Parent-Child Communication Tablet, consisted of a parent tablet and a child tablet. It utilized a mystical property of a treasure called "Parent-Child Tablet" to communicate over vast distances. A message spoken into the parent tablet could be heard through the child tablet, and vice versa. However, the parent tablet could control and shatter the child tablet, but not the other way around. Song Chaofeng infused his spiritual power into the tablet, carefully inquiring about the true results of the Hundred Sect Ceremony. Soon, a voice returned, colder and more distant than before. "Shen Mo won first place. Murong Yue has no reason to lie." Before they could fully process their shock, the voice continued. "Additionally, the sect leader has strictly forbidden any further contact with Qingxuan Sect. From now on, we have no ties." Father and son were stunned. "What? Father, did we hear that right?" Song Junjie asked, wide-eyed. Song Chaofeng tried to send another message, but suddenly, he heard a crisp cracking sound from the tablet. Snap! The child tablet shattered. Along with it, his ambitions shattered. Song Chaofeng collapsed to the ground, his eyes vacant. "Father! Father!" Song Junjie cried out in despair. "Junjie, I... I never made amends. I must go and apologize to the sect leader now. Maybe, just maybe, there''s still a chance for survival," Song Chaofeng said, his face filled with a grim mix of despair and hope. Murong Yue detailed the events of the Hundred Sect Ceremony to the gathered elders, concluding with the shocking news of the new Xuanjiang Prefecture Governor, Ji Shilong. The expressions of the elders were tense. Each advancement in cultivation not only enhances combat abilities but also sharpens the mind. A Core Formation stage cultivator can think and analyze far better than those in the Foundation Establishment stage. Shortly after Murong Yue finished speaking, the elders quickly grasped the deviousness of Ji Shilong''s new ranking system. As Shen Mo had pointed out, it was a blatant but sophisticated strategy. Its brilliance lay in the fact that even though everyone could see Ji Shilong''s intentions, they couldn''t avoid the trap. The choices were stark: either protect themselves and risk being swept up in future conflicts among the sects, or join the sect battles now. Regardless, sect warfare seemed inevitable. After fifty years of peace, Xuanjiang Prefecture was on the brink of turmoil again. Elder Li suddenly spoke up, "Sect Master, I believe our first priority should be to secure the Thunder Crystal Mine." "I''ve reviewed the deed you received, and that mine isn''t far from our sect, just on the other side of the Qingcang Mountains." "If we can acquire the mine, it will greatly benefit our weapon crafting and disciples'' cultivation." Murong Yue nodded slightly, sharing the same thought. "However, I doubt the Thunderfire Sect will hand over the mine so easily. Having the deed is one thing, but whether they will honor it is another," another elder added. Murong Yue turned to Liu Yuanfeng, "Vice Sect Master Liu, among the elders here, you are the highest in cultivation and the strongest in power besides myself. Could you take on this task?" Throughout the meeting, Liu Yuanfeng had remained silent, almost as if he were an outsider. Now, Murong Yue handed him the difficult task. Liu Yuanfeng smiled without responding directly, "Sect Master, are you truly asking me to take over the Thunder Crystal Mine alone, or are you pushing me into a trap?" No one knew what awaited them at the mine. Would the Thunderfire Sect honor their word and hand it over? Or was it a trap? The start of sect warfare needed only a spark. Perhaps the Thunderfire Sect was waiting for them to make the first move. "I will go!" A voice suddenly echoed from the entrance of the hall. Everyone turned to see Song Chaofeng, the former grand elder who had been in seclusion at Sword Cliff. At this moment, Song Chaofeng knelt on one knee, bowing to Murong Yue, "Song Chaofeng apologizes to the Sect Master and her disciple. I volunteer to go to the Thunder Crystal Mine, to atone for my sins and prove my loyalty!" Behind him, Song Junjie was fully prostrated, kowtowing to everyone present, "Sinner Song Junjie greets the Sect Master, Vice Sect Master, and elders." Murong Yue''s expression remained unchanged, but the elders who supported Song Chaofeng looked visibly distressed. Was Song Chaofeng surrendering to Murong Yue? What about his support from the Verdant Vine Sect''s grand elder? Liu Yuanfeng narrowed his eyes, his expression fluctuating. Murong Yue spoke calmly, "Elder Song, I appreciate your willingness." "Do you plan to go alone, or will you take a few others with you?" Song Chaofeng stood up, his face resolute, "I will go alone. If anything happens to me at the mine, I entrust my son, Song Junjie, to the care of the Sect Master." Everyone was taken aback by his words. He was essentially arranging his last wishes and handing his son over as a hostage to Murong Yue. The message was clear: he was committed to investigating the mine. Murong Yue finally smiled, "Very well, we bid you farewell, Elder Song." The elders followed suit, "Farewell, Elder Song!" Song Chaofeng bowed to everyone, then transformed into a stream of light, disappearing into the horizon. Song Junjie remained kneeling on the ground, weeping uncontrollably. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 75: The Empty Alchemy King’s Cave Qingxuan Sect, Serene Bamboo Courtyard This courtyard, nestled on the mountainside, had become Shen Mo''s new residence. As a direct disciple and now the pride of Qingxuan Sect, it was no longer appropriate for him to stay in the inner disciples'' quarters. This courtyard, previously reserved for elders, was reassigned to Shen Mo under Murong Yue''s directive. Shen Mo hadn''t even started moving his furniture when Luo Shengnan, leading a group of disciples, rushed over to help. In no time, they moved everything into the courtyard, making it effortless for Shen Mo. "This place is nice, with a rock garden, a pond, and two bamboo trees." "Hmm, I guess it''s called Serene Bamboo Courtyard because there''s a bamboo tree on the left and another on the right," Shen Mo remarked with a smile as he headed to the east wing. The room had already been cleaned meticulously. As a direct disciple and the winner of the Hundred Sect Ceremony, he didn''t need to lift a finger; there were always people eager to assist him. Shen Mo sat cross-legged on the bed, taking out two items from his storage ring. One was the Green Vine Pearl, which, when consumed, could accelerate blood production and thus speed up wound healing. This item could only be used once in a lifetime, making further consumption ineffective. The other item was the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, a treasure essential for enhancing his Scorching Sun Flame Body to its pinnacle. Shen Mo casually tossed the Green Vine Pearl into his mouth. The herbal fragrance spread, and the verdant energy permeated his body. An hour later, the pearl was fully absorbed. He took a small knife and lightly cut his finger. Within three breaths, the wound healed completely. Shen Mo was pleased. With this, he no longer had to worry about passing out from blood loss when using the demon armor fragment. Next, he solemnly swallowed the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill. This pill was crucial, providing a chance to elevate his Scorching Sun Flame Body to the highest tier. As for the Cold Essence Crystal, he planned to keep it until he had gathered enough top-tier treasures for refining his Fiery Inferno Golden Core. Meanwhile, at Qingxuan Sect''s Cloud Mist Peak... This was where Liu Yuanfeng and his son, Liu Yunxuan, resided, along with some of Liu Yuanfeng''s personally mentored disciples. Returning from the meeting hall, Liu Yuanfeng''s brows remained furrowed. He couldn''t understand why Song Chaofeng had suddenly capitulated, and so thoroughly, as if his support had vanished. "I need to get to the bottom of this," Liu Yuanfeng muttered, shaking his head. Song Chaofeng''s shift towards Murong Yue would affect him too, and he couldn''t ignore it. "Father! Great news! Wonderful news!" Liu Yunxuan''s excited voice rang out. "Silence! Have I not taught you to remain calm regardless of the situation?" Liu Yuanfeng scolded. Liu Yunxuan smiled sheepishly. "Yes, Father, that was my mistake." "Speak, then. What is it?" Liu Yuanfeng huffed. Liu Yunxuan quickly replied, "The Alchemy King''s Cave! Our people have found its exact location, near Cold Water Stream by Qingshan City!" "What?!" Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes widened, hardly able to believe his ears. "Go! Quickly! We must leave immediately!" he shouted, momentarily forgetting his own advice about staying calm. After all, it was the Alchemy King''s Cave! With a swift motion, Liu Yuanfeng grabbed Liu Yunxuan, and they shot out of Qingxuan Sect like a streak of light. Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Many elders and disciples witnessed their rapid departure, wondering what urgent matter had arisen. Despite carrying Liu Yunxuan, Liu Yuanfeng''s speed remained unimpeded. Soon, they arrived at Cold Water Stream outside Qingshan City, where Liu Yuanfeng''s men were already stationed, barring anyone from approaching. Upon seeing Liu Yuanfeng, the scattered cultivators kneeled on one knee. "Greetings, Master." Liu Yuanfeng hurriedly asked, "Is it here?" The leading cultivator respectfully replied, "Yes, Master. This Cold Water Stream is a hundred meters deep. At the bottom, there''s a recess in the rock wall, exactly where the Alchemy King''s pills would be placed." "We have reviewed many records and determined it must be here." "Excellent!" Liu Yuanfeng laughed heartily, swallowed a Qi Sealing Pill, and leaped into the water. Liu Yunxuan shouted, "Father, I''m coming too!" The father and son plunged into the icy water. Soon, they found the location mentioned by the scattered cultivators. Liu Yuanfeng took out a pill from his storage ring. This pill was a Comprehension Pill, identical to the one Ling Xuan''s father, Ling Jiuding, had obtained earlier. Liu Yuanfeng placed it into the groove. A faint sound came from the rock wall. Immediately following was an incredible suction force. Buzz! Both were pulled inside. The surroundings changed. Moments later, they found themselves in a dry, clean stone chamber. The chamber was empty, containing only a stone bed, stone table, and stone chairs. There was also a tightly closed stone door. "There''s nothing here..." Liu Yunxuan looked around, puzzled. Liu Yuanfeng pointed at the stone door, "Don''t you understand? This is the place where the Alchemist King secluded himself. The treasures are behind that stone door!" Liu Yunxuan''s excitement grew, filled with anticipation. Liu Yuanfeng placed his hands on the stone door, exerted his strength, and pushed it open. Rumble! The stone door opened. What lay before them was a larger stone chamber. But this chamber was also empty. There was nothing. Liu Yuanfeng and Liu Yunxuan''s expressions shifted from joy to shock. "Where are the treasures?" Liu Yuanfeng muttered. "The Sword Sect''s Alchemist King''s cave contained Taiyi Nourishing Pills to enhance physique!" Liu Yunxuan was also stunned. "Even if there''s a difference between caves, there should at least be some spirit stones, spirit artifacts, or pills..." "Father, what''s going on..." Liu Yuanfeng aged a decade in an instant, "Stop talking." "Father, why..." Liu Yunxuan grabbed his hand. "I said stop talking!" Liu Yuanfeng was enraged and flung his son''s hand away. Bang! Liu Yunxuan''s body slammed into the rock wall, nearly spitting blood. Liu Yuanfeng froze, quickly rushing over to help his son up, "Father... Father lost his temper." Liu Yunxuan coughed up blood repeatedly, "Father... why is there nothing here..." Liu Yuanfeng closed his eyes in pain, "Son, don''t you understand? Someone got here before us!" "Before we found this Alchemist King''s cave, someone had already discovered it and took all the treasures!" "Poof!" Liu Yunxuan, overwhelmed, spat blood and fainted. Liu Yuanfeng screamed in panic, "Yunxuan! Yunxuan!" ... Qingxuan Sect, dusk. A bloodstained figure stumbled into the training ground. Disciples quickly gathered around. This person was covered in cuts, burns, and sword wounds. Their clothes were tattered, and they were covered in scars. They looked like a beggar. When the disciples recognized who had fainted, they shouted in shock. "It''s Elder Song Chaofeng, he''s severely injured, quickly, get the Sect Master and the elders!" Deacon Zhang Weihu, who was in the training ground, panicked and shouted urgently. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {You can currently read till chapter 125 on patreon. I also need all the support all i can get. so please show your support by joining patreon. Thanks for reading} Chapter 76: Supreme Heavenly Physique Chapter 76: Supreme Heavenly Physique Dong! Dong! Dong! A series of bell chimes echoed through the skies. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The bronze bell in front of the grand council hall tolled once more. All the disciples were on edge. They looked towards the majestic and solemn hall. Since the sect master emerged from seclusion, the bell had been ringing more frequently. Before long, several streaks of light appeared from various directions, swiftly arriving at the hall entrance. The elders entered the hall one by one. Murong Yue personally inquired about Song Chaofeng''s situation. After taking some healing pills, Song Chaofeng had slightly recovered and immediately began to speak. "Reporting to the sect master, I did encounter people from the Thunderfire Sect at the Thunder Crystal Mine, but it was only an outer sect elder." "The other party acknowledged the land deed and agreed that the Thunder Crystal Mine should indeed be handed over to our Qingxuan Sect." "However, while the mine previously belonged to the Thunderfire Sect, its actual usage rights had been given to the Heavy Weapon Sect." "The outer sect elder then took me to find the person in charge of the mine from the Heavy Weapon Sect." "However, the inner sect elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect was unreasonable and refused to acknowledge the land deed. When I argued my case, that elder called for more elders from his sect to attack me together." "If it weren''t for them not wanting to cause fatalities or completely sever ties, and the outer sect elder from the Thunderfire Sect intervening, I might not have made it back today." Elder Li slammed the table, seething with anger, "Outrageous! That Thunder Crystal Mine is ours, even the Thunderfire Sect acknowledges it. How dare the Heavy Weapon Sect occupy it!" The other elders were equally indignant. The Thunder Crystal Mine was of immense value. It not only involved the Qingxuan Sect but also directly affected the personal interests of each elder. Naturally, they were furious. An elder with white hair and beard sternly declared, "Let''s fight them and take back the Thunder Crystal Mine!" A vigorous elder gravely spoke, "I believe that since the Thunderfire Sect is one of the Five Sects of Xuanyang River, they are fair and reasonable, but the Heavy Weapon Sect behaves despicably!" A middle-aged elder with a plump figure shook his head, "We can''t. The Heavy Weapon Sect has more cultivators in the Core Formation stage than we do. If we fight, we might be at a disadvantage!" Murong Yue frowned deeply, about to speak. At that moment, a pillar of flame suddenly shot up from within the Qingcang Mountains! In an instant, it illuminated the nearly darkened sky as if it were daylight. Moments later, the pillar of flame gradually condensed into a slowly rising great sun! Its brightness far surpassed the setting sun. This scene immediately caught everyone''s attention. The disciples outside the hall stared in shock, their mouths agape. "What happened? A natural phenomenon? A treasure being born?" "No, it looks more like a phenomenon from cultivation." "Could it be some powerful figure breaking through a realm?" "Gasp... Could it affect our sect?" The disciples gasped in shock. What caused such an astonishing phenomenon? Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The elders also sensed something and rushed out of the council hall. They looked up in astonishment at the great sun in the sky. Murong Yue whispered, "Let''s go, quickly check it out." "Elder Song, you stay here and rest." "Yes!" The elders transformed into streaks of light, swiftly heading towards the source of the great sun. The sects near the Qingcang Mountains were not limited to the Qingxuan Sect alone. To the west was the Lingxi Sect. To the east was the Heavy Weapon Sect. To the north was the prestigious Feishuang Sect. All these sects noticed the astonishing phenomenon and dozens of streaks of light rushed over at great speed. Meanwhile. Shen Mo swiftly ran through the forest. He calmly put on a robe. The robe he had worn earlier had been completely burned away during his physique''s advancement. Shen Mo glanced back and saw that the great sun still hovered in the sky, showing no signs of dissipating. He couldn''t help but smile wryly. The Supreme Heavenly Physique has been upgraded to the Ultimate Supreme Heavenly Physique. The phenomenon is even more astonishing than before, and its impact has become greater. Fortunately, after taking the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill, I sensed something was off and chose not to upgrade my physique within the sect. Instead, I quickly left the sect and entered the Qingcang Mountains. Otherwise, the news of my upgrade to the Ultimate Supreme Heavenly Physique would have spread far and wide! "Heavenly Physiques are indeed numerous in Xuanyang Prefecture, but Ultimate Supreme Heavenly Physiques are extremely rare. This must not be casually disclosed." Shen Mo deeply understood the terrifying nature of jealousy. Moreover, the great sect conflict was about to commence. If the news of his upgrade to the Ultimate Supreme Heavenly Physique leaked, it would make him and the Qingxuan Sect the target of all. "I need to return to the sect and pretend I know nothing." Shen Mo ran all the way and, as he approached the sect entrance, immediately put on a frightened expression. Many disciples noticed him and saw his expression. Among them was Zhao Rou. Zhao Rou pointed to the sky, "Senior Brother Shen, you just returned from the Qingcang Mountains? Did you see that great sun too? Do you know what happened there?" Shen Mo shook his head, "I was chasing a demonic beast when this great sun appeared out of nowhere, and the temperature suddenly became extremely high. If I hadn''t run fast enough, I would have been roasted alive." He showed the sleeves and back of his robe, "Look, they''re all scorched." This was deliberately burned with the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame. Even his skin was slightly burned. Acting requires full commitment. Zhao Rou looked distressed, "Senior Brother Shen, you should go rest." Shen Mo nodded and immediately returned to his Zao Tree Court. ... Above the Qingcang Mountains. Dozens of Core Formation cultivators gazed thoughtfully at the gradually dimming great sun. The cultivators were distinctly divided into four factions. They were from the Qingxuan Sect, Feishuang Sect, Lingxi Sect, and Heavy Weapon Sect. Among them, the Qingxuan Sect, Lingxi Sect, and Heavy Weapon Sect were second-tier sects. The Feishuang Sect was a first-tier sect. The sect master of the Heavy Weapon Sect raised an eyebrow, "Such dense fire spirit energy. It might be a cultivator in the Nascent Soul stage practicing here, causing a breakthrough in their technique and triggering this phenomenon." The sect master of the Lingxi Sect nodded, "That makes sense. Only a Nascent Soul cultivator could trigger such an astonishing and lingering phenomenon." Then, he changed his tone, "However, it could also be a cultivator with a Heavenly Fire Physique. In that case, a Core Formation cultivator could trigger such a phenomenon." The sect master of the Feishuang Sect nodded slightly, "That''s reasonable, but you two have overlooked another possibility." He then suddenly looked at Murong Yue, with a half-smile, "Sect Master Murong, I heard that your sect has a disciple with a Heavenly Physique, that Shen Mo." "Could it be that his physique has achieved a breakthrough to a higher grade?" At this question, the elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect and the Lingxi Sect also looked at Murong Yue, thoughtful. Murong Yue was filled with doubt but showed no trace of it on her face, remaining calm, "I do not know. Besides, how my Qingxuan Sect disciples progress is of no concern to your Feishuang Sect." The sect master of the Feishuang Sect laughed heartily, "Of course not, I was just asking." "Let''s go, I need to get back to my cultivation." The sect masters of the Heavy Weapon Sect and the Lingxi Sect also prepared to leave. Murong Yue coldly said, "Wait, Sect Master Wu, your Heavy Weapon Sect elder severely injured our Elder Song. What is the meaning of this?" The sect master of the Heavy Weapon Sect, Wu Gangfei, smiled faintly, "That Thunder Crystal Mine belongs to our Heavy Weapon Sect. What''s wrong with beating up Song Chaofeng when he came to our territory?" Murong Yue, "That mine has already been handed over to the Qingxuan Sect by the Thunderfire Sect. You are occupying the mine!" Wu Gangfei laughed arrogantly, "I only know that meat at my mouth will never be let go!" He then flicked his sleeve and led the elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect away. The sect masters of the Lingxi Sect and Feishuang Sect also smiled faintly and led their people away. Murong Yue snorted coldly and also left with the elders of the Qingxuan Sect. Upon returning to the sect, Murong Yue immediately went to the Zao Tree Court. She saw Shen Mo practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard, with lightning-like sword light accompanying him. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 77: Establishing Shen Mo as the Young Sect Master Chapter 77: Establishing Shen Mo as the Young Sect Master "Mo''er, where were you just now?" Murong Yue asked with a smile. Shen Mo sheathed his sword. "Master, I went to the Qingcang Mountains to seek out some powerful demonic beasts to fight and hone my Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, hoping to quickly comprehend the third level." Then, he showed a fearful expression. "Unfortunately, I didn''t achieve much and was nearly injured by that suddenly appearing great sun." "Thankfully, my agility is good, and I managed to escape quickly." Murong Yue''s heart tightened, and she asked with concern, "Where are you hurt?" Shen Mo revealed his injuries. Murong Yue looked pained. "Alright, rest well." Shen Mo nodded, then noticed his beautiful master still frowning. He asked, "Master, do you have something on your mind?" Murong Yue gave a helpless smile. "You noticed." Shen Mo smiled. "Master, why not tell me?" Murong Yue nodded. "It''s about the Thunder Crystal Mine." Murong Yue then recounted Song Chaofeng''s experience at the Thunder Crystal Mine. After finishing, she sighed lightly, clearly troubled. Shen Mo pondered for a moment. Murong Yue smiled. "Mo''er, what are your thoughts? Feel free to speak." Shen Mo nodded. "I believe this is just a play staged by the Thunderfire Sect and the Heavy Weapon Sect." "The Thunderfire Sect''s outer elder acknowledged the land deed and agreed to hand over the Thunder Crystal Mine to our Qingxuan Sect, while the Heavy Weapon Sect is aligned with the Thunderfire Sect and always follows their lead." "If the Thunderfire Sect gives an order, the Heavy Weapon Sect will certainly comply." "But now, not only does the Heavy Weapon Sect not comply, they attacked Elder Song. The intention behind this is obvious." Shen Mo concluded, "The Thunderfire Sect has no intention of handing over the Thunder Crystal Mine!" Murong Yue nodded repeatedly. She had thought of this too. But Shen Mo''s quick and clear analysis surprised her a bit. "So, what do you suggest?" Murong Yue asked with a smile. Shen Mo smiled, knowing his beautiful master was testing him. He asked, "Master, between our Qingxuan Sect and the Heavy Weapon Sect, who is stronger?" Murong Yue pondered for a moment. "The Heavy Weapon Sect''s techniques and martial skills are not geared towards combat, but they have mastered the technology of creating holes and inlays for spiritual weapons, attracting many rogue Core Formation cultivators." "But these rogue Core Formation cultivators have no loyalty. If things go bad, they will flee faster than anyone." "In terms of the number of Core Formation cultivators, the Heavy Weapon Sect is stronger. But in terms of the strength of these Core Formation cultivators, our Qingxuan Sect is superior." Shen Mo nodded. "So, we are roughly equal, neither side having a clear advantage." "What worries you, Master, are two things: firstly, whether other nearby sects will interfere." "Secondly, whether the Thunderfire Sect will intervene personally." Murong Yue''s eyes brightened. "Go on!" Her concerns were easily guessed by Shen Mo. Shen Mo continued, "I can tell you, Master, no sect will openly intervene in this matter." "This Thunder Crystal Mine is a reward for the top three in the Hundred Sect Competition, witnessed by countless people and all sects in Xuanjing Prefecture. For the sake of their reputation, the Thunderfire Sect will not openly interfere." "As for the nearby Lingxi Sect and Feishuang Sect, both are aligned with the Heavenly Water Sect. They would love to see us and the Heavy Weapon Sect fight, hoping we exhaust ourselves." "The longer the fight, the more manpower and resources we waste, and the happier they will be." He finished with a smile. "Master, how did I do?" Murong Yue''s frown completely disappeared. "Good! Very well said!" "Come, join me at the elders'' council meeting!" Shen Mo smiled lightly. "Master, according to the sect rules, even true disciples can only accompany the meeting, not listen in on everything. Once the matter is discussed, we have to leave the council hall." Murong Yue''s eyes were filled with gratification. "You will no longer be just a true disciple. This time, I will establish you as the Young Sect Master!" "When the time comes, repeat what you just said, along with your achievements in the Hundred Sect Competition, and Elder Liu Yuanfeng and the others won''t be able to say a word against it!" Shen Mo''s heart stirred slightly. Young Sect Master. This was an extremely prestigious position within the sect. Barring any accidents, it was a guaranteed step to becoming the Sect Master. Even if the sect faced life-and-death crises, everyone must protect the Young Sect Master. Even if everyone else died, the Young Sect Master could not. Otherwise, it would be against the sect rules! Shen Mo knew he would be established as the Young Sect Master eventually. He just didn''t expect it to happen so soon. "Yes, Master, I obey!" Shen Mo nodded. Murong Yue''s expression was filled with satisfaction as she extended her jade hand to take Shen Mo''s. The two quickly flew out of the Zao Tree Court and arrived at the entrance of the council hall. Many elders were already waiting there. As Murong Yue and Shen Mo entered the hall and took their seats, the heavy doors slowly closed. Sar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bang! The muffled sound awakened the disciples outside as if from a dream. "Senior Brother Shen... actually entered the council hall. Did you see that? He even took a seat! Isn''t it said that only elders can enter for discussions?" "Isn''t it obvious? What is Senior Brother Shen''s status? He is the Sect Master''s disciple! The Flame Prince! The first place in the Hundred Sect Competition! What''s wrong with him participating in the council discussions?" "Indeed, with Senior Brother Shen''s potential, strength, and the Sect Master''s favor, I believe he is definitely the next Sect Master. The Sect Master allowing him to participate in the discussions clearly indicates she is grooming him as the Young Sect Master!" "No matter what, this is the first time in our Qingxuan Sect''s history that a disciple has participated in the elders'' council." "Hehe, it''s also the first time our Qingxuan Sect''s disciple won first place in the Hundred Sect Competition! Even when we were part of the Xuanjing Five Sects, we never achieved such a feat!" The disciples chattered away, their words full of admiration and respect for Shen Mo. In their eyes, Shen Mo was no longer just a true disciple. He was the Young Sect Master! Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou were also in the crowd. Zhao Ting sighed for a long time, then whispered, "Xiaorou, we must remember to be respectful when interacting with Senior Brother Shen in the future." "Luo Shengnan, you too." Luo Shengnan scratched her head, "I think Shen Mo is pretty easygoing. Is it really necessary?" Zhao Rou also nodded. Zhao Ting shook his head, "Some disciples are right. Shen Mo is already being groomed by the Sect Master as her successor." "We can be casual with him in private, but in public, we must respect him and never undermine his authority. Otherwise, it would be damaging the prestige of the Young Sect Master." Zhao Rou''s eyes were complicated. "Big Brother, I understand." Inside the council hall. Shen Mo''s seat was arranged right next to Murong Yue. It should be noted that the seats next to the Sect Master were reserved only for the Deputy Sect Master, the Great Elder, and the Young Sect Master. Since Song Chaofeng was ordered to reflect on his mistakes, the position of the Great Elder in Qingxuan Sect had been vacant. As for the Young Sect Master, none had been officially appointed yet. In this context, Shen Mo being given such a seat made Murong Yue''s intentions clear. "Sect Master, Shen Mo is just a true disciple. Even if he is your disciple, he shouldn''t participate in the elders'' council," Liu Yuanfeng suddenly said. Murong Yue calmly replied, "This is precisely what I want to address." "Shen Mo, at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, recently won first place in the Hundred Sect Competition, bringing glory to our Qingxuan Sect." "I propose to establish him as the Young Sect Master today!" She looked around the hall. "Elders, who agrees and who opposes?" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 78: A Method to Reclaim the Thunder Crystal Mine Chapter 78: A Method to Reclaim the Thunder Crystal Mine The elders looked at each other, each with their own thoughts. Elder Li was the first to speak, "I agree! Shen Mo should have been established as the Young Sect Master long ago!" Several other elders who firmly supported Murong Yue also immediately voiced their agreement, "We agree as well!" Liu Yuanfeng wanted to speak, but Murong Yue interrupted him with a serene smile, "Vice Sect Master Liu, there''s no need to oppose just yet. Regarding the matter of the Thunder Crystal Mine, I believe everyone is still without a clear direction." "Mo''er, share your analysis." Liu Yuanfeng snorted coldly. Shen Mo nodded, slightly bowing to the elders before repeating the points he had discussed in the Bamboo Tree Court. He focused on analyzing the interests of each party and explained why the other sects would not interfere. After hearing him, the elders were silent for a long time. They were all Core Formation stage cultivators, while Shen Mo was only at the Foundation Establishment stage. Their thinking and wisdom should theoretically surpass that of someone at the Foundation Establishment stage. Even if Shen Mo had learned this from Murong Yue beforehand, it should have taken him a long time to come up with such an analysis. They didn''t expect Shen Mo to provide such a thorough analysis in such a short time. Elder Li praised, "Just for Shen Mo''s meticulous analysis and wise mind, I have no objections to him becoming the Young Sect Master!" Other elders nodded in agreement, "Indeed, for Shen Mo to have such insight at the Foundation Establishment stage, his thinking ability will surely surpass ours once he reaches the Core Formation stage. I also support establishing him as the Young Sect Master!" Murong Yue smiled faintly and looked at Liu Yuanfeng, "Vice Sect Master Liu?" Liu Yuanfeng coldly replied, "He has only provided analysis without proposing a feasible solution. I still disagree." Shen Mo glanced at him, "Then does Vice Sect Master Liu have a feasible solution? Please share it with us." Liu Yuanfeng snorted, "I naturally have a solution!" He said loudly, "We must avoid conflict! We cannot clash with the Heavy Weapon Sect!" "The Heavy Weapon Sect is stronger than us. If we clash, we will surely be at a disadvantage, creating a vicious cycle. When the sect war begins, we will become an easy target for other sects." "Our only option is to escalate the matter to the Xuanjing Five Sects, especially the Divine Sword Sect!" "The Divine Sword Sect, being the head of the Xuanjing Five Sects, will surely uphold justice for our Qingxuan Sect. The Heavy Weapon Sect will then have to relinquish the mine." After he finished, several elders nodded slightly, agreeing with this approach. Fighting involved great risk. It would be better to reason things out. Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Vice Sect Master Liu''s solution seems useful, but in reality, it is not." Liu Yuanfeng''s face darkened, "What did you say?" Shen Mo refuted on the spot, "I have two rebuttals!" "First, who says the Divine Sword Sect will uphold justice just because they are the head of the Xuanjing Five Sects?" "Didn''t you see the third round of the Hundred Sect Competition? The Divine Sword Sect''s disciple directly handed the jade token to Zhou Qingcang! To do such a thing in full view, can you say it wasn''t authorized by the high-ranking members of the Divine Sword Sect?" "Second, the Heavy Weapon Sect is aligned with the Thunderfire Sect and always follows their orders. Do you think the Divine Sword Sect''s orders will work? What if the Thunderfire Sect doesn''t comply and tacitly allows the Heavy Weapon Sect to occupy the mine? Will we just wait for them to completely deplete the Thunder Crystal Mine and leave us with an empty one?" Shen Mo mercilessly criticized, "Vice Sect Master Liu''s method seems useful but is actually very harmful to our sect!" Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes widened with anger, "You...!" The other elders, after listening, also fell into contemplation. Elder Li and others nodded repeatedly, their gazes toward Shen Mo becoming more approving. Liu Yuanfeng, extremely furious, laughed coldly, "Fine! Since you refuted me, then present an effective method!" Shen Mo smiled calmly, "My suggestion is to quickly gather our forces and, while the Heavy Weapon Sect is not yet firmly established, strike swiftly and decisively, driving them out of the Thunder Crystal Mine. Except for the outer sect elder from the Thunderfire Sect, kill everyone else." "Publicly, we will claim that the Heavy Weapon Sect occupied the Thunder Crystal Mine and held the outer sect elder of the Thunderfire Sect as a hostage. We, the Qingxuan Sect, argued our case and drove out the Heavy Weapon Sect, rescuing the outer sect elder." "In this way, the Thunderfire Sect will have no choice but to swallow their anger and will have no grounds to express it openly." Murong Yue''s eyes lit up, "Excellent! Well said!" The other elders couldn''t help but applaud. In this way, even if the Thunderfire Sect felt aggrieved, they would have no grounds to express it openly. As Shen Mo said, they would indeed have to swallow their pride! "Vice Sect Master Liu, Shen Mo has already provided an effective suggestion. Do you still oppose it?" Murong Yue coldly asked. Liu Yuanfeng gritted his teeth, "Yes, I still oppose it. Although there is no explicit rule, traditionally, the Young Sect Master in our Qingxuan Sect has always been at least at the Core Formation stage. Without the Core Formation stage, they cannot command respect." "This has become an unwritten rule!" As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall turned cold. The elders who supported Liu Yuanfeng immediately knew what to say. "Vice Sect Master Liu is right. Let''s wait until Shen Mo condenses his golden core to discuss this matter." "Shen Mo''s talent is indeed extraordinary, but I believe we should wait until he reaches the Core Formation stage before discussing this further." "I second that." In the blink of an eye, the supporters and opponents of Shen Mo''s appointment were clearly divided. Including Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng, each side had exactly five votes. Two votes remained, those of Song Chaofeng and an elder who had always supported him. Even though Song Chaofeng had resigned from his position as the Great Elder to reflect on his mistakes, this elder continued to firmly support him. It could be said that their votes would ultimately decide whether Shen Mo could be established as the Young Sect Master. Compared to the tense atmosphere between them, Shen Mo''s mood was more indifferent. The position of Young Sect Master was indeed important. It offered access to numerous cultivation resources and elevated one''s status. But if Liu Yuanfeng obstructed and Song Chaofeng also disagreed, preventing Murong Yue from appointing him, Shen Mo wouldn''t be too disappointed. Cultivation resources? He could always exploit resources from Xiao Fan, Liu Yunxuan, and others. At least for now, Xiao Fan still had plenty to exploit. No need to worry about exhausting those resources. Status and elevation? That was even less important. As long as he became powerful enough, he would naturally earn everyone''s respect. Before being accepted as Murong Yue''s disciple, Shen Mo had always relied on himself, not on any particular status or position. Murong Yue turned to Song Chaofeng, "Elder Song, what do you think?" Not only she, but all the elders in the hall turned their gaze to Song Chaofeng. It was now five votes to five. The opinions of Song Chaofeng and the elder supporting him would decide whether Shen Mo would be established as the Young Sect Master. Under everyone''s gaze, Song Chaofeng suddenly bowed to Murong Yue, "I believe Shen Mo should be established as the Young Sect Master." The elder beside him immediately said, "I agree as well!" Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes narrowed, and he snorted coldly. Murong Yue nodded in satisfaction, "Good, then with a vote of seven to five, the proposal is passed." "After this meeting, I will inform the entire sect that Shen Mo is now the Young Sect Master." Murong Yue said loudly, "As the Young Sect Master suggested, we will devise a plan today to reclaim the Thunder Crystal Mine as soon as possible!" "Yes!" "Mo''er, go back and continue your cultivation. Leave this matter to us," Murong Yue said with a smile. "Yes, Master. I will take my leave now," Shen Mo replied, bowing before leaving. S~ea??h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The grand hall doors opened slightly, and Shen Mo walked out briskly. The disciples gathered outside made way for him. Their gazes were filled with even more admiration and reverence. Before long, a plan to reclaim the Thunder Crystal Mine was finalized inside the hall. The doors burst open. Murong Yue and the others hovered in mid-air. Murong Yue infused her voice with spiritual energy and announced loudly, "Today, I have an important announcement." "Disciple Shen Mo, with extraordinary talent and remarkable strength, has recently won first place in the Hundred Sect Competition, bringing great honor to our Qingxuan Sect with outstanding achievements!" "After deliberation with the elders, we have decided to establish Shen Mo as the Young Sect Master!" "From today onward, all disciples, deacons, and elders must address Shen Mo as the Young Sect Master!" The disciples widened their eyes in shock. Some had speculated that after Shen Mo advanced to the Core Formation stage, he would certainly be appointed as the Young Sect Master. But most had not expected that Shen Mo would be elevated to this high position so quickly! Zhao Ting and others collected themselves and immediately shouted, "Yes!" His voice was a signal. Subsequently, all the disciples present responded in unison. No one objected to Shen Mo becoming the Young Sect Master! Zhao Rou''s eyes sparkled with admiration, "Senior Brother Shen rose from being an outer sect disciple, step by step becoming an inner sect disciple, a true disciple, and now directly the Young Sect Master. How long has it been?" Zhao Ting sighed emotionally, "Just under six months." Luo Shengnan scratched her head, "Many people say Shen Mo has a Heavenly Physique. I think so too. If not, how could he cultivate so quickly and fiercely!" "Just keep that in mind. Don''t speak it out loud. As long as the Sect Master hasn''t officially stated it, we shouldn''t say it either," Zhao Ting said in a low voice. "I understand," Luo Shengnan nodded. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 79: The Heavy Weapon Sect’s Atrocities Chapter 79: The Heavy Weapon Sect''s Atrocities In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Shen Mo took stock of the treasures in his storage ring and nodded with satisfaction. He had collected many more treasures, leaving only half to reach his goal of forty-five items. As for the treasures needed to repair his body, he was still searching. Some of these treasures were found through his own opportunities, while others were taken by intercepting the opportunities of Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan. He glanced at his own status panel. [Recent Opportunity: Three days later, while out treasure hunting, feeling thirsty, you rest by Baishui Spring in the Qingcang Mountains. A bird-like demonic beast suddenly dies above you and falls in front of you. Upon dissecting its corpse, you find a piece of Wood Essence in its belly.] Shen Mo felt a burst of joy. Wood Essence was a top-grade Xuan-level treasure, a heartwood that could only be condensed in spirit trees over five hundred years old. It could serve as the wood foundation for condensing his golden core. "Time to go out and continue treasure hunting. I need to condense this Flame Prison Golden Core as soon as possible." Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo stretched lazily and pushed the door open. He walked down the mountain path. Along the way, regardless of what the disciples or deacons were doing, or their cultivation level, they would immediately stop, salute him, and address him as the Young Sect Master. He also encountered a few outer and inner elders who didn''t put on any airs, respectfully addressing him as the Young Sect Master. Shen Mo nodded slightly to each of them in return. "Hmm, why is Elder Li in such a hurry?" Shen Mo noticed some familiar figures. Elder Li, seeing Shen Mo, smiled broadly, "Young Sect Master, it''s good news! We took back the Thunder Crystal Mine five days ago! I''m just about to lead some people over to guard it!" Behind her were three Core Formation stage inner elders and several powerful disciples. Leading the group were Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Xiao Fan. The disciples following them were at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. These disciples also saluted Shen Mo, not daring to show any disrespect. Shen Mo''s gaze swept over Xiao Fan. [Name: Xiao Fan.] [Cultivation Level: Major Accomplishment Foundation Establishment Realm.] [Fate: Child of Luck, Graceful Immortal Appearance, Reincarnation of a Great Power, Narrow Escape, Fiery Battle Physique.] [Destiny: He will stop at Nascent Soul Minor Achievement and become the Hall Master of the Burning Heaven Hall, titled Immortal Chi Feng. While searching for herbs, he will inadvertently stumble into a natural maze, get trapped for thirty years, and die from exhaustion.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, while accompanying the team to guard the Thunder Crystal Mine, he will chase a demonic beast into the third tunnel at night. At the deepest part, he will find two Thunder Essences and a low-grade Earth-level defensive martial skill, "Four-Directional Profound Gate."] [Recent Opportunity 2: Five days later, while cultivating at the Thunder Crystal Mine, he will go out to enjoy the moonlight and inadvertently discover an inner elder of the Heavy Weapon Sect sneaking into the mine. Following him, he will find the elder opening a hidden tunnel in the deepest part of the sixth tunnel to excavate buried treasures but will get heavily injured by the formation and flee in panic. He will enter the hidden tunnel and obtain a fifth-level Thunder Toad Demon Crystal and the "Heavy Weapon Crystal Refining Technique."] [Recent Opportunity 3: Ten days later, while clearing demonic beasts near the Thunder Crystal Mine, he will encounter an inner elder of the Heavy Weapon Sect leading disciples to attack a mining team from Qingshan City. He will have to flee immediately and, during the escape, will encounter a wolf pack led by a Wolf King. The two sides will fight, allowing him to escape. After escaping, he will find a piece of Red Blood Copper and six third-level demon crystals in the wolf pack''s nest.] [Recent Opportunity 4: A month later, on Liu Yuanfeng''s orders, he will go to Qingshan City to secretly meet Ouyang Qian, the daughter of the Deputy Sect Master of the Divine Sword Sect. She will give him six bottles of Great Stabilizing Pills, which will help him reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.] He nodded with satisfaction, looking at Xiao Fan with appreciation. The "weed" was still thriving as always. Time to harvest it again! Xiao Fan felt a chill from Shen Mo''s gaze but could only smile and bow, addressing him as the Young Sect Master. Shen Mo didn''t continue to stare at Xiao Fan; he didn''t want to scare his "weed." He turned to Elder Li and smiled, "The speed at which we reclaimed the Thunder Crystal Mine was faster than I expected. The Thunderfire Sect had no reaction?" He thought Murong Yue would gather more strength and prepare thoroughly before making a sudden move. Elder Li laughed heartily, "Your analysis was spot on. After we sent the Thunderfire Sect''s outer elder back, the Thunderfire Sect could only swallow their pride." "They even praised us for driving away the domineering Heavy Weapon Sect." Shen Mo also laughed. Zhao Ting and the others were quite surprised. It seemed Shen Mo had a part in planning the reclamation of the Thunder Crystal Mine? "Elder Li, I''m interested in Thunder Crystals and would like to go to the mine to guard it. Is that possible?" Shen Mo asked with a smile. "Of course. The Sect Master and the others have already set up protective formations at the mine, so it''s very safe." Elder Li nodded with a smile. Shen Mo joined the group. At first, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou were somewhat worried, fearing that Shen Mo''s elevated status would make him distant from them. However, Shen Mo''s demeanor and behavior remained as usual, not showing any signs of being high and mighty. This reassured the three of them. With laughter and conversation, the group set off towards the Thunder Crystal Mine. Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate was located on the southern slope of the Qingcang Mountains. The Thunder Crystal Mine, however, was situated on the eastern slope of the Qingcang Mountains. Further east lay the Heavy Weapon Sect. Because the Thunder Crystal Mine was far from Qingxuan Sect but close to the Heavy Weapon Sect, it was necessary to station four inner elders and a group of disciples to guard it. Otherwise, the Heavy Weapon Sect would take back the mine the day after it was captured. Elder Li led Shen Mo and the others along the southern mountain path of the Qingcang Mountains. Qingxuan Sect had a significant influence in the vicinity of the Qingcang Mountains. After all, when Qingxuan Sect was at its peak, it had encompassed the entire Qingcang Mountains within its territory. In comparison, the influence of Feishuang Sect, Heavy Weapon Sect, and Lingxi Sect was much smaller. Along the way, they encountered many rogue cultivators, but upon seeing that they were from Qingxuan Sect, these cultivators immediately showed respect, not daring to be disrespectful. After traveling for over an hour, the group arrived at the Thunder Crystal Mine without any surprises. The mine was located at the foot of the mountain. At the entrance, a wall over 20 feet high, made from the surrounding mountain rocks, enclosed a large area outside the cave. Within this area, many stone houses and watchtowers had been constructed. Disciples constantly observed the surroundings from the watchtower tops. Elder Li stood at the gate and shouted, "I''m here, and the Young Sect Master is here too. Time to switch shifts!" The gate quickly opened. Two elders came out to greet them. Shen Mo noticed the obvious fatigue on their faces. Clearly, they had been guarding the mine day and night for several days, resulting in extreme exhaustion. "Finally... Young Sect Master," the lead elder, with dark circles under his eyes, weakly saluted Shen Mo. The Young Sect Master held a position second only to the Sect Master. Even though Shen Mo''s cultivation level was not yet on par with theirs, the hierarchy must be respected. The address was not to be taken lightly. Shen Mo nodded, "We''re here to switch shifts. You can rest and return to the mountain gate." "Alright," the two elders sighed in relief. Elder Li and the elders and disciples she brought quickly took over the work in the mine. "What? Not enough miners?" Shen Mo was about to tour the mine when he heard Elder Li''s astonished voice nearby. The elder with dark circles sighed repeatedly, "Yes, the sixty or so miners brought by the deacon from Gufeng City were attacked by the Heavy Weapon Sect on the way. Many were killed, and some scattered. Only twelve made it to the mine." His voice was filled with resentment as he spoke, clearly furious at the Heavy Weapon Sect''s atrocious actions. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 80: Thunder Toad Demon Crystal Chapter 80: Thunder Toad Demon Crystal Shen Mo furrowed his brow slightly. It was normal for cultivators to fight among themselves. But it was despicable for the Heavy Weapon Sect to directly target mortal miners. He asked, "What else is going on? Tell me everything." The elder with dark circles under his eyes gritted his teeth and said, "Before the protective array was set up, the mining site was harassed almost daily by the Heavy Weapon Sect." "And the Heavy Weapon Sect is wealthy. They distribute spirit stones to attract wandering cultivators to harass us and attack our logistical teams, while their own people blend in." He spat angrily, "Among our disciples, over ten outer disciples and four inner disciples have died, all in gruesome ways." The elder recalled something else and added, "Also, Young Sect Master, do you know Steward Zhang Weihu? He was also attacked. When he was transporting food from the mountain gate to the mining site, the Heavy Weapon Sect ambushed him. His right arm and half of his left arm were chopped off. He''s still lying in bed!" Shen Mo''s expression darkened. The elder whispered, "In the next few days, stewards will be bringing miners from Qingshan City, Xishan City, and Gufeng City. These mortals are willing to work for our Qingxuan Sect, and we must ensure their safety." Elder Li nodded, "I understand, I''ll handle these matters." "Good, I leave it to you then, I can''t take it anymore." The elder with dark circles didn''t return to his room but found a secluded corner and leaned against a large crate. Soon, he fell asleep, snoring loudly. But no one criticized him. During this time, the safety of the Thunder Crystal Mine relied on these two inner sect elders. Without them, everyone sent by the Qingxuan Sect would perish. "Someone, arrange the best room for the Young Sect Master!" Elder Li shouted. Immediately, a disciple hurried over, nodding repeatedly. Shen Mo waved his hand, "Take me to see Zhang Weihu first." "Yes." Soon, Shen Mo arrived at a simple stone hut and saw Zhang Weihu inside. The middle-aged steward who had reminded him numerous times now lay unconscious on the bed, pale and missing his right arm entirely, with only half of his left remaining. Blood seeped through his bandages. "Not enough healing pills?" Shen Mo frowned. The guiding disciple sighed, "We''re running out... We have to conserve what we have left. Steward Zhang will have to endure." Shen Mo took several healing pills from his storage ring and placed them in Zhang Weihu''s mouth. He applied some hemostatic powder to the wounds. Zhang Weihu''s condition improved slightly. "These pills were bestowed by Murong Yue. They''ve been stockpiled in my storage ring for a long time," Shen Mo said calmly. The disciple looked touched. "On behalf of Steward Zhang, thank you, Young Sect Master!" Shen Mo nodded. "Take me to my room now." "Yes." Shen Mo was soon settled into the best room available, equipped with everything he might need. However, he wasn''t particular about accommodation; peace and quiet were all he required. He meditated quietly. Based on Xiao Fan''s life panel, he could roughly predict the future actions of the Heavy Weapon Sect. "With the help of my ''golden finger,'' I can gradually weaken the Heavy Weapon Sect." "Through this give-and-take, the Heavy Weapon Sect will gradually become weaker and no longer pose a threat to Qingxuan Sect." "In the future, Qingxuan Sect might even take the initiative to swallow the Heavy Weapon Sect! By then, as the Young Sect Master, I will naturally gain more resources and intercept even better opportunities." Shen Mo began to plan immediately. ... Night fell. There were many demon beasts around the Thunder Crystal Mine. Therefore, the nights at the mine were not quiet. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was even somewhat lively. Various demon beasts that were active at night came out to hunt. Even the walls, over twelve feet high, couldn''t keep them all out. Many demon beasts could slip inside. The defensive array set up by Murong Yue and others only affected powerful cultivators. So, every few days, demon beasts would slip into the mine. This highlighted the importance of the disciples. Each Foundation Building Realm disciple led five Qi Condensation Realm disciples on night patrols. They changed shifts every two hours. If they spotted a demon beast, they would attack immediately, either driving it away or killing it. This was to minimize the risk of demon beasts injuring people. At this moment, Shen Mo wasn''t cultivating on his bed, but standing on the roof, feeling the cool night breeze, his eyes scanning the surroundings keenly. He was waiting for that demon beast to appear. Before long, he saw Xiao Fan leading five Qi Condensation Realm disciples on patrol. At that moment, a nimble shadow darted under the wall and rushed towards the mine. Xiao Fan and the others immediately noticed the shadow and prepared to pursue it. Shen Mo floated over to them, saying, "Keep an eye on the walls to prevent more demon beasts from appearing. I''ll handle that one." "Yes, Young Sect Master," Xiao Fan nodded repeatedly, not daring to disobey. The other disciples also nodded in agreement. As Shen Mo chased after the shadow of the demon beast, they spoke in surprise, "The Young Sect Master''s status is so esteemed, yet he''s willing to personally deal with demon beasts." "Yeah, the Young Sect Master is really approachable, without any airs." "I heard that as soon as the Young Sect Master arrived at the mine, he gave healing pills to Steward Zhang Weihu. He''s really a good person." "You don''t know, but after this incident spread, the morale among disciples and miners in the mine has soared. Everyone knows that the Young Sect Master cares for us!" Amidst these praises of Shen Mo, Xiao Fan felt extremely uncomfortable. He whispered, "Enough, don''t forget our duties! Immediately patrol the walls and see if there are any holes made by demon beasts." "Yes..." the disciples reluctantly responded. Shen Mo tracked the demon beast all the way to the deepest part of the third mining tunnel. This little creature was a third-stage juvenile demon beast, an armadillo adept at digging. Cornered, the armadillo showed its fierceness and lunged at Shen Mo. Shen Mo chuckled and with a swift stroke of his sword, cleaved it in half. Afterward, he searched the area and indeed found a small pit. From the traces, it seemed the armadillo had been hiding here for some time. Digging into the pit, Shen Mo found two Thunder Essence Cores and a small wooden box. Thunder Essence Cores, top-grade mysterious-level items, were treasures formed in places where thunder attributes minerals converged. They were essential for refining perfect Dao Platforms or condensing perfect Golden Cores. Satisfied, Shen Mo nodded and covered the small pit back up before swiftly departing. "Next up is the Thunder Toad Demon Crystal and the Crystal Refinement Art." "According to Xiao Fan''s life panel, in five days, a senior elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect will sneak into the Thunder Crystal Mine, reaching the deepest part of the sixth mining tunnel to search for these two items." Shen Mo pondered slightly. He knew about the Heavy Weapon Sect''s situation. Ten years ago, a traitor from within the sect stole the original copy of the "Crystal Refinement Art," but the technique itself had since disappeared. Since then, with the passing of several senior masters, the Heavy Weapon Sect''s crystal refining techniques had declined significantly. Nevertheless, they remained the only sect in the area with a complete set of techniques for drilling and embedding spiritual artifacts, ensuring they continued to prosper. "Perhaps this elder knows something and deliberately risked coming to the Thunder Crystal Mine," Shen Mo speculated. "However, with the protective array always active, how did he sneak in so quietly? And how did he manage to escape despite being severely injured? Was there a leak of information?" Shen Mo immediately thought of Liu Yuanfeng. Without a doubt, if there was any leaking of information within the Qingxuan Sect, Liu Yuanfeng would likely be involved. "For now, the matter of information leaks can wait. I must secure both the Thunder Toad Crystal and the Crystal Refinement Art." "Moreover, considering the usual course of events, after severely injuring this senior elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect, he''ll eventually try to escape." "However, since I already know how this will unfold, I certainly won''t let him get away." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Since he dares to come, let''s leave him here!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Join patreon to read 100+ chapters. this one is very interesting. } Chapter 81: Thunder Sword Ascends to Top-Tier Profound Rank Chapter 81: Thunder Sword Ascends to Top-Tier Profound Rank Shen Mo left the third tunnel and headed straight to the deepest part of the sixth tunnel. He surveyed the area, using his spiritual energy to search, and quickly found the location of two buried items. These two items were hidden quite deeply and showed no recent signs of excavation. If Shen Mo hadn''t been able to see the life panel, he certainly wouldn''t have found them through a meticulous search. At the bottom of the pit, the two items lay quietly. One was a palm-sized demon crystal, radiating with brilliant thunderlight. The other item was a book made of metal! No wonder it hadn''t decayed after so many years. Shen Mo had come prepared. He put on gloves and effortlessly took the Thunder Toad demon crystal. This demon crystal, left behind by a fifth-rank demon beast after its death, contained extremely powerful thunder-attribute energy. According to Xiao Fan''s life panel, an elder of the Heavy Weapon Sect in the Foundation Establishment stage was gravely injured because he directly touched the crystal without caution. This caused a massive thunder outbreak, triggering the array''s agitation, worsening his injuries. In the end, he barely escaped by exploiting a flaw in the array. After securing the Thunder Toad crystal, Shen Mo picked up the heavy metal book. Wiping off the dirt on the surface, the cover revealed the inscription "Crystal Refining Technique." "With this, I can create sockets in spirit tools and embed demon crystals myself." "This is the core skill of the Heavy Weapon Sect, and now I''ve obtained it so easily." Shen Mo smiled, took the items, and left to return. Back in his room, he immediately began reading the Crystal Refining Technique. About an hour later, he lifted his head from the book. "So that''s it. The technique for creating sockets is very ingenious, requiring special materials to forge the hammer and chisel." "These tools must be stable enough to create sockets without damaging the spirit tools." "Hence, making the hammer and chisel requires various materials, including thunder crystals, which explains why the Heavy Weapon Sect monopolized the thunder crystal mine." "As for embedding, it needs a special embedding liquid. When injected into the socket, it allows the demon crystal to integrate seamlessly with the spirit tool." "The hammer, chisel, and embedding liquid are the essence of the Crystal Refining Technique!" Shen Mo nodded slightly. Prepared and ready, he began the process! The thunder crystal mine not only had thunder crystals but also some associated minerals that Shen Mo needed. Two days later, he acquired a set of hammer and chisel, along with a jar of embedding liquid. Shen Mo took out some Yellow-rank spirit tools and some second-rank demon crystals. Following the Crystal Refining Technique, he used the hammer and chisel to create sockets. Then he applied the embedding liquid and embedded the crystals. This process required full concentration, as any mistake would result in failure. Shen Mo initially failed repeatedly. But having taken the comprehension pills, his understanding far surpassed ordinary people. After a few failures, he quickly identified his mistakes. Each attempt was better than the last. Feeling confident, Shen Mo took out the Thunder Sword and repeated the process. Finally, he donned gloves and embedded a third-rank demon crystal into the sword. This demon crystal came from a third-rank demon beast, the Fire Spitting Ape, capable of breathing fire. The Thunder Sword was a Profound-rank spirit tool and couldn''t handle a crystal too powerful. A third-rank demon crystal was its limit. As for the fifth-rank Thunder Toad crystal, Shen Mo planned to socket and embed it into a stronger spirit tool later. Moments later, the Thunder Sword radiated a strange brilliance. Shen Mo gripped the hilt tightly. Immediately, he felt a sense of joy emanating from within the sword. Evidently, the sword''s faint spirit also sensed that it was becoming stronger. Shen Mo nodded slightly. After embedding the Fire Spitting Ape demon crystal, the Thunder Sword had now ascended to the top-tier of the Profound rank. "The Crystal Refining Technique contains formulas for four types of hammers and chisels, and four types of embedding liquids. This is the most important part." "I''ve memorized this technique, so there''s no need to keep the book. I can give it to Murong Yue." Of course, Shen Mo did not intend to hand over the entire Crystal Refining Technique. sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In this world, only oneself can be truly trusted. Therefore, the best things, such as the formulas for top-tier hammers and chisels and top-tier embedding liquid, must be kept in his own hands. As for the rest, they can be handed over without reservation. Shen Mo lightly knocked on the door. Since he was the Young Sect Master, there were always two strong inner disciples guarding outside his room. Many people competed for this duty. The two disciples immediately responded upon hearing the sound, "Young Sect Master, what are your orders?" Shen Mo said, "Please summon Elder Li here. Tell her I have something important to discuss with her." The two disciples nodded repeatedly, "Yes!" Moments later, a somewhat weary-looking Elder Li arrived at Shen Mo''s room. "Young Sect Master, what is it you need?" Elder Li asked, puzzled. Shen Mo usually didn''t trouble them, so this sudden request surprised her. Shen Mo smiled, "A few days ago, I chased a demon beast into the depths of the mine and inadvertently discovered this." "Elder Li, I think you''ll be very interested." He presented the metal book to Elder Li. At first, Elder Li was indifferent, but upon seeing the cover, her eyes widened with astonishment. "This... Crystal Refining Technique? This is the secret technique that the Heavy Weapon Sect had stolen by a traitor long ago!" Shen Mo nodded with a smile, "Yes, but unfortunately it is incomplete, with a few pages missing." To prevent anyone from suspecting that he had torn out the pages, he had taken not only the best formulas but also some pages detailing the socketing techniques. These were the most refined parts. But even without these parts, it was still possible to create sockets and embed crystals into spirit tools. Moreover, it was still far superior to the Heavy Weapon Sect''s current techniques! After all, the Heavy Weapon Sect had lost the entire Crystal Refining Technique. Even if later generations tried to rewrite it from memory, it couldn''t compare to the completeness of this inherited technique. With this level of Crystal Refining Technique, Qingxuan Sect could mass-produce refined spirit tools and sell them, effectively surpassing the Heavy Weapon Sect. Refined spirit tools, different from ordinary spirit tools, had sockets for embedding demon crystals, making them more powerful and favored by cultivators. Elder Li quickly flipped through the book. The more she read, the more delighted she became. All her fatigue from the past few days vanished! "It really is the Crystal Refining Technique! I can''t believe it was buried deep in the thunder crystal mine!" "Young Sect Master, this thing is priceless! Are you... willing to give it to the sect?" She looked at Shen Mo excitedly. Shen Mo nodded with a smile, "Elder Li, if I didn''t intend to hand it over, I wouldn''t have called you here." "Good! Good! Qingxuan Sect is truly fortunate to have you!" Elder Li''s eyes reddened with emotion. In her heart, Shen Mo''s status rose immeasurably. This young man, with his immense potential, formidable strength, great wisdom, and now this noble quality of dedication to the sect, was truly a treasure bestowed upon Qingxuan Sect by the heavens! Shen Mo smiled, "Please, Elder Li, summon another inner elder. The two of you should return to the sect and deliver this book to the sect leader. Handle it with utmost care." "Of course! With this book, our Qingxuan Sect can refine crystals just like the Heavy Weapon Sect. This item can almost determine the fate of our sect!" Elder Li said joyfully, "Our Qingxuan Sect is about to rise!" Elder Li placed the book in her storage ring and hurriedly left. In less than ten breaths, two elders turned into a streak of light and shot out of the mine. Their speed was astonishing! Shen Mo watched their departing figures with a knowing smile. Keeping the Crystal Refining Technique to himself was meaningless. It needed to be mass-produced to create immense value. Only then could Qingxuan Sect become strong. With a strong Qingxuan Sect, he, the Young Sect Master, could naturally live comfortably. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 82: Luring the Tiger into the Cave Chapter 82: Luring the Tiger into the Cave Before long, three streaks of light flashed, quickly landing in the Thunder Crystal Mine. Murong Yue went straight to Shen Mo''s room. The beautiful master''s face was filled with joy. "Mo''er, I''m proud of you as your teacher!" She stared at Shen Mo, growing happier the more she looked. Taking him as her disciple was undoubtedly the wisest decision of her life. This "Crystal Refining Art" would definitely propel the Qingxuan Sect toward revival! Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo understood Murong Yue''s excitement well. He smiled and asked, "What does Master plan to do?" Murong Yue decisively said, "Immediately arrange for personnel to start mass-producing refined crystal spiritual tools! With this Crystal Refining Art, our products will definitely be better than those of the Heavy Weapon Sect." "However... the Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect often purchase refined crystal spiritual tools from the Heavy Weapon Sect. It will be difficult for the Qingxuan Sect to sell our items to them." Shen Mo smiled, "Master, don''t forget, there are more than four sects near the Azure Blue Mountains, including those that don''t even qualify as second-rate sects." Murong Yue''s eyes lit up. Indeed! There were many small sects established by just three or five cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage. But they didn''t qualify to participate in the Grand Assembly of a Hundred Sects. Some even formed today and closed tomorrow. If Shen Mo hadn''t reminded her, Murong Yue might have overlooked these sects. Shen Mo continued, "Master can sell refined crystal spiritual tools to these small sects. Even if they can''t pay in spirit stones, they can trade other resources like ores, the more the better." "Additionally, Master can use them to reach out to more distant second-rate and first-rate sects to sell our refined crystal spiritual tools." "Over time, we can form a large network, surrounding and eventually taking over the Heavy Weapon Sect''s business." Murong Yue''s eyes lit up again, "Great!" "I''ll handle the specifics. Mo''er, focus on your cultivation. I look forward to the day you step into the Foundation Establishment stage." Shen Mo nodded. He had no intention of getting involved in such matters himself. Strategizing was enough. If he had to carry out the implementation, it would mean the entire Qingxuan Sect was useless. ... Three days later, at night. Outside the Thunder Crystal Mine. At this moment, two people were hiding in the woods. One had a young face, a calm expression, as if nothing could make him lose composure. The other looked older but showed great respect for the young man. They were Wu Leng, the son of the Heavy Weapon Sect''s master, and Shi Fei, an inner sect elder of the Heavy Weapon Sect. Shi Fei whispered, "Young Master, are you sure that the Crystal Refining Art stolen by that traitor five years ago is in the Thunder Crystal Mine?" "Now that the mine is guarded by formations, it''s much harder for me to get in." Wu Leng nodded slightly, "I''ve reviewed the old records. The traitor was caught near the woods by the Thunder Crystal Mine. The mine was searched back then, but nothing was found." "Then how do you..." Shi Fei scratched his head. Wu Leng whispered, "Back then, the Thunder Fire Sect dispatched few people, so they borrowed our Heavy Weapon Sect members as overseers. He was one of them. I''m certain he was familiar with the complex tunnels here." "We didn''t find anything in the tunnels initially, but this time, I found a treasure in the deepest part of the sect''s treasury!" He took out a blank metal page. Shi Fei was stunned, "This is..." "The Crystal Refining Art is made of metal. Elder Shi should know this." "I know. Could it be... this is one of the pages? But why is it blank?" Wu Leng rolled his eyes, "It''s an extra page, without any inscription." "I see." Shi Fei scratched his head awkwardly. Wu Leng continued, "These metal pages are made from the same piece of ore. Elder Shi, hold it and infuse it with spiritual energy, and you''ll be able to sense the other pages!" He sighed, "This item has been in the deepest part of the sect''s treasury all this time, but no one ever found it." "If we had this five years ago, we would have discovered the sect''s secret art long ago, and the standard of our crystal refining art wouldn''t have declined." Shi Fei was thrilled but also troubled, "But I can''t break through the formation." Wu Leng smiled faintly, "Money can make the devil push the millstone. I already know the exact time the mine''s protective formation changes its spirit stonesit''s precisely at midnight every night." "Additionally, I know there''s a flaw in the formation at the southeast corner. If things go wrong, Elder Shi can escape from there." Shi Fei was full of admiration, "Young Master, you are truly foresighted!" "If we can bring back the Crystal Refining Art today, it will be a great achievement." "I can replace the Third Elder, and you will surely be promoted to Young Sect Master! Those old guys won''t dare to utter a single word against it!" Hearing the words "Young Sect Master," even the usually calm Wu Leng''s breathing quickened. Though he was the son of Wu Gangfei, his potential was slightly inferior, being only of lower-grade Earth rank constitution. Even though he had improved the crystal refining art multiple times, helping the Heavy Weapon Sect earn a lot of money and save costs. Even though he proposed many plans that helped the Heavy Weapon Sect annex several nearby small sects. Whenever Wu Gangfei wanted to establish him as the Young Sect Master, the other elders always opposed it. Those elders all wanted to install their own people as the Young Sect Master. However, if he could achieve such a great merit today, no elder would dare to oppose it. The position of Young Sect Master would surely be his! Wu Leng suddenly said, "By the way, I also got information that the Qingxuan Sect''s Young Sect Master, Shen Mo, is also in this mine." Shi Fei raised an eyebrow, "Is that the Shen Mo who took first place in the Grand Assembly of a Hundred Sects?" "Yes, that''s him! If Elder Shi can capture or kill him, it will be another great achievement for both of us." Wu Leng smiled slightly, "Killing such a genius will surely be recorded in the annals of Xuanjiang Prefecture!" Shi Fei''s breathing quickened. Of course. After the Grand Assembly of a Hundred Sects, the name Yan Junzi Shen Mo spread throughout Xuanjiang Prefecture. Killing him would be equivalent to destroying the Qingxuan Sect''s future! "Alright, I''ll kill him and take the Crystal Refining Art!" Shi Fei laughed sinisterly. He could almost see himself becoming the Third Elder, holding high authority. Soon, midnight arrived. The faint light covering the mine disappeared. Shi Fei used his body technique and immediately moved like a ghost into the mine. Thanks to the detailed information provided by Wu Leng, Shi Fei encountered almost no obstacles. He knew the patrol routes of the night watch team clearly. "Wait... why does the metal page sense the book not in the mine, but over there?" "Over there, it seems to be Shen Mo''s room!" Shi Fei paused for a moment. He discovered that the metal page was guiding him to a room high up in the mine. That room was the one Wu Leng had told him about, Shen Mo''s room. After a brief moment of surprise, Shi Fei sneered. "Perfect! Saves me an extra trip! This really fell into my lap!" Shi Fei silently approached Shen Mo''s door and gently pushed it open. He saw Shen Mo sitting cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed in meditation. With a sinister smile, Shi Fei lunged at Shen Mo''s throat with a clawed hand. However, Shi Fei suddenly saw Shen Mo open his eyes and smile faintly, as if he had known Shi Fei would come. Alarm bells went off in Shi Fei''s mind. At that moment, four figures suddenly appeared from four directions, surrounding Shi Fei in an instant. They were Elder Li and three other inner sect elders. Elder Li casually blocked Shi Fei''s claw. Elder Li and the others all wore cold smiles. Shi Fei was furious. Even if he were stupid, he could now tell he had walked into a trap! He let out a blood-curdling scream, "Damn it! It''s a trap!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 83: Pretend to Redeem Chapter 83: Pretend to Redeem Bang! Bang! Bang! Five Core Formation cultivators immediately engaged in battle. Obviously, Shi Fei didn''t have the ability to take on four opponents at once. Within five moves, he was captured by Elder Li and the other three. Shen Mo had already left the room as soon as the fight began. After all, it was a battle among Core Formation cultivators. Even if Elder Li intended to protect him, if Shi Fei decided to fight to the death, Shen Mo might still get hurt. Therefore, there was no need to give the enemy a chance for mutual destruction. The commotion from the fight immediately lit up the entire mining site. Stewards, disciples, and miners all rushed out from their resting places, looking suspiciously towards Shen Mo''s room. Outside the mining site. Wu Leng heard Shi Fei''s desperate scream and was suddenly startled. When the fierce sounds of fighting began, Wu Leng finally realized. It was indeed a trap! "Damn it... Could the information Liu Yuanfeng sold me be fake? Is he actually loyal to Qingxuan Sect?" Wu Leng''s face turned extremely ugly. But at this point, he couldn''t stay any longer. He had to leave immediately to inform his father, Wu Gangfei. "Young Sect Master, we''ve captured him!" Elder Li said loudly, his face beaming with joy. Shen Mo nodded slightly and re-entered the room. Sure enough, Shi Fei was covered in wounds and had long since lost his ability to fight, lying there at their mercy. The four inner elders of Qingxuan Sect had been ruthless. Shi Fei could hardly even lift his head. "Young Sect Master, how should we deal with him?" one elder asked. "Deal with him? Just chop him up! My nephew died at his hands!" another elder said angrily. "Yeah, this guy Shi Fei has killed many of our disciples!" another elder shouted angrily. Shen Mo waved his hand. These elders had too strong a desire to kill. Always resorting to violence wouldn''t do. Naturally, one should extract maximum value before... killing. "Bind him up and send him to the mountain gate overnight. Also, send a message to the Heavy Weapon Sect, asking them to pay for his ransom," Shen Mo said calmly. "Yes!" Elder Li nodded. After all, he was a Core Formation cultivator. Surrendering was out of the question. It depended on whether the Heavy Weapon Sect was willing to pay the ransom. If they were, they''d demand a hefty sum. If they weren''t, it wouldn''t be too late to kill him then. The other three elders immediately understood Shen Mo''s plan and nodded repeatedly. They had been somewhat blinded by hatred. Shen Mo''s plan was indeed the best choice. Shen Mo then addressed the crowd, "The Core Formation elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect who infiltrated the mining site has been captured alive. Everyone can go back to sleep." The miners whispered in astonishment. In their eyes, Core Formation cultivators were akin to immortals. They always came and went as they pleased. But today, one had been captured alive! As for the stewards and disciples of Qingxuan Sect, they were even more thrilled. Our Qingxuan Sect is truly formidable! Elder Li, his face full of joy, said, "Young Sect Master, you are truly wise. You anticipated their dishonorable sneak attack!" Two days ago, Shen Mo had suddenly proposed that the elders ambush near his room at night, waiting for the attackers. Elder Li and the others were puzzled but curbed their curiosity and waited patiently. Unexpectedly, they did catch an unlucky fellow. And not just anyone. A Core Formation elder of the Heavy Weapon Sect! Shen Mo smiled slightly. It wasn''t really his foresight. But he couldn''t say that he saw it on his life panel. Since Elder Li didn''t ask, that was just as well. It saved him from making up an excuse. "Focus on your cultivation, Young Sect Master. I will handle this matter," Elder Li nodded respectfully and turned to leave. ... At the Heavy Weapon Sect. Wu Leng rushed back to the sect and immediately found his father, Wu Gangfei, to inform him of the situation. Wu Gangfei was furious after hearing the news. Shi Fei was not just any Core Formation wandering cultivator he had recruited; he was a long-standing inner elder with a good relationship with Wu Gangfei. He had to be rescued. Wu Gangfei''s rage was uncontrollable. "Those bastards! Send the order to gather our forces and attack the Thunder Crystal Mining Site immediately!" Wu Leng hurriedly stopped him and sternly said, "Father! Did you forget what I told you?" Wu Gangfei paused, instinctively responding, "I haven''t forgotten." "Then tell me, what did I tell you!" Wu Leng demanded seriously. Wu Gangfei scratched his head, "You said that now is not the time for an all-out war." "Father, you really need to work on controlling your temper," Wu Leng urged patiently. "I''ve told you many times, if we go to war with Qingxuan Sect, the surrounding sects will only be happy and won''t help us." "When we both end up severely weakened, they''ll be the first to tear our Heavy Weapon Sect apart and steal our Crystal Refining technique!" Hearing this, Wu Gangfei''s anger subsided considerably. Wu Leng had analyzed this before, and Wu Gangfei had always agreed with his son''s insights. "So, what should we do?" Wu Gangfei sat down on a stone bench, anxiously running his hands through his hair. He had always preferred using his fists over his brain. Ever since his son showed exceptional wisdom at a young age, Wu Gangfei had entrusted all decisions to Wu Leng. Wu Leng was about to speak when a voice came from outside the courtyard. "Sect Master! A wandering cultivator has come with a letter from Qingxuan Sect!" Wu Gangfei nodded, "Let him in." The wandering cultivator entered, handed the letter to Wu Gangfei, and quickly left. Wu Leng took the envelope and opened it. "What does it say? Are they asking for money?" Wu Gangfei gritted his teeth. Wu Leng nodded, "Qingxuan Sect says that if we want to ransom Elder Shi, we need to prepare at least a thousand top-grade spirit stones and hand over the western White Iron Mine." Wu Gangfei instantly erupted in rage, "Damn extortionists! I''ll march to Qingxuan Sect right now!" Wu Leng quickly patted his father''s back, "Calm down, Father. Impulse is the devil..." "Just tell me your plan. If this goes on, I''ll definitely storm into Qingxuan Sect in a fit of rage." Wu Gangfei''s face was flushed with anger, clearly on the verge of losing control. "We''ll pretend to ransom Elder Shi, but our real goal is to capture Shen Mo!" Wu Leng''s eyes gleamed with a cold light. "How will we capture him? That kid is now the Young Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect, surely equipped with life-saving treasures and well-protected!" Wu Gangfei shook his head. Wu Leng whispered, "Here''s the plan: we''ll do this, then this, and finally this... What do you think, Father?" But he knew it was a pointless question. Before he even finished speaking, Wu Gangfei was already nodding vigorously. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Father trusts you. Let''s do it your way!" Wu Gangfei said with a decisive wave of his hand. Wu Leng nodded, "Understood. I''ll have someone deliver a message to Qingxuan Sect, pretending to negotiate the ransom back and forth to lower their guard." Two days later. After several rounds of correspondence, both sides reached an agreement. Heavy Weapon Sect would pay one thousand five hundred top-grade spirit stones and three thousand pounds of white iron ore. The ransom exchange was set to take place on a hilltop near the Thunder Crystal Mining Site. Elder Li happily handed the letter to Shen Mo. Shen Mo, however, frowned slightly. Despite the back-and-forth negotiations, the other party agreed too readily. Instinctively, he glanced at his life panel. Seeing the words "Upcoming Turning Point," his expression turned cold. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 84: The Naive Gluttonous Great Rock Python Chapter 84: The Naive Gluttonous Great Rock Python [Recent Turn of Events] Three days later, at the hilltop near the Thunder Crystal Mine, a transaction of money and people is planned between the Heavy Weapon Sect''s Wu Leng and others. However, Wu Leng has prepared a beast-attracting powder to lure the dormant Great Rock Python beneath the hill to attack the Qingxuan Sect''s team. In the end, Elder Li and others die in battle, while Shen Mo is captured by the Heavy Weapon Sect. Shen Mo looked at Elder Li and the others. Sure enough, their recent turn of events was similar. They all died fighting to protect themselves. Shen Mo''s gaze gradually turned cold. He had guessed correctly. The other party never intended to properly ransom the captives. "Wu Leng I have an impression of him; he''s the son of Wu Gangfei, the head of the Heavy Weapon Sect." "Wu Gangfei is known for his violent temper, but his son Wu Leng is reputed for his wisdom. It seems this plan was also his doing." Seeing that Shen Mo had no reaction, Elder Li asked, "Young Sect Master, are you worried about the Heavy Weapon Sect setting an ambush? Don''t worry, the area around that hill is empty, with hardly any trees. They have no opportunity to set an ambush." Shen Mo thought to himself, indeed, they didn''t set an ambush; they lured the giant python from underground. "Elder Li, are there any fourth-tier beasts around?" he asked. Elder Li paused, looking at the elder with dark circles. The dark-circled elder shook his head, "No, the area near the Thunder Crystal Mine has been cleared of especially powerful and clustered beasts." "The remaining ones are solitary or in pairs without groups." He suddenly remembered something, "Oh, right, half a year ago, there was a giant python near the Thunder Crystal Mine. It reached the fourth tier of great success, ate quite a few thunder crystals, but was severely injured by the elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect and escaped." "Is the Young Sect Master worried they might lure this python to attack us?" He waved his hand, "The Young Sect Master need not worry. Although the python is fourth-tier, it was seriously injured. Unlike human cultivators, beasts don''t have elixirs to heal. In six months, it''s unlikely to have fully recovered." "It might have even become prey to other beasts." "Even if it''s still nearby, it wouldn''t dare to attack human cultivators." Shen Mo nodded slightly. It seems this python survived, not only survived but became stronger. The Heavy Weapon Sect probably didn''t kill it but found a way to control it for their use. The Great Rock Python likes to eat thunder crystals, and the Heavy Weapon Sect controls the Thunder Crystal Mine. They likely used the thunder crystals to temporarily control the python. This method of using beasts to attack human cultivators is too vicious. But now that he knew what was coming, Shen Mo could prepare. Just thunder crystals? I have plenty! Feed this python until it''s full beforehand, and it won''t listen to you anymore. "Alright, you all can go back and wait for the exchange in three days." Shen Mo nodded, dismissing the others. ... Night fell upon the land. Shen Mo used the Eight Directions Thunder Movement, silently leaving the Thunder Crystal Mine, arriving near the hill. He scouted around, finding a concealed entrance. The entrance was covered with vines, hard to detect by ordinary people. "This should be where the Great Rock Python sleeps." Shen Mo immediately delved in. Soon, he found a huge, dark space deep underground. A massive creature lay coiled, asleep. Even just a glimpse of the gigantic python head was utterly awe-inspiring. "Oh, this guy has a panel too." Shen Mo focused, looking at the creature''s life panel. [Name: Ao Huang''s Fifth Incarnation.] [Realm: Fourth Tier, Perfected.] {Note: Equivalent to peak core formation realm in terms of human cultivation} [Life Attributes: Oviparous Beast, Prone to Mutations, Immensely Powerful, Great Beast Incarnation, Golden Python Bloodline.] [Destiny: Ultimately stops at the sixth tier, great success, devoured by the third incarnation.] [Recent Fortunes: Three days later, awakened by beast-attracting powder, attacks the Qingxuan Sect''s team, then receives a top-grade profound stone from Wu Leng and falls back into slumber.] Shen Mo''s heart stirred as he carefully examined its attributes. [Oviparous Beast: White attribute. You are not viviparous but oviparous, not different from most oviparous beasts.] [Prone to Mutations: Blue attribute. After consuming minerals, you are prone to mutations, but the direction of mutations is uncontrollable, possibly beneficial, but more likely harmful.] [Immensely Powerful: Blue attribute. Your strength is boundless; any attempt to wrestle with you is a death wish.] [Great Beast Incarnation: Orange attribute. You are the reincarnation of a peak sixth-tier great beast, containing a wisp of great beast soul. Unfortunately, the great beast has ten incarnations that will inevitably compete for dominance.] [Golden Python Bloodline: Purple attribute. Through multiple mutations, you possess the Golden Python bloodline, with a metal spiritual root far surpassing ordinary beasts, absorbing metal spiritual energy at a faster rate.] Shen Mo pondered. A great beast incarnation? Interesting. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo knew about the fate attribute "Reincarnation of a Great Being." Xiao Fan, for instance, was the reincarnation of a deity-level cultivator. It seemed that the great beast was also a reincarnation. However, the reincarnation method for beasts and human cultivators was quite different. Condensing ten incarnations, making them grow, fight, and eventually determining the strongest one was clearly more brutal, but the strongest one produced this way would be much more powerful. "This creature might be useful to me in the future." With this thought, Shen Mo took out numerous thunder crystals from his storage ring. These thunder crystals were mined from the Thunder Crystal Mine, and there were plenty. As the Young Sect Master, taking away dozens of pounds casually wouldn''t attract any complaints. Now, taking out some to lure this naive giant python wouldn''t be a problem. Sure enough, the Great Rock Python, which was sleeping, seemed to smell the scent and gradually woke up. The next moment, its massive vertical pupils suddenly opened, reflecting Shen Mo''s figure with a fierce look. However, upon seeing the large pile of thunder crystals beside Shen Mo, its gaze instantly softened. With a gulp, it devoured all the thunder crystals in one bite. It completely ignored Shen Mo, the living human. After swallowing the dozen or so pieces of minerals, it closed its eyes contentedly, seemingly enjoying itself. Shen Mo reached out his hand and gently patted its head. The python quivered slightly but did not reject him. Shen Mo chuckled. This creature was indeed a naive glutton. As long as there was food, it could be petted at will! "Want more thunder crystals? I have more here," Shen Mo said with a smile. The Great Rock Python opened its eyes and nodded. Shen Mo threw a few more thunder crystals over. After eating them, the python showed a look of yearning. Shen Mo became even more generous, taking out more today than Wu Leng would in a month. Naturally, it was willing to listen to Shen Mo. "Want more? I''ll go find some for you and bring them in a few days," Shen Mo smiled. The python nodded humanely. Then, its head drooped down, and it fell asleep again. Shen Mo clapped his hands and walked out of the cave with large strides. There were still quite a few thunder crystals in his storage ring. But he didn''t plan to take them out now. Taming a beast couldn''t be too generous or too stingy. Especially when taming a beast that was one major realm stronger than oneself. It had to understand the difference between a full meal and regular meals. "I''ve already gained quite a bit of favor. Wu Leng can never use it against me now," Shen Mo thought confidently. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 85: The Giant Rock Python Moves Chapter 85: The Giant Rock Python Moves The day to ransom the captives arrived quickly. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo led Elder Li and four other inner sect elders, along with a group of disciples, striding out of the mining site and reaching the top of a nearby hill. The hill was bare, without a single blade of grass, covered entirely in rocks. Thus, everything was visible at a glance. Elder Li and the others nodded slightly; it was indeed impossible to hide anyone around here. In their view, the Heavy Weapon Sect choosing this place for the ransom clearly showed their sincerity. Before long, a team approached quickly from the east. But they were few in number, only two people. One was young, and the other was older. Shen Mo glanced at them and immediately saw the young man''s life panel. [Name: Wu Leng.] [Realm: Entry-level Core Formation.] [Fate Attribute: Sect Disciple, Fortunate Star, Brilliant Mind, Heir of Artifact Dao, Green Wood Bloodline.] [Destiny: Will remain at the peak of Core Formation. Will live a peaceful life and die without illness.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Today, at the hilltop near the Thunder Crystal Mine, he will meet the Qingxuan Sect team. Though it appears to be a trade, it will actually trigger the Rock Python to attack the Qingxuan Sect team, killing four inner sect elders and capturing Qingxuan Sect''s young sect master, Shen Mo.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Two months later, near the Black Water Stream in the Qingcang Mountains, while searching for rare minerals, he will learn that several sects that usually buy artifact spirits from the Heavy Weapon Sect have switched to Qingxuan Sect, causing him great anxiety. He will fall into the water by accident, but find a small mineral vein underwater, gaining a large amount of pure minerals.] [Recent Turning Point 1: One month later, due to long-term inability to supply Thunder Crystals, the Rock Python will become enraged, break free from control, and flee into the deep mountains. Wu Leng will be so angry he will vomit blood and be bedridden, healing within two days using Wood Lotus seeds.] "Another new Fate Attribute," Shen Mo focused on the three Fate Attributes: "Brilliant Mind," "Heir of Artifact Dao," and "Green Wood Bloodline." [Brilliant Mind: Purple Fate Attribute. Your intelligence has always far surpassed that of ordinary people. You never act impulsively and are always rational, but your hair falls out faster than others.] [Heir of Artifact Dao: Purple Fate Attribute. You have loved handling artifact spirits since childhood and have shown an extraordinary talent in embedding demon crystals and refining artifact spirits. You will eventually become a master of artifact crafting.] [Green Wood Bloodline: Purple Fate Attribute. Your Wood Spirit Root is far superior to that of ordinary people, making you faster in practicing wood attribute techniques and martial skills.] Shen Mo took a few more glances at the top of Wu Leng''s head. Indeed, his hair was thin. He was showing signs of turning bald. "This Wood Lotus seed..." Shen Mo pondered over the opportunities and turning points he saw. It was rumored that a few years ago, the Heavy Weapon Sect had dug up a Five-Color Lotus in the Qingcang Mountains. The Five-Color Lotus had produced many lotus seeds, corresponding to the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. Historically, the Five-Color Lotus had appeared several times in the Qingcang Mountains. The worst of these lotuses had at least five seeds. The best had even fifteen seeds. These seeds were all top-grade profound items! Each one could be used to forge a perfect Dao platform or condense a perfect Golden Core! The Thunder Fire Sect had once demanded these from the Heavy Weapon Sect, but the Heavy Weapon Sect claimed they had none. The Thunder Fire Sect sent people to search but found nothing and left. But Shen Mo saw "Wood Lotus seed" on Wu Leng''s life panel. This indicated that the Heavy Weapon Sect indeed had a Five-Color Lotus! Perhaps they had hidden it as a treasure, and ordinary people did not know of its existence. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. This was a valuable item! If he could obtain this Five-Color Lotus, he wouldn''t have to intercept opportunities and search for top-grade profound items everywhere. On the day of obtaining it, he might directly condense the Inferno Golden Core! Shen Mo scrutinized Wu Leng. It seemed that annexing the Heavy Weapon Sect was urgent. Of course, he mainly wanted to see how beautiful the Five-Color Lotus was. Definitely not because he wanted the seeds. Definitely not! "The Heavy Weapon Sect is confident, coming with just the two of you?" Elder Li looked Wu Leng and his companion over coldly. Wu Leng smiled amiably, "Of course, we are here to ransom, and we must show our full sincerity." Shen Mo sniffed lightly and suddenly caught a faint fragrance. Wu Leng continued to smile, "It''s the scent of my sachet, which I always carry with me. No need to worry." As he spoke, he took the sachet from his waist and brought it to his nose for a deep sniff, demonstrating it was harmless. "Good, then let''s exchange money for people. I have already brought the person," Elder Li pointed to Shi Fei, who was tightly bound behind him. Wu Leng smiled, "Naturally." "But, we should ask what the one below thinks." As he spoke, he stomped his foot heavily. The fragrance suddenly intensified. Immediately, the ground began to tremble. It seemed something was about to burst out from below. Elder Li and the others turned pale. The next moment. A loud rumble. A gigantic gray-brown python suddenly thrust its head out of the ground. Its enormous vertical pupils were filled with rage. It seemed to be asking who had awakened it with the scent. The python''s size was terrifying. Even just the part emerging from the ground was over 15 meters long. The part of it still underground was likely another five or six zhang (approximately 16.5 to 19.8 meters). Such a massive beast could easily take on three cultivators of the same realm simultaneously. This was the terrifying aspect of demonic beasts. After the Giant Rock Python appeared, Wu Leng''s face showed a hint of pride. This Giant Rock Python was his greatest reliance. Previously, he had to send a large amount of Thunder Crystals periodically to feed it. This barely kept it under control for his use. But now that the Heavy Weapon Sect had lost the Thunder Crystal mine, the Thunder Crystals he could provide to the python were much less. The Giant Rock Python had become somewhat uncontrollable. This was why he had to use Beast Lure Powder to guide it. "Kill everyone else, capture Shen Mo alive!" Wu Leng ordered with a cold smile. Hiss! The Giant Rock Python extended its crimson forked tongue and started to move towards Shen Mo and the others. Elder Li and the others turned pale. Even though they had four Core Formation cultivators, their realms were at minor and major accomplishments, not a match for this giant python. "Young Sect Master, run! We will try to hold it off!" Elder Li gritted her teeth. She knew facing such a colossal beast meant certain death. But even so, Shen Mo couldn''t die. Even if they perished, they had to create a chance for Shen Mo to escape! "No need, it won''t attack us," Shen Mo shook his head. Elder Li was stunned. The other three elders were also stunned. Elder Li forced a smile, "Young Sect Master, my Young Sect Master, what are you saying? Run!" "I''ll sacrifice my life to buy you some time!" Wu Leng also smiled faintly, "Shen Mo, are you scared out of your wits? Why do you think it won''t attack you?" Shen Mo extended his hand towards the Giant Rock Python, "Do you remember me?" The Giant Rock Python extended its crimson forked tongue and caught a familiar scent, freezing for a moment. In the next instant, under the shocked gazes of everyone, it lowered itself to the ground. Its massive head rested on the ground. Its once fierce eyes now looked at Shen Mo, as if waiting for his touch. Shen Mo smiled and gently petted it. The Giant Rock Python closed its eyes in contentment. It was thoroughly enjoying itself. For a moment, Wu Leng and the inner sect elder beside him were petrified, their hearts sinking to the bottom. Elder Li and the other three elders were suddenly overjoyed. The sudden shift in fortunes almost brought them to tears! Shen Mo, smiling, said, "Young Master Wu, surrender now, what are you waiting for?" "I..." Wu Leng wanted to speak. But Elder Li and the other three elders had already reacted, instantly rushing to them and subduing Wu Leng. The Heavy Weapon Sect elder tried to resist, but under the python''s intimidating aura, he could not exert even half of his strength. In a flash, Wu Leng and his companion were restrained. "Elder Li, send a rogue cultivator to the Heavy Weapon Sect to renegotiate the ransom," Shen Mo smiled. "Alright!" Elder Li laughed heartily. Now, they had directly captured three Core Formation cultivators, including Wu Gangfei''s own son! Wu Leng took a deep breath, understanding his situation. His plan had completely failed. For some reason, the Giant Rock Python obeyed Shen Mo. "Please convey to my father, tell him not to act impulsively, to exercise restraint," he said in a deep voice. Elder Li looked to Shen Mo for guidance. Shen Mo, half-smiling, recognized Wu Leng''s wisdom and composure even in captivity. He was right. And he was considering the Heavy Weapon Sect''s interests. Because, if the Heavy Weapon Sect and Qingxuan Sect went to war, both would suffer heavy losses. The ultimate beneficiaries would be the Feishuang Sect, Lingxi Sect, and others. Shen Mo nodded. "Alright, we will convey the message," Elder Li smiled softly. "Let''s go, time to head back," Shen Mo said calmly. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 86: Winning Over the Smaller Sects Chapter 86: Winning Over the Smaller Sects Wu Leng tried to capture Shen Mo and his companions during the ransom exchange, but ended up being captured by Shen Mo instead. This news quickly spread to both Qingxuan Sect and Heavy Weapon Sect. The atmosphere at Heavy Weapon Sect was gloomy. Wu Gangfei was almost furious enough to initiate an all-out war. Fortunately, he still had some sense left in his mind and remembered his son''s words: never start a full-scale war. On the other hand, the Qingxuan Sect was in a celebratory mood. After the news spread, the disciples were all discussing the event. "Have you heard? The Young Sect Master caused a huge commotion at the Thunder Crystal Mine! First, he captured an inner elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect, then he captured the sect master''s son and another inner elder!" "Yeah, I heard. Especially during the ransom exchange, it was amazing! Wu Leng tried to use the underground giant serpent against the Young Sect Master and his group. But when the serpent appeared, it actually showed more affection toward the Young Sect Master. Wu Leng and his people were dumbfounded on the spot!" "Hilarious! Their proud trump card turned out to be our hidden ace from the start." In the council hall. Murong Yue gathered the elders to discuss this matter, and the hall was bustling with activity. Capturing an inner elder previously wasn''t considered a big deal. But this time, Wu Leng, who is akin to the brain of the Heavy Weapon Sect, was captured. Capturing him was like blinding and deafening the Heavy Weapon Sect, causing them to be completely disoriented! "Mo''er sent a message, asking us to discuss this matter," Murong Yue announced loudly. "He has a suggestion: no matter what we decide, we must not go to war with the Heavy Weapon Sect until Qingxuan Sect is fully grown and surpasses them." "Moreover, we can release the other two inner elders, but Wu Leng should be kept as long as possible. The longer we hold him, the more disorganized the Heavy Weapon Sect will become." "Understood!" ... Shen Mo did not personally involve himself in the ransom negotiations for Wu Leng and the others. These matters did not require his direct involvement. As long as the principles of not starting a full-scale war and delaying as much as possible were followed, the rest could be discussed as desired. He was only interested in the opportunities associated with Wu Leng. Every day, he would visit the hidden prison at the mine with a smile on his face to check on Wu Leng. He had already harvested Wu Leng''s opportunities several times. Additionally, he frequently extracted opportunities from Xiao Fan. Shen Mo was living quite comfortably. Wu Leng and Xiao Fan were both future prominent figuresone a future master craftsman and the other a future Nascent Soul cultivator. With these two future big shots serving him, he was having a splendid time. Murong Yue also wisely executed the suggestions he provided. No war, delay as much as possible. Half a month after Wu Leng''s capture, Shen Mo visited again. "Ah? A new opportunity." [Recent Opportunity: In one month, Wu Gangfei will purchase information on Wu Leng''s whereabouts from Liu Yuanfeng and force the surrounding small sects to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine. Wu Gangfei will also send an inner elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect to break the mine''s formation using a Golden Lotus Seed, and Wu Leng will be rescued during the chaos.] Shen Mo''s heart stirred. The Heavy Weapon Sect was indeed making moves. He had anticipated that with Wu Leng captured, the Heavy Weapon Sect would sooner or later realize his importance and would definitely send someone to rescue him. However, he didn''t expect it to be in this manner. The Heavy Weapon Sect''s leader, Wu Gangfei, obviously remembered his son''s warning: if they couldn''t completely suppress their opponents, they should never start a war with a sect. As for the Golden Lotus Seed, it was a seed of the Five-Colored Lotus. The Wooden Lotus Seed had healing abilities. The Golden Lotus Seed was incredibly hard and was suitable for forcefully breaking formations. This item was a top-grade treasure at the profound level, suitable as the foundation for forming a Golden Core. "Young Sect Master! Elder Li is here." A voice rang out, pulling Shen Mo from his thoughts. Deacon Zhang Weihu called out loudly. His injuries had mostly healed, but his missing arm could not regrow, so he could only perform some supervisory tasks now. Shen Mo nodded and looked toward the entrance of the mine. Sure enough, it was Elder Li, looking elderly but still energetic. Before Shen Mo could speak, Elder Li approached quickly with a happy expression, "Young Sect Master! Great news! Our refined crystal spirit artifacts are very popular! Many small sects, after witnessing their power, have decided to abandon the Heavy Weapon Sect and purchase from us instead!" "Just yesterday alone, five small sects placed orders with us, totaling five hundred yellow-grade refined crystal spirit artifacts!" Shen Mo nodded with a smile, "Five hundred? I''m afraid we won''t be able to complete them within a month." Although refined crystal spirit artifacts only involved drilling holes and inlaying crystals into ordinary spirit artifacts, it was still very labor-intensive. Making just one or two was already exhausting. Moreover, even with Shen Mo''s astounding comprehension, he often failed when he first started making refined crystal spirit artifacts. For ordinary disciples and elders, the success rate of making refined crystal spirit artifacts was even lower. Failures were commonplace. Producing five hundred in a month was an almost impossible task. Elder Li laughed heartily, "Yes, yes, the two elders in charge of making the refined crystal spirit artifacts in our sect are complaining all the time." "The Sect Master discussed it with us and decided to temporarily accept only three orders. Once we have more elders and disciples proficient in refining crystals, we can take on more orders." Shen Mo''s interest was piqued, "What are the names of those five small sects?" Elder Li immediately handed over a note detailing the five small sects. "Has the Sect Master decided which three small sects to accept orders from?" Shen Mo asked. Elder Li nodded, "No, the Sect Master is still pondering over it. These five small sects are relatively large, each having five or six Core Formation cultivators." Shen Mo circled three sects, "These three." Elder Li was surprised, "Does the Young Sect Master have any particular reason?" Shen Mo whispered, "These three small sects have a poor relationship with the Heavy Weapon Sect. They tried to buy refined crystal spirit artifacts from the Heavy Weapon Sect but were overcharged, forcing them to buy at higher prices." "If we sell our refined crystal spirit artifacts to them, they will be immensely grateful. In the future, if Qingxuan Sect and the Heavy Weapon Sect go to full-scale war, we can ensure they don''t side with the Heavy Weapon Sect." Elder Li nodded in agreement, "Good! I will report this to the Sect Master immediately." Shen Mo also nodded slightly. He circled these three sects because they were among those Wu Gangfei was planning to bribe to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine, as revealed on Wu Leng''s life panel. These were the strongest three, with the most Core Formation cultivators. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They had a poor relationship with the Heavy Weapon Sect but needed their refined crystal spirit artifacts. Faced with Wu Gangfei''s coercion, they had no choice but to agree. But now things were different. Qingxuan Sect could provide better refined crystal spirit artifacts, which would greatly enhance their sects in the long term. Qingxuan Sect''s strength was also growing day by day, no longer weaker than the Heavy Weapon Sect. Given this, why should they fawn over the Heavy Weapon Sect anymore? In the blink of an eye, a month passed. The two inner elders captured with Shi Fei had already been ransomed back by the Heavy Weapon Sect at a great cost. For this, the Heavy Weapon Sect paid two thousand top-grade spirit stones and ten thousand pounds of white iron ore. White iron ore was mainly used to make mining picks. Thunder crystals were extremely hard, and mining picks were almost consumables, breaking down every ten days to half a month, requiring a large amount of white iron to forge new ones. Additionally, white iron was one of the materials for inlay fluid. Thus, Qingxuan Sect needed a large quantity of white iron ore. Of course, although Shi Fei and the other two were ransomed back, Wu Leng remained detained at the Thunder Crystal Mine. No matter what ransom the Heavy Weapon Sect offered, Qingxuan Sect simply delayed. After a month, even if the Core Formation cultivators of the Heavy Weapon Sect were incompetent, they should have realized that Qingxuan Sect had no intention of releasing Wu Leng. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 87: A rapid turnaround Chapter 87: A rapid turnaround At this moment, it is nighttime. Shen Mo is walking through the Thunder Crystal Mine, enjoying the cool mountain breeze. Elder Li is closely accompanying him. The stewards, disciples, and miners who see this scene are no longer surprised. Initially, they were curious. Even though Shen Mo holds the title of the Young Sect Master, he is still only in the Foundation Establishment stage, while Elder Li is at the Core Formation stage. Respect is due, but following him around like a servant seemed excessive. However, after learning about Shen Mo''s achievements in the Thunder Crystal Mine during this period, they understood. Elder Li''s behavior made perfect sense. Shen Mo casually asked, "Elder Li, any movements from the Heavy Weapon Sect?" Elder Li couldn''t help but chuckle, "Young Sect Master will surely find this amusing." "Please go ahead, Elder Li." Elder Li laughed heartily, "Since Wu Leng''s departure, the Heavy Weapon Sect has been in complete chaos. Sect Master Wu Gangfei''s words hold no sway, and the elders are only focused on fighting for power and profit." "I see them as a bunch of do-nothings! Without Wu Leng''s strategies, they are a scattered mess." "The Young Sect Master was very wise to suggest delaying action!" "Those inner sect elders never wanted to establish Wu Leng as the Young Sect Master; they must be out of their minds." Shen Mo smiled faintly. After all, this is a world where strength is paramount. Wu Leng has an exceptionally wise mind but lacks the overwhelming power to dominate other cultivators of the same level. It''s normal that the elders didn''t support making him the Young Sect Master. Shen Mo asked again, "Have we recruited any Core Formation stage cultivators during this time?" Elder Li nodded, "Of course, if we didn''t recruit, we''d be short on Core Formation stage cultivators." "In just these two months, three Core Formation stage cultivators have willingly joined our Qingxuan Sect." "And a small sect expressed willingness to merge with us." Shen Mo was a bit surprised, "That''s quite a lot." "Indeed!" Elder Li looked pleased, "It''s all thanks to the Young Sect Master obtaining that Crystal Refining Technique!" Shen Mo smiled. That is true. Without that Crystal Refining Technique, Qingxuan Sect would not have been able to compete with the Heavy Weapon Sect''s business, nor would they have so many pleasant problems now. At this moment, a voice called out. "Young Sect Master, someone at the mine entrance claims to be looking for you!" a disciple at the entrance shouted. "Bring him in," Shen Mo nodded. Soon, a masked person walked in. Elder Li immediately stepped in front of Shen Mo, watching the person warily. "Who are you?" Shen Mo asked. The masked person spoke softly, "Can we talk somewhere private?" Elder Li was about to refuse, but Shen Mo, seeing the person''s life panel, nodded, "Alright, follow me." The three of them moved to a secluded corner. The person then removed his mask. His tone was very respectful. He did not show the slightest disdain despite Shen Mo being only in the Foundation Establishment stage. The masked person continued, "I am an inner sect elder of the Iron Fist Sect, here to report important information to the Young Sect Master on behalf of the Black Tiger Sect and the White Creek Sect!" Elder Li was taken aback. These three sects were the ones Shen Mo had singled out a month ago. "Speak," Shen Mo nodded. "Five days ago, the Heavy Weapon Sect suddenly sent people to order us to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine tomorrow night to create chaos, so they can rescue Wu Leng amidst the confusion." "We do not wish to conflict with Qingxuan Sect, so the three sect leaders specially sent me to report this matter to the Young Sect Master." Upon hearing this, Elder Li was shocked. The Heavy Weapon Sect indeed made a move! Unexpectedly, it was this tactic. They themselves wouldn''t act but coerced smaller sects into action. This way, even if blame were assigned, it wouldn''t fall on them. "I understand," Shen Mo nodded slightly. He had anticipated this development long ago. Making early alliances was precisely for this moment. These three small sects responded with gratitude, just as he had expected. Not only did they refuse to help the Heavy Weapon Sect, but they even came to Qingxuan Sect to defect, exposing the Heavy Weapon Sect''s plans completely. It seems that without Wu Leng, the Heavy Weapon Sect is indeed making one blunder after another. Shen Mo continued, "Now, go back and tell the three sect leaders to act as if they know nothing, and on the surface, continue with the plan to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine." "When the time comes, wait for my signal to turn against them. We will eliminate the other small sects and severely damage the Heavy Weapon Sect. Our Qingxuan Sect will support you." The masked man was overjoyed, "Yes! Thank you, Young Sect Master!" After the man left, Elder Li immediately showed a look of admiration, "Young Sect Master, what a strategy! You had already made preparations in advance!" Shen Mo smiled slightly, "Elder Li, quickly make the arrangements. Remember, on the surface, we must act as if we know nothing." "Understood!" Elder Li nodded repeatedly. ... The next evening came quickly. This night was as ordinary as any other. The miners had finished their dinner and returned to the large dormitory to rest. The night patrol disciples diligently patrolled the walls, roads, and other parts of the mine. However, outside the Thunder Crystal Mine, several teams were already arriving from various directions, quietly hiding in the forest outside the mine. All these people were without exception Core Formation stage cultivators. The Heavy Weapon Sect''s order to these small sects was to deploy their Core Formation stage cultivators. This way, there wouldn''t be too much commotion, avoiding early detection by Qingxuan Sect. Before long, the Heavy Weapon Sect''s people arrived. It was none other than Shi Fei, the inner sect elder whom the Heavy Weapon Sect had recently ransomed at a high price. He scanned the area and nodded with satisfaction, "Iron Fist Sect Master, I didn''t expect you to bring all the Core Formation stage cultivators from your sect." "And the Black Tiger Sect Master, White Creek Sect Master, you''ve all done well." The three sect masters nodded repeatedly, "Of course, of course, since we''re rescuing Young Master Wu, we naturally have to give our all!" The Iron Fist Sect Master tentatively asked, "Elder Shi, since we''re putting in so much effort, can the Heavy Weapon Sect lower the price of crystal refining artifacts in the future" Shi Fei waved his hand, "Putting in effort is one thing, lowering the price of crystal refining artifacts is another; these cannot be lumped together." "However, the Heavy Weapon Sect appreciates your contributions. In the future, we will definitely reduce some prices for you." He spoke dismissively, clearly just paying lip service. The Iron Fist Sect Master and the other two sect masters exchanged glances, a cold gleam flashing in their eyes. Shi Fei then looked at the other small sects, his expression turning cold. "What''s with you other sects? You only brought one or two Core Formation stage cultivators? Are you unwilling to follow the Heavy Weapon Sect, harboring second thoughts?" The sect leaders hurriedly shook their heads, "No, no, Elder Shi, you''re joking! It''s just that we also have places in our sects that need to be guarded, so we really can''t send all our Core Formation stage cultivators here." "Hmph, I will certainly report this to the Sect Master!" Shi Fei snorted coldly. Those sect leaders immediately wore distressed expressions. If Wu Gangfei learned of this, he would definitely raise the price of crystal refining artifacts on purpose. They would have to bleed more money. "Alright, it''s almost midnight. At that time, the defensive formation of the Thunder Crystal Mine will briefly shut down to replace the spirit stones. That''s when you act!" Shi Fei ordered in a low voice. "Yes!" the crowd responded softly. The Iron Fist Sect Master and the others slowly shifted their positions, almost surrounding the others. Some noticed the oddity but said nothing. After all, everyone was working for the Heavy Weapon Sect and had no personal grudges. Moments later, it was midnight. The faint glow covering the mine disappeared as expected. Someone shouted, and all the Core Formation stage cultivators immediately charged toward the mine! As they approached within a hundred feet of the mine walls, a flame suddenly rose from within the mine. "What is this..." some Core Formation stage cultivators were puzzled. The next moment, the attacks of the Iron Fist Sect Master and the other Core Formation stage cultivators suddenly turned against those around them! The three strongest cultivators, including the Iron Fist Sect Master, launched attacks at Shi Fei from three directions! This sudden turn of events left Shi Fei and his companions bewildered. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 88: The Final Move – Calling for External Aid Chapter 88: The Final Move - Calling for External Aid Swish, swish, swish! Several beams of light shot out from the mine. It was Elder Li and other inner sect elders of Qingxuan Sect. "Shi Fei, it''s only been a month, and you''ve come knocking again?" Elder Li sneered. Upon seeing Elder Li, Shi Fei gritted his teeth. He still remembered the shame of being ambushed when he infiltrated the Thunder Crystal Mine to steal the Crystal Refining Technique. "You had this planned all along?!" Shi Fei struck away the Iron Fist Sect Master''s punch and pointed angrily at the surrounding Core Formation stage cultivators, who were in chaos. Elder Li laughed without answering, instead waving his hand, "Seize Shi Fei!" Shi Fei was enraged. But he wasn''t foolish enough to fight so many Core Formation stage cultivators head-on. He immediately prepared to flee. However, although the three surrounding him were slightly weaker, they were still Core Formation stage cultivators. Even a brief obstruction slowed him down significantly. And that brief moment was enough for Elder Li and the others to catch up. In no time, Shi Fei was surrounded by six Core Formation stage cultivators. After a brief struggle, Shi Fei was captured again, his face full of despair. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His only hope now was that the small sects supporting the Heavy Weapon Sect would break through and rescue him. "Save me! I promise, from now on, the price of Crystal Refining Artifacts for you will be reduced by twenty percent!" he shouted. Hearing this, some people were momentarily swayed. At this moment, Shen Mo''s voice rang out slowly. "As far as I know, the Heavy Weapon Sect doesn''t have uniform pricing for Crystal Refining Artifacts. The prices for small sects are thirty percent higher than those for Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect!" "Even with a twenty percent discount, it''s still much higher than the prices Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect get." "Elder Shi, why do you think the small sects would risk their lives for such a malicious deal?" Shen Mo walked out from the mine, standing at the entrance, looking at the captured Shi Fei from a distance. Seeing this, the Iron Fist Sect Master immediately shouted, "Young Sect Master Shen is right. I just asked Shi Fei if our effort this time could lower the prices, and he brushed me off, not taking us seriously at all!" "Now that Qingxuan Sect can also produce Crystal Refining Artifacts, which are not only more powerful than those of the Heavy Weapon Sect but also cheaper!" "If we small sects must follow a major sect, why not follow Qingxuan Sect?" Shen Mo''s words and the Iron Fist Sect Master''s shout made the battling Core Formation stage cultivators pause and stop fighting. "I agree! I''ve disliked the Heavy Weapon Sect for a long time!" "Damn it, they made us work so hard without paying us a cent, and we still have to look at Shi Fei''s face. It''s disgusting!" "I agree too. From today, my sect will follow Qingxuan Sect!" A stone stirred up a thousand waves. The grudges accumulated from the Heavy Weapon Sect''s past misdeeds erupted at this moment. The Core Formation stage cultivators who still stubbornly supported the Heavy Weapon Sect were immediately captured. Hearing these voices, Shi Fei felt utterly hopeless. Shen Mo glanced appreciatively at the Iron Fist Sect Master. This person was smart and knew how to seize the moment. Soon, the area was cleared. Shi Fei, who had been captured again, was locked up in the mine''s prison. "You can all go back now. I keep my word; those two stubborn small sects that supported the Heavy Weapon Sect are yours to deal with," Shen Mo said calmly. "Thank you, Young Sect Master Shen!" The Core Formation stage cultivators expressed their gratitude and left one after another. At this time, Elder Li approached, "Young Sect Master, we found this on Shi Fei." Shen Mo looked down to see a lotus seed emitting a faint golden glow. This was the Golden Lotus Seed that Shi Fei intended to use to break the formation. It was also one of the seeds from the Five-Color Lotus, which could serve as a golden foundation for his Core Formation. "Good, I need this," he said with a slight smile, taking it. As the Young Sect Master and future leader of Qingxuan Sect, taking the spoils from Shi Fei was expected. No one dared to say a word. Shen Mo casually asked, "After this, are there any small sects still following the Heavy Weapon Sect?" Elder Li respectfully replied, "None. Not a single one." ### Chapter 88: The Final Move - Calling for External Aid "Those two stubborn small sects that supported the Heavy Weapon Sect will likely be swallowed up by other small sects tonight." "And those small sects have now switched their support to our Qingxuan Sect." She finished excitedly, "Our strength now clearly surpasses that of the Heavy Weapon Sect!" "We can attack their mountain gate anytime!" Shen Mo waved his hand, "Elder Li, it''s not the right time yet." "Although our strength surpasses the Heavy Weapon Sect, it''s not by much." "If we force an attack, even if we win, it will be a pyrrhic victory. At that point, do you think Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect will stay quiet?" "They are both part of the Heavenly Water Sect faction and have had their eyes on us for a long time." Elder Li shivered, then sighed slightly, "The Young Sect Master is right. I was solely focused on avenging the fallen stewards and disciples and didn''t think it through." Shen Mo smiled, "We''ve already taken over most of the Heavy Weapon Sect''s business, and their supporting small sects have completely vanished." "If we keep delaying, the Heavy Weapon Sect will only grow weaker day by day." "I predict the Heavy Weapon Sect will make a move within a month or two. We can then respond accordingly." "Rest assured, Elder Li, the Heavy Weapon Sect will be more anxious than us." Elder Li nodded repeatedly, "Understood." Shen Mo pondered for a moment, then went to see Wu Leng in the prison. Wu Leng''s face was pale, his eyes dull. Clearly, being imprisoned for too long had left him numb. Shen Mo carefully checked, but there were no new opportunities on Wu Leng''s life panel. "It seems we need to wait a bit longer. Wu Gangfei probably hasn''t figured out a solution yet." "When they come up with something, Wu Leng''s life panel will surely show changes." Shen Mo smiled and left quickly, turning to practice his martial skills. He wasn''t in a hurry. The ones in a hurry were the Heavy Weapon Sect. "Soon, I''ll obtain the Five-Color Lotus." The thought of forming an Inferno Golden Core and advancing to the Core Formation stage filled Shen Mo with anticipation. ... "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Wu Gangfei smashed all the vases, tables, and calligraphy in the room. His hair and beard were disheveled, his anger reaching a boiling point. In the courtyard, ten inner sect elders, all elderly, stood silently with their heads bowed. Outside the courtyard, the disciples heard the Sect Master''s roars and looked at each other in bewilderment. "Tell me how we can turn the tide!" Wu Gangfei punched the door, breaking it, and roared. The elders shrank their necks. After a few moments, a white-haired elder spoke softly, "We have Crystal Refining Artifacts. We surely have the upper hand. There''s no need for the Sect Master to be so impatient." Wu Gangfei roared in fury, "Open your old eyes and look! Qingxuan Sect is stealing all our business! How can you say we have the upper hand?" The elder''s face turned awkward. He had been spending his days in pleasure houses and was indeed unaware of the recent events in the sect. "I have a plan. We can unite the small sects to attack Qingxuan Sect, so we don''t have to get involved directly and can keep Qingxuan Sect busy!" Another elder confidently suggested. Several other elders nodded, praising the plan. Wu Gangfei, furious, pointed at him, "Do you know that all the small sects that followed us have fled? The only two that supported us have been swallowed up!" The elder was stunned, "Ah?" Wu Gangfei laughed in rage, "I''ve realized that without my son, you inner sect elders have all lost your minds. You''re all useless!" The elders dared not speak. Wu Gangfei wasn''t wrong. When Wu Leng was around, most sect affairs were handled by him. The elders only needed to enjoy life and collect money. "Now it seems there''s only one way left." A middle-aged elder spoke softly. "Speak quickly!" Wu Gangfei roared. "Call for external aid! Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect will surely help us." The elder whispered. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 89: Powerful Ally – Top-Tier Sect Stormy Rain Sect Chapter 89: Powerful Ally - Top-Tier Sect Stormy Rain Sect Upon hearing this, Wu Gangfei clung to it like a lifeline. Right! Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect would definitely not stand by and do nothing. They are backed by the Heavenly Water Sect, and the Heavenly Water Sect does not have a good relationship with Qingxuan Sect. For any reason, they would not side with Qingxuan Sect. In fact, they are more likely to help the Heavy Weapon Sect. However, I reckon they wont help easily. Its likely well have to pay a hefty price, the middle-aged elder said in a deep voice. The surrounding elders waved their hands dismissively, Our Heavy Weapon Sect has money. If it comes to it, well just send them money. As long as the price is high enough, why wouldnt they help? Wu Gangfei cursed, Do you know how many spirit stones are left in the sects treasury?! Our business has been taken by Qingxuan Sect. Where do we have money?! The elders were extremely embarrassed. They hadnt realized even the spirit stones were depleted. Each of you takes a share of the sects profits every month and has amassed wealth. Now its time for you to contribute to the sect! Wu Gangfei said coldly, Each of you must hand over a supreme-grade profound treasure! If you cant produce one, go find one! Im giving you one month. Each of you must bring at least one supreme-grade profound treasure! The elders lamented. Some lowered their eyes, harboring different thoughts. Yes, we will withdraw now. The elders left, each with their own plans. ... Thunder Crystal Mine. Another new day. Shen Mo stretched and routinely came to check Wu Lengs life panel. Hmm? It has indeed changed. Name: Wu Leng Cultivation Level: Entry-Level Core Formation Stage Fates: Sect Disciple, Lucky Star, Brilliant Mind, Heir to Artifact Path, Green Wood Blood Body Destiny: Stopped at Minor Accomplishment in Core Formation Stage. Due to his sect, the Heavy Weapon Sect, being annexed by Feishuang Sect, and his father being killed by Feishuang Sect, he vows revenge. However, his plot is exposed, and he dies two years later in an ambush by Feishuang Sect cultivators. Recent Opportunity: One month later, the Heavy Weapon Sect sends elders to Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect with many treasures. The two sects help the Heavy Weapon Sect pressure Qingxuan Sect, resulting in Wu Lengs release. Shen Mo shook his head. It seems the Heavy Weapon Sect cannot escape being annexed, regardless of the outcome. The difference lies in who annexes them. Even if Qingxuan Sect doesnt act, the nearby top-tier sect Feishuang Sect will. At this moment, Wu Leng suddenly spoke, Shen Mo, Qingxuan Sect is about to face great calamity, and you dont even know it? If you are willing to send me back to the Heavy Weapon Sect, I can point you to a way out. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo chuckled. You want to say that the Heavy Weapon Sect has already sought external aid, and our Qingxuan Sect cannot resist? Wu Leng raised his eyebrows. He didnt expect Shen Mo to figure it out so quickly. Wu Leng said coldly, Indeed. Feishuang Sect will not sit by and watch the Heavy Weapon Sect weaken. Even if the elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect are useless, they will certainly think of seeking external aid. How can a mere second-tier sect like Qingxuan Sect resist a top-tier sect like Feishuang Sect? Shen Mos expression remained calm, If it were just Qingxuan Sect, we certainly couldnt resist. But the Qingxuan Sect of today is not what it used to be. He smiled faintly and turned to leave. Leaving Wu Leng full of confusion. Since being captured, Wu Leng had been imprisoned in the mines jail. He had no idea that Qingxuan Sect had acquired the Crystal Refining Technique and had taken over much of the Heavy Weapon Sects business. To him, Qingxuan Sect was still just an ordinary second-tier sect. At best, it had some remnants of its former glory from the Five Gates of Xujiang. But now, Qingxuan Sect was entirely different. It had money and people! Shen Mo returned to his room and casually ordered a steward, Go fetch Elder Li. Yes, sir! Moments later, Shen Mo met with Elder Li in his room. ### Chapter 89: Powerful Ally - Top-Tier Sect Stormy Rain Sect Upon hearing this, Wu Gangfei clung to it like a lifeline. Right! Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect would definitely not stand by and do nothing. They are backed by the Heavenly Water Sect, and the Heavenly Water Sect does not have a good relationship with Qingxuan Sect. For any reason, they would not side with Qingxuan Sect. In fact, they are more likely to help the Heavy Weapon Sect. However, I reckon they wont help easily. Its likely well have to pay a hefty price, the middle-aged elder said in a deep voice. The surrounding elders waved their hands dismissively, Our Heavy Weapon Sect has money. If it comes to it, well just send them money. As long as the price is high enough, why wouldnt they help? Wu Gangfei cursed, Do you know how many spirit stones are left in the sects treasury?! Our business has been taken by Qingxuan Sect. Where do we have money?! The elders were extremely embarrassed. They hadnt realized even the spirit stones were depleted. Each of you takes a share of the sects profits every month and has amassed wealth. Now its time for you to contribute to the sect! Wu Gangfei said coldly, Each of you must hand over a supreme-grade profound treasure! If you cant produce one, go find one! Im giving you one month. Each of you must bring at least one supreme-grade profound treasure! The elders lamented. Some lowered their eyes, harboring different thoughts. Yes, we will withdraw now. The elders left, each with their own plans. ... Thunder Crystal Mine. Another new day. Shen Mo stretched and routinely came to check Wu Lengs life panel. Hmm? It has indeed changed. Name: Wu Leng Cultivation Level: Entry-Level Core Formation Stage Fates: Sect Disciple, Lucky Star, Brilliant Mind, Heir to Artifact Path, Green Wood Blood Body Destiny: Stopped at Small Success in Core Formation Stage. Due to his sect, the Heavy Weapon Sect, being annexed by Feishuang Sect, and his father being killed by Feishuang Sect, he vows revenge. However, his plot is exposed, and he dies two years later in an ambush by Feishuang Sect cultivators. Recent Opportunity: One month later, the Heavy Weapon Sect sends elders to Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect with many treasures. The two sects help the Heavy Weapon Sect pressure Qingxuan Sect, resulting in Wu Lengs release. Shen Mo shook his head. It seems the Heavy Weapon Sect cannot escape being annexed, regardless of the outcome. The difference lies in who annexes them. Even if Qingxuan Sect doesnt act, the nearby top-tier sect Feishuang Sect will. At this moment, Wu Leng suddenly spoke, Shen Mo, Qingxuan Sect is about to face great calamity, and you dont even know it? If you are willing to send me back to the Heavy Weapon Sect, I can point you to a way out. Shen Mo chuckled. You want to say that the Heavy Weapon Sect has already sought external aid, and our Qingxuan Sect cannot resist? Wu Leng raised his eyebrows. He didnt expect Shen Mo to figure it out so quickly. Wu Leng said coldly, Indeed. Feishuang Sect will not sit by and watch the Heavy Weapon Sect weaken. Even if the elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect are useless, they will certainly think of seeking external aid. How can a mere second-tier sect like Qingxuan Sect resist a top-tier sect like Feishuang Sect? Shen Mos expression remained calm, If it were just Qingxuan Sect, we certainly couldnt resist. But the Qingxuan Sect of today is not what it used to be. He smiled faintly and turned to leave. Leaving Wu Leng full of confusion. Since being captured, Wu Leng had been imprisoned in the mines jail. He had no idea that Qingxuan Sect had acquired the Crystal Refining Technique and had taken over much of the Heavy Weapon Sects business. To him, Qingxuan Sect was still just an ordinary second-tier sect. At best, it had some remnants of its former glory from the Five Gates of Xujiang. But now, Qingxuan Sect was entirely different. It had money and people! Shen Mo returned to his room and casually ordered a steward, Go fetch Elder Li. Yes, sir! Moments later, Shen Mo met with Elder Li in his room. Young Sect Master, why did you call for me? Elder Li asked promptly. With Shen Mo repeatedly outmaneuvering the Heavy Weapon Sect, his standing in her eyes had risen significantly. So when Shen Mo summoned her this time, she came without hesitation or questions. Shen Mo asked, Besides selling our Crystal Refining Artifacts to small sects like the Iron Fist Sect, we should have sold them to more distant places as well, right? Elder Li nodded, Yes, I was just about to tell you. Weve already made contact with Stormy Rain Sect! Shen Mo nodded slightly. He was well aware of the situation in Xujiang Prefecture. Naturally, he knew about Stormy Rain Sect. Stormy Rain Sect is a top-tier sect located to the north of Feishuang Sect, about three hundred miles from Qingxuan Sect. On the border between Stormy Rain Sect and Feishuang Sect lies a resource-rich forest. Therefore, these two sects have always been in constant friction and conflict. This highlights the importance of Crystal Refining Artifacts. However, the only nearby producer of Crystal Refining Artifacts was the Heavy Weapon Sect. But since the Heavy Weapon Sect was closer to Feishuang Sect, it was reluctant to sell Crystal Refining Artifacts to Stormy Rain Sect due to Feishuang Sects influence. Stormy Rain Sect lacked a steady supply of Crystal Refining Artifacts. But Feishuang Sect had one. As a result, Stormy Rain Sect had been suppressed by Feishuang Sect in recent years. Now, with a new source of Crystal Refining Artifacts, Stormy Rain Sect was naturally eager. Is the trading process sufficiently secret? Shen Mo asked. Elder Li nodded repeatedly, Rest assured, we took a detour and didnt enter Feishuang Sects territory. We chose an abandoned bandit stronghold as the trading location. The entire process was concealed, and no one knows our Crystal Refining Artifacts were sold to Stormy Rain Sect. Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. He knew that for Qingxuan Sects business to grow strong, it needed powerful allies. Stormy Rain Sect, having a grudge against Feishuang Sect and lacking Crystal Refining Artifacts, was the perfect ally. Shen Mo tapped the table lightly, I see. The Heavy Weapon Sect is at its last gasp. They will likely offer many treasures to seek aid from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect. Lingxi Sect is not a concern, but Feishuang Sect is a top-tier sect. We cannot withstand them. Elder Li, inform Stormy Rain Sect that when the time comes, we hope they can cause some trouble to distract Feishuang Sect, preventing them from aiding the Heavy Weapon Sect. That would be enough. Elder Li nodded, During our last trade with Stormy Rain Sect, they gave us a Twin Communication Crystal. I can communicate with them right now. Good, do it now, Shen Mo nodded. The Twin Communication Crystal is similar to the Parent-Child Communication Crystal. The difference is that the Parent-Child Communication Crystal has a clear hierarchy, with the parent crystal able to remotely shatter the child crystal. But with the Twin Communication Crystal, holders of the crystals are equal. Stormy Rain Sect gifting a Twin Communication Crystal clearly showed their sincerity. After a brief communication, Elder Li said in surprise, Young Sect Master, Stormy Rain Sect agreed, but they have one request They want to meet you. Shen Mo was taken aback, Meet me? Yes Elder Lis expression was peculiar, They said it was a request from the Demoness. Immediately, Shen Mo envisioned the enchanting beauty whose every move could make ones heart race. He chuckled, Alright, let them report the time and place. If they want to meet, then Ill meet them. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 90: The Alchemy King’s Third Abode Chapter 90: The Alchemy King''s Third Abode In an unremarkable valley in the Qingcang Mountains, Shen Mo stood alone, eyes closed, quietly waiting for his counterpart to arrive. Of course, he appeared to be alone, but in reality, there was a concealed cave not far away. A giant rock python often used that cave to enter the Qingcang Mountains, searching for other minerals to grind its teeth. With a single signal from Shen Mo, the rock python would rush out of the cave to ensure his safety. Even though the demoness Mo Yuheng had never shown any malice towards him, Shen Mo could never fully trust her. One must always keep a backup plan. Before long, he caught a whiff of a fragrant breeze. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A seductive figure then approached, winding around him like a water snake. Silver bell-like laughter followed. You really trust me, coming here all by yourself, Mo Yuheng chuckled, covering her mouth. Shen Mo then opened his eyes and looked at her. Mo Yuheng deliberately stayed very close to him. Her soft, delicate hand rested unsteadily on his shoulder, quickly exploring. Her luscious, vibrant red lips were within kissing distance. It seemed like if he wanted to, he could kiss her right away. But Shen Mo knew very well that if he tried, she would immediately pull away, denying him the chance. Shen Mo frowned, If you want to talk, just talk. No need to get handsy. Mo Yuheng withdrew her hand and stepped back. She pouted, looking aggrieved, So heartless. Shen Mo remained unmoved. Hmph, women! They arent even one-tenth as gentle, kind, and understanding as my master! Seeing that Shen Mo was still unresponsive, Mo Yuheng snorted coquettishly, Fine, fine, Ill tell you! You want Stormy Rain Sect to help restrain Feishuang Sect, right? Thats easy. With one order from me, Stormy Rain Sect will fully mobilize. Shen Mo asked calmly, And the price? Mo Yuheng smiled slightly but didnt answer directly. Instead, she said, According to my informant from Verdant Vine Sect, Feishuang Sect discovered an abode a month ago in Thorn Forest. They killed all the informed rogue cultivators and ordered their elders to keep silent. We suspect that Feishuang Sect might have found the third Alchemy Kings abode. Shen Mos heart stirred. There were three Alchemy Kings abodes in total. One was found by the Divine Sword Sect. Shen Mo himself had acquired one. Indeed, the whereabouts of the third Alchemy Kings abode were still unknown. Feishuang Sects ruthless killing of all the informed rogue cultivators could very well be because this abode was extremely valuable. So much so that even the slightest information leak could bring about a major crisis. Shen Mo frowned, You want me to help you get that Alchemy Kings abode? Why not ask Stormy Rain Sect? Besides, its been a month. The treasures in the Alchemy Kings abode have probably been taken by Feishuang Sect already, havent they? Thorn Forest lay between Feishuang Sect and Stormy Rain Sect, a resource-rich forest. Qingxuan Sect was quite far from Thorn Forest, and the area in between was all Feishuang Sects territory. Mo Yuheng smiled and shook her head, That Alchemy Kings abode is the most treasure-laden and dangerous. Feishuang Sect is certainly still trying to break the formations and has not yet entered the abode. As for why we chose Qingxuan Sect, its because Qingxuan Sect now possesses the Crystal Refining Technique, and the Crystal Refining Artifacts you produce surpass those of the Heavy Weapon Sect. You already have the foundation to become a top-tier sect. Your alliance with Stormy Rain Sect will make it easier to defeat Feishuang Sect and obtain that Alchemy Kings abode. Im here today to outline the terms. Stormy Rain Sect will help you restrain Feishuang Sect and ensure that Qingxuan Sect can smoothly annex the Heavy Weapon Sect without any interference from other sects. In return, once Qingxuan Sect becomes a top-tier sect, you will help us deal with Feishuang Sect. As for the treasures in the Alchemy Kings abode, they will go to whoever can claim them. Whoever gets them keeps them. Mo Yuheng smiled slyly, like a fox. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. The offer was generous and hard to refuse. Moreover, Mo Yuheng cleverly stated that the treasures in the Alchemy Kings abode would go to whoever could claim them. But so-called fate still ultimately depended on ones own strength. If you werent strong enough, no amount of fate would help. However, by then, Shen Mo would have obtained the Five-Color Lotus and would have entered the ranks of Core Formation stage cultivators. Whoever gets the treasures keeps them? Its not certain who will end up with them. Shen Mo smiled slightly and nodded, Alright, I agree. Mo Yuheng was a bit surprised at his straightforward agreement, What about your master? Dont you need to tell her? Shen Mo shook his head, My master always follows my lead. Very well, you can coordinate directly with Stormy Rain Sect. My Verdant Vine Sect will not be involved in this matter, Mo Yuheng said with a smile before turning to leave. Shen Mo chuckled softly. The top five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture still preferred to stay out of direct conflict. Once Mo Yuheng departed, Shen Mo quickly left as well. ... Time flew by. A month later, two elderly Core Formation stage cultivators knelt before Shen Mo, their expressions full of anxiety. They were inner sect elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect. Specifically, they had been sent by the Heavy Weapon Sect to seek aid from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect. However, Shen Mo had already learned of this plan from Wu Lengs life panel. Thus, he had arranged for ambushes along their route, capturing them easily. It was almost laughable. Despite their Major Accomplishment Core Formation Realm, these two hadnt even put up a symbolic resistance when faced with Qingxuan Sects ambushers. Instead, they surrendered immediately, raising their hands in the air. Hand over your belongings, Elder Li commanded sternly. The two elders, trembling, hurriedly offered their storage rings with both hands. Yes, yes, its all here. Wu Gangfei forced us to come up with supreme-grade treasures, but those are rare and hard to find, so we each contributed five hundred top-grade spirit stones instead. Wu Gangfei himself also provided two treasures, which are included here. Elder Li respectfully handed the rings to Shen Mo. Upon inspection, Shen Mo was delighted. The two storage rings contained over two thousand top-grade spirit stones! Additionally, there were two crucial items. The first was a palm-sized five-colored lotus flower with five lotus seeds. It was precisely the Five-Color Lotus that Shen Mo had been seeking. The second item surprised him even moreit was a piece of black armor! It was clearly made from the same material as the demon armor fragment he had obtained earlier! This Five-Color Lotus has only five lotus seeds and looks untouched. It hasnt been used, Shen Mo mused. He quickly deduced that the Heavy Weapon Sect likely had two Five-Color Lotuses! The one they handed over had fewer seeds. The one they kept must have more seeds! Nevertheless, this benefited Shen Mo. Wu Gangfei has indeed sacrificed much, but now its all mine, Shen Mo smiled. With these items, he was now only ten supreme-grade treasures away from achieving his goal of forming the Inferno Golden Core. At the same time, he marveled at the depth of the Heavy Weapon Sects resources. They could easily produce such valuable treasures. Capturing their mountain gate would surely yield even greater rewards! What do you plan to do with us, Young Sect Master? the elder on the left asked humbly. Shen Mo smirked. He wasnt the Young Sect Master of the Heavy Weapon Sect, yet they addressed him as such. Seeing that Shen Mo remained silent, the two elders became even more anxious. In truth, we dont like Wu Gangfei. Hes the one who planned the attacks on the Thunder Crystal Mine, killing miners and ambushing Qingxuan Sect disciples. We had nothing to do with it! As long as the Young Sect Master agrees, we can stay by Wu Gangfeis side and report back to you anytime! They spoke hurriedly. Standing behind Shen Mo, Elder Li looked on with disdain. The Heavy Weapon Sect might have weakened significantly, but it wasnt completely defeated. These inner sect elders, upon being captured, hadnt even been tortured yet and had already defected. Truly despicable. These were inner sect elders. The outer sect elders, stewards, and disciples beneath them must have even more wavering loyalty. Clearly, the Heavy Weapon Sect was already in disarray, with everyone looking for a way out. Shen Mo smiled faintly, How can I trust you? The two elders exchanged a look and gritted their teeth, Were willing to secretly send our grandsons to you. You can investigatewe each have only one grandson. This way, you can be assured, Young Sect Master. Shen Mo smiled and nodded, Very well, excellent. Offering their grandsons as hostages to ensure trust was indeed a good move. Though one could only wonder how the grandsons would react. What a display of ultimate family bond. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 91: The Heavy Weapon Sect Can Last More Than Two Months, Right? Chapter 91: The Heavy Weapon Sect Can Last More Than Two Months, Right? Feishuang Sect, Sect Master''s Courtyard. A burly middle-aged man was pacing back and forth with a frown. A young woman, on the other hand, was sitting leisurely on a stone bench. Her features were delicate, and her skin was glowing white. The man was Pang Longxiang, the Sect Master of Feishuang Sect. The young woman was Pang Longxiang''s only daughter, Pang Ziyu, who was also the young Sect Master of Feishuang Sect. Pang Longxiang paced for a long time before speaking slowly, "Yu''er, after much thought, I still believe that we should focus our efforts on the Alchemy Kings Cave." Pang Ziyu shook her head solemnly, "Father, the Alchemy Kings Cave is indeed important, but with our capabilities, its too difficult to open it." "I estimate that it would take at least half a year." "But the Heavy Weapon Sect cannot wait for half a year. Currently, Qingxuan Sect''s strength has already surpassed that of the Heavy Weapon Sect. In less than three to four months, the Heavy Weapon Sect will be annexed." "Once the Heavy Weapon Sect is annexed, it will significantly impact the surrounding situation." Pang Longxiang frowned deeply. Pang Ziyu continued, "Also, dont forget about Shen Mo." "According to Liu Yuanfeng, it was Shen Mo who obtained the Heavy Weapon Sects lost ''Heavy Weapon Crystal Refining Technique,'' which allowed Qingxuan Sect to start producing refined crystal spiritual weapons and rise rapidly." "Additionally, although Qingxuan Sect hasn''t admitted it, various signs indicate that Shen Mo must possess a Heaven-grade physique." "Once Qingxuan Sect annexes the Heavy Weapon Sect, it will undoubtedly be promoted to a first-rate sect and will acquire the treasures that the Heavy Weapon Sect has accumulated over the years." "And as the young Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect, Shen Mo will naturally receive the most resources." "Do you know what happens when a genius with a Heaven-grade physique is combined with abundant resources?" "A monster, a monster even more terrifying than Zhou Qingcang!" "If he advances to the Core Formation Realm, no other Core Formation Realm cultivator would be his match!" Pang Ziyu looked at Pang Longxiang seriously, "Father, listen to me. The Alchemy Kings Cave can wait, but we must first help the Heavy Weapon Sect suppress Qingxuan Sect!" Pang Longxiang rubbed his temples. It was a difficult decision. On one hand, there was the Alchemy Kings Cave. On the other hand, there was the Heavy Weapon Sect. For the Alchemy Kings Cave, people needed to be stationed there to guard against Storm Rain Sect taking advantage of any gaps. For the Heavy Weapon Sect, people were also needed to prevent Qingxuan Sect from annexing it. Pang Longxiang couldn''t help but curse, "Useless! If the Heavy Weapon Sect had any use, we wouldnt be in this situation!" After much consideration, he said, "Alright, Ill listen to you." "But we can''t help the Heavy Weapon Sect for free. They must at least present us with treasures and come begging for help." "Logically, Wu Gangfei should have already sent someone over" Pang Ziyu waved her hand, "Maybe its taking them some time to prepare the treasures. They will come eventually." Pang Longxiang felt slightly relieved. At this moment, there was a hurried knock on the courtyard door. "Sect Master! Young Sect Master! Important information! Storm Rain Sect has dispatched more than ten Core Formation Realm cultivators and suddenly stationed them at the edge of Thorny Forest!" Pang Longxiang and Pang Ziyu were both startled and immediately stood up. An elder hurriedly rushed in and detailed Storm Rain Sects movements. Sar?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thorny Forest was a vast forest split in the middle by a river. Feishuang Sect and Storm Rain Sect used this river as the boundary, controlling the southern and northern parts of the Thorny Forest, respectively. Both sides had moved mortals there, establishing towns in the southern and northern parts of the Thorny Forest. Usually, those towns served as places for rogue cultivators to gather and trade. But whenever there were movements, these towns would become the front lines of war! Why would Storm Rain Sect suddenly make a move now? Did they learn about the Alchemy Kings Cave? Pang Longxiang frowned deeply, "Yu''er, it seems we cannot help the Heavy Weapon Sect for now." Pang Ziyu pondered for a moment, "Father, how about this? Let me take three inner elders to support the Heavy Weapon Sect. At the very least, we can use the name of Feishuang Sect to suppress Qingxuan Sect." Pang Longxiang shook his head, "No, I cannot put you in danger." Pang Ziyu sighed. "Dont worry. No matter how incompetent the Heavy Weapon Sect is, they can still hold out for two months," Pang Longxiang said solemnly. "We will now send people to station in Thorny Forest. We need to send more people than Storm Rain Sect." "We must overwhelm them with our presence to ensure the safe unraveling of the Alchemy Kings Cave formations." Pang Ziyu reluctantly nodded, "Thats true. The Heavy Weapon Sect can last more than two months, after all." ... Heavy Weapon Sect Wu Gangfei removed his clothes and jumped into the pool. Only then could his anxious mood be somewhat calmed. "Sect Master, the two elders have returned!" a disciple outside called out loudly. "Hurry, let them in!" Wu Gangfei said with delight. Moments later, the two elders arrived at the edge of the pool. Not long ago, they had secretly sent their grandsons to Qingxuan Sect as hostages. "How is it? Did you deliver the items?" Wu Gangfei asked eagerly. The two elders exchanged a glance, and the elder on the left immediately recited the prepared explanation. "They were delivered, but Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect did not clearly say whether they would help." The elder on the right quickly added, "However, they accepted the items. I think they wouldn''t take the items and then refuse to help, right?" Wu Gangfei nodded. Indeed. Between sects, reputation is paramount. Accepting items without fulfilling promises was something that Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect had never done. "Good. With their promises, we can be at ease." Wu Gangfei let out a long breath, feeling much calmer. After speaking, his expression suddenly turned fierce. "By the way, I discovered that recently some disciples and deacons have been colluding with Qingxuan Sect, selling information about our Heavy Weapon Sect." "I have already ordered those people to be publicly executed." "You two have always been loyal to our Heavy Weapon Sect. I need you to keep an eye out for more traitors!" "If you find any, immediately expose them and execute without mercy!" The two elders shivered but quickly nodded, "Understood!" As they walked out of the Sect Master''s courtyard, their determination to betray the Heavy Weapon Sect only grew stronger. "It seems many disciples and deacons already have thoughts of betrayal. This sinking ship of the Heavy Weapon Sect can''t hold us anymore," the elder on the left whispered. "Betrayal? It''s called switching to the winning side!" the elder on the right hissed. "Yes, yes, switching to the winning side," the elder on the left nodded. "We must inform our confidants immediately. If anyone has thoughts of switching sides, bring them in," the elder on the right lowered his voice further. "This way, we will have more influence in Qingxuan Sect in the future." "I understand. I''ll go secretly communicate with those people now," the elder on the left agreed. ... Day by day, time passed. In a month, Qingxuan Sect had already taken over ninety percent of Heavy Weapon Sects business. Almost all the elders, deacons, and disciples of the Heavy Weapon Sect had found new allegiances. Qingxuan Sect, Lingxi Sect, Feishuang Sectall were good choices. The Heavy Weapon Sect had become a house full of holes. One push would bring it crashing down. At this moment, Shen Mo was calmly drinking tea. Elder Li, full of excitement, hurried over and handed him a stack of papers. "Young Sect Master, here is the latest information." Shen Mo quickly flipped through them. The number of Core Formation Realm cultivators in Qingxuan Sect had surged to twenty. As for the Heavy Weapon Sect, its Core Formation Realm cultivators had dwindled to nine. Among these nine, two had already openly pledged allegiance to Qingxuan Sect, even sending their grandsons as hostages. As for the others, nearly all harbored traitorous intentions. Those truly loyal to the Heavy Weapon Sect were few and far between. "Inform my master, the time has come," Shen Mo nodded slightly. Such a vast difference in strength. It was enough to ensure a bloodless annexation of the Heavy Weapon Sect. If not now, when? Elder Lis old face was filled with excitement, "Yes! I''ll go immediately!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 92: The Formation of a Great Encirclement around the Heavy Weapon Sect’s Mountain Gate Chapter 92: The Formation of a Great Encirclement around the Heavy Weapon Sect''s Mountain Gate It was another new day. Around the Qingcang Mountain Range, the itinerant cultivators moved hurriedly. Unlike sect cultivators, itinerant cultivators couldn''t focus solely on their cultivation. They had to venture in and out of the Qingcang Mountain Range daily. They hunted beasts or searched for medicinal herbs and minerals. This lifestyle meant they had to rise earlier than roosters and sleep later than dogs. Yet, some still preferred the carefree life of an itinerant cultivator over joining a sect and adhering to its orders. Wu Lan was one such itinerant cultivator. However, unlike most itinerant cultivators, she had an extra, albeit trivial, daily task. She often engaged in trickery, deceit, robbery, and even murder. Recently, Wu Lan had taken a job from the Heavy Weapon Sect, helping them harass the Thunder Crystal Mine and even killed a few disciples from the Qingxuan Sect amidst the chaos. As a result, the Heavy Weapon Sect greatly appreciated her efforts. They not only gave her more spirit stones but also instructed her to recruit other itinerant cultivators specifically to disrupt the Thunder Crystal Mine. At this moment, in a temporary camp within the mountains. Six itinerant cultivators gathered, waiting for the meat soup in a large pot to boil. Leading them was Wu Lan, known for her slender waist. Each itinerant cultivator was in the Foundation Establishment realm. Moreover, because they often lived on the edge of danger, their combat abilities surpassed those of sect disciples. A bald, burly man whispered, "The Qingxuan Sect is getting stronger. It''s not wise to keep opposing them." A tall, thin man responded, "Indeed. I''ve heard the Qingxuan Sect now has eighteen Core Formation cultivators. Even five or six smaller sects are willing to follow them. Their power is overwhelming." Another man shook his head, "Your information is outdated. The Qingxuan Sect now has more than twenty Core Formation cultivators. The smaller sects that originally followed the Heavy Weapon Sect are now aligned with the Qingxuan Sect." The bald man sighed, "I heard it''s all because of that Young Sect Master, Shen Mo. He somehow acquired the art of refining crystals, allowing the Qingxuan Sect to produce refined crystal spiritual artifacts." "I bought one myself. It''s indeed more powerful and cheaper than the Heavy Weapon Sect''s refined crystal artifacts." The tall, thin man nodded repeatedly, "This Shen Mo is truly terrifying. The Qingxuan Sect''s sudden rise from a second-rate sect is largely due to his contributions." "Moreover, the Heavy Weapon Sect tried to deal with him but ended up having several Core Formation cultivators captured. They had to spend a fortune to ransom them back." "Recently, more were captured again." The itinerant cultivators around them whispered, growing increasingly anxious. But Wu Lan, sitting by the fire, remained unmoved as if she hadn''t heard their conversation. Finally, the bald man couldn''t hold back, "Sister Wu, the Qingxuan Sect has so many Core Formation cultivators. They could kill us as easily as slaughtering pigs. Should we still oppose them?" The surrounding itinerant cultivators all looked at Wu Lan, wanting to hear what their leader had to say. Hearing this, Wu Lan smiled faintly, "Your information is not up to date. Let me tell you, a core elder from the Heavy Weapon Sect informed me that they have already sought aid from the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect." The itinerant cultivators were stunned. The Lingxi Sect was a second-rate sect. The Feishuang Sect was a first-rate sect. In their eyes, both sects were like giants. Even though the Qingxuan Sect had grown stronger, it was seeking death to confront the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect. "Really? Then we not only need to continue harassing the Thunder Crystal Mine but also intensify our efforts!" The bald man said excitedly. "Yes, if that''s true, now is the time to hit them when they''re down! This way, we can get more rewards from the Heavy Weapon Sect in the future!" Another man showed a greedy expression. Kicking someone when they''re down was what itinerant cultivators loved and excelled at. Thirty years ago, when the Qingxuan Sect was ousted from the "Five Great Sects of Xuanjiang" by the Heavenly Water Sect, the itinerant cultivators had torn at them like hyenas, frantically ripping apart the Qingxuan Sect''s flesh and blood. Just then, there was a sudden surge of overwhelming spiritual energy in the sky. Wu Lan and the others were startled, instinctively looking up at the sky. ** Over twenty streaks of light instantly streaked across the sky, rushing towards the east. Immediately after, the ground began to tremble slightly. Wu Lan and her group looked towards the forest, seeing hundreds of disciples dressed in dark green and deep green robes advancing quickly along the path. These disciples had excited expressions, each one like an unsheathed sword! "These are all from the Qingxuan Sect! Those streaks of light are Core Formation realm cultivators!" the bald man exclaimed in shock. "Could it be that the Qingxuan Sect intends to go to full-scale war with the Heavy Weapon Sect?" the man beside him was equally astonished. They had long known that there was bad blood between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavy Weapon Sect. The Qingxuan Sect''s stewards, disciples, and miners had all been killed or injured by the Heavy Weapon Sect. The animosity ran deep. But for the Qingxuan Sect to suddenly mobilize en masse and launch an attack was beyond their expectations. "Ridiculous. The Qingxuan Sect''s actions are futile. The reinforcements from the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect have probably already arrived," Wu Lan said with a faint smile. It was as if she could already see the Qingxuan Sect''s tragic defeat. Wu Lan waved her hand, "Let''s follow them from a distance." "The Qingxuan Sect''s people will definitely be overrun by the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect. When the chaos ensues, we will strike." "It would be best if we could capture the Qingxuan Sect''s Young Sect Master, Shen Mo, alive!" "The factions of the Heavenly Water Sect and the Thunderfire Sect have offered good prices. Capturing him alive would fetch three thousand high-grade spirit stones and a set of flawless Core Formation treasures!" The itinerant cultivators'' eyes widened immediately. Three thousand high-grade spirit stones! That was more than they could earn in several lifetimes! And that set of flawless Core Formation treasures made them green with envy. They braved the elements and risked their lives daily, all to amass enough treasures for Core Formation! Flawless Core Formation treasures would make them superior to more than half of the Core Formation cultivators. After all, many Core Formation cultivators had no choice but to settle for ordinary Core Formation! "Charge, charge, charge! I must capture him alive!" "Heh heh heh, kicking someone when they''re down and looting in times of chaos is my specialty!" Under Wu Lan''s lead, the itinerant cultivators followed the Qingxuan Sect''s team from a distance. They weren''t the only ones; other itinerant cultivators, each with their own schemes, had similar ideas. ... "Young Sect Master, many itinerant cultivators are following our team, likely with intentions of looting," Elder Li caught up to Shen Mo and whispered. "Moreover, I''ve recognized many faces among them. They were involved in the previous harassment of the Thunder Crystal Mine." "Should we act now... and kill them?" Elder Li asked coldly. Shen Mo smiled faintly, "There''s no need to worry about them now. Once we''ve taken the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate, they''ll know what to do." Elder Li nodded, "Understood." Before long, the Qingxuan Sect''s team arrived outside the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate and stopped. Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, Song Chaofeng, and a group of Core Formation realm cultivators hovered in mid-air, imposing and majestic. At the entrance of the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate, the two disciples guarding the gate were already kneeling under the pressure of more than twenty Core Formation realm cultivators, trembling all over. Higher up, many of the Heavy Weapon Sect''s stewards and disciples saw the Qingxuan Sect''s team. They saw those over twenty Core Formation realm cultivators, nearly a hundred Foundation Establishment realm cultivators, and a large number of Qi Condensation realm cultivators. The terrifying aura left many of them scared out of their wits, their legs turning to jelly. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 93: Wu Gangfei’s Easy Demise Chapter 93: Wu Gangfei''s Easy Demise Murong Yue glanced at Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Murong Yue cleared her throat, infused her voice with spiritual power, and loudly declared, "The Heavy Weapon Sect has injured our Qingxuan Sect elders, killed our disciples, and occupied our mines. Their evil deeds are numerous, and their crimes are evident to all!" "Today, we, the Qingxuan Sect, have come to demand an explanation from Wu Gangfei, the master of the Heavy Weapon Sect!" "We are here only for Wu Gangfei!" "Those unrelated, leave immediately!" As soon as she finished speaking, the disciples of the Qingxuan Sect shouted in unison. "Those unrelated, leave immediately!" "Those unrelated, leave immediately!" Their voices, forming an unstoppable momentum, surged towards the gates of the Heavy Weapon Sect, echoing in the sky. The two disciples guarding the gate, feeling as if granted amnesty, abandoned their weapons and fled in panic. During their escape, they even tore off their Heavy Weapon Sect robes. With these two leading the way, more disciples immediately followed suit and ran. The Heavy Weapon Sect''s entrance fell into utter chaos. "Stay where you are! Do not panic!" From within the sect leader''s courtyard, Wu Gangfei''s thunderous roar erupted. The next moment, he emerged, wielding a heavy machete like a giant ape, smashing through the wall. His eyes were bloodshot, and his hair stood on end. He looked less like the leader of a second-rate sect and more like a crazed beast. "Reinforcements from the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect will arrive soon!" "Once they get here, the Qingxuan Sect will be crushed like clay chickens and pottery dogs!" "Anyone who dares to betray the sect now will be killed by me on the spot!" Wu Gangfei glared around with bloodshot eyes. Those he looked at trembled and lowered their heads. Wu Gangfei was right; reinforcements from the Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect were supposed to arrive. But where were they? The Qingxuan Sect had already surrounded the Heavy Weapon Sect. Why hadn''t their reinforcements arrived? As time ticked by, the anticipated help still did not appear. The disciples of the Heavy Weapon Sect, including their leader Wu Gangfei, grew increasingly doubtful. On Shen Mo''s orders, Elder Li shouted towards the Heavy Weapon Sect. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "People of the Heavy Weapon Sect, don''t wait for the reinforcements from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect. They are not coming!" "We repeat, we are here only for Wu Gangfei. Those unrelated, leave immediately!" These words, infused with spiritual power, quickly reached the ears of everyone in the Heavy Weapon Sect. Everyone began to doubt and feel uncertain. Several elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect exchanged glances and subtly moved closer to Wu Gangfei. Wu Gangfei suddenly roared, "How can they not come? Did you... did you not deliver the goods? Did you swallow them yourselves?" He raised his heavy machete and pointed it at the surrounding elders. "You... did you steal the treasures? If not, the reinforcements from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect would have already arrived!" A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. It seemed he could strike with his machete at any moment. The elders were startled and couldn''t say anything coherent for a while. Wu Gangfei began to laugh hysterically. "The thing I regret most in my life is not making my son the junior sect leader. You useless elders, you all deserve to die!" He swung his heavy machete, aiming at the nearest elder! Boom! The elder couldn''t react in time. He instinctively raised his arms to block. With a crack, blood splattered. The elder''s arms were severed at the root, and his chest was split open! A Core Formation stage elder instantly became a corpse on the ground! "Die! All of you die! I''ll kill you traitorous dogs!" Wu Gangfei roared madly, swinging his machete, killing anyone he saw. Disciples below the Core Formation stage were wounded or killed upon contact. "The sect leader has gone mad! Run! Run!" "Oh my god, the sect leader is crazy! Destroy the sect''s barrier, let the Qingxuan Sect people in! Only they can save us now!" The disciples fled, running towards the mountain. Although the elders were Core Formation stage cultivators, after years of pampered living, the sight of blood finally rekindled their old bravery. "Everyone, let''s join forces to kill this beast! We can''t let him drag the Heavy Weapon Sect into the fire pit!" "Agreed!" The elders immediately united and attacked Wu Gangfei together! Screams, roars, and wails filled the air... Various sounds echoed within the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate. Even from the base of the mountain, Shen Mo and the others could hear the commotion. At this moment, the faint glow that had been enveloping the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate rapidly dimmed and then completely vanished. This was the sect''s heavily invested lower-grade earth formation, reputed to be extremely sturdy. It was said that even thirty Core Formation stage cultivators attacking simultaneously wouldn''t damage it. Yet now, it had been sabotaged from within. Elder Li sneered, "Looks like we don''t need to do anything ourselves." "Master, it''s time to go up the mountain," Shen Mo smiled. Murong Yue nodded in agreement, "Everyone, follow me!" Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Over twenty streaks of light instantly charged towards the Heavy Weapon Sect''s mountain gate. Shen Mo and the others followed at a leisurely pace. The downfall of the Heavy Weapon Sect was inevitable. There was no need to rush. Meanwhile, the scattered cultivators who had been planning to take advantage of the situation were left bewildered. What was going on? The reinforcements from the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect didn''t show up? The Heavy Weapon Sect''s great formation was broken so easily? Wu Lan''s face turned extremely grim, "Let''s go, we can''t stay here." "Yes," the rogue cultivators behind her, equally terrified, started to flee. Other rogue cultivators, watching them run in panic, began to think deeply. Some of them, with a glint in their eyes, decided to follow at a distance. ... At the Heavy Weapon Sect''s martial arts arena. Not long after, Shen Mo saw the heavily injured Wu Gangfei lying in a pool of blood. Beside him lay several elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect, some dead and some barely clinging to life. Only two of them had lost their arms but managed to survive. Clearly, the crazed Wu Gangfei had fought against many and even managed to kill quite a few Core Formation stage cultivators. This scene made Shen Mo shake his head repeatedly. These elders of the Heavy Weapon Sect were truly accustomed to a pampered life. Though they had reached the early and mid-Core Formation stages, their actual combat ability was likely no match even for a novice at the Core Formation stage. Murong Yue looked at Wu Gangfei and sighed, "His meridians are completely shattered. He''s still alive, but not for long." Shen Mo carefully examined Wu Gangfei''s life panel. Seeing that his fate was indeed to end today, he nodded. "Deputy Sect Master Liu, Elder Song, you stay here. The rest of you elders, follow me to the Heavy Weapon Sect''s treasure vault!" Murong Yue commanded loudly. "Yes!" Elder Li and the others were overjoyed. Finally, the moment had come! They had long heard that the Heavy Weapon Sect was incredibly wealthy. What treasures lay within their sect''s vault? Liu Yuanfeng snorted at this arrangement. Murong Yue was obviously excluding him on purpose. "Liu... Liu... false information..." The dying Wu Gangfei spotted Liu Yuanfeng and suddenly looked as if he had seen a mortal enemy. He extended his finger, glaring at Liu Yuanfeng. Liu Yuanfeng flicked his finger, sending a burst of spiritual power that pierced Wu Gangfei''s throat. "The dead should take their grievances to the underworld," he said coldly. Song Chaofeng, standing nearby, watched with a faint smile. Meanwhile, Shen Mo had also entered the sect''s treasure vault. The treasures there were indeed abundant and dazzling. They clearly showcased the heritage of a second-rate sect. But... where was the Five-Colored Lotus? The Five-Colored Lotus I want! Shen Mo frowned and then noticed Xiao Fan, who had entered the vault with the group. He glanced at Xiao Fan''s life panel. Recent Opportunity: Today, while entering the Heavy Weapon Sect''s treasure vault, he will accidentally discover a hidden mechanism. Intending to keep it for himself, he will avoid opening it immediately due to the presence of many people. Tonight, after the vault has been cleared out, he will return, open the mechanism, enter the cave beneath the vault, and obtain twelve lotus seeds from the Five-Colored Lotus. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 94: Snatching the Opportunity to Get the Five-Colored Lotus Chapter 94: Snatching the Opportunity to Get the Five-Colored Lotus Shen Mo clicked his tongue. Well, well. The treasure I had my eye on from the beginning. In the end, it ended up in your hands! Truly worthy of being a Child of Luck. Shen Mo continued to advance through the treasure vault, but his gaze remained fixed on Xiao Fan. Before long, he noticed Xiao Fan lingering in a certain spot. A look of shock flashed across Xiao Fan''s face, but he quickly concealed it and left as if nothing had happened. Shen Mo memorized that spot. It seemed the hidden mechanism was there. Murong Yue spoke loudly, "Everyone remember, no one is to hoard any items from the Heavy Weapon Sect''s treasure vault. Once we bring everything back to the Qingxuan Sect''s treasury, we will distribute the rewards based on merit." "Understood." Everyone nodded repeatedly. They all understood the rules. If anyone hoarded items, they would lose all their credibility. Shen Mo merely marveled at the abundance of treasures here, playing with them casually, but he did not hoard anything. After all, he was the Young Sect Master. In the end, the majority of the rewards would naturally favor him. Soon, the treasures in the Heavy Weapon Sect''s vault were emptied. Cleaned out as if a swarm of locusts had passed through. "Elder Li, you will take these storage rings back and place them in the sect''s treasury," Murong Yue said solemnly. "Understood, I will make sure they are safely stored," Elder Li nodded seriously. This was the accumulation of the Heavy Weapon Sect over decades. It was also the foundation for the Qingxuan Sect''s future rise. There could be no mishaps. "Everyone, let''s discuss how we will take over the Heavy Weapon Sect''s assets," Murong Yue sighed with relief. After fighting the Heavy Weapon Sect for so long, it was finally over. The elders of the Qingxuan Sect all showed delighted expressions, eagerly presenting their ideas. Shen Mo did not waste time on these discussions. These elders naturally knew how to handle it. He strode out of the sect''s treasury and headed to the martial arts arena. At that moment, Zhang Weihu saw Shen Mo and excitedly walked over quickly. "Young Sect Master, some rogue cultivators wish to see you!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Have they captured those who harassed the Thunder Crystal Mine?" Zhang Weihu was surprised, "How did you know?" Shen Mo smiled, "Rogue cultivators are the most adept at assessing the situation. When the reinforcements from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect didn''t arrive, they knew what to do." "Bring them over." Zhang Weihu nodded heavily, "Yes!" Moments later, more than twenty rogue cultivators were escorted to the martial arts arena. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The leader was tied up with her delicate figure outlined by the ropes; it was Wu Lan. "I remember you," Shen Mo glanced at the woman with the snake-like waist and spoke faintly. He had previously encountered Wu Lan in the Fierce Tiger Forest. Wu Lan''s hair was disheveled, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Yet, this appearance only made her look more pitiable. Many male cultivators present felt a surge of desire. "Young Sect Master, I was forced by the Heavy Weapon Sect to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine." "Please spare my life, I''ll do anything you ask." As she spoke, she deliberately licked the blood from her lips and swayed her hips. The rogue cultivators who had captured Wu Lan felt a chill in their hearts. Shen Mo appeared young and vigorous, and they feared he would succumb to her temptation. If Shen Mo spared her, Wu Lan would surely come after them later! Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent. He waved his hand, "Take her away and imprison her. Once we fully control the Heavy Weapon Sect, execute her publicly in the martial arts arena." "Every one of these people owes a blood debt that must be repaid!" The disciples of the Qingxuan Sect who had lost family or friends in the Thunder Crystal Mine were deeply moved, their eyes reddening. Zhang Weihu, who stood beside Shen Mo, touched his empty sleeve and shouted, "Thank you, Young Sect Master!" A chorus of voices followed. The stewards and disciples of the Qingxuan Sect knelt on one knee, crying out in gratitude, "Thank you, Young Sect Master!" "You bastard, Shen Mo..." Wu Lan''s face twisted with rage, cursing venomously. But before she could continue, several rogue cultivators gagged her with cloth and dragged her away to the prison. Shen Mo had already skimmed through the life panels of these people, including Wu Lan. They were all destined to meet their end, with no chance of escaping alive. Theres no chance of breaking out of prison in the middle of the night, cultivating for years, and coming back for revenge. "Don''t just stand there. Go and take over the Heavy Weapon Sect''s assets. They control four cities with numerous inns, taverns, and many other properties." Shen Mo smiled faintly. The main stronghold of the Heavy Weapon Sect had been broken, and the sect leader was dead, but their influence remained. The stewards and disciples of the Heavy Weapon Sect still stayed in those four cities. They all needed to be cleared out one by one. Until the Qingxuan Sect had complete control over them. "Yes!" Zhang Weihu wiped his tears and immediately stood up. Nightfall. A grand open-air celebration banquet was held in the martial arts arena of the Heavy Weapon Sect. Elders, stewards, and disciples ate and drank heartily, shedding their usual hierarchies. Between bites and sips, they would break into song, expressing their joy. Shen Mo did not abstain from the camaraderie and also joined the celebration banquet. However, his drinking capacity was so impressive that he left a large group of people passed out. Shrugging, Shen Mo walked straight to the now empty sect treasury. With all the treasures gone, there was no one guarding it. Shen Mo reached the spot he had noted during the day and activated the mechanism. The wall before him slowly moved aside. A deep, downward-sloping passage was revealed. Once he entered, the wall closed seamlessly behind him, leaving no trace. Shen Mo descended the steps. About a hundred meters down, the passage opened up into a large underground cave. The cave was empty except for a pool at its center. Suspended above the water was a five-colored lotus. Five distinct colors represented the five elements in perfect harmony. Its lotus seeds were all of the highest quality. Shen Mo examined it closely. There were fifteen slots in the five-colored lotus, three of which were empty. Thus, twelve lotus seeds remained. "Looks like Wu Gangfei used three of the seeds." "But that''s fine. I only need ten high-grade treasures, and these twelve seeds are more than enough." Shen Mo took all the lotus seeds. In an instant, the five-colored lotus withered. He then quickly returned to the surface. As soon as the wall opened, he saw Xiao Fan sneaking into the treasury under the cover of darkness. Xiao Fan was stunned to see Shen Mo emerge from behind the wall. Wasn''t that the hidden mechanism I discovered earlier? How did Shen Mo find it too? Shen Mo smiled slightly, "Xiao Fan, what are you doing here?" Xiao Fan''s face turned awkward, "Young Sect Master, I... I was just looking around." Shen Mo nodded, "Alright, you continue then." With that, he leisurely walked away. Xiao Fan clenched his fists, watching Shen Mo''s retreating figure. The treasure hidden behind the mechanism was undoubtedly already taken by Shen Mo. Once again, he was too late! "Why did I find the hidden mechanism, only to have him get there before me!" "Damn you, heavens!" He inwardly cursed the heavens for their unfairness. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 95 Qingcang Mountain Range, a secluded valley. Shen Mo had previously met Mo Yuheng here. There was a deep cave nearby, where a large rock python could appear at any time. This time, he had come back here. However, this time, he was preparing to condense the Inferno Golden Core here. Inside the cave, the large rock python smelled a familiar scent and immediately made a hissing sound. Before long, a gigantic python head emerged. Shen Mo took out several high-quality thunder crystals and threw them into its mouth. Then, he gently stroked the scales on its nose. The giant python instantly relaxed. "Im going to cultivate here. Keep an eye out for me," Shen Mo said with a smile. The giant python blinked, indicating its understanding. Only then did Shen Mo sit down cross-legged and take out various treasures. "Forty-five top-grade treasures of the profound rank, and nine treasures for body restoration, all prepared." He sighed with emotion. The materials required to condense the Inferno Golden Core were too many. Nine times more than what was needed for the Perfect Golden Core. Therefore, he was even more looking forward to seeing the difference after condensing the Inferno Golden Core. "Let''s begin!" Five treasures floated in front of Shen Mo, corresponding to the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. Vast spiritual power surged out, enveloping the five treasures and rapidly refining them. These incredibly pure spiritual energies poured into Shen Mo''s dantian, converging on the Dao platform. Under the convergence of the five spiritual energies, a smooth golden core gradually took shape. After two hours, the golden core condensed. It was incredibly perfect, without a single crack. It was indeed a Perfect Golden Core. At that moment, Shen Mo''s aura soared, reaching the Core Formation stage. In the sky, a celestial phenomenon was about to appear. Without hesitation, Shen Mo steeled himself and shattered the core! With a cracking sound, the newly formed Perfect Golden Core shattered. A sharp pain emanated from his abdomen. Shen Mo spat out a mouthful of blood. The most powerful defensive ability of a Core Formation stage cultivator is to expel the golden core from their mouth and strike the opponent. This attack is extremely powerful. But also extremely risky. After all, the golden core is quite fragile. Once shattered, it would directly degrade to the Foundation Establishment stage. Naturally, Shen Mo suffered severe injuries as a result. The celestial phenomenon that was about to form in the sky also gradually dispersed. The giant python suddenly crawled over, blinking its large eyes, looking at him with concern. Shen Mo felt warmth in his heart, "Im fine, thank you for your concern." The giant python pointed its tongue at the storage ring on his finger. As if to say, if youre about to die, make sure to take out the minerals from the storage ring. Shen Mo, "..." All the warmth was for nothing! Shen Mo took a few deep breaths and took a Longqing Protective Pill. The verdant medicinal power surged, rapidly repairing Shen Mo''s injured body. In half an hour, his body was mostly healed. "Begin the second core formation!" Shen Mo took out five more top-grade treasures of the profound rank and started forming the core again. The Perfect Golden Core was successfully condensed. Just as the celestial phenomenon was about to appear, he shattered the core again without hesitation. After shattering the core, he quickly took the Longqing Protective Pill and other fast-acting healing pills. This cycle repeated. The celestial phenomenon in the sky also repeatedly appeared and disappeared. If it had a temper, it would probably be cursing by now. Time passed bit by bit. The third time, the fourth time, the fifth time... Until... "The ninth time!" Crack! The ninth core formation, the ninth core shattering. Shen Mo was drenched in cold sweat, almost collapsing. He knew he had succeeded. But, where was the promised Inferno Golden Core? Just as Shen Mo was preparing to curse the ancestors of the Inferno Sect, something unusual happened in his dantian. Shen Mo immediately inspected his dantian internally. A Foundation Establishment stage cultivator''s dantian consists of a lake of spiritual power and a Dao platform. However, Shen Mo''s physique and cultivation method were stronger than others, and the Dao platform he condensed was also a Perfect Dao Platform. Therefore, while others had a lake of spiritual power, his dantian was practically a vast sea of spiritual power. At this moment, Shen Mo felt something rising from the bottom of the sea of spiritual power. Before long, those things all broke through the surface. They were the fragments of the previously shattered Perfect Golden Cores! Shen Mo''s eyes widened as he instinctively activated the Inferno Annihilation Sutra. Sure enough, the fragments rose and converged even faster. In the blink of an eye, they gathered above the Dao platform and reformed into one! Boom! A golden core far larger than the previous nine Perfect Golden Cores suddenly appeared! Its size was equivalent to that of three Perfect Golden Cores. Unlike the radiant surface of those Perfect Golden Cores, this one was covered in crimson stripes. Even more astonishing to Shen Mo was that this golden core could automatically shatter and reform! It could split into a total of forty-five fragments. Each fragment could be used to attack enemies! When all forty-five fragments were unleashed together, it was like a meteor shower raining down from the sky. Unless a cultivator was more than two minor realms above Shen Mo, they would find it difficult to withstand such terrifying power! If used well, it could have unimaginable effects! After all, no one would expect Shen Mo''s golden core not only to shatter but for the fragments to also be capable of attack! Wow, the Immortal Hell Flame was a genius! Coming up with such an extraordinary golden core! Shen Mo was overjoyed. At the same time, astonishing celestial phenomena suddenly appeared around him. A torrential downpour suddenly drenched the vegetation. The plants grew wildly, becoming incredibly robust in an instant. The overgrown plants soon shed many withered branches, which accumulated rapidly and ignited in the dry, hot environment. The fire burned, reducing the plants to ashes in no time. The ash accumulated, forming mountains and stones, which eventually cracked, revealing incredibly hard metals inside. The metals, exposed to the elements, gradually condensed water droplets. The water droplets increased, forming large rivers. On the banks of these rivers, the vegetation grew strong again. And so, the cycle repeated. Each cycle expanded its influence. After nine cycles, the phenomena gradually subsided, but the affected area reached three hundred feet! The spiritual energy of heaven and earth was so disrupted that it could not recover for a long time. Shen Mo was slightly amazed. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He seemed to understand the essence of cultivation. To build the Dao platform, one needs the five elemental foundations. Condensing the golden core also requires these five elemental foundations. Regardless of one''s constitution, ultimately, one must complete the other attributes to pave the supreme immortal path. Buzz! A vast aura suddenly radiated from him in all directions. Dust swirled. But within a radius of thirty feet around Shen Mo, there wasn''t a speck of dust. After a while, the dust settled. Shen Mo also exhaled a breath of impure air. He gathered his strength and suddenly punched the air in front of him. The technique was simple, just a Yellow-rank Tiger Roar Fist. However, when he threw this punch, it seemed as if a fierce tiger appeared out of nowhere, ready to devour anyone in its path. The tiger''s roar echoed through the mountains for a long time! Spiritual energy from all directions converged, compressing suddenly and blasting forward. Thirty feet away from Shen Mo, a giant tree, which would take three people to embrace, was suddenly struck by the air. In an instant, it exploded into countless pieces! Shen Mo smiled slightly. This was the power of a Core Formation stage cultivator! Every move connected with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. With just a little spiritual power within, one could unleash power far beyond that of a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator! Shen Mo suddenly leaped into the air. Spiritual energy gathered beneath his feet. Although there was nothing under his feet, he felt as if he was floating in mid-air. After a brief adjustment, he shot through the sky like a stream of light! Just the ability to ride the wind and walk on air was enough to set a Core Formation stage cultivator far above the Foundation Establishment stage! The world is vast, and I am free to roam! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 96: This Phenomenon Couldn’t Be Caused by Shen Mo Chapter 96: This Phenomenon Couldnt Be Caused by Shen Mo Shen Mo excitedly flew in the air for a while before slowly descending. His face still couldnt hide his joy. "A cultivator in the Core Formation Realm has a lifespan of five hundred years, far stronger than the two hundred years of a Foundation Establishment cultivator." "From now on, Ill be a significant figure in Xuanjiang Prefecture." Shen Mo was very clear. Although he was just at the entry-level of the Core Formation Realm, if he used all his trump cards, he could easily crush a cultivator at the middle level of the Core Formation Realm. Even when facing a cultivator at the major accomplishment level of the Core Formation Realm, he would at least have a chance to escape. "However, the commotion caused by my breakthrough was too great. Im guessing someone is already on their way here. I need to leave quickly." Shen Mo threw a few thunder crystals to the Great Rock Python before turning into a stream of light and quickly leaving. His guess was correct. Such a huge commotion in the Qingcang Mountains immediately attracted the attention of nearby cultivators. As soon as he left, several figures arrived from all directions. Without exception, they were all cultivators in the Core Formation Realm. The first to arrive were naturally the cultivators from Qingxuan Sect. Leading them was none other than Murong Yue. This beautiful woman in a light purple palace dress frowned as she surveyed the surroundings. Song Chaofeng followed behind her. Seeing the strange situation, he was also greatly astonished. The area still had residual pure Five Elements spiritual energy. Interacting and counteracting, intertwined without end. The dense Wood spiritual energy in the Qingcang Mountains was thus affected, becoming very chaotic. Those with Wood spiritual roots would feel very uncomfortable in this environment. Moreover, judging by the concentration of these residual Five Elements spiritual energies, it would probably take at least three to five days to dissipate. "Master, it looks like someone broke through to the Core Formation Realm and triggered the Five Elements phenomenon, but the range is just too vast." Song Chaofeng whispered. Murong Yue nodded slightly. She thought so too. A typical Core Formation cultivator, condensing an ordinary Golden Core, would also trigger such a Five Elements phenomenon. But the affected range would be no more than ten zhang (approx. 33 feet). Even with a Flawless Golden Core, the affected range would be around 50 feet. When Murong Yue condensed her Perfect Golden Core, the phenomenon affected a range of 100 feet. On that day, Core Formation cultivators near the Qingcang Mountains rushed over from all directions to witness it. But now, the phenomenon here had a range of over 330 feet! And this was the phenomenon as it was dissipating. It was hard to imagine just how vast the range was at the moment the unknown cultivator broke through to the Core Formation Realm! This was too astonishing! Swish, swish, swish. Several more figures arrived. They were elders from Feishuang Sect and Lingxi Sect. They looked at Murong Yue deeply and cupped their hands in greeting. Even though it had only been a day since Qingxuan Sect conquered Heavy Weapon Sect. This news had already spread like a hurricane. The sects around the Qingcang Mountains naturally knew it first. Among the Core Formation cultivators of Feishuang Sect was a woman with delicate features and fair skin. She was none other than Pang Ziyu, the daughter of Pang Longxiang, the sect leader of Feishuang Sect. Pang Ziyu looked around carefully and said in a deep voice, "It should be an unknown Core Formation cultivator who broke through here, but the commotion is just too big." "A person like this shouldnt be a nobody; they should be someone notable." The elder of Feishuang Sect beside her said in a low voice, "It might be one of the Six Supremes of Xuanjiang, choosing to break through here instead of in the sect." Pang Ziyu said calmly, "Its six supremes now. I always remind you, dont forget Shen Mo." "Yes, yes, yes, I was careless." The elder, even though his cultivation was higher than Pang Ziyus, nodded repeatedly as if he had been severely reprimanded. "Then do you think it could be Shen Mo?" the elder asked. Pang Ziyu shook her head firmly, "It couldnt be him. Even if Shen Mo condensed a Perfect Golden Core, he couldnt possibly trigger such a phenomenon." "This kind of phenomenon must be caused by someone with a Heaven-grade constitution, cultivating Heaven-grade techniques, and condensing a Perfect Golden Core." "Such a Golden Core is even above the Perfect Golden Core." The elder nodded repeatedly, agreeing with her view. Pang Ziyu suddenly looked at Murong Yue, "Sect Master Murong, what do you think?" Murong Yue glanced at her and said calmly, "I think the same." Pang Ziyu continued, "Sect Master Murong, Qingxuan Sect annexed Heavy Weapon Sect without any consideration. This might provoke Thunder Fire Sect. If they find out, they will likely be furious." "You don''t need to worry about that," Murong Yue said, not wanting to continue the conversation. She turned and left. Pang Ziyu''s expression didnt change. After Murong Yue and her people left, her face turned cold. "I didnt expect that both my father and I overestimated Heavy Weapon Sect. They turned out to be so incompetent, losing everything in just a month." "Find out what happened in Heavy Weapon Sect. Who was stirring things up from the inside!" "Understood." ... The annexation of Heavy Weapon Sect by Qingxuan Sect not only reached the ears of Lingxi Sect, Feishuang Sect, and Storm Rain Sect nearby. It also spread rapidly through word of mouth, becoming widely known throughout Xuanjiang Prefecture within just ten days. Since the end of the Hundred Sects Grand Ceremony, after the prefecture lord announced the sect ranking system, there had been an undercurrent in Xuanjiang Prefecture. There were occasional frictions between the various sects. But it hadnt yet escalated to open conflicts and large-scale annexations. The annexation of Heavy Weapon Sect by Qingxuan Sect seemed to ignite a long-brewing powder keg. Sects with old grudges immediately declared war. Even those who preferred to remain neutral started targeting smaller sects. Big fish ate small fish, and small fish ate shrimp. Once the lid of Pandora''s box was opened, it would never close again. ... Giant River City. This city was the prefectural capital of Xuanjiang Prefecture and the strongest seat of government power. However, its prosperity was no match for Divine Sword City, placing it second. The center of Giant River City was the prefectural government office. The government office wasnt as grand as people might imagine; it was rather shabby. In some places, the red lacquer had dried up and peeled off, but there were no repairs. When commoners passed by the government office, they would mutter, discussing the strange new prefecture lord. "Do you know why the government office looks so poor?" "I heard that the spirit stones allocated from Yuzhou were all spent by the new prefecture lord on the barracks, not a single one left." "Heh, this new prefecture lord is something else. Since taking office, he hasnt taken money for himself or repaired the government office, only focused on the barracks, like a general." "You dont know? Before coming to Xuanjiang Prefecture, he worked in Lingyun Prefecture. He was a general and even led troops to flatten Jinyang Sect and other sects!" At this moment, the sound of horse hooves suddenly rang out. A rider, like a flash of lightning, crossed the street and arrived at the government office gate. "Urgent report! Urgent report! Two second-rate sects in the southern part of Xuanjiang Prefecture have gone to war, and Qingxuan Sect has annexed Heavy Weapon Sect! Let me in quickly!" The soldier on horseback shouted loudly. The two soldiers standing guard at the government office gate were shocked and hurriedly helped the rider inside. Upon entering the government office, the first thing they saw was the main hall. But the main hall was only used for major ceremonies. The prefecture lord usually worked in the second hall behind the main hall. At this moment, the prefecture lord was handling documents sent from various parts of Xuanjiang Prefecture. Beside him was a young man with a jade-like face and a sinister expression, assisting in processing various documents. Suddenly, the urgent report sounded from outside. "Lord Prefecture, a sect war has broken out. In one day, Qingxuan Sect annexed Heavy Weapon Sect!" The soldier knelt on one knee, presenting the fire-sealed letter. The prefecture lord stood up abruptly, took the letter, but didnt open it immediately. "Qingxuan Sect..." "I seem to have some impression." "Isnt that the sect where Shen Mo, the first place winner of the Hundred Sects Grand Ceremony, belongs?" The three soldiers below immediately replied, "Reporting to the lord, it is indeed!" A strange light flashed in the prefecture lords eyes as he quickly opened the letter to examine it carefully. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 97: I Smell Opportunity Chapter 97: I Smell Opportunity The second hall was unusually quiet. The soldiers dared not make a sound. The only noise was the rapid flipping of letters by Ji Shilong. After a long while, the burly prefect finally set down the letters, his face showing surprise. The stern man beside him inquired, "My lord? What''s the situation?" Ji Shilong waved his hand, signaling the three soldiers to leave. He then handed the letter to the man and slowly spoke, "This Shen Mo is not only exceptionally talented but also possesses extraordinary wisdom." "He was involved in the entire process of annexing the Heavy Weapon Sect." "First, he obtained the crystal refining technique and gradually took over the Heavy Weapon Sect''s business. This is the first step." "Second, he imprisoned Wu Leng, crippling the Heavy Weapon Sect''s most intelligent mind." "Third, he allied with small sects, cutting off the Heavy Weapon Sect''s wings." "Fourth, he drew the Violent Rain Sect to his side, making them restrain the Feishuang Sect and the Lingxi Sect, preventing them from offering help." Ji Shilong sighed softly, "Why does someone like him serve a sect and not my court? I truly wish to recruit him under my command." The stern man frowned, "My lord, recruiting this person is not feasible." sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "To my knowledge, he is deeply favored by the Qingxuan Sect''s master and is highly likely to become the next master of the Qingxuan Sect." "Moreover, judging from his behavior and conduct, he is not someone who would subjugate himself to others." After speaking, he added, "Besides, in my view, this person does not possess great wisdom, only a knack for leveraging situations and thinking several steps ahead of his opponents." "Most people can only see what''s right in front of them, not beyond one step. If one can foresee three steps ahead, they have already surpassed the vast majority." Ji Shilong laughed heartily, "What about me then?" The stern man smiled, "My lord can see five steps ahead." Ji Shilong still wore a smile, "Oh? And how many steps can you see?" The stern man proudly replied, "I dare say I can see eight steps ahead!" Ji Shilong''s smile grew even brighter, "Then why am I the one in charge of you?" The stern man was stunned for a moment and quickly said, "I misspoke, my lord. The five steps you see are large strides, while the steps I see are small ones! That''s why you are in charge of me!" As he said this, cold sweat suddenly appeared on his forehead. He realized it now. Despite his exceptional talent and usual arrogance, the man before him was not one to hesitate in killing. In front of Ji Shilong, even a dragon had to coil and a tiger had to crouch. "I think Shen Mo is quite remarkable. Luo Shuanghan, select some treasures from the warehouse and visit the Qingxuan Sect. See if he is willing to forsake the darkness for the light and join the court." "If he is unwilling, then go to the Heavenly Water Sect and ensure this letter reaches Sect Master Zhang." Ji Shilong pulled a letter from the bottom of a thick stack of dossiers. The seal was already stamped with fire lacquer. It also bore Ji Shilong''s official prefect seal. The stern man nodded, cupped his hands, and took his leave. Ji Shilong watched his departing figure, a faint smile on his face. ... Thunder Crystal Mine. Shen Mo did not reveal that he had already stepped into the Core Formation stage. Instead, he landed early outside the forest and walked into the mine with large strides. Becoming a Core Formation cultivator was indeed worth celebrating. But the Qingxuan Sect was not a monolith. There were now many new inner sect elders with varied factions. If anyone other than himself knew, Liu Yuanfeng might also find out. Liu Yuanfeng was not a good person. The Qingxuan Sect''s intelligence had been sold by him countless times. When the time comes, his own danger would increase further. For now, it''s better to maintain the current disguise. Or perhaps, after reaching small or large accomplishment in the Core Formation stage, he could then reveal his status for greater safety. As for Liu Yuanfeng, Shen Mo did not see him as a threat. Maintaining the status quo was enough. He might even use Liu Yuanfeng to spread some false information. Shen Mo walked into the mine. Immediately, he saw many disciples. There were also several Foundation Establishment cultivators hurrying in from outside. They were not wearing the robes of Qingxuan Sect elders. Instead, they wore the attire of several nearby small sects. Seeing Shen Mo, they immediately felt a deep respect and halted, bowing respectfully. Even Core Formation cultivators dared not show the slightest disrespect. Now, the cultivators near the Qingcang Mountains already knew that the Heavy Weapon Sect had been annexed by the Qingxuan Sect. They also knew that it was all orchestrated by Shen Mo behind the scenes. Without Shen Mo, even if the Qingxuan Sect could annex the Heavy Weapon Sect, it would have resulted in heavy casualties. "Who are you all?" Shen Mo asked casually. The Core Formation cultivators replied happily, "Young Sect Master, we are elders from nearby small sects, ordered by our sect master to come and join the Qingxuan Sect." "Our sect master is also on the way and will arrive soon." Shen Mo smiled and nodded, "Good, you may proceed." "Yes." Shen Mo took a few more steps and suddenly saw Elder Li looking for someone. "Young Sect Master, I have news for you," Elder Li said seriously. "Speak." "Wu Leng is dead, he committed suicide," Elder Li sighed. Shen Mo asked, "What happened?" Elder Li explained, "The news of our Qingxuan Sect annexing the Heavy Weapon Sect has spread, and many people in the mine are talking about it." "Wu Leng also heard and couldn''t accept the truth. He shattered his own Golden Core and committed suicide." "Many people witnessed the scene." Shen Mo''s expression didn''t change. Given Wu Leng''s obsessive nature, it was understandable for him to react this way upon hearing the news. "Wu Gangfei hasn''t been buried yet. Bury the father and son together." "Yes." Shen Mo sighed softly. Wu Leng should have been a renowned weapon refiner in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Even if the court had flattened Xuanjiang Prefecture, a weapon refiner like him would not have been affected and would have been honored instead. But because of Shen Mo''s existence, Wu Leng''s fate had changed repeatedly. Now, it was completely severed. Shen Mo didn''t feel much pity for him. If Wu Leng hadn''t schemed against him and even harbored murderous intent, Shen Mo wouldn''t have kept him imprisoned here. His death was merely the result of his own actions. "Time to cultivate. Reaching small accomplishment in the Core Formation stage as soon as possible is the proper business." Shen Mo returned to his room. To quickly advance in the Core Formation stage, one could also take corresponding pills like in the Body Tempering, Qi Condensation, and Foundation Establishment stages. The pill needed by Core Formation cultivators is called the "Essence Boosting Pill." Its effect is to accelerate the growth of the Golden Core. A Core Formation entry-stage Golden Core is at least five times smaller than that of a Core Formation peak cultivator. This is for an ordinary Golden Core. For a flawless Golden Core or a perfect Golden Core, the difference is even greater. Sevenfold, tenfold, it varies from person to person. Each growth of the Golden Core represents an improvement in one''s cultivation level. However, the Essence Boosting Pill is already a top-tier profound grade pill, which the Qingxuan Sect naturally doesn''t have. The Qingxuan Sect has only two alchemy elders, and the strongest pills they can make are only lower-tier profound grade. Without a master to teach them, they are entirely self-taught and figured it out on their own. Therefore, higher-level pills have a very low success rate in refining and are not worth the effort. Of course, this is not unique to the Qingxuan Sect. It''s the same for others. The Essence Boosting Pill must be purchased from the Five Sects of Xuanjiang. But the Five Sects of Xuanjiang strictly control the quantity. The number of Essence Boosting Pills sold each month is very limited. Currently, Shen Mo could only rely on his own power to cultivate. A few days later, Elder Li''s voice suddenly came from outside. "Young Sect Master, there is a Core Formation cultivator outside the mine, claiming to be from the prefectural city and under Ji Shilong''s command, wanting to see you." Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes. A flash of brilliance appeared in his eyes. Hmm... I smell opportunity! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 98: Pay Attention to This Man Named Luo Shuanghan Who Likes Handling Other People’s Swords Chapter 98: Pay Attention to This Man Named Luo Shuanghan Who Likes Handling Other People''s Swords At the entrance of the Thunder Crystal Mine. Luo Shuanghan stood proudly, dressed in white, hands behind his back. The powerful aura of the Core Formation Realm naturally radiated from him, compelling those around him to feel an urge to worship. Disciples nearby watched him from a distance, instinctively feeling a sense of awe. They had seen Core Formation Realm cultivators before. But this handsome man gave them a sense of oppression far beyond that of ordinary Core Formation Realm cultivators. Clearly, he was not of common status. Luo Shuanghan closed his eyes and meditated, not caring about the gazes from these people. After a while, he heard a voice from ahead. "I am Shen Mo, are you looking for me?" Luo Shuanghan opened his eyes and saw a tall, slender young man with chiseled features walking towards him. A strange look flashed in Luo Shuanghan''s eyes. Some people, with just one glance, can make others feel that they are extraordinary. The young man before him was such a person. "Luo Shuanghan, by order of the Prefect, I invite the Young Master of Qingxuan Sect to join the court." "Here is a gift from the Prefect." After speaking, Luo Shuanghan threw over a storage ring. Elder Li, with a vigilant expression, stood in front of Shen Mo and caught the storage ring for him. However, the force on the storage ring was immense. Elder Li stumbled back more than ten steps before coming to a stop. Her face was extremely unpleasant, and her right hand gradually turned red. Shen Mo took the storage ring and said coldly, "Is this also the Prefect''s intention?" Luo Shuanghan smiled faintly, "I didn''t expect that there could be such a weak Core Formation Realm cultivator." Elder Li''s face turned icy, "This is the first time I''ve seen someone inviting others to join the court with such a tone." Shen Mo opened the storage ring and frowned immediately. Inside were only three bottles of Great Stabilizing Pills and five hundred high-grade spirit stones. Anyone who didn''t know better would think they were dealing with beggars. "Fine, I''ve seen the Prefect''s sincerity." Shen Mo casually tossed the storage ring back. But Luo Shuanghan didn''t catch it; he turned and left. "It doesn''t matter if you don''t want it. I''ve conveyed the Prefect''s message. I''m heading to Heavenly Water Sect now." After speaking, he turned into a stream of light and quickly disappeared. The items in the storage ring were also beneath his notice. Elder Li''s face darkened, "Ji Shilong sent him here to disgust us on purpose!" Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. He didn''t understand Ji Shilong''s thoughts. But this Luo Shuanghan was clearly such an arrogant person. Someone like him was not suitable for inviting talents. "Ignore him, Elder Li. Take the items from the storage ring to the sect''s treasury. I don''t need them," Shen Mo waved his hand. "Understood." Shen Mo''s mind conjured up Luo Shuanghan''s life profile. [Name: Luo Shuanghan] [Realm: Peak of Core Formation Realm] [Fate: Illegitimate Child, Fortunate Star, Escaped Death, Sword Dao Heir, Fondness for Boys, Extreme Yin Physique] [Destiny: Stopping at the peak of Core Formation Realm. While competing with Xiao Fan for the position of Young Master of the Divine Sword Sect, he was tricked by Xiao Fan, expelled from the sect, and died in an ambush, filled with hatred.] [Recent Opportunity: Today, after leaving the Thunder Crystal Mine, he will go to Flying Fish City to practice swordsmanship. At night, while crossing the Qingcang Mountains to Heavenly Water Sect, he will sense something unusual, land by a stream, and find a sword pill at the bottom of the stream, which will increase his realm and significantly enhance his understanding of the Sword Dao.] Shen Mo carefully examined this person''s fate. [Illegitimate Child: Blue Fate. You are the illegitimate child of a prominent figure. Though you don''t have a nominal father, you have lived in comfort since childhood. One day, you will compete for the position of Young Master of the Divine Sword Sect.] [Fortunate Star: Orange Fate. You have been blessed since childhood, such as having a father who has never appeared but always provides abundant resources for your cultivation. You can easily overcome obstacles in your path.] [Escaped Death: Purple Fate. You will encounter numerous dangers in your life but almost always escape alive until you meet an enemy with better fortune than you.] [Sword Dao Heir: Purple Fate. You chose a sword during your infancy, have slept with a sword since childhood, and have extraordinary talent in the Sword Dao, often having unique insights while practicing swordsmanship.] [Fondness for Boys: White Fate. Your preferences are quite unique and not conventional. You prefer practicing swordsmanship with your fellow cultivators and every time...] [Extreme Yin Physique: Purple Fate. Your ice spirit root talent is exceptional, making your cultivation of ice attribute techniques and martial arts highly efficient.] Shen Mo smacked his lips. If he guessed correctly, this guy should be the illegitimate son of Luo Chaotian, the master of the Divine Sword Sect. No wonder this person, who was clearly not a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, got involved in the competition for the position of Young Master of the Divine Sword Sect. However, it was clear that this person''s fate was not as strong as Xiao Fan''s. In the end, he still lost and died. "This person must have been sent to Ji Shilong by Luo Chaotian. The Divine Sword Sect''s attitude towards the government is quite ambiguous." Shen Mo pondered. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From these clues, he could infer a lot of information. By carefully analyzing, he could extract useful things for himself. "Luo Shuanghan will stay overnight in Flying Fish City. Perfect, I''ll go ahead and intercept his opportunity." Shen Mo immediately left the Thunder Crystal Mine and entered the Qingcang Mountains. Before long, he found the seemingly unremarkable stream based on the information from the life panel. Calling it a stream was a bit generous. It was so small that an ordinary person could easily jump over it. It was hard to imagine that a sword pill would be buried here. Shen Mo stretched out his hand, immersing it in the stream. A trace of spiritual power surged out, connecting with the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth, carefully probing the mud and sand at the bottom of the stream. Moments later, Shen Mo''s expression shifted. He made a gesture with his hand. Downstream, about twenty feet away, the mud and sand suddenly broke open, and a small sword with a metallic sheen emerged and flew into Shen Mo''s hand. Shen Mo examined it carefully. At first glance, this item looked like it was forged from metal. But in reality, it was neither metal nor wood. To be precise, a sword pill should be called a sword core, condensed by those cultivators who pursued unconventional paths. These cultivators were usually rogue cultivators. They knew their own talents were average, so when forming their core, they chose unconventional methods, condensing weapon-shaped golden cores. There were sword cores, blade cores, axe cores, and so on. After condensing such a golden core, one could only specialize in that type of martial art. That is, condensing a sword core meant one must practice swordsmanship. Condensing a blade core meant one must practice bladework, and so on. If not, it would go against their true nature. Over time, the golden core would crack on its own, causing great harm. Of course, there were benefits to condensing such a golden core. Upon entering the Core Formation Realm, their combat power far surpassed those who condensed Five Elements golden cores. Because these weapon golden cores were vastly different from the orthodox Five Elements golden cores. Therefore, many cultivators did not call it a "core" but rather disparagingly referred to it as a "pill." Thus, sword pills, blade pills, spear pills, and so on. However, preserving a sword pill was also very difficult. The cultivator had to die, but the dantian had to remain intact, and it also had to undergo the tempering of extremely high-temperature flames for it to appear. Otherwise, most of the time, these weapon golden cores would shatter upon the cultivator''s death. The sword pill Shen Mo obtained was clearly very rare. "I need to find a place nearby and start refining it immediately." Shen Mo nodded with satisfaction. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 99: The Fear of Fast Yet Slow Swordsmanship Chapter 99: The Fear of Fast Yet Slow Swordsmanship The process of refining the sword pellet wasn''t difficult. Two hours later, this thumb-sized sword pellet had completely merged into Shen Mo''s Inferno Gold Core. In his mind, there suddenly appeared many unique understandings of swordsmanship. These were left by the previous owner of the sword pellet. Shen Mo, deep in thought, entered a state of enlightenment. Several hours later, he abruptly stood up, took out the Thunder Sword, and subconsciously performed the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. Swish! Swish! Swish! The sword light was as swift as thunder, like a deadly viper, instantly taking a life. After several continuous strikes, the sword light suddenly slowed down. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, its speed was unpredictable. Making it difficult for enemies to grasp. After executing a set of Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, Shen Mo gradually came back to his senses. A look of joy appeared on his face. "This fast yet slow sword technique is too lethal; ordinary cultivators can''t react at all." "In the future, I''ll rename it to ''Thunder Shadow Fast Yet Slow Sword Technique.''" He nodded with satisfaction. With such an enhancement, the grade of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique could at least reach the top tier of the Profound Grade. His usual means of dealing with enemies had also made great progress. In addition, his own realm had also achieved some growth. Shen Mo estimated that if there was a progress bar, he was about sixty percent there. With a bit more time or seizing some opportunities, he should be able to advance to the minor accomplishment stage of the Core Formation Realm. At the Thunder Crystal Mine. Shen Mo returned there and hadn''t walked a few steps when a nearby disciple saw him and hurriedly said, "Young Sect Master, the Sect Master has urgent business with you." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Where is Master?" The disciple looked around, "Here she comes." Shen Mo looked up and immediately saw his beautiful master, wearing a blue-purple gradient palace dress. "Mo''er, let''s go to your room," Murong Yue said solemnly. In Shen Mo''s room. The master and disciple sat facing each other. Murong Yue sat down gracefully, smoothing her dress. Her dress was very loose, but as she sat down, it immediately outlined her beautiful curvaceous hips. "Does Master have urgent business?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue nodded, "The matter of converting sects to halls is almost done, but the hall master of the Heavy Weapon Hall has not been decided. These elders all have their own agendas, you should know this, right?" Shen Mo nodded. He hadn''t participated in this matter, but he had heard Elder Li mention it. The so-called converting sects to halls. It was actually renaming those small sects that had submitted to the Qingxuan Sect and moving them near the Qingxuan Sect. Iron Fist Sect, Black Tiger Sect, etc., were renamed Iron Fist Hall, Black Tiger Hall. Each performed their own duties according to their strengths. For example, Iron Fist Hall was good at selecting disciples and teaching martial arts, suitable for training disciples. Black Tiger Hall was skilled in hand-to-hand combat and killing, suitable for serving as the Qingxuan Sect''s guard force. But the hall master of the Heavy Weapon Hall was particularly important. Everyone knew this was a lucrative position and wanted to secure it for themselves or their friends. "It seems the result is out, but not what Master wanted," Shen Mo said casually. Murong Yue smiled helplessly, "You''re really smart, you saw through it at a glance." "I originally planned to nominate Song Chaofeng as the hall master of Heavy Weapon Hall. He has calmed down a lot and, with his considerable strength, could handle the position." "But Liu Yuanfeng won over more elders, and in the end, I lost by one vote." "He, Liu Yuanfeng, can concurrently serve as the hall master of Heavy Weapon Hall." Shen Mo was stunned, then clicked his tongue in wonder, "Liu Yuanfeng is clever. If he can be the hall master, he can openly inspect the techniques of refining heavy weapons and crystals, essentially holding the lifeline." Then he guessed Murong Yue''s purpose for coming. "Master wants me to check Liu Yuanfeng, right?" Murong Yue nodded repeatedly, "Exactly!" "I plan to set up a hall master and deputy hall master in Heavy Weapon Hall. Mo''er, while being the Young Sect Master, you will also serve as the deputy hall master of Heavy Weapon Hall." "If Liu Yuanfeng behaves himself, that''s fine. But if he still secretly colludes with other sects, betraying the Qingxuan Sect by selling the hammer and crystal refining formulas, he must be exposed immediately!" Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. Both master and disciple were well aware that Liu Yuanfeng''s heart was not with the Qingxuan Sect, and he might have already betrayed them. This person should have been purged from the sect long ago. However, Murong Yue had never caught evidence of Liu Yuanfeng''s betrayal, so the matter had been delayed. Shen Mo actually liked this task. He was now a Core Formation stage cultivator, and while he could take advantage of Xiao Fan, Xiao Fan was still only at the Foundation Establishment stage, and his opportunities might not be what Shen Mo needed. But now, there was another person he could take advantage of. That person was Liu Yuanfeng! "Disciple accepts the task. However, Master needs to assign a Core Formation stage elder to accompany me to the Heavy Weapon Hall," Shen Mo immediately agreed. Murong Yue nodded, "Of course. You are still at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, and your realm can''t compare to Liu Yuanfeng''s." "Let''s have Song Chaofeng and Elder Li protect you." "You can also take the opportunity to see if Song Chaofeng has really settled down and has no ulterior motives." Shen Mo agreed, "Alright." That same day. Shen Mo and his group left the Thunder Crystal Mine and arrived at the Heavy Weapon Hall. He chose an ordinary courtyard. On either side were the courtyards of Song Chaofeng and Elder Li. A bit further away were the courtyards of Liu Yuanfeng and his son Liu Yunxuan. Additionally, disciples like Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan had also come to the Heavy Weapon Hall. Firstly, so Shen Mo would have people to rely on if necessary. Secondly, to oversee the efficiency of the Heavy Weapon Hall''s disciples in manufacturing refined crystal spiritual tools. Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Knock, knock, knock. Just as Shen Mo had prepared his bed, there was a knock on the door. He opened the courtyard door to find three people outside. Song Chaofeng, Liu Yuanfeng, and Liu Yunxuan. The first two greeted him, "Greetings, Young Sect Master." Liu Yunxuan''s gaze was cold, reluctant to address him. Liu Yuanfeng slapped his son''s head, "Hurry and pay your respects!" Only then did Liu Yunxuan unwillingly bow and greet Shen Mo. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged, "What brings you two here?" Liu Yuanfeng smiled sincerely, "It''s nothing much, just a few words to share." "We are now the hall master and deputy hall master. We should work together to produce more refined crystal spiritual tools, making our Qingxuan Sect stronger." "I know that my son and I have had some misunderstandings with the Young Sect Master in the past, but we are all members of the Qingxuan Sect, and everything should be prioritized for the benefit of the Qingxuan Sect." "That''s why I brought Yunxuan here today, hoping to set aside past grievances with the Young Sect Master." "What do you think, Young Sect Master?" After speaking, he showed a sincere smile. It didn''t seem fake. Shen Mo responded with a gentle smile, "What are you talking about, Hall Master Liu? I''ve never held those small misunderstandings against you." "There''s one thing you said right, Hall Master Liu: everything should be prioritized for the benefit of the Qingxuan Sect." "As long as Hall Master Liu and I are on the same path, there will naturally be no enmity or grudges between us." Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes flashed, but he quickly concealed it, "Good, good. Since the Young Sect Master says so, we will take our leave." After the two left, Song Chaofeng respectfully bowed to Shen Mo, "Young Sect Master, Liu Yuanfeng is very scheming. His words just now are not to be trusted." Shen Mo smiled silently. Seeing this, Song Chaofeng lowered his voice further, "Young Sect Master, on the day we broke through the Heavy Weapon Sect''s gate, Wu Gangfei lay in a pool of blood, pointing at Liu Yuanfeng, accusing him of giving false information, only to have Liu Yuanfeng shatter his throat with a burst of spiritual power." Shen Mo nodded slightly, "Elder Song, thank you for your concern." Song Chaofeng respectfully replied, "From now on, I will wholeheartedly protect the Young Sect Master and uphold the sect''s interests. Please rest assured, Young Sect Master." "Good, Elder Song, go and rest." Shen Mo nodded. After Song Chaofeng left, Shen Mo closed the courtyard door, lost in thought. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 100: I Am the One Who Will Take Your Filthy Life Chapter 100: I Am the One Who Will Take Your Filthy Life Shen Mo had already thoroughly examined the life panels of the three men he conversed with earlier. Song Chaofeng had not gained any recent opportunities from betraying the Qingxuan Sect. He could be temporarily placed on the trust list. As for Liu Yuanfeng... His earlier words were entirely deceitful. While he claimed to act in the Qingxuan Sect''s best interest, his true intention was to obtain the complete crystal refining technique. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Recent Opportunity: One month later, he will sell the formulas for two types of hammers and embedding liquid to the Flying Frost Sect, earning one thousand high-grade spirit stones. On his way back to the Heavy Weapon Hall, he will pass through the Thorn Forest and be surrounded by a group of rogue cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, who call themselves the Poison Dragon Group. After killing the rogue cultivators, he will obtain three yellow-grade treasures, Dragon White Whiskers, among the spoils.] "Dragon White Whiskers..." Shen Mo shook his head. He didn''t know much about yellow-grade treasures. It seemed like it was time to read more books and learn about these treasures. However, since it was a yellow-grade treasure, it must be very valuable. He couldnt let Liu Yuanfeng get it cheaply. "The important treasures from the sects treasury in the Heavy Weapon Hall have been moved to the Qingxuan Sects mountain gate, and the martial techniques in the Sutra Pavilion have been taken, but many historical books and geographical records are still well-preserved. I should go and have a look." After pondering for a moment, Shen Mo pushed the door open and headed straight for the Sutra Pavilion. For the next five days, he immersed himself in the Sutra Pavilion, reading books without rest or sleep. The stewards and disciples of the Heavy Weapon Hall were quite surprised. Since becoming the vice hall master of the Heavy Weapon Hall, this young sect leader had acted strangely. Instead of cultivating or overseeing the production of crystal spiritual artifacts, he spent all his time reading in the Sutra Pavilion? Elder Li was also puzzled, but she loyally performed her duty, guarding the first floor of the Sutra Pavilion every day. Song Chaofeng was equally diligent, supervising the production of crystal spiritual artifacts daily and keeping a close eye on Liu Yuanfeng, making the latter very uncomfortable. After five days, Shen Mo closed the last book and let out a long breath. Despite not sleeping, eating, or drinking for five days, he was not exhausted but instead looked more vibrant. This was the benefit of being a Core Formation stage cultivator. Foundation Establishment stage cultivators had not yet completely avoided the need for food and occasionally needed to consume mortal food. But Core Formation stage cultivators could completely avoid eating. Of course, it didnt mean they couldnt enjoy delicious food. Eating was a major pleasure of life. One could choose not to eat, but if one wanted to, they could still enjoy it. "Dragon White Whiskers, a yellow-grade treasure, mild and balanced in medicinal properties, almost non-toxic, is one of the best secret treasures for enhancing the Golden Core." Shen Mo nodded slightly. This item was perfect for him! He immediately left the Sutra Pavilion, and on his way out, he greeted Elder Li on the first floor, saying he was going to the Thorn Forest to seek opportunities for breaking through to the Core Formation stage, which might take a few days. Elder Li initially wanted to follow but was refused by Shen Mo, leaving her no choice but to relent. However, she knew that Shen Mo had life-saving tricks up his sleeve. Unless he encountered a peak Core Formation stage cultivator, he could at least escape. ... After leaving the Heavy Weapon Hall, Shen Mo confirmed that no one was following him and then flew swiftly towards the Thorn Forest. The Heavy Weapon Hall was located on the eastern side of the Qingcang Mountain Range. Heading north, one would reach the territory of the Flying Frost Sect. However, the route did not pass through the Flying Frost Sect''s mountain gate but rather through a city under its control. At most, there were only some Foundation Establishment stage stewards there. Shen Mo did not detour and flew directly over. Before long, a vast forest appeared in front of him. The forest looked lush and refreshing. But from within came the occasional roars of tigers and apes, clearly indicating the presence of fierce beasts. Shen Mo landed early and strode towards a small town outside the Thorn Forest. As he walked, he put on a mask with a blue face and fangs, covering his face. After all, this was a town under the control of the Flying Frost Sect. If someone recognized him, it might cause unnecessary trouble. After putting on the mask, Shen Mo cautiously glanced at his life panel to ensure there would be no unexpected events on this trip, only then did he relax. He surveyed the area and found that it was no different from the small market outside the Fierce Tiger Forest. People were loudly peddling their wares, chatting away, and groups were gathering to form teams to enter the Thorn Forest to hunt monsters. However, the market outside the Fierce Tiger Forest was very small, with only street vendors and no buildings. In contrast, this town was full of buildings. Despite its small size, it had everything: taverns, tea houses, restaurants, inns, and even the Qingyi House. Rogue cultivators had their own stalls rather than street vendors. Additionally, disciples of the Flying Frost Sect patrolled the streets in teams, maintaining order. After walking a few steps into the crowded area, Shen Mo suddenly heard two cultivators nearby discussing enthusiastically. "...Did you taste that girl yesterday? She was amazing! Her skin was so smooth and tender, and she screamed so loudly!" "Hehehe, of course I did. It was exhilarating!" "Let''s hunt some more high-quality ones today and invite Boss Poison Dragon along!" Shen Mo frowned slightly. Poison Dragon? He must be the leader of the Poison Dragon Group. He immediately looked at the life panels of the two men. After reading them, his frown deepened. From their conversation, he initially thought they had visited the Qingyi House. But the life panels revealed that the "tasting" of "smooth and tender skin" was not metaphorical but literal. They had eaten those ordinary mortals who couldnt resist cultivators. Shen Mo showed a look of disgust and strode over, "Where is Poison Dragon?" The two men were stunned and looked him up and down, "Who are you? What do you want with the boss?" "To take his filthy life," Shen Mo said coldly. The two men exchanged a glance and burst into laughter, ready to mock him. Shen Mo slapped one of them. Slap! One mans head suddenly spun 360 degrees. His neck twisted into a braid. The other man''s laughter stopped abruptly. "Take me to Poison Dragon," Shen Mo said coldly. "Y-yes, sir, please follow me," the man carefully lowered his head, nodding and bowing as he led the way. Before long, Shen Mo found Poison Dragon in a residence. No one was around, indicating this was the lair of the Poison Dragon Group. Even the disciples of the Flying Frost Sect wouldnt come here to patrol without a reason. At this moment, Poison Dragon had two scantily clad women in his arms, both with tear stains on their faces. They had no trace of spiritual power, clearly ordinary mortals. Beside Poison Dragon were six Foundation Establishment cultivators, all with fierce expressions. "B-boss, this lord has s-something to discuss with you," the rogue cultivator who led Shen Mo stammered before running off. Shen Mo flicked his finger, and a strand of spiritual power pierced the man''s heart instantly. Poison Dragon stopped his movements on the two mortal women. He frowned, "Who dares to kill on my turf?" Shen Mo, having read the life panels of Poison Dragon and every cultivator present, calmly spoke, "I am here to take your filthy life." Poison Dragon''s eyes sharpened, "Get him, kill him!" He had not survived in the Thorn Forest for so long by luck. He had a keen sense of danger. His intuition told him that this masked man was terrifying and at least as powerful as him, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 102: The Ruthless Woman, Pang Ziyu Chapter 102: The Ruthless Woman, Pang Ziyu Heavy Weapon Hall. When Shen Mo returned, the disciples greeted him with bows. However, he noticed worry and panic on everyone''s faces. At this moment, he saw Luo Shengnan and inquired about the situation. Seeing him, Luo Shengnan exclaimed joyfully, "Shen... oh no, Young Sect Master! You''re finally back!" "We''ve been looking for you everywhere!" Shen Mo was puzzled. With Liu Yuanfeng, Song Chaofeng, and Elder Li around, any major or minor issue should be manageable. Among the surrounding sects, Spirit Beast Sect''s visible Foundation Establishment cultivators were fewer than Qingxuan Sect''s, so it was unlikely they''d suddenly attack like madmen. As for Flying Frost Sect, most of their Foundation Establishment cultivators were still being held up by Stormy Rain Sect in Thorn Forest. They wouldn''t have the manpower to deal with Qingxuan Sect. What could require his personal attention? Luo Shengnan lowered her voice and said, "It''s Flying Fish City. Flying Frost Sect suddenly attacked, seized Flying Fish City, and captured our deacons and disciples. This news came from a passing merchant caravan." Shen Mo frowned slightly. Flying Fish City was one of the four cities previously controlled by Heavy Weapon Sect. After Qingxuan Sect annexed Heavy Weapon Sect, they naturally sent Qingxuan Sect''s deacons and disciples to take over these four cities. The remnants of Heavy Weapon Sect either surrendered or fled. The takeover went smoothly. Unexpectedly, within just over half a month of stability, Flying Frost Sect initiated conflict. Shen Mo suddenly recalled a few days ago when Luo Shuanghan, sent by Ji Shilong, came to recruit him. Luo Shuanghan had mentioned that he was heading to Heavenly Water Sect next. "Ji Shilong knows I won''t be recruited, so Luo Shuanghan must go to Heavenly Water Sect." "He must be following Ji Shilong''s orders." "Flying Frost Sect is aligned with Heavenly Water Sect..." "Thinking this way, it''s possible Heavenly Water Sect gave either a hint or an explicit order, prompting Flying Frost Sect to act despite most of their Foundation Establishment cultivators being held up by Stormy Rain Sect." Shen Mo asked, "Where are Elder Song and Elder Li?" Luo Shengnan pointed to the main hall, "They''re all waiting for you in the council hall." Shen Mo nodded and was about to head to the council hall. At this moment, a sudden exclamation came from the entrance of Heavy Weapon Hall. "Deacon Zhang! Deacon Zhang, who was sent to take over Flying Fish City, has returned!" Shen Mo turned and looked towards the entrance. He saw a middle-aged deacon covered in bloodZhang Weihu. Zhang Weihu also saw Shen Mo from afar. Struggling, he took out a letter from his chest and said weakly, "Y-Young Sect Master... important... letter..." Shen Mo quickly approached, his gaze unintentionally scanning Zhang Weihu''s life panel. [Destiny: Stuck at the peak of Qi Condensation. Poisoned with explosive blood poison by Flying Frost Sect''s Young Sect Master, Pang Ziyu, and sent back to Qingxuan Sect to personally deliver an important letter to Shen Mo. The moment the letter is handed over, a toxic explosion occurs internally, causing immediate death.] Shen Mo''s eyebrows shot up, and he immediately surveyed the surrounding disciples and himself. Sure enough, after Zhang Weihu appeared, the life panels of those near him changed. Some with lower cultivation levels and closer proximity died instantly from the toxic explosion. Those with higher cultivation levels were seriously injured. Even Shen Mo, despite being at Foundation Establishment, was caught off guard and poisoned. His recent turn of events was clearly written: the poison seeped into his bones, destroying his physique. Murong Yue gave up her cultivation to heal him continuously for two years, eventually purging all the poison. Shen Mo suddenly shouted, "All disciples, stay away from Zhang Weihu!" His shout made the disciples who were about to help Zhang Weihu freeze. The disciples were confused. Zhang Weihu was in such a state, and they shouldn''t help? But Shen Mo''s high prestige and authority within Qingxuan Sect meant no one dared disobey. At this time, Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng, along with other Foundation Establishment cultivators, also came out from the council hall. Liu Yuanfeng frowned at the scene and said sternly, "Young Sect Master, what are you waiting for? Treating the wounded is urgent! This deacon surely knows what happened in Flying Fish City!" Shen Mo glanced at him coldly. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Elder Song, Elder Li, please immediately prepare Red Fire Root, White Crane Branch, and Black Frost Flower, 10 grams of each." Song Chaofeng hesitated for a moment, but Elder Li, having great faith in Shen Mo, went to prepare the items immediately. Heavy Weapon Hall wasn''t known for its medical skills but did have a warehouse of medicinal materials. These were common yellow and mysterious grade herbs, not hard to find. After a brief hesitation, Song Chaofeng followed suit. Shen Mo''s achievements were evident to all. Both elders believed his actions were never without purpose. The disciples were also puzzled. Why did Shen Mo specifically need these three herbs? Shen Mo said in a deep voice, "Stay 30 meters away from Zhang Weihu. He has been poisoned by the Flying Frost Sect, and if he can''t hold on, he will explode." "Zhang Weihu, bite down and don''t faint. I will save you immediately." As soon as he said this, the disciples turned pale and quickly moved away. Zhang Weihu was also shocked but trusted Shen Mo deeply. He nodded repeatedly and said through clenched teeth, "Yes, I... obey!" Liu Yuanfeng watched Shen Mo''s back, his eyes flickering. Why was Shen Mo so calm and composed, and how did he immediately know that Zhang Weihu was poisoned? This was too strange. Could it be that Shen Mo had profound knowledge of medicinal properties, so much so that he could tell at a glance if someone was poisoned? Gifted, wise, calm, and now with deep medicinal knowledge... This person is too monstrous, too terrifying... Opposing him from the start was probably a mistake. Liu Yuanfeng sighed inwardly, but he knew there was no turning back for him now; he could only continue down this dark path! Shen Mo strode over to Zhang Weihu. After deciding to save Zhang Weihu, his "recent turn of events" changed according to his will. The new turn of events showed that he didn''t need any protection; he just needed to administer the herbs in the correct sequence to cure Zhang Weihu of the explosive blood poison. Everything was still in time. No one would be harmed. During this process, his fate attributes "Small Fortune" and "Blessed with Luck" should have come into play. Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Shen Mo methodically processed the three herbs. He ground, dried, and tore them. Finally, he brewed a pot of medicinal soup and poured it into Zhang Weihu''s mouth. Zhang Weihu''s face changed color several times. A moment later, he spat out a large mouthful of black water. The black water hit the ground with a faint explosive sound, quickly shattering the granite tiles. However, the power of the explosive blood poison had been greatly reduced by the medicinal soup. Otherwise, even this simple vomiting would have affected the surroundings within 15 or 18 meters, causing many casualties. Shen Mo also breathed a sigh of relief. Explosive blood poison was a sinister poison controlled by the Flying Frost Sect, often used against sympathetic opponents. Insidious and treacherous. People couldn''t detoxify it because they didn''t know what poison it was or the medicinal properties of many herbs. But Shen Mo could learn from the life panel that it was explosive blood poison and could administer the right antidote. Moreover, he had read extensively, including many books on herbs. Thus, he could find the herbs to counteract the explosive blood poison. The result proved his method was correct. Zhang Weihu, now weak and exhausted, said, "Thank you... Young Sect Master, for saving me. This is... a letter from Pang Ziyu for you." Shen Mo took the letter and opened it immediately. "The Flying Frost Sect''s formation master, who we invited to repair our sect''s grand formation, was attacked while passing through Flying Fish City. Hence, we detained your sect''s deacons and disciples." "Our sect has no intention of starting a war. If your sect is willing, you can send someone to negotiate, hand over the culprits who attacked the formation master, and resolve the conflict between our sects." "Respectfully, Pang Ziyu, Young Sect Master of the Flying Frost Sect." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 103: Pang Ziyu’s Unruly Attack Chapter 103: Pang Ziyu''s Unruly Attack Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged as he quietly pondered. "Take Zhang Weihu to rest," he casually ordered, handing the letter to Song Chaofeng and Elder Li, among others. "Everyone, take a look." The Core Formation stage cultivators, led by Song Chaofeng, passed the letter around, their brows furrowing deeply after reading it. Elder Li, known for her fiery temper, immediately exclaimed, "Nonsense! This is just their excuse!" Song Chaofeng also spoke gravely, "Elder Li is right. This is nothing but nonsense from Flying Frost Sect. If we send people to negotiate, they might also be detained." Elder Li, visibly angered, retorted, "But many stewards and disciples involved in taking over Flying Fish City have been captured. We can''t just abandon them..." Song Chaofeng sighed deeply, "This Pang Ziyu... she released Zhang Weihu, explicitly instructing him to deliver the letter personally to the young sect master. If the young sect master hadn''t detected the poison in his body, he might have been seriously injured by now." "Now, with our stewards and disciples held captive, our Qingxuan Sect is in a dire situation..." "If we don''t rescue them, Flying Frost Sect will surely make this public, damaging our reputation. At that point, no cultivators will join us." "If we send someone to negotiate, we''d need at least one Core Formation stage cultivator, but they might detain them too, which would be a significant loss of our fighting strength." "How vicious!" Elder Li said seriously, "Neither of these options is acceptable. I think we should gather all our Core Formation stage cultivators and attack Flying Fish City!" Liu Yuanfeng shook his head, "Elder Li, that''s problematic. How can we gather all our Core Formation stage cultivators? Who would guard Qingxuan Sect''s main gates, the Thunder Crystal Mine, and the Heavy Weapon Hall?" Elder Li snorted but couldn''t argue further. The sect had grown too large, requiring defenses in multiple areas, making it impossible to mobilize all top-tier combatants. Shen Mo''s gaze turned cold. Song Chaofeng''s analysis was accurate. However, they were only seeing the present situation. Shen Mo had already glimpsed his fate and recent turning points through his life panel. This Pang Ziyu was determined to deal with him. [Fate: Eventually cultivates to the peak of the Core Formation stage. Five years later, dies at the hands of Luo Chaotian, the leader of Divine Sword Sect, during an attack on Qingxuan Sect.] [Recent Turn: Five days later at night, Pang Ziyu leads three Core Formation stage cultivators in a surprise attack on the Heavy Weapon Hall. Shen Mo fights them alone and defeats them. Failing to capture him, Pang Ziyu orders Li Tie to activate the Blood Vine Array to trap Shen Mo, and another Core Formation stage cultivator sacrifices themselves in a self-destruction attempt, severely injuring Shen Mo, leaving him bedridden for over a year, unable to cultivate.] It seemed Pang Ziyu planned the attack, seeing the Heavy Weapon Hall''s defenses as vulnerable. Shen Mo felt a strange sense of relief. His strength was indeed formidable. Otherwise, the life panel wouldn''t have shown him defeating three Core Formation stage cultivators alone. Moreover, he survived a Core Formation cultivator''s self-destruction, albeit severely injured. "As long as I avoid the Blood Vine Array, I can dodge the self-destructing cultivator, and I''ll be nearly unscathed." "Besides, I might even capture Pang Ziyu." "But who is Li Tie? Not an elder, so he must be a steward or disciple?" Shen Mo''s gaze scanned the crowd, soon spotting a Foundation Establishment stage disciple named Li Tie. This person was originally a disciple of the Iron Fist Sect. After the Iron Fist Sect merged into Qingxuan Sect, Li Tie was assigned to the Heavy Weapon Hall. Shen Mo quickly examined this person''s life panel. His fate and future were unremarkable. Just a minor character. He was destined to condense an ordinary Core Formation and, not long after becoming a Core Formation stage cultivator, died seeking treasure in dangerous territory due to his greed. Shen Mo was only concerned with this person''s recent opportunities. [Recent Opportunity: Two days later, in a grove near the Heavy Weapon Hall, receives the Blood Vine Array flag from Flying Frost Sect. Over the next few days, he secretly sets it up around the training ground, burying the flags, unnoticed by anyone. Five days later, at Pang Ziyu''s command, he activates the Blood Vine Array, greatly slowing Shen Mo and causing his severe injury from the self-destruction attempt. Subsequently, he receives three bottles of Stabilizing Pill from Flying Frost Sect.] "I see... This person was a mole planted by Pang Ziyu from the beginning. He doesn''t serve Iron Fist Sect or Flying Frost Sect, only Pang Ziyu." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Knowing the future and the traitors made things easier. He was somewhat surprised. He initially thought Liu Yuanfeng might be colluding with Flying Frost Sect, coordinating an inside-outside attack. But Liu Yuanfeng only sold information about Qingxuan Sect and didn''t act directly. "Young Sect Master, we all agree that this matter should be reported to the Sect Master and decided by the Elder Council. What do you think?" Elder Li asked. Shen Mo nodded, "Report to Master immediately." "Yes." That night, Shen Mo and other core members returned to the Qingxuan Sect''s council hall to participate in a meeting. Not many elders were present, as some had to stay behind to guard key locations like the mines. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo did not speak much during the meeting. The outcome was quite clear. Murong Yue was not foolish; she knew what needed to be done without any reminder. Rescuing the captives was essential. But they couldn''t follow the enemy''s plans blindly. Otherwise, it would be like the tale of the gourd children rescuing their grandfather, where each one gets captured in turn. The decision made by the Qingxuan Sect was to launch a surprise attack on Blackstone City, controlled by the Flying Frost Sect. As long as they could swiftly capture Blackstone City and control the elders, stewards, and disciples of the Flying Frost Sect, they could catch the sect off guard. By holding such leverage, they could negotiate with the Flying Frost Sect on equal terms. Blackstone City was the southernmost city under the control of the Flying Frost Sect, located close to the Qingcang Mountain Range. However, the city''s walls were thick, the moat deep, and it was guarded by three Core Formation stage cultivators and twenty Foundation Establishment stage stewards. It wouldn''t be easy to take down. The Qingxuan Sect also needed to deploy Core Formation stage cultivators. After a brief discussion, Murong Yue made the final decision, "Alright, we''ll set it for five days from now. Elder Song Chaofeng will lead four inner sect elders in a nighttime assault on Blackstone City. This battle must be won quickly and without error!" "Understood!" Song Chaofeng and the others nodded seriously. Shen Mo glanced at the life panels of the five elders. Yes, the attack on Blackstone City would be a great success. The only regret was... they wouldn''t capture a single person from the Flying Frost Sect. "It seems Pang Ziyu has anticipated this." "Blackstone City is the closest city under the Flying Frost Sect''s control to the Qingcang Mountain Range and Qingxuan Sect, making it the most likely target." "She likely withdrew the personnel from Blackstone City in advance, leaving Song Chaofeng and the others with an undefended city." "Even if it''s temporarily occupied, the Flying Frost Sect could eventually regroup and retake Blackstone City." "But she could take advantage of the weakened defenses at the Heavy Weapon Hall to send three Core Formation stage cultivators for a surprise attack, aiming to capture me." Shen Mo felt a sense of admiration. This woman was truly formidable. Without the life panel, who could outmaneuver her? However, even knowing the future, Shen Mo did not plan to reveal it. The future is not set in stone. If he stopped the five elders from going to Blackstone City, then the Heavy Weapon Hall wouldn''t be left defenseless. Pang Ziyu would likely reconsider her plan to launch a nighttime attack on the Heavy Weapon Hall. Thus, Shen Mo would lose the opportunity to capture Pang Ziyu. Everything was interconnected. Soon, it was five days later. Under the cover of night, Song Chaofeng, Liu Yuanfeng, and others left the Heavy Weapon Hall, crossing the Qingcang Mountain Range to attack Blackstone City. This left only Elder Li to guard the Heavy Weapon Hall. As for Shen Mo, he hadn''t revealed his true cultivation level, so he was still publicly considered at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. At this moment, it was nearly midnight. A team was approaching the Heavy Weapon Hall! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 104: He Seems to Be at the Core Formation Stage Chapter 104: He Seems to Be at the Core Formation Stage Leading the group was a slender woman. She was clearly the core of the team. The other three were Core Formation cultivators. The four approached a certain distance from the Heavy Weapon Hall and then stopped. They gazed at the heavy, tightly shut main gate of the hall. Two disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage stood guard at the entrance, looking tired and yawning. "When do we make our move, young sect master?" one of them asked. Pang Ziyu replied confidently, "No rush, we''ll wait until they switch shifts in half an hour." Sure enough, after half an hour, the gate cracked open, and two new disciples emerged to replace the previous guards. One of the Core Formation cultivators behind Pang Ziyu asked, puzzled, "Young sect master, those two earlier were exhausted. We could have rushed in and killed them before they even reacted. Why wait until now, when they''ve been replaced by more alert guards?" Pang Ziyu smiled without answering, as if to say they would soon understand. The three Core Formation cultivators stared intently at the gate. They immediately noticed that the two new guards were quietly opening the gate wide. After opening it fully, they lit a torch, seemingly signaling something. The three Core Formation cultivators quickly realized the truth. Those two were moles Pang Ziyu had placed inside the Heavy Weapon Hall! The gate of the Heavy Weapon Hall was extremely heavy, made entirely of white iron. In a closed state, it would take at least two Core Formation cultivators to force it open, consuming a significant amount of spiritual power. Having someone inside to open the gate was a fortunate turn of events, saving them a lot of trouble. "Young sect master, your foresight is impressive; we are in awe!" the three praised. Pang Ziyu smiled slightly and then asked softly, "Do you remember what I said before we came?" One quickly replied, "Yes, we must end this quickly! Our only target is Shen Mo!" Pang Ziyu nodded, "Capturing Shen Mo and ending his future prospects is our greatest success." She then lamented, "It''s a pity that the Stormy Rain Sect suddenly reinforced Thorn Forest, forcing us to send most of our Core Formation cultivators there as well." "Otherwise, I would have brought two more Core Formation cultivators to capture Shen Mo." The three cultivators chuckled. "Young sect master, isn''t that being overly cautious? You seem to forget, Shen Mo is only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage." "Indeed, he must be aiming for a perfect core, but I doubt he''s gathered the necessary treasures for it." "The young sect master mentioned earlier that there''s only one Core Formation cultivator guarding the Heavy Weapon Hall. With four of us here, capturing Shen Mo should be effortless." Pang Ziyu shook her head, "It''s still necessary to be careful. I don''t think Shen Mo will be so easy to capture, but there''s no need to worry; I have contingency plans if things go awry." The three praised her again, "Young sect master, you''re truly exceptional. Despite being much younger, you''re more far-sighted and thorough in your planning." "Alright, let''s begin." Pang Ziyu said with a light smile. The four figures moved swiftly along the ground, reaching the gate in moments. One of the gate guards was Li Tie. Seeing Pang Ziyu, he immediately knelt respectfully, "Greetings, young sect master." Pang Ziyu nodded, "Stay here and be ready to activate the formation at my command." "Understood!" the two guards responded. The four then proceeded deeper into the Heavy Weapon Hall. At that moment, Elder Li, feeling uneasy, left her room for a patrol. She quickly spotted the intruders. Pang Ziyu immediately commanded, "Kill her! She''s a staunch follower of Murong Yue!" The four Core Formation cultivators surrounded Elder Li. Elder Li shouted angrily, "Damn you! Pang Ziyu, the Flying Frost Sect is despicable, launching a sneak attack!" Boom! Boom! Boom! The clash of five Core Formation cultivators created a massive commotion. Many disciples were awakened, but the shockwaves from the battle between Core Formation cultivators were too terrifying for them to intervene. Shen Mo also strode out of his room, alerted by the commotion. Elder Li roared, "Young Sect Master, run! I will hold them back with my life!" Pang Ziyu''s eyes flashed. "Don''t let him escape!" "Understood!" Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of the blue-robed cultivators attacking Elder Li shouted and struck out with a palm, pushing Elder Li aside. He then leaped into the air, his right hand forming a claw aimed directly at Shen Mo''s throat. Of course, since Pang Ziyu had instructed them to capture Shen Mo alive, he only used about thirty percent of his strength. Instead of running or dodging, Shen Mo faced the oncoming attack head-on. Elder Li closed her eyes in pain. She never expected Pang Ziyu and her group to launch a surprise attack on the Heavy Weapon Hall at this time. And judging by their actions, they were clearly targeting Shen Mo specifically. This was a meticulously planned operation! Elder Li felt a deep sense of guilt for being unable to protect Shen Mo. However, the next moment, a fierce flame burst forth from Shen Mo''s palm. In an instant, it coalesced into a small fire phoenix, heading straight for the blue-robed cultivator''s hand. Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, First Form! Boom! Their attacks collided. The blue-robed cultivator''s right arm was instantly engulfed in flames. "Ah!" He screamed in pain as the flames consumed his sleeve, turning it to ash in an instant. His skin sizzled under the intense heat, the searing pain reaching deep into his bones. But even through the excruciating pain, the blue-robed cultivator didn''t withdraw his hand. He continued to reach for Shen Mo''s throat. He thought this must be Shen Mo''s last resort, a life-saving technique given to him as the Young Sect Master of the Azure Profound Sect by Murong Yue, capable of unleashing an attack equivalent to that of a Core Formation cultivator. However, he was wrong again. In a blur, Shen Mo was suddenly behind him, and a cold voice came from behind. "Stop looking, I''m here." Boom! Shen Mo''s palm slammed into the blue-robed cultivator''s back. Another fierce flame erupted, instantly penetrating the blue-robed cultivator''s body! Bang! Caught off guard, the blue-robed cultivator had no chance to defend himself and was sent flying. Shen Mo quickly followed up, delivering a series of rapid punches aimed at vital points like the throat and heart. Within ten breaths, the blue-robed cultivator was lifeless, killed on the spot! To everyone watching, it was as if a rabbit had kicked an eagle to death, or a kitten had scratched a tiger to death. How could this be possible? A cultivator at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, killing a Core Formation cultivator? Even if Shen Mo was exceptionally talented, capable of fighting above his level, it shouldn''t be possible to overcome such a vast gap in cultivation stages. The divide between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation was an insurmountable chasm! Foundation Establishment cultivators could only use their own spiritual energy, while Core Formation cultivators could draw upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, using the momentum of the world itself! The white-robed and black-robed cultivators beside Pang Ziyu frowned slightly. "Is that a life-saving technique given by Murong Yue?" Pang Ziyu murmured, "No... it''s not that... It seems he''s already at the Core Formation stage." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 105: Who Allowed You to Self-Destruct Your Core? Chapter 105: Who Allowed You to Self-Destruct Your Core? The white-robed and black-robed cultivators'' eyes widened in shock. "What?!" Even Elder Li was stunned. "You say our Young Sect Master is in the Core Formation stage? How is it that I don''t know about this?" Shen Mo called out, "Elder Li, I''ll assist you." Elder Li quickly responded, "Young Sect Master, I''m not sure about your current condition, but if you''ve just stepped into the Core Formation stage, you won''t be able to contend with cultivators who have been in the stage for years." "While I can still hold them off for a while, you must run as far as you can!" She was speaking based on common sense. The white-robed and black-robed cultivators attacking her were both at the major completion stage of Core Formation. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even if Shen Mo had formed a perfect golden core, a newly advanced Core Formation cultivator couldn''t possibly compete with two major completion Core Formation cultivators. Shen Mo shook his head. "Elder Li, if I leave you behind, you''re certain to die." "I, Shen Mo, am not such a person." With that, the Thunder Sword was unsheathed in a flash. Shen Mo thrust his sword towards Pang Ziyu from a distance. Before the sword even landed, the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged toward him. Lightning crackled, and the sword''s shadow flickered, enveloping Pang Ziyu. The black-robed cultivator stepped in front of Pang Ziyu, wielding a pair of large sabers, and suddenly slashed down. As the saber light cleaved through the air, the gathered spiritual energy coalesced into a fiery blade several meters long. The lightning sword shadow and the fiery blade collided in midair. Boom! The different elemental energies intertwined, entangled, and annihilated each other. The black-robed cultivator was shocked and angered to find his attack instantly suppressed. How could a major completion Core Formation cultivator like him be suppressed by a newly advanced Core Formation cultivator? Impossible! "Damn it, another slash!" The black-robed cultivator roared, unleashing another saber strike. The new fiery blade combined with the previous one, intensifying the flames. The violent fire energy began to overpower the lightning sword shadow. Shen Mo smiled faintly and unleashed another sword strike. This sword, however, was entirely different from the previous one. It moved incredibly slowly, like a tortoise crawling. But just when the black-robed cultivator thought the sword light hadn''t landed yet, its speed suddenly accelerated to the extreme. It was like lightning! In the blink of an eye, it merged with the previous lightning sword shadow. In an instant, the lightning sword shadow overwhelmed the fiery blade, annihilating it entirely. The lightning sword shadow, after shattering the fiery blade, continued unabated and struck the black-robed cultivator''s chest. Boom! The black-robed cultivator was sent flying like a rag doll, smashing through a stone house and getting buried in the debris. Even as he struggled to climb out, he coughed up blood repeatedly, his complexion ashen. Clearly, he had been seriously injured by Shen Mo''s strike! Pang Ziyu''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You... what kind of monster are you?!" The white-robed cultivator quickly stepped in front of her, his voice deep. "Young Sect Master, this person is very unusual. He might have taken some rare elixir to temporarily boost his cultivation." "We can''t match him, nor can we afford to waste time. I suggest we retreat immediately." Pang Ziyu, however, took a deep breath. "I have another move." "Li Tie, activate the Bloodvine Array!" she shouted. Li Tie, who had been guarding the entrance, immediately channeled his spiritual energy into a jade tablet he had been holding. This jade tablet controlled the eight array flags of the Bloodvine Array. As soon as he infused it with spiritual energy, the array activated. Sure enough, the ground began to surge, and red vines formed from wood spiritual energy suddenly appeared. These vines instantly started wrapping around the four people within the array. Within five breaths, Shen Mo and Elder Li''s feet were bound, immobilizing them. "This is... a mid-level Profound-grade Blood Vine Array. When was it set up here?!" Elder Li exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. Profound-grade formations are extremely expensive and cannot be crafted by anyone in Xuanjiang Prefecture; they must be purchased at great expense from the state city. This Blood Vine Array was set up very well and had evidently been in place for some time. At this moment, the feet of Pang Ziyu and the white-clad cultivator were also bound by numerous blood vines. But they immediately took out two fist-sized, fragrant grass balls. One of these was thrown to the white-clad cultivator. These grass balls were not treasures but were made from the dung of a demonic beast called the Feeding Vine Bull. Blood vines are quite fearsome, numerous, and have thorns that can drain blood. However, their thorns cannot penetrate the thick hide of the Feeding Vine Bull. The Feeding Vine Bull is very strong and can easily tear apart blood vines with a little struggle. Therefore, blood vines are extremely afraid of the Feeding Vine Bull. Even though the blood vines in the array are condensed from wood spiritual energy, they still fear the Feeding Vine Bull. The dried dung of the Feeding Vine Bull, made into these grass balls, also has a restraining effect on blood vines. Sure enough, when Pang Ziyu and the white-clad cultivator held the grass balls, the blood vines binding them seemed to encounter something terrifying and immediately dispersed. They then turned to bind Shen Mo and Elder Li. The white-clad cultivator sighed in relief and said with admiration, "Young Sect Master, you truly have thought of everything." "With this array, their combat power will be greatly diminished." Pang Ziyu forced a bitter smile, "Better safe than sorry. I never expected we''d actually need to use the Blood Vine Array." Compared to them, Elder Li''s expression was much angrier. "Young Sect Master... you should leave now. There''s really no way out at this point." She gritted her teeth. Even if Shen Mo were strong, once trapped by the Blood Vine Array, he would become a live target, waiting to be slaughtered. What more could be done? While the dung of the Feeding Vine Bull can indeed restrain the blood vines, they had no way of knowing there would be a Blood Vine Array here and thus had not prepared such items in advance. Shen Mo, however, laughed silently, "Elder Li, did you forget I have something on me?" Elder Li was momentarily taken aback, not immediately understanding. Meanwhile, Pang Ziyu and the white-clad cultivator quickly advanced. Unlike the inept villains who stand around wasting time with useless talk, they had to seize the opportunity while Shen Mo was bound by the blood vines and act quickly to neutralize his combat power! Pang Ziyu''s whip suddenly lashed out. The white-clad cultivator, wielding a spear, aimed directly at Shen Mo''s heart. Facing the two fierce attacks, Shen Mo took a deep breath. Then... He activated the Red Lotus Flame! Boom! The violent red flame appeared as if out of nowhere, instantly burning away the blood vines that had wrapped around Shen Mo''s feet. "Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Art, Second Form!" Shen Mo extended his right hand, and the red flame wildly gathered. The surrounding fire spiritual energy also surged, boosting its power. After a few breaths, a 10 feet long red flame palm blade condensed in Shen Mo''s right hand. The intense heat that seemed to burn everything to ashes made Pang Ziyu and the white-clad cultivator feel immense danger! "Slash!" The red flame palm blade came down abruptly. It clashed with Pang Ziyu''s and the white-clad cultivator''s attacks. Boom! An explosion erupted suddenly. The four figures were thrown back in two different directions. Pang Ziyu was protected by the white-clad cultivator and was not seriously injured. However, the white-clad cultivator was almost entirely burned, with not a single patch of intact skin visible. Elder Li, having retreated in time, was only affected by the residual flames. Shen Mo himself was not harmed by the Red Lotus Flame. He was forced back by Pang Ziyu''s and the white-clad cultivator''s attacks. "Young Sect Master... this person is too strong. I''ll self-destruct my Golden Core and perish together with him. You should flee!" The white-clad cultivator roared and suddenly turned to grab Shen Mo, intending to die with him. "Who allowed you to self-destruct your Golden Core?" Shen Mo had long anticipated how the plot would unfold. He immediately used Eight Directions Thunder Movement, flashing behind the white-clad cultivator. The Thunder Sword suddenly pierced into the white-clad cultivator''s dantian. It promptly extracted a golden core that was spinning rapidly! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 106: It’s Too Big and Not Suited for Shen Mo Chapter 106: It''s Too Big and Not Suited for Shen Mo The white-robed cultivator''s golden core was dug out by Shen Mo, making self-detonation impossible. He looked down in disbelief and spat out a mouthful of blood before falling forward. Shen Mo turned to look at Pang Ziyu, smiling, "Now, only you are left." For some reason, Pang Ziyu felt as if the smile was that of a devil. All her calculations had been for naught. Shen Mo wasn''t just at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm; he had already formed a golden core, and it was undoubtedly the strongestan impeccable golden core. Moreover, she had long known through her channels that Shen Mo possessed a rare flame. She only needed to use the Blood Vine Array to trap Shen Mo for a moment, just long enough. A Golden Core realm cultivator detonating their core would surely seriously injure or even kill Shen Mo. However, Shen Mo reacted faster than any of them. The moment the blood vines began to entangle his feet, he unleashed his flame, incinerating the vines completely. It was as if... as if he had anticipated the blood vines... Thinking of this, Pang Ziyu glanced angrily at Li Tie, who stood at the entrance, panic-stricken. Had this person betrayed her and sided with Shen Mo?! "I would rather die than fall into your hands like Wu Leng!" Pang Ziyu shouted, suddenly drawing a short knife to cut her own throat. Shen Mo was prepared. With a flick of his finger, a strand of spiritual energy shot out, piercing Pang Ziyu''s right hand. The intense pain made it impossible for her to hold the knife, let alone kill herself. "Tie her up; don''t let her have any chance to commit suicide," Shen Mo ordered. Elder Li eagerly responded, "Yes!" She quickly bound Pang Ziyu tightly, even stuffing her mouth with a cloth to prevent her from biting her tongue. Only then did Shen Mo nod slightly. Pang Ziyu was of high status and intelligence. Such a person should either be killed swiftly or kept under control. However, Shen Mo did not plan to kill Pang Ziyu just yet. At the very least, he wanted to squeeze some benefits out of her first. Moreover, the overall strength of the Qingxuan Sect was still inferior to the Flying Frost Sect. Killing Pang Ziyu would be tantamount to declaring war. With both sides evenly matched, it could lead to a protracted battle, which Shen Mo did not want. He preferred a decisive victory, a crushing defeat. "Young Sect Master, what should we do with the two traitors?" Elder Li pointed to Li Tie and another person at the entrance. After Pang Ziyu was captured, the disciples rushed to seize these two as well. "Interrogate them, then execute them publicly," Shen Mo commanded with a wave of his hand. "Understood!" The chaos in the Armament Hall gradually subsided. But the excitement among the people made it impossible for them to sleep. They whispered about the recent events. "What realm is our young sect master at now, to be able to crush those Golden Core realm cultivators!" "I think the young sect master must have formed his golden core long ago, keeping it hidden as his trump card!" "But even if the young sect master had formed his golden core earlier, he should still be at the entry level of the Golden Core realm. How could he defeat those long-established Golden Core cultivators?" "Who knows... but our young sect master is amazing, that''s for sure!" "Hey, the Five Young Supremes of Xujiang haven''t even reached the Golden Core realm yet, but our young sect master did it first. When this news gets out, we Qingxuan Sect disciples will be so proud!" "Indeed, our Qingxuan Sect already meets the standards of a first-rate sect, and now we have a super talent like the young sect master. The future is bright!" Meanwhile, Shen Mo didn''t rest. He immediately left the Armament Hall to intercept an opportunity. Even before Pang Ziyu was captured, he had already seen her life panel and spotted two upcoming opportunities. [Recent Opportunity One: Tonight, while capturing Shen Mo and returning to the Flying Frost Sect, they are attacked by a fourth-rank Forest Python. After slaying the python, they find two low-grade Earth-tier medicinal herbs, Wooden Muruong, nearby.] [Recent Opportunity Two: Ten days later, during a meeting with the Spirit Beast Sect master near Baihe Mountain, they encounter a large Gold-seeking Rat but fail to capture it, only obtaining five top-grade spirit stones.] Shen Mo, following the path from the Heavy Weapon Hall to the Flying Frost Sect, soon discovered a large green python in the forestthe Forest Python mentioned in the opportunity. After an intense battle, Shen Mo successfully killed it and found two Wooden Muruong plants nearby, which blended in with the surrounding trees. Wooden Muruong, a low-grade Earth-tier medicinal herb, is a rare treasure for enhancing golden cores, similar to Dragon Beard. It doesn''t require processing into a pill and can be consumed directly for over ninety percent efficacy. Moreover, Wooden Muruong''s potency surpasses that of Dragon Beard. These two Wooden Muruong plants were roughly equivalent to four Dragon Beards. After obtaining the Wooden Muruong, Shen Mo headed straight for Baihe Mountain. Baihe Mountain is near the Spirit Beast Sect but still part of the Qingcang Mountain Range. Shen Mo quickly arrived at Baihe Mountain. However, unlike Pang Ziyu, he wouldn''t just happen to encounter the Gold-seeking Rat. According to normal circumstances, the Gold-seeking Rat would only appear ten days later. So Shen Mo had to find it himself. Around dawn, he finally found the large Gold-seeking Rat. Typically, a Gold-seeking Rat is only as long as a human forearm. But this one reached a human''s waist in height and was over three meters long. Definitely the rat king. Its speed was also astonishing. Upon spotting Shen Mo, it was terrified and ran off at full speed. Usually, Golden Core realm cultivators could only eat its dust. However, Shen Mo''s body technique, Eight Directional Thunderous Movement, a top-tier Mystic-grade skill, was more than sufficient to catch up. Soon, Shen Mo cornered the large Gold-seeking Rat in a dead end, where it played dead by flipping its belly. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo found it both amusing and exasperating. He didn''t kill it, instead taking what it had hidden in its thick fur. To his delight, not only did the large Gold-seeking Rat have over eighty top-grade spirit stones, but it also had half of a pitch-black armguard! It was a piece of the Demon Armor! One wonders how the Gold-seeking Rat managed to carry so much weight while running around... "Go back; I won''t kill you," Shen Mo said, waving his hand. The large Gold-seeking Rat quickly fled, feeling greatly relieved. Having intercepted these two opportunities, Shen Mo found a quiet place nearby to inspect his finds. He set the Wooden Muruong aside, as it could be consumed anytime. The refinement would also take considerable time. However, the half Demon Armor armguard excited him. The Demon Armor armguard emitted a dark purple glow, exuding a strange, malevolent aura, yet seemed imbued with overwhelming power. Its surface, like the previous pieces of the Demon Armor he had obtained, was inscribed with mysterious and intricate patterns. "I wonder if these two pieces of the Demon Armor can merge with this," Shen Mo thought. The two pieces of the Demon Armor fragment floated out from his chest at his command. In the next moment, they were drawn together like magnets. Finally, they merged seamlessly! Clang! A wave of dark purple energy spread out. The Demon Armor armguard hovered in front of Shen Mo, as if waiting for its master to wear it. However, it seemed particularly large and did not fit Shen Mo''s size. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 107: Important Intelligence on Pang Ziyu’s Life Panel Chapter 107: Important Intelligence on Pang Ziyu''s Life Panel Shen Mo scratched his head but still extended his arm to insert it into the armguard. Buzz! The demonic armor''s armguard, seemingly unsuitable for a human arm, unexpectedly shrank. In the end, it fit Shen Mo''s arm perfectly! Shen Mo immediately felt an overwhelming surge of power. The strength in his right arm alone was probably greater than his entire body''s strength! He took a deep breath and slammed it into the ground. Crack! In an instant, the solid granite floor cracked open. The fissure spread far away. The next moment, a ten-foot-tall small stone mountain ahead split down the middle, leaving a huge crack. It was completely split in two! Shen Mo''s eyes widened in utter delight. "Excellent! This demonic armor''s right arm is too powerful! It can serve as my trump card!" Filled with joy, Shen Mo willed the demonic arm to disappear, and it instantly vanished, reappearing in his dantian. It hovered quietly above the Dao foundation, beside his golden core. With just a thought from Shen Mo, it could reappear to aid its master in battle, slaying all enemies. ... Before long, Shen Mo returned to the Heavy Weapon Hall and arrived at the prison. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The prison was built in a natural underground cave. It was even colder and damper here. The prisoners were constantly tormented by the freezing cold air. Because of this, the guards had to wear thick robes. When Shen Mo arrived, the guards were two disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage. Shen Mo recognized them; they were old disciples of the Qingxuan Sect, not recent joiners. He glanced at their life panels and found nothing amiss, which also proved their loyalty to the Qingxuan Sect. "Greetings, young sect master!" The two greeted Shen Mo respectfully, their faces showing undisguised admiration. Shen Mo nodded slightly. "Take me to Pang Ziyu''s cell." "Yes." Along the way, they passed many cells, holding only two types of people: traitors and rogue cultivators who committed crimes. After interrogation, these people faced only two outcomes. Either their dantian was crippled and they were released, or they were publicly executed. Soon, Shen Mo saw Pang Ziyu. Her cell was at the deepest part of the underground prison. It was even more cold and damp. "By the way, young sect master, these were found on Pang Ziyu. Elder Li instructed us to hand them over to you personally." The disciple on the left handed over several items. There was a storage ring, a whip, and a necklace. Shen Mo examined them one by one. The storage ring contained over a hundred high-grade spirit stones and some spiritual artifacts. He didn''t pay much attention to these. Finally, he found a bottle of Essence Replenishing Pills in a corner of the storage ring. He nodded in satisfaction. As for the whip and necklace, they were lower-grade spiritual artifacts. Shen Mo took the items from the storage ring and had the other disciple take the rest to the sect''s treasury. At this moment, Pang Ziyu also saw him. She was still bound tightly, her mouth gagged, unable to speak. She could only glare at Shen Mo with hatred. If looks could kill, Shen Mo would be riddled with holes by now. Shen Mo smiled silently and carefully examined Pang Ziyu''s life panel. [Name: Pang Ziyu.] [Cultivation Level: Entry Stage of the Core Formation Realm.] [Fate: Sect Disciple, Slight Fortune, Beauty of Fish and Geese, Exceptional Intelligence, Purple Thunder Body.] [Destiny: Will ultimately stop at the pinnacle of the Core Formation Realm. Life will be full of ups and downs but will end peacefully.] [Upcoming Opportunity: In two months, the Alchemy King''s Cave will open. Pang Ziyu will be taken back to the Feishuang Sect by her father, Pang Longxiang, in exchange for a formation-breaking jade token.] [Upcoming Turn: Two and a half months later, during her exploration of the Alchemy King''s Cave, Pang Ziyu will suffer a severe injury from a formation and be on the brink of death, but she will be saved by the sect master of the Spirit Beast Sect.] Shen Mo frowned slightly. "The Alchemy King''s Cave is about to open? A formation-breaking jade token? This is crucial information!" "Flying Frost Sect discovered the third Alchemy King''s Cave long ago and has been trying to break its formation. They even invited a formation master from another prefecture, claiming it was to repair their mountain-protecting formation." "But the exact location of the Alchemy King''s Cave was never revealed; the only known detail is that it''s within the Thorn Forest." "So, in two months, Flying Frost Sect will use the formation-breaking jade token to open the Alchemy King''s Cave?" "It seems the formation-breaking jade token is the only thing valuable enough to exchange for Pang Ziyu." Shen Mo pondered this. In his mind, letting Pang Ziyu go was not an option; she had to die after he extracted all useful information from her. However, with the formation-breaking jade token in play, releasing her might be worthwhile. "Moreover, if Pang Ziyu enters the Alchemy King''s Cave and is severely injured by the formation, it''s an outcome that could easily be altered. With a little intervention, instead of being injured, she could be killed outright." Satisfied with this thought, Shen Mo ignored Pang Ziyu''s hateful glare and left without a word. Pang Ziyu''s expression shifted from hatred to confusion. He came all this way just to look at me without saying anything? What is he planning? ... Leaving the underground prison, Shen Mo returned to his courtyard, took out the Wood Cistanche he had obtained earlier, and began cultivating. After a short while, a pleasant fragrance filled the air, followed by Murong Yue''s surprised voice. "Shen''er, you''ve condensed your golden core?" Shen Mo looked up to see Murong Yue, dressed in a loose, light-colored long dress, entering his view. Unlike her usual palace attire, she was wearing something more relaxed, likely for resting. Shen Mo smiled wryly. "Elder Li must have told you?" Murong Yue covered her mouth, laughing softly. "Of course. Such great news, Elder Li told me right away." "Quick, tell me, what kind of core did you condense? Is it a perfect golden core?" Her expression was eager, and instead of her usual self-referential term "your master," she used "I" with Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded. Although he had condensed an Infernal Golden Core, which was an extraordinary trump card, he chose to say it was a perfect golden core. "Good, good, good!" Murong Yue''s face lit up with joy, repeating the word "good" several times. Then she asked, "Elder Li mentioned that Pang Ziyu and others attacked the Heavy Weapon Hall last night. Shen''er, you must have just broken through to the Core Formation Realm. How did you manage..." Shen Mo had already prepared an excuse. "Master, I was prepared for their arrival. With preparation, I naturally wouldn''t be caught off guard like others." "Besides, Master, did you forget? I''ve tamed the Red Lotus Flame, which greatly enhances my combat power beyond that of typical Core Formation cultivators." Murong Yue nodded slightly. "That makes sense. With such a trump card, Shen''er, dealing with ordinary Core Formation cultivators shouldn''t be difficult." "However, Shen''er, news of your breakthrough will spread quickly. Be prepared." "Such a young and promising Core Formation cultivator will definitely cause a stir." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Having revealed his strength, he was already prepared for the envious and malicious gazes that might follow. "Good, since you are so confident, I am reassured," Murong Yue said with satisfaction. After exchanging a few more words, she left. Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. Murong Yue''s every word conveyed deep concern for him, showing that this beautiful master truly treated him as family. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 108: Luring Shen Mo to the Alchemy King’s Cave to Kill Him Chapter 108: Luring Shen Mo to the Alchemy King''s Cave to Kill Him Flying Frost Sect, Council Hall. Pang Longxiang sat at the head seat, his face ashen. On either side of him were the ten strongest Core Formation cultivators of the Flying Frost Sect. Apart from them, another person was seated next to Pang Longxiang. This person had white hair and a white beard, but his expression was lazy, completely opposite to the serious demeanor of the others. "Why is no one speaking? Have you all become mute?" Pang Longxiang barked. The elders coughed lightly. The deputy sect master, seated first on the left, spoke in a low voice, "The young sect master acted on her own and fell into Qingxuan Sect''s ambush. This is something none of us wanted to see." The great elder nodded, "But please, sect master, restrain yourself. We cannot afford to clash with Qingxuan Sect right now." The second elder added, "People from the Stormy Rain Sect are still in the Thorn Forest. It''s hard to know their true intentions, and it''s unclear if they know about the Alchemy King''s Cave or not." The deputy sect master continued, "If we declare war on Qingxuan Sect at this time, and Stormy Rain Sect also makes a move from the north, we''ll be caught in a two-front battle, which is highly disadvantageous." Suppressing his anger, Pang Longxiang demanded, "Then what do you suggest we do?" The deputy sect master responded in a serious tone, "The young sect master previously attacked Flying Fish City under the pretense that Master Xu was attacked there, which indeed complicates matters." "I suggest we temporarily release some of the detained people to show our goodwill. Then, we negotiate with Qingxuan Sect on how to ransom back the young sect master." "After all, we are not in the right in this matter." The great elder quickly advised, "Sect master, in fact, the negotiations don''t necessarily have to yield a result. We just need to buy time." He glanced at the white-haired elder, "As long as you invite Master Xu to break the formation of the Alchemy King''s Cave, we will obtain all the treasures inside, significantly boosting our sect''s strength." "At that point, we might even be able to enlist the help of Heavenly Water Sect." "Then, even if we face both Stormy Rain Sect and Qingxuan Sect simultaneously, we will still have the upper hand!" The other elders also voiced their opinions. None supported going to war with Qingxuan Sect now; they all preferred delaying until the Alchemy King''s Cave opened. Pang Longxiang took several deep breaths. After all, Pang Ziyu was his daughter. His earlier anger was from a father''s perspective. But when he considered it from the perspective of the sect master of Flying Frost Sect, delaying until the Alchemy King''s Cave opened was indeed the best solution. "Alright, we''ll delay... but we must ensure Ziyu''s safety," Pang Longxiang said gravely. "Understood. I will personally handle the negotiations!" The great elder accepted the task. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pang Longxiang looked around, "There''s another matter. We have some people planted in Heavy Weapon Hall, and they reported back last night''s events." Hearing this, everyone perked up. They were also eager to know why Pang Ziyu, leading three Core Formation cultivators in an assault on Heavy Weapon Hall, ended up losing three and having one captured alive. Pang Longxiang said in a deep voice, "Ziyu''s analysis was correct. Heavy Weapon Hall only had one Core Formation cultivator." "But we overlooked another person, Shen Mo." The deputy sect master was stunned, then reacted, "Sect master, do you mean that this person has reached Core Formation?" The great elder, second elder, and others immediately refuted, "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" "He only reached the peak of Foundation Establishment recently. Even if he is the young sect master of Qingxuan Sect, he shouldn''t have gathered all the treasures needed for a perfect Golden Core yet!" Pang Longxiang sighed, "Stop saying it''s impossible. Anything is possible." "The three cultivators Ziyu brought were all killed by Shen Mo. Ziyu even had the Blood Vine Array set up in advance as a precaution, but it couldn''t trap Shen Mo. Instead, it was burned by the Eternal Flame controlled by Shen Mo." "One cultivator tried to self-destruct his core to block Shen Mo, buying time for Ziyu to escape, but Shen Mo used superior movement techniques to get behind him and directly extracted his Golden Core, interrupting the self-destruction." "Ziyu was also captured by Shen Mo personally." "In other words, their assault last night was entirely thwarted by Shen Mo alone." When Pang Longxiang finished speaking, the hall was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Every face was filled with shock and astonishment. Shen Mo, at the Core Formation stage? With such combat power, it must be a perfect Golden Core! A person like this has even tamed an Eternal Flame... Terrifying. For him, Xuanjing Prefecture is probably just a small pond. In the future, Shen Mo will undoubtedly be a dominant figure throughout Yuzhou. But the more formidable he is, the more restless they become in opposing Qingxuan Sect and Shen Mo. "I have already informed Heavenly Water Sect about this news, and Sect Master Zhang personally spoke to me," Pang Longxiang said seriously. In the hall, everyone''s expressions became serious, all eyes turning to Pang Longxiang. Flying Frost Sect has always followed Heavenly Water Sect''s lead. Whatever Zhang Mo says, they must listen to and treat as an order. Pang Longxiang said in a grave tone, "Sect Master Zhang explicitly stated, kill him! If there''s a chance, we must kill him!" The elders'' hearts tightened. Even through Pang Longxiang''s retelling, they could feel Zhang Mo''s undisguised killing intent. After all, during the Hundred Sects Grand Ceremony, Shen Mo had thoroughly embarrassed Heavenly Water Sect. Zhang Mo had long wanted to kill him. It''s just that Heavenly Water Sect is too far from Qingxuan Sect and couldn''t find a suitable excuse to act. The deputy sect master said, "Shen Mo, with such talent and strength, indeed needs to be killed, but... I believe Murong Yue will definitely strengthen his protection." The great elder nodded, "Yes, it''s not just a matter of wanting to kill him." At this moment, the white-haired elder, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, "Want to kill him? Simple, lure him into the Alchemy King''s third cave." Pang Longxiang was stunned and quickly asked, "Master Xu, what do you mean?" Master Xu said calmly, "This Alchemy King''s third cave not only has protective formations outside to prevent outsiders from entering but also has layers of killing arrays inside." "Once I break the cave''s formation, I can make a talisman for each of you that can protect you from most of the formations inside the cave." "But if others enter without this talisman, it will be extremely difficult for them, and they could easily die without a burial place." Pang Longxiang''s eyes lit up. The other elders also seemed to have thought of something. The deputy sect master immediately said, "Master Xu is right! We can take full advantage of this! Let''s lure Stormy Rain Sect in as well!" The great elder nodded, "But we must put on a good show, make it seem like we have no choice but to compromise and let them enter the Alchemy King''s Cave with us, otherwise they will surely become suspicious." "Exactly!" The other elders nodded repeatedly. Pang Longxiang, looking grateful, immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Master Xu, "Thank you, Master Xu. I am deeply grateful! Inviting you here is the wisest decision I''ve ever made!" Master Xu quickly helped him up, smiling, "When I was traveling in Jiande Prefecture years ago, you saved my life. This is just repaying that debt, no need for gratitude." "Moreover, I am passionate about breaking all kinds of formations, which also helps improve my own formation skills." The great elder, the second elder, and others all praised and flattered the white-haired elder''s wisdom. "The entire sect will fully support Master Xu. Whatever Master Xu needs, we will provide immediately, without any delay!" Pang Longxiang said forcefully. "Yes!" Everyone nodded. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 109: The Signal of the Alchemy King’s Cave Opening In the Verdant Vine Sect. Amongst the verdant bamboo forest, a graceful woman draped in black gauze played with a small white snake, weaving between the bamboo stalks. Not far away, a black-furred giant bear lazily ate honey from a hive it held. Bees swarmed out angrily to attack the bear, but they couldn''t pierce its thick fur. Instead, the bear would swat them dead with a single paw. At that moment, a burly middle-aged man approached the bamboo grove. The giant bear immediately stood on its hind legs and roared at him, as if warning him to stay away. The man sighed, "When you were just a cub, I was the one who handed you to Yuheng." The bear continued to roar. The man, feeling helpless, took out a jar from his storage ring and threw it to the bear. Instantly, the bear stopped roaring and happily began devouring the honey inside the jar. Only then could the man proceed. "Why has the Fiery Serpent grown so quickly since the Hundred Sect Ceremony?" the middle-aged man wondered. The woman in black gauze paused and chuckled, "Who knows? It''s an ancient species, after all." "Father, you didn''t come here just to marvel, did you?" The middle-aged man laughed heartily, "Of course not. I have news for you." The woman nodded, gesturing with her hand, and the Fiery Serpent reluctantly coiled around her fair arm. The two walked together. They were none other than Mo Hanshan, the master of Verdant Vine Sect, and his daughter, the enchanting Mo Yuheng. "Speak," Mo Yuheng said, teasing the little snake. Mo Hanshan said solemnly, "Shen Mo has formed his golden core." Mo Yuheng immediately stopped what she was doing, her eyes sparkling, "So soon? A perfect golden core?" Mo Hanshan nodded, "From what we can tell, it''s at least a perfect golden core. It''s also possible he formed a special golden core." "After all, some techniques can create special golden cores, which can be stronger than perfect ones but also have their pros and cons." Mo Yuheng became more intrigued, "What''s the situation? Tell me everything." Mo Hanshan then recounted how Shen Mo had countered an ambush by four attackers, killing three and capturing one alive. Mo Yuheng listened, growing more and more astonished. "I''ve always said he had potential. Father, why didn''t you recruit him back then?" Mo Hanshan smiled bitterly, "I wanted to, but would Murong Yue allow it? She''s already at the peak of the Core Formation stage. I might not be able to defeat her." Mo Yuheng pouted, then suddenly asked, "Is everything ready for me to form my Myriad Demon Golden Core?" Mo Hanshan smiled, "That''s the other piece of news. Everything is ready. You can form your core anytime." "Good, I''ll do it today," Mo Yuheng nodded. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "By the way, do the other four sects know about this?" she asked. Mo Hanshan chuckled, "Of course, the Divine Sword Sect''s intelligence network is far superior to ours." "Hehe, I wonder how Zhou Qingcang and Hong Chilong will react to this news," Mo Yuheng said with a seductive smile. "And Yin Xuege and Wan Renjie, those two will probably be insanely jealous if they find out Shen Mo formed his core faster than they did." ... At the Divine Sword Sect, in a forbidden area. Seven colossal stone swords, each more than ten meters high, stood upright, piercing the earth and dominating the landscape. The surface of the giant swords was ancient and weathered, as if they had witnessed countless ages pass by. In the center of the seven swords sat a solitary figureZhou Qingcang. His eyes were closed, and his energy surged wildly around him. Behind him, an aura resembling an unsheathed sword was forming. Just as the sword aura reached its peak, it shattered. Zhou Qingcang''s face paled slightly, and he quickly took a healing pill before resuming his attempt to form the sword aura. He repeated this cycle six times. However, on the seventh attempt, his body could no longer endure. He opened his eyes abruptly and spat out a mouthful of blood, his face ashen. A tall, thin man immediately stepped forward to support him. "Master, I failed again. I can''t break through to the seventh kill to form the Seven Kill Sword Core," Zhou Qingcang sighed. Luo Chaotian smiled, "No matter. The Seven Kill Sword Core is incredibly fierce. Only our founding ancestor succeeded in forming it. You''ve only failed three times; it''s nothing to worry about." Zhou Qingcang frowned, "But each failure consumes a lot of top-grade Profound tier treasures." "First time, I stopped at two kills and wasted ten top-grade Profound grade treasures." "Second time, I stopped at five kills and wasted twenty-five." "Third time, I stopped at six kills and wasted thirty..." "Master, these treasures could have been used for other disciples." Luo Chaotian''s smile remained warm, "You are the most talented disciple of our Divine Sword Sect. If these resources aren''t for you, then for whom?" Zhou Qingcang was moved by these words. "I know you still blame me for what happened in the third round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony. I also know that you have a rigid personality. That matter was my fault," Luo Chaotian sighed. Zhou Qingcang quickly said, "No, I don''t dare blame you. I was just a shepherd boy from the mountains. Without you, I would still be tending cattle, never achieving what I have today." Luo Chaotian patted his shoulder, "Everything I do is for your own good. It''s just a pity about that Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill..." Zhou Qingcang felt a pang of guilt. "Oh, and I have some good news for you," Luo Chaotian said with a smile. "Please tell me, Master." Luo Chaotian smiled, "Your friend Shen Mo from the Qingxuan Sect has formed his golden core." He then recounted what had happened at the Heavy Weapon Hall. "Shen Mo''s golden core should be above a perfect golden core, but we don''t know exactly what it is," Luo Chaotian added. Zhou Qingcang was delighted, "Really? That''s great news! I''m envious he can form a special golden core." Luo Chaotian''s smile was gentle, "You can too. The Seven Kill Sword Core is the most formidable. Once you form it, you will be unrivaled among those at the same level." "Then, you can challenge him to a duel." "Yes! I will start forming it again immediately!" Zhou Qingcang''s eyes sparkled with excitement. With the dark clouds in his heart dissipating, he could naturally immerse himself in cultivation more quickly. "Good, then I will attend to sect matters," Luo Chaotian said with the same kind smile. After leaving the forbidden area, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a cold expression. "Even a personal disciple can''t compare to a son..." ... Peaceful cultivation days are always short. During this period, Feishuang Sect seemed to relent. First, they returned some of the detained disciples of Qingxuan Sect, then they sent people to negotiate the ransom for Pang Ziyu. However, the compensation was never agreed upon. Time dragged on for two months. At this moment, in the Heavy Weapon Hall. Shen Mo refined the last Yuan Supplement Pill and slowly opened his eyes. During this time, he had refined all the Yuan Supplement Pills and Cistanche, and his cultivation had progressed rapidly. He had vaguely touched the bottleneck of the major accomplishment stage. Unfortunately, time was running out, and he had no more Yuan Supplement Pills. Otherwise, Shen Mo believed that with another half a month, he could reach the major accomplishment of the Core Formation stage. "Calculating the time, it should be soon, right?" With a few leaps, Shen Mo reached the highest peak of the Heavy Weapon Hall and looked north. An incense stick''s time later, a hundred-zhang light pillar suddenly appeared in the northern thorn forest, reaching straight into the sky and persisting for a long time! This tremendous disturbance immediately caught the attention of all the cultivators and mortals around. The entire region was shaken! Those nearby rushed towards the light pillar as fast as they could. Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. The Alchemy King''s Cave had opened! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 110: Want to Take Back Pang Ziyu, Bring Treasure to Exchange Chapter 110: Want to Take Back Pang Ziyu, Bring Treasure to Exchange Thorn Forest. Once filled with the roars of tigers and the cries of apes, today it was as quiet as a chicken. After all, there were never usually so many Core Formation stage cultivators around Thorn Forest. Usually, the beasts would roar a few times to show their ferocity. But if they dared to roar now with so many Core Formation stage cultivators present, it wouldn''t be showing ferocity; it would be pure suicide. At this moment, dozens of Core Formation stage cultivators had already arrived. The Qingxuan Sect and the Spirit Beast Sect had already arrived but were blocked outside Thorn Forest by the Flying Frost Sect. As for the Stormy Rain Sect, they had already gathered a group of Core Formation stage cultivators on the other side of the river, ready to act. Such a huge commotion, if unnoticed, would indeed be a sign of deafness and blindness. Shen Mo, along with other Core Formation stage cultivators like Murong Yue, was also standing outside Thorn Forest. "Sect Master Pang, what''s the situation inside Thorn Forest? Is there a significant treasure emerging?" Murong Yue smiled. Pang Longxiang''s face was gloomy, and he said nothing. The Spirit Beast Sect''s sect master also smiled and said, "Sect Master Pang, our Spirit Beast Sect and the Flying Frost Sect have always been brother sects, right? Could you share some information with us?" Not far away, another loud voice rang out. "Pang Longxiang! Don''t think your sect alone can hold off the three sects and all these rogue cultivators!" Shen Mo looked over and saw it was the sect master of the Stormy Rain Sect standing across the river. Upon hearing this, the rogue cultivators blocked outside Thorn Forest also became restless. Such a shocking commotion must mean the emergence of a significant treasure. Even if they couldn''t get the ultimate treasure, they could at least get a share of the spoils, right? Pang Longxiang''s face showed a struggle, his expression changing unpredictably. After a long time, he had no choice but to say, "Alright, I''ll tell you. The commotion just now was the opening of the Alchemy King''s Cave." As soon as he said this, all the cultivators present gasped. Then, they all showed expressions of excitement. Everyone present had heard of the preciousness of the Alchemy King''s Cave. The Divine Sword Sect once obtained one, which contained countless treasures. There was even an earth-grade pill that enhanced physique, the Taiyi Nourishing Soul Pill! No one didn''t want to obtain such a treasure! Not long ago, the second Alchemy King''s Cave appeared near Cold Water Stream in Qingshan City, but unfortunately, many people went there only to find it empty. They thought the third Alchemy King''s Cave would appear seven or eight years later. Unexpectedly, it appeared today! "Well, no wonder you didn''t let us pass. You knew the location of the Alchemy King''s Cave long ago and were guarding against us!" the Stormy Rain Sect master cursed. "Brother Pang, eating alone is not good. How about we explore the Alchemy King''s Cave together?" the Spirit Beast Sect master smiled. Murong Yue also smiled slightly, "Sect Master Pang, even if the Flying Frost Sect wants to monopolize the Alchemy King''s Cave, it can''t do so now. How about the four sects explore it together?" Pang Longxiang roared angrily, "I invited a formation master to break the protective formation of the Alchemy King''s Cave for several months, and now you want to take advantage? Dream on!" The Stormy Rain Sect master sneered, "Don''t want to hand it over? Then fight! The Qingxuan Sect and the Spirit Beast Sect won''t side with you!" The Spirit Beast Sect master smiled without saying anything. Even among the Heavenly Water Sect lineage, there was competition for benefits. The Flying Frost Sect clearly intended to monopolize the Alchemy King''s Cave when they discovered it and didn''t inform the Spirit Beast Sect. Given this, the Spirit Beast Sect had no reservations. Pang Longxiang and the elders of the Flying Frost Sect suddenly felt tremendous pressure. Facing three sects, the Flying Frost Sect wouldn''t have the advantage. "I have one condition," Pang Longxiang took several deep breaths, his face gloomy. "Speak," Murong Yue said calmly. "Return my daughter, and the Flying Frost Sect will explore the Alchemy King''s Cave with you. Otherwise, no deal!" Pang Longxiang gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with anger. The Stormy Rain Sect and Spirit Beast Sect both looked at the Qingxuan Sect. Everyone knew what had happened that night. Pang Ziyu had been imprisoned in the Qingxuan Sect for two months. During this time, the Flying Frost Sect had tried many times to negotiate but to no avail. Now, Pang Longxiang wanted to take this opportunity to rescue his daughter, which was understandable. This put pressure on the Qingxuan Sect. Murong Yue thought for a moment and was about to speak. Shen Mo suddenly spoke, "Sect Master Pang, Pang Ziyu''s attack on the Heavy Weapon Hall was a serious offense committed by your Flying Frost Sect. Unless you provide something sufficiently valuable, Pang Ziyu will not be released!" His tone was exceptionally firm. Pang Longxiang''s eyes were bloodshot. "Murong Yue, I want to hear it from you!" Murong Yue smiled, "What Shen Mo means is exactly what I mean." "Good! Very good!" Pang Longxiang laughed in anger. The Spirit Beast Sect''s sect master frowned, "Sect Master Murong, our sects meet often; keeping Sect Master Pang''s daughter imprisoned isn''t a good look." The Stormy Rain Sect''s sect master coughed lightly, "I agree... Pang Longxiang giving up on monopolizing the Alchemy King''s Cave and sharing it shows his sincerity." Shen Mo glanced around, smiling faintly. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone was pursuing their own interests. For the Stormy Rain Sect and the Spirit Beast Sect, entering the Alchemy King''s Cave was the top priority, and nothing else mattered. Even though the Stormy Rain Sect and the Qingxuan Sect were secretly allied, they wouldn''t speak up for the Qingxuan Sect now. Shen Mo said calmly, "Sect Master Pang, I still insist that you must provide something sufficiently valuable in exchange; otherwise, there will be no deal." Pang Longxiang stared at Shen Mo for a long time. Finally, in a hoarse voice, he said, "Alright! I am willing to exchange a Formation Breaking Jade Plate for Ziyu!" As he spoke, he took out a peculiar golden jade plate. The deputy sect master and the grand elder beside Pang Longxiang were shocked and quickly tried to dissuade him. "Sect Master, you mustn''t do this!" "The Formation Breaking Jade Plate was painstakingly crafted by Master Xu. We only have four of them; we cannot give one away!" "We can use other items to ransom the young sect master. We must not use the Formation Breaking Jade Plate!" These words immediately piqued the curiosity of all the cultivators present. What exactly was the Formation Breaking Jade Plate? Pang Longxiang took a deep breath and said seriously, "This Alchemy King''s Cave is filled with formations and dangers." "I invited a master who specializes in formations from Lingyun Prefecture. After months of painstaking effort, he broke the outer formation and then created four Formation Breaking Jade Plates, which can break some of the formations and avoid dangers." "With this item, exploring the Alchemy King''s Cave will be much safer." "This item is sufficiently valuable, right?" At the end, Pang Longxiang gritted his teeth, and each word seemed to come out through clenched teeth. His tone and expression underscored the preciousness of the Formation Breaking Jade Plate. Originally, the Flying Frost Sect could enjoy having four of them. Now they had to give one away. How could it not be painful? "I see. Since Sect Master Pang is so sincere, I reluctantly agree," Shen Mo smiled slightly. "Elder Li, please bring Pang Ziyu here." "Yes." Only then did Pang Longxiang let out a long sigh of relief. But the deputy sect master, grand elder, and others beside him were beating their chests in frustration, their faces showing a hint of resentment toward Pang Longxiang. It was as if they blamed him for wasting such an important resource of the sect to save his daughter. The surroundings quieted down. Before long, Elder Li brought Pang Ziyu over and handed her to Pang Longxiang. The father and daughter finally reunited, shedding tears of joy. Pang Longxiang took a deep breath and looked around, "The Alchemy King''s Cave hasn''t fully opened yet. According to Master Xu, it will take at least half a month." "I need to take my daughter back for recuperation. If you all are worried, you can station people here!" With that, he waved his hand, and he and Pang Ziyu turned into a stream of light and quickly left. Each faction, half-believing, also stationed their personnel to guard Thorn Forest. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 111: The Unexpected Victor of the Alchemist King’s Cave – Xiao Fan Chapter 111: The Unexpected Victor of the Alchemist King''s Cave - Xiao Fan Flying Frost Sect, Sect Master''s Courtyard. Pang Longxiang and Pang Ziyu embraced each other, weeping bitterly. "Ziyu, you''re finally back. They didn''t torture you, did they? Where are you hurt?" Pang Longxiang asked with concern. Pang Ziyu shook her head. "No, they didn''t torture me, nor did they interrogate me. They just threw me into a prison cell." Pang Longxiang breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s good, that''s good." "Father, I also want to enter the Alchemist King''s Cave," Pang Ziyu''s eyes sparkled. "I know you must have already made a plan!" Pang Longxiang looked at his daughter and smiled with satisfaction. "You guessed right. Father indeed has a flawless plan." "Not only Shen Mo, but I''ll also bury the Qingxuan Sect and the Stormy Rain Sect in there as well!" "Once we emerge from the Alchemist King''s Cave, the entire southern region of Xuanjiang Prefecture will belong solely to our Flying Frost Sect!" Pang Ziyu''s eyes lit up with surprise, a trace of hatred flashing within them. "Father! You must promise me that I''ll personally kill Shen Mo!" "The three cultivators I took with me all died at Shen Mo''s hands. I I can''t accept it." Pang Longxiang nodded. "Rest assured, I''ll break Shen Mo''s limbs and throw him in front of you. You can torture him however you wish." Only then did Pang Ziyu nod. "Good! I''ll wait for that day!" ... Heavy Weapon Hall. Song Chaofeng and his men stationed themselves in the Thorn Forest, while Shen Mo and the others returned to Heavy Weapon Hall. Shen Mo sat down in his courtyard, his gaze deep and contemplative. After the Qingxuan Sect obtained the opportunity to explore the Alchemist King''s Cave, the life paths of everyone involved in this matter had undergone significant changes! Including Shen Mo himself. [Destiny: Stopped at the early stage of Core Formation. Drained of all vital energy by Gu Sanqiu and died.] [Recent Opportunity: In half a month, open the sixth stone chamber in the human section of the Alchemist King''s Cave and obtain two bottles of Yuan-Boosting Pills.] [Recent Turning Point: Due to tampering with the jade token used to break formations, pursued by Pang Longxiang, overpowered, right leg severed and captured.] As for Murong Yue, Song Chaofeng, Elder Li, and others, their destinies were no exceptionthey all perished at the hands of Gu Sanqiu. However, the manner of death varied greatly. [...Poisoned to death by Gu Sanqiu.] [...Vital energy drained by Gu Sanqiu, reduced to a dried corpse.] [...Trapped in a killing formation by Gu Sanqiu, died of exhaustion.] "I originally thought that entering the Alchemist King''s Cave, the greatest danger would be the Flying Frost Sect, but I didn''t expect it to be a cultivator who was supposedly already dead." Shen Mo sat on a stone bench, deep in thought. Gu Sanqiu, a peak Core Formation cultivator, was widely known as the "Alchemist King." He had once refined the Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pill, a rare elixir that could enhance one''s constitution. Now, it seems, he hadn''t died after all. The first two Alchemist King''s Caves that appeared were likely just decoys. They were merely lures to attract more people to explore the third Alchemist King''s Cave. Now, the truth is revealed. Gu Sanqiu gathered so many Core Formation cultivators to absorb their vital energy and resurrect himself? Or perhaps he never died and only needed the vital energy of Core Formation cultivators to further his cultivation? Regardless of the possibility, Gu Sanqiu is undoubtedly a formidable enemy. "I need to learn more about Gu Sanqiu." Shen Mo immediately stood up, intending to find Murong Yue to gather some information. But just as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw Xiao Fan. "Xiao Fan, hmm hmm?" Shen Mo casually glanced at Xiao Fan''s life path panel and suddenly widened his eyes. [Recent Opportunity 1: In half a month, stationed near the Alchemist King''s Cave, unexpectedly discovering a hidden entrance to the Cave.] [Recent Opportunity 2: After entering the Alchemist King''s Cave, immediately falls into the Golden Sword Formation, but the formation''s flags are damaged and fail to activate. Xiao Fan passes through the Golden Sword Formation and enters the third stone chamber in the heaven section, obtaining two sticks of Soul-Calming Incense and a fragment of the Grass-Character Sword Manual.] [Recent Opportunity 3: Leaves the third stone chamber in the heaven section to continue exploring, encountering numerous dangers but emerging unscathed, eventually reaching the fourth stone chamber in the heaven section, and obtaining a damaged formation flag of the Five Ghosts Lifestealing Formation.] [Recent Opportunity 4:...] [...] [Recent Opportunity 7: Accidentally discovers Gu Sanqiu''s existence, preemptively sets up the Five Ghosts Lifestealing Formation nearby. Later, using Shen Mo''s peril as an excuse, deceives Murong Yue into Gu Sanqiu''s ambush. While the two fight, he ignites the Soul-Calming Incense, causing them to fall into a drowsy state, and finally activates the Five Ghosts Lifestealing Formation to kill Gu Sanqiu, obtaining his storage ring.] Shen Mo smacked his lips. What a surprise. So many Core Formation cultivators perished in the Alchemist King''s Cave. None of them obtained the final great opportunity. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even Gu Sanqiu, the mastermind behind it all, failed to complete his plan. And yet, Xiao Fan ended up reaping the rewards. However, this is also a good thing. I can obtain crucial information from Xiao Fan. "Soul-Calming Incense and the Five Ghosts Lifestealing Formationthese two items are the key to dealing with Gu Sanqiu." "When I enter the Alchemist King''s Cave, I must secure them as soon as possible." "Moreover, Xiao Fan''s opportunities are also valuable. I''ll take advantage of them all!" Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction, casting an approving glance at Xiao Fan. Xiao Fan was just about to go grab something to eat when he felt the sudden, inexplicable approval in Shen Mo''s gaze. Instinctively, he shivered. But not daring to show any dissatisfaction, he quickly bowed to Shen Mo. "Master Shen, is there something you need me to do?" Xiao Fan asked cautiously. He had always worried that Shen Mo might seek revenge for past events. Although Shen Mo had never acted against him, the longer he didn''t, the more Xiao Fan suspected he was plotting something bigger. Shen Mo waved his hand with a smile. "Nothing in particular. I just think you''re quite capable." Xiao Fan was even more confused by this. But he didn''t dare to ask further, so he awkwardly nodded. "Thank you thank you, Master Shen, for the compliment." Then, he quickly took a few hurried steps and disappeared from sight. He feared that Shen Mo might cast another strange look his way. Shen Mo''s expression grew even more satisfied. Soon, half a month had passed. Just as Pang Longxiang had said, the beam of light from the Alchemist King''s Cave gradually dimmed over the past two weeks. It revealed a dark entrance. Inside was a massive, over three-meter-tall stone gate. Its surface was engraved with intricate patterns. The Alchemist King''s Cave had truly opened. During this time, news of the third Alchemist King''s Cave spread. This drew many rogue cultivators to the Thorn Forest. However, most of the top-tier sects in the northern region were too far from the forest. If they didn''t send enough Core Formation cultivators, they wouldn''t be able to secure a share of the spoils. But if they sent too many, they risked leaving their own territories vulnerable to enemies. After weighing their options, the northern sects chose to forgo the opportunity. As for the five sects of Xuanjiang, they remained inactive. They likely shared similar concernsfearful that any movement on their part would leave them open to attack. At the Thorn Forest, outside the Alchemist King''s Cave, groups from all sides once again gathered. A plan for exploring the cave had already been agreed upon. Given the dangers within, only Core Formation cultivators were permitted to enter. Each of the four sects could send up to ten people. The rest would guard the cave''s entrance, ostensibly to fend off demonic beasts. But everyone knew they were more likely guarding against rogue cultivators. The rogue cultivators grumbled, though they had expected this. Being completely excluded by the four sects still left them frustrated, though they dared not show it openly. No one cared what these rogue cultivators thought. At this point, Shen Mo and the others were fully prepared. The other cultivators who planned to enter were also eager and ready. "Mo''er, take this jade token to break formations and protect yourself well," Murong Yue whispered. Shen Mo nodded, accepting the token. Initially, when he told Murong Yue of his desire to explore the Alchemist King''s Cave, she refused. But after much persuasion, she eventually agreed, on the condition that he carried the jade token. "Although this token has been tampered with and can allow the Flying Frost Sect to track me, it''s still useful at the beginning. I''ll keep it for now," Shen Mo thought, nodding slightly. He had made thorough preparations. "Everyone, our Flying Frost Sect will go in first," Pang Longxiang announced loudly. With that, he was the first to enter the cave, followed closely by nine other members of the sect, including Pang Ziyu. Next, the Qingxuan Sect, Stormy Rain Sect, and Spirit Beast Sect swiftly followed. The exploration of the Alchemist King''s Cave had begun! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 112: I Struck Back, Just a Bit Harder Chapter 112: I Struck Back, Just a Bit Harder Boom. The heavy stone door behind them slammed shut. The group had fully entered the Alchemist King''s Cave. In front of them was a deep, sloping stairway. The walls on either side were engraved with intricate, mysterious patterns. Staring at them too long made one feel dizzy. Looking down, the end was nowhere in sight, as if it led into the stomach of some unknown giant beast. Shen Mo tried jumping, only to find that his leap was no higher than that of an ordinary person. Clearly, the cave contained a formation that suppressed spiritual power. The others also noticed this and frowned. "We''ll go ahead," Pang Longxiang said, glancing at the cultivators from the other three sects. He then led the Flying Frost Sect members down the stairs. Their figures gradually disappeared into the darkness. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo''s eyes flashed as he committed the life panels of the ten Flying Frost Sect members to memory. Pang Longxiang had opportunities ahead, but the others had few. Some were destined to fall into poison formations and die shortly after. This served as a reminder for Shen Mo, helping him mentally map the locations of those poison formations. The Qingxuan Sect and the other two sects followed shortly after. However, after walking for a while, something felt off. "Where are the footprints? This staircase was covered in dust, and we saw the Flying Frost Sect''s footprints earlier. How have they disappeared?" Murong Yue whispered. At that moment, Song Chaofeng''s shocked voice came from beside her. "Sect Master, the people from the Spirit Beast Sect and the Stormy Rain Sect have also vanished." Shen Mo looked around. Aside from the deep, oppressive darkness, there was nothing. The members of the other three sects had indeed disappeared. After a moment of thought, Shen Mo pulled out the jade token used to break formations and injected spiritual power into it. A golden light spread out, covering a three-meter radius around them. The light quickly turned red, causing everyone''s hearts to jump. Over the past two weeks, they had tested the jade token. If there were no formations within three meters, the light would remain golden. If there was a formation that the token could break, the light would turn white, indicating they could break it by channeling more spiritual power. But if the formation was unbreakable, the light would turn red. Shen Mo frowned slightly and walked a few steps closer to the wall. The light remained red. "Let''s move forward a bit and try again." The ten members of the Qingxuan Sect advanced about ten more meters. Shen Mo used the jade token again, and the light was still red. "What does this mean?" Song Chaofeng asked, confused. "It means this entire passage is filled with formations," Shen Mo said, his voice heavy. The others were stunned. "This passage is likely lined with countless illusion formations. What seems like a single path downward actually hides many other paths. The other three sects must have taken one of those paths, which is why they disappeared," Shen Mo explained. Song Chaofeng frowned deeply. "What should we do?" Before Shen Mo could answer, the seemingly solid ground beneath them began to shake. Before anyone could react, the ground suddenly dropped! Boom! Crash! Thud! It was a long while before Shen Mo opened his eyes again. Everything was still dark. He couldn''t hear the sound of anyone breathing nearby. Shen Mo didn''t get up immediately. Instead, he held his breath, continuing to adjust to the darkness. Simultaneously, he checked his life panel. [Recent Opportunity: The ground shakes and falls. The other Qingxuan Sect members are lost in the formations and disappear one after another. You fall into the sixteenth stone chamber in the human section, where you find a bottle of Great Foundation Pill and a bottle of Yuan-Boosting Pill.] [Recent Turning Point: After leaving the sixteenth stone chamber, you encounter two Spirit Beast Sect cultivators. They attack you, and though you escape, you are slashed across the chest.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. It seemed his luck wasn''t great this time. Slowly, he got up and surveyed his surroundings in the dim light. He found himself in a spacious stone chamber. As expected, there were some jade bottles scattered in the corners. Most were empty, and some contained pills that had lost their potency, crumbling into dust at a touch. Finally, just as his life panel described, Shen Mo found a bottle of Great Foundation Pill and a bottle of Yuan-Boosting Pill. After securing these items, Shen Mo didn''t immediately leave the stone chamber. Instead, he hid in a corner, quietly listening for any sounds outside. As expected, within just a few breaths, footsteps echoed from outside, accompanied by the voices of two men in conversation. "Damn it, how did we end up just the two of us?" "Yeah, this Alchemist King''s Cave is really eerie! I heard the first two caves weren''t like this at all." "Should we start looking for treasures first, or what?" "Let''s search for treasures first, and while we''re at it, let''s look for that Shen Mo from the Qingxuan Sect. If we can capture him alive, the bounty from the Hevanly Water Sect is huge, hehe!" The footsteps grew louder, then gradually faded away until they disappeared completely. Only then did Shen Mo step out of the stone chamber. Outside was another deep, dark passage, with a spacious stone chamber every few meters. The chambers were interconnected, forming a complex maze. Using the information from the life panel, Shen Mo navigated cautiously, avoiding numerous deadly formations and enemies. However, aside from the two bottles of pills he found initially, he hadn''t come across any other treasures. Before long, he stood before a sloping staircase leading downward. He had encountered similar staircases three times already. "This should lead to a deeper level." "The level I''m on is labeled as the ''Human Layer.'' The next one should be the ''Earth Layer,'' right?" After confirming there was no danger, Shen Mo descended the staircase to a deeper level. As expected, he soon discovered a stone chamber with an inscription above it: **. At that moment, the sound of a formation activating echoed from not far away, followed by the sharp whistling of sword light. Shen Mo frowned and was about to move away when he suddenly heard a woman''s muffled groan. He smirked and immediately headed in that direction. Sure enough, he soon found a graceful figure struggling within a sword formation. The sword light roared as the woman dodged left and right. But her movements had slowed, and each time she moved, another wound appeared on her body. The blood on the ground was pooling quickly. Shen Mo recognized her instantlyPang Ziyu! This was exactly the situation Shen Mo had already seen on Pang Ziyu''s life panel. Not long after entering the Alchemist King''s Cave, she became trapped in a formation and was severely injured. She was supposed to be rescued by the passing Spirit Beast Sect leader. But right now, the leader hadn''t arrived yet. Shen Mo was the only one nearby. Without hesitation, Shen Mo drew out the **. A streak of ink-like sword light appeared, a single stroke of calligraphy. It danced with the fierce energy of a dragon or snake, far sharper than the sword light within the formation. In the next instant, the ink sword light pierced Pang Ziyu''s back. With a splatter, Pang Ziyu had no idea someone would attack her so shamelessly. She was cut in half by the Forest Sword Art in an instant! Her body, split in two, collapsed in the sword formation. The relentless sword light continued to slice through her, gradually reducing the corpse to an unrecognizable state. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm as he turned and walked away. This woman had always seen him as a mortal enemy of the Flying Frost Sect, plotting relentlessly to kill him. Now, he had struck back. It was just that the force of his retaliation was a bit stronger. Eliminating Pang Ziyu, Shen Mo felt a surge of satisfaction. He immediately began searching this level for treasures. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 113: No Need to Chase, They’re Already Dead Chapter 113: No Need to Chase, They''re Already Dead In the seventeenth stone chamber of the Earth section. Song Chaofeng was dodging left and right under the attacks of two Flying Frost Sect cultivators, but his body was still accumulating more and more wounds. Behind him lay a Qingxuan Sect elder, lifeless, his body covered in scarslong dead. A white-robed cultivator sneered, "Song Chaofeng, hand over the secret manual. We don''t want to kill you, but precious spiritual energy shouldn''t be wasted here." Another cultivator in a red robe suddenly laughed, "I''ll give you another option. You don''t have to hand over the manual." Song Chaofeng took a deep breath, "Speak." "Tell us where Shen Mo is. After you were separated, where did he go?" the man demanded in a low voice. Song Chaofeng spat, "We lost each other during the fall. Even if I knew where Shen Mo went, I wouldn''t tell you!" The two laughed louder, "Don''t be ridiculous, Song Chaofeng. Who doesn''t know about your past dealings? You used to be in cahoots with a certain elder from the Verdant Vine Sect." "And now, with no one from Qingxuan Sect around, who are you being loyal to? The air?" Song Chaofeng remained silent, "I indeed made mistakes before." "But I''ve resolved to be loyal to the Qingxuan Sect and to Murong Yue. I will never betray again." "I, Song Chaofeng, am not someone who is two-faced and treacherous." The laughter of the two Flying Frost Sect cultivators gradually died down, replaced by cold indifference. "You refuse the path to life and choose death instead. Fine, we''ll send you to see the King of Hell!" The two exchanged glances and sneered, then attacked Song Chaofeng simultaneously. Song Chaofeng gritted his teeth, mustering the last trace of spiritual energy from his dantian to defend himself with all his might. At that moment, an incredibly fierce flame suddenly burst out from behind the two Flying Frost Sect cultivators. Their hearts pounded, feeling a great threat. They immediately stopped and forcibly turned to defend against the attack from behind. Boom! The red flames engulfed the two. They screamed in agony as their robes burned to ashes, leaving large patches of charred flesh. They barely managed to escape from the flames, using their movement techniques, but their bodies were now covered in wounds. "You... you''re Shen Mo!" It was only then that they finally saw the young face of the person before them, shocked beyond measure. "Why were you looking for me? To seek death?" Shen Mo chuckled. These two Flying Frost Sect cultivators were both at the peak of the Core Formation. Although Shen Mo was only at the initial stage of the Core Formation, he could naturally suppress them with his Flame hell destruction manual, Red lotus flame, and Infernal Golden Core. Moreover, the two had their backs to him earlier, exposing their undefended positions. This allowed him to severely injure them with just one move. "Damn it! Split up and run! We''re no match for him now!" The white-robed Flying Frost Sect cultivator roared in anger. However, when he looked at his companion, he found that the other had already bolted away. "Damn you" The white-robed cultivator cursed and hurriedly used his movement technique to flee as well. Shen Mo remained standing, unmoving. Song Chaofeng struggled to stand up, asking in confusion, "Aren''t you going to chase them?" Shen Mo shook his head, "They''re already dead." The next moment, a scream came from the direction the red-robed cultivator had fled. Song Chaofeng looked over and saw that after running a few dozen zhang, the man had fallen into a killing formation. Both his legs were suddenly severed by a giant axe that appeared, blood gushing uncontrollably. Less than ten breaths later, another scream echoed from the direction of the white-robed cultivator. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Song Chaofeng looked again. The man, in his panic, had stumbled into a poison formation, his skin rotting in large patches, with yellow-green pus oozing from his eyes, nose, and mouth. In the blink of an eye, he collapsed to the ground, barely clinging to life. Song Chaofeng widened his eyes, staring at Shen Mo in disbelief. How... how did Shen Mo seem to know this would happen? Oh right, Shen Mo had the Formation-Breaking Jade Token. He must have known about the dangerous formations on both sides because of it. "Thank you, Young Sect Master, for saving my life." Song Chaofeng looked at the young man with a complicated expression. There was a time when he saw Shen Mo as a thorn in his side. But now, his life had been saved by this very person. Shen Mo smiled slightly, "Since Elder Song is genuinely working for the Qingxuan Sect, it''s only natural that I would save you." In truth, when Shen Mo entered the sloping passage, he had already reviewed the life panels of everyone in the Qingxuan Sect. Song Chaofeng was destined to die in this seventeenth stone chamber. However, Shen Mo knew that this man had completely reformed and was now fully loyal to the Qingxuan Sect, which is why he decided to intervene. He also wanted to retrieve a treasure from this seventeenth stone chamber. Ah, no, the main reason he came here was to save people, not for any treasure! Seeing Shen Mo enter and carefully search the stone chamber, Song Chaofeng quickly said, "Young Sect Master, I''ve already searched this place. I only found a high-grade Profound-tier martial technique." But Shen Mo seemed to ignore his words and continued searching. It didn''t take long before he touched an unremarkable stone brick. With a light press, a hidden compartment popped open. Song Chaofeng''s eyes widened. Damn, there was something hidden here after all? Shen Mo retrieved the treasure from the hidden compartment and nodded in satisfaction. This item was called the Soul-Stabilizing Bell, a low-grade Earth-tier spiritual artifact. However, it had been used several times, and its surface was covered in cracks. It could probably only be used once more. It would do as a consumable. This item was one of the fortuitous opportunities Shen Mo had seen on Xiao Fan''s life panel. "Still need to find the Soul-Calming Incense and the Five Ghosts Life-Snatching Formation. I must hurry," Shen Mo thought to himself. He then glanced at the corpse on the ground. Song Chaofeng sighed, "After the ground collapsed, I got separated from the others in the sect. But there were too many killing formations, poison formations, and maze formations here, and the stone chambers were interconnected with many hidden doors and secret passages. It was too complex. It took me a while to find this elder." "Then we arrived at this stone chamber and discovered the secret manual. Just as we were about to leave, those two Flying Frost Sect cultivators ambushed us. The elder was fatally struck and unfortunately perished." Shen Mo also sighed, "Let''s leave his body here for now. When we''re ready to leave, we''ll take it out and give him a proper burial." Song Chaofeng nodded. "Do you have any healing pills?" Shen Mo asked. Song Chaofeng shook his head. Shen Mo tossed him two bottles of healing pills, "I still have plenty that my master gave me. Use these first." His storage ring contained dozens of bottles of healing pills, most of which had barely been used. "Thank you, Young Sect Master!" Song Chaofeng''s eyes reddened slightly. "Recover your strength first. Once you''ve recovered a bit, we''ll move on. This Alchemist King''s cave is no simple place. I have a feeling there''s some sort of plot at work here," Shen Mo said in a low voice. He deliberately said this to rationalize the information he had seen on the life panels. Song Chaofeng nodded repeatedly, "I''ve noticed too This place isn''t some treasure trove; it feels like someone is watching us from the shadows." After taking the healing pills, Song Chaofeng''s wounds quickly began to heal. The two immediately pressed forward, first taking the storage rings from the dead Flying Frost Sect cultivators, then heading straight for the deeper levels. The third level was naturally the Heaven level. The treasures stored there were the most valuable. Of course, it was also the most dangerous. Gu Sanqiu was likely hiding in a dark chamber within the Heaven level, watching everything. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Please Join Patreon to read 40 chaps ahead. I need all the support that i can get. this will give me motivation to take out more entertaining content. I will be very thankful. } Chapter 114: Trust Whatever the Young Sect Master Says Chapter 114: Trust Whatever the Young Sect Master Says In a dark passage within the Heaven level. A figure collapsed weakly to the ground. His entire body was shriveled and dehydrated, his facial features twisted in agony, and his eyes reflected terror. He resembled a dried corpse. The robe he wore revealed his identity. A Flying Frost Sect elder. Beside this corpse stood a shriveled, hunched figure. After a moment, this figure let out a long, contented sigh. "Ah, that feels so good. The blood essence of a Core Formation stage cultivator is so rich." "I''ve already absorbed the blood essence of four Core Formation stage cultivators, just five more to go." "Hm... It seems a peak Core Formation stage cultivator has also entered the cave. If I can absorb her blood essence, it would be equivalent to two Core Formation cultivators." With a flick of his finger, spiritual energy surged, illuminating a nearby lamp. The light revealed his horrifying body. Half of his body was so emaciated that it was just skin and bones, with almost no flesh. He looked like a skeleton wrapped in a layer of shriveled skin. However, the right side of his bodyhis right arm, leg, and facewas as strong and full as that of an adult man. You could even see the bulging muscles and protruding veins. Such a body left no doubt that he could kill a bull with a single punch. The bizarre combination of shriveled and robust features on a single body would strike fear into anyone who saw it. Yet he squeezed his body, nodding in satisfaction. "The Blood-Devouring Creation Technique is truly ferocious!" "Once I devour the blood essence of nine Core Formation cultivators, I''ll be able to nurture a Blood-Devouring Nascent Soul!" "With this Nascent Soul, I''ll be invincible!" "Even at the initial stage of the Nascent Soul realm, I''ll be able to contend with mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators." "By then, the world will be mine to roam freely!" He laughed heartily, his mood elated. At that moment, he seemed to sense something and chuckled wickedly, "More people have entered the Heaven level, and there are quite a few of them. I''ll weaken them with formations first before taking action." "Each and every one of you will obediently become food for me, Gu Sanqiu!" In the dark passage. Song Chaofeng followed behind Shen Mo, looking at the young man''s back with an inexplicable sense of admiration welling up inside him. Along the way, they had encountered many enemies. Yet, almost every time, they didn''t even need to lift a finger. Those enemies were either severely injured or killed. Without exception, they all fell into killing formations or poison formations. What amazed Song Chaofeng even more was that under Shen Mo''s guidance, the two of them had never once encountered a killing formation. It was as if Shen Mo had a precise map in his mind. Every step he took perfectly avoided the deadly formations. Moreover, during their journey from the Earth level to the Heaven level, Shen Mo had even managed to save two people along the way. Both were elders of the Qingxuan Sect. One of them was Elder Li. They were in situations similar to Song Chaofeng''sseemingly doomed to die. Shen Mo''s arrival had given them a chance to live! Clang! Clang! At that moment, the sound of metal clashing echoed from up ahead. Faintly, they could also hear a man cursing. The four of them rounded a corner and immediately saw a man trapped in a Quagmire Formation and a Frenzied Blade Formation. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Quagmire Formation restricted his movements, preventing him from escaping the formation''s range. The Frenzied Blade Formation conjured countless giant blades that relentlessly attacked the man. Unless the energy of the two formations was exhausted, this man was doomed. Shen Mo''s group of four didn''t reveal themselves immediately. Song Chaofeng whispered, "Young Sect Master, that man is Qin Feng, the Vice Sect Master of the Stormy Rain Sect. He''s worth saving." Shen Mo glanced at the scene and nodded. The Stormy Rain Sect was affiliated with the Verdant Vine Sect. Mo Yuheng had already informed him to ally the Qingxuan Sect with the Stormy Rain Sect to deal with the Flying Frost Sect. So, this man could be considered an ally. He was indeed worth saving. Before long, with the combined efforts of Shen Mo''s group, they found the formation flags hidden around the Quagmire Formation. After destroying them, Qin Feng finally managed to escape. "Thank you, thank you so much." He collapsed onto the ground, finally letting out a sigh of relief. Then, he hurriedly took some healing pills. His robe had been shredded by the Frenzied Blade Formation, leaving his body covered in blood. If it hadn''t been for Shen Mo and the others, he would have undoubtedly died within the formation. "Let''s keep moving; we can''t afford to waste time," Shen Mo said, pointing forward. Ahead lay the third and fourth stone chambers of the Heaven level. These chambers contained the Soul-Calming Incense and the Five Ghosts Life-Snatching Formation, both crucial for dealing with Gu Sanqiu. Qin Feng hesitated for a moment, then shook his head repeatedly. "That way is very dangerous. I saw with my own eyes how an elder of the Spirit Beast Sect rushed in, only to have his entire right arm sliced off." "It seems to be an invisible killing formation." Shen Mo shook his head, "It''s broken now. The spirit stone energy has been exhausted." Qin Feng was taken aback. "No way, how can you just say it''s broken and it''s broken? Look, that right arm is still lying there." He pointed to the ground not far away, where a human right arm lay. The surrounding dried bloodstains indicated the danger that had been there. Song Chaofeng frowned, "Why don''t we throw something to test it?" Qin Feng shook his head, "That won''t work. The formation is very peculiar; it only reacts to living beings. Inanimate objects like stones or weapons won''t trigger it." "But its power is formidable. Ordinary Core Formation cultivators can''t withstand it. Forcing through would at least cost you a high-grade Profound-tier spiritual artifact, which isn''t worth it." "My suggestion is to take a detour. We mustn''t go down this path." As he spoke, he pointed to another passageway. It was wider and had no bloodstains. There were even two lamps on the walls, making it seem quite safe. "That way is much better. We can even check if there are any treasures in the stone chambers along the way." Qin Feng smiled, "You saved my life, so you can take any treasure you find first. I, Qin Feng, always repay my debts." Shen Mo glanced in that direction and immediately noticed the words engraved on the stone chamber. Heaven Character Fifth. "This passage is where the Spirit Beast Sect Master met his end," Shen Mo recalled from the information that flashed through his mind. He had reviewed the life panels of all forty people who entered the Alchemist King''s cave. The passage outside the fifth stone chamber of the Heaven level would flip over. The Spirit Beast Sect Master was too greedy and tried to obtain the treasures within the chamber, only to be flipped down and have all his blood essence drained by Gu Sanqiu, turning into a dried corpse. However, this event hadn''t happened yet. Shen Mo shook his head, "We can''t go there. It looks safe, but it''s actually very dangerous." Qin Feng frowned and looked at the others, "Shen Mo thinks it''s not safe. What do the rest of you think?" Song Chaofeng, Elder Li, and the other two immediately said, "Whatever the Young Sect Master decides is what we''ll do." Qin Feng was stunned. What''s going on? Is Shen Mo''s reputation in the Qingxuan Sect really this high? Aren''t Song Chaofeng and the others at a higher cultivation level than Shen Mo? Why do they follow his every word? Just then, there was a sudden thud from the sixth stone chamber of the Heaven level. A moment later, two figures strode out of the chamber. They were none other than the Spirit Beast Sect Master and the Second Elder. As soon as they saw Shen Mo, their faces lit up, immediately recalling the bounty the Tianshui Sect had placed on Shen Mo. But seeing how many people were with Shen Mo, their hearts skipped a beat. "Run, quickly!" the Spirit Beast Sect Master whispered urgently. The two of them swiftly left the chamber, running down the wide passageway, trying to put as much distance as possible between themselves and Shen Mo''s group. However, the next moment, the ground beneath them suddenly flipped. They had no time to react. Moreover, the cave''s suppression of spiritual energy prevented them from leaping out immediately. In the blink of an eye, the two were flipped down beneath the ground. To the deeper levels below the Heaven level. This sudden turn of events left Qin Feng, the Vice Sect Master of the Stormy Rain Sect, utterly dumbfounded. "See? That''s why the Young Sect Master said that direction was dangerous," Song Chaofeng remarked, his face full of pity. "Let''s go. Whatever the Young Sect Master says, just trust it," Elder Li said nonchalantly. Qin Feng stammered, "I... I understand now." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Please Join Patreon to read 40 chaps ahead. I need all the support that i can get. this will give me motivation to take out more entertaining content. I will be very thankful. } Chapter 115: Xiao Fan, How Did You Get In Here? Chapter 115: Xiao Fan, How Did You Get In Here? Led by Shen Mo, the group moved in a different direction. This passage was narrow and dark, with not a single trace of light. Qin Feng had previously mentioned that there was an invisible killing array here. However, just as Shen Mo had said, the killing array here was already broken, having exhausted its energy. This was originally meant to be Murong Yue''s opportunity. When Murong Yue passed through here, it just so happened that the killing array had run out of energy. As a result, Shen Mo knew this place was safe. Shen Mo walked at the front, striding through confidently. Following closely behind, Song Chaofeng, Elder Li, and the others had no doubts and immediately kept up. It wasn''t until they had passed through safely that Qin Feng truly relaxed. The way he looked at Shen Mo also changed. No matter how you looked at it, Shen Mo was younger than them. Being younger meant less experience and knowledge. Even if Shen Mo had extraordinary potential. Even the Verdant Vine Sect had hinted that the Bao Yu Sect should cooperate with the Qing Xuan Sect. But Qin Feng had always somewhat underestimated Shen Mo. Now, he suppressed these thoughts. He believed that Shen Mo must also have considerable expertise in formations. Following Shen Mo couldn''t be wrong. After passing through the passage, Shen Mo arrived in front of the third stone chamber of the Heavenly Order. He tossed a stone far ahead. Dozens of golden sword blades suddenly appeared, instantly slicing the stone into countless pieces. Song Chaofeng and the others all gasped. The power of this formation was terrifying. Moreover, it showed no signs of weakening. It was clear that the spirit stones powering it were still very abundant. To deal with such a formation, there was only one waycharge through it head-on! Song Chaofeng, Qin Feng, and the others all looked at Shen Mo. But Shen Mo made no move; instead, he closed his eyes and waited quietly. Seeing this, Song Chaofeng and Elder Li did not raise any objections and also waited quietly. Qin Feng, on the other hand, was puzzled, his eyes darting around, unable to understand what Shen Mo was thinking. Before long, the sound of something falling suddenly came from above. This sound immediately drew everyone''s attention. Shen Mo thought to himself, "Finally, it''s here." Then, a figure fell to the ground with a thud. Everyone except Shen Mo was startled. When they saw who it was, they were momentarily stunned. "Xiao Fan, how did you get in here?" Song Chaofeng asked in confusion. Xiao Fan was equally baffled. Why are there so many Core Formation cultivators waiting for me here? He had no choice but to explain in detail how he had accidentally discovered another entrance. The group listened in astonishment. Xiao Fan had unintentionally found another entrance and had directly arrived at the upper level, where the most valuable treasures were located. This guy''s luck was incredible. Shen Mo said calmly, "The Alchemy King''s Cave Mansion is too dangerous. Stay close to us." Xiao Fan cursed inwardly, knowing that with so many Core Formation cultivators around, he wouldn''t end up with any treasures. But he didn''t dare voice this thought and could only say, "Yes, thank you, Young Sect Master." Just then, a crisp cracking sound suddenly came from the front. It was as if something had shattered all of a sudden. Song Chaofeng and the others were instantly stunned. This sound was like the sound of a spirit stone suddenly breaking. Shen Mo pondered for a moment and then casually tossed another stone forward. This time, only one golden sword blade appeared. Moreover, its appearance was sluggish, and its surface was dull, like an elderly person nearing the end of life. Compared to the dozens of gleaming sword blades from earlier, the difference was enormous. The reason for this sudden change was quite simplethe energy from the spirit stones was almost depleted. Song Chaofeng, Qin Feng, and Elder Li all widened their eyes in disbelief. Qin Feng muttered, "Damn, is that even possible?" "This level of formation can already be dealt with," Shen Mo replied casually. He strode confidently into the third stone chamber of the Heavenly Order. The golden sword blades reappeared, swiftly slashing toward Shen Mo. With a wave of his hand, a large bronze door, condensed from spiritual energy, materialized beside him. The golden sword blades struck the door but were immediately deflected. This was none other than the low-tier Earth-rank defensive martial skill, the Four Profound Doors, which Shen Mo had obtained earlier. If he had gathered four bronze doors to block attacks from one direction, it might have even withstood the onslaught of those dozen golden sword blades. However, Shen Mo didn''t want to take any risks, so he waited for Xiao Fan to appear and for the golden sword formation to malfunction before taking action. After Shen Mo entered the third stone chamber, the others followed suit. The chamber was quite spacious, with a length, width, and height exceeding six zhang, and it was filled with many stone shelves. Various medicinal pills were placed on the stone shelves. There were Body Refining Pills, Qi Condensing Pills, and Foundation Stabilizing Pills. Additionally, there were even stronger pills like the Great Foundation Stabilizing Pills and Pure Essence Foundation Stabilizing Pills. However, there were only three pitiful bottles of Essence Boosting Pills, suitable for Core Formation cultivators. "Deputy Sect Master Qin, how about we temporarily store these treasures with me and distribute them once we leave?" Shen Mo asked. Qin Feng didn''t dare to refuse. Among the cultivators present, only he was from the Storm Rain Sect, while the rest were all from the Qing Xuan Sect. He quickly nodded. "I have no objections." Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. Dealing with smart people is always simple. Shen Mo swiftly swept all the medicinal pills into his storage ring. He had two storage rings: one was a low-grade ring given to him by Murong Yue, and the other was a high-grade ring he obtained from the Alchemy King''s Cave Mansion in Coldwater Ravine. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, his storage space was vast and had never been filled. Storing these medicinal pills was more than easy. Afterward, Shen Mo discovered a hidden compartment behind one of the stone shelves. Inside were two thick, purple-black incense sticks, each as thick as a baby''s arm. Although they were not lit, they still emitted a faint, calming fragrance. A slight sniff brought peace to the mind, with no trace of aggression or bloodlust. Shen Mo quickly put them away. These were none other than Soul-Calming Incense sticks. Shen Mo said nonchalantly, "Let''s go to the next stone chamber." The entrance to the fourth stone chamber of the Heavenly Order was not guarded by any formation. Inside, the treasures stored were not medicinal pills but spiritual weapons. There were a total of twenty-five spiritual weapons in the chamber, half of which were Profound-rank. Shen Mo glanced around and shook his head slightly. He had plenty of spiritual weapons, all of which, except for the Thunderclap Sword, were Earth-rank. These spiritual weapons couldn''t even compare to the Thunderclap Sword, so naturally, he wasn''t interested. However, not being interested didn''t mean he would leave them behind. Shen Mo still swept them all into his storage ring. Even if you don''t need them, it''s better to have them! Afterward, he discovered another hidden compartment containing a set of tattered formation flags. This hidden compartment was deeply concealed; without some effort, it would have been impossible to find. Inside was none other than the Earth-rank formation, the Five Ghosts Seize Life Formation! Shen Mo''s consecutive discoveries of hidden compartments left Song Chaofeng and the others in awe. "Young Sect Master has a keen eye; we would have missed these treasures without him," Song Chaofeng marveled. Elder Li nodded repeatedly, "Indeed, if not for the Young Sect Master, we would have overlooked two valuable items." Xiao Fan felt displeased. He thought to himself, "Let''s move on and check out the other stone chambers," Shen Mo said, waving his hand. The group left the fourth stone chamber of the Heavenly Order and continued down the dim passageway. After walking for a while, they suddenly encountered a withered corpse in the passage ahead. All its blood and vitality had been drained. Everyone was struck with horror. Such a death was too terrifying! At that moment, Shen Mo noticed that Xiao Fan had paused and was looking to the right, as if he had sensed something. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 116: Gu Sanqiu’s Black Golden Core and Ghost-Faced Infants Chapter 116: Gu Sanqiu''s Black Golden Core and Ghost-Faced Infants "Xiao Fan, what did you notice?" Shen Mo immediately asked. Xiao Fan didn''t dare to hide anything and quickly responded, "Young Sect Master, I... I have a feeling that there''s a fight happening at the end of the passage to our right." Qin Feng frowned, tilted his head to listen, and then shook his head, "I don''t hear anything." Song Chaofeng and Elder Li also nodded in agreement, "We don''t hear anything either." Xiao Fan, feeling embarrassed, added, "I actually didn''t hear anything either; it''s just a feeling." Qin Feng sneered, "A feeling? What good is a feeling? I feel like I could reach the Nascent Soul stage in five years too." Shen Mo, however, raised an eyebrow, "Sometimes, a feeling can be very useful." Xiao Fan was taken aback, "Young Sect Master, it''s really just a feeling. It might be wrong." Shen Mo shook his head, "Let''s go to the right." He took the lead and walked toward the passage on the right. Song Chaofeng and the others scratched their heads but followed. Xiao Fan hurriedly caught up as well. Shen Mo glanced at Xiao Fan, who was trailing behind, with a slight smile. Everyone else who had discovered Gu Sanqiu had ended up dead without exception. But Xiao Fan, after discovering Gu Sanqiu, had somehow managed to avoid being detected. Now, at this moment, if Xiao Fan suddenly had a feeling, there was a good chance that the fight ahead involved Gu Sanqiu. As expected, when Shen Mo and the others arrived, they found Gu Sanqiu fiercely suppressing Murong Yue and Pang Longxiang. Murong Yue was at the peak of the Core Formation stage, and Pang Longxiang had reached the perfected stage of Core Formation. Yet, even the two of them together could barely defend themselves against Gu Sanqiu, struggling to hold their ground. Shen Mo also noticed that Pang Longxiang''s right hand and left cheek had shriveled, exposing the bones beneath. It was clear that some of his blood and vitality had already been drained. Murong Yue was relatively fortunate, with only some injuries on her body and no loss of blood or vitality. When Murong Yue caught sight of Shen Mo from afar, she was shocked, "Shen''er, get out of here! We''re no match for him!" Gu Sanqiu also noticed Shen Mo and the others and let out a sinister laugh, "Oh, so many people at once? Perfect timing. I''ve recovered quite a bit now, and I can devour all of you in one go!" With that, he stomped on the ground and released his golden core. In the next moment, over thirty ghost-faced infants with grotesque expressions erupted from the black golden core, rushing toward the group. The sharp laughter of the ghost-faced infants filled the air, causing intense pain in everyone''s heads and making it difficult to focus. Shen Mo quickly covered his ears, feeling as if long needles were being driven deep into his brain. Taking advantage of the group''s distraction, the ghost-faced infants lunged forward, biting at their flesh. Their mouths were filled with sharp, tiny teeth, and each bite tore away a large chunk of flesh. Ordinary martial techniques had little effect on them, merely dispersing them momentarily before they reformed. "Damn it! What are these things?" Song Chaofeng cursed as he endured the pain, unleashing a palm strike that sent ripples of water vapor outward, but it failed to repel the ghost-faced infants, prompting more cursing from him. "It seems to be a secret technique produced by a special type of golden core," Qin Feng said as he swung his sword, emitting lightning from its tip. The ghost-faced infant struck by the lightning screamed and exploded. Although it reformed after a while, the process was noticeably slower. Qin Feng immediately shouted, "Lightning attributes work against them!" Elder Li struck with a palm, unleashing flames that forced the ghost-faced infants back slightly. "Fire attributes work too!" she quickly called out to Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded slightly upon hearing this. While using the first form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Art to launch fire palms at the ghost-faced infants, he subtly moved within the battlefield. Each time he moved to a new position, he would naturally place a formation flag in the direction away from Gu Sanqiu''s line of sight. The formation flags of the Five Ghosts Seize Life Formation were only five in numbernot many. And with most of Gu Sanqiu''s attention focused on fighting Murong Yue and Pang Longxiang, he didn''t notice Shen Mo''s actions. Thus, placing the formation flags wasn''t difficult. Additionally, Shen Mo lit the Soul-Calming Incense, placing one on his left and one on his right, in unnoticed corners. While doing these two tasks, he also kept an eye on the battlefield, observing the situation. The ghost-faced infants had a very peculiar way of attacking. Unless one possesses lightning or fire attribute attacks, these ghost-faced infants are virtually invincible. Sar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone else was struggling under the relentless assault of the ghost-faced infants. Even Murong Yue, at the peak of the Core Formation stage, was no exception. Pang Longxiang, who had reached the perfected stage of Core Formation, was in particularly bad shape, his body drenched in blood, teetering on the edge of collapse. However, there was one person who was completely unharmed at this moment. It was Xiao Fan. Despite only being at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, he was incredibly fortunatethese ghost-faced infants seemed to ignore his presence, almost as if he didn''t exist, avoiding him entirely. At this point, Gu Sanqiu also began to notice something was amiss. Shen Mo''s fire attribute martial skill was extremely powerful. Each strike would cause at least one ghost-faced infant to disintegrate into ghostly energy, forcing it to return to the golden core for recovery. Gu Sanqiu had invested a great deal of effort in cultivating these ghost-faced infants. If this continued, all his ghost-faced infants would be stuck in recovery and unable to be used. Gu Sanqiu pointed at Shen Mo and ordered, "That kid''s fire attribute martial skill is too strong. Kill him first." As soon as he finished speaking, a portion of the ghost-faced infants attacking the othersseven in totalimmediately broke off and charged straight at Shen Mo. "Shen''er!" Murong Yue cried out in alarm at the sight. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchangedthis was exactly as he had expected. If Gu Sanqiu didn''t react after losing so many ghost-faced infants, he would have been far too foolish. Without hesitation, Shen Mo activated the Red Lotus Flame. The red flames surged, transforming into a wave of scorching heat that blasted toward the seven ghost-faced infants. The intense heat instantly raised the temperature of the air to a terrifying level. The seven ghost-faced infants shrieked in agony as they were engulfed by the flames, disintegrating after just six breaths. Seven wisps of faint ghostly energy fled back to the black golden core, where they slowly began to reform into infant shapes. But the process was agonizingly slow. It was clear that it would take at least a hundred breaths before they could fully reform. This scene instantly bolstered the morale of the group. The eternal flame was highly effective against the ghost-faced infants! Gu Sanqiu, however, turned his gaze toward Shen Mo, frowning slightly before breaking into a sinister laugh, "Oh? The Red Lotus Flame? Interesting. I didn''t expect someone in Xuanjing Prefecture to be able to tame such a wild and explosive eternal flame!" "Then I''ll kill you first!" He pointed at Shen Mo, and more than half of the ghost-faced infants immediately abandoned their targets, rushing toward Shen Mo! Shen Mo''s heart trembled. Without hesitation, he unleashed the second form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Art, pouring all his energy into the Red Lotus Flame. His dantian''s ocean of energy evaporated in an instant. At that moment, the Red Lotus Flame reached its peak intensity. A massive red flame phoenix materialized out of thin air. The phoenix let out a long, resonant cry, shaking the skies! The sound swept across the battlefield, causing the ghost-faced infants to instinctively show fear, their expressions twisting in terror. "Damn it, what kind of martial skill is this?!" "Don''t retreat! None of you retreat! Charge forward!" "He''s just a mid-stage Core Formation cultivatorno matter how strong he is, he can''t compare to me!" Even Gu Sanqiu was visibly shocked. But he immediately channeled all his spiritual power into the black golden core. With the infusion of overwhelming spiritual power, the golden core spun even more fiercely. A dense, black mist erupted from it. In an instant, all the ghost-faced infants grew larger! Their eyes shone with a more intense ferocity, and their facial features became even more twisted. The next moment, the red flame phoenix collided with more than twenty ghost-faced infants. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 117: The Clash of Core Formations—Who’s Really Smashing Eggs Against Rocks? Chapter 117: The Clash of Core FormationsWho''s Really Smashing Eggs Against Rocks? Flames surged violently, and the ghostly wails echoed! At first, the flames barely held the upper hand. However, Gu Sanqiu was, after all, a peak-stage Core Formation cultivator, vastly more powerful than Shen Mo. As the eerie ghostly aura surged out from the black Core Formation in greater amounts, the ghost-faced infants became more solid. Their tiny, sharp teeth, resentful gazes, and twisted features appeared disturbingly real. Just one glance could haunt someone with nightmares for days! A horde of ghost-faced infants swarmed forward, gnawing at the wings of the Fire Phoenix. The Fire Phoenix let out a mournful cry as its flames gradually dimmed, eventually dissipating into nothingness. Shen Mo also suffered a backlash, groaning as he staggered back over ten steps before barely managing to stop. Gu Sanqiu cackled wildly, "Kill him!" Over twenty ghost-faced infants charged forward! But, for some reason, Gu Sanqiu suddenly felt drowsy. It wasn''t just himeveryone else started to experience varying degrees of sleepiness. They were all very tired. They just wanted to lie down and sleep. Even their thoughts seemed to drift into slumber. A question that would usually be answered in an instant now took several seconds of hard thinking. Gu Sanqiu shook his head, struggling to keep his increasingly sluggish mind functioning. "This seems like... the scent of Soul Calming Incense?" He was both shocked and enraged. Soul Calming Incense was a treasure he had prepared long ago to pacify the Blood-Swallowing Nascent Soul. According to the Swallowing Blood Creation Technique, the Blood-Swallowing Nascent Soul was inherently unstable; the more blood it devoured, the more it would resist its master. Every so often, it needed a soul-calming treasure to be soothed. Soul Calming Incense was one such treasure mentioned in the Swallowing Blood Creation Technique. "Damn it! Wasn''t the third stone chamber of the Heavenly Hall protected by an array? Where did this brat get the Soul Calming Incense?!" Gu Sanqiu cursed inwardly as he glared at Shen Mo. Then his eyes widened in disbelief. Because he saw Shen Mo pulling out a small brass bell from his storage ring! The surface of the brass bell was engraved with strange and profound patterns, some of which depicted skulls and corpses, giving off an eerie vibe. This small brass bell was known as the Soul Fixing Bell. Gu Sanqiu had spent a fortune and leveraged all his connections to obtain this Earth-grade spiritual artifact. Its purpose, similar to the Soul Calming Incense, was to soothe the Blood-Swallowing Nascent Soul. "How did he?!" Gu Sanqiu was utterly furious. Shen Mo took a deep breath, infused his remaining spiritual power into the bell, and struck it hard. Ding! A gentle chime resonated. It sounded like a mother''s lullaby. Or perhaps like the soft rain of a spring night, silently nurturing everything as it fell with the wind. Anyone who heard it would feel their heart calm, lose the will to fight, and stand quietly in place. The combined power of the Soul Fixing Bell and the Soul Calming Incense was unleashed. All the ghost-faced infants became serene in an instant. Their twisted, ferocious expressions gradually softened. It was as if they had returned to the womb, back to that warm embrace. Gu Sanqiu''s eyes nearly burst with rage. This was his ultimate killing move, and it had just been neutralized by this young brat! "You deserve to die!" Gu Sanqiu forced his mind to work at full capacity. He commanded the black Core Formation in midair to smash toward Shen Mo! The Core Formation attack. This was the strongest combat technique of a Core Formation stage cultivator. Shen Mo wiped his hand across the air, and a jade tablet suddenly appeared in his palm. He mustered the last remnants of his spiritual power and infused it into the tablet. Buzz! An invisible wave rippled outward. It was like a signal. Something was quickly awakened. Before Gu Sanqiu could react, five ferocious ghosts appeared from five directions simultaneously. Each of them had a ghastly, menacing appearance, with blue faces and sharp fangs. At that moment, all five malevolent spirits fixed their ten ghostly eyes on Shen Mo, as if awaiting his command. "Attack his true body!" Shen Mo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, pointing straight at Gu Sanqiu. Roar! The five ghosts let out a satisfying howl, charging directly at Gu Sanqiu! Their sharp claws, razor-like teeth, and the eerie ghostly aura immediately enveloped Gu Sanqiu''s vital points. Gu Sanqiu''s pupils shrank rapidly as he forced out a few words, "The Five Ghosts Life Seizing Array! Why is it in... your hands?!" The flags for the Five Ghosts Life Seizing Array were something he had exchanged for with three Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pills from a Nascent Soul stage rogue cultivator. He knew the array flags were damaged, but he still decided to make the trade due to the array''s incredible power. These array flags were crafted by a Divine Transformation stage cultivator, who had sealed five murderous ghosts within them. Even in their damaged state, they could unleash power comparable to a Nascent Soul stage cultivator. Moreover, after training in the Swallowing Blood Creation Technique, Gu Sanqiu had gained enough insight to understand how to repair the array flags. He had been waiting to step into the Nascent Soul stage before starting the repair process. Once repaired, even a perfected Nascent Soul stage cultivator would find him difficult to deal with and would likely avoid him! He had hidden the array flags in a secret compartment, where no one should have been able to find them. Yet now, this array had somehow fallen into his opponent''s hands?! Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gu Sanqiu was utterly perplexed. Too strange! Too unbelievable! "Damn it! I''m your master! Don''t attack me!" Gu Sanqiu screamed in agony. These five ghosts were far more powerful than the ghost-faced infants. With one bite, large chunks of his flesh vanished. The body he had formed after absorbing five or six Core Formation stage cultivators was torn apart by these five ghosts in less than ten seconds! "Damn it, I''ll drag you all down with me!" Gu Sanqiu cursed venomously. In the air, the black Golden Core began to swell ominously. The ghost-faced infants, who had been immobilized, slowly awakened, their eyes once again filled with resentment. The power of the Soul Fixing Bell and the Soul Calming Incense was waning. The peaceful expressions on the faces of the surrounding cultivators, including Murong Yue and Pang Longxiang, began to change as they seemed to be on the verge of waking up. Facing the black Golden Core, Shen Mo did not dodge or evade but instead opened his mouth. Buzz! A crimson Inferno Core shot out from his mouth. Although Shen Mo was only at the early stage of Core Formation, while Gu Sanqiu was at the peak stage, their Golden Cores were nearly the same size! Gu Sanqiu was momentarily stunned, then burst into mad laughter, "So you also have a special Golden Core, no wonder you''re so strong." "But you actually think you can pit your Golden Core against mine? You''re dreaming!" Shen Mo controlled the Inferno Core with his mind, sending it hurtling forward. His expression remained as calm as still water, "The one dreaming is you." In the next moment, the Inferno Core collided with the black Golden Core! A piercing explosion reverberated through the air! Everyone''s ears began to bleed. Boom! The explosion followed immediately. All the ghost-faced infants let out a mournful wail. Those closest to the blast were instantly reduced to faint wisps of ghostly aura, barely visible. Even those farthest away became extremely dim. In the blink of an eye, the smoke cleared. The black Golden Core had shrunk by an entire size. Meanwhile, Shen Mo''s Inferno Core had shattered into dozens of pieces. At this moment, Gu Sanqiu, who was being torn apart by the five ghosts, was covered in blood. But seeing this, he still laughed maniacally. "See that?! That''s what it means to smash an egg against a rock! This is smashing eggs against rocks!" Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Oh? Do you really think this is over?" Gu Sanqiu was taken aback. He, too, sensed something amiss. This person''s Golden Core had clearly shattered into dozens of pieces, so why hadn''t his aura weakened at all? ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 118: We Shall Protect Sect Master Pang After Such Severe Injuries Chapter 118: We Shall Protect Sect Master Pang After Such Severe Injuries At that moment, Gu Sanqiu noticed Shen Mo suddenly raising his hand and making a gesture. In the next instant, dozens of crimson fragments of the shattered core hovered in the air, converging towards the black golden core like a meteor shower. In the blink of an eye, the black golden core was surrounded by the dozens of crimson fragments. A surge of intense heat radiated outward. At the same time, Gu Sanqiu seemed to be burning, and he immediately let out a crazed scream! "Damn it, damn it, damn it! What the hell is that?! Why is the golden core, clearly shattered, still obeying your command?!" Gu Sanqiu''s voice was filled with both rage and shock. There was also fear of the unexpected turn of events. Shen Mo did not respond. The Inferno Prison Golden Core was inherently a unique and special core. It transcended all other golden cores. Gu Sanqiu had never seen it before, so naturally, he couldn''t comprehend it. And Shen Mo had no intention of revealing his trump card. "It''s time for you to go." Shen Mo''s expression remained calm as he reached out his right hand and clenched it forcefully. Boom! The forty-five fragments of the shattered core suddenly tightened. A golden core is intimately connected with the cultivator. At this moment, Gu Sanqiu spewed blood wildly. His eyes bulged out like those of a goldfish. And at this very moment, the five malicious spirits continued to attack him madly. Shen Mo''s action was the final straw that broke the camel''s back. Gu Sanqiu stared at the pitch-black dome above, using the last bit of his strength to let out a tragic wail, "Why... why, after ten years of meticulous planning, did I fail at the last step?!" Blood spurted out wildly, gradually covering the ground. The black golden core, surrounded and crushed by the forty-five crimson fragments, shattered like glass at that very moment. All the ghost-faced infants let out miserable cries. Their bodies gradually dimmed until they completely dissipated. The five flags of the Five Ghosts Life-Stealing Formation soon lost their energy and shattered. The five malicious spirits, which were housed within the formation flags, were also obliterated as the flags broke. Shen Mo made a gesture, and the forty-five fragments of the shattered core reformed, merging into the Inferno Prison Golden Core, which then returned to his dantian. At this moment, Murong Yue, Pang Longxiang, Song Chaofeng, and the others gradually awakened from their dazed and rigid state of mind. "What just happened?" "Gu Sanqiu is dead?" "I think I smelled a strange fragrance, and then everything became hazy; I don''t remember what happened next." Everyone looked at Shen Mo with puzzled expressions. Although they didn''t know what had happened, they all saw that Shen Mo seemed to have used something to deal with Gu Sanqiu. Shen Mo then recounted the events in detail. However, he concealed his final trump card, the Inferno Prison Golden Core. He only mentioned that the Five Ghosts Life-Stealing Formation played the most significant role. "So that''s it. Gu Sanqiu actually hid such a sinister formation, likely intending to use it himself after nurturing a Nascent Soul," Murong Yue exclaimed in surprise. "Young Sect Master, I didn''t expect you to see through Gu Sanqiu''s weakness so quickly. His golden core was unstable and was easily affected by treasures like the Soul-Calming Bell and Soul-Pacifying Incense," Song Chaofeng said with admiration. Shen Mo smiled faintly, "I was just taking a wild guess, but it worked." "Talk all you want, but don''t block my way," Pang Longxiang said warily, eyeing the group. During their conversation, Murong Yue and the others had discreetly shifted their positions, surrounding Pang Longxiang from all sides. It was clear they didn''t intend to let Pang Longxiang leave. However, Pang Longxiang had sustained severe injuries during the fight against Gu Sanqiu, leaving him battered and bruised. Even if he wanted to run, he wouldn''t get far. Murong Yue smiled faintly, "Gu Sanqiu is dead, but the Alchemy King''s Cave is still full of dangers. Sect Master Pang has suffered such severe injuries; it would be best if we protect him for the time being." Without waiting for Pang Longxiang to protest, she continued, "Elder Song, Elder Li, you two will personally protect Sect Master Pang!" "Understood!" Immediately, two figures appeared on either side of Pang Longxiang, providing him with meticulous protection. Pang Longxiang, enraged, burst into laughter, "Good! Very good!" "Murong Yue, don''t forget who I answer to above. If you dare to lay a hand on me, you know the consequences!" After saying this, he fell silent. The commotion here also attracted other cultivators. Soon, disciples from the Stormy Rain Sect, Spirit Beast Sect, Flying Frost Sect, and some lost disciples from the Qingxuan Sect arrived. Seeing this shocking scene, they were all deeply shaken. A cultivator from the Flying Frost Sect shouted sternly, "Murong Yue, what are you doing? Release Sect Master Pang immediately!" Murong Yue''s expression remained unchanged, "Sect Master Liu, it''s time to fulfill our agreement." The Stormy Rain Sect''s Sect Master, Liu Menghu, laughed heartily, "Naturally." With a booming voice, he ordered, "Attack!" The disciples of the Stormy Rain Sect immediately launched a surprise attack on the cultivators from the Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect from behind. The Qingxuan Sect''s cultivators attacked from the front. In an instant, the Qingxuan Sect and Stormy Rain Sect formed a pincer movement. The battle broke out immediately. The cultivators of the Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were both shocked and furious, resisting with all their might. However, they were outnumbered, weaker in strength, and lacked a strong leader, so they quickly began to lose ground. Some, recognizing the situation, surrendered on the spot. Soon, the cultivators of these two sects were all crouching on the ground, their limbs bound by special ropes. These ropes, called Spirit-Binding Cords, were merely yellow-grade treasures, not difficult to craft. Every sect could make them. Their purpose was simple: to restrain spiritual power. But the Spirit-Binding Cords were not particularly durable and could easily be damaged in battle, so they were mostly used to bind defeated cultivators, preventing them from using their spiritual power. With the battle over, the cultivators from the Qingxuan Sect and Stormy Rain Sect finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Sect Master Liu," Murong Yue cupped her hands towards Liu Menghu, Sect Master of the Stormy Rain Sect. He returned the gesture and then hurriedly asked, "What exactly happened here?" His mind was full of questions, eager for answers. Murong Yue looked towards Shen Mo, who nodded slightly before she began to speak. After listening, the cultivators remained silent for a long time, unable to calm down. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They hadn''t expected that the third Alchemy King''s Cave would be a trap. The Alchemy King Gu Sanqiu, who was rumored to have died ten years ago, was actually still alive. Moreover, he had practiced demonic arts, attempting to nurture a Nascent Soul by absorbing the blood and energy of Core Formation cultivators, in hopes of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. "I heard that Gu Sanqiu was once a kind and helpful person. I never thought he would fall so far after practicing demonic arts," Liu Menghu sighed softly. Murong Yue nodded slightly, "Demonic arts are called demonic arts precisely because they gradually erode one''s sanity, turning a person into something less than human." "Everyone, clean up the battlefield. As per our previous agreement, the treasures belong to whoever finds them first," Murong Yue said casually, "As for these people, Elders Song and Li will guard them." Sect Master Liu of the Stormy Rain Sect also nodded. The group dispersed, each searching for their own opportunities. Shen Mo blinked and then headed in a particular direction. During his intense battle with Gu Sanqiu, he had noticed an opportunity on Gu Sanqiu''s body. [Upcoming Opportunity: After defeating all the Core Formation cultivators, enter the deepest part of the Alchemy King''s Cave, take the Thousand-Handed Lotus, an extremely rare earth-grade treasure that has been nurtured for years, and retrieve three Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pills, one Great Enlightenment Pill, before leaving the Alchemy King''s Cave.] ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 119: Time to Divide the Spoils Chapter 119: Time to Divide the Spoils The Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill is a rare medicinal elixir that enhances one''s physical constitution. It''s so precious that even the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture has only a few of them, and finding someone capable of refining this pill is even harder. However, Shen Mo''s physical constitution has already reached the pinnacle of the Heaven rank. A Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill, being only an Earth rank elixir, might no longer be effective in further enhancing his physique. Shen Mo estimated that at least a supreme Earth rank elixir would be necessary to have any noticeable effect. Of course, this didn''t mean he would give up on this opportunity. Even if he couldn''t use it himself, it could be valuable for others. For instance, Murong Yue. If she took it, her constitution would definitely be strengthened. As Murong Yue grew stronger, Shen Mo''s life would naturally become more stable. Moreover, the Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill was so valuable that it could be auctioned off at a high price. There would certainly be many willing to pay a premium for it. As for the Thousand-Handed Lotus, it was even more important. Shen Mo quickly headed towards the ninth stone chamber in the Heaven section, recalling information about the Thousand-Handed Lotus in his mind. The Thousand-Handed Lotus is a supreme Earth rank treasure, one of the essential items recorded in the for nurturing a Nascent Soul! Thinking of this, Shen Mo felt a surge of excitement. Although he was currently only at the early stage of the Core Formation realm, he knew that one day he would have to nurture a Nascent Soul. Thus, he was already aware of many things related to the Nascent Soul. The Nascent Soul is nurtured within the Golden Core and eventually ascends to sit solemnly on the Dao Platform. Like the Golden Core and Dao Platform, the Nascent Soul is also divided into different grades. Depending on the foundation of its cultivation, the Nascent Soul will develop different lotus platforms beneath it. The minimum is one lotus platform, while the maximum is nine. A Nascent Soul with one lotus platform is called a One-Lotus Nascent Soul. A Nascent Soul with two lotus platforms is called a Two-Lotus Nascent Soul, and so on. If one can grow nine lotus platforms, it is called a Nine-Lotus Nascent Soul. The strength of the Nascent Soul is related not only to the Golden Core but also to the number of lotus platforms. A Nine-Lotus Nascent Soul is universally recognized as the strongest. However, the methods to nurture a Nine-Lotus Nascent Soul are very few, and even some Heaven-rank cultivation techniques may not be able to achieve it. Shen Mo''s is a technique capable of nurturing a Nine-Lotus Nascent Soul! And the Thousand-Handed Lotus is precisely one of the treasures recorded in this technique! Shen Mo quickly arrived at the ninth stone chamber in the Heaven section. A person stood at the entrance of the stone chamberit was an elder from the Stormy Rain Sect. He had also intended to enter, but upon seeing Shen Mo, he immediately smiled. With a smile, he said, "I''ll leave this place to you; I''ll go to another stone chamber." The elder was quite young and had boundless potential, with rumors suggesting that the demon lord Zi Moye held him in high regard. Naturally, it was wise to build a good relationship. Shen Mo smiled and cupped his hands in thanks, "Much appreciated." The elder''s tactfulness saved Shen Mo the trouble of arguing. Shen Mo entered the ninth stone chamber and quickly searched around, finding two bottles of Essence Restoration Pills. Following the guidance of his life panel, he noticed a decorative vase in the corner. There were many vases, all of them spotless. It wasn''t like in the dramas, where one vase is covered in dust while another is shiny from frequent use. Shen Mo manipulated each vase in turn, and when he twisted the fourth one, a passageway appeared beneath it, just as he had expected. He entered the passage and reached the deepest level beneath the Heavenly tier. The lighting here was even dimmer, shrouding everything in darkness. Shen Mo listened carefully and could hear the faint dripping of water. In such an environment, the sound of dripping water seemed especially eerie. But Shen Mo wasn''t concerned. He knew there was no danger here. He strode forward confidently. Soon, he found a small pool of water. In the pool, a pure and sacred lotus was growing. But the petals of the lotus were not like ordinary petals; they resembled human hands, flesh-colored and human-like. Countless human hands formed this Thousand-Handed Lotus. Anyone who saw this scene would instinctively be horrified. "No wonder it''s called the Thousand-Handed Lotus. It really lives up to its name," Shen Mo marveled. Upon closer inspection, the petals were still just petals, merely shaped very much like hands. "Gu Sanqiu must have obtained this Thousand-Handed Lotus long ago and carefully nurtured it here, intending to use it when he eventually forms his Nascent Soul." "Now, it''s my turn to benefit from this," Shen Mo said with a slight smile. He glanced around. Behind him was a stone table, on which sat two jade bottles. The bottle on the left contained three Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pills. The bottle on the right contained a single Great Enlightenment Pill. "Now that I''ve got what I need, it''s time to leave." Before long, the exploration of the Alchemy King''s cave was completely finished. Everyone returned to the place where they had previously confronted Gu Sanqiu and regrouped. Liu Menghu frowned and said, "We didn''t find a single Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill... How about you?" Murong Yue also shook her head. "We found plenty of other pills, but no Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pills." "What about the elders?" Everyone shook their heads. Everyone present knew that it was the Verdant Vine Sect pulling the strings between Qingxuan Sect and the Stormy Rain Sect. The spoils from the Alchemy King''s cave naturally had to be partially offered to Verdant Vine Sect. And it had to be the most valuable portion. The most valuable treasure in the Alchemy King''s cave was undoubtedly the Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill. But now, without a single Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill found, it would be difficult to explain this. Shen Mo chuckled, "I''m sure Mo Yuheng has already mentioned it to Sect Master Liu: the treasures belong to those who are fated to obtain them." Liu Menghu nodded, "Of course, I agree with that. You can rest assured." "Our Stormy Rain Sect is allied with your Qingxuan Sect now, so no matter what treasure it is, whoever gets it, it''s theirs." Shen Mo smiled, "The Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill is with me." As he spoke, he took out a jade bottle and gave it a little shake. It was exactly the same as the one the Divine Sword Sect had awarded as the top prize in the Hundred Schools Grand Tournamentthe Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill. Liu Menghu was overjoyed, "Good, good, good!" He understood Shen Mo''s intention and nodded slightly, "Our Stormy Rain Sect is willing to buy this pill! Name your price!" Murong Yue frowned, "Wait, Shen''er also needs this Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pill; we''re not selling it." Shen Mo was momentarily stunned, caught between laughter and tears. Murong Yue was overly considerate of him. But in fact, he had obtained three Taiyi Soul-Nurturing Pills, so selling one didn''t matter. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, since Verdant Vine Sect was one of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang and an important ally for Qingxuan Sect, it made sense both emotionally and logically to offer one to them. Not to mention, it wasn''t being given away for freeLiu Menghu was savvy enough to want to purchase it. Murong Yue looked at Shen Mo, as if she wanted to say something more. But Shen Mo looked at her and shook his head. Murong Yue blinked, seemingly understanding something. With a sigh of resignation, she said, "Alright, Sect Master Liu has to complete his task from above, so I agree." Liu Menghu grinned, "Good, good, as long as Sect Master Murong agrees." Shen Mo thought for a moment, "I''ve heard that the Flying Frost Sect has a place called the Profound Frost Grotto, right?" As a first-class sect, Flying Frost Sect controlled numerous mines, medicinal fields, and treasure sites. Profound Frost Grotto was one of them. The Profound Frost Grotto produced a treasure called "Profound Frost Amber," which contained a drop of ice-elemental blood. This item could be used to temper the physical body. For Shen Mo, not only could this item be used to strengthen his body, but it could also serve as a consumable to activate his Demon Armor. After all, using the Demon Armor always required the consumption of blood. Shen Mo didn''t want to feel drained and weak after every use of the Demon Armor, as if he had been stripped of his vitality. So, he had long set his sights on Profound Frost Amber. Unfortunately, it was tightly controlled by Flying Frost Sect. Now, with the core members of Flying Frost Sect under control, their assets would soon be divided between Qingxuan Sect and Stormy Rain Sect. Shen Mo finally had a chance to obtain Profound Frost Amber, and he wasn''t about to let it slip through his fingers. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 120: Loyal Liu Yuanfeng Chapter 120: Loyal Liu Yuanfeng Upon hearing this, Liu Menghu let out a long breath. "I understand You want to enter the Profound Frost Cave to search for treasures?" With a grand gesture, he said openly, "That''s not a problem. Once our Stormy Rain Sect takes over Profound Frost Cave, you can search for as many treasures as you like, for as long as you want." Shen Mo slightly shook his head. "No, no, no. What I mean is, Profound Frost Cave will belong to our Qingxuan Sect." The elder from Stormy Rain Sect was instantly shocked. Even Liu Menghu was amused with anger. "You''re being a bit too greedy. Profound Frost Cave is one of the most precious places controlled by Flying Frost Sect." "It''s a place highly suitable for the growth of ice-attributed medicinal herbs, and it also produces some special minerals." "Our Stormy Rain Sect is determined to obtain it as well." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Then there''s nothing to be done. It seems that I won''t be able to give the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill to Sect Master Liu." Liu Menghu scratched his head in frustration. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Verdant Vine Sect''s order was for him to bring back the Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pill. If he handed over the pill, he was sure to receive plenty of rewards. But Profound Frost Cave was also a treasure trove that couldn''t be easily handed over to Qingxuan Sect. Liu Menghu sighed deeply. "This matter is of great importance. I need to go back and discuss it thoroughly with the elders." "Alright, I''ll wait for your response, Sect Master Liu," Shen Mo chuckled softly. He wasn''t in a hurry. The one who was anxious was Liu Menghu. Oh, and also Pang Longxiang, the Sect Master of Flying Frost Sect, who was tied up tightly. Profound Frost Cave was clearly the property of his sect, yet now, right in front of him, Qingxuan Sect and Stormy Rain Sect were discussing how to divide it up. Pang Longxiang''s heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife, his expression utterly despairing. Pretending to compromise and allowing people from the other three sects to enter the Alchemy King''s Cave had been a mistake from the beginning. A colossal mistake! Unfortunately, even though he wanted to regret it, there was no way to turn back now. "Sect Master Liu, let''s consider Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect''s other assets, using Profound Frost Cave as the boundary. The assets to the north of Profound Frost Cave belong to Stormy Rain Sect, and those to the south belong to my Qingxuan Sect," Murong Yue finally spoke after a moment of contemplation. Liu Menghu nodded, "Alright, for now, we''ll go with that. Our two sects are allies; we can''t let disputes over assets ruin our relationship." "As for Profound Frost Cave I will give you all a reply within three days!" Murong Yue nodded, "Good." At this point, the exploration of the Alchemy King''s Cave came to an end. Everyone retraced their steps out of the cave, carefully avoiding one dangerous formation after another, until they were back on the surface. The entrance to the cave opened, and bright sunlight once again streamed in. The cultivators strode out, their expressions full of emotion. Although the time spent exploring the Alchemy King''s Cave hadn''t been long, it felt like they had crossed the threshold of death multiple times. Their appearance brought a new wave of energy to those waiting on the surface. It''s over? But why were there so few people? Clearly, forty cultivators at the Core Formation stage had entered, yet less than twenty emerged. The rogue cultivators glanced around, whispering among themselves. Then, they witnessed an even more shocking scene. The cultivators from Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect had their hands tied as they walked out! Pang Longxiang, the Sect Master of Flying Frost Sect, was also tightly bound, his face dark. As for the Sect Master of Spirit Beast Sect, he was nowhere to be seen. The rogue cultivators immediately began discussing wildly, both surprised and suspicious. Some sharp-minded individuals quickly deduced the situation and quietly gathered their friends, slipping away. Then, they headed straight for the assets of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect. With the cultivators of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect captured, these two sects were now leaderless. Now was the perfect time for these rogue cultivators to make their move. If they didn''t seize the opportunity now, they might never have another chance. "Liu Sect Master, let''s part ways for now," Murong Yue cupped her hands in a gesture of respect. "You can take charge of the Flying Frost Sect members, and I will take the Spirit Beast Sect members back with me." Liu Menghu glanced at Pang Longxiang, whose face was ashen, and chuckled, "That''s exactly what I had in mind. Sect Master Pang, come with me. You''ll be treated well, with good food and drink." The grudge between Stormy Rain Sect and Flying Frost Sect was as deep as the ocean, and for the past five years, Stormy Rain Sect had been suppressed by Flying Frost Sect. There had even been incidents where their talented disciples were secretly assassinated by Flying Frost Sect. Stormy Rain Sect had been holding back their anger for a long time. Now was the perfect time to release it. Stormy Rain Sect headed north, while Qingxuan Sect moved south. The two sects parted ways for now. After they left, the rogue cultivators on the scene immediately sprang into action, rushing toward the Alchemy King''s Cave. Although the cave had already been looted by the sects, there should still be some leftovers. Even if it was just a tiny bit, the rogue cultivators would risk their lives to snatch it. ... On the other side. On the way back to Qingxuan Sect, Murong Yue immediately began assigning tasks. Each team consisted of two Core Formation stage cultivators, leading a group of Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation disciples, and they were sent swiftly to secure the assets of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect. Among the rogue cultivators, there were many who were quick-witted and had already realized that Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were doomed. If the Qingxuan Sect''s people arrived late, those assets would likely have been looted by the rogue cultivators. As the young sect master, Shen Mo didn''t need to get involved in such time-consuming and laborious matters. He headed straight back to the Heavy Weapon Hall. As soon as he arrived, Liu Yuanfeng greeted him with a broad smile. "Young Sect Master, you''ve returned? It seems the exploration of the Alchemy King''s Cave was exceptionally smooth, haha!" Shen Mo gave a faint smile. "Deputy Sect Master Liu has been guarding the Heavy Weapon Hall, which is an even more difficult task. How have things been?" Liu Yuanfeng nodded firmly. "Rest assured, Young Sect Master. Some rogue cultivators tried to take advantage of the chaos to steal the Heavy Weapon Refinement Technique, but I captured them alive. Just now, I had them all executed as a warning to others." Shen Mo chuckled softly, "Executed so quickly? Shouldn''t you have interrogated them first to see who was behind them?" Liu Yuanfeng shook his head. "They were just opportunistic rogue cultivators, acting on their own. There''s no one behind them, Young Sect Master. You''re overthinking it." Shen Mo smiled, "Deputy Sect Master Liu, with such loyalty, I can be at ease." Liu Yuanfeng laughed heartily, "The exploration of the Alchemy King''s Cave must have been exhausting for you, Young Sect Master. I''ve already had food prepared, and it will soon be delivered to your courtyard." "You can enjoy a good meal and satisfy your hunger." "Thank you for your consideration, Deputy Sect Master Liu," Shen Mo replied with a smile. He then turned and walked toward his courtyard, closing the gate behind him. The smile on Liu Yuanfeng''s face immediately faded, replaced by a deep, serious expression. Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Shen Mo also wore a faint smile. It was likely that Liu Yuanfeng had heard the news about the severe blow dealt to Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect, which prompted him to execute those rogue cultivators before Shen Mo''s return. If Shen Mo''s guess was correct, those rogue cultivators were probably acting under Liu Yuanfeng''s orders to steal the Heavy Weapon Refinement Technique. This way, it wouldn''t appear as though the technique had been leaked by Liu Yuanfeng, but rather by the rogue cultivators. Even if someone suspected Liu Yuanfeng, there would be no evidence. But now, they had become scapegoats. By executing them, Liu Yuanfeng ensured his own safety and indirectly demonstrated his loyalty. "This man knows how to read the situation," Shen Mo chuckled softly as he sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard. He tapped the table lightly, recalling the gains from his time in the Alchemy King''s Cave. First, there were seven bottles of Essence Replenishing Pills. These pills should be enough to help him cultivate to the peak of the Core Formation stage. Hmm they should be... In addition, he had acquired three Taiyi Soul Nourishing Pills and one Enlightenment Pill. Finally, there was the top-tier Earth-grade treasure, the Thousand-Handed Lotus. "The harvest was immense. As expected of the Alchemy King''s Cave," Shen Mo smiled in satisfaction. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 121: The Secret Beneath the Profound Frost Cave – An Ice Flood Dragon Chapter 121: The Secret Beneath the Profound Frost Cave - An Ice Flood Dragon Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Three days later. At Sacred Water Peak. This place, blessed with abundant spiritual energy, is where the essence of nature converges. It is the tallest and most majestic peak of Heavenly Water Sect. It is also where the Sect Master resides. At this moment, dark clouds were surging above Sacred Water Peak, as if the clouds were brewing a storm of thunder and lightning. It seemed as though a torrential downpour could start at any moment. Perhaps due to this strange weather, the atmosphere within Heavenly Water Sect had become tense and agitated. "Outrageous!" An angry shout echoed through the skies above Sacred Water Peak. Startled, the passing disciples hunched their shoulders in fear. Inside the Sect Master''s courtyard. Zhang Mo took a deep breath, trying her best to suppress the rage within. She stared directly at the elder in front of her. "Speak, continue!" The elder wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said helplessly, "Furthermore... the Profound Frost CaveQingxuan Sect offered five fertile medicinal fields, and in the end, Storm Rain Sect agreed to hand over the Profound Frost Cave to them." "That means, as of today, all the assets of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect have been completely divided between Qingxuan Sect and Storm Rain Sect." Zhang Mo turned around, her eyes seemingly blazing with fire. "I understand," she said coldly. "You are to immediately summon all the elders, except those stationed outside. They must return at once; I need to hold a council!" "Yes, I will go at once!" The elder nodded repeatedly, like pounding garlic. "And call for Xuege to come see me," Zhang Mo added. "Understood." A moment later, there was a knock at the door. A pale young man slightly bowed to Zhang Mo. "Master, you called for me?" He was Zhang Mo''s disciple, known as the "Yin Supreme," Yin Xuege. Since the Grand Sect Tournament, the title of "Flame Supreme" Ling Xuan had become well-known. However, the "Yin Supreme" Yin Xuege was not mentioned as much anymore. Zhang Mo sighed deeply. "Come in. I have many worries and no one to confide in. I have no family, so I can only talk to you." Yin Xuege nodded and closed the door, then sat beside Zhang Mo. "Please speak, Master. I am here to listen." Zhang Mo tapped the table for a long time before finally revealing the situation regarding the Alchemy King''s Cave. After hearing everything, Yin Xuege''s eyes widened, and his heart couldn''t calm down for a long time. "No wonder you didn''t let me go to the Alchemy King''s Cave... You knew all along that Gu Sanqiu was still alive, didn''t you?" he couldn''t help but ask. Zhang Mo nodded. "Not only did I know, but the sect masters of the five sects along the Profound River were all informed by Gu Sanqiu ten years ago when he went into seclusion." "The Alchemy King''s Cave of Divine Sword Sect was a gift from Gu Sanqiu to them." "The Alchemy King''s Cave was just bait. Gu Sanqiu needed to nurture his nascent soul, so we did him a favor in return and had him help us eliminate the sects surrounding the Profound Frost Cave." Yin Xuege nodded heavily. He wasn''t foolish and quickly understood Zhang Mo''s intentions. Only by clearing out the sects around the Profound Frost Cave could Heavenly Water Sect justifiably take over. After all, Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were both affiliated with Heavenly Water Sect. If something happened to them, Heavenly Water Sect could naturally expand its influence. But now, things hadn''t gone according to the plan. Gu Sanqiu was dead. The sect master of Spirit Beast Sect was dead. Pang Longxiang had been captured alive. The remaining cultivators of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were scattered, with many either dead, escaped, or surrendered within three days. Their assets had all been divided between Qingxuan Sect and Storm Rain Sect. Yin Xuege couldn''t help but ask, "Is the Profound Frost Cave really that important? I remember the best treasure produced there was called Profound Frost Amber, which only contains a single drop of ice-element blood." "Moreover, Flying Frost Sect would offer Profound Frost Amber to us every six months. I still have over a dozen pieces with me." He spoke as he took out a piece of Profound Frost Amber, emitting a chilling aura. Zhang Mo accepted the Profound Frost Amber and flicked her finger lightly. With the spiritual power of a Core Formation cultivator, she easily shattered the outer layer of amber. The drop of ice-blue blood then floated in mid-air. "Since it''s blood, it must have a source. Do you know where it comes from?" she asked. Yin Xuege frowned. "I recall you mentioning that beneath the Profound Frost Cave lies the corpse of a fifth-rank demonic beast, equivalent to a Nascent Soul cultivator. Its entire body is encased in amber, and these Profound Frost Ambers are derived from it." "But the corpse of that demonic beast is nearly depleted. Flying Frost Sect has also mentioned that the production of Profound Frost Amber has been rapidly decreasing in recent years. It''s estimated that in another three to five years, the Profound Frost Cave will be completely worthless." Zhang Mo shook her head. "There''s something else beneath the Profound Frost Cave that Flying Frost Sect never discovered, and we were unaware of it either. This was something Gu Sanqiu told me personally." Yin Xuege''s heart tightened. "What is it?" Zhang Mo took out a palm-sized ice-blue scale. The drop of blood seemed to be drawn to it and spontaneously landed on the scale. The blood appeared to come to life, condensing into a peculiar form, silently roaring towards the sky with great joy. Yin Xuege''s pupils suddenly contracted. It was clearly... a dragon''s shape! "An Ice Flood Dragon." Zhang Mo also gazed at the tiny ice-blue dragon shape, revealing a look of longing. "A dead Ice Flood Dragon!" "The fifth-rank demonic beast corpse discovered at the bottom of the Profound Frost Cave by Flying Frost Sect was merely a remnant, altered gradually by the deathly aura of the Ice Flood Dragon." "The Ice Flood Dragon is the true treasure hidden in the deepest part of the Profound Frost Cave!" Yin Xuege''s eyes widened in disbelief. The drop of blood within the Profound Frost Amber already had significant effects. It could temper the body and assist in cultivating ice-element techniques and martial skills. Yet, Zhang Mo now claimed that it was merely contaminated by the aura of the Ice Flood Dragon! It was unimaginable how powerful the effects of genuine Ice Flood Dragon blood would be! Zhang Mo calmly said, "The five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture have a special status. They usually uphold fairness and justice within the prefecture, so they cannot easily take action, much less seize the treasures of their own allies." "According to the original plan, after Gu Sanqiu killed those people, we would take over the territories of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect, thereby justifiably claiming the Profound Frost Cave." "If you were to consume the Ice Flood Dragon''s blood, your physique would be enhanced to at least a mid-tier Heaven level!" "Moreover, the Ice Flood Dragon''s blood could also grant Heaven-level physiques to at least five other disciples." "In addition, its demon crystal must still exist! With that demon crystal, I could forge the strongest Earth-grade refining crystal artifact, greatly boosting my power and securing more influence within the Divine Sword Sect, without having to defer to them." "All of these are enormous benefits!" "But now, it''s no longer possible." Zhang Mo looked towards the south, her eyes as cold as ice. The plan had been ruined. Ruined completely. Yin Xuege frowned. "In that case, we should declare war on Qingxuan Sect!" Zhang Mo took a deep breath. "War is inevitable, but Heavenly Water Sect cannot enter the fray lightly." "Moreover, Storm Rain Sect has Verdant Vine Sect behind it. I suspect Verdant Vine Sect is also involved in this matter." "The five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture have a special status. Once we take action, there''s no turning back. We must be cautious before making our move." Yin Xuege nodded in shame. "I was too simplistic in my thinking." "So, Master, what do you plan to do?" Zhang Mo said in a deep voice, "First, let Blood River Sect and White River Sect probe the situation and find out Verdant Vine Sect''s stance." "We will make our move last, under the pretext of mediating, and then infiltrate Qingxuan Sect." At this moment, the bell rang from below. "The elder council meeting has begun. Xuege, you will accompany me," Zhang Mo said as she abruptly stood up. Yin Xuege was taken aback. "Me? But, Master, I''m not yet the junior sect master. I''m not allowed to attend the elder council meetings." Zhang Mo coldly replied, "If I say you can, then you can. If any elder dares to object, I''ll have them expelled from Heavenly Water Sect!" Yin Xuege''s heart warmed. "Yes! I will follow your orders!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Please Join patreon. I will need all support i can get. that patreon hasnt received any new member for month. You can also check other novel there. So please show your support. I will appreciate it very much. Thank you. } Chapter 122: Peaks Gather Like Waves, Rage Like Angry Tides Chapter 122: Peaks Gather Like Waves, Rage Like Angry Tides Qingxuan Sect Mountain Gate. Bamboo Tree Courtyard. Shen Mo stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the courtyard gate. His eyes were unfocused, as if he were comprehending something. At a certain moment, he instinctively activated a martial technique. A wisp of spiritual energy burst forth, connecting with the metal-element spiritual energy in the heavens and earth. In an instant, two large bronze doors materialized beside him. The patterns on the surface of the doors were intricately detailed. They seemed so real that one could almost touch them. After forming the two bronze doors, Shen Mo didn''t stop. He continued to observe the courtyard gate. Suddenly, more metal-element spiritual energy was drawn to him, gathering and constantly reshaping itself. This mass of spiritual energy swirled and expanded, gradually increasing in size. About the time it takes to burn a stick of incense later, the energy mass abruptly unfurled, taking the shape of a large door. However, the patterns on this door were not as refined as those on the previous two bronze doors. But they weren''t much worse, either. It was only then that Shen Mo seemed to emerge from his state of enlightenment. Seeing the three bronze doors floating beside him, he smiled with satisfaction. With a thought, the three bronze doors shifted freely. At times, they appeared in three different directions. At other times, they appeared together in one direction. They were incredibly agile. Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. The Earth-grade defensive martial technique, , had now been cultivated to the third level. He was close to reaching the fourth level. When that time came, he would be able to simultaneously summon four bronze doors. Even if one door was destroyed, he could quickly reform it. Combined with the demonic armor bracers he wore, his defense would be nearly invincible! Shen Mo then looked inward at his dantian. There were now some subtle changes within. The ocean of spiritual energy had expanded once more, and he was just a step away from reaching the peak of the Core Formation stage. Above the ocean of spiritual energy was a smooth and flawless Perfect Dao Platform. Atop the Perfect Dao Platform was a crimson-gold Core, covered in cracks. But now, between the Dao Platform and the Core, a lotus seat had appeared. This lotus seat was layered and radiant, captivating in its beauty. At first glance, the petals seemed to resemble countless human hands. Upon closer inspection, they were indeed ordinary petals. This was the first lotus seat formed after Shen Mo refined the Thousand-Handed Lotus. Once all nine lotus seats were gathered, it would be time for him to nurture his Nascent Soul. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. "Shen''er, may I come in?" came the voice of Murong Yue from outside. Shen Mo quickly walked over and opened the courtyard gate. Standing before him was his graceful master, Murong Yue. "Master, what brings you here so suddenly?" Shen Mo asked as he sat down. Murong Yue casually sat on a stone stool beside him and chuckled at his words. "What''s this? Can''t I visit you without a reason?" Shen Mo also smiled. "Master, I didn''t say that. Those were your words." They exchanged a smile. Murong Yue only let down her serious and cold demeanor in front of Shen Mo, showing a more relaxed and casual side. After sharing a brief laugh, Murong Yue chuckled lightly. "Alright, to be honest, there isn''t much. Sect Master Liu from Storm Rain Sect sent me a bottle of Great Essence-Replenishing Pills." "I''m already at the peak of Core Formation, so taking these pills won''t have much effect on me anymore. I thought I''d bring them to you." With a wave of her hand, Murong Yue produced a jade bottle and placed it on the stone table. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. A bottle of Great Essence-Replenishing Pills was worth five bottles of Essence-Replenishing Pills. They were typically circulated only among the five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture. At most, they were used as rewards. Liu Menghu giving a bottle to Murong Yue was likely to maintain the alliance between their two sects. And Murong Yue giving them to him warmed his heart. His master was truly kind to him. "Master, I have something for you as well," Shen Mo said with a smile. Murong Yue covered her mouth and laughed. "What could you possibly have for me?" Shen Mo waved his hand, and two pills appeared in his palm. Murong Yue was initially startled, then showed a look of astonishment. "Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pills? And you have two of them?" "But I recall you already gave one to Liu Menghu." Shen Mo then recounted how he had discovered three Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pills in the Alchemy King''s Cave. Murong Yue''s eyes widened in disbelief. "This such a grand stroke of luck exists in the world!" Shen Mo smiled. "Master, I''ve already taken a Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pill. Even if I take another, it wouldn''t be much more effective." "I remember your physique is top-tier Earth level?" "After taking this Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pill, you might very well break through to Heaven level!" Murong Yue murmured, "Heaven level" These two words immediately set her heart racing. A Heaven-level physique is something every cultivator dreams of obtaining. But such a physique is one in a million, far from something easily acquired. Now, such an opportunity was right before her! "No... no, this is your fortune. You have a brighter future ahead than I do. I can''t take away your chance," Murong Yue instinctively wanted to nod but then firmly shook her head. However, her eyes still revealed a deep longing. This contradictory expression made Shen Mo chuckle. "Master, you say you don''t want it, but your body is being quite honest," he teased. For once, a blush appeared on Murong Yue''s face. To say she didn''t want such a precious treasure would be a lie. When she said those words earlier, she was fighting hard against her inner desires. Shen Mo patiently persuaded her, "Master, you''re currently the strongest combatant in Qingxuan Sect. If you acquire a Heaven-level physique, you''ll only grow stronger, and even facing the sect masters of the five sects in Xuanjing Prefecture, you''d be their equal." "When that time comes, as the junior sect master of Qingxuan Sect, I''d naturally live a more secure life. Don''t you think that''s a reasonable plan?" Murong Yue hesitated for a moment. "You''re right." "Then take it!" Shen Mo stepped closer to Murong Yue and brought the Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pill to her lips, his tone deliberately a bit forceful. Murong Yue''s heart warmed, and her eyes became slightly misty. She took a deep breath. "Alright, I''ll take it!" Shen Mo smiled. "Then take it here, and I''ll guard you while you cultivate." "Alright!" Murong Yue smiled through her tears. "I never thought there''d be a day when my disciple would be the one guarding me." She immediately swallowed the Taiyi Soul-Nourishing Pill. The surging medicinal power spread throughout her, penetrating deep into her bones and soul, subtly enhancing her physique. The sensation was almost otherworldly. Murong Yue couldn''t help but let out a soft, contented moan. Moments later, the spiritual energy surrounding Qingxuan Sect began to converge on Bamboo Tree Courtyard. In an instant, two massive vortices formed around Murong Yue. On the left was scorching hot fire-element spiritual energy. On the right was chillingly cold ice-element spiritual energy! This was Murong Yue''s physique, the Blazing Fire Profound Ice Body. It possessed both fire and ice spiritual roots. Such a spectacular phenomenon immediately attracted attention from the outside. Elders, deacons, and disciples all cast their gazes towards Bamboo Tree Courtyard, both astonished and delighted. "This incredible aurawhose physique is evolving?" "Isn''t that Bamboo Tree Courtyard? It''s the junior sect master''s residence!" "That can''t be right. Many people say the junior sect master already has a Heaven-level physique. How could it evolve further?" "Wait, I just saw the sect master enter Bamboo Tree Courtyard. Could it be the sect master?" "Hiss... maybe we should keep our opinions to ourselves and just watch." At this moment, within Bamboo Tree Courtyard. Two completely opposite forces surged wildly. This caused the courtyard to display contrasting scenes. The two poor bamboo trees suffered; one turned into an ice sculpture, while the other was scorched bare. Murong Yue herself was similarly affected. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The left half of her palace robe was burned to ashes. It exposed her smooth, fair, and captivating body. However, this view didn''t last long. Murong Yue quickly realized the situation. She let out a startled cry, her face turning crimson, and hastily covered herself. "Turn around, turn around!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 123: Master, It’s Best Not to Wear Clothes for Now Chapter 123: Master, It''s Best Not to Wear Clothes for Now Shen Mo cleared his throat a few times and turned around. Rustling sounds came from behind him. It was clear that Murong Yue was changing into a new palace gown. However... Murong Yue''s aura was still rising. It would take some time before her physique was fully enhanced. So, the fire element energy would likely still burn her clothes. As expected, moments later, Shen Mo heard a startled cry from behind him. Shen Mo cleared his throat again, "Master, I think it''s best if you don''t wear any clothes for now." Murong Yue''s fair cheeks were now as red as ripe apples. She understood that no matter how many sets of palace gowns she changed into, they would still be burned. However, it was improper for a master and disciple to share the same room while she, as the master, had half of her body exposed. This... this was completely inappropriate! "Master, you don''t need to be so restrained; just pretend I''m not here," Shen Mo said with a slight smile. Murong Yue bit her lip, "Fine! But don''t you dare turn around, or I''ll expel you from the sect!" Shen Mo found it amusing. Her tone was more like that of a shy, irritated older sister. "Alright, alright, I''ll do as you say." Shen Mo sat down cross-legged, making no move to turn around. Murong Yue steadied her mind and continued refining the medicinal power of the Supreme Soul-Nurturing Pill. Half an hour later, the pill was fully refined. At that moment, Murong Yue''s aura reached its peak! Boom! Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Two pillars of light shot into the sky. One of flame, the other of frost, pierced through the clouds, shaking the heavens. In the Qingcang Mountains and the surrounding areas, all the wandering cultivators who witnessed this scene were in awe. "That direction... Is it Qingxuan Sect again?" "I remember that Qingxuan Sect had a disciple with a Heaven-level physique before. Although the sect didn''t officially acknowledge it, everyone knew it was Shen Mo, the young sect master." "And now, there''s another person with a Heaven-level physique!" "Tsk tsk, the rise of Qingxuan Sect is unstoppable. We''d better not offend them. On the contrary, we should try to befriend them as much as possible." "You''re absolutely right!" This was the sentiment among the wandering cultivators, and even more so among the sect cultivators. Many second-rate and smaller sects were deeply shaken, their respect for Qingxuan Sect growing even more. ... "Huff..." Murong Yue exhaled a breath of impure air and quickly put on a new palace gown. After dressing, she said softly, "Alright, you can turn around now." Shen Mo turned around and immediately saw his familiar master. However, the flushed Murong Yue had an added touch of unique beauty compared to usual. "Heaven-level physique now?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue nodded, sighing, "Indeed, it''s a Heaven-level physique." "With the enhancement of my physique, the power of the martial techniques I use is now much stronger than before." "If I face Zhang Mo again, she won''t be a match for me!" Murong Yue was brimming with confidence. Shen Mo smiled and handed her another Supreme Soul-Nurturing Pill, "This pill will be kept with you, Master. You can auction it off." Murong Yue hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "That would be better. Auctioning it in my name is safer for you." After saying this, she quickly added, "I... I''ll leave first. Make sure to train hard and don''t slack off!" With that, Murong Yue hurriedly left as if her tail were on fire. Shen Mo couldn''t help but chuckle. At times like this, Murong Yue behaved more like an inexperienced young girl. But it made sense. Ever since she became the sect master of Qingxuan Sect, she often secluded herself. Before becoming the sect master, she trained every day. Though she was no longer a girl in her forties, she was indeed still inexperienced in the ways of the world. "It''s been half a month since the Alchemy King''s Cave incident. The news of the destruction of Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect should have spread by now, right?" Shen Mo sat on a stone bench, deep in thought. There was no need to mention Spirit Beast Sect, as it was merely a second-rate sect. Flying Frost Sect, on the other hand, was a first-rate sect, and a particularly strong one at that. Its destruction would undoubtedly cause a great upheaval in Xuanjing Prefecture. All the sects, large and small, would be affected. More importantly, both Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were affiliated with the Heavenly Water Sect. ** Shen Mo immediately inspected his life panel. [Name: Shen Mo] [Realm: Core Formation Stage - Minor Achievement] [Fate Attributes: Son of an Apothecary, Exceptional Perception, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Slightly Fortunate, Scorching Sun Flame Physique, Temporary Fortunes] Seeing this, he nodded slightly. After consuming the Great Perception Pill this time, the blue fate attribute "Innate Wisdom" had already been enhanced into the purple fate attribute "Exceptional Perception." This meant that from now on, whether in comprehending cultivation techniques, martial arts, formations, alchemy, or artifact refining, his understanding would far surpass that of ordinary cultivators. Shen Mo continued to read further down. [Destiny: Ultimately halted at the Great Achievement of Core Formation Stage. In half a year, will die in a killing formation set by the combined forces of Blood River Sect and White River Sect.] [Recent Fortunes: Two days later, upon entering Profound Frost Cave for treasure hunting, you will accidentally discover a new fissure, delve into it, and find the corpse of an Ice Dragon, obtaining three drops of Ice Dragon blood.] [Upcoming Event: Upon leaving Profound Frost Cave, you will find that the cave has been taken over by Blood River Sect. Shen Mo will be surrounded by six Core Formation cultivators, severely injured, and forced to flee, barely escaping back to the Qingxuan Sect''s territory. He will then need to recuperate for half a year, unable to cultivate.] Shen Mo was pleasantly surprised. There was actually an Ice Dragon''s corpse at the bottom of Profound Frost Cave? The Flying Frost Sect had controlled Profound Frost Cave for so long, excavating much Profound Frost Amber, yet they never knew there was something beneath the cave. Unexpectedly, such an opportunity had fallen into his lap. "But why would Blood River Sect suddenly take action? Blood River Sect is also affiliated with the Heavenly Water Sect. Could this be the Heavenly Water Sect''s intention?" Shen Mo pondered, "But regardless, I must go to Profound Frost Cave; there''s an incredible opportunity waiting for me there!" Having made up his mind, Shen Mo immediately stood up. He greeted the disciples guarding the entrance of the Bamboo Tree Courtyard and then headed straight for Profound Frost Cave. The disciples at the gate would naturally inform Murong Yue of his departure to Profound Frost Cave. Shen Mo used his qi to travel swiftly, heading north. Profound Frost Cave was quite far from Qingxuan Sect''s main gate. It took Shen Mo an entire hour to reach it. A blue, icy cave appeared before him. Around it were walls and houses built from ice bricks, made from materials found locally. The cold energy in this place was intense. Ice bricks wouldn''t easily melt, making them ideal construction materials. Shen Mo landed lightly on the ground. The guarding disciples, seeing him from afar, immediately showed signs of respect and quickly knelt halfway, "Greetings, Young Sect Master!" Shen Mo nodded slightly, casually observing the two disciples. To resist the intense cold here, they were both wearing thick cotton robes. However, with his Scorching Sun Flame Physique, Shen Mo''s body felt like a furnace. This level of cold didn''t bother him at all; in fact, he didn''t feel it whatsoever. Shen Mo asked casually, "Who is in charge of Profound Frost Cave?" "Young Sect Master, it''s Elder Song Chaofeng and Hall Master Wei Xiongtie." "Wei Xiongtie?" "Yes, Young Sect Master. Hall Master Wei is the head of the Iron Fist Hall and was reassigned here by the Sect Master to guard Profound Frost Cave." Shen Mo nodded in understanding. The head of the Iron Fist Hall was indeed the former Sect Master. He had some impression of this person. Smart, adaptable. And most importantly, loyal to Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo then strode confidently into Profound Frost Cave. Along the way, no matter what the stewards or disciples were doing, they would immediately stop their work, greet him respectfully, and address him as Young Sect Master. Shen Mo even saw many familiar faces, all drawn from Qingxuan Sect''s main gate. The people stationed here, whether elders, stewards, or disciples, were among the most elite. "Brother Shen... ah, no, Young Sect Master, why are you here?" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 124: Entering the Profound Frost Cave Chapter 124: Entering the Profound Frost Cave A surprised voice rang out. Shen Mo turned his head to see a slender yet strong female disciple. It was none other than Zhao Rou. "You''ve been assigned here too?" Shen Mo smiled. Zhao Rou nodded, "When I heard that Big Brother was coming, I requested to come along with the elders'' approval." Shen Mo nodded slightly, "I didn''t expect the Stormy Rain Sect to hand over the Profound Frost Cave so readily." Zhao Rou chuckled, "Yes, I heard that at first, the elders of the Stormy Rain Sect were unwilling, demanding that we at least give up twenty fertile medicinal fields before they would consider relinquishing the Profound Frost Cave to us." "But then, for some unknown reason, they suddenly changed their minds and agreed without hesitation. In the end, we only had to pay the price of five fertile medicinal fields to take control of the Profound Frost Cave." Shen Mo nodded. The Profound Frost Cave yielded many treasures; acquiring it for just five fertile medicinal fields was a huge profit. Zhao Rou whispered, "Sister Shengnan said it might be because of orders from the Verdant Vine Sect, which made the Stormy Rain Sect so agreeable." She pursed her lips and added, "Sister Shengnan also suggested that it might be because Mo Yuheng, that vixen, has taken a liking to you, which is why this happened" As she said this, her tone carried a hint of jealousy. Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. He had barely interacted with Mo Yuheng a few times. Moreover, he possessed no extraordinary fate or charm like "immortal grace" or "elegant demeanor." How could someone suddenly fall for him like a character in a clich harem novel? To him, this was merely a diplomatic move by the Verdant Vine Sect. "Oh, right! Senior Brother, since you''re here, you''ve saved me the trip back to the sect." As if suddenly remembering something, Zhao Rou solemnly took out a storage ring and handed it to Shen Mo. Shen Mo took it and looked inside, only to find thirty pieces of ice-blue amber. Among them was a droplet of blood, even more brilliantly blue. This was the special product of the Profound Frost Cave, the Profound Frost Amber. "So much has been mined in just a few days?" Shen Mo was surprised. Zhao Rou smiled brightly, "No, after Elder Song and Hall Master Wei led us to take over this place, the elder from the Flying Frost Sect who had been stationed here surrendered." "All these Profound Frost Ambers were found in his storage ring." "That guy was pocketing the wealth. Every month, he reported to the Flying Frost Sect that only thirty pieces were mined, but in reality, a third went into his own pocket, which he sold at a high price under another identity." Shen Mo smiled faintly. Embezzling public resources. People like that could be found everywhere. Zhao Rou continued, "My brother, Sister Shengnan, and Liu Yunxuan each got three pieces, while Elder Song and Hall Master Wei took five pieces each." "After some discussion, Elder Song and Hall Master Wei decided to send the remaining thirty pieces to you." "As for the share for the other elders, it will be decided later." Her tone was full of envy. If he were just an ordinary young sect master, his treatment might only be slightly better than that of a true disciple, but not by such a wide margin. But Shen Mo was different. He had already reached the Core Formation stage, while Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Liu Yunxuan were still at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. Additionally, Shen Mo had made significant contributions recently. No matter who saw him, they would respectfully call him "Young Sect Master." Such a massive allocation of resources was only natural. Hearing this, Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. These two sure knew how to conduct themselves. "Young Sect Master, why did you come here so suddenly? You didn''t even inform us." "Hahaha, yes, it''s been a while since I''ve seen the Young Sect Master. I''ve missed you." At this moment, two hearty laughs rang out from a distance. Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie strode over, greeting Shen Mo with cupped hands from afar. Even though Shen Mo was younger and of a lower cultivation level than them, they showed no hint of disrespect. Shen Mo nodded with a smile, "I''m just interested in the Profound Frost Cave and wanted to take a look. You don''t need to worry; I''m not here to supervise your work." Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie both nodded. "Young Sect Master, since you''re here, we ought to accompany you. However, the formations in the Profound Frost Cave haven''t been set up yet, so we need to hurry," Song Chaofeng said hurriedly. "Formations are of utmost importance," Shen Mo nodded in agreement. The Profound Frost Cave lies further north of the Profound Frost City, one of the four cities controlled by the Flying Frost Sect. Of course, now it has become a city under the Qingxuan Sect. Further north of the Profound Frost City is the territory of the Blood River Sect. Because of this, the Profound Frost Cave holds a strategically important position, and coupled with the treasure of Profound Frost Amber found here, it becomes even more crucial to strengthen the formations to prevent a sudden attack by the Blood River Sect. Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie had already considered this. However... Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo glanced at the life panels of the two men. Wei Xiongtie would die surrounded and killed by three elders of the Blood River Sect. Song Chaofeng would be severely wounded by the sect master of the Blood River Sect, refusing to surrender even in the face of death, and he too would be killed. More than half of the stewards and disciples within the Profound Frost Cave would die, with less than thirty percent managing to escape. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou, refusing to submit to the Blood River Sect, would also be slain. In short, if events unfolded according to their predetermined fate, a bloodbath would occur here in two days. Since he had the ability to change it, Shen Mo naturally would intervene. He didn''t want to see these familiar people die in vain. "Zhao Rou, why don''t you accompany the Young Sect Master and show him around?" Wei Xiongtie suggested. "Yes," Zhao Rou nodded. "Senior Brother, where would you like to go? I can take you there," Zhao Rou asked with a sweet smile. Shen Mo smiled lightly, "Take me into the Profound Frost Cave." "Sure! But the Profound Frost Cave is like a maze inside, so you better stick close to me!" "Haha, don''t worry, even if you get lost, I won''t." With that, the two of them entered the Profound Frost Cave. Inside the cave, the constant sound of mining echoedthe noise of pickaxes at work. However, the cave was so cold that ordinary people couldn''t enter. Thus, those mining amber here were no ordinary people; they were at least Outer Sect disciples who had reached the Great Completion of the Body Tempering stage. Of course, the rewards for mining amber here were abundant. As a result, the disciples eagerly vied for the chance to come here. Shen Mo surveyed the area and saw at least a hundred Outer Sect disciples. Each of them was energetic and excited, eager to dig from morning until night. Before long, someone excitedly shouted that they had found Profound Frost Amber. The surrounding disciples looked on in surprise and envy, their eyes lighting up. This was followed by the usual talk of treating everyone to a meal and not forgetting one''s brothers after getting rich. At that moment, hurried footsteps suddenly approached from below. An Outer Sect disciple suddenly appeared, clutching his chest, his body covered in wounds. Upon spotting Zhao Rou from a distance, he called out anxiously as if seeing a savior, "Senior Sister Zhao Rou! A demon beast has suddenly appeared on the second level. We can''t handle it; several senior brothers in the Qi Condensation stage have already been injured!" Zhao Rou frowned, "Wait here, I''ll be there right away!" Shen Mo asked, puzzled, "Are there many demon beasts?" Zhao Rou shook her head, "Recently, a lot of demon beasts have appeared in the Profound Frost Cave, and their numbers and strength have increased." "However, they''re usually found on the third level or lower. Why have they now appeared on the second level?" Shen Mo nodded, "You go help them." Only then did Zhao Rou hurry toward the area. As Shen Mo watched her departing figure, he fell into deep thought. The strange activity of the demon beasts in the Profound Frost Cave was likely related to the Ice Dragon. After all, it was the corpse of a sixth-tier demon beast, and any kind of mutation could occur around it. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 125: The Great Transformation of the Ice Dragon’s Corpse Armor Chapter 125: The Great Transformation of the Ice Dragon''s Corpse Armor Shen Mo casually picked a direction and walked into one of the tunnels. Then, he utilized his movement technique, , swiftly advancing through various passageways. He moved like a gust of wind. The disciples who were busy digging often didn''t even realize that someone had dashed past them, only assuming that a sudden cold wind had swept through the Profound Frost Cave. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Shen Mo stopped at the entrance to the third level from the second, his expression unchanged. During this brief period, he had already scouted the entire second level of the Profound Frost Cave. Just as Zhao Rou had mentioned, after years of excavation, the Profound Frost Cave had turned into a labyrinth. Newcomers were often too afraid to venture too deep, restricting themselves to digging only on the first level of the cave. Furthermore, the deeper one went into the Profound Frost Cave, the denser the cold became, which ordinary people couldn''t withstand. However, those ordinary cultivators were naturally not comparable to Shen Mo. First, as a cultivator in the Core Formation stage, Shen Mo''s thinking was far superior to that of Foundation Establishment, Qi Condensation, or Body Tempering cultivators. Second, he possessed the , making him impervious to cold. Third, his movement technique was an extraordinary grade at the profound level, allowing him to traverse an entire layer within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. With these three factors combined, it would be difficult for him to lose his way. Shen Mo then proceeded to the third level. Then the fourth, and finally, the fifth level. The Profound Frost Cave had a total of five levels. The fifth level reached a depth of over one hundred zhang. The cold here was extremely piercing. Without the cultivation level of the Core Formation stage, no one would dare to venture here. A massive, ice-blue demon beast let out a tragic howl and collapsed to the ground. Shen Mo withdrew his flaming hand and frowned slightly. This demon beast was at the peak of the fourth tier, equivalent to a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage. Of course, it posed no threat to Shen Mo and could be dealt with easily. However, Shen Mo had already encountered seven or eight such beasts on the fifth level. Their emotions were contradictoryexcited and agitated, fearful yet eager. It was an odd and extreme state. As a result, they attacked anything in sight. Shen Mo could have killed them all, but he didn''t want to waste his energy, so he simply relied on his to evade these maddened beasts. Before long, he stopped in front of a thick and massive ice pillar. This ice pillar was so thick that it would take three people joining hands to encircle it. It continuously emitted a chilling cold, as if it wanted to freeze the very blood in one''s veins. Standing here, Shen Mo''s mind mapped out the fifth level. "This is the very center of the fifth level and also the place where the cold is the densest within the Profound Frost Cave." "The Ice Dragon''s corpse must be buried beneath this ice pillar." Shen Mo took a deep breath and activated his . With a powerful slash, Shen Mo struck the ice pillar. Controlling his palm, he quickly melted a human-sized hole in the pillar. Then, with a sudden push, he shattered the center. The ice broke apart, revealing a space large enough for Shen Mo to enter. Peering inside, he saw a deep, dark space beneath, where the cold became even more intense. Even with his , Shen Mo felt the chill seeping in. He immediately enveloped his exposed skin with the . This managed to dispel some of the cold. Shen Mo continued downward. It was like stepping into a frozen world. Everywhere were ice pillars and icicles. There were also several demon beasts completely encased in ice. Although they had long since lost their vitality, they remained lifelike, as if they might spring back to life and attack at any moment. Shen Mo pressed on. Finally, a vast space opened up before him. It resembled a grand hall constructed entirely of ice. Looking up, he saw a sparkling, translucent dome. Countless icicles hung down, resembling crystal chandeliers. Around the space stood numerous protruding ice pillars, like soldiers standing guard. At the center of this icy hall was a massive beast, over thirty zhang long, resembling a "dragon-serpent." Its entire body was a bluish-white color. A ferocious dragon-serpent head. Flowing whiskers. Sharp dragon teeth and claws. A powerful dragon tail. Every inch of its body radiated strength and power. The pressure from its bloodline alone made one feel the urge to kneel in worship, to prostrate oneself in reverence. "A mere dead creature, and it dares to force me to kneel?" Shen Mo snorted coldly, circulated his spiritual power, and easily dispelled the overwhelming bloodline pressure with a sudden surge. He circled the ice dragon, quickly noticing a long, deep wound on its abdomen. Bluish-white blood was flowing from the wound, forming a small lake around it. Who knows how many years this ice dragon had been dead, yet its blood was still brimming with vitality. Shen Mo dipped his finger into the blood. To his surprise, the blood suddenly formed a tiny dragon shape and bit down hard on his finger. However, it couldn''t cause any harm to Shen Mo. "What would happen if I used this to empower the Demon Armor?" Shen Mo''s interest was piqued. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a thought, the purple-black armguard infused with demonic energy enveloped his right arm completely. The intricate, mysterious patterns on the armor etched out the faces of fierce, otherworldly beasts. Even a mere glance at it would send a chill through one''s heart, making one unwilling to look any longer. Shen Mo extended his finger and pressed the drop of blood onto the Demon Armor. In the next moment, the Demon Armor underwent an astonishing transformation. The originally purple-black armor suddenly turned ice blue. Large dragon scales emerged, clearly defined and perfectly aligned. Sharp, angular ice spikes jutted out abruptly. In less than three breaths, the Demon Armor had completely transformed. It now appeared as though it was forged from the scales of the ice dragon itself. Shen Mo''s eyes widened. He could immediately sense the immense power the new Demon Armor brought to his body. Moreover, with a single thought, he could now channel and connect with the ice spiritual energy in the world through the Demon Armor. It was well-known that his body had a fire attribute, and although he could connect with ice spiritual energy, it was naturally far inferior to his affinity with fire spiritual energy. However, now, with the transformed Demon Armor, it was as if he had gained an ice spiritual root. And not just any ice spiritual rootit was at least equivalent to an earth-grade physique! With this, any ice attribute techniques released through the Demon Armor would far surpass anything he could have done before! Shen Mo was both surprised and delighted. He hadn''t expected that the Demon Armor could undergo such a significant transformation after absorbing the blood of another creature. Taking a deep breath, Shen Mo, without using any spiritual power or connecting with the ice spiritual energy, struck the nearby icy wall with a powerful punch. Boom! A tremendous force exploded forth, as if a meteor had fallen from the heavens. With a loud crack, a massive fissure appeared in the wall. The crack quickly spread, covering the entire face of the wall like a spider''s web. Boom, boom, boom! The ground shook violently, its impact akin to a small earthquake! Even Shen Mo struggled to stay on his feet, but his face was filled with joy. "Powerful! Incredibly powerful!" "After absorbing the ice dragon''s blood, the Demon Armor has increased my physical strength by at least five times!" "This punchif a Core Formation stage cultivator at the peak tried to block it head-on, they would be severely injured." "Even a fully formed Core Formation cultivator would be sent flying!" "And if I were to infuse it with spiritual power and connect with the world''s spiritual energy, its power would be even more terrifying." "At that point, even a fully formed Core Formation cultivator wouldn''t stand a chance against me!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Please Join patreon. I will need all support i can get. that patreon hasnt received any new member for month. You can also check other novel there. So please show your support. I will appreciate it very much. Thank you. } Chapter 126: Liu Yunxuan’s Opportunity – The Taiyin Profound Frost Array Chapter 126: Liu Yunxuan''s Opportunity - The Taiyin Profound Frost Array At this moment, the bit of Ice Dragon blood had been entirely consumed. The demon armor''s arm guard immediately reverted to its original state, turning back to its purple-black color. Shen Mo nodded slightly, "The bit of Ice Dragon blood just now wasn''t even a full drop, at most only a third of a drop." "It activated the armor for roughly ten breaths of time." "If I were to use the demon armor to launch an attack, it would likely accelerate the blood consumption." "By this calculation, a full drop of Ice Dragon blood could sustain the demon armor for over thirty breaths." "If I were to unleash a powerful attack, it should still last for at least fifteen breaths." "That''s sufficient; this amount of time is enough to determine the outcome of a battle." Shen Mo immediately crouched down, carefully collecting the Ice Dragon blood. Before long, he had gathered all the Ice Dragon blood from the small lake on the ground. He filled a large jar with it. As for the blood within the Ice Dragon''s body, Shen Mo had attempted to extract it. However, his attacks couldn''t even penetrate the Ice Dragon''s defensive corpse. Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, he had to give up. After all, the opponent was a sixth-tier demon beast, equivalent to a cultivator in the Nascent Soul stage. Two major realms higher than himself. Failing to break through its armor was only natural. "It''s time to head back." Shen Mo retraced his steps. The ice pillar here had already been sealed up again. He had to cut through the ice once more to open a passage. As soon as he emerged, several demon beasts with hostile gazes surrounded him. Their eyes were filled with greed and desire. Shen Mo smiled faintly, "You smelled the Ice Dragon blood? I won''t be handing it over to you." Roar! These demon beasts seemed to understand Shen Mo''s words, and they immediately charged at him in a fury. Shen Mo remained calm, directly activating the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. Boom, boom, boom. What followed were the wails of the demon beasts. Shen Mo clapped his hands, using the Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique to ascend layer by layer back to the surface. As soon as he returned to the first layer, he overheard disciples anxiously discussing the small earthquake that had just occurred. "I was scared to death just now; I almost thought we were going to be buried in the passage." "My goodness, you didn''t see it, but that ice shard was only a tenth of an inch away from my brother!" "I don''t know what happened. First, the demon beasts were agitated, and now there''s an earthquake. I can''t help but feel a bit worried." "Worried about what? If the sky falls, the two elders will hold it up. Besides, the Profound Frost Cave has a protective array, and the Young Sect Master is here too. We''re perfectly safe!" Shen Mo touched his nose. Who caused that small earthquake? What a lack of consideration! "Senior Brother Shen!" Zhao Rou saw him and quickly ran over with concern, "Are you okay? There was suddenly an earthquake, and I couldn''t find you anywhere. I was so worried!" Shen Mo waved his hand, "I''m fine." "By the way, take some warm jade to protect your body, and go" Zhao Rou''s eyes widened, "All dead?! Even those on the fifth layer...?" Shen Mo nodded, "There weren''t any strong ones; I killed them all with a single strike." "The meat of those demon beasts is quite good. Eating it can enhance your resistance to cold. Remember to eat more." Zhao Rou responded happily, "Yes!" Then, she excitedly called out, "You, you, and you, come with me. The Young Sect Master has already" The disciples were shocked, casting admiring glances at Shen Mo. Those fierce demon beasts were all wiped out by Shen Mo in one go. His strength was truly terrifying. Shen Mo strode out of the Profound Frost Cave, frowning in thought. He had already obtained a jar of Ice Dragon blood, which would last him for a while. His strength had greatly increased as a result. He could simply inform Nangong Yun, and they could all withdraw from the Profound Frost Cave. That would avoid any tragic deaths among these people. But the Ice Dragon could still produce more blood continuously. Moreover, the Ice Dragon''s bones, scales, and other parts were top-notch treasures. Abandoning it like this and letting it fall into the hands of the Blood River Sect would be a great pity. Furthermore, behind the Blood River Sect was the Heavenly Water Sect. The treasures obtained from the Ice Dragon''s corpse would ultimately benefit the Heavenly Water Sect. This wouldn''t do. The stronger the Heavenly Water Sect becomes, the more dangerous it would be for the Qingxuan Sect. "I need to come up with a plan, ideally one that can wipe out the Nascent Soul stage cultivators from the Blood River Sect who are coming to launch a surprise attack in two days." "However, the cultivation techniques and martial skills of the Blood River Sect cultivators are very formidable. If we only set up an ambush, we would need at least ten cultivators to deal with them." "Such a large-scale operation would definitely alert the enemy." "What should I do?" Shen Mo clasped his hands behind his back, pacing slowly as he pondered the situation. The cultivation methods and martial techniques of the Blood River Sect emphasized rapid advancement and immense power. In the same realm, it was common for a Blood River Sect cultivator to defeat two ordinary cultivators. The downside, however, was that it shortened their lifespan. A typical Nascent Soul stage cultivator could live up to five hundred years. But a Nascent Soul stage cultivator from the Blood River Sect would be fortunate to live beyond three hundred years. "Greetings... Young Sect Master." Soon, a familiar voice rang out in front of him. The tone was reluctant and unwilling. This voice pulled Shen Mo back from his thoughts. He steadied himself and looked at the person in front of him. With a face like jade, an elegant demeanor, and a tall statureit was none other than Liu Yunxuan. "You''re here guarding as well?" Shen Mo smiled. Liu Yunxuan nodded reluctantly, "My father, under the Sect Master''s orders, will be arriving tomorrow to assist Elder Song and Hall Master Wei in guarding the Profound Frost Cave. He asked me to come ahead." Shen Mo pondered this. He looked at Liu Yunxuan''s life panel. [Name: Liu Yunxuan] [Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Stage (Peak)] [Fate: Overflowing Luck, Jade-like Handsomeness, Danger into Safety, Smooth Sailing, Lesser Yin Profound Ice Body] [Destiny: Stops at Minor Success in the Nascent Soul Stage, later becomes an Inner Sect Elder of the Divine Sword Sect. Thirty years later, overestimates himself and challenges a fourth-tier peak demon beast, only to be devoured by it.] [Recent Opportunity 1: Tonight, while searching for Profound Frost Amber in the Profound Frost Cave, gets lost and enters a crack formed by a minor earthquake on the third layer, where he finds a top-grade Earth-tier arraythe Taiyin Profound Frost Array.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Two days later, during the Blood River Sect''s surprise attack on the Profound Frost Cave, he becomes fearful and flees the battle, hiding in a basement. Ultimately, he is intentionally let go by the Blood River Sect Master.] Shen Mo frowned slightly. There was a lot of information to process. He noticed that Liu Yunxuan''s fate had changed. "Peak Fortune" had dropped a level, becoming "Overflowing Luck." It was likely due to several opportunities being intercepted by Shen Mo, leading to this outcome. Next was the Taiyin Profound Frost Array. This array was clearly a killing array. Moreover, the Profound Frost Cave was already a place rich in ice spiritual energy. The Taiyin Profound Frost Array could further enhance its power here, increasing its effectiveness by at least fifty percent. With this array, dealing with the Blood River Sect members would no longer be a problem. Finally, there was the matter of Liu Yunxuan being intentionally spared by the Blood River Sect Master. Many elders, deacons, and disciples within the Profound Frost Cave had been killed. Why would Liu Yunxuan be deliberately spared? The answer was obvious. Liu Yuanfeng had dealings with the Blood River Sect. That''s why the Blood River Sect Master would spare Liu Yunxuan. This way, Liu Yunxuan would become a hero who survived the bloody battle in the Profound Frost Cave. "Liu Yuanfeng has certainly thought this through, even risking his son by sending him to the Profound Frost Cave, and he''s coming here himself as well." Shen Mo chuckled softly. He immediately turned around and re-entered the Profound Frost Cave. This action left Liu Yunxuan utterly baffled. Why did he leave without saying a word? Could it be that he has some issue with me? Liu Yunxuan was full of questions but didn''t dare to ask or say anything, so he could only let it go. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 127: My Trump Card is Here Chapter 127: My Trump Card is Here "A fissure caused by a minor earthquake..." "This is the place." In Shen Mo''s mind, the map of the third level of the Profound Frost Cave appeared. At the same time, he swiftly moved using the Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique. It didn''t take long for him to notice something unusual about one of the rock walls. Sure enough, there was a fissure here. Shen Mo blasted away the outer layer of ice and smoothly entered. Inside were two corpses. One was a cultivator, and the other, a demonic beast. Even in death, they maintained an attacking posture. Clearly, they had perished in mutual destruction. After they died, their bodies were frozen here, undiscovered by anyone. It was only due to the minor earthquake Shen Mo caused that their corpses were finally revealed. Shen Mo searched the cultivator''s body and quickly found a mid-grade storage ring. Inside were many yellow-tier pills, along with lower and mid-grade spirit stones. These items were fairly ordinary, and Shen Mo was no longer interested in them. He searched more carefully and, as expected, found a set of formation flags in a corner of the storage ring. The set had a total of forty-eight flags. Each one was no bigger than a palm. All you had to do was insert them into the ground, embed them with spirit stones, and use a formation jade token to activate the array. This array was none other than the mid-grade Earth-tier "Taiyin Profound Frost Array." With it, he could deal with the treacherous Blood River Sect that relied on underhanded sneak attacks! "It''s not the right time to set it up now; I''ll wait until everyone has gone to rest before I do it." That night, at midnight. When the disciples, exhausted, had climbed into bed and fallen into a deep sleep. Shen Mo took advantage of the night and quietly left his quarters, swiftly setting up the formation flags around the Profound Frost Cave. These flags were carefully placed in hidden locations, not exposed on the surface. Only Shen Mo knew their exact positions. In the blink of an eye, another day passed. Tonight was the night the Blood River Sect planned to launch their sneak attack. In the pine forest outside Profound Frost Cave, where no one was present. Liu Yuanfeng took out the Parent-Child Transmission Jade and infused it with spiritual power. A hoarse voice immediately came from the other sideit was the Sect Master of the Blood River Sect. "Liu Yuanfeng, how are things?" Liu Yuanfeng replied calmly, "The protective array of Profound Frost Cave seems to be in place, but the three flags in the southwest corner are all damaged to varying degrees." "Good!" The Blood River Sect Master laughed heartily. "Once the job is done, I''ll send someone to deliver a bottle of Great Supplement Yuan Pill to you." Only then did Liu Yuanfeng smile slightly, "My son is also in the Profound Frost Cave. You know what he looks like, make sure to let him go." "Don''t worry, I understand." The Blood River Sect Master chuckled. "Good, here''s to a successful cooperation." "To a successful cooperation." ... The night was silent. The moonlight poured down, draping the earth in a silver veil. The cold air around Profound Frost Cave swirled, making the chill even more bone-piercing. The gatekeeping disciples and the patrolling disciples all tightened the cotton robes around them. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But even so, the cold continued to seep into their bodies relentlessly. Today was just another uneventful night. The gatekeeping disciple had just thought this when, in his pupils, a streak of blood-red light shot toward him, rapidly growing larger. Boom! The protective array over Profound Frost Cave activated on its own. The blood-red light crashed straight into the southwest corner of the protective array. The barrier''s glow trembled violently. But the disturbance was far from over. A second streak of blood-red light shot in. Followed by a third, a fourth, a fifth. Each streak of blood-red light precisely struck the southwest corner of the array. Until the sixth streak of blood-red light fell. The tremors in the protective array intensified, and its glow grew dimmer. Finally, it shattered like glass! The gatekeeping disciple was dumbfounded. Wasn''t this an Earth-tier array? How could it shatter like glass? "Sound the alarm! Why are you still standing there like an idiot?!" The disciple beside him roared and fiercely rang the alarm bell. The piercing sound of the alarm bell echoed through the air. The Profound Frost Cave immediately stirred into action. Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, and Liu Yuanfeng rushed out, still wearing their robes, and stared at the night sky with uncertainty and suspicion. Seven figures dressed in blood-red robes hovered in mid-air. Behind them were dozens of Foundation Establishment stage disciples. Cold smiles were plastered on their faces. "The protective array actually shattered?" Wei Xiongtie couldn''t believe it. "The Blood River Sect''s leader, Feng Lieshan!" Song Chaofeng''s eyes widened in recognition as he saw the man leading the group. "How could the array shatter so easily? There''s a traitor among us!" Liu Yuanfeng roared in fury, "Song Chaofeng, you were in charge of the array. Did you betray us?!" "Bullshit! Shut your mouth!" Song Chaofeng angrily retorted. "You Qingxuan Sect folks sure are good at infighting," Feng Lieshan laughed heartily. With that, he suddenly struck with a palm toward Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, and Liu Yuanfeng. A burst of blood-red light connected with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, forming a gigantic blood-red hand, five zhangs large. The three joined forces to resist, but they were all forced back repeatedly, blood seeping from the corners of their mouths. This scene, when seen by the disciples of the Qingxuan Sect, undoubtedly stirred up a tidal wave of fear in their hearts. Is the Blood River Sect really this powerful? One against three, and still holding the advantage? This is absurd! Despair welled up in the hearts of the disciples. Feng Lieshan smiled, "Where''s Shen Mo? This time, besides clearing out Profound Frost Cave, I''m here to capture Shen Mo." "Oh, there you are." Feng Lieshan scanned the area and quickly spotted Shen Mo, dressed in a robe with golden embroidery, surrounded by Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and others. "How about this," he snapped his fingers, a playful, cat-and-mouse glint in his eyes, "Whoever catches Shen Mo and hands him over will live." "As for the rest, kill them all." Feng Lieshan smiled, "How about it? I''m being very merciful, don''t you think?" The disciples exchanged glances. Some of their eyes immediately started to dart around. Although they respected Shen Mo, their own lives were clearly more important now. If they could trade someone else''s life for their own, many would agree without hesitation. Moreover, in this cultivation world where the strong prey on the weak, there''s even less concern for morality. "Who dares disrespect the Young Sect Master? I''ll be the first to cut them down!" Zhao Ting roared, his eyes glaring at the surrounding disciples. "Dammit, all of you call him Young Sect Master, but now, in a moment of crisis, you want to trade his life for yours? Aren''t you ashamed?" Luo Shengnan looked at the disciples with contempt, speaking coldly. Many Qingxuan Sect disciples felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this, but even more of them, far from feeling guilty, were itching to act. "Interesting, quite a few people in Qingxuan Sect have some backbone," Feng Lieshan laughed heartily. "You two are core disciples of Qingxuan Sect, right? One named Zhao Ting, the other Luo Shengnan." "Why not join my Blood River Sect? There''s still time to switch sides." "Spare me! I have no intention of becoming a short-lived ghost!" Luo Shengnan spat on the ground without hesitation. Feng Lieshan''s face still wore a smile, but it gradually turned cold. Blood River Sect cultivators detested being called short-lived ghosts. He said coldly, "I''ve just had a new idea. Any Qingxuan Sect disciple who kills Luo Shengnan will be given a way out!" "Stop trying to sow discord here. Do you really think you''re the cat and we''re the mice?" Shen Mo, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke calmly. Feng Lieshan sneered, "Oh? What other tricks does this little mouse have? Show me what you''ve got!" Shen Mo spoke loudly, "Elder Song, Hall Master Wei, lead all the disciples into the Profound Frost Cave!" Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie were both taken aback. Retreat into the Profound Frost Cave? But isn''t it a dead end in there? And if they go too deep, the disciples won''t be able to survive; they''ll freeze to death. "Trust me," Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Alright, all disciples, retreat into the Profound Frost Cave!" Song Chaofeng gritted his teeth and gave the order. The Blood River Sect members didn''t act, instead watching the scene unfold with interest. "Retreating into a place with no way out? Fine, that''ll make the slaughter even easier, like cutting down grass," the Blood River Sect''s vice leader cackled. Feng Lieshan taunted, "All the Qingxuan Sect members have retreated. Now, where''s your trump card?" Shen Mo took out a formation jade token and infused it with spiritual power, activating it. In an instant, a bone-chilling cold erupted, enveloping everyone from the Blood River Sect. Shen Mo looked at the shocked and furious Blood River Sect members, a gentle smile playing on his lips, "My trump card is right here." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 128: Such a Powerful Martial Skill, There’s No Way Shen Mo Can Use It a Second Time Chapter 128: Such a Powerful Martial Skill, There''s No Way Shen Mo Can Use It a Second Time Boom! Boom! Boom! A chilling coldness, like a dragon or a serpent, surged from all directions, encircling the people of Blood River Sect. In just a few breaths, the temperature dropped to the point where even exhaled air turned to frost. Everyone, including Feng Lieshan, immediately felt goosebumps rise all over their bodies. That bone-chilling cold pierced deep into their bones, desperately trying to invade their bodies. The members of Blood River Sect had no choice but to circulate their spiritual power to resist the cold. Spiritual power was being consumed rapidly. In the blink of an eye, each person had already lost at least twenty percent of their spiritual power. If this continued... Forget about killing the people of Qingxuan Sect; the real question was whether they could even survive in this formation. Shen Mo smiled faintly. The power of a formation lies in this. As long as it''s set up properly and the timing is accurate, defeating many with few or overcoming the strong with the weak is entirely possible. These people, once their spiritual power was depleted, were no different from lambs waiting for slaughter in Shen Mo''s eyes. "What... what kind of formation is this?! Why is there such a formation?!" Feng Lieshan was both shocked and furious. The Profound Frost Cave should only have one defensive formation. Why had another one appeared now? Could it be that Liu Yuanfeng had deceived him? Was Liu Yuanfeng actually loyal to Qingxuan Sect and deliberately fed him false information? Feng Lieshan glared angrily at Liu Yuanfeng, who was within the Profound Frost Cave. "Liu Yuanfeng, you lied to me! You gave me false intelligence!" he roared in rage. At this moment, the members of Qingxuan Sect were wide-eyed in shock. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie were on the verge of bowing down to Shen Mo in admiration. They never imagined Shen Mo had such a trump card. Judging by the power of this formation, it was at least a mid-level Earth-tier formation. They couldn''t even fathom where Shen Mo had obtained it. After Feng Lieshan''s roar, everyone turned to Liu Yuanfeng. Liu Yuanfeng took a deep breath and retorted without hesitation. "I, Liu Yuanfeng, have always been loyal to Qingxuan Sect, never with a divided heart. What intelligence do you think I gave you?" "Greedy Blood River Sect! How dare you invade the property of Qingxuan Sect? You will all perish here today!" He stood with his hands on his hips, pointing at Feng Lieshan in the sky, his voice filled with righteous indignation, spittle flying as he spoke. He looked like a wise strategist who had planned everything for the sake of his sect! Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie glanced at Liu Yuanfeng, half-believing, half-doubting. However, many disciples of Qingxuan Sect began to view Liu Yuanfeng differently. In the past, Liu Yuanfeng had often been at odds with Murong Yue. There were also rumors about how he had once teamed up with Liu Yunxuan and Song Junjie to go against Shen Mo during the Qingxuan Cave incident. Many had speculated whether Liu Yuanfeng had other intentions. But now, it seemed Liu Yuanfeng not only had no ulterior motives, but he was also deeply loyal to Qingxuan Sect! Hearing Liu Yuanfeng''s words, Feng Lieshan was so furious that he almost passed out. "Fine! Fine! Fine!" He spat out the word "fine" three times, his eyes filled with hatred. "Do you really think this formation can kill us?" "The greatest strength of Blood River Sect is our power!" "As long as we kill you before our spiritual power is completely exhausted, it will be enough!" With a furious shout, Feng Lieshan immediately struck out with his palm, sending a blood-colored hand hurtling towards Shen Mo! The blood-colored hand reappeared. This time, it was a little less composed but filled with even more violent killing intent. Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie''s pupils shrank, and they shouted instinctively, "Young Master!" Shen Mo stomped the ground fiercely, stabilizing his stance. Spiritual power surged within him, instantly connecting with the metal spiritual energy between heaven and earth. In the next moment, three large bronze gates suddenly materialized in front of him. The three giant gates stood firmly in front of him. The next moment. The blood-colored hand collided with the three giant gates. A piercing boom echoed. The shockwave shattered the frost on the surrounding walls. The nearest houses couldn''t withstand the impact and were instantly blown apart, shattering into a storm of icy fragments. The ice and dust mixed together, obscuring everyone''s vision. The members of Qingxuan Sect hiding within the Profound Frost Cave couldn''t see clearly. They didn''t know if Shen Mo had managed to block the strike. "Young Master" Wei Xiongtie gritted his teeth. "Feng Lieshan is at the peak of the Core Formation stage. Can he hold it off?" Song Chaofeng''s expression darkened. He knew that not much time had passed since Shen Mo had reached the Core Formation stage. No matter how fast Shen Mo had cultivated, at best, he could only be in the early stage of Core Formation. To face someone at the peak of Core Formation while only at the early stage... It would already be impressive if Shen Mo wasn''t severely injured by a single strike. Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, Luo Shengnan, and others tightened their focus, staring intently at the icy fragments. Boom! A red phoenix of fire suddenly burst out, instantly evaporating the icy shards into steam. The fiery red phoenix did not lose its momentum, charging straight towards Feng Lieshan in mid-air. This was the second move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix technique! Feng Lieshan''s pupils dilated in shock. He had thought his palm strike would severely wound Shen Mo. But to his surprise, not only was Shen Mo unharmed, but he had also launched such a fierce counterattack! Feng Lieshan immediately activated a defensive martial skill. A blood-colored mirror quickly condensed and appeared before him. Boom! The fiery phoenix shattered the blood-colored mirror on impact and struck Feng Lieshan directly. His body was thrown several meters back, crashing into a house and being buried beneath the rubble. The members of Blood River Sect were stunned and hurriedly rushed to help him. The members of Qingxuan Sect, on the other hand, widened their eyes, staring at Shen Mo. They saw Shen Mo still standing calmly in place. Three large bronze gates encircled him. Solid as a fortress! Like a guardian deity! "What kind of defensive martial skill is that? How could it be so sturdy, blocking Feng Lieshan''s full-force strike?" Wei Xiongtie asked in surprise. Song Chaofeng sighed. "I don''t know, but it''s definitely not from Qingxuan Sect. It must be something Young Master obtained through his own fortune." "I think it''s definitely an Earth-tier martial skill; otherwise, it couldn''t produce such power." The surrounding disciples of Qingxuan Sect all nodded in agreement. Earth-tier martial skills were the dream of any Core Formation cultivator. If it truly was an Earth-tier martial skill, then it made sense that Shen Mo could use it to fend off an attack from someone at the peak of Core Formation while only being in the early stage. By this time, Feng Lieshan had already been pulled out from the rubble by his subordinates. His chest was still dotted with persistent red flames. Feng Lieshan had no choice but to use his remaining spiritual power to fend off these stubborn flames. "An eternal flame, truly remarkable." He glared at Shen Mo in the distance, gritting his teeth. "Attack him together! I refuse to believe he can keep using this kind of technique!" Feng Lieshan roared. "Yes, sir!" The six elders of Blood River Sect charged forward in unison. Scarlet spear lights. Black blade auras. Palm imprints entwined with lightning. All of these attacks targeted Shen Mo simultaneously! "We should help, to share the burden of the attacks for Young Master," Song Chaofeng took a deep breath and said seriously. Wei Xiongtie nodded. The two were just about to rush forward. Shen Mo, however, smiled slightly. "Wait. You should focus on recovering from your injuries. When the formation''s energy runs out later, I''ll need you to capture them. I can''t do it all on my own." "But that''s an attack from six people! Three of them are at the mid-Core Formation stage, and the other three are at the early stage," Song Chaofeng said anxiously. "They think I can''t use that technique repeatedly. What a pity Not only can I use it, but I can use it endlessly." Shen Mo looked at the six approaching enemies and smiled. His right hand formed a blade, and the red flames gathered once again. The sound of a phoenix''s cry echoed around him once more! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 129: I Can Take On Two of You Chapter 129: I Can Take On Two of You The moment Shen Mo summoned the red phoenix in his hand, the eyes of the six charging cultivators widened in disbelief. No way. He can use such a fierce technique again after already using it once? Does he have enough spiritual power? Can his body even handle it? Feng Lieshan''s pupils contracted as well. Earlier, Shen Mo had already used a powerful defensive martial skill, followed by an equally strong offensive technique. Both were at least Earth-tier martial skills. Moreover, Feng Lieshan had clearly sensed earlier that his own attack had shattered one of the bronze gates protecting Shen Mo. Yet, Shen Mo still had three bronze gates circling him, which meant he had used spiritual power to quickly reform them. The higher the tier of a martial skill, the more spiritual power it consumes. Even with a celestial physique, rich in spiritual power, sustaining such a consumption should be impossible. But no matter how Feng Lieshan rationalized it, Shen Mo had done it. Incredibly, he had done it. Boom! The red phoenix clashed with the combined attacks of the six Core Formation cultivators. Seven different forces intertwined in mid-air, colliding and eventually dissipating. The red phoenix continued forward, crashing into the six of them. At the same time, part of their attacks landed on Shen Mo. Boom! All six were blasted back, spewing blood as they flew through the air. Shen Mo staggered back seven or eight steps as well. But he quickly steadied himself. The three bronze gates had absorbed most of the impact. Looking down at himself, he saw that his arm and chest had their clothes torn apart, revealing several wounds. But they were only superficial injuries. And, they were healing at a visible rate. This was thanks to the effects of the Azure Jade Bead he had taken earlier, which sped up the healing of wounds. Seeing this scene, the members of Qingxuan Sect were once again astonished. On the other hand, the morale of the Blood River Sect disciples plummeted. Shen Mo had single-handedly held off their sect master and six Core Formation elders. Now, with their spiritual power nearly depleted due to the formation, how could they continue the fight? "Their spiritual power is exhausted. Elder Song, Hall Master Wei, Deputy Sect Master Liu, it''s your turn to strike," Shen Mo said calmly. "Yes!" Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie responded loudly, their voices filled with resolve. Liu Yuanfeng, though looking grim, also nodded. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The three of them charged forward. Feng Lieshan''s expression grew increasingly dark. "The formation is starting to weaken. You three, take the Burst Qi Pills and hold them off!" The three Core Formation elders he addressed hesitated. Feng Lieshan''s voice turned icy, "Don''t forget, your families are within the sect. If you don''t take the pills, their fate won''t be pleasant." Gritting their teeth, the three Core Formation elders snarled, "Fine! We trust the sect master to protect our families!" Each of them retrieved a crimson pill from their storage rings and swallowed it in one gulp. Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed. Burst Qi Pillslower-grade profound pills that rapidly restore spiritual power. In reality, they squeeze life force and potential, forcibly extracting the spiritual power hidden within the bones and muscles. After taking the Burst Qi Pill, spiritual power becomes nearly limitless for a hundred breaths. The cost, however, is a shortened lifespanat least five years. Moreover, after those hundred breaths, they will inevitably fall into a long period of weakness and lethargy. Such pills with severe side effects were found in almost every sect, but each had a different formula. The Blood River Sect''s formula, known for both its potency and harmful effects, was especially notorious. Among rogue cultivators, the Blood River Sect''s Burst Qi Pills were also in high demand. That they would resort to these pills was something Shen Mo had expected. "Kill!" With a low shout, Shen Mo stomped the ground and unleashed his Eightfold Thunder Movement technique. A sword of thunder appeared in his hand, and with it, a storm of lightning sword shadows surged towards the three Blood River Sect elders. He was like the sharpest arrow, leading the charge. Song Chaofeng and the others followed closely behind. The three Blood River Sect elders, driven to madness, retaliated with reckless abandon. They unleashed life-draining, lifespan-consuming techniques without care for their own survival. Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosions echoed in the air as various flashes of light clashed in chaotic conflict. Clang! A sword hum sliced through the shimmering curtain of light. One of the Blood River Sect elders was instantly slain on the spot. The death of this elder immediately boosted the morale of the Qingxuan Sect disciples. The other two Blood River Sect elders, despite having consumed the Burst Qi Pill, were no match for Shen Mo and the other two. They, too, fell one after another. These Core Formation cultivators, even in their hundred-breath invincible state from the Burst Qi Pill, were slain by Shen Mo! "The formation''s energy is depleted! Retreat!" At this moment, the cold air that had pervaded the surroundings finally began to weaken, visible to the naked eye. Feng Lieshan gave a low shout, shattered the surrounding wall with a palm strike, and was the first to flee. The remaining Blood River Sect elders and disciples quickly followed suit. "All Qingxuan Sect members, listen to my command: Pursue them! Leave no one alive!" Shen Mo shouted. Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and Zhao Rou, who had been holding themselves back, immediately charged forward upon hearing this. The inner and outer disciples followed right behind them. Shen Mo had already given them a huge advantage. Now, how much merit they could earn and how many treasures they could seize was up to them! Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Leave those three elders to you. I''ll go after Feng Lieshan," Shen Mo yelled, activating his Eightfold Thunder Movement technique, dashing toward Feng Lieshan. Before Song Chaofeng and the others could respond, Shen Mo had already disappeared into the forest like a fleeting shadow. Wei Xiongtie anxiously remarked, "The Young Master is too impulsive! Even though Feng Lieshan is heavily injured and has run out of spiritual power, he''s still at the peak of the Core Formation stage, and he hasn''t taken the Burst Qi Pill yet!" Song Chaofeng frowned deeply, "I believe in the Young Master. If he dares to pursue, he must have a plan." Wei Xiongtie was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes flickered. Watching the direction in which Shen Mo had vanished, a cold smirk appeared on his face. "This kid he''s really overestimating himself," he muttered with a sneer. Deep in the forest, towering pine trees loomed overhead. Patches of unmelted snow still lay scattered across the ground. Feng Lieshan clutched his chest, alternately speeding up and pausing, trying to escape as quickly as possible. His chest still harbored a few stubborn sparks from the Eternal Flame of the Azure Lotus Earth Core. No matter how much spiritual power he used to extinguish them, they refused to die out. Feng Lieshan cursed under his breath. Clearly, he would need to return to his sect and take some special pills to get rid of them. "Someone''s chasing me?" Feng Lieshan frowned, glancing over his shoulder. Sure enough, a young figure appeared about twenty zhang behind him, looking at him with a calm smile. "Shen Mo? You dare chase me?" Feng Lieshan was stunned, disbelief flashing across his face. A cultivator at the early stage of Core Formation dared to chase someone at the peak of Core Formation? He had never seen someone so foolish. Did Shen Mo really think he was some peerless genius who could cross two or three realms and slay opponents effortlessly? "Why wouldn''t I? Do you think you''re strong?" Shen Mo replied with a light laugh. Feng Lieshan burst into laughter, "Am I strong? Not particularly. I''ve merely perfected my Dao Foundation, condensed a flawless Golden Core, and my physique is only mid-grade Earth-tier." "The cultivation method I practice? Mid-grade Earth-tier as well." "The martial techniques I use? Just lower-grade Earth-tier." "And my realm? Merely the peak of the Core Formation stage." After listing his accomplishments, he looked mockingly at Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded slightly, "You''re indeed impressive. You could probably take on two ordinary peak Core Formation cultivators." Feng Lieshan sneered, "And what about you?" Shen Mo raised two fingers, smiling, "Me? I can take on two of you." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 130: Ice Dragon Blood Demon Armor – One Punch Kill Chapter 130: Ice Dragon Blood Demon Armor C One Punch Kill Upon hearing those words, Feng Lieshan acted as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world. He took a few steps forward, laughing heartily. He laughed so hard that he bent over, gasping for breath. Tears were almost streaming from his eyes. "I have never seen someone so overconfident... in my life!" As the last word fell, Feng Lieshan stomped the ground and charged forward violently. During his earlier laughter, he had secretly consumed an Explosive Qi Pill. For a full hundred breaths, his spiritual power would be nearly limitless. That loud laugh was merely to disguise his true intentions. As a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage, he wasn''t foolish enough to think that Shen Mo had no hidden cards. This kid was incredibly extraordinary. Even Zhang Mo, the Sect Master of the Heavenly Water Sect, had personally ordered his death. How could someone like him be so reckless, charging in without a backup plan? Shen Mo must have something powerful hidden. Feng Lieshan was still severely injured. If Shen Mo truly unleashed a trump card, there was a chance Feng Lieshan could fall here. Thus, he had to seize the initiative. Now was the perfect moment to kill Shen Mo in one strike! "Blood Beast Transformation Technique, Tiger Form!" Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Feng Lieshan roared, and a torrent of blood-red energy erupted from his hands. In an instant, it condensed into a massive, ferocious tiger''s head. Savage and evil, full of overpowering dominance. The black "King" character on its forehead further emphasized its ferocity as the king of beasts. The blood-colored tiger head opened its gaping maw wide, lunging straight at Shen Mo! The Blood Beast Transformation Technique was an Earth-grade low-level martial art and the most powerful technique of the Blood River Sect. It was divided into five forms, corresponding to the wolf, leopard, lion, tiger, and bear. Only the sect master, the young master, and core disciples were qualified to learn it. Its power was immense, but it consumed an enormous amount of spiritual energy. Therefore, it was rarely used in ordinary combat. Only after consuming an Explosive Qi Pill would one dare to employ the Blood Beast Transformation Technique. "Die!" A triumphant smile appeared on Feng Lieshan''s face. At such a short distance, and in such a short time, Shen Mo had no chance to react. He was sure of it: Shen Mo was doomed! Then, he saw Shen Mo calmly and leisurely raise his right hand. A purple-black armor materialized out of nowhere, instantly covering Shen Mo''s entire right hand. It fit perfectly, without any gaps. It looked as though the entire arm had been forged from the purple-black armor. Feng Lieshan''s pupils contracted. For some reason, he felt a terrifying aura emanating from that purple-black arm armor. Even though it hadn''t moved yet. Its evil and murderous intent alone was enough to shake one''s spirit. But it wasn''t over yet. He watched as Shen Mo took out a drop of ice-blue blood and slapped it onto the armor''s surface. The purple-black arm armor suddenly underwent a violent transformation. Sharp ice spikes sprouted all over. Scales appeared, dense and tight. A chilling cold spread through the air, making Shen Mo look like the ruler of ice. What is this thing? The thought popped into Feng Lieshan''s mind. But he no longer had time to investigate or hesitate. This was now a life-or-death confrontation. No matter what kind of strange thing it was, he had to kill Shen Mo here and escape! "Kill!" Shen Mo felt the surging power in his right arm, and without warning, threw a seemingly ordinary straight punch. The ice-blue demon armor clashed fiercely with the blood-red tiger head! A terrifying explosion centered on the two men, radiating outward in all directions. The nearest trees shattered into pieces, turning into countless high-speed wood splinters that shot into the distance. If anyone had been nearby, even a Core Formation cultivator would have been injured by the splinters. Anyone with a lower cultivation level would have been riddled with bloody holes in an instant. The sounds of the collision echoed far and wide. Even Song Chaofeng and the other two, who were chasing down the three remaining elders of the Blood River Sect, heard it clearly. "What was that? Is it the young master fighting Feng Lieshan?" Wei Xiongtie and Song Chaofeng were both filled with uncertainty. "It must be! Let''s finish off these elders quickly and go help the young master!" Liu Yuanfeng suggested, his eyes flashing as he shouted loudly. At this moment, the battle between Shen Mo and Feng Lieshan had reached its conclusion. The massive, ferocious blood-red tiger head slowly dissipated like smoke. As the dust cleared, Shen Mo still maintained his posture, right fist extended. However, his right arm had already pierced through Feng Lieshan''s chest. Feng Lieshan''s heart had been completely shattered, reduced to countless tiny shards of ice. "You..." Feng Lieshan struggled to lift his head with all his remaining strength. Blood trickled from his mouth. His life force was quickly fading. He couldn''t comprehend it. Even after consuming the Explosive Qi Pill and using the Blood Beast Transformation Technique, Tiger Form, he had still been defeated by Shen Mo. What exactly was this armor that possessed such overwhelming strength? Unfortunately, he no longer had time to find out. His consciousness rapidly plunged into darkness. Feng Lieshan, a cultivator at the peak of Core Formation, had been killed on the spot by Shen Mo! After obliterating Feng Lieshan, Shen Mo casually flicked his arm, sending the corpse flying. With a simple thought, the demonic armor on his arm retracted and vanished back into his body. At that moment, the sound of something breaking through the air came from a distance. Three figures appeared beside him. "Young Master, we''ve come to help..." Song Chaofeng shouted loudly. However, upon seeing the scene before them, the rest of his words died in his throat. Help? Help with what? The fight was already over. Wei Xiongtie swallowed nervously. Feng Lieshan was a peak Core Formation cultivator. Even though he had been injured by the Cold Qi Killing Formation and was low on spiritual energy, he still had the Explosive Qi Pill as his trump card. And yet, he had been killed by Shen Mo, who was only at the early Core Formation stage? Could it be... Feng Lieshan didn''t even get a chance to use the Explosive Qi Pill before dying? The two exchanged glances, scratching their heads, speechless. Compared to them, Liu Yuanfeng''s emotions were not just shock but also a growing sense of fear. He knew Feng Lieshan''s strength all too well. And yet, Feng Lieshan had still fallen at Shen Mo''s hands. Shen Mo must have some terrifying trump card, strong enough to cross two small realms and defeat his opponents. Liu Yuanfeng suddenly felt his mouth go dry. Even if Luo Chaotian wasn''t happy about it, maybe it was time for him to leave the Qingxuan Sect. If this continued, even if Shen Mo didn''t kill him, he might die of fright. "Have you dealt with the three Blood River Sect elders?" Shen Mo casually took Feng Lieshan''s storage ring and asked indifferently. "Y-yes, two of them are dead, and one has surrendered," Song Chaofeng quickly replied. "Good. Let''s head back. There are still many Blood River Sect disciples; they all need to be captured," Shen Mo nodded. "Bring this body back too. It will greatly demoralize their forces." "Yes!" Wei Xiongtie hurried forward, storing Feng Lieshan''s body in a storage ring. Their actions were so diligent, as if Shen Mo wasn''t an early Core Formation cultivator, but someone far more powerfulperhaps a peak or even pinnacle Core Formation cultivator. Soon, all the Blood River Sect members who had ambushed the Xuanshuang Cave were dealt with. Most of them were dead. About a dozen Blood River Sect disciples in the Foundation Establishment stage had no choice but to surrender. As for those who tried to escape, none survived. This battle was a complete victory! "As for the details of this battle, Deputy Sect Master Liu, please report it to the Sect Master in person. I''m counting on you for this task," Shen Mo said with a faint smile. Liu Yuanfeng didn''t dare refuse and quickly nodded. "Rest assured, Young Master. I''ll relay every detail of the battle to Sect Master Nangong without missing a word!" Only then did Shen Mo turn to face the rest of the Qingxuan Sect disciples. He looked at Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and many other familiar faces. A smile spread across his face, "We won!" The disciples were silent for a moment before they erupted into wild cheers. "We won!" "Qingxuan Sect is invincible!" "Young Master is invincible!" The Blood River Sect had come with overwhelming force. At first, everyone thought they would be buried here today. But to their shock, the tide had turned so dramatically! The greatest credit, of course, belonged to Shen Mo! If it hadn''t been for him, not a single person here could have escaped certain death! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 131: I, Yin Xuege, No Longer Fear Shen Mo Chapter 131: I, Yin Xuege, No Longer Fear Shen Mo At the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate. After listening to Liu Yuanfeng''s report, Murong Yue stood up abruptly. Her beautiful eyes were filled with joy. She exclaimed excitedly, "Wonderful, wonderful! I never expected Shen''er''s strength to have become this formidable!" "Deputy Sect Master Liu, immediately gather the Core Formation elders and swiftly take over the Blood River Sect''s assets. Seize as much as you can." "If we delay any longer, the nearby sects will start dividing them up." "Understood." Liu Yuanfeng nodded and bowed before leaving. As Murong Yue watched him walk away, she suddenly chuckled. For some reason, she noticed that Liu Yuanfeng seemed to have lost his usual sinister edge and was now much more compliant. Most likely, it was due to Shen Mo''s slaying of Feng Lieshan, the sect master of the Blood River Sect. The next day. Under Murong Yue''s orders, the news quickly spread throughout the Qingxuan Sect. The disciples eagerly discussed the matter, thrilled beyond measure. It was as if they had also been present at Xuanshuang Cave the previous night, experiencing the ups and downs alongside Shen Mo. "Young Master is incredibly strong! He even killed the sect master of a first-class sect!" "What''s Young Master''s current realm? Core Formation middle stage?" "I''m not sure, but... if I remember correctly, he only formed his Golden Core a few months ago." "Yeah, in just a few months, he shouldn''t have progressed from entry-level Core Formation to the middle stage, right?" "Then... could it be early stage? Hiss, if that''s the case, Young Master is even more impressive! I''ve made up my mindI''m setting a small goal. I''m going to become Young Master''s Dao companion!" "Uh, I don''t think Young Master is into men." ... At the Heavenly Water Sect. A hundred miles east of the mountain gate. Here lay a sparkling, shimmering lake. Around it stood only a few thatched huts made of bamboo. This lake, known as "Thousand Bamboo Lake," earned its name from the vast variety of bamboo that grew around it. At this moment, a tall figure in a sky-blue robe hovered above the water, seated in meditation with eyes closed. This was none other than Zhuang Mo, the sect master of the Heavenly Water Sect. She was also one of the five highest-ranking figures in the entire Xuanyang Prefecture. Countless water droplets floated around her, constantly shifting into different shapes every second. This was her method of cultivation. Controlling water flow. Starting from making the light feel heavy, she gradually worked toward making the heavy feel light. Once she could lift the water of the entire lake, her cultivation method would have reached its pinnacle the ninth level. On the shore. A pale-faced young man was boiling water and brewing tea. Before long, the fragrance of tea filled the air. Just a single whiff of this delicate aroma could calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Zhuang Mo slowly opened her eyes. All the water droplets lost control, falling into the lake like a sudden downpour. She gently stepped on the water''s surface, and in the blink of an eye, arrived at the shore. "Xuege, your tea-brewing skills have improved," she praised with a light sniff. Yin Xuege smiled modestly, "It''s all thanks to your teachings, Master." "After months of brewing tea continuously, my state of mind has become much more refined." "I no longer fear Shen Mo." "The shadow that once loomed over my heart is gone." He smiled happily. Since the Hundred Sects Grand Ceremony, he had been in a deep slump. If Zhuang Mo hadn''t slapped him awake back then, his cultivation might have regressed by now. Now, after months of brewing tea, his mindset and cultivation had both become perfectly balanced. He was ready to form his Golden Core and step into the Core Formation stage! Zhuang Mo took a small sip of tea, "The materials needed to form your Heavy Water Golden Core are all prepared." "As soon as you''re ready, you can begin your Core Formation." Yin Xuege''s face lit up with excitement, "Yes! Thank you, Master!" ** "I wonder what has happened with the Blood River Sect. Normally, Feng Lieshan should have sent a message through the Sound Transmission Jade as soon as he took Xuanshuang Cave." Yin Xuege chuckled lightly, "Master, don''t worry. Sect Master Feng is immensely powerful, capturing Xuanshuang Cave should have been a trivial task for him." "Perhaps something has delayed him, which is why he hasn''t sent a message immediately." Zhuang Mo nodded slightly, just about to speak when suddenly, a figure stumbled and rushed toward them from afar, appearing highly agitated. Moments later, the figure landed hurriedly and walked quickly over to Zhuang Mo and Yin Xuege. Zhuang Mo frowned deeply. "I seem to recall saying that no one is to disturb me during my cultivation here." The Heavenly Water Sect elder immediately bowed in fear. "Forgive me, Sect Master. The matter is too grave, I had no choice but to come. Please, grant me mercy." "Speak." Only then did the elder dare to continue, "Feng Lieshan is dead, and the Blood River Sect''s assets have been divided among Qingxuan Sect, White River Sect, and Stormy Rain Sect." He raised his head, looking at Zhuang Mo, and whispered, "Sect Master, our plan has failed." ** Zhuang Mo crushed the tea cup in her hand. The scalding tea spilled over her fair hand, turning it bright red. An uncontrollable fury surged across her face. "What happened? Speak, quickly!" Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, the Heavenly Water Sect elder hurriedly recounted every detail of the events that had transpired the previous night. "What?" "The Cold Qi Killing Formation?" "Feng Lieshan was killed by Shen Mo?" Zhuang Mo''s face was full of disbelief. A peak Core Formation cultivator, killed by someone in the early Core Formation stage. That was nearly impossible. "The informant reports that Feng Lieshan tried to flee, but Shen Mo pursued him. In the end, they found Feng Lieshan''s corpse, with a gaping hole in his chest. There''s no doubt that he''s dead." The elder whispered. ** The tea cup suddenly fell to the ground. Yin Xuege''s face turned deathly pale. His vision blurred. Everything before himZhuang Mo, the Heavenly Water Sect elder, the sun, the buildings, even the birds flying byseemed to morph into Shen Mo''s face. ** He could no longer hold himself upright and collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. It was as if something inside him had shattered. And something deep within the darkness crawled out, once again taking over his heart. Zhuang Mo took a deep breath. "Take him back to the courtyard and let him rest." "Yes," the elder nodded repeatedly and quickly helped Yin Xuege away. Zhuang Mo gazed at the streak of light in the sky, her face icy cold. Her eyes were filled with a deep sense of frustration and disappointment. Yin Xuege, the disciple she valued most. S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The heart that he had only just mended was completely shattered by a few words from the elder. The shadow in his heart, the nightmare named Shen Mo, had once again consumed his mind. And this time, it would never fade. Perhaps she had been wrong from the start. Yin Xuege was never suited for cultivation. In contrast, Bai Ziyue, who had always been suppressed by Yin Xuege, now seemed far more worthy of nurturing. "The strongest cultivators of the Blood River Sect are all dead, that sect is now worthless." "What''s more troubling is that we still haven''t been able to gauge the attitude of the Qingvine Sect. They haven''t shown any reaction at all." Zhuang Mo''s expression remained cold. "It seems that the Heavenly Water Sect will have to step in personally." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 132: Eliminating Shen Mo? No, I’m Giving Him a Grand Gift Chapter 132: Eliminating Shen Mo? No, I''m Giving Him a Grand Gift Xuanjing Prefecture, Giant River City, Government Office. Ji Shilong, for once, wasn''t handling official documents. Instead, he stood quietly under the towering tree in the back courtyard of the office, watching the scene in front of him. Behind him stood Luo Shuanghan. "How long has it been since the Hundred Sects Ceremony?" Ji Shilong suddenly asked. Luo Shuanghan replied in a low voice, "Governor, it''s been four months." Ji Shilong nodded slightly. "It''s nearly been half a year. Over this period, things have gone smoothly. Many small and second-tier sects have already disappeared." Luo Shuanghan, now more cautious, immediately added, "All thanks to your brilliant strategy, Governor." Ji Shilong smiled faintly. At that moment, a soldier outside suddenly shouted, "Urgent message! Blood River Sect''s leader, Feng Lieshan, has been killed by Qingxuan Sect''s young master, Shen Mo! Blood River Sect''s territory has already been divided by nearby sects!" Ji Shilong raised an eyebrow. "Enter." Upon hearing the name "Shen Mo," Luo Shuanghan couldn''t help but frown deeply. Wasn''t that the person the governor had asked him to recruit some time ago? The soldier quickly stepped forward and handed a scroll of official documents to Ji Shilong. Ji Shilong opened it, quickly scanning through it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Take a look," he said, handing the document to Luo Shuanghan after finishing. Luo Shuanghan nodded and read it carefully, his heart unable to calm down for a long time. Ji Shilong smiled. "Some time ago, Flying Frost Sect and Spirit Beast Sect were destroyed in the Alchemy King''s cave. Rumor has it that Shen Mo played the key role in it." "And now, Feng Lieshan, leading six Core Formation cultivators and dozens of Foundation Establishment disciples, ambushed Profound Frost Cave, only to be killed by Shen Mo." "Tsk, tsk. It seems the events in the Alchemy King''s cave can now be confirmed." "Shen Mo was hiding much of his strength." Luo Shuanghan couldn''t help but nod. "Governor, this man is indeed a genius." "To think he could kill a Core Formation perfection cultivator with just mid-stage Core Formation strength." "What are your plans? Should we eliminate him?" Ji Shilong glanced at him, smiling faintly. "Eliminate him? Why?" "Luo Shuanghan, you have potential, but there''s still much for you to learn." Luo Shuanghan was momentarily stunned, still not understanding the meaning behind Ji Shilong''s words. "Luo Shuanghan, receive your orders!" Ji Shilong''s voice boomed. Luo Shuanghan immediately dropped to one knee. "Yes." "I order you to take 3,000 top-grade spirit stones, two supreme-grade Profound-level spiritual weapons, and 20 bottles of Profound-level pills. Head to Qingxuan Sect at once and deliver these gifts to Shen Mo." "I want you to recruit him once again. Do not fail this time." "And make sure the occasion is grand. Everyone must know that I, the Governor, am presenting Shen Mo with a great gift." Luo Shuanghan hesitated for a moment. He faintly understood Ji Shilong''s intentions. "One more thing" Ji Shilong''s face turned expressionless. "What gifts did you bring last time? And what attitude did you display toward Shen Mo?" "Was that how you treat a genius? Is that how you recruit talent?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If it happens again, you won''t have a place in this office any longer." Luo Shuanghan felt a deep sense of dread. How did Ji Shilong know everything he had done so clearly? He nodded repeatedly. "I understand, I''ll leave immediately!" He didn''t dare ask any further questions and rushed to the office warehouse. Ji Shilong, with his hands behind his back, continued gazing at the towering tree, his eyes distant, as if the extravagant gifts he had just sent were of little significance. ... Ten days later, Profound Frost Cave. Under Shen Mo''s orders, the disciples stationed here had cleared an area to create a martial arts training ground. Of course, though it was called a training ground, it was really just a leveled area with walls built around it. It wasn''t very large. Only the young master, elders, and core disciples had the privilege to come here. The rest of the disciples weren''t allowed. At this moment, Shen Mo was sparring with Wei Xiongtie, honing his combat skills. Not far away, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, and others watched intently, not daring to be distracted in the slightest. "Young master, here I come!" Wei Xiongtie roared, his fist forming a lightning-wrapped spearhead, striking directly at Shen Mo''s chest. "Well done." Shen Mo smiled, and in less than a breath, three bronze gates appeared simultaneously. Clang! Clang! Clang! The lightning spearhead violently crashed against the gates. Yet, the bronze gates didn''t budge. Wei Xiongtie poured more spiritual energy into his attack. However, he only managed to break through one of the bronze gates. After shattering the first gate, the lightning spearhead lost all its energy, like an arrow at the end of its flight. Wei Xiongtie had no choice but to retract his move. "My Thunder Spear is my strongest technique, but I couldn''t even break through one-third of the young master''s defense." Shen Mo was about to speak when he caught sight of some disciples outside the training ground, moving an enormous gate sculpted entirely out of ice. His expression froze for a moment, as if he had fallen into a state of sudden enlightenment. Wei Xiongtie was taken aback, and quickly and cautiously retreated, not daring to make a sound. It wasn''t until he was more than ten zhang away from Shen Mo that he finally let out a sigh of relief. "Give the order, no one is to approach the training ground," Wei Xiongtie instructed in a low voice. "Understood, I''ll handle it," Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan both nodded. Their expressions were filled with envy. Shen Mo had clearly seen the ice gate and immediately entered a state of enlightenment. They had long heard of the young master''s extraordinary comprehension ability, but they hadn''t expected that even in such a moment, he could achieve this level of insight. Time passed, bit by bit. Soon, the morning turned into afternoon. In the training ground, only Shen Mo stood alone. The three bronze gates quietly floated around him. Beside him, a sphere of spiritual energy surged and transformed constantly. At first, it was just golden spiritual energy. Later, ice spiritual energy flowed in. Eventually, even faint traces of fire, lightning, and other spiritual energies appeared. At one point, the spiritual energy sphere suddenly shifted rapidly. It elongated and widened. The fourth bronze gate suddenly emerged! What was even more astonishing was that after the fourth bronze gate appeared, it began to transform. The golden spiritual energy dispersed. Ice spiritual energy surged. In an instant, the bronze gate turned into an ice gate! In just a few breaths, the ice energy dissipated, and faint fire energy gathered from all directions. The ice gate transformed into a blazing flame gate! Then came a giant wooden gate, wrapped in vines and formed from plants. Next, a shimmering, highly flexible water gate made of dense water appeared. Gold, wood, water, fire, earththese were the most common forms of the five-element spiritual energy. Wind, lightning, and ice were rarer, more powerful mutated spiritual energies. A total of eight types of spiritual energy appeared in succession, each presenting a different form of the gates! Buzz! At that moment, Shen Mo suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a look of delight. The four Profound Gates had now reached the fourth stage! The fourth gate could transform into various forms depending on the connection to different elements of spiritual energy. When the ice gate was formed, it could more effectively resist ice-type martial techniques. Similarly, when the flame gate was formed, it could better withstand fire-based martial techniques. With this, no matter what martial technique the opponent used, Shen Mo would have a countermeasure. His defensive capabilities had thus greatly improved! Shen Mo''s expression showed satisfaction. He had sensed this opportunity earlier in the morning. And now, just as described in his life panel, it had come to fruition! Outside the training ground, voices of congratulations could be heard. "Congratulations, young master, on another breakthrough in your martial arts!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 133: A Real Man Fights Head-On Chapter 133: A Real Man Fights Head-On Shen Mo looked up and saw Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, Zhao Ting, and others approaching quickly, their faces full of joy. He smiled and responded, "Thank you, everyone." These people certainly knew how to handle things. Realizing that he had entered a state of enlightenment, they had immediately ordered guards to keep anyone from approaching the training ground, ensuring his enlightenment was not disturbed. "Young Master, another group of outer disciples has arrived at the sect''s gate. I''ll go help escort them," Wei Xiongtie said respectfully. "Go ahead, both of you have important tasks," Shen Mo nodded slightly. Wei Xiongtie and Song Chaofeng were stationed here under orders, with their daily responsibilities leaving them little time for cultivation. Naturally, Shen Mo wouldn''t behave like some spoiled young master, insisting they accompany him all the time. After Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie left, Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan quickly stepped forward. Both looked at Shen Mo with expressions of admiration. His comprehension ability was truly astounding. When it came to learning techniques and martial arts, he accomplished twice the results with half the effort. "Oh right, Young Master, there''s a significant matter related to you. News has come from the north," Zhao Ting suddenly said. Shen Mo smiled, "No need to be so formal in private. Just call me Shen Mo. What''s happening in the north?" "Alright," Zhao Ting smiled in return. "It''s the governor. I''ve heard he''s sent another gift for you." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Ji Shilong sent people over again? This time, it seemed a little different. It was as if the entire thing had been deliberately made into a spectacle, making sure everyone knew about it. "How many people did they send? Which places did they pass through?" Shen Mo asked. Zhao Ting explained everything in detail and added, "These are reports from merchant caravans, so the specifics might differ slightly." "If you need, our Qingxuan Sect can investigate immediately." Qingxuan Sect had now risen to the status of a first-rate sect. After destroying Flying Frost Sect, they had followed up by wiping out Blood River Sect. Their momentum was unmatched at the moment. No matter the sect or faction, everyone now had to show Qingxuan Sect respect. If Qingxuan wanted to investigate something, merely spreading the word would bring countless cultivators eager to present information, hoping to curry favor with the sect. "No need. I''ve already figured out their intentions," Shen Mo waved it off. Luo Shengnan scratched her head. "Intentions? Isn''t Ji Shilong just trying to recruit you because of your limitless potential?" Shen Mo smiled and shook his head. "That''s not it." "He''s not trying to recruit me; he''s putting me in a difficult position." Luo Shengnan was confused. Zhao Ting, however, seemed to grasp something. Shen Mo continued, "Ji Shilong sent a large team south, making such a huge commotion. Everywhere they go, it draws crowds, announcing his intent to recruit me." "Even if some sects didn''t know about Qingxuan Sect or weren''t aware of my recent deeds, they will investigate." "They''ll quickly learn about the destruction of Flying Frost Sect and Blood River Sect and will find out that I was the one who killed Feng Lieshan." "Once the news spreads, I''ll soon become the target of many." "The surrounding sects will become wary of Qingxuan Sect, possibly even our allies." "That''s hardly a good thing." After hearing Shen Mo''s analysis, Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan both froze. Luo Shengnan even started cursing on the spot, "Damn it! Ji Shilong didn''t have good intentions at all!" "What kind of grand gift is this? Might as well not take it." Shen Mo chuckled, "Why wouldn''t we take something that''s free?" "And since they made such a big spectacle, it must be different from last time." "I suspect it really is a valuable gift." Zhao Ting nodded in approval, "Shen Mo''s right. Their goal has already been achieved. The gifts they bring now are just bait; it''d be a waste not to take it." At that moment, a disciple outside the training ground called out loudly. "Young Master! A team from the north has arrived, claiming to be from the Giant River City''s government office. They request to see the Young Master!" Shen Mo laughed lightly, "Ah, here they are. Let''s go and take a look." At the entrance of Profound Frost Cave. Luo Shuanghan stood calmly. Behind him was an extravagant entourage, composed entirely of handsome men and beautiful women. They all rode tall, majestic horses, exuding an air of confidence. Each person held a signboard. Every signboard bore the two characters "Shen Mo," written in elegant, flowing script. Just this display alone was enough to attract countless eyes. One could imagine how flamboyant and grand their procession must have been when they passed through the city streets. Luo Shuanghan was still dressed in white, still the same handsome figure. However, the arrogance and domineering attitude were now gone. While he had always been somewhat proud and aloof, he wasn''t foolish. During the journey over the past two days, he had come to understand Ji Shilong''s intentions. Ji Shilong wasn''t sincerely trying to recruit Shen Mo. On the contrary, he was putting Shen Mo in a difficult position, making him the star of Xuanjing Prefecture. Eventually, someone would make a move against Shen Mo. Thinking of this, Luo Shuanghan actually felt a bit sympathetic toward Shen Mo. What good was unlimited potential or formidable strength? Even if he could kill a Core Formation perfection expert while only at mid-stage Core Formation, what difference did it make? Once you stand against the powers of the world, it doesn''t matter if you''re a god, a saint, an immortal, or a Buddhayou will still fall. At that moment, Luo Shuanghan heard footsteps approaching. He lifted his head and immediately saw three young men walking toward him in long strides. At the forefront was a tall figure with a commanding presenceit was Shen Mo, with whom he had briefly crossed paths before. Luo Shuanghan looked at him for a few moments longer, feeling that the Shen Mo of today had an unexplainable aura that hadn''t been there before. It even sent a chill through his heart. "Is this the pressure that comes from slaying a Core Formation perfection cultivator?" he muttered to himself. "The Governor''s messenger? What gift have you brought me this time?" Shen Mo smiled. Luo Shuanghan felt a chill in his heart. He had introduced himself last time and mentioned his name. As a Core Formation cultivator, there was no way Shen Mo could have forgotten. Addressing him as "the Governor''s messenger" clearly showed Shen Mo''s disdain for even mentioning his name. But despite this, Luo Shuanghan remembered Ji Shilong''s words clearly and didn''t let any of his emotions show on his face. With a smile, he spoke confidently. "Young Master Shen, the Governor has sent me to present a grand gift." Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "In this storage ring, you will find 3,000 top-grade spirit stones, two supreme-grade Profound-level spiritual weapons, and 20 bottles of Profound-level elixirs." "The Governor hopes that you will recognize the world''s grand scheme and soon choose the right side." At this point, Luo Shuanghan cupped his hands and bowed slightly. He then retrieved the storage ring and placed it in his palm, offering it with both hands. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. This man was interesting. Compared to his arrogance and smugness from last time, he had now completely restrained himself. Shen Mo smiled. "Alright, I''ll take these. Convey my thanks to the Governor." "And also, deliver a message to him for me." Luo Shuanghan''s eyes flickered. "Please, speak." Shen Mo said calmly, "A master uses a stick to drive away wild dogs. But on the day when a wild dog is tamed into a house dog, the stick will inevitably be broken by the dog that now holds a grudge." A strange expression flashed in Luo Shuanghan''s eyes. "Understood, I will deliver these words to the Governor." With that, he immediately turned to leave. "Return to Giant River City!" "Yes, sir!" the entire entourage responded in unison, turning their horses and departing swiftly. Luo Shengnan scratched her head. "Wild dogs, house dogs, and sticks? What does that even mean? I don''t get it!" Zhao Ting, deep in thought, chuckled mischievously. "With your brain, it''s no surprise you don''t get it. As long as Ji Shilong understands, that''s what matters." Luo Shengnan, now irritated, snapped, "Fine! Let''s head to the training ground and fight! Who cares if I''m not smart, as long as I''m stronger than you!" Zhao Ting coughed a few times, "Ah, my stomach hurts. Young Master, I''ll take my leave first." He quickly turned and bolted. Luo Shengnan, now even more furious, yelled, "Running away? If you''re a real man, come and fight me!" With that, she stomped the ground and dashed after him. Seeing this unfold, Shen Mo burst into hearty laughter. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 134: The Fragrance of White Rock City Chapter 134: The Fragrance of White Rock City "The master drives away wild dogs with a stick. When one day the wild dog becomes a domesticated pet, the stick that once drove it away will inevitably be broken out of resentment." Ji Shilong gazed southward, muttering these words to himself. Standing quietly beside him was Luo Shuanghan. Luo Shuanghan had rushed back from Qingxuan Sect at top speed and relayed every word Shen Mo had spoken, without missing a single detail, to Ji Shilong. "What do you think he means by this?" Ji Shilong suddenly asked. Luo Shuanghan shook his head, "I do not know." Ji Shilong sneered, "It''s not that you don''t know; you just don''t dare say it." Luo Shuanghan remained silent. How could he dare say anything? Ji Shilong spoke calmly, "He believes I''m the cudgel of Yuzhou Prefect or perhaps even the cudgel in the hand of Emperor Jing." "This kid is quite interesting. While Xuanjiang Sect is on the brink of destruction, he has already seen my future." Luo Shuanghan still kept his silence. "What''s the movement from the Five Sects of Xuanjiang?" Ji Shilong asked, regaining his composure. Only then did Luo Shuanghan speak, "Divine Sword Sect, Sword Sovereign Zhou Qingcang has successfully condensed a Seven Kill Golden Core and entered the Core Formation stage." "Verdant Vine Sect, Demon Sovereign Mo Yuheng has successfully condensed a Ten Thousand Demons Golden Core and entered the Core Formation stage." "Rising Sun Sect, Fiery Sovereign Hong Chiyu has successfully condensed a Red Sun Golden Core and entered the Core Formation stage." "Thunderfire Sect, Wanjin failed to condense his Golden Core and is gravely injured, bedridden for at least three months." "Heavenly Water Sect, upon hearing the news of Feng Lianshan being killed by Shen Mo, Yin Xuege fainted on the spot. It is said that Sect Master Zhang Mo is already grooming Bai Ziyue as a successor." Ji Shilong''s face remained unchanged, "For five sovereigns of Xuanjiang, the gap seems a little too wide." "And what about Heavenly Water Sect? There should be some movements, right?" Luo Shuanghan nodded, "Sect Master Zhang personally met with Lu Xinyue, the sect master of White River Sect, but no one knows what they discussed." Ji Shilong nodded, "Nothing else from Verdant Vine Sect other than Mo Yuheng''s Core Formation?" Luo Shuanghan shook his head, "No, Verdant Vine Sect has been very quiet recently, mostly researching poisons and taming demon beasts." Ji Shilong waved his hand, "You may leave." "Yes." Once again, Ji Shilong was left alone in the courtyard. He furrowed his brows slightly, "No action from Verdant Vine Sect? No, they must have done something, but it slipped past my eyes and ears." "Verdant Vine Sect and Heavenly Water Sect must be planning a chess game through Qingxuan Sect." ... Deep within Profound Frost Cave. Shen Mo crouched next to the ice dragon''s remains. In his right palm, the Red Lotus Flame blazed, slowly melting the ice dragon''s body. The Red Lotus Flame could gradually melt the remains of the ice dragon. This was a trick he had only discovered in the past few days. Though the process was slow, in a whole day he had only managed to melt the dragon''s tail. But he had obtained a few drops of ice dragon blood. At least, with persistence, he would eventually melt the entire ice dragon. Its bones, tendons, and bloodall could be taken at once. Once the ice dragon''s body was fully melted, the temperature of Profound Frost Cave would gradually rise, and the place would lose all its value. Whether he sold it to other sects or abandoned it didn''t matter. Moreover, after several consecutive days of melting, Shen Mo also realized that his rapport with the Red Lotus Flame was improving. Even though the flame had been subdued by him, it didn''t necessarily obey all his commands. Now, through repeated use, their synergy was growing stronger. "Has there been any recent activity from Heavenly Water Sect?" Shen Mo casually sat on the ground, melting the dragon''s corpse while observing his life panel. [Destiny: You will stop at the late stage of the Core Formation. Three months from now, Qingxuan Sect will be attacked, and you will die under the sword of Zhang Mo, the sect master of Heavenly Water Sect.] [Opportunity 1: Today, the progress of melting the ice dragon''s body will accelerate significantly, melting half the corpse. You will obtain one ice dragon bone and one ice dragon tendon.] [Opportunity 2: In more than half a month, you will completely melt the ice dragon''s body and store all its treasures in your storage ring.] [Opportunity 3: A month from now, you will consume the last Great Replenishing Pill and successfully reach the late stage of Core Formation.] [Upcoming Turn 1: After entering the late stage of Core Formation, you will hear about a strange fragrance near White Rock City, suggesting a great treasure has appeared. On your way to investigate, you will pass by White Rock City and fall into a trap set by White River Sect. You will discover the trap ahead of time, but White River Sect will send a Core Formation elder and three Core Formation elders to hunt you down. Ultimately, you will fall into White River Sect''s hands and be used in exchange for Profound Frost Cave.] [Upcoming Turn 2: After being captured by White River Sect, you will be tortured, and your dantian will be crippled. When Qingxuan Sect trades you back, you will be a useless person.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow slightly. It seemed that the act of killing Feng Lianshan, the Sect Master of Blood River Sect, had already caused a shift in his predetermined fate. Zhang Mo was clearly losing patience. "The key is that I fell into White River Sect''s trap, and after being captured, my dantian was crippled." "Murong Yue will surely be enraged by this and attack White River Sect, even though her strength is weaker than theirs." Shen Mo was deep in thought. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the destruction of Flying Frost Sect and Blood River Sect, White River Sect had become the only first-rate sect under Heavenly Water Sect''s command. Moreover, after taking over part of Blood River Sect''s industries and personnel, White River Sect''s power had undoubtedly grown significantly. Shen Mo had long known that White River Sect would make a move. He just hadn''t expected that they would come for him directly. "There''s a strange fragrance in White Rock City, detectable from dozens of miles away It''s likely Thousand-Mile Fragrance, which, like the Thousand-Handed Lotus, is a rare treasure used to cultivate the Nine-Lotus Nascent Soul. I must obtain it." "White Rock Citywhy not go?" "The only thing to be cautious about is that Core Formation elder." Shen Mo pondered. Elders were typically Core Formation cultivators over four hundred years old. Due to their seniority and age, they were referred to as "elders." These individuals usually went into deep seclusion, only appearing when their sect was on the brink of destruction. Elders were few in number. While the Five Sects of Xuanjiang certainly had elders, the exact number was never publicly disclosed. Some powerful, long-established first-rate sects also had elders. White River Sect was one such sect. As for Qingxuan Sect, some of their elders had perished in the battle against Heavenly Water Sect long ago, and the rest had all passed away over the past fifty years. Thus, Qingxuan Sect no longer had any elders. "Elders are typically at the peak of the Core Formation stage. Due to their deep experience and extensive knowledge, their strength surpasses that of younger Core Formation peak cultivators by several degrees." "However, each battle they fight accelerates their aging, effectively burning their life force. That''s why they are reluctant to fight unless absolutely necessary." "For White River Sect to deploy an elder against me, they are clearly determined to capture me." "Dealing with such people is not impossible." Shen Mo understood the strengths and weaknesses of elders well. They were powerful and had rich combat experience. But their greatest weakness was their inability to sustain long-term battles. As long as he avoided direct confrontation and used tactics to wear them down, he might be able to defeat one. If this elder were to fall, it would surely deal a devastating blow to White River Sect. At that point, Qingxuan Sect could seize the opportunity and attack White River Sect in one swift move! In this way, Flying Frost Sect, Blood River Sect, and White River Sectthese three arms would be severed. No matter how much Heavenly Water Sect resisted, they would have no choice but to intervene personally! "The plan is set. Now, I just have to wait for that day to come." Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 135: So It Was Him Chapter 135: So It Was Him In the deepest part of Profound Frost Cave, all was silent. Time passed slowly, bit by bit. The Red Lotus Flame blazed fiercely. At a certain moment, a large portion of frost suddenly melted. Shen Mo''s expression brightened slightly, and he quickly inspected the situation. "So, the ice dragon''s body is already hollow. No wonder it melted so quickly." Shen Mo shook his head slightly. Looking inside through the hollow, he saw that most of the ice dragon''s body had already been emptied. Only a few bones remained. The tendons were almost gone as well. All that was left were a few pockets of frozen ice dragon blood still clinging tightly to the inside of the body. He roughly estimated that there was just enough blood to fill two more vats. "Not sure if that will be enough for what I need." Shen Mo sighed lightly. He had thought it would be a great source of blood. The upkeep for his demon armor required a constant supply of blood, and even this might not be enough to satisfy the insatiable beast. ... Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. Shen Mo sat quietly in his room, refining the medicinal power of the Great Replenishing Pill. This particular bottle of Great Replenishing Pills was not the one Murong Yue had given him. Instead, it was something he had taken from Feng Lianshan''s storage ring after killing him. Feng Lianshan hadn''t used them all, leaving two pills behind, which now benefited Shen Mo. Just as his life panel had predicted, after swallowing the Great Replenishing Pill, Shen Mo immediately felt the bottleneck that had trapped him for so long begin to loosen. At a certain moment, the bottleneck broke open. His internal energy surged. The Infernal Gold Core within him expanded significantly. Heavy, brilliant, flames rising, smoke swirling. It was far more powerful than the average cultivator''s Gold Core. "Core Formation stage, fully achieved!" Shen Mo felt a rush of excitement and immediately got up, heading outside. Breathing in the fresh air, he smiled. Shen Mo quickly walked out of his residence. After only a few steps, he overheard two stewards nearby discussing something. "I heard that recently there''s been a strange fragrance filling the air near White Rock City, but no one knows what''s going on." "Many people say it''s the birth of a great treasure, and some even speculate it could be Thousand-Mile Fragrance, a rare treasure perfect for nurturing Nascent Souls! Quite a few Core Formation cultivators have already headed there." "What a shame. If only we were at the Core Formation stage, we''d go try our luck too. Who knows, that kind of fortune might fall right into our hands!" "Any elders from our sect going?" "No way. Think about how fast our sect has expanded recently. With so many industries and cities to protect, there''s no elder with free time. Naturally, they won''t get involved." "That''s true What a pity. That must be an incredible treasure." Shen Mo''s interest was piqued. He approached them casually and asked, "What''s the situation in White Rock City right now?" The two stewards were startled, but upon seeing that it was Shen Mo, they quickly bowed respectfully. Then, they relayed everything they knew in detail. "Young Sect Master, are you planning to take a look?" one of them asked. Shen Mo nodded slightly. "It does seem interesting. Go inform Elder Song and Hall Master Wei that I''m heading to White Rock City, and they don''t need to worry about my safety." "Yes, I''ll go right away." Shen Mo took to the air, heading north toward White Rock City. As the Young Sect Master, his identity and status were too important for him to simply disappear without notice. By informing Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie, if they wanted to look for him later, they would at least know where to start. ... White Rock City. This city was located to the north of Profound Frost City, roughly in the central region of Xuanjiang Prefecture, rather than the southern region where Qingxuan Sect was based. White Rock City had once been under the control of Blood River Sect. But after Blood River Sect was destroyed, the city became the center of a power struggle among Qingxuan Sect, White River Sect, Storm Rain Sect, and Purple Star Sect. The four sides had been in a deadlock for a long time, and none had been able to fully claim the city. Considering that such a stalemate would consume a huge amount of manpower and resources, and with Qingxuan Sect expanding rapidly and having many industries to defend, Murong Yue had convened a meeting of the elders and decided to temporarily withdraw from White Rock City, pulling out the two stationed elders. As a result, White Rock City had become divided among three factions. However, despite this division, a large portion of the city remained unclaimed. These unclaimed territories had become the playground of rogue cultivators. Powerful Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators formed various gangs, recruiting others and carving out their own territories in White Rock City. Today, the city was in utter chaos. Murder and robbery in broad daylight had become commonplace. At this moment, a young figure arrived at the entrance of White Rock City. He wore a half-mask with fire patterns, covering his eyes and nose, leaving only his mouth exposed. There were many people wearing masks like him. He didn''t stand out. This young man was Shen Mo. Even before approaching White Rock City, he had already donned the mask. In this way, he concealed his face, avoiding unnecessary trouble. "Indeed, such a fragrant aroma!" As soon as Shen Mo arrived at White Rock City, he immediately caught the rich fragrance in the air. Just a light sniff filled him with a sense of relaxation and delight. Even the rotation speed of his Infernal Gold Core had accelerated. "The scent of Thousand-Mile Fragrance." Shen Mo''s spirits lifted. "But how should I find it? This treasure is definitely underground, and without any clues, it''s going to be difficult to locate." He took a few casual steps and noticed several corpses lying on the roadside. Not far away, the sounds of clashing weapons and fighting rang out. Clearly, two groups of rival cultivators had started a battle. Some rogue cultivators cast their eyes on Shen Mo, showing fierce intent. However, after Shen Mo swiftly killed a few of them, the rest of the rogues immediately transformed from hungry wolves into obedient sheep, bowing in submission. He continued walking for a while until he suddenly sensed someone following him. Shen Mo smirked, then abruptly moved at high speed, circling around several times. In no time, he had shaken off his pursuers. After a few more turns, he casually walked into a teahouse. "Shopkeeper, a bowl of cold tea." Shen Mo sat down and spoke calmly. "Coming right up, Daoist! Please wait a moment!" The shopkeeper wasn''t a powerful cultivator, just at the Body Refining stage. His cultivation level was quite low, barely at the mid-stage of Body Refining, not much stronger than an ordinary strong mortal. Soon, a bowl of cold tea was brought to him. Shen Mo''s mask only covered the upper half of his face, allowing him to drink freely. While sipping his tea, he also listened to the conversations of the cultivators in the teahouse. "Look at that girl, she''s a real beauty. How about we" "Shh, didn''t you see the person next to her? He''s a disciple of Qingxuan Sect. That sect''s riding high right now, we better not provoke them." "Qingxuan Sect are they really that powerful? I don''t remember hearing much about them." "Are you kidding me? You don''t know Qingxuan Sect? Are you even from Xuanjiang Prefecture?" "No I''m from the neighboring Jiande Prefecture. My sect was wiped out" Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Uh, brother, that''s rough." "Come on, tell me, what''s Qingxuan Sect? I only know about the Five Sects of Xuanjiang." "Heh, if you''re talking about Qingxuan Sect, you have to mention one person: their Young Sect Master, Shen Mo! This guy once dominated the Hundred Sects Grand Tournament, defeating countless geniuses to take first place! Let me tell you another thing: he''s only at the early Core Formation stage but managed to kill a peak Core Formation cultivator. Now, tell me if that''s impressive or not!" "Wow, that''s incredible!" "..." Shen Mo couldn''t help but chuckle. He hadn''t expected that even here in White Rock City, deep in the central region of Xuanjiang Prefecture, people were talking about his deeds. But a Qingxuan Sect disciple? From the corner of his eye, Shen Mo glanced toward a pair of young men and women sitting in a corner of the teahouse with their backs to him. The man was tall and dashing, while the woman was petite and delicate. Out of curiosity, Shen Mo subconsciously checked their life panels. "So, it''s him?" He laughed quietly to himself. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 136: How Can I Reject an Opportunity That Presents Itself? Chapter 136: How Can I Reject an Opportunity That Presents Itself? Shen Mo discovered that the person dressed in the Qingxuan Sect disciple''s robes was actually Xiao Fan. The woman beside him was not a Qingxuan Sect disciple, but Ouyang Qian, the daughter of the deputy sect leader of the Divine Sword Sect. "According to fate, Xiao Fan had long hooked up with Ouyang Qian. As for Liu Fei, he must have already dumped her, right?" "Even Liu Yuanfeng can endure thishis own daughter was abandoned by his disciple, yet he remains indifferent... Well, it makes sense. He probably saw that Xiao Fan had cozied up to Ouyang Qian, so he had no choice but to bear it." Shen Mo took a sip of tea and smiled faintly. He continued to carefully examine Xiao Fan''s life panel. When he saw the upcoming opportunities, he was pleasantly surprised. ** ** ** ** ** Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. This guy truly lives up to being a favored child of fate, a reincarnated mighty figure. Although he hasn''t unlocked the memories of his past life yet, opportunities are coming one after another. On the way to find the Thousand Mile Fragrance, he''ll accidentally stumble upon the Red Sun Lotus, then obtain something even more preciousthe Thousand Mile Fragrance Essence. The Red Sun Lotus is one of the treasures that nurture a nine-layered lotus platform. It also strengthens the body and accelerates blood growth. The Thousand Mile Fragrance Essence is even more difficult to obtain. It must be cultivated by the Thousand Mile Fragrance over a hundred years without any disturbance to form a single drop of essence. Its effect is to permanently increase the speed of spiritual energy recovery. For someone like Shen Mo, who has vast spiritual power, its value would be even greater. Once he refines the Thousand Mile Fragrance Essence, the amount of spiritual energy he could recover in a few breaths would likely surpass what others could restore in several dozen breaths. Leaving such a treasure to someone else would surely be a waste, right? "I almost feel embarrassed by how easily these opportunities are falling into my lap." "But since the opportunity is coming to me on its own, I can''t just reject it." "After all, as the saying goes, even a goose feather sent from a thousand miles away carries the sender''s affection." Shen Mo smiled faintly. He immediately tossed out a piece of low-grade spirit stone, paid the bill, and left. The shopkeeper was overjoyed, hastily accepting it and bowing deeply as Shen Mo walked away. His chilled tea was infused with many precious medicinal ingredients, making it cool and refreshing. Yet even so, a jar of it would barely sell for two low-grade spirit stones. Shen Mo''s single small piece of spirit stone was worth half a jar of his tea. Naturally, he was extremely grateful to Shen Mo. Xiao Fan took a big gulp of the tea and, as he watched that departing figure, an inexplicable sense of fear arose within him. "That back looks so familiar... Could it be Shen Mo? No, no, it''s impossible. He should still be in seclusion at Profound Frost Cave." "I''m out here seeking opportunities this time. He definitely doesn''t know, so there''s no way he''s following me." "Yes, it must not be him. The treasures of White Stone City are mine for the taking!" ... Night fell. In White Stone City, at the Tongfu Inn. A graceful woman stood on the rooftop, gazing at the night sky. Her features were exquisite, her appearance stunning, making it impossible to determine her age. Behind her were three elders in the Core Formation stage. Two of them appeared to be around forty or fifty years old. They wore blue and white elder robes of the White River Sect. The third was cloaked in black, his entire body concealed. Under the moonlight, one could just barely make out his white hair and his face full of age spots. "Sect Master," the three cultivators cupped their fists toward the graceful woman. "How are things?" the woman asked faintly. One of them replied, "After the news of the strange floral fragrance in White Stone City spread, Shen Mo has already exited seclusion and arrived in the city. However, as soon as he entered, he sensed someone tailing him and managed to shake off our people." "The only thing we know is that he''s wearing a half-face mask with a flame pattern." The woman calmly said, "Find him. Our White River Sect has been secretly operating in White Stone City for many years and already has a vast intelligence network." "Inform the rogue cultivators to keep an eye out for this person. He must be found within three days." "Yes." The woman added, "Also, the news of the floral fragrance in White Stone City has spread. I suspect many top-tier sects have already arrived." "We must find the Thousand Mile Fragrance before them. This item is crucial for Sect Master Zhang to form his Nascent Soulit cannot be lost." "I understand!" The two men bowed their heads and left. After they had gone, the elderly man who had remained silent suddenly spoke. "Xinyue, a treasure as precious as the Thousand Mile Fragranceyou don''t want it for yourself?" White River Sect Master L Xinyue sighed softly, "I am only at the peak of the Core Formation stage, not yet at its pinnacle. I don''t need treasures to prepare for the Nascent Soul stage just yet." "More importantly, using such a treasure to secure the support of the Heavenly Water Sect is of greater value." The elderly man frowned, "Is Qingxuan Sect truly that powerful? When I went into seclusion forty years ago, the Qingxuan Sect had already declined into a second-rate sect." L Xinyue smiled bitterly, "Second Uncle, too much has changed with the Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo somehow obtained the art of Crystal Refinement and handed it to Qingxuan Sect. Now, their business covers the entire southern part of the Xuanjiang Prefecture." "Even Feng Lieshan, the Blood River Sect Master, a peak Core Formation cultivator, was killed by Shen Mo." "If Qingxuan Sect continues to grow at this rate, in less than three years, they will rise to rival the Heavenly Water Sect, reclaiming their place among the five great sects of Xuanjiang." "When that happens, what do you think will become of our White River Sect, given that we betrayed Qingxuan Sect back then?" The elderly man fell silent. Back when Qingxuan Sect was still one of the five great sects of Xuanjiang, the White River Sect had been a loyal subordinate, faithfully following their orders. However, as Qingxuan Sect gradually declined, the White River Sect started harboring second thoughts. Later, the Heavenly Water Sect reached out to the White River Sect. After offering great rewards, the two sects struck an agreement. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Naturally, this culminated in the classic betrayal of an old ally. If Qingxuan Sect''s fall from grace among the five great sects was caused by the Heavenly Water Sect, then the White River Sect was at least an accomplice. They had also become mortal enemies of Qingxuan Sect. After a long pause, the old man finally spoke slowly, "You''re right." L Xinyue nodded, "That''s why we must spare no effort to halt Qingxuan Sect''s rise." "And the best way to achieve that is by capturing Shen Mo!" "I had initially thought that Feng Lieshan''s ambush at Profound Frost Cave would be enough to catch Shen Mo, but unexpectedly... sigh..." The elderly man smiled faintly, "No worries. Now that I''m here, no matter how talented or powerful this child may be, he''s as good as caught." L Xinyue nodded slightly, "Second Uncle, you cannot fight for long. The three of us will create the opportunity for youjust capture him with one strike." The elderly man smiled kindly, "Alright." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 137: Stormy Rain Sect and Purple Star Sect Gather from All Sides Chapter 137: Stormy Rain Sect and Purple Star Sect Gather from All Sides In White Stone City, at the Tianxiang Restaurant. Liu Menghu, the Sect Master of the Stormy Rain Sect, was gulping down alcohol heartily. Beside him sat a curvaceous woman draped in black gauze. A small white snake coiled around her body. She was none other than Mo Yuheng, the Young Sect Master of the Verdant Vine Sect. Having just condensed her Golden Core of Ten Thousand Demons and recently stepped into the Core Formation stage, she had come to White Stone City. Standing nearby were Qin Feng, the vice sect master of Stormy Rain Sect, and an elder of the Core Formation stage, but neither had taken a seat. Liu Menghu, after finishing a jug of wine, leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Young Sect Master, are you certain the source of the fragrance is the Thousand Mile Fragrance?" "I''ve heard rumors suggesting it might be other treasures." "Those treasures can''t be used to form a Nascent Soul." Mo Yuheng chuckled softly, "Sect Master Liu, have you forgotten my unique constitution? These little creatures by my side are exceptionally sensitive to the scent of rare treasures." Liu Menghu laughed sheepishly, "Right, that''s my oversight." Mo Yuheng smiled, "My father already has two treasures for forming his Nascent Soul. Obtaining this Thousand Mile Fragrance will give him a third, allowing him to form a Three Lotus Nascent Soul." Liu Menghu scratched his head, "By the way, I''ve heard that Shen Mo has also come to White Stone City, but he seems to have vanished after arriving." A glimmer flashed in Mo Yuheng''s eyes. "Oh? Then we''re in for quite the show." "What do you mean?" Liu Menghu asked, puzzled. Mo Yuheng gently stroked the small snake as she smiled, "The three top-tier sects under the Heavenly Water Sect''s controltwo of them have already been wiped out. Only White River Sect remains." "The Heavenly Water Sect is itching to eliminate Shen Mo, but they can''t act directly due to their status, as it would be improper to bully someone weaker. Their only option is to use White River Sect." "White Stone City used to belong to the Blood River Sect, but secretly, White River Sect has been running things here for a long time." "Shen Mo coming here... do you think they wouldn''t know?" "Also, if I remember correctly, the first rumors about the strange fragrance in White Stone City originated from people associated with White River Sect, right?" Liu Menghu scratched his head, "Yeah, those spreading the news were pretending to be rogue cultivators, but they were actually from White River Sect. I looked into that a while ago." "Exactly. White River Sect is probably trying to lure Shen Mo out of the Qingxuan Sect. In the next few days, we might witness them trying to capture Shen Mo," Mo Yuheng said, her eyes flashing. Liu Menghu thought for a moment, "If Shen Mo really falls into their trap, should we intervene?" Mo Yuheng blinked, "Fall into their trap? Sect Master Liu, Shen Mo''s current strength is already on par with yours. Unless White River Sect sends out more than ten elders, capturing him will be quite difficult." Liu Menghu couldn''t help but laugh. Mo Yuheng smiled, "Unless White River Sect brings out their veteran elder, there''s no way they''ll capture Shen Mo." "But my father''s intelligence suggests that the veteran elder of White River Sect is still in secluded cultivation and hasn''t left their sect." "This time, White River Sect has only sent four people to White Stone City, including L Xinyue." "They likely have other means, perhaps a formation, but to think they can trap Shen Mo with a formation is underestimating him." Liu Menghu nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I remember Shen Mo used a cold-killing formation in Profound Frost Cave to severely weaken Feng Lieshan and others." "He clearly has deep knowledge of formations." Mo Yuheng smiled, "So, we just need to sit back and enjoy the show." "Understood." ... In White Stone City, at the City Lord''s Mansion. A tall middle-aged man stood silently, gazing at the pitch-black night sky. He was dressed in a luxurious purple robe. Gold threads were woven into the collar and chest. On the front and back, the robe was embroidered with shining stars. This man was none other than Yang Tianxing, the Sect Master of the Purple Star Sect. Behind him stood two men, equally silent, saying nothing. They were also dressed in purple robes, radiating powerful aurasboth were Core Formation cultivators. After a long pause, Yang Tianxing slowly spoke, "The people from White River Sect and Stormy Rain Sect are both here?" The elder of the Purple Star Sect on the left responded, "Yes, Sect Master. Four people from White River Sect have arrived, with Sect Master L Xinyue leading them, along with three Core Formation elders." "As far as we know, the veteran elder of White River Sect is still in secluded cultivation and has not come out." The elder on the right added, "Three people from Stormy Rain Sect have also arrived, including Sect Master Liu Menghu, Vice Sect Master Qin Feng, and a Core Formation elder." "However, we''ve also heard that Mo Yuheng, the Young Sect Master of Verdant Vine Sect, has arrived in White Stone City. It seems they are working together." Yang Tianxing raised an eyebrow, "The Verdant Vine Sect has been quiet for a long time, and now they''ve decided to step in." "Order our people to intensify the search for the Thousand Mile Fragrance. We must find it before White River Sect and Stormy Rain Sect." "Understood," the two Purple Star Sect elders replied in unison. "Sect Master, there are rumors that the Qingxuan Sect''s Young Sect Master, Shen Mo, has also come to White Stone City. Should we...?" the elder on the left suddenly asked. Yang Tianxing''s eyes flashed briefly. The Purple Star Sect had always closely aligned itself under the Thunderfire Sect''s banner. Previously, the Thunderfire Sect had a minor conflict with the Qingxuan Sect over the Thunder Crystal Mine. Although it hadn''t escalated into open hostility, tensions undoubtedly existed between them. If he could capture Shen Mo and present him to the Thunderfire Sect''s leader, Yang Tianxing might be able to gain significant rewards. However, doing so would thoroughly offend the Qingxuan Sect. Balancing this decision was critical. Yang Tianxing didn''t want to provoke his backer, Thunderfire Sect, but neither did he wish to start a war with the equally powerful Qingxuan Sect. After a long deliberation, he finally shook his head. "Let''s wait and see." "If Shen Mo is foolish enough to involve himself in this matter and interferes with us, we''ll deal with him then." The two elders of the Purple Star Sect immediately understood Yang Tianxing''s meaning and nodded repeatedly. ... At the same time. In the east of White Stone City. Shen Mo wandered around for a bit before quickly locating the long-abandoned residence. He effortlessly opened the door and stepped inside. The interior was quite ordinary, with no objects emitting spiritual energy. From the furnishings, it seemed the house''s owner had been a hunter. Shen Mo took a deep breath, and his eyes lit up. At first whiff, the floral fragrance here seemed identical to the scent permeating the entire city. But upon closer inspection, he realized that the fragrance here was much stronger, not the fresh and subtle aroma that filled the city. Shen Mo unleashed a few threads of spiritual energy, easily shattering the ground beneath him. With his current cultivation, he could open up such a stone floor without making a sound. He leapt down into the cellar. The air inside was thick with the stench of rot. There were piles of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and dried meat, likely stored by the house''s owner for the winter. However, since the owner had never returned, no matter how well these items were stored, they had inevitably rotted. Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Amid the foul odor, a particularly strong fragrance stood out. Shen Mo immediately spotted a small crimson flower, about the size of a palm. It was growing among the decayed plants and dried meat. "Growing amidst decay and filth, yet producing such a rich fragrance." Shen Mo marveled at the wonders of the world for a moment. He stepped forward and plucked the Red Sun Lotus. After a moment''s thought, he casually sent out a wave of spiritual energy, clearing the cellar of its rotten stench. He then sat down cross-legged right where he was. He intended to refine the Red Sun Lotus on the spot. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 138: The Thousand Mile Fragrance Blooms, Treasures Revealed Chapter 138: The Thousand Mile Fragrance Blooms, Treasures Revealed Shen Mo gently plucked the petals of the Red Sun Lotus. Like munching on potato chips, he tossed them into his mouth. Instantly, waves of medicinal energy surged through his body. The feeling was completely different from when he refined the Thousand-Hand Lotus in the past. If that experience had been a gentle stream, this was like a rushing mountain flood. The Red Sun Lotus was one of the sixty-some Earth-rank treasures recorded in the , and it was the most suitable for nurturing a nine-layered lotus platform. Why was it the most suitable? It was precisely because of the vast amounts of fiery spiritual energy contained within it. By dawn, Shen Mo had fully refined the Red Sun Lotus. Not a trace of its spiritual energy was wasted. When he observed his dantian internally, he immediately saw that below his golden core, a second lotus platform had already formed atop his dao altar. This new lotus platform was a fiery red, radiating intense heat. At first glance, it seemed as though flames were dancing, but in truth, it was crimson petals spinning continuously. Shen Mo sensed his body had grown significantly stronger, and the flow of blood in his veins had sped up. This meant that if he were injured, his body would now heal far faster than before. The effects of this single Red Sun Lotus were equivalent to five Green Jade Beads! "It''s time to leave." "In two days, the Thousand Mile Fragrance will bloom. I need to rest and prepare for that moment." With a single leap, Shen Mo stood up and left. As he strolled out of the residential area, a young couple holding hands walked past him. This familiar paira handsome man and a beautiful womanwas none other than Xiao Fan and Ouyang Qian. It was obvious they had followed the scent of the flowers to this place. Had Shen Mo not intercepted the opportunity, the Red Sun Lotus would have certainly ended up in Xiao Fan''s hands. Shen Mo smiled faintly as he brushed past them. Xiao Fan gave the man wearing a flame-patterned mask a puzzled look. "Brother Xiao Fan, what''s wrong? What are you looking at?" Ouyang Qian asked with a light laugh. Xiao Fan shook his head. "Nothing, I just felt like I saw someone familiar." "Someone familiar?" Ouyang Qian tilted her head. "Someone I both hate and fear," Xiao Fan said, his expression complicated. Ouyang Qian clenched her fists playfully. "Who is it? I''ll ask my father to kill him for you!" Xiao Fan chuckled, "No need. With my potential, in no more than five years, I''ll surpass him." "The humiliation I''ve suffered, I will wash away with my own hands!" Ouyang Qian''s eyes sparkled. "Brother Xiao Fan, what I admire most about you is your indomitable spirit and your upright character!" Xiao Fan smiled humbly. "Sister Qian, you think too highly of me." Ouyang Qian giggled as she looked ahead at an unremarkable residence. "It seems that intense floral scent is coming from over there, Brother Xiao Fan. Let''s take a look." The two entered the house. Immediately, they sensed something was off. The ground inside was already shattered. Xiao Fan''s instincts told him something bad had happened. He quickly jumped into the cellar. It was empty. The once strong floral fragrance was rapidly fading. Ouyang Qian tilted her head. "Looks like we''ve come to the wrong place. There''s nothing here." "Brother Xiao Fan, let''s check the next house." Xiao Fan scratched his head. "Yeah, seems like we''ve got the wrong place." ... "The City Lord''s mansion..." "This inn looks good." Shen Mo walked into an inn called "Yuelai" and rented a room on the third floor. Opening the window, he had a clear view of the City Lord''s mansion. "It seems the City Lord of White Stone City is affiliated with the Purple Star Sect." Shen Mo gazed at the magnificent City Lord''s mansion, lost in thought. He had done his homework in advance. While he didn''t know the intricacies of the three factions in White Stone City, he was at least familiar with the basics. The White River Sect and Stormy Rain Sect needed little explanation. The White River Sect, under the Heavenly Water Sect, was a sworn enemy of the Qingxuan Sect. The Stormy Rain Sect was under the Verdant Vine Sect, and they were allied with the Qingxuan Sect. The Purple Star Sect was relatively unfamiliar. This sect belonged to the Thunderfire Sect, a prestigious and long-standing sect with a deep foundation and many powerful members. As the three factions vied for control over White Stone City, the Purple Star Sect, being the closest, had taken the initiative and assassinated the old City Lord, installing one of their own in his place. Additionally, the Purple Star Sect had taken control of the northern part of the city, along with many villages and towns to the north of White Stone City. This region was rich, with two mines and more than ten medicinal fields, producing abundant resources. The White River Sect was the second to arrive, seizing the prosperous western part of the city. Many restaurants, inns, teahouses, and brothels now fell under the control of the White River Sect. The Stormy Rain Sect and the Qingxuan Sect were the last to arrive, only managing to secure the southern region. After the Qingxuan Sect decided to withdraw, they transferred control of their territory to the Stormy Rain Sect through a deal. As for the eastern part of the city, none of the three major factions had touched it. It remained entirely under the control of rogue cultivators. Additionally, in the corners untouched by the three major factions, rogue cultivators continued to operate. Shen Mo speculated that many of these so-called rogue cultivators were actually backed by the three factions. On the surface, they appeared to be independent groups, but in reality, they acted as pawns or "white gloves" for the three sects. These "white gloves" were useful, able to do the dirty work and, if necessary, could be discarded without hesitation. "In truth, for the five great sects of Xuanjiang, the first-rate and second-rate sects that serve them are nothing more than disposable ''white gloves'' as well," Shen Mo mused with a faint smile before dismissing the thought. He then sat cross-legged on his bed, swallowed a Great Replenishment Pill, and began cultivating. Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Over those days, the fragrance permeating the entire city grew more intense. From Core Formation cultivators to common mortals, everyone had a growing sense of anticipation. The treasure was about to appear! As the fragrance thickened, the frequency and intensity of secret skirmishes in the city also increased. Shen Mo had even witnessed several late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators die right below his window. That night. Sar?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, colorful lights burst into the sky above the City Lord''s mansion. The night wind carried the strange fragrance throughout the city. One after another, figures instinctively rushed out from their places of rest. Greedy eyes fixated on the City Lord''s mansion. "The City Lord''s mansion!" Someone shouted, and immediately, countless figures surged toward the mansion. Flames erupted into the sky. In just moments, the City Lord''s mansion, a place that had always been peaceful and protected from rogue cultivators, was engulfed in a raging fire! Shen Mo did not immediately join the fray. Instead, he stood on the rooftop of the Yuelai Inn, watching the City Lord''s mansion from afar, shaking his head slightly. On the rooftops around him, numerous other cultivators were also standing. All of them were at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. Quite a few were even at the Core Formation stage. They were far more composed. Unlike the overly greedy cultivators who rushed headlong toward the City Lord''s mansion, these seasoned individuals remained patient. Shen Mo couldn''t help but feel some sympathy for those dark figures charging toward the mansion. The first wave of intruders was clearly foolish. The City Lord''s mansion, the headquarters of the Purple Star Sect, wouldn''t be without defenses. Even if they were momentarily caught off guard and the fire caused some confusion, there was no way the rogue cultivators would be able to breach it. As expected, soon the night wind carried the sounds of screams and the stench of blood. At the same time, a cold voice echoed across the skies of White Stone City. "Yang Tianxing is here. Anyone who dares to trespass into the City Lord''s mansion will be killed without mercy!" Upon hearing this, many cultivators trembled, their eyes filled with disbelief. The Sect Master of the Purple Star Sect, Yang Tianxing, had personally arrived? ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 139: Senior, Please Take Me Somewhere Else Chapter 139: Senior, Please Take Me Somewhere Else Everyone''s hearts were filled with hesitation. The Sect Master of the Purple Star Sect himself had arrived. It seemed there was no longer a chance for anyone to fish in troubled waters. At that moment, another powerful aura surged beneath the night sky, rising higher and higher in layers. "Hahaha, Sect Master Yang, you''re quite something! White Stone City isn''t the territory of your Purple Star Sect. If you can come, why can''t I, Liu Menghu?" Liu Menghu! The cultivators'' expressions froze once again. The Sect Master of the Storm Rain Sect, Liu Menghu! Another cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage. Just as Liu Menghu finished speaking, another strong presence suddenly appeared from not far away. It was as if the cool moonlight illuminated the world. "There''s no need for such hostility, you two. Let''s not damage the harmony." "Sect Master Yang, we''re only interested in taking a look at the City Lord''s mansion. We don''t have any other intentions." Under the moonlight, the cultivators saw a graceful woman floating in mid-air. She was dressed in a plain white robe, her aura serene and otherworldly. With the arrival of Yang Tianxing and Liu Menghu, it wasn''t difficult to guess the identity of this woman. She was none other than L Xinyue, the Sect Master of the White River Sect! Now, the leaders of the three major forces in White Stone City had all revealed themselves! Some of the spectators among the cultivators were thrilled. Normally, they would never get the chance to see figures of this level. After all, the three were the leaders of prestigious sects, possessing immense power and high status. It seemed a fierce battle was about to break out! Unlike the astonished cultivators, Shen Mo remained unphased. He had long known that these three forces would vie for control over the Thousand-Mile Fragrance. He also knew that none of them would ultimately succeed in claiming it. In the end, Xiao Fan would take advantage of the chaos and secretly steal it away. If these three Sect Masters knew their fate was already sealed, what would their reactions be? "Sect Master L, your words are misguided. The City Lord''s mansion is the territory of my Purple Star Sect. No matter what''s inside, it''s not for the White River Sect or Storm Rain Sect to see!" Yang Tianxing glanced at L Xinyue from a distance, sneering coldly. L Xinyue smiled slightly, "Who said the City Lord''s mansion is your territory?" As her words fell, a violent explosion suddenly erupted from within the mansion! Yang Tianxing''s pupils contracted as he looked toward the source. The explosion came from the City Lord''s bedchamber! Moments later, a group of cultivators rushed out from the City Lord''s mansion, surrounding the City Lord''s son. "Sect Master L, the old City Lord, who went against the will of the people, has been executed. We wish to establish his son as the new City Lord. Please protect us, Sect Master L!" The leading rogue cultivator shouted loudly toward L Xinyue. Yang Tianxing''s face turned grim with anger. The White River Sect had already planted its agents within the City Lord''s mansion! "Our White River Sect has always stood for fairness and justice. Since you seek our aid, how could I refuse?" L Xinyue spoke in a clear voice. With that, she led her Core Formation cultivators to the scene without delay. Yang Tianxing roared furiously, "A son killing his father is the greatest form of unfilial conduct! He deserves death!" He channeled his spiritual power and unleashed a massive hand of starlight toward the gate of the City Lord''s mansion, enveloping the group of cultivators and the City Lord''s son within it. Boom! A streak of moonlight, spanning dozens of meters, suddenly shot forth and collided with the starlight hand. Bang! The moonlight and starlight intertwined and annihilated each other, the impact shattering the surrounding buildings into rubble. Dust filled the air. In an instant, L Xinyue and her people had arrived, shielding the City Lord''s son and his group. "Sect Master Yang, the City Lord you appointed was tyrannical and violent. His son acted with righteousness by putting an end to him, and should be rewarded, not punished." L Xinyue frowned deeply, "It seems the Purple Star Sect no longer has a place in White Stone City." "For the stability of White Stone City, my White River Sect is willing to take action and drive the Purple Star Sect out!" From afar, Liu Menghu laughed heartily, "Sister L is absolutely right! I, Liu Menghu, fully support her!" The rogue cultivators, seeing this, also began shouting loudly. "We support it too!" "The Purple Star Sect has acted unjustly; it''s only right we join forces to oppose them!" "Charge! Storm the City Lord''s mansion and seize the treasures! Oops, I mean, restore order to the city!" "...Don''t say your real intentions out loud, it''s about stabilizing White Stone City!" "Ah, yes, yes, it''s for White Stone City''s stability, not for any treasures!" L Xinyue was the first to make her move. With that, the situation escalated rapidly. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Under the dark night sky, the battle instantly reached a fever pitch. The White River Sect, Purple Star Sect, and Storm Rain Sect were locked in a chaotic struggle. The rogue cultivator gang they secretly manipulated seized the opportunity to enter the City Lord''s mansion, searching for the treasure emitting the floral fragrance. Shen Mo watched the scene unfold with a half-smile. These people sure make things complicated when fighting. Clearly, they were all here for the Thousand-Mile Fragrance. Yet, they had to claim it was for fairness and justice, or the stability of White Stone City. But the White River Sect was truly capable. They managed to manipulate the City Lord''s son into killing his father. With this, they instantly took the moral high ground. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Silhouettes darted through the night, racing toward the City Lord''s mansion. Shen Mo''s gaze swept across the streets and alleys. He quickly found his target. Xiao Fan and Ouyang Qian! The two had also seized the opportunity, rushing into the City Lord''s mansion at top speed. Shen Mo chuckled lightly and followed them immediately. Finding the Thousand-Mile Fragrance on his own would be too troublesome. By simply following these two, he''d naturally discover the final target. With a few swift movements, Shen Mo easily slipped into the City Lord''s mansion. At that moment, the mansion echoed with the sounds of battle, and flames rose high into the sky. Corpses littered the ground. There were not only the bodies of ordinary people but also those of high-level cultivators, who, in the eyes of mortals, were once unreachable figures. Now, they lay on the ground like dead pigs. People die for wealth, just as birds die for food. Mortals are like this. So are cultivators. Many cultivators, driven mad by the killing, were attacking anyone they saw. Shen Mo, using his Eightfold Thunder Technique, easily weaved through the crowd. Only when there was no way to avoid an attack would he flick his fingers, sending a thread of spiritual energy that instantly struck vital points, killing his enemies in seconds. Most of the rogue cultivators here were at the Foundation Establishment stage. For a Core Formation cultivator like Shen Mo, it was like a tiger entering a flock of sheep. Pure carnage! "The floral scent is becoming harder to track" Shen Mo took a moment to sniff the air. However, the smell of blood, sweat, and burning completely overwhelmed the floral scent. Even if he brought in a demon hound trained to the fourth rank, it would still be as lost as a headless fly. "This luck" Shen Mo trailed Xiao Fan the whole time. It amused him to no end. The rogue cultivators practically acted as if he didn''t exist. Throughout the chase, Shen Mo observed that only four people had attacked Xiao Fan. Of them, three mysteriously died before they could even strikestabbed in the back, hit by stray arrows, or crushed by a burning beam. The fourth one, well, he was an overconfident Foundation Establishment novice who got killed by Xiao Fan with a single sword strike. "Is he heading for the rock garden?" Shen Mo noticed Xiao Fan''s movements and quickened his pace, catching up. Indeed, the floral scent here was much stronger. With a few leaps, Shen Mo reached the rock garden ahead of Xiao Fan, slamming his palm down on the path before him. Boom! The cobblestone path instantly caved in, leaving a large crater. Xiao Fan instinctively stopped and swallowed hard. Such power... it must be a Core Formation cultivator! "Senior, please, I''ll head somewhere else!" Xiao Fan, knowing his place, cupped his hands toward Shen Mo, then quickly turned and ran in a different direction. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 140: The Treasure Will Surely End Up in Lü Xinyue’s Hands Chapter 140: The Treasure Will Surely End Up in L Xinyue''s Hands Shen Mo chuckled lightly as he looked at the rock garden. He swiftly struck with his palm. Boom! The rock garden instantly shattered into countless fragments, shooting in all directions. Beneath it, a pit was revealed. A rich floral fragrance immediately wafted out, spreading around the area. Shen Mo quickly used his Eightfold Thunder Technique and dashed into the pit at top speed. It turned out that there was a hidden underground tunnel here. He surmised that it was probably constructed by the previous City Lord as an escape route. With the old City Lord dead, the tunnel had naturally fallen into obscurity. Shen Mo advanced rapidly through the tunnel. There was no longer any trace of the blood, sweat, or burning smells from the outside world, so he followed the floral scent all the way forward. He soon arrived at the spot where the fragrance was the most intense. There was a small pool of water here. Drip, drip. Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Water droplets slowly fell from above. Suspended in the pool was a lotus flower about the size of a palm. It was the Thousand-Mile Fragrance! At this moment, the flower had fully bloomed. At its center was a single, crystal-clear droplet of dew. This was the Thousand-Mile Fragrance Dew. It was a drop of dew formed only when the Thousand-Mile Fragrance was in full bloom and undisturbed by external forces! Shen Mo had already prepared a jade bottle and swiftly collected the Thousand-Mile Fragrance Dew. Then, he took out a pair of small scissors made from jade and carefully cut the Thousand-Mile Fragrance. If plucked by hand, much of its medicinal power would be lost. Only by using jade scissors could the maximum potency be preserved. After the fall of the Feishuang Sect and Blood River Sect, their records had been sent to the Qingxuan Sect. During his downtime from cultivation, Shen Mo had read these books and was well aware of the Thousand-Mile Fragrance''s properties. By now, the strong floral scent had spread far and wide. More and more people were beginning to notice this place. Including L Xinyue, Liu Menghu, and Yang Tianxing, who were fighting in mid-air. Had someone already obtained the Thousand-Mile Fragrance? Whose hands was it in? The same thought arose in all three of their minds. They simultaneously stopped their battle and looked toward the gathering crowd. They saw a large number of cultivators rushing toward the City Lord''s mansion''s rear garden. Boom! A loud explosion rang out. A figure burst out from underground, moving at incredible speed. Before the surrounding cultivators could even react, the figure had already widened the distance between them by several dozen meters. "That''s him!" one of the cultivators shouted, pointing at the figure in mid-air. "Chase, chase, chase! The treasure is mine!" "Hey, brat, stop running! Hand over the treasure!" The cultivators were immediately thrown into a frenzy, madly pursuing the figure. Xiao Fan, hearing the commotion, also returned to the vicinity of the rock garden. Through the hole in the ground, he saw the now-empty pool. He quickly realized that the Thousand-Mile Fragrance had just been here, in this pool. But now, it was gone. The problem was, he had already felt that something was off with the rock garden earlier. The treasure must have been beneath it. Unfortunately, that Core Formation cultivator got involved, and he had to step aside. As it turned out, his hunch had been right. But now, the treasure had slipped away from him. "Ah such a frustrating feeling." Xiao Fan was quite upset. That Core Formation cultivator was clearly a stranger. So why did it feel as if he was facing Shen Mo all over again? "Brother Xiao Fan? Are you alright?" Ouyang Qian''s concerned voice came from not far away. "I''m fine it''s just that we''re no longer in a position to compete for that treasure." "From here on, only Core Formation cultivators will have any say in who gets it." Xiao Fan sighed. Ouyang Qian giggled, "It''s alright, it''s alright. If Brother Xiao Fan wants something, just let me know. I''ve got it." "I remember you''re still short two top-tier Profound-level treasures to form a perfect golden core, right?" "I''ve got them for you." As she spoke, she forcefully handed over two treasures to Xiao Fan. Xiao Fan was shocked and quickly accepted them. "Alright! Sister Qian, your love for me is truly real!" Ouyang Qian blushed furiously. "Brother Xiao Fan, you''re being too blunt" "I need to find a quiet place to form my golden core, let''s go." "Mm, I''ll guard you while you do it." The two of them quickly left. ... Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Shen Mo used his **, swiftly moving through the City Lord''s mansion. His goal was simple: to shake off the pursuers and leave White Stone City. It was easy enough to shake off the rogue cultivators, as most were merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, and he could kill them with a flick of his fingers. However, the members of the three major sects wouldn''t let him leave so easily. Of course, since Shen Mo had decided to seize the Thousand-Mile Fragrance, he had also prepared to face these people. After stepping into the ** stage, he could kill any cultivator of the same level in seconds. Against a peak Core Formation cultivator, he could still crush them. Even when faced with a top-level Core Formation cultivator, though he might not be able to win, he could at least escape unscathed. It could be said that of all the cultivators in the city, the only one Shen Mo needed to be cautious of was the elder from the White River Sect who had reached the peak of the Core Formation stage. At that moment, a streak of moonlight suddenly spanned dozens of meters, crashing toward him. Shen Mo instinctively dodged, easily avoiding the strike. The moonlight smashed into one of the pavilions in the City Lord''s mansion, reducing it to rubble. Fragments of stone grazed Shen Mo''s right leg, leaving a small cut. However, such a wound was nothing in the face of his body''s powerful regenerative abilities. Within just a few breaths, the wound had already healed. L Xinyue, watching this from a distance, raised an eyebrow slightly. She could tell at a glance that her opponent was also a Core Formation cultivator. "Fellow cultivator, this item belongs to White Stone City. As an outsider, you shouldn''t take it away," L Xinyue said calmly. Shen Mo deliberately made his voice hoarse and laughed, "Priceless treasures belong to those with destiny." "You, L Xinyue, just happened to be born in White Stone City, and you think you have the right to claim it?" L Xinyue wasn''t angered but continued, "Fellow cultivator, you''re also at the Core Formation stage. I''m not one to make enemies lightly. Name your price. As long as it''s reasonable, I''m willing to buy it." Shen Mo sneered, "Heh heh, the Thousand-Mile Fragrance is one of the treasures that nurtures a lotus throne. It''s worth half the life of a Nascent Soul cultivator. You want it? Bring me 10,000 top-grade spirit stones in exchange!" L Xinyue frowned. It was clear that this person had no intention of handing over the Thousand-Mile Fragrance. "Then you can die," L Xinyue said coldly, her voice chilling as she waved her hand. In an instant, six streaks of moonlight shot out, enveloping Shen Mo from all directions. Yang Tianxing and Liu Menghu, who were rushing over, both frowned when they saw this. This move was L Xinyue''s signature technique. It was a move called "Sixfold Cold Moon," only comprehensible by those who had cultivated the White River Sect''s Earth-rank martial art, , to the eighth level. When unleashed, the six streaks of moonlight sealed off the opponent from every angle. The moonlight was cold and yin in nature. Attempting to break through it with brute force would only cause the moonlight to bind tighter. Of course, with overwhelming brute strength, it was possible to shatter the moonlight. But among cultivators of the same realm, no one had ever accomplished such a feat. Both Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing had fought against L Xinyue before. The only way they knew to counter this move was to avoid it altogether. "It seems that treasure will belong to L Xinyue," Yang Tianxing muttered with a frown. Liu Menghu scratched his head. He had a feeling that the rogue cultivator with the fire-patterned mask seemed unusually confident. Even when wrapped in the moonlight, he showed no signs of panic. Was it ignorance, or genuine confidence? It wasn''t just themmany of the cultivators rushing to the scene witnessed this moment. The rogue cultivator who had seized the treasure and fled was now trapped in the six streaks of moonlight. The onlookers sighed in unison. There was no way that rogue cultivator could withstand that attack. The treasure was surely going to fall into L Xinyue''s hands. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 141: Ice Dragon Blood Demon Armor—Smashing Six Moons’ Rays with One Punch Chapter 141: Ice Dragon Blood Demon ArmorSmashing Six Moons'' Rays with One Punch In midair. Facing the six chilling beams of moonlight, Shen Mo''s expression remained particularly calm. Is this move supposed to be strong? With a slight activation of his power, a dark purple demonic armor instantly appeared on his right arm. In a moment, his entire right arm was tightly covered, without a gap. He clenched his fist sharply, and the blood pouch in his palm burst open. Ice Dragon Blood immediately seeped out and was absorbed by the armor. During his previous fight with Feng Lieshan, Shen Mo had realized that retrieving the Ice Dragon Blood from his storage ring and feeding it to the armor was too slow. So, he made a small improvement. It was simple, reallyhe crafted small blood pouches and attached them to his sleeve. Each pouch contained two to three drops of Ice Dragon Blood. These pouches didn''t interfere with his movements and wouldn''t burst open on their own. But when he clenched his fist hard, the blood pouch would burst. The blood would immediately seep out, allowing the armor to absorb it at the first moment. This greatly shortened the time. When experts fight, it''s those fleeting moments that decide the outcome! Boom! In the blink of an eye, the dark purple demonic armor on his right arm underwent a massive transformation. Suddenly, it exuded a bone-chilling aura, covered in sharp ice spikes. The surface was now clad in tightly interlocked scales. Compared to its earlier appearance of dark purple metal, the armor now looked entirely different. This scene was witnessed by Lu Xinyue, Liu Menghu, Yang Tianxing, and the other cultivators. For some reason, they all felt a faint sense of threat emanating from that strange arm guard. Yet, they couldn''t pinpoint why. It was merely an instinctual feeling of danger. "What is that thing? Some kind of spiritual weapon?" Liu Menghu scratched his head. "But why does it only cover the right arm and not the whole body?" Yang Tianxing frowned. "Maybe it''s a gauntlet-type spiritual weapon." In the next moment, Shen Mo stepped back half a step, his right fist brimming with power. An unstoppable, surging force pulsed within his right arm. Just as the six beams of moonlight enveloped him, Shen Mo suddenly threw a punch. Boom! In midair, light exploded, and chaotic currents shot out. A violent shockwave rippled in all directions. Nearby buildings collapsed with a thunderous crash. The once-grand City Lord''s Mansion now stood as nothing but a pile of rubble. Everyone looked back into the sky. The six beams of moonlight had shattered like glass. In an instant, they turned into countless particles of light and disappeared. Yet the rogue cultivator, wearing a half-face mask with flame patterns, stood unscathed! Everyone''s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before them. For Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing, both cultivators at the Core Formation stage, the shock was even greater. Unlike ordinary cultivators, they had experienced Lu Xinyue''s move firsthand and knew its terrifying power. Which made it even more alarming. The fact that this masked rogue cultivator had shattered the "Six Layers of Cold Moon" with a single punch was enough to make their hearts race. Did this mean that they, too, were no match for him? Lu Xinyue''s expression at this moment was like she''d seen a ghost. Her strongest technique was completely useless against him? Her gaze suddenly shifted to the man''s right arm. That strange arm guard it seemed to be more valuable than her own cherished treasure. "Master Lu, still planning to keep me here?" Shen Mo rasped, his voice cold. Lu Xinyue gritted her silver teeth and suddenly shouted to those behind her, "Surround him! That arm guard is the real treasure!" Swish! Swish! Swish! Several figures suddenly appeared, encircling Shen Mo from all directions. They were the elders of the White River Sect. One of them, cloaked entirely in black, had their face and body completely concealed. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. He smiled faintly. As expected, the leader of a sect wasn''t so easily scared off. His gaze casually swept over the elder in the black robe. Everyone else had shown their faces, but this person, not only hid their face, but had their entire body wrapped up. He had long sensed that the other party''s identity was extraordinary. After a quick glance at the life panel, Shen Mo immediately understood. The person before him was none other than the ancestor of the White River Sect. The only ancestor! "Our White River Sect lost a significant treasure many years ago, an arm guard just like that. I suspect you were involved in the theft back then." Lu Xinyue''s gaze grew sharper as she spoke, "I request that you hand over the arm guard and come with us back to the White River Sect to await judgment!" At these words, Shen Mo''s expression turned playful. As expected of a sect leader. Even when trying to steal something, they had to pin a crime on you first. Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing exchanged knowing glances, their expressions tinged with amusement. If you''re going to rob someone, just do itno need for such a grand pretext. Among the observing rogue cultivators, a few sharp-witted individuals immediately saw through Lu Xinyue''s ploy and sneered. Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, many others believed her words. After all, the White River Sect had indeed lost a significant treasure in the past, though it was a full suit of armor, not just an arm guard. "Stealing is stealing. There''s no need to frame me for it." Shen Mo chuckled lightly. "But does Master Lu really think these people alone can trap me?" Lu Xinyue sneered coldly. "You are indeed strong, only slightly weaker than me. But do you think I came here today to seize the Thousand Mile Fragrance without a backup plan?" "Everyone, attack!" As her voice fell, Lu Xinyue and three other Core Formation stage cultivators lunged at Shen Mo. At that moment, the black-robed figure suddenly threw off his cloak, revealing his true identity. The moment he revealed himself, Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing were visibly shaken. "Ancestor! It''s the ancestor of the White River Sect who had been in closed-door seclusion!" "Why is he here? They said he hadn''t left... I see now, it was a ploy by the White River Sect to deceive everyone." The two of them looked grim. They had been played by Lu Xinyue! Even without this rogue cultivator with the flame-patterned mask, the Thousand Mile Fragrance would inevitably have fallen into Lu Xinyue''s hands. After all, the ancestor''s combat strength was terrifying! Among the gathered rogue cultivators, some also recognized the ancestor and began to exclaim in shock. "Who would have thought the White River Sect would bring out their ancestor for the Thousand Mile Fragrance? That flame-masked man is finished." "He''s strong, yes, being able to shatter the Six Moons'' Rays with a single punch, but he''s nowhere near strong enough to face the ancestor." "It''s a pity about that strange demon armor. Looks like it''s going to end up in the hands of the White River Sect." As the White River Sect''s assault closed in from all sides, Shen Mo smiled faintly. Before their attacks could land, he immediately activated his Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique. There was no need for him to clash head-on with the ancestor of the White River Sect. Swish! In the blink of an eye, Shen Mo dashed out of the range of their attacks, landing among the houses outside the City Lord''s Mansion. "His reflexes are so fast, as if he had known all along that the White River Sect would bring out their ancestor" Yang Tianxing muttered in confusion. "Could he have sensed the threat?" "His movement technique is also top-tier, at least a supreme-level Profound-grade technique," Liu Menghu remarked, surprised. Rogue cultivators have limited resources and finances. They typically focus on cultivating their core techniques to elevate their realm. Next, they usually prioritize offensive martial arts. Core techniques and offensive martial arts are often the highest-grade skills rogue cultivators possess. Movement techniques come next, followed by defensive skills. After all, in a world where killing for treasure is common, survival depends more on the strength of your offense, not how fast you can move or how well you can defend. For a rogue cultivator to possess a supreme-level Profound-grade movement technique was indeed surprising. "Chase him! We''ll restrict his movements, and the ancestor will handle the kill," Lu Xinyue commanded sharply. "Yes!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 142: He Cannot Use the Demon Armor Again So Soon Chapter 142: He Cannot Use the Demon Armor Again So Soon Bang! Bang! Bang! Shen Mo moved nimbly across the rooftops of the residences in White Stone City, weaving through them with ease. Each time he landed, he would only stay for five breaths before the spot he had just touched was obliterated by Lu Xinyue and her pursuers. Lu Xinyue and her group showed no regard for the city''s residents, leaving a trail of devastation and corpses in their wake. Many rogue cultivators watching from afar felt uncomfortable at the sight. "Is this what the White River Sect, which claims to uphold justice and fairness, really stands for?" Shen Mo maintained a constant distance from the White River Sect members, occasionally glancing back to mock them. Lu Xinyue''s chest heaved with fury, reflecting her inner rage. They had been chasing this guy for a full incense stick of time. Yet, all they had managed to do was follow behind, achieving nothing. They hadn''t even gotten close enough to touch a hair on his head. The ancestor had come close to catching him a few times. But each time, Shen Mo would swiftly use his movement technique to widen the gap. Lu Xinyue''s sharp intuition detected a potential weakness and she growled, "After he used that move, the arm guard returned to its dark purple color, which means he can''t use it again in such a short time!" "Take the Explosive Qi Pill! We need to limit his speed!" "We can''t let him escape!" Lu Xinyue gritted her silver teeth. "Use the Blood River Sect''s Explosive Qi Pill!" "Understood!" The elders around her hesitated for a moment but quickly complied, swallowing the Explosive Qi Pills. Although the Blood River Sect had been destroyed, many of their Explosive Qi Pills had made their way into the market, both openly and secretly. The White River Sect had, of course, obtained a large supply of them. After consuming the pills, the two elders suddenly became more energized, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. With a single leap, they stomped through a residence, their speed increasing dramatically. Meanwhile, the flame-masked man, Shen Mo, showed signs of injury in both legs, his speed gradually declining. With the speed gap closing, in the blink of an eye, the two elders were less than ten meters behind Shen Mo. At this distance, they were ready to strike! "Attack! Don''t let him get away!" The two elders exchanged a glance and shouted simultaneously. The elder on the left conjured a frigid spear and hurled it toward Shen Mo. The elder on the right extended his hands, from which countless vines sprouted, aiming to entangle Shen Mo''s legs. Shen Mo smiled faintly. He had deliberately slowed down just for this moment. "Taking an Explosive Qi Pill, giving you limitless energy, makes you strong?" "Not necessarily." With a clench of his fist, Shen Mo crushed a second blood pouch. Once again, the demonic armor transformed into the Ice Dragon Blood Demon Armor. Seeing this, Lu Xinyue''s heart sank. She had miscalculated. The devastating blow that had shattered her "Six Layers of Moonlight" was not his ultimate trump card, nor was it a move he could only use once. At least for now, he could use it again! Nearby, Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing, who had been observing the battle, were also stunned. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He can still use it? Does that technique not consume anything? It doesn''t seem like it, though... Without hesitation, Shen Mo immediately used the Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique, turning swiftly. In an instant, he appeared right in front of the two elders, intercepting their attack before it could even be launched. The distance between Shen Mo''s fist and the two elders was a mere three feet! Their pupils contracted sharply. Even if they were fools, they had now realized Shen Mo had been feigning injury and slowing down on purpose! "Block it" The two roared in unison. But before they could finish saying the word "block," the Ice Dragon Blood Demon Armor struck. Boom! One punch. With just one punch, both of their bodies were blown apart in midair. Their remains scattered through the sky like shattered debris. In a single strike, Shen Mo had obliterated two Core Formation stage cultivators in their peak! Liu Menghu gasped in shock. "To blow apart two Core Formation cultivators like that... how strong is his power?" Yang Tianxing instinctively felt an overwhelming sense of danger. This rogue cultivator was anything but ordinary! "Master Lu, are you still planning to pursue me?" Shen Mo hovered in midair, coldly staring at Lu Xinyue and the White River Sect''s ancestor. His icy gaze sent a chill down Lu Xinyue''s spine. She couldn''t understand why someone with no prior enmity toward the White River Sect would harbor such deep hatred. Unbeknownst to her, in the original trajectory of fate, the White River Sect had captured Shen Mo and subjected him to inhumane torture. Even though the Qingxuan Sect eventually exchanged him back, the White River Sect had crippled his dantian, turning him into a ruined man. Shen Mo, already aware of this predetermined fate, naturally held deep hostility toward the White River Sect and Lu Xinyue. "This man has killed two of our White River Sect elders on the spot; we cannot let him go unpunished." "If we don''t kill him today, our sect''s reputation will be in ruins!" The elder approached Lu Xinyue, speaking in a deep voice, "I will chase him and limit his movements. You finish him off." Lu Xinyue took a deep breath. "No, I still have one final move. Even if he can use that strange demon armor again, he won''t be able to block this." The elder hesitated. "No, if you use that technique, it will damage your constitution and greatly reduce your chances of forming a Nascent Soul." Lu Xinyue''s determination was unwavering. "As long as we remain loyal to the Tianshui Sect, the White River Sect can rise again at any time." "I must obtain the Thousand Mile Fragrance, and more importantly, that strange arm guard of his." The elder sighed. "Very well, you are the sect master, so I will follow your lead." Their conversation was unheard by anyone else. Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing were speculating that Lu Xinyue might try to save face by saying something diplomatic, perhaps letting the rogue cultivator leave. But instead of speaking, Lu Xinyue lightly tapped a rooftop and, like a bolt of lightning, accelerated rapidly toward Shen Mo. Midway through, she began silently chanting something, and her pale face lost all traces of color. At this moment, the crescent moon hung high in the sky. As her chanting continued, her entire body seemed to be enveloped in a layer of shimmering moonlight. In that instant, her aura skyrocketed! Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing''s eyes widened in disbelief. "That technique she dares to use it?" Liu Menghu gasped. Yang Tianxing frowned deeply. "Once she uses that technique, her foundation will be damaged, and her chances of forming a Nascent Soul will be greatly diminished. Lu Xinyue is truly sacrificing her future to capture that rogue cultivator." On the ground and rooftops, the rogue cultivators began whispering among themselves. Many of them had never seen this technique before. But a few seasoned elders immediately recognized it. One elder smirked proudly. "You don''t know this move? It''s the ''Moon Body Transformation''!" "Old brother, quickly tell us, what exactly is this technique?" The surrounding cultivators were eager to know, as if they were more anxious than at the moment of consummating a wedding. The elder chuckled. "You know the technique, right? It''s the most profound martial art of the White River Sect." "This Moon Body Transformation is the ultimate move, achievable only when one has mastered the ninth layer of the . It''s so powerful that it''s rarely used unless in life-and-death situations." "Why is it so rare? Does it damage the body, shorten lifespan?" The elder laughed. "Naturally. But this move doesn''t cost lifespan; it consumes one''s foundation!" "Using it once reduces the chances of forming a Nascent Soul by thirty percent." "Using it twice means you can forget about ever reaching the Nascent Soul stage in this lifetime!" After hearing this, the surrounding cultivators gasped in shock. No wonder Lu Xinyue hadn''t used this technique earlier. Now that two White River Sect elders had died, she had no choice but to use it. "How powerful is the Moon Body Transformation?" someone couldn''t help but ask. "You''ll see very soon," the elder replied, gazing up at the sky. There, the shimmering moonlight surrounding Lu Xinyue had swelled to a terrifying level in just a few breaths. She now resembled a small moon! "Prepare to die!" From within the blinding light, Lu Xinyue''s icy voice echoed. Boom! Lu Xinyue shot directly toward Shen Mo like a meteor. For a moment, it seemed as if a miniature moon was crashing down on the rogue cultivator. A moon! Majestic, unstoppable, and invincible! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 143: It’s That Armguard That’s So Powerful—In the End, It’s Just Borrowing External Power Chapter 143: It''s That Armguard That''s So PowerfulIn the End, It''s Just Borrowing External Power The pitch-black night sky was weighed down by dark clouds, completely covering the original moon. But now, a new moon had appearedL Xinyue. This "new moon" briefly replaced the original one, casting its light across the vast Baishi City, illuminating it as if it were broad daylight! The cultivators were all stunned, staring at the moon in awe. Ordinary people, on the other hand, knelt down in reverence, bowing in worship. To them, wasn''t this a divine act? "One drop of Ice Dragon blood isn''t enough? Then two. Two isn''t enough? Then three." Shen Mo''s gaze remained calm. "Transform yourself into the moon? Let me shatter your moon!" Buzz, buzz, buzz! He clenched his hand fiercely, and the blood sacs once again burst. This time, three blood sacs burst in succession. Nine full drops of Ice Dragon blood merged into the demon armor. Sizzle! The demon armor swiftly transformed, once again changing from its purple-black form into an icy, spiked shape. Then, Shen Mo slowly gathered his strength. As L Xinyue''s attack was about to descend, he struck out with a powerful punch! Boom! The explosion roared across the sky. Blinding light shot out. The curious mortals, who had dared to look up at the sky to witness the battle between the two Core Formation stage cultivators, were instantly caught in the aftermath of the attack. The piercing light nearly blinded them. Blood streamed from their eyes! The lower-level cultivators fared slightly better, only suffering from temporary blindness. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But the intense pain in their eyes still caused them to writhe on the ground in agony. Liu Menghu and Yang Tianxing also squinted, not daring to look directly at the blinding light. The light lasted for a while before gradually dimming. The ancestors of White River Sect hurriedly looked toward the battlefield. Then, their expressions froze. Not just them, but everyone else tooeyes wide in disbelief at what they were witnessing. In midair, the fist of the masked man with fire patterns had pierced through L Xinyue''s towering chest. This was no optical illusion. There was only one explanation. The masked man''s punch had pierced L Xinyue''s body! "The White River Sect needs a new sect master." Shen Mo glanced around, only to be met with looks of utter shock. Casually, he reached out and grabbed L Xinyue''s storage ring. After saying this, he activated the Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique, stepping on L Xinyue''s corpse as he sped off into the distance. In the blink of an eye, he was dozens of meters away. The ancestor of White River Sect was furious but couldn''t let L Xinyue''s corpse fall to the ground and shatter into pieces. He had no choice but to abandon the chase, rushing over to catch L Xinyue''s body. "No matter who you are, I will kill you! I swear, I''ll kill you!" Cradling the lifeless sect master of White River Sect, the ancestor roared into the sky, like an old lion unleashing a furious roar. Yang Tianxing and Liu Menghu watched the fire-patterned masked man disappear into the distance, then looked at L Xinyue''s rapidly cooling corpse. They exchanged glances, both seeing the terror in each other''s eyes. If that man could kill L Xinyue, he could kill them just as easily. Fortunately, they hadn''t rushed in like L Xinyue, trying to stop him. Otherwise, they would have been the ones lying on the ground right now! On the ground and rooftops, the rogue cultivators were wide-eyed. L Xinyue, a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage and the sect master of a prestigious sect, now lay lifeless on the ground like a dead dog. This scene deeply shocked all the cultivators present. "That fire-patterned masked man is just a rogue cultivator, yet he can take on sect cultivators head-on, killing two Great Accomplishment Core Formation cultivators with one punch, and now he''s killed L Xinyue too!" "Can rogue cultivators be this powerful? My god!" "He''s too strong. I wish I could be his disciple!" One of the cultivators suddenly sneered, "Hmph, I think it''s just that strange armguard of his. In the end, isn''t he just relying on external objects?" The surrounding cultivators immediately burst into mocking laughter. "Oh, you think you''re so pure and righteous, huh? Next time, don''t use pills, don''t use spiritual weapons, and definitely don''t use any formations. Actually, why don''t you stop absorbing spiritual energy too? That''s external power as well." The cultivator''s face flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead, as he argued, "How can absorbing spiritual energy be considered using external objects?" What followed was a heated debate about whether "cultivators should live in poverty" and whether "wealth, companions, methods, and land" counted as external aids, which drew laughter from those nearby. Of course, while most of the cultivators were still engrossed in this spectacle, a few sharp-minded individuals had quietly slipped away, heading toward White River Sect''s properties in Baishi City. Now that L Xinyue was dead, White River Sect was without a leader, and it would likely take at least a month or two for a new sect master to be appointed amidst the inevitable internal struggles. During this time, White River Sect''s properties would inevitably be left vulnerable. It was the perfect opportunity for rogue cultivators to take advantage of the chaos. The news of the fire-patterned masked man, the demon-armored gauntlet, and L Xinyue''s death quickly spread from Baishi City. ... Meanwhile. Shen Mo relentlessly used his Eight Directions Thunder Movement technique, advancing at high speed, easily leaving behind the cultivators who had their own schemes. After confirming that no one was following him, he casually found a cave between the mountains. After driving out the cave''s original owner, a black bear, and using a gust of wind to sweep away the foul stench, he finally sat down cross-legged. "The sect master of a prestigious sect, a cultivator at the peak of Core Formation, was indeed no ordinary foe." "It took nine drops of Ice Dragon blood to utterly crush him." "If I had been more greedy and only used two blood sacs, consuming six drops of Ice Dragon blood, I would have barely managed a draw." "In that case, the attack from the ancestor of White River Sect would have immediately followed, and I would have been trapped in their encirclement." Shen Mo exhaled deeply. When it was time to be ruthless, one had to be ruthless enough. The Ice Dragon blood, as a consumable, had to be used when necessary. There was no point in being stingy. "This time, I used up over ten drops of Ice Dragon blood, but the rewards were well worth it." "First, I obtained the Thousand Miles Fragrance and its essence." "Second, I killed L Xinyue, the sect master of White River Sect, eliminating the last pillar of Heavenly Water Sect." "Third, I obtained L Xinyue''s storage ring." Shen Mo waved his hand, and L Xinyue''s storage ring appeared in his palm. "I hope the storage ring of a sect master will give me some pleasant surprises." He peeked inside and instantly widened his eyes. The storage ring contained a massive quantity of spirit stones. There were spirit stones of all grades, from low-grade to high-grade. There were no less than three thousand high-grade spirit stones. These were clearly L Xinyue''s personal stash for his own use, not the full wealth of White River Sect. Aside from the spirit stones, there were also several profound-grade spiritual weapons. These spiritual weapons were mediocre; any other cultivator would be overjoyed to obtain them, but to Shen Mo, they were just average. However, two treasures preserved in jade boxes caught his interest. Through the transparent jade boxes, Shen Mo could clearly see the appearance of the two treasures. One was a plant resembling a deer antler. The other was a claw that looked like a tiger''s, with a drop of golden-yellow beast blood oozing from beside it. "Deer Antler Root? This is also one of the treasures used to nurture the Nine-layered Lotus Throne. Perfect, I''ll take it." "As for this beast claw..." Even though he hadn''t opened the jade box, he could feel the subtle yet powerful threat emanating from the claw. He tried opening the jade box. As soon as he cracked it open, a ferocious roar echoed out. The cave where Shen Mo sat seemed to tremble. He quickly closed the jade box, a wide grin spreading across his face. He was certain that this claw must have come from a sixth-tier demon beast. Perhaps because it was more recent, the life force left in the blood was still strong. Its suppressive power was far fiercer than the Ice Dragon blood. This also meant that if he fed it to his demon armor, the resulting power would far surpass that of the Ice Dragon blood! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 144: The Only One They Care About Is Shen Mo Chapter 144: The Only One They Care About Is Shen Mo Shen Mo''s expression lit up with joy. He still had three jars of Ice Jiao Blood, which he could consume over a long period of time. The beast claw also had blood in it, which could be used as a more powerful trump card. "Might as well use the Thousand Miles Fragrance and Thousand Miles Dew here," he thought. Shen Mo carefully inspected his surroundings and took two formation sets from Lu Xinyue''s storage ring, setting up formation flags around him. As the head of a sect, Lu Xinyue''s storage ring had a considerable number of formations. There were three Earth-tier formations in total. They were a Maze Formation, a Poison Mist Formation, and a Concealment Formation. Shen Mo decided to set up the Poison Mist Formation and the Concealment Formation. The Concealment Formation would mask his presence, allowing him to cultivate freely. The Poison Mist Formation would guard against beasts or cultivators, giving him time to react in advance. After securely setting up everything, Shen Mo took out the Thousand Miles Fragrance and Thousand Miles Dew and consumed them in succession. Ten days later, at the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate. Murong Yue paced anxiously in the main hall. Beside her were Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, Liu Yuanfeng, and Elder Li, all with worried expressions. Of course, it was hard to tell if Liu Yuanfeng''s concern was genuine or not. "Still no news on Mo''er''s whereabouts?" Murong Yue asked again. "No, Sect Master Liu of the Stormy Rain Sect said they are keeping an eye out for him," Wei Xiongtie shook his head. Song Chaofeng added, "Sect Master Yang of the Purple Star Sect hasn''t said anything, but one of their elders agreed to help us search for the young sect master''s whereabouts." "I''ve also spoken with some rogue cultivators," Elder Li sighed, "but only a few know that the young sect master entered Baishi City. No one knows where he went after that." "That night was too chaotic. Many people disappeared mysteriously. Though the young sect master is strong, still" Liu Yuanfeng murmured quietly. Murong Yue took a deep breath, "No, he wouldn''t die in Baishi City." "Keep searching. We must find Mo''er!" "Yes, ma''am." At that moment, Murong Yue and the others suddenly felt a fluctuation in the spiritual energy of the surrounding heavens and earth. "This feeling someone has broken through to the Core Formation stage?" Song Chaofeng was taken aback. Wei Xiongtie was overjoyed. "I''ll go take a look." Murong Yue, trying to suppress her anxiety, also hurried out of the main hall. Sure enough, not far from the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate, in the Qingcang Mountains, a pillar of light shot straight up into the clouds. Within the light, a figure could faintly be seen. The disciples of the Qingxuan Sect couldn''t help but look up at the light pillar, excitedly discussing it. "Such a grand light pillar It''s probably a perfect golden core!" Liu Yuanfeng exclaimed. "Who is it? Which disciple at the peak of Foundation Establishment is advancing to the Core Formation stage?" Elder Li''s expression brightened. By now, the light pillar had lasted for more than a hundred breaths and was gradually fading. The figure inside the light also slowly became clearer. "It''s him? I seem to remember this young man," Murong Yue raised an eyebrow. Liu Yuanfeng was momentarily stunned but then burst into joy. "It''s my disciple, Xiao Fan!" Song Chaofeng and Wei Xiongtie clasped their hands toward him, "Congratulations, Vice Sect Master Liu." Elder Li snorted coldly, "Congratulations indeed." Liu Yuanfeng smiled faintly, though his expression was somewhat complicated. Xiao Fan was his disciple, and achieving a perfect golden core and entering the Core Formation stage naturally made him happy. However, Xiao Fan had abandoned his daughter and instead pursued the deputy sect master''s daughter from the Divine Sword Sect. This had long been a thorn in his heart. His feelings toward Xiao Fan were now extremely complex. In mid-air, Xiao Fan slowly opened his eyes, feeling the surging power within him, overwhelmed with joy. "Finally I''ve finally reached the Core Formation stage!" "There seems to be some memories surfacing in my mind. Whose memories are these? Who am I?" "I need to find time to carefully sort through this" Xiao Fan slowly descended, deep in thought. The disciples immediately flocked around him, delighted. "Who would''ve thought the one to form a golden core was Senior Brother Xiao Fan!" "Judging by the looks of it, it''s surely a perfect golden core!" Many female disciples cast flirtatious glances his way. Xiao Fan pushed aside his thoughts and laughed heartily, "You guessed right! It is indeed a perfect golden core." Someone else spoke with admiration and envy, "Senior Brother Xiao Fan! Who would''ve thought that after the young sect master, the second person in the sect to form a golden core would be you!" "With this, the rise of the Qingxuan Sect is certain! We might even reclaim our place among the top five sects of Xuanjiang!" Xiao Fan''s smile froze instantly. What a way to hit a sore spot. Why bring up Shen Mo? "The Sect Master is here! The Sect Master is here!" A voice came from the outskirts of the crowd. The disciples quickly parted to create a path. Murong Yue, Song Chaofeng, and the others strode forward. Upon seeing the beautiful Sect Master, Xiao Fan couldn''t help but feel a stirring in his heart. However, knowing what he should do, he immediately dropped to one knee. "Xiao Fan greets the Sect Master!" Murong Yue, who had been unable to find any trace of Shen Mo, looked haggard. But now, a comforting smile appeared on her face. "To have condensed a perfect golden core, not bad at all." "Xiao Fan, from today onward, you are an inner elder of our Qingxuan Sect." "Thank you, Sect Master, for your guidance!" Xiao Fan said respectfully. Murong Yue continued, "Elder Li, from now on, treat Elder Xiao with all the rights and responsibilities of an inner elder. No mistakes allowed." "Yes!" Xiao Fan was overjoyed. With his extraordinary talent, having condensed a perfect golden core at such a young age, surely Murong Yue would look at him differently now. Perhaps, in the future, there might even be some special relationship between him and this beautiful Sect Master. He wanted to say more when, suddenly, a joyful shout came from the sect''s entrance. "Report to the Sect Master! The young sect master has returned!" "The young sect master has returned! Safe and sound!" Upon hearing this, Murong Yue''s entire body trembled. Her haggard expression immediately brightened with vitality. In her beautiful eyes, a joy far surpassing that of Xiao Fan''s golden core appeared. "Mo''er, Mo''er!" Murong Yue immediately dropped everything in front of her, excitement filling her voice. Lifting her long skirt, she hurriedly rushed toward the sect entrance. It was as if she wished she could turn into a streak of light and fly over. Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and the other elders were also overwhelmed with excitement and quickly followed. "The young sect master is back?" "As long as the young sect master is safe, let''s go, we must see him!" "I''ve been so worried since the young sect master went missing. Look at me, I haven''t eaten in over fifteen minutes." In an instant, a large number of elders, deacons, and disciples surged toward the entrance. The number of people left around Xiao Fan was reduced to a mere handful in the blink of an eye. He could count them on one hand. Moreover, standing there were Liu Yuanfeng, Liu Yunxuan, and Liu Feithe whole family. All three of them stared at Xiao Fan with complicated expressions. Xiao Fan, who had just been basking in the glory of his success, suddenly found himself frozen in place. Reality had given him a harsh slap in the face. Murong Yue, Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, and the others didn''t care about him. The only person they cared about was Shen Mo. He had been fantasizing about some special relationship with Murong Yue, but now that seemed like nothing more than wishful thinking. "Xiao Fan, where did you get the foundation for your perfect golden core?" Liu Yunxuan suddenly asked. sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Liu Fei, on the other hand, stared directly into Xiao Fan''s eyes with a look of pure hatred. Xiao Fan let out a few awkward laughs, stammering but unable to respond. "Forget it, no matter what, he''s still my disciple. Don''t pressure him so much," Liu Yuanfeng waved his hand. "Xiao Fan, go rest. You must be tired after forming a perfect golden core." "Yes, thank you, Master." Xiao Fan sighed in relief and quickly made his escape. Liu Fei''s gaze always made him feel as though needles were pricking his back. He didn''t dare linger here any longer. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 145: It’s Fine If You Don’t Get the Treasure, But You Must Stay Safe Chapter 145: It''s Fine If You Don''t Get the Treasure, But You Must Stay Safe At the sect entrance. Shen Mo had just landed when Murong Yue arrived with a group of people surrounding him. His beautiful master appeared haggard, clearly having been worried for quite some time. "Mo''er, you''ve finally returned. As your master, I" Murong Yue''s eyes reddened. There were things she, as the sect master, could not say openly in public, but she knew that Shen Mo understood her heart. Shen Mo nodded. "Master, I had some unexpected encounters, which delayed my return. I made you worry. Please punish me." Murong Yue shook her head and took his hand. "As long as you''re safe, that''s all that matters. Come, let''s go to my place. We need to have a good talk." With that, she grabbed his hand, and the two turned into a streak of light, swiftly returning to the sect master''s courtyard at the mountaintop. "Now that the young sect master has returned safely, I can finally relax," Elder Li sighed in relief. "Everyone disperse, back to your duties," Song Chaofeng waved his hand. "Lu Xinyue was killed by that man in the fire-marked mask, and the White River Sect is now in chaos. We can seize this opportunity to gain some advantage," Wei Xiongtie whispered. "Exactly. The sect master surely has the same idea. Let''s gather the other elders and take as much as we can," Song Chaofeng nodded repeatedly. Elder Li quickly added, "Count me in. I still haven''t forgotten the harm White River Sect did to our Qingxuan Sect all those years ago!" The three of them continued discussing as they strode out of the sect gate. --- In the sect master''s courtyard. Murong Yue held Shen Mo''s hand, carefully examining him. Seeing that he was indeed safe, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Mo''er, I was worried sick these past few days." "You''re the young sect master, the future hope of our Qingxuan Sect. The position of sect master will eventually be passed to you. Please don''t do this again." "It''s fine if you didn''t get the treasures in White Stone, but you, as a person, must remain unharmed." Her words were filled with care and concern, her tone surprisingly gentle, quite different from her usual cold and elegant demeanor. Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. Murong Yue looked puzzled, "What''s so funny?" Shen Mo chuckled softly. "Master, you don''t seem like a master right nowyou''re more like an older sister." Murong Yue''s face flushed slightly. "What are you saying!" She raised her hand as if to hit him, but after thinking about it, she couldn''t bring herself to do so. With a cold huff, Murong Yue said, "Tell me, where exactly have you been these past ten days? I mobilized all of Qingxuan Sect''s intelligence networks, yet we couldn''t find any trace of you." Shen Mo smiled, "I did enter White Stone, but I wore a mask and concealed my identity." "That night, the air was filled with the scent of flowers, and everyone was fighting over treasures. Seeing how complicated things were, I decided not to get involved." "In the end, I witnessed the man in the fire-marked mask kill Lu Xinyue. After he escaped from White Stone, I followed him, thinking I might be able to recruit him as an elder for Qingxuan Sect." Murong Yue''s eyes sparkled. "If he could kill Lu Xinyue, he must be incredibly powerful. If we could recruit him, he''d be a great asset to our sect. Did you manage to catch up with him?" Shen Mo, seeing her excitement, couldn''t help but laugh again. "Of course not. Not only did I fail to catch up, but he also warned me not to follow him. I had no choice but to back off." Murong Yue looked a bit disappointed but didn''t say anything. "It''s fine. He''s probably used to the freedom of being a rogue cultivator. It''s normal that he wouldn''t want to be recruited by a sect." "The fact that he didn''t attack you is a good thing. I was worried that your approach might provoke him into killing you." Shen Mo smiled faintly. Though his story was entirely fabricated, seeing Murong Yue''s shifting emotions amused him. "And then? What other encounters did you have?" Murong Yue asked again. Shen Mo shrugged and immediately recited the story he had prepared earlier. "Not much else. While chasing a Golden-Seeking Mouse, I accidentally found a hidden cave where I discovered the corpse of an ancient cultivator. From him, I obtained a Pure Essence Replenishing Pill." "I spent the past few days refining that pill, and in doing so, I reached the late stage of Core Formation." In truth, Shen Mo had already reached the late stage of Core Formation some time ago. However, he had kept it a secret from everyone. Now, he was not far from completing Core Formation, so revealing his progress wasn''t an issue. Murong Yue was stunned. "A Pure Essence Replenishing Pill? You were fortunate enough to come across such a rare pill!"The Essence Replenishing Pill can be refined by the Five Great Sects of Xuanjiang and is mostly circulated within these sects. At most, they might release a portion of the pill to reward first-rate sects. As for the Great Essence Replenishing Pill, even the Five Great Sects cannot refine it. They purchase it from the major sects of Yuzhou. As for the Pure Essence Replenishing Pill, it is extremely rare in the entire Xuanjiang territory. To date, less than five have ever appeared. It is said that even within the major sects of Yuzhou, the Pure Essence Replenishing Pill is a very precious item and rarely leaves their hands. The more Murong Yue looked at Shen Mo, the more satisfied she felt. "Good, good! You''ve reached the late stage of Core Formation so quickly. It''s only a matter of time before you surpass me." "When you reach the peak of Core Formation, the position of sect master will be yours." Shen Mo chuckled, "Master, you''re still young. Why are you so eager to give up being sect master?" Murong Yue shook her head. "I''m indecisive by nature. Under my leadership, Qingxuan Sect will at best maintain its current state, but it won''t rise to greater heights." "But you''re different. In you, I see the hope of Qingxuan Sect''s rise." Looking at his beautiful master, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. His master truly cared for him. "Let''s set that aside for now. What has been happening in White Stone City recently? I heard the White River Sect has fallen into chaos. Has Heavenly Water Sect made any moves as well?" Shen Mo asked casually. Murong Yue nodded and began to explain, "Of course. According to the information we''ve received" At Heavenly Water Sect, Shengshui Peak. This was where the sect master, Zhang Mo, resided. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Normally, Yin Xuege also lived here. However, Yin Xuege had recently become disillusioned and moved to another peak. Now, Bai Ziyue had taken up residence. At this moment, in the sect master''s courtyard. Bai Ziyue was practicing his swordsmanship. His sword moved like a nimble snakequick, agile, and deadly. Clearly, he had grasped the true essence of this sword technique. Zhang Mo watched from the side, her eyes sparkling. "Under the shadow of Yin Xuege''s brilliance, I failed to notice a genius like Bai Ziyue." "Although his constitution is somewhat inferior, his determination and diligence more than make up for it." "In just half a month, he''s advanced from the sixth to the eighth level of the Nine Serpent Sword Technique, and he''s only one step away from the ninth level." "It seems I was wrong from the start. I should have focused on nurturing Bai Ziyue, not Yin Xuege." At that moment, knocking interrupted Zhang Mo''s thoughts. "What is it?" she asked, slightly displeased. "Reporting to the sect master, Lu Xinyue, the sect master of White River Sect, is dead." Zhang Mo''s eyes widened, and it took her a while to regain her composure. "Come in." An elder hurried inside. "What happened? Tell me everything!" Zhang Mo asked coldly. The elder nodded quickly, "White River Sect intentionally spread rumors that the Thousand Miles Fragrance was appearing in White Stone City, hoping to lure Shen Mo." "They succeeded. Shen Mo indeed left Qingxuan Sect for White Stone City, but as soon as he arrived, he disappeared without a trace." "A few days later, the Thousand Miles Fragrance did appear, and White River Sect, Stormy Rain Sect, and Purple Star Sect all fought for it." "However, a man wearing a fire-marked mask suddenly appeared and took the Thousand Miles Fragrance. Sect Master Lu immediately chased after him, but in the end, the masked man killed Sect Master Lu and left without a trace!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 146: The Fame of the Demon Armor Spreads – Find Him Chapter 146: The Fame of the Demon Armor Spreads C Find Him Upon hearing the ancestor''s report, Zhang Mo was visibly shaken. She knew full well what kind of strength L Xinyue possessed. Spreading the rumor of the Thousand Mile Fragrance and deliberately luring Shen Mo to White Stone City was a plan she had devised in collaboration with L Xinyue. If Shen Mo hadn''t fallen for the bait, they had other plans ready. But... not only did Shen Mo not show up, L Xinyue was instead killed by some random wandering cultivator? With L Xinyue dead, the situation had become complicated. "What about the ancestor from the White River Sect? He didn''t intervene?" Zhang Mo rasped. The ancestor responded in a low voice, "He did. The man with the fire-patterned mask killed L Xinyue right in front of him." "The ancestor was half a step too slow to catch him." Zhang Mo couldn''t contain her inner turmoil. Under the Heavenly Water Sect''s command, three first-rate sects had been destroyed: Flying Frost Sect was wiped out by Qingxuan Sect, and the master of the Blood River Sect was killed by Shen Mo from Qingxuan Sect. And now, the last first-rate sect, White River Sect, had its master killed by an unknown rogue cultivator. Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! "What does this rogue cultivator look like?" Zhang Mo took a deep breath to calm herself. The ancestor thought for a moment, "He''s tall and well-built, wearing a half-face mask with fire patterns." "His voice is raspy, though that could be a deliberate disguise." "But the most striking feature is his right arm. He wears a purple-black demonic armor armguard that can transform into ice spikes, greatly amplifying its power." Zhang Mo paced back and forth, her expression gradually becoming calm, revealing neither joy nor sorrow. "Spread my orders, find this person throughout the entire Xuanjing Prefecture!" The ancestor nodded solemnly, "Yes, we will find him and kill him on the spot!" Zhang Mo frowned. "Who said anything about killing him?" The ancestor froze. Zhang Mo calmly explained, "If he could kill L Xinyue and escape from the ancestor''s grasp, his strength must be exceptional. It would be best if we could use him for our own purposes. If not, then we can consider killing him." The ancestor''s eyes lit up. As expected of a sect leader. Her vision was far beyond his own. "Understood!" The ancestor nodded respectfully. "Remember, negotiate first, act later," Zhang Mo added. "Understood." After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Mo continued, "I remember the vice sect leader, the first elder, and the second elder of White River Sect are all equally powerful." "In the past, L Xinyue kept them in check, so they could barely maintain peace. Now that L Xinyue is dead, they will undoubtedly fight fiercely for the position of sect master." "Keep an eye on them. Whoever shows the most loyalty to our Heavenly Water Sect, push them into power. Ensure that White River Sect is stabilized within a month. There can be no more disturbances." The ancestor nodded repeatedly. "Understood, I''ll handle it immediately." After the ancestor left, Zhang Mo softly called out, "Ziyue, come here." Bai Ziyue sheathed his sword and obediently came to her side, standing respectfully. "Sect Master, do you have any instructions?" Zhang Mo smiled, "From now on, you don''t need to call me Sect Master. Call me Master." Bai Ziyue was stunned, then his face lit up with joy. He immediately knelt down on both knees and bowed deeply. "Yes, disciple greets Master!" Zhang Mo asked, "What do you think of Qingxuan Sect''s unstoppable rise?" Bai Ziyue cautiously glanced at his stern and sharp master, quickly noticing the dangerous glint in her eyes. He immediately understood Zhang Mo''s intentions. "Master, I have some thoughts, but I''m not sure if I should say them." "Speak, don''t hold back." Bai Ziyue nodded, "I believe that our Heavenly Water Sect must take action personally." "With Flying Frost Sect and Blood River Sect both destroyed, and now the master of White River Sect dead, the sect is in chaos, and its strength will significantly decline in the short term." "We''ve lost our strongest allies and must act immediately to hinder Qingxuan Sect''s rise." "Otherwise, in two or three years, when Qingxuan Sect absorbs Flying Frost Sect, Blood River Sect, and part of White River Sect''s assets and people, they will undoubtedly become the strongest sect under the Five Sects of Xuanjing." "By then, confronting them would cost us dearly." After speaking, he quickly lowered his head, awaiting Zhang Mo''s reaction. His words, frankly speaking, were bold and presumptuous. The Five Sects of Xuanjing had always prided themselves on being the righteous guardians of the Xuanjing Prefecture. No matter what they did behind the scenes, they always maintained a spotless public image, never leaving any leverage for their enemies. For the Heavenly Water Sect, as one of the Five Sects, to personally go after a first-rate sect would break precedent. From now on, the other four sects could also take action personally against first-rate sects. This would undoubtedly cause panic among many first-rate sects, who would bear a grudge against the Heavenly Water Sect. After all, it was the Heavenly Water Sect that started this. Bai Ziyue felt uneasy. However, Zhang Mo merely patted his head gently. "You''re not wrong." "What you said is very true." "However, we still lack a direct excuse." "Whether it was the destruction of the Flying Frost Sect or the death of Feng Lieshan of the Blood River Sect, in the end, they were only subordinate sects to our Heavenly Water Sect and had no direct connection to us." "Even if we intervene personally, we must have a justified reason." Zhang Mo spoke calmly. Bai Ziyue''s eyes darted around, "If the Qingxuan Sect killed someone important to us, or even if one of our people simply went missing on Qingxuan Sect''s territory..." Zhang Mo looked at him, half-smiling. "Do you have someone in mind?" Bai Ziyue froze. A name immediately flashed in his mind. "Disciple doesn''t know." He quickly shook his head. He knew who should be chosen, but he couldn''t say it. "You truly are smarter and more ruthless than Yin Xuege." Zhang Mo smiled. Bai Ziyue remained silent. Zhang Mo waved her hand, "Go and rest. Once you''ve mastered the ninth level of the , I will teach you the ." Bai Ziyue was overjoyed. The was a closely guarded secret of the Heavenly Water Sect. It was an Earth-tier technique, and upon mastering each level, one would gain an offensive or defensive martial skill. This technique was highly profound, and only the sect leader and the future sect leader could practice it. The implication of Zhang Mo''s words was clear she had acknowledged his position. Given time, he would undoubtedly become the next sect leader of the Heavenly Water Sect! Second only to one, above thousands! "Yes! Your disciple will train diligently and live up to your expectations, Master!" Bai Ziyue bowed deeply and left respectfully. ... In Giant River City, at the Xuanjing Prefecture office. Ji Shilong listened quietly. "His main ability seems to be that demonic armor with ice spikes. Let''s just call him ''Demon Armor.''" "Send out my orders. When the envoys visit the various sects to distribute rewards, they must investigate discreetly and find any trace of this Demon Armor." "It would be a waste if such talent couldn''t be used by the imperial court." Before him, several officials knelt in half-bows. Upon hearing his orders, they responded in unison, "Understood!" ... Similar conversations were taking place in the Divine Sword Sect, Shaoyang Sect, Green Vine Sect, and Thunderfire Sect. Some referred to him as the "Fire-Patterned Masked Man," while others simply called him "Fire-Pattern," and still others named him "Demon Armor." Regardless, all sides recognized the strength of this rogue cultivator and wanted to recruit him under their banners. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The death of L Xinyue, the White River Sect master, had unexpectedly given this rogue cultivator a fearsome reputation! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 147: Xiao Fan is About to Awaken His Past Life Memories Chapter 147: Xiao Fan is About to Awaken His Past Life Memories In the Jujube Courtyard. Shen Mo stretched lazily and strode out of his bedroom. From this vantage point, he could gaze upon the vast Qingcang Mountain Range, seeing the lush mountains and rivers beneath the expansive sky. Shen Mo nodded slightly to himself. "I remember that Xiao Fan is supposed to have a swordsmanship enlightenment opportunity today, right?" Enlightenment in such a situation only required the right combination of time, place, and people, which made it a potential opportunity that could be intercepted. "Time" referred to natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms, or clear skies. "Place" referred to locations of natural beauty and energymajestic mountains, great rivers, a bamboo forest, or even a pond or jagged rock. As for "people," that naturally referred to one''s own perception and understanding. In terms of perception, Shen Mo possessed three fate-defining attributes: "Scorching Sun Flame Body," "Exceptional Perception," and "Sword Dao Prodigy," making his comprehension superior to Xiao Fan''s. If Xiao Fan could reach enlightenment, then surely Shen Mo could as well under the same conditions. With these thoughts in mind, Shen Mo left the Jujube Courtyard and headed straight for the bamboo forest near the entrance of the Qingxuan Sect. Along the way, elders, stewards, and disciples all greeted him with respect. The bamboo growing in this forest was a special breed, carefully cultivated by the Qingxuan Sect, known as **. Emerald Bamboo had many drawbacksslow growth, brittle texture, and an insatiable appetite for spiritual energy. But it had one redeeming quality: its shoots contained abundant spiritual energy and were incredibly delicious. Even when eaten raw, the taste was refreshing and fragrant. At this moment, several outer sect disciples were busy harvesting bamboo shoots, carrying baskets on their backs. A one-armed steward was overseeing their work. When the steward saw Shen Mo approaching, he greeted him with delight, "Young Sect Master, what brings you here?" This man was Zhang Weihu. Previously, he had lost an arm during an attack by a Heavy Weapon Sect elder. Since then, he had spent most of his time within the Qingxuan Sect, no longer going to other properties as a reward for his loyalty. This was how the Qingxuan Sect honored those who had made sacrifices for them. If those who risked their lives for the sect received poor treatment, morale would falter, and no one would be willing to serve the sect anymore. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Ever since Murong Yue''s return, the overall environment of the Qingxuan Sect had been improving. The arrogance and bullying of people like Lei Yong had gradually disappeared. Even figures like Wu Huairen, who would shamelessly withhold rewards meant for outer disciples being promoted to inner disciples, were becoming scarce. Shen Mo smiled at Zhang Weihu and said, "Yes, I''m just taking a walk today. Who knows, I might even find some fortuitous opportunity." Zhang Weihu chuckled heartily, "Young Sect Master, you must be joking. This Emerald Bamboo Forest sees plenty of people passing through every day. If there were any opportunities, they''d have been snatched up long ago! How could they wait for you?" Realizing that his words might be disrespectful, Zhang Weihu quickly coughed and corrected himself, "No, no, that''s not right! The heavens favor you, Young Sect Master, surely there''s an opportunity here just waiting for you!" Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. He knew Zhang Weihu was straightforward by nature and didn''t take offense. Shen Mo smiled, "No worries. But I suggest you have the outer sect disciples pack up and head back to the sect soon. A heavy storm is about to hitviolent winds, thunder, and lightning." Zhang Weihu looked up at the scorching sun and the clear, cloudless sky. A storm? There wasn''t the slightest hint of rain. Just as he was about to speak, the sky darkened at an astonishing speed. In an instant, ominous clouds gathered, weighing heavily upon the sky. It was as though someone had spilled a bottle of ink across the heavens. The outer sect disciples, who had been digging for bamboo shoots, looked up in shock. The weather had changed as quickly as a snap of the fingers. Zhang Weihu was astonished, "Young Sect Master, you truly live up to your title! You predicted this perfectly." He quickly shouted to the disciples, "Pack it up! Let''s get back to the sect!" S~ea??h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, sir!" Zhang Weihu then asked, "Young Sect Master, aren''t you coming with us?" Shen Mo pointed deeper into the bamboo forest and smiled, "I''m going to practice my swordsmanship." Suppressing his curiosity, Zhang Weihu nodded, "Alright, I''ll be off then." Emerald Bamboo under a hundred years old was quite fragile; even a disciple in the Body Tempering stage could snap it easily. But once the bamboo was over a hundred years old, it became harder than jade. The deeper parts of the bamboo forest were filled with century-old bamboo. Some disciples would indeed use these bamboo stalks to practice martial techniques. Shen Mo watched as Zhang Weihu and the others left, then made his way straight into the heart of the bamboo forest. Martial techniques, while easy to grasp at the entry level, became increasingly difficult to master as one progressed, especially when aiming for the highest realm. The only martial technique Shen Mo had fully cultivated to the highest level was the Four-Sided Mysterious Gate. As for the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, it was not something he had painstakingly cultivated from scratch. Instead, he had gained insight into the first two forms during his time at the Phoenix Nest Pavilion. His subsequent practice was merely to increase his proficiency, making the technique more fluid and responsive when activated. As for his other techniques... The Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, which had evolved after absorbing the sword pellet, consisted of three layers. Shen Mo had only reached the second layer. Eight Directions Thunderstorm, an eight-layer technique, had seen him progress only to the fifth. "The Thunder Shadow Sword Technique is a mid-tier Profound Tier martial technique. If I can cultivate it to the third layer, I''ll gain access to an additional sword move." Shen Mo briskly walked deeper into the bamboo forest. Before long, he arrived at the center of a clearing. And there, a figure was already present. The sound of footsteps from behind caught the person''s attention, and they turned to meet Shen Mo''s gaze. Their eyes locked. Shen Mo remained expressionless. The figure standing before him was none other than Xiao Fan. Xiao Fan''s expression, however, was far more complicated. Why is he here again? "Greetings, Young Sect Master," Xiao Fan cupped his fists respectfully. Shen Mo remained calm, "I hear that Junior Brother Xiao has successfully condensed a perfect golden core and has been appointed as an inner sect elder?" Xiao Fan nodded, "Yes, that''s correct." "Very impressive. I hope Junior Brother continues to strive forward," Shen Mo said with a smile. "Thank you," Xiao Fan hesitated before asking, "May I ask what brings the Young Sect Master here?" Shen Mo smiled, "I''ve encountered a bottleneck in my Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. I thought I might come to this Emerald Bamboo Forest to see if I could find an opportunity to break through." "I see. In that case, I''ll give this place to you, Young Sect Master. I''ll find another spot," Xiao Fan said, cupping his fists again before quickly departing. Shen Mo watched as Xiao Fan swiftly transformed into a streak of light, fleeing the Emerald Bamboo Forest and disappearing into the Qingcang Mountains, as if afraid to stay a moment longer. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. When he glanced at Xiao Fan''s life panel earlier, he had noticed something quite intriguing. [Recent Fortune: Upon waking this morning, Xiao Fan will discover new and unfamiliar memories in his mind, slowly realizing that he is a reincarnated soul.] "It seems Xiao Fan is on the verge of awakening memories from his past life." "A former Divine Transformation realm cultivator... When his memories from both lives merge, his personality is bound to undergo a drastic change." Shen Mo pondered this for a moment but didn''t dwell on it further. Instead, he unsheathed his Thunder Sword and gazed up at the darkened sky. By now, thunder had begun to rumble within the thick clouds overhead. Occasional flashes of lightning pierced through the dense cloud cover, illuminating the heavens with brief bursts of light. Shen Mo gripped his Thunder Sword tightly, instinctively activating the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. The sword light burst forth like a shadow of lightning! Not far away, the surface of a century-old Emerald Bamboo showed a visible sword mark. Since he had not used any spiritual power, the strike did not sever the bamboo completely. At the same moment, from the sky above, a thick bolt of lightning tore through the clouds like a sword, splitting the darkness. The brilliance of the lightning illuminated the world below, and with it, a torrential downpour followed, crashing to the earth! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 148: After Searching Thousands of Times, He Was in Qingxuan Sect’s Seclusion Chapter 148: After Searching Thousands of Times, He Was in Qingxuan Sect''s Seclusion At this moment, Shen Mo seemed to have an epiphany. The Thunder Sword in his hand moved even faster. In the blink of an eye, it became as swift as thunder. His speed reached the point where the naked eye could no longer follow. Zila! Shen Mo suddenly slashed down. Lightning burst forth, cutting through the middle of a jade green bamboo. As the strong wind blew, a cracking sound came from within the bamboo. In the next instant, it snapped in two! The cut was incomparably smooth, without the slightest burr. This was the strongest technique of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique. Instantaneous Thunder Shadow! It looked like a single sword strike, but in reality, there were nine strikes. Nine swords struck the same point at the same time. No matter how sturdy the object, it would be split in two! Moreover, by integrating the essence of fast and slow swordplay, this move would become even more elusive and unpredictable! "The third level of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique... completed!" Shen Mo smiled with satisfaction. With a casual wave of his hand, spiritual energy surged, isolating the heavy rain from him, and in an instant, his robes were dried. A few days later. Shen Mo stood halfway up the mountain, looking at Luo Shuanghan and the others. Beside Shen Mo stood Murong Yue. Murong Yue frowned, "The six-month deadline has arrived. It seems they''ve come to deliver the rewards. Do you think they''ll pull any tricks?" Shen Mo shook his head. "Ji Shilong won''t play tricks on this. After all, he''s the governor." Murong Yue nodded. Shen Mo gazed at Luo Shuanghan''s life panel from a distance. [Recent Opportunity 1: Following Ji Shilong''s order, searching for the whereabouts of the rogue cultivator code-named ''Demon Armor,'' but still unable to find them. Two months later, while passing through the Feiyu City Auction House, Luo Shuanghan will attempt to purchase necessary items and, at an extremely low price, acquire two pieces of paired water amber. Upon splitting them open, he will obtain Thunder Essence.] [Recent Opportunity 2: Continuing the search for the whereabouts of ''Demon Armor.'' Four months later, while passing through the Thorn Forest, Luo Shuanghan will accidentally discover a place where sword energy soars into the sky. He will immediately go to search for treasure. During the treasure hunt, he will encounter a masked Xiao Fan. The two will fight, and Luo Shuanghan will gain the upper hand. However, Xiao Fan will use a demon beast to seriously injure Luo Shuanghan and ultimately steal the Forest Sword Art.] After reading, a hint of joy appeared on Shen Mo''s face. Thunder Essence is a valuable item. When cultivating thunder-attribute techniques or martial arts, Thunder Essence can speed up one''s comprehension. In the depths of the Thunder Crystal Mines, if a Thunder Crystal can withstand high temperatures and extreme pressure, it may transform into Thunder Essence, which contains vast amounts of thunder spiritual energy. However, since obtaining two pieces of Thunder Essence in the past, he hadn''t encountered any more. If he could acquire those two pieces of Thunder Essence at the Feiyu City Auction and use them to comprehend the Eight Directions Thunder Movement, he was confident he could reach the eighth and highest level of the technique within one or two months. As for that Forest Sword Art, it should be a part of the true Forest Sword Art. Shen Mo already possessed three fragments of the Forest Sword Art. When combined, these three pieces were far more powerful than any earthly spiritual weapon. Moreover, he noticed that when these three fragments came together, they almost fully formed the character "Forest," missing only a small part in the lower right corner. Now, the Forest Sword Art fragment in Luo Shuanghan''s opportunity might very well be the fourth piece! "I wonder, what will happen once I gather all four pieces of the Forest Sword Art?" Shen Mo suddenly smiled again. "Come to think of it, these four fragments of the Forest Sword Art originally belonged to Xiao Fan. Who would have thought I''d intercept all of them halfway?" He chuckled softly. The first fragment of the Forest Sword Art came from a bandit stronghold. That stronghold was supposed to be wiped out by Xiao Fan. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The second fragment came from a rogue cultivator who Xiao Fan encountered during a secret meeting with Ouyang Qian. The third fragment came from the Alchemy King''s mansion, which Xiao Fan should have obtained. And now, the fourth fragment was initially acquired by Luo Shuanghan but was eventually stolen by Xiao Fan with the help of a demon beast. "Fate truly has its ways," Shen Mo laughed lightly. ... In the blink of an eye, two months had passed. The various sects and factions of Xuanjiang Prefecture, including the local government, were all searching for the rogue cultivator who had once struck down L Xinyue with a single punch in Baishi City. At first, the cultivators had called him by various names. Eventually, they all settled on calling him "Demon Armor." To find Demon Armor, the five major sects of Xuanjiang deployed their intelligence networks. Top-tier sects were particularly eager, putting in substantial effort. If they could recruit such a figure into their ranks, it would greatly enhance their sect''s high-level combat strength. At the very least, they would have more confidence when facing other top-tier sects. However, their search was all in vain. The real "Demon Armor" had been in secluded cultivation at Qingxuan Sect for the past two months. How could they possibly find him? In the courtyard of the Bamboo Tree. Shen Mo slowly stood up. His entire body emitted a series of cracking sounds as his bones shifted. For two months straight, he had taken a Great Supplementing Pill every few days. During this time, he didn''t move at all, solely focused on his cultivation. "No wonder they say that in the mountains, time means nothing, and in cultivation, the years pass unnoticed." "Two months, and yet my realm hasn''t progressed much." "I always feel like I''m just one step away, but I can''t seem to cross that threshold." Shen Mo smiled helplessly. And that was with the aid of the Great Supplementing Pills. He couldn''t imagine how much time those cultivators without such pills would need to advance. "It''s time to head to Flying Fish City." Without alerting anyone, Shen Mo quietly left the Qingxuan Sect. Halfway through, he took out a water-patterned mask, put it on, and headed straight for Flying Fish City. Flying Fish City. This city was built beside the Golden River. The Golden River was a branch of the Xuanjiang River. Most of the common folk in the city made a living by fishing. They caught ordinary fish and shrimp. As for the cultivators, they could catch fish and shrimp of the Yellow or even Mysterious grades. Many of the river''s fresh products were shipped from here to various places in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Thus, Flying Fish City was especially prosperous. In the past, Flying Fish City had been under the control of the Chongqi Sect. But now, it was a city under the name of Qingxuan Sect. Due to the wealth of this place, the elders of Qingxuan Sect held a council and decided to send a resident elder to this city. In addition, many deacons and disciples had also come to assist in managing the city. As for the city lord, a loyal supporter of Qingxuan Sect had been carefully selected for the role. Now, Flying Fish City was like an impenetrable fortress, with no other sect able to gain a foothold here. By the time Shen Mo arrived in Flying Fish City, it was already evening. After determining his direction, Shen Mo headed straight for the Grand Auction House of Flying Fish City. Naturally, the Grand Auction House was a Qingxuan Sect property. This auction house had been built by the Chongqi Sect back in the day and was grand and magnificent. A single glance at it would instinctively make one hold their breath. Surrounding the Grand Auction House were the properties of various sects. Since it was an auction, it wasn''t limited to just Qingxuan Sect''s items. These sects had set up their own outposts in Flying Fish City to trade with Qingxuan Sect. As it was evening, many cultivators were already flocking from various parts of Flying Fish City, eager to enter the Grand Auction House. At the entrance of the auction house, two cultivators in the Qi Condensation Realm were maintaining order. Both were disciples of Qingxuan Sect. "The rules are the same as always: if you want to enter the Grand Auction House, you need to present a ticket." "If you don''t have a ticket, you''ll need to show spirit stones to prove your financial capability." "A hundred mid-grade spirit stones will grant you entry to the Intermediate Auction Hall." "A hundred high-grade spirit stones will grant you entry to the Advanced Auction Hall." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 149: The Strange Water Amber at Flying Fish City’s Grand Auction House Chapter 149: The Strange Water Amber at Flying Fish City''s Grand Auction House The cultivators showed remarkable discipline, with no pushing or shouting. Instead, they patiently queued up, taking turns one by one. Naturally, they didn''t dare cause any trouble. After all, Flying Fish City had a Qingxuan Sect elder stationed here. Those without tickets could still gain entry by showing enough spirit stones. Shen Mo definitely had a hundred high-grade spirit stones. However, he knew that Luo Shuanghan hadn''t entered the advanced auction hall but had instead participated in the final "Amber Gamble" event at the intermediate auction hall. So, he only took out a hundred mid-grade spirit stones and entered the intermediate auction hall. Upon entering the auction house, two disciples were already waiting. "Those attending the advanced auction, please follow me," the disciple on the left called out loudly. "Those attending the intermediate auction, please follow me," the disciple on the right also announced loudly. Everything was orderly, with no sign of chaos. Shen Mo was quite impressed. It seemed that the elder stationed at Flying Fish City had some real skill. Soon, Shen Mo was seated in the intermediate auction hall. The seats were made of goose down, soft and comfortable. As soon as Shen Mo sat down, someone immediately brought tea, offering excellent service with no faults to find. "Luo Shuanghan found you!" Shen Mo scanned the crowd and quickly spotted his target, smiling faintly. Luo Shuanghan had made no attempt to hide his face and was sitting boldly in the front row. He must have paid a considerable amount of spirit stones to get a front-row seat. Shen Mo, on the other hand, had only paid a hundred mid-grade spirit stones, so his seat was farther back. Those who spend the money get the better seatsthere''s nothing to complain about. As Shen Mo sat down, low voices of conversation surrounded him. From this, he overheard many interesting bits of information. For instance, many cultivators didn''t enter the intermediate auction hall for the auction itself but for the final "Amber Gamble" event. The so-called Amber Gamble referred to gambling on water amber. Water amber was a strange item found in many cities along the Xuanjiang River. Since the Golden River was a tributary of Xuanjiang, it also contained such items. In the Xuanjiang River lived a demon beast known as the "Amber Fish," which had a particular fondness for shiny objects. Whenever these fish found such objects, they would secrete mucus to cover them. Over time, after being washed by mud and sand, these objects would eventually become irregularly shaped water amber. Because they had been buried for so long, the surface of the water amber had turned pitch black, making it impossible to see what was inside. Thus, this gambling method had emerged, similar to opening mystery boxes. Cultivators could purchase a piece of water amber for the price of one mid-grade spirit stone. If they opened it and found something valuable, they could make much more than just one mid-grade spirit stonesometimes, they could even earn a high-grade spirit stone. Of course, if they didn''t find anything good, they''d simply lose the mid-grade spirit stone. This game of gambling on luck had been popular since its inception. Countless cultivators flocked to Flying Fish City from the surrounding areas daily, just for the chance to play. For example, many cultivators had a copy of . It was a book co-authored by several enthusiasts. Rumor had it that these authors had a success rate of over 60% in choosing valuable water amber. The book recorded many techniques for selecting water amber and had become a must-buy for many cultivators in Flying Fish City. Shen Mo bought a copy from a nearby cultivator and flipped through it. After reading for a while, he shook his head. The so-called techniques were really just the results of accumulated experience. However the authors didn''t have a very high success rate themselves. It wasn''t something that could be relied on for solid advice. Shen Mo read a few pages before setting it aside. Listening to the surrounding conversations, he also learned that there was a rogue cultivator in the nearby area known as "Water Tiger." He was in the Foundation Establishment stage and had a number of rogue cultivators in the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment stages working under him. They were notorious for committing all sorts of crimes, from robbery to murder, causing fear and reducing the flow of people near Flying Fish City. The Qingxuan Sect elder stationed in Flying Fish City wanted to eliminate Water Tiger, but unfortunately, Water Tiger and his followers were extremely elusive, skilled in movement techniques, and could easily escape by taking advantage of the Golden River. Thus, they still hadn''t been able to punish him. "With such strength, it''s unlikely he''s just a simple rogue cultivator," Shen Mo mused. After a brief moment of commotion, all attention turned to the stage. A stunning woman in a red dress, with a striking figure, gracefully stepped onto the platform. Next to her was a cabinet being pushed by two slender young women. The cabinet was covered in a red cloth, concealing whatever was inside. After saying a few polite words to stir up the crowd''s excitement, the woman in red quickly lifted the red cloth. Revealed beneath it was a fish tank. Inside the tank swam a small, palm-sized fish that was blood-red from head to tail. What was remarkable was that it had two exceptionally large fins growing on its back. Sensing the gaze of the many cultivators, the blood-red fish suddenly slammed itself into the tank, producing a loud thud. It opened its mouth, revealing rows of densely packed sharp teeth, which were quite unsettling. "Is that a Blood Essence Flying Fish?" "I''ve heard that a lucky fisherman caught a Blood Essence Flying Fish yesterday, and now seeing it today, it truly lives up to the rumors!" "Tsk tsk, this Blood Essence Flying Fish is no small thing. If you keep it at home and draw its blood regularly for consumption, it can gradually strengthen the body. If cooked, it can accelerate a child''s intellectual development." The cultivators were astonished, and the atmosphere grew even more intense. The woman in red smiled and said, "Everyone, this is the first auction item of the day, the Blood Essence Flying Fish!" "The starting price is thirty mid-grade spirit stones, with each bid increasing by no less than one mid-grade spirit stone. Let''s begin!" As soon as she finished speaking, bids came in instantly. Within ten breaths, the price had soared to sixty mid-grade spirit stones, doubling in a flash. Hearing that this beast''s blood could be consumed, Shen Mo gave it a closer look. However, he soon lost interest when he realized it was only a third-tier demon beast. He had long tested that the only blood capable of catching his "Demon Armor''s" attention was either his own or that of at least a sixth-tier demon beast. Ordinary blood wouldn''t even be absorbed by the armor; sometimes, the blood would even be repelled. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was as if the armor was saying, "You''re trying to feed me this trash? Get lost." Before long, the Blood Essence Flying Fish was sold to a rotund man for seventy-one mid-grade spirit stones. "Next, we have the second auction item." With a gesture from the woman in red, another cabinet was brought up, similarly covered in a red cloth. She swiftly removed the cloth, revealing what lay underneath. It was a massive blade over ten feet in length. The back of the blade was thick, and its handle was long and narrow. From the tip of the blade to the handle, it was marked with countless signs of battle. In some areas, there were even cracks. Yet, instead of diminishing its appearance, these battle scars only added to the blade''s fierce and imposing aura, casting a cold, murderous gleam. As soon as the blade was revealed, it immediately caught the eyes of many ruthless cultivators. True warriors knew that raw power was the path to victory. A weapon like this was the perfect fit for their personalities. "This blade is called ''Bear Mountain Cleaver,'' a mid-grade Profound Tier spirit weapon. However, the seller is not asking for spirit stones; they require Profound Tier medicinal herbs in exchange." The woman in red then listed the names of several herbs. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 150: “Daoist, Don’t Choose Paired Water Amber—They Never Contain Anything Good” Chapter 150: "Daoist, Don''t Choose Paired Water AmberThey Never Contain Anything Good" Shen Mo felt a slight stir in his heart. Just by listening, he could tell that the medicinal herbs mentioned were all used for treating internal injuries. Clearly, the seller was auctioning this blade to save a life, perhaps his own, or someone else''s. "This blade is obviously his prized spiritual weapon, but he''s forced to sell it due to urgent need for herbs. What a pity." Shen Mo shook his head slightly. For low-level cultivators, their ability to withstand risks was too fragile. One serious injury could cost them everything. Those with some foundation could auction spiritual weapons or techniques to earn spirit stones. Those without such resources could only resort to desperate measures like robbery and killing. Thus, they fall into this vicious cycle. The massive blade was quite popular, and soon, a sturdy cultivator exchanged three pieces of Profound Tier medicinal herbs for it. The seller stood up and cupped his hands in gratitude. One auction item after another followed in succession. Most of the time, Shen Mo merely observed. During the auction, he only purchased a single sword pill. Previously, he had obtained a sword pill that, after refining, had greatly enhanced his realm and provided insights from its former owner. By integrating the essence of fast and slow swordplay into his Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, its power had increased significantly. This new sword pill was likely to have a similar effect. Shen Mo looked forward to it. "And finally, we have the special Water Amber gambling session, exclusive to the intermediate auction. The advanced auction doesn''t offer this," said the red-dressed woman, who was visibly tired after hosting the auction but still managed to smile. The cultivators became even more excited. Most of them had attended the intermediate auction solely for this final Water Amber gambling event. With a wave of her hand, the red-dressed woman signaled four sturdy men to carry up four large chests. When the chests were opened, they revealed palm-sized objects with pitch-black surfaces. They looked like crystals, but in fact, they were not. "Water Amber, it''s finally here!" sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Haha, I''ve saved up more than ten mid-grade spirit stones just for today to gamble to my heart''s content!" "Be careful you don''t lose everything!" "No way, I''m definitely going to make a huge profit today and reach the pinnacle of my life!" The excitement in the air intensified as the cultivators eagerly fixed their gazes on the items inside the four large chests. The woman in red smiled and said, "Although many of you Daoists here are regulars, there are probably quite a few newcomers as well." "So, allow me to explain the origins of Water Amber and introduce how the gamble works for those new Daoists." She then calmly explained the rules of Water Amber gambling. Shen Mo scanned the room and shook his head. None of the cultivators present, himself included, had much luck with Water Amber gambling. The best case was Luo Shuanghan, who had previously uncovered two pieces of Thunder Essencetwo Profound Tier supreme treasures. Most others ended up with broken formation flags, shattered spiritual tools, or useless pills. Shen Mo wasn''t in a rush and instead waited for Luo Shuanghan to make his selection. Meanwhile, the other cultivators had already begun choosing their Water Amber and handed them to the specialists on the platform to be cut open. Disappointed sighs echoed throughout the hall. Occasionally, there was a joyful shout. Some were incredibly unlucky, opening several Water Amber in a row with nothing inside and losing all they had. Some of them, driven to desperation, borrowed money and continued to gamble. After a while, Luo Shuanghan stepped up onto the platform, walking among the Water Amber, carefully selecting the piece that caught his eye. Shen Mo, too, strode up to the platform. While he appeared to be choosing Water Amber, his gaze was fixed on Luo Shuanghan. Before long, Luo Shuanghan stopped in front of two paired Water Amber, seemingly intrigued. As he extended his hand to pick them up, a hand from the side reached out and grabbed them first. Luo Shuanghan, visibly displeased, turned to face the intruder. Their eyes met. Luo Shuanghan instinctively took a step back. Those eyes gleamed with a soul-piercing power, making him feel a natural sense of dread. It was a gaze he had seen before. Back when Shen Mo had killed Feng Lieshan, Luo Shuanghan had been sent by Ji Shilong to recruit him at Qingxuan Sect and had felt the same oppressive gaze. Although Luo Shuanghan was quite jealous of Ji Shilong''s regard for Shen Mo, he had to admit it. He definitely wasn''t a match for Shen Mo. "Maybe I was mistaken" Luo Shuanghan averted his gaze and stopped making eye contact with the other party. "You want these?" Shen Mo asked in a hoarse voice. Luo Shuanghan shook his head. "Paired Water Amber rarely contain any treasures. Since you want them, they''re yours." With that, he resumed selecting other Water Amber. Shen Mo picked up the paired Water Amber and walked to the woman in red. "I''ll take these two." He tossed over two mid-grade spirit stones as he spoke. The woman in red looked slightly surprised. "The chance of getting something from paired Water Amber is very low. Are you sure you want them, Daoist?" The elderly man who cut the Water Amber scratched his head. "Yeah, I''ve been cutting Water Amber here in Flying Fish City for over ten years, and I''ve cut through at least a few thousand." "Paired Water Amber almost never contain anything valuable." "Daoist, have you read ? The authors specifically warn against choosing paired Water Amber." Shen Mo chuckled. He had indeed read and knew exactly what it said. But he had seen these paired Water Amber on the life panel, essentially glimpsing the future. No matter how useful the techniques were, they couldn''t compare to directly seeing the future. Still, these two people had good intentions, trying to dissuade him. "No need, I''ll choose these," Shen Mo nodded slightly. The woman in red sighed softly. "Master, go ahead and cut." The elderly man shrugged his shoulders. "Ignore the advice of the old and suffer" He didn''t even finish the phrase when his first cut released an astonishing burst of lightning. The sudden flash of light immediately caught the attention of all the cultivators in the hall. "Someone hit the jackpot! Judging by that light, it''s at least Profound Tier!" "Incredible! This might be the best treasure found in the last two months." "And it came from paired Water Amber didn''t they say paired Water Amber almost never contain anything good?" "Could it be that is wrong?" Luo Shuanghan, who had been picking other Water Amber, froze in place. He had almost chosen that paired Water Amber earlier but decided against it after recalling how everyone said they rarely yielded anything. Who could''ve known that person would end up with such a find? The elderly man exclaimed, "Daoist, you''ve got a good eye! Inside is a piece of Thunder Essence, a supreme Profound Tier treasure!" His voice of amazement spread through the hall, eliciting waves of envy from the surrounding cultivators. A supreme Profound Tier treasure! Such an item was priceless, with no market for it. What''s more, this was an extraordinary treasure for condensing a lightning attribute golden core. If Shen Mo announced its availability, many would be willing to pay a high price to acquire it. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Go ahead and open the other one. There might be another treasure." The elderly man, half doubting, made another cut. Another surge of dazzling lightning appeared. "Another piece of Thunder Essence!" The elderly man shouted in disbelief. In all his years of cutting Water Amber, he had never seen paired Water Amber both yield treasures. This was unheard of, something he had never seen before! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 151: Demon Armor—He’s Actually Demon Armor Chapter 151: Demon ArmorHe''s Actually Demon Armor The cultivators were filled with envy. Some even felt a pang of jealousy. They had gambled for years, lost everything, and didn''t win a single treasure. Why should this guy win two treasures in one go? Luo Shuanghan was initially just a little disappointed. Now, he felt a sense of loss. Two pieces of Thunder Essence. Such a huge loss. At this moment, a cultivator suddenly shouted, "Fellow Daoist, are you willing to sell these two pieces of Thunder Essence? Name your price; I''ll buy them!" Everyone looked over and saw the speaker wearing the deep blue steward''s robe of the Storm Rain Sect. As soon as he spoke, several other voices followed. All of them were cultivators eager to purchase the Thunder Essence. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They could offer an extremely high price, clearly indicating that they were well-off members of prestigious sects. Some were from the Purple Star Sect, while others came from the more northern Liejiang Sect. They weren''t buying the Thunder Essence for themselves, but for their respective sects. Shen Mo, however, shook his head. "Not for sale. I plan to keep it for myself." With that, he put the two pieces of Thunder Essence into his bag and turned to leave. The cultivators stepped aside, allowing Shen Mo to leave swiftly. Many rogue cultivators exchanged dangerous glances, then quietly followed him out. Luo Shuanghan noticed their expressions. But he pretended not to see and had no intention of warning that person. They were merely strangers crossing pathswhy should he act the good Samaritan? If he warned him and that water-patterned mask-wearing man was still killed by those rogue cultivators, then those rogues might come after him as well. No one else warned him, yet you spoke up. Like to meddle in others'' affairs? ... Outside the grand auction hall. Just as Shen Mo was about to leave, he sensed a figure approaching from behind. Faint malice was in the air. "Interesting, a rogue cultivator at the Core Formation stage?" Shen Mo turned around to face the newcomer. The man was a burly figure with a rugged face and a fierce presence. "Impressive perception. I thought you''d only realize it after you''re dead," the man sneered. Shen Mo chuckled. "Trying to rob me of the Thunder Essence?" The man replied indifferently, "I''m someone who believes in fairness. I have twenty low-grade spirit stones here to buy your two pieces of Thunder Essence." "Hand over the goods, and we''ll make the exchange. This isn''t robbery; it''s a fair trade." Shen Mo laughed. "Forcing a sale, huh? How''s that a fair trade?" The man raised an eyebrow, a cold glint in his eyes. "So, you''re refusing a fair trade?" "You want to fight me? Not afraid of the elders from the Qingxuan Sect?" Shen Mo sneered. The man sneered back. "Once I kill you, I''ll flee from the Golden River. Even the resident elders of Flying Fish City won''t catch me." As he finished speaking, he swung a vicious punch straight at Shen Mo! Water spiritual energy surged and condensed into a ferocious tiger''s head in an instant, lunging forward to devour him! He didn''t give Shen Mo any chance to react. The onlooking cultivators were horrified and scattered in all directions. "Angry River Tiger! That''s the Water Tiger''s technique!" "Damn! The Water Tiger actually dared to enter Flying Fish City! This guy has nerves of steel!" "That man is doomed. The Water Tiger is absurdly powerful." "Not just that; he''s not only strong but also extremely arrogant. It''s said that the Qingxuan Sect once tried to recruit him, but not only did he refuse, he even killed the recruiters they sent." "No way! I never imagined he''d disguise himself and sneak into Flying Fish City, even entering the grand auction hall!" The onlookers were all in shock. The notorious reputation of the Water Tiger was well known in the areas surrounding Flying Fish City. Many parents would even use his name to scare their children, saying that if they didn''t sleep well at night, the Water Tiger would come and eat them alive! Luo Shuanghan, along with cultivators from the Storm Rain Sect, Purple Star Sect, Liejiang Sect, and other sects, had also stepped out of the auction hall to witness the scene. They were all astonished. The Water Tiger had the audacity to enter Flying Fish City and brazenly make a move in broad daylight. A cold sneer rose in Luo Shuanghan''s heart. Those Thunder Essences were supposed to be his opportunity, but that man with the water-patterned mask had seized them. Perfect. Now, let the Water Tiger kill him! This was truly a blessing in disguise. "So, you''re the Water Tiger?" Shen Mo chuckled lightly. Unexpectedly, he ran right into this situation. The two pieces of Thunder Essence must be too valuable, causing even the Water Tiger to succumb to greed. Even if it meant revealing his identity, he was determined to kill and seize the Thunder Essence. "Hehehe, just realizing now? Too late!" "I know you''re at the Core Formation stage too, but you are not my match!" Water Tiger''s punch was already hurtling forward. The ferocious tiger head was almost about to take a huge bite at Shen Mo. Only then did Shen Mo leisurely raise his right arm. Buzz, buzz, buzz! A purple-black demonic armor suddenly appeared. In an instant, it wrapped around his entire right arm! "Purple-black...arm armor?" "Damn, he''s Demon Armor! He''s the one who crushed the White River Sect''s leader L Xinyue two months ago in White Stone City!" "My god, Demon Armor is here too?!" The surrounding cultivators'' eyes widened instantly. They could hardly believe it! Who would have thought they''d witness both Demon Armor and Water Tiger today? It was a true feast for the eyes! The cultivators from the Storm Rain Sect, Purple Star Sect, and Liejiang Sect froze, then were filled with ecstasy. They had been searching for Demon Armor for so long. Who would have thought they''d encounter him today! In contrast, Luo Shuanghan felt a sense of relief. "Demon Armor... He''s actually Demon Armor..." "Luckily, I didn''t offend him with my words earlier, or I might have ended up on his list..." Upon hearing this name, Water Tiger''s body shuddered. He had heard of the notorious reputation of Demon Armor. He considered himself strong, but he didn''t think he could match L Xinyue. If Demon Armor used his Ice Thorn Armor, he would certainly be obliterated. But... Water Tiger glanced at his opponent''s right arm again. It seemed that the other party had no intention of using the Ice Thorn Armor. Is he unable to use it temporarily? A surge of greed rose within Water Tiger. If he killed Demon Armor here and seized that arm armor, wouldn''t his strength skyrocket, gaining fame throughout Xuanjiang Prefecture? "Without that move, you still think you can kill me? Facing death, and you''re still dreaming." Shen Mo noticed his gaze and chuckled lightly. The next moment, he threw a fierce punch. The purple-black fist crashed into the ferocious water tiger head. Boom! Water splashed and shot in all directions. The onlookers quickly employed their own techniques to either dodge or defend. Some who loved to watch the excitement but lacked the means to withstand the aftershocks clutched their wounds, wailing miserably. Loving the excitement without the strength to back it upthis is the price you pay. Bang! A large figure was sent flying. A gaping hole opened up in his chest. Blood gushed out, quickly forming a small pool. The Water Tiger, who had roamed freely around Flying Fish City and left even the elders of Qingxuan Sect helpless, was killed in one blow! At this moment, a streak of light hurriedly arrived. An elderly Qingxuan Sect elder emerged from the light, stunned to see the large man lying lifeless in a pool of blood. "Just got here?" "I''ll leave the body for you to handle." Shen Mo said indifferently, casually retracting the demonic armor from his right arm. "Don''t leave, Fellow Daoist Demon Armor! I am Luo Shuanghan, an envoy of the Governor''s Office. The Governor greatly admires your strength and hopes you will join the Prefecture Office!" "You can have any treatment you desire, as long as you join us!" Luo Shuanghan suddenly called out loudly. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 152: It Seems Our Qingxuan Sect Has Gained a Powerful New Enemy Chapter 152: It Seems Our Qingxuan Sect Has Gained a Powerful New Enemy Just as Luo Shuanghan finished speaking, a cultivator shouted loudly. "Government office? Hmph! How could Daoist Flame Mask possibly become a lapdog of the court?" "Daoist, I am a steward of the Stormy Rain Sect. Under the orders of my sect master, I have been searching for you for days. Now that we''ve finally met, I hope you can do us the honor of returning to the Stormy Rain Sect with me." This person was dressed in the robe of a Stormy Rain Sect steward and was clearly trying to recruit the "Flame Mask." No sooner had he finished speaking than another person loudly declared. "The Stormy Rain Sect isn''t bad, but it can''t compare to our Purple Star Sect!" "Our Purple Star Sect has the backing of the Thunderfire Sect and also possesses refined crystal spirit artifacts. If Daoist Flame Mask is willing to return to the Purple Star Sect with me, I''ll offer you a profound-grade refined crystal spirit artifact on behalf of our sect master!" "If you''re willing to join our Purple Star Sect, there will be even greater rewards!" A steward of the Purple Star Sect stepped forward, cupping his hands repeatedly toward Shen Mo. Before his words had faded, another steward, clad in a deep blue robe, emerged and spoke loudly. "Daoist Flame Mask, I am a steward of the Liejiang Sect. My sect master has a grudge against L Xinyue. You killed L Xinyue, so my sect master has long wanted to meet you and has sent me to present a gift to you." With that, he held up a storage ring in both hands. Inside, it was evident that there was a gift from the sect master of the Liejiang Sect. Shen Mo was momentarily speechless with laughter. Each one of them sure knew how to recruit people. The Liejiang Sect was even straightforward enough to send a gift directly. At this moment, a sudden burst of a Core Formation cultivator''s aura swept through the area. The Qingxuan Sect elder stationed in Feiyu City instantly appeared before Shen Mo, letting out a cold snort, "Hmph, what do you mean by this? Feiyu City is the territory of our Qingxuan Sect!" "Besides, Daoist Flame Mask just killed Shui Zhonghu. Our Qingxuan Sect should be the one to properly thank Daoist." With that, he cupped his hands toward Shen Mo, a smile spreading across his face. "Please, Daoist, follow me back to our Qingxuan Sect. Sect Master Murong has admired you for a long time." In a short span of time, the court, Stormy Rain Sect, Purple Star Sect, Liejiang Sect, and Qingxuan Sect had all extended olive branches to this Flame Mask. The surrounding cultivators watched in astonishment. They knew that after Flame Mask killed L Xinyue, he had already made a name for himself. However, they hadn''t expected that so many factions would want to recruit him. Flame Mask had practically become a prized possession in the eyes of all the sects! This level of treatment was something wandering cultivators could only dream of. Shen Mo glanced around. When he heard that even the Qingxuan Sect elder wanted to recruit him, he found it both amusing and exasperating. He was about to find an excuse to brush them off. At that moment, another voice rang out. "Daoist Flame Mask, I am a steward of the Heavenly Water Sect. Our Sect Master Zhang greatly admires your strength and wishes to invite you to become an inner sect elder of the Heavenly Water Sect." "Would you be willing?" This voice wasn''t loud; in fact, it seemed rather ordinary. However, once it rang out, everyone fell silent. The Heavenly Water Sect. One of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang! Even though many acknowledged that Heavenly Water Sect ranked fifth among the Five Sects of Xuanjiang, And even though Heavenly Water Sect''s three subordinatesthe Flying Frost Sect, Blood River Sect, and White River Secthad already been destroyed, Despite that, the Heavenly Water Sect still had a heritage that a first-rate sect could not match. Now, Heavenly Water Sect had extended an olive branch to Flame Mask. The other sects naturally had no place to speak. Everyone turned to look at Flame Mask. Would he accept Heavenly Water Sect''s invitation? Shen Mo was about to refuse. However, he hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking, "I''ve never liked being restrained. The inner sect elder position doesn''t appeal to me." The stewards of the Purple Star Sect and Stormy Rain Sect both breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Flame Mask had no intention of joining the Heavenly Water Sect. But Luo Shuanghan and the other sharp-witted individuals caught the underlying meaning. Flame Mask seemed to dislike only the "inner sect elder" position. So, what if they offered a different position? The Heavenly Water Sect steward quickly realized this, hastily responding, "Then, would you be willing to serve as our Heavenly Water Sect''s guest elder?" Guest Elder! Every sect had this position. Only Core Formation cultivators were qualified to hold it. However, there was a significant difference between a guest elder and an inner sect elder. An inner sect elder shared the sect''s honor and disgrace, its rise and fall. They received a generous monthly stipend, could participate in sect affairs, and had to obey the sect master''s orders. Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But a guest elder was more independent and couldn''t partake in sect affairs. They only received a modest monthly stipend and held a nominal position within the sect. Yet, when the sect encountered major events, it could spend a hefty sum to enlist the help of a guest elder. To put it plainly, it''s equivalent to a mercenary on the sect''s payroll. They''ll only act if paid. Upon hearing the Heavenly Water Sect steward''s words, Shen Mo reluctantly nodded, "I can accept the position of guest elder." "But..." Sensing Shen Mo''s hesitant tone, the steward quickly responded, "I have the authority to present you with a bottle of Great Replenishment Pills as a gift." Only then did Shen Mo nod in satisfaction. "Alright." The Heavenly Water Sect steward''s face lit up with joy. "Then, would you be willing to accompany me to the Heavenly Water Sect to discuss the details with Sect Master Zhang?" Shen Mo shook his head. "Since I''ve already agreed to be the guest elder of Heavenly Water Sect, why do I need to meet with her? It''s unnecessary." "If Sect Master Zhang has any tasks for me, as long as the reward is sufficient, everything can be discussed." With that, he turned and prepared to leave. "Daoist, how should I contact you?" the steward called out. Shen Mo casually tossed over a jade piece. "Keep this communication jade with you. If there''s anything, use it to reach me." He had slain quite a few cultivators, and most sect cultivators of some status carried a set of communication jades. "Alright, alright, safe travels, Daoist," the Heavenly Water Sect steward responded, taking the jade with a face full of delight. The crowd ahead of Shen Mo quickly parted, clearing a path for him to leave grandly. The Qingxuan Sect elder frowned deeply. "Flame Mask has actually been recruited by the Heavenly Water Sect... Though it''s just as a guest elder, it still means he''s aligned with them." "It seems our Qingxuan Sect has gained a powerful new enemy." "This matter must be reported to the sect master immediately. Our Qingxuan Sect must be on guard against this individual at all times!" The other sects, such as the Stormy Rain Sect, Purple Star Sect, and Liejiang Sect, each had varied reactions. Only the Heavenly Water Sect steward was brimming with joy. He had accomplished his task and would surely be rewarded upon his return. ... After leaving Flying Fish City, Shen Mo increased his pace. He soared through the skies, dived underground, and darted through forests, eventually shaking off those with ill intentions tracking him. His temporary acceptance of Heavenly Water Sect''s offer was merely a casual move on his part. Zhang Mo wouldn''t trust him so easily. Nor would she assign him important responsibilities anytime soon. However, even so, Shen Mo could still receive the monthly stipend of a guest elder, reaping benefits from Heavenly Water Sect without much cost. Why not take advantage? "News of this should spread and cause quite a stir, don''t you think?" A faint smile appeared on Shen Mo''s lips as he quickened his pace toward Qingxuan Sect. ... As expected. News that Flame Mask had accepted the Heavenly Water Sect''s offer to become a guest elder quickly caused an uproar. Many had never anticipated that a figure like Flame Mask would join the Heavenly Water Sect. Even Ji Shilong, the Prefect of Xuanjiang Prefecture, furrowed his brow and pondered for a long time, unable to make sense of it. He couldn''t understand whether it was because the court''s offer was too low or if Flame Mask naturally harbored resentment toward the court. After all, whatever the Heavenly Water Sect could provide, the court could undoubtedly offer more. "I can''t figure it out... Nevertheless, with Flame Mask on their side, the Heavenly Water Sect will surely gain a significant boost." "Currently, the Five Sects of Xuanjiang have yet to directly intervene. If they don''t, this sect rivalry won''t reach its peak." "It''s time to fan the flames." Ji Shilong gazed southward, his expression calm and unwavering. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 153: Eight Direction Thunder Movement’s Highest Level – Blink Thunder Escape Chapter 153: Eight Direction Thunder Movement''s Highest Level - Blink Thunder Escape A few days later, at the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate, in the Jujube Tree Courtyard. The courtyard was empty, with only a figure sweeping past like a violent gust of wind. He appeared on the roof one moment, beside the pond the next, and then on the treetop. His speed was astonishing, almost leaving afterimages in his wake. "I''m feeling it! Once more!" Shen Mo was overjoyed. He immediately sat down cross-legged and refined another piece of thunder essence. At the same time, he continued to peruse the manual. With the help of the thunder essence''s abundant thunder spirit energy, his understanding of this movement technique further deepened. He seemed to have pierced through a certain layer of obscurity. At a certain moment, Shen Mo suddenly stood up. Spiritual power surged within his body, connecting with the thunder spirit energy of heaven and earth. In an instant, wind surged under his feet, and thunder roared beside his legs. With a whoosh, his figure shot forward several dozen feet. He had unexpectedly crossed through the courtyard wall of the Jujube Tree Courtyard without warning, appearing outside. The disciple guarding the gate was stunned. "Y-Young Sect Master, what are you..." Shen Mo, overjoyed, waved his hand. "It''s nothing, just training." Having said this, he returned to the courtyard. Clearly, he had cultivated the to the eighth level. Simultaneously, he grasped a new move. "Blink Thunder Escape!" As he spoke, Shen Mo executed the technique again. Whoosh. His figure vanished abruptly from where he stood. When he reappeared, he was already standing on the rooftop. "This move is executed without any warning and can pass through objects. If the opponent is unaware of my method, they will certainly be caught off guard, giving me the advantage in battle." "The only flaw is that it consumes a lot of spiritual power." Shen Mo chuckled wryly. Each time he used the "Blink Thunder Escape," it consumed 20% of his spiritual power. In other words, he could theoretically use it a maximum of five times in quick succession. However, this was just the theoretical limit. In reality, his spiritual power constantly needed to support the Green Lotus Earth Core Flame, so the amount of power he could freely use wasn''t much. Moreover, he needed to reserve some spiritual power to use offensive and defensive techniques. Considering various factors, he estimated that using the three times consecutively would be his limit. If his spiritual power were truly exhausted, that would not be a pleasant experience. "Anyway, having mastered this movement technique to its highest level and grasped a new move is quite an accomplishment." Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. With this, all his martial arts had reached their highest level. The only thing left to improve was his cultivation realm. He pushed open the courtyard gate, intending to take a walk. After a few steps, he noticed several familiar figures. They were Song Chaofeng, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and others. Although he hadn''t gotten close, Shen Mo had already heard what they were discussing. Song Chaofeng said, "...What should we do? The Demon Armor has been recruited by the Heavenly Water Sect!" Elder Li replied, "He''s just a guest elder, probably only affiliated with the Heavenly Water Sect. Elder Song, you don''t need to worry too much." Song Chaofeng argued, "That''s not necessarily true. As long as enough benefits are offered, a guest elder could serve the Heavenly Water Sect. Besides, the Demon Armor is just a rogue cultivator driven by profit." Wei Xiongtie added, "Exactly. It''s hard to guarantee that he won''t act against our Qingxuan Sect. A few days ago, several of our deacons near the Thorny Forest went missing. I suspect it was the Demon Armor, secretly eliminating our people on the orders of the Heavenly Water Sect!" Shen Mo found this amusing. You all are overthinking it. Why would I harm the people of the Qingxuan Sect? "Young Sect Master!" "Greetings, Young Sect Master!" At this moment, the three of them noticed Shen Mo and quickly bowed in respect. Shen Mo nodded, "You''re talking about the Demon Armor? He joined the Heavenly Water Sect?" "What do you think, Young Sect Master?" Song Chaofeng sighed. Shen Mo nodded slightly. "This Demon Armor is driven solely by profit, and his stance is unclear." "It''s best if we don''t provoke him first." "But if he dares to trouble our Qingxuan Sect, we must show him that we are not to be trifled with!" The three men quickly nodded, "The Young Sect Master is right." Shen Mo smiled faintly. What he said was all nonsense, but as long as his stance was made clear, it was enough. He wanted to say a few more words to completely dissociate Demon Armor from the Qingxuan Sect. However, the mother jade in his storage ring suddenly vibrated. A slight change in Shen Mo''s expression, "Something just came up. I need to go into seclusion for a while. No one is allowed to enter the Jujube Tree Courtyard during this time." "Understood." The three nodded. Shen Mo quickly returned to the courtyard, took out the mother jade, and injected his spiritual power into it. Immediately, a voice came from within. "Elder Demon Armor, I am Elder Long Tao of the Heavenly Water Sect. I will be the elder you will be liaising with from now on." "Currently, my Heavenly Water Sect has three tasks for you to choose from." "First, infiltrate the Profound Frost Cave, destroy its formation, and kill the Qingxuan Sect elder guarding the cave. We will provide you with the necessary intelligence. The reward is a bottle of Great Essence Replenishing Pills and a low-grade Profound Rank martial technique, ." "Second, go to the Thorny Forest and assassinate the second elder of the Thunderfire Sect, Lu Ren, who is hiding there. The reward is the mid-grade Profound Rank spiritual artifact, ." "Third, go to Black Jade Mountain and find traces of the Great Rock Python. The reward is a fourth-rank demon crystal and the low-grade Profound Rank spiritual artifact, ." Shen Mo listened, his expression half-smiling. The other party had proposed three tasks. The tasks were very specific, clearly meant to test him. "I''m more interested in the . I''ve heard it''s something your Heavenly Water Sect purchased from a major sect in Yuzhou?" Shen Mo inquired. Long Tao replied, "Indeed, the is sewn from century-old green lotus leaves. It''s extremely tough and can accelerate blood circulation." "Moreover, the we acquired has been refined with a third-rank wood-attribute demon crystal, further enhancing its defensive capabilities and boosting the blood circulation effect." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "Then I''ll take this task." "Alright, now here is the intelligence on Elder Lu Ren of the Thunderfire Sect. Listen carefully, Elder Demon Armor." Long Tao continued. Moments later, the two stopped their communication. Shen Mo put the mother jade back into his storage ring, pondering. He knew very well that these tasks were deliberately arranged by Zhuang Mochou. The three tasks had different objectives and targets. The purpose was simply to test his stance. To see if he was truly trustworthy. Most importantly, they needed to ensure that "Demon Armor" wouldn''t side with their enemies. Whether "Demon Armor" was a rogue cultivator or a sect disciple didn''t matter. As long as he could be used by the Heavenly Water Sect and not by the Qingxuan Sect, that was enough. Of course, to Shen Mo, Zhuang Mochou''s response was irrelevant. He was currently "Demon Armor." Since there was an opportunity to fleece the Heavenly Water Sect, he would naturally take full advantage of it. sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not profiting would be a loss! "In the Thorny Forest, there''s also a fragment of the ." "While I''m there, I''ll take it as well." "By the way, what kind of conflict has broken out between the Heavenly Water Sect and the Thunderfire Sect for things to escalate this far?" Without further intelligence, Shen Mo couldn''t think of an answer and was too lazy to dwell on it. Knowing where to go, who to kill, and what the reward was would suffice. He soon left the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate quietly, heading straight for the Thorny Forest. After cultivating the to its highest level, his speed was astonishing. So much so that no one noticed his departure. All they felt was a gust of wind passing by. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 154: Ensure Demon Armor Benefits and Never Displease Him Chapter 154: Ensure Demon Armor Benefits and Never Displease Him Thorny Forest. Inside a hidden cave. A middle-aged man sat cross-legged on a stone bed. Scattered around him were several shriveled corpses. These bodies had all been cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, and one of them was even at the Core Formation stage. Judging from their attire, they came from various sects, including the Heavenly Water Sect, Qingxuan Sect, and Storm Rain Sect. At this moment, threads of blood energy were leaking from all the corpses, flowing into the middle-aged man''s nostrils, further boosting his cultivation. "Good... good, I''ve grown stronger again." "I''m just one step away from reaching the peak of the Core Formation stage!" Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This technique is indeed formidable! If I had obtained it earlier, I would have already broken through to the Core Formation peak!" He couldn''t help but laugh out loud. His laughter was filled with exhilaration. "I need more..." "It''s time to kill again. As long as I kill one more Core Formation stage cultivator and absorb his blood energy, I should be able to reach the Core Formation peak!" He slowly stood up, pondering who his next target should be. At this moment, a sudden sense of danger surged in his heart. The middle-aged man instinctively activated his defensive martial technique, summoning a blood-red shield in front of him. The next instant, a violent explosion echoed. The formation at the cave entrance was blasted apart. The cave shook violently, cracks spreading in all directions. In the blink of an eye, sunlight poured in from the outside, casting onto the man''s face. His pupils contracted instinctively. Then, a fist wrapped in icy cold energy smashed against his blood shield. This fist seemed to be made of millennium-old ice. It sought to freeze everything into shards of ice! Crack! The blood shield couldn''t withstand the power of the ice fist and shattered on the spot. The fist didn''t lose momentum, smashing straight into the middle-aged man''s chest. The man''s eyes widened, filled with disbelief. "I... who are you..." He looked at the figure before him, muttering a few words. Standing under the sunlight, the masked cultivator wearing a fiery-patterned mask remained expressionless. "Second Elder of the Thunderfire Sect, Lu Ren, you''re the one I''m here to kill." Sizzle! Frost quickly covered Lu Ren''s entire body. Shen Mo stirred his spiritual power once more. A cracking sound followed. Lu Ren exploded into countless ice shards. "Though it was partly due to the element of surprise, he was still a cultivator with one foot in the peak of the Core Formation stage. I didn''t expect him to be so easy to kill." With a casual wave, Shen Mo retrieved Lu Ren''s storage ring into his palm, shaking his head. Clearly, it wasn''t that Lu Ren was weak. After all, there was a Core Formation stage cultivator from the Heavenly Water Sect in this cave who had died at Lu Ren''s hands. The elders of the top five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture were generally stronger than those of other sects due to their superior cultivation techniques, martial skills, and spiritual artifacts. Despite this, the unfortunate Heavenly Water Sect elder still fell to Lu Ren, proving that Lu Ren''s demonic technique was indeed powerful. "Hmm, not bad. No wonder I couldn''t find the fragment of the . It turns out it was in this guy''s possession." After carefully searching, Shen Mo found an unexpected item in Lu Ren''s storage ring. It wasn''t hard to understand. Originally, Luo Shuanghan was still searching for traces of "Demon Armor." Half a month later, when passing through the Thorny Forest, he accidentally discovered sword energy soaring into the sky and came here to search for treasure. In the end, he had a dispute with Xiao Fan, was schemed against, and ultimately missed the fragment of the . However, now that Shen Mo had taken the initiative to appear in Flying Fish City as Demon Armor and had accepted the Heavenly Water Sect''s invitation, Luo Shuanghan no longer needed to continue searching for Demon Armor. Instead, he immediately returned to report to the Giant River City Prefecture Yamen. As a result, this opportunity no longer belonged to Luo Shuanghan. Fate, once set, had been disrupted by Shen Mo. This chance finally fell into the hands of the Thunderfire Sect''s Second Elder, Lu Ren. In the future, this person would likely have been killed by Xiao Fan. "So, this is that demonic technique? Absorbing blood energy from corpses, even shortening one''s lifespan. Its power is weak and can''t even compare to the Flame Hell Destruction Manual ." Shen Mo shook his head. Based on the information provided by Long Tao, the elder of the Heavenly Water Sect: The Thunderfire Sect''s Second Elder, Lu Ren, had stumbled upon this demonic technique by chance and had been unable to stop himself afterward. A month ago, he killed a fellow elder and fled the Thunderfire Sect to the Thorny Forest, where he then killed the Heavenly Water Sect elder and numerous innocent cultivators. "It seems like someone is watching me. It should be Long Tao," Shen Mo thought with a half-smile. With a single punch, he had killed Lu Ren. The observer immediately retracted his gaze, clearly out of fear. "Time to collect my reward." Without lingering, Shen Mo swiftly left. ... "What? You said he killed Lu Ren with a single punch?" Zhuang Mochou leaped to her feet in shock when she heard the news from Long Tao. Beside her, Bai Ziyue''s eyes also widened. He had heard a bit about the strength of the Thunderfire Sect''s Second Elder, Lu Ren. After cultivating the demonic technique, his power had surged even further. For someone of that level to be killed with just one punch by Demon Armor? It seemed that Demon Armor''s strength had once again improved after killing L Xinyue. Such a cultivation speed was terrifying. Could this person possibly possess a Heaven-grade constitution? Zhuang Mochou''s eyes glinted with excitement, a joyful expression on her face. "It seems that Demon Armor''s strength is truly remarkable, only half a step weaker than me at most." "Recruiting him as a guest elder was indeed a wise decision!" "From now on, Demon Armor will become the sharpest blade in my Heavenly Water Sect''s hand!" Long Tao quickly added a flattery, "The Sect Master is truly wise!" "Continue assigning him tasks to test his character and stance, but don''t force him too much." "Make sure to offer him enough benefits! We absolutely cannot let him become dissatisfied!" Zhuang Mochou ordered. "Understood!" ... In the following months, while Shen Mo appeared to be in seclusion within the Qingxuan Sect, he secretly operated as Demon Armor, completing various tasks for the Heavenly Water Sect. After a few missions, Shen Mo had fully exhibited Demon Armor''s greedy and unprincipled nature, while also reaping many rewards. The , , and a complete set of spiritual artifactshad all fallen into his hands. This set of spiritual artifacts was invaluable; no one in Xuanjing Prefecture could craft them. Additionally, while carrying out tasks for the Heavenly Water Sect, he obtained the second and third chapters of the long-lost of the Verdant Vine Sect! The Verdant Vine Sect''s cultivation techniques and martial arts all originated from the . However, 150 years ago, after a young sect master took over, he was manipulated by the Thunderfire Sect and stole the manual. In the end, the Verdant Vine Sect only managed to recover the first chapter. As for the second and third chapters, they vanished without a trace. This loss greatly damaged the Verdant Vine Sect''s heritage. They had to rely on the oral teachings of the older generation of cultivators. When those old cultivators eventually passed away, the related techniques and martial arts naturally became lost. With the guidance of his life panel, Shen Mo quickly found the second chapter in a bandit hideout. Later, following the life panel''s hints, he found the Great Rock Python near Black Jade Mountain and discovered the third chapter on its back. He kept both chapters to himself, not handing them over to the Heavenly Water Sect. These chapters were obviously crucial bargaining chips. At critical moments, they would undoubtedly prove useful. Initially, Shen Mo had thought of comprehending the , but the text in the manual was all jumbled. Without a special reading method, it was impossible to decipher it. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 155: Heavenly Water Sect Finally Strikes, Conquers Profound Frost City Chapter 155: Heavenly Water Sect Finally Strikes, Conquers Profound Frost City At this moment, Shen Mo was cultivating in the Jujube Courtyard. Beside him lay three empty jade bottles. All the Great Nourishing Pills within them had been consumed. Shen Mo kept his eyes shut, spiritual energy surged around his body, and the surrounding aura fluctuated wildly. He was on the brink of a breakthrough. It could happen at any moment. Suddenly, he was struck by a flash of inspiration. The bottleneck that had troubled him for so long was shattered in an instant. Boom! The Inferno Gold Core within him suddenly expanded! Spiritual power surged out like a fountain. Within a fifty-zhang radius around Shen Mo, dust was swept away, leaving not a speck behind. All the insects'' chirping and birds'' singing ceased immediately, as if they had sensed a terrifying presence. The two Qi Condensation disciples guarding the entrance to the Jujube Courtyard also felt a tightening in their hearts, as though a massive boulder had suddenly pressed against their chests. It left them gasping for breath! Shen Mo abruptly opened his eyes, exhaling a mouthful of turbid air, his expression filled with joy. "Core Formation Realm, perfected!" "Three bottles of Great Nourishing Pills consumed, and finally, I''ve reached this realm!" He slowly stood up and began practicing various martial techniques. Swift Thunder Shadow Sword Art, Eight Direction Thunder Movement, Four-Sided Profound Gate, Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. After performing all his martial techniques, he immediately sensed his newfound strength. "My current power is probably unmatched in the Qingxuan Sect." "Even though Murong Yue is at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, she is no longer my opponent." "Across the entire Xuanjing Prefecture, perhaps only the masters of the five major sects can match me." Shen Mo smiled faintly. However, he didn''t grow arrogant because of this. It wasn''t something worth making a fuss about. This was merely a natural progression. "If I calculate correctly, it''s been a whole year since the Hundred Sect Ceremony." "Below the five major sects of Xuanjing, many smaller sects have already been fighting fiercely." "A year ago, there were still twelve first-class sects. Now, only seven remain." "As for the second-class sects, their numbers have dwindled even more." "However, the five major sects of Xuanjing have yet to intervene, which is probably not what Ji Shilong wishes to see." Shen Mo pondered carefully. "Qingxuan Sect''s current momentum is unstoppable. It has already become the strongest sect below the five major sects of Xuanjing." "Ji Shilong hopes to expand the situation, wishing for the five major sects to get involved. Zhang Mo won''t allow the Qingxuan Sect to continue growing either." "It seems that a great battle is approaching." "Zhang Mo might also be preparing to give the Demon Armor Sect some work, right?" Shen Mo smiled slightly. ... Half a month later. The chimes within the Qingxuan Sect rang urgently. Shen Mo was in the middle of consuming a pill to aid his cultivation when the sound awakened him. "A council of elders?" Shen Mo quickly got up and hurried toward the council hall. If he remembered correctly, the Qingxuan Sect hadn''t held a council of elders for over six months. Months ago, the master of the White River Sect, L Xinyue, perished, and the White River Sect had yet to appoint a new master. Much of its assets were seized by the surrounding sects. Naturally, the Qingxuan Sect claimed its share as well. Ever since the Blood River Sect was annihilated, the Qingxuan Sect had been consolidating the assets of the Feishuang Sect, Blood River Sect, and White River Sect, halting its external expansion. Thus, there was no need for council meetings. What happened today? S~ea??h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo quickly arrived at the council hall and took a seat beside Murong Yue. Soon, all the elders who could come gathered immediately. "Those who cannot arrive will be left out. Let''s begin the meeting at once." Murong Yue''s expression was stern. With a wave of her hand, a gust of wind swept through, closing the hall doors. The elders were bewildered. Wei Xiongtie asked, "Sect Master, what on earth has happened?" Murong Yue frowned deeply. "Profound Frost City has fallen. The elders stationed there have been captured by the Heavenly Water Sect, and countless disciples and deacons have been killed or injured." "What?!" The elders were shocked and angered. Shocked that the Heavenly Water Sect, one of the five major sects of Xuanjing, had actually intervened in person. Angered that the Heavenly Water Sect acted so recklessly, killing many of the Qingxuan Sect''s deacons and disciples! "They didn''t find any excuse, and just directly attacked Profound Frost City?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue sighed, "They claim that the Heavenly Water Sect''s young master, Yin Xuege, came to Profound Frost City to trade treasures with a friend and then went missing." "Since then, he''s been untraceable." "The Heavenly Water Sect believes that we kidnapped or even killed Yin Xuege." Hearing this, the elders in the hall were furious. Wei Xiongtie cursed, "That''s a load of crap! Yin Xuege? I''ve never even heard of him!" "The same old trick. Flying Frost Sect used it back then too," Song Chaofeng said grimly. "At that time, they made the excuse that the formation master they invited to repair their mountain gate''s grand formation went missing in our territory! Without a word, they attacked Flying Fish City!" The elders chimed in, all filled with righteous indignation. Such disgusting tacticsusing them once was already enough. But using them twice? It was truly twice as sickening. Murong Yue declared loudly, "Our Qingxuan Sect''s recent rise is unstoppable. The Heavenly Water Sect clearly feels threatened, and now they couldn''t wait any longer to intervene personally." "I ask that all elders face the Heavenly Water Sect with the utmost caution!" The elders responded in unison, "Understood!" "Relay my order immediately: dispatch people from Blackstone City and Flying Fish City to guard against the Heavenly Water Sect advancing south from Profound Frost City," Murong Yue looked toward Liu Yuanfeng, "Deputy Master Liu, Elder Song, you two will lead the team!" Song Chaofeng responded without hesitation, "Yes!" Liu Yuanfeng raised an eyebrow, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded, a beat slower than the others. "From today on, the Qingxuan Sect is in a state of war preparedness." "Everything must make way for the resistance against the Heavenly Water Sect." Murong Yue looked around the hall. "We understand!" The elders replied in unison. After the meeting ended, the elders left one by one. Each wore a different expression. Some looked determined. Some appeared gloomy. Some had their eyes darting around. After everyone had left, Murong Yue sat down and rubbed her temples. Despite her stunning beauty, the fatigue between her brows was hard to conceal. "Master, is the situation very bad?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue smiled helplessly, "The battle situation I just mentioned happened a day ago." Shen Mo frowned, "What about today?" "The White River Sect has already chosen a new master, and they are deploying troops in the northwest." "Although the Purple Star Sect hasn''t made any moves, they''ve been stationing personnel along our border, acting frequently. No one knows what they intend to do." After recounting this series of events, Murong Yue looked at Shen Mo, "Zhang Mo has publicly claimed that the Heavenly Water Sect is attacking our Qingxuan Sect just to find Yin Xuege." "If they can''t find him, then you, the young master of the Qingxuan Sect, must pay with your life." "They said that as long as we hand you over, the Heavenly Water Sect will withdraw immediately." Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. Murong Yue grasped his hand, her beautiful eyes fixed on his, "Mo''er, don''t worry. Even if the sect is destroyed, even if I die, I will never hand you over." "If the sky falls, I, Murong Yue, will bear it. You don''t need to worry too much," she said with a smile. Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. She was trying to shoulder everything herself. "Go back and rest. Your cultivation level is still shallow, and your strength is not enough. The Qingxuan Sect is mine to carry!" Murong Yue said solemnly. "Yes." Shen Mo cupped his hands, turned around, and left. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 156: Mo Hanshan Wants to Meet You; When Are You Available? Chapter 156: Mo Hanshan Wants to Meet You; When Are You Available? While leaving, Shen Mo''s mind raced continuously. Breaking this situation wasn''t difficult. The only one who could do it was none other than himself. Shen Mo returned to the Bamboo Tree Courtyard and took out a sound-transmitting jade that he hadn''t used for a long time. "Master Liu, I have something important to discuss." Before he could say more, Liu Menghu''s voice came from the other side of the jade, sounding conflicted and evasive. "Shen Mo, it''s not that I don''t want to help, but my hands are tied." "You know that the Storm Rain Sect isn''t run by me alone. Although I wish to help, the other elders disagree." Shen Mo smiled faintly. He had already expected that the Storm Rain Sect wouldn''t want to get involved in this mess. Whether Liu Menghu was telling the truth or not, it was irrelevant. Shen Mo continued, "No, I''m not asking the Storm Rain Sect to assist the Qingxuan Sect." "I wanted to tell you that I''ve found the ." "I''m sure Master Mo Hanshan of the Verdant Vine Sect would be very interested in having a chat with me." Liu Menghu''s hastily concocted excuse got stuck in his throat. "Wha...what?!" He widened his eyes in shock. "Do I need to repeat myself?" Shen Mo asked again. Liu Menghu murmured, "Shen Mo...you can''t just say things like that carelessly. Have you really found the ?!" "I''ll recite a few lines for you; you can repeat them to Mo Hanshan." sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he spoke, Shen Mo immediately recited part of the text from the . Although he didn''t understand it, he could read it out loud. Liu Menghu grew anxious. "Wait! Don''t hang up the sound-transmitting jade! I''m going to find Master Mo right now!" Afterward, hurried footsteps echoed from the other side. Shen Mo smiled slightly, awaiting the good news. Before long, the sound-transmitting jade resonated again. Liu Menghu''s serious voice came through. "Young Master Shen, Master Mo wants to meet with you. When will you be available?" Shen Mo laughed. How quickly Liu Menghu''s attitude had changed. However, he didn''t blame Liu Menghu for this. After all, Liu Menghu was the master of the Storm Rain Sect; his priority was his own interests, not helping others. "Tomorrow night, at Black Jade Mountain," Shen Mo replied casually. "Alright, I''ll inform Master Mo right away!" The next night, at Black Jade Mountain. Shen Mo arrived early. Dozens of meters below his feet, the Giant Rock Python lay dormant underground. With just a signal from him, the python would spring out immediately. Choosing this location was naturally for his own safety. After all, the was far too valuable to the Verdant Vine Sect. He couldn''t predict what Mo Hanshan might do. Cooperate, or seize it by forceit all depended on a single thought. After waiting for a moment, two figures approached together. One was tall and imposingit was Mo Hanshan. The other was charming and gracefulMo Hanshan''s daughter, Mo Yuheng. "Both of you came?" Shen Mo smiled. Mo Hanshan immediately unleashed his peak Golden Core stage aura without holding back, his face gloomy. "Shen Mo, do you really have the ?" he asked sternly. Facing Mo Hanshan''s intimidation, Shen Mo remained unperturbed. "Master Mo, this isn''t how you treat an ally." Mo Hanshan was puzzled. Why wasn''t this young man afraid, even in front of a peak Golden Core cultivator? "Father, forget it. Don''t try that intimidation tactic; Shen Mo won''t fall for it," Mo Yuheng covered her mouth and laughed. Mo Hanshan scratched his head and quickly withdrew his aura. Shen Mo understood that Mo Hanshan had acted this way to seize the initiative in the negotiation. Now, it was clear that even a peak Golden Core cultivator couldn''t scare him. "I still don''t believe that you have the ." "If we''re going to cooperate, at least let me verify its authenticity." Mo Hanshan said in a deep voice. Shen Mo nodded. "Of course." With a casual wave, he tossed over three pages of the book. Mo Hanshan hurriedly caught them, his expression pained. "Did you tear three pages out?" Shen Mo shrugged. "It was like this when I found it." Mo Hanshan carefully examined the pages. Mo Yuheng asked, "Father, is it true?" Mo Hanshan remained silent for a long while before he spoke in a low voice, "I used the secret technique to read it. It''s indeed true. This kind of reversed sentence structure can only be done by our Verdant Vine Sect''s ancestor." After their quiet exchange, the father and daughter turned to look at Shen Mo. Mo Hanshan said in a deep voice, "I understand the difficulties the Qingxuan Sect is facing, and I also know what you want." "However, this is a significant matter. If it''s just these mere three pages, our Verdant Vine Sect won''t risk falling out with the Heavenly Water Sect" Shen Mo raised a finger, "The second chapter of the has a total of thirty-eight pages. I can give you ten pages right now." "As for the remaining part, I''ll hand it over once everything is settled." He had no intention of giving away the third chapter of the . Firstly, if the Verdant Vine Sect fully restored the book, their foundation would grow exponentially. For now, they were allies, and it was beneficial for the Verdant Vine Sect to become stronger. But if they became enemies in the future, they would be tough to deal with. Secondly, Shen Mo had some plans. If he could later obtain the Verdant Vine Sect''s secret reading technique, he could comprehend the on his own. By then, the book would be for his use, increasing his strength! From these two points alone, it was clear that he couldn''t hand over the complete . Mo Hanshan''s eyes widened, "You actually obtained the entire second chapter?!" Shen Mo nodded, "That''s right." "Master Mo, you don''t want the Verdant Vine Sect''s legacy to break, do you?" "And if you obtain the second chapter, you will almost restore the , and your name will be forever etched in the history of the Verdant Vine Sect." Mo Hanshan''s heart was stirred. To be renowned! To be admired by thousands! Even after his death, the future generations of the Verdant Vine Sect would continue to sing his praises. All because he had recovered the second chapter of the and completed the Verdant Vine Sect''s inheritance! Whether cultivator or commoner, who could resist such temptation? "Fine! How do you want my Verdant Vine Sect to assist you?" Mo Hanshan nodded heavily. Shen Mo smiled, "For now, I only need you to station your troops at the border." "As long as the Verdant Vine Sect shows a stance of involvement, everything will become unpredictable." "The Heavenly Water Sect will be forced to tread cautiously." Mo Hanshan pondered briefly and then nodded, "It''s a deal. I will give the order as soon as I return to the sect." Shen Mo nodded and turned to leave. "Yuheng, we could have made a move and subdued him right now. Why didn''t you let me do it?" Mo Hanshan couldn''t help but ask. Mo Yuheng shook her head, "I don''t know either; it''s just a gut feeling." "If Shen Mo dared to come here alone, he must have something to rely on." "Maybe he has a hidden trump card on this Black Jade Mountain." "Besides, the Heavenly Water Sect wanting to destroy the Qingxuan Sect is not something that can be done easily. We can take this chance to weaken the Heavenly Water Sect''s strength." "Once the Heavenly Water Sect steps in directly, many sects have already been itching to make a move. If we also take action, I reckon that the Divine Sword Sect, Shaoyang Sect, and Thunderfire Sect will all join in." Mo Yuheng''s eyes sparkled with an unusual gleam, as if she could see the grand situation in Xuanjiang Prefecture. "The five sects of Xuanjiang will use the Qingxuan Sect as a pawn, starting a secret competition and rivalry." "Whoever falls first in this struggle will have their corpse devoured by the other four sects." "This is not only what the five sects of Xuanjiang desire, but it''s also what Ji Shilong wants to see. The final situation will inevitably shift rapidly in that direction." "Lastly" Mo Yuheng smiled softly, "I believe Shen Mo has a promising future. Befriending him will be beneficial for us." Mo Hanshan scratched his head, "Fine, when it comes to using brains, mine can''t compare to yours." "Let''s go, let''s return to the sect and set things in motion immediately." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 157: Where Is the Ice Dragon? Such a Massive Ice Dragon! Chapter 157: Where Is the Ice Dragon? Such a Massive Ice Dragon! Profound Frost City, City Lord''s Mansion. Zhang Mo sat cross-legged, deep in cultivation. Bai Ziyue stood by his side. Suddenly, a stream of light appeared from the sky, rapidly descending beside Zhang Mo. It was none other than Long Tao, who had been responsible for communicating with the Demon Armor faction. "Reporting to the sect master, something major has happened!" Long Tao said urgently. Zhang Mo frowned. "Why the panic? No matter how big the matter is, there''s no need to lose your composure!" Long Tao quickly replied, "A group of twenty cultivators at the Core Formation stage suddenly appeared at the northwest border of our Heavenly Water Sect. They are all dressed in the robes of the Storm Rain Sect''s elders!" "What?" Zhang Mo stood up abruptly, his brows furrowing deeply. She was well aware of the surrounding sects and their situations. The Storm Rain Sect, though a top-tier sect, was relatively weak. Even with all their Core Formation stage cultivators combined, they only had twenty-five. How could they suddenly dispatch twenty Core Formation stage elders to pressure the border? Though those individuals were wearing the Storm Rain Sect''s elder robes, they were most likely not from the Storm Rain Sect. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This must be the work of the Verdant Vine Sect." "But why would the Verdant Vine Sect assist the Qingxuan Sect?" Zhang Mo frowned in thought. She had already investigated; there was no alliance between the Verdant Vine Sect and the Qingxuan Sect. At most, the Storm Rain Sect and the Qingxuan Sect had some ties. But that was only because they had once teamed up against the Flying Frost Sect. "The Verdant Vine Sect has always been cautious. Why suddenly get involved now?" Zhang Mo paced back and forth, unable to figure it out. There was clearly no vested interest, yet they had jumped in to help the Qingxuan Sect. Why? The foundation of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River was well known. Logically, no treasure from the Qingxuan Sect would be enough to tempt Mo Hanshan. "We can''t afford to be careless with this..." "Relay my command: immediately deploy twenty Core Formation stage elders to guard the nearby cities and be on alert for the Storm Rain Sect." "If we don''t have enough people, pull reinforcements from the White River Sect!" Zhang Mo ordered solemnly. "Understood!" Long Tao accepted the order and left. "Master, doesn''t this mean we will have fewer people to deal with the Qingxuan Sect?" Bai Ziyue couldn''t help but ask. "Also, I heard that Murong Yue is already at the peak of the Core Formation stage. If you were to fight her, wouldn''t it be a close match?" Zhang Mo remained confident. "Ziyue, do you know why I chose to attack Profound Frost City first?" Bai Ziyue pondered deeply before replying, "The only thing I can think of is the Xuan Frost Cave nearby." "It produces Xuan Frost Amber, which is valuable, but it doesn''t seem particularly important." Zhang Mo smiled slightly. "No, it is important, extremely important!" "Today, we will seize Xuan Frost Cave." "By then, what does it matter if Murong Yue is at the peak of the Core Formation stage? She will still be no match for me." ... That night, just as Zhang Mo had expected, the Qingxuan Sect decided to retreat from Xuan Frost Cave. The Heavenly Water Sect took control of the cave without a fight. Zhang Mo ordered Long Tao and the elders to guard the entrance, while she and Bai Ziyue ventured deep inside, reaching the cave''s innermost layer. This was the fifth layer, the deepest part of the Xuan Frost Cave. With Zhang Mo''s protection, Bai Ziyue didn''t feel too cold and curiously observed his surroundings. He asked, puzzled, "Master, is there something here?" Zhang Mo frowned slightly. "Something''s wrong... The cold energy here isn''t strong enough." She didn''t answer Bai Ziyue''s question but instead hurried toward the center of the fifth layer. There, a massive, deep hole was revealed! Due to the intense cold of the fifth layer, only Core Formation cultivators could explore it. As a result, this large hole had remained undiscovered by the Qingxuan Sect cultivators. "Such a big hole?" Bai Ziyue froze for a moment and looked down. It was empty, with nothing in sight. Zhang Mo leaped into the hole with him, and they soon reached the bottom. "Where''s the Ice Dragon?" "Such a massive Ice Dragonwhere is it?" Zhang Mo widened her eyes, scanning the surroundings. There was no Ice Dragon here. However, there was a faint mark on the ground, vaguely outlining the shape of the Ice Dragon. On the ground, a palm-sized scale remained. The surrounding frost even showed signs of melting. "The Ice Dragon? A sixth-rank demon beast?" Bai Ziyue''s eyes widened. He quickly realized what was going on. No wonder Zhang Mo had been so confident. A sixth-rank demon beast, from its blood and fur to its scales, bones, and demon core, was a treasure trove! But now He could tell from Zhang Mo''s reaction that something had gone wrong. "Master" he cautiously asked. Zhang Mo took a deep breath, suddenly feeling a bit unsteady on her feet. Bai Ziyue quickly stepped forward to support her. "There should have been an Ice Dragon''s corpse here, but now it''s gone," Zhang Mo pointed to the trace on the ground. Her usually sharp, confident gaze had now turned to one of confusion. "Could the Qingxuan Sect have taken it?" Bai Ziyue asked. Zhang Mo shook her head. "Impossible... The Ice Dragon''s hiding place was extremely well concealed. It couldn''t have been found so easily." "Moreover, that was a sixth-rank demon beast, equivalent to a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even in death, its body wouldn''t melt away so easily." "Even if the Qingxuan Sect had discovered the Ice Dragon''s corpse, it would take them decades to melt it down and take it away." Bai Ziyue frowned. "At least there''s still one Ice Dragon scale left, and I have another one in my possession," Zhang Mo muttered. "Ice Dragon scales are indestructible. Even with a simple modification, incorporating them into the Green Lotus Armor will significantly boost its defensive capabilities." Staring at the remaining scale, Zhang Mo''s mood soured. There should have been a complete Ice Dragon''s corpse. Now, things had changed. All that was left was a single scale. It was a wonder she hadn''t spat blood from sheer anger. "Master, what should we do next?" Bai Ziyue cautiously asked. Zhang Mo took several deep breaths. "What about Yin Xuege''s body?" "It''s still preserved, undiscovered by anyone," Bai Ziyue replied respectfully. "You know what martial technique Shen Mo uses, right?" "I do." Zhang Mo spoke calmly, "Mark up the body and make sure others find it. Then, insist it was Shen Mo''s doing." "I''ll go invite the Thunderfire Sect." "After all, I helped them get rid of that traitor Lu Ren. They owe me a favor." "Understood, Master!" Bai Ziyue acknowledged. ... The next day. A rogue cultivator suddenly discovered Yin Xuege''s corpse in a cave near Profound Frost City and reported it to the Heavenly Water Sect. The corpse bore charred marks from fierce flames scorching its surface. The surrounding vegetation and rocks had been nearly melted by the heat. Additionally, the body showed sword wounds with traces of faint lightning energy within. The nature of the wounds immediately brought to mind Shen Mo''s tamed Heavenly Flame of Creation. The Heavenly Water Sect adamantly claimed that Yin Xuege had died at Shen Mo''s hands. Once this news broke, it sent shockwaves through the southern region of Xuanjing Prefecture. Although Yin Xuege had become the weakest of the Six Supremes of Xuanjing, having yet to condense his Core Formation, he was still the young master of the Heavenly Water Sect. For the prestigious young master to die on the Qingxuan Sect''s territory, Qingxuan would have to provide an explanation to the Heavenly Water Sect, regardless of whether Shen Mo was the killer or not. After all, it was impossible that Yin Xuege had been killed by the Heavenly Water Sect itself. After all, many elders, stewards, and disciples of the Heavenly Water Sect believed that the bond between Zhang Mo and Yin Xuege was quite profound. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 158: Following the Ancient Tradition of a Life-and-Death Duel Chapter 158: Following the Ancient Tradition of a Life-and-Death Duel "I killed Yin Xuege?" Upon hearing the news, Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. For the past few days, he had been preoccupied with his cultivation and exploiting the Heavenly Water Sect''s resources. Why would he randomly go out and kill such a minor character? The excuse the Heavenly Water Sect had come up with was completely unreasonable. Shen Mo didn''t pay much attention to it and continued his cultivation, focusing on elevating his realm as much as possible. The initial losses suffered by the Qingxuan Sect were only due to being caught off guard. In reality, the gap between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavenly Water Sect wasn''t that large. Moreover, the Verdant Vine Sect was pressuring the Heavenly Water Sect, making them hesitant to act recklessly. Even with reinforcements from the Thunderfire Sect, the Heavenly Water Sect only held a slight advantage. This stalemate was highly unfavorable for the Heavenly Water Sect. If the battle dragged on, even a victory would be a pyrrhic one. The overall strength of the Heavenly Water Sect would not improve; instead, it would decline, making it the weakest among the Five Sects of Xuanjing River. And when that happened, the outcome was obvious. The Heavenly Water Sect would become the nourishment for the other four sects, especially the Divine Sword Sect, which was most likely to devour it first. That was certainly not what Zhang Mo wanted. Thus, if the Heavenly Water Sect couldn''t secure a swift victory, they were already on the brink of failure. Shen Mo was still waiting. Zhang Mo would inevitably seek the help of the "Demon Armor." He was waiting for that day. ... Three days later, Blackrock City fell to the Heavenly Water Sect. On the fourth day, the Qingxuan Sect recaptured Blackrock City. On the sixth day, Flying Fish City was ambushed by the Thunderfire Sect. On the eighth day, the Qingxuan Sect, together with the Storm Rain Sect, counterattacked and retook Flying Fish City. On the tenth day... The battles went back and forth. The situation remained at a stalemate. From south to north, from east to west, Xuanjing Prefecture was focused on this conflict. This was a battle between one of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River and a top-tier sect. But after nearly half a month, there was still no decisive outcome. The Heavenly Water Sect had only a slight upper hand, failing to make any significant breakthroughs. This left everyone watching with great interest. The Five Sects of Xuanjing Riverwas this all they had? In contrast, the Qingxuan Sect''s formidable resilience and determined resistance made various sects view it with newfound respect. Once upon a time, the Qingxuan Sect was just a second-rate sect. Now, it was actually standing against one of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River! ... In the Grand River City, at the government office. Ji Shilong stood with his hands behind his back, gazing southward. Luo Shuanghan stood respectfully beside him, recounting the details of the battles between the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect. After listening, Ji Shilong burst into laughter. "Heavenly Water Sect, oh, Heavenly Water Sect. With this performance, you still harbor ambitions to break free from the Divine Sword Sect''s control and become the leader of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River?" "The gap between you and the other four sects is a bit too wide." Luo Shuanghan replied in a low voice, "After all, two of the three first-tier sects under the Heavenly Water Sect have already been destroyed. The disparity is understandable." Ji Shilong nodded slightly. Normally, first-tier sects acted as the Heavenly Water Sect''s enforcers and puppets. During battles, they served as the Heavenly Water Sect''s cannon fodder. But now, two of the three "cannon fodders" had been seized by the enemy, while the remaining one was in a state of decline. It was no wonder the Heavenly Water Sect''s strength had significantly diminished. "Zhang Mo must be quite worried now. With no swift victory, the Heavenly Water Sect is already being roasted over the fire." "On the surface, the Verdant Vine Sect and the Thunderfire Sect are aiding both sides, but in reality, they are waiting for the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect to weaken each other so they can divide the spoils." "As for the Divine Sword Sect and the Rising Sun Sect, they likely have the same idea." "Now is the right time for us to intervene." Ji Shilong smiled faintly. Luo Shuanghan bowed respectfully, "Please give your instructions, Lord Governor." Ji Shilong replied calmly, "Send Zhang Mo a gift. She will certainly appreciate it." "In return, I need a promise from her." "After annexing the Qingxuan Sect, she must secretly submit to the imperial court and suppress any ambitions from then on." Luo Shuanghan nodded. "What shall I send her, Lord Governor?" Ji Shilong replied flatly, "Send an Ice Infant Lotus." Luo Shuanghan shuddered. "That was left for you by the State Governor to nurture your Nascent Soul!" Ji Shilong chuckled softly, "If I can pacify the sect turmoil in Xuanjing Prefecture, what can''t I obtain in the future? Why worry about a single Ice Infant Lotus?" Luo Shuanghan''s respect for Ji Shilong deepened. This man truly had immense ambition. A top-tier Earth-grade Ice Infant Lotus, and he dismissed it as if it were nothing, gifting it away just like that. If it were him, he would have refined it the moment he got his hands on it, never waiting until now. Ji Shilong continued, "Also, pass along a message for me." "The imperial court does not wish to see Xuanjing Prefecture reduced to ruins and desolation." "If the sects are at an impasse, why not settle this in a different mannerusing the ancient tradition of a life-and-death duel to determine the victor?" "This way, further casualties among cultivators can be avoided, which benefits both sides." Luo Shuanghan''s eyes lit up. "Understood, I will go at once!" ... In Profound Frost City. Luo Shuanghan stood before Zhang Mo, his demeanor neither arrogant nor servile. "...That is the message from Lord Governor. Has Sect Master Zhang heard it in full?" Zhang Mo frowned. "What did Governor Ji send you with? What is it, and where is it?" Luo Shuanghan retrieved a square jade box from his storage ring. It was as long as an arm, and faint water sounds could be heard from within. Zhang Mo opened it and immediately widened her eyes. "The Ice Infant Lotus?!" Luo Shuanghan nodded. "Precisely. This item was left to the Lord Governor by the Prefect of Yu Province, and now the Lord Governor is gifting it to you, Sect Master Zhang." Zhang Mo''s eyes shone with excitement. "Very well. Convey my thanks to Governor Ji. I have taken all his words to heart." Luo Shuanghan cupped his hands and left. Only then did Bai Ziyue approach Zhang Mo. "Master, what is the Ice Infant Lotus? Is it important?" he asked in confusion. Zhang Mo''s expression was full of joy. "This is one of the essential treasures for cultivating a Lotus Seat! It''s an Earth-grade treasure!" "Moreover, the Ice Infant Lotus has an ice attribute, which perfectly matches my constitution." "Once I refine this Ice Infant Lotus, my strength will significantly improve." "By then, even if Murong Yue possesses a lower Heaven-grade constitution, she will no longer be my match!" Bai Ziyue was utterly shocked. It was such an invaluable treasure! "Congratulations, Master! The day of conquering the Qingxuan Sect is just around the corner!" Zhang Mo nodded confidently. "Currently, the Qingxuan Sect is still at a disadvantage and can''t shake off the suspicion of having caused Yin Xuege''s death." "We''ll first demand that they hand over Shen Mo. Murong Yue will surely refuse. Then we will take a step back and propose a life-and-death duel." Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Best two out of threethis will determine the victor." "In this way, the Qingxuan Sect will have no choice but to accept." Bai Ziyue nodded repeatedly. "This method can also avoid unnecessary conflict and minimize casualties. It is indeed a good strategy." "I will now go into seclusion to refine the lotus. You stand guard outside," Zhang Mo ordered promptly. "Yes, Master." ... The next day. The Heavenly Water Sect took the initiative, demanding that the Qingxuan Sect hand over Shen Mo, the murderer, to atone for Yin Xuege''s death. Naturally, Murong Yue sternly refused. Subsequently, the Heavenly Water Sect proposed resolving the conflict between the two sects through a life-and-death duel. The loser would be absorbed into the winner''s faction. The Qingxuan Sect, also unwilling to see more of its cultivators die, readily agreed. The location of the life-and-death duel was set at Tiger Head Mountain in Thornwood Forest. The date was set for five days later. For the time being, both the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect ceased hostilities. The southern region of Xuanjing Prefecture immediately plunged into an eerie silence. The news that the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect were about to follow ancient sect traditions and engage in a life-and-death duel spread like wildfire, quickly sweeping across the entire Xuanjing Prefecture! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 159: The Life-and-Death Duel Begins Chapter 159: The Life-and-Death Duel Begins Buzz. Shen Mo was in the jujube tree courtyard, urging the White Flame of Creation while practicing the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. Suddenly, the mother jade inside his storage ring began to vibrate. Shen Mo''s heart stirred, and he immediately took it out. Injecting spiritual power into it, an unfamiliar voice emerged. "Daoist Demon Armor, this is Zhang Mo, the Sect Master of Heavenly Water Sect." Shen Mo chuckled. You''ve finally lost your patience after waiting for so long? "Sect Master Zhang, what can I do for you?" Shen Mo replied. "My Heavenly Water Sect has a conflict with the Qingxuan Sect. You must have heard about it, right?" "I have." "Very well. There will be a life-and-death duel coming up, which will decide the victor between our sects. I hope you, Daoist Demon Armor, can participate in this duel," Zhang Mo continued. "With your strength, no one in Qingxuan Sect should be your match, except maybe Murong Yue." Shen Mo smiled, "A life-and-death duel? Sounds dangerous." "Sect Master Zhang, I''ve never been one to do things where the risks outweigh the rewards." Zhang Mo''s voice came through, "What do you want?" Shen Mo laughed, "I want a treasure that can nurture the Nascent Soul." Zhang Mo fell silent. After a long pause, he spoke, "There are many treasures that can nurture the Nascent Soul. Which one do you want?" Shen Mo then selected a few from the treasures recorded in the "Infernal Extinction Manual" and reported them to Zhang Mo, "The Longevity Flower, the Fiery Cherry Lotus, the Dark Frost Chrysanthemum" "These treasures are extremely rare, even for my Heavenly Water Sect," Zhang Mo replied. "However, I do know the whereabouts of a Fiery Cherry Lotus." "There is a small volcano within the Thunder Fire Sect''s territory that contains the Fiery Cherry Lotus." "I have a good relationship with the Sect Master of Thunder Fire Sect. They should have such a fire-attribute treasure." "Very well. Show me the treasure, and I will participate in the duel," Shen Mo replied with a chuckle. Zhang Mo frowned, "How can I be sure that you will join the duel and not just run off with the treasure?" Shen Mo sneered, "Sect Master Zhang, the initiative is in my hands." "Besides, you made a mistake earlier. No one in Qingxuan Sect, including Murong Yue, can match me." "If you can''t provide what I need, I could just go to Qingxuan Sect. I''m sure Murong Yue would love to see that." Zhang Mo was silent again. The sound of teeth grinding could faintly be heard. After a long while, Zhang Mo spoke once more, "Fine. I agree. I will deliver the treasure to you within two days at most." "Good. I look forward to your good news, Sect Master Zhang," Shen Mo laughed sinisterly. After disconnecting from the transmission jade, Shen Mo smacked his lips. Getting a treasure without lifting a finger felt almost too pleasant. ... Two days later. Shen Mo indeed received the treasure sent by the Heavenly Water Sect. It was a Fiery Cherry Lotus. A treasure that could only be born in the high-temperature, high-pressure depths of the earth. The Thunder Fire Sect happened to control a small volcano, which allowed them to harvest the Fiery Cherry Lotus continuously. However, as an Earth-grade treasure, the Fiery Cherry Lotus took a long time to mature. Typically, one would take a hundred years to be born and another hundred years to fully grow. The Thunder Fire Sect usually wouldn''t trade the Fiery Cherry Lotus easily. For Zhang Mo to obtain this Fiery Cherry Lotus, he must have paid a heavy price, far beyond mere favors. Of course, whatever the price, Shen Mo had no interest in knowing. After all, it wasn''t his price to payit was the Heavenly Water Sect''s. After acquiring the Fiery Cherry Lotus, Shen Mo quickly returned to the Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate and began refining it. Three days passed in the process. ... Thorny Forest, Tiger Head Mountain. At this moment, the surroundings of the mountain were packed with people. Some stood on tree branches, others at the mountain''s peak, while some floated amidst the clouds. These people had come not just from the southern part of Xuanjing Prefecture but also from the northern sects! Among them were representatives from the Divine Sword Sect, the Shaoyang Sect, and the other five major sects of Xuanjing! Geniuses such as Zhou Qingcang, Hong Chilong, and Wan Renjie had all arrived one after another. Today, we gather here to witness this once-in-a-century life-and-death duel between sects! Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and Xiao Fan were also among the crowd. Zhao Rou pointed in a certain direction, "Look over there. The cultivators in blue and red robes should be from the Thunder Fire Sect, right?" "They really are from the Thunder Fire Sect," Zhao Ting nodded. Luo Shengnan spoke up as well, "Look over there! People from the Rising Sun Sect and the Divine Sword Sect are here too. That man is Ouyang Cang, the Vice Sect Master of the Divine Sword Sect. I can''t believe he came in person!" Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "All five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture are here," Zhao Ting sighed. "Big Brother, does a life-and-death duel mean that one side must die for it to end? I''m worried..." Zhao Rou said, her concern evident. Zhao Ting shook his head, "Not necessarily. One can admit defeat to end the duel, but to do so under the watchful eyes of so many... their mental state would be damaged. Even if they survive, their cultivation might never progress further." Zhao Rou nodded, understanding now. "Big Brother, do you know who will participate in the duel?" she asked again. Zhao Ting seemed like he was about to say something but ended up shaking his head. "There''s no need to know the list. Just think a little, and you can guess," Xiao Fan, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke. Luo Shengnan, Zhao Ting, and Zhao Rou all had a slight change in their expressions and cupped their hands towards him, "Elder Xiao." Xiao Fan smiled faintly, "The three people our Qingxuan Sect will send to the duel are surely the strongest within the sect. So, it''s easy to guess the lineup." "The three are Sect Master Murong, Young Master Shen, and Elder Song Chaofeng." Luo Shengnan and the others exchanged looks. Murong Yue and Song Chaofeng were both known for their strength. But Shen Mo... he was so young. Could he really handle it? Xiao Fan continued, "As for the three participants from the Heavenly Water Sect, it is unclear for now. However, Sect Master Zhang Mo and Grand Elder Long Tao are surely two of them." "The third person will likely be one of their second or third elders, as their strengths are similar." Zhao Rou blinked, still worried, "I''ve heard that Demon Armor has become a guest elder of the Heavenly Water Sect. He is quite powerful. Wouldn''t Zhang Mo invite him?" Xiao Fan shook his head, "Demon Armor is a self-serving rogue cultivator. He would avoid getting involved in conflicts between the two major sects at all costs." "Moreover, I doubt Zhang Mo could offer enough to persuade Demon Armor." Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan both nodded. Although they disliked Xiao Fan, his analysis was undeniably accurate. Suddenly, Xiao Fan''s eyes flashed as he looked toward the northern sky, "The people from Heavenly Water Sect have arrived." In mid-air. Zhang Mo descended like a streak of light, landing steadily at the peak of Tiger Head Mountain. Standing before her was none other than Murong Yue. "Sect Master Murong, long time no see. You''ve become even more beautiful," Zhang Mo said with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Murong Yue glanced at her briefly, suddenly feeling a chill, "Sect Master Zhang, your strength has improved again." Zhang Mo laughed heartily, "You have a good eye." Murong Yue, unwilling to waste words on this, asked, "Sect Master Zhang, who are the participants from your Heavenly Water Sect?" As soon as she spoke, everyone''s eyes turned towards them. Everyone was eager to know which three people the Heavenly Water Sect had chosen. Zhang Mo smiled, "The participants are ready. You two, come on up!" As soon as she finished speaking, two streaks of light quickly appeared beside Zhang Mo. The one on the left was Long Tao, an inner elder of the Heavenly Water Sect and a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation stage. The other wore a half-face mask with a flame pattern. It was none other than the renowned rogue cultivator of Xuanjing PrefectureDemon Armor! Zhang Mo smiled slightly, "The three participants from our Heavenly Water Sect are myself, Long Tao, and Demon Armor." As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience erupted in an uproar! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 160: Has Shen Mo Fled the Battle? Chapter 160: Has Shen Mo Fled the Battle? As soon as the cultivators saw Demon Armor''s appearance, the crowd erupted in discussion. "Demon Armor is only a guest elder of the Heavenly Water Sect, right? For Zhang Mo to get him involved, what kind of precious treasure did she offer?" "Demon Armor is incredibly powerful and doesn''t take a clear stance. Normally, he wouldn''t participate in such life-and-death battles. I can''t believe... sigh, in the end, he''s driven by profit." "Demon Armor is too strong. As long as he doesn''t face Murong Yue, neither Shen Mo nor Song Chaofeng stands a chance against him." "Heh, your information is outdated. Do you know about Lu Ren, the second elder of Thunder Fire Sect? A few months ago, he stole demonic arts and killed fellow elders before escaping. He was later killed by Demon Armor with a single punch!" "What?! I heard that Lu Ren had already set one foot into the peak of the Core Formation stage. For Demon Armor to kill him with just one punch? That''s outrageous!" "Judging from this, Demon Armor''s cultivation level is at least at the peak of the Core Formation stage, or possibly even beyond. Otherwise, he couldn''t have taken out Lu Ren so effortlessly." The cultivators were not only shocked by Demon Armor''s appearance but also by his impressive feats. Some cultivators who had come from the northern part of Xuanjing Prefecture had only heard of Demon Armor in passing and were unaware of his formidable reputation. Hearing the discussions around them, they, too, were astonished. With a figure like this participating in the life-and-death duel, what chance does Qingxuan Sect have? Zhang Mo noticed the displeased look on Murong Yue''s face and immediately gave a smug smile. "Where are the Qingxuan Sect participants? Not all here yet? Could it be they fled at the last moment?" She glanced behind Murong Yue, seeing only Song Chaofeng but not Shen Mo. Logically, Shen Mo''s strength was at least second within Qingxuan Sect, so he would surely be part of the life-and-death duel. Murong Yue took a deep breath, "Shen''er will be here soon. There''s no rush." At that moment, a figure rushed to her sideit was Elder Li. Elder Li wore a troubled expression as she whispered, "The young master is missing. I''ve searched the entire jujube courtyard and scoured the mountain, but I couldn''t find him." Murong Yue''s heart trembled, "What?" She pulled Elder Li aside in haste. Zhang Mo watched this scene with a playful glint in her eyes. "What''s going on? Where is Shen''er?" Murong Yue asked again. Elder Li shook her head helplessly, "He disappeared... or maybe..." She didn''t dare finish the sentence. Murong Yue muttered to herself, "He left..." Elder Li quickly added, "No, the young master isn''t like that. I think he may have encountered some unexpected situation. Maybe he''s cultivating somewhere, unaware of the passage of time." Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Murong Yue took several deep breaths, "You''re right." "We cultivators are often so focused on our path that we forget about time. It''s not his fault." Elder Li sighed softly before asking, "Who will replace the young master?" Murong Yue thought for a moment, "Let''s wait. If Shen''er hasn''t arrived by the time it''s his turn to fight, let Wei Xiongtie go up. He has shown his willingness to fight for the sect and even approached me before, asking to replace Shen''er''s spot. I refused him then." "Understood." After speaking, she chuckled, "Actually, I feel a bit relieved." Elder Li was puzzled, "Why relieved?" Murong Yue sighed in resignation, "If Shen''er can''t participate in this life-and-death duel, at least he will stay alive." "As his master, how can I stand by and watch him die here?" "What master can bear the pain of seeing their disciple die before their eyes?" Elder Li''s expression darkened, "Indeed..." Moments later, both the Heavenly Water Sect and Qingxuan Sect''s three participants hovered in mid-air above Tiger Head Mountain. When the cultivators saw the lineup of Qingxuan Sect, they were taken aback. "What''s going on? Where is Qingxuan Sect''s young master, Shen Mo?" "I remember Shen Mo is quite strong! He once killed the Blood River Sect''s leader, Feng Lieshan. He should at least be stronger than Wei Xiongtie, right?" "I don''t get it. Qingxuan Sect''s decision drastically reduces their chances of victory." The cultivators started debating, unable to understand Qingxuan Sect''s arrangements. Meanwhile, the elders of Qingxuan Sect also frowned. Xiao Fan let out a surprised sound, "Where is Shen Mo? Logically, he should be the one fighting." Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, and Luo Shengnan exchanged uncertain glances. "Could he have run away? Did you see Elder Li earlier? She rushed to the sect master and whispered something only they could hear." A voice suddenly came from the side. The disciples of Qingxuan Sect looked over and saw that it was Liu Yunxuan. Luo Shengnan heard his words and immediately glared at him coldly. "What are you saying? You are not allowed to insult Shen Mo''s reputation!" Zhao Rou also widened her eyes. "Who gave you the right to speak such baseless nonsense?" Liu Yunxuan sneered and fell silent, but his words had already had an effect. Many of the elders and disciples of Qingxuan Sect began to harbor similar doubts in their hearts. Elder Li''s anxious arrival just now had been witnessed by many. After her conversation with Sect Master Murong Yue, the participant changed from Shen Mo to Wei Xiongtie. In terms of strength, Shen Mo was undoubtedly superior to Wei Xiongtie. This fact was not only acknowledged within Qingxuan Sect but also by many other sects. If there was nothing wrong here, it would indeed be strange. Why would they change the participant at the last minute if there was no problem? This matter concerned the fate of Qingxuan Sect and all its cultivators. At such a critical moment, even the slightest suspicion could quickly amplify, eventually leading to overwhelming anxiety. The discussions among Qingxuan Sect did not go unnoticed by members of other sects around them. Some keen observers, noting the expressions of Murong Yue, Elder Li, and Wei Xiongtie, began to piece together what might have happened. For a while, rumors of Shen Mo fleeing before the battle spread like wildfire. Even Zhang Mo and Long Tao, hovering in midair, overheard these comments. Zhang Mo sneered, "Murong Yue, it seems your disciple is not that remarkable." "In a moment of crisis, he abandoned his sect and fled on his own!" Long Tao laughed heartily, adding, "A sect divided and disheartened, with even its young master running awaydoes such a sect still deserve to exist?" "Why don''t you, Sect Master Murong, declare right here that the entire Qingxuan Sect will merge into our Heavenly Water Sect?" Murong Yue''s expression remained calm. "Shen''er did not flee. He is not that kind of person." "Why he hasn''t appeared, I do not know, nor do I wish to know." "As his master, I would rather not see him die right in front of me than have him participate in a life-and-death duel." Zhang Mo''s heart stirred, and she suddenly thought of her deceased disciple, Yin Xuege. Weren''t she and Yin Xuege also master and disciple? Her face immediately darkened, and she snorted, "I can''t be bothered with any more nonsense. Let''s draw lots!" As she spoke, she tossed a bamboo tube into the air. After a brief shake, a bamboo stick fell out. With a casual wave, Zhang Mo caught it and saw the words "Long Tao" engraved on it. "The first match of the life-and-death duel: Long Tao from Heavenly Water Sect," she announced calmly. Murong Yue also threw a bamboo tube into the air, which contained three bamboo sticks as well. After several shakes, one stick emerged. The name inscribed on it was Song Chaofeng. This was part of an ancient agreement for life-and-death duels between sects in Xuanjing Prefecture. It was designed to prevent situations where a lower-ranked combatant would be swapped out for a stronger one. By using a draw to decide who would participate, everything was left to the hands of fate. Swoosh, swoosh. Everyone else left, leaving the vast peak of Tiger Head Mountain to Song Chaofeng and Long Tao. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 161: You Don’t Know How Strong You Are Until You’re Pushed Chapter 161: You Don''t Know How Strong You Are Until You''re Pushed As they were about to enter the arena, Murong Yue whispered, "Elder Song, if you can''t win, concede and leave. I don''t expect you to die in a life-and-death duel." A life-and-death duel didn''t necessarily mean that one side had to live while the other died. As long as one side was willing to surrender, the duel could end. However, admitting defeat in front of so many onlookers could be quite humiliating. Many would rather die honorably in battle than carry the shame of being labeled a coward, one who clung to life and feared death. "Master, I will definitely win!" Song Chaofeng declared solemnly. Murong Yue smiled, "Alright, I believe in you." At that moment, Song Chaofeng clenched his fists, feeling the sweat forming in his palms. Meanwhile, Long Tao exuded confidence, standing with his hands behind his back. With a faint smile, he said, "Song Chaofeng, I remember you as a familiar face among the cultivators. Surrender now, and I won''t kill you." Song Chaofeng sneered, "The battle hasn''t even begun. Why should I surrender?" With that, he suddenly drew his sword! A single slash connected with the water spiritual energy between heaven and earth, instantly forming a colossal blade light, over thirty feet long. It swung fiercely toward Long Tao. Long Tao let out a strange laugh, "Weak!" He drew his sword as well, unleashing a blade light that stretched over forty feet, glowing in a vibrant blue. The two blade lights collided. In an instant, they intertwined, turning into a flurry of raindrops scattering in all directions. Song Chaofeng was immediately sent flying more than ten feet away. Long Tao, on the other hand, only staggered a few steps before stopping. In one strike, the outcome was already clear! After landing, Song Chaofeng quickly got back on his feet, releasing another slash. Long Tao countered in the same manner. Within ten breaths, thunderous clashes resounded over Tiger Head Mountain dozens of times. Long Tao had already consumed a considerable amount of spiritual power and was starting to feel impatient. Yet, Song Chaofeng was like an unkillable cockroach. He was knocked down again and again but kept rising to fight once more. His body was drenched in blood, riddled with wounds, but he refused to fall. "This ends now! Die!" Long Tao finally lost his patience. Clapping his hands together, his blade lights merged into one. In midair, they condensed into an incredibly solid beam of blade light. Upon closer inspection, intricate, ancient patterns were vividly etched onto it. It seemed as though a real treasured sword had appeared! "I still have the Explosive Qi Pill." Blood dripped from Song Chaofeng''s mouth as he swallowed the pill he had been holding under his tongue. The Explosive Qi Pill had flowed into Xuanjing Prefecture after the fall of the Blood River Sect. Song Chaofeng had acquired a few pills. He had been saving them precisely for this day. As the pill went down, its medicinal power surged, immediately drawing out all the spiritual power embedded in his bones and muscles. In an instant, his spiritual power overflowed! In life-and-death duels, there were no restrictions on methods; using pills was fair game. Song Chaofeng let out a strange laugh, "After the fall of the Blood River Sect, I also obtained their martial technique. And to my surprise, I found that I have great talent in this field." "Long Tao, do you think I''m weak?" "Now, I''ll show you how strong I, Song Chaofeng, really am!" With that, he slapped his chest, spitting out a mouthful of vital blood. In a fluid motion, he clasped his hands together and then pulled them apart. A ferocious bear''s head abruptly appeared! Far more domineering and sinister than the blade light Long Tao had formed. The blood-red bear head roared toward the heavens, its cries resounding among the stars. As if it wanted to tear apart this unjust world! This was the Blood River Sect''s ultimate martial technique, the Blood Beast Transformation Method. The form he unleashed was the technique''s strongest form: the Bear Form! Murong Yue, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and many other cultivators from Qingxuan Sect witnessed this scene. They all instinctively held their breath. The fall of the Blood River Sect had only been a few months ago. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, in just a few months, Song Chaofeng had mastered the Blood Beast Transformation Method to its highest level and grasped the Bear Form. "He wasn''t wrong. He truly has remarkable talent in this area," Murong Yue murmured. "Brother Song" Wei Xiongtie mumbled. "Song Chaofeng" Elder Li couldn''t find the words, feeling a lump in his throat. Upon witnessing this scene, Long Tao was shaken to the core. The martial techniques of the Blood River Sect were immensely powerful but consumed a large amount of spiritual power, causing harm to the body and shortening one''s lifespan. The Blood River Sect''s Explosive Qi Pill, however, could continuously extract spiritual power from the muscles and bones. The combination of these two was a technique used by Blood River Sect cultivators in life-and-death struggles. Unexpectedly, Song Chaofeng was able to use it now. "Damn it, lunatic!" Long Tao cursed, hurriedly activating his defensive martial technique. A massive blue shield immediately rose in front of him. "I, Song Chaofeng, have made mistakes in the past, but I have repented. Since then, I have been utterly loyal to Qingxuan Sect," Song Chaofeng shouted. "Murong Sect Master, please take care of my son!" With a roar, Song Chaofeng charged at Long Tao without hesitation. "Let''s die together!" He laughed maniacally. "Blood Beast Transformation Method, Bear Form! Bear Form! Bear Form!" Three ferocious, blood-red bear heads appeared simultaneously. With the appearance of each head, Song Chaofeng''s body shriveled up a little more. When the three bear heads fully manifested, Song Chaofeng had already withered to an unrecognizable state. "Don''t be afraid, I still have more." "Golden Core!" Song Chaofeng laughed crazily. A swirling golden core shot out from his mouth. Along with the three previously formed bear heads, it hurtled straight toward Long Tao! Long Tao''s pupils shrank in terror. Blood-red light engulfed the entire Tiger Head Mountain. Dust and smoke filled the air, obscuring what had happened within. All the cultivators held their breath, hearts hanging in suspense. Who had won, and who had lost? Who was still alive, and who had died? Had Song Chaofeng not consumed the Explosive Qi Pill, used the Blood Beast Transformation Method, or unleashed his Golden Core, Long Tao would have undoubtedly had the upper hand. But now, the outcome was far from certain. The wind blew, dispersing the dust and smoke. Long Tao lay on the ground, his life or death unknown. Song Chaofeng, however, stood tall like a pine tree. Blood dripped from his mouth, and his body was as thin as a skeleton. The golden core beside him was dim and damaged, floating weakly. But even so, he had not fallen. The cultivators watching this scene were shaken to their core. "Long Tao, get up!" Zhang Mo roared in anger. Long Tao gave no response. "Sect Master Zhang, our Qingxuan Sect has won," Murong Yue stated in a deep voice. "Long Tao!" Zhang Mo became even more furious. "Cough, cough, Sect Master Zhang, surely you''re not someone who can''t accept defeat?" A voice called out from not far awayit was Mo Hanshan, the Sect Master of the Verdant Vine Sect. "We all saw it. Song Chaofeng is still standing, while Long Tao has fallen." "That''s right, that''s right! The first match goes to Qingxuan Sect!" The onlookers began shouting loudly. "Fine... fine! In the first match, my Heavenly Water Sect has lost!" Zhang Mo gritted his teeth. Murong Yue, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and the others rushed forward to support the collapsing Song Chaofeng. "I''m... I''m not... dead?" Song Chaofeng muttered weakly, a smile appearing on his face. Murong Yue quickly checked his condition, her eyes reddening slightly. "You''re not dead. You''re alive. Quickly, treat Elder Song!" Several disciples hurried over, lifting Song Chaofeng and carrying him away in a flurry. Elder Li and Wei Xiongtie asked in low voices, "Sect Master, how is Elder Song...?" Murong Yue sighed softly, "His golden core is ruined, and his foundation is gravely damaged. His current cultivation level barely matches that of a beginner at the Qi Condensation Realm." "In this life, he will have no hope of pursuing the path of immortality." Both Wei Xiongtie and Elder Li shuddered, bowing deeply in the direction where Song Chaofeng was taken away. "The second match must now commence!" Zhang Mo demanded harshly. "Very well," Murong Yue replied calmly. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 162: The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor Chapter 162: The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor Zhang Mo waved her hand, and a bamboo stick flew out of the bamboo tube. She reached out and grabbed it. Engraved on it were three characters: Zhang Mo. She smiled confidently, "For the second match of my Heavenly Water Sect, I will fight myself!" The cultivators were shocked and began whispering amongst themselves. When discussing the strongest person in Xuanjing Prefecture, it''s difficult to determine a clear ranking. However, the five sect masters of the five great sects in Xuanjing Prefecture were undoubtedly the five most powerful individuals. Although Murong Yue was also at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, battles between those of the same level depended on factors like physical strength, martial techniques, cultivation methods, and spiritual weapons. Murong Yue had the advantage in terms of physical constitution. It was rumored that she had recently consumed some rare heavenly treasures and inadvertently advanced to a lower-grade heavenly physique. However, in every other aspect, she was inferior to Zhang Mo. "No matter who Qingxuan Sect sends out, they will not be a match for Zhang Mo." "In the first life-and-death duel, Heavenly Water Sect lost, and Zhang Mo is already burning with rage. I suspect this second match will lead to someone''s death." "Let''s wait and see who will be drawn from the Qingxuan Sect''s bamboo tube." All the cultivators eagerly turned their gaze to Murong Yue. Murong Yue''s expression was grim as she took several deep breaths and began to shake the bamboo tube. There were only two bamboo sticks inside the tube. One bore her name, and the other was Shen Mo. "Let me go; don''t send Shen''er," she silently prayed, tossing the bamboo tube. A bamboo stick flew out. On it were two characters: Shen Mo. "Hahaha! Shen Mo! I''ve been waiting for this! Bring Shen Mo up!" Zhang Mo laughed heartily upon seeing the name on the stick. Shen Mo was no match for her. She was about to publicly crush this peerless genius! The thought of having the opportunity to end such an extraordinary talent made Zhang Mo''s blood boil with a sense of indescribable joy. "Shen''er isn''t here yet" Murong Yue scanned the area, still not seeing that familiar tall figure. Wei Xiongtie strode up beside her, his expression resolute. "Sect Master, I am willing to take the Young Master''s place in this battle." Murong Yue nodded, "Elder Wei, thank you." Wei Xiongtie cupped his hands and was about to step onto the peak of Tiger Head Mountain. Then, unexpectedly, the Demon Armor, who had remained motionless until now, leaped forward, landing on the mountaintop and standing before Zhang Mo. Everyone was stunned by this turn of events. "Demon Armor, what are you doing? It''s not your turn yet," Zhang Mo frowned. "Demon Armor, come down. The third match is yours, and your opponent is Murong Yue," shouted a cultivator from below. "According to the rules of a life-and-death duel, only the one drawn can enter. If they are not present, then a substitute may take their place," Mo Hanshan, the Sect Master of the Verdant Vine Sect, cleared his throat and declared loudly. The Demon Armor stared at Zhang Mo, and a raspy voice came from under the mask, "Sect Master Zhang, I am not fighting for Heavenly Water Sect." He paused for a moment, then suddenly changed his tone, "I am fighting for Qingxuan Sect." With that, he removed the fiery-patterned half-face mask, revealing his true face. It was... the Young Master of Qingxuan Sect, Shen Mo! The entire audience erupted in chaos! "Sh*t!" The cultivators of Heavenly Water Sect cursed in unison. Luo Shengnan''s eyes widened, "The Demon Armor is actually Shen Mo?!" Zhao Ting and Zhao Rou held their breath, "Oh my God" From a distance, Luo Shuanghan, who had been secretly observing the battle on orders from Ji Shilong, also widened his eyes in shock. "The Demon Armor is Shen Mo?" he gritted his teeth. Liu Yunxuan, Liu Yuanfeng, and the others couldn''t conceal their astonishment. Xiao Fan, who had previously maintained a confident demeanor as if he were above it all, now turned pale. Demon Armor and Shen Moboth were top-tier experts in their own right. But now, they were revealed to be one and the same. The combined achievements of these two figures... It was terrifying! He had thought that with his perfect golden core, he could at least catch up to Shen Mo. He never expected the gap between them to grow even wider. It was beyond the point of trying to match him; now, he couldn''t even catch a glimpse of his heels! "Unbelievable, simply unbelievable," Zhou Qingcang muttered to himself, excitement gleaming in his eyes. He had long heard of the Demon Armor''s illustrious battle record and had wanted to spar with him for a while, but the man was elusive, impossible to find even if one tried. Now, everything was clear. The Demon Armor was actually Shen Mo! What a surprise! From now on, they could spar with Shen Mo anytime! Hong Chilong burst into laughter, "Haha! I had my suspicions before, thinking maybe the Demon Armor was Shen Mo, but that idea seemed too absurd, so I didn''t dare believe it." "Who would have thought it turned out to be true!" Wan Ranjie gritted his teeth, "How is this possible? How?!" Fear crept into his eyes. He had heard of how powerful the Demon Armor was. Now that he knew the Demon Armor was Shen Mo, his heart, like that of Yin Xuege, was shadowed by dread. Such a person was the true genius. Compared to him, he wasn''t even worthy of carrying his shoes. Mo Yuheng''s eyes gleamed with a strange light. "Father, didn''t I tell you before? This person is no ordinary talent. Our decision was the right one." Mo Hanshan nodded repeatedly, his smile stretching ear to ear. But after a few laughs, he couldn''t help but ponder, "However, is he really a match for Zhang Mo?" "Judging by his expression, he seems very confident." Mo Yuheng kept her gaze fixed on the mountaintop, her eyes full of determination. "I believe in him!" At the peak of Tiger Head Mountain, Murong Yue''s eyes reddened as tears welled up uncontrollably. She shouted loudly, "Shen''er, I knew it! I knew you wouldn''t run away at the last moment!" Tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls. Shen Mo turned to look at her, revealing a sincere smile. "If I ran, wouldn''t I be failing my master?" "I''m not that kind of ungrateful disciple." Murong Yue immediately broke into a smile through her tears. Suddenly, a cold voice came from ahead of Shen Mo. "Save those words for when you manage to walk out of here alive," Zhang Mo sneered. Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Shen Mo, I never thought you''d use the identity of the Demon Armor to deceive me for so long and even take so many valuable spiritual artifacts from my Heavenly Water Sect!" Zhang Mo gritted her teeth, each word squeezed out from between her teeth. The Azure Lotus Crown, the Azure Lotus Robe, the Azure Lotus Bootseach of these spiritual artifacts was worth a fortune. There were only three complete sets in the entire Heavenly Water Sect. The remaining pieces were given out individually, requiring elders to establish significant achievements before they could be exchanged. Back then, Long Tao had vehemently opposed handing these spiritual artifacts over to the Demon Armor as payment. She wanted to win over the Demon Armor to use for her own purposes, so she refused his advice. Now, looking back, she wished she could return to the past and slap herself hard. Zhang Mo, how could you be so na?ve, trusting a cultivator hiding behind a mask?! "Sect Master Zhang, you''re being too serious. I was acting without much thought back then. I never expected you to trust me so much that you''d give me the Azure Lotus Crown, the Azure Lotus Robe, and the Azure Lotus Boots," Shen Mo said with a faint smile. Hearing his words, Zhang Mo''s face burned with shame. Shen Mo''s statement was like rubbing salt into her wound. What made it worse was that he said it in front of so many onlookers. Everyone heard it! "Are you kidding me? The Azure Lotus spiritual artifacts? Aren''t those the ones Heavenly Water Sect bought at a great cost from the major sect in Yuzhou? And Zhang Mo actually gave them to Shen Mo?" "Yeah, I heard that those three spiritual artifacts have incredible defensive power and can significantly speed up healing. Many have offered a fortune to buy them but were refused!" "I heard that even the elders of Heavenly Water Sect rarely possess them. Tsk tsk... Zhang Mo must be regretting it now." "Who would have thought even the leader of one of the Five Sects of Xuanjing would make such a mistake? Hilarious." "Stop laughing. Shen Mo has provoked Zhang Mo so much. I fear his ending will be quite miserable." "True. I feel like Shen Mo is just showing off with words. Even if he possesses that strange Demon Armor gauntlet, he can''t possibly surpass Zhang Mo." "His most remarkable feat was defeating Lu Ren, the second elder of Thunderfire Sect, but Zhang Mo is a genuine peak Core Formation cultivator! What difference would having a complete set of Azure Lotus spiritual artifacts make?" The cultivators around chattered loudly, the atmosphere lively and heated. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 163: Who Is Master Zhang Searching For? Chapter 163: Who Is Master Zhang Searching For? The cultivators'' discussions reached the ears of both Shen Mo and Zhang Mo. Zhang Mo sneered, "Did you hear that? At least eighty percent of those present believe you will undoubtedly lose." Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Does Master Zhang think so as well?" "I don''t think so; I believe you are certain to die!" Zhang Mo said, emphasizing each word. As the last word fell, Zhang Mo stomped on the ground, making it seem like he was stepping on water. Instantly, water spiritual energy from all directions surged in. In a flash, the entire mountaintop of Tiger Head Mountain became exceedingly damp. The cultivators then looked towards Zhang Mo''s feet. It had turned into a vast lake! Ripples spread layer upon layer. The water surface even reflected the blue sky. No matter which angle one viewed it from, it was unmistakably water! Mo Hanshan exclaimed in surprise, "This is the illusory lake that one can create only by cultivating the Heavenly River Heavy Water Scroll to its highest level." "As long as one is within the lake''s range, Zhang Mo''s spiritual energy recovery speed will triple!" "I never thought his technique had reached this level; no wonder he''s so confident." Mo Yuheng''s delicate face changed slightly, and she focused her attention even more on the mountaintop. Zhang Mo raised a single finger. "One move." "With just one move, I can kill you!" "Only a swift and absolute victory can wash away the humiliation suffered by my Heavenly Water Sect!" As soon as his words fell, Zhang Mo flipped his palm, and an ice-blue long sword appeared in his hand. The sword seemed almost alive, its cold light constantly flickering. In the surrounding environment, dense with water spiritual energy, the sword''s surface instantly condensed with a layer of frost, its width and length expanding dramatically. Hong Chilong raised an eyebrow, "Old Zhou, what is that sword?" Zhou Qingcang''s eyes gleamed, "That is the treasured sword of the Heavenly Water Sect, named ''Ice River''! A high-grade spiritual weapon of the Earth rank!" "This sword has always been kept in the sect''s treasury and is rarely shown to others." "I never expected Zhang Mo to bring it out here!" Hong Chilong clicked his tongue in amazement, "An Earth-rank high-grade spiritual weapon? Damn, I don''t think even my master has something this powerful." "Heavenly River Heavy Water Scroll, Heavenly River Waterfall!" Zhang Mo shouted sharply, thrusting the Ice River Sword straight forward. Endless coldness surged from all directions. In an instant, a long, icy river formed. The river seemed to flow from the distant sky, like a glacier in motion. It was incomparably vast and towering. It shot straight toward Shen Mo! To Shen Mo, he suddenly seemed like an ordinary, insignificant person. Yet what he faced was a sky-covering, earth-shattering icy river! Facing such a natural disaster with mortal strength! No matter who it was, seeing such a scene would inevitably feel despair and fear, along with a flood of negative emotions. Shen Mo gave a slight shake and immediately discarded the faint negative feelings that arose from within. He extended his hand. Three bronze doors suddenly appeared in front of him. A fourth door followed suit. It exuded a chilling aura, as if made of dark ice. The four doors lined up in front of him. Each door was four zhang (approximately 13.3 meters) tall and two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) wide. They gave off a strong sense of security. This was Shen Mo''s defensive martial skill, the Four Mystical Gates. When cultivated to the fourth level, which was the highest, the fourth gate could be condensed. The fourth gate could change its attribute at will. At this moment, Shen Mo formed an ice-attribute gate to block Zhang Mo''s Ice River. "How naive, trying to block it head-on?" Seeing this, Zhang Mo sneered, "Very well, I''ll grant you your wish and crush you!" In the next moment. The vast icy river crashed onto Shen Mo. Boom! Ice fragments scattered in all directions, enveloping the surroundings and obscuring the view. Under the dazzling sunlight, the ice fragments refracted brilliant rays, making it even harder to see clearly. Did he block it? Or did he not? This question surfaced in everyone''s mind. Murong Yue was extremely nervous. She almost didn''t dare to look. She feared that the next moment she would see Shen Mo turned into an ice sculpture. Boom. The last wave of ice completely fell. The boundless icy river struck Shen Mo entirely. Zhang Mo let out a long breath and gazed towards the target of his attack. There, a giant ice block had formed. Shen Mo was right there among it all. Zhang Mo smiled faintly. She felt reassured. Under such an attack, no one could survive. In the next moment. An immensely fierce heat surged from within the ice. The pristine white ice turned crimson at a speed visible to the naked eye. Cracks suddenly appeared. Then, like a spider web, they spread rapidly. Boom! The ice suddenly shattered. Countless chunks of ice flew out in all directions at high speed. Some pieces melted into water mid-air. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While some exceptionally large blocks couldn''t melt in time. They fell into the crowd, instantly causing screams of panic. The major sects reacted quickly, with their Core Formation cultivators immediately using defensive martial skills to block the incoming ice chunks. The cultivators were terrified. The ice shards shot out with such shocking destructive power. It was hard to imagine how powerful the attack Shen Mo had just withstood was. A hissing sound. Steam rose and swirled upward. Yet no figure emerged from within. Zhang Mo stared ahead, uncertain and uneasy. In the next instant, she caught a flicker of lightning in the corner of her eye. Behind her, Shen Mo''s calm voice sounded. "Master Zhang, who are you looking for?" Zhang Mo''s pupils suddenly shrank. She instinctively tried to distance herself from Shen Mo while immediately casting a defensive martial skill. Three mirrors of cold ice appeared behind her at the fastest speed possible. But she was still a step too slow. A scorching red flame had already risen behind her. The Red Lotus Flame! The second form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique! The red flame in the shape of a palm instantly surged. In a single breath, it expanded to a height of twelve zhang (approximately 40 meters). The surging heatwave radiated outward, causing discomfort among the surrounding cultivators. In their perception, this fierce eternal flame seemed capable of burning a hole in the sky itself! "Is this an eternal flame?" "The Red Lotus Flame! Number forty-one on the Eternal Flame Ranking!" "Such terrifying heat; if it landed on me, I would surely be burned to ashes!" "It seemed Shen Mo used a movement martial skill just now and suddenly appeared behind Zhang Mo!" "This strike will undoubtedly gravely injure Zhang Mo!" The cultivators widened their eyes. Their pupils reflected the fierce battle atop Tiger Head Mountain. The flame palm struck down. Boom! The red flame instantly engulfed Zhang Mo. The three ice mirrors couldn''t hold for even ten breaths before shattering. The flame continued its momentum, slamming directly into Zhang Mo''s chest. Zhang Mo''s pupils contracted sharply. She was sent flying backward on the spot. The Red Lotus robe on her body immediately emitted layers of emerald light, struggling to resist the burning of the Red Lotus Flame. Zhang Mo could feel her internal organs already damaged. She instinctively wanted to spit out blood, but she forcefully suppressed it. Because her battle instincts told her that Shen Mo''s second wave of attack was coming! Sure enough, before she even hit the ground, she sensed a deadly threat approaching. A bone-chilling cold swept over her madly, like an ice dragon suddenly appearing atop Tiger Head Mountain! This feeling... it was familiar. Zhang Mo was first stunned, then finally couldn''t hold back and spat out blood. She understood. The ice dragon... the ice dragon corpse at the bottom of the Profound Frost Cave... It had been taken by Shen Mo! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 164: The Last Strike of the Burning Lotus Core Chapter 164: The Last Strike of the Burning Lotus Core On Shen Mo''s right arm, a purple-black demonic armor appeared. He suddenly crushed five blood packs. Fifteen drops of ice dragon blood were swiftly absorbed by the demonic armor. The armor instantly transformed into an ice-spike form. A fierce dragon''s head, enormous scales, and protruding ice spikes. All of these displayed a menacing and powerful presence. Many cultivators who had come to witness the event widened their eyes at this strange arm armor. "He''s making a move! That''s the demonic armor!" "Can you feel it? After using the demonic armor, Shen Mo''s aura has surged. In my perception, he''s almost on par with a peak Core Formation cultivator!" Boom! In the next instant, the fierce fist struck straight at Zhang Mo. Although Zhang Mo relied on her combat instincts to forcefully use a movement martial skill, attempting to dodge the blow. Shen Mo was faster. Even though she desperately tried to evade and avoid a critical hit, her right shoulder was still struck hard. The Green Lotus Robe on her right shoulder failed to withstand the blow and shattered on the spot. With a crack, the sound of bones breaking came from within. Zhang Mo groaned, falling toward the ground. She attempted to use a movement martial skill again to put some distance between them. However, Shen Mo transformed into a stream of light and disappeared instantly. When he reappeared, he was less than one zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) away from Zhang Mo! It was the pinnacle move of the Eight Direction Thunder Movement: Blink Thunder Escape! Shen Mo could use it four to five times consecutively without exhausting his spiritual power! Facing Zhang Mo, whose pupils had suddenly contracted, Shen Mo revealed a faint smile. The purple-black demonic armor on his right arm vanished, revealing its original appearance. Suddenly, the Red Lotus Flame burst forth from both his hands. Then, he struck down fiercely. The first form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique! Boom! Boom! Boom! His fists fell like raindrops, launching a ferocious barrage. The Red Lotus Flame ceaselessly inflicted damage on Zhang Mo''s body. It burned the Green Lotus Robe and seared her skin. Shen Mo''s attack speed was incredibly fast. In just ten breaths, he had landed over a hundred punches. The Green Lotus Robe on Zhang Mo''s body had already been mostly incinerated. No matter how resilient the defensive spiritual artifact was, in the face of the unreasonable power of the Red Lotus Flame, it would be burned to ashes! Bang! Bang! Bang! At this moment, Zhang Mo''s body resembled a ragdoll. Unable to counterattack, unable to dodge. She could only passively endure Shen Mo''s onslaught. If it weren''t for the Green Lotus Crown, the Green Lotus Robe, and the Green Lotus Sash accelerating her wound recovery and dissipating the damage. Zhang Mo would have died after enduring those hundred punches! The numerous cultivators were left stunned, staring in shock at the scene before them. The battle had changed too swiftly. It was as if, just a moment ago, Shen Mo was passively enduring Zhang Mo''s attacks, frozen within that massive block of ice. But in the blink of an eye. Zhang Mo was now pinned beneath Shen Mo, receiving a relentless beating. The master of the Heavenly Water Sect could no longer even make a sound. Clearly, she had suffered severe injuries. The elders of the Heavenly Water Sect wanted to rush forward. However, Murong Yue shouted sharply, "Does the Heavenly Water Sect intend to defy the ancient rules of life-and-death duels in Xuanjiang Prefecture? Do you wish to be scorned by all the sects of Xuanjiang Prefecture?" Life-and-death duels were an ancient rule. Few sects would invoke it. But once invoked, no one was allowed to interfere. Either one side dies, or one side admits defeat. Otherwise, it would continue until its conclusion. If the members of the Heavenly Water Sect tried to interfere and rescue Zhang Mo, they would be breaking the rules. They would inevitably be despised by all the cultivators in Xuanjiang Prefecture. "Get out of my way!" At this moment, Zhang Mo suddenly roared in fury. A blue-golden core shot out from her mouth. An icy lotus flower appeared beneath her out of nowhere. The lotus flower burned fiercely. Its power surged, rapidly enhancing the core''s strength and speed, hurling it straight at Shen Mo. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and immediately used a movement skill to create distance. "This is..." He was slightly surprised. "Burning Lotus Seat?" Mo Hanshan gasped in shock. "Father, what is that?" Mo Yuheng frowned, not understanding what it was. Mo Hanshan murmured, "It''s the final resort." "Nurturing the Nascent Soul, the lotus seat itself has varying degrees of quality," Mo Hanshan explained. "The lotus seat can be sacrificed in critical moments, burning it to temporarily enhance the power of the Golden Core." "Burning a layer of the lotus seat doubles the power and speed of the Golden Core." "But the cost is permanent damage to one''s foundation, something that cannot be repaired even with better treasures or a more potent lotus seat." "Only a special pill might be able to mend it slightly." Mo Yuheng was slightly surprised. "I see." Some of the cultivators present were knowledgeable and began explaining the process of burning the lotus seat to enhance the Golden Core''s power to others. Everyone was astonished. Shen Mo had actually forced Zhang Mo to this point. How rare a lotus seat was! How much fortune did it take to grow even one layer? And now, it was burned away just like that. Clearly, Zhang Mo had already given up on her future, all to take Shen Mo down with her! Luo Shuanghan, watching from a distance, trembled in both mind and body. That lotus seat had only grown after refining the Ice Infant Lotus. This was obviously Zhang Mo''s final attack. "Ji Shilong wanted to see the Heavenly Water Sect defeat the Qingxuan Sect in this life-and-death duel, with Murong Yue and the others dead, and the Qingxuan Sect swallowed up by the Heavenly Water Sect." "But if Zhang Mo dies..." He dared not think further. He was terrified that the outcome would move toward the direction Ji Shilong dreaded. "Burning the lotus seat for a Golden Core attack?" Shen Mo chuckled. A Golden Core attack, huh? Well, I have one too! "Die!" Zhang Mo roared toward the sky, burning the lotus seat with all her might to empower the Golden Core. The speed of the Golden Core surged to its peak at that moment. She had exhausted her spiritual power and was covered in wounds; this was her final strike, spitting out the Golden Core. If this attack couldn''t kill Shen Mo. Then it would be her who would die! Shen Mo swiftly extended his right arm. The purple-black demonic armor condensed again. This time, he crushed not the ice dragon blood but the golden-yellow blood from the beast''s claw. Shen Mo had tested it before; its power was far superior to the ice dragon blood. One drop of golden-yellow blood was equivalent to about five drops of ice dragon blood. As the demonic armor absorbed the golden-yellow blood... In an instant, fierce flames ignited. Within the flames, the demonic armor reshaped itself. A ferocious tiger''s head suddenly appeared on the shoulder. Golden-yellow arm armor extended downward from its mouth. The armor was made of golden fur and black metal. It exuded the domineering aura of the king of beasts. After it fully formed, Shen Mo threw a punch. A torrent of fire surged out, instantly engulfing the two of them completely. He knew very well that this punch was no match for Zhang Mo''s Golden Core attack after burning the lotus seat. He didn''t throw the punch to resist but to obscure the truth. These raging flames served as the perfect disguise. "Inferno Gold Core!" Shen Mo spat out a massive crimson Golden Core. Cracks covered its surface. This peculiar Golden Core caused Zhang Mo''s eyes to widen. How could a Golden Core be cracked? Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re using a Golden Core attack too? You''re courting death!" Zhang Mo sneered. In the next instant, their Golden Cores collided! Boom! A deafening explosion erupted. Shen Mo''s Golden Core shattered instantly. Zhang Mo''s mouth twisted into a wide grin. Shen Mo''s Golden Core seemed massive, but it turned out to be just for show. It crumbled at the slightest touch! But Shen Mo simply chuckled. "Master Zhang, you''re celebrating too early." Zhang Mo was stunned. Then, she saw that the shattered core, broken into forty-five pieces, suddenly flew up and converged from all directions. In an instant, it wrapped her Golden Core tightly at the center! And fiercely compressed inward! Intense pain struck immediately! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 165: Sect Master Zhang Should Be on Her Way Chapter 165: Sect Master Zhang Should Be on Her Way The sensation of Zhang Mo''s golden core being attacked and crushed was like being pressed under a millstone, grinding her down. Zhang Mo let out a miserable scream. The sound pierced through the sky full of flames, reaching the ears of the surrounding cultivators. "That scream doesn''t sound like a man''s voice. Could it be that Zhang Mo has been severely injured?" "It doesn''t seem possible. Zhang Mo burned her lotus platform to enhance the power of her golden core. How could she fail?" "This is strange. Let''s keep watching..." The cultivators exchanged puzzled glances. Zhang Mo had burned her lotus platform and severed her own foundation in a desperate fight. There was no way she could still lose. At least in this attack, Zhang Mo should have the upper hand. "Ah!" Another scream echoed. The cultivators felt their ears tremble. The scream was agonizing, as if someone had been thrown into a millstone. Within the flames. Zhang Mo spat out blood repeatedly. She couldn''t believe that even after burning her lotus platform, doubling the power of her golden core, she was still utterly suppressed by Shen Mo! "Sect Master Zhang, it''s time for you to depart," Shen Mo said calmly as he gazed at her. He extended his hand and then clenched it forcefully! The forty-five pieces of the shattered core gathered their strength and compressed. With a cracking sound. Zhang Mo''s golden core shattered like an eggshell! "Ugh!" Blood spurted out of Zhang Mo''s mouth. Her essence, energy, and spirit seemed to drain away in an instant. The golden core and a cultivator are intimately connected. The moment the core shatters, the cultivator''s life burns out like an extinguished lamp. Boom! The flames in the sky retracted. Zhang Mo''s body plummeted from mid-air like a ragdoll. She hit the ground with a heavy thud. Next to her, fragments of the golden core fell like hailstones, embedding themselves into the earth. Shen Mo descended slowly, his expression indifferent. The entire scene was dead silent. Moments later, an eruption of shouting filled the air. "Zhang Mo lost?" "Her golden core shattered?" "Shen Mo is unharmed and won?!" "Zhang Mo is one of the five sect masters of Xuanyang River! A peak Golden Core cultivator! How could she lose to a junior like Shen Mo?!" "No way, am I seeing things? Is this a dream? Pinch me!" "Why pinch me? Pinch yourself!" The voices of the cultivators around Tiger Head Mountain rumbled like thunder. Nangong Yun widened her beautiful eyes, staring at the scene, her expression overwhelmed. Since birth, she had never witnessed such a heart-stirring event. Even on the day she took over as the Verdant Vine Sect Master, she hadn''t felt this excited. "Master, did you see that? I have a good disciple, and you have an excellent grand-disciple!" She looked up at the sky, weeping with joy. Behind her, the Verdant Vine Sect cultivators cheered in unison. Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, Luo Shengnan, and others wished they could leap into the air. Liu Yuanfeng and Liu Yunxuan''s faces, however, were ashen. Xiao Fan''s expression was now complicated and unreadable. In the past, he hated Shen Mo, envied Shen Mo, and was jealous of him. But now, aside from those feelings, there was only fear. Intense fear! With Shen Mo''s current power, if he wished to kill him, he would surely die! "I must... I must join the Divine Sword Sect as soon as possible. I can no longer stay in the Verdant Vine Sect." "Shen Mo... he''s terrifying..." Unlike the jubilant Verdant Vine Sect, the cultivators of Heavenly Water Sect cried out in sorrow. Bai Ziyue was seething with hatred, wishing he could rush forward and kill Shen Mo. "Zhang Mo is not dead. Neither Heavenly Water Sect nor Verdant Vine Sect shall interfere in the battle," declared the Verdant Vine Sect Master Mo Hanshan in a loud voice. "Master Mo is right!" "We agree!" ** Bai Ziyue''s heart was filled with immense anger and fear. But he could only stand in place, not daring to step forward. Shen Mo walked leisurely, almost casually, to Zhang Mo''s side. By this time, Zhang Mo was already on her last breath. With her golden core shattered, her essence, energy, and spirit had long been drained. Now, Zhang Mo had, at most, the cultivation level of the Qi Condensation stage. Any slightly stronger Qi Condensation cultivator could easily kill her. But even so, Zhang Mo''s eyes were still filled with hatred. Her gaze, as venomous as a viper''s, was fixed on Shen Mo. If looks could kill, she would have murdered Shen Mo ten thousand times over. Shen Mo flicked his fingers, releasing a strand of spiritual power. The spiritual power pierced through her body, directly penetrating Zhang Mo''s forehead. Zhang Mo finally fell backward. Blood trickled from the back of her head, gradually staining the earth beneath her. "Zhang Mo is dead!" "In the life-and-death duel, Qingxuan Sect has won two rounds!" "According to the customary ancient laws of Xuanjing Prefecture, Heavenly Water Sect should merge into Qingxuan Sect!" Shen Mo glanced around the crowd, his spiritual power resonating as he spoke loudly. Murong Yue took a deep breath and followed up with a shout, "Qingxuan Sect, we''ve won!" "Victory! Victory!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cultivators of Qingxuan Sect shouted loudly, ecstatic beyond words. Many other cultivators also cheered for the Qingxuan Sect. They had witnessed the underdog triumphing over the strong, an unexpected drama, and naturally, they supported the Qingxuan Sect. The cheers and applause erupted like rolling thunder, echoing unceasingly. Several figures swiftly descended on the mountaintop. Mo Hanshan beamed with a smile, "Young Master Shen''s strength is astounding; he is truly a model for the younger generation. I admire you greatly!" "Sect Master Murong, to have taught such a disciple, you truly are my role model!" Murong Yue grinned from ear to ear, "Master Mo, you flatter me." "Zhang Mo has fallen, and Heavenly Water Sect has been defeated by Qingxuan Sect. In fact, they have lost their place among the Five Sects of Xuanjing River. I believe that Qingxuan Sect should rejoin the Five Sects. What do you all think?" Another deep voice rang out as a burly man with a tiger-like build walked over, laughing heartily. Murong Yue smiled and cupped her hands toward him, "I didn''t expect Sect Master Wang to come as well. It has been a long time." The man laughed heartily, "I should be the one saying that! Sect Master Murong, it has been a long time. You are as radiant as ever!" This man was Wang Tianzhan, the Sect Master of Rising Sun Sect. He had not appeared earlier and had likely been watching from afar. Now that the battle had concluded, he immediately showed himself. "Young Master Shen, your strength is unparalleled," Wang Tianzhan said as he walked over, dragging along Hong Chilong. "Chilong, you must learn from Shen Mo in the future!" Hong Chilong chuckled, "Don''t worry, Master. Shen Mo and I have long been friends." Shen Mo also smiled, "Long time no see." "Indeed, Qingxuan Sect has defeated Heavenly Water Sect. By the rules, they should reclaim their place among the Five Sects of Xuanjing River. However, the matter of Heavenly Water Sect merging into Qingxuan Sect must be carefully discussed." "After all, many cultivators from Heavenly Water Sect probably harbor resentment toward Qingxuan Sect. If Sect Master Murong doesn''t handle this properly, it might lead to chaos, which is not what we hope for. Nor, I believe, is it something Sect Master Murong wishes to see." Another voice spoke. A tall, thin figure approached swiftly, bowing from a distance toward Murong Yue. Shen Mo glanced at the man. The person beside him was Wan Renjie, which made his identity obviousZhao Liepeng, the Sect Master of Thunderfire Sect. Zhao Liepeng''s words were subtle. On the surface, he spoke of the difficulties Qingxuan Sect would face in absorbing Heavenly Water Sect. In reality, he was implying that Qingxuan Sect couldn''t devour the entire Heavenly Water Sect. Moreover, if Qingxuan Sect insisted on monopolizing, it would certainly provoke the dissatisfaction of other sects. Blending into the dust, sharing the cakethat was the best way. Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Sect Master Zhao is correct. Heavenly Water Sect''s properties are too vast for my Qingxuan Sect to absorb entirely. How to proceed should be decided upon by the Five Sects of Xuanjing River." Upon hearing this, Mo Hanshan, Wang Tianzhan, and Zhao Liepeng all revealed satisfied smiles. Shen Mo remained expressionless. He knew that Qingxuan Sect alone could not swallow up all of Heavenly Water Sect''s territory. His temporary concession was merely to throw a piece of meat out for them to fight over, consuming their strength. Who the territory temporarily belonged to did not matter. Shen Mo believed he would have the last laugh. "For Qingxuan Sect to become part of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River, thorough assessment is required. In the meantime, I suggest reducing the Five Sects to Four for now." "Moreover, our Divine Sword Sect has always had close ties with Heavenly Water Sect, so we should offer them some protection. Therefore, the territories of Heavenly Water City, Tang''an City, and Huangyu City, along with the surrounding regions, should be handed over to us for safeguarding." At this moment, a discordant voice suddenly rang out. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 166: Master Seems Like a Sulking Neighbor Sister Chapter 166: Master Seems Like a Sulking Neighbor Sister Everyone looked up and saw an elderly man with white hair slowly walking forward. Shen Mo glanced at his information panel. "So, he is Ouyang Qian''s grandfather, the deputy master of the Divine Sword Sect, Ouyang Cang." "Deputy Master Ouyang, what do you want to say?" Although Murong Yue still had a smile on her face, it was not as bright as before. "Don''t understand? The Heavenly Water Sect has always had a good relationship with our Divine Sword Sect. Now that Master Zhang has passed away, our Divine Sword Sect should take responsibility and maintain the Heavenly Water Sect," Ouyang Cang said indifferently. Wang Tianzhan, Mo Hanshan, and Zhao Liepeng all narrowed their eyes. Are they trying to snatch a piece of the pie? The industries surrounding Heavenly Water City, Tang''an City, and Huangyu City are the best assets of the Heavenly Water Sect. Especially Heavenly Water City, which has a booming commerce and rich surrounding resources. Which sect wouldn''t want to seize it? If the Divine Sword Sect could just take it away with a few words, it would be as if they were disregarding the others entirely. "I don''t agree," Mo Hanshan said plainly. "The Qingxuan Sect now has the strength comparable to the Heavenly Water Sect and should naturally return to the ranks of the Five Great Sects of Xujiang." "I agree," Wang Tianzhan smiled slightly. Zhao Liepeng smiled but remained silent. Seeing that these three people did not give him face, Ouyang Cang snorted coldly, "The industries of the Heavenly Water Sect belong to the capable!" sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After speaking, he turned into a stream of light and flew away. The cultivators of the Divine Sword Sect immediately followed suit. Zhou Qingcang had intended to approach Shen Mo for a chat but frowned upon hearing this. He could only shout from afar. "Shen Mo! Let''s compete again next time! I have already formed the Seven Kills Golden Core, and my cultivation has reached the pinnacle of the Core Formation Stage. Although I might be weaker than you, it''s not by much!" Shen Mo chuckled softly and cupped his hands toward the sky. "Alright, next time for sure." Ouyang Cang, noticing Zhou Qingcang''s smile, frowned but said nothing, quickly leaving the scene. Wang Tianzhan and Zhao Liepeng exchanged glances and cupped their hands toward Murong Yue. "We shall take our leave as well." After saying that, they hurriedly left with their respective cultivators. Mo Hanshan whispered, "The Divine Sword Sect wants to seize the Heavenly Water Sect''s territory first. Master Murong, remember to act quickly." Murong Yue nodded. She naturally saw through what everyone was thinking. Especially Ouyang Cang. He spoke of having a deep relationship with the Heavenly Water Sect and of protecting it, but in reality, he was eyeing its assets. "By the way, your Shen Mo doesn''t have a partner yet, right? How about my daughter?" Mo Hanshan suddenly chuckled. Mo Yuheng, who stood nearby, instantly had a cold expression upon hearing her father''s words. "What are you saying?!" She reached out and fiercely twisted the flesh on Mo Hanshan''s waist. Mo Hanshan immediately cried out in pain. Mo Yuheng said in a low voice, "Master Murong, we''ll meet again next time!" Then, she turned into a stream of light and left. "Hey, hey, Yuheng, wait for me! Your father is still behind!" Mo Hanshan smiled helplessly. "Apologies, Master Murong, for the scene." Murong Yue covered her mouth and laughed softly. "It''s nothing. It''s normal for a girl to have her own personality, especially since she''s still young." Mo Hanshan scratched his head. Compared to Murong Yue, Mo Yuheng was indeed still a young girl. After Mo Hanshan and the others left, Liu Menghu, the master of the Stormy Rain Sect, Yang Tianxing, the master of the Purple Star Sect, and others came over to offer their congratulations. Compared to Mo Hanshan, Wang Tianzhan, and others, their attitude was much more respectful. Although the Divine Sword Sect did not want to acknowledge it, in their hearts, Qingxuan Sect had enough strength, territory, and reputation to be one of the Five Great Sects of Xujiang. After Liu Menghu and the others left, the crowd of cultivators who had come to watch the commotion gradually dispersed. Not long ago, the bustling Tiger Head Mountain suddenly became deserted. The cultivators of the Heavenly Water Sect had already slipped away quietly while they could. Wei Xiongtie, Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, Luo Shengnan, and others swarmed toward Shen Mo and Murong Yue, surrounding them in the center. "Young Master, you''re amazing! I, Luo Shengnan, never expected the life-and-death duel to end like this!" "Indeed, if it weren''t for the Young Master, the ones who would have become homeless today would have been us from the Qingxuan Sect." All the cultivators of the Qingxuan Sect looked at Shen Mo, from elders to disciples, with both reverence and admiration. Murong Yue, seeing these expressions, felt even happier than if she had eaten honey. Shen Mo is my disciple! Shen Mo glanced around. "Everyone, Zhang Mo is dead, and the Heavenly Water Sect is now in disarray." "However, the Heavenly Water Sect''s territory is vast, and we can''t take it all in one bite. The other sects are all itching to move." "Now is not the time for celebration. We should swiftly attack the Heavenly Water Sect''s territory and seize those crucial assets." "Well said!" Wei Xiongtie immediately responded. "Yes, we can''t afford to slack off. We must quickly take those wealthy cities and important industries!" Elder Li promptly agreed. Murong Yue nodded repeatedly. "Then let''s take action immediately!" Shen Mo quickly approached Song Chaofeng. Song Chaofeng was now on the verge of death, yet his face was full of smiles. "Elder Song." Shen Mo infused spiritual power, checking his condition. Song Chaofeng was not at risk of dying, but his vitality had been greatly depleted. He would, at most, live to be a hundred years old. For a cultivator in the Core Formation Stage, that was an extremely short lifespan. "Young Master, I fear I can no longer serve the sect from now on," Song Chaofeng coughed up a few mouthfuls of blood. Shen Mo patted his shoulder. When Song Chaofeng had initially abandoned the Verdant Vine Sect to follow Murong Yue, he might have had some reservations. But now, Shen Mo could fully trust that he had given everything for the Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo said softly, "I can assure you that from now on, Elder Song will continue to enjoy the treatment of an elder." "Your son, Song Junjie, will also be pardoned and allowed to return to the sect to cultivate." Only then did a look of joy appear on Song Chaofeng''s face. "Thank you... thank you, Young Master!" "Quickly, take Elder Song back to the sect for proper treatment," Murong Yue ordered. "Yes." The cultivators of the Qingxuan Sect quickly departed as well. Now, on Tiger Head Mountain, only Shen Mo and Murong Yue remained. "Mo''er..." Murong Yue looked at her tall and upright disciple before her and suddenly reached out to touch his cheek. Murong Yue''s eyes reddened once more. "When you didn''t show up at the beginning, I was really relieved. If you hadn''t come, you could have lived on peacefully, and I wouldn''t have had to watch my disciple die in front of me." "Do you know how happy I was when you revealed your identity in front of everyone and took off the Fire Mark Mask? The Demon Armor, the Demon Armor that became famous in Xuanjing Prefecture, turned out to be my disciple Shen Mo." "When you fought Zhang Mo, when you were frozen, when Zhang Mo burned the lotus seat to unleash a golden core strike, my heart almost jumped out of my chest." "Mo''er, I never expected you to grow so fast. I am truly happy and relieved." By this point, tears were already streaming down Murong Yue''s face. However, they were not tears of sorrow but rather tears of excitement. Murong Yue''s cold hand lightly touched Shen Mo''s cheek. Shen Mo''s body trembled but did not stop her, allowing her to gently caress his face. "I... I shouldn''t be doing this." Murong Yue suddenly froze, realizing that, as a master, she shouldn''t behave so intimately with her disciple. She instantly recoiled her jade hand as if electrocuted. Then, she turned her back without hesitation. "I didn''t say anything just now! I didn''t do anything! Shen Mo, don''t go back and spread nonsense to ruin my reputation!" "If you... if you talk nonsense, I''ll sew your mouth shut, cut out your tongue, and make sure you can never speak again!" Shen Mo chuckled. "Master, you seem like a sulking neighbor sister right now." "What are you talking about! I''m your master; I''m very serious!" Murong Yue tried her best to put on a stern expression. However, her eyes were still red, which made her appear more endearing than imposing. "If a stern master wants to stay here alone, then the disciple will head back to the sect," Shen Mo laughed lightly, used his movement technique, and was about to leave. "Hey, Mo''er, wait for me..." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 167: Is It Really Appropriate for the Young Master to Go With Me? Chapter 167: Is It Really Appropriate for the Young Master to Go With Me? Giant River City, Government Office. Ji Shilong listened to Luo Shuanghan''s report, his expression turning rather strange. With his hands behind his back, he paced slowly in the courtyard, his footsteps becoming increasingly urgent. Luo Shuanghan felt as though those footsteps were echoing in his heart, making him even more uneasy. "Unexpected... truly unexpected..." "The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor." "Not only that, but Shen Mo also defeated Zhang Mo openly in front of everyone." "This is simply unbelievable." A sharp glint flashed in Ji Shilong''s eyes. He suddenly realized that the chess piece known as Shen Mo had exceeded his expectations. "What a surprise, what a delightful surprise." Ji Shilong thought for a moment, "However, it doesn''t really matter if the Qingxuan Sect takes the place of the Heavenly Water Sect." "The Heavenly Water Sect is a tempting cake; every sect wants a piece of it." "There will always be those who grow greedy, those who eye the pot while eating from their bowl, and those whose desires are never satisfied." "But this is still too slow, and the intensity won''t increase quickly enough." Luo Shuanghan respectfully asked, "My lord, what would you like me to do?" Ji Shilong smiled faintly. "There are two pieces of information that you can leak." "First, the mountain array of the Zhongding Sect from back then has appeared near Rising Sun Mountain, with records from the Zhongding Sect as evidence." sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Second, the exact location of the third Earth Fire Furnace of the Zhongding Sect is most likely near Heavenly Water City, Huangyu City, or Tang''an City." "Once these two pieces of information are spread, the Five Sects of Xuanjiang will inevitably clash." Luo Shuanghan was slightly shocked. "The Zhongding Sect... is that the same Zhongding Sect that ruled Xuanjiang Prefecture a thousand years ago?" Ji Shilong nodded. "Precisely." "The mountain array of the Zhongding Sect mysteriously disappeared, and the third Earth Fire Furnace has never been found." "These two items are peerless treasures. Once the information is out, cultivators will flock to investigate, and even the Five Sects of Xuanjiang won''t be able to stay uninvolved." Luo Shuanghan looked at Ji Shilong with reverence. "Lord Governor, this move is truly ruthless." "With such benefits in front of them, they won''t be able to stay on the sidelines or strengthen themselves secretly." "They will have to use every ounce of their strength to fight until they''ve exhausted every last drop of blood." "We can then recruit and rope in more people, further expanding the power of the government office." Ji Shilong smiled faintly. This was precisely the outcome he desired. The strength of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang was on par with each other. They would fight to the death. Ideally, they would tear each other apart. This way, he could use their conflict to his advantage, sowing discord and gradually wearing down all the sects. Eventually, the imperial court would be able to take control of Xuanjiang Prefecture effortlessly and without resistance. Previously, he had intervened in the conflict between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavenly Water Sect, changing their brutal battle into a life-and-death duel, hoping to recruit the Heavenly Water Sect for his own use. He just hadn''t expected Zhang Mo to be so incompetent, losing his life to Shen Mo. ... Divine Sword City. Sect Master''s Courtyard. "...Master, that''s how it was." "You weren''t there to see it, but the duel between Shen Mo and Zhang Mo was spectacular. It got my blood boiling, and I wished I could have joined in!" Zhou Qingcang''s face was full of excitement. Luo Chaotian''s eyes flashed with a hint of strangeness. However, he concealed it well, and Zhou Qingcang didn''t notice. "Not bad. Your friend lives up to his name; he''s truly a genius." "Moreover, having slain Zhang Mo, he now possesses the qualifications to challenge the other four sect masters." "This man is truly extraordinary." Luo Chaotian smiled. Zhou Qingcang was even happier upon hearing this. "Then, I will continue my training!" He bowed deeply to Luo Chaotian and quickly left. Luo Chaotian''s eyes turned cold. "Interesting. I didn''t expect such a variable to appear." "This Shen Mo has boundless potential and cannot be underestimated." "It seems the pace of unifying Xuanjiang Prefecture must be accelerated. I must strengthen the Divine Sword Sect as soon as possible." He frowned in deep thought, his mind racing with countless ideas. ** Zhang Mo is dead! The Heavenly Water Sect is now leaderless! The Qingxuan Sect is highly likely to reclaim its position among the Five Sects of Xuanjiang! The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor! These pieces of news swept across Xuanjiang Prefecture like a storm. Cultivators in the neighboring Jiande and Jinshan Prefectures also heard about it. In just a few days, the name Shen Mo had spread throughout Xuanjiang, north to south. People chatted eagerly about the life-and-death duel on Tiger Head Mountain over tea and meals. ** Qingxuan Sect, Bamboo Tree Courtyard. Shen Mo looked inward at his status panel and noticed some small changes. "The Divine Sword Sect''s unification of Xuanjiang Prefecture has been accelerated." "Clearly, my actions have influenced the predetermined fate, causing Luo Chaotian to feel threatened and pick up the pace." Shen Mo pondered. This was expected. If Luo Chaotian had no reaction at all, then the Divine Sword Sect''s master would not be living up to his reputation. ** At this moment, there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" Shen Mo asked casually. "Young Master, it''s me, Xiao Fan." "Oh? Come in." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. The courtyard gate opened, and Xiao Fan walked in respectfully, showing no arrogance. "Elder Xiao, what brings you here?" Shen Mo smiled while discreetly assessing Xiao Fan''s status panel. Xiao Fan cupped his hands. "The Heavenly Water Sect is now scattered, and various sects are pouncing on its territories like starving tigers." "The wealthiest area of the Heavenly Water Sect is the triangular region formed by Heavenly Water City, Tang''an City, and Huangyu City, known for its abundant resources." "According to reports, the Divine Sword Sect has already taken Huangyu City, while the Thunderfire Sect has captured Tang''an City. As for Heavenly Water City, it''s currently divided among various forces and in utter chaos." "Additionally, the temperature around Heavenly Water City has recently soared, with rumors suggesting that the Zhongding Sect''s third Earth Fire Furnace is located in that region." "I wish to serve the sect and obtain this treasure for its benefit." "I was about to volunteer to the Sect Master and request a transfer to Heavenly Water City, but the Sect Master is currently practicing martial arts. I didn''t want to disturb him, so I came to you, Young Master." Xiao Fan bowed respectfully to Shen Mo. Shen Mo smiled. "Where did you get this information?" Xiao Fan did not dare to hide it. "To be honest, Young Master, I recruited some rogue cultivators, and the information came from them." He quickly added, "Of course, they do not serve me but the sect." Shen Mo chuckled. "Since you have such a desire to serve the sect, how could I refuse?" "How about this? I will go with you." "Let the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture witness the resolve of the Qingxuan Sect!" Xiao Fan was startled and quickly protested, "Young Master wants to go with me? Isn''t that inappropriate?" "You are currently in the spotlight and could easily attract envy. If news of your presence near Heavenly Water City leaks, many might come after you!" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "As long as you don''t say anything and I don''t say anything, who would leak this news? Isn''t that right, Elder Xiao?" "Y-Yes, indeed," Xiao Fan forced a laugh. "Go prepare, Elder Xiao. We''ll set out tomorrow," Shen Mo said with a smile. "Understood." Xiao Fan bowed and left. After leaving the Bamboo Tree Courtyard, his face immediately turned cold, his handsome features now icy. Shen Mo watched him leave with a faint smile. He had noticed earlier that a new opportunity was stirring around Xiao Fan. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 168: Zhongding Sect’s Geofurnace and the Demon Armor Chestplate [Recent Opportunity One]: It was heard that beneath Thousand Bamboo Lake near Heavenly Water City, there were rumors of a geofurnace from the Zhongding Sect. He intended to locate its precise position and present it to Luo Chaotian. Thus, the next day, he headed to Heavenly Water City. After searching for several days, he discovered a hidden tunnel in a cave on the southern side of Thousand Bamboo Lake, which led into the natural geofurnace. There, he also obtained a Flame Prison Token. [Recent Opportunity Two]: Two months later, guided by the Flame Prison Token, after multiple searches, he finally located the cave dwelling of the Flame Hell Immortal within the belly of a desolate mountain outside Tang''an City. He acquired the Demon Armor Chestplate there. Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy. The Zhongding Sect''s geofurnace! He hadn''t expected to encounter such an opportunity! The Zhongding Sect, a sect that dominated Xuanjiang Prefecture a thousand years ago, was renowned for its Zhongding crystal refining technique. However, because of its overwhelming power and aggressive nature, it was jointly destroyed by sects like the Divine Sword Sect that rose later. The so-called geofurnace was not an actual furnace but a natural furnace built upon geothermal fire. These furnaces were enormous, with extremely high temperatures. They could refine the crystals of dozens of spiritual tools at once. Even if the failure rate was high, the efficiency made up for it. This is how the Zhongding Sect ruled over Xuanjiang Prefecture. The Zhongding Sect had three geofurnaces in total. After the sect was destroyed, one furnace fell into the hands of the Divine Sword Sect, and another came under the control of the Thunderfire Sect, where they also produced Fiery Lotuses. The location of the third geofurnace, however, remained extremely well-hidden. All related records were burned by the Zhongding Sect. The geothermal fire there also seemed to have died down. Various sects searched for many years but failed to find it. A thousand years passed, and this matter was gradually forgotten. Many people even believed that the geothermal fire had completely extinguished, making the geofurnace worthless. The Heavy Weapon Sect was founded using part of the Zhongding Sect''s legacy. Shen Mo had also learned about the Zhongding Sect through reading the books of the Heavy Weapon Sect. "The temperature of the geofurnace is extremely high. If I can occupy it, I could refine higher-grade demon crystals into spiritual tools!" Shen Mo''s heart stirred. For top-tier profound-grade spiritual tools, the Heavy Weapon Sect''s refining technique could only fuse third-grade demon crystals at most. However, if within the geofurnace, he could take advantage of the extreme heat and refine fourth-grade demon crystals! This would be a massive breakthrough. If all of the Qingxuan Sect''s cultivators were equipped with spiritual tools infused with fourth-grade demon crystals, their overall strength would soar dramatically! While it might not surpass, it would swiftly close the gap with the Divine Sword Sect! As for the Thunderfire Sect, Verdant Vine Sect, and Rising Sun Sect, they would undoubtedly be left in the dust by the Qingxuan Sect! As for the Flame Hell Immortal''s cave dwelling and the Demon Armor Chestplate within, they made him even more ecstatic. The power boost from the Demon Armor was immense, beyond words. But for now, he only had the right arm armor! If he could obtain the chestplate, his power would be greatly enhanced! "However, just this right arm armor alone consumes a drop of Ice Dragon''s blood every day." "If I get the chestplate too, wouldn''t that be..." Shen Mo chuckled to himself. He had originally thought that three jars of Ice Dragon''s blood would be enough. But now, it seemed like it was far from sufficient! Shen Mo nodded slightly. At the same time, he glanced at Xiao Fan, intentionally or unintentionally. He noticed that Xiao Fan''s temperament and way of thinking had changed significantly. In the past, when Xiao Fan interacted with him, there was always a hint of reverence, and he didn''t dare to speak freely. But now, Xiao Fan''s tone carried an indescribable depth. It was as though he was both lofty and unreachable, yet at the same time approachable, right by his side. "This must be the result of the complete fusion of the memories of the Nascent Soul stage cultivator and his own memories." "So, who is Xiao Fan now? Is he still Xiao Fan, or the resurrected Nascent Soul stage cultivator? Or perhaps, neither of them?" Shen Mo smiled faintly. Before long, the two of them arrived above Heavenly Water City. Soon, they reached the Qingxuan Sect''s base in the city. It was located in an inn called Clear Breeze Inn. The inn, along with a large number of surrounding residential areas and a market, was now within the Qingxuan Sect''s territory. As Shen Mo arrived, disciples immediately came out to greet him with utmost respect. "Young Master!" A familiar voice rang out as someone strode toward them. Shen Mo smiled, "So, Elder Wei is in charge here." The person was none other than Wei Xiongtie. Wei Xiongtie smiled wryly, "Indeed, this place is fraught with danger. The other elders are somewhat lacking in strength, so I took the initiative to volunteer for this task." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Wei Xiongtie''s loyalty to Qingxuan Sect was unquestionable. "Young Master, Elder Xiao, please come in. Let''s sit down and talk," Wei Xiongtie said as he led the way. Moments later, the three of them sat in a private room on the top floor of the Clear Breeze Inn. The room was elegantly styled, exuding a classic charm, clearly not the kind of place an ordinary person could afford. From the window, one could look out and view the surrounding area. Not long after they sat down, Shen Mo noticed a brawl erupting on the street below. After the clashing of swords, a few bodies were left behind as both sides departed with hatred still lingering in the air. Wei Xiongtie smiled wryly, "Did you see that? Heavenly Water City has become incredibly chaotic lately." "I don''t know who spread the rumor, but there''s talk that within the triangular area of Heavenly Water City, Tang''an City, and Huangyu City, the temperature has been rising abnormally. It''s said that it might be due to the third geofurnace of the Zhongding Sect reigniting." "With this news, cultivators from all over have been flocking here. The Thunderfire Sect has been searching the area tirelessly, and the Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect are also not far behind." Shen Mo chuckled, "What does Elder Wei think?" Wei Xiongtie shook his head repeatedly, "I''m skeptical. The Zhongding Sect has been gone for a thousand years, and that third geofurnace has been dormant for just as long. No matter how durable the geothermal fire was, it couldn''t have stayed dormant for a thousand years, only to reignite now." Shen Mo smiled and nodded. In fact, the truth was quite the opposite of what Wei Xiongtie had said. The geothermal fire had indeed reignited at this very time, defying all logic. However, since Shen Mo had learned of this through his life panel, he couldn''t very well reveal that there really was a geofurnace here. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Wait... Could it be that the Young Master has come here for the geofurnace?" Wei Xiongtie suddenly realized. Shen Mo chuckled, "Elder Wei guessed correctly. That''s exactly why I''m here." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {The first arc in the stort has ended. The mc has left the novice village (xuanjing prefectre and will leave towards wider world. Join patreon to read ahead and experience his journey.)} Chapter 169: Discovering the Earthfire Furnace and Mastering the Art of Crystal Refining Chapter 169: Discovering the Earthfire Furnace and Mastering the Art of Crystal Refining Wei Xiongtie inhaled sharply, "Could the rumors be true?" Shen Mo chuckled, "Whether they are true or not, the fact that the temperature here has risen dramatically is undeniable." "Even if this isn''t the third Earthfire Furnace of the Zhongding Sect, it might still be some other treasure, right?" Wei Xiongtie scratched his head, "Young Master makes a valid point." "Then I shall accompany you in searching for the source of this temperature surge, Young Master!" Shen Mo shook his head, "No need. Elder Xiao and I will search. Elder Wei, you should focus on matters within Heavenly Water City." Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, since it''s an order from the Young Master, I shall comply!" "Xiao Fan, you take the northern part of Heavenly Water City, and I''ll handle the south," Shen Mo instructed casually. "Understood, I''ll take care of it," Xiao Fan nodded. ... The next day. Shen Mo departed from Heavenly Water City, heading south towards Thousand Bamboo Lake. He moved swiftly, cloaked in a mantle that covered him entirely. Even if someone saw him, they wouldn''t know he was Shen Mo. "This is the place." Shen Mo soon found a cave on the southern side of Thousand Bamboo Lake. Just as described in the life panel, after some searching, he indeed discovered a concealed passage entrance. Sturdy vines grew over the entrance, thick and lush. If not for actively looking, it would be nearly impossible to find. Shen Mo parted the vines, and a passage immediately appeared before him. At first, the tunnel was quite narrow, but the deeper he went, the more spacious it became. Shen Mo examined the walls of the passage, noticing intricate and elegant carvings. This should be the architectural style of the Zhongding Sect. Moreover, he realized that the tunnel did not gradually widen; it had been spacious all along. The narrowness at the entrance was due to accumulated rocks and soil. "The construction of a natural Earthfire Furnace is a significant undertaking. It''s impossible for the entrance to be this narrow." Shen Mo continued his descent deeper into the passage. Along the way, he encountered a few small demon beasts, but none were particularly powerful and were easily dealt with. After descending about a hundred zhang (approx. 333 meters), Shen Mo began to feel the temperature in the air steadily rising. He smiled to himself and quickened his pace. Another hundred zhang down, the passage opened up, revealing a vast underground chamber. Before him stood a massive, three-legged furnace, towering thirty zhang (about 100 meters) high. The entire furnace was made of pitch-black stone, still gleaming with a dark luster. Beneath the furnace, flames flickered from a deep pit. The source of the intense heat was clearly emanating from this pit. This was the very vent of the Earthfire. Given enough time, this Earthfire might even give birth to the Heavenly Flame of Creation. Surrounding the Earthfire Furnace were three ring-shaped platforms, descending from top to bottom. The platforms were connected by stone steps. "Back then, the Zhongding Sect used this Earthfire to refine crystals. This place must have been bustling with activity. From now on, this is the domain of the Qingxuan Sect!" Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy. His spiritual weapons, like the Thunder Sword, the Forest Sword Art, and the Demon Armor Bracers, could all be refined with fourth-grade demon crystals, enhancing their power significantly. Previously, Shen Mo had only refined demon crystals into the Thunder Sword but had refrained from doing so with the Forest Sword Art or Demon Armor Bracers because third-grade demon crystals provided limited enhancement to earth-grade spiritual weapons. Also, the failure rate was too high. After careful consideration, Shen Mo decided it wasn''t worth the risk. But fourth-grade demon crystals could greatly enhance spiritual weapons compared to third-grade ones! "My skills in crystal refining aren''t bad. With more practice, I can further improve the success rate." Shen Mo stepped lightly onto the platform and ascended to the highest of the three levels. From here, he could directly see inside the Earthfire Furnace. "There''s something shining down theremust be the Hellfire Token!" Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed as he spotted something at the bottom of the furnace. He flew inside, ignoring the searing heat, and easily retrieved the token. The Hellfire Token was made of a special material that showed no signs of melting, even in such high temperatures. Shen Mo stowed it in his storage ring, intending to use it later. "Time to start refining crystals!" With a wave of his hand, ten spiritual weapons of the profound rank and ten third-grade demon crystals flew out of his storage ring and into the Earthfire Furnace. He channeled his spiritual energy, forming an invisible hand that lifted the furnace lid and set it on top. With a loud rumble, the Earthfire Furnace was sealed tightly. "First, we begin the calcination." "After a brief calcination, use a hammer and chisel to create a hole, then pour the melted demon crystal into it." "Once it cools, the crystal-refined spiritual weapon will take shape." Shen Mo closed his eyes, mentally walking through the entire crystal-refining process. If he were refining crystals outside without the Earthfire Furnace, he wouldn''t need to melt the demon crystals; instead, they would be directly embedded, a method that requires embedding fluid. However, melting the demon crystals and injecting the liquid into the holes results in a better effect than direct embedding. This method was recorded in the Crystal Refining Technique for Heavy Weapons, and it wasn''t something Shen Mo imagined on his own. The first sound of shattering echoed. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Immediately, a second and third shattering sound followed. Shen Mo quickly opened the furnace lid. To his dismay, two of the ten profound-ranked spiritual weapons inside had already shattered. Many of the third-grade demon crystals had vaporized and, as soon as the lid was lifted, dissipated in an instant. Shen Mo shook his head but didn''t feel discouraged. It was his first time using the Earthfire Furnace, and he wasn''t familiar with controlling the heat, which led to this issue. He had anticipated such a result. Without hesitation, he retrieved more profound-ranked spiritual weapons and third-grade demon crystals to start the refining process again. His storage ring had long been stocked with a large number of profound-ranked spiritual weapons. Some were gifts from Murong Yue, while others were spoils of war from defeating Feng Lieshan, Lu Xinyue, and others. Most were unused, piling up to form a small mountain. As for third-grade demon crystals, he had even more. Third-grade demon crystals came from third-grade demon beasts, which were equivalent to Foundation Establishment cultivators. Such demon crystals were abundant and easy to come by. Using these to improve his crystal-refining success rate didn''t bother Shen Mo at all. In this vast underground space, the Earthfire blazed fiercely, occasionally accompanied by the sound of spiritual weapons shattering and demon crystals vaporizing. It was monotonous, yet had a unique charm. Soon, an entire day passed. By dusk, Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed as he opened the furnace lid. A brilliant blade light shot out. Shen Mo extended his hand, and a massive saber landed in his palm. Heavy and imposing, with immense weight and force. This saber was the one Shen Mo had obtained after slaying the Water Tiger in Feiyu City. It was called "Bear-Cleaving Mountain." Already a heavy and powerful weapon, its hilt had now been infused with the demon crystal liquid of a "Earth-Splitting Bear," further enhancing its weight and strength. Although it was a mid-grade profound spiritual weapon, after crystal refinement, its power now rivaled that of a high-grade profound spiritual weapon! If he were to refine it with a fourth-grade demon crystal, its power could even surpass the best profound-grade spiritual weapons! Wielding such crystal-refined weapons could allow him to surpass an entire minor realm in combat! "I''ve mastered the crystal-refining techniques of this Earthfire Furnace. It''s time to leave." "If I stay any longer, Xiao Fan might start getting suspicious." Shen Mo smiled in satisfaction. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 170: You Actually Found the Earthfire Furnace Chapter 170: You Actually Found the Earthfire Furnace Heavenly Water City, Qingfeng Pavilion. Shen Mo and Xiao Fan returned to the private room they had visited the previous day. Wei Xiongtie personally served them some chilled tea. "Elder Xiao, how did your search for the Earthfire Furnace go?" Shen Mo asked. Xiao Fan shook his head, "I couldn''t find it. I visited several places where the Earthfire Furnace was rumored to be, but I found nothing." "I also checked the locations provided by some rogue cultivators, but there was no success." "What about you, Young Master?" Shen Mo shook his head as well, "Same as you, nothing to report." "It seems luck is not on Qingxuan Sect''s side this time." Wei Xiongtie smiled, "Young Master, there''s no need to be disheartened. Those cultivators from a thousand years ago searched for decades and still didn''t find it. We can''t expect to discover it overnight." "I heard that even the Thunderfire Sect is infuriated by their failure to find a single trace." Shen Mo chuckled softly, "Let''s keep looking for a few more days. If we still don''t find it, we''ll leave it at that." "Understood." Xiao Fan nodded. In the following days, Shen Mo pretended to search for the Earthfire Furnace in the southern part of Heavenly Water City. Naturally, he found nothing. Each day when they regrouped, Xiao Fan furrowed his brows, feeling increasingly frustrated. He had an intuition that the Earthfire Furnace was near Heavenly Water City, but why couldn''t they locate it? Could it be that his instincts were wrong? That didn''t seem right. Ever since he had awakened his past-life memories, his instincts had never failed him. What should he do? If he couldn''t find the Earthfire Furnace and present it to Luo Chaotian, he wouldn''t be able to climb the ladder of Divine Sword Sect. Although, from the perspective of his former Nascent Soul self, Divine Sword Sect was nothing more than a minor faction that could be wiped out with a flick of his finger. But with his current lack of power, even a small faction like Divine Sword Sect had become a towering tree for him to lean on. "Elder Xiao, stay in Heavenly Water City. I''ll return to the sect and report the situation to our master," Shen Mo said with a slight smile. "As you wish, Young Master," Xiao Fan and Wei Xiongtie immediately bowed respectfully. Inwardly, Xiao Fan let out a sigh of relief. Shen Mo''s overwhelming strength had left him feeling somewhat restrained the entire time. Shen Mo then quickly flew back to the Qingxuan Sect. Before departing, he had already examined Xiao Fan''s life panel. After Shen Mo intercepted the opportunity of the Earthfire Furnace from the Zhongding Sect, Xiao Fan was never able to find the furnace''s location. Knowing this, Shen Mo felt at ease leaving. ... Qingxuan Sect, Sect Master''s Courtyard. Shen Mo knocked on the courtyard door. "Master, your disciple has important news to report." "Is that you, Mo''er? Come in quickly," came the joyful voice of Murong Yue from within the courtyard. Shen Mo pushed the door open and immediately saw Murong Yue standing with her sword in hand. Today, Murong Yue was dressed in a bright red gown, making her look even more valiant and heroic. Perhaps from long hours of practicing martial arts, there was a slight sheen of sweat on her nose, and her cheeks were flushed. She looked completely different from her usual cold and stern appearance. "I heard you and Xiao Fan went near Heavenly Water City to search for traces of the Earthfire Furnace?" "Seems like you didn''t find anything," Murong Yue said with a playful smile, taking a sip of water. Shen Mo smiled without saying a word, then drew out his Thunder Sword and handed it to her. Murong Yue glanced at it and her body instantly trembled. She quickly took the Thunder Sword and examined it closely. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her gaze grew even more astonished when she saw the demon crystal perfectly embedded in the sword''s hilt. "A fourth-grade demon crystal?" "This sword can actually embed a fourth-grade demon crystal?" Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Indeed, Master. I refined this using the Earthfire Furnace." Thanks to his incredible aptitude, after many failed attempts, Shen Mo quickly mastered the art of crystal refining with the Earthfire Furnace. Last night, he had used the furnace to refine a fourth-grade demon crystal into the Thunder Sword. Murong Yue''s eyes widened in shock, "The Earthfire Furnace?! You actually found it?!" Shen Mo nodded slightly, "It''s beneath Thousand Bamboo Lake." "Hiss..." Murong Yue was so overwhelmed with excitement that she nearly lost her balance. She fully understood the immense significance of this discovery. The Earthfire Furnace could refine demon crystals into multiple spiritual weapons in a single session. Its efficiency was astounding! Currently, Qingxuan Sect had two elders and fifteen Foundation Establishment disciples dedicated to refining crystals into spiritual weapons, but the process was painstakingly slow. On average, it took them two days to complete just one crystal-refined weapon. However, if the Earthfire Furnace was used for all refining tasks, they could produce at least ten refined weapons in a single day! That would be a twentyfold increase in productivity! With this furnace, Qingxuan Sect would be able to create more crystal-refined weapons, rapidly amassing greater resources and solidifying its foundation. In this way, the rise of Qingxuan Sect would truly become unstoppable! "Mo''er, what do you plan to do? I''ll follow your lead," Murong Yue said seriously. Shen Mo smiled, "For now, we won''t change the elders and disciples who have been handling weapon refinement. Instead, we''ll assign newcomers to take on this task." "It doesn''t matter if these individuals aren''t yet skilled in crystal refining. I can teach them, but they must be loyal and trustworthy." Murong Yue agreed wholeheartedly, "Exactly! Do you have anyone in mind?" Shen Mo had already selected candidates. He immediately replied, "Wei Xiongtie and Elder Liboth are capable of handling this." "As for the disciples, Zhao Ting and Zhao Rou can handle the selection." "I''ve already thought of a cover story: we''ll claim that the sect is forming a secret assassination team, and these individuals have been chosen for that task." "We''ll let Luo Shengnan spread a little information about it, but not too much." "This way, outsiders will only believe that Wei Xiongtie and the others were assigned to form this secret team." Murong Yue nodded repeatedly, "Excellent!" She looked at Shen Mo with deep satisfaction. That very day, the Qingxuan Sect quietly began a secretive internal reorganization. Despite the secrecy, those with a keen interest in the sect''s affairs still investigated the movements. However, after all their efforts, the only information they uncovered was what Shen Mo had intentionally leaked through Luo Shengnan. ... Underneath Thousand Bamboo Lake, at the Earthfire Furnace. "My goodness... this really is the Earthfire Furnace of the Zhongding Sect. It''s enormous!" Zhao Rou exclaimed, her face full of awe as she took in the scene before her. Beside her, Zhao Ting and a group of Foundation Establishment disciples were equally stunned. Wei Xiongtie and Elder Li were slightly more composed, but they couldn''t hide the astonishment in their eyes. "Young Master, you actually found it! I thought you hadn''t managed to locate it," Wei Xiongtie said, unable to contain himself. "You didn''t mention it earlier to guard against Xiao Fan, did you?" Shen Mo nodded slightly, then looked around and spoke in a clear voice, "You''ve all proven your loyalty to the sect, which is why I''ve chosen you for this task." "From today onward, you''ll be stationed here indefinitely. Your only task each day will be to refine crystal-infused spiritual weapons." "No one is to leave without my permission." "Anyone who leaves will be considered a traitor to the sect!" Everyone''s expressions turned solemn, and they responded in unison, "Understood!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, "Don''t take it personally. The Earthfire Furnace is far too important. We must prevent any possible leaks of information." "While I trust that none of you would reveal the secret, frequent comings and goings will eventually draw attention." Wei Xiongtie cupped his hands and said, "Rest assured, Young Master, we fully understand." "Indeed, Young Master, we''re more than willing to fight for the sect!" "I owe my life to you, Young Master. Back when we were in the Profound Frost Cave, if it weren''t for you, I would have died at the hands of the Blood River Sect. My life belongs to youwhatever you say, I''ll do!" "Exactly! We''ll stay here and won''t go anywhere!" Shen Mo nodded slightly in approval. With a team like this, things would run smoothly. He spoke in a commanding tone, "Very well. Next, I''ll demonstrate how to operate the Earthfire Furnace and how to control the heat. Pay close attention." "Yes!" they all responded. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {Join the patreon to read 100+ chapters. Exciting content awaits you!!!} Chapter 171: What Does Sacrificing a Few Children for the Future of the Thunderfire Sect Mean? Chapter 171: What Does Sacrificing a Few Children for the Future of the Thunderfire Sect Mean? Shen Mo quickly demonstrated to the crowd. With ease, he successfully refined a spiritual weapon of the Profound Grade. Seeing this, the others immediately came forward to try as well. However, the vast majority ended in failure. The only one who succeeded was Zhao Rou. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. It seemed Zhao Rou had a natural talent for crystal refinement techniques. "Do not fear failure. When I first started refining crystals, I often failed too." "Every three days, I will bring you new materials." "As for resting, there''s a place south of the Earth Fire Furnace. There are two stone chambers, and I''ve set up an ice-attribute formation there to lower the temperature inside." "Everyone, see you in three days." Shen Mo then took out a storage ring and handed it to Wei Xiongtie, which contained the spiritual weapons and demon crystals from the sect''s treasury. After that, he clasped his hands toward the group in farewell. "Yes!" everyone responded. ... A month later, at Thunderfire Sect. Zhao Liepeng walked back and forth with his hands behind his back, frowning deeply. In front of him, three elders at the Core Formation stage knelt on the ground, not daring to speak. The courtyard was eerily silent. "You want to tell me that after sending out hundreds of disciples and a large number of rogue cultivators, searching the area around Heavenly Water City for over a month, you couldn''t even find a trace of the Earth Fire Furnace?" Zhao Liepeng said coldly. Sweat poured down from the three elders. "In that case, there''s no need for you to continue serving as inner sect elders!" Zhao Liepeng looked down at them, his tone filled with malice. Suddenly, one of them called out, "Sect Master! I just remembered something! Recently, the crystal refinement weapon output of Qingxuan Sect has significantly increased!" Upon hearing this, the other two elders immediately reacted. "Yes, yes! This is another matter we needed to report to you. Under normal circumstances, Qingxuan Sect''s crystal refinement output is very low." "But now, their production is almost catching up with ours!" "We suspect that they have found the third Earth Fire Furnace! However, they are very cunning and have hidden the exact location well, with no leaks whatsoever." Hearing this, Zhao Liepeng''s expression shifted slightly as he muttered, "Qingxuan Sect" His gaze suddenly turned icy, "The rise of Qingxuan Sect has been far too rapid. I''ve long had plans to deal with them." "I still remember that incident at the Thunder Crystal Mine vividly!" "And they even dared to kill the Sect Master''s brother-in-law!" "This is a humiliation we''ve never forgotten!" Zhao Liepeng paced back and forth, coldly saying, "Surveillance, kidnapping, assassination, we must extract the precise location of the Earth Fire Furnace from the mouths of Qingxuan Sect''s cultivators!" "Yes!" The three elders immediately stood up. Zhao Liepeng added, "Zhao Wu, stay behind." A middle-aged elder, who bore some resemblance to him, nodded and did not leave with the other two. Zhao Liepeng said indifferently, "Qingxuan Sect is very crafty. I suspect that aside from their core members, no one knows the location of the Earth Fire Furnace." "Their efforts may not yield results." Zhao Wu was taken aback, "Then why are you still" Zhao Liepeng smiled faintly, "It''s just a show for Qingxuan Sect, to lull them into a false sense of security." Zhao Wu''s expression turned to admiration, "Truly worthy of being the Sect Master." "Sect Master, you must have something important for me to handle, right?" Zhao Liepeng nodded, "You''re my cousin, and I trust you the most with this task." "You should be familiar with the Blood Infant Guidance technique, right?" Zhao Wu was stunned, a look of shock appearing in his eyes, "Are you referring to the forbidden technique of the Blood River Sect?" "I heard even within the Blood River Sect, this technique was considered too sinister and was sealed away, never used." "After the fall of the Blood River Sect, the technique was lost as well." Zhao Liepeng casually waved his hand, and a thin booklet appeared in his palm. He tossed it over. Zhao Wu caught it and saw the coverboldly written with the four characters: . "This isn''t a martial technique or combat skill, just a special forbidden method." "The effect is simple: it allows you to find one thing based on another." "Once you''ve cultivated the Blood Infant, if you give it a piece of clothing, it can find the owner." "And if you give it a crystal-refined weapon made by the Earth Fire Furnace, it will lead you to the furnace itself." Zhao Liepeng spoke indifferently. Zhao Wu''s eyes widened, "I understand now!" "But this method is extremely vicious and ruthless. Cultivating the Blood Infant requires the heart''s blood of twenty pairs of twin infants with cultivation potential..." Zhao Liepeng sneered, "Which is more important, the Earth Fire Furnace or those infants?" "Our Earth Fire Furnace has significantly weakened compared to a thousand years ago. The efficiency of refining crystal weapons has dropped considerably, and it will be completely extinguished in at most a hundred years." "If we can obtain this new Earth Fire Furnace, do you not understand what that means for Thunderfire Sect?" He spoke with fervor, "Once we acquire this Earth Fire Furnace, every elder in Thunderfire Sect will be equipped with a complete set of crystal weapons, and each weapon will be refined with Tier 4 demon crystals!" "Each of them will be able to fight against enemies of a higher realm. Do you not understand the significance of that?!" Zhao Wu swallowed hard, as though envisioning the incredible scene himself. "I understand! Sect Master, rest assured, I will definitely find that third Earth Fire Furnace!" Zhao Liepeng finally nodded slightly, "Go ahead. Everything must be for the grand future of Thunderfire Sect. What are twenty pairs of twin infants in comparison? They are nothing but mere mortals." "When Thunderfire Sect unifies the Xuanjing Prefecture, we will naturally bring blessings to many more mortals." "Yes!" At Qingxuan Sect, in the Sect Master''s courtyard. Murong Yue was admiring the brand-new sword at her side, her heart filled with joy. "Master, this sword is a top-grade Profound level weapon. I refined it using the demon crystal of a Tier 4 Scarlet Flame Ice Python." "This demon crystal perfectly complements your Fiery Ice Physique." Shen Mo smiled. Murong Yue beamed with happiness, "Wonderful! I love it so much!" Shen Mo then brought out a set of soft armor, arm guards, and boots. "These are your personal spiritual weapons, and each has been refined with a Tier 4 demon crystal as well." Murong Yue''s eyes widened, "None of them failed?" Shen Mo chuckled, "I crafted them myself. How could they fail?" Murong Yue could hardly contain her joy, "Fantastic!" "How are we doing with demon crystals? Do we have enough? Yesterday, we completed a large transaction with Storm Rain Sect and Purple Star Sect, adding over thirty Tier 4 demon crystals and more than a hundred Tier 3 demon crystals to the sect''s treasury." Shen Mo nodded, "That should be sufficient." Wei Xiongtie, Zhao Rou, and others had greatly improved their success rates. Especially Zhao Rou, whose success rate had reached eighty percent. If not for her lower cultivation level, Shen Mo would have already put her in charge of all matters related to crystal weapon refinement. "By the way, have you heard? Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect have started fighting," Murong Yue suddenly said. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Started fighting? Over what?" Murong Yue spoke in a serious tone, "Rumor has it that the Mountain Gate Formation of Zhongding Sect might be located near Rising Sun Mountain, and there are ancient records to prove it." "Zhongding Sect''s Mountain Gate Formation is a top-grade Earth level killing array. If someone acquires it, it will undoubtedly boost their sect''s strength considerably." "That''s why Divine Sword Sect and the others are forced to fight for itit''s a major battle." "If any of them obtain the Mountain Gate Formation, their strength will surge, breaking the current balance of power." Shen Mo pondered for a moment. No wonder the people from Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect hadn''t been seen near Heavenly Water City recently. Turns out, they were fighting for something else entirely. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 172: The Most Unforgivable Sin is to Take a Child from Its Mother’s Arms Chapter 172: The Most Unforgivable Sin is to Take a Child from Its Mother''s Arms After leaving the Sect Master''s courtyard, Shen Mo habitually checked his life panel. [Recent Event: In three days, as usual, you will go to the Earth Fire Furnace to deliver materials, only to find that everyone has been killed by the Thunderfire Sect. Your mental state will be affected, and your cultivation level will stagnate for a long time.] Shen Mo paused, frowning slightly. Thunderfire Sect discovered them this quickly? Something wasn''t right. He was certain that Wei Xiongtie, Zhao Rou, and the others were completely loyal to Qingxuan Sect. They would never defy orders or leak information. He also knew that no one else in Qingxuan Sect was aware of this matter. As for Murong Yue, the Sect Master, she would never disclose such critical information. So, how did the location of the Earth Fire Furnace get revealed? Shen Mo pondered quietly while walking casually within the sect grounds. "Greetings, Young Master." "Greetings, Young Master." Everyone who saw him stopped to greet him with respect. Shen Mo nodded slightly in acknowledgment. His gaze suddenly swept over someone in the distance. [Upcoming Opportunity: This afternoon, while carrying out a sect mission, you will accidentally discover Thunderfire Sect cultivators in a small village trying to abduct infants to create Blood Infants. You will be filled with righteous fury and attempt to intervene, but you will be killed by the Thunderfire Sect cultivators.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Thunderfire Sect? Stealing infants? He looked toward the man in questionZhang Weihu, a one-armed enforcer. It seemed that Zhang Weihu couldn''t stand such injustice and stepped in to help, but due to his lack of strength, he ended up being killed. "Blood Infants?" "I recall something about that." "Blood River Sect had a forbidden technique called Blood Infant Guidance." "It was a taboo method, considered so vile that even the Blood River Sect''s own cultivators rarely used it." Shen Mo thought for a moment and quickly made his way over to Zhang Weihu. "Young Master?" Zhang Weihu was startled for a moment, his expression turning excited. Shen Mo''s current status far exceeded his own. In many people''s eyes, Shen Mo''s position might even surpass that of the Sect Master, Murong Yue. Although Zhang Weihu had once been close to Shen Mo, he now hesitated to approach or converse with him, fearing overstepping his bounds. Seeing Shen Mo approach him now, Zhang Weihu could hardly contain his excitement. Shen Mo smiled, "Zhang Enforcer, you lost your arm in service to the sect. How are you being treated now? The sect hasn''t neglected you, I hope?" Zhang Weihu shook his head repeatedly, "Young Master, not at all! Since losing my arm, the sect hasn''t treated me like a cripple. In fact, they''ve given me even better treatment." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I only hold the position of a common enforcer, yet the sect has provided me with the benefits of a senior external enforcer. I feel undeserving." Shen Mo waved his hand, "You deserve it." "If a sect abandons its meritorious members, it will soon fall apart, and its demise will follow shortly after." Zhang Weihu nodded in deep agreement, "Young Master is absolutely right." "I see you''re in a hurry to leave. Are you on a mission?" Shen Mo asked with a smile. Sarch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhang Weihu nodded, "Yes, there have been attacks by Tier 2 demon beasts near a small village close to Qingshan City. I was born in that village, so I can''t just stand by and do nothing." Shen Mo nodded, "I happen to be free, so I''ll go with you." Zhang Weihu was startled, "Young Master, with your status, how could you trouble yourself with such a matter?" Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile. After some back-and-forth, Zhang Weihu reluctantly agreed. In the afternoon, the two of them left the sect and headed straight for the small village outside Qingshan City. Shen Mo used his qi to move swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived outside the small village. Just as they approached, Zhang Weihu smiled broadly, preparing to enter the village, but Shen Mo grabbed his arm and pointed upward. Zhang Weihu looked up and saw a streak of light descending, landing just outside the village. "A Core Formation cultivator?!" Zhang Weihu was shocked. "What would a Core Formation cultivator be doing in such a small village? It''s strange." Shen Mo pulled out two masks, handing one to Zhang Weihu. "Put it on. Let''s go take a look." "Yes." As the two approached the village, they were immediately met with the sound of wailing and crying. "Two mere infants making a contribution to our Thunderfire Sect should make you rejoice!" "Mortals should know their place. Now get lost!" "Daoist, Daoist, please return my daughters to me. They are only two years old, still nursing... I have this lower-grade spirit stone. It is my family''s entire savings. Please, take it and return them to me... please..." Shen Mo and Zhang Weihu looked ahead and saw a small clearing surrounded by dozens of villagers. In the center of the clearing stood three cultivators. The leader was clearly at the Core Formation stage. Behind him were two other cultivators, one tall and the other short and stout. Each held an infant in their arms. Before them, a woman dressed in simple clothes clung to the tall cultivator''s leg, crying out in anguish. The two infants, still too young to understand anything, looked around with innocent, clear eyes, unaware of why their mother was crying or what fate awaited them. "Get lost! I despise mortals the most, mere ants with a lifespan of only a few decades!" The tall cultivator''s eyes filled with contempt as he kicked the woman away. The force of a Foundation Establishment cultivator''s kick was not something a mortal could withstand. With that single kick, the woman''s abdomen was pierced through on the spot, her internal organs and intestines spilling out. The lower-grade spirit stone in her hand also fell, rolling away across the ground. "Daoist... Daoist... give them... give them back to me..." The woman hadn''t yet died. Her motherly instinct drove her to struggle back onto her feet, her eyes fixed on her children in the distance. Even though her vision was blurring, she dragged her broken body forward, inch by inch. The surrounding villagers were frozen in fear, not daring to utter a word. The Core Formation cultivator frowned, "If you''re going to kill someone, do it cleanly. Look at the mess you''ve madehow unsightly." The tall cultivator''s expression turned fearful as he quickly bowed, "Elder, this disciple was wrong." "Let''s go. The cultivation of the Blood Infant is more important. These twins are the final ingredients." The Core Formation cultivator waved his hand impatiently, motioning for them to follow. However, as they turned, they saw two masked cultivators standing at the village''s edge. One was a middle-aged man, barely able to conceal the fury within him, looking as though he would tear them apart on the spot. The other was a young man, expression unreadable, but there was a terrifying calmness in his demeanorlike the deep, cold depths of the ocean. The lower-grade spirit stone continued to roll and came to a stop at the young man''s feet. He glanced down. The stone was stained with blood. The young man bent down and picked it up. The Core Formation cultivator frowned. Instinctively, he sensed that this young cultivator was no ordinary personhe was at the Core Formation stage, just like himself. "Daoist friend, I am Zhao Wu, an elder of the Thunderfire Sect, carrying out my duties. I advise you not to interfere," Zhao Wu said arrogantly, cupping his hands from a distance. The two disciples behind him gripped the hilts of their swords cautiously. The young cultivator looked toward the woman lying in a pool of blood. Her injuries were beyond saving. A mortal could not survive in such a condition for long. "Do you know that taking a child from their mother''s arms is the most unforgivable sin in this world?" Zhao Wu''s frown deepened, "You should think carefully. The Thunderfire Sect is not someone you want to provoke!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 173: Zhao Liepeng Unworthy of Being Thunderfire Sect Master Chapter 173: Zhao Liepeng Unworthy of Being Thunderfire Sect Master Shen Mo lifted his gaze, but he wasn''t looking at Zhao Wu. Instead, his eyes fell on the woman lying in a pool of blood. He raised a low-grade spiritual stone in his hand. "I''ll accept this commission." A look of relief and gratitude appeared in the woman''s eyes. She struggled to open her mouth, wanting to say something. But she had lost too much blood and no longer had the strength to speak. Her lips moved slightly, mouthing a silent "thank you." Moments later, life quickly drained from her body. The maternal warmth in her gaze gradually faded into emptiness. The young cultivator shifted his focus, now looking at Zhao Wu and the other two men before him. "Elder?" the short, stout cultivator muttered in a low voice. Zhao Wu replied coldly, "He''s just a mere Core Formation cultivator. If he insists on meddling in this, I don''t mind getting my hands a bit bloodier." As soon as he finished speaking, a choking sound echoed beside him. Zhao Wu froze for a moment and looked to his side. The tall Thunderfire Sect disciple beside him stared in disbelief. The masked young cultivator had somehow appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye. Drawing the long blade from the disciple''s waist, Shen Mo stabbed it repeatedly into his abdomen. He shattered the dantian! He destroyed the foundation platform! He pierced the internal organs! Scarlet blood sprayed everywhere. Despite being a Foundation Establishment cultivator, known for their strong vitality, blood quickly stained the ground, pooling into a large puddle. "E-Elder, save me" The tall disciple looked at Zhao Wu in pain and despair. Zhao Wu roared in fury, "Let him go!" As he spoke, he suddenly sent a palm strike. In an instant, spiritual energy surged and connected with the surrounding energy, forming a massive hand. However, just as he was about to strike down, his vision blurred. Shen Mo''s figure had disappeared again. Anger and shock filled Zhao Wu''s mind as he heard a scream behind him. He whipped around. There, he saw the short, stout disciple''s sword had been taken. Once again, the long blade plunged deeply into the disciple''s abdomen. Blood gushed out. The stout disciple''s face twisted with extreme terror, but as the fear reached its peak, it morphed into fury. In a desperate attempt, he grabbed Shen Mo''s arm tightly. Then, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Elder... I''ve got him! Hurry... make your move!" Zhao Wu roared in anger, slamming the massive palm down with all his might! The ground shook violently. Dirt and stone fragments flew into the air, shrouding the surroundings in dust. With a casual wave of his hand, Zhao Wu summoned a gust of wind, blowing the dust away. On the ground, a massive palm imprint was revealed. At the bottom of the imprint was a heap of indistinguishable flesh and blood. Zhao Wu froze for a second. He could tellit wasn''t two people in that heap, only one. "Zhao Wu, it''s your turn." A chilling voice came from behind, making Zhao Wu''s scalp tingle. Without hesitation, Zhao Wu immediately activated a defensive martial technique. A shield of condensed wind formed behind him. However, once again, he was wrong. The opponent''s attack didn''t come from behind but from the front. Shen Mo casually thrust his blade, precisely stabbing Zhao Wu''s dantian. It was as if a dam had broken. Spiritual energy began leaking out from the breach uncontrollably. Zhao Wu''s pupils shrank instantly. The tall disciple nearby let out a furious roar, using every last bit of his strength to throw himself at Shen Mo, grabbing hold of him. "Elder, run! I''ll... hold him back, buy you some time!" Blood spewed from the disciple''s mouth, but he tightened his grip, trying to restrain Shen Mo. Even if only for a single breath. Zhao Wu felt a surge of emotion. He immediately gathered what little spiritual energy he had left, intending to use a movement technique to flee. He had realized nowthis man was someone he couldn''t possibly fight against. He had to escape! The farther, the better! But he was wrong again. That disciple couldn''t even hold Shen Mo back for a single breath. Shen Mo strode forward without hesitation, his body vibrating slightly. The tall disciple''s limbs exploded into a mist of blood. In an instant, he collapsed to the ground, reduced to a limbless stump of a person. Zhao Wu was just about to use his movement technique when Shen Mo flicked his fingers lightly. A streak of spiritual energy shot out, shattering Zhao Wu''s kneecap. Zhao Wu dropped to one knee on the spot, terror filling his eyes. Without hesitation, he dropped to both knees and kowtowed heavily to Shen Mo. His forehead quickly became a bloody mess. "I was blind and didn''t recognize a towering figure like you! Please, spare my life!" "I am an elder of the Thunderfire Sect! As long as you let me live, I can offer you anything you want!" "I beg you to treat me like a fart and let me go!" "I''ve repented! I''ve realized my mistake! I shouldn''t have followed Zhao Liepeng''s orders, using those children to cultivate Blood Infants!" "From now on, I swear to do good and be a better person!" After finishing his pleas, Zhao Wu kowtowed again and again, pounding the ground so hard that it left a deep imprint. The villagers, witnessing this scene, were wide-eyed with shock. A once-high-and-mighty Taoist elder of the Thunderfire Sect was now groveling on his knees like a commoner, begging for mercy? "How could someone like you ever change? You won''t change. Death is your only outcome." Shen Mo looked down at him coldly. He lifted his foot and stomped down viciously. Zhao Wu''s head burst like a watermelon. Red and white matter splattered everywhere. Shen Mo turned around and asked, "How are the two children?" Before making his move, Shen Mo had already passed the twin children into Zhang Weihu''s care. With his speed, it had been an easy task. "Their eyes were shielded by my spiritual energy. They didn''t see a thing," Zhang Weihu said with a deep breath, nodding in affirmation. "Good. Let''s enter the village." Shen Mo walked briskly toward the village. The villagers immediately dropped to their knees. "Benefactor! Great benefactor!" "Taoist master, thank you so much!" Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. "Give that woman a proper burial." "These two children have spiritual roots. I will take them to the Qingxuan Sect. From now on, they are Qingxuan Sect disciples." The villagers'' eyes widened with joy and disbelief. "Y-yes! Thank you, Taoist master from Qingxuan Sect!" Shen Mo continued, "After the battle just now, all the second-rank demon beasts around the village have fled. You can live in peace from now on." The clash between Shen Mo and Zhao Wu had been equivalent to a fight between two fourth-rank beasts. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sensing such powerful auras, the nearby second-rank demon beasts had fled in terror. With those words, Shen Mo turned and left with Zhang Weihu. "Thank you, young sect master. If I had come here alone today, I wouldn''t have been able to accomplish anything," Zhang Weihu said gratefully. Shen Mo waved his hand. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I just wanted to get out and take a walk." "As for the two children, you will be responsible for them. Their constitutions are quite good; they have great potential." Shen Mo had already assessed them with his life panel. The twin girls had yin-aligned physiques, which was why Zhao Wu had targeted them as nourishment for his Blood Infant ritual. Now that they had survived such a catastrophe, their future cultivation path would likely be smooth. "Yes! I will not let the young sect master down!" Zhang Weihu replied with a firm nod. Shen Mo returned to the Bamboo Tree Courtyard. He pulled out Zhao Wu''s storage ring. As he looked inside, his expression turned icy. Inside the ring was a large vat. The vat was filled with crimson blood. Shen Mo didn''t need to guesshe knew the blood belonged to the innocent children who had been killed. Just as Zhao Wu had mentioned, they were at the final stage of the Blood Infant ritual. If they had taken the twin girls, within three days, the Blood Infant would have been fully formed. At that point, the Qingxuan Sect cultivators in the Earth Fire Furnace would have lost their lives. "You all could have become cultivators, stepping onto the path of immortality." "Zhao Liepeng" Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed coldly. That man was truly unworthy of being the sect master! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 174: The Thing Inside is My Answer Chapter 174: The Thing Inside is My Answer Zhao Liepeng slammed his palm down, shattering the stone table in the courtyard. His gaze was icy cold. "Where is Zhao Wu? He''s disappeared?" Two elders kneeling before him broke into a cold sweat. One of them spoke softly, "Master, we truly don''t know... Ever since Zhao Wu went out on your orders, he hasn''t returned." The other elder seemed to recall something. "Right, yesterday, Elder Zhao mentioned going to the Qingshan City area. He said there was something there he needed." "And then he never came back." Zhao Liepeng''s eyes flickered. "Qingshan City... isn''t that near the core of Qingxuan Sect''s territory?" At that moment, the courtyard door was knocked on urgently. "Master! I have an urgent report!" Zhao Liepeng frowned. "Enter." A young disciple burst init was Wan Renjie. He was once one of the Six Gentlemen of Xuanjiang. But now, with Shen Mo, Zhou Qingcang, and Mo Yuheng having all successfully formed their golden cores, Wan Renjie had yet to reach that stage. His title of "Thunder Gentleman" no longer matched his status, and few still addressed him that way. "Renjie, what''s the matter?" Zhao Liepeng casually beckoned, and a teacup flew into his palm. Wan Renjie anxiously reported, "Master, there are rumors outside that our Thunderfire Sect used a forbidden secret technique, the ''Blood Infant Technique,'' in our search for the third Earth Fire Furnace!" "And there''s supposed evidencesomeone found a giant vat in Elder Zhao Wu''s storage ring, inside of which a Blood Infant is already taking form!" "Qingxuan Sect has also sent word. They claim they will not tolerate such a heinous act by the Thunderfire Sect." "Our sect''s reputation has plummeted. Several small sects that were considering joining us have backed away in fear and instead turned to Qingxuan Sect." "Even some loose cultivator groups... have cut ties with us and shifted their allegiance to Qingxuan Sect." Zhao Liepeng''s tea-drinking halted abruptly. Zhao Wu was dead. And the fact that Zhao Wu had been secretly ordered to cultivate a Blood Infant had been exposed! Who did this? With a , Zhao Liepeng crushed the teacup in his hand, his face darkening. After Wan Renjie finished speaking, the two kneeling elders exchanged shocked and confused glances, not daring to meet Zhao Liepeng''s eyes. From what they knew of Zhao Liepeng, it was entirely possible that he had indeed ordered Zhao Wu to do such a thing. "Master... is this true?" Wan Renjie pressed, his gaze filled with disbelief, unwilling to accept it. Zhao Liepeng snorted coldly, "What if it is? What if it isn''t? This is nothing but Qingxuan Sect slandering us." "Zhao Wu merely fell into a trap set by Qingxuan Sect." "I believe that Blood Infant was actually cultivated by Qingxuan Sect. Now that they''re about to be exposed, they''ve shifted the blame onto us!" "We cannot let this slide!" "Does the Thunderfire Sect look like a sect that can be casually slandered?" Zhao Liepeng stood up abruptly. "Pass my order! Gather all the elders and launch an attack on Heavenly Water City. Within three days, I want Heavenly Water City under our control!" "Once we drive Qingxuan Sect away from the area, we''ll find the third Earth Fire Furnace sooner or later!" "Yes!" The three of them nodded in agreement. Wan Renjie''s eyes dimmed. He had followed Zhao Liepeng for many years, spending day and night together. He knew that when Zhao Liepeng lied, his voice would unconsciously rise. Just now, Zhao Liepeng''s tone and mannerisms were exactly the same as when he lied. Suddenly, Wan Renjie felt that he didn''t know his master as well as he thought. "A cultivator, with great strength and long life, should protect the common people. Isn''t that what Master once taught me?" Wan Renjie dragged his heavy steps as he slowly walked away. ... "As expected, Zhao Liepeng, enraged by the exposure of this matter, has decided to act aggressively," Shen Mo nodded slightly after hearing the elder''s report. Zhao Liepeng''s reaction was within his expectations. However, Zhao Liepeng still believed that the Thunderfire Sect''s strength surpassed Qingxuan Sect''s. Little did he know that Qingxuan Sect had already acquired the Earth Fire Furnace and had been manufacturing refining crystal spiritual artifacts for a month! In his storage ring, Shen Mo had stockpiled hundreds of Profound-grade refining crystal spiritual artifacts! Of these, over a hundred contained third-grade demon crystals. And more than thirty contained fourth-grade demon crystals! Once these refining crystal spiritual artifacts were distributed to the Golden Core elders, their power would soar to a whole new level. The strength of the Golden Core elders rising signifies an enhancement of the sect''s top-level combat power. At this moment, Qingxuan Sect''s power has already surpassed Thunderfire Sect! The sound of the bell resonated. Another meeting of the elders was called. Shen Mo walked towards the assembly hall in no hurry, while the expressions of the other elders were complicated. Some were worried, some were anxious, some were pleased, and others were sorrowful. After defeating Heavenly Water Sect, Qingxuan Sect had only managed to take over part of their territory, and even Heavenly Water City hadn''t been fully conquered. As of now, these territories hadn''t been fully absorbed. Treasures had yet to be converted into strength. And now, they had to prepare for war against Thunderfire Sect once again. No one felt truly confident about this. The grand hall doors closed. Murong Yue glanced around. "Everyone, Thunderfire Sect has suddenly deployed thirty Golden Core stage cultivators to invade Heavenly Water City." "The elders from Divine Sword Sect, Shaoyang Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect, who were stationed there, have already retreated." "Elder Wei and Elder Xiao of our Qingxuan Sect are still holding on at the Qingfeng Pavilion in Heavenly Water City, barely managing with the help of the formation there." "Let''s hear everyone''s thoughts. What do you all think?" Liu Yuanfeng was the first to speak. "Sect Master, I believe our top priority should be to fully absorb the territory of Heavenly Water Sect and avoid direct confrontation with Thunderfire Sect." "Once we''ve strengthened ourselves, it won''t be too late to act." Elder Li immediately countered, "Vice Sect Master Liu, I disagree. It''s been rumored that the third Earth Fire Furnace of Zhongding Sect is located near Heavenly Water City." "If we let Thunderfire Sect take over Heavenly Water City, they''ll inevitably find the third Earth Fire Furnace sooner or later." "The importance of the Earth Fire Furnace needs no explanation. Once Thunderfire Sect gets their hands on it, they''ll ramp up production of refining crystal spiritual artifacts." "The gap in strength between us and Thunderfire Sect will widen even further!" "Time is not on our side!" After they finished, the other elders began chiming in. There were ten elders in the hall, and soon they were divided into two factions: those advocating for direct confrontation and those suggesting avoiding battle for now. Both sides were evenly matched, leading to a deadlock. Liu Yuanfeng smiled slightly. "Sect Master, it''s time for you to make the decision." However, Murong Yue only gave a faint smile. "I won''t make the decision. Shen Mo, you make the call." With that, she sat down, leaving the entire elder discussion to Shen Mo. The elders were stunned and all turned their gaze to Shen Mo. Shen Mo surveyed the room. "I support Elder Li. We should confront them head-on." Liu Yuanfeng frowned. "Young Sect Master, I respect your strength and your contributions, but right now our power is far inferior to Thunderfire Sect. How do you propose we face them directly?" "I request that you explain your reasoning." "Otherwise, I, Liu Yuanfeng, will not obey! I receive Qingxuan Sect''s monthly salary, and in everything, I must prioritize the sect''s well-being. We cannot act rashly!" He spoke righteously, as if his loyalty and dedication to Qingxuan Sect were beyond reproach. Shen Mo took out a storage ring and smiled slightly. "The contents of this ring are my answer." With that, he shook the storage ring. In an instant, treasures spilled out, radiating brilliant light! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 175: Qingxuan Sect is Attacking? Then Let’s Capture Them All Here! Chapter 175: Qingxuan Sect is Attacking? Then Let''s Capture Them All Here! A large pile of spiritual artifacts landed on the table. Swords, spears, halberds, axes, and hooks. Crowns, armor, and boots. Everything one could imagine! "Spiritual artifacts? They''re just Profound-grade artifacts. Without being Earth-grade, how can they possibly close the gap with Thunderfire Sect so quickly?" Liu Yuanfeng sneered. Elder Li, upon seeing the small mountain of Profound-grade artifacts, was stunned at first, then overjoyed. "Refining crystal spiritual artifacts!" "And many of them are refined with fourth-grade demon crystals!" Liu Yuanfeng stood there, dumbfounded, his smile frozen on his face. The other elders widened their eyes in astonishment as well. Immediately, they rushed forward to examine the artifacts closely. "Holy! They really are fourth-grade demon crystals!" "Our Qingxuan Sect''s refining techniques can only refine up to third-grade demon crystals. How did these come about?" "Did the Young Sect Master rob Thunderfire Sect''s treasure vault?" "That''s unlikely. I think the Young Sect Master probably spent a fortune buying them from the neighboring prefecture." Shen Mo chuckled when he heard their speculations. None of them had guessed correctly. But he wasn''t about to reveal the truth. "Elder Li!" Shen Mo suddenly called out loudly. "Present!" "You are well aware of the contributions of the elders within the sect. I''ll leave the distribution of these refining crystal spiritual artifacts to you," Shen Mo said with a smile. Elder Li, visibly excited, responded, "Understood!" Shen Mo addressed everyone in a clear voice, "Those elders who have shown unwavering loyalty and performed meritorious service should be prioritized. Qingxuan Sect will never neglect anyone who has contributed to our success!" The elders, equally thrilled, replied, "Yes! Thank you, Young Sect Master!" Liu Yuanfeng''s expression, however, turned sour. He had never expected Shen Mo to produce refining crystal spiritual artifacts imbued with fourth-grade demon crystals! The power of such artifacts was indeed immense. And they could indeed rapidly close the gap in strength between them and Thunderfire Sect. "Vice Sect Master Liu, why the long face? Shouldn''t you be pleased?" Shen Mo teased with a smile. Liu Yuanfeng forced a smile. "Yes, yes, of course. I was just thinking about the upcoming battle with Thunderfire Sect. There may be casualties, and that''s what weighed on my mind." Shen Mo patted him on the shoulder. "Don''t worry, Vice Sect Master Liu. With your strength, you certainly won''t die." Liu Yuanfeng''s smile grew even more awkward. What kind of reassurance was that? Soon, the refining crystal spiritual artifacts were distributed. The elders who were loyal to Qingxuan Sect and had made significant contributions each received a set of refining crystal spiritual artifacts, all embedded with fourth-grade demon crystals. With such powerful artifacts in their hands, every elder was overjoyed, beaming with excitement. Shen Mo pointed to three elders. "You three will stay and guard the sect gates with the Sect Master. The rest of you will follow me immediately to Heavenly Water City!" "Yes!" "Master, I''m off," Shen Mo cupped his hands. "Good! I await news of your victory, Shen''er!" Murong Yue nodded firmly. ... Heavenly Water City, Qingfeng Pavilion. Zhao Liepeng and his group of Core Formation stage cultivators had already surrounded the place tightly. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thunderfire Sect disciples occupied the entirety of Heavenly Water City. At this point, Qingfeng Pavilion was the only place in the vast city still outside Thunderfire Sect''s control. The rest of the city had fallen under Thunderfire Sect''s dominion. Divine Sword Sect, Shaoyang Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect were all caught up in their own battles and couldn''t afford to fight on two fronts or involve themselves in other matters. In fact, they had retreated without even clashing with Thunderfire Sect. A series of attacks slammed into Qingfeng Pavilion. A faint light shield appeared around the pavilion, fending off the attacks. However, as time passed, the light from the shield gradually dimmed. In no more than one hour, the formation would surely break. The Qingxuan Sect cultivators holed up inside Qingfeng Pavilion, fighting desperately, wouldn''t survive once the formation fell. Wei Xiongtie frowned deeply, pacing back and forth. Meanwhile, Xiao Fan''s eyes shifted as he watched Wei Xiongtie''s back. "Elder Xiao, do you have any good strategies?" Wei Xiongtie suddenly turned around and asked. Xiao Fan naturally averted his gaze and shook his head. "No, I don''t." Wei Xiongtie sighed heavily and continued pacing, his brows furrowed in thought. In secret, Xiao Fan activated his technique, steadily increasing his strength. He certainly had a way to escape. However, this method required him to act decisively, capturing Wei Xiongtie on the spot and offering him to Zhao Liepeng. Only then would he have a chance to survive. But using this move would ruin his reputation. Unless he left Xuanjiang Prefecture, he would be forever labeled a traitor who betrayed his sect and harmed his comrades. Outside Qingfeng Pavilion. Zhao Liepeng hovered in midair, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of confidence. To him, the fall of Qingfeng Pavilion was inevitable, and the entire Heavenly Water City would soon be his. His mind had already wandered to a more distant place. He was thinking about the hidden third Earth Fire Furnace buried underground. He was imagining the grand scene when Thunderfire Sect would dominate Xuanjiang Prefecture. "Master, if we act like this, won''t Qingxuan Sect retaliate?" Wan Renjie asked worriedly. Zhao Liepeng waved dismissively. "Don''t think that just because Qingxuan Sect defeated Heavenly Water Sect, they are a match for our Thunderfire Sect." "Don''t forget, Heavenly Water Sect only crumbled because two of its three elite sects were wiped out, and even their sect leader, Zhuang Mo, died in a life-or-death battle. That''s why they were easy prey." "But Thunderfire Sect is at the peak of its power!" "We have three elite sects under us, led by Purple Star Sect, all ready for battle at any moment." "Every elder in our sect is equipped with a complete set of refining crystal spiritual artifacts, each embedded with a third-grade demon crystal." Zhao Liepeng smiled confidently. "So, tell me, what can Qingxuan Sect use to fight against us?" "I''m certain Murong Yue will abandon Xiao Fan and Wei Xiongtie inside Qingfeng Pavilion and retreat to strengthen her forces in secret." "But such a move will be useless." "As long as we find the third Earth Fire Furnace and ramp up production of refining crystal spiritual artifacts, within a month, Thunderfire Sect''s strength will grow exponentially!" "At that time, even Divine Sword Sect won''t be our match, let alone Qingxuan Sect, which isn''t even one of the Five Great Sects of Xuanjiang Prefecture in name or in power." Seeing his master''s confidence, Wan Renjie calmed down. Just then, there was a slight commotion outside. Soon, a voice called out. "Sect Master! Qingxuan Sect is attacking! A full twenty-three Core Formation stage cultivators!" Zhao Liepeng was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "They''re overestimating themselves." "They don''t have enough strength yet insist on attacking. The result will be nothing but their own destruction!" "They''ve come at the right time. Since they''re here, we''ll wipe out Qingxuan Sect''s high-level combat power here in Heavenly Water City!" "Tomorrow, we can begin taking over Qingxuan Sect''s territory!" After Zhao Liepeng finished speaking, the elders of Thunderfire Sect cheered excitedly. They couldn''t wait to rush forward and slaughter Qingxuan Sect''s elders as easily as cutting vegetables! Soon, dozens of figures appeared at the edge of Heavenly Water City. All were dressed in the dark green elder robes of Qingxuan Sect. Wan Renjie immediately spotted the young man leading them. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Master, it''s Shen Mo! He''s leading the team himself!" Zhao Liepeng laughed even harder. "Good, good, good! He''s come just in time. I was worried that Shen Mo was growing too quickly and wanted to kill him early." "Now we''ll capture them all right here!" "Wan Renjie, didn''t you always hold a grudge against Shen Mo for defeating both you and Yin Xuege?" "Once I personally capture him and cripple his dantian, I''ll hand him over to you!" Wan Renjie''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Master!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 176: The Forest Sword Art Belongs to Me—No One Can Take It Chapter 176: The Forest Sword Art Belongs to MeNo One Can Take It Zhao Liepeng squinted as he looked at the person approaching. Shen Mo gazed back at Zhao Liepeng from afar. "Attack!" With a shout, Zhao Liepeng immediately drew a massive saber, utilizing his agility technique as he dashed forward. Thirty elders from the Thunderfire Sect followed suit, each summoning their own spiritual weapons. Shen Mo spoke calmly, "If anyone fails to claim a head, be prepared to face punishment upon our return." "Hahaha!" The group of elders, including Elder Li, burst into laughter. Shen Mo was right. These elders, led by Elder Li, were all equipped with a full set of spiritual weapons enhanced with fourth-grade demon crystals. With such luxurious equipment, if they couldn''t even slay a single Core Formation cultivator, it would be utterly shameful. "Kill!" Shen Mo''s voice rang out as he charged forward. In the next moment, dozens of cultivators from both the Qingxuan Sect and the Thunderfire Sect collided like two raging torrents crashing into one another! The moment they clashed, the Thunderfire Sect''s cultivators realized something was wrong. How could the spiritual weapons of the Qingxuan Sect be tougher and stronger than theirs? Every encounter left them at a disadvantage. Worse, their spiritual energy was being violently disrupted, leaving them unable to calm it for a long time. At the same time, Zhao Liepeng and Shen Mo engaged in a fierce battle. "Shen Mo, after publicly killing Zhang Mo, do you really think you''re strong enough to show off in front of me?" Zhao Liepeng sneered, bringing his giant saber down. A thunderous blade light, spanning dozens of meters, slashed straight toward Shen Mo''s head. Shen Mo casually waved his hand, and four grand gates suddenly appeared, with the fourth one surrounded by crackling lightning, as if it were a massive gate constructed from thunder itself. The four gates stood in front of him. Shen Mo, unhurried, continued walking toward Zhao Liepeng. Boom! The thunderous blade light struck down. In the next instant, it shattered like glass, breaking into countless fragments. The four grand gates, however, remained standing, unmoved. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Zhao Sect Master, if you don''t give it your all, you might die very quickly." This strike was not even one of Zhao Liepeng''s stronger techniquesit was merely a casual probe. He hadn''t even tried to dodge. After all, the Four-Gates Technique was an Earth-tier defensive martial skill. Blocking this kind of attack without a scratch was an easy feat. Zhao Liepeng''s face darkened. "Impressive. You really do have some skill." "I originally planned to capture you alive and hand you over to my incompetent disciple to deal with." "But since that''s not happening, I''ll no longer hold back. Now, die!" "Thunderfire Annihilation TechniqueTwin Thunderfire Blades!" Spiritual energy surged wildly, drawing in the world''s spiritual essence and converging on the giant saber. At the moment when the spiritual energy reached its peak, Zhao Liepeng suddenly slashed down! Boom! Even though it was a single strike, two overwhelmingly powerful blade lights appeared. One blade light crackled with thunder. The other blazed with fierce flames! This was the ultimate technique of the Thunderfire Annihilation Technique, a move that could only be mastered when the technique was cultivated to its highest level. The Thunderfire Annihilation Technique was the Thunderfire Sect''s most prized Earth-tier martial skill. Only those with both thunder and fire attributes in their physique could cultivate it. Wan Renjie had only managed to reach the fourth level of the technique. But Zhao Liepeng had already mastered it! "And this is your strongest attack?" Shen Mo shook his head. He didn''t use the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique or the Heavenly Flame of Creation. Nor did he rely on his demonic armor or the Ice Dragon''s blood. Instead, he took out something he hadn''t used in a long time. The Forest Sword Art. Previously, the Forest Sword Art was only one-fourth complete, yet it still unleashed incredible power. Now, the four parts had been united. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its power had increased exponentially. This was the perfect opportunity to test the might of the Earth-tier spiritual weapon, the Forest Sword Art! Shen Mo slowly unfurled the Forest Sword Art. Clang! In an instant, a sword aura, like flowing ink, shot forth. At that moment, the sky darkened, as if the entire world had lost its color. Only black and white remained in the world. The ink-like sword energy expanded rapidly, as though blown by the wind. In the blink of an eye, it swelled to a height of thirty zhang (approximately 100 meters), towering toward the heavens and seemingly capable of splitting the entire city of Tianshui in two! Seeing this astonishing ink sword energy, Zhao Liepeng''s pupils constricted sharply. What was this? Shen Mo had never used this move before! The elders of the Qingxuan Sect and Thunderfire Sect involuntarily stopped fighting. They gaped in awe at the ink sword energy, which looked as if it could cleave the heavens, utterly speechless. Inside Qingfeng Tower. Sensing that the formation was no longer under attack, Wei Xiongtie and Xiao Fan were momentarily stunned, and they hurried out of Qingfeng Tower. The moment they stepped outside, Wei Xiongtie was immediately struck with awe by the sight of the enormous ink sword energy. "How incredibly powerful!" Wei Xiongtie muttered to himself. Xiao Fan, however, quickly regained his composure. After all, he had already merged with the memories of his past life. On the surface, he was still just a Core Formation cultivator, but inwardly, his mind was already at the level of a Nascent Soul cultivator. "That ink sword energy comes from the Heaven-Cleaving Sword Art, something I left behind in my past life. I didn''t expect it to end up in his hands," Xiao Fan murmured, frowning. The opportunity he had left behind in his previous life had now fallen into the hands of someone else. This left him feeling a little uneasy. "But Shen Mo only has the first part, the grass-character portion of the Sword Art. It''s only one piece." "When I retrieve the other parts of the Heaven-Cleaving Sword Art in the future, I''ll take back the grass-character portion from him as well." "What''s mine will always be mineno one can take it from me." Xiao Fan snorted coldly. In the air above. The ink sword energy collided violently with the Thunderfire Twin Blades. A deafening explosion instantly rippled outward in all directions. All the surrounding buildings were reduced to rubble. Some overly bold rogue cultivators, standing too close, were instantly shredded into pieces by the countless sword and blade lights. Other reckless cultivators who dared to look directly at the scene were temporarily blinded, collapsing to the ground in agony, screaming in pain. Only Core Formation cultivators were able to withstand the brilliance of this attack. Boom! The shockwaves spread outward. A figure was sent flying backward, terror etched across his face. It was none other than Zhao Liepeng, the sect master of Thunderfire Sect! His clothes were in tatters, and blood dripped from his body. A deep sword wound marred his chest. The ink sword energy continued to ravage his flesh, preventing the wound from healing. At this moment, the composure of a sect master was nowhere to be seen. "His spiritual weapons, all forged with fourth-grade demon crystals... He''s too strong, far too strong!" Zhao Liepeng''s eyes were filled with fear. "Sect Master Zhao, running away in defeat isn''t something a leader of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang should do." However, before he could get far, a young figure appeared in front of him with a flash. It was none other than Shen Mo, completely unscathed! Shen Mo looked at Zhao Liepeng with a mocking smile. Zhao Liepeng''s pupils shrank again, and he immediately turned to flee in the opposite direction. But a gust of wind swept past him from behind. In the next instant, the demonic armor''s ice spikes had already pierced through his back! He barely lifted his head, still seeing only Shen Mo''s figure. "So... fast... so strong..." Blood spurted from Zhao Liepeng''s mouth as disbelief filled his eyes. "Your spiritual weapons... all forged with... fourth-grade demon crystals..." "The Earthfire Furnace... it''s in your... hands!" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Sect Master Zhao, you''re quite clever, figuring it out so quickly." "But unfortunately, you were still a step too late." Shen Mo withdrew his arm. A massive hole had appeared in Zhao Liepeng''s chest. Inside, his mangled internal organs could be seen. Zhao Liepeng''s body fell from the sky. It landed like a sack of rotten meat, splashing into a pool of foul-smelling sludge. The Thunderfire Sect''s sect master, Zhao Liepeng, was dead! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 177: The Fall of Thunderfire Sect and Rising Sun Sect Chapter 177: The Fall of Thunderfire Sect and Rising Sun Sect With the death of Zhao Liepeng, the downfall of Thunderfire Sect began immediately. The disciples of Thunderfire Sect were thrown into chaos. Coupled with the weakness of their spiritual artifacts, they quickly found themselves at a disadvantage. The once-proud elders of the Core Formation stage were now like birds shot down from the sky, crashing to the ground. They fell into cold, filthy water, indistinguishable from dying stray dogs. S~ea??h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The battle between Qingxuan Sect and Thunderfire Sect had long since drawn the attention of many rogue cultivators in Heavenly Water City. As soon as these Thunderfire Sect elders fell, the rogue cultivators swarmed them. Even if the elders were still clinging to life when they hit the ground, they soon breathed their last under the fierce competition among the rogues. Within a hundred breaths of Zhao Liepeng''s death, the thirty Core Formation elders he brought were either dead or had surrendered. A few continued to resist stubbornly, but their fate was sealed, and death was not far off. This scene was a shocking one for all the cultivators watching. Who would have thought that Qingxuan Sect had grown so strong? Could they even defeat Thunderfire Sect in direct combat? "It seems joining Qingxuan Sect is the right path!" "Did you notice? Qingxuan Sect''s spiritual artifacts seem unusually powerful, far superior to those of Thunderfire Sect!" "Impossible! Thunderfire Sect has an earthfire furnace. Although many believe the flames within are dying out, they''ve still relied on it to forge powerful artifacts that have long dominated Xuanjiang Prefecture!" "Exactly, even Divine Sword Sect has an earthfire furnace, yet their efforts to forge spirit artifacts still fall short of Thunderfire Sect." "Do you think it''s possible that Qingxuan Sect somehow got hold of a third earthfire furnace?" "Hiss" "Wow! Now that you mention it, it actually seems possible! Otherwise, how could Qingxuan Sect''s elders possess such powerful spiritual artifacts?" "Haha, while others hesitate, those of us with foresight have already pledged loyalty to Qingxuan Sect! Young Master Shen, I am willing to serve Qingxuan Sect with my life!" The rogue cultivators'' voices rose and fell. Some even began to shout towards Shen Mo, half-kneeling on the ground, hoping to join Qingxuan Sect. Upon seeing this, Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Zhao Liepeng of Thunderfire Sect is dead, but Heavenly Water City has not yet completely fallen into the hands of Qingxuan Sect." "If any of you wish to pledge allegiance to Qingxuan Sect, you''ll need to provide a token of your loyalty." "The greater your contribution, the more likely you are to be accepted into Qingxuan Sect." Upon hearing this, the rogue cultivators quickly caught on, their eyes gleaming dangerously. Thunderfire Sect had supported many rogue cultivators in Heavenly Water City and established several small factions. Though Zhao Liepeng was dead, Thunderfire Sect had only temporarily lost its leader and had not yet collapsed. They would surely rely on these rogue factions to counter Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo''s meaning was clear. Eliminate these Thunderfire Sect loyalists, and that would be your token of loyalty! In an instant, the undercurrents of Heavenly Water City surged with murderous intent. Wei Xiongtie couldn''t help but sigh. "As expected of the Young Master, with just a few words, he''s managed to have these rogues handle our hidden threats for Qingxuan Sect." Xiao Fan snorted internally. He had employed similar tactics countless times in the past; what was so special about this? However, outwardly, he maintained a neutral expression, showing no reaction. By this time, the elders of Qingxuan Sect had already finished cleaning up the battlefield. Particularly Zhao Liepeng''s storage ring, which Elder Li respectfully handed over to Shen Mo, untouched by anyone. Shen Mo accepted it and headed straight for the Qingfeng Tower. Wei Xiongtie and Xiao Fan immediately bowed. Wei Xiongtie''s eyes reddened with emotion, "Young Master! I thought I would never see you again in this lifetime!" Shen Mo stepped forward and helped him up. "Every elder is vital. Qingxuan Sect would never abandon you." Wei Xiongtie nodded heavily. When he had been alone and cut off, he had indeed feared that Qingxuan Sect might discard him. But Shen Mo had led the group and come for him nonetheless. This immense kindness and loyalty made Wei Xiongtie even more devoted to Qingxuan Sect and Shen Mo. "Xiao Fan, you are also safe and sound, wonderful." Shen Mo''s gaze swept over Xiao Fan, his mood noticeably uplifted. Xiao Fan carried great fortune. Even if Qingfeng Tower had been breached and Wei Xiongtie had perished, Xiao Fan would not have died. Shen Mo was fully aware of this. His excitement came from the fact that Xiao Fan had once again stumbled upon a new opportunity. And it just so happened to be something Shen Mo needed. [Recent Opportunity: Six days later, participate in the Qingxuan Sect''s siege of Thunderfire Sect, breach the Earthfire City, and accidentally discover a mid-grade Earth-level treasure, the Heavy Iron Flower, within the extinguished earthfire furnace.] The Heavy Iron Flower, as recorded in the , is one of the treasures required to nurture the Nine Lotus Nascent Soul. This flower only grows in environments of extreme heat and high concentrations of metal. Clearly, the conditions inside the earthfire furnace met both these criteria. "Both of you will continue overseeing Heavenly Water City and await further orders," Shen Mo commanded. "Understood," Wei Xiongtie and Xiao Fan nodded in agreement. ... The news of Thunderfire Sect''s sect master Zhao Liepeng''s death spread quickly through the mouths of rogue cultivators. Within a day, the news had swept across the north and south of Xuanjiang, shocking countless people. Everyone knew that Qingxuan Sect was powerful, widely considered the foremost first-rate sect. Previously, Qingxuan Sect''s victory over Heavenly Water Sect was attributed to the death of Zhuang Mochou during a life-or-death battle, which left Heavenly Water Sect leaderless and scattered. However, many still believed that Qingxuan Sect was not on par with the likes of Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, Verdant Vine Sect, and Thunderfire Sect. This news made many cultivators realize that Qingxuan Sect''s foundations had grown exceptionally formidable. They had become strong enough to contend with the five great sects of Xuanjiang! Moreover, among the rogue cultivators, there were sharp minds. It didn''t take long for them to deduce that Qingxuan Sect had most likely discovered the third earthfire furnace, which explained how they had rapidly closed the gap with Thunderfire Sect. They must have found it long ago. Qingxuan Sect had used this discovery to mass-produce refined crystal spiritual artifacts, arming their Core Formation elders. This was how they were able to annihilate thirty elders of Thunderfire Sect and kill Zhao Liepeng in the battle at Heavenly Water City! In the days that followed, Qingxuan Sect advanced with unstoppable momentum, continuously seizing Thunderfire Sect''s territory. The high-level combat power between the two sides became increasingly skewed. Qingxuan Sect now had thirty-seven Core Formation elders. Thunderfire Sect, on the other hand, had only two senior elders left, along with five remaining elders, who were barely holding on and had withdrawn to their mountain stronghold. A month after Zhao Liepeng''s death, Murong Yue and Shen Mo led all the elders of Qingxuan Sect in an all-out assault on Thunderfire Sect''s mountain gate. Within two days, the sect''s protective formation was shattered. Though the two senior elders of Thunderfire Sect were formidable and resisted fiercely for a long time, no amount of strength could stand against such overwhelming numbers. Moreover, Murong Yue had reached the peak of the Core Formation stage. As for Shen Mo, though only at the perfected Core Formation stage, dealing with a peak-stage opponent was no trouble for him. Every elder of Qingxuan Sect was equipped with a set of refined crystal spiritual artifacts, each embedded with a Tier 4 demon crystal, further narrowing the power gap. After two hours of resistance, the two senior elders of Thunderfire Sect fell, bitterly regretting their defeat. Thunderfire Sect was completely destroyed. The remaining stewards and disciples surrendered without a fight. Qingxuan Sect''s power swelled to unprecedented levels! This news spread like wildfire. However, not long after the fall of Thunderfire Sect, another shocking event, like a clap of thunder, suddenly emerged. Divine Sword Sect, which had been simultaneously fighting both Rising Sun Sect and Verdant Vine Sect, had been at a disadvantage. But last night, they feigned an attack on Verdant Vine Sect, secretly redeploying all their elders to the vicinity of Rising Sun Sect. With the help of an inside agent, they attacked from both within and without, breaking through Rising Sun Sect''s protective formation and severely crippling the sect in one swift blow! Rising Sun Sect''s sect master, Wang Tianzhan, was killed in battle! Three of Rising Sun Sect''s peak Core Formation elders also perished! Rising Sun Sect''s young master, Hong Chilong, barely escaped with the protection of three elders, fleeing to Verdant Vine Sect. These two pieces of news, arriving simultaneously, shook the cultivators of Xuanjiang Prefecture to their core. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 178: Peak Core Formation, Seven-Lotus Pedestal, Giant Jiang City’s Prefecture Office Chapter 178: Peak Core Formation, Seven-Lotus Pedestal, Giant Jiang City''s Prefecture Office Ji Shilong listened to Luo Shuanghan''s report on the battle, his face brimming with joy. He was more delighted and excited than ever before. "Good! Very good!" "Qingxuan Sect has truly exceeded my expectations. Not only did they find the third earthfire furnace, but they also used the refined crystal spiritual artifacts produced from it to counterattack Thunderfire Sect, completely annexing them!" "As for Divine Sword Sect, their actions were predictable. Rising Sun Sect was never as strong as Divine Sword Sect, but that feint tactic they pulled off was well-executed. It must have been Luo Chaotian''s plan." Ji Shilong smiled faintly, casually analyzing the events. Luo Shuanghan respectfully handed over a storage ring. "By the way, the sect master of Liejiang Sect has already surrendered to us. This is what he offered." "It contains intelligence about Divine Sword Sect and Qingxuan Sect." "There''s also a list of the people he managed to turn against their factions." Ji Shilong accepted the ring, nodding slightly. "Not bad." His gaze shifted to Luo Shuanghan. "There''s something I need to tell you." Luo Shuanghan was startled. "What is it, my lord?" "Your father sent you something," Ji Shilong said, his hands behind his back. Luo Shuanghan froze, his body trembling slightly. He knew he had a father, and he knew that this father, who had never appeared in his life, was extraordinarily powerful. Powerful enough to place him directly in Ji Shilong''s service. But he had never known who his true father was. "My lord, could you tell me who my father is?" Luo Shuanghan took a deep breath and asked. Ji Shilong smiled. "You''ve already guessed, haven''t you? You just don''t dare to believe it." "Your father is none other than Luo Chaotian, the sect master of Divine Sword Sect." "He sent you to me, hoping you would gain experience under my guidance. I''m happy to oblige him." "Luo Chaotian is a clever man. Sending you here is nothing more than hedging his bets." Luo Shuanghan was stunned and instinctively responded, "He wants to compete with you for the credit of uniting Xuanjiang Prefecture." Ji Shilong nodded approvingly. "Exactly. If, through my strategy of dividing and inciting the sects, all the factions in Xuanjiang Prefecture tear each other apart, leaving them no choice but to submit to the imperial court" "Then the credit will be all mine, allowing me to rise in rank and fame, entering the imperial court." "If Luo Chaotian manages to unify Xuanjiang Prefecture and hand over control to the court, the greatest credit will fall to him." "And I, having offended too many sects, would likely be sacrificed to appease their anger." "Both outcomes have their advantages and drawbacks." "Luo Chaotian sent you here hoping that if I succeed, I''ll spare his life." Luo Shuanghan remained silent. Noticing his reaction, Ji Shilong casually handed him a box. "Here, your father sent you something inside." Luo Shuanghan remained speechless, hesitating to open it. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ji Shilong chuckled. "Aren''t you curious to see what''s inside? It''s quite a valuable itemsomething many people spend a lifetime trying to acquire. Your father gave it to you so easily." "To be honest, even I''m tempted to kill you and take it for myself." Luo Shuanghan shuddered. Ji Shilong laughed heartily. "What are you afraid of? I''m just joking. Do you really think I, Ji Shilong, am the kind of man with no bottom line?" Taking a deep breath, Luo Shuanghan slowly opened the jade box. Inside, lying quietly, was a golden core and a pill. The golden core had a metallic, blood-streaked hue, exuding a domineering and lethal aura. "This is" Luo Shuanghan was astonished. Ji Shilong smiled. "This is the Seven-Slaughter Golden Core, condensed by Zhou Qingcang. Your father extracted it from Zhou Qingcang''s dantian and gifted it to you." "With the accompanying pill, you have a sixty percent chance of transforming your own golden core into a Seven-Slaughter Golden Core." "Though it''s only a sixty percent chance, it''s still something most cultivators seek their entire lives." "After all, the Seven-Slaughter Golden Core is the most formidable in terms of offensive power among all golden cores." Luo Shuanghan''s hands trembled uncontrollably. He carefully put away the jade box, then suddenly knelt, facing west, and kowtowed deeply. In that direction lay the Divine Sword Sect''s mountain gate. Luo Shuanghan kowtowed nine times before standing up again. "My lord, what do you think will become of Xuanjiang Prefecture?" he asked. Ji Shilong''s gaze grew profound, as though he could see into the future. "Rising Sun Sect and Thunderfire Sect have already been destroyed. Xuanjiang Prefecture is now in a three-way stalemate between Divine Sword Sect, Qingxuan Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect. The remaining factions no longer pose any threat." "At most, only Liejiang Sect has the strength to fight, but only because of the support from my army." "However, Verdant Vine Sect has been heavily infiltrated by Divine Sword Sect. The next to fall will be Verdant Vine Sect." "To survive, Verdant Vine Sect will have no choice but to ally with Qingxuan Sect." "At first, they may gain some advantage and put pressure on Divine Sword Sect." "But in the end, they won''t be able to defeat Divine Sword Sect." Luo Shuanghan frowned in confusion. "Why?" He couldn''t understand why Ji Shilong was so certain that Divine Sword Sect would emerge victorious. Ji Shilong shook his head. "You''ll see soon enough." ...Three months later, in the Qingcang Mountains. Shen Mo sat cross-legged on a small rocky peak. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth converged from all directions, flowing into his dantian and gradually transforming into pure spiritual power, strengthening the sea within his dantian. The Inferno Golden Core inside him spun rapidly, and as more spiritual energy fused with it, the core continued to expand. Shen Mo''s aura gradually intensified. Above the Qingcang Mountains, dark clouds had gathered. Yet Shen Mo''s aura, sharp like a sword, pierced straight through the clouds! At a certain moment, his aura reached its peak. But it was not yet the limit. An invisible and solid barrier blocked his path, preventing his aura from rising further. Without hesitation, Shen Mo took out a bottle of Great Vitality Elixir and gulped it down. This was one of the spoils collected after the destruction of Thunderfire Sect. He had ten bottles in total. During this period of cultivation, he had already consumed nine of them. Unexpectedly, he had still not managed to break through to the pinnacle of the Core Formation stage. "Break through!" Shen Mo growled softly. The spiritual power within the sea of his dantian surged upward, swirling around the Inferno Golden Core. At that moment, the rotation of the Inferno Golden Core reached its maximum speed! Droplets of liquid spiritual energy gathered toward the core. One drop, two drops, three drops Suddenly, the Inferno Golden Core produced a tremendous gravitational pull, absorbing all the surrounding spiritual energy droplets. In an instant, the Inferno Golden Core swelled to its maximum size! This was the pinnacle of the Core Formation stage! Shen Mo abruptly opened his eyes. His gaze gleamed with an overwhelming intensity! The surrounding temperature soared, becoming scorching hot. Even the rocky mountain beneath him could no longer withstand the heat, cracking and splintering apart with loud pops. Shen Mo looked up toward the sky. The dark clouds, which had just been gathering strength, scattered as if encountering a natural enemy. In the blink of an eye, the sky cleared, and the dark clouds vanished without a trace. Shen Mo''s expression brightened. The pinnacle of the Core Formation stage! He took several deep breaths, then directed his consciousness inward to inspect his dantian. On the Dao Platform, beneath the golden core, several layers of lotus pedestals slowly rotated. The first layer, Thousand-Hand Lotus. The second layer, Crimson Sun Lotus. The third layer, Antler Orchid. The fourth layer, Blazing Cherry Lotus. The fifth layer, Heavy Iron Flower. The sixth layer, Blood-Drinking Nightshade. The seventh layer, Dark Frost Chrysanthemum. Shen Mo smiled with satisfaction. The Blood-Drinking Nightshade was found in the Thunderfire Sect''s treasure vault after the sect was annihilated. The Dark Frost Chrysanthemum was a gift from Yang Tianxing, sect master of Purple Star Sect, after Thunderfire Sect''s fall. He had offered it in exchange for the peaceful merger of Purple Star Sect into Qingxuan Sect. "I''m only two layers away from reaching the Nine-Lotus Pedestal goal." "That day is not far away!" Shen Mo exhaled deeply, then swiftly activated his movement technique, disappearing before nearby cultivators could detect the strange phenomena in the area. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 180: Returning to the Divine Sword Sect Felt Like Coming Home New Chapter 180: Returning to the Divine Sword Sect Felt Like Coming Home The first thing that came to Shen Mo''s mind was the life panel of Mo Yuheng, which he had just seen in the Sect Master''s courtyard. [Recent Turn of Events 1: Ten days later, Mo Yuheng discovers a Heaven-grade treasure, the Longevity Flower, in Spirit Beast Mountain. Overjoyed, he plans to present it to his father. However, he is imprisoned by a Verdant Vine Sect elder guarding Spirit Beast Mountain. That very night, the Divine Sword Sect attacks the mountain, and a Verdant Vine Sect elder self-destructs to cover their retreat. Mo Yuheng narrowly escapes with his life.] [Recent Turn of Events 2: One month later, Mo Yuheng joins the Verdant Vine Sect in an alliance with the Qingxuan Sect to resist the Divine Sword Sect. Using a grand formation, they severely wound Luo Chaotian. The old Sect Master of the Divine Sword Sect appears, reveals his Seven Lotus Nascent Soul, and annihilates the elders of the Verdant Vine Sect and Qingxuan Sect with a single strike.] After finishing Mo Yuheng''s life panel, Shen Mo checked his own. [Recent Opportunity: Tonight, by studying the Verdant Vine Eight Treasures Codex, you will comprehend the top-tier Heaven-grade technique, Beast Command Technique.] [Recent Turn of Events: One month later, join forces with the Verdant Vine Sect to resist the Divine Sword Sect. Using the grand formation, severely wound Luo Chaotian. The old Sect Master of the Divine Sword Sect appears, reveals his Seven Lotus Nascent Soul, and annihilates the elders of the Verdant Vine Sect and Qingxuan Sect with a single strike.] He glanced at the life panels of everyone in the hall, and they all shared the same fate. They were all destined to die at the hands of the Divine Sword Sect''s old Sect Master. Only Liu Yuanfeng''s life panel was different. [Recent Opportunity: One month later, join forces with the Verdant Vine Sect to resist the Divine Sword Sect. Secretly collaborate with the Divine Sword Sect, severely wounding Nangong Yun and nearly killing her. After the old Sect Master of the Divine Sword Sect annihilates the Verdant Vine Sect and Qingxuan Sect, Liu Yuanfeng is rewarded and promoted to an inner elder of the Divine Sword Sect.] Shen Mo glanced at Liu Yuanfeng, who was speaking enthusiastically, his expression calm. Shen Mo had long known Liu Yuanfeng''s true colors. The reason he hadn''t killed him yet was that he wanted to use Liu Yuanfeng to pass along false information. "This person cannot be killed yet. Killing him now might alert the Divine Sword Sect, causing the predetermined fate to change." "Besides, Liu Yuanfeng might still be of use." Shen Mo''s eyes flickered as a plan formed in his mind. "I have two strategies. The first is to present a valuable treasure to the Divine Sword Sect while secretly assisting the Verdant Vine Sect. We won''t need to invest too much manpowerjust prolong their battle as much as possible to buy time for our Qingxuan Sect to develop in secret." "In this way, with our two Earth Fire Furnaces, we''ll develop much faster than the Divine Sword Sect. When the time comes, who wins or loses will be uncertain." Liu Yuanfeng, his face flushed with excitement, spoke eloquently. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Why don''t you tell us the second strategy," Nangong Yun said coldly. Liu Yuanfeng replied seriously, "The second strategy is to pledge our allegiance to Ji Shilong and express our loyalty to him." "Ji Shilong commands the Ji Family Army, a force composed mostly of soldiers who once helped him conquer Jiande Prefecture. They are incredibly powerful." "In the same realm, Ji Family Army soldiers clearly have the upper hand compared to cultivators." "If we can secure Ji Shilong''s support, we''ll undoubtedly stand on equal footing with the Divine Sword Sect. With the spirit tools produced by our two Earth Fire Furnaces, it won''t be long before we surpass the Divine Sword Sect!" After finishing his proposal, Liu Yuanfeng smiled, "Sect Master, elders, what do you think?" Some elders nodded, others shook their heads, and a few furrowed their brows in deep thought. Based on Liu Yuanfeng''s suggestions, it was clear that he had the Qingxuan Sect''s interests in mind, and there was no obvious flaw in his proposal. Even Nangong Yun couldn''t think of a counter-argument, so she turned to Shen Mo. Shen Mo smiled, "Vice Sect Master Liu''s two strategies are both excellent. It''s clear you are truly loyal to our Qingxuan Sect." Liu Yuanfeng chuckled, feeling slightly embarrassed. "How about this," Shen Mo suggested, "Vice Sect Master Liu, why don''t you deliver the message to Luo Chaotian, letting him know that our Qingxuan Sect is willing to submit?" "We will stay out of the upcoming battle between the Divine Sword Sect and the Verdant Vine Sect." Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes widened, and he quickly said, "Young Sect Master, what brilliant insight!" Those who supported him also immediately echoed, "Young Sect Master, brilliant insight!" However, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and others frowned deeply. The elders'' council meeting concluded. Only Shen Mo and Nangong Yun remained in the hall. "Mo''er, what you said earlier wasn''t your true intention. Even if Liu Yuanfeng delivers the message to Luo Chaotian, I doubt he''ll believe it," Nangong Yun shook her head. Shen Mo didn''t respond. Instead, he took out a map of Xuanjiang Prefecture, spread it out, and pointed to a spot. "The Verdant Vine Sect''s three key strongholds for raising demon beasts have already been attacked twice. Only Spirit Beast Mountain remains." "I am certain that the Divine Sword Sect''s next target will be Spirit Beast Mountain." "At this time, by deliberately having Liu Yuanfeng deliver the message to Luo Chaotian, it will only make him more suspicious. He''ll likely deploy more cultivators to the border between the Divine Sword Sect and Qingxuan Sect to guard against us." "This way, the number of people attacking Spirit Beast Mountain will be reduced, and the battle will last longer." "And once they begin the assault on Spirit Beast Mountain, they''ll see that we have remained completely still, as promised. They''ll then lower their guard and redeploy the border guards to Spirit Beast Mountain." "We can launch a surprise attack now and catch the Divine Sword Sect off guard," Shen Mo said with a smile. Murong Yue''s eyes gleamed with admiration. "Good! We''ll do it your way!" That same night, Liu Yuanfeng rushed to the Divine Sword Sect without stopping. Since he was carrying out an official mission, there was no need to hide his presence. He traveled openly, with confidence. Before long, he arrived at the Sect Master''s courtyard and was soon greeted by Sect Master Luo Chaotian and Vice Sect Master Ouyang Cang. Luo Chaotian gave a subtle signal, and Ouyang Cang immediately dismissed everyone else from the room. Tears welled up in Liu Yuanfeng''s eyes as he dropped to one knee. "Greetings, Sect Master! Greetings, Vice Sect Master!" At that moment, he felt as though he had escaped a den of tigers and returned to the warmth of home. His expression was more heartfelt than if he were greeting his own parents. Luo Chaotian helped him to his feet, speaking in a gentle tone, "You''ve endured many years of humiliation, secretly serving the Divine Sword Sect within the Qingxuan Sect. You''re finally close to being free." Liu Yuanfeng quickly waved his hand, "Serving the Divine Sword Sect is an honor. I, Liu Yuanfeng, would willingly face fire and water for you!" Ouyang Cang stroked his beard. "Tell us, what does Murong Yue want by sending you here?" Liu Yuanfeng then recounted everything that had taken place in the Qingxuan Sect''s council hall. Ouyang Cang raised an eyebrow. "Sect Master, what do you think?" Luo Chaotian''s expression remained unchanged. "It''s fake." "This is nothing more than Shen Mo''s clumsy smokescreen. It''s too immature, too transparent." Liu Yuanfeng nodded repeatedly, "I thought the same. Shen Mo is still too young, thinking he can deceive our Divine Sword Sect with such a scheme. Truly laughable." Luo Chaotian considered for a moment. "Send word to gather ten more Core Formation elders and thirty Foundation Establishment disciples to guard the border. We must not let a single person from the Qingxuan Sect cross the boundary!" "The more they pretend to stay still, the more we must fortify the border and remain vigilant." Ouyang Cang nodded. "Sect Master, your foresight is unparalleled!" However, his tone shifted, "But if we do that, our Core Formation cultivators attacking Spirit Beast Mountain will be reduced, which could extend the duration of the battle." Luo Chaotian chuckled. "We have an insider in Spirit Beast Mountain." Both Ouyang Cang and Liu Yuanfeng widened their eyes in surprise. "An insider?!" Luo Chaotian responded calmly, "He is currently one of the elders guarding Spirit Beast Mountain, in control of the mountain''s grand formation. He has never passed on any information, so the Verdant Vine Sect has no idea that he''s working for us." "That''s why I''m confident. Even with fewer people, we can take Spirit Beast Mountain within a few hours." Ouyang Cang and Liu Yuanfeng looked at Luo Chaotian with admiration, their faces full of respect. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 181: If He Could Obtain It, the Old Master Could Nurture the Seven Lotus Nascent Souls Chapter 181: If He Could Obtain It, the Old Master Could Nurture the Seven Lotus Nascent Souls Shen Mo leaned against a vine chair, holding the third volume of the , absorbed in his reading. After learning the secret techniques of reading, given his comprehension ability, understanding the wasn''t overly difficult, if not completely effortless. In just one afternoon, he had fully grasped the first and second volumes of the . From his insights, Shen Mo had already deduced six different cultivation methods and martial techniques. Some of these were even secret techniques that had never been revealed within the Verdant Vine Sect. However, despite the strength of these methods and techniques, Shen Mo''s current horizons were much broader, and he no longer valued them. Would he bother practicing mere Profound-grade techniques? Shen Mo eagerly turned the pages of the third volume of the , hoping that it would offer him some unexpected surprises. "Since it''s the , there should be two more techniques in this third volume, right?" Shen Mo carefully studied it. Before long, the moon rose into the sky. Suddenly, Shen Mo''s eyes widened. "! !" He smiled slightly. The was a top-tier Earth-grade defensive martial technique. It was divided into three levels. Each level of comprehension allowed the user to condense one Evergreen Tree. Whenever faced with an attack, the Evergreen Tree would appear on its own to deflect the strike. The amount of power it could neutralize depended on the depth of spiritual power on both sides. This technique had been passed down within the Verdant Vine Sect for generations, but now, only the first level remained, and at most, it could condense just one Evergreen Tree. Naturally, its power had significantly diminished. Moreover, its effectiveness was tied to one''s spiritual power. For two cultivators of the same level, it was difficult to distinguish the superior in spiritual power. Only someone like Shen Mo, with a perfect Dao platform and a special Golden Core, could possess an incomparably vast sea of spiritual power. "This is perfect for me." "Moreover, it can be used together with the ." "With both in action, no one below the Nascent Soul stage can even touch me!" Shen Mo was so delighted that he couldn''t stop smiling. As for the , it was a mid-tier Earth-grade special martial technique. It wasn''t for attacking, defending, or movement. Instead, it specialized in cultivating rapport with demon beasts. The was also divided into three levels. The first level allowed one to establish a deep bond and extraordinary rapport with a demon beast. At the second level, one could temporarily borrow the power of the beast for personal use, but frequent use would shorten one''s lifespan. The third level even allowed one to simultaneously borrow the power of multiple beasts without harming oneself! "I''ve never heard of the being mentioned in the history of the Verdant Vine Sect. Could it be that even the sect''s founding ancestor failed to comprehend it?" Shen Mo pondered deeply. With this thought, he realized that the was likely not created by the Verdant Vine Sect''s founding ancestor, but rather obtained from somewhere else! His heart burned with excitement. The origin of such a precious book must be from a powerful sect! "I''ll set aside the for now. My priority is to cultivate the ." Shen Mo took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and focused on the task at hand. "But first, there''s one thing I need to take care of." He retrieved a transmission jade from his storage ring and infused it with spiritual power. Before long, a weary voice came from the other side of the jade. "Young Sect Master Shen, what do you want at this hour?" It was Mo Yuheng. There was a hint of distance in her tone. It was clear she was still upset about Shen Mo taking the and the secret reading technique from her. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "I was going to remind you about something, but since you''re in this mood, never mind." With that, he cut the transmission. Mo Yuheng was stunned. Before she could react, the transmission jade fell silent. Realizing something was wrong, she quickly infused more spiritual power, trying to reconnect with Shen Mo. However, Shen Mo simply tossed the transmission jade into a box. He immediately began cultivating the . No matter how much Mo Yuheng tried to reach him, he completely ignored her. Shen Mo ignored all of Mo Yuheng''s attempts to communicate with him. In the blink of an eye, dawn broke in the east, and the sun began to rise. Shen Mo''s body surged with spiritual energy, drawing in the wood elemental energy between heaven and earth. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Massive amounts of wood elemental energy swirled around him. Even the weeds in the courtyard began to grow rapidly. It was as if everything had sprung to life, creating a scene full of vitality. The wood elemental energy had condensed into the shape of a large tree. The tree was roughly ten zhang tall, with a lush green body. However, only the trunk was clearly defined. The branches and leaves were still somewhat blurry. At a glance, it looked like a giant green cloud of cotton candy. Shen Mo remained calm and continued to compress the wood elemental energy with his spiritual power. The branches began to take shape at a speed visible to the naked eye. Then came the leaves. At a certain moment, the towering tree over ten zhang high suddenly solidified into form! A vast and pure surge of wood elemental energy radiated in all directions. Centered on Shen Mo''s courtyard, the flowers, grasses, and trees nearby began to grow wildly, causing people to exclaim in surprise. Shen Mo exhaled a breath of turbid air, opening his eyes with a faint smile. In just one night, he had cultivated the to its first level. If others were to learn of this speed, they would surely be left in awe, unable to close their mouths for half a day. This was a wood-element martial technique, and it was of the highest Earth-grade. Ordinarily, only someone with a Heaven-grade wood physique could achieve such an astonishing cultivation speed. However, in addition to having the , Shen Mo also possessed a life destiny of "exceptional comprehension." Such rapid cultivation was to be expected. If he hadn''t progressed at this speed, that would have been the strange part. Shen Mo glanced at the box on the stone table, which had begun to tremble again. Only then did he slowly open the box and take out the transmission jade. As soon as he infused it with spiritual power, Mo Yuheng''s anxious voice immediately sounded. "...What was it about... you finally answered." "Shen Mo, I apologize for my attitude last night. I was wrong." "I sincerely ask you to tell me what you left unsaid." On the other end of the transmission jade, Mo Yuheng''s voice was earnest. She was well aware that the Qingxuan Sect was the only hope of saving the Verdant Vine Sect. Reflecting for just a moment, she understood where she had gone wrong. Shen Mo responded casually, "Keep an eye on Spirit Beast Mountain. There is a traitor among the elders." Mo Yuheng was stunned. "A spy from the Divine Sword Sect among the Spirit Beast Mountain elders? Impossible! Both of them are old seniors familiar with my father." Shen Mo replied indifferently, "Believe it or not, that''s up to you." "Also, this information isn''t free. After the crisis at Spirit Beast Mountain is resolved, I will come to collect something from you." With that, he disconnected the transmission and continued cultivating the . ... Five days later, outside Spirit Beast Mountain. Luo Chaotian hovered in the air with his hands behind his back, calmly gazing at the gentle hill in front of him, a smug smile on his face. Beside him were several elders from the Divine Sword Sect, all of whom were the most powerful and highly regarded Golden Core cultivators. In front of them, the few remaining Verdant Vine Sect cultivators were relying on a formation to fend off the Divine Sword Sect''s attacks. Various martial techniques crashed against the formation''s shield, causing ripples to spread across it. Judging by the light of the shield, if the attacks continued at this rate, it would last for another two days at most. "Do you know that Elder Wang, who''s been lurking in Spirit Beast Mountain, gave me an unexpected surprise last night via a transmission jade?" Luo Chaotian smiled faintly. Ouyang Cang and the others looked puzzled. "What surprise?" "A treasure of Earth-grade, the Longevity Flower!" Luo Chaotian''s smile widened. "This flower is one of the necessary items for cultivating the to nurture a Nascent Soul." "If I can obtain it, my master, the old sect leader, will be able to cultivate the Seven Lotus Nascent Soul!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 182: The Battle Begins, Shaking the North and South of Xuanjing Chapter 182: The Battle Begins, Shaking the North and South of Xuanjing Ouyang Cang and the others were overjoyed, clasping their fists and bowing. "Congratulations, Sect Master! Congratulations, former Sect Master!" "If we obtain the Longevity Flower, our Divine Sword Sect will undoubtedly surpass the Xuanjing Prefecture!" The smile on Luo Chaotian''s face grew even brighter. The power of a Nascent Soul cultivator is all-encompassing. If the Divine Sword Sect could produce a Nascent Soul cultivator, how could the combined forces of the Verdant Vine Sect and Qingxuan Sect even be a match for them? "If the former Sect Master can step into the Nascent Soul stage, won''t he be summoned by the Shangqing Sect to become one of their elders?" Ouyang Cang said with envy. Luo Chaotian smiled slightly. "Indeed. It''s been a long time since our Divine Sword Sect has contributed a Nascent Soul cultivator to the Shangqing Sect." "If we can contribute one this time, it will surely make the Shangqing Sect pay more attention to our Divine Sword Sect!" The other elders were visibly moved upon hearing this. The Shangqing Sect, being the top sect in Yuzhou, held immense power, and its depths were unfathomable. The Divine Sword Sect was merely one of the ten powerful sects under the Shangqing Sect''s banner. Even a fraction of the treasures that slipped through the fingers of the Shangqing Sect would be enough to elevate the Divine Sword Sect to new heights! "Of course, everything depends on whether we can take Spirit Beast Mountain first," Luo Chaotian pointed forward. Ouyang Cang and the others laughed heartily. "As long as our insider Elder Wang makes a small move, capturing Spirit Beast Mountain will only take a moment!" Luo Chaotian smiled faintly and took out his transmission jade to send a message to Elder Wang. "Elder Wang, begin sabotaging the mountain''s protective formation immediately." However, even after a long wait, there was no response. Luo Chaotian''s expression remained unchanged as he sent another transmission. But once again, his message disappeared into the void. Ouyang Cang and the others were puzzled, unsure of what was happening. Finally, Luo Chaotian frowned, sensing something was wrong. "Elder Wang, answer me!" At that moment, a voice finally came from the other side of the transmission jade. But it wasn''t the familiar voice of Elder Wang. Instead, it was the crisp voice of a young woman. "Sect Master Luo, are you looking for Elder Wang? He''s currently enjoying tea in the underground prison of Spirit Beast Mountain." Luo Chaotian crushed the transmission jade in his hand, his face dark with anger. He recognized that voice. It was Mo Yuheng, the young sect master of the Verdant Vine Sect! Hearing her voice meant there was no need to ask about Elder Wang''s fate. "Have we been discovered?" Ouyang Cang and the others were stunned. "What''s going on?" "Didn''t Elder Wang say he never passed any information to our Divine Sword Sect?" "Yeah, I heard Elder Wang and Mo Hanshan were war comrades. There''s no reason for Mo Hanshan to suspect him." The elders of the Divine Sword Sect looked at each other in confusion. Luo Chaotian took a deep breath. "Send the order. Attack Spirit Beast Mountain with full force!" Ouyang Cang hesitated for a moment. "Sect Master, at our current pace, it will take at least two days to break through the formation." "We don''t have that kind of time." "The longer this drags on, the more dangerous the situation becomes. We have no idea what the Qingxuan Sect''s true objective is." Luo Chaotian responded without hesitation, "Call the elders stationed at the borders! We must take Spirit Beast Mountain today!" "If the Qingxuan Sect doesn''t come, so be it. If they dare show up, I''ll annihilate them right here!" As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with a chilling light. Ouyang Cang, still uneasy, said, "Sect Master, while I agree that Murong Yue wouldn''t be your match, that Shen Mo... His current strength is likely unfathomable." "Zhuang Mochou and Zhao Liepeng both died by his hand." Luo Chaotian snorted coldly, spiritual energy surging, causing his robes to billow outward. "Vice Sect Master Ouyang, are you suggesting that I''m not Shen Mo''s match?" "Or... are you afraid of dying?" Ouyang Cang hurriedly shook his head. "I mean no such thing. I''m only concerned that such a rushed attack may lead to significant losses for our Divine Sword Sect." Luo Chaotian replied indifferently, "Let him come!" "I know exactly what Shen Mo''s trump cards are!" "That strange demonic armored gauntlet of hisevery time he uses it, it comes at a cost. At most, he can activate it once or twice in a short period." "The combination of the Red Lotus Flame and the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique might be a deadly move for others, but for me, I can block it with a wave of my hand!" "As for his Water Ink Sword Qi and Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, they''re laughable at best. Using sword techniques in front of our Divine Sword Sect is like showing off in front of masters!" "So, tell me, what does he have to fight me with?" The surrounding elders of the Divine Sword Sect all nodded in agreement. Seeing that Luo Chaotian was well-prepared, Ouyang Cang finally felt at ease. "Very well, I''ll send a message to the elders stationed at the borders, instructing them to head over immediately!" ... At the Jujube Courtyard. Shen Mo was still calmly cultivating. At this moment, two towering evergreen trees had formed around him. Majestic, verdant, and lifelike! From a distance, one could easily mistake these trees for the jujube trees in the courtyard having grown to such a height. Urgent knocking echoed through the door. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What is it?" Shen Mo asked casually. Wei Xiongtie''s voice rang out from outside, "Reporting to the Young Sect Master, all Divine Sword Sect cultivators stationed at the borders have been withdrawn. Based on their movements, it seems they''ve been redeployed to besiege Spirit Beast Mountain!" Shen Mo''s eyes suddenly opened. "Give the order. We march immediately, straight to Spirit Beast Mountain!" "Yes, sir!" Wei Xiongtie responded, filled with excitement. Shen Mo''s orders now even carried more weight than Murong Yue''s. At his command, the entire Qingxuan Sect responded instantly. In just a matter of moments, a hundred-strong force had been assembled. Shen Mo, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and others led the team. There were thirty Core Formation stage cultivators. Seventy Foundation Establishment stage deacons made up the rest. Murong Yue, Liu Yuanfeng, and others remained behind to guard the mountain gate, while some elders were stationed to protect various sect assets. Aside from the elders who couldn''t be mobilized, the rest had come out in full force! News of the Divine Sword Sect''s assault on Spirit Beast Mountain and the Qingxuan Sect''s full mobilization quickly spread throughout the area. Scattered cultivators watched the streaks of light dart across the sky, their eyes flashing with greed as they followed from afar. Whenever the major sects went to war, it was the scattered cultivators'' chance to profit! Thus, even though this battle involved the Divine Sword Sect, Qingxuan Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect, the number of cultivators gathering near Spirit Beast Mountain was as numerous as a sea of cattle! ... At Spirit Beast Mountain. Mo Yuheng swiftly formed a large, dark green seal with her delicate hands, sending a Divine Sword Sect disciple flying far away. By her side, a small jade-white snake and a massive bear fought fiercely. In the distance, the elders, deacons, and disciples of the Verdant Vine Sect continued their relentless assault. As soon as one group exhausted their spiritual energy, they withdrew to make way for fresh forces. However, despite their best efforts, the Verdant Vine Sect''s cultivators were growing exhausted, their spiritual energy nearly depleted. After all, not everyone possessed a vast reservoir of spiritual energy like Shen Mo, whose spiritual energy was as endless as the sea. "Where is the Qingxuan Sect? Are they still not here?" Mo Yuheng gritted her teeth. Liu Menghu wiped the sweat from his brow and rushed over, elated. "Young Sect Master, look behind the Divine Sword Sect! There''s movement! The Qingxuan Sect must have arrived!" Mo Yuheng looked into the distance and indeed saw small black dots appearing in the sky. Her face lit up with joy, and she shouted loudly, "The Qingxuan Sect''s reinforcements have arrived! Hold on, everyone!" Luo Chaotian''s expression remained cold as he gazed several hundred feet away at Shen Mo. "The Qingxuan Sect is bold, I''ll give them that. It''s truly surprising." Shen Mo chuckled, "It seems you''ll have many more surprises in store, Sect Master Luo." "Attack!" Someone shouted the command. In an instant, the cultivators of the Qingxuan Sect and Divine Sword Sect collided. The sounds of battle erupted all at once! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 183: Two Evergreen Trees for Body Protection Chapter 183: Two Evergreen Trees for Body Protection The other Core Formation stage cultivators had found their respective opponents and were locked in battle. Various types of spiritual weapons and techniques were being unleashed. Spiritual energy surged wildly around Spirit Beast Mountain. The battle involving dozens of Core Formation stage cultivators caused the surrounding spiritual energy to become chaotic. If Foundation Establishment stage cultivators got too close, they would feel dizzy and unable to use their spiritual energy. Shen Mo''s opponent was obviousit was naturally Luo Chaotian. Both of them drew their long swords. Clang, clang, clang. In the blink of an eye, dozens of strikes were exchanged. Sparks flew, dazzling and intense. "Thunder Shadow Sword Technique? It seems somewhat different from the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique of the Qingxuan Sect," Luo Chaotian quickly noticed the peculiarity of Shen Mo''s swordplay. It was sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes still, sometimes in motion. It was unpredictable, hard to defend against. However, Luo Chaotian was the sect master of the Divine Sword Sect. And since the Divine Sword Sect was named for the sword, they naturally had unique insights into various sword techniques. Shen Mo''s swordsmanship could suppress other cultivators but not Luo Chaotian. Shen Mo chuckled, "Sect Master Luo''s swordsmanship is quite average. Is this the level of the top sect among the Five Great Sects of Xuanjing River?" Luo Chaotian snorted coldly, and his technique abruptly changed. Suddenly, it became like a mighty river, rushing down with unstoppable force. In the next instant, it shifted, becoming like the Nine Springs of the Underworldsoft, lingering, delicate yet ruthless. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Indeed, Luo Chaotian lived up to his reputation as the master of the Divine Sword Sect. His mastery of sword techniques had reached an exceptional level. However, Shen Mo''s methods weren''t limited to just swordsmanship, nor was he focused solely on it. Without hesitation, he abandoned his sword, and a purple-black demonic armored gauntlet appeared on his right arm. He suddenly crushed three blood pouches hidden in his sleeve. Nine drops of Ice Jiao blood immediately fused into the demonic armor. In an instant, the armor transformed into an ice spike form. Then, with a sudden motion, he unleashed a devastating punch! Endless icy spiritual energy surged from all directions in the blink of an eye. A massive ice spiral formed. Its force was so overwhelming that it seemed as though it could freeze even the soul. Facing such an awe-inspiring attack, Luo Chaotian''s expression changed slightly. He had previously heard about the terrifying power of the demonic armor from others'' descriptions. But now, facing it directly, even his heart raced with fear. He felt an astonishing threat. His intuition told him that if he couldn''t block this strike, he would be severely injured! Luo Chaotian quickly reversed his grip on his sword and, in a flash, stabbed seven times in rapid succession. The seven sword beams didn''t dissipate but instead merged into the form of a giant sword in front of him. This was the Divine Sword Sect''s secret technique, a high-grade Earth-class defensive skill, only comprehensible after reaching the sixth level of the "Flying Sword Longevity Scripture." It was called the "Seven Stars Divine Sword." Though named after a sword, it was one of the most formidable defensive techniques. The surrounding elders of the Divine Sword Sect, seeing this move, were taken aback. It had been a long time since they had seen Luo Chaotian use this technique in combat. It seemed that Shen Mo, who had shaken both the northern and southern parts of the Xuanjing River, was indeed formidable. He had forced Luo Chaotian to take this battle seriously! In the next moment, the icy spiral clashed with the Seven Stars Divine Sword. Blinding light shot out in all directions. Ice shards flew, and sword energy scattered. The shockwaves from the attack struck the ground, blasting rocks into the air and destroying massive trees. Several Core Formation cultivators who couldn''t evade in time groaned, coughing up blood. As for the Foundation Establishment stage and lower cultivators, those unlucky enough to encounter the shockwaves would be injured if they were grazed and killed if directly struck. It was truly a case of immortals battling while mortals suffered. To Core Formation stage cultivators, those below themFoundation Establishment and Qi Condensation stage cultivatorswere no different from ordinary mortals. In midair, the ice particles scattered, and the light dimmed. Two figures were sent flying at the same time. Shen Mo was thrown back more than ten meters. Meanwhile, Luo Chaotian flew back over thirty meters before he managed to stabilize himself. Both of them had sustained injuries. Shen Mo had sword wounds on his chest and left arm. Even though his Green Lotus Robe was incredibly durable, it had been slashed open. However, before much blood could flow, the wounds began to heal rapidly. In contrast, Luo Chaotian had small holes all over his body, each filled with tiny ice shards. The ice shards emitted a bone-chilling cold, affecting the surrounding flesh and blood. Even with Luo Chaotian channeling his spiritual energy to shake them off, it wasn''t easy to expel them from his body. With just one strike, the difference in strength between the two was clear! Luo Chaotian shouted in a low voice, "You''re not at the peak of the Core Formation stage; you''ve already reached the pinnacle!" This scene, witnessed by the cultivators from the three factions, stirred up a massive storm in their hearts. To them, no matter how much Shen Mo''s reputation spread across Xuanjing, no matter how talented and accomplished he was as a young prodigy, he shouldn''t have been a match for Luo Chaotian. After all, Luo Chaotian had long been famous, the strongest among the five sect masters of Xuanjing River. Wang Tianzhan, Mo Hanshan, Zhao Liepeng, and Zhuang Mochou had all fought against him, and none had ever defeated him. But now, this moment shocked them to the core. Luo Chaotian''s low growl wasn''t heard by many, but those nearby who caught his words were even more shaken. This young man... had reached the pinnacle of the Core Formation stage?! He was only in his twenties, yet he stood at the very top of Xuanjing''s cultivators?! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sect Master Luo has sharp eyes to see through this," Shen Mo said with a faint smile. "Your demonic armor is already ineffective, and your Water Ink Sword Qi can''t harm me." "Next, you''re going to use the Red Lotus Flame and the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique." Luo Chaotian stared coldly at the young man before him. Shen Mo clapped his hands. "Sect Master Luo knows me well, but unfortunately, you didn''t guess my next move." In the next instant, Luo Chaotian''s figure vanished from where he stood. When he reappeared, he was already thrusting his sword forward. A fierce and biting sword energy erupted from the tip of his blade. In an instant, the sword energy expanded to a size of over ten meters. The distance between them shrank rapidly to just twenty meters, thanks to the movement technique Luo Chaotian had used. From a distance, the scattered cultivators, some standing on treetops, others on mountaintops, were stunned by what they saw. "What kind of move is that? Luo Chaotian just disappeared from his spot!" "It must be the Divine Sword Sect''s Earth-class movement technique, the ''Instant Shadow Sword.'' However, the version I know doesn''t seem this powerful." An elderly cultivator chuckled, "You youngsters still lack experience. This move is a perfected form of the Instant Shadow Sword, known as ''Instant Shadow Flash.''" "As far as I know, only two people in the entire Divine Sword Sect have mastered Instant Shadow Flash. One is Zhou Qingcang, and the other is Luo Chaotian." "Tsk, tsk, no wonder it''s so formidable!" "It looks like Shen Mo might be in trouble. Look at his expressionhe doesn''t seem to have reacted at all." "Divine Sword Sect cultivators excel in close-quarters combat. I wonder if Shen Mo can block this strike..." Many cultivators focused their gazes on Shen Mo. This included those within Spirit Beast Mountain, such as Mo Yuheng and Liu Menghu. "Young Sect Master, can he block it?" Liu Menghu wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked. Mo Yuheng shook his head. "It''s difficult. From what I know, he needs time to gather the four great gates to perform his defensive technique." "Luo Chaotian isn''t giving him much time right now." In midair. The fierce sword energy grew closer and closer to Shen Mo''s chest. Luo Chaotian''s gaze was icy, unwavering. At that moment, Shen Mo didn''t even need to channel his spiritual energy. Suddenly, a massive amount of wood-based spiritual energy converged around him. In the next instant, two towering, verdant evergreen trees suddenly appeared! Mo Yuheng exclaimed in shock, "Evergreen Trees for Body Protection?! And there are two of them!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Please Join Patreon!! Chapter 184: Quickly Cover the Sect Master’s Retreat Chapter 184: Quickly Cover the Sect Master''s Retreat The cultivators of the Verdant Vine Sect were all wide-eyed with astonishment. They were, of course, familiar with the Body Protection Evergreen Tree technique. Not only the Verdant Vine Sect cultivators, but many other cultivators also sought to obtain this defensive martial skill. This technique didn''t require any active activation. It would simply remain dormant in the body once condensed, and when under attack, it would automatically trigger. Based on this automatic activation alone, the Body Protection Evergreen Tree was ranked among the top three defensive martial skills in Xuanjing Prefecture. One must understand that in most battles between cultivators, life and death could be determined in an instant. The fact that this defensive technique activated on its own without needing to be summoned was incredibly valuable! Just a brief moment gained could allow a cultivator to activate other defensive techniques or spiritual artifacts to fend off an enemy''s strike. This slight delay could very well determine the outcome of a battle, or even life and death! Liu Menghu exclaimed in shock, "Young Sect Master, I heard that the later parts of our Verdant Vine Sect''s Body Protection Evergreen Tree technique were lost, and we can only condense one tree. How is Shen Mo able to condense two?" Mo Yuheng murmured, "I don''t know either... Could it be that he managed to comprehend the Verdant Vine Eight Treasures Manual in just a few days, mastered the Body Protection Evergreen Tree technique, and even cultivated it to the second level?" "Impossible, impossible, absolutely impossible..." Although she verbally denied it, deep down she had already accepted this possibility. After all, what other explanation could there be? "Two Body Protection Evergreen Trees?!" Luo Chaotian''s expression was filled with shock. He had never expected Shen Mo to possess such a powerful defensive martial skill. "Even two Body Protection Evergreen Trees can''t stop this strike of mine!" Luo Chaotian let out a low roar and spat out a mouthful of essence blood, which merged with his sword energy. In an instant, the sword energy turned blood-red, becoming even more vicious and terrifying. It seemed as though it would annihilate all life in its path! "This technique is called the Blood Sword." "Each strike costs three years of lifespan." Liu Menghu muttered. It wasn''t just him; even the onlooking rogue cultivators recognized this sword strike. They were all filled with horror. Especially the elders of the Divine Sword Sect, who knew that Luo Chaotian had never used this move in battle before. Luo Chaotian highly valued his lifespan! In the next moment, the blood-colored sword energy slashed at the surface of the Evergreen Tree. The first Evergreen Tree began to shake violently, leaves falling and branches breaking. Even the trunk started to crack. Within just ten breaths, the first Evergreen Tree couldn''t withstand the power and exploded into pieces. Immediately after, the second Evergreen Tree faced the blood-colored sword energy. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm as he continued to concentrate on forming the Four Directional Profound Gates. Thanks to the time bought by the Body Protection Evergreen Trees, a large amount of golden spiritual energy had already gathered from all directions. Within ten breaths, four large bronze gates had formed. One Evergreen Tree and four bronze gates now protected Shen Mo flawlessly. The blood-colored sword energy erupted again, shattering another Evergreen Tree. However, after breaking through two Evergreen Trees, the power of the blood-colored sword energy had diminished by more than sixty percent. Its color, speed, and strength had all significantly weakened. When it struck the Four Directional Profound Gates, it couldn''t even break through the first gate. "Slash again!" "Slash! Slash! Slash!" Luo Chaotian spat out another mouthful of essence blood. In an instant, he slashed four more times! Four streams of blood-colored sword energy followed one after another, aiming directly at the Four Directional Profound Gates! Golden light burst out, and blood sprayed in all directions. The crowd could only hear the continuous sound of explosions. Shen Mo seemed to be completely engulfed in the golden light and the blood-colored energy, his figure obscured. How was he? Could he withstand it? The cultivators all stared at the sky where Shen Mo was, the same question filling their minds. "Whew..." Luo Chaotian let out a breath of relief, though his body remained tense. However, the exhaustion on his face was undeniable. The five consecutive slashes had cost him fifteen years of lifespan. "Under such power, he surely can''t hold out," Luo Chaotian thought to himself. "If I kill Shen Mo here, I can finally rest easy." Yet, in the next moment, an overwhelming sense of danger surged through him. It was the premonition of death! It felt as though a demonic hand from the depths of hell had seized his heart! Without a second thought, Luo Chaotian gritted his teeth, burning his lotus seat and spitting out his Golden Core. The threat of death forced him to use his final trump card. For a Core Formation cultivator, burning the lotus seat and launching a Golden Core strike was the ultimate last resort! The next moment, a pillar of fierce flames erupted from where Shen Mo stood. The blazing column of fire almost stretched across the entire sky, momentarily outshining the sun itself. In the eyes of all the cultivators, there was only the blinding fire. And all they felt was the searing heat! The pillar of flames collided with the Golden Core. "Ah!" Luo Chaotian let out a pained scream. He could clearly feel that even after burning his lotus seat to strengthen his Golden Core, it couldn''t withstand the terrifying flames. In just five breaths, the surface of the Golden Core was scorched and peeled away! Luo Chaotian''s cultivation level also plummeted rapidly. In the span of a few breaths, he fell from the peak of the Core Formation stage to the Core Formation great accomplishment stage! A fierce wind blew away the golden light and blood-red mist that had shrouded Shen Mo. Only then did everyone see the shocking scene. Shen Mo''s body was now covered in a blazing chest armor! This armor exuded an ancient, savage aura, as if it came from a distant primordial era. At the center of the chest piece, there was a ferocious tiger''s head, roaring at the stars! The pillar of flames had been continuously spewing from the tiger''s mouth! The flames persisted for a full ten breaths before they finally began to weaken and fade, eventually vanishing altogether. The chest armor also gradually withdrew, transforming into a dark purple-black demonic armor. "Demonic armor?! Since when did Shen Mo acquire that chest armor?!" The cultivators finally realized what had happened. That purple-black metallic chest armor was clearly part of a set with the arm armor on Shen Mo''s right hand. The demonic arm armor was already formidable. But the chest armor was even more terrifying! No wonder Shen Mo had shown no fear in facing Luo Chaotian. Who would have thought he had such a trump card up his sleeve? Shen Mo remained floating in midair. He had long discovered another cave mansion belonging to the Immortal Hell Flame using the Flame Prison Token, where he found this chest armor. The power of this chest armor was centered around unleashing energy pillars from the chest. If he used Ice Dragon blood, it would spew ice pillars. If he used the golden blood in the beast claw, it would release a pillar of flames. At this moment, Luo Chaotian''s body was plummeting from the sky toward the ground. Ouyang Cang quickly rushed over and caught him, preventing him from crashing into the earth. Luo Chaotian was now barely alive. Most of his robes had been burned away, and at least seventy percent of his skin was charred black. In his right hand, he weakly clutched his Golden Core, which had shrunk by an entire circle. The entire assembly of cultivators was in utter shock. They couldn''t believe their eyes. Luo Chaotian! The leader of the Five Great Sect Masters of Xuanjing Prefecture, with over a century of rich battle experience! Had actually been defeated by a rising star! Defeated by a young man barely in his twenties! Luo Chaotian looked at Ouyang Cang, barely managing to speak, squeezing out a few words, "Quick... retreat..." Ouyang Cang wasted no time and immediately shouted, "Divine Sword Sect, hear me! Cover the Sect Master''s retreat!" The Divine Sword Sect, worthy of being the foremost sect in Xuanjing Prefecture, did not descend into chaos despite the severe injury to Luo Chaotian. Instead, they followed Ouyang Cang''s orders without hesitation and quickly gathered around Luo Chaotian. In an instant, they formed a defensive formation. Shen Mo drew his long sword and pointed it directly at the Divine Sword Sect''s formation. "Kill!" This command immediately sounded the horn for a counterattack. The cultivators of the Azure Profound Sect and Verdant Vine Sect let out long howls toward the sky, their voices filled with unspeakable joy and excitement! Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was as if they had been invigorated with boundless energy, charging into battle with renewed ferocity! ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 185: Am I Really Less Important Than the Eternal Life Flower to Him? Chapter 185: Am I Really Less Important Than the Eternal Life Flower to Him? After the great battle, the area beneath Spirit Beast Mountain was a mess. Corpses littered the ground. Most of them were cultivators from the Divine Sword Sect. In comparison, the casualties from Azure Profound Sect and Verdant Vine Sect were minimal. This, however, was to be expected. After all, Luo Chaotian had been severely wounded by Shen Mo, and this was witnessed by all the cultivators present. The morale of both sides naturally shifted. Even in such circumstances, the fact that the Divine Sword Sect still managed to leave behind a group of death warriors to cover the retreat of Luo Chaotian, Ouyang Cang, and other core members demonstrated the depth of their standing as the number one sect in Xuanjing Prefecture. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo gazed into the distance. The cultivators of the Divine Sword Sect had already vanished beyond the horizon. He didn''t continue the pursuit. After all, his spiritual power was not infinite, and his fight with Luo Chaotian had drained quite a bit of it. Additionally, both his demonic arm armor and chest armor had consumed three blood packs. To use them again, he would need to refill the blood packs. It was rather troublesome. There was also the issue of the Divine Sword Sect''s backup plan. Through Luo Chaotian''s life panel, Shen Mo saw that the moment Luo Chaotian was seriously injured, Ouyang Cang had immediately used a sound transmission jade to contact the sect, requesting that the retired sect master of the Divine Sword Sect come out of seclusion. If Shen Mo had recklessly pursued them, he would have certainly fallen into their trap. With these factors combined, Shen Mo decided not to chase after them, allowing Luo Chaotian and the others to flee. "We won! We won!" Liu Menghu suddenly shouted. His entire body seemed to be straining, as if he wanted to release all the frustration of the past three months in one go. "We won! The Divine Sword Sect was defeated!" The cultivators of the Verdant Vine Sect were ecstatic. They hugged each other, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Rejoicing in their narrow escape from death. Shen Mo waved his hand, and Wei Xiongtie and the others immediately began clearing the battlefield. The rogue cultivators were very tactful, not daring to touch the corpses of Core Formation stage cultivators, nor the bodies of those from Azure Profound Sect or Verdant Vine Sect. Their survival instinct told them not to offend any sect, especially one that had emerged from a battle unscathed. Mo Yuheng wiped away her tears and quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply to Shen Mo. "Young Sect Master Shen, thank you. If not for you, we" Shen Mo smiled slightly, "If you''re thanking me, you need to show it." The words of gratitude Mo Yuheng had prepared got stuck in her throat, and she couldn''t say another word. Couldn''t he at least wait for her to finish thanking him?! "What do you want?" Mo Yuheng took a deep breath and asked. Shen Mo looked her up and down. His gaze made Mo Yuheng feel uneasy. She bit her alluring red lips. "If you want me, it''s not entirely impossible" "I want the White Serpent Flower, Wine God Peony, Eternal Life Flower, Sacred Sun Stamen any of these." Shen Mo cut her off, listing several rare treasures as if he were ordering from a menu. Among them, aside from the Eternal Life Flower and Sacred Sun Stamen, the others were highly sought-after treasures by Core Formation stage cultivators to enhance their Golden Cores, and they were extremely rare. The Sacred Sun Stamen, however, was one of the treasures recorded in the , used to grow a nine-tier lotus seat. Shen Mo knew Mo Yuheng didn''t have it, and mentioning it was merely a ruse to hide his true intentions. Mo Yuheng''s body trembled, her expression a mix of embarrassment and anger. After a long moment, she muttered quietly, "I''ve never heard of most of those, but I do have an Eternal Life Flower, which I found just a few days ago." "I was planning to give it to my father" Shen Mo waved his hand, "I know, the Verdant Vine Sect''s cultivation method requires at least four rare treasures to nurture a Nascent Soul." "Judging by your expression, it''s obvious you''re missing enough treasures." If the Eternal Life Flower happened to be the fourth treasure, then Mo Yuheng would certainly be unwilling to give it up. She would rush to deliver it to Mo Hanshan to help him nurture a Nascent Soul. Even though the success rate wouldn''t be high, they would still try. After all, becoming a Nascent Soul stage cultivator would immediately change the fate of the struggling Verdant Vine Sect and even alter the balance of power in Xuanjing Prefecture. "I''ll take you there." Mo Yuheng motioned for Shen Mo to follow. Shen Mo nodded. The two entered Spirit Beast Mountain, passing through a cave that led into a dark and damp underground passage. Before long, Mo Yuheng guided Shen Mo to a concealed cave. In the cave was a small puddle. Inside the puddle lay a skeleton, stark white in color. From the skull of the skeleton, a pure white, holy flower had grown. This was the Eternal Life Flower. It only grew from the remains of Nascent Soul stage cultivators. "Excellent!" Shen Mo''s expression brightened, and he bowed deeply to the unknown Nascent Soul stage senior before stepping forward. Shen Mo carefully took the Eternal Life Flower, along with the skull it had grown from. The Eternal Life Flower would wither within ten breaths if removed from the bones. Shen Mo, having thoroughly studied various sect records and being knowledgeable about treasures below heavenly grade, naturally would not make such a basic mistake. Just as Shen Mo was about to leave, Mo Yuheng quickly spoke up. "Luo Chaotian is seriously injured, and the Divine Sword Sect has lost more than ten Core Formation stage elders. Their morale is severely damaged." "Now is the perfect time to counterattack!" "When will Qingxuan Sect make its move?" Shen Mo shook his head. "Have you forgotten about the Divine Sword Sect''s ancestors?" "From what I know, the Divine Sword Sect has at least four ancestors, one of whom is Luo Chaotian''s master, the former sect master of the Divine Sword Sect." "The moment that person comes out of seclusion, they''ll immediately stabilize the Divine Sword Sect." Mo Yuheng fell silent. "You''re right." Shen Mo waved his hand. "When the time for the counterattack comes, I''ll let you know." "Fine, I''ll be waiting for that day!" Mo Yuheng replied. She then watched as Shen Mo left. "This guy ever since he laid eyes on the Eternal Life Flower, he hasn''t looked at me again." "Am I really less important to him than an Eternal Life Flower?" Mo Yuheng muttered bitterly. ... The Divine Sword Sect had launched a surprise attack on Spirit Beast Mountain, followed closely by the Qingxuan Sect. In the battle between Shen Mo and Luo Chaotian, Shen Mo emerged unscathed, while Luo Chaotian was gravely injured. This news spread quickly through the mouths of rogue cultivators. It spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Xuanjing Prefecture, and even the neighboring Jiande and Jinshan Prefectures. In the government office of Giant River City. After hearing Luo Shuanghan''s report on the battle, a rare expression of surprise appeared on Ji Shilong''s face. Astonishment. He was genuinely astonished. He hadn''t expected that Shen Mo, whom he regarded as nothing more than a pawn, had grown so powerful. This pawn was now showing signs of becoming a player in his own right. "Are you worried about Luo Chaotian? Or the Divine Sword Sect?" Ji Shilong glanced at Luo Shuanghan, noticing the concern on his face. Luo Shuanghan smiled helplessly. "Ever since I confirmed that he''s my father, I can''t help but feel this way" Ji Shilong waved his hand dismissively. "There''s no need to worry. The advantage still lies with the Divine Sword Sect." Luo Shuanghan was stunned. "What do you mean by that, Lord Ji?" Ji Shilong sat down and took a large gulp of cold tea. "Just wait. Within a month, we''ll be attending a celebration at the Divine Sword Sect." Luo Shuanghan was puzzled. "A celebration? What kind of celebration?" Ji Shilong smiled mysteriously. "You''ll find out when the time comes." ... Back at the Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo didn''t immediately refine the Eternal Life Flower. Instead, he checked his life panel. According to destiny, this Eternal Life Flower was meant to be obtained by Luo Chaotian, who would then offer it to the former sect master of the Divine Sword Sect to help him cultivate a Seven-Lotus Nascent Soul. But now that the Eternal Life Flower was gone, how would fate unfold? [Recent Development: In one month, you will be forced to attend the Divine Sword Sect''s Six-Lotus Nascent Soul celebration. At the celebration, there will be Nascent Soul stage ancestors from the Shangqing Sect and the Yuding Sect. After the celebration, unable to resist the pressure from the Shangqing Sect''s Nascent Soul ancestors, you will be captured alive by the Divine Sword Sect. Later, you will be saved by Ji Shilong, who will subdue your spirit and take you in as a death warrior under his command.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. So that''s how it is. Without the Eternal Life Flower, they could only form a Six-Lotus Nascent Soul instead of Seven. Though it was just a difference of one lotus, the reduction in power was significant. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 186: The Three Sects of Yuzhou – Supreme Purity Sect, Jade Cauldron Sect, and Dan River Sect Chapter 186: The Three Sects of Yuzhou C Supreme Purity Sect, Jade Cauldron Sect, and Dan River Sect Many Nascent Soul cultivators have found it convenient to differentiate their power levels by classifying them from one to nine lotus stages. One to three lotus stages are considered lower-grade Nascent Soul. Four to six lotus stages are considered middle-grade Nascent Soul. Seven and eight lotus stages are considered upper-grade Nascent Soul. The nine-lotus Nascent Soul, however, is regarded as a unique and superior entity, known as the supreme-grade Nascent Soul. The technique of the Divine Sword Sect, known as the Longevity Sword Technique, requires at least a five-layer lotus base to begin nurturing a Nascent Soul, with seven layers being the maximum. Now that the Flower of Longevity is lost, the old sect master of the Divine Sword Sect has no choice but to settle for nurturing a six-lotus Nascent Soul. A difference of just one lotus can downgrade the Nascent Soul from upper-grade to middle-grade. Naturally, the difference is enormous. The old sect master had been in seclusion for a long time, likely waiting to nurture a seven-lotus Nascent Soul. However, what exactly are the Supreme Purity Sect and Jade Cauldron Sect? Are they the major sects of Yuzhou? sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I really don''t know. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and immediately went to the sect master''s courtyard. At that moment, Murong Yue was happily humming a tune while feeding the fish in the pond. Hearing Shen Mo''s question, she was somewhat surprised. "Huh? Why are you suddenly asking about the Supreme Purity and Jade Cauldron Sects?" Shen Mo smiled, "I just heard about them, so I thought I''d ask." Murong Yue nodded. "It''s not really a secret." "The three major sects of Yuzhou are the Supreme Purity Sect, the Jade Cauldron Sect, and the Dan River Sect." "All three major sects control numerous smaller sects." "When one of their subordinate sects produces a Nascent Soul cultivator, the three sects will immediately send elders to recruit these cultivators into their ranks." Shen Mo was shocked, "Why?" Murong Yue counted on her fingers, "First, if a Nascent Soul cultivator wants to advance, they must either consume medicinal pills and rare treasures or rely on the slow absorption of the world''s spiritual energy." "But Xuanjing Prefecture isn''t exactly a place rich in spiritual energy. Those places with abundant spiritual energy are all controlled by the three major sects." "Additionally, even if you want to obtain pills and treasures, you''d have to go to places with more spiritual energy." "Second, of course, it''s in the interest of the three major sects to strengthen their power." After hearing this, Shen Mo nodded. That makes sense. Nascent Soul cultivators want to become stronger, and the three major sects want to increase their strength. It''s a mutually beneficial arrangement. No wonder there aren''t any Nascent Soul cultivators in Xuanjing Prefecture. They''ve all gone elsewhere. "Which sect did our Qingxuan Sect belong to before?" Shen Mo asked again. Murong Yue nodded, "The Dan River Sect." "But when our Qingxuan Sect fell out of the top five sects of Xuanjing Prefecture, the Dan River Sect abandoned us." "Now, we don''t have any sect above us." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Qingxuan Sect must have had Nascent Soul cultivators in the Dan River Sect at that time, right? Didn''t they return to help?" Murong Yue smiled bitterly, "Of course, we did." "But the three major sects never interfere." "Moreover, a Nascent Soul cultivator can directly become an elder of the three major sects, but once they become an elder, they must swear allegiance to the sect, not to their former sect." Shen Mo nodded in agreement. That''s true. If someone became an elder in one of the three major sects but still had lingering loyalty to their previous sect, it could lead to corruption and the improper transfer of benefits. Murong Yue smiled with relief, "Mo''er, it''s good that you know all this now. I estimate it''ll take you no more than twenty years to gather the treasures you need to nurture a Nascent Soul. By then, you''ll be able to join one of the three major sects." "There, you''ll find a much broader world!" Shen Mo couldn''t help but chuckle. Twenty years? "How is Master''s lotus base growing?" he asked. Murong Yue gave a helpless smile, "I''ve only managed to grow three layers. Suitable treasures are too rare and difficult to find." Shen Mo nodded. "By the way, Wei Xiongtie and the others found something while clearing the battlefield, in a storage ring belonging to a deceased elder of the Divine Sword Sect." As she spoke, Murong Yue brought out a jade box. Inside was a flower entwined with flames. As soon as it was brought out, the surrounding air noticeably heated up. "Elder Wei gave it to me, but since all the treasures I''ve refined before are fire-attributed, I now need an ice-attributed treasure. This one isn''t suitable for me." "But isn''t your constitution the Scorching Sun Incineration Body? This treasure should suit you perfectly, right?" {Can anyone remind me of the name of his physique. i am just missing middldle word.} Murong Yue smiled. Shen Mo glanced at the flower inside the box, and his expression shifted slightly with surprise. The Sacred Sun Core! He hadn''t expected it to appear before him in such a manner. It seemed he didn''t even need to go through the trouble of searching for it. "It truly suits me. Thank you, Master!" Shen Mo accepted the jade box, speaking earnestly. Murong Yue''s smile deepened, "No need for thanks. Qingxuan Sect is yours now. Passing this on to you is only right." Warmth spread through Shen Mo''s heart. After exchanging a few more words with Murong Yue, Shen Mo finally turned and left. ... In the Cangqing Mountains, within a secluded valley. Shen Mo flew directly to this location. Instead of immediately sitting down to refine the Flower of Longevity and the Sacred Sun Core, he stopped in front of a cave and shouted. "Awoo! Awoo! I brought food for you!" After a long pause, a pair of enormous vertical pupils suddenly appeared within the cave. It was the massive rock python from earlier. As for the name "Awoo," Shen Mo had come up with it himself. This creature''s life chart revealed that it was the "Fifth Incarnation of Ao Huang." Shen Mo casually called it "Ao Wu." And over time, it became "Awoo." It was just a name, after all. Shen Mo found it easy to say, and the python seemed to like it as well. Whether it was fond of the name or just the food, that remained uncertain. When Awoo saw that it was Shen Mo, its enormous eyes filled with joy. Its scarlet tongue flickered out, gently brushing against Shen Mo''s palm. Shen Mo pulled out several large baskets of thunder crystals from his storage ring. These were resources from a thunder crystal mine. As the young sect master, taking a few baskets was of no consequence. Seeing this, Awoo immediately became excited. It grabbed a basket and began devouring it eagerly. It swallowed both the thunder crystals and the bamboo baskets whole. After devouring five large baskets, Awoo finally appeared somewhat satisfied. Shen Mo chuckled and took out another item, waving it in front of the python. "Look at this, what is it?" Awoo''s eyes widened instantly. It was the essence of thunder! Shen Mo dangled the thunder essence in front of it for a while before finally tossing it into its mouth. Awoo was now completely content. This thunder essence had also been mined from the thunder crystal field. Shen Mo had taken a piece without anyone daring to question him. "Awoo, I''ll be cultivating here for a while, and there might be quite a commotion. I need you to stand guard for me." Shen Mo patted its mouth and smiled. Awoo nodded up and down, indicating it understood. Shen Mo smiled faintly. Typically, when cultivators want to tame a demon beast, they must establish a blood contract. This was the method used by the cultivators of Verdant Vine Sect. However, Shen Mo had not signed any blood contract with Awoo. Considering how entangled Awoo''s future was with various things, Shen Mo didn''t want to get involved just yet. Nonetheless, ever since Shen Mo had mastered the first level of the Beast Control Technique, communication between him and Awoo had become much smoother. This was why he could now entrust Awoo with guarding him. With his guardian snake in place, Shen Mo settled himself in the center of the valley and sat down cross-legged. With a simple motion, the Flower of Longevity, still attached to a skull, appeared in his palm. Shen Mo channeled his spiritual energy and gave a low shout, "Begin refining!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 187: To Defeat the Nascent Soul Realm, Another Nascent Soul Must Arise Chapter 187: To Defeat the Nascent Soul Realm, Another Nascent Soul Must Arise In the valley, the grass and trees were lush, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of birds. A massive rock python was resting in a cave, keeping a wary eye on its surroundings. At the center of the valley, a young man was channeling his spiritual energy, refining a small, pure white flower growing atop a skull. The medicinal power of the Longevity Flower surged and pulsated, fusing with the young man''s body and sinking into his dantian. On the Dao Platform, an eighth lotus pedestal was gradually growing. It was incomparably holy, yet at the same time, filled with a strange, eerie aura. It was like a sacred flower that had bloomed amidst a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. ... Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. In Divine Sword City. Elders, deacons, and disciplesall of the cultivators of the Divine Sword Sect went about their usual tasks as they always did. However, an air of anxiety had spread throughout the sect. This atmosphere of unease had begun the moment their sect master, Luo Chaotian, was severely injured by Shen Mo. Since then, it had only grown worse, fermenting into something uncontrollable. In the past, every cultivator had been proud to be a part of the Divine Sword Sect. But now, doubt had crept in. Could the Divine Sword Sect truly stand against the Qingxuan Sect? Even Luo Chaotian and Ouyang Cang were waiting for that moment. But until that moment arrived, they could not reveal anything. At this very moment, in the courtyard of the sect master. Luo Chaotian, Ouyang Cang, and other core members of the Divine Sword Sect sat quietly in meditation, facing the tallest pavilion in Divine Sword Citythe Divine Sword Pavilionwaiting for something. Luo Chaotian''s face was still pale; the injuries he had sustained from Shen Mo''s attack half a month ago had not fully healed. Moreover, he had burned one of his lotus pedestals in the process, which was the most critical wound. It had damaged his foundation. However, at this moment, Luo Chaotian did not wallow in self-pity or despair. Like everyone else, he was waiting. At a certain moment, it was as if a black hole had appeared within the Divine Sword Pavilion, devouring all the surrounding spiritual energy. Suddenly, the spiritual energy in the heavens and earth was completely drained. Luo Chaotian was the first to open his eyes, followed by Ouyang Cang and the other elders. Their gazes met, and a flash of joy flickered in their eyes. If one were to look down from above at this moment, they would see that all the spiritual energy within hundreds of miles around the Divine Sword Pavilion had been completely consumed. It was as though an invisible, ravenous beast had devoured every last bit of it. The cultivators of the Divine Sword Sect instinctively showed expressions of shock. When cultivators are in a place with thin spiritual energy, they feel discomfort. If they find themselves in a place devoid of spiritual energy, they experience extreme unease, and their spiritual energy begins to drain from their bodies, eventually leaving them no different from mortals. It''s like a fish being removed from water. In an instant, the entire Divine Sword Sect was thrown into a panic. They didn''t understand what was happening. The next moment, countless sharp sword auras shot out from the Divine Sword Pavilion, piercing straight into the clouds! The sight of endless streams of sword aura pointing toward the sky sent shockwaves through everyone watching. Ordinary citizens in Divine Sword City knelt down in reverence, bowing toward the sword auras in worship. To them, it was nothing short of a divine miracle, a manifestation of heavenly power! The terrifying aura spread in all directions. Even the cultivators in Jiande Prefecture and Jinshan Prefecture, a thousand miles away, felt the overwhelming pressure. Every cultivator unconsciously paused what they were doing and turned their gaze toward the Divine Sword Pavilion. "Nascent Soul Realm... It must be the Nascent Soul Realm!" Countless cultivators murmured to themselves. Only when one successfully formed a Nascent Soul could their aura spread so far! In Divine Sword City, countless cultivators and mortals alike could not help but look toward the highest building. They saw a figure. That figure hovered in midair, perfectly blocking out the sun, making it impossible to see their face. Like a god or a saint, they resembled a celestial being descended from the heavens. Luo Chaotian, Ouyang Cang, and the others suddenly rose to their feet and shouted in unison, "We humbly welcome the Ancestor!" This voice became a signal. Every cultivator of the Divine Sword Sect echoed from the depths of their hearts, "We humbly welcome the Ancestor!" Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in this prefecture are revered as Ancestors! The figure slowly descended, calmly standing atop the Divine Sword Pavilion, which had long lost its roof and was now merely a platform. He appeared as a middle-aged man, even younger than Luo Chaotian. However, before stepping into the Nascent Soul Realm, he had been nothing like this. He had been frail, with a head full of silver hair, his body thin and withered, his skin dry and shriveled, as though a strong wind could blow him apart. But upon entering the Nascent Soul Realm, his lifespan had suddenly increased by a thousand years! Naturally, his appearance had reverted to that of a middle-aged man, restored to his peak physical condition. "Disciple, come up here." He beckoned with his hand, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze yet as powerful as thunder in a clear sky. Warm, yet commanding. Luo Chaotian immediately flew up to the Divine Sword Pavilion, kneeling beside him with great respect. "Master, you''ve finally" Luo Chaotian''s eyes were red, brimming with joy. The old sect master beamed with a smile, "I, Yao Yunluo, have finally waited for this day." Tears filled Luo Chaotian''s eyes. "Master, I regret not being able to procure the Longevity Flower for you. I could only allow you to nurture a six-petal Nascent Soul." Yao Yunluo smiled gently, "It was fate and not your fault." "Spread the word, in half a month, I will hold a Nascent Soul Ceremony, and the heads of every sect in Xuanjiang Prefecture are to be invited." "Anyone who refuses to attend will be disrespecting me, Yao Yunluo, and the Shangqing Sect!" Wiping his tears, Luo Chaotian responded with a powerful voice, "Yes!" Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At Qingxuan Sect. In the council hall. Murong Yue and several elders gathered, every face etched with distress. Yao Yunluo''s invitations had been sent throughout the north and south of Xuanjiang, and they had received theirs as well. They were also aware that Yao Yunluo had entered the Nascent Soul Realm. Everyone knew that no matter how many Golden Core cultivators one had, they would still be no match for a Nascent Soul. Even though Yao Yunluo, having stepped into the Nascent Soul Realm, was required to respond to the Shangqing Sect''s summons within half a month to serve as an elder, half a month was more than enough time for him to do many things. Such as... annihilate the Qingxuan Sect and the Verdant Vine Sect. For a Nascent Soul cultivator, this would be a mere flick of the fingers. "Where is the young sect master? Why has he disappeared at such a critical moment?" Liu Yuanfeng noted that Shen Mo was absent. Murong Yue''s face was haggard. "The young sect master is in seclusion, cultivating." "Let''s discuss a plan among ourselves. How should we respond?" Wei Xiongtie muttered, "I believe the Nascent Soul Ceremony at the Divine Sword Sect is nothing more than a trap." "Their goal is to wipe us out in one fell swoop." Liu Yuanfeng feigned a sigh. "It is indeed a trap, but going doesn''t necessarily mean death. Not going, however, surely does. How should we choose?" The elders remained silent, the hall filled with an air of hopelessness. Murong Yue''s expression was one of sorrow. "We''ll discuss it another day another day" She could never have imagined that the Divine Sword Sect would produce a Nascent Soul cultivator. No matter how hard Qingxuan Sect tried now, it would be impossible to defeat them. Unless... another Nascent Soul appeared. But the highest-ranking cultivator in Qingxuan Sect was herself. She was still quite some distance away from the Nascent Soul Realm. Even if she miraculously stepped into the Nascent Soul Realm, she wouldn''t be a match for the battle-hardened Yao Yunluo. After all, Yao Yunluo was over five hundred years old, while she hadn''t even reached a hundred. Their combat experience was simply worlds apart. It seemed... the outcome had already been decided... ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 188: Which Senior Has Entered the Nascent Soul Realm? Such an Astonishing Phenomenon! Chapter 188: Which Senior Has Entered the Nascent Soul Realm? Such an Astonishing Phenomenon! In the Qingcang Mountain Range, a secluded valley. Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes, and an indescribable aura surrounded him. At times, he seemed like an elderly man nearing the end of his days, and at other times, he appeared as a young child with yellow hair. This was the effect of refining the Longevity Flower. It directly extended his lifespan! Shen Mo exhaled a breath of clear air, feeling a subtle joy. Just as he was about to continue refining the Sacred Sun Stamen, he suddenly sensed an invisible force sweeping past him, spreading far into the distance. "A Nascent Soul Realm aura!" A shiver ran through Shen Mo''s body. This was the natural reaction of a lower-realm cultivator encountering a higher-realm cultivator. However, Shen Mo quickly steadied himself, taking several deep breaths to calm down. He recovered from the oppressive feeling much faster than most cultivators. Frowning, Shen Mo muttered, "It seems that Yao Yunluo, the old sect master of the Divine Sword Sect, has successfully formed a six-petal Nascent Soul and entered the Nascent Soul Realm." "I can''t waste any more time. I must quickly refine the Sacred Sun Stamen and also step into the Nascent Soul Realm." "According to the , at the moment of forming the Nascent Soul, an incredible insight will come, allowing one to comprehend a special technique known as a Nascent Soul Technique." "The power of a Nascent Soul Technique is influenced by factors such as the number of lotus pedestals, the attributes of the Nascent Soul, and one''s race. No two people will have the exact same Nascent Soul Technique." "Even direct blood relatives will at most have similar Nascent Soul Techniques, but never identical!" "Nascent Soul Techniques are incredibly powerful. They require no spiritual energy to cast and far surpass martial techniques in terms of power." "When I step into the Nascent Soul Realm, the technique I will comprehend from my nine-petal Nascent Soul will surely overpower Yao Yunluo''s six-petal Nascent Soul Technique!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo steadied his mind and took out the Sacred Sun Stamen, immediately beginning the process of refining it. Refining the Sacred Sun Stamen was much faster than refining the Longevity Flower. It took him only six days to complete the process. After six days, Shen Mo once again inspected his dantian. Above the Dao Platform and below the Golden Core, nine lotus pedestals were stacked in layers, spinning silently with an aesthetic beauty. The nine layers included the Thousand-Hand Lotus, Red Sun Lotus, Deer Antler Flower, Fiery Cherry Lotus, Heavy Iron Flower, Blood-Drinking Night Bloom, Dark Frost Chrysanthemum, Longevity Flower, and Sacred Sun Stamen! These nine lotus pedestals formed the perfect bed for nurturing the Nascent Soul. They were like a mother''s womb, nurturing new life. "Everything is ready. Time to begin nurturing the Nascent Soul." Shen Mo took a few deep breaths, adjusting his state to its peak. He immersed his mind fully into his dantian. With a single thought, the liquid spiritual energy in the ocean of his spiritual power surged upward like leaping fish, gathering around the lotus pedestals. Over and over, the spiritual energy washed the lotus pedestals and the Golden Core, cleansing them until they were spotless. But Shen Mo didn''t stop there. He continued to draw spiritual energy to keep scrubbing them clean. Gradually, the Golden Core began to sink, merging with the lotus pedestals. This process was incredibly slow. It took Shen Mo an entire day to seamlessly fuse the Golden Core with the lotus pedestals. They became one, as if created that way by nature. After completing this step, the Golden Core could no longer be expelled from his mouth as a weapon. This sacrifice was made in pursuit of nurturing the Nascent Soul and the grander Dao. One day, two days, three days passed... The Inferno Golden Core had already been in a cracked state. But now, even more cracks appeared on its surface. Cracks upon cracks, deeper and more numerous. A mysterious and indescribable aura slowly began to ripple out. It was as if a new life was about to hatch from the massive "egg" of the Golden Core. At a certain moment, a large crack suddenly appeared on the surface of the Golden Core. The crack extended from the top to the bottom. Then, the cracks spread out like a spider''s web. With a sharp crack, the Golden Core shattered. Large pieces of it fell into the ocean of spiritual energy. A small, crimson figure was now fully exposed to Shen Mo''s senses. It had two hands, two feet, and a large head. However, its facial features were still indistinct. At first glance, it looked somewhat terrifying. It was like a bloodstained infant crawling out of the depths of the underworld. Shen Mo calmed his mind. This was the final step. He had to inject a strand of his spirit and a wisp of his consciousness into the newly formed Nascent Soul. Only by completing this step would the Nascent Soul take on his appearance. This step is the key to success or failure. Countless Golden Core peak cultivators have been stuck at this point, failing time and time again. After several consecutive failures, their spirits would be wounded, and their confidence shattered, causing them to lose the opportunity to enter the Nascent Soul Realm forever. What a sad and lamentable fate. Shen Mo held his breath, severing a strand of his spirit and directing it into the Nascent Soul. In the next moment, the previously blurred features of the Nascent Soul began to take shape. Eyes, nose, ears, mouth... One by one, they appeared. Shen Mo nodded slightly. His life panel showed that he had succeeded on the first try. Indeed, it had been a success. He reckoned it must be due to the combined effect of his two life fates, "Minor Fortune" and "Blessing of Luck." Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes, just as he was about to test the power of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. Suddenly, a strange black light flashed in his mind. It was elusive and difficult to grasp. Shen Mo was momentarily stunned. It felt as if he had touched upon something mysterious. He immediately fell into a state of sudden enlightenment. After a hundred breaths, Shen Mo abruptly opened his eyes, as if he had returned to this world. Several words instinctively appeared in his mind. He couldn''t help but murmur them aloud. "Blazing Sun Origin Light!" "Once cast, it can double the power of any martial technique. If it''s a fire-based technique, the power is tripled!" "It can be used only once every three days. If forced to use it multiple times, each additional use will consume ten years of lifespan!" Shen Mo''s eyes widened. He never expected to comprehend such a powerful Nascent Soul technique. Regardless of the martial technique, it could directly double its power! And if it was fire-based, the power would be tripled! Such a simple and brutal technique, yet immensely powerful! If combined with the Green Lotus Core Flame, the resulting power would be... Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile. Power was the foundation of true confidence. He had never felt so at peace with himself. "This is the Nascent Soul Realm!" Shen Mo slowly stood up, and the immense aura around him swept outwards, centered on his body. A pillar of blazing flames shot into the sky. The surrounding grass and trees were instantly reduced to ash. Even the clouds in the sky evaporated in an instant. This astonishing pillar of fire nearly outshone the brilliance of the sun. The aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator spread from the valley in all directions. At its furthest point, it reached the borders of Xuanjiang Prefecture, extending into Jiande Prefecture, Jinshan Prefecture, and beyond. The cultivators near the Qingcang Mountain Range all felt this heart-palpitating aura. They instinctively raised their heads, gazing toward the mountain range. Further away, Golden Core cultivators immediately set off, eager to see who this unknown Nascent Soul cultivator was. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Such an extraordinary pillar of flames was sure to attract a large number of cultivators. He had no intention of revealing his cards just yet. In a low voice, he called out, "Awoo, thank you for guarding me. Many people will arrive soon. You should return underground, and I''ll be leaving too." From the cave, the massive rock python let out a low growl in response, then quickly disappeared. Shen Mo carefully erased any trace of his presence before leaving the area. After he left, Murong Yue and the other Qingxuan Sect cultivators arrived immediately. They stood there in shock, staring at the pillar of flames that showed no sign of fading, unable to say a word for a long time. Shen Mo, having circled around and blended into the crowd, exclaimed in surprise, "Which senior has entered the Nascent Soul Realm? Such an astonishing phenomenon!" ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 189: Anyway, I’m Just Here to Cause Trouble Chapter 189: Anyway, I''m Just Here to Cause Trouble Liu Yuanfeng stared at the fiery pillar of light, heart pounding. "Perhaps it''s some reclusive senior rogue cultivator... After years of hiding, they finally found the treasure they needed and advanced to the Nascent Soul stage," he murmured. Wei Xiongtie and the others nodded in agreement. From just this pillar of fire, they couldn''t discern any distinct martial technique. It didn''t resemble any of the arts from the Five Sects of Xuanjiang. So naturally, it could only be a senior rogue cultivator. Murong Yue''s beautiful eyes sparkled. "Find him! We must find him!" "If this senior rogue cultivator would help our Qingxuan Sect, we''d have no need to worry about Divine Sword Sect anymore!" Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and the others shuddered at her words. Exactly! Only another Nascent Soul cultivator could face a Nascent Soul cultivator. Wasn''t this rogue cultivator their lifeline? "We must find him!" "This senior is our only hope against Divine Sword Sect!" At Murong Yue''s command, Qingxuan Sect launched a full-scale search, sending many of its disciples and deacons far and wide. Like casting a vast net over the land, they were determined to find this "senior rogue cultivator." Three days later. Several more figures arrived at the scene. Among them was Yao Yunluo, the former head of Divine Sword Sect, walking half a step behind another person with a deferential air. This other person had a pale, beardless face and wore a grand purple robe with a white cloud emblem on his chest. Every movement he made exuded a mesmerizing, intimidating aura. "Elder Su, this is where that rogue cultivator advanced to the Nascent Soul stage. Unfortunately, he disappeared before our people could reach him," Yao Yunluo said with a smile. "In the past three days, I''ve spread word that we wish for him to join Divine Sword Sect and join us in answering the Supreme Purity Sect''s summons, yet still, no response." Elder Su clicked his tongue in wonder. "It''s been three days since he broke through, and there''s still a stunning amount of fire spirit energy lingering here." "How grand must the scene have been that day? His Nascent Soul likely contains at least six lotuses!" "It''s a pity he''s so uncooperative; otherwise, he could have joined the summons with Elder Yao, serving as a Nascent Soul elder for the Supreme Purity Sect." Then Elder Su''s tone shifted. "But people with six-lotus Nascent Souls aren''t exactly rare. We don''t need him specifically." "If he''s cooperative, fine. If not, then let him be." "The Supreme Purity Sect won''t waste its efforts." Elder Su waved his hand dismissively. "Let''s go, Elder Yao. Your Nascent Soul celebration is in two days. Make sure you''re ready." Yao Yunluo laughed heartily. "Elder Su, I''ve had everything prepared long ago." At that moment, both Elder Su and Yao Yunluo sensed something and looked toward the sky. A brilliant streak of light appeared suddenly, plummeting like a fierce wind filled with a thick aroma of alcohol. Elder Su gave a cold snort and waved his hand, dispersing the dust stirred up by the wind. So as not to be caught in a faceful of dust. With the dust cleared, everyone could finally see the figure who had arrived. Standing there was a hearty, bearded man with a rugged build. Dressed awkwardly in a purple elder''s robe, his chest bare and his thick chest hair exposed. The robe''s hem was wrinkled, with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing muscular forearms. A wine gourd hung from his waist, releasing a strong alcoholic scent. This man looked more like a country farmer than an ethereal cultivator! "L Dongxuan, is that you?" Elder Su''s eyes filled with surprise and anger, tinged with a hint of fear. "You know me? But I don''t know you," the rugged man took a swig of wine and grinned. Elder Su snorted coldly. "I am Su Changqing! A Nascent Soul elder of the Supreme Purity Sect!" L Dongxuan scratched his head. "Oh, and who''s Su Beifeng to you?" Su Changqing replied proudly, "He''s my second uncle! The tenth elder of the Supreme Purity Sect! The only one to hold the position with a Nascent Soul level cultivation!" L Dongxuan laughed heartily. "Well, it''s funny you say that. Just before I got here, I happened to give him a good beating. And this wine? I swiped it from him!" L Dongxuan patted the wine gourd at his waist, showing it off. Su Changqing''s face twisted with anger. "You!" L Dongxuan waved dismissively. "Scram. I got my hands on some fine wine today, so I''m in a good mood. I won''t bother with the likes of you." Yao Yunluo frowned, about to speak. But Su Changqing stopped him, glaring coldly at the burly man. "L Dongxuan, one day, someone will put you in your place." "We''re leaving!" L Dongxuan spoke leisurely, "Hold it." Su Changqing''s body froze. L Dongxuan dug into his ear, flicking a bit of earwax off into the distance. "I think I heard something about a celebration just now?" Su Changqing said nothing. L Dongxuan chuckled. "I love a lively event. If that celebration is two days from now, count me inI''ll be there to cheer you on!" "Alright, off you go." With that, he squatted down, carefully examining the scorch marks on the ground. "Let''s go," Su Changqing signaled. The members of Divine Sword Sect hurriedly made their exit. Only once they were clear of the Qingcang Mountains did Yao Yunluo speak softly, "Elder Su, who exactly is this L Dongxuan? You seemed a bit" Su Changqing''s expression darkened. "Though he''s only at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, he''s already the strongest Nascent Soul cultivator in the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Many of our Supreme Purity Sect''s Nascent Soul cultivators have been defeated by him." "Especially my second uncle... His winemaking skills have made him a constant target, and now he''s been robbed of his wine on top of it..." At this point, Su Changqing wanted to hide his face. Damn it, how embarrassing! Yao Yunluo gave an awkward smile. "No matter Our Supreme Purity Sect stands as the top sect in Yuzhou''s triad. We certainly have individuals capable of keeping L Dongxuan in check!" Su Changqing''s expression lightened as he nodded. "Of course. That prodigy recently reached the eight-lotus Nascent Soul stage. He only entered the Nascent Soul stage a month ago, so catching up to L Dongxuan might be difficult for now." "Let''s head back. Once you''re in the Supreme Purity Sect, you''ll see for yourself." "For now, the most important thing is to ensure the Nascent Soul celebration goes well... And we must have enough fine wineonly the best brews! Otherwise, that brute L Dongxuan will seize the chance to stir up trouble!" "Understood," Yao Yunluo agreed. Back in the valley. L Dongxuan drank while inspecting the scorch marks on the ground, clicking his tongue in admiration. "Not bad at all. This Nascent Soul must be at least six lotuses." "That Su Changqing came all the way here, probably trying to recruit this person." "This guy didn''t even consider Supreme Purity Sect''s invitationnow that''s interesting." L Dongxuan smacked his lips. "Too bad I couldn''t recruit him for Jade Cauldron Sect. What a shame" He paced in circles, thinking for a long while. "Hmm But what if Su Changqing, fearing me, really does stock the celebration with enough wine? How will I make a scene then?" "Hmm If he does have enough wine, I''ll say it''s cheap stuff, a poor attempt to fool me!" "But what if he brings out the finest wine? Well, then I''ll just say the side dishes are awful!" "Either way, I''m here to cause trouble!" With a hearty chuckle, he transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for the tavern in the nearest town. ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 190: Shen’er, Leave—Go as Far as You Can from Xuanjiang Prefecture Chapter 190: Shen''er, LeaveGo as Far as You Can from Xuanjiang Prefecture In the dead of night, the Qingxuan Sect was eerily silent. An air of anxiety seemed to permeate every corner. When disciples of the Qingxuan Sect crossed paths, they exchanged glances without speaking, unsure of what to say. It was as if a massive sword hung above each of their heads, sinking lower with every passing moment. The pressure was enough to drive even the most resolute cultivators to madness. At this moment, in the Sect Master''s courtyard. Shen Mo sat across from Murong Yue. Murong Yue''s beautiful eyes were fixed on Shen Mo, as though she was trying to etch his face into her memory. Shen Mo asked casually, "How are things lately?" Murong Yue spoke softly, "Several of the secondary and primary sects that relied on us have declared independence and turned to the Divine Sword Sect." "Yang Tianxing, the Sect Master of Purple Star Sect, who had once submitted to us, has been causing trouble since the news spread of Yao Yunluo''s advancement to the Nascent Soul stage. His disciples have seized several of our assets." "Even rogue cultivators are taking advantage, occasionally ambushing our properties, stealing our spirit stones and treasures." "Wei Xiongtie and Elder Li have been severely injured. Elder Li even lost an arm and is recuperating." "As for the deacons and disciples, many more have been injured or even killed." "Anyone traveling under the Qingxuan Sect name is likely to fall victim to a hidden strike." "These people don''t dare confront us openly, but they know how to hit when we''re downand they hit hard." "They all believe that Qingxuan Sect is doomed and that Divine Sword Sect will be the ultimate victor." Shen Mo nodded and asked, "Still no trace of that rogue Nascent Soul cultivator?" Murong Yue gave a bitter smile. "None." "It''s as though he vanished, refusing all invitations." "Not only ourseven Divine Sword Sect''s invitation was declined, and that was a ticket into the Supreme Purity Sect..." "We can''t rely on that rogue cultivator any longer." Shen Mo looked puzzled. "Does Master have another plan?" Murong Yue''s voice was solemn. "Yes, of course." "Shen''er, don''t attend the Nascent Soul celebration tomorrow." "These are the most valuable treasures from the sect''s vault. Take them and leave Xuanjiang Prefecture tonight." Murong Yue took a deep breath and handed him her storage ring. Shen Mo accepted it. It still held her warmth and carried her fragrance. "This" Shen Mo was taken aback. Murong Yue continued, "Head toward Jinshan Prefecture. There are only a few struggling sects along the way; no one will be able to stop you." "Do not travel by flight energy; it will make you easy to detect. Many eyes are on us" "Since Yao Yunluo advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, countless people have turned their backs. Purple Star Sect, Liejiang Sectthey''d gladly work as Yao Yunluo''s lackeys, storming into Qingxuan Sect to capture the two of us alive." Murong Yue reached out, her hand trembling as she caressed Shen Mo''s cheek. Shen Mo felt it. Her hand was ice-cold. Murong Yue continued, "All I want is for you to live well. Even if you seek revenge, there''s no need to rush." "You have the talent and the time. One day, you''ll reach the Nascent Soul stage, and one day, you''ll be able to kill Yao Yunluo." "Don''t gamble your life on a moment of impulse." Shen Mo couldn''t help but smile bitterly. He hadn''t expected Murong Yue to plan out his escape. Even entrusting him with the entire Qingxuan Sect''s legacy. It was clear that in Murong Yue''s heart, he was the rightful next master of Qingxuan Sect. "I''ve even found a disciple among our ranks who resembles you in build and appearance. He''s agreed to disguise himself as you at the celebration, willing to sacrifice himself for the sect." "Don''t worry about me. My life is insignificant, but you are Qingxuan Sect''s hope for revival." Murong Yue offered a gentle smile. She looked like a worried, chattering mother. Shen Mo wanted to speak, but Murong Yue raised a delicate finger to silence him. "Don''t say a word, and don''t refuse." "I don''t want to see you die in front of me." Murong Yue took a deep breath, as if to banish all the sorrow from her mind. Shen Mo shook his head resolutely. "Master, how could I abandon the sect?" "To me, the Qingxuan Sect is important, but you''re even more important." "I can''t do this." He took Murong Yue''s fair hand and slid the storage ring back onto her ring finger. Murong Yue gazed at him, stunned. In an instant, hot tears fell from her reddened eyes like pearls. Murong Yue instinctively tightened her grip on Shen Mo''s hand. Her knuckles turned white, and her nails dug into her palms. She trembled, her voice choked with sobs. "You you really" Shen Mo gently wiped away her tears. "Who can say for sure that tomorrow''s Nascent Soul celebration won''t bring a twist?" "That rogue cultivator, choosing to break through in the Qingcang Mountains, may have done so because of a favor from our Qingxuan Sect. He might have chosen that place intentionally." "Perhaps he''ll appear tomorrow to turn the tide." "And even if he doesn''t, to die alongside my master would be a life well spent." A trace of shyness flickered in Murong Yue''s eyes. Her cheeks flushed as though she''d had too much to drink. "Shen''er" For reasons she couldn''t explain, Murong Yue suddenly felt weak and fell into Shen Mo''s embrace. In that instant, Shen Mo felt the warmth and softness in his arms. There was no denying it. She was indeed well-endowed. Murong Yue immediately shrieked as if startled, quickly retreating and floating midair. "I I''m feeling a bit warm. I''m going outside for some fresh air. You you don''t need to follow!" Without another word, she flew off in haste, heading toward the Qingcang Mountains. Shen Mo smiled knowingly. It was rare to see Murong Yue reveal such a shy, girlish side. After his beautiful master left, Shen Mo''s gaze turned sharp. "Nascent Soul celebration?" "Tomorrow will mark the grand funeral of Divine Sword Sect!" Divine Sword City. The Nascent Soul celebration commenced as scheduled. The city''s central martial arena was cleared out, transformed into a grand gathering space. Decorations hung everywhere, and the air was filled with music and dancing. Everyone wore bright smiles. It felt like a festival. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And indeed, it was. To celebrate Yao Yunluo''s advancement to the Nascent Soul stage, Divine Sword Sect opened its grain stores, hosting a grand banquet across Divine Sword City. The feast extended from the southern to the northern gates and from east to west. The common folk of Divine Sword City feasted happily, expressing their gratitude toward Divine Sword Sect. Unbeknownst to them, a significant portion of this food had been harvested through their own labor, handed over to Divine Sword Sect as tribute. Now Divine Sword Sect was simply returning what was theirs, yet they earned the people''s praise for it. At this moment, Yao Yunluo, Luo Chaotian, and others stood on a high platform, beaming with pride. A large number of cultivators from the Core Formation stage had gathered from all over, standing respectfully and smiling as they lined up. "Purple Star Sect! Sect Master Yang Tianxing presents a pair of Purple Jade Bowls!" "Liejiang Sect! Sect Master Jiang Chen presents a pair of Thunder Essences!" "Great Rock Sect! Sect Master Shi Yan presents three Earth Essences!" "Flying Sands Sect! Sect Master Sha Ziqiang presents five ounces of Golden Sand!" A string of names and gifts rolled off Ouyang Cang''s tongue. Each one made Yao Yunluo and Luo Chaotian grin wider. "Prefect of Giant River City, Ji Shilong, has arrived! He presents a Wine God Peony!" Ouyang Cang exclaimed in surprise. Yao Yunluo raised his brows in mild astonishment and cupped his hands toward the imposing man. "Prefect Ji, an honor, truly an honor." ? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 191: Record Qingxuan Sect’s Gift – One Low-Grade Spirit Stone Chapter 191: Record Qingxuan Sect''s Gift C One Low-Grade Spirit Stone Ji Shilong smiled, "Congratulations, Elder Yao. From now on, you are officially an elder of the Shangqing Sect." "With this, Xuanjiang Prefecture is finally unified. Truly, congratulations are in order!" Luo Chaotian gave a faint smile, "Things didn''t go exactly as Governor Ji anticipated, yet you don''t seem displeased, Governor." Ji Shilong laughed heartily, "My only aim has always been to serve the court. As long as Xuanjiang Prefecture can be used for the court''s benefit, that''s enough for me." Luo Chaotian cupped his hands respectfully, "Governor Ji, your broad-mindedness is admirable. I am humbled." Ji Shilong smiled, "Oh, by the way, this is my attendant, Luo Shuanghan." "Luo Shuanghan, greet everyone." Luo Shuanghan nodded, feeling nervous as he glanced at Luo Chaotian. Luo Chaotian looked pleased and praised, "This attendant by Governor Ji''s side is clearly a person of exceptional talent, not one to remain ordinary!" Ji Shilong chuckled, "His abilities are due to his father''s fine upbringing, not to my credit." "If his father is willing to join the court, I would be even happier." Luo Chaotian laughed, "With the current circumstances, I''m sure everyone can see the direction things are headed. I believe his father will come to the same conclusion." Hearing this response, Ji Shilong nodded. Yao Yunluo and Luo Chaotian exchanged glances, and Yao Yunluo smiled, "Someone, please guide Governor Ji to a seat of honor!" At the celebration, seating was divided between honor seats and regular seats. The honor seats were reserved for those of high standing. At this moment, the only one occupying an honor seat was Su Changqing. As time passed, more and more cultivators arrived in Divine Sword City. Anyone with a noteworthy reputation had earned the right to a seat. Ji Shilong''s arrival gave the cultivators a sense of relief. It seemed that the fate of Xuanjiang Prefecture was sealed. The Divine Sword Sect would inevitably unify the prefecture. The question now was whether they would oppose the court or submit to it. Judging by the amicable exchange between Ji Shilong and Luo Chaotian, it appeared Xuanjiang Prefecture''s submission to the court was imminent. Everyone was weighing their options, thinking about how to align with the prevailing powers and maximize their benefit, rather than going against the tide and facing ruin. "Master, the Verdant Vine Sect has arrived," Luo Chaotian remarked with a subtle movement of his eyes. Yao Yunluo''s expression remained unchanged as he looked toward the newcomers. Leading them were the Verdant Vine Sect''s master, Mo Hanshan, and the young master, Mo Yuheng. Behind them were several elders of the Verdant Vine Sect, all loyal companions of Mo Hanshan. Even in these circumstances, they had not abandoned the Verdant Vine Sect. Mo Hanshan cupped his hands in greeting, "Greetings, Elder Yao." Yao Yunluo smiled faintly, "Mo Hanshan? I knew your grandfather; he was once defeated by me." "Your status is too low for the honor seats. Take a seat at the end of the regular section." Mo Hanshan felt a surge of humiliation but could only bow and obey, "Thank you, Elder Yao." "Why hasn''t the Qingxuan Sect arrived yet?" Luo Chaotian frowned. Ouyang Cang whispered, "Liu Yuanfeng reported that Qingxuan Sect set out some time ago, and neither Murong Yue nor Shen Mo attempted to flee." "They''ll come; they''re likely to be among the last to arrive." Luo Chaotian nodded. Soon, the regular seats were filled. Yao Yunluo, no longer needing to greet the younger Core Formation cultivators, took his place at the honor seats and chatted merrily with Su Changqing. They spoke of amusing incidents among the three major sects of Yuzhou. Most eyes in the crowd were fixed on the two of them, enviously watching. Only these two had the status to engage in such conversation. Everyone else was beneath their notice. This was the power of Nascent Soul cultivators; this was the prestige of the Shangqing Sect. At that moment, a hearty laugh suddenly resounded from above. Then, a robust figure appeared in the midst of the celebration. "Well, has the celebration already begun?" "Seems I, L Dongxuan, am a bit late." "What kind of wine did you prepare for this event? If it''s too scarce or too poor, I might have to disrupt things!" As his words ended, Su Changqing and Yao Yunluo''s faces stiffened, their good mood instantly vanishing. Everyone turned towards the direction of the voice. They saw an odd-looking cultivator. Despite wearing an elaborate elder''s robe, he looked like a rustic farmer. If he had a hoe, he''d perfectly resemble a village farmhand. "Where did this rogue cultivator come from? Get lost, get lost!" A Core Formation stage cultivator, his eyes darting around, stood up and sternly reprimanded. Clearly, this was the perfect time to curry favor. Whoever spoke up first would gain favor with Yao Yunluo and the Divine Sword Sect! L Dongxuan scratched his head, "What''s going on? Isn''t this Nascent Soul celebration welcoming me?" Just as he finished speaking, Yao Yunluo flicked his finger, sending a strand of spiritual energy shooting forward. In an instant, the Core Formation cultivator''s head exploded into a cloud of blood mist. His headless body toppled backward. The lively celebration instantly froze, turning colder than a winter''s night. "Drag him out and feed him to the dogs," Yao Yunluo commanded with a wave of his hand. Su Changqing remarked coolly, "No one is unwelcome here, L Dongxuan. Help yourself to the wine." L Dongxuan scratched his head and muttered, "Damn cleared out the troublemaker before I could even start causing a scene" With a casual cough, he found a spot, sat down, and started gulping wine straight from a jar, completely ignoring the shocked expressions of the surrounding cultivators. The cultivators exchanged bewildered glances at L Dongxuan. They''d never heard of anyone like him in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Moreover, the one who dared to confront L Dongxuan was a Core Formation cultivator, yet Yao Yunluo had killed him without hesitation. Who exactly was this man? Curiosity about L Dongxuan''s identity rippled through the gathering. After this brief interruption, the celebration resumed its boisterous pace. People drank and ate heartily, the festivities in full swing. Time ticked on. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the final groupthe main act of the day. Before long, a shrill voice announced: "The Qingxuan Sect has arrived!" All eyes immediately turned to the entrance of the celebration. Sure enough, a group had appeared there, though they were only about a dozen in number. Leading them were none other than Murong Yue and Shen Mo. Behind them stood Liu Yuanfeng, Wei Xiongtie, Elder Li, and others. Luo Chaotian smirked, "Deputy Sect Master Ouyang, I''m feeling a bit tired. I''ll leave this last group to you." With that, he took his seat among the honored guests. Understanding perfectly, Ouyang Cang strode forward, blocking Murong Yue and Shen Mo''s path. "Sect Master Murong, as per custom, the Qingxuan Sect should present a gift to join the celebration. Without a gift, you cannot participate." Murong Yue raised her brow. Sending the deputy sect master to greet her, the sect master, was clearly intended as an insult. Requiring a gift to attend what was essentially a trap? It was an insult to both her and her sect! Shen Mo laughed loudly, "Of course we have a gift. Wait here." He reached into his storage ring and pulled out a rough, low-grade spirit stone, tossing it at Ouyang Cang, hitting him squarely. "Record this: Qingxuan Sect''s gift, one low-grade spirit stone!" Ouyang Cang''s face darkened. The entire assembly of cultivators reacted, stunned. Damn, that''s bold. True fearlessnessyou have to hand it to Shen Mo! Yao Yunluo''s gaze turned icy. "Shen Mo, do you really think that because today is a celebration, I wouldn''t dare spill blood?" "If I kill someone first today, it''ll be you!" L Dongxuan cleared his throat and spoke up loudly, "Can I say something?" Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The unlucky bootlicker who just tried to flatter you was actually the first person you killed today. Maybe your old age is messing with your memory?" Yao Yunluo''s face froze, his expression turning angry as he glared at L Dongxuan. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 192: Today, I Will Turn This Celebration Into Your Funeral Chapter 192: Today, I Will Turn This Celebration Into Your Funeral Shen Mo glanced with interest at the rugged man standing before him. This man dared to speak so brazenly to a Nascent Soul cultivator, and while Yao Yunluo could only show a look of anger without making a move, it was enough to indicate that this person was special. Either his status was exceptional, or his strength was overwhelming. Shen Mo was thoughtful. For such a person to appear at a Nascent Soul celebration... could he be from one of the three major sects in Yuzhou? Sensing Shen Mo''s gaze, Lu Dongxuan also looked his way. After a brief glance, Lu Dongxuan let out a surprised hum. He could feel a faint sense of threat emanating from Shen Mo. Could it be that his instincts had judged Shen Mo to possess such power? Lu Dongxuan was becoming increasingly intrigued. It seemed that attending this Nascent Soul celebration had been the right choice! "Heh heh, this should be interesting." Lu Dongxuan picked up a jug of good wine and began guzzling it. Yao Yunluo took a deep breath and looked at Shen Mo. "Brat, do you even know who stands before you?" Shen Mo chuckled. "I know exactly what you want me to say." "But let me tell you thisyou haven''t arrived at the Shangqing Sect yet; you''re not yet a Nascent Soul elder of Shangqing Sect." "As of now, you''re still just the old sect master of the Divine Sword Sect." "Don''t think too highly of yourself!" The entire venue fell silent after those words. A Golden Core cultivator daring to speak to a Nascent Soul cultivator like this... Usually, that meant they didn''t plan on living much longer. Yao Yunluo was so enraged he laughed. "Well, well, well! I''ve been in seclusion for nearly a century, and yet, here I am encountering such an arrogant junior." "No respect for your elders! No regard for your predecessors!" "Chaotian, if someone like this were a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, how would he be dealt with?" Luo Chaotian stood immediately. "Public execution!" With those words, the celebration''s atmosphere dropped to a freezing point. Mo Hanshan, Liu Menghu, and others wore expressions of sorrow. Mo Yuheng could barely bring herself to look at Shen Mo. The next moment, Yao Yunluo flicked his finger, sending out a fierce thread of spiritual energy. After releasing this strand of energy, he turned his back, hands behind him, not bothering to watch further. The thread of spiritual energy swiftly coalesced into a flying sword mid-air, aimed directly at Shen Mo''s neck! Its speed was so swift that no Golden Core cultivator could react. Even those at the peak of the Golden Core stage would be helpless. Against such an attack, any cultivator below the Nascent Soul stage was as slow as a tortoise. It was expected that only Su Changqing and Lu Dongxuan could intercept this strike. However, seated above, Su Changqing remained motionless, indifferent towards someone on the brink of death. Since Shen Mo had crossed Yao Yunluo, he deserved to diethere was nothing more to say. Lu Dongxuan also refrained from intervening, watching Shen Mo intently with his bowl of wine. Only when the lethal flying sword was about to strike did Murong Yue barely react. Her pupils shrank as she instinctively tried to pull Shen Mo behind her. Yet, she found that Shen Mo''s body was as immovable as a mountain, too heavy for her to budge. "Shen..." Murong Yue''s beautiful eyes widened as she managed to utter one word. The next instant, the sword-shaped spiritual energy struck Shen Mo''s neck. Clang! A metallic clang echoed out. Two lush, towering evergreen trees stood tall. They effortlessly blocked the attack. After all, this was merely a casual flick of spiritual energy from Yao Yunluo, at most only a tenth of his full power. After the strike, the massive trees remained towering and undisturbed, with Shen Mo unharmed. A smile tugged at his lips, his expression mocking. Luo Chaotian, Ouyang Cang, Yang Tianxing, and others, seeing this scene, first looked utterly stunned, followed by a deep-seated fear that rose from within. They weren''t fools. They naturally understood what had just happened. A Golden Core cultivatoreven one at the peakcould never have withstood that blow. Yet Shen Mo could withstand it. That left only one possible answer. He, too, was at the Nascent Soul stage! A spark of astonishment ignited in Lu Dongxuan''s eyes, his grin stretching nearly to his ears. Just as he''d guessed! Su Changqing sensed the change in the atmosphere, looking over with a frown, his expression subtly shifting. Mo Hanshan, Mo Yuheng, Liu Menghu, and others felt as if they had countless words to express, yet something seemed to lodge in their throats. In the end, they could only produce strained, meaningless gasps. Everyone who had witnessed this scene was left speechless, stunned to the core. Yao Yunluo, with his hands still behind him, stood with his back to the crowd. The metallic clang echoed, and his expression immediately changed as he turned around. There, he saw Shen Mo unscathed, with two towering, lush evergreen trees standing firmly behind him! "You''re a Nascent Soul cultivator!" Yao Yunluo''s eyes widened in disbelief. His words struck the crowd like a boulder thrown into a lake, causing waves of shock to ripple through the hall. "Shen Mo is actually at the Nascent Soul stage?" "The recent phenomenon in the Qingcang Mountains could he be the reclusive senior that Divine Sword Sect and Qingxuan Sect invited?!" "Heavens, he''s so young and already in the Nascent Soul stage?" The cultivators were unable to hide their shock, and the hall erupted in astonished murmurs. This grand celebration had suddenly become chaotic with noise. "Shen" Murong Yue clasped Shen Mo''s hand tightly, unable to believe her eyes or ears. She needed to hear it from Shen Mo himself. "Master, I am indeed the reclusive senior that all the cultivators of Xuanjiang Prefecture were searching for. I am a Nascent Soul cultivator!" Shen Mo met her gaze and replied with a gentle smile. Tears welled up in Murong Yue''s eyes. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yao Yunluo, today, I will turn this celebration into your funeral!" With resolute strides, Shen Mo approached the main seat, his voice steady, each word laced with intensity as his expression transformed from warmth to sharpness. Murong Yue, Wei Xiongtie, Mo Hanshan, Mo Yuheng, Yang Tianxing countless others had his figure etched deeply in their minds at that moment. This young, towering figure was forever imprinted in their memories. Yao Yunluo took a deep breath, then burst into laughter. "Good! Good! Good!" With each "good," his tone grew heavier, and his fury intensified. "A mere brat dared to deceive me, forcing my Divine Sword Sect to search in vain for days!" "You think that just because you''ve entered the Nascent Soul stage, you can stand against me?" "Delusional!" "You said you''d turn this celebration into my funeral?" "No, it''s your funeral!" "You arrogant, impulsive youth, you have no future. You''ve only just entered the Nascent Soul stage and already face imminent death!" "I will grind your bones to dust and extinguish your nascent soul right here!" Yao Yunluo''s powerful voice reverberated throughout Divine Sword City. In an instant. Dark clouds gathered, the sun vanished, fierce winds howled, and the foreboding signs of a thunderstorm appeared! The wrath of a Nascent Soul cultivator was enough to summon storm clouds and shake the heavens! "Golden Light Flying Sword!" Yao Yunluo raised his hand, forming it into a sword, and unleashed a powerful strike. With this sword, he channeled the golden spiritual energy of heaven and earth. In a mere few breaths, it condensed into a massive flying sword, fifty feet long. It far exceeded the limits of any Golden Core cultivator''s power. The sword pressed down from above, seeming as if it would slice through both heaven and earth. All the cultivators present were gripped by terror, feeling as if each one of them was the sword''s target. "Strike!" Yao Yunluo''s gaze was as cold as ice as he brought the sword down. ???? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ???? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ???? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ???? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 193: Killing You is Merely Routine Sect Conflict in Xuanjiang Prefecture Chapter 193: Killing You is Merely Routine Sect Conflict in Xuanjiang Prefecture Facing this sword strike, Shen Mo simply smiled. The Golden Light Flying Swordit wasn''t as though he hadn''t heard of it. This technique could only be comprehended upon reaching the highest levels of the Sword of Longevity cultivation method. It drew upon the golden spiritual energy of heaven and earth to manifest a flying sword. At the peak of the Golden Core stage, cultivators could create a sword up to fifteen feet in length. But as an entry-level Nascent Soul cultivator, Yao Yunluo had instantly formed a fifty-foot sword. Since it was infused with golden spiritual energy, it was extraordinarily sharp, capable of piercing anything. Yet, it still wasn''t enough to break through his defenses. Shen Mo promptly summoned his spiritual energy, casting the Four Directional Profound Gate. Golden spiritual energy from all directions gathered around him, forming four towering bronze gates. The two evergreen trees bore the brunt of the Golden Light Flying Sword''s attack. After five breaths, the first tree shattered. After fifteen breaths, the second tree was also severed. The glow of the Golden Light Flying Sword dimmed significantly. At the same time, Shen Mo''s Four Directional Profound Gate had fully materialized. Clang! A metallic clash echoed through the air. The closest cultivators felt as if their ears were struck, and blood trickled down from them. Even those furthest away heard a ringing in their ears that refused to fade. As for the tables, chairs, and benches at the celebration, they were all blown to pieces, scattered in every direction. Only the table before Lu Dongxuan remained untouched. The wind howled, debris flew, and dust obscured the battlefield. In the midst of the turmoil, Shen Mo and Yao Yunluo stood facing each other. With minimal effort, Shen Mo had blocked Yao Yunluo''s strike. He spoke calmly. "Yao Yunluo, where is your Nascent Soul treasure technique? If you don''t use it now, you won''t get another chance." Yao Yunluo roared, "Brat, die!" The cultivators outside the battlefield couldn''t see the clash clearly, but hearing Shen Mo''s calm tone, they were equally stunned. "From Shen Mo''s tone, it sounds like he blocked Yao Yunluo''s attack with ease." "They''re going to use Nascent Soul treasure techniques? I''ve heard they''re extraordinarily powerful!" "Step back! Make sure you don''t get caught in the aftermath!" The cultivators hastily retreated, fearing the misfortune of being struck by the backlash from the two Nascent Soul cultivators. At that moment, Shen Mo sensed an unusual power surging around Yao Yunluo. It wasn''t spiritual energy. Shen Mo''s mind stirred. That power was strangely similar to his own Nascent Soul. It was clear that Yao Yunluo, ignited by anger, was now activating his Nascent Soul treasure technique! "Every Nascent Soul treasure technique is unique and serves as each Nascent Soul cultivator''s greatest trump card." "What could his treasure technique be?" Shen Mo''s left hand moved slightly, and an unusual red light began to gather in his palm. This was his Nascent Soul treasure technique: . A powerful force surged around Yao Yunluo, rapidly forming the figure of a general wielding a treasured sword. The general was massive, towering over fifty feet tall, like a giant straddling the heavens and the earth. Armored head to toe, he held a gleaming sword in his right hand. "Swordblade Giant General! Strike!" Pointing at Shen Mo, Yao Yunluo shouted fiercely. The giant general raised the sword with both hands and slashed down with immense force! "So, this is the Swordblade Giant General? It''s like a personified treasure technique." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Then let me show you my Nascent Soul treasure technique." With a wave of his right hand, the Red Lotus Flames surged forth. In an instant, his right hand transformed into a blade, and the mystical flame grew in the wind, swelling to fifty feet. This was the second technique of the , fused with the Red Lotus Flames! As the blue blade solidified, Shen Mo ran his left hand along its length, from the hilt to the tip. A mysterious power immediately merged into the blue blade. To the eye, the size and heat of the blue blade appeared unchanged. Yet, for some reason, when Yao Yunluo looked at it, a primal fear seized his heart. His body, honed from countless battles, warned him. This strike was exceptionally powerful. He was no match for it! He had to evade! Yao Yunluo could hardly believe it. "Impossible... How could this young upstart be stronger than me?" "Unless his Nascent Soul is superior to mine..." "But that''s impossible! I''ve spent a hundred years in seclusion, and the entire Divine Sword Sect, along with its affiliate sects, has been gathering resources to nourish my growth lotus." "Shen Mo, a lone individualeven with Qingxuan Sect''s helpcould never have a stronger Nascent Soul than mine!" Yao Yunluo took a deep breath, forcing down his anxiety. What he''d felt must have been an illusion. In the next moment, Shen Mo''s red blade collided with the Swordblade Giant General. Boom! The red blade sliced cleanly through the Giant General, as effortlessly as cutting through soft tofu. Without losing momentum, the blade continued directly toward Yao Yunluo! Yao Yunluo''s pupils shrank to pinpoints. He never imagined that his Nascent Soul treasure technique would fail to hold off Shen Mo''s attack, even for an instant! Completely overpowered! Instinctively, Yao Yunluo activated a defensive martial technique, conjuring a giant sword before him. Boom! The red blade struck Yao Yunluo, shattering the sword and slicing through him at the waist. The blade''s momentum didn''t wane, cleaving through the cloud of dust and continuing far into the sky. The strike split the dust, allowing the cultivators outside to glimpse Shen Mo and Yao Yunluo''s battle. Thud. Two halves fell heavily to the ground with a dull thump. The stunned cultivators looked closer and saw that it was none other than Yao Yunluo''s body! This old sect master of Divine Sword Sect, the future elder of Shangqing Sect, a dignified Nascent Soul cultivator, had been sliced cleanly in half! "Ahh!" Yao Yunluo screamed in agony. Red flames clung to his wounds, burning his flesh relentlessly. Even if he used his spiritual power to suppress it, the flame would burn for at least another hour or two. This was the fearsome power of a strange flame! Whoosh! A fierce wind swept away the remaining dust, revealing a tall figure standing firm. Dressed in blue, he floated in midair, entirely unscathed. It was Shen Mo! This scene struck every cultivator in attendance like a tidal wave. Shen Mo had won! Yao Yunluo was defeated! A seasoned elder with a wealth of battle experience had been severed at the waist by a young man barely in his twenties! Murong Yue''s eyes sparkled with uncontrollable excitement. Cultivators from Qingxuan Sect and Verdant Vine Sect looked on with the same radiant light in their eyes. It was hope! It was ecstasy! With a flicker, Shen Mo appeared in front of Yao Yunluo. He planted his foot firmly on Yao Yunluo''s chest, looking down at him from above. Even though he had been cut in half, Yao Yunluo''s life wasn''t extinguished yethis formidable Nascent Soul vitality prevented a swift death. It was merely a grievous injury. Shen Mo was here to finish the job. To utterly end his life! Sensing Shen Mo''s murderous intent, Yao Yunluo roared, "Do you dare kill me? I am an elder of Shangqing Sect!" "If you kill me, you''ll face endless pursuit from Shangqing Sect!" "No matter how exceptional your talent is, can you withstand a sect''s relentless pursuit?!" "Even if you can flee, can Qingxuan Sect escape?!" Each statement was a piercing strike to the heart. Indeed, even if Yao Yunluo were severely injured, would Shen Mo truly dare to kill him? He was, after all, an elder of Shangqing Sect! At this moment, Murong Yue nearly spoke up, wanting Shen Mo to take heed and stop here. But she sensed his unyielding resolve and closed her mouth, saying nothing. Shen Mo''s gaze remained calm. "Yao Yunluo, you''re really getting old and forgetful." "I told you beforeyou are not yet an elder of Shangqing Sect. You''re merely the former sect master of Divine Sword Sect." "Killing you is nothing more than routine sect conflict in Xuanjiang Prefecture!" Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???? 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Patreon.com/anish_44 Chapter 194: Surrender, and You Shall Live; Resist, and Death Awaits Chapter 194: Surrender, and You Shall Live; Resist, and Death Awaits The whole crowd was shocked. Each person felt the undisguised killing intent emanating from Shen Mo. They also sensed his unwavering resolve. More critically, Shen Mo was right. Before Yao Yunluo officially arrived at the Shangqing Sect, he was not formally recognized as a Shangqing Sect Nascent Soul Elder. The battleand life-or-death strugglebetween Shen Mo and Yao Yunluo was merely a factional conflict within the Xuanjing Prefecture. Su Changqing suddenly stood up. The energy of a Nascent Soul cultivator burst forth. His voice was cold and commanding, "Shen Mo, take your foot off!" "Yao Yunluo is an elder of my Shangqing Sect; I say he is, so he is!" "Your victory is clear, but if you intend to kill him, I, Su Changqing, will not permit it, nor will the Shangqing Sect!" The surrounding cultivators'' hearts subtly shifted. Particularly those from the Qingxuan and Verdant Vine Sects. They understood deeply that the Shangqing Sect must not be dragged into this. Otherwise, it would lead to endless trouble in the future. A cold glint surfaced in Shen Mo''s eyes. He had come this far and had no intention of leaving a threat alive. If he let Yao Yunluo go, and the man became a Shangqing Sect elder, he might not be able to target Shen Mo directly, but he would surely bring his wrath upon the Qingxuan Sect. Shen Mo looked at Su Changqing, assessing the gap in their strengths. He had already used his Nascent Soul technique. Su Changqing, meanwhile, was at his peak. And clearly, Su Changqing''s cultivation level was above his own. But if a confrontation was unavoidable, Shen Mo would not retreat. At worst, he would burn his lifespan to use his Nascent Soul technique once more! With the power of the Blazing Sun Origin, victory and defeat were far from certain! Shen Mo''s face was calm and unreadable. He stated flatly, "The one I intend to kill, no one can save. That''s my word." Suddenly, he lifted his foot and stomped down hard as Yao Yunluo looked on in terror. A wet squelch. Yao Yunluo''s head burst open like a melon. Blood and brain matter splattered everywhere! Then, a small, palm-sized white figure flew out, desperately trying to flee. Shen Mo seized it and crushed it to dust on the spot. The newly formed Nascent Soul was exceptionally fragile once separated from its host body, unable to defend itself at all. Such a sightNascent Soul cultivators were figures who could shake the foundations of a prefecture, yet this one was squashed like a mere insectleft the entire gathering in dumbstruck silence. Furious, Su Changqing''s voice roared out, "You dare kill a Shangqing Sect elder? You''re courting death!" He gathered his spirit power, ready to strike at Shen Mo. Shen Mo remained unfazed, his left hand bracing, building power. A voice, mocking and playful, cut in. "Hey, Su Changqing, I don''t exactly agree with you." Everyone turned to look. It was the man who had been drinking fine wine earlier. Su Changqing seethed with irritation. Yes, L Dongxuan, you had defeated several Nascent Soul elders before you came here. Of course, Yao Yunluo wouldn''t have been among them. That was obvious. "L Dongxuan, must you interfere?" Su Changqing growled, his voice frosty. L Dongxuan shook his head. "I only have something to say." He cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Frankly, I''m very dissatisfied with this Nascent Soul celebration today." "Sure, the drinks flowed freely, all top-notch. The appetizers were good too, but the atmosphere was lacking. There''s no singing or dancing!" "I, L Dongxuan, an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect, attend your celebration, and you didn''t even arrange a performance?" "Are you looking down on me or the Jade Cauldron Sect?" "I''m a reasonable person; I''ll teach those who disrespect me some reason!" As he said this, he rolled up his sleeves, revealing his fists. Ready to talk sense, his way. Su Changqing''s heart skipped a beat as he instinctively took half a step back. Realizing his own reaction, he was filled with both anger and embarrassment. He hadn''t expected to instinctively fear L Dongxuan so much. The man''s reputation truly preceded him! "Elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect?" "One of the three great sects of Yuzhouthe Jade Cauldron Sect! I didn''t expect they''d send someone here." "Did you all notice? Elder Su of the Shangqing Sect actually took half a step back instinctively. Just what kind of person is this L Dongxuan, to make even him feel fear?" "I don''t know about anything else, but from L Dongxuan''s words, there''s one clear message." "What message?" "He''s here to cause trouble!" Upon hearing this, Shen Mo also cast a glance toward L Dongxuan, finding himself taking a liking to the man. Noticing Shen Mo''s gaze, L Dongxuan gave a chuckle, acknowledging him with a casual nod. Su Changqing''s face darkened. "L Dongxuan, are you really going to help him?" "Don''t forget, Qingxuan Sect once aligned with the Danhe Sect, not your Jade Cauldron Sect!" "You want to recruit him, but aren''t you worried the Danhe Sect will turn on you?" L Dongxuan let out a strange laugh. "Whether or not we recruit him is none of your concern." "Anyway, I know two things: first, Yao Yunluo still isn''t a Shangqing Sect Nascent Soul Elder, and second, this Nascent Soul celebration without any music and dancing has really put me in a foul mood. I''m here to stir things up!" With that, he kicked back in his seat, crossing his legs with a relaxed air that made it clear he''d said his piece and would leave the rest to them. The cultivators around looked on, stunned. "Elder Su Elder Su please save us" Luo Chaotian and the other Shenjian Sect cultivators turned pleadingly to Su Changqing. There was still a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Now that Yao Yunluo was dead, they, as members of the Shenjian Sect, would also surely face death before long. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Changqing was the only one left who might save them! Not only Luo Chaotian''s group, but also defectors like Yang Tianxing cast anxious glances at Su Changqing. When word had spread of Yao Yunluo''s advance to the Nascent Soul stage, they had defected to the Shenjian Sect, effectively becoming traitors. If Qingxuan Sect won, then they too would certainly face cleansing. And their deaths would likely be even more brutal and swift than that of Luo Chaotian and his companions! Taking a deep breath, Su Changqing''s face became as cold as ice. Just when everyone thought he was about to strike, he spoke slowly. "Shen Mo, I''ll remember your name." "If you ever appear in Tianshan Prefecture, I''ll see to it you die by my sword!" Tianshan Prefecture was the Shangqing Sect''s ancestral domain, which it had governed for over three thousand years. The entire regionevery city and villagewas under Shangqing Sect control. It was impenetrable, like a nation within a nation. With that, Su Changqing didn''t spare another glance at Yao Yunluo''s corpse and promptly rose into the air, disappearing into the horizon. Any hope in Luo Chaotian''s eyes vanished entirely. In its place, there was only despair. Yang Tianxing and others slumped to the ground, terror filling their eyes. "Today''s events were far beyond my expectations." "Congratulations, it seems that Xuanjing Prefecture is destined to unify under Qingxuan Sect." A voice suddenly echoed. It was Ji Shilong, who had remained silent for some time. He cupped his hands toward Shen Mo, his expression showing no angeronly a hint of resignation and acceptance. Shen Mo glanced at his life panel but said nothing in response, merely returning a polite bow. Ji Shilong waved a hand. "Shuanghan, let''s go. It''s time to return to the prefectural office." "Understood." Luo Shuanghan hesitated briefly before nodding in reply. As Ji Shilong prepared to leave, no one tried to stop him. He represented the imperial court, appointed by Emperor Jing as the magistrate of Yuzhou Prefecture, and not even Shen Mo would openly offend the court. Shen Mo nodded toward L Dongxuan in acknowledgment, and L Dongxuan returned the gesture with a smile. Then, Shen Mo turned to face the remaining cultivators. His voice rang out, cold and resolute. "Surrender, and you shall live!" "Resist, and you shall die!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 195: Joining the Jade Cauldron Sect Has Tremendous Benefits Chapter 195: Joining the Jade Cauldron Sect Has Tremendous Benefits With a series of loud thuds, countless knees hit the ground. Yang Tianxing and the others knelt faster than anyone else. "We beg you, Senior Shen Mo, please spare our lives!" "We were terrified when Yao Yunluo became a Nascent Soul cultivator; betraying Qingxuan Sect was an act of desperation!" "Senior Shen Mo, while my sect may have parted ways with Qingxuan Sect, we never attacked any of its assets. I have never taken any action against Qingxuan Sect. Please see my sincerity!" One after another, pleas for mercy filled the air. They were practically ready to spill their hearts and guts out for Shen Mo to inspect. Wei Xiongtie, Mo Hanshan, Elder Li, and others looked at Shen Mo with tears welling up in their eyes. Without Shen Mo, neither the Qingxuan Sect, the Verdant Vine Sect, nor anyone among them would have survived. Their lives had been saved by Shen Mo! "Master, I''ll leave the handling of traitors to you," Shen Mo said with a smile. Murong Yue wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, full of joy. "Alright!" With a Nascent Soul cultivator like Shen Mo present, no one dared to resist. Luo Chaotian, Ouyang Cang, and the others, their spirits completely broken, also surrendered without a fight. Yao Yunluo was dead, and Su Changqing had fled. There was no one left to stand up for them. The situation in Xuanjing Prefecture was thus unified on the day of Yao Yunluo''s Nascent Soul celebration. However, contrary to what the celebration''s host and most others had envisioned, it was not Divine Sword Sect that achieved the unification. It was Qingxuan Sect! In Divine Sword City, at the Divine Sword Pavilion. Although the sword aura from Yao Yunluo''s Nascent Soul breakthrough had left the pavilion''s roof in ruins, it had since been fully restored. Now, under a sparse moonlit sky, Shen Mo and L Dongxuan sat across from each other atop the highest point of Divine Sword Pavilion. Several jars of fine wine were set between them, filling the pavilion with a rich, intoxicating aroma. L Dongxuan was already slightly tipsy, his face flushed. Shen Mo, however, remained clear-headed. "You you, kid hic I''ve never seen anyone who can drink as much as you!" L Dongxuan said, pointing at Shen Mo with a hearty laugh. Shen Mo shook his head in mild exasperation. "You''re pointing at the main pillar of Divine Sword Pavilion, not at me." L Dongxuan paused, turned around, then burst into another round of laughter. Shen Mo joined in, and the two laughed heartily. After a moment of jovial laughter, L Dongxuan put down his wine jar and finally revealed his intentions. "My friend, we both have the character ''Mo'' in our names, heh heh, it must be fate." "Would you be interested in joining the Jade Cauldron Sect?" "I can swear on itif you agree, you''ll be my junior brother! Our Ninth Peak hasn''t had any newcomers in a long time!" Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo smiled. "What are the benefits of becoming an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect?" L Dongxuan laughed loudly. "Many cultivators would be thrilled to join the Jade Cauldron Sect as an elder, but you ask about the benefits first." "Alright, alright, let me tell you about them." "The elders of Yuzhou''s three great sects range from Nascent Soul to Divine Transformation levels. However, they''re divided into ranks from One Cauldron to Six Cauldron elders, from lowest to highest." "Take me, for instance; although I''m just at the Nascent Soul stage, I''m already a Five Cauldron elder, outranking some Divine Transformation elders." "The elder ranks are based on contribution and strength." "But even a One Cauldron elder receives very generous benefits." "An annual stipend of thirty premium spirit stones!" "Each year, you may choose one Earth-grade refined spirit weapon!" "There''s also the sect''s specialty, the ''One Line Blue'' spirit fish. You get ten every year." "The Great Nascent Transformation Pillten bottles annually!" "The precious item, Star Sandfive taels every year!" "Plus, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s three forbidden grounds, accessible once a year to those meeting the respective rank requirements!" "Furthermore, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Treasure Pavilion and Scripture Pavilion are similarly accessible to elders at the appropriate rank, with no time restrictions on how long you can stay!" L Dongxuan chuckled slyly. Shen Mo was slightly taken aback. He had heard before that the three great sects of Yuzhou had all tamed and raised certain rare demon beasts. After thousands of years of domestication, these beasts had lost their wild nature and were often referred to as spirit beasts, distinguishing them from their wild counterparts. The was one such spirit beast. A fully grown could weigh up to thirty pounds, and whether steamed or braised, consuming it was like ingesting an Earth-grade treasure. It was akin to taking a pure elixir with no residual impurities! The was an enhanced version of the , an essential elixir for Nascent Soul cultivators to advance their levels. As for , Shen Mo knew it was an Earth-grade supreme treasure. Balanced and harmonious in nature, it had great utility. When refined into any spirit artifact, it could significantly enhance its properties. It was a prized item sought after by many cultivators. And then there were the three forbidden grounds of the Jade Cauldron Sectalthough he didn''t know what they were, the mere mention suggested they were rich with treasures and opportunities! Not to mention the Treasure Pavilion and Scripture Pavilion, both places of immense fortune! "I have a concern," Shen Mo said softly. L Dongxuan nodded. "I know, you''re worried about Qingxuan Sect." "I can assure you of this: the Jade Cauldron Sect has always stood firm, never bowing to the court." "Once you become a Nascent Soul elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect, the sect will stand firmly behind Qingxuan Sect and secure Xuanjing Prefecture!" "The hand of the court will not reach here!" Shen Mo smiled, reassured. "Alright, in that case, I''m willing to join the Jade Cauldron Sect." L Dongxuan laughed heartily. "Excellent, excellent! From now on, I''ll call you Junior Brother Shen, and you''ll call me Senior Brother L!" "Oh, finally, I, L Dongxuan, have a junior brother! Finally, I''m not the youngest on the Ninth Peak!" Shen Mo blinked. He had a feeling this Ninth Peak wasn''t an ordinary place. "Junior Brother, take this as a welcoming gift from your Senior Brother." "According to the rules set by Yuzhou''s three sects, you must leave Xuanjing Prefecture and reach the Jade Cauldron Sect within half a month." With that, L Dongxuan handed over a small, polished bead with a "ten" carved on it. The bead had a glossy, smooth sheen, likely well-worn from L Dongxuan''s handling. "What is this?" Shen Mo asked, surprised. "The Jade Cauldron Bead, a sort of identity token. This one''s mine, so take it with youit''ll help you avoid unnecessary trouble on your way." "When you arrive at the Jade Cauldron Sect, you''ll receive your own." L Dongxuan waved his hand. "Senior Brother doesn''t need his own token?" Shen Mo asked. L Dongxuan chuckled, "My face is all the identification I need. There''s no one in the Jade Cauldron Sect who doesn''t recognize me." Shen Mo laughed quietly. Indeed, with L Dongxuan''s flamboyant personality, he was likely already a celebrated figure in the Jade Cauldron Sect. "I was sent here on a mission to search for something in Xuanjing and will need at least another month to investigate." "So, I can''t accompany you to the Jade Cauldron Sect." L Dongxuan rose, smiling. Shen Mo nodded. L Dongxuan thought for a moment, then said, "Before I go, there''s one last thing I''ll tell you." "Please, Senior Brother." L Dongxuan clicked his tongue. "Watch out for the Danhe Sect." "News of your reaching the Nascent Soul stage will soon reach them, and those guys will certainly try to recruit you." "However, since I helped you at the Nascent Soul celebration, they''ll have surely heard of it as well." "The cultivators of Danhe Sect are notoriously petty, so expect some trouble from them. Stay alert." Shen Mo understood immediately. "Thank you, Senior Brother." "Alright, alright, I''m off! See you at the Jade Cauldron Sect!" L Dongxuan waved his hand, turning into a streak of light that disappeared into the night sky. Shen Mo was just about to sigh. Suddenly, that streak of light returned. In the blink of an eye, a few unopened jars of wine on the table vanished into L Dongxuan''s arms. His figure reappeared, clutching the jars. He chuckled. "Ahem travel is long and thirst is inevitable. I''m sure my junior brother understands." Shen Mo laughed quietly, "Travel well, Senior Brother!" "Alright, alright, I''m really off this time!" With those parting words, the light streak vanished over the horizon. Shen Mo cast his gaze upon the dark night sky, and then to the earth below. "Time to start planning my next steps" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 197: Even If My Master Won’t Miss Me, I Will Miss Her Chapter 197: Even If My Master Won''t Miss Me, I Will Miss Her Divine Sword Pavilion. When Shen Mo arrived, Murong Yue stood with her back to him, gazing at the vast sky and desolate land. "Mo''er, the wind here is so strong," Murong Yue said, turning with a soft smile. But Shen Mo noticed her eyes were slightly red. "Sit down, don''t just stand there." Murong Yue gestured to the table and chairs nearby. The two sat across from each other. "That night, you met with Elder Lu Dongxuan from the Jade Cauldron Sect here, didn''t you?" Murong Yue asked suddenly. Shen Mo nodded. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And what did you two discuss?" she continued. Just as Shen Mo was about to reply, Murong Yue added, "He invited you to join Jade Cauldron Sect, didn''t he?" Shen Mo nodded again. Murong Yue smiled, "That''s wonderful. My disciple has reached the Nascent Soul stage and is being offered a position as an elder in Jade Cauldron Sect. I couldn''t be prouder." "Unfortunately, I had hoped to pass the position of sect master on to you, so I could enter closed-door cultivation. But it seems that won''t be possible now." Shen Mo chuckled softly. Since the death of Liu Yuanfeng, Murong Yue''s "untimely death" fate had been averted. Even by the original fate''s design, Murong Yue was now destined to reach at least the Nascent Soul stage. This was no longer a concern for him. "I''ve already handled the sect''s affairs; there''s nothing for you to worry about." "Jade Cauldron Sect has always been resolute, never yielding to the imperial court. Xuanyang Prefecture should not meet the same fate as Jiande Prefecture." "You can leave with peace of mind, without any attachments." Murong Yue''s smile was warm. But beneath that warmth, Shen Mo could see a deep, unbreakable sadness. "Master, if I leave, will you miss me?" Shen Mo asked. Murong Yue shook her head, "Once you''re with Jade Cauldron Sect as an elder, you''ll no longer have any ties to Qingxuan Sect." "Why would I miss you?" "But I will still miss you, Master," Shen Mo replied. Murong Yue was taken aback. A glimmer of joy flashed in her eyes, but she maintained a detached tone, "Why would you think of your Master?" Shen Mo smiled gently, "When I was in Qingxuan Cave, you stayed at the entrance for months, never leaving." "When I faced a life-and-death duel with Zhang Mo, you would rather I flee than see me die in that battle." "And during the Nascent Soul ceremony a few days ago, you entrusted me with the sect''s treasured items, hoping only for my survival." "And" Shen Mo recounted every significant moment over the years. With each word, Murong Yue''s gaze softened. When he finished, Murong Yue replied calmly, "Is that all? I merely fulfilled my duty as your Master." "Master, I''m leaving," Shen Mo said quietly. Murong Yue''s body trembled as she instinctively reached out. Shen Mo also reached out. Their fingers intertwined. "What... what are you doing?" Murong Yue''s pale cheeks flushed bright red as she stammered. She tried to pull her hand back. But Shen Mo''s grip was like iron. Unyielding, powerful, impossible to break free from. Murong Yue lifted her head, meeting Shen Mo''s gaze. Time ticked by. Their eyes remained locked, unable to part. Murong Yue''s heart pounded like a startled fawn. She couldn''t understand why, as a woman no longer in her youth, she still felt like a girl in her first romance. "Master, once I reach the Divine Transformation stage, I''ll return for you." With that, Shen Mo leaned down and kissed her. Murong Yue''s lips were soft as petals, cool as ice. Her eyes widened in surprise. But in the next instant, they softened with a tender warmth. The night passed in silence. The next day. Shen Mo gathered his belongings and made his way to the gates of Divine Sword City. After the elders'' council, Qingxuan Sect had decided to establish their new sect headquarters in Divine Sword City. This place had even denser spiritual energy than their original mountain gate in Qingxuan, and its proximity to Xuanjing Prefecture with excellent transport links made it an ideal choice. A large group of cultivators, including Murong Yue and Wei Xiongtie, came to see Shen Mo off. Before long, the entrance to Divine Sword City was filled with people. "Young Master, I wish you could stay with us in Qingxuan Sect forever," Wei Xiongtie said, his eyes misting over. Though a rough and hearty man, he couldn''t hold back his emotions. As for Elder Li and the others, they laughed and cried, both happy and sad for Shen Mo. The thought of rarely seeing their young master again filled them with a bittersweet sorrow. At that moment, the crowd parted, and two figures appeared, supporting each other. It was Song Chaofeng and his son, Song Junjie. Back in the life-and-death battle, Song Chaofeng had killed Long Tao, an elder of the Heavenly Water Sect, but his golden core had been irreparably damaged, leaving him as a mortal. However, Qingxuan Sect had not abandoned him and had continued to care for him as an elder. Now, Song Chaofeng appeared frail, with white hair and a stooped figure. He patted the young man beside him and said, "Junjie, bow to your Uncle Shen." Without hesitation, Song Junjie knelt down, his forehead touching the ground. "Uncle Shen, in my youth, I was brash and opposed you many times. I now see the error of my ways. I will be forever loyal to Qingxuan Sect, as my father demonstrated in the life-and-death battle." His tone was sincere. Shen Mo glanced at his life panel. Indeed, his fate aligned with the resolve he spoke of. "A reformed man is more valuable than gold. I''m pleased to see you''ve reached this understanding," Shen Mo said with a smile. "Serve Qingxuan Sect well and honor your father''s legacy." "Yes!" Song Junjie stood up, nodding solemnly, his gaze toward Shen Mo filled with open admiration and respect. Luo Shengnan, Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, and Mo Yuheng each approached Shen Mo, offering small gifts they had prepared. Though not extravagant, each item was crafted by hand. Finally, Murong Yue stepped in front of Shen Mo. Her autumn-like gaze was filled with deep affection. She adjusted his collar and whispered, "When I reach the Nascent Soul stage, I''ll come to find you at Jade Cauldron Sect." "Good. I''ll wait for that day," Shen Mo nodded, then extended his arms and embraced her tightly. To everyone watching, this scene was like a wave crashing down. Countless cultivators'' eyes widened in shock. "This this is improper" Elder Li stammered, stunned. "I didn''t see anything. Did you?" Wei Xiongtie coughed, looking at the others. "Neither did I. Ah, I must be blind," Mo Hanshan chuckled. "Why pretend you didn''t see? The young master and the sect master make a fine pair!" Song Chaofeng laughed heartily. Mo Yuheng and Zhao Rou first looked on in surprise, then a trace of disappointment appeared in their eyes. They hadn''t expected Shen Mo''s relationship with Murong Yue to change so dramatically "Let let go!" Murong Yue muttered softly, blushing. Only then did Shen Mo release her, gazing deeply at her flushed face before waving to everyone. "May your paths be prosperous, and your fortunes abundant. Until we meet again!" In the next instant, he rose into the air, riding the wind. In a flash, he disappeared into the horizon. From that day forward, Xuanjing Prefecture had one less young master of Qingxuan Sect. But in the greater stage of Yuzhou, there was now a young Nascent Soul cultivator to be reckoned with. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 198: Who Exactly is Ye Yan? Chapter 198: Who Exactly is Ye Yan? The Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gate was located in Taishan Prefecture. Xuanjing Prefecture and Taishan Prefecture were positioned in the far south and far west of Yuzhou, separated by several other prefectures. For an ordinary mortal with no cultivation, reaching it on foot would take an unimaginable amount of time. But for Shen Mo, a Nascent Soul cultivator, the distance was far from insurmountable, feeling more like it was within arm''s reach. If he wished, he could travel there at full speed and reach Taishan Prefecture within seven days. However, Shen Mo chose not to rush. Instead, he traveled leisurely, taking in the sights along the way. Occasionally, he would explore deep mountains and valleys, seeking out opportunities. Each time, his presence startled groups of demon beasts. He found he enjoyed this kind of life. Since coming to this world, he felt he should indulge in the mountains and rivers, experiencing the wonders of the world. If he spent all his days in ascetic cultivation, buried in ancient texts, wouldn''t his journey through worlds have been for nothing? After a few days A commercial vessel sailed across the vast and boundless river, heading west. A young man in black stood on the deck, gazing over the waters. This river was even more expansive and majestic than Xuanjiang. Boundless and immense. This river originated in the northwest of Jing Nation and flowed southeast, known as the "Cangjiang." Xuanjiang was merely a tributary of Cangjiang. The young man was none other than Shen Mo. He had deliberately concealed his aura, changed his attire, and boarded this ship. The vessel''s destination was the mouth of Cangjiang, where one of Jing Nation''s largest cities, Yuhai City, was located. With its thriving trade and abundant resources, Yuhai City had become one of the most important cities for Jade Cauldron Sect. If everything went smoothly, the ship would arrive in Yuhai City in about seven days. Once there, Shen Mo only needed to show his Jade Cauldron Pearl, and disciples of the Jade Cauldron Sect would respectfully escort him to the mountain gate. "Daoist, your lunch is ready," a sweet voice sounded from behind him. Shen Mo turned and saw a slender, delicate-looking young man. If it weren''t for his Adam''s apple, many would mistake him for a woman. This was Guo Yi, the godson of Guo Long, the ship''s owner. Since Shen Mo had accepted Guo Long''s commission and boarded the vessel, all his meals had been arranged by Guo Yi. With his meticulous care, Shen Mo had come to appreciate his service. "Leave it in my cabin. I''ll eat it later," Shen Mo replied with a smile. Guo Yi nodded repeatedly, then added, "Daoist Shen, we''re approaching the Black Sand Reef area soon, where a water demon might appear. Please be cautious." Shen Mo nodded slightly. This was the commission Guo Long had issued. Over the past few months, a malevolent water demon had been wreaking havoc in the Black Sand Reef area of Cangjiang. Some claimed it was a water python, others said it was a water ghost. The truth remained uncertain. However, it had indeed destroyed several cargo and passenger ships, causing numerous deaths. The ship owners daring enough to traverse Cangjiang were all of notable strength, most at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. Sometimes, if the cargo was especially valuable, a ship owner might even hire a Golden Core cultivator for protection. Yet, even these precautions hadn''t deterred the water demon. Although a nearby prominent sect had investigated, they backed off after several of their Golden Core cultivators were injured. Since then, the water demon of Black Sand Reef continued to terrorize the area. Recently, the number of ships around Black Sand Reef had decreased significantly. Guo Long had only accepted this job because the reward was lucrative, finally deciding to take the risk of transporting the goods. At that moment, footsteps echoed from behind. Four cultivators emerged from the cabin onto the deck, chatting and laughing. They didn''t seem to take the water demon threat at Black Sand Reef seriously. The leader of the group was an elderly man with white hair and beard, exuding an air of authority and respect. The other three cultivators gathered around him, clearly treating him as their leader. Shen Mo glanced at the man. Over the past few days, he had learned their names. The old man''s name was Mei Haihe. He was at the peak of the Golden Core stage, likely over three hundred years old. A rogue cultivator, not affiliated with any sect, he frequently traveled through Taishan Prefecture and neighboring regions. If someone like Mei Haihe were in Xuanjing Prefecture, he would already be capable of founding his own sect, becoming a local powerhouse. After all, even the head of a first-rate sect in Xuanjing Prefecture is typically only at the peak of the Golden Core stage. However, the spiritual energy along both sides of Cangjiang in these surrounding prefectures is much denser, and cultivation levels here are generally higher than in Xuanjing Prefecture. Thus, being at the peak of the Golden Core stage doesn''t automatically command respect among most cultivators here. "I''ve heard that the water demon in Black Sand Reef is quite sinister. The three of us are only at the Foundation Establishment stage; it might be difficult for us to handle it." "What''s there to worry about? We have Elder Mei with us. Elder Mei is a Golden Core peak cultivatordealing with a mere water demon should be a piece of cake!" "Right, right, we''re relying on Elder Mei." The elderly cultivator with an air of refinement stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Let''s not overpraise me. I''m nothing exceptional here in Taishan Prefecture, but handling a water demon should be manageable." Ship owner Guo Long also cupped his hands in respect. "We''re fortunate to have your assistance, Elder Mei." Mei Haihe nodded slightly. He caught sight of Shen Mo and gave a small smile. "Young friend, you''re up on the deck quite early. You seem quite concerned about the water demon of Black Sand Reef." Shen Mo smiled back and nodded, "Of course, when you accept a commission, you have to see it through." Although the payment for Guo Long''s commission wasn''t much, Shen Mo believed that accepting the payment meant fulfilling his duty. Besides, he didn''t care much for the money; it was simply something to pass the time on his way to Yuhai City. Nevertheless, out of caution, Shen Mo examined Mei Haihe''s life panel. [Recent Turning Point: Tonight, while passing through Black Sand Reef, the ship will be attacked by a Corpse of Yin, nearly resulting in death. At the critical moment, Ye Yan will appear, slay the Corpse of Yin, and seize the Yin Sha Pearl. However, the aftermath of the battle between Ye Yan and the Corpse of Yin will impact the cargo ship, severely injuring Mei Haihe, who will subsequently be attacked and killed by other water demons in Cangjiang.] Shen Mo frowned slightly and looked at the three Foundation Establishment cultivators. "Why is it that" Looking around, he raised an eyebrow. Everyone on the ship, including Guo Long, his godson Guo Yi, and even Mei Haihe, would perish! Only he, Shen Mo, would survive. "This Ye Yan who is he?" "The energy from his battle with the Corpse of Yin was so powerful that even a peak Golden Core cultivator couldn''t withstand it. His level must be at least entry-level Nascent Soul." "But I didn''t expect to come across a Yin Sha Pearl here." "The Yin Sha Pearl is indeed a rare treasure, found only in one out of a hundred Corpse of Yin." "If I can obtain and refine it, it will produce Yin Sha Qi, the purest and most potent form of Yin energy." "It''s also ideal for crafting the Nascent Crown." Shen Mo pondered. When a Nascent Soul cultivator is formed from a Golden Core, the core shatters and falls into the sea of spiritual energy. sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, those fragments of the core don''t lose their value. If a Nascent Soul cultivator can obtain Yin energy, they can use it to refine these core fragments into a "Nascent Crown." A Nascent Crown has no physical form and doesn''t protect against external attacks. Its sole purpose is to nourish the Nascent Soul. While it may appear that using Nascent Soul techniques doesn''t consume energy, it actually depletes the Nascent Soul''s strength. Once a Nascent Crown is formed, the Nascent Soul''s power can recover more quickly. For example, without a Nascent Crown, Shen Mo could only use his Nascent Soul technique once every three days. But with a Nascent Crown, he could reduce this time. Perhaps he could use it every two days, or even daily. The exact recovery rate would depend on the quality of the Nascent Crown produced. "This Yin Sha Pearl I must acquire it." Shen Mo gazed at the calm surface of the river, nodding slightly. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 199: How Could There Be an Evil Yin Presence in the Feng Shui Land of Mount Tai Chapter 199: How Could There Be an Evil Yin Presence in the Feng Shui Land of Mount Tai Nighttime. The cargo ship gradually sailed from a calm stretch of river into a turbulent section. Ahead, the river''s surface began to reveal some exposed, pitch-black reefs. This place was known as Black Sand Reef. Before long, a group of cultivators, including Mei Haihe, gathered on the deck. The shipowner, Guo Long, nodded and bowed, prompting Guo Yi to quickly serve them cold tea. The four cultivators chatted jovially, discussing everything from the southern skies to the northern lands. One had to admit, Mei Haihe, who had traveled far and wide, was indeed knowledgeable. Shen Mo, standing nearby, listened with great interest. "I hope that water demon doesn''t show up Otherwise, we''re in for a tough battle," Guo Yi murmured, hands clasped together and eyes tightly shut in prayer. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a few whispered prayers, he suddenly shivered. "Hiss Why has it suddenly turned so cold?" Shen Mo heard him and chuckled lightly. "What would you do if the water demon did appear?" In a low voice, Guo Yi replied, "I''m not strong enough to be of any help to you, Daoists. I''d tie myself to the mast and not let go for a second." Shen Mo nodded with a smile. "Not bad, that''s exactly what you should do." "You''d better go find some rope now. I have a feeling that water demon is about to appear." Guo Yi was taken aback. Although the river ahead was turbulent, it didn''t seem particularly dangerous. There was no sign that a water demon was about to show itself. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he gasped. "Daoist, is it because of the sudden chill?" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "You''re quite perceptive." Guo Yi sprinted to the cabin, hurriedly grabbed a rope, and firmly tied himself to the mast. Mei Haihe and the others looked on in astonishment. After hearing Guo Yi''s explanation, Mei Haihe burst into laughter. "It''s just a bit colder than usual. Don''t be so jumpy." "I have a spiritual artifact that can detect the presence of nearby beasts." Mei Haihe pulled out a mirror. The mirror was dull, not reflecting any image even when brought close to his face. "Look, if this thing lights up, it means there''s a powerful beast nearby. The brighter it glows, the stronger the beast." "But right now, there''s no reaction at all. You can rest easy." Mei Haihe waved dismissively. "You all, untie him." He glanced at Shen Mo and added, "Young friend, I can tell this lad is easily frightened. There''s no need to scare him." The three Foundation Establishment cultivators nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Senior Mei''s artifact isn''t reacting, so there''s no need for such talk." Shen Mo smiled slightly. "Senior Mei, your artifact can indeed sense beastly auras, but what if it''s not a beast in the water?" Mei Haihe froze. That could indeed be possible. There were certain malevolent entities that could stir up trouble in the water as well. "No way, those who barely escaped said it was a water demon." "And cultivators at the Core Formation stage from nearby sects also concluded it was a water demon after their investigation." The three Foundation Establishment cultivators shook their heads repeatedly. After careful thought, Mei Haihe also shook his head firmly. "Young friend, you''re overthinking it. Mount Tai''s feng shui lands rarely see the presence of evil Yin spirits." As he spoke, the chill in the air grew more intense. Guo Yi exhaled a breath that turned to frost. His eyes widened in shock. Mei Haihe and the three Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately sensed that something was amiss. "It''s here." Shen Mo gazed ahead and said calmly. Roar! A raspy, inhuman roar suddenly echoed. A moment later, a figure about ten feet tall burst from the turbulent water and leaped straight toward the cargo ship! With a loud crack. The sturdy deck of the ship splintered instantly! The shipowner, Guo Long, stared in disbelief. "My deck is made of ironwood; it shouldn''t be damaged even by a fourth-rank beast''s attack. This" Mei Haihe and the others turned to see a terrifying figure. It was covered in black fur, each strand over half a foot long. Yet, even with such dense fur, it could not hide the blood-red eyes and razor-sharp fangs. Around it, a thick, icy aura emanated. In the blink of an eye, the water splashed onto the deck had frozen into solid ice! "A Yin Corpse!" One of the Foundation Establishment cultivators screamed. He turned and tried to run. However, the Yin Corpse was faster, reaching him in an instant. Its claws plunged into his chest as if through tofu, easily extracting the cultivator''s heart and devouring it in one bite! The other two Foundation Establishment cultivators had no chance to react. They, too, were slain on the spot by the Yin Corpse. Mei Haihe''s eyes widened. Such speed and powerthis was no ordinary Yin Corpse. It had to be at least at the peak of the fourth rank! Even cultivators of the same level were no match for a Yin Corpse. Now, faced with a peak fourth-rank Yin Corpse, how could they possibly fight it? Yet He glanced at Guo Long and Guo Yi. He had accepted this commission and could not abandon the clients. He had lived for over three hundred years, traversing the world, and had earned his reputation not just through strength but through integrity. "You must leave now." "Take this spiritual artifact. With it, you two can move underwater. Use the time I''ll buy fighting the Yin Corpse to get to shore!" Mei Haihe threw a strange-looking spiritual artifact to them. Then, he charged straight at the Yin Corpse! "Damn you, vile spirit!" Mei Haihe roared, and a string of copper coins appeared in his palm. In an instant, they formed the shape of a sword. He channeled his spiritual energy, connecting with the surrounding aura, and the copper coin sword was soon engulfed in fierce flames. Mei Haihe thrust it forward. The flames shot out. Though it did not harm the Yin Corpse, it forced it to retreat, roaring in fury. On the other side, Guo Long looked at the spiritual artifact, realizing it was a thin, wing-like object. As it touched the river water on the deck, it expanded like an inflated balloon, turning into a sphere about ten feet in diameter. "Thank you, Senior Mei!" Guo Long, filled with gratitude, quickly pulled Guo Yi into the sphere. But before they could submerge, The Yin Corpse let out an enraged bellow. It spat a foul, icy blood arrow from its mouth. Mei Haihe''s fiery sword aura shattered like a paper window. The icy blood arrow didn''t stop and struck Mei Haihe''s chest, pinning him to the ship. The Yin Corpse then lunged toward Guo Long and Guo Yi. Mei Haihe, barely clinging to life, gasped for breath. The blood arrow''s poison was evident; even with his antidote, he could only temporarily stave off its effects. "Damn it really is a Yin Corpse" Mei Haihe muttered through gritted teeth. "Who would have thought that after all my travels, I''d meet my end here? What a shame for all those lovely women I cared for" He felt a pang of regret. At that moment, he sensed a surge of spiritual energy. A black-clad figure appeared at incredible speed before Guo Long and Guo Yi. The Yin Corpse''s claws slashed down fiercely. But the black-clad figure deflected them effortlessly! Mei Haihe''s eyes widened. Didn''t that young man claim to be only at the Foundation Establishment stage when he boarded? How could he repel a peak fourth-rank Yin Corpse? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 200: This Is No Enemy, It’s Clearly a Long-Term Meal Ticket Chapter 200: This Is No Enemy, It''s Clearly a Long-Term Meal Ticket Mei Haihe blinked, gradually understanding the situation. No wonder he had always felt that this person was unusual. Whether in conversation or demeanor, he did not resemble an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator at all. So, this young man had been concealing his true power! This person''s cultivation was definitely above his own, at least at the peak of the Core Formation stage! Roar! Roar! Roar! The Yin Corpse roared furiously. It, too, had not expected such a powerful cultivator to be on board. "Why are you yelling? Don''t you know your breath stinks?" Shen Mo shook his head. Who knew how many people and sea creatures this Yin Corpse had consumed? The stench from its mouth could probably suffocate ordinary people. The Yin Corpse stomped on the deck and spat out an icy, foul-smelling blood arrow. It was clearly trying to repeat its previous successful move against Shen Mo. With a calm expression, Shen Mo waved his hand, sending out a fire blade. The blade effortlessly shattered the icy blood arrow into countless shards. The fire blade, undeterred, struck the Yin Corpse''s chest directly. In an instant, much of the Yin Corpse''s thick black fur was burned away. The Yin Corpse howled in pain. Its body was scorched, emitting thick, foul-smelling smoke. It was clearly gravely wounded. Mei Haihe''s eyes widened at the sight. That icy blood arrow was vicious and fast; he hadn''t even had time to react when it hit him. Yet Shen Mo had shattered it with ease? And not only that, he had even managed to injure the Yin Corpse with a single strike. What level of cultivation did this young man have? Could it be... Nascent Soul stage?! Hiss... A Nascent Soul cultivator at such a young age? Impossible! Wait, some old monsters at the Nascent Soul stage liked to maintain a youthful appearance. This person was likely doing just that! Even after all his travels, Mei Haihe had been deceived. Guo Long and Guo Yi were even more shocked. He was unbelievably powerful. Shen Mo was clearly stronger than Mei Haihe! Amidst their astonishment, Guo Long felt especially grateful. Having Shen Mo on his ship was a stroke of fortune from eight generations of good deeds! Otherwise, he would have long perished. Roar! The Yin Corpse let out a vengeful roar, glared at Shen Mo, and suddenly retreated, clearly intending to jump into the river and escape. "It seems it''s quite intelligent. That makes letting it go even more impossible." Shen Mo flipped his palm, and the Thunder Sword unsheathed in an instant. A bolt of lightning flashed in the air. The Yin Corpse, just as it was about to dive into the river, froze as if some mysterious force had immobilized it. Moments later, a line of blood appeared at the top of its head, running all the way down to its groin. Blood seeped out along the line. The next moment, the Yin Corpse split into two halves! Shen Mo''s strike had cleaved it in two! Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed as he saw something glowing within the Yin Corpse''s body. Mei Haihe was taken aback. With his vast experience, he recognized it at once: a Yin Sha Pearl! "Not even one in a hundred Yin Corpses contains such a pearl. Who would have thought I''d encounter one today?" he thought, astonished. Shen Mo also recognized the Yin Sha Pearl, but he did not reach out to take it. Instead, he stood back and spoke coolly. "You''ve been watching for quite a while now. What is your purpose?" Guo Long and Guo Yi were stunned, while Mei Haihe immediately became alert. Shen Mo''s words... did it mean there was someone else around?! "Interesting. I can''t believe you saw through my concealment." A cold voice suddenly came from the distant darkness. Moments later, a crimson figure appeared on the river''s surface, facing Shen Mo from afar. The man wore a crimson robe with a jade belt around his waist. On his face, he wore a red demonic mask. Even so, his sharp features were still visible. Especially those eyes, unusually cold, as if indifferent to everything in the world. Shen Mo glanced over. The man''s life panel immediately unfolded before him. Name: Ye Yan. Cultivation Level: Nascent Soul Stage, Initial Success. Life Fate: Family Scion, Heir of the Flame Emperor, Favored by Fortune, Leader''s Aura, Blessed by Fate, Sunfire Body. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and began examining Ye Yan''s life fate in detail. Family Scion: Green Fate. You were born into the Ye family of Yuhai City, raised with medicinal baths to build a strong foundation, and never lacked wealth. You experienced the brutal struggles of your family, which made you exceptionally cold-hearted. Heir of the Flame Emperor: Red Fate. As a child, you were pushed off a cliff by your cousin. However, a broken tree branch saved you, leading you to a cave beneath the cliff where you discovered the Heaven-tier cultivation manual Emperor''s Flame Melting Scroll, left behind by the Flame Emperor. Favored by Fortune: Red Fate. Blessed by extraordinary luck, you often find divine weapons on your path and stumble upon powerful techniques during your travels. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leader''s Aura: Orange Fate. Your experience in brutal family struggles has forged a cold, domineering, and ruthless character, earning the admiration of those with malicious intent. Even villains need a savior of their own kind. Blessed by Fate: Red Fate. Those blessed by fate can find hope in hopeless situations, achieve breakthroughs during battles, and make miraculous comebacks as a common occurrence. Sunfire Body: Red Fate. A top-tier constitution. You possess unparalleled fire affinity, making your cultivation of fire-based techniques and martial arts exceptionally efficient. Your constitution is highly attractive to certain exotic flames. Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement and continued reading. Upcoming Opportunity 1: Pretend to issue a commission for shipowner Guo Long to transport Yin Crystals, but actually use it as bait to draw out the Yin Corpse at Black Sand Reef. After the Yin Corpse appears, slay it to claim the Yin Sha Pearl and destroy Guo Long''s cargo ship to ensure no witnesses remain. Upcoming Opportunity 2: In ten days, return to Yuhai City to retrieve ten Azure Threads from Longshe Mountain. Notice something unusual and discover a bottle of Great Nascent Transformation Pills inside a fish''s stomach. Upcoming Opportunity 3: In a month, take on a commission at the Jade Cauldron Sect to clear out the water python wreaking havoc on the Cang River. Discover a deep underwater cave at Yanzi Cliff containing twenty dormant Yin Corpses. Slay them and obtain two Yin Sha Pearls. Upcoming Opportunity 4: In three months, go to Shangqing Sect to purchase a spiritual artifact. While passing through Pingcheng, sense an unusual concentration of Yin energy. After investigating, find the corpse cultivator Daoist Shi, whom the Jade Cauldron Sect has been hunting. Daoist Shi is so intimidated by your domineering presence that he surrenders and offers three Yin Sha Pearls he''s accumulated over the years. Upcoming Opportunity 5: Refine the Yin Sha Pearls in Pingcheng to successfully create a Golden Core Crown. Upcoming Opportunity 6: In a year, search for a rare bloodline beast in the Qi Yun Mountains as ordered. Overhear several rogue cultivators from minor sects discussing a lost mansion according to a map. Kill them and use the map to find the mansion, where you encounter Xiao Fan. After a fierce battle, you obtain the Divine Thunder Demon Subjugation Manual, while Xiao Fan secures the Demon Armor Helmet. After reading this string of opportunities, Shen Mo''s gaze toward Ye Yan shifted. What was once slightly hostile now became warm and satisfied. This was no mere enemy. This was clearly a long-term meal ticket! Ye Yan, noticing Shen Mo''s sudden change in expression, was caught off guard. What was this? Why was he suddenly looking at me so warmly? Ye Yan said coldly, "That Yin Corpse was already wounded by me; you merely finished it off." "I''m giving you one chancehand over the Yin Sha Pearl, or face your demise." Shen Mo immediately laughed. Once something was in his grasp, there was no reason to let it go. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 201: This Ye Yan is Far More Powerful Than Xiao Fan Chapter 201: This Ye Yan is Far More Powerful Than Xiao Fan Shen Mo said calmly, "The Corpse Shade is completely unharmed, yet you falsely claim to have injured it. Have you no shame?" Ye Yan''s expression remained unchanged, making it seem as though he was about to speak. Yet, in the next instant, he attacked without warning. A heavy halberd appeared out of nowhere, blazing with fierce flames. In an instant, a dragon of fiery flames formed in midair, its jaws wide open, lunging toward Shen Mo with intent to consume him whole! This strike was meant not only to kill Shen Mo but to utterly destroy the entire cargo ship, erasing any evidence. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. No words, just immediate action, leaving no time for his opponent to react. Had Shen Mo been an ordinary cultivator, he wouldn''t have had time to respond before Ye Yan''s attack reached him. In that case, he would have immediately fallen into a disadvantage, forced into a retreat. However, Ye Yan had clearly underestimated Shen Mo. As the fiery halberd approached, two towering evergreen trees manifested in front of Shen Mo. Their branches were lush, their trunks a vibrant green. The two trees stood firm, blocking the fiery halberd''s light. The leaves quickly turned to ash under the flames, but the trunks remained standing, unyielding. The trees had given Shen Mo enough time. He quickly summoned four mystical gates. Three large bronze gates and one gate of flame materialized before him. By now, the two evergreen trees had been reduced to charred remains, crumbling to ash. The fiery halberd light finally struck, crashing into the mystical gates and forcing Shen Mo to take only a few steps back. In an instant, the flames dispersed. Shen Mo remained completely unharmed. Ye Yan''s expression shifted slightly as he hovered in midair. He looked at Shen Mo intently for a few moments before retreating, using his martial arts to vanish into the dark night. Shen Mo smiled faintly. In their brief exchange, each had gauged the other''s strength. Ye Yan realized he couldn''t guarantee Shen Mo''s death. Shen Mo also understood that Ye Yan''s fate was strong; he wouldn''t die so easily. Ye Yan had made a quick decision based on the situation. He abandoned the Yin Sha Pearl without hesitation. After all, there were countless opportunities in this world. There was no need to risk everything for a single Yin Sha Pearl. "Act when you should, retreat when necessary." "This Ye Yan is far more formidable than Xiao Fan used to be." "Hmm but Xiao Fan has now fully integrated his past life''s memories. His personality should have changed quite a bit too." "I hope next time we meet, Xiao Fan will bring me a few surprises." Shen Mo smiled slightly and turned his gaze away. Mei Haihe, who had been crying with gratitude, said, "Thank you, senior, for saving my life!" Guo Long and Guo Yi also knelt, expressing their thanks, "Thank you, senior!" Shen Mo waved dismissively. "It was nothing; after all, I''m also on this ship." He looked at Mei Haihe and casually placed his palm on his chest, releasing a wisp of fire energy. Mei Haihe spat out a mouthful of black blood with a gasp. The pallor on his face faded considerably. Delighted, Mei Haihe exclaimed, "Thank you, senior, for detoxifying me!" The poison from the Corpse Shade''s icy arrows was extremely toxic. Only pure fire energy could force it out. Even if Mei Haihe had made it to Jade Sea City while injured, the poison would have seeped into his organs, requiring nine or ten years to recover if he survived. Without treatment, he might even lose years off his lifespan. Shen Mo''s assistance had saved his life once more. "Guo Long, Guo Yi, after delivering the cargo to Jade Sea City, immediately go into hiding." Shen Mo advised casually. Guo Long was puzzled. "Why?" Shen Mo pointed to the ship''s hold. "Do you know what you''re transporting?" "It''s dried Black Frost Flowers," Guo Long replied. "Black Frost Flowers have a cold nature, something evil spirits are particularly drawn to," Shen Mo explained. "Even dried, their scent can attract malicious beings." Guo Long gasped. He and his son were quick thinkers. They immediately realized the situation. They had likely been used as bait to lure the Corpse Shade! "Your kindness will not be forgotten, master!" Guo Long and Guo Yi kowtowed to Shen Mo. Shen Mo waved them off. "Keep the ship moving. We can''t afford any delays." "Yes, sir!" Three days later. A battered cargo ship appeared at the port of Jade Sea City, drawing the attention of many onlookers. Its mast was broken, and the deck was shattered The fact that it could still make it safely to port despite such severe damage was truly a testament to the resilience of this ship. Shen Mo stepped onto the deck and gazed at the bustling port, nodding slightly. As expected of one of the largest cities in Yuzhou Province. It was far more prosperous and lively than Divine Sword City or Great River City in Xuanjiang Prefecture. On the river, numerous other ships were arriving, and the air was filled with the shouts of sailors and fishermen. After bidding farewell to Shen Mo, Guo Long and his son Guo Yi quietly slipped away, not even daring to collect their wages. "Why are you still following me?" Shen Mo glanced at Mei Haihe, who was lingering behind him. Mei Haihe blinked and grinned, "Guo Long and his son might be hunted down, and I could be too." "I think it''s safer to stick with you, senior." Shen Mo smiled faintly. Although this man wasn''t particularly powerful, he had a wealth of knowledge and connections. Moreover, he was genuinely decent. During the attack by the Corpse Shade, he hadn''t abandoned Guo Long and his son; instead, he had given them his spiritual artifact for protection. "You''ve lived over three hundred years. Don''t you have any techniques for disguise or concealing your aura?" Shen Mo asked lightly. Mei Haihe shook his head repeatedly, "I do, but mainly I''d rather follow you and find a way to make a living." sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo chuckled, "I''m new here and unfamiliar with Jade Sea City. You can be my guide." Mei Haihe nodded eagerly, "Of course, of course." "Where would you like to go, senior?" "Jade Cauldron Sect." Mei Haihe immediately responded, "The Jade Cauldron Sect has a branch here in Jade Sea City called Jade Sea Hall. I know that place well. I''ll lead the way!" "Good." As they walked, Shen Mo asked casually, "By the way, the spiritual artifact you gave to Guo Long and his sondid you craft it yourself?" Mei Haihe chuckled, "To be honest, back in my younger days, I traveled widely and came across a master of artifact crafting who took me under his wing." "That master saw some talent in me and gave me a scroll to study closely." "That artifact, called the Water Bubble, was something I learned from that scroll." Mei Haihe reached into his storage ring and took out a booklet. "If you''re interested, I can hand it over to you." Shen Mo smiled lightly, "Let me have a look." He took the booklet and, as they walked, skimmed through its contents. The ideas recorded within were rather fanciful, not exactly standard artifact crafting techniques. However, there were a few concepts that might prove useful. For example, the Water Bubble itself might be of little use to a Nascent Soul cultivator. But if one were in the depths of an extremely deep waterway, a place even Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle with, the Water Bubble could play a crucial role. Shen Mo recalled that Ye Yan had a fortuitous encounter that required him to venture deep underwater. "Senior, we''ve arrived. Ahead is Jade Sea Hall," Mei Haihe said respectfully, pointing to a tall building nestled among shady trees. Shen Mo nodded, "Let''s go." Mei Haihe hesitated, "You intend to go inside? That''s not allowed. The hall master of Jade Sea Hall has a rule: only disciples of the three major sects can enter. Smaller sect disciples or rogue cultivators must wait outside." "If you go in uninvited, their cultivators will treat you with hostility!" Shen Mo chuckled, "Oh? Such a rule exists? Don''t worry. Just follow me." With that, he strode confidently toward the entrance. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 202: How Could Someone So Young Be a Nascent Soul Cultivator Chapter 202: How Could Someone So Young Be a Nascent Soul Cultivator Mei Haihe felt a twinge of unease in his heart. But seeing Shen Mo''s confidence, he followed him. After all, Shen Mo was a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even if the Jade Cauldron Sect had rules, they''d surely give some respect to a Nascent Soul cultivator, right? "Stop!" Two Foundation Establishment cultivators stood guard at the entrance to Jade Sea Hall. Seeing Shen Mo approach confidently, they immediately raised their hands to block him. "Only members of the three main sects may enter! If you have business, say it outside!" Their eyes drifted past Shen Mo and landed on Mei Haihe. "It''s you again? Here for another task, right? Wait outside!" the guard on the right said dismissively. Mei Haihe instinctively nodded. "Yes, yes, of course." Shen Mo chuckled softly. A sect''s Foundation Establishment disciples could command even a Core Formation cultivator like Mei Haihe to bow his head. It seemed the three main sects of Yuzhou were indeed powerful forces; he had come to the right place. With a casual wave of his hand, a small token appeared in Shen Mo''s palm. It bore the character "Ten." The expressions of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately shifted. They fell to one knee, their voices trembling with respect. "Forgive us, Elder of the Tenth Peak. We did not recognize you!" Shen Mo said calmly, "No harm done. May I enter now?" "Of course!" "I also have a follower. What about him?" "As the elder''s servant, he may enter as well." "Who is the hall master here?" "Hall Master He Tianchou is currently in the study. Do you wish to see him, Elder? Please, follow me." Mei Haihe, thoroughly bewildered, followed Shen Mo into Jade Sea Hall. The inside of Jade Sea Hall was entirely different from the exterior. From the outside, it looked modest and understated, like an ordinary teahouse. But once inside, it was clear that it held hidden wonders. Precious artifacts and rare plants adorned every corner and desk. Just inhaling the air within brought a sense of clarity and vitality. Every detail reflected the grandeur of one of Yuzhou''s three major sects. Since entering Jade Sea Hall, Mei Haihe''s eyes had been wide with awe. "You look like you''ve never been here before. Weren''t you saying how familiar you were with this place?" Shen Mo teased. Mei Haihe scratched his head, "I do come here often, but only to wait outside and receive the tasks Jade Sea Hall assigns to rogue cultivators." "I''ve never actually been inside Jade Sea Hall before." A short while later, the Foundation Establishment guard led Shen Mo and Mei Haihe to a quiet study. He knocked on the door and said respectfully, "Hall Master, a sect elder is here to see you." "Understood. Come in." The door opened. Shen Mo took in the sight of a study filled with the scent of books. A middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and piercing eyes was levitating in midair, immersed in cultivation. The man glanced at Shen Mo and Mei Haihe, then focused on Mei Haihe, "This elder looks unfamiliar. How is it that I haven''t met you before?" Shen Mo couldn''t help but chuckle. Mei Haihe was older and had a dignified appearance. It was no wonder He Tianchou mistook him for a sect elder. Mei Haihe awkwardly smiled, "Hall Master He, there''s been a misunderstanding. The elder here is actually my master. I''m only his follower." He Tianchou paused, looking over at Shen Mo. With one glance, he discerned that Shen Mo''s youthful appearance was no disguise. Someone so young couldn''t possibly be a Nascent Soul cultivator. Typically, Nascent Soul cultivators were over two hundred years old. They often appeared to be in their forties or fifties. Frowning, He Tianchou said, "Young man, I don''t know how you managed to deceive the two disciples at the entrance, but if you think you can use the same trick on me, you''re mistaken." "Leave. I''m in a good mood today, so I''ll pretend this never happened and overlook your breach of protocol." With that, he prepared to close his eyes and resume his cultivation. Shen Mo said calmly, "Hall Master He, do you recognize this item?" He took out the small pearl. He Tianchou opened his eyes with some impatience, but when he saw the pearl, he froze. "This is the pearl of an Elder from the Tenth Peak. How did it come into your possession?" "Did you perhaps attack an Elder of our Jade Cauldron Sect''s Tenth Peak and steal it?" He Tianchou''s gaze turned dangerous. Shen Mo shook his head. he thought. "Shen Mo, from Xuanjiang Prefecture. I reached Nascent Soul half a month ago, and Elder L Dongxuan recruited me." He Tianchou showed little reaction to the first part of this explanation. But as soon as he heard L Dongxuan''s name, he jumped up as if his tail had been set on fire. "L L Dongxuan?!" "Oh, heavens, now I remember!" "You''re the Shen Mo Elder L specifically recruited!" "Please, sit, please sit!" "I apologize for my lack of respect!" He Tianchou quickly gestured for Shen Mo to sit down and called for tea to be served. His attitude had completely transformed, now full of respect. Watching this dramatic change, Mei Haihe could hardly believe his eyes. "Elder L contacted me through a voice-transmitting jade and informed me that a sect elder he had recruited would arrive soon." "But Elder L didn''t mention a name, and I certainly didn''t expect that the new elder would be someone as young as yourself." He Tianchou gave an embarrassed laugh, eager to excuse himself. Shen Mo sipped his tea calmly, his expression serene. "I''m not yet an official elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect." He Tianchou quickly replied, "Not to worry! I''ll report to the sect immediately!" "At most, within a day, the official confirmation will come down." "Once that happens, I''ll personally escort you to the mountain gate!" Shen Mo nodded slightly. "Elder Shen, you must be tired from your journey. I''ll arrange accommodations and meals immediately." "I''ll make sure your follower is looked after as well," He Tianchou added eagerly. "Good. I appreciate it, Hall Master He." Shen Mo rose. Mei Haihe swallowed nervously. As a rogue cultivator who normally wouldn''t even be allowed inside Jade Sea Hall, he was now going to stay here and eat their food? He looked at Shen Mo with newfound admiration. Once Shen Mo and Mei Haihe had left, He Tianchou wiped the sweat from his forehead. "No wonder that pearl looked so familiar. It belonged to L Dongxuan" "Thank goodness I didn''t say anything offensive, or L Dongxuan would''ve been after me, stealing my wine." "But who exactly is this Shen Mo? To have reached Nascent Soul at such a young age?" He Tianchou was both astonished and puzzled. "If that''s true, he must be an extraordinary genius." "But it''s difficult for a sect to accommodate two supreme talents." "Shen Mo will inevitably compete with Ye Yan for resources in the future." "And with L Dongxuan recruiting him, it means Shen Mo will likely belong to the Tenth Peak. Although Tenth Peak has few people, every one of them is a powerhouse" "I''d rather not offend either side This is going to be tricky" He Tianchou held his head, looking quite troubled. The next morning. Shortly after Shen Mo woke up, a disciple of the Jade Cauldron Sect delivered freshly steamed fish to him. The fragrance filled the air, tempting anyone nearby. After taking a few bites, Shen Mo felt an indescribable satisfaction, as if he''d swallowed a whole block of ice on a sweltering day. Mei Haihe, fortunate enough to share in Shen Mo''s meal, was wide-eyed with amazement. "Elder Shen, the response from the sect has arrived. I''ll accompany you to the mountain gate right away!" He Tianchou said, striding in with a pleased expression. "Very well. Let''s go. Mei Haihe, wait here for me," Shen Mo said casually. "Yes, of course!" Mei Haihe nodded respectfully. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 203: The Tenth Peak – Known for Their Gambling Chapter 203: The Tenth Peak C Known for Their Gambling To the north of Jade Sea City lies the Heng Tai Mountain Range. The most famous peak in this range is Tai Mountain. The entire Heng Tai Mountain Range serves as the mountain gate of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Blessed with abundant spiritual energy and inhabited by rare and exotic creatures, it is the place every cultivator in Tai Mountain Prefecture dreams of entering. However, the Jade Cauldron Sect is extremely selective in recruiting disciples. Those with weaker constitutions have no chance of ever entering the sect. Even Core Formation rogue cultivators can only hope to attain an ordinary steward position within the sect. Throughout Tai Mountain Prefecture, from south to north, east to west, from mortals to cultivators, everyone reveres the Jade Cauldron Sect as a holy land. Along the journey, Shen Mo occasionally inquired about the current state of the Jade Cauldron Sect, and He Tianchou answered every question. This conversation provided Shen Mo with valuable insights into the sect. After two days of flying together, Shen Mo and He Tianchou finally reached the Heng Tai Mountain Range. "Elder Shen, we''ve arrived." He Tianchou gestured toward the expansive, lush mountain range ahead with a smile. Shen Mo nodded slightly. The spiritual energy here was indeed the densest in all of Tai Mountain Prefecture. Just breathing it in made him feel invigorated, as if he''d become a decade younger. The two descended swiftly, landing on the Jade Cauldron Sect''s training grounds. The training grounds alone were larger than the entire mountain gate of Qingxuan Sect. The ground was paved with remarkably durable stone bricks. When Shen Mo tapped his foot, he sensed a formation embedded within the stones. With such a formation, even a Nascent Soul cultivator''s attack wouldn''t easily damage the stone bricks. Disciples and stewards bustled about the training grounds. The presence of Shen Mo and He Tianchou, both Nascent Soul cultivators, caught the attention of many disciples. They all bowed respectfully as the two passed by. A Core Formation steward noticed them and quickly jogged over. "Hall Master He, I didn''t expect to see you back at the sect. Why aren''t you at Jade Sea Hall?" He greeted them with a respectful bow before asking. He Tianchou gestured to Shen Mo. "This is Elder Shen, newly recruited into the sect by Elder L Dongxuan." "I''ve brought Elder Shen here to complete the formalities, and we''ll be on our way shortly." The steward nodded repeatedly. "Please follow me. I''ll take you to the Elder Hall." With the steward leading the way, Shen Mo and He Tianchou proceeded forward. Along the way, Shen Mo observed numerous pavilions and towers nestled amid lush greenery. White cranes and black tigers rested peacefully, seemingly unbothered by the presence of cultivators around them. "Hall Master He, why are we headed to the Elder Hall?" Shen Mo asked casually. He Tianchou quickly explained, "Elder Shen, according to protocol, all new elders must first report to the Elder Hall." "From there, they are assigned to one of the ten peaks, under the First Elder, Second Elder, or any of the other elders up to the Tenth Elder." "Afterward, each elder is assigned to oversee specific regions of Tai Mountain Prefecture, either guarding cities or managing sect assets, depending on their talents and abilities." "The Elder Hall is usually overseen by one of the First to Fifth Elders, who rotate monthly." "Currently, the um" He Tianchou paused, unable to recall who was on duty, so he asked the steward, "Who''s currently overseeing the Elder Hall?" The steward promptly replied, "The Second Elder." At the mention of the "Second Elder," He Tianchou''s expression turned a bit uneasy. "What''s wrong, Hall Master?" Shen Mo asked. He Tianchou gave an awkward smile. "Elder Shen, from what I''ve shared with you over the past days, you might understand my concerns." "I''d rather not say too much." "That building up ahead is the Elder Hall. I''ll leave you here." He coughed lightly, "I haven''t visited the sect in quite some time, so I''ll go pay respects to my master at the Third Peak." "Elder Shen, until we meet again." With that, he waved and bid Shen Mo farewell. Shen Mo nodded slightly. "Elder Shen, we''re here," the steward said respectfully. Shen Mo looked up to see a grand, imposing building before him. Above the entrance, three majestic characters were inscribed in a calligraphy style that exuded power: Elder Hall! The sword intent in these characters was so sharp that staring at them too long made his eyes sting. Shen Mo''s expression grew contemplative. He estimated that this plaque must have been written by at least a Soul Transformation stage sword cultivator. "Elder Shen, the Second Elder is waiting for you," the steward called from up ahead. Shen Mo nodded and followed. On the second floor, he encountered an elderly man with snowy white hair. The man had a hooked nose, a gaze as sharp and cold as ice, and a broad, muscular frame. If not for his white hair, many would likely mistake him for a robust, vigorous middle-aged man. A powerful and dangerous aura radiated from him. Clearly, this was a Soul Transformation stage cultivator. "So, you are Shen Mo?" Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Second Elder looked Shen Mo over with a neutral expression, showing no hint of emotion. It seemed he was simply evaluating him. Shen Mo nodded. "Yes." "Since L Dongxuan recruited you, you''ll be assigned to the Tenth Peak." The Second Elder continued indifferently, "Our Jade Cauldron Sect has extensive assets, spanning artifact crafting, alchemy, and beast taming." "The beast-taming division is currently in need of revitalization. So, you will go to Dragon Snake Mountain outside Jade Sea City to oversee those operations." Without asking Shen Mo''s opinion or if he even wanted the assignment, the Second Elder waved his hand, dismissing him. The steward beside him whispered, "Second Elder, according to tradition, Elder Shen also needs a set of elder''s robes." Only then did the Second Elder look up, offering a forced smile, "Ah, right, I almost forgot." He retrieved a set of pristine white elder''s robes from his storage ring and handed it to the steward, who accepted it with both hands. "Now, go do what you need to do. Don''t get involved with the wrong people, and don''t meddle in affairs that don''t concern you." The Second Elder sat back down, resuming his tasks, clearly uninterested in further conversation. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. He simply bowed and turned to leave. Outside the Elder Hall, the steward handed the robes to Shen Mo, his hands shaking slightly. "Farewell, Elder Shen. If I''d known you were connected to the Tenth Peak, I wouldn''t have dared to guide you here." He gave a wry smile before quickly departing. Judging by his hurried steps, he was clearly anxious. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. The Second Elder''s last words were clearly a warning to the steward. Shen Mo shook his head. He hadn''t expected to be caught up in factional strife as soon as he entered the Jade Cauldron Sect. After asking for directions to the Tenth Peak, Shen Mo took to the air. A short flight later, he found himself before a towering mountain that seemed to pierce the heavens. The other peaks, rich in spiritual energy, had houses scattered from the base to the summit. The Tenth Peak, however, had shockingly few structures. Looking closely, Shen Mo could see only a few buildings situated near the summit. He descended directly onto the mountaintop. Before he saw anyone, he heard voices. "Bet big, bet small, make your call!" "Um bet small, I''ll go with small! My last bottle of Infant Transformation Elixir is on the line!" "Alright three, five, fivebig! You lose! That elixir is mine now!" "Aaaah! That was my last bottle of Infant Transformation Elixir!!" Shen Mo''s mouth twitched. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 204: My Senior Sister is Actually a Little Girl Chapter 204: My Senior Sister is Actually a Little Girl Shen Mo strode forward and saw a figure by a stone table. This person appeared to be middle-aged, dressed in the robes of a first-tier elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. "Huh? Weren''t there two voices talking just now? Why is it only him?" Shen Mo was puzzled and approached the table. The elder wore a sorrowful expression. "Can you let me borrow a bottle of Infant Transformation Pill?" A voice, old and grumpy, came from under the table. "Get lost! You''ve lost all your spirit stones, pills, and contributions. I''m not wasting my time gambling with you." "When you''ve earned enough contributions, go to the Treasure Pavilion and exchange for an Infant Transformation Pill, then come back to gamble." The elder sighed deeply and turned to leave. He glanced at Shen Mo, likely assuming he was there to gamble as well, and gave him a sympathetic look. "Fellow Daoist, be careful with that oneshe''s too strong" With that, he covered his face and left, unable to hold back his tears. Shen Mo''s mouth twitched. "Hey? You here to gamble with me, too?" The voice sounded again. Shen Mo looked down under the table and finally saw a petite figure. This girl if she weren''t so short, she might actually be quite tall. No wonder he hadn''t seen anyone there earlier. She wasn''t even as tall as the stone table! Shen Mo carefully observed the girl. She was dressed in a bright green outfit, revealing her fair arms and legs, with jade bangles and silver bells on her wrists and ankles. Her steps were light and jingled as she moved. If she didn''t speak, anyone would think she was an eight- or nine-year-old girl. But the moment she opened her mouth, that illusion shattered. "Hey, hey, hey! Did you hear me? Are you going to gamble or not?" "I''m a busy woman; I don''t have time to waste on you!" The little girl crossed her arms, looking impatient. Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo cupped his hands politely. "I''m not here to gamble." "Then scram!" The girl returned to the stone table, plopping herself on top, focused on arranging her three dice. Shen Mo smiled. "I''m Shen Mo. I was recruited by L Dongxuan and have joined the Jade Cauldron Sect as part of the Tenth Peak." "L cough, cough!" The girl nearly choked on her own breath. She shot forward, now standing directly in front of Shen Mo. Her big, bright eyes examined him from head to toe. "So, you''re the talent that Little Donkey recruited. He mentioned it to me through a sound-transmission jade." "Little Donkeyuh, I mean, Little L!" "Cough, cough I''m your Senior Sister, Zhao Yaolu! I''m also the highest-ranking member of the Tenth Peak!" The girl put her hands on her hips, assuming the demeanor of a senior. Shen Mo blinked. "Isn''t the highest-ranking member supposed to be the Tenth Elder?" Each of the ten peaks was headed by an elder, from the First Elder down to the Tenth Elder. All ten elders were cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage, deeply respectedeven the sect master had to heed their influence. "Hah! That old man is nothing. He spends all his time hanging out in red-light districts. I''m the one earning all the resources for the Tenth Peak!" The little girl was visibly upset. Shen Mo glanced at the three dice. "That''s right, it''s all earned with these!" Zhao Yaolu said proudly. Shen Mo coughed. What was there to be proud of? "Senior Sister, perhaps you could give me an introduction to the Tenth Peak?" Zhao Yaolu looked puzzled. "What''s there to introduce? It''s a barren mountain, with six small huts, one Tenth Elder, and two Nascent Soul elders. Oh, and now with you, we have three Nascent Soul elders." "As for disciples, there aren''t any." Shen Mo: "" It really was a case of "the few, the proud." "What kind of business will you be managing?" Zhao Yaolu asked casually. "Beast control, in the Dragon Serpent Mountains." Zhao Yaolu immediately frowned. "What? Who''d assign you to that place?" "Who was in charge of Elder''s Court today?" Shen Mo replied, "The Second Elder." Zhao Yaolu''s brows shot up. "Damn that old miser, deliberately giving our Tenth Peak trouble!" "Is the Dragon Serpent Mountains that bad?" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Zhao Yaolu clicked her tongue. "The Dragon Serpent Mountains is a disaster. The spirit beast bloodlines there are too diluted." "If you go there, you won''t just struggle to earn contributions; you might even end up losing a ton." "At this rate, you''ll never advance in elder ranks without a good thirty years of effort. You won''t even gain access to the better forbidden areas where contributions are actually worth earning." "Ugh, the more I think about it, the angrier I get!" "When I reach the Nascent Soul stage, I''ll storm the Second Peak and twist his head off!" Zhao Yaolu put her hands on her hips, her face full of anger. Shen Mo felt a bit warmed by her words. It seemed the Tenth Peak was fiercely protective of its own. "Honestly, if you remain a first-tier elder, your yearly salary will be pathetically low. How am I supposed to gamble with you and take your spirit stones and pills" Zhao Yaolu muttered. Shen Mo: "" "Anyway, where''s your Jade Cauldron Pearl?" Zhao Yaolu asked. Shen Mo took out a Jade Cauldron Pearl. This was the identification token that could only be obtained after officially becoming an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. On the back of the pearl was a "ten," and the front was carved with a small cauldron, indicating Shen Mo''s status as a first-tier elder. "You''ve just become a first-tier elder and have no contributions yet, so I''ve transferred two ding-level contributions to you." "Go to the Treasure Pavilion first and exchange for some items needed for beast control before heading to the Dragon Serpent Mountains. Otherwise, you''ll be at a complete loss when you get there." Zhao Yaolu tapped her own Jade Cauldron Pearl against Shen Mo''s to transfer the contributions, then patted him on the shoulder earnestly. "Junior Brother, if you can''t make it work in the Dragon Serpent Mountains, come find me. After all, that place isn''t exactly fit for anyone to survive." Shen Mo nodded. "Thank you, Senior Sister!" With that, he prepared to take off toward the Treasure Pavilion. Suddenly, a tremendous dragon''s roar echoed from afar. However, this roar carried an intense sense of agitation. If one listened closely, there was also a faint trace of sorrow within it. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. "Senior Sister, what''s that sound?" Zhao Yaolu replied casually, "That''s the Jade Cauldron Sect''s guardian spirit beast, the Flame Dragon. It can already speak in human language. Since the passing of the sect''s founding ancestor, the Flame Dragon has been guarding the sect." Shen Mo looked puzzled. "Then why does it sound so agitated and sorrowful?" Zhao Yaolu shrugged. "It can''t find a mate to take care of certain needs, so it''s agitated." Shen Mo: "" "As for the sorrow" Zhao Yaolu lowered her voice. "The sect previously tried pairing it with large pythons, but those pythons couldn''t handle the old dragon''s strength due to their low level" "It''s sorrowful because it can''t reproduce." Shen Mo nodded in understanding. The more powerful a species, the harder it was for them to reproduce. Reproduction is a creature''s basic instinct. Now, this old dragon, with no mate and no offspring, was restless and sorrowfulunderstandable. Zhao Yaolu seemed to remember something and added, "It''s said that back in the day, when the founding ancestor was around, the old dragon actually had a mate. That female python even laid an egg, but during a fierce battle, the female python was killed, and the egg floated down the Cangjiang River." "Since then, the egg has never been found." "Oh, by the way, Little Donkey is out searching for a dragon egg under the sect master''s orders." Shen Mo nodded, finally understanding the situation. The agitated and sorrowful dragon roar continued for a while before quieting down. The disciples of the Jade Cauldron Sect seemed accustomed to it and paid it no mind. "Senior Sister, I''ll take my leave then." Shen Mo cupped his hands and flew off toward the Treasure Pavilion. Zhao Yaolu watched his departing figure, blinking. "This guy''s bone age is only twenty-two, even younger than Ye Yan, who reached the Nascent Soul stage at twenty-nine." "That Little Donkey actually managed to recruit such a talent. Heh, heh, heh, now I have another person to win spirit stones and pills from!" Meanwhile Shen Mo flew toward the Treasure Pavilion. As he flew, Zhao Yaolu''s life panel appeared in his mind. He realized that this Senior Sister was quite extraordinary. [Name: Zhao Yaolu] [Realm: Fifth Tier Perfected] [Life Fate: Daughter of the Ghost King, Afflicted with Bad Luck, Surviving Death, Innate Vein Blockage, Five Ghost Soul Devouring Body] Shen Mo immediately examined these life fates in detail. [Daughter of the Ghost King: Orange Fate. You are the offspring of a sixth-tier Heavenly Ghost King. After the Ghost Clan was exterminated by the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, you escaped to the borders of Jing Country and were adopted by the Tenth Elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect.] [Afflicted with Bad Luck: White Fate. As a member of the Ghost Clan, you are born with bad luck. Getting hit on the head by a flowerpot, encountering a downpour just as you step out, finding half a worm in an applethese are daily occurrences for you.] [Surviving Death: Purple Fate. You are destined to have three life-saving opportunities. After these three, you will inevitably meet your end.] [Innate Vein Blockage: White Fate. You are unable to cultivate the Ghost Clan''s bloodline arts and can only take an alternative path, cultivating human techniques.] [Five Ghost Soul Devouring Body: Red Fate. The souls of your five younger brothers reside within you. They are both your powerful allies and the reason you cannot sleep, constantly haunted by the past. Cultivating Yin-based techniques will double your efficiency.] Due to her "Afflicted with Bad Luck" fate, Zhao Yaolu had no upcoming fortunes, only numerous unlucky incidents. Shen Mo exhaled softly. Daughter of the Ghost King? Raised by humans? The Ghost Clan? The Ten Thousand Demon Nation? Shen Mo hadn''t expected Zhao Yaolu to have such a backstory. As for the Ghost Clan, Shen Mo had seen brief mentions of them while skimming ancient texts at the Divine Sword Sect after he defeated Yao Yunluo and took over Divine Sword City. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 205: Heading to the Dragon Serpent Mountains Chapter 205: Heading to the Dragon Serpent Mountains Some beasts are born with intelligence, known as the Demon Clan, distinguishing them from ordinary beasts. The Ten Thousand Demon Nation contains many such Demon Clan members. The Heavenly Ghost Clan is considered a branch of the Demon Clan. They are uniqueneither entirely beast nor ghost. In appearance, they look human, but in battle, they reveal their ghostly form. In many ways, they resemble the human race more than the Demon Clan. Every member of the Heavenly Ghost Clan is born with formidable combat strength, but they are plagued by poor fortune and endless bad luck. Rumors within the Demon Clan suggest that the Heavenly Ghost Clan brings misfortune to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, eventually leading to its downfall. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These rumors spread for thousands of years. In the end, the Demon Emperor exterminated the Heavenly Ghost Clan. They were nearly wiped out from top to bottom. Shen Mo never expected to encounter a member of the Heavenly Ghost Clan within the Jade Cauldron Sect, one of the three major sects of Yuzhou. And she was a descendant of the legendary Ghost King. "Interesting. Coming to Yuzhou was the right choice." "This world is truly fascinating." Shen Mo smiled slightly as he landed in front of the Treasure Pavilion. The Treasure Pavilion was grand and luxurious. Disciples and stewards came and went at the entrance. Shen Mo, dressed in the robes of a first-tier elder, drew respectful nods from most disciples around him. Yet, some seemed unfazed. After all, there were at least thirty first-tier elders in the Jade Cauldron Sect. They had become a common sight. Shen Mo walked straight into the Treasure Pavilion. The Treasure Pavilion had nine floors. The first, second, and third floors corresponded to outer disciples, inner disciples, and core disciples. The fourth through ninth floors were designated for elders, from first-tier to sixth-tier elders. Each floor required the corresponding rank for entry. No one could bypass these restrictions. After presenting his Jade Cauldron Pearl, Shen Mo was granted access to the fourth floor. The number of people on the lower three floors was significant. However, upon reaching the fourth floor, the number of people dwindled considerably. Almost everyone here was at the Nascent Soul stage. Shen Mo scanned the area, noting that most of the treasures were mid, high, or top-grade in the Profound Rank. There was only one item of Earth Rank qualitythe low-grade Infant Transformation Pill. It was essential for Nascent Soul cultivators to advance in their realm. Shen Mo glanced at it. A bottle contained five pills and required two ding-level contributions to exchange. For the superior Grand Infant Transformation Pill, Shen Mo estimated that it would likely require a higher-level bing-level contribution. "Pfft, that''s pricey." Shen Mo shrugged and ignored the Infant Transformation Pill, instead focusing on items needed for beast control. "Celestial Essence Grass and White-Shell Fruit, both of which are ideal heavenly materials for feeding Demon beasts. Their medicinal properties are mild and suitable for all types of Demon beasts." "I''ll exchange for these two first." "I can come back for more as needed." These two items were top-grade in the Yellow Rank. They were effective yet inexpensive. Excellent value for the price. Shen Mo used his two ding-level contributions, exchanging them for 1,000 pounds of Celestial Essence Grass and 2,000 pounds of White-Shell Fruit. After storing these items in his storage ring, Shen Mo left the Jade Cauldron Sect''s gates and set off directly for the Dragon Serpent Mountains. ... On the Third Peak. He Tianchou was humbly massaging an elder''s shoulders and legs. "Master, how should I deal with this Shen Mo?" "I really don''t want to get involved with them." The elder smiled faintly. "It''s too late; you''re already involved." He Tianchou was taken aback. "Why do you say that, Master?" The elder replied calmly, "I just received word that Yang Qiye has assigned Shen Mo to the Dragon Serpent Mountains." He Tianchou''s face froze. Yang Qiye was the Second Elder. The Dragon Serpent Mountains were very close to Yuhai City. Now, no matter how much he wished to keep his distance from Shen Mo, it wouldn''t be possible. It was inevitable that they would interact frequently in the future. "This is likely Yang Qiye testing our stance. After all, we of the Third Peak have always maintained neutrality," the elder smiled faintly. He Tianchou frowned, "So?" "Don''t get too close, but don''t distance yourself either. Handle everything officially, just as before. If there are any changes, I''ll notify you immediately," the elder replied calmly. "Yes, yes, that''s good," He Tianchou nodded repeatedly. "Return now. Shen Mo will be managing the Dragon Serpent Mountains, so you''ll inevitably need to stay in contact with him." The elder waved his hand. "Understood, Master. Take care," He Tianchou responded before quickly departing. After he left, the elder slowly opened his eyes and sighed softly. "Two young geniuses appearing in the same sect I just hope their personalities are compatible. If they clash, it won''t be a good thing..." ... One hundred miles outside Yuhai City, at the Dragon Serpent Mountains. This mountain range stretched for dozens of miles, resembling a coiled serpent in slumber. From south to north, it was lush and verdant, evoking a sense of tranquility and awe at first glance. Shen Mo circled the Dragon Serpent Mountains, finally spotting a courtyard situated halfway up the mountain, and landed there. He knocked on the gate, "Elder Shen Mo, here to take over the management of Dragon Serpent Mountain''s resources..." Before he could finish, the courtyard door was abruptly flung open. A middle-aged man with sunken eyes and a gaunt figure rushed out. He stared intensely at Shen Mo, his eyes gleaming. "Finally finally, a newcomer." "Do you know how long I''ve waited for this day?" He stretched out both hands. "Ten years, a full ten years!" "I''ve been stuck here at the Dragon Serpent Mountains for ten years! I''ve lost at least a B-rank contribution in total!" "Now, at last, someone has come to take over my duties!" The man laughed heartily, his dejected aura vanishing in an instant. "Shen Mo, Elder Shen, right? I''ll leave this place to you; I, Qian Fangyong, am out of here!" He immediately took flight, disappearing into the horizon in an instant. Shen Mo smacked his lips. This He left so quickly, without even a proper handover. Is Dragon Serpent Mountain really that dreadful? "Ahem I didn''t expect such a young, uh, unfortunate soulI mean, elderthis time," a raspy voice came from the courtyard. Soon, a hunched figure, leaning on a cane, slowly emerged. Shen Mo looked over. The elder seemed as frail as a flickering candle. It was as though a strong wind could blow him apart. Moreover, his aura wasn''t at the Nascent Soul level; he was only at the entry stage of the Core Formation realm. The elder approached Shen Mo and appeared to want to kneel partially. Shen Mo quickly supported him. "No need for that. Please speak while standing." The elder nodded and then spoke. "My name is Huang Bayi, the steward of Dragon Serpent Mountain. I am four hundred and ninety-two years old and have seen off seven elders." Shen Mo chuckled. "Why is Dragon Serpent Mountain like this?" The elder sighed deeply. "I don''t know either, but previous elders claimed the feng shui here is poor. The bloodline of the demon beasts cannot be purified and instead becomes increasingly diluted." "Elder Shen, you''re so youngwhy would you come to the Dragon Serpent Mountains? You should know this place has a notorious reputation Previous elders were all pressured here due to conflict." Shen Mo smiled. "Well, since I''m here, I might as well take a look." Huang Bayi nodded. "Very well. I''m too old and frail to move around, so I''ll have my granddaughter show you around the Dragon Serpent Mountains." He called out, and a young girl, about ten years old, shyly stepped forward. Huang Bayi whispered, "Her name is Huang Caiying, ten years old, an outer disciple of the Jade Cauldron Sect, and the only disciple willing to help manage the Dragon Serpent Mountains." Shen Mo was torn between laughter and exasperation. It seemed even disciples avoided this place. Despite his amusement, he felt a growing curiosity. What secrets could the Dragon Serpent Mountains hold that prevent the demon beasts'' bloodlines from purifying, causing them to become increasingly diluted? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 206: A Mere Core Formation Steward Dares Bark in My Face Chapter 206: A Mere Core Formation Steward Dares Bark in My Face Not long after, Shen Mo led Huang Caiying on a full tour of Dragon Serpent Mountain. The mountain was roughly divided into three areas: the pastures, the lakeside, and the caves. These three regions were further sectioned into various enclosures, each home to different types of demon beasts such as the Long-Maned Cattle, Flying Cloud Silkworm Mothers, and Jade-Eyed Pythons. Some of the gentler demon beasts had already been tamed as spirit beasts and no longer needed to be confined within enclosures. They could roam freely outside, like the celestial cranes and big tigers that Shen Mo had seen at the Jade Cauldron Sect, creatures that had entirely lost their wild nature. Suddenly, a figure arrived outside Dragon Serpent Mountain, shouting loudly, "Qian Fangyong! Get out here now!" His booming voice, infused with spiritual energy, caused the weaker demon beasts to scatter in terror, fleeing in all directions. Shen Mo frowned. The primary rule in raising demon beasts was not to disturb them. Repeated disruptions like this would ruin even the most carefully cultivated beasts. Shen Mo immediately flew over with Huang Caiying to confront the man. "I am Elder Shen Mo, in charge of Dragon Serpent Mountain. Who are you?" When Huang Caiying saw the man, she shrank back in fear behind Shen Mo. The man looked Shen Mo up and down with disdain. "Ah, so they replaced the old guy with a newcomer. No wonder you don''t know me." "Let me tell youI am Steward Xu Ziqiang, serving under the Second Elder! From now on, I''ll be the one assigning tasks to Dragon Serpent Mountain." "This year''s quota from Dragon Serpent Mountain is 400 pounds of Long-Maned Cattle gallstones, 1,000 pounds of Flying Cloud Silkworm cocoons, and 600 pounds of Jade-Eyed Python molts." "Qian Fangyong fell short last year. Now that it''s your turn, don''t even think about failing again!" "If you do, you won''t get a single contribution point!" With that, Xu Ziqiang gave a dismissive snort and turned to leave, his attitude dripping with arrogance. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, and suddenly his aura surged. In an instant, Xu Ziqiang felt as if an invisible giant hand had clamped down on him. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn''t move an inch. He strained with all his might, his face turning red, yet he was unable to break free from Shen Mo''s hold. "A mere Core Formation cultivator, a lowly steward, and you dare bark in my face?" Shen Mo spoke calmly, looking down at Xu Ziqiang. Xu Ziqiang snarled, "What do you think you''re doing? I''m under the Second Elder''s protection! Release me immediately!" There wasn''t a hint of respect for a Nascent Soul elder in his tone. "Caiying, cover your eyes. Don''t look," Shen Mo said calmly. "Yes, Caiying understands," Huang Caiying replied, obediently covering her eyes. "It is a great disrespect for a steward to fail to bow to an elder." "If you don''t wish to kneel, I''ll help you." Shen Mo flicked his finger lightly, sending a sliver of spiritual energy shooting forward, severing both of Xu Ziqiang''s legs below the knees. With a scream, Xu Ziqiang collapsed onto his knees with a thud. "You think that being favored by Yang Qiye allows you to bark at me, an elder?" "Perhaps you should consider whether you''ve already offended Yang Qiye. Otherwise, why would he send you here to deal with me?" Shen Mo''s voice was chillingly calm. Xu Ziqiang''s face turned deathly pale. He understood now. This Shen Mo was nothing like the meek Qian Fangyong; he was a fierce man of the highest order. His earlier arrogance had clearly provoked Shen Mo''s wrath. Xu Ziqiang immediately kowtowed, wailing, "Elder Shen, I was wrong! I was wrong!" Shen Mo replied coolly, "Tell me the actual task requirements from the sect. If you lie again, I''ll shatter your dantian." Xu Ziqiang shuddered in terror. Losing his legs could be remedied with rare pills, but if he lost his dantian, he''d be a cripple for life. Not daring to lie, he quickly said, "I exaggerated the numbers earlier. The sect only requires 200 pounds of Long-Maned Cattle gallstones, 500 pounds of Flying Cloud Silkworm cocoons, or 300 pounds of Jade-Eyed Python moltsany one of these." Shen Mo let out a cold smile. "You''ve got some nerve, doubling the requirements and demanding all of them." Xu Ziqiang kowtowed repeatedly, "I was wrong, I was wrong! Please punish me according to the sect''s rules, Elder!" Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent. He understood Xu Ziqiang''s intention in bringing up "sect rules." The larger the sect, the more complex its rules, and the stricter the need to adhere to them. Elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect have no authority over the lives of stewards or disciples. Only after a ruling by the sect''s Disciplinary Hall can any punishment be officially decreed. Shen Mo said coldly, "Go back and tell Yang Qiye to properly discipline his stewards. If he won''t, next time I will do it myself." "Yes, yes, I''ll go immediately!" Xu Ziqiang, as if granted a reprieve, fled hurriedly. Huang Caiying then opened her eyes and said angrily, "That scoundrel used to come every year, and both Elder Qian and my grandfather had to bow and scrape before him. Sometimes, they even had to bribe him with spirit stones." "He deliberately inflated the quotas, causing us endless work day and night." Shen Mo patted her on the head. "That won''t happen anymore. As long as I''m here, no one will dare pull such tricks." Huang Caiying nodded eagerly. "Yes, Caiying can tell right away that you''re different from Elder Qian and the other elders my grandfather used to talk about. You have vigor and spirit, unlike those other elders, who were all so spineless." Shen Mo laughed heartily. At that moment, he heard a low humming sound echoing from deep within the mountain. "What''s that sound?" he asked. Huang Caiying blinked her large eyes and replied, "That''s the sound of the Flying Cloud Silkworm Mothers, Elder Shen. The previous Elder Qian never contributed enough to buy heavenly resources, so they haven''t been fed properly for a long time." "I''ve been growing some Blueblood Mulberry trees in the pastures of Dragon Serpent Mountain just to keep them alive." Shen Mo patted her head again. "So, it''s the Flying Cloud Silkworm Mothers. But how did you know they needed Blueblood Mulberry leaves?" Huang Caiying blushed. "Sometimes, my grandfather would tell me about these things, so I just remembered." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "You''ve done well. Let''s go check on the silkworm mothers. I brought plenty of heavenly resources with me this time, enough to sustain them for a while." Huang Caiying lit up with joy. "Thank you, Elder Shen!" A short while later, the two entered a dim cavern through a small opening. Inside, there was almost no light, but Shen Mo''s cultivation allowed him to see clearly in the dark. Ahead of them was an enclosure, filled with small, white, palm-sized insectsthe Flying Cloud Silkworm Mothers, which resembled regular silkworms but produced silk that was exceptionally resilient and provided warmth in winter and coolness in summer. The elders'' robes from the first to the third rank were crafted primarily from this silk. Higher-level elder robes required even more durable and sturdy silk as the main material. "The sect''s three assigned tasks are easiest to accomplish with Flying Cloud Silkworm silk," Shen Mo observed. "However, these silkworm mothers have grown thin from hunger, and their bloodline is rather diluted. We''ll be lucky to meet half the required quota each year." After glancing over them, Shen Mo shook his head repeatedly. S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Huang Caiying asked softly, "Elder Shen, do you have a solution?" "I like you, Elder Shen, and I don''t want you to end up like Elder Qian." Shen Mo chuckled. "Of course, I have a solution." "I won''t just fulfill the sect''s taskI''ll exceed it." "Then not only will I gain contributions, but so will you, your grandfather, and everyone!" Huang Caiying cheered excitedly, "Yay! Caiying will get contributions too!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 207: Shen Mo Has Some Distance Left Before He Can Be My Rival Chapter 207: Shen Mo Has Some Distance Left Before He Can Be My Rival Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jade Cauldron Sect, Elders'' Pavilion At this moment, there were three people on the second floor of the Elders'' Pavilion. The Second Elder, Yang Qiye, sat at his desk, handling documents sent from various places. Behind him stood a young man, wearing a crimson robe, with a cold expression. On the carpet in front of them lay Xu Ziqiang, collapsed on the floor. "Second Elder, you must seek justice for me!" "That audacious Shen Mo dared to cut off my legs!" "This wasn''t just an attack on me; it was clearly a slap in your face!" Xu Ziqiang wept bitterly, his tears and snot streaming onto the carpet, leaving a shiny, damp stain. Yang Qiye''s expression was ice-cold. "That damn Shen Mo truly infuriating. Does he really think he can act with impunity just because he''s become an Elder of the Tenth Peak?" Then his expression softened as he smiled gently. "Ziqiang, go back and rest well. Once your legs heal, I''ll still need you to serve me." Hearing this, Xu Ziqiang was overwhelmed with gratitude. The Second Elder hasn''t given up on me! "Yes! I swear, I''ll serve the Second Elder with my life!" Two disciples entered, one on each side, and helped Xu Ziqiang out. Once they were gone, Yang Qiye''s face immediately returned to its usual dignified expression. "Yan''er, what do you think?" he asked coolly. The young man standing next to Yang Qiye was none other than Ye Yan. With a cold gaze, he replied, "If he stands in our way, then he should be eliminated." Yang Qiye laughed heartily, "You''re still the same, always resorting to killing." "Remember, sometimes, attacking the heart can be more effective than taking a life." "Besides, this Shen Mo is a young prodigy like you. We can''t just act against him." Ye Yan''s eyes glinted, "A young prodigy?" Hearing this term piqued his interest. Yang Qiye nodded, "Intelligence from Xuanjiang Prefecture has arrived. The most powerful sect there was once the Divine Sword Sect, a branch of the Shangqing Sect." "Recently, the old master of the Divine Sword Sect, Yao Yunluo, entered the Nascent Soul stage and held a Nascent Soul celebration, inviting all the sects in Xuanjiang to attend, intending to unify the prefecture during the event." "Then Shen Mo appeared. He, too, is in the Nascent Soul stage." "Both are newcomers to the Nascent Soul stage, with Yao Yunluo having entered slightly earlier." "Yet Yao Yunluo was effortlessly suppressed by Shen Mo." Ye Yan said calmly, "He''s just a Nascent Soul cultivator from a small place, lacking a solid foundation. Even among newcomers, there''s still a significant gap." Yang Qiye nodded slightly, "You''re right about that." "However, according to intelligence from Xuanjiang, each time Shen Mo has advanced to a new major realm, it has been a flawless advancement." "As for the grade of his Nascent Soul, no one knows yet, but many speculate it''s at least a seven-lotus soul." Ye Yan''s gaze intensified. "So, are you tempted to test your skills against him?" Yang Qiye smiled faintly. Ye Yan nodded, then shook his head. "He''s someone worth noting, but he''s still some distance from being my rival." "By comparison, a young man in black whom I encountered near Cangjiang the other day is even more worthy of being a rival." Yang Qiye raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Oh? Who is this person, to earn such high regard from you?" Ye Yan said nothing more. Yang Qiye chuckled and didn''t press further. After a pause, he added, "By the way, there are ten blue serpent herbs over in Dragon Snake Mountain. Don''t leave them there. In a few days, bring them back, and give three to your senior brothers; the rest are yours." "Thank you, Master," Ye Yan nodded. Dragon Snake Mountain In a small cottage. Though Huang Caiying was young, she was diligent. Soon, she had tidied up the cottage until it was spotless. From now on, this would be Shen Mo''s new residence. While the cottage was drafty in winter and leaked in summer, making it uncomfortable year-round, Shen Mo didn''t mind. If he became preoccupied with improving his residence''s condition instead of focusing on his cultivation and beast mastery, it would only distract from his true purpose. "Honorable Elder, I''ll go prepare some food," Caiying said before leaving. Huang Caiying bowed to Shen Mo before leaving. Once she was gone, Shen Mo took out several sets of array flags from his storage ring. Among them were formations for concealing presence, alerting intrusions, emitting poisonous smoke, and soundproofing. These had been obtained after he killed L Xinyue, the master of the White Harmony Sect, some time ago. Shen Mo carefully placed the array flags in concealed spots around the cottage. Only then did he feel it was truly secure. From his understanding of life''s uncertainties, Huang Bayi didn''t have much lifespan left, and Huang Caiying was merely an innocent child. Yet Shen Mo still instinctively set up these arrays. It wasn''t to guard against them but rather to defend against any potential threats from the Yuding Sect. "Finally settled. Now I can refine the Dan Crown." Seated cross-legged on the bed, Shen Mo took out the Yin Evil Pearl extracted from a Yin corpse. Several days had passed since then. However, the surface of the Yin Evil Pearl still exuded ominous energy and a chilling coldness. As soon as he brought it out, the air temperature dropped considerably, and even his breath condensed into frost. Shen Mo remained unfazed, holding it in his palm and channeling spiritual energy. Within less than a quarter of an hour, he had completely melted it, turning it into a dark, fog-like substance. He wrapped the fog in his spiritual energy and guided it down into his dantian. Next, he used his spiritual energy to retrieve fragments of his golden core, which lay submerged in the ocean of spiritual power. He tossed these fragments into the Yin Evil energy. From here, there was no need for further control; the golden core fragments began to transform on their own. Gradually, they formed a crown-like shape. The color shifted from the red of the golden core fragments to a white Dan Crown, and an hour later, it turned green. Seeing the changing color of the Dan Crown, Shen Mo pondered. "Dan Crown quality is categorized by color, with five grades: white, green, blue, purple, and gold." "White is the lowest, and gold is the highest." "The Yin Evil Pearl is indeed an ideal choice for refining the Dan Crown. A single fourth-tier Yin Evil Pearl can elevate the Dan Crown to green quality." "However, even more Yin Evil Pearls will be required from this point onward." Shen Mo nodded slightly. With a thought, the green Dan Crown floated above his Nascent Soul. He immediately sensed a subtle change in his Nascent Soul''s mystical abilities. Previously, he could only use it once every three days; now, it could be activated approximately every two and a half days. "Good. Next, I''ll claim the opportunity to transform my Nascent Soul into a Grand Core." Shen Mo left the cottage, flying through the air, and soon arrived at a lake on Dragon Snake Mountain. This lake, too, was divided into various sections by fencing. The most numerous inhabitants were green-eyed pythons. There were also various demonic beasts, including frogs, turtles, and fish. Shen Mo strolled around and soon found the smallest fenced area. Inside were ten large, entirely green fish swimming around. They were the , long since tamed by the Yuding Sect and classified as spirit beasts. These ten were of mediocre quality, which was why they were kept here on Dragon Snake Mountain. The better-quality ones resided in the lake of the Heng Tai Mountain Range, tended by designated caretakers. To put it bluntly, their treatment was better than that of the outer sect disciples. Shen Mo glanced at them. These ten were practically identical, and no one would notice anything amiss about them at a glance. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 208: Fire Dragon Egg Beneath Dragon Snake Mountain Chapter 208: Fire Dragon Egg Beneath Dragon Snake Mountain "Indeed, if it''s not meant for me, I wouldn''t be able to see it with the naked eye." Shen Mo shook his head and took out a handful of bait from his storage ring, throwing it into the water. He was well-versed in the habits of demonic beasts, including the . The bait he tossed had two layers: the outer layer was something the loved to eat, while the inner layer was something they found repulsive. This way, without having to dissect them, he could induce them to regurgitate anything in their stomachs. Moments later, the began to vomit, and a palm-sized jade bottle emerged from the mouth of one of them. Shen Mo''s eyes lit up with delight as he stepped forward to retrieve it. The jade material of the bottle was high quality, so it hadn''t been corroded by the stomach acid even after being inside the . With a gentle wipe, it shone as if new. Shen Mo opened the bottle, and a rich fragrance of medicinal pills filled the air. He felt a slight strengthening of his Nascent Soul within his dantian as well. His spirits lifted immediately. He swiftly stored the bottle of Grand Infant Transformation Pills. "This bottle contains five Grand Infant Transformation Pills, enough to help me reach the intermediate Nascent Soul stage." "By calculation, it''s worth at least two Grade C contributions." Shen Mo sighed slightly. He had long since learned that contributions in the Yuding Sect were graded from A to D, with A being the highest and D the lowest. Ten Grade D contributions could be exchanged for one Grade C contribution. The system continued in this way, with exchanges typically going upwards rather than downwards, similar to the use of spiritual stones. For most of the Yuding Sect''s properties, if they met the standard for annual requirements, they earned only two Grade D contributions. More significant properties might yield more, but no more than four contributions. Two Grade D contributions could only be exchanged for a single Infant Transformation Pill. Exceeding the sect''s requirements would yield multiple contributions as a reward, depending on the situation. The bottle of Grand Infant Transformation Pills Shen Mo obtained saved him a significant amount of contribution points. He nodded slightly, intending to leave. Suddenly, he saw a streak of light in the sky, and within an instant, it appeared a hundred meters before him. The figure in the streak of light took shapea pale-faced cultivator in a crimson robe, with three small cauldrons embroidered on his chest, signifying his rank as a three-cauldron elder. His cold expression seemed to deter anyone from approaching. It was Ye Yan, whom Shen Mo had previously encountered in a skirmish above Cangjiang. Ye Yan, recognizing Shen Mo''s one-cauldron elder robe, hesitated for a moment but quickly masked his reaction with his usual cold demeanor. Shen Mo feigned confusion. "Who are you? Why did you react that way? Could it be that you know me?" On that day above Cangjiang, Ye Yan had worn a demon mask and hadn''t been in his Yuding Sect elder robe. Thus, he hadn''t revealed his identity. Shen Mo had no intention of exposing him either, so he acted as though he was unaware. Ye Yan didn''t answer and instead asked coldly, "Are you the guarding elder of Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo?" "Yes, that''s me. May I ask who you are?" Ye Yan responded, "I am Ye Yan, here on orders from the Second Elder to retrieve the ten in this area." Shen Mo nodded, "Since it''s the Second Elder''s order, I will comply. Please, go ahead." The two exchanged no further words. Ye Yan took the ten and departed quickly. Shen Mo watched him leave, his expression unchanged. Only after putting several hundred miles between himself and Dragon Snake Mountain did Ye Yan''s expression shift, a look of suspicion and realization emerging. "So, the one who took the Yin Evil Pearl was himthe tenth peak''s Shen Mo." "Yang Qiye was right; this person is indeed a young prodigy, a true rival of mine." "There are two ways to deal with such a person: either cut him down or make him serve as a loyal dog." Ye Yan raised his eyebrows as a plan formed in his mind. Meanwhile, Shen Mo quickly made his way to a cave. "It''s time to begin cultivating demonic beasts." After feeding them heavenly essence grass and blue-blood mulberry leaves, the restless flying cloud mothers here had finally calmed down. Having practiced the True Beast Mastery, Shen Mo now had an intimate understanding of various demonic beast habits. Cultivating them was well within his capability. "The flying cloud mothers carry traces of the ancient bloodline of the Golden Silkworm. To purify their bloodline, I''ll need to provide certain heavenly materials and earthly treasures." "The necessary items include" A flood of medicinal herbs flashed through Shen Mo''s mind. Some of these herbs could be found on Dragon Snake Mountain, while others could be purchased from the Jade Sea Hall in Jade Sea City. Since Jade Sea Hall wasn''t the Jade Sea Sect''s Treasure Pavilion, they accepted spirit stones for purchases. Soon, Shen Mo gathered all the herbs he needed and brewed a medicinal solution. He selected a few particularly robust flying cloud mothers and soaked them in the solution. After a day, these flying cloud mothers had noticeably grown stronger. However, when Shen Mo checked on them the following day, they had mysteriously returned to their original state! "Strange why is this happening?" Shen Mo immediately checked his personal life panel. [Recent Turn 1: Today, the flying cloud mothers that were soaked in medicinal solution reverted to their original state. No solution has been found.] [Recent Turn 2: One month later, two especially strong long-maned oxen are selected to drink the medicinal solution, quickly becoming stronger. A few days later, they return to their original state. No solution has been found.] [Recent Turn 3: Three months later, a green-eyed python is soaked in medicinal solution to enhance its bloodline, but after a few days, it reverts back. No result.] [] [Recent Turn 10: Ten years later, Ye Yan arrives at Dragon Snake Mountain and, while pursuing a rare demonic beast, discovers a fire dragon egg beneath the mountain that is in the process of hatching. The young dragon recognizes Ye Yan as its master. This event causes the Jade Sea Sect''s guardian spirit beast, the fire dragon, to fly over from the Heng Tai Mountain Range, leading to the destruction of Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo is affected by the disaster and takes five years to recover.] Shen Mo''s eyes widened. So that''s the reason! No wonder the bloodlines of those demonic beasts would strengthen briefly, only to be immediately drained. It was all because the fire dragon egg had been secretly absorbing them! "Who would have thought that the fire dragon egg from years ago drifted down the Cangjiang River and ended up beneath Dragon Snake Mountain?" "It must have entered the underground river." "This opportunity eventually fell to Ye Yan, and I was caught in the aftermath, severely injured." Shen Mo marveled at the revelation. He couldn''t help but feel sympathy for the elders who had managed Dragon Snake Mountain in the past. No wonder the Dragon Snake Mountain industry could never prosper. Who could have guessed that the only fire dragon egg was hidden here? "Now that I know the cause, this will be easy to handle." "I''ll find the fire dragon egg and hatch it early, making it recognize me as its master!" Shen Mo acted decisively. He ventured deep into the dark cave to begin his search. After half a month of exploring, he finally located his target about a thousand feet underground. It was an underground lake. Cold, biting water flowed through the lake. At the bottom of the lake lay the fire dragon egg, nearly as tall as a person! It radiated heat, making the once frigid lake water pleasantly warm. Perhaps sensing the powerful life force of the beast within, a few demonic beasts lingered nearby, though none dared approach. This place had clearly become a forbidden zone. Shen Mo muttered to himself, "The fire dragon egg must have been absorbing the world''s essence for centuries and is only now showing signs of hatching." "Now, let''s take you away!" Shen Mo took the fire dragon egg and, at a depth of about three hundred feet, found a hidden cave. He then prepared a bath of medicinal solution brewed from heavenly essence grass and white-shell fruit for the egg. The fire dragon egg sensed the nutrient-rich solution and immediately began absorbing it. Shen Mo arranged various formations around the area and finally breathed a sigh of relief. The reason the fire dragon egg had been absorbing the blood energy of the demonic beasts on Dragon Snake Mountain was simply due to a lack of nutrients. With sufficient nourishment, the previous issue would naturally stop. "However at this rate, the heavenly essence grass and white-shell fruit I exchanged for two Grade D contributions may not be enough." Shen Mo''s eyes widened as he saw the large barrel of solution quickly depleting. "Right, that corpse cultivator must be valuable, right?" He recalled Ye Yan''s previous opportunity, and a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 209: Tell Me Where You’re Cultivating the Remaining Yin Corpses Chapter 209: Tell Me Where You''re Cultivating the Remaining Yin Corpses Pingcheng. This was a rather ordinary city within the jurisdiction of the Taishan Prefecture. Nearby, there was a rocky hill and a small lake. The city''s residents followed the rhythm of sunrise and sunset, working by day and resting by night. There were no elders stationed here, only a few Foundation Establishment-level deacons from the Jade Cauldron Sect. Since Pingcheng lacked any significant cultivation resources, even these deacons spent their days idling away. However, in recent months, Pingcheng had been far from peaceful. Cases of live people disappearing had been frequently reported. Farmers who left the city early in the morning to work in the fields outside would vanish by evening. Young people who went out in groups to enjoy the countryside would also fail to return by nightfall. In just half a year, over a hundred people had disappeared. At the same time, nearby cities around Pingcheng had also experienced disturbances caused by yin corpses. Such malevolent creatures immediately drew the attention of the Jade Cauldron Sect. As a result, they dispatched over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators to search through these cities. However, the one controlling the yin corpses was exceptionally cunning, evading capture each time. In the end, the Jade Cauldron Sect could only place a bounty on this so-called "Corpse Taoist." But despite the bounty hanging in the air for half a year and several increases in the reward, no one had managed to capture him. It was now nearly dusk. Outside Pingcheng, beneath a tree. A young man in simple clothing, carrying a bundle on his back, was waiting anxiously. He looked up at the darkening sky, feeling both nervous and scared. At the same time, terrifying rumors surfaced unbidden in his mind. If one lingered outside after nightfall, they could encounter something dreadful. And disappear forever. Yet he couldn''t leave this place. Because he couldn''t abandon that person. Not long after, a familiar figure, also dressed in coarse cloth, came running toward him. Like him, she also carried a bundle. The two saw each other and smiled with joy. In the next moment, they embraced tightly. The young man inhaled the fragrance of her hair. The young woman, in turn, reveled in his strong, masculine presence. Entwined in each other''s arms, they had no wish to separate. "I never imagined you''d abandon your life of luxury and elope with me." The man was overwhelmed with emotion. The woman covered her mouth with a smile, "You''re my everything. Without you, what''s the point of enjoying a life of wealth and status?" They held hands. "I''ve already thought it over. We''ll go to Jade Sea City." "It''s the most prosperous place in the Taishan Prefecture. When we get there, we''ll open a bun shop. You''ll knead the dough, and I''ll make the buns!" Imagining a future filled with boundless happiness, the young man''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Yes, as long as we''re together, I don''t care what we do." The young woman looked at him, her eyes full of joy. "Since you''re willing to do anything, then come to me. Let''s become a pair of doomed lovers!" A raspy, sinister laugh suddenly sounded behind them. Startled, the two spun around. There stood a hunched, eerie-looking figure. Beside the strange man was a figure wrapped in a black robe, broad and muscular, with a straw hat on his head. The black-robed figure exuded a menacing aura, clearly no ordinary person. "You... you" The young man was so frightened he couldn''t speak. "You''re the Corpse Taoist?!" The young woman steadied herself, speaking in a tone filled with both terror and shock. "Hahaha, not bad. You, a mere mortal woman, guessed who I am in an instant. How clever." "Let''s see if your body can withstand the wash of the Yin Fiend''s energy." The eerie man laughed chillingly. With a pointed finger, the black-robed figure pounced like a savage beast! In that instant, his straw hat flew off, exposing his hideous face. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rotting skin, reeking of decay, blood-red eyes, yellowed teeth. It was a yin corpse! The young woman was petrified with fear, unable to move. The young man clenched his teeth, charging forward to shield her from the yin corpse, "Run! I''ll buy us some time!" However, he had overestimated the gap between himself and the yin corpse. In an instant, the corpse tore both his arms off, causing him to faint from the pain. The corpse then threw the severed arms, hitting the fleeing woman, making her cough up blood before she, too, lost consciousness. "Tsk, how many times have I told youdon''t damage the bodies," the Corpse Taoist frowned. "Hurry up and take them away." The yin corpse stiffly nodded, hoisting both of them onto its shoulders. Just then, the Corpse Taoist turned around and saw a young man dressed in black standing twenty paces behind, staring intently at him. The man''s gaze didn''t look at him like he was a person, but rather as if he were a treasure. The Corpse Taoist''s body stiffened immediately. It was usually he who looked at others this way; never had he imagined someone would look at him like that. "Who are you? Don''t get in my way," he said in a low voice. "I''m not someone you can take from!" Though he didn''t know the young man''s identity or power, the fact that he had managed to approach him so silently suggested considerable strength, likely equal to his own, around the late stage of Core Formation. A life-or-death fight with someone like this would not be worthwhile. The Corpse Taoist had survived over three hundred years and had encountered such situations many times. No one knew better than he how to adapt on the fly. The man in black let out a sinister chuckle. "I''m not here to take your belongingsI want ." The Corpse Taoist was taken aback, his expression darkening. "We''re both in the same business. Can''t we work something out?" He took a few steps forward, spreading his hands with a sincere expression as though to offer peace. However, just as he finished speaking, two clouds of dark green powder shot out from his sleeves, surrounding the man in black! The Corpse Taoist summoned a skull-shaped spirit tool into his palm, channeling his spiritual energy and slamming it. A cloud of dark green poisonous mist appeared, surging toward the man in black. Meanwhile, the yin corpse carrying the couple gently set them down and charged straight at the man in black! In an instant, three layers of attacks surrounded the man in black, leaving him no room to escape. The Corpse Taoist gave a slight smile. That dark green powder was crafted from the remnants of his yin corpse refinement, laced with corpse poison. Once it infiltrated the body, it would cloud the mind and harm internal organs. The skull spirit tool was even deadlier, forged from the skulls of forty-nine Core Formation cultivators, and infused with corpse, miasma, and yin poisons. The green poisonous mist was a mix of several lethal toxins. As for the full-force attack of this fourth-grade yin corpse, it was terrifyingly powerful. Caught off guard, his opponent would surely be severely injured by this onslaught. "Dare to go against me, will you? I''ll turn you into a yin corpse myself!" the Corpse Taoist sneered. But in the next instant, the yin corpse was sliced cleanly in half by a single sword strike. The blade''s lightning-infused shadow cut through the powder and poisonous mist, headed directly for him! The Corpse Taoist''s pupils shrank in terror. Panicking, he tried to summon his defensive techniques. But his speed was nothing compared to the swift-and-slow rhythm of the Lightning Shadow Sword Technique. In the blink of an eye, his right arm was sliced off! "Ah!" the Corpse Taoist screamed in agony. His opponent continued with three more swift strikes. Within moments, both his legs and his remaining arm were severed. In the blink of an eye, he was reduced to a helpless torso. The Corpse Taoist''s face filled with terror. He understood nowhe had encountered a true powerhouse! The young man approached him slowly, revealing a face that looked almost unnaturally youthful. The man grinned, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. "Tell me, where are the rest of your yin corpses being cultivated?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 210: Killing the Corpse Taoist and Returning to the Mission Hall Chapter 210: Killing the Corpse Taoist and Returning to the Mission Hall The Corpse Taoist''s mouth hung open, his face filled with shock. In all his years, it was the first time he had encountered such a brutal takeover. This person actually wanted his yin corpses! "SeSenior, if you had told me sooner, I would have handed over the yin corpses without a word," he forced a smile, suppressing his pain. Shen Mo responded indifferently, "Lead the way." The Corpse Taoist pointed toward the riverbank, "Head a hundred and fifty li south of Pingcheng. There''s a protruding rock called Swallow Cliff." Shen Mo nodded slightly, "Have that yin corpse take those two mortals back to the city gate. Do it quickly." "Yes, yes," the Corpse Taoist replied. He had no choice but to command the yin corpse to carry the young man and woman away. Moments later, the yin corpse returned to the Corpse Taoist''s side. "Let''s go to Swallow Cliff," Shen Mo said calmly. "Please follow me, Senior." The Corpse Taoist had the yin corpse lift him up. He wanted to escape, but the young cultivator behind him possessed unfathomable strength, far beyond what he could withstand. For now, he could only take things one step at a time. Perhaps leading him to the yin corpse cultivation site could offer some chance to escape using the terrain''s advantages. Shen Mo glanced at his life panel and smiled. Elsewhere, the young man and woman regained consciousness, still shaken by fear. "The Corpse Taoist! He''s the one abducting people!" "I''ll carry you to the medical hall to reattach your arms, and then I''ll report this to the City Lord so he can capture that Corpse Taoist!" the woman said urgently. "Alright, I''ll follow your lead." The young man, though bleeding heavily from his arms, nodded firmly. ... Beneath Swallow Cliff. The Corpse Taoist looked at the dark river, handing Shen Mo a dark pill. "Senior, this is my special Breath Sealing Pillsuperior to ordinary ones." Shen Mo chuckled faintly, declining the dubious pill and instead producing a Water Bubble. In an instant, he submerged into the river, protected by the Water Bubble, allowing him to breathe and move freely without concern for the pressure at the riverbed. The Corpse Taoist observed the strange spiritual tool with suspicion. He dared not say anything and led the way ahead. Soon, they reached a concealed underwater entrance. After the yin corpse removed a boulder blocking the cave''s mouth, they entered in succession. They swam through a sloping passageway, emerging into a space beyond a magical barrier that kept the water out. Beyond the water curtain lay a dry cavern. Upon entering, Shen Mo immediately sensed a dense presence of yin energy. The air was thick with a foul, decaying stench. Shen Mo scanned the area. It couldn''t be called luxurious; in fact, it was downright shabby. The cavern walls were lined with numerous alcoves about ten feet high. Each alcove held a yin corpse with closed eyes. At the center of the cavern stood a large vat of dark green liquid. The ground was littered with trash and debris. To put it bluntly, even a dog wouldn''t want to live here. "Please take a seat, Senior. I''ll retrieve the bell used to control the yin corpses for you," the Corpse Taoist said, forcing a smile as he backed away slowly. Shen Mo smirked, "Backing away? Preparing to release poison fog, perhaps?" The Corpse Taoist''s eyes widened in shock and anger. What was going on? His every thought was being seen through as clearly as if the man could predict the future! "Die!" he snarled, gritting his teeth and deciding to go all out. He had long since set up a poison fog array within the cavern. The array was far more potent than any spirit tool or poison he possessed. Once activated, even if his opponent survived, he would be in terrible condition! But he had overestimated himself once again. Before he could activate the array, a flash of lightning-infused sword light appeared in an instant. The Corpse Taoist''s expression froze. The next moment, a line of blood appeared across his neck. In an instant, his head flew, and his headless body collapsed backward. Shen Mo casually wrapped the severed head and stored it in his storage ring. Then, as if splitting melons, Shen Mo proceeded to slice open each of the yin corpses. There were twenty yin corpses in total within the cavern. After dismantling them, Shen Mo indeed found two Yin Fiend Beads. "Not bad, these two Yin Fiend Beads should be enough to upgrade my Dan Crown to blue." He searched the cavern further. Finding nothing else of value, he decided to leave immediately. However, just as he emerged from the river, he noticed a large crowd gathered on the riverbank. These people held torches, peering intently into the water. Leading them was a figure with Core Formation cultivation. It seemed this was the chief deacon sent by the Jade Cauldron Sect to guard Pingcheng. "Who goes there?!" The Core Formation deacon noticed Shen Mo and shouted in shock and anger. Shen Mo tossed over the Jade Cauldron Token. "I am an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. The Corpse Taoist and his yin corpses have been eradicated. There is an underwater cave below containing all of the Corpse Taoist''s refined yin corpses. Take your men down to retrieve the bodies." The deacon recognized the Jade Cauldron Token, his heart trembling, and he immediately bowed respectfully. "Yes, thank you, Elder, for ridding us of the Corpse Taoist menace!" Shen Mo nodded slightly, then ascended into the air and quickly disappeared into the horizon. When the news spread, the citizens and soldiers of Pingcheng rejoiced. The Corpse Taoist was dead, and the shadow that loomed over the surrounding cities had finally lifted. Of course, this was of little importance to Shen Mo. It was merely a means to earn contributions. ... At the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Mission Hall. Although this hall wasn''t as critical as the Treasure Pavilion or the Scripture Pavilion, nor as grand, it was bustling with people from morning till night without rest. Shen Mo landed at the entrance of the Mission Hall. He went straight up to the third floor. Compared to the first and second floors, the third floor was much quieter. There were significantly fewer people here. Like the halls on the lower floors, a large stone tablet displayed various missions. However, the mission tablet on the third floor was accessible only to elders. Shen Mo looked at the top row of the tablet. "Nine-Star Mission: Assist the Guardian in mating. Reward: One A-rank contribution and a Dragon Favor from the Guardian." The Guardian, of course, was the honorific used within the Jade Cauldron Sect for the Li Fire Flood Dragon. After all, it had once fought alongside the sect''s founding ancestor. Shen Mo continued scanning the tablet. There were several other nine-star missions. Nine-Star Mission: Restore an Ancient Pill Recipe. Dependent on the level of the restored recipe, ranging from one C-rank to one A-rank contribution. Additionally, a fifty percent discount on pill exchanges from the Treasure Pavilion. Nine-Star Mission: Refine crystals for the Heavenly Treasure Nine Dragon Cauldron. One A-rank contribution and access to use the Heavenly Treasure Nine Dragon Cauldron once per month. Nine-Star Mission: Find a Li Fire Flood Dragon Egg. One A-rank contribution and a Dragon Favor from the Guardian. Shen Mo pondered. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had heard of the ancient pill recipes. Long ago, a powerful sect named the Nine Transformations Pill Dao Sect existed on the land of Yuzhou. Even the Emperor Jing had to purchase pills from the Nine Transformations Pill Dao Sect back then. Later, the Nine Transformations Pill Dao Sect attempted to overthrow the imperial power, leading Emperor Jing to join forces with Yuzhou''s major sects to destroy them. Dan River Sect inherited part of the Nine Transformations Pill Dao Sect''s alchemy techniques, making it now the sect most skilled in alchemy among the three sects of Yuzhou. The Jade Cauldron Sect, on the other hand, had managed to seize several fragmented pill recipes and the Heavenly Treasure Nine Dragon Cauldron, a powerful celestial-grade spiritual artifact. However, fully restoring those fragmented pill recipes was an enormous and arduous task. This mission had always been left untouched, as no one was willing to undertake it. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 211: Mei Haihe’s Unwavering Loyalty to Shen Mo Chapter 211: Mei Haihe''s Unwavering Loyalty to Shen Mo As for the second nine-star mission, refining crystals for the Heaven''s Treasure Nine Dragons Cauldron requires no further explanation. The Heaven''s Treasure Nine Dragons Cauldron is a heaven-grade spiritual weapon, with each of its legs able to be infused with a demon crystal. Even the slightest error could damage the cauldron and cause the demon crystal to shatter. For a weapon of this caliber, only a sixth-rank demon crystal would suffice. Sixth-rank demon crystals are obtained only from sixth-rank demon beasts, whose power rivals cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage! Even a sect as formidable as the Jade Cauldron Sect could not afford to squander sixth-rank demon crystals so freely. The third nine-star mission, however, was to retrieve a Blazing Fire Dragon Egg, which was now in Shen Mo''s possession. Yet, the offered reward was so minimal that Shen Mo was reluctant to hand over the egg. If he were to hatch it himself, the young dragon would surely recognize him as its master. That would be far more valuable than a single A-rank contribution or the "dragon kinship" of a Blazing Fire Dragon. Shen Mo continued reading the list. He soon found his target among the four-star missions. Four-Star Mission: Eliminate the Corpse Taoist plaguing the Ping City area. Reward: Two C-rank contributions and two Yin Sha Pearls. Shen Mo was pleased. Just as he expected. Two C-rank contributions could be exchanged for twenty D-rank contributions, enough for his needs in the coming period. His investment in Dragon Serpent Mountain would yield him more contributions in the future. Shen Mo took out his Jade Cauldron Pearl, lightly touched it to the stone tablet, and accepted the mission. He then approached the counter. Behind the counter stood a round-faced girl who respectfully greeted him, "Elder, how may I assist you?" Shen Mo produced the Corpse Taoist''s head, along with some fragments of corpse puppets, and handed them over. "I have eliminated the Corpse Taoist." The girl''s eyes widened in surprise. The Corpse Taoist mission initially began as a two-star task, but over the past six months, its difficulty had risen to four stars. The reward had multiplied accordingly. Several elders of the first and second ranks had attempted to locate the Corpse Taoist. Yet all had ultimately wasted days in vain and forfeited some contributions due to their failure to complete the mission. Unexpectedly, this daunting mission was accomplished by this incredibly young elder! "Please wait a moment; I will immediately summon the Sixth Elder overseeing the Mission Pavilion to verify this. It won''t take long." The girl became even more respectful. Shen Mo nodded. About a hundred breaths later, the round-faced girl returned, her face filled with reverence. "The Sixth Elder has confirmed that this is indeed the Corpse Taoist''s head. Congratulations on completing the mission." "This storage ring contains your reward: two Yin Sha Pearls." "Please present your Jade Cauldron Pearl." Shen Mo handed over his Jade Cauldron Pearl. The girl took it, touched it to the large Jade Cauldron Pearl on the counter, and returned it to him. "The two C-rank contributions have also been credited to your account." Shen Mo nodded slightly, then departed, heading straight to the Treasure Pavilion. Shortly after Shen Mo left the Mission Pavilion, a figure clad in a crimson robe entered. The round-faced girl''s eyes lit up, fixed on the young man with admiration. This was none other than Ye Yan. Ye Yan''s gaze scanned the stone tablet. Yet, after looking up and down, he didn''t find the mission he sought. He frowned. "Where''s the mission to eliminate the Corpse Taoist? Even if someone else has taken it, I should still be able to accept it." The girl quickly replied, "Elder Ye, just a moment ago, another elder completed that mission." "The reward of two C-rank contributions and two Yin Sha Pearls has already been issued to him." Ye Yan frowned deeply. The mission had remained uncompleted for half a year. He had gathered some leads on the Corpse Taoist through his subordinates and had come to accept the task. But it seemed someone had beaten him to it just moments earlier. Without those two Yin Sha Pearls, he would have to delay his plans to craft high-quality Dan Crowns. Ye Yan said coldly, "Who was that elder? Tell me his name." "I want to find him and buy those two Yin Sha Pearls." The girl, slightly intimidated by his gaze, checked the records and quickly replied, "Reporting to Elder Ye, that elder''s name is Shen Mo." Ye Yan''s expression froze. Without waiting for the girl to say anything further, he strode out of the Mission Pavilion. "My power is equal to Shen Mo''s; those two Yin Sha Pearls won''t be attainable" He snorted coldly and returned to the Second Peak to continue his cultivation. Dragon Serpent Mountain. Shen Mo arrived in the skies above Dragon Serpent Mountain, a faint smile playing on his lips. After earning two C-rank contributions for slaying the Corpse Taoist, he had gone on a shopping spree in the Treasure Pavilion. In one go, he took away 5,000 pounds of Heavenly Essence Grass and 8,000 pounds of White Shell Fruit. Additionally, he exchanged for a large amount of rare resources that could optimize the bloodlines of demon beasts like the Flying Cloud Crane, the Long-maned Ox, and the Green-eyed Python. Several low-grade storage rings were packed to the brim. The steward of the Treasure Pavilion could only watch with wide eyes, unsure what this young elder was planning. "Hm? Someone''s here?" Shen Mo glanced toward the small dwelling on Dragon Serpent Mountain and sensed a third presence there besides Huang Bayi and Huang Caiying. He gracefully descended. There, he saw an old man with an ethereal, sage-like appearance, sitting around a campfire with Huang Bayi and Huang Caiying, sharing a roast pig. The three of them had grease smeared all over their faces. "It''s you?" Shen Mo chuckled in surprise. The old man was none other than Mei Haihe. The elderly man stood up and, without warning, burst into tears, his ethereal demeanor vanishing instantly. "Elder Shen! I''ve missed you terribly!" Shen Mo suddenly recalled that he had left Mei Haihe at Jade Sea Hall and completely forgotten about him. "I spoke with Hall Master He at Jade Sea Hall and learned you were overseeing Dragon Serpent Mountain, so I thought I''d come find you!" "Dragon Serpent Mountain needs people, doesn''t it? I, this humble old man, am willing to serve Elder Shen with all my might!" Mei Haihe bowed deeply to Shen Mo, his tone utterly sincere. Huang Caiying, gripping a pig leg with her tiny hands, quickly said, "Elder, Grandpa Mei is a good person! He caught this wild pig, and it''s really delicious." "Please take him in," she pleaded. Huang Bayi nodded in agreement. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. "Mei Haihe, I can''t offer you an official position right now. You won''t receive a monthly stipend or any benefits. Until the end of this year, you''ll remain an external worker at Dragon Serpent Mountain. Do you understand?" Mei Haihe''s face lit up with excitement, catching the implication in Shen Mo''s words. Not this year, but perhaps next yearthere was hope! "Yes, yes! I understand completely!" he said, barely containing his excitement. If it weren''t for the situation, he would have gladly knelt down in gratitude. As a rogue cultivator in the Core Formation stage, he had no chance of becoming a steward in the Jade Cauldron Sect. Yet Shen Mo had effectively granted him a temporary position. Naturally, Mei Haihe was profoundly grateful. "From now on, you''ll handle all the miscellaneous tasks on Dragon Serpent Mountain," Shen Mo said calmly. "You''ll also handle errands for Jade Sea Hall. Huang Bayi is getting old, and Huang Caiying is still too young, so this will be your responsibility." There were quite a few herbs Shen Mo needed from Jade Sea Hall, saving him the trouble of traveling to the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Treasure Pavilion. Now, Mei Haihe could take on these tasks, freeing up Shen Mo from making the long trip. Mei Haihe nodded fervently, "Yes, yes! I''m willing to work like a horse or hound for Elder Shen!" "Take this list and head to Jade Sea Hall immediately. Buy every herb listed here." "You''ll need to cover the cost yourself for now, but I''ll reimburse you when you return." Shen Mo quickly jotted down a list and handed it to him. "Yes, sir!" Mei Haihe replied solemnly. This was the very first task his new master had given him. He was determined to execute it flawlessly! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 212: Jade Cauldron Sect Issues Annual Stipend, Shen Mo Heads to Qi Yun Mountain Range Chapter 212: Jade Cauldron Sect Issues Annual Stipend, Shen Mo Heads to Qi Yun Mountain Range Winter faded, and spring arrived. In the blink of an eye, Shen Mo had already spent a full year in Dragon Snake Mountain. During this time, a sect steward from Jade Cauldron Sect made a special trip to deliver Shen Mo''s annual stipend. The stipend was exactly as Lu Dongxuan had previously promised: Thirty top-grade spiritual stones. One Earth-tier crystal-forged spiritual weapon. Ten strands of "One-Line Blue." Ten bottles of "Infant Transformation Pills." Five taels of "Stardust Sand." And a uniquely designed blood-red token. Top-grade spiritual stones are always highly valued as the core energy source for activating formations. One of these stones is sufficient to power a Profound-tier formation for a thousand years without damage! There''s never enough of them. As for the Earth-tier crystal-forged spiritual weapon, Shen Mo chose one through a sound transmission jade called the "Jade Belt." It can store a defensive martial skill that lasts for two days, ready to be instantly activated in case of danger. The embedded demon crystal is of the fourth rank, extending its duration. Without it, it would only last for one day. This item is quite useful. In a critical moment, it could block an opponent''s surprise attack, allowing him to counter and strike down the attacker. Shen Mo instructed Huang Caiying to place eight of the ten strands of "One-Line Blue" into the lake. He kept the remaining two to be steamed. The ten bottles of "Infant Transformation Pills" are similar in effect to a single "Greater Infant Transformation Pill," so Shen Mo tossed them into his storage ring for future use. The five taels of "Stardust Sand" were treated the same; they weren''t immediately useful, so they also went into his storage ring. What caught Shen Mo''s attention the most, however, was that blood-red token. The surface of the token was engraved with an ominous-looking vine. "This is the Blood Vine Valley token? Elder Shen, I''ve heard that Blood Vine Valley is quite a treasure trove!" Mei Haihe, standing beside him, gazed at the token with bright eyes. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Blood Vine Valley is one of the three forbidden grounds controlled by Jade Cauldron Sect. The First and Second Elders have access. Inside the valley grows a rare and precious material known as "Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass." Consuming rice cooked with Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass offers effects similar to taking an "Infant Transformation Pill." Additionally, Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass has a calming effect, ideal to consume before meditation to help cultivators quickly enter a training state. However, the grass grows slowly, and the valley is home to formidable demon beasts, making it challenging to find the Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass. To protect the environment of Blood Vine Valley, Jade Cauldron Sect established rules allowing First and Second Elders to enter once per year, staying for up to five days each time. If entry were unrestricted, Blood Vine Valley would eventually become a common mountain valley. The Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass would likely vanish as well. "No rush. There''ll be plenty of opportunities to enter Blood Vine Valley in the future." Shen Mo waved his hand and stored the blood-red token in his storage ring. Blood Vine Valley is a land of opportunity. The valley is teeming with blood vines, stealthy and lightning-fast, difficult to defend against. Many well-known Nascent Soul stage cultivators have met their end in Blood Vine Valley. Besides Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley Grass, one can also find the remains of these fallen Nascent Soul cultivators. Without a corresponding opportunity, Shen Mo saw no need to waste this entry. "I''m heading out for a while. Dragon Snake Mountain will be in your care." "Remember, when I return, I expect to see fifteen hundred jin of Flying Cloud Mother''s silk." Shen Mo glanced at Mei Haihe, speaking calmly. Jade Cauldron Sect had tasked Dragon Snake Mountain with producing five hundred jin of Flying Cloud Mother''s silk. But after Shen Mo purified Flying Cloud Mother''s bloodline, its quality had improved tremendously half a year ago. Additionally, thanks to sufficient nourishment, the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Egg no longer absorbs demon beast blood essence. Together, these factors have multiplied Flying Cloud Mother''s silk yield several times over. "Understood! Rest assured, Elder!" Mei Haihe''s expression lit up with excitement. He had contributed modestly to the bloodline purification process. He had witnessed the tremendous improvement in Flying Cloud Mother''s silk yield firsthand. If this task goes smoothly, he could be promoted to an official member of the sect. For a rogue cultivator, joining Jade Cauldron Sect is an unparalleled honor. Huang Bayi and Huang Caiying also looked excited. Dragon Snake Mountain hadn''t seen such prosperity in decades! Bei Yue Prefecture, Qi Yun Mountain Range This area sits at the border shared by the three powers: the Shang Qing Sect, Jade Cauldron Sect, and Elixir River Sect. As a result, when conflicts arise among the three sects'' disciples, rogue cultivators often flock to the Qi Yun Mountain Range to seek refuge. The mountain range has thus become a gathering ground for numerous ruthless and dangerous individuals. Many Nascent Soul-stage cultivators among them have rallied rogue cultivators to claim their own territories. The chaos here is so intricate that even disciples from the three sects must submit to the local power players. Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, a figure approached from the southeast, finally descending onto the summit of a small mountain. This person wore a fire-patterned mask, dressed in green, standing tall and proud with an innate aura of authority. "According to fate''s timing, it will still be half a month before Ye Yan and Xiao Fan arrive here." "By arriving early, I can avoid interference and secure the treasures in the cave first." A faint smile crossed his face. Naturally, this man was Shen Mo. Inside the cave at this location lay a Heaven-tier technique, , along with the helm of a demon armor. Leaving such items unclaimed would be a true injustice. "However, Ye Yan only began his search for the cave after overhearing some rogue cultivators discussing a map during his quest for rare demon beasts." "I don''t have such luck, so I''ll have to find it slowly." At that thought, Shen Mo''s ears suddenly twitched. He heard cries for help in the distance. With a thought, he rushed toward the sound. Before long, he reached a clearing in the forest. In the center of the clearing, three rough-looking Foundation Establishment cultivators had surrounded an old man and a young boy. "Sirs...we are just simple mortals moving to a new place; please let us pass," the old man pleaded. The three cultivators, however, focused their gaze on the boy behind him. One of them, a burly man, chuckled with a sinister grin, "Heh heh, old man, your grandson is quite fresh-looking; just the type our boss likes!" "Now scram, hand over your grandson, and we might let you keep that feeble life of yours!" The old man''s face turned deathly pale. The young boy, still too young, seemed unaware of the danger. "I I will never let you do such a thing!" the old man gritted his teeth. The three cultivators sneered, "Stubborn to the end, huh? Then die!" The leader drew a massive machete from his waist and swung it down mercilessly. The old man, accepting his fate, closed his eyes, awaiting death. However, the anticipated blow never came. He opened his eyes and gingerly touched his neck. His head was still attached. What had happened? He looked forward. The three cultivators were making gurgling noises. In the next instant, a thin line of blood appeared on each of their necks. Suddenly, their heads flew into the air. Blood spurted like a fountain. The headless bodies fell heavily to the ground with a dull thud. The old man''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Tap. Tap. A figure in green attire approached. "Elder, young one, are you alright?" Shen Mo asked casually. The old man immediately knelt before Shen Mo, sobbing with gratitude, "Thank you Thank you, Master, for saving us!" Shen Mo helped him to his feet. After a few questions, he learned that the man''s family had lived in a small village on the northern slopes of Qi Yun Mountain Range since his great-grandfather''s generation. Recently, however, the local demon beasts had grown more aggressive. Most of the villagers had been forced to relocate. The old man''s son and daughter-in-law had fallen prey to these beasts not long ago. With no other choice, he had to take his grandson and move as well. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 213: The Remains of Immortal Hell Flame Chapter 213: The Remains of Immortal Hell Flame Shen Mo''s heart stirred. "Elder, do you know why the demon beasts are so agitated?" The old man spoke in a low voice, "Master, I''ve heard a rumor, but I don''t know if it''s true." "Please, go on." The old man nodded. "Back in my great-grandfather''s time, he was a Qi Condensation cultivator and once witnessed a powerful figure entering and leaving the northern slopes of the Qi Yun Mountain Range multiple times." "My great-grandfather suspected that this powerful figure might have had a hidden cave dwelling on the northern slopes." "Many villagers in our community believe the same." "However, though we often climbed the mountains to gather herbs, we never found any cave dwelling, and over time, this tale faded from memory." "Still, quite a few cultivators search for the cave with so-called maps." Shen Mo''s eyes brightened upon hearing this. Excellent, the opportunity has practically fallen into his hands! "Elder, where do you plan to relocate?" he asked. "Back to you, Master, we''re heading to that town on the southern slopes near the Jade Cauldron Sect, where a good-hearted master offers protection." "Very well, I''ll take you there." Shen Mo took hold of the old man and the young boy, flying with ease, and soon delivered them to their destination. The old man was overwhelmed with gratitude, almost kneeling before Shen Mo. After all, if they had walked on foot, it would have taken them over ten days, facing many perils along the way. Demon beasts and rogue cultivators alike posed constant threats. This act of kindness had indeed saved them from immense danger. "No need to thank me; just live well." Shen Mo smiled, patting the old man before flying off toward the northern slopes of the Qi Yun Mountain Range. Circling the northern slopes, he soon spotted an abandoned village. There wasn''t a single inhabitant left. However, several demon beasts roamed within the village. These beasts were abnormally restless, frequently roaring and howling as if in a frenzy. Contemplating the scene, Shen Mo immediately approached. After capturing a few of the beasts for examination, he discovered something startling. The brains of these demon beasts had undergone an irreversible transformation. Of course, a demon beast''s brain is usually no larger than a walnut. Now, their brains had shrunk to nearly the size of a sesame seed. "No wonder they''re so mindless; they''ve even lost the basic instincts for survival." Shen Mo felt a surge of excitement. It was becoming increasingly clear that a hidden cave dwelling must be nearby! The influence of this dwelling had caused the changes in the demon beasts. He began tracking the crazed demon beasts, eventually tracing them to the source. It was an unassuming spring! These demon beasts had been drinking from the spring, which had caused their brains to gradually shrink. "This spring appears shallow, but perhaps it''s an illusion." Shen Mo''s mind raced, and he flicked his finger, sending a strand of spiritual energy toward the spring. To his delight, the spiritual energy pierced through the spring''s bottom! "Just as I thought!" Shen Mo immediately took out a water-breathing charm and dove into the spring. He easily passed through the bottom of the spring, moving deeper down. Beneath the spring, it was pitch-black, cold, and mysterious. Shen Mo felt as though something in the darkness was watching him. He activated a protective barrier around himself and continued to descend. Strangely, he faced no attacks or obstructions as he sank to the bottom. There, embedded in the rock wall, stood a massive, imposing gate. Seeing the style of carvings on the gate, Shen Mo was lost in thought. He felt as though he had seen this style somewhere before. As he pondered, the gate sensed something and opened on its own before he could even touch it! Slightly surprised, he entered. Boom. The giant gate closed behind him with a thunderous sound. Before Shen Mo lay a vast, ancient cave dwelling. Against the wall sat a skeletal figure. Floating in midair within the cave were two clusters of light. One was a book. The other was a helmet, purple-black in color. With a simple gesture, Shen Mo easily retrieved the book. The cover bore five large characters. As Shen Mo opened the book, he found a few lines written on the first page. "I, who go by the Daoist title ''Hell Flame,'' was gravely wounded by a great demon at the Sea of Demon Suppression. Though I narrowly escaped and returned to Jing Nation, I am now near death. At the end of my life, I poured my thoughts into creating the May future cultivators carry it forward and rid the world of demons on my behalf. The demon''s name is ''Anchen.''" Shen Mo was mildly surprised. No wonder he felt a sense of familiarity when he discovered this cave. Unexpectedly, it was a cave dwelling left behind by True Master Hell Flame! "It''s unfortunate that True Master Hell Flame has passed away." "But what exactly is the Sea of Demon Suppression? I have no knowledge of such a place." Shen Mo pondered. This world was far larger than he had imagined. Just within Jing Nation, there were nine provinces. To the south of Jing Nation lay the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Demons, and to the east was known as the East Sea. The Sea of Demon Suppression must lie beyond the East Sea. Standing before the remains of True Master Hell Flame, Shen Mo bowed deeply. He had previously obtained the It was thanks to this scripture that he had been able to progress so swiftly. Now, he had acquired the In a way, though True Master Hell Flame had never appeared before him or spoken a word, he had played an essential role in Shen Mo''s growth. Performing this solemn gesture of respect felt fitting. "The great demon must be incredibly powerful. I cannot avenge you now, but someday I will go to the Sea of Demon Suppression and slay the demon Anchen!" Shen Mo spoke solemnly, bowed once more, and then took his leave. Six days after Shen Mo left the Qi Yun Mountain Range, two figures approached from the south and north, almost arriving simultaneously. They were Ye Yan and Xiao Fan. Ye Yan had come to seek a rare demon beast to breed with his old dragon. Meanwhile, Xiao Fan searched the northern slopes, occasionally muttering, "Old Dan, are you sure this is the place?" An ancient voice echoed in his mind. "Yes, this is undoubtedly the location." "After being wounded by a great demon in the Sea of Demon Suppression, True Master Hell Flame fled here. I saw it with my own eyes." "Unfortunately, despite my years of searching, I was never able to find the cave." "But you are different; you are the Child of Fortune, born with immense luck." "You are sure to find the cave dwelling!" Xiao Fan''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Great!" After learning of Shen Mo''s defeat of Yao Yunluo, he had immediately fled with Ouyang Qian. By chance, he discovered an ancient ring in a mass grave along the way. Within the ring resided the spirit of Old Dan. Old Dan claimed to be the Grand Elder of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect from five thousand years ago, searching for a successor to rebuild the sect. Now, he had chosen Xiao Fan. With Old Dan''s help, Xiao Fan had nurtured the Seven-Lotus Nascent Soul and reached the Nascent Soul stage. Overjoyed, Xiao Fan''s expression darkened as he remembered something. "Am I truly the Child of Fortune? Yet back in Xuanjiang Prefecture, I was always suppressed by others." "Every opportunity was always seized by him before I could reach it." Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sometimes, I even think he is the bane of my destiny." Old Dan frowned. "How could that be? I calculated that you are a reincarnated powerhouse destined for smooth sailing, without any hindrance." "You are a true dragon among men, with only one rival in this life. And that person isn''t even in Xuanjiang Prefecture." "It''s highly likely that you''ll encounter this rival during your quest for the cave." Xiao Fan frowned deeply. "Could it be that I''ll meet Shen Mo here again? He''ll likely reach the treasure before I do!" Old Dan shook his head. "No, no, no. You two will have a fierce contest, each obtaining something. This is what I have foreseen." Only then did Xiao Fan nod, his mind somewhat at ease. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 214: Ye Yan and Xiao Fan’s Fierce Duel – Unleashing Trump Cards Chapter 214: Ye Yan and Xiao Fan''s Fierce Duel C Unleashing Trump Cards On the other side: Ye Yan stood amidst a pool of blood, holding a tattered map, deep in thought. He had passed by the area and overheard some wandering cultivators discussing this matter. Such an opportunity was not something he would let slip. With a casual strike, he slew the group and seized the map. "To think that such a chaotic place would hide a cavernous estate?" Ye Yan''s sharp gaze flickered as he quickly made his way to the northern slopes of the Qiyun Mountain Range. The two men began their search separately, one heading north and the other south. Three days later, with Old Dan''s assistance, Xiao Fan was the first to locate an inconspicuous spring. Without hesitation, he dove underwater and swam toward the cavern. Shortly after Xiao Fan entered the depths, Ye Yan arrived, guided by the map, and likewise plunged into the waters. One after the other, the two immediately became aware of each other''s presence. Ye Yan wasted no time and attacked without warning. In his eyes, anyone vying for the cavern with him deserved to die. He condensed flames into a massive blade and swung it fiercely. Even within the deep pool, where the fiery aura was suppressed by the water''s spiritual energy, the flames'' power was immense. Before the blade even landed, Xiao Fan felt a burning sensation on his back, as though fire was scorching him. The pain was excruciating. "A formidable enemy!" "This must be the individual I predicteda rival for you." Old Dan''s voice echoed in Xiao Fan''s mind. "Even with memories of your past life, you''re no match for him. Allow me to block this strike. You must focus on entering the cavern and securing your destiny!" "Understood!" Xiao Fan nodded gravely, his expression resolute. A burst of light erupted behind Xiao Fan as a phantom of an elderly figure materialized. With a sudden motion, the phantom delivered a powerful palm strike. The fiery blade clashed with the phantom''s attack, sending shockwaves rippling through the water. The turbulent waves slowed Ye Yan''s movements significantly. Meanwhile, Xiao Fan''s speed surged as he darted toward a stone gate. Ye Yan''s eyes turned icy. "So, a powerful soul resides within him. A primordial soul? Only Nascent Soul-stage practitioners can cultivate such a thing!" "Interesting. Talented individuals seem to be everywhere these days." "First Shen Mo, now this Xiao Fan." Ye Yan smirked coldly, employing a movement technique to accelerate toward the gate. "I''ll open it!" Old Dan bellowed, slamming his palm against the stone gate with immense force. The gate shuddered, and a crack appeared. Overjoyed, Xiao Fan prepared to slip through the gap. "The treasures in this cavern are mine. You won''t take them!" Ye Yan''s cold voice echoed ominously. "Nascent Soul Art: Flame Manifestation!" Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the next moment, an overwhelming surge of flames erupted, colliding with the gap in the stone gate. The flames didn''t dissipate immediately; instead, they spread across the gate''s surface, forming a blazing net. The surrounding water boiled violently, creating countless bubbles. Xiao Fan was forced to retreat. "The power of a Nascent Soul Art?!" Xiao Fan exclaimed in shock and fury. This man was so desperate for the treasure that he resorted to his trump card, a Nascent Soul Artsomething typically reserved for life-and-death situations. Once used, it couldn''t be activated again for several days. If Ye Yan faced a life-threatening crisis in the interim, he''d have no choice but to sacrifice his lifespan to deploy it. "You must use your own Nascent Soul Art! This is not the time to hold back!" Old Dan urged. "Behind that stone gate lies the treasures left by the Immortal Hell Flameperhaps a Heaven-tier martial technique, a Heaven-tier spiritual weapon, or even a demonic armor. Anything is possible!" Old Dan''s tone was firm. "Your Nascent Soul Art is no weaker than his. If one strike isn''t enough, use two. Don''t hesitate to spend some of your lifespan!" "Once you grow stronger, there will be countless heavenly treasures and elixirs to replenish it!" "Alright! I''ll follow your guidance!" Xiao Fan responded solemnly. He understood that now was the moment to gamble everything. Whoever was stronger would claim the cavern and its treasures. Thus, despite having never met before, the two were destined to fight to the death. "Nascent Soul Art: Undying Battle Physique!" With a roar, Xiao Fan unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy, channeling it into every inch of his bones, muscles, and skin. His stature instantly surged upward, growing significantly taller. His body also swelled noticeably, resembling a small giant. The aura he emitted was overwhelmingly terrifying, utterly unlike that of an entry-level Nascent Soul-stage practitioner. Ye Yan''s heart skipped a beat. The opponent''s Nascent Soul Art was formidable, clearly a technique that greatly enhanced physical strength across the board for a short period. In direct combat, the opponent''s Nascent Soul Art was undoubtedly superior. However, Ye Yan''s Nascent Soul Art, while less suited for head-on combat, excelled in endurance and flexibility. Determining a clear winner between them wouldn''t be easy! Boom! Boom! Boom! The two exchanged ferocious blows, each attack more intense than the last. Xiao Fan, like a towering giant, delivered bone-crushing punches, each one landing with devastating force. Ye Yan, on the other hand, demonstrated incredible agility, deftly evading Xiao Fan''s strikes and occasionally slashing with a sudden, precise blade. Their fight grew more heated with each clash. Eventually, both resorted to using their Nascent Soul Arts two, even three times, burning through decades of their lifespans in the process. The intense battle left them both exhausted, their trump cards nearly depleted, yet the stalemate persisted. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Fan growled, "If we keep fighting like this, we''ll both end up severely injured, and neither of us will get the treasures in the cavern." "Why don''t we call a temporary truce and enter the cavern first?" Ye Yan''s eyes remained icy as he replied, "Fine. A temporary truce." Both men stopped their attacks simultaneously. Yet, their hands, hidden within their sleeves, were subtly poised, spiritual energy faintly surging. It was clear they were prepared to counterattack at any moment. "Old Dan," Xiao Fan murmured. Old Dan nodded and materialized once more, channeling immense force into the stone gate. With a loud rumble, the gate slowly creaked open, revealing a crack. Ye Yan immediately darted into the cavern. Xiao Fan followed closely behind. Inside, the cavern was remarkably dry, devoid of any moisture. Both men finally exhaled in relief. The immense water pressure at such depths had forced them to continuously expend spiritual energy just to endure, and now they finally had a moment to recover. "This place is completely empty?" Xiao Fan exclaimed as he surveyed the surroundings. Ye Yan''s attention was immediately drawn to a skeleton lying in the center of the cavern, his expression darkening. "A skeleton That''s all this cavern holds?!" Old Dan emerged from Xiao Fan''s body, staring intently at the skeleton. "Six fingers on the left hand, a missing pinky on the right. No doubt, this is the Immortal Hell Flame." "But why is there nothing else here?" The three split up to search the cavern. They overturned stone tables, stone beds, and stone chairs, leaving no corner unchecked. Yet, there were no Heaven-tier techniques, no Heaven-tier artifactsnothing but a cloud of dust. The grim realization dawned on them both. After such an intense fight, and having sacrificed so much of their lifespans, they had gained absolutely nothing. Both men''s faces twisted with fury. They had fought tooth and nail, burned through their trump cards, and spent decades of their livesall for nothing. Such a cruel outcome would drive anyone to madness. "Did you know this place was empty all along? Were you just wasting my time?!" Ye Yan snapped, his icy demeanor giving way to anger. Xiao Fan gritted his teeth. "I was about to ask you the same! I burned through thirty years of my lifespan for this! For what?!" Both men were consumed with rage, now viewing each other as bitter enemies. Yet, they were also painfully aware that they had exhausted their resources. Even if they wanted to fight again, they no longer had the strength. In the end, Xiao Fan turned and left, his face ashen. Ye Yan hesitated for a moment, then approached the skeleton of the Immortal Hell Flame. He broke it apart piece by piece, examining each bone meticulously. But even within the remains, he found nothing hidden. "I, Ye Yan, have suffered a humiliating defeat here!" "One day, I will kill that man!" His eyes gleamed with a bone-chilling coldness. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 215: Mutual Exploitation and Shared Goals Chapter 215: Mutual Exploitation and Shared Goals Jade Cauldron Sect, Elders'' Pavilion. A year had passed, and this month it was the Second Elder, Yang Qiye''s, turn to preside over the Elders'' Pavilion. Kneeling halfway before him was Xu Ziqiang. Thanks to the elixirs provided by Yang Qiye, his legs had fully recovered. "Second Elder!" Xu Ziqiang declared resolutely, "The year-end evaluations of various industries have arrived. Please grant me permission to visit Dragon Snake Mountain!" "Shen Mo must have utterly failed to meet even the most basic standards of assessment." "I want to witness his utter embarrassment, unable to even speak in his defense!" Hatred flashed in his eyes as he spoke. The memory of having his legs severed was still seared into his mind, and he would never forget the pain. Yang Qiye considered this briefly. "You can go, but not alone." "After all, you''re only at the Core Formation stage, and he''s a Nascent Soul cultivator." "With just the slightest excuse, he could put you in your place again." Xu Ziqiang shuddered. That was true. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed. Dressed in a crimson robe, Ye Yan entered, his expression dark and brooding. Yang Qiye raised an eyebrow. "Yan''er, accompany Xu Ziqiang to Dragon Snake Mountain to collect its output." Ye Yan took a deep breath. "Understood." Yang Qiye asked, "What''s wrong? You don''t seem yourself. I''ve never seen you in such a mood before." As he spoke, his gaze swept over Ye Yan''s temples, noticing strands of white hair. It was clearly the aftereffect of forcibly using a Nascent Soul Art during a life-threatening confrontation. Xu Ziqiang also glanced at Ye Yan, surprised. Ye Yan, known for his cold and domineering demeanor, now appeared as if he had suffered some major setback. Ye Yan''s face gradually turned expressionless. The events at the Qiyun Mountain Range were, of course, impossible to disclose. To have fought desperately against someone, sacrificed decades of his lifespan, and ultimately gained nothingit was utterly humiliating! If word got out, his dignity would be in tatters. "It''s nothing, Master. I''ll handle my own matters," Ye Yan replied calmly. Yang Qiye nodded approvingly. "Good. That''s the trait I admire most in you." "Don''t fear failure. A person who sails through life too smoothly will only grow complacent. Consider this a valuable lesson." "Now, head to Dragon Snake Mountain. No matter how talented Shen Mo is, no matter how gifted his comprehension, he cannot possibly meet the sect''s requirements." "Furthermore, Shen Mo is the eighth elder stationed there, and in the past 300 years, not a single year has passed without Dragon Snake Mountain incurring losses. This alone proves that the mountain, like the Jade Cauldron Sect''s beast-taming industry, is utterly defunct." "With these results in hand, I can bring the matter up in the Elders'' Assembly. This will give me enough leverage to force the Sect Master and Great Elder to abandon the beast-taming industry altogether." Ye Yan nodded. "Understood." He quickly left. Not long after Ye Yan''s departure, a communication jade within Yang Qiye''s storage ring began to tremble. His expression shifted slightly, and he immediately left the confines of the Jade Cauldron Sect. After disguising himself, he arrived at a small nearby town and entered an inn. At a window-side table, an unassuming middle-aged man was waiting. Yang Qiye sat across from him, and both raised their teacups simultaneously to take a sip. In a low voice, Yang Qiye asked, "General Wu, why have you sought me out?" The middle-aged man smiled. "The governor has instructed me to deliver something to Elder Yang." As he spoke, he turned his palm over and presented a jade box. Yang Qiye opened it, and his aged eyes widened in shock. "The complete crafting methods for the Green Lotus Set?" The "Green Lotus" referred to the Green Lotus Crown, Green Lotus Robe, and Green Lotus Bootsa set of spiritual artifacts that was the pride of the Supreme Purity Sect. Its defensive capabilities were unparalleled, and it even accelerated wound healing. Many cultivators eagerly sought it out, saving up spirit stones for over a decade just to purchase a single piece. Although the Jade Cauldron Sect had produced numerous spiritual artifacts modeled after the Green Lotus Set, neither their performance nor their pricing could compete with the genuine Green Lotus. And now, the crafting methods for the Green Lotus had fallen into his hands so easily. Yang Qiye felt as though he were dreaming. "This item," the middle-aged man said, "was obtained by the governor of Yu Prefecture after pulling every string he had and offering considerable concessions to the Sect of Supreme Purity." "But don''t get too excited, Elder Yang. This is an outdated crafting method. The Sect of Supreme Purity already has superior techniques." "The governor hopes that the Jade Cauldron Sect can use this method to produce spiritual artifacts that can rival the Sect of Supreme Purity''s offerings." The middle-aged man smiled faintly. Yang Qiye nodded deeply. He was no fool and understood the governor''s intent. To the governor of Yu Prefecture, it was ideal for the three sects of the prefecture to maintain balanced power, preventing any one sect from becoming dominant. This move was clearly meant to bolster the Jade Cauldron Sect to counterbalance the Sect of Supreme Purity. In a serious tone, Yang Qiye said, "General Wu, please convey my gratitude to the governor. Although I must tread carefully due to the complex relations between sects and the imperial court, I, Yang Qiye, am truly thankful to him." The middle-aged man waved his hand. "There''s no need for that, Elder Yang. Though there are tensions between the court and the sects, I respect those like you who dedicate themselves entirely to the sect''s welfare." Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, the governor isn''t giving this away for free." Yang Qiye pondered for a moment. "The governor wants the beast-taming industry?" The middle-aged man smiled. "Precisely. Your sect''s beast-taming industry ought to be abandoned." "As you know, after the troubles at Dragon Snake Mountain, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s beast-taming industry has been in sharp decline. The cost of nurturing spirit beasts is too high, and over the past 300 years, 80% of the spirit beasts have been purchased from the governor''s estate." "If that''s the case, why not abandon the industry altogether and rely on the governor''s estate for your spirit beast needs?" "The governor has also promised that, out of respect for Elder Yang, he''ll offer certain discounts." Hearing this, a glint flashed in Yang Qiye''s eyes, though his expression remained calm. "This decision doesn''t require the governor''s persuasionI''ve already been planning it." "For our sect, the beast-taming industry has long been a burden. It hasn''t been profitable and incurs losses year after year." "To be honest, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s routine elders'' meeting is coming up soon. I''ll be raising this matter with the Sect Master during the discussions." "With the governor''s gift of the Green Lotus crafting methods, my position in the matter has gained even more leverage!" The middle-aged man chuckled lightly. "I''ve heard you''ve sent a newcomer from the Tenth Peak to Dragon Snake Mountain?" Yang Qiye smirked. "Indeed. The Tenth Elder is stubbornly resistant to abandoning any industry, so I sent one of his disciples to Dragon Snake Mountain." "That young man may be a prodigy, but even so, it''s impossible for him to salvage Dragon Snake Mountain or revive the failing beast-taming industry." "Now that it''s the year-end evaluation, this marks 300 consecutive years of losses. Once the report reaches the sect, neither the elders nor the Sect Master will have any objections." The middle-aged man clasped his hands with a smile. "Then I wish Elder Yang great success." Yang Qiye returned the gesture with a slight smile. "General Wu, let us part ways. You and I never met." "Of course. I was merely here to enjoy tea by myself." The middle-aged man smiled. Yang Qiye swiftly departed. The middle-aged man watched his retreating figure, his expression inscrutable. The governor''s estate was using Yang Qiye. Yang Qiye, of course, knew this. But wasn''t Yang Qiye also using the governor''s estate to advance his own agenda? Both sides were shrewd, each exploiting the other for their own benefit. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 217: Elder Shen, Did You Add an Extra Zero to That Number? Chapter 217: Elder Shen, Did You Add an Extra Zero to That Number? At this moment, in the open space at the center of the residence: Mei Haihe, Huang Bayi, and Huang Caiying sat facing each other, their faces filled with joy and excitement. Hearing approaching footsteps, the three of them immediately stood up. But it wasn''t just Shen Mo they saw; behind him were several others. Especially the cold and detached face of Ye Yan, which scared Huang Caiying so much that she immediately hid behind Shen Mo. "Elder who who are they?" Huang Caiying asked timidly. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "They''re representatives from the sect here to collect this year''s output." Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi exchanged glances, their hearts uneasy. Usually, those tasked with collecting the annual output were cultivators at the Core Formation stage. Why, then, were there two elders at the Nascent Soul stage here today? Moreover, from the small cauldron emblem on their chests, their ranks were quite high! Before Shen Mo could speak, Ye Yan coldly interjected, "Bring out this year''s output from Dragon Snake Mountain immediately." "According to sect rules, failure to meet the minimum requirements results in forfeiture of next year''s stipend and a deduction of double the contribution points." "Furthermore, the sect has strict rules against buying materials from outside to pad the numbers! Violators will see elders demoted, and all affiliated stewards and disciples forfeiting one year''s stipend!" Each sentence from Ye Yan carried an icy menace. Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi trembled involuntarily, as if a ravenous beast had locked its gaze on them. Whoosh. At that moment, another streak of light arrived. It was none other than He Tianchou, the Hall Master of Jade Sea Hall. Seeing the chilling atmosphere, he merely stood outside, not daring to reclaim his Jade Cauldron Pearl. After all, L Dongxuan and Ye Yan were people he couldn''t afford to offend. Shen Mo spoke calmly, "Mei Haihe, Huang Bayi, where is this year''s output?" Mei Haihe respectfully handed over three low-grade storage rings. Then, standing tall under everyone''s scrutiny, he spoke loudly and clearly: "Reporting to the elders, these three low-grade storage rings contain the outputs from the caves, grasslands, and lakes." "Included are 1,500 pounds of Flying Cloud Silkworm Silk, 800 pounds of Long-maned Ox bezoar, and 1,100 pounds of Green-eyed Python molts" He went on for nearly a dozen breaths, detailing all of Dragon Snake Mountain''s outputs. By the end of his speech, everyone except Shen Mo, Huang Bayi, and Huang Caiying was utterly stunned. Xu Ziqiang blurted out, "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" "Dragon Snake Mountain has always been a place of loss, loss, and more loss!" "It can''t even meet the bare minimum requirementshow could it produce such massive quantities this year?!" Pointing a finger at Shen Mo, Xu Ziqiang shouted angrily, "Elder Shen, do you know the consequences of falsifying output numbers?!" "Fabrication is one thing, but you even instructed your subordinates to report such outrageous figures. Do you take us all for brainless fools?!" From the side, He Tianchou coughed awkwardly. "Elder Shen, these numbers could there be a mistake? Did you accidentally add an extra zero?" L Dongxuan couldn''t help but interject, "Junior Brother this I" He was at a loss, torn between laughing and crying. Even if you''re going to falsify numbers, you could''ve made them more believable. Report something smaller, and worst-case scenario, we could ask the sect master to smooth things over. Now, with such exaggerated numbers, you''re bound to alarm the entire Jade Cauldron Sect! Every elder, steward, and disciple will come to watch the spectacle! Ye Yan, sensing an opportunity, sneered coldly, "Shen Mo, I will report this matter truthfully to the Second Elder." "The Hall of Discipline will certainly investigate!" The mention of the Hall of Discipline sent a chill through everyone present. The Hall of Discipline was personally overseen by the Grand Elder. It managed all internal judgments and punishments within the Jade Cauldron Sect. When facing a member of the Hall of Discipline, one''s rank was effectively lowered by a full level. Disciples from the Hall of Discipline held authority over regular stewards. Disciplinary stewards held authority over regular elders. This was standard practice. Once targeted by a disciplinary steward, it meant a severe infraction had been committed. For minor issues, the Hall of Discipline usually sent its disciples to handle the matter. Faced with everyone''s words, Shen Mo merely smiled slightly. "Oh? Do you all think it''s fake?" Ye Yan snorted coldly. "Whether it''s true or not will be revealed shortly." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Perfect timingthere are three Nascent Soul cultivators here, and I have three storage rings with me." "Then, the three storage rings will be handed over to Senior Brother L, Hall Master He, and you, Ye Yan," Shen Mo said casually. With a flick of his hand, the storage rings landed in front of the three. This effectively eliminated any possibility of Ye Yan tampering with the evidence. As He Tianchou inspected the storage ring, he sighed, "Elder Shen, falsifying numbers really isn''t a good" Before he could finish his sentence, his eyes widened in shock, and the rest of his words caught in his throat. Seeing He Tianchou''s expression, L Dongxuan froze for a moment and began his own inspection. Moments later, his eyes bulged as well, and he blurted out, "Holy crap!" Ye Yan, noticing their reactions, felt an unsettling sense of unease and quickly checked the contents of the storage ring. What he saw left even his cold, stoic face filled with astonishment. The storage ring was brimming with various materials from magical beasts: Silk, bat wings, spider fangs, snake eyes It was densely packed, an overwhelming sight! More importantly, the quantities matched exactly with the numbers Mei Haihe had reported earlier! Even more astonishing, upon careful examination, Ye Yan confirmed that the spiritual energy imbued in these beast materials was identical to the spiritual energy of Dragon Snake Mountain. This proved that these materials were indeed from the beasts of Dragon Snake Mountain and not something Shen Mo had purchased from elsewhere. For a moment, the three were left in a stunned daze. Behind them, Xu Ziqiang assumed they were shocked by the emptiness of the storage rings and burst out laughing. "Ye Elder, are the storage rings empty?" "I told you, didn''t I? In the past, Dragon Snake Mountain''s output couldn''t even fill a single storage ring. And now they''re claiming to need three? It''s absurd!" "Elder Ye, let''s return to the Hall of Discipline immediately and ensure Shen Mo is punished for" Slap! Before Xu Ziqiang could finish, Ye Yan delivered a fierce slap to his face, sending him flying several meters away. "Shut up!" Ye Yan roared, his face alternating between pale and flushed with fury. L Dongxuan''s expression, meanwhile, was a mix of incredulity and excitement. "Junior Brother, you you actually managed to overcome the harsh environment of that wretched place and purify the bloodlines of the magical beasts?!" "You''re a damn genius!" In his excitement, L Dongxuan pulled Shen Mo into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground and shouting in amazement. Shen Mo chuckled helplessly. He Tianchou, on the other hand, gazed at Shen Mo with a complicated expression. His master, the Third Elder, had specifically warned him to remain neutral and handle all matters involving Shen Mo impartially. But after a year of interaction, He Tianchou had come to see Shen Mo as a friend worth cultivating. Moreover, Shen Mo''s expertise in the field of beast taming was extraordinarily profound. Far surpassing the vast majority of elders in the sect! "I must report today''s events to my master immediately. This will likely have significant implications for the sect''s plans for decades to come," He Tianchou mused, deep in thought. "Ye Yan, according to sect rules, what reward should be granted for exceeding the mission requirements?" Shen Mo asked calmly, his tone light. Ye Yan took a deep breath, his voice cold and sharp. "For exceeding the mission requirements, the rewards are distributed based on the degree of surplus." "If the output exceeds the requirement by double, the contributor receives double contribution points." "If it''s triple, they receive triple contribution points." "If it''s" Ye Yan faltered. This was because very few people ever managed to exceed the requirements by threefold or more. Yet Dragon Snake Mountain had produced such an unprecedented bounty of beast materials that it not only exceeded expectations but broke the sect''s reward system entirely. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 218: The Sole Agenda—Deciding Among the Three Major Industries Chapter 218: The Sole AgendaDeciding Among the Three Major Industries Shen Mo said calmly, "The contents of these three storage rings exceed the sect''s requirements by at least tenfold." Ye Yan suddenly interjected, "This is a serious matter. We do not have the authority to grant such rewards. It should be left to the Elders'' Council for judgment." With that, he turned, carrying the storage rings, and prepared to leave. He Tianchou spoke up abruptly, "Dragon Snake Mountain was once a place of great potential, but for seven consecutive generations, the stationed elders failed to purify the magical beasts'' bloodlines, resulting in years of losses." "Now, Elder Shen has turned those losses into profits, far exceeding the sect''s basic requirements. I believe this matter should not be handed over to the Elders'' Council but should instead be brought before the Grand Assembly Hall." "After all, this is a significant event that could influence the future strategies of our Jade Cauldron Sect." L Dongxuan laughed heartily, "Well said, Hall Master He, well said! I also agree it should go to the Grand Assembly Hall." The Grand Assembly Hall is of a higher rank than the Elders'' Council and is reserved for handling the sect''s most critical and urgent matters. Furthermore, the Grand Assembly Hall requires the Sect Master and ten elders to convene, whereas the Elders'' Council only requires a presiding elder to make decisions. He Tianchou''s suggestion made his intentions abundantly clear. "Fine here, take back the storage rings. I''ll head back first." Ye Yan''s gaze was icy as he quickly departed, eager to return to the sect and report this to Yang Qiye. Shen Mo turned to Mei Haihe and the others. "Stay in Dragon Snake Mountain, guard the property well, and don''t let any troublemakers sneak in and cause damage." His words carried a subtle warning. Mei Haihe straightened his posture and responded firmly, "Rest assured, Elder Shen! Your subordinate understands!" Shen Mo, L Dongxuan, and He Tianchou transformed into streaks of light and vanished into the horizon. Xu Ziqiang stared at the sky, his face filled with despair. "Why are they leaving so quickly? Take me with you" Although he could fly using spiritual energy, a Core Formation cultivator''s speed was no match for that of Nascent Soul elders. He could only trail behind, eating dust. Jade Cauldron Sect, Main Peak. Halfway up the mountain stood a magnificent hall, elegant yet luxurious. This was the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Grand Assembly Hall. At the hall''s entrance stood a massive bronze bell. At this moment, the Second Elder, Yang Qiye, struck the bell. Its deep toll reverberated like thunder across the entire Heng Tai mountain range. "A Grand Assembly is about to convene. This must be the sect''s routine five-year assembly, right?" "Who''s presiding over the discussion this time?" "It''s usually the elder on duty from the Elders'' Council. This time it must be the Second Elder." "Tsk, the Second Elder has been advocating for abandoning alchemy and beast taming to focus entirely on artifact crafting to compete with the Shangqing Sect. This assembly will probably be full of heated debates again." "Well, that''s beyond us to comment on. Let''s just listen." Stewards and disciples buzzed with discussions as elders began arriving from all over. However, only the Sect Master and the ten primary elders were allowed inside. Other Nascent Soul elders were not permitted entry. At the hall''s entrance, Yang Qiye stood calmly, scanning the arrivals. The first to arrive was a middle-aged man in a purple robe, refined in appearance, with a lean figure. Yang Qiye bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Sect Master." Sect Master Li Zhendao smiled faintly. "Second Elder, what''s the agenda this time?" Yang Qiye chuckled, "Once everyone has arrived, the Sect Master will naturally know." Li Zhendao merely smiled lightly and strode into the hall, taking the central seat. His expression betrayed no hint of anger or displeasure. Following him, the First Elder, Third Elder, and others arrived one after another. Finally, an unkempt, scruffy old man stumbled down from the sky, nearly falling onto Yang Qiye. Yang Qiye''s eyes flickered as he quickly helped him up with a laugh, "Elder Wan, what happened to you? Oh my, you''re reeking of makeup powder!" The Tenth Elder, Wan Mushun, chuckled, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I was still surrounded by young ladies when I heard the Second Elder ring the bell. I rushed back immediately." Yang Qiye laughed heartily. "You''re the last one. Come, let me help you inside." The two entered the hall, and the grand doors slammed shut. A dozen breaths later, a figure descended from the sky. It was Ye Yan. He stared at the closed doors, his expression dark. "I''m still a step too late. The elder assembly has already begun" "Yang Qiye''s plan to use Dragon Snake Mountain''s poor performance to push the Sect Master and the First Elder to abandon the beast-taming industry entirely is probably doomed." The Jade Cauldron Sect dabbled in many industries: alchemy, artifact crafting, and beast taming. However, it couldn''t rival the Upper Clarity Sect in artifact crafting, nor the Pill River Sect in alchemy, nor the Zhoumu Palace in beast taming. The sect lacked competitiveness. Beast taming, in particular, had only three suitable locations: Dragon Snake Mountain, Evergreen Mountain, and White Cloud Mountain. These industries had been consistently unprofitable for years. Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain fared slightly better, meeting the sect''s requirements in some years. As for Dragon Snake Mountain, it hadn''t met its annual target for 299 consecutive years. It was inevitable that one of these three industries would be abandoned. But deciding which one to give up had remained unresolved. If news of Shen Mo''s unprecedented success at Dragon Snake Mountain this year were to spread, not only would beast taming avoid being abandoned, but it might even gain the sect''s renewed focus. Yang Qiye''s plans would collapse entirely. Shen Mo and the others soon arrived as well. Seeing the closed doors, L Dongxuan frowned. "I''ll send a message to the old man right now." Shen Mo shook his head and stopped him with a smile. "The Tenth Elder already knows." L Dongxuan was stunned. "Knows? That old man''s always spending his days in the red-light district. What could he possibly know?" Shen Mo said nothing, his smile cryptic. He had already discerned, from the first day he arrived at Dragon Snake Mountain and inspected Huang Bayi''s life panel, that Huang Bayi was a pawn placed there by the Tenth Elder. Huang Bayi regularly reported Dragon Snake Mountain''s status to the Tenth Elder. Though the Tenth Elder spent much of his time in the brothels, he was well-informed about the sect''s internal affairs, including the state of Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo had known all along but chose not to reveal it. "We just wait. Soon, we''ll be invited inside," Shen Mo said with a calm smile. L Dongxuan looked doubtful but didn''t press further. Inside the Grand Assembly Hall: Yang Qiye declared in a steady voice, "Sect Master, fellow elders, today''s sole agenda is to determine how to handle the three major industries." "In my view, artifact crafting is the sect''s strength, while alchemy and beast taming are our weaknesses. I propose that we abandon alchemy and beast taming entirely, keeping only the production of essential pills." "All resources should be focused on developing the artifact crafting industry to compete with the Upper Clarity Sect!" The hall fell silent for a moment after his words. The Fifth Elder quickly spoke up, "May I ask the Second Elder, if our sect requires large quantities of pills and spiritual beasts, where do we acquire them?" Yang Qiye replied calmly, "We can purchase pills from the Pill River Sect. As for spiritual beasts and beast materials, we buy them from the Zhoumu Palace." "I have already negotiated a contract with the Pill River Sect. For the next twenty years, they will supply us annually with 500 bottles of Infant Transformation Pills, 50 bottles of Greater Infant Transformation Pills, and 10 bottles of Spirit Refinement Pills." "They guarantee no price changes for twenty years. Otherwise, they will compensate us at double the cost." Spirit Refinement Pills are necessary for Nascent Soul cultivators attempting to ascend to the Divine Transformation stage. Due to the rarity of the required ingredients and the low success rate in crafting these pills, their production is extremely limited. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While all three sects possess the recipe for Spirit Refinement Pills, only the Pill River Sect has the capacity to not only supply itself but also produce surplus pills for external trade to obtain needed resources. The Eighth Elder frowned. "How can you be so certain that Zhoumu Palace will provide us with spiritual beasts and beast materials? Have you forgotten the imperial court''s stance toward Yu Province?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 219: Who Told You Dragon Snake Mountain Was at a Loss This Year? Chapter 219: Who Told You Dragon Snake Mountain Was at a Loss This Year? As soon as the Eighth Elder spoke, the grand hall quieted slightly. Each person''s mind involuntarily turned to the political landscape of recent years. Since the new Jing Emperor ascended the throne, the imperial court had abandoned its previous conciliatory approach to the Nine Provinces sects, adopting a hardline stance instead. Suppression, recruitment, bribery, and annihilationevery method was employed against the sects. The new Jing Emperor had already brought seven of the Nine Provinces under control, leaving only Yu Province and Wu Province. It was clear that he sought to bring Yu Province fully under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Governor''s Office and into submission to the imperial court. If he could consolidate Yu and Wu Provinces, he would unite the strength of all Nine Provinces, achieving what dozens of Jing Emperors before him had failed to accomplisha monumental feat. For the Jade Cauldron Sect, peaceful coexistence with the imperial court was utterly impossible. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So how could one speak of stable, long-term trade of spirit beasts and demon beast materials with the Provincial Governor''s Office? Yang Qiye smiled faintly, producing a stack of yellowed papers. "Do you know what these are?" "Don''t play games," Elder Wu and Elder Qi frowned in unison. "This is the complete blueprint for crafting the Green Lotus artifact!" Yang Qiye declared loudly. "What!?" All the elders were astonished. Even Sect Master Li Zhendao''s eyes burned with intensity as he immediately asked, "Elder Yang, where did this come from?" Yang Qiye smiled. "It was entrusted to me by the Governor of Yu Province. However, only half is herethe other half will only be exchanged if we come to an agreement." The elders immediately fell into deep thought. Fifth Elder growled, "Yang Qiye, you''ve been secretly dealing with the Provincial Governor''s Office? What are you hiding?" Fourth Elder immediately reprimanded him, "Stop making baseless accusations! Didn''t you hear what Elder Yang said? It was the Governor of Yu Province who went to great lengths to reach out to him!" Li Zhendao pressed both hands downward. "Everyone, I trust Elder Yang''s loyalty to the sect. Let''s first allow him to finish speaking." He turned to Yang Qiye. "Please, Elder Yang, share what agreement the Governor seeks with the Jade Cauldron Sect." Yang Qiye smiled faintly. "The Provincial Governor''s Office proposes to supply the Jade Cauldron Sect with spirit beast and demon beast materials in exchange for spirit stones and spirit artifacts from us." The Eighth Elder frowned. "Why would the Governor''s Office lack spirit stones and spirit artifacts? Yang Qiye, have you been deceived?" Yang Qiye shook his head. "There''s something you may not know. Half a month ago, the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom launched a major invasion of Wu Province, capturing nine cities within five days." The elders were immediately stunned. They were aware of the antagonistic relationship between the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom and the Jing Kingdom, but this firsthand news of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom gaining the upper hand was something they hadn''t known. "The Jing Emperor was furious and ordered Yu Province to send reinforcements to Wu Province. This pressure naturally fell on the Governor of Yu Province." "He now needs to provide logistical support to Wu Province''s Provincial Governor''s Office, which naturally leaves him short on spirit stones and spirit artifacts." "For this reason, he seeks to ease tensions with the Jade Cauldron Sect to counterbalance the Supreme Clarity Sect and the Pill River Sect." "I''m fully aware that the Governor of Yu Province is using us. But can we not also use him?" "Everyone, this is a rare opportunity!" Yang Qiye spoke solemnly. "While the Governor is overwhelmed by the war in Wu Province, we should immediately abandon the perpetually unprofitable beast-rearing industry and focus on artifact forging." "By the time the war in Wu Province ends and the Governor''s attention returns, our Jade Cauldron Sect will have already grown immeasurably stronger!" After these words, the Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders voiced their agreement, praising the idea repeatedly. Even the Third and Sixth Elders, known for being indecisive, nodded slightly. The Fifth and Eighth Elders found no fault in the proposal either. Yang Qiye''s argument indeed prioritized the sect''s interests above all. All eyes turned to Tenth Elder Wan Muchun, including those of Sect Master Li Zhendao and the Grand Elder. Wan Muchun coughed lightly and stood up. However, everyone''s gaze grew strange, fixed on his neck. Li Zhendao''s lips twitched. "Elder Wan, there''s a lip print on your neck." Wan Muchun nonchalantly wiped it off before speaking. "I believe Elder Yang''s proposal is excellentvery well thought out." "This is clearly a tactic by the Governor of Yu Province to counterbalance the three major sects of Yu Province. The bait is not poisonous; we can certainly take it." "However, there''s no need to completely abandon the beast-rearing industry." "After all, if we abandon it now, while the war in Wu Province might pose no issues for the next ten years, what happens afterward?" "When the Governor shifts his focus and severs ties with us, what then?" "Our disciples who practice beast-rearing techniques will lack spirit beasts, and our elders who specialize in alchemy will run out of materials." Yang Qiye replied calmly, "But all three of our beast-rearing enterprises have been losing money for years. This year, Dragon Snake Mountain has been in the red for 300 consecutive years." "After I took charge of the sect''s logistics and internal affairs, I understood this matter better than anyone else. There were times I even had to use my own funds to cover the losses!" "Elder Wan, may I ask, if the beast-rearing industry continues to incur losses year after year, will you personally cover those losses?" "And if we keep losing money for another ten years or so, how do you propose we develop the artifact forging industry? How will we compete with the other two sects?" Wan Muchun chuckled, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Who told you Dragon Snake Mountain suffered a loss this year?" His words shocked the other elders. Dragon Snake Mountainthat troublesome placeeven they were familiar with it. The more demonic beasts interbred, the thinner their bloodlines became. Even tamed spirit beasts would sometimes revert to their wild nature. It was an odd phenomenon. Throughout history, none of the seven elders stationed there had been able to reverse the losses. Could Wan Muchun''s words mean that Dragon Snake Mountain turned a profit this year? That would be good news, of coursebut what of it? A single year of profit isn''t enough; it needs to happen consistently. Yang Qiye''s eyes flashed, but he quickly came to a conclusion. At most, Wan Muchun must have employed some temporary measures to barely meet the sect''s requirements through Shen Mo''s efforts. No matter what, it wasn''t a serious issue. The beast-rearing industry was already in steep decline. This overall trend was irreversible. As someone overseeing the situation, Yang Qiye naturally knew how to take advantage of it. Remaining confident, he said, "Oh? Then please, Elder Wan, enlighten us. Just how much did Dragon Snake Mountain produce this year?" All eyes turned to Wan Muchun. Wan Muchun spread out his hands, fingers splayed wide. "This year, Dragon Snake Mountain''s output was more than ten times the sect''s requirement!" "Oh, ten times, huh Wait, what did you say? Ten times?!" Yang Qiye froze for a moment before his eyes widened in shock. Several elders stood up abruptly. Fourth Elder barked, "Wan Muchun! To protect your beast-rearing industry, you dare falsify numbers? Grand Elder, I say we throw this old fool into your disciplinary hall for a thorough interrogation and punishment!" The Grand Elder, silent until now, finally moved his lips. "The disciplinary hall isn''t mineit belongs to the Jade Cauldron Sect." Seventh and Ninth Elders chimed in together, "Wan Muchun, stop spouting nonsense. Who here doesn''t know the situation at Dragon Snake Mountain?" The Grand Elder then asked, "Who is the stationed elder at Dragon Snake Mountain? Qian Fangyong?" "No, it''s a new elder from the Tenth Peak, named Shen Mo," Fourth Elder said with a peculiar grin. The other elders now looked at Wan Muchun with strange expressions. Ah, so it''s someone from your Tenth Peak. Sect Master Li Zhendao also frowned slightly and cleared his throat. "Elder Wan, you should be more careful with your words." Wan Muchun burst out laughing. "They''re already outside. Why not invite them in so we can see for ourselves?" "Fine, let them in," Li Zhendao nodded. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 220: Elder Shen Should Be Established as a Model for the Entire Sect Chapter 220: Elder Shen Should Be Established as a Model for the Entire Sect The grand hall doors slowly opened. Shen Mo, L Dongxuan, Ye Yan, He Tianchou, and others appeared before the elders. S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Please, come in," Li Zhendao said with a smile. L Dongxuan looked utterly astonished. It actually went exactly as Shen Mo had predictedthey were being invited in! "Let''s go." Shen Mo strode confidently into the hall. L Dongxuan and the others immediately followed. The grand hall doors closed behind them. "Master" Ye Yan began, eager to speak and warn Yang Qiye. But Yang Qiye raised a hand, signaling him to stop. He turned to Shen Mo, speaking coolly, "Shen Mo, Elder Wan claims that Dragon Snake Mountain''s output this year exceeded the sect''s requirements by more than tenfold." "Let''s see the proof now." "We eleven will verify it on the spot!" Ye Yan felt a sinking feeling but reluctantly stepped back. Shen Mo produced three storage rings and handed them directly to the middle-aged man seated at the head of the hall. Without needing an introduction, Shen Mo already knew who he was. Li Zhendao accepted the storage rings and glanced at Shen Mo with a hint of surprise. "When did our Jade Cauldron Sect gain such a young Nascent Soul elder?" Shen Mo smiled. "I joined the Jade Cauldron Sect a year ago." Li Zhendao nodded repeatedly. "You don''t appear to be thirty yet, am I correct?" Shen Mo nodded. Li Zhendao''s expression turned joyful. "Good, very good! I never expected the new elder of the Tenth Peak to be such a young genius. With this, our Jade Cauldron Sect now boasts two young prodigies!" "This is news even I, as the sect master, was unaware of. Hahaha!" As he said this, his gaze shifted subtly toward Yang Qiye, clearly questioning why Yang Qiye hadn''t informed him about such an exceptional talent like Shen Mo. Yang Qiye remained expressionless, pretending not to notice. "These three storage rings contain Dragon Snake Mountain''s output for the year," Shen Mo said with a calm smile. Li Zhendao nodded and reached out with his spiritual sense to inspect them. What he saw left him utterly stunned. The composure and poise of a Soul Formation cultivator vanished in an instant. The Grand Elder, seated beside him, noticed the change and was visibly curious. Li Zhendao was known for his stoicism, rarely showing emotion. Yet here he was, dumbfounded by Dragon Snake Mountain''s output. "Sect Master?" the Grand Elder prompted. Li Zhendao took a few deep breaths, his gaze toward Shen Mo changing dramatically. "Take a look," he said, handing the storage rings to the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder nodded and inspected the contents with his spiritual sense. He, too, displayed the same reactionutter shock! Yang Qiye finally realized something was amiss. Why would the Sect Master and the Grand Elder, both Soul Formation cultivators, be so visibly affected by this? He glanced at Ye Yan. Ye Yan shook his head ever so slightly. Yang Qiye felt his heart sink, an ominous premonition taking hold. "Everyone, take a look for yourselves." "Elder Wan was right. Dragon Snake Mountain''s output this year has indeed exceeded the sect''s requirements by more than tenfold." Li Zhendao scanned the room, then burst into hearty laughter, his face radiating joy. He had never expected Dragon Snake Mountain, after 300 years of decline, to not only recover but deliver such a massive surprise! The other elders, both shocked and skeptical, took turns inspecting the storage rings. Their reactions were all the same: stunned, speechless, and wide-eyed! Finally, the storage rings reached Yang Qiye. His mood had already plummeted to the lowest depths. Even though he had braced himself after witnessing the other elders'' expressions, he was still unprepared for what he saw inside the rings. A mountain of resourcesmore than he could have imagined. So much. Far too much. An unimaginable amount! It was equivalent to the total output of Dragon Snake Mountain for the past fifty years combined! Chapter 220: Elder Shen Should Be Established as a Model for the Entire Sect What was even more alarming was that Yang Qiye could easily discern the spiritual energy emanating from the materialsthey were all remarkably similar. Clearly, these resources had originated from the same region, rather than being haphazardly procured from various locations to fool the elders. Yang Qiye''s body wavered, and he almost stumbled. "How how did you manage this?" He fixed Shen Mo with a piercing glare. Shen Mo merely smiled, saying nothing. Wan Muchun chuckled slyly. "Yang Qiye, you''ve studied beast-rearing yourself. Would you share your unique techniques with the public?" Yang Qiye was rendered speechless. Wan Muchun was right. His earlier question had indeed overstepped boundaries. The Grand Elder''s voice trembled. "Elder Shen, can Dragon Snake Mountain produce such results every year from now on?" "Yes!" Shen Mo nodded firmly, his voice resolute. "Excellent!" The Grand Elder was the first to respond. Li Zhendao nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. With such output, our Jade Cauldron Sect''s beast-rearing industry will undoubtedly flourish!" The Fifth Elder, overjoyed, exclaimed, "In that case, the beast-rearing industry will no longer be a burden but will become a pillar of our Jade Cauldron Sect!" The Eighth Elder sneered. "Elder Yang, do you still insist on abandoning the beast-rearing industry?" "Have you forgotten that our sect''s founding patriarch was once a shepherd boy? He rose to prominence precisely by taming demonic beasts!" Yang Qiye took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "I am well aware of the founding patriarch''s deeds, but times have changed. It is not always necessary to adhere rigidly to the ways of our ancestors." "What must be discarded should be discardedthere''s no need to debate this." "Dragon Snake Mountain''s output this year is substantial, and I am glad for it. If, as Elder Shen claims, future years will be the same, then so much the better." "But the operations at Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain must be completely shut downthat is my bottom line!" Yang Qiye''s voice was resolute, leaving no room for compromise. Li Zhendao pondered for a moment. "We will discuss this matter later. For now, we have a new topic to address. Elder Shen has achieved such remarkable results within just a year of joining ushe deserves a reward and should be established as a model for the entire sect." "However, completing ten times the sect''s requirements is unprecedented in the history of the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Furthermore, Elder Shen has reversed Dragon Snake Mountain''s 300-year streak of losses, and this deserves a significant reward." "Let''s hear your thoughtswhat should be done?" The elders began discussing at once. Some proposed granting Shen Mo a top-tier contribution rank immediately. Others argued that while his achievements were impressive, a top-tier contribution was too much and suggested a second-tier contribution instead. Yet others felt a second-tier contribution was insufficient, proposing instead that Shen Mo be promoted to the rank of Three-Cauldrons Elder, awarded three second-tier contributions, and given at least twenty bottles of Nascent Soul Pills. The debate grew increasingly heated. He Tianchou listened with envy, thinking to himself, Meanwhile, Ye Yan''s mood was utterly dismal. The thought of all those contributions, pills, and treasures being completely out of his reach made his mood plummet even further. Eventually, he couldn''t bear it any longer and left the hall with a flick of his sleeves. L Dongxuan, on the other hand, was entirely overjoyed. He had once made a great contribution to the Jade Cauldron Sect during the Blood Vine Valley incident, and he remembered how the elders had also fiercely debated his reward back then. Thus, he felt no jealousy toward Shen Mo. Instead, he was genuinely happy for him and secretly pleased with his own judgment. Wan Muchun coughed lightly. "Everyone, let''s not forgetShen Mo was recruited by L Dongxuan. With Shen Mo achieving such remarkable results within just a year, shouldn''t L Dongxuan also receive some form of reward?" The Grand Elder nodded. "That''s a fair point." "Ahem, ahem Shen Mo is an elder of my Tenth Peak. As the Tenth Elder and the head of the Tenth Peak, shouldn''t I also" "Oh, spare us. You''ve spent the whole year in brothels and tavernsdon''t think I''m unaware," the Grand Elder sneered. Wan Muchun chuckled awkwardly and fell silent. Shen Mo and L Dongxuan, meanwhile, could only exchange wry smiles. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 221: Decided to Snatch a Jar of Su Beifeng’s Wine Every Day Starting Today Chapter 221: Decided to Snatch a Jar of Su Beifeng''s Wine Every Day Starting Today Before long, the sect finalized its reward for Shen Mo. One B-rank Contribution Point! Promotion to Second Cauldron Elder! Two Bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills! Ten Jin of Vermillion Blood Spirit Grain! Three Yin Fiend Pearls! Such rewards were enough to drive any Nascent Soul Elder wild with envy. After all, He Tianchou, who had been stationed at the Jade Sea Hall as its head for ten years, had only accumulated ten C-rank Contribution Points. While a single B-rank Contribution Point was nominally equivalent to ten C-rank Points, in practice, very few people would make such an exchange. At the very least, one would need twelve C-rank Points to trade for a single B-rank Point. Not to mention, this reward included much more than just contribution points. For instance, the promotion from First Cauldron Elder to Second Cauldron Elder alone required one C-rank Point. Additionally, two bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills would cost two C-rank Points. Ten jin of Vermillion Blood Spirit Grain? That would be worth ten C-rank Points. As for the Yin Fiend Pearls, their value varied depending on the purity of the Yin Fiend energy inside them. Still, three such pearls were worth at least one C-rank Point. Adding all of this together, the reward easily totaled fourteen C-rank Points. He Tianchou did the math and felt like crying. It would take him at least twenty years of diligent work at the Jade Sea Hall to earn such rewards. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet Shen Mo had achieved this in just one year. So enviable! So maddening! When this news spread, who knew how many stewards and disciples would admire Shen Mo from the depths of their hearts? And how many Nascent Soul Elders would burn with jealousy? "You all may leave for now. We need to discuss important matters," Sect Master Li Zhen said with a smile toward Shen Mo. "Elder Shen, your rewards will be personally delivered to you shortly." "Thank you, Sect Master," Shen Mo replied with a respectful bow before taking his leave. Wan Muchun chuckled and said, "Shen Mo, let''s have a good chat after the elders'' meeting." "Of course. I''ll prepare a banquet at Dragon Snake Mountain," Shen Mo replied with a smile. Shen Mo, L Dongxuan, and He Tianchou left the Grand Hall, and the doors closed behind them once again. The area around the hall immediately became charged with spiritual energy, and the winds and clouds shifted dramatically. Clearly, the eleven Soul Transformation cultivators inside were embroiled in an intense debate. For Soul Transformation cultivators, even the slightest action could influence the heavens and earth. This was them carefully restraining their auras. "Let''s go, let''s go! To the Tenth Peak! Haha, I must let Senior Sister see that our Tenth Peak has produced a super-genius!" L Dongxuan''s face glowed with pride, as if he had been the one to receive the reward instead of Shen Mo. Shen Mo chuckled and said, "Alright, let''s head back." As soon as they returned to the Tenth Peak, they were greeted by a loud, impatient voice. "You''ve already lost your robe to me, and you still want to gamble? Get lost! I''m not gambling with a broke loser like you!" "Waaah, Auntie, just let me bet one more time! Just once! I''ll even prepay my salary for next year, okay?" "No way! Who knows if you''ll even have a salary next year? Scram! If you don''t leave, I''ll kick you off the Tenth Peak myself!" "Waaah" "Next! Same rules as alwaysone B-rank Contribution Point as the bet! I, Zhao Yaolu, always keep my word!" Shen Mo and L Dongxuan arrived just in time to see a group gathered at the peak''s summit. A petite girl stood atop a stone table, vigorously shaking a bamboo cylinder. Shen Mo twitched at the corner of his mouth. It had been a year, and Senior Sister Zhao''s fierce nature hadn''t diminished one bit. "Senior Sister, we''re back," L Dongxuan said, bowing like a subservient servant, his head low as he approached. "Oh, it''s you, Little Donkey. Why are you so late?" "Stand aside. Let me finish cleaning out these guys before I talk to you," Zhao Yaolu replied without even glancing at him, fully absorbed in shaking the bamboo cylinder containing two dice. L Dongxuan obediently stood to the side without the slightest complaint. Before long, the unfortunate Nascent Soul Elders had all lost everything to Zhao Yaolu and were unceremoniously chased down the Tenth Peak. Only then did Zhao Yaolu, with a triumphant look on her face, turn to Shen Mo and L Dongxuan. "Eh? Junior Brother, you''re back? Senior Sister really missed you!" Zhao Yaolu burst into hearty laughter. She energetically jumped up, seemingly trying to pat Shen Mo on the shoulder, but ultimately could only reach his waist. "Not bad, Junior Brother. A year away, and you''ve become even more handsome. Not bad at all. How''s your cultivation? How''s your strength? That old miser Yang Qiye hasn''t been causing you trouble again, has he?" Zhao Yaolu scrutinized Shen Mo up and down, her enthusiasm unmistakable. L Dongxuan muttered resentfully, "What about me, Senior Sister? Aren''t you going to ask about me?" Zhao Yaolu snorted. "I don''t talk to ugly people." L Dongxuan: "" Shen Mo chuckled in amusement. In truth, L Dongxuan wasn''t ugly. He was a boisterous and carefree man with a robust build, the type that some women particularly liked. "So, what''s the matter? Why have you suddenly come looking for me?" Zhao Yaolu asked nonchalantly. Then, as if something had just occurred to her, she immediately grabbed the jade cauldron bead at her waist with a wary expression. "You''re not here to borrow contribution points again, are you?" L Dongxuan shook his head emphatically. "How could that be? Am I that kind of person?" "This time, it''s about Junior Brother Shen doing something remarkable at Dragon Snake Mountain. We came specifically to tell you about it." "You wouldn''t believe itten elders and the sect master were all alarmed during the council meeting!" L Dongxuan spoke with gusto, his words flowing like a torrent, his saliva almost flying. Zhao Yaolu listened, her face full of astonishment. She had already mentally prepared to clean up after her junior brother or lend him contribution points. Who would have thought that Shen Mo had actually caused such a stir? He had truly brought glory to the Tenth Peak! "Good, good, good! From now on, Junior Brother Shen is qualified to gamble with me!" Zhao Yaolu said with a satisfied look. Shen Mo could only laugh bitterly. So, in the end, he was just another gambling target in Zhao Yaolu''s eyes. "Ahem To be honest, Senior Sister, I don''t have many contribution points left and was wondering if I could borrow a little. Not much, just two C-rank points" L Dongxuan coughed awkwardly and stammered out his request. Before he could even finish, Zhao Yaolu shot out of the area like an arrow. "I just remembered, someone still hasn''t repaid their gambling debt. I have to go collect it! Junior Brother Shen, see you next time!" L Dongxuan clicked his tongue and turned to Shen Mo, his eyes full of expectation. Shen Mo thought for a moment, then suddenly pointed behind him. "Yang Qiye! What are you doing here?" L Dongxuan spun around angrily. "What?! Yang Qiye dares to come to our Tenth Peak?" But when he turned, there was no sign of Yang Qiye. When he turned back again, Shen Mo had already transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the sky. "Senior Brother, we''ll catch up next timejust as long as it''s not about contribution points, we''re good brothers!" L Dongxuan opened his mouth but couldn''t find the words to reply. His expression was filled with melancholy. "No contribution points left to buy wine" "Looks like I''ll have to take matters into my own hands." "It''s decided. Starting today, I''ll go to the Shangqing Sect every day and snatch a jar of Su Beifeng''s wine!" His face was etched with unwavering determination. That very day, two shocking pieces of news spread across the Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gates. The first was that Dragon Snake Mountain, which had been losing money for nearly 300 years, not only broke even this year but achieved ten times the output required by the sect! The stationed elder, Shen Mo, was highly commended during the elders'' council meeting. The second was that the Jade Cauldron Sect had completely abandoned the beast-rearing industries at Changqing Mountain and Baiyun Mountain, retaining only Dragon Snake Mountain. All surplus resources were redirected to developing the artifact refinement industry to compete with the Shangqing Sect. These two announcements sent shockwaves through the entire Jade Cauldron Sect! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 222: The Sect Master Hopes You Can Visit the Guardian of the Sect Chapter 222: The Sect Master Hopes You Can Visit the Guardian of the Sect The long-standing losses at Dragon Snake Mountain were well-known throughout the Jade Cauldron Sect. Seven successive elders had been stationed there, including some highly skilled in the art of beast taming, yet none managed to reverse the decline. Now, a new elder had taken over and unexpectedly turned the situation aroundexceeding the sect''s requirements by tenfold. It sounded utterly incredible! As for the shutdown of the beast-taming operations at Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain, it had sparked whispers among the stewards and disciples alike. This decision meant many would lose their positions. At the same time, it also opened up numerous roles related to artifact crafting. These positions were coveted. Whether one could secure such a role depended on the strength of their backing and their luck! In Ping City, at an unremarkable inn, a tall, elderly man sat alone by the window, drinking in silence. His mood was visibly sullen. Before long, a middle-aged man approached and sat down across from him. "Wu Renyin, what are you doing here?" The elderly man frowned. "I''ve told you before; it''s not appropriate for us to continue meeting." The middle-aged man laughed heartily. "Elder Yang has taken the lead in shutting down the beast-taming industries, fulfilling our agreement regarding Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain. Naturally, I''m here to express my thanks." Yang Qiye snorted coldly. "What is there to thank me for? Besides, Dragon Snake Mountain hasn''t been shut down, and the beast-taming industry there is still going strong." Wu Renyin smiled faintly. "No matter. That Shen Mo brat is just a fledgling. If Elder Yang wanted to deal with him, it would be a simple matter." "I came here today to bring Elder Yang something." As he spoke, he pushed a jade box across the table. Yang Qiye remained expressionless. "What''s inside?" Wu Renyin smiled. "A Great Refining Spirit Pill." Yang Qiye''s breathing quickened as he hastily secured the box. A single bottle of Great Refining Spirit Pills was equivalent to ten bottles of ordinary Refining Spirit Pills. Only the Pill River Sect in Yuzhou could produce such pills. Where had the Provincial Governor''s office obtained these pills? Wu Renyin smiled and bowed slightly to the north. "Naturally, it was a gift from His Majesty Emperor Jing. The Provincial Governor didn''t use it but instead sent it to you, Elder Yang." "Surely Elder Yang understands the governor''s good intentions?" Yang Qiye''s expression remained calm. "A bottle of Great Refining Spirit Pills is a treasure of immense value. What does the governor want from me in return?" Wu Renyin smiled knowingly. "Elder Yang is a man of discernment, so I won''t beat around the bush." "I''ve heard that your sect has a Guardian Spirit Beast, but it is unruly and disobedient. Moreover, it consumes vast amounts of heavenly materials and earthly treasures daily, putting a strain on your sect''s resources." Yang Qiye frowned. "What are you implying?" The old flood dragon was the mount of the Jade Cauldron Sect''s founding ancestor. Even if it was uncooperative, spending its days eating, sleeping, and occasionally roaring at the heavens, disturbing everyone''s cultivation, no one in the sect dared voice any dissatisfaction. It was a matter of respect for the founding ancestor. Wu Renyin spoke calmly. "The hearts of non-human creatures are inherently different from ours. Even a tamed spirit beast carries the risk of rebellion." "The Provincial Governor has received word that the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom is highly interested in your sect''s Guardian Spirit Beast. While attacking Wuzhou, they have also infiltrated Yuzhou with human spies, aiming to sway the old flood dragon to their side." "This beast cannot fall into the hands of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, or it will become a grave threat." "You, Elder Yang, are a reasonable person and surely know what must be done." Yang Qiye''s gaze flickered as he snorted coldly. "That flood dragon is the mount of our founding ancestor and has rendered great service as the Guardian of our sect!" Wu Renyin''s smile remained warm as he pushed another jade box forward. Seeing its contents, Yang Qiye''s heart pounded. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was another bottle of Great Refining Spirit Pills! Yang Qiye naturally pocketed the second box as well. "Even so, the old flood dragon indeed poses a significant burden to our sect." "And we absolutely cannot let the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom turn it against us. If Wuzhou falls, Yuzhou will face the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom''s forces soon enough." "I''ll take this matter seriously." "After all, everything must be done in the best interests of the Jade Cauldron Sect!" "Today, we never met, and I was simply drinking alone." With that, he stood and left. Wu Renyin watched his departing figure, raised his cup in a mock salute, and continued drinking, a faint smile playing on his lips. Two days later, beneath Dragon Snake Mountain: Shen Mo was as diligent as ever, adding a new medicinal solution to the Lihuo Flood Dragon''s egg. The vitality emanating from the egg had grown increasingly strong. By Shen Mo''s calculations, if the egg continued to be soaked in this solution daily, it would hatch in no more than three years. At that moment, Shen Mo suddenly felt a shift in his senses and looked upward. He sensed a powerful presence arriving at Dragon Snake Mountain. Without delay, Shen Mo returned to the surface. As expected, within the dwelling stood a familiar figurethe disheveled, unkempt Tenth Elder, Wan Muchun. Standing respectfully beside him were Mei Haihe, Huang Bayi, and Huang Caiying, who dared not show the slightest disrespect. Shen Mo cupped his hands and said loudly, "Greetings, Tenth Elder." Wan Muchun laughed heartily. "Shen Mo, I''ve brought something for you." "The Sect Master''s rewards for you are all in here." He handed over a storage ring. Shen Mo accepted it without hesitation. "Now take out your Jade Cauldron Orb," Wan Muchun added. Shen Mo nodded and brought out his Jade Cauldron Orb, aligning it with Wan Muchun''s orb. A Class B contribution was instantly transferred to Shen Mo''s orb. "You all may go about your duties. I need to have a word with Shen Mo," Wan Muchun said with a smile. "Yes." Huang Bayi nodded and left with Huang Caiying. Mei Haihe hesitated briefly, first glancing at Shen Mo. Only after Shen Mo nodded did he leave as well. Noticing Mei Haihe''s subtle gesture, Wan Muchun smiled. "I''ve already secured this man''s position for you. From now on, he''ll serve as a Foundation Establishment realm steward." "Shen Mo, you''ve got yourself a loyal subordinate." Shen Mo merely smiled. "There''s one more thing I should tell you. Huang Bayi has always been my man. He''s the one who''s been relaying Dragon Snake Mountain''s updates to me." "I didn''t want to hide this from you; otherwise, it might breed resentment in your heart." Wan Muchun smiled warmly. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. He had long suspected this, but he hadn''t expected Wan Muchun to openly admit it in an effort to dispel any potential distrust. This small act spoke volumes about Wan Muchun''s character. "Tenth Elder seems to have more to say?" Shen Mo asked. Wan Muchun waved his hand dismissively. "Don''t call me Tenth Elder. You can just call me Old Man, like Yao Lu does." "After all, I''m no longer capable of teaching you anything." Shen Mo chuckled. "Very well." Wan Muchun''s expression turned serious. "You''re right. This time, I do have something more important to discuss, something that concerns the future of the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Please, go on." "The Guardian of the Sect!" Shen Mo''s gaze flickered slightly. Wan Muchun smiled. "The Guardian of the Sect has lived for over three thousand years. Beasts generally have longer lifespans than humans, and its lifespan is far from over." "Its cultivation has long since reached the peak of the sixth rank, equivalent to the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul realm in comparison." "However, due to its inability to reproduce, the Guardian has been trapped by a mental knot it cannot unravel, making it impossible for it to ascend to a higher realm." "You are unmatched in the sect when it comes to beast taming." "The Sect Master hopes you can visit the Guardian when you have the chance to determine what is preventing it from reproducing." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 223: One Year Until the Opening of Bloodvine Valley Chapter 223: One Year Until the Opening of Bloodvine Valley Shen Mo nodded slightly. For others, the task might seem extremely difficult. But for him, it was a simple matter. With just a glance at the old flood dragon''s "Life Panel," he could naturally pinpoint the issue. "Very well, I''ll go when I have the time," Shen Mo agreed with a nod. Wan Muchun was overjoyed. "Excellent, excellent! Here is the token. Only three exist within the sect." "Holding this token is the only way to access the Guardian''s residence." Shen Mo was intrigued. "Who holds the other two tokens?" Wan Muchun chuckled. "The Sect Master and Ye Yan." Shen Mo was surprised. "Ye Yan?" Wan Muchun nodded. "That young man has a cold and domineering personality, and his methods are ruthless. Yet, for some reason, the Guardian of the Sect seems particularly fond of him. The Guardian personally requested that Ye Yan be given one of the tokens." Shen Mo nodded again. This type of inexplicable favoritism was usually the result of destiny and fate. There was no point in overthinking it. He asked no further questions. After a bit of casual conversation, Wan Muchun hurriedly left Dragon Snake Mountain. Judging by the direction he took, he wasn''t returning to the Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gate but heading toward a nearby city, likely to indulge in wine and merriment. Watching Wan Muchun''s retreating figure, Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. However, behind the laughter, his mind turned to Wan Muchun''s fate and life story. "Quite extraordinary." "The three figures of the Tenth Peak: Wan Muchun is a remnant of the imperial court, Zhao Yao L is the daughter of a Ghost King, and L Dongxuan is the reincarnation of a spear spirit." Shen Mo couldn''t help but sigh in admiration. He had already seen L Dongxuan''s life panel, discovering he was the reincarnation of a spear spirit. As for what kind of spear, the life panel didn''t specify. However, for it to have developed sentience, it was no ordinary weapon. It might even surpass Heaven-tier artifacts. Shen Mo dismissed the thought and returned to his residence. He retrieved the various rewards stored in his storage ring. Two bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills! Ten pounds of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain! Three Yin Fiend Pearls! These three items could be rapidly converted into combat power in the short term. "Mei Haihe!" Shen Mo called out. Mei Haihe immediately arrived, kneeling on one knee. "Elder Shen, what are your orders?" Shen Mo smiled and tossed a steward''s token to him. "From now on, you are a Core Formation realm steward of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Treasure it well." Mei Haihe caught the token with both hands, first in astonishment, then with overwhelming excitement. "Yes! I will be loyal to the Jade Cauldron Sect and to Elder Shen!" Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. The latter half of Mei Haihe''s statement was particularly pleasing. The old man certainly knew how to act appropriately. "Take this two-pound sack of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain and cook it. No stealing." Shen Mo casually tossed a heavy bag over. The air was instantly filled with a sweet and tangy aroma. "Rest assured, Elder, I, Mei Haihe, would never stoop to such petty theft," Mei Haihe promised with conviction. "Go ahead." Shen Mo waved him off. Once Mei Haihe left, Shen Mo took out the three Yin Fiend Pearls and began refining them. It wasn''t until a day later that he successfully refined all three pearls. The color of his Dan Crown had gradually transformed from green to blue. "To further enhance the Dan Crown, I''ll likely need four Yin Fiend Pearls next." Shen Mo clicked his tongue lightly and chuckled. As he carefully examined the changes, he confirmed that the cooldown period for using his Nascent Soul-level techniques had been reduced again. Now, he could use them once every two days. Exhaling deeply, Shen Mo strode out of his residence. A mouthwatering aroma lingered in the air around the area. Looking over, he saw a large pot set up in the open. Huang Caiying was crouched nearby, drooling as she reached toward the pot with her small hand. Mei Haihe, however, was diligently swatting her hand away. Huang Bayi stood to the side, lecturing Huang Caiying on the importance of respecting others'' property. Shen Mo cleared his throat. Mei Haihe immediately stood at attention. "Elder, the Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain is ready. When would you like to dine?" "Right now. I''ve never tasted Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain before." Shen Mo nodded. Mei Haihe promptly fetched a bowl and chopsticks, serving Shen Mo a large portion of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain. To accompany it, he had also prepared several side dishes crafted from the beast materials of Dragon Snake Mountain. The dishes were vibrant, fragrant, and delicious, leaving Shen Mo thoroughly satisfied. Shen Mo initially kept Mei Haihe at Dragon Snake Mountain simply because no one else was around to handle affairs. In hindsight, it had proven to be a very wise decision. All these trivial matters could now be delegated to Mei Haihe, freeing Shen Mo from the burden of managing them himself. Shen Mo turned his attention to the bowl before him. Inside, each grain of rice was plump, entirely crimson, and far larger than ordinary rice grains he had seen. Just the aroma was invigorating, making him feel rejuvenated, as though he had regained a few years of youth. Taking a bite, lightly chewing, and swallowing, the flavor lingered in his mouth, leaving a delightful aftertaste. Huang Caiying, enticed by the fragrance, began drooling uncontrollably, her saliva dripping in streams. Too embarrassed to voice her desire, she hesitated but clearly wanted to try some. Shen Mo pinched her small nose playfully. "Serve her a small bowl. Her cultivation level is too low; she shouldn''t eat too much." Huang Bayi quickly protested, "Elder, how could this be appropriate? Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain is so precioushow could we let Caiying eat it?" Shen Mo smiled. "It''s fine. How much could a palm-sized portion of rice really cost? Each of you may have a little as recognition for your contributions over the past year." "Thank you, Elder!" Mei Haihe was overjoyed. Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi each received a small bowl of rice the size of a palm. Huang Caiying''s portion was even smaller, only about the size of a baby''s palm. After finishing their portions, Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi both felt refreshed and invigorated. The gray hair at their temples even seemed to diminish significantly. Huang Caiying, shortly after eating, felt her entire body grow warm and fell into a drowsy state. Shen Mo waved his hand with a laugh. "Take her to rest. By the time she wakes up, she''ll likely have reached the peak of Core Formation." Huang Bayi was thrilled. "Yes!" Mei Haihe suddenly spoke up. "Elder, I''ve heard that Bloodvine Valley is expected to open soon." "If you wish to obtain more Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain, you''ll have to make a trip to Bloodvine Valley." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Two days ago, in the discussion hall, he had glimpsed Ye Yan''s upcoming fortuitous opportunity, which was also in Bloodvine Valley. This time, it seemed necessary to make the trip. With such a rich opportunity ahead, how could he not take advantage of it? "Have you learned the specific opening time?" Shen Mo asked casually. Mei Haihe nodded repeatedly. "Bloodvine Valley opens once every five years and remains open for six months each time." "Currently, there is still one year until the next opening." Shen Mo nodded slightly. One year was more than enough time. He already had a considerable number of Great Infant Transformation Pills, enough to reach the minor success stage of the Nascent Soul realm within the year. With the strength of Nascent Soul minor success, he would feel much more confident entering Bloodvine Valley. Meanwhile, in Yuzhou''s Provincial Governor''s Residence: At the entrance stood two stone lions, each ten feet tall, exuding an aura of majesty and deterring petty intruders. Past the gates stood a shadow wall, bearing four large characters: Protect the Nation, Protect the Family. Beyond the wall and further inside, numerous officials bustled about, working tirelessly. Past the main hall, there was a quiet courtyard. The courtyard featured a few peach and apricot trees, stone tables and stools, and a pool in the southeast corner where fish swam leisurely. A tall, elderly man dressed in plain robes sat there, calmly tossing food to the fish. Before long, a middle-aged general entered and reported in a deep voice, "Provincial Governor, Wu Renyin has returned." The elder in plain robes did not turn. "Well, has the Jade Cauldron Sect completely abandoned their beast-taming operations?" Wu Renyin shook his head. "Evergreen Mountain and White Cloud Mountain have been entirely abandoned, but Dragon Snake Mountain... not only was it not abandoned, it has become a model of success." The elder suddenly froze mid-action. "What happened?" Wu Renyin lowered his voice. "It''s a long story, but ultimately, it all comes down to one person." "Who?" "Shen Mo." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 224: Nascent Soul Stage – Bloodvine Valley About to Open Chapter 224: Nascent Soul Stage - Bloodvine Valley About to Open Yuzhou Governor shook his head. "I don''t recognize this person." Martial artist Wu Ren explained Shen Mo''s background in detail. "Born in Qingshan City, he rose to prominence in the Qingxuan Sect, killed Yao Yunluo during the Nascent Soul Celebration, and finally made his way to the Jade Cauldron Sect, achieving remarkable feats in Dragon Snake Mountain." After hearing this, Yuzhou Governor''s previously calm eyes couldn''t help but ripple with emotion. "So it''s him." "He''s the one who completely disrupted Ji Shilong''s plans in Xuanjiang Prefecture." "When I heard the first part of your description, I merely thought of him as a martial prodigy." "But I didn''t expect him to have such profound accomplishments in the field of beast taming." "To put it bluntly, no one in the entire Jade Cauldron Sect can surpass him." Wu Ren nodded. "It was precisely because of him that Yang Qiye was hindered, preventing the Jade Cauldron Sect from fully abandoning its beast-taming industry, leaving behind Dragon Snake Mountain." Yuzhou Governor spoke lightly. "No matter, an occasional variable isn''t an issue. If everything went according to plan, it would only make this old man feel bored." "Have things been properly arranged on Yang Qiye''s side?" Wu Ren nodded. "He has been given two bottles of Supreme Soul Refining Pills. Yang Qiye is a clever man; he knows what to do." Yuzhou Governor nodded slightly, his tone calm. "A clever man, but too clever for his own good." "He prioritizes his personal gain over the sect''s interests, willing to sacrifice the sect to fulfill his ambitions." "For the Jade Cauldron Sect, having someone like Yang Qiye as a second elder is a disaster, a significant hidden danger. But for me, he is a double-edged sword that can be wielded." Wu Ren immediately flattered him, saying, "Everything is a result of Governor''s brilliant strategies." The Governor was evidently indifferent to flattery and casually said, "Have the human spies sent by the Ten Thousand Demons Nation all been allowed entry?" Wu Ren nodded. "I turned a blind eye. When they crossed the border, I ordered the general there to kill a few and let a few through. They''ve already entered Yuzhou''s territory." The Governor nodded slightly. "Good. This way, they won''t suspect anything. If they had all passed unscathed from Wuzhou to Yuzhou, it might have made them uneasy and cautious." "Now we just have to wait for the show to begin." The Governor smiled faintly. "That old flood dragon in the Jade Cauldron Sect is too powerful, comparable to three cultivators at the Divine Transformation stage. As long as it remains alive, the Jade Cauldron Sect, no matter how weakened, won''t completely collapse." "Moreover, they''re planning to enter Bloodvine Valley to retrieve the remains of the Sky-Touching Tendril. If they succeed, the elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect who enter Bloodvine Valley will likely suffer heavy casualties, which is also a good thing." The Governor chuckled softly, clearly indifferent to the lives of those involved. Wu Ren laughed. "Governor''s strategy of driving the tiger to devour the wolf is truly ingenious." "We''ll first eliminate the weakest of Yuzhou''s three sects, either destroying or absorbing their forces, and then proceed with the next steps." The Governor smiled but said nothing. Before long, he threw the remaining fish food into the pond, watching the fish scramble for it. Suddenly, he asked, "By the way, how is Ji Shilong doing recently?" Wu Ren lowered his voice. "In recent months, Ji Shilong has slain three demon generals and tens of thousands of demon soldiers, earning numerous merits. The Governor of Wuzhou is quite impressed and has promoted him to the rank of Golden General." The title of Golden General is a prestigious one in Wuzhou, reserved only for the most accomplished and powerful generals. The Governor of Yuzhou laughed heartily. "Ah, that old man must be thrilled to have Ji Shilong." "Keep monitoring the war in Wuzhou. Don''t slack off." "I''m concerned that Wuzhou might not be able to withstand the assault of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation" "Yes, I understand!" Wu Ren responded with a firm nod. In the blink of an eye, a year had passed. In the largest residence atop Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo''s aura erupted violently, akin to a long-dormant volcano suddenly unleashing its fury. The boundless spiritual energy within his dantian surged toward his nascent soul. The nascent soul''s features and contours grew increasingly solid and distinct as spiritual energy poured in. At a certain moment, as if breaking through a bottleneck, the nascent soul suddenly expanded, its mouth opening and closing in apparent satisfaction. Shen Mo exhaled a deep breath of turbid air and abruptly opened his eyes. A glimmer of light flashed through Shen Mo''s eyes, and a joyful expression spread across his face. As expected, with just one bottle of the Great Infant Transformation Pill, he successfully broke through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul Realm. During this time, the ten jin of Vermilion Blood Spirit Valley grain played a significant role. Before every cultivation session, he would consume a large bowl of the grain, which quickly brought him into an optimal state for training. This was precisely why he managed to advance to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul Realm in just a year. Under normal circumstances, an average Nascent Soul cultivator would take at least five years to achieve the same milestone. "Elder! A message from the mountain gateBloodvine Valley will open in two days!" Mei Haihe''s voice came from outside. Shen Mo immediately rose and opened the door. Mei Haihe exclaimed with delight, "You''ve finally emerged from seclusion!" Behind him, several stewards half-knelt, their gazes filled with fervor and reverence as they looked at Shen Mo. Shen Mo''s eyes swept over them, and he gave a slight nod. Since Dragon Snake Mountain exceeded the sect''s expectations tenfold in fulfilling its requirements, its importance had grown immensely. Over the past year, ten stewards and over a hundred disciples had arrived at Dragon Snake Mountain. The numbers were staggering. Every elder sought to place their people in Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo simply delegated the management to Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi, tasking them with overseeing the newcomers. As for those who seemed untrustworthy upon examination, he used any minor excuse to dismiss them. Now, the people remaining were all of clean background, ensuring they posed no threat to Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo said calmly, "Hmm. I''ll be going to Bloodvine Valley this time. The management of Dragon Snake Mountain will be in your hands. Do not falter, and do not let any villain harm the industries here. Understood?" Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi replied in unison, "Yes! Even if it costs our lives, we won''t let anyone damage Dragon Snake Mountain!" Satisfied, Shen Mo nodded. Only then did he summon his energy and soar toward the Jade Cauldron Sect''s main gate. Jade Cauldron Sect Mountain Gate Today, the sect was more bustling than usual. There were more cultivators coming and going than on any other day. The reason was simple: today marked the opening of Bloodvine Valley. This grand event, held once every five years, naturally attracted a large number of elders. However, the Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain was of little use to cultivators at higher realms. Thus, the elders preparing to enter Bloodvine Valley this time were primarily first-rank or second-rank. Few third-rank or fourth-rank elders would participate. As for fifth-rank or sixth-rank elders, there were none at all. At this moment, over seventy elders had gathered in the training grounds, chatting in groups of three to five. Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The stewards and disciples respectfully avoided them, not even daring to make eye contact. Shen Mo''s arrival immediately caught the attention of several elders. It wasn''t that he sought to draw attention, but his youthful appearance, combined with the second-rank elder''s robe he wore, which outranked most of the elders present, naturally made him stand out. Some sharp minds quickly deduced Shen Mo''s identity. The stewards and disciples looked at him with admiration and respect, while the elders cast complex glances his way. Some admired him, some envied him, and others harbored jealousy or resentment. Shen Mo had long grown accustomed to such gazes. He casually found a spot to stand and said nothing. "Ah, Hall Master He! What brings you to participate in Bloodvine Valley?" "Indeed! You''re a renowned cultivator and the cherished disciple of the Third Elder. With your strength far surpassing ours, how will there be any Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain left for the rest of us?" "Hahaha! You flatter me. He''s not as strong as you say. I''ve only recently broken through to the late-stage of the Nascent Soul Realm." A group of cultivators surrounded a figure, laughing and chatting. That figure, however, noticed Shen Mo and promptly left the crowd, walking over quickly. "Elder Shen! Long time no see!" He Tianchou greeted heartily. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 225: Nine-Petal Moon Orchid and the Bloodroot Dragon King Chapter 225: Nine-Petal Moon Orchid and the Bloodroot Dragon King Shen Mo looked up to see He Tianchou and smiled. "Why is Hall Master He also participating in the Bloodvine Valley event?" He Tianchou laughed heartily, though somewhat embarrassed. "Ashamed, truly ashamed. Although I''ve been assigned as the Hall Master of Jade Sea Hall, my elder ranking is still only at the second rank." "This time, I''m not just here to gather some Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain for myself but also plan to submit the extra to the sect in exchange for contribution points." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Indeed, elders could keep seventy percent of the Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain they obtained in the Bloodvine Valley, but thirty percent had to be submitted to the sect. However, if one was willing to surrender part of their personal share to the sect, they could earn additional contribution points. He Tianchou had been saving up contribution points for a while and clearly aimed to accumulate enough to exchange for a valuable item with a second-tier contribution ranking. "Elder Shen, there are rumors that the Bloodvine Valley will be particularly restless this year, with the bloodvines exhibiting far more aggression than in previous years. We''ll need to be extra careful." "If we encounter trouble inside, I''ll help you, and you must promise to help me as well!" He Tianchou chuckled nervously. Shen Mo smiled. "I''ve always been sincere in my dealings. Naturally, I''ll lend a hand to those I have good relations with." He Tianchou felt slightly reassured. He considered his relationship with Shen Mo decent. With those words, Shen Mo might actually come to his aid if danger arose. He Tianchou suddenly said, "By the way, no one outside knows what might happen inside Bloodvine Valley. Elder Shen, you''d best be wary of certain individuals." Shen Mo nodded slightly. This was something he was already aware of. The factions among the elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect were complex and numerous. Not to mention, Yang Qiye undoubtedly bore a grudge against him. If not for Shen Mo''s actions at Dragon Snake Mountain, Yang Qiye would have succeeded in selling off the sect''s beast-taming industry entirely, securing a larger kickback from Yuzhou Governor. Shen Mo had already discerned these schemes when he first encountered Yang Qiye by examining the life panel. "Ye Yan is here," He Tianchou said in a low voice, pointing in a direction. Shen Mo followed his gaze. Ye Yan retained his cold, indifferent demeanor. Dressed in a crimson robe with a long blade at his waist, he exuded a chilling aura. His presence had an almost magnetic pull on those with ill intentions. Wherever Ye Yan appeared, such individuals would feel an inexplicable urge to bow and submit to him. Shen Mo glanced at Ye Yan''s fortune and felt a tinge of delight. He suddenly noticed significant changes in Ye Yan''s recent fortunes compared to a year agothere were more opportunities now! Shen Mo''s mood was akin to watching a seedling he had carefully nurtured grow strong. The gaze he cast at Ye Yan seemed filled with satisfaction, causing Ye Yan to feel an inexplicable chill. What the heck What kind of look was that? In my entire life, I, Ye Yan, have never been looked at like this before! Annoyed, Ye Yan resolved that if Shen Mo continued staring, he would return the gaze just as fiercely. However, Shen Mo only glanced briefly before withdrawing his gaze, silently processing the vast information he had gleaned. [Recent Opportunities] [Upon entering Bloodvine Valley, Ye Yan will prepare to cultivate a black seed from Plot Three. By imbuing it with spiritual energy, he will cultivate it into a Nine-Petal Moon Orchid.] [Once inside Bloodvine Valley, the Nine-Petal Moon Orchid will prevent bloodvines from attacking him, allowing him to be the first to reach the inner valley and secure a large quantity of Vermilion Blood Spirit Grain.] [In the inner valley, Ye Yan will encounter Bloodroot Dragons. After slaying several, he will obtain nine Yin Sha Pearls and six clusters of refined Bloodroot essence.] [Following the trail of the Bloodroot Dragons to their underground lair, Ye Yan will inadvertently disturb the Bloodroot Dragon King, leading to a deadly chase. Numerous elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect will perish in the chaos. During his escape, Ye Yan will encounter Shen Mo and Xiao Fan. The three will join forces to confront the Bloodroot Dragon King and ultimately slay it.] [After slaying the Bloodroot Dragon King, Ye Yan and Xiao Fan will turn against Shen Mo, severely injuring him. Ye Yan will seize six Yin Sha Pearls and the Sky-Touching Tendril Remains. Xiao Fan will acquire the "Forest Sword" and eight clusters of refined Bloodroot essence.] Shen Mo mused over the information. The Moon Orchid grew only at the entrance of Bloodvine Valley. It was a peculiar flower of low grade that rarely produced seeds. Each Moon Orchid would yield just one seed. Its petals were tiny, and it emitted almost no fragrance. The bloodvines within Bloodvine Valley seemed able to detect the faint scent of the Moon Orchid, and they were deeply fearful of it. This was precisely why they were trapped within the valley, unable to leave. The more petals a Moon Orchid had, the stronger its fragrance, and the less likely it was to attract attacks from the bloodvines. Before entering Bloodvine Valley, elders would often collect seeds at the entrance and cultivate a Moon Orchid. Doing so significantly increased their safety. "This Nine-Petal Moon Orchid is a treasure. If I can obtain it, I''ll be able to pass through the outer valley safely and quickly, entering the inner valley directly." Bloodvine Valley was shaped like a gourd, divided into an outer valley and an inner valley. The inner valley had denser spiritual energy and housed more rare treasures, but it was also home to much stronger bloodvines. Shen Mo shifted his focus to other opportunities. He noticed that some unexpected phenomena had emerged in Bloodvine Valley. Bloodvines, the most abundant beasts in the valley, were well-known to all. Bloodroot Dragons, however, were a different matter. These dragon-shaped beasts were formed from the roots of the vines, which absorbed Yin Sha energy over time. Their aggressive nature was unparalleled. They not only attacked human cultivators but also bloodvinesand even each other. This eventually led to the emergence of an immensely powerful Bloodroot Dragon King. The Bloodroot Dragon King was incredibly strong, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators. Years ago, the Jade Cauldron Sect had lost eleven Nascent Soul cultivators to a single Bloodroot Dragon King. Yet, Bloodroot Dragons had supposedly been eradicated long ago when the Jade Cauldron Sect first took control of Bloodvine Valley. Why, then, were they reappearing now? "As for that Forest Sword it should be part of the Heaven-Slaying Sword Scripture." "The formation surrounding Bloodvine Valley is designed to prevent outsiders from entering. How did Xiao Fan manage to get in? Could he have found a flaw in the formation? Truly, the fortunes of a protagonist." Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was clear that after this opening of Bloodvine Valley, another fierce struggle was inevitable. Someone as peace-loving as himself had no interest in such chaos. He''d take what he needed in advance and let them fight their battles. After all, neither of those two was any good. According to fate, he would team up with them to slay the Bloodroot Dragon King, only for them to immediately turn on him once the dragon was dead. A shred of conscience would have gone a long way, yet they seemed utterly devoid of it. At this moment, a streak of light appeared on the horizon. A towering elder with a broad frame and an imposing aura arrived. Though he said nothing, his presence was enough to make others lower their heads instinctively. He was none other than the Grand Elder in charge of the Discipline Hall. "Everyone, the opening of Bloodvine Valley is imminent. Follow me," the Grand Elder announced in a commanding voice. With that, he ascended into the air and flew northward. Shen Mo and the others immediately followed. In an instant, dozens of streaks of light sped northward, heading straight for Bloodvine Valley. Bloodvine Valley was located within the Hengtai Mountain Range, not far from the Jade Cauldron Sect''s main gate. This area lay at the core of the Jade Cauldron Sect''s territory, and no one dared to trespass. Before long, a red speck appeared in the distance. As they descended, the valley came into view. It was shaped like a gourd, wide at the outer edge and narrow at the inner core, and bathed in a crimson hue. This was Bloodvine Valley. A faint glow surrounded the valleythe defensive formation protecting it from outsiders. Dozens of figures landed in unison at the entrance of Bloodvine Valley. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 226: No Rush, I Still Have a Flower Seed Chapter 226: No Rush, I Still Have a Flower Seed Shen Mo surveyed the valley. At the valley''s entrance, a few cottages stood quietly, surrounded by white, delicate flowers. The soft breeze caused the flowers to sway, as if they were little dancing spirits. However, their fragrance was faint, almost imperceptible. "These must be the Moon Orchid Flowers," Shen Mo remarked. "Unfortunately, most of these flowers only have one or two petals. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have to waste time cultivating them from seeds." His gaze shifted to a clearing nearby. There, five flowerbeds were lined up, each containing several seeds. The seeds were unusually large, about the size of a thumb. A senior from one of the cottages quickly approached, bowing respectfully to the Grand Elder. Behind him followed three Core Formation stage stewards. Clearly, these four were the stationed guardians of Bloodvine Valley. The leading elder greeted with a steady voice, "Greetings, Grand Elder." The Grand Elder nodded slightly. "Zhang Feng, have you noticed anything unusual while guarding this area?" Zhang Feng chuckled lightly. "Grand Elder, you must be joking. Bloodvine Valley isn''t one of those other two forbidden zones. Ever since our Jade Cauldron Sect took full control of this place, it has been extraordinarily calm. There''s never been any anomaly." "The bloodvines in the valley are behaving as usual." "No Bloodroot Dragons have been born." "And I inspect the valley''s surrounding formations every three days to ensure everything is in order." The Grand Elder finally nodded in approval. "Well done." Shen Mo, however, couldn''t help but wear an odd expression. If not for his ability to see personal panels, he might have believed Zhang Feng''s words. "Interesting," Shen Mo thought. "Zhang Feng is a spy?" "And he''s not working for the Supreme Purity Sect, the Danhe Sect, or even the Prefecture Lord of Yu Province. Instead, he''s loyal to the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom?" Outwardly, Shen Mo betrayed nothing, but inwardly, he was surprised. He made a mental note of Zhang Feng''s life panel. The Grand Elder turned to the gathered elders. "You may each select your seeds. After a day of cultivation, you may enter Bloodvine Valley." "I must return to handle matters in the Discipline Hall, so I won''t stay here any longer." He cupped his hands to the elders in farewell, his stern demeanor unchanged. "Safe travels, Grand Elder," the elders responded, bowing in return. Shen Mo strode purposefully to the flowerbeds, his gaze appearing to flit casually between them, as if undecided. In truth, his focus was on the third flowerbed, searching for the darkest seed. "Got it!" Shen Mo grabbed three seeds from the third bed, including the darkest one. According to the rules, each person could select up to three seeds. Seeing Shen Mo''s choice, He Tianchou chuckled, "Elder Shen, I''d advise you to pick one seed from each bed." "Why not take all three from one?" Shen Mo asked with a curious smile. He Tianchou grinned confidently. "While the stationed elder wouldn''t intentionally neglect any flowerbed, minor variations in nutrition are inevitable." "By spreading your choices across different beds, you minimize risks." "If you take three from one bed, you might get either the best or the worst outcomes." "By diversifying, it''s like not putting all your eggs in one basket. At least the results will be stable." Shen Mo nodded in understanding. "Hall Master He, your expertise is evident." He Tianchou puffed his chest proudly. "Of course. I''ve been into Bloodvine Valley nine times already." Shen Mo nodded again. "Still, I can''t be bothered with splitting hairs. I''ll take these three. If they''re all poor quality, I''ll just chalk it up to bad luck." He Tianchou laughed. "Alright, if my Moon Orchid Flowers turn out well, I''ll gift you one." Shen Mo cupped his hands in thanks, then moved aside and began channeling spiritual energy into his three seeds. The other elders soon finished selecting their seeds, leaving behind the smaller, misshapen ones in the flowerbeds. These leftover seeds would only yield one- or two-petal Moon Orchid Flowers at best. Their sole purpose was to be planted at the entrance of Bloodvine Valley, using quantity to generate a qualitative deterrent against the valley''s bloodvines. Shen Mo did not immediately inject spiritual energy into the dark seed. Instead, he began with the other two seeds. Before long, the first seed sprouted, breaking through its shell. With the nourishment of spiritual energy, it quickly grew, producing petals in no time. sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only two petals. Around him, other elders were expressing various emotionsdelight, frustration, or disappointment. He Tianchou exclaimed excitedly, "Haha! A six-petal Moon Orchid! I do have some skill after all!" The surrounding elders cast envious glances his way. A six-petal Moon Orchid was a rare find. With it in hand, He Tianchou would likely be safe from attacks by most of the bloodvines in Bloodvine Valley. Only the extraordinarily powerful bloodvines would dare challenge the flower''s fragrance and attack him. Nearby, Ye Yan also activated his first seed. His luck was averagehe obtained a three-petal Moon Orchid. Dissatisfied, Ye Yan immediately turned to his second seed. Meanwhile, Shen Mo began activating his second seed as well. The result was worse than the first: only a single petal. On He Tianchou''s side, another burst of laughter erupted. "The second seed is a four-petal Moon Orchid!" "The third seed is a five-petal Moon Orchid!" "Everyone, if you didn''t get a good Moon Orchid, feel free to come to me and buy one! Hahaha!" He Tianchou was beside himself with joy. The other elders looked on with envy. Some couldn''t help but regret not following He Tianchou''s method of choosing seeds from three different flowerbeds. Suddenly, a startled cry broke the chatter. "A seven-petal Moon Orchid! No, it''s eight petals! My heavens!" The elders immediately turned their gazes. In Ye Yan''s palm was a tiny eight-petal flower. A faint smile played on Ye Yan''s lips. As expected, his luck wasn''t bad. While it wasn''t the ultimate nine-petal Moon Orchid, an eight-petal one was already remarkable. It would be enough to let him enter Bloodvine Valley ahead of the others! He Tianchou and the others looked on with admiration. It had been nearly fifty years since a Moon Orchid with more than seven petals had appeared. Yet here was Ye Yan, summoning an eight-petal flower today! He Tianchou cast a few envious glances but soon turned his attention elsewhere. Looking around, he noticed Shen Mo''s poor results and strode over with large steps. He felt a twinge of sympathy. Shen Mo was a young prodigy, with extraordinary expertise in the art of taming beasts. Still, it seemed he had some shortcomingslike selecting seeds, where he clearly fell short compared to himself. Of course, He Tianchou had the advantage of experience, having entered Bloodvine Valley nine times. That experience allowed him to cultivate three fairly excellent Moon Orchids today. He Tianchou chuckled. "Elder Shen, I''ll have to keep the six-petal flower, but I can give you this five-petal one. How about it?" The surrounding elders were visibly surprised. He Tianchou was known to be a rather stingy person. Yet today, he was offering a five-petal Moon Orchid to Shen Mo for free? However, the group quickly understood. Shen Mo, a young prodigy with a bright future, was clearly worth befriending. He Tianchou''s gesture made perfect sense. The elders couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy. If only they had Shen Mo''s talent, they too might have others offering them Moon Orchids. Shen Mo simply smiled. "No rush. I still have one more seed." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 227: Unexpectedly, It’s a Nine-Petaled Moon Orchid Chapter 227: Unexpectedly, It''s a Nine-Petaled Moon Orchid He Tianchou chuckled and shook his head. "Elder Shen, if I''m not mistaken, weren''t all three of these flower seeds taken from the same flowerbed?" "The first two were of such poor quality, and this third seed doesn''t look much better." Shen Mo smiled faintly as he infused spiritual energy into the third seed. "Whether it''s good or not can only be determined after infusing spiritual energy." He Tianchou gave a resigned smile. "You really don''t give up easily, do you? Fine, go ahead and infuse spiritual energy." "The result will probably be no different from the last two..." Before he could finish his sentence, a small white flower swiftly sprouted in Shen Mo''s palm. It stretched its petals leisurely. He Tianchou''s voice froze mid-sentence. He stared fixedly at the white flower, extended a finger, and carefully counted. One, two, three, four, five nine petals in total! "A a nine-petaled Moon Orchid?!" He exclaimed in astonishment. "What? Where''s a nine-petaled Moon Orchid?" "Holy! It really is a nine-petaled Moon Orchid!" "My heavens, this is probably the first nine-petaled Moon Orchid seen in a century!" "Unbelievable! Shen Mo actually cultivated it! His luck is incredible! The first two seeds only had one or two petals, and the third one turns out to have nine!" "They say the nine-petaled Moon Orchid has mystical properties. I wonder if that''s true. Elder Shen, could we have a closer look?" The elders, who had been admiring Ye Yan''s eight-petaled Moon Orchid, immediately shifted their attention at the sound of He Tianchou''s exclamation. When they saw the nine-petaled flower, they all gasped in disbelief. An eight-petaled Moon Orchid was already exceedingly rare. But now, there was a nine-petaled Moon Orchid! The elders swarmed around Shen Mo, eager to examine the flower up close. Ye Yan''s side suddenly became deserted, leaving only a few elders from the Second and Fourth Peaks standing by him. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These elders looked visibly awkward. Truth be told, they were also curious about the nine-petaled Moon Orchid. Ye Yan''s smile, which had been lingering at the corners of his lips moments ago, turned icy cold in a matter of seconds. He wasn''t someone who craved the limelight. However, to go from being celebrated by dozens of fellow cultivators one moment to being completely overshadowed the nextanyone would feel stifled. Not far away, Zhang Feng, the stationed elder of Bloodvine Valley, glanced at the nine-petaled Moon Orchid in Shen Mo''s hand, his eyes flashing with surprise. However, he said nothing, patiently waiting until all the elders had finished cultivating their flowers. Then, in a loud voice, he announced, "Elders, please hand over any Moon Orchids you won''t be using." "These Moon Orchids are to be planted at the entrance of Bloodvine Valley to prevent the bloodvines from escaping." The elders, not wanting to violate sect rules, each kept one Moon Orchid for themselves and handed over the remaining ones. Some elders traded their Moon Orchids among themselves for contributions, spirit stones, or elixirs. Before long, every elder had a single white flower adorning their waist. "Everyone, cross the Moon Orchid barrier and enter," Zhang Feng said with a smile. Ye Yan, expressionless, led the way, stepping into Bloodvine Valley first. He Tianchou and the others followed closely behind. Shen Mo, unhurried, joined the middle of the group as they entered the valley. Once all the elders had entered, Zhang Feng''s respectful demeanor shifted instantly to one of indifference. However, when he turned to face three Core Formation stewards, his expression softened into a warm smile. "Come to my place. I had a feast prepared in the nearby town and stored it in my spatial ring." "Let''s have a good time!" Zhang Feng laughed heartily. The three stewards relaxed visibly, nodding in agreement. Zhang Feng had always treated them this way, and today was no different. The four entered the largest cabin together. Zhang Feng closed the door, his face now cold and detached. Within less than a hundred breaths, muffled thuds could be heard from within the cabin. When Zhang Feng reopened the door, the three Core Formation stewards inside had already turned into lifeless corpses. Even in death, they couldn''t fathom why the usually amicable stationed elder would suddenly murder them. Zhang Feng retrieved a voice transmission jade and infused it with spiritual energy. "All the elders of the Danhe Sect have entered Bloodvine Valley, and I have eliminated the three stewards. You may proceed." A voice responded from the other side of the jade. "Understood." Not long after, three figures skimmed close to the ground, flying through a dense forest until they reached the entrance of Bloodvine Valley. The trio''s auras were chaotic yet potent, unmistakably marking them as Nascent Soul cultivators. The leader cupped his hands in salute. "Brother Zhang, you are in command of the three of us. What are your orders?" Zhang Feng gave a faint smile. "There''s no need for much action. Just wait here." "Huh? Why is that?" Zhang Feng smiled. "To be honest, four years ago, a Bloodroot Dragon appeared in Bloodvine Valley. I allowed it to grow unchecked and never reported this to the Danhe Sect." "Recently, I ventured into the valley to investigate. The Bloodroot Dragon population has grown considerably, and within three months, a Bloodroot Dragon King is certain to be born." "We only need to wait here. The Bloodroot Dragon King will kill most of the elders inside the valley." "Our task is simplestay here and eliminate anyone who manages to escape!" The three cultivators were astounded. "Brother Zhang, you truly are a strategist. No wonder His Majesty the Demon Emperor entrusted you with this command!" Zhang Feng took a few steps forward, knelt toward the south, and prostrated himself fervently. His gaze was fanatical, filled with reverence. "I have visited the Ten Thousand Demon Nation and witnessed the Demon Emperor''s awe-inspiring power firsthand." "I know with certainty that the demon race is far stronger than the human race. Jing Nation is destined to fall before the might of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation." "Your Majesty, the Demon Emperor, once I obtain the remains of the Sky-Rending Behemoth, I shall help you forge the ultimate demon body!" Seeing this, the three cultivators also knelt devoutly, facing south, and in unison pledged: "We will acquire the remains of the Sky-Rending Behemoth and assist His Majesty in forging the ultimate demon body!" Inside Bloodvine Valley As soon as the elders entered the valley, the red vines on the ground surged like serpents, pouncing wildly. Just as Shen Mo had read in the records, the bloodvines were ferociously aggressive. The Moon Orchids worn by the elders only reduced the bloodvines'' inclination to attack but didn''t eliminate the threat entirely. However, the nine-petaled Moon Orchid at Shen Mo''s waist clearly outperformed the others'' Moon Orchids. The bloodvines seemed especially fearful of him, avoiding him entirely. Wherever Shen Mo went, a three-zhang radius of clear space followed him. Not a single bloodvine dared to approach. This allowed Shen Mo to advance rapidly without being entangled by the bloodvines. After storming forward several hundred zhang, Shen Mo looked back. He saw that a few unfortunate elders had already been ensnared by the bloodvines. Their Moon Orchids had only three petals, insufficient to ward off the aggressive bloodvines. Having failed to obtain better Moon Orchids through trade or other means, these elders entered Bloodvine Valley with the three-petaled ones, making them prime targets for the bloodvines. The other elders could do nothing to help them and instead focused on advancing as far as possible to put distance between themselves and the bloodvines. In Bloodvine Valley, the first rule was self-preservation. Only if one had extra energy would they consider assisting others. The group continued onward. Shen Mo and Ye Yan moved the fastest, forming the vanguard of the group. Neither paused for a moment. Even when patches of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys appeared nearby, they didn''t stop to harvest them. Both had a clear objective: the inner valley. The Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys in the inner valley would undoubtedly be more abundant than those in the outer valley. Rather than waste time here, it was better to push forward as quickly as possible into the inner valley. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 228: Shen Mo Can’t Possibly Harvest All the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys, Can He? Chapter 228: Shen Mo Can''t Possibly Harvest All the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys, Can He? At that moment, a fierce howling came from ahead. A particularly thick bloodvine lunged forward like a serpent, aiming directly to entangle Ye Yan. Ye Yan frowned slightly and suddenly drew his blade. With a flash of the blade, the bloodvine was severed in two. However, his pace slowed slightly as a result. Meanwhile, Shen Mo remained unimpeded, untouched by any bloodvine attack. The distance between them widened further. Soon, the bloodvines ahead grew even thicker. Each vine was as wide as an adult''s waist. They looked less like vines and more like serpents disguised as vegetation. The difference between eight petals and nine petals was stark. Most of the bloodvines targeted Ye Yan. In contrast, only a handful dared to attack Shen Mo. Shen Mo employed his technique, charging forward without pause. Ye Yan gradually fell behind. Before long, the surrounding noise faded entirely. Shen Mo was now the only one racing ahead in the dense, almost suffocating sea of vines. The bloodvines could sense Shen Mo''s presence, but they were too intimidated by the nine-petaled Moon Orchid to launch an attack. For ten straight days, Shen Mo advanced at an astonishing pace. Finally, he spotted a narrow passageway ahead. His heart leaped with joy. "The inner valley!" This was the gourd-shaped entrance, marking the boundary between the outer valley and the inner valley of Bloodvine Valley! Shen Mo accelerated again, surging through the passage in one burst. A strange world unfolded before his eyes. Red! Red, red, red! The trees were red, the grass was red. Even the soil was red. The entire landscape was a scarlet world. If not for the sky still being blue, Shen Mo might have thought he had stumbled into another dimension. However, the bloodvines here seemed oddly lifeless. Even though they were thicker than the ones outside, they lay sprawled on the ground, sluggish and motionless. Even when Shen Mo accidentally stepped on one, it didn''t react much. They resembled beaten dogs, lying defeated on the ground. Shen Mo inhaled deeply, catching the familiar scent in the air. Soon, he found his target. A lush patch of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys! Each plant was bursting with plump grains, as if they might split open their husks at any moment, exposing themselves to Shen Mo. Delight filled Shen Mo''s face. The inner valley was indeed far superior to the outer valley. Judging by the sheer number of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys, there were at least five times as many here as in the outer valley! Still, Shen Mo didn''t rush forward recklessly. Instead, his gaze shifted to the blood-red roots near the Spirit Valleys. Upon closer inspection, the roots were subtly undulatingnot dead, but alive! "Could those be Bloodroot Dragons?" Shen Mo mused. He didn''t sense any threat from them. It was clear they were no match for him. Shen Mo quietly channeled his spiritual energy. Flames flickered silently in his palm. When his spiritual energy reached its peak, Shen Mo stomped the ground and leapt forward. With a forceful strike, his palm slammed down onto the surface of the roots. The flames ignited like oil-soaked firewood. Instantly, they roared to life. The seemingly inert blood-red roots convulsed violently, transforming into a monstrous dragon about ten zhang long. It howled and roared in fury. Shen Mo sneered. "Hiding next to the Spirit Valley, waiting to ambush me, and now you''re throwing a tantrum because I caught you? What nerve." Without hesitation, he struck again, slamming his palm down. The Bloodroot Dragon couldn''t withstand Shen Mo''s second strike. Within mere moments, its entire body was reduced to a pile of black ash. "It seems that fire-attribute spiritual energy is a natural counter to them." "This suggests that exotic flames are likely even more effective against Bloodroot Dragons." Shen Mo mused thoughtfully. With a casual wave of his hand, he harvested all the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys in the area and stored them in his spatial ring. As he was about to leave, he noticed two faintly glowing objects amidst the ashes. Another wave of his hand brought the items to his palm, drawn by his spiritual energy. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first was a pale gray bead, and if one listened closely, faint wails and howls could be heard emanating from it. The second was an irregular crimson crystal, neither metallic nor wooden, with a unique and mysterious appearance. These items were none other than the Yin Fiend Bead and the Vital Bloodroot. The Yin Fiend Bead needed no introductionit was one of the finest treasures for enhancing one''s . The Vital Bloodroot, on the other hand, wasn''t for enhancing spiritual power but rather for strengthening the physical body. "I''ve heard of the Vital Bloodroot''s mystical properties before, but it''s said to only appear in powerful Bloodroot Dragons. Ordinary cultivators rarely have the chance to obtain it. Yet today, I''ve found one." Shen Mo''s thoughts stirred. He recalled the information he had gathered about Bloodvine Valley. The Vital Bloodroot, once refined, could significantly strengthen the physical body. It improved strength, speed, and wound recovery, offering an all-around enhancement. However, it could only be refined up to five times in one''s lifetime. Beyond that, its effects would diminish greatly, almost to the point of being negligible. Since the Danhe Sect had taken control of Bloodvine Valley, no Bloodroot Dragons had been allowed to exist due to their instability, and the Vital Bloodroot had long vanished from the sect. For years, younger cultivators who sought Vital Bloodroot had searched in vain. "Vital Bloodroot will undoubtedly be highly sought after. I only need to keep enough for my own use; the rest can be traded for items I need." A smile spread across Shen Mo''s face. He knew that at the center of the inner valley, there was a cluster of houses that served as a rest stop. These houses had been established by the Danhe Sect and were protected by formations. Eventually, all the other elders would arrive there. He could use the opportunity to trade with them, exchanging resources as needed. With that, Shen Mo continued to follow the fragrance of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys, heading to the next location. Since Bloodvine Valley had been closed for five years, the inner valley was now brimming with spiritual energy. Even after traveling a short distance, Shen Mo encountered scattered Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys. As the first person to enter the inner valley, Shen Mo could hardly leave empty-handed. Instead, he was making a grand harvest. Meanwhile, Ye Yan was deeply troubled. Extremely troubled. Although he had also entered the inner valley, he hadn''t found many Scarlet Blood Spirit Valleys. Instead, he had been ambushed by several Bloodroot Dragons. "It must be Shen Mo" "With his nine-petaled Moon Orchid, he''s far ahead of me." "Following in his footsteps, I''ve gained nothing!" Ye Yan gritted his teeth. He had never felt such hatred for anyone before. Taking several deep breaths, Ye Yan forced himself to calm down and began analyzing the situation. "Why are Bloodroot Dragons appearing? Weren''t they supposed to have been eradicated long ago?" "For years, the stationed elders have meticulously inspected Bloodvine Valley to ensure that Bloodroot Dragons never reappear." Ye Yan frowned deeply. The appearance of Bloodroot Dragons was far from good news. Moreover, he had no idea how long they had been present. If they had been around for as long as five years, it was highly likely that a Bloodroot Dragon King had already been born. Ye Yan knew full well that in a one-on-one fight, he wouldn''t stand a chance against a Bloodroot Dragon King. "The terrain of Bloodvine Valley is peculiar, and its chaotic spiritual energy disrupts communication. I can''t use my transmission jade to inform the Danhe Sect of the situation." "Nor can I escape the valley in a short time. For now, I''ll just have to take it one step at a time." Ye Yan''s gaze turned cold as he continued deeper into the valley. Coming to Bloodvine Valley only to leave empty-handedor worse, injuredwould be utterly humiliating. "Even if Shen Mo is far ahead of me, he can''t possibly harvest every single Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley he sees. There must be some left behind" Ye Yan muttered to himself as he pressed onward. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 229: Whatever You Want, If I Have It, You Can Take It Chapter 229: Whatever You Want, If I Have It, You Can Take It Half a month later, outside the Blood Vine Valley, at the entrance of a hidden cave. A handsome young man brushed aside the surrounding vines and entered. His expression lit up with delight. "Danhe, there really is a flaw in this formation!" he exclaimed. A voice, aged and wise, echoed in his mind. "Naturally, every formation has its flaws. It just depends on whether you can find them," Danhe replied with a smile. Xiao Fan chuckled. "I never expected someone so devoted to alchemy like you, Danhe, to possess such mastery in formations as well." Danhe simply chuckled. "Once you recover the memories of your previous life, you''ll understand. Your talent in formations far surpasses mine." Xiao Fan was intrigued. "Was I really that powerful in my past life?" Danhe sighed with emotion. "You were the master of the most mysterious sect in the Jing Kingdomthe Burning Heavens Palace. Your mastery of eternal flames, formations, and swordsmanship was unmatched. Your fame spread far and wide." "Even a Jing Emperor and a Demon Emperor fell at your hands!" Xiao Fan laughed, somewhat at a loss for words. He had recovered much of his past life''s memories, but some crucial fragments remained missing. Oddly enough, Danhe seemed to know more about his past than he did. "Go on in," Danhe urged. "The Blood Vine Valley is filled with treasures. Don''t let anyone else get to them first." Xiao Fan nodded resolutely and moved forward quickly. He could sense something faintly calling out to him. "My should have a page hidden here. If I''m not mistaken, it must be the ." Taking a deep breath, Xiao Fan''s eyes gleamed with determination. "To uproot evil and burn the heavens to ashes all six pages of the Sword Manual will return to me eventually!" The had four pages, while the and manuals had two pages each, their power far greater. Before long, Xiao Fan saw light ahead. "This place The spiritual energy is dense, and the blood vines are exceptionally thick. This must be the inner valley of the Blood Vine Valley." Danhe sounded pleasantly surprised. Xiao Fan reached the inner valley, where the most precious treasures could be found. He moved discreetly, careful not to alert the cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect. After all, if he were discovered, as an outsider, he''d become the target of a collective assault. "Stay cautious and keep a low profile," Danhe reminded in a hushed tone. Xiao Fan smiled confidently. "Relax, Danhe. From what I know, the Jade Cauldron Sect elders only entered the Blood Vine Valley half a month ago." "This valley is vast. In just half a month, even the fastest among them couldn''t possibly have reached the inner valley yet." "I''ll be the first to arrive here." "Meeting anyone else would be nearly impossible." Danhe chuckled. "True enough." A month passed in the blink of an eye. The elders who carried one-petal, two-petal, or three-petal Moon Orchids had nearly all perished in the outer valley. Out of the seventy-plus elders who entered the Blood Vine Valley, nine had already fallen. Most of the remaining elders managed to reach the inner valley. But when they arrived, they were dumbfounded. The inner valley turned out to be even more barren than the outer valley. Where was the fabled Crimson Blood Spirit Valley? As if that disappointment weren''t enough, they were shocked to encounter Bloodroot Dragons in the inner valley! In a fierce battle, many elders were no match for the Bloodroot Dragons and were forced to retreat. At this moment, three elders, led by He Tianchou, approached the center of the inner valley. He Tianchou vividly recalled that this area had a cluster of buildings protected by a formation, offering a temporary refuge from danger. "It''s just ahead! We can use the formation there to hold off the Bloodroot Dragons!" He Tianchou, battered and exhausted, regained a glimmer of hope at the sight of the buildings. The three elders behind him, equally worn out, quickened their pace eagerly. Two massive Bloodroot Dragons, each eight or nine meters long, pursued them with savage ferocity. The three elders were all at the early Nascent Soul stage, while He Tianchou alone was at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Bloodroot Dragons, formed from blood vine roots imbued with Yin energy, were inherently powerful and overwhelming. Cultivators of the same realm were no match for them. Typically, two Nascent Soul stage cultivators were required to handle a single Bloodroot Dragon. Even for He Tianchou, facing a single Bloodroot Dragon in his current state was far from certain victory. Now, all four of them were injured, making it utterly impossible to stand against the dragons. sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they dashed toward the cluster of buildings, the ground ahead suddenly rippled. Seemingly ordinary tree roots transformed in the blink of an eye into another dragon-like beast, ten meters in length. It was yet another Bloodroot Dragon! Despair clouded He Tianchou and the others'' faces. Two dragons behind, one in front. They were now trapped in a deadly pincer, with no way out. In such dire circumstances, who could possibly save them? At that moment, a powerful burst of fierce azure flames erupted from the side. In the blink of an eye, the flames engulfed the Bloodroot Dragon standing in front of He Tianchou and his companions. It was as if the flames were boiling oil poured over a raging fire. The Bloodroot Dragon was completely consumed by the flames. From within the flames came the anguished roars of the Bloodroot Dragon, its ferocious aura entirely subdued. The sight left He Tianchou and the others stunned. They were well aware that Bloodroot Dragons feared fire. However, their own fire-based techniques barely scratched the creatures, only serving to enrage them further and trigger uncontrollable bouts of ferocity. But this azure flamewhat was it? How could it so effortlessly deal such devastating damage to a Bloodroot Dragon? He Tianchou, being a seasoned cultivator, scrutinized the flames carefully. His mind churned until two words surfaced. He refrained from voicing the thought, however, swallowing it back with great restraint. "Quick, into the shelter!" a familiar voice called from nearby. Then, a figure emerged and unleashed another burst of ferocious flames, enveloping the two Bloodroot Dragons that had been chasing He Tianchou and his group. He Tianchou''s face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Elder Shen!" Wasting no time, the four of them quickened their pace and rushed into the shelter, its faint glow of protection encompassing them. Only then did they breathe a sigh of relief, their bodies nearly collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. "Elder Shen is incredibly strong! He''s fighting three Bloodroot Dragons on his own!" "I underestimated him before. I thought he was too young and lacked combat experience. Now, it''s clear I was blind to his true abilities," one of the elders beside He Tianchou admitted with a tone full of awe and embarrassment. Before long, the three Bloodroot Dragons succumbed to the flames, their massive bodies reduced to ashes. Shen Mo reached out and made a swift grasping motion. Several faintly glowing objects flew into his palm. They were two Yin Sha Pearls and one essence blood root. Shen Mo smiled. He had been hunting Bloodroot Dragons near the shelter when he noticed an opportunity presented on his life panel, foretelling such a chance encounter. Now, as predicted, he had obtained the corresponding treasures. As for saving people? That had merely been incidental. Gaining He Tianchou''s gratitude and owing him a favor was just an added bonus. Why not? With long strides, Shen Mo entered the shelter. He Tianchou and his group rose to their feet, their expressions filled with gratitude as they cupped their hands in respect. "Thank you, Elder Shen. Without your intervention, we would have become food for the Bloodroot Dragons." He Tianchou felt particularly emotional. Fortunately, his relationship with Shen Mo had always been neutralneither close nor hostile. Otherwise, Shen Mo would never have helped him in such a dire situation. One of the elders couldn''t help but ask, "Elder Shen, was that a Yin Sha Pearl and an essence blood root you just obtained?" Shen Mo nodded slightly. The other three elders looked on with envy. They all knew that Bloodroot Dragons sometimes carried Yin Sha Pearls and essence blood roots within their bodies. However, not every Bloodroot Dragon would yield such treasures upon death. Moreover, they had been completely outmatched by the Bloodroot Dragons since entering the inner valley, constantly fleeing and fighting for their lives. Acquiring such treasures was out of the question. He Tianchou''s expression turned slightly awkward. "Elder Shen, would you be willing to trade one essence blood root with me?" "This item can greatly accelerate the healing of my wounds." "Whatever you want in exchange, as long as I have it, it''s yours!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 230: Twenty Pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley Herbs for One Essence Blood Root Chapter 230: Twenty Pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley Herbs for One Essence Blood Root The other three elders, their interest piqued, quickly joined in, their eyes full of anticipation as they looked at Shen Mo. Shen Mo smiled. This was precisely what he wanted. Over the past month, he had hunted Bloodroot Dragons all across the valley and already acquired the five essence blood roots he needed, which he had long since refined. The surplus, of course, would be used for trade. But there was a crucial difference: offering a trade versus others asking for one. In the former case, the initiative rested with the other party, as though he were the one seeking their favor. In the latter, the power was firmly in his handsit was they who sought him out. "We are all elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect, so naturally, I can help," Shen Mo said, his voice warm. "Each of you should have some Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs, correct?" "Twenty pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs for one essence blood root." He smiled pleasantly as he made the offer. Nascent Soul cultivators were bound to carry numerous treasures, and Shen Mo had every intention of squeezing as much value as he could out of them. "Twenty pounds that''s steep," He Tianchou said with an awkward smile. After scouring the outer valley for a long time, he had managed to collect only thirteen pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs. The three elders beside him looked even more embarrassed. While He Tianchou had gathered thirteen pounds, none of them had even ten pounds to their name. He Tianchou hesitated before speaking. "Elder Shen, can''t you lower the price just a bit?" Shen Mo maintained his gentle smile. "The sect currently doesn''t even have a single essence blood root available. If I were to bring this back, the price would skyrocketyou all know that as well as I do." The four elders exchanged resigned smiles. He was right. Except for those who had previously refined essence blood roots, nearly every cultivator in the sect would be eager to get their hands on such a treasure. Shen Mo added, "If your Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs fall short, you can use contributions, Yin Sha Pearls, or other rare treasures to make up the difference." After a moment of thought, He Tianchou took out ten pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs and a single Yin Sha Pearl to trade for the essence blood root in Shen Mo''s possession. Both parties were satisfied, each receiving what they needed. While He Tianchou and the other elders were thrilled with their gains, their expressions quickly turned grim again. The situation with the Bloodroot Dragons needed to be reported as soon as possible. But their communication talismans were useless here. Having ventured deep into the inner valley, escaping to the outside world would be nearly impossible. Moreover, while the protective formation could hold for now, it wouldn''t last forever. The commotion here had already attracted more Bloodroot Dragons to their location. Even if they used all their spiritual stones to replenish the formation, it was only a matter of time before it failed. The worst part was that they had no idea how many Bloodroot Dragons were in the valley. Even worse, they couldn''t be certain whether the legendary Bloodroot Dragon Kingmentioned in the Jade Cauldron Sect''s ancient textshad been born. If the Bloodroot Dragon King truly existed, no amount of resistance would save them from an untimely death. "Elder Shen, you are the strongest among us. Why don''t we escort you out to relay the message to the sect?" one of the elders suggested earnestly. "Indeed. At this rate, every elder who entered the Blood Vine Valley might perish. That would be a devastating loss for the sect," another elder sighed deeply. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. He already knew there were people lying in wait at the valley''s exit, ready to ambush anyone who tried to leave. Not that Shen Mo feared those individuals. But he had his sights set on the most valuable treasures in the Blood Vine Valley. The ! The remains of the Hanging Sky Vine! Leaving without securing these would mean letting them fall into the hands of Ye Yan and Xiao Fan. That would render his entire journey pointless. "I suspect foul play is involved," Shen Mo said solemnly. He Tianchou and the others were taken aback. "What do you mean by that?" Shen Mo explained, "When we entered the Blood Vine Valley, the Great Elder asked the stationed elder Zhang Feng about the situation here. You all remember his answer, don''t you?" The four elders shuddered, immediately recalling Zhang Feng''s words. He had reported no anomalies in the valley. Not a single Bloodroot Dragon. Shen Mo glanced at the four elders, his expression serious. "I entered the inner valley earlier than all of you. I''ve already encountered at least twenty Bloodroot Dragons," he said calmly. "And in the deeper regions, there are likely many more, fighting amongst themselves." "Such numbers could never have appeared within mere days or months. This must have been building up over many years." His gaze swept across the four elders. "Given the situation, do you still think we can leave this place alive?" The expressions of He Tianchou and the others turned grim. They weren''t fools. Shen Mo''s analysis revealed the unsettling truth: something about this whole ordeal was deeply suspicious. "But Zhang Feng has been stationed here for decades, always loyal to the sect. How could he" He Tianchou frowned deeply. He had entered the Blood Vine Valley nine times over the past forty-five years, and Zhang Feng had always been the one stationed here. For decades, Zhang Feng had been diligent and reliable. Why would this time be different? Shen Mo waved his hand dismissively. "Rest for now. We can discuss this after your injuries have healed." With that, he strode into one of the nearby shelters. As usual, he secured the area with various defensive formations before taking out the items from his storage ring. "I''ve already gathered four Yin Sha Pearls. Perfect for upgrading my Dan Crown to purple." Without hesitation, he began refining the Yin Sha Pearls, wasting no time. Elsewhere, Ye Yan''s cold expression remained unchanged as he walked briskly into one of the shelters. He still looked the same as ever: dressed in a crimson robe, a long blade strapped to his waist, his icy demeanor creating a sense of distance that seemed to push others away. Behind him followed Wang Wu, a fellow elder from the Second Peak, whose fawning smile contrasted starkly with Ye Yan''s coldness. Wang Wu chuckled obsequiously. "Elder Ye, there''s no need to worry. Plenty of people would gladly trade their Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs for one of your essence blood roots." At this, Ye Yan''s expression softened slightly. He had spent half a month searching the inner valley, yet his haul of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs was pitifulonly twenty pounds. Yesterday, he had discovered a patch of land teeming with the herbs. However, just as he approached, he was ambushed by a particularly massive Bloodroot Dragon. Its body exceeded forty zhang in length. After a brief skirmish, Ye Yan realized he was no match for the creature and had no choice but to retreat, gritting his teeth in frustration. Before entering the Blood Vine Valley, Ye Yan had made a bold pledge to Yang Qiye, swearing he would return with one hundred pounds of Crimson Blood Spirit Valley herbs. If he succeeded, his haul would break all records in the valley''s history. Such an accomplishment would earn him a significant amount of contribution pointsenough to elevate his elder status to the third cauldron rank. With that rank, he would gain access to another restricted area within the sect, a place teeming with far greater opportunities than the Blood Vine Valley. Ye Yan and Wang Wu pressed on, soon arriving at a cluster of shelters where over twenty other elders had gathered in recent days. Some were trading, others were chatting with furrowed brows, and still others were sharing their experiences and observations from the past few days. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ye Yan''s arrival immediately drew the attention of the gathered cultivators. Many turned to glance at him, their gazes subtly scrutinizing. Ye Yan was a well-known figure in the Jade Cauldron Sect, and his reputation was formidable. Seeing him now only confirmed his renown. Most of the other elders bore varying degrees of injuries, but Ye Yan appeared unscathed, with only his robe slightly damaged. "I heard Elder Ye encountered that forty-zhang-long Bloodroot Dragon yesterday and survived. Not only that, he escaped completely unscathed," one elder whispered. "Incredible. No wonder the Sect Master praises him as a prodigy." "That forty-zhang Bloodroot Dragon has already killed several Nascent Soul elders. I barely escaped with my life after using a powerful Nascent Soul technique. That monster is terrifyingI think it''s on the verge of evolving into a Bloodroot Dragon King." "It can''t be If that happens, we''re all doomed!" The elders exchanged low murmurs, their tones tinged with despair. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 231: Even Ye Yan is no Match for Them, So Who Can Face Them? Chapter 231: Even Ye Yan is no Match for Them, So Who Can Face Them? Ye Yan glanced at Wang Wu beside him. Wang Wu immediately understood. "Elder Ye has slain a Bloodroot Dragon and obtained two portions of its essence bloodroot. He''s willing to trade them for Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley." "One portion of essence bloodroot for twenty-five catties of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley!" Wang Wu placed his hands on his hips and shouted arrogantly. The other elders revealed peculiar expressions upon hearing this. Ye Yan immediately sensed something was off. Essence bloodroot was such a precious item that it should have been in high demand. If he named his price, these elders should have been scrambling to outbid one another. But now, those strange lookswhat did they mean? He Tianchou coughed lightly. "Elder Ye, your price is a bit steep." Wang Wu was indignant. "Essence bloodroot hasn''t appeared in centuries; it''s normal for it to be expensive." "If you''ve got the guts, go hunt a Bloodroot Dragon yourself and see if you can find any essence bloodroot." He even let out a derisive laugh as he finished. He Tianchou chuckled helplessly. "That''s true. I couldn''t possibly hunt a Bloodroot Dragon on my ownit would take at least two elders teaming up to take one down." After a brief pause, he suddenly laughed slyly. "But just because I can''t doesn''t mean someone else can." The other elders, hearing this, couldn''t help but burst into laughter as well. Ye Yan and Wang Wu both frowned. Wang Wu was about to speak again when Ye Yan suddenly realized who He Tianchou was referring to. Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s Shen Mo," he said coldly. He Tianchou smiled. "Elder Ye is indeed perceptive." "To be honest, Elder Shen is also capable of single-handedly slaying Bloodroot Dragons, and his prices are much lower than yours." "I mean no offense to you, Elder Ye; I''m just stating the facts." Ye Yan took a deep breath, clenching his fists tightly. That damned Shen Mo! Ruining his plans again! Wang Wu leaned in and whispered, "Elder Ye, should we..." "Head out. Keep hunting Bloodroot Dragons and seize all the essence bloodroot!" Ye Yan said coldly. To weaker elders, the Bloodroot Dragons were disasters and threats. But to someone as powerful as Ye Yan, they were rare opportunities. Of course, if he encountered those two exceptionally strong Bloodroot Dragons, he would have no choice but to flee. Ye Yan didn''t see this as a disgrace. In the entire Bloodvine Valley, no one could match those two formidable Bloodroot Dragons. Running away from an unwinnable fightwhat was wrong with that? "Let''s go, let''s go! I''m heading out to hunt Bloodroot Dragons. Who''s teaming up with me?" He Tianchou laughed heartily. "Count me in!" "I''m in too!" Immediately, two elders volunteered to join. "By the way, Hall Master He, there have been reports of two exceptionally strong Bloodroot Dragons appearing in the north and south recently. Be careful not to run into them!" one elder warned solemnly. He Tianchou nodded. "Don''t worry. Even Elder Ye isn''t their match. Do you think I''d go looking for trouble with them?" "I''ll be avoiding them as much as possible!" After He Tianchou and his team left, the remaining elders began murmuring among themselves. It was clear to everyone that among those two exceptionally strong Bloodroot Dragons, one was bound to evolve into a Bloodroot Dragon King. And when that Bloodroot Dragon King emerged, it would spell disaster for them all. But even Ye Yan couldn''t defeat them. So who could possibly take them on? ... Meanwhile... Shen Mo had already left the dwellings and was venturing deeper into the inner valley. He never forgot his ultimate goal. Trading for Yin Fiend Orbs and Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley with the elders was merely a side task. "The place where the Bloodroot Dragon King resides must also be where the Forest Sword Art and the Celestial Vine Remains are located." "I need to find it before Ye Yan and Xiao Fan do." Over the next month, Shen Mo used the dwellings as his base, exploring outward in all directions until he reached the farthest edges of Bloodvine Valley. Finally, on the last day of that month, he found his target. Ahead, the sound of an earth-shattering battle erupted! Shen Mo cautiously advanced, using the blood-red trees as cover to conceal his presence. Through the gaps in the branches, he saw two colossal Bloodroot Dragons, each forty zhang tall, locked in a savage battle. Scarlet blood soaked the ground, turning the area into a crimson swamp. The surrounding bloodvine plants and trees had been completely trampled, leaving only a few lucky bloodvines standing isolated on the ground. The terrain in the area was almost entirely leveled. For dozens of miles around, it was a zone of death, devoid of life. Such battles were almost constant within Bloodvine Valley. But these two Bloodroot Dragons were extraordinarily large. Far larger than any Shen Mo had ever encountered before! "Without a doubt, a Bloodroot Dragon King will emerge from one of them," Shen Mo mused. He had clearly arrived ahead of schedule. According to the original sequence of events, it was Ye Yan who first discovered the slumbering Bloodroot Dragon King. By then, the Bloodroot Dragon King had already been decided, and its strength was so overwhelming that it required Shen Mo, Ye Yan, and Xiao Fan to join forces to barely defeat it. But now, Shen Mo had found them before that critical moment. He had the chance to strike before the Bloodroot Dragon King emergedor when the two were both critically wounded. He could snuff out the Bloodroot Dragon King before it even had the chance to rise! This was the power of being able to see the panels of life. Shen Mo suppressed his aura entirely, crouching silently in the shadows, watching the two behemoths tear into one another. Bang! Bang! Bang! Scarlet tendrils fell from midair, crashing into the ground and splashing blood everywhere. The wounds on the two Bloodroot Dragons multiplied. Their vitality weakened with every passing moment. The battle was reaching its climax! The victor would be crowned king, and the loser would meet its end! The larger of the two Bloodroot Dragons seized an opening, driving its claws deep into the chest of its rival. With a resounding crack, it ripped out the smaller dragon''s heart, formed from condensed root tendrils, and swallowed it whole. The smaller Bloodroot Dragon let out a mournful cry, as if its strength had been drained away in an instant. The larger dragon followed up with another swipe, tearing the smaller dragon''s head clean from its body and devouring it in massive gulps. Roar! Though severely wounded, the large Bloodroot Dragon threw its head back and let out a triumphant roar. The sound reverberated with the joy of a victor. On its head, a small crown began to take shape, forming rapidly. Lowering its head, the great Bloodroot Dragon prepared to consume the corpse of its defeated foe. Only by devouring it could it truly become the Bloodroot Dragon King. But at that moment, an intense red flame surged forth, condensing into a massive flame blade thirty zhang long, slashing down mercilessly! Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Art, Second Form. Red Lotus Flame. And added to it, the Yuan Infant Divine Art: Blazing Sun Source Light. The power of this strike was pushed to its absolute limit! The Bloodroot Dragon immediately sensed the threat of death. It had no choice but to dodge with all its might. But Shen Mo had been building up this attack for some time, and the dragon''s massive size made it slow to react. In an instant, the red flame blade crashed down. It cleaved through the dragon''s left shoulder and front limb, taking a portion of its torso with it! The severed tendrils didn''t even reach the ground before being incinerated by the intense flames. At the wound, the fire fed on the blood and burned even fiercer! Roar! The Bloodroot Dragon howled in rage, its cry filled with indescribable agony. It twisted its massive head, straining to see its attacker. It found itself staring at a diminutive figure. Compared to its massive bulk, the figure seemed utterly insignificant. The Bloodroot Dragon''s fury deepened. Instead of retreating, it slammed the ground with its massive legs and charged forward! Blood splattered everywhere. Mud flew in all directions. "Hmm? Instead of fleeing, it''s coming straight at me?" Shen Mo murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise {If you do not wish to join membership, you can also support me on ko-fi to show your appreciation for my work if you like it. every bit of your support will help me a lot ko-fi: Support anish_44 on Ko-fi! ??. ko-fi.com/anish_44 .} Chapter 232: Who Killed These Two Bloodroot Dragons? Chapter 232: Who Killed These Two Bloodroot Dragons? Shen Mo had anticipated the various reactions of the massive Bloodroot Dragon. Its current responsefuriously charging at himwas actually the easiest scenario for him to exploit and kill it. "Perfect. After refining the Demon Armor Helmet, I haven''t had the chance to use it. Today, I''ll test its power on you," Shen Mo thought. With a mere thought, the purple-black helmet appeared, fully enclosing his head, leaving only his icy cold eyes visible. The purple-black chest plate and right arm guard soon followed, covering his torso and right arm. It was as though he had been born with this set of purple-black Demon Armor. Back in the Flame Prison Realman''s cave, after obtaining the Divine Thunder Demon Suppression Scripture and the Demon Armor Helmet, Shen Mo had refined the helmet long ago. However, he hadn''t had the opportunity to use it while he was in the Dragon Snake Mountains. The Demon Armor was a complete set of heaven-tier spiritual equipment. Each additional piece significantly increased its power. Now, with the helmet, chest plate, and right arm guard, its power had multiplied several times over! With a flick of his wrist, Shen Mo crushed three blood pouches hidden in his sleeve. Nine drops of Ice Flood Dragon Blood burst forth, fusing into the Demon Armor. The Demon Armor underwent a dramatic transformation. One moment, it exuded a sinister demonic aura. The next, it radiated a bone-chilling coldness. It seemed as though the armor had been forged entirely from millennia-old profound ice. "Kill!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Frigid energy gathered in his chest plate. Endless ice energy surged from all directions. As the massive Bloodroot Dragon roared and lunged forward, its maw wide open to devour Shen Mo, an icy pillar erupted from the chest plate. From head to tail, the pillar pierced straight through the Bloodroot Dragon! The colossal body of the Bloodroot Dragon crashed heavily to the ground. Its crimson tendrils dimmed, losing all vitality. They now looked like dried blood scabs left to wither for days. The Bloodroot Dragon was utterly lifeless. It had completely lost its chance to become the Bloodroot Dragon King. Shen Mo exhaled slowly and withdrew the Demon Armor back into his body. Striding quickly toward the massive corpse, he carefully examined the behemoth. As expected, in the dragon''s chest cavity, he discovered a green vine about the length of an adult''s arm. Though it was withered and soft, it emitted a faint green light that nourished everything around it. Even holding it briefly, Shen Mo noticed a subtle transformation in the ground. Looking down, he saw that the vines and plants, submerged in the muddy, blood-soaked battlefield from the two Bloodroot Dragons'' battle, were beginning to regenerate at a speed visible to the naked eye. Moreover, they were rapidly climbing toward Shen Mo''s palm. Clearly, they craved this vine intensely. Without hesitation, Shen Mo stored the remains of the Celestial Vine in his spatial ring. This green vine, so out of place in Bloodvine Valley yet possessing such miraculous effects, was clearly not a product of the valley. "Without a doubt, this must be the remains of the Celestial Vine," Shen Mo affirmed to himself, nodding slightly as he confirmed his discovery. Searching further within the massive Bloodroot Dragon, he found three Yin Fiend Orbs and five portions of essence bloodroot. "And the Forest Sword Art?" Shen Mo wondered. After a moment''s thought, his attention turned to the smaller Bloodroot Dragon''s corpse nearby. Its body was already beginning to sprout tender red shoots. Shen Mo''s gaze sharpened, and he immediately moved closer. After a thorough search, he found a simple, ancient page within the smaller Bloodroot Dragon''s body. On the page, a single character was written in bold, flowing calligraphy. "Root!" The strokes were bold and powerful, yet sharp and penetrating. Each stroke seemed to carry an indomitable sword aura. Continuing his search of the smaller Bloodroot Dragon''s body, Shen Mo also retrieved three more Yin Fiend Orbs and three portions of essence bloodroot. "Excellent! The Forest Sword Art is now in my hands!" Shen Mo said, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. The most coveted treasures of Bloodvine Valley were now in Shen Mo''s possession. With that, this journey had been more than worthwhile! "The commotion here must have reached the ears of other cultivators. It''s time to leave," Shen Mo thought as he quickly acted. Using sword techniques, he unleashed a flurry of chaotic slashes, carefully erasing any traces of the fiery burn marks from his earlier attack. Only then did he activate his movement technique, transforming into a gust of wind and vanishing from the battlefield. Not long after he left, several figures arrived hurriedly. At the forefront was Ye Yan, accompanied by Wang Wu, He Tianchou, and others. Wang Wu gawked at the blood-soaked, muddy ground and the two mountainous Bloodroot Dragon corpses. His jaw dropped, and he was left speechless for a long time. He Tianchou''s eyes widened. "It''s those two exceptionally powerful Bloodroot Dragons! Yes, it''s themboth over forty zhang in length!" "But how could they have died here?!" Ye Yan''s sharp gaze scanned the scene, immediately noticing the sword marks on the corpses and the residual icy aura lingering in the air. "It was someone skilled in swordsmanship who cultivates ice-element techniques," he said calmly. He Tianchou froze for a moment. Whoever could kill these two Bloodroot Dragons was no ordinary person. They had to be a powerhouse on par with Ye Yan. But among the elders who had entered Bloodvine Valley this time, no one seemed to match those criteria. Wang Wu whispered, "It''s also possible that someone deliberately left these traces to mislead others." Ye Yan nodded slightly. "What a pity. Those dragons must have contained Yin Fiend Orbs and essence bloodroot, but it''s all been taken by that person," Wang Wu said, regret written all over his face. More and more elders arrived, one after another. Seeing the two massive Bloodroot Dragon corpses, their reactions mirrored those of He Tianchou and Wang Wuutter shock and disbelief. For a long time, no one could find their voice. Suddenly, He Tianchou''s expression brightened with excitement. "Everyone, these two Bloodroot Dragons were the most likely candidates to become the Bloodroot Dragon King." "Now that they''re dead, the crisis is over!" The elders behind him also had a gleam in their eyes, their excitement palpable. Indeed! Over the past few days, they had joined forces to slay several other Bloodroot Dragons. Now, with these two strongest dragons also gone, it was unlikely for another Bloodroot Dragon King to emerge within Bloodvine Valley. Without the threat of a Bloodroot Dragon King, they could band together and escape! A burly elder sighed. "Whoever killed these two Bloodroot Dragons has essentially saved our lives!" A stunningly beautiful female elder swayed her alluring figure and spoke with a teasing tone. "If I find out who it is, I''ll have to thank him properly. I''ll make sure he won''t be able to get out of bed for three days!" Her words immediately elicited a chorus of shouts. "It''s me! I did it!" "Ah, I didn''t want to brag, but fine, I''ll admit it was me!" The beautiful elder sneered. "Keep pretending. You silver-plated spearheads couldn''t even dream of killing these two Bloodroot Dragons." Several elders laughed awkwardly, their bravado fading under her sharp words. He Tianchou chuckled, shaking his head. "Let''s go. We should continue hunting Bloodroot Dragons. When the time comes, we''ll leave Bloodvine Valley together." He waved his hand, signaling the elders to follow. Ye Yan had no interest in lingering either. The corpses had already been stripped clean of valuables. Staying here was pointless. It was far more practical to hunt another Bloodroot Dragon or gather more Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley. The elders who had gathered soon dispersed in all directions. The area returned to an eerie calm. Not long after, a handsome figure cautiously approached. It was Xiao Fan. Seeing the two enormous corpses, even Xiao Fan couldn''t hide his astonishment. Just ten days ago, one of these Bloodroot Dragons had been chasing him relentlessly, pushing him to the brink of despair. If not for his use of a Yuan Infant Divine Art and the assistance of Yao Lao, he might not have survived. And now, both of these Bloodroot Dragons lay dead before him! "Who could have done this? Someone with such overwhelming power..." Xiao Fan frowned deeply. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 233: You Must Be Surprised We Are Still Alive Chapter 233: You Must Be Surprised We Are Still Alive Xiao Fan''s mind echoed with Danhe''s uncertain and astonished voice. "The one who slew them has incredible power!" "Look, the smaller Bloodroot Dragon wasn''t killed by that personit was slain by the larger Bloodroot Dragon." "And as for the larger one, although its body is covered in sword wounds, very few are fatal." "But its mouth was shattered, and the force blasted straight through to its tail." "I can confirm that the person who killed it must have used an extremely powerful move, piercing it from head to tail in a single strike!" Having said this, Danhe finally revealed a tone of admiration. "Xiao Fan, if you were to face this personeven if you sacrificed your lifespan to use the Core Formation Art, and even if I exhausted my soul to assist youyou would only stand a 30% chance at best." Xiao Fan frowned. "Thirty percent to win?" Danhe sighed. "Thirty percent for us to lose." Hearing this, Xiao Fan''s frown deepened. Danhe was a prudent and knowledgeable elder. If even he said so, it meant Xiao Fan was undoubtedly no match for that individual. "Usually, those entering the Bloodvine Valley are the First or Second Elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect," Xiao Fan said in a low voice. "I''ve heard that only two of those elders are exceptionally strongYe Yan and Shen Mo." "I haven''t seen Shen Mo and can''t say for sure," Danhe replied. "But I''ve encountered Ye Yan before. That person''s status is extraordinary, his destiny is entwined with great fortune, and he possesses a special constitution that attracts the favor of otherworldly flames. It must be him!" Xiao Fan sighed softly. "In that case, my Root Character Sword Art must have fallen into his hands as well." Danhe said in a low voice, "Don''t worry. From what I know, the two strongest pages of the Heaven-Slaying Sword Art are the Burning Heaven Sword Art and the Scorching Earth Sword Art." "As long as you can retrieve those two pages, it doesn''t matter if the first four pages are missing. Don''t get hung up on every little gain or loss." Xiao Fan nodded, calming his thoughts. "Danhe is rightI''m getting too attached." "No matter how strong he is, I can surpass him eventually!" Xiao Fan declared. "As for Shen Mo, after escaping his pursuit, I''ve made rapid progress. I''ll settle that old score with him sooner or later!" Danhe nodded in approval. "Well said!" "Besides, this trip wasn''t for nothing. The Yin Fiend Pearl and the essence of the Bloodroot Dragon are rare treasures." "I also know of a Nascent Soul-stage cultivator''s cave. That person was an evil practitioner who killed more than a dozen Nascent Soul cultivators and used their core crowns to refine a batch of Yin Fiend Pearls with dark arts." "He intended to leave them for his descendants, but while traveling, he was hunted down and killed by righteous cultivators on an unnamed island in the Eastern Sea." "That cave has remained undiscovered ever since." Xiao Fan was overjoyed. "You know where it is?" Danhe smiled proudly. "Of course I do. I''ll take you there." "With the Yin Fiend Pearls from that place combined with the ones you obtained from slaying the Bloodroot Dragon, you''ll definitely have enough to refine a golden core crown!" Xiao Fan''s face lit up. "Excellent! No time to waste. Let''s set off now!" ... Time passed day by day. In the blink of an eye, six months had gone by. There was now only one day left before Bloodvine Valley would close. At this moment, outside Bloodvine Valley, Zhang Feng stood quietly with three Nascent Soul-stage cultivators. They had already killed four people who attempted to escape from Bloodvine Valley to report its situation to the elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect. "By my calculations, today is the last day." "No doubt by now, the valley is filled with corpses." "That Bloodroot Dragon King must have already wiped out all the Jade Cauldron Sect elders." Zhang Feng laughed confidently, his tone full of certainty. The three cultivators beside him quickly cupped their hands in respect. "We owe this to Brother Zhang''s foresight. To think you started planning this decades ago!" Zhang Feng smiled faintly. "You flatter me. I merely placed a small bet." "Come, let''s enter Bloodvine Valley together and claim the remains of the Hanging Sky Vine." The three nodded enthusiastically and followed closely behind. The Jade Cauldron Sect elders were no match for the Bloodroot Dragon King. However, they themselves had no fear of the creature. Before their journey, the Demon Emperor had bestowed upon them a treasurea scale from the Demon Emperor himself. As the sovereign of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation and the ruler of the demon race, the Demon Emperor''s scale held tremendous suppressive power over demonic beasts like the Bloodroot Dragon King. Once the scale was revealed, the Bloodroot Dragon King would be overwhelmed with fear, its strength significantly diminished, and it would stand no chance against them. Carrying a five-petaled Moon Orchid each, the four of them prepared to enter the flower field and step into Bloodvine Valley. But before they could take a step, the valley echoed with the sounds of a fierce battle. "Kill!" "Break through!" "Don''t mind the surrounding bloodvinesjust charge forward!" The group was followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Zhang Feng and the others froze. Before they could react, a large group of Nascent Soul cultivators, led by Shen Mo, Ye Yan, and others, broke through the bloodvines and charged out of the valley! The bloodvines, resembling serpents, slithered closely behind them. However, the valley entrance was surrounded by clusters of Moon Orchids. While each flower had few petals, their sheer number created a powerful barrier, forcing the bloodvines to retreat in fear. Defeated, the bloodvines reluctantly withdrew back into the valley. Zhang Feng and his three companions stared at the dozens of elders in utter disbelief. Shen Mo glanced at Zhang Feng''s group and smiled faintly. "Zhang Feng, you must be wondering why we''re not dead." Zhang Feng was too stunned to speak. Ye Yan''s voice was icy as he ordered, "Arrest them!" The elders surged forward as one. Before Zhang Feng and his companions could react, they were captured on the spot. What followed was a thorough searchinside and out. Their entire bodies, from their tongues to the gaps between their teeth, were inspected meticulously. To ensure they couldn''t commit suicide, rags were stuffed into their mouths. "Send them to the Hall of Justice immediately. I will personally escort them," Ye Yan commanded coldly, his tone as chilling as ancient ice. Shen Mo smiled lightly. "Hall Master He, shall we head back? We came out a day early, and no one is here to welcome us." He Tianchou chuckled. "Indeed. Let''s return to the sect and report the events of Bloodvine Valley to the Council Hall." The elders transformed into streaks of light, flying back toward the Jade Cauldron Sect. Six months ago, over seventy cultivators had entered Bloodvine Valley. Now, only about fifty remained. During those six months, twenty-one Nascent Soul cultivators perished in the valleya significant loss for the Jade Cauldron Sect. When this news spread, it would undoubtedly stir reactions from the Shangqing Sect, Danhe Sect, and the Prefectural Administration. But these matters were beyond their concern. Those worries were for the Sect Master and the ten great elders to handle. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... At the Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gate, bells tolled solemnly. Any elders near the sect immediately returned. Shen Mo, Ye Yan, and He Tianchou entered the Council Hall together. He Tianchou glanced at Shen Mo and Ye Yan, who remained silent. Sighing, he reluctantly began to report the events in Bloodvine Valley in detail. Elder Li Zhendao frowned deeply. "A Bloodroot Dragon appeared in Bloodvine Valley? Who was in charge of inspections there? Were they just idling away?" The First Elder stood abruptly. "Where is Zhang Feng? He claimed to inspect the valley annually for the past five years. How did he fail to detect the Bloodroot Dragon?" Shen Mo responded calmly, "Zhang Feng has already been captured, along with three accomplices." "Those three accomplices practice techniques from the Ten Thousand Demons Nation and speak with a distinct Wu Prefecture accent. It''s highly likely they are spies sent by the Ten Thousand Demons Nation." The First Elder''s eyes widened in disbelief. The other elders exclaimed in shock. "What?! Spies from the Ten Thousand Demons Nation?" "They infiltrated Yuzhou, reached Bloodvine Valley, and hid in the heart of our territory!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 234: Elder Shen, Feel Free to Speak Your Mind Chapter 234: Elder Shen, Feel Free to Speak Your Mind The Fifth Elder hurriedly asked, "Did a Bloodroot Dragon King appear? How many elders were lost?" The other elders also turned their attention to him. This was a sharp question. And it was the question everyone present wanted an answer to. He Tianchou shook his head. "We discovered two Bloodroot Dragons, each forty zhang long. If they had fought to the death and devoured each other, a Bloodroot Dragon King might have been born." "But they were both killed." Upon hearing this, Yang Qiye was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Good! Excellent! Yan''er, you''ve done well!" sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As expected of my disciple, saving everyone from disaster!" Ye Yan, hearing this, looked uncomfortable. He Tianchou and the others, on the other hand, wore rather peculiar expressions. Yang Qiye frowned. "What''s wrong? You weren''t the one who killed them?" Ye Yan said nothing, his expression stiff. He Tianchou coughed lightly. "Elder Ye didn''t kill them. In fact, we don''t know who did." "By the time we arrived, both forty-zhang Bloodroot Dragons were already dead." Li Zhendao, Yang Qiye, Wan Muchun, and the others frowned slightly. Who could it be? Could someone among the First or Second Cauldron Elders possess such power? He Tianchou continued, "During my investigation, I discovered a flaw in the formation surrounding Bloodvine Valley, along with a cave that connects the outside directly to the valley''s interior." "Perhaps an outsider killed the two Bloodroot Dragons." "A flaw in the formation? That must have been Zhang Feng''s doing," the Great Elder said gravely. "Precisely," He Tianchou nodded. Li Zhendao suddenly asked, "Hall Master He, how many casualties were there this time?" As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavy. This was the most critical question. Nascent Soul cultivators are the backbone of a sect. Even though Soul Formation cultivators can conquer territory, Nascent Soul cultivators are essential to maintain and defend it. Furthermore, the Nascent Soul stage serves as the foundation for advancing to Soul Formation. If too many Nascent Soul cultivators are lost, the sect will face a crisis of succession and talent depletion. When the current generation of Soul Formation cultivators grows old or dies, leaving no successors, the Jade Cauldron Sect would become vulnerablea piece of meat on the chopping block for others to devour. He Tianchou fell silent. The number was so shocking he hesitated to speak. "Speak. This matter doesn''t implicate you. I won''t hold you accountable," Li Zhendao said, striving to keep his voice calm. "Reporting to the Sect Master, a total of twenty-one elders have died," He Tianchou said, gritting his teeth. "Twenty-one?" Li Zhendao, known for his composed demeanor, showed visible shock at this number. Twenty-one Nascent Soul elders! How many Nascent Soul cultivators did the Jade Cauldron Sect have to begin with? It was known that the First and Second Cauldron elders were the most numerous. For the Third and Fourth Cauldrons, their numbers dwindled to only about twenty. As for the Fifth and Sixth Cauldrons, they were exceedingly rarecountable on one hand. This loss was nothing short of a devastating blow to the Jade Cauldron Sect! Elders like Wan Muchun frowned deeply, their expressions a mix of complex emotions. Yang Qiye''s gaze flickered, betraying no joy or sorrow. Li Zhendao took a deep breath. "Is there no good news at all?" "What about the yield from the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley?" He Tianchou hesitated. "The Bloodroot Dragons wreaked havoc in Bloodvine Valley. Most of them were guarding the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley" He trailed off, but Li Zhendao understood. Li Zhendao sighed lightly. "Hall Master He, how much Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain did you manage to obtain?" He Tianchou replied in a low voice, "Twelve jin." "The other elders managed about ten jin each." Li Zhendao''s body swayed slightly. Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain was one of the Jade Cauldron Sect''s unique resources. Although the Shangqing Sect and the Danhe Sect also had spirit grains, none matched the Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain in efficacy or growth rate. In the past, the Jade Cauldron Sect relied on Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain to purchase spiritual artifacts from the Shangqing Sect, pills from the Danhe Sect, and spiritual beasts and demon beast materials from the State Governor''s Office. Bloodvine Valley opened once every five years, and each time, it yielded at least 2,000 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain. But now, the yield has been directly halved! How will the Jade Cauldron Sect conduct normal trade with the other three major factions over the next five years? "What about you two?" Li Zhendao looked hopefully at Ye Yan and Shen Mo. Ye Yan was silent for a moment before handing over a storage ring. "I, Ye Yan, have gathered 90 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain and am willing to turn it all over to the sect, not keeping even a single grain." Li Zhendao was instantly overjoyed. "Good, good, good! Ninety jin is excellent!" "Elder Ye, the sect is immensely grateful for your selflessness!" However, Ye Yan''s face showed no joy. Before entering Bloodvine Valley, he had made a pledge with Yang Qiye to deliver 100 jin. Failing to meet the target left him feeling ashamed, unable to even force a smile. Yang Qiye, on the other hand, was extremely pleased. While other elders averaged only ten jin, Ye Yan had brought back 90 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain. The sheer difference highlighted Ye Yan''s exceptional capabilities. And by extension, it reflected well on Yang Qiye as his master. Li Zhendao turned to Shen Mo. "What about you, Elder Shen?" Since his last encounter with Shen Mo, Li Zhendao had specifically ordered a thorough investigation of his background. In his eyes, Shen Mo''s potential was no less than Ye Yan''s. Thus, he had high expectations for him as well. If Shen Mo could deliver 70 or 80 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain, Li Zhendao would feel content. While the total harvest this time wouldn''t match previous years, it wouldn''t fall too far behind either. Shen Mo produced a storage ring. "I''ve followed the sect''s rules70% for myself and 30% turned over to the sect." "Sect Master, this ring contains the 30% I''m submitting." Li Zhendao''s expression froze. The other elders'' faces became equally complicated. While Ye Yan willingly turned over everything, why couldn''t Shen Mo empathize with the sect''s struggles and do the same? Turning over only 30%what''s the point? Li Zhendao let out a bitter smile. This rule had been established by the sect''s founding ancestor to incentivize the elders, and he couldn''t easily challenge it. Accepting the storage ring, Li Zhendao peeked inside. Initially, he had no great expectations, thinking there might be 30 or 50 jin at most. However, upon seeing the densely packed Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain within, he was stunned. There were at least 300 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain! This could only mean Yang Qiye, noticing Li Zhendao''s expression, assumed the ring contained only a meager amount and let out a mocking laugh. Wan Muchun, the Great Elder, and others, however, sensed something unusual. The Sect Master''s expression didn''t suggest disappointment, but rather elation. Li Zhendao looked at Shen Mo, his voice trembling with excitement. "Elder Shen, is this truly 300 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain?!" "And this this is just your 30%?" Shen Mo nodded. "Indeed." A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Even Ye Yan and He Tianchou were taken aback. The Fifth Elder jumped to his feet. "What? 300 jin?! And that''s only 30%? Does that mean Shen Mo harvested 1,000 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain?!" The Eighth Elder''s eyes sparkled. "Sect Master, are you certain? Is it truly 300 jin?!" Li Zhendao affirmed with utmost seriousness. "It is indeed 300 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain!" He turned to Shen Mo, his tone filled with warmth. "Elder Shen, according to the sect''s rules, the portion submitted by an elder is purchased at a rate of one C-grade contribution per five jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain." "Since you''ve turned in 300 jin, the sect will award you 60 C-grade contributions." "Furthermore, as you''ve set a new record for the sect, an additional B-grade contribution will also be granted." Taking a deep breath, Li Zhendao''s smile grew even warmer. "Finally, on behalf of the sect, I''d like to ask if you''re willing to sell a portion of the remaining 700 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain to the sect?" "Rest assured, the sect won''t shortchange you. We''re prepared to increase the exchange rate, and the decision will entirely depend on your wishes." "Moreover, Elder Shen, whatever you want, feel free to askeverything is negotiable." At these words, the hall fell into utter silence. Every gaze converged on Shen Mo. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 235: Tenth Peak Elder Shen Mo Promoted to Third-Cauldron Elder Chapter 235: Tenth Peak Elder Shen Mo Promoted to Third-Cauldron Elder Li Zhendao, as the Sect Master, generally only displayed sincerity and equality when dealing with the ten elders. But using such a tone with a young Second-Cauldron elder? That was unprecedented. Shen Mo smiled faintly. This outcome was something he had anticipated. However, Li Zhendao was even more enthusiastic than Shen Mo had expected. "Sect Master, of course, this can be discussed. I certainly can''t consume so much Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain on my own," Shen Mo said with a polite bow. Li Zhendao beamed with delight. "Good, good! The Jade Cauldron Sect is truly blessed to have you!" "Elder Ye, Hall Master He, please step outside for now. I need to discuss the pricing of the Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain with Elder Shen." Ye Yan left the discussion hall with a grim expression. He Tianchou, indifferent as always, also departed. Though he had long known that Shen Mo possessed a significant amount of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain, he had never imagined it would be as much as 1,000 jin. Outside the Hall Wang Wu approached Ye Yan as soon as he stepped out. "Elder Ye, how did it go?" Ye Yan, in a foul mood, ignored him entirely and flew off from the main peak. He Tianchou chuckled. "Wang Wu, you''re still as tactless as ever. Couldn''t you see how upset Ye Yan looked?" With that, he also flew off, heading to the Third Peak. Wang Wu scratched his head. "Upset? Doesn''t Ye Yan always have that cold and unpleasant expression?" Not long after, a powerful voice echoed from the discussion hall, spreading across the entire mountain range. It was the voice of Sect Master Li Zhendao. "This time, during the opening of Bloodvine Valley, Tenth Peak Elder Shen Mo voluntarily submitted 300 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain to the secta remarkable contribution!" "After deliberation in the discussion hall, it has been decided that Tenth Peak Elder Shen Mo will be promoted to Third-Cauldron Elder effective immediately!" The Soul Formation cultivator''s voice resonated for miles. From the main peak to the Tenth Peak and across the entire Hengtai Mountain Range, everyone heard it clearly. Elders, stewards, disciplesregardless of rankwere all shaken upon hearing the announcement. Three hundred jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain? What kind of concept was that? It was equivalent to the total amount submitted by over thirty elders combined. How did Shen Mo manage to harvest so much Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain? Even many Third- and Fourth-Cauldron elders began investigating what had happened in Bloodvine Valley and who Shen Mo truly was. Their inquiries left them even more astounded. Shen Mo had only joined the Jade Cauldron Sect a few years ago. In such a short time, he had risen from a First-Cauldron Elder to a Third-Cauldron Elder. For context, Ye Yan''s rise was already considered astonishingly fast. Yet, even Ye Yan had taken three full years to move from First-Cauldron to Second-Cauldron and had yet to advance to Third-Cauldron. Shen Mo''s rapid ascension far surpassed Ye Yan''s. On the Tenth Peak Shen Mo sat on a stone bench. Wan Muchun, Zhao Yaolv, and Lu Dongxuan stared at him with burning curiosity. Their stares made Shen Mo feel slightly awkward. "Why are you three looking at me like that?" Shen Mo asked with a helpless smile. Lu Dongxuan said excitedly, "Our Tenth Peak has really earned some glory this time!" Zhao Yaolv rubbed her hands with glee. "I heard you still have some Essence Bloodroots?" Wan Muchun''s gaze was sharp. "Did you kill those two massive Bloodroot Dragons?" Shen Mo coughed lightly. "I do have some Essence Bloodroots left. I was planning to trade them for things I need." "As for those two massive Bloodroot Dragons, I have no idea how they died." Wan Muchun snorted. "Don''t play coy. I know you have an Eternal FlameI''ve known for a while." "Bloodroot Dragons are severely restrained by Eternal Flames." "Of all the cultivators who entered Bloodvine Valley, only you and Ye Yan could have killed the Bloodroot Dragons. But Ye Yan doesn''t possess an Eternal Flame." "So, the answer was obvious from the start." Shen Mo chuckled. "Since you''ve already figured it out, why bother asking?" Wan Muchun laughed heartily. "I just wanted to satisfy this old man''s curiosity." "Junior Brother! Come, come, comelet''s play a game of dice!" Zhao Yaolv tugged at Shen Mo''s arm, her face filled with excitement. Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. "Alright, my wager is one Essence Bloodroot. What''s your wager, Senior Sister?" Without hesitation, Zhao Yaolv produced three bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills. "Here, these!" Shen Mo finally nodded. Playing dice wasn''t out of the question, but the stakes had to be fair. The two itemsEssence Bloodroot and Great Infant Transformation Pillswere indeed of comparable value. Shen Mo glanced at Zhao Yaolu, and a thought suddenly struck him. Zhao Yaolu, being the daughter of the Ghost King, was born under a cursed fate, plagued by misfortune. Logically, playing dice games like this should make her lose nine times out of ten. Why, then, did she always seem to win? There had to be something unusual about it. Shen Mo scanned Zhao Yaolu''s life profile and couldn''t help but smile. So that''s it. "What are you smiling at? You look like a villain," Zhao Yaolu asked, puzzled. Shen Mo smiled lightly. "Nothing. Go ahead, Senior Sister, roll the dice." Lu Dongxuan quickly grabbed Shen Mo''s arm and whispered, "Don''t do it! Senior Sister is incredibly skilled at this. You''ll regret it!" "I speak from experience. Five years ago, I ended up losing even my undergarments to her. Since then, I''ve sworn never to gamble with her again." Shen Mo chuckled, about to reply, when Zhao Yaolu jumped up, grabbed Lu Dongxuan''s ear, and twisted it viciously. "Shut up! Don''t ruin my bonding time with Junior Brother!" she snapped. Lu Dongxuan, face full of grievance, retreated obediently to the side. Zhao Yaolu pulled out a bamboo container, trapping three dice inside. She shook it energetically, the dice rattling against one another. After a while, she slammed the container onto the stone table. "Big or small?" Zhao Yaolu grinned mischievously. Shen Mo didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "What do you think it is, Senior Sister?" Without hesitation, Zhao Yaolu said, "I think it''s small." Shen Mo nodded. "Alright, I''ll bet on big." Zhao Yaolu froze. She turned to Wan Muchun, her face filled with anger. "Old man, did you tell him?" Wan Muchun looked bewildered. "Tell him what?" Zhao Yaolu gritted her teeth. "My secret to always winning at dice!" Wan Muchun glanced at Shen Mo, who winked. Wan Muchun laughed helplessly. "I can assure you, I didn''t tell Shen Mo anything." Lu Dongxuan, confused, asked, "What secret to always winning?" Zhao Yaolu''s frustration turned into a mix of shame and defeat. She tossed the three bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills to Shen Mo. "Fine, I give up. I''m not playing with you anymore. I''ll find some other suckers to play with." With that, she stormed off, not even bothering to open the bamboo container. Lu Dongxuan scratched his head and opened the bamboo container. The result was six, four, and sixbig. "What the" Lu Dongxuan muttered, utterly baffled. It felt like he was on the verge of understanding something, yet it slipped through his grasp. Wan Muchun coughed lightly. "Shen Mo, I didn''t expect you to be this clever. You figured it out so quickly." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "It was just a guess." Zhao Yaolu was born under a cursed fate of constant misfortune. Since Zhao Yaolu instinctively thought it was small, Shen Mo bet on big. Guaranteed win. Her usual success came from the same trick: she''d instinctively decide whether it was big or small and then bet the opposite. Shen Mo had seen all of this clearly from Zhao Yaolu''s life profile. Wan Muchun patted Shen Mo''s shoulder. "Alright, I''m off. This morning, I''ve got a date with two ladies for drinks, a stroll with another in the afternoon, and a song to enjoy tonight. Busy day, can''t delay." With that, he shot into the sky like an arrow and disappeared. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lu Dongxuan stood there, more confused than ever. "What knowing? What guessing? What''s going on?" Shen Mo patted Lu Dongxuan on the shoulder, speaking earnestly. "Senior Brother Lu, don''t ask questions you shouldn''t. I''m heading back to Dragon Snake Mountain. Let''s catch up sometime." With those words, he flew off, disappearing in an instant. Lu Dongxuan stood there with his mouth agape, a metaphorical black question mark rising above his head. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 236: It’s Him Again, Shen Mo Chapter 236: It''s Him Again, Shen Mo News of the Bloodvine Valley incident quickly reached the ears of the three major powers in Yuzhou. Supreme Purity Sect Sect Master Mo Lingxiao sat with a calm expression as a kneeling steward reported the details. After hearing the news, Mo Lingxiao turned to the gaunt middle-aged man beside him, a faint smile spreading across his face. "Beifeng, did you hear that? The Jade Cauldron Sect grows weaker by the day. To think a mere Bloodvine Valley cost them 21 Nascent Soul elders." "If that valley had been under the Supreme Purity Sect''s control, and it was our elders entering it, even with spies from the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom scheming against us, such heavy losses would never have occurred." Su Beifeng nodded with a knowing smile. "Exactly. The Jade Cauldron Sect has no industries capable of competing with the other powers, and their overall strength is declining year after year." "At this rate, they''re clearly at the bottom of the three sects in Yuzhou." Mo Lingxiao chuckled. "And now, having lost so many Nascent Soul elders, I doubt they''ve brought out much Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley harvest either. It''s the perfect opportunity to press them and cut off their resources." The steward, still kneeling, hesitated before speaking. "Sect Master, the Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley harvest doesn''t seem to differ much from previous years." Mo Lingxiao frowned. "Didn''t you just report that 21 elders were killed?" The steward hurriedly explained, "That''s true, but there was one elder, a young man named Shen Mo, who alone submitted 700 pounds of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley harvest." "Moreover, Sect Master Li Zhendao of the Jade Cauldron Sect promoted him to a Third Rank Elder on the spot." "My investigations show this Shen Mo is a native of Xuanjiang Prefecture, only in his twenties, and he''s been in the Jade Cauldron Sect for less than three years." Mo Lingxiao''s frown deepened. "What? The Jade Cauldron Sect has such a young genius, and I''ve never heard of him?" Hearing the name, Su Beifeng''s expression shifted as if recalling something. "Sect Master, I just remembered something." "Do you recall the Divine Sword Sect of Xuanjiang Prefecture?" Mo Lingxiao thought for a moment before nodding. "I do. They had an old Sect Master who reached the Nascent Soul stage. You reported this a few years ago. What about them?" Su Beifeng gestured for the steward to leave, then knelt respectfully and continued, "Sect Master, the Divine Sword Sect''s old master is named Yao Yunluo. My nephew, Su Changqing, was tasked with recruiting him into the Supreme Purity Sect." "Yao Yunluo held a Nascent Soul celebration and set up an elaborate banquet to assert dominance and unite the forces of Xuanjiang Prefecture under his rule." "But he didn''t expect Shen Mo to also be a Nascent Soul cultivator. At that very celebration, Shen Mo killed him." "Furthermore, Elder L Dongxuan of the Jade Cauldron Sect was also present at the event. Because of his presence, my nephew dared not act rashly and had no choice but to withdraw in frustration." "Since Yao Yunluo wasn''t officially part of the Supreme Purity Sect, I didn''t think it necessary to report the matter to you at the time." After finishing, Su Beifeng lowered his head, uneasy. "Sect Master, if this matter spreads, it will surely disgrace the Supreme Purity Sect. I took the liberty of suppressing it and await your punishment." Mo Lingxiao waved a hand dismissively. "It was just an entry-level Nascent Soul cultivator. If he''s dead, so be it." "You are the Tenth Elder, the face of the Supreme Purity Sect. Why would I punish you?" "But this Shen Mo How dare he kill someone connected to our sect?" "Hm If I''m not mistaken, he was recruited by L Dongxuan and serves as an elder of the Tenth Peak of the Jade Cauldron Sect?" Su Beifeng nodded solemnly. "Precisely." Mo Lingxiao''s face remained impassive. "Keep a close eye on his every move." "This Shen Mo is likely a young genius on par with Ye Yan. First, see if he can be recruited. If not, find an opportunity to eliminate him. We can''t leave potential threats unchecked." Su Beifeng bowed deeply. "Understood." Pill River Sect In a luxurious hot spring, Hai Qiankun, the rotund Sect Master of the Pill River Sect, soaked contentedly. Around him, several lightly robed women tended to his every need. A steward outside the room loudly reported the latest news about the Jade Cauldron Sect. Hai Qiankun lazily opened his mouth. A woman to his left understood immediately and fed him a plump, juicy grape. Chewing slowly, Hai Qiankun finally spoke, his tone indifferent. "Twenty-one Nascent Soul elders dead?" "I can''t imagine what gives the Jade Cauldron Sect the nerve to keep resisting the Imperial Court. Do they still think they''re the strongest sect in Yuzhou, like when they were first established?" "Go on. Don''t bother me with such trivial matters." "Yes, Sect Master," the steward responded obediently before retreating. ... Prefecture Lord''s Manor A tall, silver-haired elder sat casually at the edge of a pond, fishing with his eyes closed. Strangely, his fishing rod had no bait, no hookjust a plain string dangling in the water. Behind him, the sound of footsteps approached. It was Wu Renyin, a trusted general under the Prefecture Lord of Yuzhou. "Reporting to the Prefecture Lord," Wu Renyin said with a respectful bow. "There is news from Bloodvine Valley." The Prefecture Lord didn''t open his eyes and replied indifferently, "No need for details. Just tell mehow many died?" Wu Renyin nodded. "Twenty-one Nascent Soul elders." The Prefecture Lord suddenly opened his eyes, frowning. "Only twenty-one? I was expecting at least fifty casualties." "What exactly happened? Explain it thoroughly." Wu Renyin nodded. "According to our sources, the two most powerful Bloodroot Dragons in the valley were slain by an unknown party, and no Bloodroot Dragon King was ever born." The Prefecture Lord furrowed his brow. "That explains it." "I had thought the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, after all their planning, would surely produce a Bloodroot Dragon King." "It seems I overestimated them." Sar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shaking his head, he continued, "Still, the loss of 21 elders is a severe blow to the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Also, they must not have harvested much Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley, correct?" "This would be the perfect opportunity to reduce the supply of spiritual and demonic beast materials to their sect." Wu Renyin gave a sheepish smile. "Prefecture Lord, as far as I know, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s harvest of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley is nearly identical to previous years." The Prefecture Lord was taken aback. "What?" Wu Renyin spoke in a lower voice. "There is a young elder named Shen Mo who submitted 700 pounds of Scarlet Blood Spirit Valley in one go." "Li Zhendao was overjoyed and made this widely known, declaring Shen Mo as a role model for the entire sect." The Prefecture Lord murmured the name thoughtfully. "Shen Mo again. This young man is quite intriguing." "Keep a close watch on him. Report every word he says and every action he takes, down to the smallest detail." Wu Renyin bowed deeply. "Understood." The Prefecture Lord pondered for a moment before speaking again. "There are still a few human traitors from the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, correct?" Wu Renyin nodded. "Yes, there are several. They did not participate in the Bloodvine Valley operation and are currently working on turning the Fire Jiao Dragon against us." The Prefecture Lord nodded slightly. "Good. I hear the bloodline of the Demon Emperor is an irresistible temptation for many beasts." "If they can get close enough to the Fire Jiao Dragon, they should be able to sway it. If they fail even at that, they''re beyond worthless." "You''ve done well. Take some rest." Wu Renyin nodded. "Yes, Prefecture Lord. I shall take my leave." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Chapter 237: I Just Made a Small Contribution to the Sect Chapter 237: I Just Made a Small Contribution to the Sect Jade Cauldron Sect, Second Peak. Ye Yan sat cross-legged in quiet cultivation at the loft atop the peak. But no matter how hard he tried, his mind couldn''t calm down. Each time he closed his eyes, the face of that person surfaced in his thoughts. Tap, tap. Familiar footsteps echoed nearby. Ye Yan opened his eyes. A tall elderly man stood before him. The two sat across from each other, locking gazes. This man was none other than Yang Qiye. Yang Qiye sighed softly. "Your heart is unsettled. No matter how much you cultivate, you won''t be able to reach the right state." Ye Yan remained silent. For decades, his cultivation had been smooth, overcoming obstacles with ease. Life had been a series of victories for him. No opponent had ever been able to trouble him for long. But now, he had met such a person. This person had stirred ripples in the tranquil lake of his heart. And those ripples refused to subside. If this continued, it would inevitably create a mental demon within him. Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I must surpass him. Otherwise, my state of mind will never stabilize, and my cultivation speed will suffer," Ye Yan thought. He raised his head, meeting Yang Qiye''s eyes with determination. Yang Qiye nodded approvingly. "Good. I see no sign of defeat in your eyes, only a burning fighting spirit." "That''s the Ye Yan I know, my disciple!" With that, he retrieved a piece of paper from his storage ring and handed it to Ye Yan. Ye Yan was momentarily surprised as he accepted it. "This is?" Yang Qiye smiled. "It''s intelligence I purchased at great cost from the Prefectural Governor''s office." "Years ago, our sect''s founder mated the ancient flood dragon with a heavy-water python." "The heavy-water python isn''t particularly remarkable, but its body is extraordinarily tough and capable of regenerating its tail." "In recent attempts at breeding, none of the selected snakes or pythons could endure the flood dragon''s strength." "You''ve searched far and wide for rare beasts, but they still couldn''t help the flood dragon reproduce." "I believe the issue lies not with the flood dragon, but with the partner." "If we can find another heavy-water python, we might be able to help the flood dragon reproduce." Ye Yan quickly understood. "This paper contains information on a heavy-water python?" "Exactly!" Yang Qiye''s smile deepened. "This is a heavy-water python discovered by the Prefectural Governor''s office, and no one else knows about it yet." "If you can capture it and bring it back for the flood dragon, aiding its reproduction, your reputation in the sect will soar." "Even Li Zhendao would think twice before saying anything that might offend the flood dragon!" Ye Yan''s expression remained calm, but waves of emotion surged within him. Yang Qiye was right. If he completed this mission, even as a Nascent Soul-stage cultivator and a mere Second Peak elder, he would earn the flood dragon''s friendship. That friendship was priceless. What was a mere Shen Mo offering 700 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain compared to him helping the flood dragon reproduce? Ye Yan said resolutely, "Alright, I''ll go now! I''ll ensure the heavy-water python is returned unharmed!" "Go. I await your good news," Yang Qiye said with a smile. Dragon Snake Mountain. After six months away, the mountain was still as picturesque as ever. Shen Mo landed lightly near a house halfway up the mountain. Huang Caiying was roasting meat. Seeing him, she ran over joyfully. "Elder! Elder, you''re back!" "This is the lamb leg I roasted. Try itdoes it taste good?" Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi arrived with a group of stewards in tow. Shen Mo noticed there were over a dozen more stewards than there had been six months ago. Among them, some bore looks of unease. Taking the roasted lamb leg Huang Caiying handed him, Shen Mo took a bite and nodded slightly. With a smile, he patted the girl''s head. "Not bad. Your cooking has improved greatly since six months ago." Huang Caiying beamed with a grin so wide it was as if Shen Mo''s praise was the most significant thing in the world. "Go ahead and keep playing. Roast it a bit more, I''m waiting to enjoy it," Shen Mo said with a smile. "Understood, Elder!" Huang Caiying''s little face turned serious, treating his words as a formal command. After Huang Caiying left, Shen Mo''s expression grew calm. "In the six months I''ve been away, it seems some things have happened on Dragon Snake Mountain." Mei Haihe immediately stepped forward to report. "Elder, after you left for Bloodvine Valley, the First Elder, Second Elder, Third Elder, Sixth Elder, and Seventh Elder all recommended stewards to Dragon Snake Mountain." "There are now twelve more than when you left." "Old Huang and I dared not disobey their orders, so we temporarily allowed them to stay here." "They''ve behaved themselves during this time and caused no trouble." Shen Mo''s gaze swept over the stewards, his expression carrying a faint smile. "Recommended stewards?" More like spies, planted to pry into the secrets of Dragon Snake Mountain. For nearly three centuries, the mountain had been running at a loss. Yet, under his management, it not only became profitable but exceeded the sect''s requirements by over tenfold. Such a transformation would naturally arouse curiosity. Shen Mo''s gaze settled on the most nervous among them. "Why do you look so uneasy? Are you afraid of me?" The group exchanged glances nervously before one brave steward stepped forward, lowering his head respectfully. "Elder Shen, I serve under the Third Elder. I''m not afraidonly uneasy because I made a mistake. I''ve just been ordered to return to the Third Peak." As soon as he finished, two more stewards stood up. "Yes, yes! We also made mistakes. When feeding the Feiyun beast, we forgot to dry its food. We''ve already reported to the sect and will leave Dragon Snake Mountain this afternoon." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Anyone else planning to leave?" Shh-shh-shh. Six more stood up. Some claimed they were resigning due to errors, while others cited transfer orders sending them to other sect properties. In short, the moment Shen Mo returned, they all conveniently decided to leave Dragon Snake Mountain. "Very well, then. I won''t see you off," Shen Mo said nonchalantly. "Yes, Elder. We''ll take our leave immediately." Not daring to linger or argue, the stewards quickly departed in haste. Just then, Huang Caiying returned, carrying a whole roasted lamb. Her face was filled with confusion. "There were so many stewards here just now. Where did they all go?" Shen Mo chuckled. "They made mistakes and left." "Oh, I see" Huang Caiying didn''t think much of it. Beaming with excitement, she raised the roast lamb coated in cumin spices and held it out to Shen Mo. "Elder, take a sniffdoesn''t it smell amazing?" Her eager, expectant face resembled a child waiting for praise. Shen Mo took a deep breath, nodding heavily. "Amazing! Caiying''s culinary skills are getting better and better. I''m in for a treat from now on." Huang Caiying blushed. "If Elder wants to eat, I''ll cook for you every day!" With that, she set down the roast lamb and ran off, her face flushed. Only then did Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi step forward, their faces filled with confusion. "Elder, why did they all leave in such a hurry?" The two looked utterly baffled. The sect''s news hadn''t yet reached them, and they had no idea what had transpired in the Council Hall. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "I just made a small contribution to the sect." "The elders had no choice but to show me some respect. It''s as simple as that." "A small contribution?" Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi exchanged glances, utterly bewildered. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 238: Refining the Golden Crown Nascent Soul, Tremendous Power Boost Chapter 238: Refining the Golden Crown Nascent Soul, Tremendous Power Boost Late at night, silence enveloped the surroundings. Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi sat on small stools under the moonlight, drinking wine and snacking on peanuts. They couldn''t help but glance at the largest house, which belonged to Shen Mo. Mei Haihe took a sip of his wine and exclaimed, "Old Huang, I still can''t wrap my head around it. Elder Shen, so young, yet he managed to accomplish such a monumental feat. He''s incredible!" Huang Bayi nodded, deeply moved. "You''re right. At dinner, I overheard news from the sect that Elder Shen personally contributed 700 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain. Even the Sect Master treated him with great respect. I was stunned!" "It''s something I never would''ve dared to imagine in my lifetime!" Mei Haihe chuckled. "I have a feeling this kind of thing will happen more often in the future. Don''t get too surprised over something this small!" Huang Bayi laughed as well. "True. Elder Shen isn''t just anyone. Many people say he and Ye Yan are the two prodigies of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Their future is at least at the Transformation Stage level!" Mei Haihe sighed deeply. "Honestly, I feel so fortunate for my decision back then. Thankfully, I clung to Elder Shen''s ''big golden thigh.'' That''s the only reason I could become a steward of the Jade Cauldron Sect, no longer living like a rogue cultivator with my life hanging by a thread." "Do you know? The old friends I''ve known for hundreds of years are all goneeither devoured by demonic beasts or killed by their companions." "Compared to them, I''m living comfortably. Drinking wine, eating snacks, and enjoying life without a care." Huang Bayi burst out laughing. "Sometimes, I admire your luck. Who would''ve thought that an unassuming young man we met on the ship would turn out to be such a big deal?" The two old men drank three rounds of wine, their faces flushed red, and soon fell fast asleep. From the shadows, Huang Caiying emerged, carrying two blankets to drape over them. Inside the house, Shen Mo was sorting through his spoils. He had harvested 1,000 jin of Scarlet Blood Spirit Grain from Bloodvine Valley, kept 300 jin for himself, and contributed the remaining 700 jin to the sect. Li Zhendao had given him exceptional rewards. While others needed five jin for one C-level contribution, Shen Mo only needed four jin, earning him 175 C-level contributions. In addition, he set records, captured spies, and accomplished a great feat, earning him one B-level contribution. Altogether, Shen Mo''s Jade Cauldron Orb now held two B-level contributions and 186 C-level contributionsan amount exceeding most Four-Cauldron Elders! Armed with these contributions, Shen Mo immediately headed to the Scripture Pavilion and Treasure Pavilion to make a spree of redemptions. He thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of shopping. His extravagance left the stewards of the Scripture and Treasure Pavilions dumbfounded. They''d seen people with high contributions before, but never in such massive quantities! "Twelve Yin Sha Pearls, costing four C-level contributions." "One Earth-grade high-quality spiritual weapon, the ''Scorchblade Sword,'' costing thirty C-level contributions." "Ten bottles of Great Infant Transformation Pills, costing ten C-level contributions." "Earth-grade top-tier defensive technique, costing fifty C-level contributions." "Additionally, over a hundred ancient books and historical records about Jing Country, Ten Thousand Demon Nation, and the Three Sects of Yuzhou, costing ten C-level contributions in total." Shen Mo chuckled at the tally. In total, he had spent 104 C-level contributions. His Jade Cauldron Orb now held two B-level contributions and 82 C-level contributions. "Contributions come quickly but are spent even faster." "Still, I earn contributions at a good pace. No need to worry." Smiling faintly, Shen Mo sat down and began refining the Yin Sha Pearls. The transition from a purple-crowned Nascent Soul to a golden-crowned one required far more Yin Sha Pearls than he had anticipated. Initially, he thought eight pearls would be sufficient. Yet even after refining all the pearls obtained from the two massive Bloodroot Dragons, the Nascent Soul''s crown showed no signs of transformation. Thus, Shen Mo had redeemed additional Yin Sha Pearls from the sect. Time passed day by day. Gradually, the Nascent Soul''s crown began to change. After three days, it underwent a dramatic transformation. The purple hue faded, replaced by a dazzling golden brilliance. On the third night, the last trace of purple disappeared entirely. At a certain moment. The brilliant gold completely overshadowed the purple. The entire Nascent Soul''s crown became incomparably noble at this instant, resembling the crown of celestial deities! With a single thought, Shen Mo guided the golden crown to rest perfectly atop the Nascent Soul''s head. Instantly, a tingling sensation spread throughout his body. As expected, the recovery speed of his Nascent Soul''s energy had improved significantly! Without hesitation, Shen Mo left his residence and Dragon Snake Mountain, seeking a towering barren peak. Channeling his spiritual energy, he connected with the fire elemental energy in the heavens and earth. In an instant, a fiery blade thirty meters long appeared abruptly in the sky. As the blade descended, Shen Mo decisively activated the power of . The blade''s potency surged dramatically. Boom! With one strike, the mountain peak vanished without a trace. Countless stones, trees, and grass were vaporized instantly under the intense heat! Where a towering peak once stood, only a flat expanse remained. Shen Mo marveled at the results. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It seems the golden crown not only reduced the activation time for but also greatly enhanced its power!" He gauged his current state roughly. Now, he could activate once a day. Previously, this technique could double the power of any skill, with an additional doubling for fire-based techniques. But now, it had undergone a significant transformation. Even ordinary techniques could have their power amplified by twofold. Fire-based techniques, however, received a staggering threefold boost! "No fancy techniques can compare to the simple and effective boost in multipliers," Shen Mo mused, clicking his tongue in admiration. Satisfied, he left the area. Not long after Shen Mo departed, a figure descended from the Jade Cauldron Sect''s southern gate, passing by the area. Soon after, the figure paused and returned. The cold moonlight illuminated the handsome yet indifferent face of Ye Yan, who was on his way to a tributary of the Cangjiang River to find the heavy-water python. Looking at the scorched ground, Ye Yan muttered curiously, "I remember there was a mountain peak here, at least three hundred meters tall. How did it vanish without a sound?" "Could a powerful cultivator have casually destroyed it?" He sniffed deeply, his expression turning serious. "There''s an incredibly strong fire elemental energy lingering in the air." "At the very least, it must be a Nascent Soul-stage peak cultivator adept in fire-based techniques." "Possibly someone with control over a unique flame." "A cultivator of such caliber would be at least a Four-Cauldron Elder in the Jade Cauldron Sect." "But I''ve never seen such an elder in the sect." "Could it be a powerful rogue cultivator?" Ye Yan''s wariness grew. The world truly had no shortage of powerful individuals. He realized he still lacked the strength to dominate the world and needed to remain cautious. "I must find that heavy-water python quickly and gain the trust of the fire dragon. Only then will I truly establish myself within the Jade Cauldron Sect." Ye Yan did not linger. He swiftly accelerated southward. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 240: Forgive Me for Asking—Are You Impotent? Chapter 240: Forgive Me for AskingAre You Impotent? Shen Mo nodded, stepping past the two guards and striding boldly into the valley. The valley was unusually spacious. Everywhere, bamboo, pine, and cedar trees lay scattered in disarray. Leaves and stones were strewn haphazardly across the ground, creating a scene of utter chaos. At the valley''s center was a deep, dark pit. Peering into it, Shen Mo could see nothing but an abyss of darkness, its depths unknowable. He was surprised. Where was the old Flame Dragon? Should he call out? The thought had barely crossed his mind when a massive figure emerged from the pit. In an instant, it almost blotted out the sky, casting the entire valley into shadow. Shen Mo looked up, locking eyes with two colossal vertical pupils. Below them was a broad, prominent snout, from which hot, heavy breaths emanated like raging gusts of wind, threatening to blow Shen Mo away. Beneath the snout was a cavernous mouth lined with rows of sharp dragon teeth. However, the dragon''s teeth were noticeably yellow, with bits of meat stuck between theman unhealthy sight. It could use a good cleaning. "Young brat, this isn''t a place for the likes of you. Get lost," the old Flame Dragon snarled, its yellow teeth flashing as it spoke. Shen Mo smiled. "Protector, I have a token. The Sect Leader sent me here to see if I can assist you in reproducing." The old Flame Dragon froze for a moment before erupting in anger. "Over the past hundred years, eight elders have come here! All of them were utterly useless! And now you, a young pup, think you can do something? Get lost! Before I decide to eat you, get out of my sight!" Shen Mo observed the Flame Dragon''s life panel, his expression turning increasingly peculiar. "Still here? I don''t care who you areI''ll eat you if I feel like it!" the old Flame Dragon growled impatiently, baring its teeth. Shen Mo cleared his throat. "Protector, forgive my bluntness, but... are you impotent?" The old Flame Dragon was rendered speechless. In that instant, it felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, as though its dragon scales had been stripped away, its dragon tendons exposed for all to see. "Brat, nonsense! I''m not impotent!" it roared, its tone laced with both anger and denial. Shen Mo gave a faint, knowing smile. The old Flame Dragon''s life panel floated before his eyes. [Name: Ao Yan] [Stage: Sixth-Tier Peak] [Fate Attributes: Egg-Laying Beast, Innate Speed, Sparse Offspring, Flame Dragon Bloodline, Great Demon Fragment] Shen Mo examined the fate attributes in detail. [Egg-Laying Beast: White-grade Fate Attribute. You are not viviparous but oviparous, like most egg-laying beasts.] [Innate Speed: Blue-grade Fate Attribute. Your speed far surpasses that of other beasts at the same tier.] [Sparse Offspring: White-grade Fate Attribute. You have been impotent since youth, though you are highly interested in females. In your entire life, you have only ever sired one offspring.] [Flame Dragon Bloodline: Orange-grade Fate Attribute. Your affinity for fire-elemental energy far exceeds that of ordinary beasts. You can absorb fire-elemental energy from the heavens and earth with exceptional speed and even bathe in magma without harm.] [Great Demon Fragment: Orange-grade Fate Attribute. You are the reincarnated fragment of a Sixth-Tier Peak Great Demon. A strand of the Great Demon''s soul resides within you. However, the Great Demon has ten fragments in total, and these fragments are destined to compete for dominance. Although you are the fastest cultivator among the fragments, you have not awakened memories of your past life.] Shen Mo continued reading further. [Destiny: Forever bound to the Sixth-Tier Peak. Ultimately, you will be devoured by the third fragment of Ao Huang.] [Upcoming Event 1: Five days from now, your frustration from not having a mate will reach a breaking point. In a fit of rage, your roars will inadvertently kill the two stewards guarding the valley entrance. Overcome with guilt, your cultivation will begin to decline.] [Upcoming Event 2: Half a month from now, Ye Yan will bring a Heavy Water Python for you to mate with. While the mating will succeed, it will not produce offspring. This failure will further enrage you, but it will also deepen your trust in Ye Yan.] [Upcoming Event 3: One month from now, after receiving Demon Emperor''s Blood from two new stewards, you will decide to leave the Jade Cauldron Sect and join the Ten Thousand Demon Nation.] Shen Mo''s gaze lingered on the panel for a moment before looking up at the old Flame Dragon, whose mood had already soured. "Protector Ao Yan, your face doesn''t lie. Would you like me to help you address this... predicament?" Shen Mo asked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old Flame Dragon snarled but remained silent, its previous bluster replaced by visible unease. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. He hadn''t expected that this old Flame Dragon was also one of the Great Demon''s fragments. In his mind, the image of Ao Wu suddenly surfaced. Back when he left Xuanjiang Prefecture, he had considered bringing Ao Wu with him. After all, he had fed Ao Wu for a long time, and they had developed a bond. Ao Wu had been reluctant to part with him but ultimately stayed behind, as if some unseen force was calling and driving it forward. "You brat, get out, get out, get out!" The old Flame Dragon was now thoroughly enraged. He hated nothing more than someone doubting his capabilities. The roar snapped Shen Mo out of his thoughts. Shen Mo chuckled lightly. "Before I came here, I thought the Protector might have some physical or psychological issues. But now, I see that''s not the case." "The truth is, Protector Ao Yan, you will only ever have one offspring in your life, the Flame Dragon egg you sired long ago." The old Flame Dragon glared at him viciously. "Are you cursing me?" "Impossible! I will reproduce againI can still" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Protector, you were born with a defect but still possess an intense interest in females. Am I right?" The old Flame Dragon froze, then shouted in anger and disbelief, "How do you know that?" Shen Mo replied calmly, "You''re disabled in that way. How can you expect to reproduce?" He finally understood the truth. The Jade Cauldron Sect had always claimed that the Flame Dragon''s lack of offspring was due to the inability of snake and python demonesses to endure the dragon''s overwhelming force. In reality, this was merely an excuse to save face for the Flame Dragon. Hearing Shen Mo''s words, the old Flame Dragon''s vertical pupils glowed with a chilling light, as if ready to devour Shen Mo in the next moment. Yet, Shen Mo stood his ground, unfazed, and didn''t move a muscle. He knew the old Flame Dragon''s temperament well. Though outwardly fierce and constantly threatening to eat people, it had never actually eaten anyone. Even in its destined fate, when its uncontrollable fury accidentally killed the two guards at the valley entrance, it was overcome with guilt, leading to a decline in its cultivation level. Such a creature was unlikely to harm him. As expected, seeing Shen Mo remain unmoved, the old Flame Dragon''s ferocity waned. "Damn it" "You''re just like Li Zhendao, Ye Yan, and my old masterall the same type of person." "I bare my fangs and claws, and none of you even flinch." "But you''re braver and bolder than Li Zhendao and Ye Yan." The Flame Dragon dropped its massive head onto the ground, its eyelids drooping as its Sixth-Tier Peak aura dissipated entirely. Now, it no longer looked like a majestic dragon but rather a pitiful, sick creature stranded on a shallow beach. Shen Mo, seeing this, sat cross-legged casually. "Protector, there''s no need to feel so defeated. Perhaps that lost Flame Dragon egg of yours might return someday." Hearing this, the old Flame Dragon became even more dejected. "Impossible It''s been hundreds of years. If it could be found, it would have been found long ago. Why wait until now?" A deep look of sorrow filled his face. "I am already a dragon without offspring no, a dragon without heirs." Shen Mo smiled. "What if I told you I have a way to bring it back?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 241: Today, the Old Flood Dragon Will Rise Again Chapter 241: Today, the Old Flood Dragon Will Rise Again The old flood dragon gave him a serious once-over and sneered, "Come on now. Even cultivators in the Nascent Soul realm have searched high and low for it. You''re just a small-time cultivator in the Core Formation stagewhat makes you think you can find that egg?" Shen Mo smiled without saying a word. The old flood dragon scrutinized him again and couldn''t help but add, "Of course, if you manage to find my offspring, I''ll fetch you whatever you desire!" Shen Mo chuckled softly, "Give me a year, and I''ll bring back your offspring." "Fine! But if you fail, I''ll eat Forget it. Scaring you won''t work. If you can''t bring it back, so be it." "Whenever you bring it is fine. I''ve waited for hundreds of years; a little longer won''t matter." "You''re an interesting kidnot afraid of me. Remember to come chat with me often in the future." The old flood dragon smacked its lips. "Sure, next time I''ll bring you some food," Shen Mo said with a smile as he got up. When Shen Mo walked out of the valley, the two stewards guarding the entrance looked at him with admiration. They had seen Li Zhendao and Ye Yan''s reactions when facing the old flood dragon. Both had shown some degree of fear. No matter what they said or did, there was always a trace of tension. After all, they were facing a peak sixth-rank demonic beast. Li Zhendao fared betterhe wouldn''t be killed with one slap. But Ye Yan? He''d definitely be flattened like a pancake. This made Shen Mo''s composure all the more impressive. Even when those massive vertical pupils locked onto him, even when the old flood dragon''s anger flared and its claws seemed ready to strike, Shen Mo showed no trace of fear. It was as if he knew the old flood dragon wouldn''t lay a finger on him and that he wouldn''t come to any harm. "Take good care of the Guardian Elder. Whatever he wants to eat, get it immediately without delay," Shen Mo instructed casually. "Yes, we''ll make sure of it!" The two stewards nodded quickly. Shen Mo nodded slightly before turning to leave. After chatting with the old flood dragon today, the latter''s mood had improved considerably. Because of this, those two unlucky gatekeepers wouldn''t lose their lives. "Now, time to focus on steady cultivation and wait for the next six months." "Six months from now, when those spies from the Ten Thousand Beasts Nation try to use the Demon Emperor''s blood to manipulate the old flood dragon, it will also be an opportunity for me!" Shen Mo thought as he rose into the air and returned to Dragon Snake Mountain. Half a month later. Ye Yan descended at the entrance of the valley, his expression calm. Although his face remained an icy mask, his brows and eyes betrayed a trace of barely concealed delight. The two stewards still stood guard at the valley''s entrance. The moment they saw Ye Yan from afar, they bowed deeply. "Greetings, Elder Ye!" Ye Yan gave a slight nod. "How has the Guardian Elder been lately?" The two stewards exchanged a glance. The one on the left quickly replied, "Reporting to Elder Ye, the Guardian Elder has been in a good mood lately. An elder often comes to chat with him and even brings plenty of food." Ye Yan frowned. "Who?" The steward on the right responded awkwardly, "We''re just ordinary stewards. How could we dare to ask that elder''s name?" Ye Yan: "Describe him, then." The steward on the left recalled for a moment. "He has three small cauldrons on his chest. He''s a Three-Cauldron Elder." The steward on the right added, "Oh, and he''s very handsome, much younger than Elder Ye." Ye Yan''s gaze turned sharp. Younger than him, yet already a Three-Cauldron Elder. There was only one person in the Jade Cauldron Sect who fit that description. Shen Mo! "How does he have a token to approach the old flood dragon? Why is he here, too?" "Could it be he knows something and is trying to make his move before megaining the old flood dragon''s trust and leaping ahead in status?" Ye Yan sneered. "Does he think chatting with the Guardian Elder and bringing him snacks will win over a peak sixth-rank great demon? Laughable." Ye Yan didn''t linger. He strode into the valley. The two stewards exchanged a glance, puzzled. They weren''t fools. After hearing Ye Yan''s words, they immediately realized there was likely some enmity between these two. The two stewards lowered their gazes, staring at their noses and focusing inwardly, not daring to say another word. The enmity between these two genius elders was not something they dared meddle with. Before long, Ye Yan reached the center of the valley. The old flood dragon''s upper body was sprawled outside a massive cave. Its left forepaw rested lazily on the ground, while its right forepaw gripped a roasted whole lamb dusted generously with cumin, tossing it into its mouth. Beside it was an oversized platter piled high with roasted lambs and cattle. However, what were originally roasted animals the size of a person looked no larger than drumsticks in the old flood dragon''s maw. At this moment, the old flood dragon was thoroughly enjoying itself, its vertical pupils nearly closing in contentment. "Guardian Elder, I''ve brought you something," Ye Yan said respectfully, cupping his hands. The old flood dragon stirred, lifting its eyelids slightly. With a glance, it said, "Oh, it''s you, Ye Yan. Long time no see. Where have you been lately?" Ye Yan replied solemnly, "I went on a trip outside. Can you guess what I found?" The old flood dragon laughed heartily. "Surely not my egg?" Ye Yan smiled awkwardly. "I didn''t find the flood dragon egg, but I did find a Heavy Water Sky Python for you." The old flood dragon froze, its eyes widening in surprise. "Really?" Ye Yan nodded and retrieved his beast-taming pouch. The beast-taming pouch was a spiritual tool with a self-contained space, similar to a storage ring. The difference was that storage rings could only store inanimate objects, while beast-taming pouches could house living demonic beasts. Beast-taming pouches, like storage rings, were classified into low, medium, high, and top grades. Low-grade pouches were only about ten cubic meters in size. Beasts stored inside could only sleep and couldn''t absorb spiritual energy, requiring occasional release for fresh air. Medium-grade pouches had capacities ranging from twenty to fifty cubic meters. Beasts inside could also only sleep but could absorb external spiritual energy. High-grade pouches held at least a hundred cubic meters. Beasts could move freely and absorb spiritual energy inside. Top-grade pouches were almost like miniature worlds, capable of growing plants and allowing beasts to roam and play freely. However, top-grade pouches were extremely rare, with only the Jing Kingdom''s royal family possessing one. The Jade Cauldron Sect, home to many disciples practicing beast-taming techniques, naturally had numerous beast-taming pouch owners. Still, the value of these pouches was far higher than storage rings, meaning most cultivators only possessed low-grade ones. Only elders could exchange for medium-grade pouches. As a young cultivator personally praised by the Jade Cauldron Sect''s leader, Ye Yan naturally owned a medium-grade pouch. It was sufficient to safely transport the Heavy Water Sky Python without harm. Ye Yan opened the mouth of his beast-taming pouch. "Guardian Elder, please take a look." Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the next moment, a beam of light shot out from the pouch, landing on the ground with a thud. The figure that appeared stretched over thirty meters long, its body gleaming azure with scales shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. The Heavy Water Sky Python scanned its surroundings, then raised its head. The next thing it saw was a pair of massive, oppressive vertical pupils staring down at it. "It really is a Heavy Water Sky Python!" The old flood dragon was overjoyed. In a flash, memories from years past surfacedthe founder of the Jade Cauldron Sect had once gifted him a Heavy Water Sky Python, enabling him to pass on his bloodline. For centuries, the Jade Cauldron Sect had searched for rare snake and python-type beasts for him, yet none had been a Heavy Water Sky Python. This one might be like the one from back then, capable of helping him regain his vigor and continue his lineage. The thought ignited an intense excitement in the old flood dragon''s heart. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 242: Where’s My Weapon? Chapter 242: Where''s My Weapon? The Heavywater Python trembled uncontrollably as it gazed at the enormous creature before it. In its entire life, it had never encountered such a powerful fellow serpent. Its quaking appearance only made the old flood dragon''s heart itch with anticipation. Seeing this scene, Ye Yan''s heart brimmed with satisfaction. It seemed that his plan was about to succeed. Unable to contain his excitement, the old flood dragon raised his head and let out a triumphant roar. The exhilarating sound reverberated through the gates of the Jade Cauldron Sect, leaving the disciples in utter confusion. Usually, the guardian dragon''s roars were tinged with anxiety and melancholy. But today, it sounded as if it had been injected with adrenaline, ready to soar into the heavens at any moment. Then, just as the old flood dragon prepared to engage, he suddenly felt something was amiss beneath him. Curious, he lowered his head. Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn it. Where''s my weapon? My great weapon, where is it?!" In an instant, his earlier excitement turned into dejection. "Forget it, forget it," the old flood dragon muttered to himself, his spirits plummeting. "Looks like I''ll never pass on my bloodline in this lifetime." At that moment, the Heavywater Python had collapsed weakly in the old flood dragon''s embrace, its serpentine form lying limp like a delicate blue flower, seemingly offering itself up. Yet, it was a case of unrequited affectionthe flood dragon had no interest. The more the old flood dragon thought about it, the angrier he became. "You bring a python here, knowing full well I can''t reproduce? Are you mocking me?!" He waved his claw, sending a gust of wind that blew the Heavywater Python away. Ye Yan, caught in the crossfire, was also expelled from the valley. "Scram! All of you, get the hell out of here!" The old flood dragon''s irritated roar echoed through the valley, followed by another earth-shaking dragon roar that startled the entire Jade Cauldron Sect. The Heavywater Python was dumbfounded. "I was all set up, and now you''re telling me to leave?" Ye Yan was equally stupefied. "I went through so much trouble to bring you this Heavywater Python, only for you to change your mind at the last moment and kick me out. What the hell is this supposed to mean?!" Even a clay figure has its limits. Ye Yan was no clay figurehe was a peerless genius. How could he tolerate such humiliation? Taking a deep breath, Ye Yan collected the confused Heavywater Python into his beast pouch and left immediately. The two stewards guarding the valley entrance were also bewildered. They had no idea what had transpired. "Why did Elder Ye leave in such a rage after coming here so happily?" they muttered to each other. On the Second Peak A streak of light landed at the summit. It was Ye Yan, his face as cold as ice. Not far away, Second Elder Yang Qiye was casually chatting with the Fourth Elder. The Fourth Elder remarked, "...Yang Elder, I heard that the Pill River Sect recently pieced together two ancient alchemy recipes. They''ve already started producing Pure Nascent Transformation Pills. If they succeed, our Jade Cauldron Sect''s alchemy market will be entirely overtaken." Yang Qiye sighed. "Indeed, Pure Nascent Transformation Pills are only known to the Nine-Turn Pill Sect. None of the four major factions have mastered them yet. If the Pill River Sect succeeds" The Fourth Elder shook his head. "If this continues, alchemy will follow in the footsteps of beast taming, declining year after year. What should we do?" Yang Qiye''s expression turned grave. "Hesitation leads to ruin. We should have abandoned both the alchemy and beast-taming industries long ago, focusing all our resources on the forging industry." "Unfortunately, someone like Shen Mo appeared out of nowhere, hindering my plans. And the Sect Master, tooso softhearted, still dreaming of restoring the glory of our beast-taming industry." At this point, Yang Qiye snorted in frustration. "Hmm? Isn''t that your disciple, Ye Yan?" the Fourth Elder pointed out as he noticed Ye Yan approaching with his usual icy demeanor. The Fourth Elder chuckled, "I guess he''s back to share the good news about delivering the Heavywater Python to the old flood dragon." However, given Ye Yan''s perpetually frosty expression, those unfamiliar with him found it hard to distinguish whether he was in a good or bad mood. Yang Qiye Felt Something Was Off Ye Yan''s expression did not resemble joy. However, Yang Qiye couldn''t imagine what might have gone wrong. Even if the Heavywater Python couldn''t help the old flood dragon pass on its bloodline, at the very least, it should have improved the old flood dragon''s impression of Ye Yan. No matter how one looked at it, this was supposed to be a sure-win situation. The Fourth Elder greeted Ye Yan with a smile. "Ye Yan, congratulations! Gaining the guardian''s trust today marks the beginning of a boundless future for you. Who knows, in the future, when the next Sect Master is chosen, the guardian might recommend you for the position!" Yang Qiye felt deeply comforted by these words. If his disciple became the future Sect Master, wouldn''t that make him the Sect Master''s mentor? Perhaps even the de facto emperor of the Jade Cauldron Sect! But Ye Yan stopped in his tracks upon hearing these words. His icy expression became even more grim. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the urge to act out. Ye Yan said in a cold tone, "Fourth Elder, enough." The Fourth Elder was taken aback, not understanding what had happened. Yang Qiye instinctively furrowed his brow, faintly sensing that something was amiss. "You go on ahead," he said, signaling the Fourth Elder. "I need to discuss the old flood dragon''s situation with Ye Yan." "Alright." Though confused, the Fourth Elder nodded and left. Once they were alone, Yang Qiye asked in a low voice, "Ye Yan, what happened?" Ye Yan took a deep breath and looked directly into Yang Qiye''s eyes. "Master, the old flood dragon insulted me." "I brought him the Heavywater Python, and not only did he fail to show any gratitude, but he also inexplicably kicked me out, speaking with extreme aggression. Such an unbearable humiliationhow could I possibly accept it?!" By the end of his account, Ye Yan''s tone was brimming with fury. Throughout his life, anyone who dared treat him in such a way had long since become nothing but bones in their grave. Yang Qiye frowned deeply. "How could this be?" He knew the old flood dragon''s temperament well. Although foul-mouthed and fond of scaring people, it was ultimately a creature that repaid kindness. What could have caused such behavior today? "Could someone have spoken ill of you?" Yang Qiye speculated in a low voice. Ye Yan''s eyes flickered as a thought crossed his mind. "As far as I know, Shen Mo also has a token granting him access to that valley. Moreover, he has been frequenting it often recently. The old flood dragon seems to have a good relationship with him." Yang Qiye''s eyes turned sharp. "What?!" "No wonder the old flood dragon treated you so harshlyit must have been influenced by Shen Mo''s provocations! He''s clearly trying to gain the old flood dragon''s trust before you." "That boy Shen Mo is far more cunning than he appears!" Yang Qiye abruptly stood, pacing back and forth in frustration. Ye Yan''s expression was equally grim. If Shen Mo managed to win the old flood dragon''s trust, his standing in the Jade Cauldron Sect would rise significantly, far surpassing Ye Yan''s own. There was something else weighing heavily on Ye Yan''s mind, something he had never shared with anyone. It was their first encounter on the Suspended River. Back then, Ye Yan had deliberately issued a commission, using Guo Long and others as bait to lure out the Yin Specter in hopes of obtaining the Yin Fiend Pearl. It was not an honorable act. His original plan had been to kill all witnesses, ensuring that no one would ever know. But unexpectedly, Shen Mo had been on that boat. Not only did Ye Yan fail to obtain the Yin Fiend Pearl, but Shen Mo and the others had also escaped. Although Ye Yan had masked his face, he hadn''t concealed his aura. With Shen Mo''s abilities, it was likely he had already identified Ye Yan. The persona Ye Yan presented to the world was one of cold authority and ruthless power, not one of someone willing to use any means to achieve his ends. Even if this was his true nature, it was something he could never allow to surface. He knew Sect Master Li Zhendao well. Li Zhendao would never entrust the Jade Cauldron Sect to someone who used underhanded means without principles. If Shen Mo revealed that incident to Li Zhendao, the consequences would be disastrous. Ye Yan exhaled deeply. "Master, what should I do?" His expression was grave. Yang Qiye stopped pacing and shook his head. "There''s no need to worry. No matter how hard Shen Mo works to curry favor with the old flood dragon, at most, the old flood dragon will only remember him. "Unless he can bring back a flood dragon egg, there''s no way the old flood dragon will truly trust him." "If you couldn''t win the old flood dragon''s trust and support, Shen Mo has no chance of doing so either!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 243: The Pill Formula for Pure Nascent Transformation Pills in the Flame Pill Palace Chapter 243: The Pill Formula for Pure Nascent Transformation Pills in the Flame Pill Palace After hearing Yang Qiye''s words, Ye Yan''s emotions finally calmed down. Yang Qiye was right. If even he, Ye Yan, couldn''t gain the old flood dragon''s trust, and if none of the numerous Soul Transformation cultivators in the Jade Cauldron Sect could manage it, how could Shen Mo, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, possibly succeed? If Ye Yan couldn''t obtain the old flood dragon''s support, it was better that no one else could either. "Ye Yan, don''t concern yourself with Shen Mo. He''s like the light of a firefly, while you are the radiant sun and moon." "Even if he suppresses you temporarily, so what? In the end, you will be the one who has the last laugh." "You possess the Solar Molten Fire Physique, a top-tier heavenly constitution. Your future is limitless!" Seeing Ye Yan''s expression finally ease, Yang Qiye continued to comfort him. "Thank you for your guidance, Master," Ye Yan replied calmly, cupping his hands. Yang Qiye nodded in satisfaction. "Focus on cultivating for now. Break through to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage as soon as possible. I''ll arrange a few commissions for you. With them, you should be able to ascend to the position of Three-Cauldrons Elder within two years." "By then, you''ll have the qualifications to visit the Flame Pill Palace." Ye Yan nodded solemnly, feeling a surge of anticipation. The Flame Pill Palace was one of the three restricted areas controlled by the Jade Cauldron Sect. In the past, it had been a sacred site for alchemy under the Nine-Turn Pill Sect. The area was rich in geothermal fire and extremely high in temperature. At its peak, eighteen geothermal furnaces operated there simultaneously, producing countless extraordinary pills. And the Nine-Turn Pill Sect hadn''t stopped with just this one locationthey had possessed five such sacred sites. But during the coalition war led by the Supreme Purity Sect, the Jade Cauldron Sect, and the Pill River Sect to destroy the Nine-Turn Pill Sect, decades of conflict had reduced three of these sites to ruins. Of the two remaining, one fell to the Pill River Sect, and the otherthe Flame Pill Palacecame under the Jade Cauldron Sect''s control. Scattered throughout the Flame Pill Palace were numerous ancient pill formulas, some intact, others fragmented. In certain hidden areas, millennia-old earth-grade pills were still believed to be stored. All of it depended on one''s luck and effort to uncover. Even a fragment of a pill formula, once submitted to the sect, could earn enormous contributions. Yang Qiye sighed. "It''s said that the Flame Pill Palace contains the formula for the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill. Unfortunately, since our sect took over the palace, we''ve searched everywhere without success." "The palace opens once every ten years, and this time, it''s the turn of the Third and Seventh Elders to enter for alchemy purposes." "The Seventh Elder is my man. When the time comes, he''ll lend you a helping hand." "Ye Yan, your destiny is extraordinary. Perhaps you''ll be the one to discover the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill''s formula!" Ye Yan nodded deeply. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A single Pure Nascent Transformation Pill had the potency of ten Great Nascent Transformation Pills or a hundred ordinary Nascent Transformation Pills. If he could obtain the formula, it would be a monumental contribution to the Jade Cauldron Sect. Such an achievement might elevate him directly to the rank of Four-Cauldrons Elder! "Master, I also heard a rumor," Ye Yan suddenly said. "They say there''s a Taiyi Sacred Essence Pill hidden in the Flame Pill Palace." Yang Qiye scoffed. "A single Taiyi Sacred Essence Pill can elevate a heavenly-grade constitution to the higher saint-grade. Its value is unimaginable." "Even during the Nine-Turn Pill Sect''s prime, it was a top-secret treasure of the sect. Why would it be stored in the Flame Pill Palace?" "That''s just a false rumor spread by the remnants of the Nine-Turn Pill Sect to provoke the Supreme Purity Sect, the Pill River Sect, and the State Governor''s Mansion into targeting us." "Don''t let such nonsense distract you. Finding the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill''s formula alone would etch your name into the history of the Jade Cauldron Sect." "From that day forward, every disciple of the Jade Cauldron Sect would sing your praises!" A vivid image formed in Ye Yan''s mind: himself standing above the clouds, with countless Jade Cauldron Sect disciples kneeling below, their voices echoing in reverence. That pinnacle of glory was enough to intoxicate anyone. Yang Qiye smiled and added, "As for the rumor about a Taiyi Sacred Essence Pill in the Flame Pill Palace, treat it as nothing more than idle chatter." "The last known Taiyi Sacred Essence Pill was taken by the royal family of Jing Kingdom when the Nine-Turn Pill Sect was destroyed." Ye Yan cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "You''re right, Master. I shouldn''t let my thoughts run wild." Yang Qiye chuckled. "Good. By the way, I have something to give you." As He Spoke, Yang Qiye Retrieved Ten Gray Beads Yang Qiye took out ten gray beads from his storage ring. They were Yin Fiend Pearls. The Yin Fiend energy within them was exceptionally pure and dense, clearly not of ordinary quality but the finest grade of Yin Fiend Pearls. Ye Yan was slightly startled. "These are" Yang Qiye smiled. "If I''m not mistaken, you''ve reached the level of a purple pill crown. You''re only one step away from achieving a golden pill crown." "These Yin Fiend Pearls were exchanged with the Seventh Elder for a bottle of Spirit Refinement Pills." "As your master, it is my duty to pay attention to your cultivation." "These are for you." Ye Yan nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Master. I will begin my training immediately and will not let you down!" "Go ahead, go ahead," Yang Qiye replied with a smile. One Month Later, Dragon Snake Mountain In the expansive wilderness of Dragon Snake Mountain, the terrain was barren. Not a single blade of grass grew nearby, and even intact rocks were few and far between. At the center of this desolate expanse stood two figures. One was a young man clad in green robes, his appearance youthful and calm. The other was a rugged middle-aged man wearing a loose elder''s robe, giving him the air of a rustic farmer. The two were engaged in an intense sparring session, one attacking and the other defending, honing their martial skills. For miles around, no vegetation grew. Upon closer inspection, it wasn''t because the land was unsuitable for plants but because no living thing could withstand the destructive energy radiating from the duo''s battle. Growing there would be tantamount to courting death. A massive spear wreathed in violet lightning descended from the sky, directly engulfing the young figure in a storm of dust and debris. The ground shook, and smoke billowed into the air. Yet in the next moment, a fierce wind arose. A majestic and imposing giant cauldron appeared out of nowhere, materializing to block the carefully prepared attack. The young figure staggered back more than ten steps before finally stabilizing himself. "Well done, Junior Brother! Most people wouldn''t have been able to withstand that move. I''m impressed you managed to block it," the rugged middle-aged man said, laughing heartily. The young man smiled but said nothing. These two were Shen Mo and Lu Dongxuan. Recently, Lu Dongxuan had been frequenting Dragon Snake Mountain, and every time he came, the two would engage in fierce battles. Although Shen Mo''s cultivation level was slightly lower than Lu Dongxuan''s, in actual combat, he was no weaker. On multiple occasions, his performance had left Lu Dongxuan astounded. Especially this timeShen Mo had previously been unable to block such an attack. However, after advancing his mastery of the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron to the third level, he now managed to block it with ease. "Tsk tsk, this martial technique was well worth the 50 C-level contributions I spent to exchange for it. A top-tier earth-grade technique indeed!" Lu Dongxuan said with a thumbs-up, clearly delighted. Shen Mo nodded with a smile. "Indeed. The Immovable Dragon King Cauldron surpasses all the defensive techniques I''ve used so far." As his cultivation progressed and his strength grew, his lower-tier earth-grade defensive technique, Four-Sided Mysterious Gate, was gradually becoming less effective in battles. The higher-tier earth-grade defensive technique, Evergreen Body Shield, was still usable but starting to show its limits. Now, with the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron, his defensive capabilities had taken a massive leap forward. "It''s time, Junior Brother! I''m off to drink!" Lu Dongxuan said suddenly, snapping his fingers as if remembering something. Without further delay, he rose into the air and flew westward with haste. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 244: Human Traitors and the Demon Emperor’s Blood Chapter 244: Human Traitors and the Demon Emperor''s Blood Shen Mo chuckled softly. "Alright, Senior Brother, be careful not to get outwitted by Su Beifeng." "Don''t worry about that old fool. He''s too dim-witted to suspect that I''m the one stealing his wine," Lu Dongxuan replied with a mischievous laugh before disappearing into the horizon. Shen Mo shook his head, half amused, half exasperated. Su Beifeng, the Tenth Elder of the Supreme Clarity Sect, was a master brewer. He was highly particular about the environment for brewing and therefore kept his brewing location far from the sect''s core, often in remote mountains or secluded valleys. It was unclear how Lu Dongxuan''s nose worked, but he always managed to sniff out the brewing site. Moreover, he had perfected the art of sustainable pilferingnever stealing all the wine, just one or two jars each time. This left Su Beifeng assuming that some wild beast had developed a taste for his wine. "By my calculations, the spies sent by the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom should have infiltrated the Jade Cauldron Sect by now, preparing to turn the old flood dragon against us." "Perfect timing. I should head over too." "Credit for handling this situation? I''ll gladly take it." With that, Shen Mo rose into the air, flying directly toward the gates of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Outside the valley where the old flood dragon resided. The guards at the entrance had been replaced with two unfamiliar faces. The previous guards had been punished by Second Elder Yang Qiye for misconduct and were now undergoing three months of secluded reflection. The new guards were locals of Taishan Prefecture, with clean backgrounds that no one could find fault with. At this moment, the two new guards exchanged a glance and entered the valley together. The old flood dragon lay lazily at the cave entrance, nibbling on the delicacies Shen Mo had brought during his last visit. Apart from regretting the lack of offspring, he had no real complaints about his life. "Hmm?" The old flood dragon caught the scent of strangers and opened his eyes to look at the unfamiliar faces. "What happened to the two guards? Why are you here instead?" he growled. One of the men replied solemnly, "Respected Guardian of the Sect, the previous guards committed offenses and have been punished with three months of seclusion. We are their temporary replacements." The old flood dragon nodded. Everyone makes mistakes; it was not unusual. However... "The scent on you two is peculiar. It makes me feel both repulsed and intrigued," the dragon suddenly remarked after sniffing the air. The two men exchanged a glance before one of them said in a low voice, "Respected Guardian, your keen sense is remarkable. You detected it instantly." "This proves that you have not been fully subdued by the humans. You remain a noble demon!" The old flood dragon was taken aback. What nonsense are they spouting? I don''t get it. "Who are you two, really?" he demanded impatiently. The taller man replied in a deep voice, "Respected Guardian, I have a method to help you reproduce and have offspring again." The shorter man chimed in, "Guardian, you are not the last Flame Flood Dragon in the world. Our master has another young Flame Flood Dragon in his possession." The old flood dragon''s eyes widened, flashing with excitement. "Really? Where?" The Flame Flood Dragon bloodline was incredibly noble. Even mating with ordinary serpents or pythons often failed to produce offspring. And truthfully, the old flood dragon had no interest in such mundane creatures. But if another Flame Flood Dragon existed, perhaps meeting it would awaken his dormant male instincts! The tall man respectfully answered, "It resides in the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom." The shorter man added, "As long as you leave the Jade Cauldron Sect and follow us to the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, you will naturally regain the ability to reproduce." "Moreover, His Majesty the Demon Emperor will greatly value you, treating you as his trusted ally!" The old flood dragon fell silent. So that''s it. Human traitors who had willingly pledged themselves to the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. He had encountered many such people during his campaigns with the founding patriarch of the Jade Cauldron Sect. These individuals believed that the demon race was superior to the human race, more perfect, and destined to unify this world. Thus, they willingly became lackeys of the demon race. Traitors like thesehe had killed many in the past. "Lord Ao Yan, you don''t need to dwell on the past. Even if you had a conflict with the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom back then, that was the you of the past, not the you of today." "The Demon Emperor of that time is long gone. The current Demon Emperor assures you that bygones will be bygones!" "As long as you''re willing to join the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, you can have anything you desire. Being able to reproduce is merely the simplest of conditions." The two continued their attempts to persuade him. The old flood dragon''s heart wavered slightly. His only offspring was that dragon egg, but despite years of searching, its whereabouts remained unknown. Now, the opportunity to reproduce had presented itself once more. It was an opportunity he felt he should seize tightly. If he let it slip by, there might never be another chance to continue his bloodline. The old flood dragon was a traditionalist. He firmly believed that if he could not pass on his bloodline, his life would be wasted. However, leaving the Jade Cauldron Sect to join the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom would be a blatant betrayal. The Jade Cauldron Sect would inevitably face reproach from the Supreme Clarity Sect, the Danhe Sect, and the Prefecture Governor''s Office. As someone revered as the "Guardian of the Sect" by the Jade Cauldron Sect, it was unthinkable for him to commit such a deed. The old flood dragon was immediately caught in a dilemma. Instinct urged him to prioritize reproduction. Reason and loyalty told him that his duty was to protect the Jade Cauldron Sect, not betray it. The two individuals noticed his hesitation and rejoiced inwardly. The taller man, understanding the importance of pressing his advantage, took out a drop of blood. The blood was extraordinary, constantly shifting its form. Lions, wolves, tigers, leopards, oxen, sheep, cats, dogs, and even dragons and phoenixesall appeared in sequence. The sight of this drop of blood immediately captured the old flood dragon''s attention. "This this is" he exclaimed. "This is the Demon Emperor''s blood! Not ordinary blood, but essence blood!" "The current Demon Emperor embodies the best traits of all the races within the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, the greatest Demon Emperor in history!" "A single drop of the Demon Emperor''s blood carries a ten percent chance of allowing you to undergo ancestral regression and elevate your bloodline!" The taller man spoke with solemnity, his words filled with fervor and reverence. The old flood dragon''s heart was shaken to its core. Ancestral regression! This was an allure no demon beast could resist. If a Flame Flood Dragon underwent ancestral regression, it would become a true dragon! Even with just a ten percent chance, it was an opportunity not to be missed! As the old flood dragon hesitated, nearly ready to agree, the sound of footsteps suddenly echoed. A young figure walked in with his head held high, a faint smile on his face. "Guardian of the Sect, I have an idea. Take the Demon Emperor''s blood, but don''t follow them to the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom." This sudden voice startled the two men, who quickly turned around. They saw the young and handsome face of none other than Shen Mo! The two men had thoroughly investigated this valley beforehand. The three individuals holding valley tokens were Li Zhendao, Ye Yan, and Shen Mo. Li Zhendao, as the sect master, was too busy with his duties to visit frequently. Ye Yan had left the Jade Cauldron Sect yesterday on a mission and wouldn''t return for at least ten days or half a month. Shen Mo was reportedly absorbed in managing the beast-taming industry in Dragon Snake Mountain, supposedly too preoccupied to appear here. Yet, here he was, inexplicably standing in the valley. "Shen Mo" The old flood dragon looked at Shen Mo with an awkward smile, feeling as though he''d been caught doing something wrong. The taller man suddenly pointed at Shen Mo and shouted, "Guardian of the Sect, kill him! He''s a human prodigy, destined to become an enemy of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom in the future!" "Kill him, and it''ll serve as your token of allegiance to the Demon Emperor!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. {pls consider joining patreon to support me. i will continue to provide you with more chapters. I will need all the support i can get. } Chapter 245: The Emperor Will Personally Annihilate Five Cities as Punishment Chapter 245: The Emperor Will Personally Annihilate Five Cities as Punishment Shen Mo stood calmly, unmoved, in his place. The old flood dragon scratched his head helplessly. "Shen Mo''s a good guy. I don''t want to kill him." The tall man''s expression stiffened. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Are you finished? If so, it''s my turn to speak." "This drop of the Demon Emperor''s blood is indeed precious, but it harbors malicious intent. Guardian, take a closer look." The old flood dragon hesitated, then released his peak sixth-rank aura, enveloping the drop of blood completely. Moments later, his expression darkened. His enormous vertical pupils locked onto the two men with a fierce glare. "There''s a soul contract hidden in the Demon Emperor''s blood?! The Demon Emperor wants to make me his slave?!" A terrifying aura erupted from the flood dragon like a roaring tidal wave. In an instant, it suppressed the two men entirely. With a thud, both fell to their knees, their legs snapping audibly as bloody fragments of bone pierced through their knees. Their agonized screams filled the air. The old flood dragon''s gaze was icy cold. An invisible force gathered from all directions, as if a colossal hand had seized the two men. Their faces turned crimson, veins bulging as they struggled. Finally, like balloons pushed to their limits, they burst apart, scattering blood and flesh in all directions. Shen Mo, his hands clasped behind his back, released a burst of spiritual energy, creating a barrier. Not a speck of blood touched him. The old flood dragon growled irritably, "Damn it, that Demon Emperor is truly despicable! Deceiving me like this and even trying to enslave me!" He paused, a trace of lingering fear flashing in his eyes. "Good thing you were here. Otherwise, I might have fallen for their scheme!" Shen Mo smiled. "I happened to arrive in time. When I overheard their words, I sensed something was off." "When the Jade Cauldron Sect was first founded, you fought alongside the sect''s patriarch, slaying numerous demons, including some from the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom''s current royal families." "There''s no way the Demon Emperor would genuinely let bygones be bygones and regard you as a trusted ally." The old flood dragon grumbled, "You''re absolutely right." "But this drop of essence blood..." He couldn''t help but look down at the drop of blood in his claw. The essence blood still radiated an almost irresistible allure, especially to demon beasts, akin to an aphrodisiac. However, refining it would inevitably bind him as a slave to the far-off Demon Emperor in the southern lands, leaving both his body and mind no longer his own. Still, abandoning it outright felt like an incredible waste. Shen Mo smiled. "I have a solution." The old flood dragon raised a brow. "This is a soul contract laid by the Demon Emperor. What can a mere Core Formation cultivator like you possibly do?" Shen Mo chuckled. "If you trust me, leave the Demon Emperor''s blood with me. Once I''ve handled it, we can refine it together. How does that sound?" The old flood dragon was surprised by Shen Mo''s bold proposition but soon laughed at his audacity. After a moment of consideration, he nodded slightly. The essence blood contained a soul contract. If Shen Mo tried to take it for himself, he would also become the Demon Emperor''s slave. Moreover, during their time together, the old flood dragon had come to see Shen Mo as trustworthy. He didn''t seem like someone who would try to hoard the blood. Besides, Shen Mo was only a Core Formation cultivator. Even if they refined the blood together, Shen Mo''s speed would pale compared to his. Ultimately, the dragon would claim the majority of the benefits. With that thought, the old flood dragon nodded and handed the Demon Emperor''s blood to Shen Mo. "Alright. I''ll return in a few days," Shen Mo said, clasping his hands in farewell before leaving. The old flood dragon waved his claw, summoning a gust of wind to blow away the blood and remains scattered across the ground. There was no need to publicize the incident with these Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom spies. It was better to act as if they had never appeared. After all, he had nearly been swayed by their scheme, driven by greed to the brink of becoming the Demon Emperor''s slave. If such a story spread, he''d lose all face. Better to bury it altogether. Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo returned to his residence without delay. He immediately summoned Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi to gather the materials he needed. Once everything was ready, Shen Mo began working to unravel the soul contract within the essence blood. His confidence stemmed from his mastery of the . The included a method for breaking soul contracts. For a soul contract that had not yet been activated, the process was significantly simpler. However, since the caster of the contract was the Demon Emperorat least at the peak of the Nascent Soul stageit still posed a considerable challenge. "Mother Elixir of Soul Fracture, Soul-Concentrating Water, Shadow Flower" "It''s done." Shen Mo carefully placed the drop of the Demon Emperor''s blood into a concoction he had prepared using more than a dozen rare herbs. At first, the blood remained unresponsive, simply floating atop the liquid. Shen Mo waited patiently. One day passed, then two, then three. On the fourth day, thin strands of black mist began to emerge around the blood. The mist rose upward, eventually forming a towering black shadow over ten feet tall. The shadow resembled a humanoid figure, but upon closer inspection, its every feature appeared distinctly inhuman. Its entire form radiated an aura of absurdity and sinister malevolence. Suspended mid-air with its hands behind its back, the shadow exuded a palpable authority. Its hollow eye sockets betrayed an air of cold indifference, ruthless decisiveness, and absolute dominance. This was unmistakably a fragment of the Demon Emperor''s will embedded within the blood. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Had Shen Mo not arrived and warned the old flood dragon, refining the blood would have enslaved the dragon through the soul contract attached to this fragment of will. The entirety of Dragon Snake Mountain fell eerily silent. No demon beast dared to make a sound. Even Mei Haihe, Huang Bayi, and the other stewards found themselves paralyzed, as though a boulder were pressing down on their chests. The hollow eye sockets of the shadow suddenly turned toward Shen Mo. In that instant, Shen Mo felt as if a primordial beast had locked its gaze on him, ready to strike and tear him apart. The oppressive sensation faded as quickly as it had come, leaving Shen Mo frowning as he studied the shadow. "Interesting. My soul contract has been broken," the shadow remarked, its tone calm yet filled with an underlying menace. "Ignorant mortal, you have sealed your own fate." "Though I cannot kill you from ten thousand miles away, in due time, I will personally annihilate five cities as a warning." With a casual wave of its hand, the black mist dissipated, and the shadow vanished entirely. The drop of Demon Emperor''s blood became clearer and purer, free from any malicious presence. The oppressive, mountain-like pressure finally began to lift. Shen Mo''s expression darkened slightly. "Regardless, the soul contract within this essence blood has been removed." "Time to visit the old flood dragon." Without wasting time, Shen Mo headed toward the flood dragon''s valley. The Demon Emperor''s essence blood contained immense energy. As the Demon Emperor was still alive and reigning in the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, the drop of blood was exceptionally fresh and potent. Its energy far surpassed that of the ice dragon blood Shen Mo had acquired before. It was impossible for Shen Mo alone to fully absorb and refine it. If he recklessly attempted to do so, his body could rupture, leaving him severely injured and in need of lengthy recovery. Such risks made hoarding the blood counterproductive. At the valley, the old flood dragon sensed Shen Mo''s approach and let out a hearty laugh. "Back so soon? Couldn''t figure out how to break the soul contract, huh?" Shen Mo smiled faintly and revealed the purified drop of Demon Emperor''s essence blood. The old flood dragon immediately sensed that the soul contract was completely gone, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "What thehow did you do that?!" he exclaimed. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 {pls consider joining patreon to support me. i will continue to provide you with more chapters. I will need all the support i can get. } Chapter 246: Don’t Blame Me If I Absorb Most of the Essence Blood Chapter 246: Don''t Blame Me If I Absorb Most of the Essence Blood The old dragon widened his eyes. No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn''t have imagined that Shen Mo not only broke the soul contract embedded in the Demon Emperor''s essence blood but also accomplished this feat in just four days! Too fast. It was something a Nascent Soul cultivator shouldn''t be capable of. "As per our agreement, we''ll share and absorb this drop of the Demon Emperor''s essence blood. That still holds, right?" Shen Mo smiled. The old dragon scratched his head with a claw, shedding a few aged scales, and nodded slightly. "Of course, I am a dragon of my word." "Hehe, but don''t blame me if I absorb most of the essence blood. I''m pretty fast at refining, you know!" Shen Mo chuckled. "Don''t worry, I won''t blame you." "But if I end up absorbing most of the essence blood, I hope you, Lord Protector, won''t hold it against me either." Hearing this, the old dragon burst into laughter as if he''d heard the funniest joke in the world. "Shen Mo, Shen Mo, what you just said is utterly ridiculous." "You''re just a Nascent Soul cultivator. How can you compete with me, a sixth-tier peak demon beast? I''m equivalent to a peak Human Transformation cultivator!" "Besides, this essence blood from the Demon Emperor is far better suited for demon beasts to absorb and refine." "For you, a human, it''ll be hard to handle such violent and domineering power." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "That won''t trouble you, Lord Protector. I know my limits." The old dragon chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, let''s begin." He extended a claw and lightly poked. A surge of spiritual energy shot forth, crashing into the drop of Demon Emperor''s essence blood. In the next moment, the essence blood split into two streams, one flowing toward the old dragon and the other toward Shen Mo. The old dragon opened his maw wide and inhaled deeply. A stream of blood surged into his mouth. He even winked at Shen Mo, as if to say, "Look how fast I''m absorbing it, with no side effects at all." Shen Mo remained silent, his lips curled in a smile. Suddenly, he channeled his spiritual energy to draw in a strand of the blood stream. That strand of blood coiled toward him like a serpent, writhing as if alive, resisting Shen Mo''s refining efforts. This was the side effect. After all, the original owner of this essence blood, the Demon Emperor, was still alive and well. No matter how much Shen Mo''s spiritual energy surged and crushed, he couldn''t completely refine the strand of blood. Meanwhile, the old dragon had already absorbed three strands of blood. The difference in speed between the two was clear. At this moment, the blood strand near Shen Mo began to retaliate, attempting to break free from his spiritual energy and return to the essence blood. "Once something falls into my hands, there''s no escaping." Shen Mo smiled faintly. With a wave of his hand, a green flame erupted. The previously unyielding blood strand reacted instantly, writhing like a worm thrown onto a scorching brazier. Although it made no sound, it seemed to scream silently in agony. The old dragon''s eyes widened as he saw the green flames. He had lived as long as the Jade Cauldron Sect had existed, and his experience was vast. One glance, and he recognized it. Eternal Flame! Moreover, it was Red Lotus Flame, renowned for its fierce, overpowering heat. A flame so intense it could melt rocks into liquid! Metal and iron would turn to water in its presence! In the blink of an eye, the once-resisting blood strand was thoroughly refined into a crimson mist. Shen Mo inhaled deeply, drawing the mist into his body. Instantly, he felt his bones, meridians, and flesh undergo visible improvements. Shen Mo''s bones grew sturdier. His meridians became more resilient. His blood flowed with boundless energy. His muscles hardened and strengthened. Finally, his dantian was fortified. In just a few breaths, his dantian expanded slightly, capable of holding even more spiritual energy! "Just one strand of blood has such an effect. Truly worthy of being Demon Emperor essence blood!" Shen Mo''s breathing quickened. Without hesitation, he drew in two more strands of blood, refining them simultaneously. The once defiant blood strands now writhed like grasshoppers roasted over a fire under the searing flames of the Red Lotus Flame. Their fate was sealed. In mere moments, the two strands of blood were fully refined, the Demon Emperor''s lingering will completely erased, and transformed into a large mass of blood energy. Shen Mo inhaled deeply, absorbing the blood energy into his body. Once again, his entire being was strengthened. He didn''t stop. This time, with a wave of his hand, he drew in four strands of blood at once and began refining them simultaneously! The efficiency left the old dragon utterly dumbfounded. "Damn it." "I knew Heavenly Flames were incredible, but I didn''t realize they were this incredible!" "His speed in refining the Demon Emperor''s essence blood is even faster than mine, and I''m a sixth-tier peak demon beast! Unbelievable!" The old dragon gritted his teeth. He couldn''t afford to lose face by falling behind a mere Nascent Soul cultivator. Determined, he opened his maw and inhaled four strands of blood into his belly. His stomach worked like a furnace, with spiritual energy surging to accelerate the refinement of the blood strands. However, the blood strands he had yet to finish refining began to pile up, and his expression turned sour. His massive vertical pupils blinked repeatedly, and he squirmed uncomfortably. Anyone watching might think he was about to have a stomachache. Time ticked by, second by second. Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. The Demon Emperor''s essence blood, once the size of an adult''s palm, had shrunk to smaller than a fingernail. The old dragon had completely given up on refining it. Now, he lay his massive head beside the pit, watching Shen Mo helplessly. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to refine more. The issue was that the Red Lotus Flame refined the blood strands far too quickly. Every strand Shen Mo pulled in would be fully refined in less than five breaths. Meanwhile, the old dragon''s belly could only handle refining seven or eight strands at a time before it became overloaded. As a result, after seven days, not only did the old dragon fail to absorb most of the Demon Emperor''s essence blood as he had hoped, but he ended up with less than half. At least 80% of the essence blood had been absorbed by Shen Mo. Only 20% remained for the dragon. "This boy must have tamed the Red Lotus Flame long before he joined the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Remarkable. Truly remarkable. He''s on par with my old master in his prime." The old dragon couldn''t help but glance at Shen Mo with admiration. Having lived for over a thousand years, he had only encountered a handful of cultivators with Heavenly Flames. For Shen Mo to not only encounter but tame a Heavenly Flame was an extraordinary accomplishment, far surpassing most cultivators. "In terms of talent, Shen Mo is no less than Ye Yan. Unless Ye Yan also acquires a Heavenly Flame, there''s no way he can compete with Shen Mo." The old dragon sighed in amazement. He had once placed his hopes on Ye Yan, believing that Ye Yan''s bright future would lead him to become the next Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, succeeding Li Zhendao. But now, it seemed Shen Mo had an even greater chance. "Hmm? This aura is he breaking through to late-stage Nascent Soul?" The old dragon was lost in thought when he suddenly noticed Shen Mo''s aura surging wildly. His robes billowed as a fierce wind swept through the valley. Bamboo leaves danced in the air like a raging dragon. "The Demon Emperor''s essence blood has not only greatly enhanced his physical body but also significantly expanded his dantian." "Combined with his usual cultivation accumulation, this breakthrough was inevitable." The old dragon nodded slightly and released his protective aura to safeguard Shen Mo during his breakthrough. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 247: Nascent Soul Stage Perfection, A Predetermined Fate Chapter 247: Nascent Soul Stage Perfection, A Predetermined Fate In the valley, the old flood dragon lay resting, its eyes half-closed in feigned slumber. A cultivator clad in green robes sat cross-legged on the ground, his robes rippling as his aura surged steadily upward. Time flowed like water. A day passed, then two. A month, then two months Until one day, six months later. In a fleeting moment, the green-robed cultivator''s aura seemed to pierce through an unseen barrier, shattering the fragile veil that held him back. Instantly, his energy surged to the level of Nascent Soul Stage Perfection. In that moment, the heavens opened wide, and the seas stretched endlessly, as though granting him unlimited freedom. Shen Mo abruptly opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air. In the depths of his gaze, a faint light flickered, sharp and clear. The old flood dragon smacked its lips lazily. "You''re finally awake. I was getting bored of waiting." Shen Mo stood up and smiled. "Thank you, Lord Protector, for watching over me." The flood dragon waved its claw dismissively with a hint of pride. "You''ve got a bright future ahead of you, kid. Watching over you wasn''t much trouble. Don''t make a big deal out of it." Shen Mo chuckled lightly. "How long have I been cultivating?" The flood dragon scratched its claw thoughtfully. "Time? I don''t really keep track of that. But I''d say about six months. During that time, Li Zhendao came by once. He wanted to see me, but when he noticed you breaking through, he kept his distance and left after saying a few things. Oh, and that old fellow from the Tenth Peak came looking for you too." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Elder Wan Muchun from the Tenth Peak? What could he want with me?" The flood dragon scratched its head. "Something about alchemy, I think? I wasn''t really paying attention." Shen Mo nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. I''ll head to the Tenth Peak, then." "Go on, but don''t forget what you promised mehelp me find that dragon egg," the flood dragon said nonchalantly. "Don''t worry," Shen Mo replied with a nod. The Tenth Peak In a blink, Shen Mo landed atop the Tenth Peak. As expected, there were quite a few people gathered around a stone table at the peak, all engrossed in a game of high-stakes gambling. Zhao Yaolu, as usual, was dominating the game. She was winning every single round. No elder attempting to win the Grade-B contribution token from her succeeded. Without exception, they all lost. If anyone, driven by frustration, tried to gamble even more, they only lost even greater amounts. Zhao Yaolu was grinning from ear to ear, unable to contain her delight. Noticing Shen Mo, she waved at him and said, "Oh, it''s Junior Brother! Wait over there for a bit. Let me finish dealing with these guys first." Shen Mo nodded and sat down nearby. Not long after, the elders left one by one, dejected and downcast. They had all lost a considerable amount of pills, artifacts, and contribution points to Zhao Yaolu. Zhao Yaolu gleefully sorted her spoils, laughing to herself the entire time. Shen Mo coughed lightly a few times. Only then did Zhao Yaolu realize someone was still there. She quickly stashed her winnings into her storage ring and forced a sheepish smile. "Junior Brother, what brings you here?" Shen Mo relayed what the old flood dragon had told him and asked, "The elder came looking for me earlierwhat was it about?" Zhao Yaolu scratched her head. "I don''t really know." "But I do know where the old man is. Come on, I''ll take you!" Without waiting for a response, Zhao Yaolu grabbed Shen Mo by the sleeve and soared into the air, flying straight toward the northern foothills of the Hengtai Mountains. The entire Tai Mountain Prefecture was under the jurisdiction of the Jade Cauldron Sect, and even the local magistrate was backed by the sect. The Hengtai Mountains were the core territory of the Jade Cauldron Sect, and the dozens of cities surrounding it were bustling hubs of activity. As they flew, Shen Mo gazed down at the cities below, feeling the vibrant pulse of mortal life. A sense of nostalgia washed over him. He had spent so much time cultivating that he had unknowingly grown distant from the warmth of the human world. "See those four cities over there? Their red-light districts are the best. The old man loves visiting them." sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ll split up and search. If you find him, just send me a message through the transmission jade," Zhao Yaolu said, pointing to several cities below. With that, she darted toward one of the cities without waiting for a reply. Shen Mo nodded and descended into one of the cities. He concealed his identity as a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, changing into the plain robes of a rogue cultivator. Shen Mo deliberately suppressed his aura, presenting himself as merely at the Core Formation Stage. This level wouldn''t draw too much attention or invite trouble, making it the most appropriate disguise. After entering the city, Shen Mo wandered casually through its streets. After only a short walk, he overheard a group of Qi Condensation cultivators at a roadside stall whispering among themselves. "Things are terrible in Mist Province. Five cities were wiped out in a single day, not a soul left alive. They say it was the Demon Emperor of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom who personally acted!" "Seriously? Mist Province''s forces can''t handle the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom? How could they let the Demon Emperor destroy five cities in a day?" "It''s not that they can''t handle themthey''re simply no match. How could one province compete with such power? I heard half of Mist Province has already fallen. It''s tragic." "Do you think the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom will eventually invade Yu Province?" "Hard to say We should probably start preparing, just in case." Shen Mo''s gaze grew colder. That day, he had forced the lingering will of the Demon Emperor out of his blood essence. Before leaving, the Demon Emperor had sworn to slaughter five cities as revenge. Shen Mo had anticipated this possibility but hadn''t expected the Demon Emperor to annihilate five cities so effortlessly. It seemed Mist Province''s strength was even weaker than he had imagined. At this rate, the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom would inevitably set its sights on Yu Province. Subconsciously, Shen Mo glanced at his destiny panel. [Destiny: Fifteen years from now, the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom launches a full-scale invasion of Yu Province. The four major forces of Yu Province mount a desperate defense but are successively destroyed. Thanks to the protection of Li Zhendao, Wan Muchun, and the old flood dragon, Shen Mo narrowly escapes with his life and flees Yu Province. However, the Demon Emperor''s overwhelming power leaves a profound shadow on Shen Mo''s heart, halting his progress at the peak of the Nascent Soul Stage and preventing him from advancing to the Divine Transformation Stage. He lives a lonely life and dies peacefully.] "So it''s true" Shen Mo sighed softly. Although he would survive, his destiny indicated that he would remain trapped at the Nascent Soul Stage, unable to reach greater heights. The lingering shadow left by the Demon Emperor would haunt him forever. In essence, it was no different from death. After a brief moment of reflection, Shen Mo quickly steadied his mind. Back in Xuanjiang Prefecture, he had faced an even bleaker fate, where a single misstep would have led to his death. Yet back then, he had managed to defy his destiny and break free from his chains. This time, his life wasn''t even at stake. Thanks to Li Zhendao and the others, he would escape alive. If he had defied fate before, he could do so again. Fifteen years. That was all the time he had. Shen Mo quickened his pace, following the flow of people until he arrived at a vibrant red-light district. The heavy scent of cosmetics and perfume hung thick in the air, detectable even from ten miles away. Standing outside a grand building, Shen Mo extended his senses and quickly pinpointed an elegant room on the second floor. Inside, the old elder Wan Muchun was with two poorly dressed young girls, passionately discussing the art of flower arrangement. They were debating which flowers were best for drying, how to choose the right vase, when to arrange the flowers, and when to add water. The discussion seemed to be going on for far too long. Helpless, Shen Mo lightly cleared his throat, channeling a trace of spiritual energy into the sound. Ordinary people wouldn''t hear it, but cultivators at his level or higher would immediately sense it. Sure enough, the window of the second-floor room soon opened. A head of white hair popped out, and Wan Muchun''s voice called down cheerfully: "Oh, Shen Mo, what brings you here?" "Apologies, I''m in the middle of discussing the art of flower arrangement with these two young ladies. Wait there, I''ll come right down." Wan Muchun laughed awkwardly. Moments later, Wan Muchun descended the stairs, trying his best to appear dignified. However, the lipstick marks on his neck and collar betrayed him, as did the strong scent of perfume clinging to his clothes. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 248: Entering the Fire Pill Palace to Contribute to the Sect, Nothing Else Chapter 248: Entering the Fire Pill Palace to Contribute to the Sect, Nothing Else "Cough, cough, this is quite a nice place. You should come by when you have time," Wan Muchun said, smacking his lips as if savoring the lingering experience. Shen Mo couldn''t help but chuckle. "Elder Wan, you came to the Flood Dragon Valley a while back to find me. Was there something urgent?" Wan Muchun froze for a moment before slapping his forehead. "Ah, right! I nearly forgotthere is something important!" "Come, let''s find a teahouse to talk." Moments later, the two of them were seated on the top floor of a teahouse, near a window. The air inside was filled with the delicate fragrance of tea. The servers, all young and beautiful maidens, flitted gracefully between the tables, a sight pleasing to the eye. This time, however, Wan Muchun ignored them and turned serious. "Recently, a few major events have occurred." Shen Mo nodded. "Please, Elder Wan, go on." Wan Muchun sighed softly. "First, there''s the situation in the south, in Mist Province. I''m sure you''ve already heard. For some unknown reason, the Demon Emperor personally acted, wiping out five cities in a single day. Over a million humans perished as a result. What''s shocking is that the governor''s mansion and the sects in Mist Province had no idea the Demon Emperor had infiltrated their territory alone. Many believe that the Demon Emperor''s power is unmatched. As a peak Divine Transformation Stage demon, he could likely slay a peak Divine Transformation Stage human cultivator with ease." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Even from the drop of blood essence left by the Demon Emperor, Shen Mo had sensed the being''s terrifying strength. It was no wonder so many humans willingly betrayed their kind to serve the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. They genuinely believed that the Demon Emperor would unify the world and that the demon race was superior and more perfect than humans. "The second issue concerns Yu Province," Wan Muchun continued. "The Pill River Sect has managed to reverse-engineer parts of the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill''s recipe using two ancient alchemical formulas. While the success rate is abysmally low, at only around 20%, it''s still a significant breakthrough. If the Pill River Sect begins mass-producing Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pills, their Nascent Soul cultivators'' realms will skyrocket. Any force that allies with the Pill River Sect will also be able to rapidly enhance their own Nascent Soul cultivators'' realms. From what I''ve heard, the Shangqing Sect and the governor''s mansion are already in talks with the Pill River Sect to purchase these pills. If they buy them, we''ll have no choice but to follow suit. This will turn our Jade Cauldron Sect''s alchemy industry into another chicken rib, just like our previous beast-taming ventures." Shen Mo was mildly surprised. The Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill was incredibly potent. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator of mediocre talent could, by thoroughly refining a single bottle of these pills, directly advance to the Nascent Soul Stage Perfection. With such pills, one could compensate for their weaknesses in other areas with sheer cultivation level. The Pill River Sect''s move was indeed stirring up the waters of Yu Province. "So why come to me, Elder Wan?" Shen Mo asked suddenly. He had little expertise in alchemy and no knowledge of alchemical techniques. Even if he wanted to help, there was little he could do. Wan Muchun''s expression grew solemn. "You''re aware of the Fire Pill Palace, correct? It''s one of the Jade Cauldron Sect''s restricted areas." Shen Mo nodded slightly. He did know of it. The Fire Pill Palace had once been the legendary alchemical grounds of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. When the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect was destroyed, many of its cultivators, unable to flee in time, hid valuable pill recipes and elixirs in secret corners of the Fire Pill Palace. Even now, lucky individuals occasionally stumbled upon a Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill or two within the palace. The palace''s abundant underground fire energy wasn''t infinite, however, and thus it was only opened once every ten years. Each time, a large number of elders would venture inside to seek their fortunes. Even finding a discarded pill or a damaged recipe could earn significant sect contributions. Shen Mo seemed to understand. "You want me to enter the Fire Pill Palace?" Wan Muchun nodded emphatically. "That''s also the wish of the sect leader and the grand elder. The Fire Pill Palace is fraught with danger, but your unique physique and possession of Heavenly Flame will allow you to navigate it like a fish in water. Moreover, there is a complete recipe for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill hidden within the Fire Pill Palace. We hope you can find it!" Shen Mo was somewhat surprised. "I heard that was just a rumor, spread by the remnants of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect to sow discord among the three sects of Yu Province. Wasn''t it deliberate misinformation?" Wan Muchun shook his head. "It''s real. When the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect was destroyed, its young sect master fled under the protection of several elders. His final destination was the Fire Pill Palace. He carried the Nine-Turn Alchemy Codex, which contains some of the most precious pill recipes, alchemy techniques, and even a Heaven-rank cultivation technique of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. Among those recipes is the formula for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. However, when we sealed off the Fire Pill Palace and searched for over a month, leaving no stone unturned, we couldn''t find any trace of him. There''s also no evidence that he ever escaped the Fire Pill Palace. The young sect master simply disappeared, neither alive nor dead." Shen Mo frowned slightly as he listened. It did sound plausible. If it was true, then with the aid of his destiny panel, he would have no trouble finding the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill''s recipe. Wan Muchun continued, "The Fire Pill Palace is set to open in one year. To enter, one must meet two requirements: being at least a Three Cauldron Elder and having reached the Nascent Soul Stage Perfection. While you already qualify as an elder, your current cultivation is still at the Nascent Soul Stage Initial Success, which falls short of the requirement." Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The sect leader has agreed to make an exception this time. If you''re willing to enter the Fire Pill Palace, the cultivation requirement will be waived for you." Shen Mo smiled but said nothing. No one knew that he had already advanced to Nascent Soul Stage Perfection, except for the old flood dragon. Wan Muchun lacked the ability to discern someone''s cultivation level and, even sitting face-to-face with Shen Mo, assumed he was still at Nascent Soul Stage Initial Success. Fearing Shen Mo might refuse, Wan Muchun added, "Furthermore, if you agree to enter the Fire Pill Palace, the sect will allow you to choose any top-tier Earth-rank martial technique from the library." After delivering his pitch, Wan Muchun downed several sips of tea, his throat dry from talking. Shen Mo immediately grinned. "I agree. I mainly want to contribute to the sectit has nothing to do with the Earth-rank martial technique." A top-tier Earth-rank martial technique typically required fifty Grade-C contributions to obtain. Rejecting such a free treasure would make him a fool. Wan Muchun nearly choked on his tea but quickly broke into laughter. "Good, good! It''s settled then. With your agreement, the sect leader, grand elder, and I can rest assured." "Oh, one more thingDongxuan will be entering with you this time. You two can support each other inside. Additionally, Ye Yan, who possesses a fire attribute physique, has also been invited by the sect leader. Be cautious around him." Shen Mo nodded slightly. This was all within his expectations. Ye Yan''s physique, the Solar Flame Body, made him just as much at home in the Fire Pill Palace as Shen Mo himself. "Alright, I''ll leave you to prepare. As for me, I''m going back to exchange ideas about flower arranging with those young ladies. Ah, these youngstersso eager to learn. It''s almost troubling," Wan Muchun said as he shot to his feet and vanished in a flash. Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. After a moment of thought, he mused to himself, "I happen to lack a reliable martial technique for regular use. I should head to the Scripture Pavilion now." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 249: Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art and the Two Forms Spirit Sword Chapter 249: Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art and the Two Forms Spirit Sword The Jade Cauldron Sect''s Scripture Pavilion exuded a faint scholarly fragrance that seemed to intoxicate the soul. Of course, it wasn''t the scent of books that captivated people but rather the profound meanings these texts represented. Each of these martial and cultivation manualsranging from Profound-rank to Heaven-rankstored here carried unparalleled value. Anyone would be tempted to peruse them. This ability to record, study, and pass on knowledge was innate to the human race after stepping onto the immortal path. It was also what fundamentally set humans apart from demons. The Scripture Pavilion was divided into five floors. The first floor was accessible to both outer and inner disciples. The second floor was reserved for core disciples, One-Cauldron Elders, and Two-Cauldron Elders. The third floor was exclusive to Three-Cauldron and Four-Cauldron Elders. The fourth floor was for Five-Cauldron and Six-Cauldron Elders. As for the fifth floor, only the sect master could enter. After arriving at the Scripture Pavilion, Shen Mo headed directly to the third floor. There weren''t many people on this level. Scanning the room, Shen Mo counted only five individuals present. Most of them appeared middle-aged, while two were elderly, clearly approaching the end of their lifespans. Seeing Shen Mo''s youthful face, the five individuals looked slightly surprised. Some offered him kind gazes, while others nodded faintly in greeting. Such a young Three-Cauldron Elder had boundless potential. Even if they couldn''t form a relationship with him, they knew better than to offend him. As elders who had lived for hundreds of years, they were well-versed in these unspoken social nuances. Shen Mo returned their smiles politely and began his search. "I might as well pick a sword art to use as a standard method for dealing with enemies," Shen Mo thought. He already possessed a top-grade Earth-rank spiritual weapon, the . However, his current was becoming outdated. This was the perfect opportunity to find a more powerful Earth-rank sword art. Shen Mo''s eyes scanned the rows of bookshelves. "Dragon Riding Sword Art" "Heaven and Earth Reversal Sword Art" "Nine Instant Kill Swords" "..." One title after another passed before his eyes. From the titles alone, Shen Mo could generally discern the nature of each sword art. Some focused on grand, sweeping strikes; others were sinister and cunning. Some emphasized power, channeling one''s spiritual energy into a single overwhelming blow. Others relied on speed, bombarding opponents with a relentless rain of sword strikes. However, after browsing through the collection, Shen Mo still couldn''t find a technique that suited him. He felt as though something was missing. Just then, footsteps echoed from the entrance of the third floor. Shen Mo turned to look and couldn''t help but smile. It was none other than Ye Yan. Ye Yan''s gaze immediately fell on Shen Mo, and his expression turned icy. It was as if he had just encountered a fated nemesis. "Shen Mo, so you''re here too," Ye Yan said coldly. Shen Mo smiled lightly. "If you''re allowed to come, why wouldn''t I be?" The elders on the third floor paused, briefly startled by the interaction. Ye Yan was widely recognized within the sect, having been personally trained by the Second Elder, Yang Qiye, from his time as a core disciple. His reputation was already well-established. In contrast, Shen Mo''s youthful and unfamiliar face wasn''t known to many. However, his name had been making waves recently, shining as brightly as the midday sun. "So that''s Shen Mo." "He looks even younger than Ye Yan." "Interesting. These two don''t seem to get along." "Tsk tsk, it looks like there''s bound to be a showdown between these two in the future." The elders exchanged whispers, clearly enjoying the drama. In their eyes, both Shen Mo and Ye Yan were exceptional young prodigies. They had no intention of intervening in the tension between the two. To do so would risk offending one side, and there would be no good outcome for themselves. "You caused me to be cast out by the old flood dragon. I''ve never forgotten that grudge," Ye Yan said coldly. Shen Mo paused, then chuckled lightly. So it was about that. This was understandable. It was because Shen Mo had pointed out to the old flood dragon that it was naturally infertile and would only ever have a single offspring. This revelation not only struck a sore spot in the old flood dragon''s heart but also made Ye Yan''s attempt to present the Heavy Water Sky Python as a gift a painful reminder. That Ye Yan was cold-shouldered afterward was hardly surprising. Meeting Ye Yan''s icy gaze, Shen Mo merely smiled and said, "You''ll have more grudges to remember in the future. Enjoy holding onto them." With that, he turned and walked toward a nearby bookshelf, picking up a thin manual and examining it carefully. Ye Yan, unwilling to look at Shen Mo any longer, moved to another part of the room with a cold expression. "This feels like the missing piece I''ve been searching for It was fate," Shen Mo murmured, satisfied as he studied the manual in his hands. The manual was for the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art, a top-grade Earth-rank martial technique. This sword art had only three layers: Mastering the first layer allowed one to wield Yang Sword Qi. The second layer granted mastery of Yin Sword Qi. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The third and most difficult layer fused Yin and Yang Sword Qi into the powerful Dual Energy Sword Qi. The sword art was notoriously difficult to cultivate, and while many prodigious cultivators had attempted it, few ever reached the third layer. However, Shen Mo wasn''t drawn to the technique itself. What interested him was a hidden forging method embedded in the texta method to create the spiritual sword known as Two Forms. When paired with the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art, this sword could amplify the technique''s power twofold. This hidden treasure was the true value of the sword art. Had it not been for his destiny panel revealing the intricacies of Ye Yan''s life, Shen Mo would never have discovered that the manual contained this concealed forging method. "This is the one!" Shen Mo exclaimed inwardly as he took the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art and left decisively. "What did he take?" "Let me see Oh, impressive! He chose the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art!" "Tch, young people are bold. That''s one of the most difficult martial techniques in the Scripture Pavilion, and he dares to cultivate it." "Ha, remember when we were young and thought we were geniuses too? We tried everything, hit roadblocks everywhere, and only later realized that there are levels to genius. We''re ordinary geniuses. Someone like Shen Mo might just be extraordinary." "So what kind of genius do you think Shen Mo is?" "He might not be unparalleled, but he''s at least one in ten thousand. My guess? He''ll return that manual in a month, defeated." The elders whispered among themselves, their tones laced with curiosity and amusement. Ye Yan overheard their remarks and sneered as he watched Shen Mo''s retreating figure. "Of all the choices, you pick the hardest one. If anyone''s bound to fail, it''s you." Dragon Snake Mountain Upon returning to Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo headed straight for the barren plain where he often trained. The vegetation surrounding the area seemed to have learned its lesson. Nothing dared to grow there anymore, as if aware that doing so would invite certain death. "Time to begin," Shen Mo said to himself, unfurling the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art manual. With his exceptional comprehension and unparalleled swordsmanship, Shen Mo quickly immersed himself in the world of sword qi. In less than two hours, he had fully studied the manual. His mind seemed to enter a realm where sword qi crisscrossed endlessly. Instinctively, he drew his and began practicing the Yang Sword Qi technique described in the manual. At first, the strikes lacked power, and no visible sword qi appeared on the blade. But as time passed, Shen Mo became increasingly proficient. After two days and nights of relentless practice, a sudden breakthrough occurred. A blazing, yang-infused sword qi erupted from the blade, extending a full three meters. With just a light slash, the ground split into a deep, jagged fissure. Shen Mo snapped out of his trance, staring at the mark on the ground with surprise and delight. "I can''t believe I mastered Yang Sword Qi in just two days!" "Now for the next stepcultivating Yin Sword Qi!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 250: Enduring for the Jade Cauldron Sect, I’ll Bear the Infamy Chapter 250: Enduring for the Jade Cauldron Sect, I''ll Bear the Infamy In the Governor''s Mansion of Yu Province, an imposing elder sat at a heavy wooden desk, his broad frame exuding authority. Before him lay a war report from Mist Province, its contents eliciting a rare solemnity on his weathered face. Since becoming the governor of Yu Province, it had been a long time since he had shown such an expression. Standing silently to the side was his trusted general, Wu Renyin, who said nothing, his posture unwavering amidst the cold and oppressive atmosphere that hung in the room. "The Demon Emperor personally acted, infiltrating the heart of Mist Province and annihilating five of its most prosperous cities," the governor said grimly. "From the highest humans to livestock such as cattle, pigs, and dogs, nothing was spared." "The governor of Mist Province and its two main sects didn''t even realize the Demon Emperor had entered their territory." The elder pushed the war report aside, rubbing his temples in frustration. Wu Renyin picked up the report and carefully reviewed it. "What are your thoughts?" the governor asked. Wu Renyin spoke in a steady tone. "My lord, I believe Mist Province cannot withstand the advance of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. If we do not intervene, Mist Province will fall under the demon''s iron hooves in as little as three years, or as much as ten." The governor sighed. "You see more clearly than most. The capital remains mired in luxury and celebration, convinced that the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom is no match for Jing Country." "They underestimate the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom and, more importantly, the ambition and strength of this Demon Emperor." Wu Renyin nodded slightly. "The Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom has lain dormant for 500 years, quietly amassing power. Now the time has come for them to strike. Those in the capital, accustomed to their comfortable lives, have no understanding of this." The governor shook his head. "If only Yu Province were entirely under my control. I would issue an immediate order for all cultivators to march to Mist Province''s borders and hold off the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom." Wu Renyin said in a deep voice, "It is not too late. The Jade Cauldron Sect is already weakening as per your plans. With one year remaining before the Fire Pill Palace opens, if we activate another hidden piece, the Jade Cauldron Sect will weaken further. When the time comes, it will be easy for you to take control of the sect. Once they''re under your command, you can throw them into Mist Province as cannon fodder. This will preserve the court''s forces while diminishing the sect''s strength." The governor shook his head and pushed a document toward Wu Renyin. "The Jade Cauldron Sect hasn''t weakened significantly. Look at this document." Wu Renyin took it and read. It was a record of trade between the governor''s mansion and the Jade Cauldron Sect. Previously, the Jade Cauldron Sect had purchased large quantities of spiritual beast and demon beast materials from the governor''s mansion. However, in the past two years, the roles had reversed, with the governor''s mansion buying such materials from the Jade Cauldron Sect instead. At the end of the document was a note: both the Shangqing Sect and Pill River Sect had also begun purchasing materials from the Jade Cauldron Sect. Wu Renyin''s expression darkened. "Is this because of Dragon Snake Mountain?" The governor nodded. "Exactly. The Jade Cauldron Sect''s beast-taming industry has suddenly flourished. Since the year they turned their losses into profits, their cost-effectiveness has far surpassed ours. To the extent that, as the governor of Yu Province, it is now cheaper for me to purchase beast materials directly from them than to produce them myself." Wu Renyin remained silent. The sudden strength of the Jade Cauldron Sect''s beast-taming industry was unexpected, even for him. The governor massaged his temples, reflecting. Blood Vine Valley had cost the sect 21 Nascent Soul elders, yet their revitalized beast-taming industry had replenished much of their losses. Overall, the Jade Cauldron Sect had not weakened much at all. Suddenly, the governor asked, "What about the human collaborators sent by the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom? Has the old flood dragon been swayed yet?" Wu Renyin''s expression turned awkward. "No, there''s been no movement at all." The governor frowned deeply. "What happened? Report everything to me in detail, immediately." Wu Renyin lowered his voice. "According to our informants in the Jade Cauldron Sect, the stewards assigned to guard the valley of the old flood dragon were indeed replaced by those two collaborators. However, after they entered the valley, they never came out again. Our informants also reported that Shen Mo entered the valley that day." The governor''s frown deepened. He was already aware of Shen Mo''s interactions with the old flood dragon. He could roughly guess Shen Mo''s intentions: to curry favor with the old flood dragon and secure its backing as a powerful ally. Chapter 250: Enduring for the Jade Cauldron Sect, I''ll Bear the Infamy The old flood dragon, having lived for countless years, was far from a foolish creature. Gaining its trust and support was a nearly impossible task. The only way was to find its missing flood dragon egg. But something that countless cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect had failed to accomplish over millenniahow could someone like Shen Mo succeed? Because of this, the governor of Yu Province hadn''t taken the matter to heart. Now, it seemed he had been wrong. The relationship between Shen Mo and the old flood dragon had likely deepened to an extraordinary level. The governor''s expression turned cold. "It must have been Shen Mo who interfered, causing this operation to fail." Wu Renyin nodded. "That is my assumption as well." The governor slowly rose and began pacing the room. After a moment, he asked, "How are the arrangements for the Fire Pill Palace coming along?" Wu Renyin responded respectfully, "Everything is in place. After 30 years of preparation, the underground fire in the Fire Pill Palace is now immensely strong and on the brink of eruption. All it needs is the right trigger, and it will explode with a deafening roar, destroying the entire Fire Pill Palace and everyone inside. This will send shockwaves through the Jade Cauldron Sect. Once they investigate, their findings will lead to a Four-Cauldron Elder, who is actually an undercover agent from the Pill River Sect. At that point, the Jade Cauldron Sect and the Pill River Sect will inevitably come to blows, creating the perfect opportunity for us to intervene." The governor nodded slightly. "This time, everything must be done perfectly. No one can know that we were behind it. Otherwise, it will only cause the Jade Cauldron Sect to direct their hatred toward us." Wu Renyin nodded emphatically. "Rest assured, my lord. I have meticulously prepared for this. No matter how thoroughly the Jade Cauldron Sect investigates, they will never trace it back to the governor''s mansion." The governor nodded. "Good. Get to it. This matter cannot be delayed." "As you command." Wu Renyin bowed and left. The governor gazed southward, his expression deep and contemplative. Unifying Yu Province was already a monumental task. Now, with the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom launching a massive invasion of Mist Province, Yu Province was burdened with the additional responsibility of providing support to the neighboring province. It was an uphill battle. Initially, he had planned to unify the three sects of Yu Province through gradual and peaceful means. But now, that was no longer an option. In extraordinary times, one must take extraordinary actions. Even if this matter were to be exposed in the future, causing an uproar in Yu Province and throughout the imperial court, he would still have no choice but to act. "At this point, the Jade Cauldron Sect must suffer. I will bear the infamy," the governor sighed softly. One Year Later, Dragon Snake Mountain On a barren plain, a figure clad in green practiced sword techniques. Sword qi swirled through the air, sharp enough to seemingly tear through space itself. What was truly remarkable, however, was the interplay of opposing energies. Fiery, yang-infused sword qi intertwined seamlessly with cold, yin-infused sword qi. There wasn''t the slightest hint of conflict between them. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo slowly sheathed his sword, exhaling a breath of turbid air, his expression brimming with joy. "Whew The Two Forms Sword has indeed greatly enhanced the power of the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Art." "More importantly, with the Two Forms Sword, even without mastering the third layer of the sword art, the Yang Sword Qi and Yin Sword Qi won''t conflict in the slightest." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 251: The Gap Between People Is Just This Big Chapter 251: The Gap Between People Is Just This Big Shen Mo held the Two-Yi Sword, which displayed black and white colors, in both hands and felt a slight sense of joy. This Two-Yi Sword was forged by him using the remains of the Burning Sword and Thunder Sword as the core, along with a large amount of Yin-attributed heavenly materials and earth treasures. Since he had mastered the method to forge the Two-Yi Sword and given his exceptional comprehension, it was not difficult for him to craft it. He only failed once before completely mastering the technique. Unlike most cultivators, who often fail ten or more times before they can even begin refining artifacts. "It''s a pity, if I had a bit more time, perhaps I could have cultivated the Yin-Yang Qi Sword Technique to the third level," Shen Mo said, shaking his head. Time waits for no one. A year had passed, and now the day of the Fire Pill Palace''s opening was fast approaching. As usual, Shen Mo left the affairs of Dragon Snake Mountain in the hands of Mei Haihe and Huang Bayi, before heading directly to the Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gate. After a year''s absence, the Jade Cauldron Sect looked much the same, with little change. Shen Mo did not head straight to the training grounds but instead made a trip to the Fire Dragon Valley to see the old Fire Dragon. Before he could even enter the valley, the old Fire Dragon had already smelled his scent. "Hahaha, Shen Mo, you''ve finally come! It''s been so boring here without you to talk to me! I''ve been alone as a dragon this whole time!" the old Fire Dragon laughed loudly, clearly delighted. Shen Mo chuckled along with him, then took out a variety of delicious foods from his storage ring. These were all the old Fire Dragon''s favorites. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old Fire Dragon''s eyes lit up, and he eagerly grabbed a roasted whole lamb and a roasted whole cow, throwing them into his mouth, thoroughly enjoying himself. "By the way, you mentioned helping me find a Fire Dragon egg within the year, but don''t worry about it," the old Fire Dragon casually said between bites. "I didn''t have much hope for it myself, so don''t keep worrying about it. Don''t let it delay your cultivation." Shen Mo immediately laughed. "Alright." "If I remember correctly, the Fire Pill Palace is about to open, right? Every time the Fire Pill Palace opens, Li Zhendao always brings me a lot of pills, all the kinds I love," the old Fire Dragon chuckled. It seemed to remind him of the time when they followed the founding ancestor of the Jade Cauldron Sect into the Fire Pill Palace, eating pills like they were beans. "How much do you know about the Fire Pill Palace, Protector?" Shen Mo asked thoughtfully. The old Fire Dragon scratched his head. "It''s been too long; I can''t remember clearly." "However, I do remember that the fire beasts in the Fire Pill Palace are quite strong. They''re almost immune to fire attribute attacks, so you should be careful." Shen Mo nodded slightly. He already knew this. The two main dangers in the Fire Pill Palace were the fire beasts and the killing formations. The fire spiritual energy in the Fire Pill Palace was incredibly dense, and over time, it gave rise to beasts almost entirely composed of spiritual energy, known as fire beasts. This time, with the Fire Pill Palace opening after ten years, there would certainly be many more fire beasts. If he found himself surrounded by a large number of them, it would indeed be troublesome. "Go ahead, just come by to talk when you have time," the old Fire Dragon waved his paw. Shen Mo nodded and, using his Qi, left the valley. Not long after, he landed steadily at the training grounds. Along the way, he passed by his attendants and disciples, all of whom bowed respectfully, showing no hint of carelessness. During this time, Shen Mo''s name had already spread far and wide. Many people called him the youngest elder of the Three-Ding elders. To many, Shen Mo had clearly become a rising starsomeone they would want to align with. At that moment, many elders had already gathered at the training grounds. Shen Mo''s arrival immediately drew their attention. He Tianchou spotted him from a distance, his face filled with joy. He quickly walked over with a few other elders, saying, "Elder Shen, I knew you would come. I was just talking about you with these elders!" He was accompanied by several elders, two of whom stood out the most. One was tall and muscular, while the other was stunningly beautiful and enchanting. Upon seeing Shen Mo, they all greeted him enthusiastically with a cupped fist gesture. Shen Mo responded in kind, recognizing some of them. They were the ones he had casually saved in the Blood Vine Valley some time ago. The others were likely friends of He Tianchou. He Tianchou looked at the young man with emotion in his heart. The last time they entered the Blood Vine Valley, he had greeted Shen Mo with a smile. However, after the events in the Blood Vine Valley, his admiration for Shen Mo had deepened. The smile on his face was now even more sincere. Shen Mo saw He Tianchou and smiled, "Is Master He coming again to earn some contributions?" He Tianchou laughed heartily, "Yes, not everyone can be like you, having so many contributions they can''t spend them all." He then winked mischievously, "You spent over a hundred B-level contributions in the Scripture Pavilion''s Treasure Hall a while ago. That''s already become the talk of the sect." "Many elders are calling you the rich man in private!" Shen Mo chuckled quietly. But when he thought about it, it was indeed true. He Tianchou had saved up for ten years and only managed to accumulate ten B-level contributions. Meanwhile, Shen Mo had earned 175 B-level contributions just from one trip to the Blood Vine Valley. Anyone would envy that. "By the way, Elder Shen, let me introduce these two to you." He Tianchou snapped his fingers and introduced, "This elder here, tall and strong, is named Ouyang Wei. He''s an elder from the Fifth Peak." "And this beautiful and enchanting female elder is named Liu Ruyun. She''s an elder from the Eighth Peak." "Elder Shen, we''ve all decided. After we enter the Fire Pill Palace, I''ll stick with you," a nearby elder said quickly. The others all chimed in with agreement. They had personally witnessed Shen Mo''s strength in the Blood Vine Valley. They knew how important it was to align with someone powerful. Shen Mo chuckled in response. Sticking together? It would certainly be safer for them. But for him, it wasn''t necessarily a good thing. He Tianchou saw through Shen Mo''s thoughts and cleared his throat, quickly adding, "Everyone, there are pros and cons to acting together. Moreover, the situation in the Fire Pill Palace is unpredictable. Who knows if we''ll even be able to stay together?" The elders nodded in agreement, "That''s true." Shen Mo smiled. He Tianchou certainly knew how to handle situations well. A single sentence from him eased the potential awkwardness. Liu Ruyun blinked and suggested, "I propose that after we enter the Fire Pill Palace, we help each other, watch each other''s backs. If we acquire any useful information, we can exchange it at the first opportunity." As she spoke, she took out a set of communication jade talismans and distributed them among the group. "This is a set of communication jade talismans I forged. They won''t be affected by the intense fire spiritual energy in the Fire Pill Palace." "As long as we are within a thousand-mile radius, we can communicate freely." The elder beside her nodded immediately, "Good, I agree!" "That''s right, helping each other will allow us to obtain more treasures." He Tianchou widened his eyes in surprise, "I''ve heard that Elder Liu is skilled in forging spiritual tools, but I didn''t expect her to create such a communication jade talisman. Truly impressive!" Ouyang Wei teased, "Elder Liu just mentioned how expensive these communication jade talismans are and how she was unwilling to give them out." "But now that Elder Shen has arrived, she''s handing them out. The difference between people is just this big?" Liu Ruyun didn''t respond to the teasing but instead fluttered her eyes and looked at Shen Mo, "Elder Shen, what do you think?" Shen Mo smiled slightly, took a communication jade talisman, and said, "Helping each other, sharing informationthis sounds good. I agree." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 252: The Nine-Turn Dao of Alchemy Is Real, and the Taiyi Holy Essence Pill Is Real Too Chapter 252: The Nine-Turn Dao of Alchemy Is Real, and the Taiyi Holy Essence Pill Is Real Too Shen Mo nodded, and only then did He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, Liu Ruyun, and the others feel reassured. They were well aware of Shen Mo''s strength. The establishment of this small group was clearly due to the presence of Shen Mo as their pillar of support. If Shen Mo were unwilling to join, Liu Ruyun would most likely take back the set of communication jades she had painstakingly refined. He Tianchou glanced at Shen Mo, who was chatting and laughing with the others, and couldn''t help but feel a twinge of emotion. Life is indeed full of twists and turns. Just because of this one person''s arrival, everything had changed. "Yo, little junior brother! Hall Master He! You''re all here?" A hearty voice rang out. Following the voice, a rugged man strode in and threw his arm around Shen Mo''s shoulder. Without looking, Shen Mo already knew who it was. "Elder L, a pleasure to meet you. Are you heading to the Fire Pill Palace as well?" He Tianchou asked with slight surprise. L Dongxuan nodded. "The old man asked me to go to the Fire Pill Palace to handle something." He Tianchou and the others nodded, tactfully refraining from probing further. Liu Ruyun''s beautiful eyes gleamed as she immediately handed over a communication jade, explaining what had just transpired. Finally, she added, "Elder Shen has already agreed to join. What about you, Elder L?" L Dongxuan heartily accepted the jade. "Since little junior brother has agreed, I''ll agree as well. I trust him." He Tianchou and the others were overjoyed once again. In their minds, L Dongxuan''s strength surpassed even Shen Mo''s. He was said to be invincible within the Nascent Soul realm. With L Dongxuan joining this small group, their confidence soared. "There''s a rumor that the Fire Pill Palace holds a Taiyi Holy Essence Pill, which can elevate a Heaven-grade physique to a Saint-grade physique. I wonder if it''s true," Liu Ruyun sighed. He Tianchou chuckled. "Elder Liu, you''re overthinking it. The Taiyi Holy Essence Pill is the kind of elixir that even the Nine-Turn Dao of Alchemy sect only ever managed to refine three of. As far as I know, the last one was already acquired by the royal family of Jing Kingdom." Ouyang Wei laughed as well. "Exactly. Elder Liu, let''s not entertain such unrealistic fantasies. Honestly, if anyone could find a Taiyi Holy Essence Pill, I''d eat this sword right here on the spot!" The surrounding elders joined in with good-natured laughter. Shen Mo also smiled faintly. He had heard of the rumor but didn''t believe it to be true either. If there truly were a Taiyi Holy Essence Pill, it would have been discovered long agowhy wait until now? At this moment, Ouyang Wei suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Everyone, the people from the Second and Fourth Peaks are here." The crowd lifted their gazes. It was common knowledge that among the ten peaks of the Jade Cauldron Sect, the Second and Fourth Peaks were the most powerful. They were followed by the First and Third Peaks. The elders of the Tenth Peak, while individually powerful, were too few in number and had long remained at the bottom of the hierarchy. Nevertheless, no one dared to underestimate the combat prowess of figures like Zhao Yaolu and L Dongxuan. Shen Mo also raised his eyes and immediately saw two groups of people approaching with laughter and conversation. Leading the Second Peak group were two individuals: one was a middle-aged man with a refined appearance, and the other was a young man clad in a crimson robe. The two were chatting and laughing as they walked. The rest of the elders followed closely behind, not daring to overstep. "Yang Qiye actually brought his own son to participate in the opening of the Fire Pill Palace," He Tianchou remarked in astonishment after recognizing the refined middle-aged man''s face. "That''s Yang Qiye''s son, Yang Wenyuan? I''ve heard of his accomplishments but never met him before," Liu Ruyun said thoughtfully, gazing from afar. Shen Mo looked at the man, finding him somewhat unfamiliar. Both Yang Wenyuan and another youth, Ye Yan, turned their gazes toward Shen Mo. However, Ye Yan''s eyes were fixed intently on Shen Mo, while Yang Wenyuan''s gaze swept past him, landing directly on L Dongxuan with a hint of resentment. Raising an eyebrow, Shen Mo casually asked, "Senior brother, do you recognize him?" L Dongxuan nodded. "Of course, I recognize him. Back when he was still in the sect, I would go to the Second Peak every day to spar with him. Every single time, I''d end up pinning him to the ground." "Eventually, he couldn''t take it anymore and applied to leave the sect. He went to the northernmost city in Taishan Prefecture to serve as the hall master there." Shen Mo chuckled softly at this. L Dongxuan glanced at Yang Wenyuan, their gazes meeting midair like sparks clashing against each other. After a long moment, Yang Wenyuan let out a cold snort and looked away. S~ea??h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. L Dongxuan smirked and withdrew his gaze. "Don''t be fooled by his refined demeanor. That man is actually an expert in poison techniques." "This time, the way he looked at me was not fearful in the least. There was even a hint of provocation." "I suspect he came prepared. I''m not afraid of his poisons, but you should be careful. I fear he might target you." Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. "Understood. Thank you, senior brother, for the warning." He then shifted his gaze toward Ye Yan, and a translucent panel appeared in his mind, detailing Ye Yan''s life path. Name: Ye Yan Cultivation Realm: Late Nascent Soul Stage Fate Lines: Family Scion, Flame Emperor Successor, Child of Fortune, Leadership Aura, Blessed by Heaven, Solar Molten Body Destiny: Ultimately halts at the peak of the Divine Transformation Stage. After joining the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, becomes the trusted lieutenant of the Demon Emperor and is granted the title of Human King. After the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom annexes Jing Kingdom, he seizes the Demon Emperor''s body and becomes the ruler of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. Recent Opportunities: Discovers a Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect Elder''s token while exploring Furnace No. 4 in the Fire Pill Palace. Finds a fire wolf den near Furnace No. 5, slays all the wolves, and acquires one Fifth-Tier Fire Beast Core and six Fourth-Tier Fire Beast Cores. Uncovers a hidden cavern beneath Furnace No. 8 containing a storage ring buried by an elder fifty years ago, retrieving fifty-two Fourth-Tier Fire Beast Cores. Falls into a lethal formation at the ruins of Furnace No. 9 but escapes using the elder''s token. Beyond the formation, discovers the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill formula in the sublayer of the furnace''s base. Finds a concealed mountain cave leading to an underground lava lake. Encounters Xiao Fan, and after a fierce battle, claims the Taiyi Holy Essence Pill while Xiao Fan obtains the Nine-Turn Alchemy Manual. Senses anomalies in the lava lake, realizes imminent danger, and escapes with Xiao Fan through a secret passage just before the volcanic eruption, avoiding disaster. After reading, Shen Mo pondered deeply. The information was overwhelming, and he needed a moment to digest it. "So, the Nine-Turn Alchemy Manual is real, and the Taiyi Holy Essence Pill is real as well." "And the Fire Pill Palace''s underground flames are going to erupt? In that case, it seems the elders entering the palace this time may suffer heavy losses, mirroring the tragedy that occurred in the Bloodvine Valley." Shen Mo committed Ye Yan''s life panel to memory, silently planning his next move. On the other side, Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan were speaking in hushed tones. "Senior brother, as far as I know, Shen Mo''s strength is already on par with L Dongxuan. You must not underestimate him," Ye Yan warned. Yang Wenyuan waved his hand dismissively. "Don''t worry. My father has personally instructed me. I''ll prioritize dealing with Shen Mo first." "Once I''ve taken care of him, I''ll handle L Dongxuan. I have everything under control." Yang Wenyuan added, "This time, the Fourth Elder''s men are also on our side. My father said that with your deep fortune, we are bound to find the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill formula!" Ye Yan nodded slightly, brimming with confidence. Just as Yang Qiye had said, he was indeed a man blessed with extraordinary fortune. Wherever there was a long-rumored treasure, it would invariably end up in his hands. He had experienced this countless times since childhood, and it had never failed him. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 253: If You Find Good Wine, Save Some for Me Chapter 253: If You Find Good Wine, Save Some for Me Whoosh! Three streaks of light descended from the sky, landing in the center of the martial arena. The arrivals were the Grand Elder in charge of the Disciplinary Hall, the Third Elder overseeing alchemy, and the Seventh Elder, who also specialized in alchemy. The Grand Elder glanced around and spoke solemnly. "Everyone, the Fire Pill Palace is brimming with fire spirit energy, showing signs of an early activation." "Any elders who have yet to arrive will forfeit their qualifications to enter the Fire Pill Palace." "Follow me immediately." With that, he rose into the air and flew northward. The crowd quickly followed suit. ... The Fire Pill Palace wasn''t located in Taishan Prefecture but in the neighboring Mianshan Prefecture to the north. Even at full speed, it still took three days for the Nascent Soul cultivators to arrive under the Grand Elder''s lead. For lower-level Core Formation cultivators, the journey would have taken at least half a month. Before long, the group descended in front of a massive crimson palace. Centered around the palace, the surrounding hundred-mile radius was scorched and barren, with only charred earth and few signs of life. Only a handful of heat-resistant demonic beasts and plants managed to survive in such a harsh environment. As the group landed, three figures emerged from the palace to greet them respectfully. The Grand Elder asked in a stern voice, "Liu Qiang, as the resident elder of the Fire Pill Palace, have there been any abnormalities in the last ten years?" After the betrayal of Assistant Elder Zhang Feng at Bloodvine Valley, the Grand Elder had grown more vigilant. Elder Liu Qiang had already undergone multiple secret investigations by the Disciplinary Hall, confirming his loyalty to the Jade Cauldron Sect. Liu Qiang respectfully replied, "Reporting to the Grand Elder, starting thirty years ago, the fire spirit energy in the Fire Pill Palace began to recover at a rapid pace." "I believe it''s likely due to signs of an active volcano beneath the palace beginning to awaken." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As a result, the number and strength of fire beasts within the palace have significantly increased." "However, unless external factors intervene, the volcano is unlikely to erupt for at least five more years. You can rest assured, Grand Elder." The Grand Elder nodded slightly. "Take out all the tokens you''ve prepared over the years." "Understood." Liu Qiang waved his hand, and numerous tokens flew out from his storage ring, landing in front of Shen Mo and the others. Shen Mo examined the tokens. The front bore the characters "Nine Turns," while the back read "Inner Sect Disciple." These were tokens from the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect, signifying the status of inner sect disciples. Looking around, Shen Mo noticed that everyone else had similar tokens. The Third and Seventh Elders, at the forefront, each received tokens marked for true disciples of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. Because the Fire Pill Palace contained numerous formations, including deadly ones, carrying a token from the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect was essential for safety. Without at least an inner sect disciple token, entry to the Fire Pill Palace was impossible. The higher the rank of the token, the more areas one could access within the palace. Additionally, tokens from the Fire Pill Palace were scattered inside. Finding an elder-level token allowed almost unrestricted movement within the palace. Shen Mo recalled that in Ye Yan''s predetermined fate, he had found an elder token shortly after entering the palace. This token enabled Ye Yan to freely explore the palace and search for treasures without being attacked by formations. The Grand Elder scanned the group and said in a deep voice, "The Fire Pill Palace will remain open for one year. After that, I will be here to receive you all." "Understood," everyone responded. The Grand Elder nodded before departing. "Everyone, please enter," Liu Qiang, the resident elder, said with a smile. Shen Mo and the others filed in, descending a slanted staircase into the underground Fire Pill Palace. As they descended deeper, the temperature steadily rose. Many elders began to feel uncomfortable, resorting to expending spiritual energy to resist the heat. However, Shen Mo, with his fire attribute constitution, found the temperature no more troublesome than warm water. The group continued downward. After descending roughly two hundred zhang, they reached the end of the staircase. What lay before them was a scene of decay and ruin. Above them stretched a towering dome, black smoke swirling like a dark night sky. The air, distorted by the intense heat, created an almost surreal atmosphere. The ground was littered with broken walls and crumbling ruins. Everywhere one looked, there were remnants of a past grandeur, now reduced to rubble. The barren ground had no trace of vegetation, only coarse gravel. In the distance, waves of blazing fire erupted into the air from time to time. Roars of tigers and howls of wolves mingled with the chaotic cries of various demonic beasts, creating a cacophony of sound. This was the Fire Pill Palacean underground wasteland dominated by red, heat, and disorder. Many couldn''t help but blink a few times. The predominant red hue of this desolate place was overwhelming, straining the eyes after prolonged exposure. The Third and Seventh Elders split off, heading toward separate earth furnaces. Their purpose in entering the Fire Pill Palace was to refine pillsa rare opportunity that came only once every ten years and was not to be wasted. Unless they succeeded in their pill refining and completed their tasks, they wouldn''t leave the furnaces for a moment. "Gathering together will slow us down. Let''s split up. Take care, junior brother." L Dongxuan patted Shen Mo on the shoulder before dashing into the ruins. However, he hadn''t gone far before he suddenly sprinted back even faster, leaving He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, Liu Ruyun, and the others utterly confused. L Dongxuan chuckled. "Oh, right. I remembered something! The Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect had a wine called Blazing Fire Brew. Drinking it feels like swallowing flames, and it was made right here in the Fire Pill Palace." "Junior brother, and you allif you happen to find some, save it for me. We can negotiate the price!" Shen Mo smiled faintly, already guessing what L Dongxuan was going to say. He nodded. "Don''t worry, senior brother. I''ll make sure to save some for you." He Tianchou and the others, both amused and exasperated, also nodded in agreement. Satisfied with their response, L Dongxuan finally dashed back into the ruins. Ye Yan followed shortly after, speeding off in a different direction. The other elders quickly dispersed as well. Those confident in their abilities ventured alone, while the less confident formed groups of two or three to explore together. Shen Mo, naturally, chose not to team up with anyone. After orienting himself, he headed straight for Furnace No. 4. The Fire Pill Palace originally had fifteen earth furnaces, named numerically from No. 1 to No. 15. However, the protracted war that raged here in the past had caused twelve of the furnaces to collapse. Only three furnaces remained usable. Furnace No. 4, on the other hand, was one of the collapsed furnaces. The journey to Furnace No. 4 was far from smooth. The Fire Pill Palace was expansive, and the presence of numerous formations greatly reduced the flying speed of Nascent Soul cultivators. Along the way, Shen Mo faced repeated attacks from fire beasts. As a result, it took him a full two days to reach Furnace No. 4. "There it is!" Shen Mo''s spirits lifted as he looked ahead. A massive stone furnace, fifty zhang tall, was half-buried in gravel. The furnace was riddled with cracks and damage. Over thousands of years, the gravel and remnants of herbs had fused together, becoming indistinguishable from one another. At the base of the furnace lay a pitch-black pit. This was the earthfire vent. From the vent, flames occasionally surged, alternating between weak flickers and powerful bursts, resembling the vigor of a lively child. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 254: The Five-Cauldron Elder’s Token—Xiao Fan Has Arrived Chapter 254: The Five-Cauldron Elder''s TokenXiao Fan Has Arrived Shen Mo gazed thoughtfully at the geothermal vent before him. Just as he had seen on Ye Yan''s life panel, the geothermal energy beneath the Fire Pill Palace was destined to erupt in the future. Through the observation of this geothermal vent, he had already noticed subtle signs of instability. However, most others believed the eruption was still three to five years away. By then, the Fire Pill Palace would be in a sealed state. Even if the eruption occurred, it would pose no threat. On the contrary, it might even bring forth numerous underground minerals and enable the growth of rare herbs that thrive in high-temperature environments. Shen Mo steadied his mind, refraining from overthinking, and immediately stepped into the geothermal furnace. Suddenly A howl echoed! Before he could even plant his feet firmly, two fiery red shadows lunged at him. Their claws bared, they aimed straight for his throat! Shen Mo remained composed, flipping his hand to draw out the A sinister, piercing energy erupted from the blade, as sharp and elusive as two venomous serpents coiling toward their targets. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Scalding blood splattered onto the ground. With a final howl, the two fire beasts collapsed lifelessly. Shen Mo casually sheathed his sword and hung it at his waist. Lying on the ground were the corpses of two fire wolves. These wolves, their fur fiery red, looked as though they were ablaze when in motionan astonishingly beautiful sight. Both were fifth-tier beasts of the intermediate level. Born in such a scorching environment, they naturally possessed a remarkable resistance to fire-based martial arts. If they were to face off against four beasts of the same level in the outside world, they would undoubtedly emerge victorious. Their ambush location had been particularly cunning, situated squarely in Shen Mo''s blind spot. Had it been an ordinary Nascent Soul-stage cultivator, they would have been alarmed, retreating repeatedly. Even if death were avoided, significant injuries would have been inevitable. Unfortunately for the two fire wolves, their adversary was Shen Mo. With his top-tier , Shen Mo''s sensitivity to fire elemental energy far surpassed that of any other type of spiritual energy. For him, the two fire wolves, despite hiding in his blind spot, were as conspicuous as small suns. Shen Mo retrieved a small blade and casually pierced the abdomens of the two fire wolves. Disappointed, he shook his head. "No fire beast monster core again." "These are far rarer than ordinary cores." Fire beast monster cores are found within fire beasts and contain a uniquely concentrated fire energy. They are ideal for cultivators with fire-based physiques like Shen Mo, perfect for absorption and refinement. They also serve as excellent fuel for alchemy. A single fire beast monster core is equivalent to three regular monster cores of the same tier. Unfortunately, such cores only form in particularly powerful fire beasts. Ordinary fire beasts contain nothing at all. Stepping over the fire wolves'' corpses, Shen Mo ventured deeper into the geothermal furnace. He summoned a gust of wind to clear away the sand and debris within the furnace. After carefully searching, he eventually found a hidden in a concealed corner. This token bore the image of five small cauldrons, signifying that it belonged to a Five-Cauldron Elder. The Upper Clarity Sect, Jade Cauldron Sect, and Pill River Sect had united to destroy the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect, yet they still learned much from it. This included the ranking system for elders. Similar to the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect, the elder rankings for the three sects ranged from one cauldron to six cauldrons. "With this token, I don''t need to worry about the various formations in the Fire Pill Palace." Shen Mo pondered for a moment before tucking the token into his robes. Then, he hung the disciple token he had received before entering the Fire Pill Palace on his waist. This way, to outsiders, he would appear to be merely an inner sect disciple. As Shen Mo glanced at the fire wolves'' corpses, he noticed that their internal blood had already been rapidly dried by the intense heat. Now, they had turned into two stiff, desiccated corpses. Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. The intense heat of this place had no effect on him, but he imagined it would cause discomfort for most others. "Next, I need to head to Furnace No. 5. There''s a fire wolf nest there." After orienting himself, Shen Mo dashed towards Furnace No. 5. He needed to hurry. If he delayed, Ye Yan might seize the opportunity meant for him. One day after Shen Mo left Furnace No. 4, a figure clad in fiery red arrived leisurely. It was Ye Yan. Along the way, he had encountered numerous fire beasts blocking his path and had narrowly avoided a deadly trap formation. This had significantly slowed his progress. "There might still be treasures in the collapsed geothermal furnace," Ye Yan thought to himself as he stepped into Furnace No. 4. However, upon entering, his eyes immediately fell on the two fire wolf corpses lying on the ground, now dried and mummified. Ye Yan frowned. Due to the intense heat, he couldn''t tell if these fire wolves had died recently or decades ago. "My speed isn''t slow; I should have been the first to arrive. It''s impossible for anyone to have gotten here before me." Ye Yan calmed himself and began searching every corner of the furnace. After half a day of meticulous searching, all he found was a torn and incomplete pill formula. "This formula might at best exchange for a Ding-grade contribution" Shaking his head, Ye Yan sighed in frustration and left Furnace No. 4 to search elsewhere. On the surface Under the cover of night, a lone figure approached the Fire Pill Palace. He wasn''t heading for the main entrance, but rather toward the back. "Dan Lao, does the Fire Pill Palace really have a secret passage?" Xiao Fan asked, puzzled. A voice echoed in his mindit was Dan Lao speaking. "Have you forgotten? I was the Grand Elder of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect." "I personally oversaw the construction of the Fire Pill Palace." "I could still draw you a complete map of it right now." Xiao Fan slapped his forehead, laughing awkwardly. "That''s true." "Up ahead, the second row, third brick. Place your palm on it and activate the technique I taught you," Dan Lao instructed. Xiao Fan quickly moved forward. Before him stood a towering stone wall. Each brick was half a person''s height, and despite the passage of countless years, the wall remained intact, standing firmly to guard the ruins of the Fire Pill Palace. Following Dan Lao''s instructions, Xiao Fan placed his hand on the designated brick and activated the Earth-tier technique of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. After a few breaths, the stone brick silently split apart, revealing a deep, dark passageway! The passage sloped downward, resembling the gullet of some giant beast. "This is it. Once you enter this passage, you''ll emerge directly inside Furnace No. 10," Dan Lao explained. "If I remember correctly, there should still be an elder''s token I left behind there." "With that elder''s token, you''ll be free to move around the Fire Pill Palace without hindrance." Dan Lao chuckled. Xiao Fan nodded firmly. "Thank you, Dan Lao!" Dan Lao''s tone turned serious. "It''s no trouble. But I have only one requestyou must obtain the Nine-Turn Alchemy Manual." "That manual is the foundation of the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. It contains the secrets to countless techniques and martial skills." "With it, everything can begin anew." "We can even rebuild the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect together!" Xiao Fan nodded resolutely. "Rest assured, Dan Lao. I will not fail you!" With that, he stepped into the passageway. Behind him, the stone brick closed seamlessly, leaving no trace of its existence. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 255: I Feel Relieved Knowing Others Didn’t Gain Much Either Chapter 255: I Feel Relieved Knowing Others Didn''t Gain Much Either Seven days later, near Furnace No. 5. A dying wail echoed through the air, followed by the dull thud of a heavy body collapsing to the ground. Amid the carnage of fire wolf corpses stood a figure clad in green, wielding a black-and-white sword. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm and indifferent. Slaughtering these fire wolves had not cost Shen Mo much effort. There had been a total of 21 fire wolves in the area. Even the wolf king, a fifth-tier peak beast comparable to a Nascent Soul-stage peak cultivator, was no match for Shen Mo. After a few exchanges, the wolf king was slain. As for the remaining fire wolves, they were dispatched even faster, unable to withstand a single strike from him. Shen Mo systematically cut open the bodies of the fire wolves. He only managed to extract a single fire beast monster core, the size of a thumb, from the wolf king''s abdomen. The other wolves'' bodies contained nothingnot even fragments of a core. With that task done, Shen Mo entered the wolves'' den. The den was littered with scattered remainssome from other fire beasts, and others clearly human bones. These must have belonged to elders who had entered the Fire Pill Palace in the past, only to fall victim to the wolves'' ambush and meet their end here. After a thorough search, Shen Mo found a storage ring in a corner. Inside the ring were a fifth-tier fire beast monster core and six fourth-tier fire beast monster cores. "Oh? There''s stardust sand here?" In the den''s corner, Shen Mo noticed an inconspicuous pile of sand. Stardust sand is a rare mineral that forms over long periods by absorbing starlight. It is rarely found elsewhere, but the depths of the Fire Pill Palace contain a fair amount of it. The reason is straightforward. At the height of its power, the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect not only used the Fire Pill Palace for alchemy but also for crafting weapons. Much of the stardust sand mined or purchased by the sect was stored here. During the great war that led to the sect''s downfall, the sand was scattered and mixed with the Fire Pill Palace''s debris. Every time the palace reopens, any elder willing to spend time searching can usually gather a few taels of stardust sand. That Shen Mo found it here, far from the palace''s interior where temperatures are higher, was a pleasant surprise. "This opportunity must be uniquely minesomething even Ye Yan hasn''t discovered." Satisfied, Shen Mo carefully stored the stardust sand. Stardust sand is an excellent material for crafting spiritual weapons. Its balanced and neutral properties make it compatible with any elemental attribute. Although Shen Mo had received some as part of his elder stipend over the years, he had never used it and kept it stored in his ring. "The three treasures of the Fire Pill Palace: fire beast crystals, stardust sand, and crimson scale flowers." "Now, the crimson scale flower is the only one I haven''t found yet." Shen Mo reflected. Of the three treasures, stardust sand was the least immediately useful. It required proper crafting to convert it into combat power. Fire beast crystals, while directly absorbable, benefited fire-attribute physiques the most and were less effective for others. For maximum value, fire beast crystals were best exchanged for contribution points. The crimson scale flower, however, was different. This peculiar flower, once refined, could expand the dantian. Cultivators of all levels desired a larger dantian. With a more expansive dantian, they could store more spiritual energy. Sometimes, having just a bit more spiritual energy could determine life or death in a critical moment. Because of this, crimson scale flowers were highly sought after. Not only were they prized in the Jade Cauldron Sect, but also in the Upper Clarity Sect, Pill River Sect, and even the State Governor''s Office, where they commanded steep prices. In the Jade Cauldron Sect, a single crimson scale flower cost ten Ding-grade contribution points. If sold outside, one flower could fetch five top-grade spirit stones. "Next, I''ll head to Furnace No. 8. An elder buried a storage ring there fifty years ago, likely knowing he was near death and hoping his descendants might retrieve it." "Still, fifty years have passed, and the storage ring remains undiscovered. It''s likely his descendants have met a grim fate as well." "That ring contains fifty-two fourth-tier fire beast monster coresI can''t afford to miss it." Shen Mo quickened his pace, advancing deeper into the Fire Pill Palace. Just like in the Blood Vine Valley, the boundary between the outer and inner regions of the Fire Pill Palace had a safehouse constructed later by the Jade Cauldron Sect. Each time the Fire Pill Palace opened, this safehouse became a hub for the sect''s cultivators to rest, trade, and strategize. Whenever venturing out to seek treasures, cultivators would use the safehouse as a central point to explore outward. The deeper regions were far more perilous, with stronger fire beasts and deadlier formations. Those unsure of their strength rarely dared to venture there. Two Months Later, Safehouse Ye Yan wearily stepped into the safehouse. It had been eight days since his last expedition for treasures. During that time, he had managed to find only two fourth-tier fire beast monster cores, a small measure of stardust sand, and a single crimson scale flower. On several occasions, he had narrowly avoided being swept into hordes of roaming fire beasts, some numbering over a hundred. He had come perilously close to death more than once. Such terrible luck left Ye Yan questioning whether he was still the fortunate man he''d always believed himself to be. Had all the good fortune he enjoyed since childhood abandoned him in the Fire Pill Palace? Moreover, he frequently noticed traces of someone else having been in the places he explored. Sometimes it was a field of fire beast corpses. Other times, the disturbed dirt and gravel hinted at recent activity. It was as if someone had passed through ahead of him, taking the treasures that should have been his. Ye Yan rubbed his temples, shaking off these thoughts. That''s impossible. How could someone else take opportunities meant for him? He didn''t even know what those opportunities were himself. Clearing his mind, Ye Yan stepped further into the safehouse. The sounds of haggling and chatter filled his ears. "Trade! A crimson scale flower for three fourth-tier fire beast monster corescome quick!" "Info! I know the location of a blazing wild boar nest. Five Ding-grade contributions for the intel!" "News! The geothermal vent at Furnace No. 6 is eruptingstay away!" The cacophony made Ye Yan feel even more irritated. In two months of exploring the Fire Pill Palace, he hadn''t traded with anyone. He barely had enough for himself, let alone anything worth trading. Scanning the room, Ye Yan noticed several elders in a corner engaged in hushed conversation. Though they weren''t speaking loudly, anyone paying attention could overhear them. "How many fire beast monster cores did you find this time?" "Don''t even ask. The three of us searched for six days. We encountered plenty of fire beasts, but they were either incredibly strong individually or moved in large packs. Six days, and we only got one fourth-tier fire beast monster core." "Same here! It feels like all the fire beasts are stronger this year." "Didn''t the stationed elder mention that the geothermal activity has been unstable over the last decade? That''s probably why the fire beasts have grown stronger." "What about you? How did it go?" "Not great. I haven''t accumulated many fire beast crystals in these two months either. It''s been frustrating." "I''ve been feeling uneasy the past few days. Let''s hope nothing goes wrong." Ye Yan listened thoughtfully. "So that''s it. I thought it was just me encountering unusually strong fire beasts. Turns out they''ve all gotten stronger and more numerous overall." With that realization, Ye Yan felt some relief. It seemed everyone was facing the same challenges. No one was exempt. The thought that others were having just as little success as he was put Ye Yan''s mind at ease. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 256: Eight Crimson Lotus Flowers and the Crimson Lotus Pill Chapter 256: Eight Crimson Lotus Flowers and the Crimson Lotus Pill At this moment, a loud shout suddenly broke the air. "Buying Crimson Lotus Flowers! One Crimson Lotus Flower can be exchanged for four Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals! The more you have, the better the deal!" Ye Yan frowned slightly. One Crimson Lotus Flower for four Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals? Such a high priceit''s a huge loss! Moreover, who could possibly have so many Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals right now? Unable to suppress his curiosity, he glanced over. With one look, he immediately spotted a burly man with a robust physique, alongside a figure clad in green robes. "Shen Mo and Ouyang Wei..." Ye Yan furrowed his brow deeply. "Where did they get so many Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals?" Shen Mo and Ouyang Wei were seated cross-legged in a corner of the safehouse. Shen Mo remained silent, sitting calmly in meditation. Ouyang Wei, on the other hand, was enthusiastically shouting out his offer. He was well aware of Shen Mo''s strength, and during the past two months, Shen Mo had even saved his life once. Thus, although shouting for others like this might seem undignified, Ouyang Wei didn''t mind at all. As expected, the shout immediately caught the attention of many elders. Elsewhere, the typical rate was one Crimson Lotus Flower for three Tier-4 Beast Crystals. Offering four was unheard of. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Naturally, this deal caused a frenzy among the mages. "So, it''s Elder Ouyang." "I have two Crimson Lotus Flowers, but can Elder Ouyang really come up with eight Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals?" "Yes, I''ve been searching the Fire Pill Palace for two months now and only managed to gather ten Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals in total. As for Tier-5 ones, I haven''t seen a single one." The elders cast doubtful glances at Ouyang Wei, paying little attention to the figure seated next to himShen Mo. Ouyang Wei chuckled helplessly. "Everyone, the one conducting the trade isn''t me but the elder next to me, Shen Mo." "I''m just helping him call out the offer." The elders were even more astonished. Some of them recognized Shen Mo, while others didn''t. Seeing such a young elder, it was only natural for them to feel skeptical. After all, in the path of cultivation, age often correlates with strength. At this moment, Shen Mo finally opened his eyes and smiled faintly. "I don''t have many Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals on me, so I can only trade for eight Crimson Lotus Flowers for now. First come, first served." After speaking, Shen Mo reached into his storage ring. With a flick of his wrist, thirty Tier-4 Fire Beast Crystals tumbled out. The crystals sparkled with fiery light, resembling rubies. The elders'' eyes widened in astonishment. "What the!" "Thirty of them?!" And their quality and size were exceptional. Even from a distance, Ye Yan froze at the sight of this scene. The gap between him and Shen Mohow did it suddenly grow so vast? Clenching his teeth, he turned and left the safehouse without looking back. He had never been one to accept defeat willingly. He needed to hunt more Fire Beasts and seek out treasures! "Elder Shen, I have two Crimson Lotus Flowers!" "Elder Shen, Elder Shen! I have three flowersI''ll trade with you!" "Elder Shen, I also have one, but I don''t want Fire Beast Crystals. Do you have any healing pills? I''m in desperate need of them!" The elders immediately voiced their offers, their expressions filled with excitement. In the Fire Pill Palace, Fire Beast Crystals were practically a form of currency. Even those without fire-affinity physiques could use them to trade for other necessities. Healing pills, for instance, were in particularly high demand. Shen Mo smiled. "No need to rush; I''ll trade with everyone." Ouyang Wei clicked his tongue in amazement from the side. He genuinely hadn''t expected Shen Mo to bring out so many Fire Beast Crystals all at once. The thought of clinging tightly to this powerhouse grew even firmer in his mind. In no time, Shen Mo had acquired all eight Crimson Lotus Flowers. "Elder Ouyang, thank you for helping me call out the offers. These two Fire Beast Crystals are for you." Shen Mo handed the remaining two crystals to Ouyang Wei. Ouyang Wei, overwhelmed, quickly waved his hands. "No, no, no, this isn''t right. Elder Shen saved my life. Helping you shout was the least I could do." Shen Mo firmly handed over the Fire Beast Crystals. Ouyang Wei swallowed hard, clearly tempted by the crystals. Now that Shen Mo was so insistent, refusing to accept them would seem inappropriate. "Alright, I''ll take them. If Elder Shen needs my help in the future, I, Ouyang Wei, will not hesitate!" He patted his chest and spoke with determination. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. He had saved Ouyang Wei''s life, and Ouyang Wei''s assistance in calling out offers was a way to repay that debt. Yet Shen Mo still gave him two Fire Beast Crystals as compensationthis was how relationships and favors worked. The surrounding elders, watching Ouyang Wei receive two Fire Beast Crystals merely for shouting a few times, couldn''t help but show envy. Shouting? Even they could do that! "Elder Shen, aren''t you being a bit too partial? It''s just calling out offersI can do it too," a charming voice teased. Shen Mo turned to see a stunningly beautiful female elder, Liu Ruyun. He chuckled. "Next time, Elder Liu. If there''s an opportunity, I''ll be sure to seek your help." The elders exchanged knowing smiles, their faces filled with amusement. Shen Mo''s gaze unconsciously swept over Liu Ruyun, lingering briefly as thoughts churned in his mind. "So she''s the one responsible for the underground fire eruption in the Fire Pill Palace" Shen Mo strode out of the safehouse, activating his Eightfold Thunder Movement technique, disappearing over the horizon in moments. After he left, two elders exchanged a glance and quietly followed him. Shen Mo had already noticed them, so once he was out of the safehouse, he increased his speed and began circling around. Before long, he managed to shake off the two tailing figures. The two elders, now utterly lost, had no choice but to give up and return to the safehouse. In a secluded underground cave. Shen Mo carefully inspected the array formations. Once he confirmed their integrity, he sat cross-legged. He had exchanged eight Crimson Lotus Flowers from the other eldersa treasure anyone would covet. Some might even be tempted to kill for them. After all, the Fire Pill Palace was not the main sect grounds of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Here, if someone were killed and the evidence erased, with no witnesses, no one would ever know how that person met their end. But Shen Mo had taken precautions before flaunting his wealth. He had prepared three separate hidden refuges like this underground cave, each fortified with various formations. They were secure enough for him to practice without worry. The so-called "safehouse" was far from truly safe. Only his personal hideouts offered real security. "Crimson Lotus Flower" Shen Mo took out one Crimson Lotus Flower and examined it carefully. The flower was no larger than a palm, square-shaped, with no noticeable fragrancea rather peculiar specimen. However, when he leaned in to take a closer sniff, Shen Mo felt his dantian grow warm. The usually calm sea of spiritual energy within him seemed to stir, as if a hungry puppy had caught the scent of a meaty bone. "The Crimson Lotus Flower truly has the ability to strengthen the dantian," Shen Mo murmured with approval. He immediately began refining it. Encased in spiritual energy, the palm-sized flower began to dissolve. Petals, stems, and leaves all melted down. Finally, it transformed into a red medicinal liquid. Shen Mo opened his mouth and swallowed it in one gulp. The surging medicinal power immediately spread through his body, guided by his spiritual energy toward his dantian. In the next moment, his dantian emanated a comforting warmth. The edges of his dantian were expanding and growing. The growth was subtle, but Shen Mo could distinctly feel itit was real! "The Crimson Lotus Flower can be directly refined or combined with two other medicinal ingredients to create the Crimson Lotus Pill, which has even stronger effects." "Unfortunately, I don''t know the recipe for the Crimson Lotus Pill" "But if I can locate the ahead of time, I might be able to craft the Crimson Lotus Pill myself. That would fully utilize the flower''s medicinal potential!" Determined, Shen Mo carefully stored the remaining seven Crimson Lotus Flowers and headed deeper into the Fire Pill Palace. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 257: Ye Yan, You’re Truly Shameless Chapter 257: Ye Yan, You''re Truly Shameless One month later. "This is the recipe for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill?" "It practically fell into my hands without effort." In the dark cavern beneath the No. 9 Earthfire Furnace, Shen Mo held a yellowed sheet of parchment with a delighted expression. The parchment contained the detailed recipe for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. Every aspect, from ingredients to fire control and minute details, was meticulously recorded. With just a brief glance, Shen Mo already felt inspired, eager to start refining the pill. Of course, for those with average comprehension, this recipe would likely remain incomprehensible no matter how much effort they put in, leaving them staring blankly at the page. "There are two ways to refine the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill," Shen Mo mused. "The first method is straightforward, requiring twelve types of herbs, but I don''t have all those ingredients. The second is a shortcut. Since the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill shares similar ingredients with the Greater Nascent Soul Transformation Pill, I can use eight of the latter pills along with a Tier 5 Fire Beast Core to refine it." Shen Mo''s thoughts raced. Fortunately, his storage ring contained plenty of Greater Nascent Soul Transformation Pills, and he also had a Tier 5 Fire Beast Core. This would be enough to refine one Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. "I even have a pill furnace, the one I obtained from Lion Roar Valley in the Azure Mountains. It''s never been used before." Shen Mo rummaged through his high-grade storage ring and retrieved a dust-covered pill furnace. The furnace was about the size of a human head, adorned with intricate carvings of plants and trees, exuding an ancient, mysterious aura. "However, this is just a top-tier Mystic-grade pill furnace. Refining the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill might be too much for it. It could even explode halfway through the process." "That would be a complete disaster." After some thought, Shen Mo put the furnace back into his storage ring. A Mystic-grade furnace wouldn''t suffice. At the very least, he needed a low-grade Earth-grade furnace. "There might be an Earth-grade furnace hidden somewhere in the Fire Pill Palace. I''ll need to keep an eye out for this opportunity." Shen Mo stood up, ready to leave the underground cavern. Just then, the sound-transmitting jade on him suddenly vibrated. Shen Mo''s heart stirred. The jade was the one Liu Ruyun had distributed to them. Anyone holding it could communicate within a range of 100 miles, unaffected by the dense fire energy in the Fire Pill Palace. Shen Mo infused his spiritual energy into the jade. A panicked voice immediately echoed out. "This is He Tianchou! Ye Yan and I are near the Earthfire Eye of the No. 9 Furnace! Two Tier 5 Fire Flood Dragons are chasing us! Is anyone nearby? Please help!" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Such fire beasts were rare, and their bodies likely contained Fire Beast Cores. Moreover, He Tianchou was a decent person. Since Shen Mo had the ability to help, there was no need to turn a blind eye. As for Ye Yan, even if Shen Mo didn''t intervene, Ye Yan wouldn''t die. But Ye Yan was like a prime sheep ready for slaughter. Shen Mo had already stripped him of his recent opportunities, but fate likely favored Ye Yan, granting him new ones. With opportunities so close, how could he let them slip away? Shen Mo immediately dashed out of the cavern, heading straight for the Earthfire Eye beneath the No. 9 Furnace. Sure enough, after sprinting for a hundred breaths, he spotted two figures desperately running for their lives, pursued by two massive Fire Flood Dragons. One dragon was sixty zhang long, the other slightly smaller but still fifty zhang in length. He Tianchou was covered in injuries, his body charred black from burns. His defensive spiritual artifact had long since been reduced to ashes. Ye Yan''s condition was slightly better, though his robes were in tatters, entirely stripped of his usual cold, domineering aura. Even if the two of them worked together, they might be able to deal with the smaller fifty-zhang Fire Flood Dragon but would be severely injured in the process. However, with two dragons chasing them, they had no chance. He Tianchou gritted his teeth, forcing out the last remnants of his spiritual energy as he ran with all his might. Without help, he was certain to die. The thought filled him with despair. This year''s Fire Pill Palace exploration was far more dangerous than ever before. Fire Flood Dragons, such fearsome beasts, had never appeared in the past! Ye Yan, in slightly better shape, occasionally glanced at He Tianchou, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. When being chased by a magical beast, you don''t necessarily have to outrun the beast. Sometimes, you only need to be faster than your companion. And if that''s not possible, you can always slow your companion down. Ye Yan''s palm suddenly twisted backward, unleashing a flaming blade that struck directly in front of He Tianchou. He Tianchou''s heart raced as he instinctively dodged. His speed dropped immediately in that crucial moment, putting him squarely in the attack range of the two Fire Flood Dragons. Roar! The two Fire Flood Dragons simultaneously opened their mouths, unleashing fireballs that struck He Tianchou''s back with pinpoint accuracy. With barely any spiritual energy left in his body, He Tianchou could only muster a feeble defense. His body was blasted into the air, and a massive charred wound appeared on his back. He couldn''t suppress a pained scream, gritting his teeth as he gasped for breath. Meanwhile, Ye Yan used the opportunity to widen the gap between himself and the Fire Flood Dragons. Overcome with rage, He Tianchou roared, "Ye Yan! You''re truly shameless!" He and Ye Yan had no personal grievances, yet Ye Yan had turned him into a human shield to cover his retreat. How could he not be furious? Roar! The deep growls grew louder. Trembling, He Tianchou raised his head, his scalp tingling with fear. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two Fire Flood Dragons were already towering over him. The smaller dragon, thirty zhang long, opened its jaws wide, ready to devour him. But the larger dragon, sixty zhang long, snorted, sending a blast of hot air from its nostrils. The smaller dragon froze mid-action, reluctantly closing its mouth with a hint of frustration. The larger dragon then opened its mouth, its fangs descending toward He Tianchou, radiating searing heat that enveloped him, ready to consume him entirely. Despair filled He Tianchou''s eyes. Clang! A sharp and piercing streak of sword energy shot through the air, striking the head of the larger Fire Flood Dragon. The dragon''s head tilted to the side, missing He Tianchou entirely, and instead biting into a mouthful of dirt. Furious, the larger Fire Flood Dragon let out a deafening roar, glaring toward its attacker. The smaller dragon also raised its head, its eyes scanning for the audacious intruder daring to intervene. "Move!" A familiar voice rang out. Startled, He Tianchou instinctively rolled to the side, tumbling several zhang away. He looked toward the sky and saw a figure in green battling fiercely against the two massive Fire Flood Dragons. Tears welled up in He Tianchou''s eyes. He hadn''t been wrong to trust this friend. However, as He Tianchou assessed the situation, worry clouded his thoughts. The larger Fire Flood Dragon was a peak Tier 5 fire beast, and even the smaller one was at mid-Tier 5. Shen Mo''s cultivation was only at the Nascent Soul mid-stage. Could he really handle fighting both of them? He Tianchou watched the battle anxiously. Roar! Roar! Roar! The larger Fire Flood Dragon, enraged by Shen Mo''s interference, let out an earth-shaking bellow, unleashing a barrage of fireballs from its mouth. The fiery projectiles rained down like a meteor shower, threatening to engulf Shen Mo. With a single hand, Shen Mo tightly gripped his spiritual sword, , as spiritual energy surged within him. Streaks of yin sword energy shot out continuously. Each strike shattered a fireball mid-air, creating bursts of fireworks in the sky. He Tianchou watched in astonishment, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Isn''t that the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Technique? When did he learn that?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 258: The Flames Are Spent, Now It’s My Turn Chapter 258: The Flames Are Spent, Now It''s My Turn Elsewhere, Ye Yan had already sprinted over a thousand zhang away. His ears twitched as he heard the roars of the Fire Flood Dragons. Curiosity compelled him to glance back toward the source of the commotion. There, a figure in green was battling the two massive Fire Flood Dragons head-on. The sharp and ruthless sword energy continuously shot out, keeping the two dragons at bay and eliciting furious roars. "Shen Mo?" Ye Yan''s expression darkened. "That''s the sword energy from the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Technique!" "How could he have mastered it so quickly?" Ye Yan frowned deeply. When Shen Mo had chosen the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Technique in the library, Ye Yan had scoffed, thinking it was a ridiculous choicean overly ambitious attempt at a difficult skill. But now, he realized just how wrong he had been. In just over a year, Shen Mo had mastered both and sword energies. For Ye Yan, achieving the same would have taken at least three years. Ye Yan''s face shifted between shades of green and white as he looked again at the battle in the sky. The two Fire Flood Dragons, one large and one small, were now attacking Shen Mo in tandem. Flames surged through the air, painting half the sky red. Shen Mo''s entire figure was enveloped in the inferno. S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A hint of smug satisfaction crossed Ye Yan''s face. Ye Yan decided to wait. If Shen Mo died, it would be the best outcome. If Shen Mo and He Tianchou somehow survived, Ye Yan would finish them off himself. "Shen Mo, you shouldn''t have shown up. You shouldn''t have played the hero and tried to save the day!" Ye Yan''s gaze grew cold and calculating. He had wanted to kill Shen Mo for a long time but had never found the right opportunity. Now, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Above, the two Fire Flood Dragons relentlessly spewed flames, their fiery breath covering the battlefield in a storm of heat and destruction. For a hundred breaths, the inferno raged on without pause. On the ground, He Tianchou lay half-conscious, his mouth agape as he watched the spectacle. He Tianchou''s heart sank. Despite Shen Mo''s strength, it was hard to imagine he could endure such a fierce assault. "Shen Mo I''ve doomed you," He Tianchou lamented, tears streaming down his face. If it weren''t for his distress call, Shen Mo wouldn''t have come. Shen Mo wouldn''t have died. It was all his fault. "Shen Mo bought me precious time. I must survive. I''ll expose what Ye Yan did, and I''ll bring Ouyang Wei and the others to avenge Shen Mo. We''ll slay these two dragons!" With a deep breath, He Tianchou staggered to his feet. He cast one last glance at the inferno in the sky and began to flee as quickly as his battered body would allow. "The flames are spent? Then it''s my turn." A calm voice echoed from within the sea of fire. He Tianchou froze mid-step, his heart skipping a beat. Slowly, he turned back toward the sky, hope rekindling in his eyes. The two Fire Flood Dragons, having exhausted their flames to the point of hoarseness, stopped and stared in disbelief at the source of the voice. Suddenly, vibrant blue flames ignited, consuming the crimson inferno in an instant. The fire spewed by the dragons, powerful as they were, was mere beast fireinnate to their kind but ultimately limited. What emerged now was the , a rare and unparalleled flame of legend. Beast fire was utterly insignificant in its presence. Amid the blue flames, Shen Mo stood tall, his green robes fluttering despite the stillness of the air. His figure exuded an aura of dominance and composure. The towering inferno from moments earlier had left him completely unharmed. From the ground, He Tianchou cried out in exhilaration, "You''re alive! You''re alive!" Shen Mo''s gaze turned cold as he focused on the larger Fire Flood Dragon. "Time for you to die." With a flick of his wrist, his glimmered, forming serpentine patterns of black and white energy that shot toward the dragon like striking vipers, intent on tearing it apart. The larger Fire Flood Dragon sensed imminent danger and immediately assumed a defensive posture. However, in the blink of an eye, Shen Mo''s figure disappeared. The only trace left in the air was faint streaks of lightning. A flicker of human-like astonishment appeared in the dragon''s eyes. The next moment, a shriek of agony erupted from behind it. When the larger Fire Flood Dragon turned to look, it saw a thirty-zhang-long streak of ink-like sword energy piercing through the smaller Fire Flood Dragon''s body. This formidable Tier 5 mid-stage beast had its life extinguished in an instant, without even a chance to resist. It was the result of the fusion of the and the , creating an even more powerful sword technique. He Tianchou''s eyes widened in shock. "That speed in that split second! It was unbelievably fast!" "And that ink-like sword energy What was it? It instantly killed the smaller Fire Flood Dragon!" From a distance, Ye Yan witnessed the scene and was equally dumbfounded. He had always thought that, in a one-on-one fight, he could slay the smaller Fire Flood Dragon as well. But there was no way he could kill it so quickly and effortlessly. "That ink-like sword energy It looks like an incredibly powerful spiritual weapon. At least a top-tier Earth-grade artifact" Jealousy burned in Ye Yan''s heart. Why did Shen Mo have all the treasures? Why was fate so unfair to him, leaving him with so few trump cards? Roar! Roar! Roar! The larger Fire Flood Dragon roared in fury. Enraged by the death of its companion, it charged at Shen Mo with reckless abandon. Its massive jaws opened wide, large enough to swallow ten Shen Mos at once. "You charge at me instead of fleeing? This will be the worst decision of your life," Shen Mo said calmly. Facing the ferocious charge, Shen Mo did not retreat or dodge. Instead, he raised his once more. "When I killed the smaller Fire Flood Dragon, I realized that the blending of water and ink is the perfect fusion." "In the same way, and can also merge seamlessly." "Today, I''ll send you on your way with the ." As Shen Mo spoke, white and black shot out from both sides of the . In an instant, the sword energy expanded to more than twenty zhang, transforming the battlefield. Half the sky turned black and white, devoid of the fiery red hues that had previously dominated. What was even more astonishing was that the two opposing energies did not clash or conflict. Instead, under an invisible force, they began to merge. Moments ago, the black and white energies were distinct. Now, they blended into a single shade of gray. Gray. It symbolized death. It symbolized the absence of all vitality. This was the third stage of the Yin-Yang Dual Energy Sword Technique: . But it wasn''t just that. Within Shen Mo''s dantian, his Nascent Soul, crowned with a golden , opened its eyes and gently moved its tiny hand. Golden energy surged from his dantian, coursing through his body, and infused itself into the sword. This was the . Even when applied to an ordinary skill, it could amplify its power by twofold! In an instant, the twenty-zhang-long expanded further, growing larger, longer, and more massive. "Slash!" With an indifferent gaze, Shen Mo swung the sword downward. The massive body of the charging Fire Flood Dragon seemed to freeze in place. A few breaths later, its body silently split into seventeen or eighteen segments. Without a sound, the pieces fell to the ground. The entire battlefield was deathly silent. That portion of the sky remained shrouded in gray, so ominous that no one dared to look at it for too long. He Tianchou stared, his eyes wide with disbelief. His face was frozen in shock. From a distance, Ye Yan was first overcome with astonishment, then consumed by fear. He shot one last, terrified glance at Shen Mo before turning and fleeing at full speed, his movement techniques carrying him away as fast as he could go. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 259: The Location of the Supreme Earth-Tier Cauldron Chapter 259: The Location of the Supreme Earth-Tier Cauldron Ye Yan''s body instinctively warned him: He knew he was no match for Shen Mo. As he fled at full speed, a bitter feeling welled up in Ye Yan''s heart. Just a few years ago, he had already reached the Nascent Soul stage (minor completion), while Shen Mo had barely stepped into the Nascent Soul stage. Yet now, Shen Mo''s strength had surpassed his. Facing Shen Mo, Ye Yan felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and fear. This feeling was terrifying. From Shen Mo''s perspective, Ye Yan''s figure gradually disappeared beyond the horizon. He didn''t give chase. The distance was already considerable, and catching up to Ye Yan would take time. Moreover, someone like Ye Yan, a "child of destiny," would be difficult to kill without an overwhelming disparity in strength. Since that was the case, pursuing him was unnecessary. He Tianchou, in tears, knelt and exclaimed, "Elder Shen, thank you! Thank you so much!" He even wanted to kneel and hug Shen Mo''s legs. If not for Shen Mo''s intervention, his life would have surely ended here. "No need to be so emotional, Hall Master He," Shen Mo said with a wave of his hand, helping him stand up. "I have the strength to assist, so I naturally will." He Tianchou took a few deep breaths to calm his emotions. Looking in the direction Ye Yan had fled, his eyes burned with hatred. "I, He Tianchou, will never share the same sky with Ye Yan!" Shen Mo patted his shoulder. "Focus on healing for now. Once we return to the sect, Ye Yan''s reputation will be in shambles." The Fire Pill Palace had always been a place with few rules. Murdering for treasure was not uncommon; many had done it in secret. But the prerequisite was leaving no witnesses. For someone like Ye Yan to use He Tianchou to fend off a Fire Flood Dragon while escaping unscathedsimilar things had been done before. If He Tianchou had died, no one would have known what Ye Yan had done. But now that He Tianchou had survived, Ye Yan was in deep trouble. "Alright," He Tianchou replied, sitting cross-legged and pulling out several healing pills to begin his recovery. Meanwhile, Shen Mo strode over to the two Fire Flood Dragons. With a small knife, he skillfully cut open their abdomens. Moments later, two thumb-sized Fire Beast Demon Crystals rested in his palm. "As expected, powerful Fire Beasts like these are likely to have demon crystals inside." "And these are two fifth-tier Fire Beast Demon Crystals!" Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A smile spread across Shen Mo''s face. This trip had been well worth it. By now, He Tianchou had recovered significantly. When he saw the two fifth-tier Fire Beast Demon Crystals in Shen Mo''s hand, he couldn''t hide his envy. "Elder Shen, you truly are blessed with great fortune. If someone else had encountered these Fire Flood Dragons, they''d only have fled in panic. How could they slay them and obtain their demon crystals like you?" His words were filled with admiration. He had realized how vast the gap between himself and Shen Mo was. Naturally, he wouldn''t harbor any covetous thoughts about the demon crystals. He even felt that Shen Mo''s strength was now comparable to that of L Dongxuan. It was clear that choosing to ally with Shen Mo had been a brilliant decision. "By the way, I have something for you as a token of my gratitude for saving my life." He Tianchou solemnly retrieved a tattered pill recipe and handed it to Shen Mo. Shen Mo accepted it and glanced over the recipe. The front of the recipe was heavily weathered, with much of the text obscured. Even with his extensive knowledge of rare materials, Shen Mo could only identify five or six ingredients at first glance. "The key lies on the back," He Tianchou said with a smile. Shen Mo flipped the recipe over. On the back, a string of clear and distinct words caught his eye. "I am Elder He Chun of the Four Cauldrons. I have discovered a supreme Earth-tier cauldron, but I am gravely injured. I can only hide the cauldron in a secure location, hoping that future generations of the He family will retrieve it." "I hope my descendants will diligently practice and not squander the sect''s cultivation." Beneath these words was a roughly sketched map, seemingly marking the location of a hidden treasure. Shen Mo was astonished. It was the location of a supreme Earth-tier cauldron! And he indeed needed such a cauldron to refine pills at the moment. He Tianchou sighed. "He Chun was my grandfather. He perished in the Fire Pill Palace over 200 years ago." "I''ve entered the Fire Pill Palace multiple times under the guise of earning contributions, but my true intent was to locate my grandfather''s legacy." "This was something I found near Furnace No. 9. Ye Yan didn''t notice the writing on the back and discarded it like trash." At this, He Tianchou sneered, seemingly mocking Ye Yan''s inability to recognize its value. "Now I''m giving it to you. This opportunity should belong to someone stronger." He looked into Shen Mo''s eyes with sincerity. Shen Mo thought for a moment before nodding solemnly. "If that''s the case, I''ll gladly accept it. Thank you." "Hall Master He, you are gravely injured. I''ll escort you back to the safehouse before searching for the cauldron myself." "I also have a bottle of healing pills here for you." The value of a supreme Earth-tier cauldron was immense. He Tianchou''s deliberate act of offering such a significant gift clearly carried an ulterior motivehe wanted Shen Mo to protect him on his way back to the safehouse. Moreover, if He Tianchou returned alone, there was a chance Ye Yan might ambush him en route. With Shen Mo escorting him, Ye Yan wouldn''t have the opportunity. This way, once He Tianchou reached the safehouse, he could also publicly reveal Ye Yan''s despicable actions. Even if this didn''t completely ruin Ye Yan''s reputation or isolate him, it would at least make others wary of him. People like Yang Wenyuan and others might not voice it outright, but they would likely grow cautious of Ye Yan. As a result, Ye Yan would often have to act alone, reducing his chances of acquiring treasures. He Tianchou accepted the pills, his heart settling. He knew he had made the right gamble. Shen Mo was not like Ye Yan. If it had been Ye Yan, he might have killed He Tianchou on the spot, taken the map, and sought the treasure himself. With that, Shen Mo and He Tianchou set out for the safehouse, Shen Mo leading the way. A Day Later The two passed by Furnace No. 8. Shen Mo noticed a broken stele with many inscriptions carved into its surface. As the pair stopped to rest for a moment, Shen Mo examined the writing and chuckled. "The words on this stele are full of insults against the Jade Cauldron Sect." He Tianchou burst into laughter. "That''s normal. When the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect was annihilated, many of their cultivators, knowing their deaths were imminent, carved these stones to hurl insults at the three sects of Yu Province. They accused them of betrayal, biting the hand that fed them, and other such nonsense." "Further into the depths of the Fire Pill Palace, beyond Furnace No. 12, there are even more of these steles." "Honestly, it''s all because the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect brought it upon themselves. If they had acted with decency, the three sects wouldn''t have banded together to destroy them." Shen Mo was intrigued. The Jade Cauldron Sect''s library contained numerous texts on such topics. However, most of the books he had exchanged were about the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, leaving him with little knowledge about the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect. "Hall Master He, tell mewhat exactly did the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect do to bring about their downfall?" Shen Mo asked with a smile. He Tianchou grinned. "This is something my grandfather told mehe participated in that great battle back then. At the time, the Jade Cauldron Sect, the Supreme Purity Sect, and the Danhe Sect were all subordinate branches of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect." "If life had been tolerable under their rule, no one would have risen in rebellion." "Let me give you a few examples, Elder Shen, and you''ll understand." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 260: Elder Shen, We’ve Been Tricked by Ye Yan—This is a Killing Formation Chapter 260: Elder Shen, We''ve Been Tricked by Ye YanThis is a Killing Formation "First, the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect exploited the three sects of Yu Province. Whenever a talented disciple in any of the three sects awakened an Earth-tier or higher constitution, they would be immediately taken by the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect." "Second, their stinginess. The Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect was miserly to the extreme, unwilling to share even the tiniest scrap." "Third, and most damning, the final sect master of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect was rumored to be connected to the Demon Clan." "There were claims he cultivated demonic techniques, and some said he was possessed by a Demon Clan member. Various rumors spread." "This became the justification for the three sects of Yu Province to unite against the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect." Hearing this, Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. Could this be the Demon Clan of the Suppressing Demon Sea? "Elder Shen, are you interested in the Demon Clan?" He Tianchou laughed. Shen Mo neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he smiled and said, "I''ve come across brief mentions of them in the Jade Cauldron Sect''s library but have no idea where the Demon Clan originated." "Now that you mention the final sect master of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect had connections to the Demon Clan, it reminded me of the records I''ve read." He Tianchou chuckled. "I don''t know much either." "All I know is that the Demon Clan was vast in number, and their individual combat strength was exceptionally high." "However, they''ve vanished without a trace and have almost never appeared in Jing Country." "Still, some demonic techniques are secretly circulating." "Most of these techniques are adaptations of the Demon Clan''s methods, and the major sects strictly prohibit their practice." Shen Mo fell into thought. So, those techniques with extremely severe side effects fell into the category of demonic techniques. No wonder the final sect master of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect was connected to the Demon Clan. Demonic techniques were indeed powerful despite their drawbacks, far surpassing ordinary techniques. Every cultivator instinctively pursued greater power. It was an undeniable truth. The real question was whether one could remain true to oneself. He Tianchou didn''t elaborate further on the Demon Clan, as his knowledge was limited to what his late grandfather had shared. The two conversed happily. He Tianchou was pleased to use these anecdotes to grow closer to Shen Mo. Shen Mo, on the other hand, was glad to learn more about ancient secrets, which might prove useful in the future. Not far away, a figure hid among the ruins, watching the two with cold eyes. It was none other than Ye Yan. He had changed into a fresh set of robes, tidied his hair, and restored his usual aloof, icy demeanor. But upon seeing Shen Mo and He Tianchou chatting together, he clenched his teeth involuntarily. "Damn it!" "Shen Mo is actually escorting He Tianchou all the way back." "I''m confident I can ambush and kill He Tianchou, but I''m no match for Shen Mo." "What should I do? If they make it back to the safehouse, He Tianchou will definitely expose what I''ve done!" A cold light flashed in Ye Yan''s eyes. He was ruthless and domineering but cared deeply about preserving his reputation. If He Tianchou revealed his actions, others would inevitably become wary of him. Even someone like Yang Wenyuan, son of Yang Qiye, would secretly guard against him when cooperating. That would be disastrous. "The only solution is to act preemptively and beat them to the safehouse!" "There''s a killing formation ahead. If I can lure them into it, it might not kill them, but it will at least slow them down." Ye Yan hatched a plan and immediately moved closer to the pair. From a distance, he unleashed a fiery palm strike! Shen Mo and He Tianchou were engrossed in their conversation but hadn''t let their guard down. They remained vigilant of their surroundings. Ye Yan''s fiery palm strike immediately caught their attention. Shen Mo swiftly unsheathed his sword, unleashing a burst of radiant sword energy. The fiery palm and sword energy collided midair, intertwining before dissipating into nothingness. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s Ye Yan. After him!" Shen Mo leapt to his feet, lightly tapping the ground with his toes to accelerate his pursuit. He Tianchou, his injuries mostly recovered, managed to follow behind with some difficulty. The two gave chase, rapidly closing the distance. As Ye Yan sensed them drawing nearer, his heart sank. At this rate, he wouldn''t even make it to the killing formation before Shen Mo caught up! "Damn it You''ve forced me to use my trump card." Gritting his teeth, Ye Yan activated his Nascent Soul''s secret art. Golden Nascent Soul energy surged outward, instantly manifesting into a pack of ferocious wolves that charged at Shen Mo and He Tianchou to block their path. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. The technique was powerful and operated independently of the surrounding spiritual energy. It was clearly Ye Yan''s Nascent Soul secret art. "His technique seems capable of mimicking various forms, making it versatile and flexible. But its power is nowhere near my own Nascent Soul secret art." Calmly assessing the situation, Shen Mo flicked his wrist, unleashing dual-colored black and white sword energy in rapid succession. Each slash of sword energy bisected one of the giant wolves, shattering them instantly. He Tianchou fought valiantly at Shen Mo''s side. However, it took three or four of his attacks combined to bring down a single wolf, and after a period of intense combat, he was forced to slow down to recover his spiritual energy. Looking over at Shen Mo, He Tianchou was stunned to see that Shen Mo''s pace of unleashing sword energy hadn''t slowed at all. His spiritual energy seemed inexhaustible. He Tianchou couldn''t help but marvel. He knew well the strengths and weaknesses of the Yin-Yang Dual Qi Sword Art. Its strength lay in its unparalleled power, far surpassing even supreme Earth-tier techniques. Its weakness, however, was its immense difficulty to master and its overwhelming spiritual energy consumption. For most cultivators, sustaining such energy expenditure was impossible. But Shen Mo''s dantian seemed far larger than that of an average cultivator. Not only could he sustain the technique, but he did so with ease! Still, even with Shen Mo''s unstoppable momentum, the wolf pack managed to slow them down. Taking advantage of this, Ye Yan widened the gap between them and quickly disappeared from sight. Shen Mo and He Tianchou pursued him into a ruined area. Just as Shen Mo prepared to accelerate, He Tianchou''s expression darkened, and he grabbed Shen Mo by the arm. "Elder Shen, we''ve been tricked by Ye Yan. This is a killing formation!" He Tianchou scanned their surroundings, his face grim. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and examined the area. Sure enough, fire elemental energy was converging on this spot. In an instant, a massive flame tornado erupted, centered around them. The crumbling ruins around them ignited, forming blazing barriers that trapped them within. "This is a supreme Earth-tier formationthe Fiery Flame Tornado Formation," He Tianchou said, his tone heavy. "One of the deadliest formations in the Fire Pill Palace. Without a Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect elder''s token, it''s impossible to break." "Our options are either to endure it until the formation''s spiritual energy depletes or to launch a direct attack and forcefully break through." "But this formation is intricately designed. We can''t even locate the formation flags, let alone destroy them." He Tianchou''s face grew even darker. "I noticed this killing formation on my way here and deliberately avoided it." "To think we still ended up trapped in it while chasing Ye Yan!" Frustrated, he punched a nearby rock wall, only to recoil in pain as the scorching surface burned his hand. At this moment, the temperature in the formation was rapidly rising. While Shen Mo appeared relatively unaffected, He Tianchou''s face was already flushed red, his breathing labored and strained. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 261: Elder Shen, Meeting You Is My Great Fortune Chapter 261: Elder Shen, Meeting You Is My Great Fortune He Tianchou smiled bitterly. "Elder Shen, I''m sorry. Once again, I''ve dragged you into a life-and-death situation." "The only good news is that the spirit stones powering this Blazing Flame Tornado Array seem to be nearly depleted. If we can hold on for half a day, we might survive." Shen Mo pondered for a moment and said, "Ye Yan must have known this array couldn''t kill us, yet he still went through all the trouble to lure us in." "It seems he''s just trying to buy time." "Buying time? What''s the point?" He Tianchou was stunned. Shen Mo shook his head and calmly replied, "He knows the two of us are traveling together, so he can''t kill you anymore. His plan is to rush back to the safe house ahead of us, twist the story, and frame us." After thinking for a moment, Shen Mo fully understood Ye Yan''s intentions. He Tianchou''s eyes widened in rage. "Damn it! That shameless bastard!" Gritting his teeth, He Tianchou growled, "Are we just going to let him get back to the safe house first and accuse us without any recourse?!" He was so furious he nearly spat blood. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Don''t be so anxious." "This Blazing Flame Tornado Array won''t be able to trap us." He Tianchou froze. "Does Elder Shen have a plan?" His eyes brightened with excitement. "Could it be that you have an Elder Token from the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect?" Shen Mo simply smiled without answering. Instead, he took out a token. The token emitted waves of invisible power, spreading outward. In an instant, the raging flame tornadoes around them stopped abruptly. Then, just as quickly, they reversed their course and gradually dissipated. The moment Shen Mo produced the token, all danger vanished into thin air. He Tianchou''s eyes widened in disbelief. He wasn''t a fool. He immediately realized what the token was. It had to be an Elder Token from the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect! His gaze was filled with envy. Holders of the Elder Token could move freely within this Fire Alchemy Palace. However, Elder Tokens were exceedingly rare, and not every Jade Cauldron Sect cultivator could obtain one. Most people only carried Inner Sect disciple tokens, navigating precariously between fire beasts and killing arrays, barely surviving. Take He Tianchou, for instance. He had entered the Fire Alchemy Palace three times, yet never managed to find a single Elder Token from the Nine-Turn Alchemy Sect. But Shen Mo, on his very first visit, had effortlessly acquired one. The difference between people was truly staggering! "Let''s go, Hall Master He. If we take a direct route, we should be able to reach the safe house before Ye Yan," Shen Mo said, putting away the token with a smile. He Tianchou steadied himself and nodded repeatedly. Ye Yan didn''t have an Elder Token, only an Inner Sect disciple token. This meant he would have to detour around killing arrays and fire beast groups. Naturally, this would take more time. With the Elder Token, Shen Mo didn''t need to worry about killing arrays. He could walk straight through without hesitation. With the Elder Token in hand, no killing array would dare activate. He Tianchou sighed. "Elder Shen, meeting you is truly my great fortune." Shen Mo simply smiled and gestured for him to follow. Six days later. Ye Yan strode quickly into the safe house. He knew the Blazing Flame Tornado Array couldn''t kill Shen Mo and He Tianchou; at most, it would trap them for a day or two. Thus, he had used every trick he could to speed up his journey. When encountering fire beast groups, he hid. When facing weaker killing arrays, he gritted his teeth and charged through. This had saved him a significant amount of time. Otherwise, for an average cultivator, returning to the safe house would have taken at least ten days. "They must still be far behind me." "If I get back to the safe house first, I can claim that He Tianchou attacked me and tried to use me as bait for the fire dragon." Ye Yan took a deep breath. His mind was already formulating numerous contingency plans. Back when he was still a member of the Ye family in Jade Sea City, he had done something similar. That time, his actions had led to the death of a rival. To him, such tactics weren''t morally wrong. In this world, only strength mattered. As long as he could become stronger, the means didn''t matter. Steadying himself, Ye Yan strode confidently into the safe house. The moment he entered, countless pairs of eyes turned to focus on him. As Ye Yan entered the safe house, the gazes directed at him were filled with an array of emotions. There was surprise, disdain, and a peculiar curiosity. Among them was even Yang Wenyuan. Yang Wenyuan''s expression was especially complex, as if he were looking at a stranger. Ye Yan''s heart sank. He spoke with a serious tone. "Everyone, I was ambushed by He Tianchou" Before he could finish, a familiar voice interrupted him. "Ye Yan, you''re a bit slow." Ye Yan turned toward the voice, his eyes widening in disbelief. Standing there were two figures: Shen Mo and He Tianchou! Both were impeccably dressed, completely unharmed, and brimming with energy. It was clear they had arrived at the safe house days ago. "You... You two..." Ye Yan struggled to accept what he was seeing. Hadn''t he tricked them into the Blazing Flame Tornado Array? At the very least, it should have delayed them for a day! How had they returned to the safe house several days before him? As the thought raced through his mind, a possibility suddenly struck him. Only someone holding an Elder Token could have escaped the Blazing Flame Tornado Array. Only with an Elder Token could they take a direct route, bypassing the killing arrays entirely. "Ye Yan, you''re cruel-hearted," He Tianchou said, his eyes filled with hatred as he glared at Ye Yan. "For the sake of saving yourself, you didn''t hesitate to attack a fellow sect elder!" "If Elder Shen hadn''t happened to be nearby, I''d be dead by now, and the other elders would have been completely fooled by you!" "Ye Yan, you''re unworthy of being an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect!" He Tianchou''s furious rebuke was soon echoed by others. Ouyang Wei, Liu Ruyun, and others added their voices to the condemnation. sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the elders of the Third and Sixth Peaks raised their voices against him. These elders were known for being opportunistic and rarely taking a clear stance. They usually played all sides between the sect leader, the Second Elder, and the Tenth Elder. But now they acted decisively. It was evident that Ye Yan''s lack of camaraderie had already alienated him. His cold, aloof demeanor had long annoyed them. With an opportunity to criticize Ye Yan, they weren''t going to let it slip by. The deafening chorus of voices roared in Ye Yan''s ears, making his head throb. Instinctively, he turned to Yang Wenyuan, looking toward the elders of the Second Peak. But the elders of the Second Peak all avoided his gaze. Trust, once lost, was difficult to regain. Yang Wenyuan''s gaze toward Ye Yan was deeply conflicted. Ye Yan glanced around the room. Not a single person was willing to speak up for him. It felt as though a fire was raging in his chest. He spoke coldly. "Twisting the truth!" "I, Ye Yan, have never done anything to wrong a fellow sect elder!" "But you two arriving at the safe house before me is indeed strange. I''ve figured it outone of you possesses an Elder Token!" "Instead of pointing fingers at me, you should think about how you''re going to keep that Elder Token safe!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 262: A Great Opportunity—Solar Essence Flame Chapter 262: A Great OpportunitySolar Essence Flame After speaking, Shen Mo turned and left the safe house. At this point, no matter what, he had to deny everything. As long as he refused to admit it, all accusations were baseless. Once he confessed, he would be forever marked with shame. Elder Token! Hearing these words, the elders in the safe house reacted visibly, their expressions shifting. Some even looked greedily at Shen Mo and He Tianchou, unable to hide their desire. Yang Wenyuan was among them. The Elder Token was a treasure! With it, entering the Fire Pill Palace would never be a problem again. It granted unrestricted passage through the killing formations, as though walking on flat ground! Shen Mo swept his gaze across the room, his faint smile radiating confidence. "Do you believe everything Shen Mo says?" "Moreover, even if I have it, who dares to take it?" His gaze exuded unshakable confidence. The elders, having heard of Shen Mo''s reputation, lowered their heads wherever his eyes landed. Whether out of fear or due to scheming their own plans, none dared meet his eyes. Shen Mo paid them no further attention and instead watched Shen Mo''s departing figure thoughtfully. He noticed that Shen Mo had instead stumbled upon an opportunity because of this. And not just any opportunitya monumental one! [Recent Opportunity: Blamed by the elders and forced to leave the safe house. Overwhelmed with anger, Shen Mo coughed blood uncontrollably. That night, guided by a dream, he went straight to Furnace 11 in the Groundfire Zone. Half a month later, he discovered a budding Solar Essence Flame and successfully subdued it with his Solar Melting Fire Constitution.] Shen Mo took a deep breath, calming his excitement. Solar Essence Flame! Just hearing the name, he knew it was on par with the Azure Lotus Heart Flame! He couldn''t let someone like Shen Mo, a scheming and unprincipled person, obtain it. Not because he wanted it for himself. Definitely not! "Furnace 11... If I remember correctly, it''s one of the operable furnaces." "Elder Three and Elder Seven might be using it for alchemy." Shen Mo thought deeply and turned to He Tianchou to inquire further. He Tianchou smiled after hearing Shen Mo''s question. "That''s right. My master, Elder Three, will be using Furnace 12 for alchemy this time, while Elder Seven will be using Furnace 11." "But before entering the Fire Pill Palace, my master already mentioned that while Furnace 12 is usable, controlling the fire is notoriously difficult." "That''s why he and Elder Seven agreed to work together at Furnace 11." Shen Mo nodded. "Good. Thank you." He Tianchou was surprised. "You''re planning to go there? It''s dangerous! That''s already considered the depths of the Fire Pill Palace." Shen Mo smiled. "Opportunity and crisis are two sides of the same coin. Perhaps there are greater treasures theremaybe even the pill formula for a Pure Nascent Infant Transformation Pill." He Tianchou burst into laughter, joined by Ouyang Wei and Liu Ruyun nearby. "Alright, you go ahead. I''ll rest here for a while, and then I''ll form a team with Ouyang Wei and the others to explore the deeper zones as well." "If you run into trouble, who knows? Maybe I''ll get the chance to help you out," He Tianchou said sincerely. Shen Mo nodded and bid farewell to He Tianchou and the others. After pondering for a moment, Yang Wenyuan exchanged a glance with his followers, and a few of them immediately followed Shen Mo, leaving the safe house as well. Furnace 11 was located deep within the Fire Pill Palace. The temperature there was higher, the fire beasts stronger, and the killing formations more potent. Few dared to venture there without a perfected Nascent Infant Stage cultivation. From the safe house, even with the Inner Sect disciple tokens of the Nine Cycles Pill Dao Sect, it would take at least half a month to reach Furnace 11. With the Elder Token of the Nine Cycles Pill Dao Sect in his possession, Shen Mo''s speed would be significantly accelerated. If he set out now, he would undoubtedly reach Furnace 11 in the Groundfire Zone ahead of Shen Mo. "Perfect, that top-tier Earth-grade pill furnace is also near Furnace 11. I can take both in one trip." "Once I have these two treasures, I''ll be ready to refine the Crimson Scaled Pill and the Pure Nascent Infant Transformation Pill." "With a slight enhancement in my cultivation, I''ll be ready to claim the most important treasure." As Shen Mo traveled toward Furnace 11, he quickly formulated his plan. Seven days later, Shen Mo arrived beneath Furnace 11, just as he had predicted. The journey had been smooth, with no significant obstacles. Along the way, he had even slain a few fire beasts, acquiring two fire beast spirit crystalsan unexpected boon. As for the greedy eyes following him, they had vanished completely after he passed through several powerful killing formations. Clearly, they couldn''t keep up with his pace. Now, Shen Mo stood beneath Furnace 11, gazing up at the towering structure, which rose fifty zhang into the air. Furnace 11 was one of the few remaining operational furnaces within the Fire Pill Palace, used for alchemy. The furnace radiated intense heat, fueled by the raging groundfire beneath it. At this moment, two figures hovered above the furnace, engrossed in their alchemical work. One was an elderly man with white hair and a thin frame. The other was a middle-aged man with a hooked nose and deep-set eyes. They were none other than Elder Three and Elder Seven. Shen Mo observed them thoughtfully. This time, Elder Three and Elder Seven had entered the Fire Pill Palace together to refine pills for the sect. Elder Three was known for his neutralitysome might even call him a fence-sitter. He always supported the winning side. In contrast, Elder Seven was closely allied with Elder Yang Qiye, the Second Elder, their relationship unbreakable. If only Elder Seven were present, Shen Mo might have faced some danger. However, with both Elder Three and Elder Seven present, Shen Mo felt assured of his safety. Shen Mo''s arrival didn''t go unnoticed. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Nascent Soul stage cultivators, the two elders sensed his presence from afar. "Hmm? Isn''t that the young disciple from the Tenth Peak?" Elder Seven raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Shen Mo. Elder Three also looked at Shen Mo, then turned to Elder Seven with a faint smile. "I suppose he''s here treasure hunting." "How amusing, to be searching for treasures here of all places," Elder Seven sneered. "Doesn''t he know I''m refining pills here? If he disturbs my work and valuable ingredients are lost, who will take responsibility?" Elder Three chuckled without commenting further. "Greetings to Elder Three and Elder Seven," Shen Mo called out, cupping his hands respectfully. "I am here to seek treasures and have no intention of disturbing your alchemical work." Elder Three smiled warmly and replied, "No harm done. I am not the one refining pillsI am merely assisting Elder Seven." "I will be here for a few more days, so feel free to search for treasures at ease." Hearing this, Elder Seven frowned slightly. Shen Mo felt reassured. Elder Three''s words carried two meanings: First, it was Elder Seven, not Elder Three, who was refining pills. Second, Elder Three''s presence for the next few days would maintain balance, ensuring Shen Mo''s safety. It was clear that Elder Three was hedging his bets, unwilling to offend either side. Shen Mo cupped his hands again. "I understand, Elder Three." Without further ado, Shen Mo began carefully examining the surrounding area, searching for a path to the underground chamber of Furnace 11. Watching Shen Mo''s actions, Elder Seven sneered coldly. "I''ve already searched this area thoroughly. There are no treasures here." "He''s wasting his time searching for something that doesn''t exist." Elder Three laughed heartily. "Don''t mind him, focus on your pill refinement. Our task is simply to refine pills. Elder Seven, don''t get distracted and risk failure in your work." "That''s a responsibility I cannot bear." Elder Seven snorted. "I know what I''m doing. I don''t need you to lecture me." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 263: Another Spirit Energy Devourer Chapter 263: Another Spirit Energy Devourer Nightfall arrived quickly, though in the Fire Pill Palace, the difference between night and day was minimal. The only noticeable changes were a slight drop in temperature and brightness. Ordinary mortals might not detect such changes, but for cultivators at the Nascent Infant stage or higher, such subtleties were easy to perceive. Shen Mo finally found what he was looking fora ruin 300 zhang south of Furnace 11. The area was protected by a powerful defensive formation, barring any outsider from entering. "Impressive, he actually found that defensive formation," Third Elder noted with a faint smile. Seventh Elder snorted coldly. "So what if he found it? Without a Four-Ding Elder Token or higher from the Nine Cycles Pill Dao Sect, he can''t get in." "I discovered that formation twenty years ago during one of my visits here for alchemy," he continued. "And what came of it? You and I only have Three-Ding Elder Tokens from the Nine Cycles Pill Dao Sect. Neither of us could bypass that formation." Third Elder nodded in agreement. Such formations were scattered throughout the Fire Pill Palace, each requiring a corresponding token for access. Unfortunately, when the Nine Cycles Pill Dao Sect fell, many elders chose to destroy their tokens, resulting in an extreme scarcity of these items. Even among the ten current elders, none possessed a Five-Ding Elder Token or higher. The next moment, however, both elders watched in shock as Shen Mo strolled effortlessly through the defensive formation and descended into the underground chamber. Seventh Elder''s expression froze. Third Elder''s face lit up with a mixture of astonishment and amusement before he burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha!" "Seventh Elder, we''ve underestimated Shen Mo." "He actually has a Four-Ding or higher Elder Token!" Seventh Elder scowled deeply. "What ridiculous luck! How did he stumble upon such a treasure?" "When he comes out, I''ll personally ''borrow'' that token from him." "A token of that caliber should naturally be in the hands of someone like us to maximize its value. Don''t you agree, Third Elder?" Third Elder neither agreed nor disagreed, maintaining his neutral demeanor as if he hadn''t heard the suggestion. Seventh Elder cursed him inwardly for being such a sly old fox. Meanwhile, Shen Mo descended into the underground chamber. The sloping staircase stretched endlessly downward, each step leading him deeper into the earth. From the direction it led, Shen Mo deduced that it was taking him toward the groundfire source beneath Furnace 11. As he descended, the temperature steadily increased. Eventually, even Shen Mo began to feel the intense heat scorching his skin. He had to channel his spiritual energy to protect himself. Finally, a vast molten lake came into view. Waves of immense heat radiated outward, and a blinding light filled his vision. For a Core Formation stage cultivator, just three breaths in this environment would result in temporary blindness. Ten breaths would cause permanent blindness, with their eyeballs effectively being cooked. Shen Mo''s gaze moved toward the center of the molten lake. There, directly beneath Furnace 11, the groundfire source was exposed. Every time pills were refined in Furnace 11, the groundfire was drawn from this very source. At the heart of the lake, a small cluster of light burned quietly. It stood out starkly from the surrounding chaos. It resembled an infant swaddled in a cradle, peaceful and distinct. Its glow and heat were unlike the frenzied, destructive energy of the groundfire. Instead, it was akin to the gentle warmth of a rising suncalm and soothing, yet imbued with a grandeur that could pierce through the darkest night. The moment Shen Mo laid eyes on it, he knew what it was. It was the Solar Essence Flame! "Solar Essence Flame, born from a strand of solar essence descending to the earth and merging with groundfire," Shen Mo murmured to himself. "This Solar Essence Flame is clearly still in its infant stateignorant and without consciousness," Shen Mo thought. "As long as it encounters a compatible constitution, it will instinctively draw close." Shen Mo sighed softly. Ling Yan was truly lucky. With his Solar Melting Fire Constitution, the Solar Essence Flame would naturally be drawn to him. He could subdue it effortlessly, without enduring the searing pain that Shen Mo had suffered when taming the Azure Lotus Heart Flame. Shen Mo took a deep breath, and blue flames surged around his feet. With steady steps, he walked directly onto the surface of the molten lake. The Azure Lotus Heart Flame supported his every step, allowing him to stride across the lake of fire. At this moment, Shen Mo seemed like a wanderer of flames, untouched by the raging inferno around him. After about ten breaths, he arrived at the center of the molten lake. The small, quietly burning Solar Essence Flame, no larger than a palm, seemed to sense his presence. It instinctively floated closer to him. Within Shen Mo''s body, the Azure Lotus Heart Flame stirred. In an instant, it expanded into a massive lotus of blue fire, spanning thirty zhang and burning fiercely. The surrounding groundfire was completely consumed by the Azure Lotus Heart Flame, leaving a vacuum of fire. Even the groundfire being drawn into the furnace above vanished without a trace. In comparison, the tiny, palm-sized Solar Essence Flame seemed almost insignificant, the contrast both striking and amusing. Shen Mo attempted to withdraw the Azure Lotus Heart Flame, but it resisted his command. "It seems that this reaction is inevitable when two different Heavenly Flames meet," Shen Mo mused. "After all, they are divine creations of heaven and earth, exceedingly rare across the ages." After a moment of contemplation, Shen Mo decided to let them interact without interference. To his surprise, the small Solar Essence Flame showed no fear of the mighty Azure Lotus Heart Flame. Instead, it boldly approached and gently made contact. It was like a large, confident boy meeting a curious infant for the first time. The moment they touched, Shen Mo, through the Azure Lotus Heart Flame, felt a faint, fragile consciousnessinnocent and untainted, like a blank sheet of paper. "So, this is the Solar Essence Flame," Shen Mo murmured. "In terms of consciousness, it surpasses the Azure Lotus Heart Flame." "When I tamed the Azure Lotus Heart Flame, it acted purely on instinct, without any awareness." "But despite being so small, the Solar Essence Flame already has self-awareness. Sarch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If it continues to grow, it might even develop intelligence akin to that of a human." Deep in thought, Shen Mo extended his hand toward the Solar Essence Flame. The little flame hesitated for a moment before gently making contact. In an instant, Shen Mo felt a connection form between him and the young, naive consciousness. The Solar Essence Flame seemed to sense that it had found a compatible host. It joyfully flickered, then leapt into Shen Mo''s mouth, traveling downward until it reached his dantian. To his surprise, Shen Mo felt no pain. Curious, he immediately examined his dantian with his spiritual senses. Inside his dantian, at the bottom, stretched an endless sea of spiritual energy, vast and boundless. Above this sea rested a solid Dao Platform. Atop the Dao Platform, the Azure Lotus Heart Flame burned fiercely, and now, beside it, the Solar Essence Flame glowed softly. Shen Mo noticed the Azure Lotus Heart Flame grudgingly shift to make room for the newcomer, clearly reluctant but compliant. Above the two flames, a small figure sat cross-legged, wearing a golden pill crown and with its eyes tightly shutthe Nascent Soul. Nearby were a black helmet, chest armor, and right arm piecethe Demonic Armor. Beside the armor lay the Grass Sword Manual and the Root Sword Manual. The spiritual energy from the sea constantly rose to nourish the Demonic Armor and the sword manuals. However, a significant portion was also being consumed by the Azure Lotus Heart Flame and the Solar Essence Flame. In just a brief moment, Shen Mo felt that the Solar Essence Flame had absorbed nearly ten percent of his spiritual energy. "The Solar Essence Flame is clearly still in its developmental stage, yet its appetite for spiritual energy rivals that of the fully matured Azure Lotus Heart Flame," Shen Mo thought with a mix of exasperation and amusement. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 264: The Seventh Elder’s Furnace of Elixir Liquid Goes to Waste—What a Pity Chapter 264: The Seventh Elder''s Furnace of Elixir Liquid Goes to WasteWhat a Pity At this moment, he suddenly felt an itch all over his body. It seemed as if every inch of his skin, flesh, and meridians was being nourished by a strange power, subtly yet steadily growing stronger. Shen Mo gently pressed his skin and noticed that its toughness had increased slightly. He was rather surprised. "Such a short amount of time, yet the improvement is this significant." "No wonder they call it an Eternal Flame!" Shen Mo was ecstatic. When he had tamed the Red Lotus Flame, his physical body experienced a tremendous enhancement. Subsequently, although the Red Lotus Flame would draw on his spiritual energy, it also constantly nourished his body in return. Now, he had added the Solar Essence Flame. Clearly, the Solar Essence Flame''s ability to nourish the body was even greater than the Red Lotus Flame. Even without actively practicing, merely sitting here in meditation would grant him a cultivation speed far beyond that of others in the same realm. If he actively cultivated with his techniques, his speed would be even more astonishing! "I look forward to the day it fully matures." "It will surely unleash even greater power." Shen Mo felt a tinge of excitement in his heart. The Red Lotus Flame was already so formidable. The Solar Essence Flame was evidently even stronger! Meanwhile. Above the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace. The Seventh Elder sensed a change in the flame''s intensity, and his expression suddenly turned grim. "What''s going on?" "The earth fire has suddenly weakened, and it''s getting weaker!" He growled. The Third Elder paused, examined it carefully, and his face changed slightly as well. It was true. The once fiercely burning earth fire had now withered like a limp cucumber. The fire source was dark and deep. "What exactly is happening?" The Seventh Elder''s expression was furious. "If this continues, this batch of pills will be ruined!" The Third Elder coughed lightly and said, "Don''t panic. I know you''re anxious, but panicking won''t solve anything." "We chose the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace for its stable flame, but now that something''s gone wrong, no one could have foreseen this." "I think we should just wait here. It will recover eventually." The Seventh Elder rolled his eyes. S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What nonsense. "No, I need to go down and check. This batch of Spirit Refining Pills has reached the most critical stage. If the earth fire doesn''t recover within thirty breaths, this entire furnace will be wasted." "When I return, I won''t be able to explain myself!" The Seventh Elder gritted his teeth, activated a defensive martial skill, and leaped toward the dark earth fire source. The distance from the surface to the deepest part of the magma lake was considerable. Before the Seventh Elder could even reach halfway, the earth fire suddenly surged violently and erupted. His eyes widened in shock, and he quickly retreated. At the same time, he reinforced his defensive martial skill. He exerted all his strength to withstand the explosion of the earth fire. Boom! A column of flames erupted skyward from the fire source. It was like a massive firecracker had exploded. The Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace was instantly pierced by the raging earth fire. With a thunderous roar, the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace collapsed. The elixir liquid inside the furnace naturally spilled into the high-temperature flames. In the blink of an eye, it evaporated into steam, disappearing into the sky. Thud. The charred Seventh Elder was spat out by the fire source. He rolled a few times on the ground before coming to a stop. The Third Elder was dumbfounded, unable to speak for a long moment. Finally, the Third Elder rushed to the Seventh Elder''s side and helped him up. The Seventh Elder''s robes were almost entirely burned away. Large patches of his skin were scorched black. As for his hair and beard, they had been completely incinerated. "Hey, hey, hey, are you alright?" The Third Elder swallowed hard. He hadn''t expected the earth fire''s power to be so great that even a cultivator in the Divine Transformation Realm would suffer such injuries. The Seventh Elder spat out a mouthful of black blood. As soon as the blood hit the ground, it evaporated instantly due to the intense heat. He rolled his eyes, which were now the only white part of his entire body. "Do I look like I''m fine to you?" the Seventh Elder forced out through gritted teeth. The Third Elder coughed a few times. "You''re not dead, so that''s good enough. Hurry up and take some healing pills." He pulled out a handful of healing pills and shoved them into the Seventh Elder''s mouth. After swallowing the pills, the Seventh Elder let out a sigh of relief. But his face quickly twisted into fury. "That damned Earth Fire Source how could it suddenly erupt like that and even injure a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator!" "Third Elder, go take a look. I suspect there''s something wrong in there." The Third Elder glanced at the blazing Earth Fire Source and shook his head so vigorously it resembled a rattling drum. Are you kidding me? You went in and came out looking like this. If I go in, won''t I end up the same? "My elixir liquid!" The Seventh Elder''s gaze darted past the Third Elder and landed on the collapsed Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace. His eyes bulged, and he let out a high-pitched scream. He looked as though he had just lost a loved one. If this batch of Spirit Refining Pills had been successfully refined, it could have produced at least a hundred pills. Enough to sustain the cultivation of five Divine Transformation Realm cultivators for five years. Of course, considering the challenges of pill refinement, the two elders had each taken enough materials from the sect''s warehouse to attempt refining five batches of Spirit Refining Pills. However, the Seventh Elder had already failed four times. This was his final attempt. And now, not only was the elixir liquid gone, but even the Earth Fire Furnace was destroyed! How was he supposed to face the other Divine Transformation Realm elders when he returned? What could he possibly say? Tell them two pieces of "good news"? First, his pill refinement success rate was zero, and all five batches of materials had failed. Second, future refinements would require using the even more dangerous Twelfth Earth Fire Furnace. Wouldn''t the other Divine Transformation Realm elders chew him out when they heard this? The Third Elder, on the other hand, appeared unfazed. The Seventh Elder had used up all five of his material batches. But the Third Elder still had two batches remaining. Moreover, he was only assisting the Seventh Elder in refining this time. The failure of the refinement and the collapse of the Earth Fire Furnace were primarily the Seventh Elder''s responsibility, not his. "Third Elder, could you spare me a batch of materials?" The Seventh Elder had no choice but to turn to him. The Third Elder smiled faintly, resembling a cunning old fox. "Seventh Elder, I heard you own a high-grade spirit weapon at the earth rank, refined with a fifth-tier demon crystal?" The Seventh Elder cursed inwardly at the outrageous demand. But he dared not show any displeasure on his face. He could only nod reluctantly. It felt as if he could hear his own heart bleeding. That spirit weapon was incredibly valuable, the kind of treasure many would pay a fortune to acquire. But now, he had no choice but to agree to the Third Elder''s terms. The Third Elder''s face lit up with glee. Elsewhere. Shen Mo had already retraced his steps and exited the defensive formation. Instinctively, he glanced toward the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace. What he saw was a furnace reduced to rubble. Flames still flowed across the ground. The massive stone furnace was shattered, scattered in pieces. The fate of the elixir liquid was easy to imagine. Shen Mo blinked a few times. He seemed to understand what had happened. "The Fire Pill Palace opens every so often, and the elders always choose the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace for pill refinement." "This practice has lasted for at least five hundred years." "The Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace couldn''t withstand such prolonged use. It''s old and worn out, and now it''s finally collapsed." "What a tragedy." "The Seventh Elder wasted a whole batch of elixir liquid. I really feel sorry for him." Shen Mo spoke these words devoid of any emotion, then turned and left without hesitation. He was heading toward the location He Tianchou had pointed out to him, to search for a top-tier earth-rank pill furnace. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 265: This Is My Opportunity—No One Can Take It Away Chapter 265: This Is My OpportunityNo One Can Take It Away Several days later. Ye Yan arrived at the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace with joy written across his face. After leaving the safehouse, he had an inexplicable dream. The dream was strange. Yet it seemed to guide him toward the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace. With a mindset of "there''s no harm in checking it out," Ye Yan began his journey. Along the way, he was incredibly fortunate to stumble upon a Four-Cauldron Elder''s Token from the Nine-Turn Pill Sect. This token allowed him to pass through certain lethal formations without being attacked by them. With this Elder''s Token, Ye Yan could now access many places he previously couldn''t. Now, he had arrived at the base of the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace. However, the scene before him was nothing but a heap of shattered rubble. "Wasn''t the Seventh Elder supposed to be refining pills at the Eleventh Earth Fire Furnace? Why has it collapsed?" Ye Yan widened his eyes, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. He had no clues to work with, so he stopped pondering the reasons behind it. "Something here seems to be calling out to me." Ye Yan surveyed the area, instinctively searching. Before long, he found a section of the rubble and discovered a defensive formation there. Ye Yan''s expression lit up. Such defensive formations typically concealed valuable treasures. But if it had been the previous him, without the Four-Cauldron Elder''s Token, he wouldn''t have been able to pass through it. Now, however, fate had smiled on him. Leaving the safehouse had been a blessing in disguise, leading him to obtain the Elder''s Token. Breaking through this formation would be a simple matter! Ye Yan took a few deep breaths to steady his excitement and pulled out the Elder''s Token. As expected, the defensive formation did not stop his advance. Beyond the formation lay a staircase slanting downward. With excitement bubbling in his heart, Ye Yan charged ahead. What finally greeted his eyes was a brightly lit, scorching lava lake. "So that''s how it works. The Earth Fire Furnace draws fire from the lava lake for refining pills and forging artifacts." "But other than the lava, there doesn''t seem to be anything else here." "Is there some great treasure hidden?" Ye Yan''s initial excitement began to fade. Eventually, he sighed in disappointment, only to suddenly have an epiphany. "I get it now. The dream guided me here to focus on cultivating in this place." "Perhaps the environment here can help me gain insights into my techniques and martial skills." His spirits lifted slightly, and he quickly sat down to meditate. Maybe it was the Elder''s Token he had obtained, or perhaps it was his own optimistic imagination. Either way, his mind calmed quickly. He entered a meditative state almost instantly. At some point, he instinctively stood up. Though his eyes remained tightly shut, his hands began to move on their own. Dense fire elemental energy gathered from all directions. Before long, it coalesced into the shape of a massive blade. Compared to his previous flame palm blades, this one radiated an aura of ancient and boundless power. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the intricate patterns on the surface of the giant blade were vividly detailed. It was as though a massive blade forged from metal truly rested in his hands. "Slash!" Ye Yan suddenly whispered the word. His hands merged and struck downward with great force. Boom! The blazing giant blade slashed forth. The flames roared like a waterfall of sunlight, surging and raging! In the next moment, the lava lake, under the might of this strike, parted on its own, revealing its dark, mysterious depths. Ye Yan''s eyes snapped open. Witnessing the power of his slash, he was both astonished and elated. "The third technique of the I''ve mastered it!" The was a top-tier earth-rank martial skill from the Jade Cauldron Sect. It had been personally taught to him by his master, Yang Qiye. Because it was passed down directly between master and disciple, it didn''t require contributions to the sect, only a partial contribution to his master. Several days later. The consisted of three techniques: Flame Blade, Scorching Devastation, and Solar Cascade. With his fire-attribute heaven-rank physique, Ye Yan had easily mastered the first two techniques. However, the third technique, Solar Cascade, had eluded him for three grueling years of effort. Now, within the lava lake, observing the relentless surging of molten magma, he finally had an epiphany. He had mastered the third technique! "As expected, this is my opportunity." "My opportunityno one can take it away!" Ye Yan laughed heartily, his face brimming with satisfaction. Unbeknownst to him, his greatest opportunity had already been snatched by a certain low-key elder surnamed Shen. A lone withered tree stood stubbornly on the barren land. Perched on its branches were several fire crows, each radiating a faint heat. In the distance, more fire crows returned, filling the skies in a chaotic dance that resembled a swarm of demons. Their incessant cries echoed across the desolate landscape, creating a scene that would keep any onlooker at a respectful distance. Yet, no one would suspect that beneath this withered tree lay a hidden cavern. Shen Mo was inside, preparing for alchemy. This was one of the secret hideouts he had prepared for himself. The area was the nesting ground of fire crows. Any cultivator who saw the intimidating fire crows would instinctively avoid the area, unwilling to venture closer. But Shen Mo, defying common sense, had entered through a concealed passage and set up several layers of formation flags beneath the withered tree, turning it into his safe zone. At this moment, Shen Mo was sitting cross-legged in the cavern. In front of him stood an ancient-looking pill furnace. This pill furnace was known as the "Myriad Beasts Furnace." It was a treasure he had obtained by following the map he had discovered. Its surface was intricately carved with depictions of rare and exotic beasts. If fire beast demon crystals were used as fuel, it could slightly enhance the potency of the pills being refined. During the era of the Nine-Turn Pill Sect, this furnace was considered a first-class treasure. Without 60 points of C-rank contribution, no one could dream of acquiring it. "Let''s start with refining Crimson Scales Pills. I have three fifth-tier fire beast demon crystals on hand, enough to refine three pills." "After that, I''ll move on to refining Pure Nascent Transformation Pills." Shen Mo readied himself, focusing entirely on the process of alchemy, ignoring everything happening outside. He wasn''t worried about Ye Yan or Xiao Fan obtaining the or the . The Fire Pill Palace was vast, and just traveling to the vicinity of the Thirteenth Earth Fire Furnace would take significant time. Moreover, according to the predetermined timeline, Ye Yan and Xiao Fan wouldn''t find the underground lava lake until the tenth month of their journey in the Fire Pill Palace. Shortly thereafter, the traitor would trigger a massive earth fire eruption, leading to catastrophic casualties among the elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Even if destiny had shifted slightly, it was impossible for the duo to find the treasures ahead of schedule. A day later, the first batch of Crimson Scales Pills was completed! Shen Mo peered into the Myriad Beasts Furnace and saw three gleaming pills. "Not bad. A successful refinement on the first try, and all three pills were perfectly formed." He nodded in satisfaction. Storing away the three pills, he began working on the second and third batches. Two days later, both batches were also successfully refined. In total, he had refined 11 Crimson Scales Pills. The first batch produced three pills, while the latter two yielded four each. Shen Mo wasted no time, immediately swallowing one Crimson Scales Pill. While refining the pill''s effects, he simultaneously began the process of crafting Pure Nascent Transformation Pills. After all, the Crimson Scales Pill''s effect was simply to expand the dantian, requiring no meticulous focus to refine. This allowed him to multitask and accomplish more. Five days later, Shen Mo opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and radiant. Inspecting his dantian inwardly, he noted its significant expansion after consuming all 11 Crimson Scales Pills. Next, he consumed two Pure Nascent Transformation Pills. Though their full effects hadn''t yet been absorbed, his sea of spiritual energy had surged dramatically. Not only was his dantian replenished, but there was also surplus energy to sustain the ever-demanding Red Lotus Flame and Solar Essence Flame. Moreover, Shen Mo sensed that he was now just a step away from reaching the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul Realm. With three or four more Pure Nascent Transformation Pills, he would likely break through to the next major realm. "It''s time to seek out the most important treasures!" Shen Mo dashed out of his hideout, heading straight for the Thirteenth Earth Fire Furnace. That was where the and were located! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 266: The Clash of Two Fated Prodigies Chapter 266: The Clash of Two Fated Prodigies One month later, at the 13th Earthfire Furnace. To avoid the 12th Earthfire Furnace, Shen Mo deliberately took a long detour, ensuring he would not attract the attention of the Third and Seventh Elders. Otherwise, they would certainly question why he had ventured deep into the Fire Pill Palace. "Found it!" Shen Mo quickly located the ruins near the Earthfire Furnace. A defensive formation still protected the area. As before, Shen Mo presented the Four Cauldron Elder Token and descended underground. Eventually, he arrived at the lava lake directly beneath the Earthfire Furnace. This lava lake was far brighter than the one beneath the 11th Earthfire Furnace. The earthfire here was also far more violent and aggressive, like ferocious beasts eager to devour. As soon as Shen Mo approached, the earthfire surged toward him, attempting to engulf him. Shen Mo remained calm, raising his hand to summon the Green Lotus Core Flame. The raging earthfire recoiled instantly, like street thugs cowering before a powerful overlord. Shen Mo strolled effortlessly atop the lava lake, reaching its center. There, a desiccated corpse lay clutching two items. One was a thick tome crafted from metal pages. The other was a violet crystal jade box containing a swirling pill. Shen Mo''s heart surged with joy. He bowed slightly to the deceased young sect master of the Nine Revolutions Alchemy Sect and then retrieved the items. The tome was none other than the . The sect''s cultivation techniques, martial arts, and pill formulas were all derived from this codex by the sect founder and other powerful cultivators. However, the content was profoundly esoteric. Even the sect founder, with his extraordinary talent, failed to fully comprehend it. Compared to techniques and martial arts, this codex was the true treasure. Flipping through a few pages, Shen Mo felt a headache and a foggy mind. Clearly, the codex required quiet concentration to study thoroughly. Shen Mo turned to the pill nearby. "This must be the Taiyi Sacred Origin Pill." "I''m already of top-tier heavenly physique. Refining this pill would elevate me to a saint-tier physique." "However, when I advanced from high-grade heavenly physique to top-tier, the phenomenon caused was already immense." "If I refine the Taiyi Sacred Origin Pill here in the Fire Pill Palace and ascend to a saint-tier physique, the resulting phenomenon will undoubtedly be even more terrifying, attracting widespread attention." "With so few people in the Fire Pill Palace, they would quickly trace it back to me." "Exposing my greatest trump card like this would be a loss rather than a gain." Shen Mo pondered briefly and realized this was not the best time to ascend to a saint-tier physique. Suppressing his desire for immediate breakthrough, he carefully stored the Taiyi Sacred Origin Pill deep within his spatial ring. Once he left the Fire Pill Palace, he could find a secluded place to refine it. Then, even if a rare and spectacular phenomenon occurred, he could swiftly leave without exposing his identity and secrets. "Now to find a spot to study the . Perhaps I can gain insights into techniques or martial arts suitable for me." Shen Mo wasted no time and quickly departed. Not straying too far, he found a safe cave nearby, set up various formations, and began his meticulous study. Another month passed. A figure appeared near the 13th Earthfire Furnace. It was Xiao Fan. "Danhe, we''ve finally arrived," Xiao Fan said, wiping sweat from his brow with a wry smile. A raspy voice echoed in his mind. "Something feels off about the Fire Pill Palace. The fire beasts have grown significantly stronger." "Otherwise, we would have arrived much sooner," Xiao Fan agreed, nodding. "I encountered danger multiple times on the way. If not for your intervention, I''d probably be dead by now." Danhe reassured him, "You''re not yet at the level to handle everything alone. Moreover, you''re my chosen heir. Even if I perish, I can''t let you die." Xiao Fan pointed toward a ruined area. "It should be over there, right?" Danhe confirmed, "The young sect master told me before his death that if he couldn''t escape, he would hide beneath the lava lake of the 13th Earthfire Furnace. Sarch* The n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His treasures would be left there for future generations." Xiao Fan''s expression lit with excitement. He had endured a grueling journey through the Fire Pill Palace, facing fire beasts and deadly formations. He had even gone to great lengths to avoid the watchful eyes of the elders from the Jade Cauldron Sect. After countless hardships, he had finally arrived. Now it was time to claim his reward. "Let''s go!" Xiao Fan dashed forward, producing his Nine Revolutions Alchemy Sect Elder Token. He easily passed through the defensive formation and descended into the underground lava lake. Looking at the blazing, unusually bright lava lake, he sighed softly. "The Nine Revolutions Alchemy Sect in its prime must have been magnificent." Danhe responded with a hint of pride, "Indeed. There are fifteen such lava lakes in the Fire Pill Palace alone." "And treasures like the Fire Pill Palace? The Nine Revolutions Alchemy Sect had five of them!" "But all that glory has faded with time. Shangqing Sect, Jade Cauldron Sect, Danhe Sectthose three sects repaid kindness with betrayal, joining forces to attack the Nine Revolutions Alchemy Sect. Truly shameless." "When we obtain the and leave this place, we''ll begin gathering the sect''s remnants. Sooner or later, they''ll pay for their blood debts!" Danhe''s voice was filled with deep hatred, his tone sharp and vengeful. Xiao Fan pointed toward the center of the lava lake. "That must be the young sect master, right?" Danhe''s tone turned melancholic. "Yes, there''s no miracle here. The young sect master has long been reduced to a desiccated corpse in this extreme heat." "Let''s go. I''ll protect you across." With Danhe''s protection, Xiao Fan reached the center of the lava lake. However, all that remained was a shriveled corpse. There was nothing on the body. Not even the slightest trace of the . There wasn''t even a storage ring on the fingers. Xiao Fan''s expression was one of shock. "Where are the items?" Danhe fell silent. "I''d like to know as well" At that moment, Xiao Fan suddenly heard footsteps coming from the entrance. He quickly turned around and saw a figure in red combat attire. This man''s face was cold and expressionless, clearly not someone easy to deal with. What was more important, Xiao Fan recognized this face. Not only recognized ithe was intimately familiar with it! It was none other than the person he had clashed with in the Qiyun Mountain Range! As Xiao Fan spotted Ye Yan, Ye Yan also saw Xiao Fan. Both were initially stunned, but their expressions quickly turned to anger. "It''s you!" They shouted in unison. Ye Yan''s fury erupted instantly. He was someone who held grudges deeply. During their encounter in the Qiyun Mountain Range, he had wasted decades of his lifespan because of this man. That hatred had been festering ever since, waiting for the day he could settle the score. And now, of all places, he encountered Xiao Fan again in the Fire Pill Palace! "You''re not an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect, yet you''ve entered the Fire Pill Palace. That''s crime one." "You opposed me in the Qiyun Mountain Range. That''s crime two." "You deserve to die!" Ye Yan''s voice was icy, devoid of emotion. Suddenly, he raised both hands, bringing them together sharply. Fire-attribute energy surged violently, coalescing with great intensity. In the blink of an eye, it condensed into the shape of a massive blade. The blazing great blade resembled a waterfall of sunlight. The intense heat seemed as if it could evaporate everything in existence. Its blinding radiance was nearly enough to sear eyes shut! This was the third form of the : Sunfall! Ye Yan held nothing back, unleashing his strongest attack from the start. Xiao Fan, both startled and enraged, shouted, "If you''re so eager to die, then I''ll grant your wish!" In the next instant, the two fated prodigies collided in a fierce and explosive battle! Meanwhile, Shen Mo, who had inadvertently set the stage for this "friendly exchange," was quietly engrossed in studying the . Every so often, he nodded in agreement, occasionally gaining new insights and understandings. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ================================================================ Hello everyone, I hope this message finds you well. Lately, things on Patreon have been a bit slow, with many cancellations, and it''s been disheartening for me. But instead of letting it get me down, I''ve decided to double down on my efforts! Starting now, I''ll be uploading daily to bring you fresh, exciting content every single day. If you''ve ever considered supporting me, now is the perfect time to join my Patreon. Your support not only helps me continue creating but also keeps me motivated to push boundaries and bring my best to you. Alternatively, if Patreon isn''t for you, you can also support me on Ko-fi here: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44. Thank you for being here and for believing in me. Every bit of support means the world and helps me keep this journey alive. Let''s keep creating and growing together! Chapter 267: The Secret Art of Controlling Fire Beasts Chapter 267: The Secret Art of Controlling Fire Beasts "Hu... hu... hu..." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the edge of the lava lake, Ye Yan and Xiao Fan stood facing each other. Both were utterly exhausted, their spiritual energy depleted, and their bodies covered in wounds. Yet, fierce anger burned in their eyes. If possible, they would tear each other to pieces. Flay the skin! Devour the flesh! "Hand over the treasure here, and I''ll spare your life," Ye Yan said, his expression icily cold. Xiao Fan sneered. "I was about to ask you the same. When I arrived, this place was empty. Now, you appear and claim there''s treasure. Did you take it first and set a trap for me?" Ye Yan''s gaze turned even colder. He had accidentally discovered a defensive formation near Furnace No. 13. After delving underground, he stumbled upon this scene. There must be treasure here. But judging by Xiao Fan''s expression, it seemed he hadn''t obtained it either. So who could have taken the treasure? What infuriated Ye Yan further was that Xiao Fan''s hidden cards were no less than his own. Moreover, Xiao Fan carried the soul of a powerful entity, at least a former Nascent Soul cultivator. If he could kill Xiao Fan, perhaps he could seize the treasures on him. However, neither of them could kill the other right now. And neither was willing to leave first and expose their back to the other. Thus, the standoff persisted. At that moment, subtle changes began to occur in the lava lake. The once steadily bubbling lava suddenly became violently agitated, almost unnaturally so. It felt as if an invisible giant hand was stirring the underground flames, brewing a terrifying surge. In Xiao Fan''s mind, the voice of Danhe suddenly sounded. "The lava lake is behaving strangely. It might erupt at any moment. Stop wasting time with him and leave immediately." Xiao Fan was stunned. "But I haven''t obtained anything yet!" Danhe replied sternly, "If the underground flames erupt, even a Nascent Soul cultivator would be severely injured. I can''t protect you!" "Better to live and fight another day! Even if the is truly lost, I can find other opportunities for you!" Xiao Fan took a deep breath. "Fine, let''s go!" Without hesitation, he stomped the ground and spun toward the staircase leading to the surface. Ye Yan, with his sharp perception, also noticed the anomaly in the lava lake. Seeing Xiao Fan decisively turn to leave only heightened his sense of unease. Without delay, he followed suit. The two had just reached the staircase when a deep, muffled explosion echoed from the depths of the lava lake. The surroundings of Furnace No. 13 shook violently at that moment. Both men''s faces changed. Using every ounce of their strength, they unleashed their body techniques and martial skills, racing upward with all their might. Xiao Fan glanced back in passing. As expected, the underground flames were surging toward them! The path behind had been entirely consumed by fire. A chill ran down his spine. Had Danhe not warned him in time, he would have been engulfed by the flames by now. At this point, both men knew there was no room for further conflict. Escape was their only option. Five hundred feet... four hundred feet... three hundred feet They drew closer and closer to the surface. Just as they broke through to the ground Ye Yan, without hesitation, struck back. His reverse-gripped right hand, prepared long in advance, lashed out with a fiery whip. The whip snapped toward Xiao Fan, blocking his path. Xiao Fan, anticipating the attack, conjured a starlight shield before him, deflecting the strike. Even so, his movement slowed briefly. His right leg was scorched by the underground flames. He screamed in agony. Fortunately, Danhe quickly intervened, enhancing his speed. Only then did Xiao Fan manage to escape to the surface. "Fight while retreating; we can''t kill him, and he can''t kill you either," Danhe said seriously. Ye Yan and Xiao Fan glared coldly at each other as they slowly backed away. Only when the distance between them exceeded three hundred feet did both heave a sigh of relief. Then, after giving each other a final deep look, they dashed in opposite directions, widening the gap between them. Shortly after they left, Shen Mo emerged from his hiding spot. The scene of the two fighting earlier had been entirely visible to him. "Quite an entertaining fight," Shen Mo remarked, though he didn''t actually feel like laughing. Yet, when he thought of how they had fought tooth and nail, only to end up empty-handed, he couldn''t help but chuckle. How amusing. "The lava lake had a minor eruption; the impact wasn''t significant," he mused. "But since it''s starting here, other places should begin as well." "In the end, this will lead to an unprecedented eruption of underground flames." Shen Mo refocused his thoughts, a contemplative expression on his face. Back when he saw Liu Ruyun, he had already realized that she was the traitor responsible for triggering the eruption of underground flames. However, exposing Liu Ruyun on the spot wouldn''t have maximized his interests. And without concrete evidence, accusing her would only alert her and make himself a target. "But this eruption seems to have occurred earlier than in the predetermined fate. It appears that the trajectory of fate has shifted." Shen Mo pondered for a moment before glancing at his life panel. [Upcoming Turn of Events: Ten days later, Liu Ruyun will tame three Fire Flood Dragons located three hundred miles northeast of the safehouse. She will eventually lead a large number of fire beasts to attack the safehouse. Many elders will perish. Shen Mo, under the cover of L Dongxuan, escapes the safehouse and encounters the Third Elder, who fights through a horde of fire beasts to protect him. Under the Third Elder''s shelter, he survives.] Shen Mo nodded thoughtfully. So that''s how it is. Fate had indeed undergone a minor adjustment. Perhaps Liu Ruyun believed that the eruption of underground flames alone wasn''t enough to kill all the cultivators in the Fire Pill Palace. Or maybe one of the underground flame nodes hadn''t erupted yet. Many factors could have played a role. Under these circumstances, Liu Ruyun used some method to control the fire beasts for her purposes. Most of the fire beasts were driven to surround the Third Elder and the Seventh Elder. Although the strongest of the fire beasts was only at the peak of the fifth rankequivalent to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage It is said that "even ants can bite an elephant to death." The sheer number of fire beasts was enough to give these two Nascent Soul cultivators a massive headache, forcing them to respond with great caution. Meanwhile, the rest of the fire beasts, led by Liu Ruyun, directly attacked the safehouse, wiping out all the elders in one fell swoop. This ensured no survivors. Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. Liu Ruyun was truly ruthless and decisive in her actions. "What method is she using to control the fire beasts? Could it be the Fire Beast Powder?" "Or perhaps a counterfeit version created by the State Governor''s Office?" Shen Mo speculated. When the Nine Turns Alchemy Sect controlled the Fire Pill Palace, there were also fire beasts here. However, the fire beasts were utterly submissive to the cultivators of the Nine Turns Alchemy Sect. This was due to the existence of the Fire Beast Powder. The Nine Turns Alchemy Sect had raised the fire beasts from a young age with special pills, fundamentally altering their physiques. Even a trace of Fire Beast Powder could make a fire beast submit to the will of even a low-level Body Refinement cultivator, rendering it helpless. However, after the fall of the Nine Turns Alchemy Sect, its remnants, to prevent the Jade Cauldron Sect from fully seizing control of the Fire Pill Palace, destroyed the recipe for the Fire Beast Powder and burned much of its stored supply. The Jade Cauldron Sect lacked the ability to replicate such a substance. But the State Governor''s Office had always been strong in the field of beast control. It was highly possible that they had created a similar imitation of Fire Beast Powder. Given that Liu Ruyun had infiltrated the Jade Cauldron Sect for so long, it made sense for her to have obtained such a thing. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 268: You Have No Manners—What Did Your Father Teach You? Chapter 268: You Have No MannersWhat Did Your Father Teach You? "In due time, Liu Ruyun will command an overwhelming army of fire beasts to besiege the safehouse." "To hole up is to die. To strike back is also to die." "If it were anyone else, they''d probably be out of options and waiting for death." Shen Mo chuckled lightly. The formula for Fire Beast Powder had indeed been lost. However, it was still recorded in the ! Moreover, the ingredients needed to craft Fire Beast Powder could be found right here in the Fire Pill Palace. With a bit of time, Shen Mo could produce Fire Beast Powder himself. "Time is running out. Let''s begin immediately." Shen Mo started searching for the corresponding ingredients without delay. Boom! Boom! Boom! Across the Fire Pill Palace, underground flames erupted in varying degrees of intensity. The closer to the safehouse, the more powerful the eruptions became. Several elders, who had been treasure-hunting near the underground furnaces, were killed instantly when the flames exploded. They didn''t even have the chance to leave a dying word. The remaining elders, both furious and terrified, abandoned whatever they were doingeven if precious treasures like Red Phosphorus Flowers or Star Sand lay just ahead. They rushed back toward the safehouse without hesitation. "I heard that Furnace No. 4 and Furnace No. 6 both erupted. A friend of mine died at Furnace No. 6." "It''s not just thoseFurnaces No. 7, No. 8, and No. 10 have also erupted. The flames are advancing toward the safehouse." "What''s going on? How could the underground flames become so violent?" "Exactly. The stationed elders said it was impossible for this to happen within three to five years." "Could the stationed elders of the Fire Pill Palace be traitors, just like that Bloodvine Valley elder from last time?" "Do you think one of the elders who entered the Fire Pill Palace is a traitor? If external forces are involved, it''s possible to trigger these eruptions." "That''s highly likely! But who would do such a thing?" The elders exchanged whispers, their faces filled with worry. It hadn''t even been a year since they entered the Fire Pill Palace, and they couldn''t leave. The dense fire spiritual energy interfered with communication jades, making it impossible to contact the outside world. If this continued, even the safehouse might be consumed by the flames. At that moment, He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei were also speaking in hushed tones. "Shen Mo and Liu Ruyun haven''t returned yet. Could something have happened to them?" He Tianchou asked, his face clouded with worry. Ouyang Wei furrowed his brow. "Elder Shen is incredibly strong. Even in the event of an eruption, he should be fine. But Liu Ruyun that''s another matter." "Let''s hope they''re safe," He Tianchou sighed. Bang. Yang Wenyuan strode into the safehouse with several men following close behind. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His gaze was ice-cold as it locked onto He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei. "Arrest them!" Yang Wenyuan barked. Several elders surged forward, surrounding He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei from all sides to prevent their escape. He Tianchou froze in shock. "Yang Wenyuan, what is the meaning of this?" Yang Wenyuan gritted his teeth. "One of my men saw Liu Ruyun throw something into Furnace No. 10, which immediately triggered its eruption!" "Furthermore, someone witnessed her commanding four Fire Flood Dragons, driving them toward other furnaces!" "You two, along with Shen Mo, were part of Liu Ruyun''s small group before entering the Fire Pill Palace." "She is clearly a traitor, and the suspicion on you cannot be cleared!" "What?!" He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei were stunned and enraged. Never in their wildest dreams had they imagined that Liu Ruyun was behind this disaster. Moreover, she had somehow managed to control Fire Flood Dragons. The thought was simply inconceivable. "Shen Mo hasn''t returned either. He might also be out there inciting the eruptions," one elder growled. "Earlier, Shen Mo and He Tianchou accused Ye Yan of harming fellow elders, claiming he wanted to use He Tianchou as a human shield against the Fire Flood Dragons. Now, it seems their accusations were just manipulative lies to force Ye Yan out of the safehouse." Another elder, as though struck by inspiration, added his voice to the growing uproar. Voices erupted from all directions, condemning He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei. Even Shen Mo, who wasn''t present, became a focal point of their accusations, labeled a "traitor." Of course, not everyone believed that He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei were traitors. Some elders stepped forward to defend them. The standoff persisted. "Who said my junior brother is a traitor?" A loud, brash voice echoed through the room, followed by a long, resonant burp. Yang Wenyuan turned his head to see L Dongxuan striding in confidently, holding a wine jar in one hand. The strong aroma of liquor wafted from the jar, making everyone''s mouth water with just a single sniff. The moment L Dongxuan appeared, the elders fell silent. Aside from Yang Wenyuan, none of them were L Dongxuan''s match, and they dared not confront him directly. Yang Wenyuan snorted coldly. "Don''t think you can shield him forever." "Moreover, if he truly is a traitor, not only you, L Dongxuan, but even the entire Tenth Peak won''t escape blame!" L Dongxuan let out another loud burp, spraying spittle onto Yang Wenyuan''s face. "With no evidence, you keep accusing people of being traitors. You really have no manners. What did your father teach you?" L Dongxuan sneered. Yang Wenyuan''s face flushed red with anger, his fury barely contained. "L Elder, can you contact the Third Elder or the Seventh Elder? If they act, perhaps they can calm the underground flames," one of the elders asked anxiously. L Dongxuan waved his hand. "No, I can''t. The flames are even more intense where they are." "Besides, as far as I know, they''re busy refining pills and probably have no idea what''s happening elsewhere." "If Liu Ruyun has any sense, she won''t trigger the flames there." Hearing this, the elders'' hearts sank into despair. L Dongxuan was right. It was highly unlikely that the Third Elder and the Seventh Elder could help. They would have to save themselves. "I propose forming teams led by the strongest elders to head toward the remaining untriggered flame nodes," He Tianchou suggested seriously. "Currently, only two nodes remain unaffected: Nodes No. 5 and No. 9." "Liu Ruyun is very likely heading to one of those two locations." "We must capture her alive before she triggers all the nodes." "Otherwise, the entire Fire Pill Palace may be consumed by the violent underground flames, and none of us will survive." L Dongxuan nodded approvingly. "Well said, Old Brother He. You truly are my lifelong confidant and brother!" He Tianchou felt a little embarrassed at L Dongxuan''s praise. He knew L Dongxuan had deliberately said that to vouch for him with his own reputation. "Let''s go and search for her." Yang Wenyuan snorted and led his men out of the safehouse. L Dongxuan scratched his head, turned to the other elders, and adopted a serious expression. The elders thought he was about to say something crucial and all straightened up, ready to listen. Instead, L Dongxuan burped again and said, "On your way, if you find some Fiery Nectar, bring it back for me. We can negotiate whatever you want in return." "I only found a small jar of Fiery Nectar this time, and it''s nowhere near enough." The elders: "..." Seriously? At a time like this, you''re still thinking about your Fiery Nectar? "Let''s go. We''ll search for Liu Ruyun and also look for my junior brother," L Dongxuan called, motioning for He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and the others to follow. "Alright!" He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei, grateful for his support, quickly followed him. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 269: If Only Shen Mo Were Here Chapter 269: If Only Shen Mo Were Here The path leading to Furnace No. 5 was a mandatory route. Here lay a desolate ruin. Only crumbling walls and scattered debris remained, obscuring any trace of the grand structures that once stood. Liu Ruyun was silently hiding within the ruins. Beneath the ruins, two Flame Flood Dragons and a large flock of Fire Crows were concealed. Her gaze rested on Furnace No. 5. Three Flame Flood Dragons patrolled the area. Liu Ruyun waited patiently. Even though the scorching sands burned her skin, she did not utter a single complaint. She was a servant raised by the State Governor''s residence. For three generations, her family had loyally served the State Governor''s household. When the Governor of Yu State instructed her to infiltrate the Jade Cauldron Sect, she abandoned everything without hesitation. Starting as an unknown rogue cultivator, she gradually earned the Jade Cauldron Sect''s recognition, ultimately joining its ranks. Now, after nearly two centuries of deep cover, she was about to reap the rewards of her mission. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had waited too long for this day. As for the bonds she had formed in the Jade Cauldron Sect and her relationships with the elders, they were nothing more than a facade. When the time came, she would discard them without hesitation. "Shen Mo didn''t come, nor did He Tianchou or Ouyang Wei. It seems they''ve gone to Furnace No. 9." "What a pity. I had hoped to personally kill them." Liu Ruyun took out her transmission jade, and when she didn''t sense the familiar aura, she smiled faintly. When they first entered the Fire Pill Palace, she had deliberately handed out this set of transmission jades to Shen Mo, L Dongxuan, and the othersnot for communication or sharing intelligence. These jades had been crafted with a unique mineral during their creation. Whenever another jade came within a five-hundred-mile radius, her jade would heat up. This feature allowed her to locate her targets and plan her next moves. Liu Ruyun knew that Shen Mo was an extraordinary talent destined for greatness. He had to be eliminated as soon as possible, so she prepared accordingly. At that moment, she felt a faint tremor in the ground. "Looks like someone is coming." "I hope the feast I''ve prepared will be to their liking." With a faint smile, Liu Ruyun quietly left. Five Flame Flood Dragons, each as powerful as a Nascent Soul cultivator at the peak stage. Over a hundred Fire Crows, each with the combat strength of a peak Core Formation cultivator. In swarms, they could peck a Nascent Soul cultivator to death within moments. Such a grand "gift" was not something ordinary people could handle. Moreover, she had cleverly orchestrated an ambush from both front and rear. Before long, Yang Wenyuan led six elders to the site. From a distance, they spotted the three Flame Flood Dragons patrolling beneath Furnace No. 5. "Flame Flood Dragons! Liu Ruyun must be nearbycharge!" Yang Wenyuan roared and took the lead. The three Flame Flood Dragons also noticed them, and a fierce battle broke out instantly. Although Yang Wenyuan''s side had the advantage in numbers, he was their main powerhousea Nascent Soul cultivator at the peak stage, proficient in poison techniques. Quickly, they gained the upper hand against the three Flame Flood Dragons. However, just as they thought victory was within reach, a cacophony of cawing erupted behind them. In the next moment, three more Flame Flood Dragons and over a hundred Fire Crows surged out from the ruins, charging at them in a frenzy. Yang Wenyuan and his companions paled. "Run! Retreat now!" he bellowed. In an instant, the fiery beasts overwhelmed them. Amid the vast, endless red desert, a lone figure in green walked steadily. It was Shen Mo. He had already left Furnace No. 13 and was heading toward a safe house. A sachet hung at his waist, containing a batch of Fire Beast Repellent he had just concocted. He intended to test it on some "lucky" subjects. "Hmm? Fire beasts are approaching. Excellent." With his keen perception, Shen Mo immediately sensed three Flame Tigers stealthily closing in on him. The next moment, the three Flame Tigers suddenly leapt out, glaring at him menacingly. Shen Mo smiled faintly and casually slapped the sachet at his waist. With a surge of spiritual energy, the powder of the Fire Beast Repellent scattered into the air. The Flame Tigers, which had been ready to pounce, instantly caught a whiff of the repellent. It was as if they had sensed the scent of a natural predator. Their fierce demeanor vanished. Their ears drooped, their eyelids fell, and they crouched low to the ground. One of the smaller Flame Tigers even flipped onto its back, exposing its belly in a gesture of submission. Shen Mo smiled slightly. As expected. Though the fire beasts had reproduced for generations, their instincts remained unchanged. They could still be controlled by the Fire Beast Repellent. This meant that dealing with Liu Ruyun''s army of fire beasts would no longer be an issue. "Time to head back to the safe house." Shen Mo oriented himself and quickened his pace toward his destination. At the center of the Fire Pill Palace. A safe house stood tall. Outside the safe house lay the mangled corpses of numerous fire beasts. Among them were several cultivator corpses, their remains horribly mutilated and incomplete. Farther out on the horizon, more fire beasts lurked, their eyes watchful and menacing. Yet, they kept their distance, like soldiers awaiting orders. At this moment, He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei were leading a small group through the field of beast carcasses, searching for the bodies of fallen cultivators. Their expressions were utterly fatigued. They had just finished an intense battle. Relying on the protective formation of the safe house, they had barely managed to fend off an attack by thirty-two fire beasts, draining nearly all their spiritual energy in the process. "Found one, here!" "Here''s another!" "And here!" Their hoarse voices called out softly. The three corpses were quickly dragged back into the safe house to prevent further desecration by the fire beasts. Even in death, the thought of one''s body being devoured was unbearably tragic. With a thud, the group collapsed inside the safe house. He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and the others slumped to the floor, utterly exhausted. As Nascent Soul cultivators and elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect, they had never felt so drained. In one day, the safe house had been attacked by fire beasts four times. Just yesterday, there had only been a single attack. No one could have imagined that in just one day, the number of fire beasts would multiply so drastically. Worse still, they were running dangerously low on healing pills. In the sweltering heat, injuries were worsening at an alarming rate. Only those with fire-aligned constitutions were still in relatively good condition. The rest of the cultivators were weak and dispirited, barely clinging to life. Inside the safe house, a somber atmosphere hung over the elders. Everyone sighed heavily. Almost every person bore visible wounds. Yang Wenyuan was still alive, but half of his group had perished. Even Ye Yan had returned to the safe house from outside. Now, more than ever, manpower was needed, and old grudges had to be set aside for the time being. L Dongxuan, uncharacteristically sober, furrowed his brows as he racked his brain for a way to deal with Liu Ruyun. The entire safe house was eerily silent. "If only Shen Mo were here," Ouyang Wei sighed. "He''s powerful and smart; he''d surely come up with a solution." "Yes I truly hope Elder Shen returns to the safe house soon," He Tianchou murmured, lifting his bloodshot eyes and glancing toward the fiery landscape outside. The sky remained a blazing red, and the sands glowed with heat. Even staring at the scene for too long made one''s eyes ache. ???? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ???? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ???? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ???? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 270: The Only Hard Part of You Is Your Mouth Chapter 270: The Only Hard Part of You Is Your Mouth Yang Wenyuan sneered, "Anyone who hasn''t come back by now is long dead out there." L Dongxuan shot him a cold glare. Yang Wenyuan immediately felt an intense killing intent and snorted before falling silent. He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei exchanged glances, their expressions bleak. Yang Wenyuan wasn''t wrong. Anyone still missing at this point was likely devoured by fire beasts or killed by volcanic eruptions. "Sigh, who could''ve expected that Liu Ruyun could control fire beasts? At this point, we can only hope that the Third and Seventh Elders make it here" One elder couldn''t help but break the oppressive silence. "Don''t count on it. The Third and Seventh Elders are likely surrounded by hordes of fire beasts themselves, unable to spare any effort to come to us." He Tianchou sighed deeply. The faint glimmer of hope that had just risen in the hearts of the elders was instantly crushed. Indeed. If Liu Ruyun had orchestrated the volcanic eruptions and could command fire beasts, she wouldn''t have overlooked targeting the Third and Seventh Elders, the two strongest fighters. The Third and Seventh Elders were likely facing an even greater number of fire beasts, struggling just to survive. They were no longer a viable hope. The only ones they could rely on now were themselves. But how could they possibly save themselves against an ever-growing swarm of fire beasts? Roar! Roar! Roar! More fire beast roars echoed from outside. Ye Yan glanced out the window and saw thirty fire wolves and fire leopards charging toward the safe house. "They''re coming again this is the fifth wave today." Ouyang Wei''s weary expression made it seem as though every word he spoke aged him another decade. "Wait something''s not right there''s more behind them." He Tianchou stood up, his eyes widening as he noticed even more fire beasts behind the first group. Among them were several Flame Flood Dragons, each over forty meters long. L Dongxuan, Yang Wenyuan, and the others quickly scanned the other windows. "There''s movement to the eastat least fifty beasts!" "South as wellforty-one!" "The north oh heavens, the north is packed with them!" The cultivators'' eyes widened in despair. They understood immediately. Today was the end. Liu Ruyun had amassed a large enough force of fire beasts to finish them off in one fell swoop. Before long, the fire beasts surrounded the safe house. Several Flame Flood Dragons stood tall, gazing down at the building and the cultivators inside as if sizing them up. "It''s Liu Ruyun! She''s here!" "Damn that wretch! My brother died because of herI watched him burn alive in the volcanic eruption!" "I''ll kill her myself!" One of the elders, his eyes bloodshot, pulled out a spirit bow and prepared to shoot. "Quiet! Let''s hear what she has to say," Yang Wenyuan barked. Liu Ruyun smiled faintly. "Elders, I know what you''re thinking. You''re hoping I''ll show you mercy." "Unfortunately, I have no such intentions." "I''m only here to witness your despair." "This is a small hobby of mine." She covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes glinting with a dangerous allure. But to the elders, her smile was chilling, sending shivers down their spines. As Liu Ruyun prepared to give the command for the fire beasts to attack, a disturbance erupted on the outskirts of the fire beast horde. Liu Ruyun immediately sensed something was wrong and turned to look. She saw a figure in green. Not only her, but L Dongxuan, Yang Wenyuan, Ye Yan, He Tianchou, and the others also recognized the familiar figure. "Shen Mo?! Is that Shen Mo?!" He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei''s eyes widened in shock. L Dongxuan was overjoyed. "Junior Brother isn''t dead!" "Indeed, he''s not dead, but coming here voluntarily is tantamount to suicide," Yang Wenyuan frowned. Ye Yan remained silent, but his gaze at Shen Mo was cold and filled with schadenfreude. Clearly, he was hoping the fire beasts would pounce on Shen Mo and tear him apart. Liu Ruyun looked at Shen Mo and began to laugh. "Shen Mo, you''re an astonishingly talented geniusand the number one name on my list." "Originally, that spot belonged to Ye Yan, but now it''s you." "You''re the person I most want to kill, and I never thought you''d deliver yourself right to my doorstep." She covered her mouth, laughing with crescent-shaped eyes. "Junior Brother! Run! I''ll buy you some time!" Bang! L Dongxuan kicked the door of the safe house wide open and charged out. He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and the others followed closely behind, their eyes bloodshot. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Senior Brother, don''t worry." "With me here, none of these fire beasts will dare act recklessly. You''ll survive, I''ll survive, and everyone will make it out alive." L Dongxuan was stunned. He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei looked at Shen Mo in bewilderment. "What are you talking about?" Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan frowned even more deeply. "What nonsense is he spouting?" "Unless the Third and Seventh Elders arrive, we don''t stand a chance." "He''s just a Nascent Soul cultivatorwhat can he do?" "Isn''t he just another meal for the fire beasts?" The other elders exchanged confused glances, unable to understand where Shen Mo''s confidence came from. Liu Ruyun burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking as though she had just heard the most hilarious joke in the world. "Do you even know how many fire beasts are here?" "Three hundred and sixty-two." "Among them, there are four Fifth-Stage Peak Flame Flood Dragons." "Fifty more are Fifth Stage." "The rest are at least Fourth Stage." "I know your strength is extraordinary. You''ve even slain two Flame Flood Dragons on your own. Seeing you rescue He Tianchou back then did surprise me." "But how many fire beasts can you possibly kill?" "Five? Ten? Twenty?" She turned to glance at the restless fire beasts behind her, wearing a confident smile once more. "Human strength is limited. You cannot possibly contend with such a massive horde of fire beasts." "Or perhaps, I''ll offer you a way out." Liu Ruyun smiled slyly. "Your talent is exceptional, and it would be a pity for you to die here. Why not abandon the Jade Cauldron Sect and join the Governor of Yu State?" The other elders erupted in rage upon hearing this. "Damn it! She really is working for the Governor of Yu State!" "The Governor''s residence has been planting spies in our sect all along. Unforgivable!" "And to think the Second Elder trusted them, saying the Governor''s residence would ensure stable trade and supply us with spirit and demon beast materials. Utter nonsense!" Shen Mo looked at Liu Ruyun and shook his head. "Who said I would die here?" Liu Ruyun chuckled dismissively. "The only hard thing about you is your mouth, isn''t it?" Her expression suddenly turned icy. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''ve given you a chance. If you won''t abandon the darkness and embrace the light, then you deserve to die with the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Today, everyone in the Fire Pill Palace will perish." Liu Ruyun waved her hand sharply. All the fire beasts roared toward the sky. The deafening sound shook the ruins of the palace. The cultivators in the safe house clutched their heads in agony, their hearts trembling in fear. It was as if they could already see themselves being torn into countless pieces by the fire beasts. ???? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ???? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ???? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ???? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 271: This Life of Yours Has No Meaning to Keep Chapter 271: This Life of Yours Has No Meaning to Keep In the next moment, the fire beasts surged forward like flowing lava, charging straight toward the safe house! The momentum was overwhelming. It seemed as if they would flatten the safe house in an instant. The defensive array of the safe house was already on the verge of collapse. Now, it couldn''t withstand the simultaneous assault of hundreds of fire beasts. In less than a hundred breaths, it shattered into countless specks of light. The last barrier had fallen. At this moment, the safe house was as vulnerable as a defenseless maiden about to face the onslaught of hundreds of fire beasts. However, an unusual fragrance drifted in with the wind. The fire beasts suddenly stopped in their tracks. They began to sniff furiously, as if they had caught a whiff of something terrifying. In that instant, it awakened a deeply buried, ancient memory within their very bloodline. "Roar! Roar! Roar!" The fire beasts immediately ceased their advance, letting out anxious growls. But their growls carried hints of fear and trepidation. It was as if they had smelled the scent of a natural predator. This scene struck everyone like a tidal wave of shock. "What''s going on? Why aren''t the fire beasts moving?" He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei exchanged astonished and puzzled glances. "It feels like they''ve sensed the presence of a natural enemy," L Dongxuan exclaimed in surprise. Yang Wenyuan frowned slightly, "Could it be that a stronger fire beast has appeared, one that has replaced Liu Ruyun as their leader?" Ye Yan furrowed his brow tightly, equally unsure of what was happening. The other elders each had their own interpretations. Regardless, the sudden halt of the fire beast horde was like a glimmer of hope piercing through the despair of the night. Compared to the varied reactions of the group, Liu Ruyun''s expression was deeply troubled. She could clearly feel the fire beasts beginning to slip out of her control. "What''s happening?" "Is the imitation Fire Beast Incense no longer working?" Liu Ruyun pulled out a sachet and infused it with spiritual energy. Fine powders dispersed into the air and entered the nostrils of the surrounding fire beasts. However, the fire beasts still refused to heed her commands. They remained in place, restless and agitated. "An imitation is, after all, just an imitation." "The Prefectural Governor''s Office lacks the skill." Shen Mo''s voice floated in with the wind. Liu Ruyun turned to the figure in green robes. To her shock, she noticed that Shen Mo was also holding a sachet. The faint aroma in the air was emanating from his sachet! "That''s Fire Beast Incense? Impossible!" "The Prefectural Governor''s Office verified that when the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect was annihilated, all Fire Beast Incense was burned." "Even the formula for Fire Beast Incense was destroyed long ago!" Liu Ruyun''s eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of shock and fury spreading across her face. She had been completely confident that the imitation Fire Beast Incense would perfectly control these beasts. The idea that the real Fire Beast Incense could resurface and ruin her plans had never crossed her mind. Upon hearing Liu Ruyun''s words, the other cultivators froze. "Fire Beast Incense?" "What''s that?" Ouyang Wei scratched his head. He Tianchou frowned, "My grandfather mentioned it once. It''s something the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect used to control fire beasts." "With Fire Beast Incense, even a Body Refining Realm cultivator could easily slaughter a fifth-tier fire beast." Yang Wenyuan''s frown deepened. "But Fire Beast Incense has long been lost to history. No one can make it anymore." "Could it be that some remnants of Fire Beast Incense were left in the Fire Pill Palace? That seems unlikely" L Dongxuan''s eyes lit up with excitement. "What else could it be? Little Junior Brother must have found some remnants of Fire Beast Incense!" "Amazing, Little Junior Brother!" After L Dongxuan''s exclamation, the other cultivators'' eyes sparkled with realization. Of course! It was improbable that the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect had completely eradicated every trace of Fire Beast Incense. There was a chance that some remnants remained. Just because they couldn''t find it didn''t mean no one could. Clearly, Shen Mo was such a person of extraordinary fortunehe had found it! Ye Yan''s gaze was locked on Shen Mo''s figure. His fists clenched tightly. His knuckles turned pale and stood out sharply. Even he hadn''t been able to find the Fire Beast Incense. Shen Mo could find it. But why? Under the gaze of all present, Shen Mo casually tossed the sachet high into the air. Then, with a flick of his finger, a strand of spiritual energy struck the sachet, shattering it. In an instant, a vast amount of fine powder rained down from above. The fire beasts instinctively inhaled the powder. They confirmed it. This was Fire Beast Incense! "Roar!" The fire dragon at the front, measuring forty-nine zhang in length, immediately prostrated itself. Its submission triggered a wave of obedience. Fire tigers, fire wolves, and fire leopards all lowered their front legs and knelt. Fire crows, fire falcons, and other avian beasts descended to the ground, not daring to take flight. In an instant, all 362 fire beasts became docile, silent, and subservient, like cattle awaiting slaughter. This was precisely the method the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect had used to harvest fire beast demon crystals in the past! "My heavens" He Tianchou and Ouyang Wei were stunned, their mouths agape. "Incredible, Junior Brother!" L Dongxuan was so exhilarated he clenched his fists and guzzled from a wine jar. Yang Wenyuan''s expression was complex, and he said nothing. Meanwhile, Ye Yan''s eyes burned with undisguised hatred. Shen Mo had just become his savior. Did this mean he would now have to lower himself before Shen Mo? Unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable! Shen Mo strolled leisurely through the fire beast horde. He stopped before Liu Ruyun. At this moment, Liu Ruyun''s once-radiant face had turned ashen, pale as paper. "You this is impossible impossible" Liu Ruyun''s eyes lost focus, and she muttered "impossible" repeatedly. She had infiltrated the Jade Cauldron Sect for so long, pouring her heart and soul into completing this mission. She had reached the final step. As long as the fire beast horde charged forward and massacred the elders, her task would be complete. Yet now, at the final moment, everything had been undone so effortlessly by one man, in a way she could never have foreseen. Real Fire Beast Incense! How could such a thing exist? Liu Ruyun couldn''t accept it. She fell to her knees. Her heart sank into despair. Her mission had failed. Her identity was exposed. What awaited her now was the endless interrogation and coercion of the Jade Cauldron Sect. "You won''t drag me back to the Jade Cauldron Sect for questioning." "The Prefectural Governor''s Office won''t admit I''m their spy within the sect." "In the end, you''ll gain nothing." Liu Ruyun suddenly raised her head and laughed hysterically. Shen Mo spoke indifferently, "Take you back? There''s no need for that." "Your mission has failed, your identity is compromised, and the Prefectural Governor''s Office will deny your existence. They''ll wipe out your family to silence any leaks." "I anticipated all of this." "So, keeping you alive serves no purpose." "Off you go." Shen Mo extended a finger, pointing at Liu Ruyun. His lips moved slightly as he uttered three words, "Eat her alive." Liu Ruyun''s eyes widened in horror, darting toward the surrounding fire beasts. She saw them, the creatures that had once regarded her as their master, now staring at her with savage, predatory eyes. "No, the Prefectural Governor wouldn''t treat my family like that" Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No stay back! Stay away!" Her last scream was quickly drowned out as the ravenous jaws of the fire beasts closed in, tearing her apart. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 272: Senior Brother, Do You Have a Problem? Chapter 272: Senior Brother, Do You Have a Problem? Before long, the fire beasts retreated. All that remained was a pool of blood and some tattered cloth. As for the alluring woman from before, she had long since vanished. Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan both raised their heads to look at Shen Mo. For some reason, they instinctively felt a chill rising from within. Was it fear? Was it admiration? It seemed to be neither. And yet, perhaps it was both. Lu Dongxuan suddenly dashed forward and gave Shen Mo a bear hug. "Little junior brother! You''re incredible!" "You saved my life, damn it!" "Whatever you want, I''ll give it to you!" "Tell you what, I owe you a jar of Blazing Fire Brew. How about I repay you with that?" Shen Mo: "?" "Senior Brother, do you have a problem?" "Hahaha!" Lu Dongxuan held Shen Mo tightly, laughing so hard he wiped away tears. "Damn it, I really thought I was going to die just now. Just thinking about all the fine wine in this world I haven''t tasted yet terrified me." "Thank goodness for you!" He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and several others stepped forward with expressions of deep respect. "Elder Shen, thank you!" With that, they bowed deeply to Shen Mo. Soon, even more Three-Cauldron and Four-Cauldron elders came forward, bowing deeply to him as well. Even though their elder ranks were higher than Shen Mo''s. Even though their ages far exceeded his, to the point where they could be his ancestors. Yet they still made this gesture. This was gratitude. A natural response to a lifesaver. As more and more people bowed to Shen Mo, Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan''s expressions grew increasingly grim. This was not good news. It meant that the reputation of the Tenth Peak would soar to unprecedented heights in the coming days! Shen Mo''s achievement in saving so many elders would make his name unparalleled for some time. "Elders, you are all my seniors. Such formalities are unnecessary," Shen Mo said, cupping his hands. His face showed no trace of arrogance or pride. It was as though he had done something utterly trivial. The elders were astonished but deeply gratified. This young man was truly a rare talent. By comparison, certain individuals'' brilliance seemed to pale. Several elders couldn''t help but glance at Ye Yan, who was standing inside the safe house. They also recalled the stain on his reputation. Every elder here had heard Liu Ruyun''s earlier words loud and clear. She had said that Shen Mo single-handedly slew two Fire Dragons and saved He Tianchou. This was entirely contrary to Ye Yan''s claims. Moments ago, Liu Ruyun had an overwhelming advantage. She could have ordered the slaughter of all the elders with a single command. Naturally, she had no need to deceive them. So, who was lying? The answer was obvious. "Why are you all standing around? With so many fire beasts lying obediently on the ground, shouldn''t we get to work?" Lu Dongxuan laughed heartily. The elders snapped out of their daze. That''s right! Fire beast monster cores were valuable treasures. Normally, encountering either a massive horde of fire beasts or an extraordinarily powerful one would force them to retreat. But now, with so many fire beasts lying there submissively, ready to be harvested, this was the perfect opportunity to collect fire beast cores! The elders grew enthusiastic and began slaughtering the fire beasts, harvesting their cores. However, they all carefully avoided the Fire Dragons. It was as if they couldn''t even see them. Shen Mo observed this and understood instantly. "Truly, these people are all old foxes who''ve lived for hundreds of years," he thought to himself. "They certainly know how to behave." The Fire Dragons were highly likely to contain fire beast monster cores. If those greedy individuals were here, they would have rushed toward the Fire Dragons without hesitation. Instead, the others deliberately left them alone. It was clear they were reserved for Shen Mo. After all, it was Shen Mo''s use of the Fire Beast Powder that intimidated the fire beasts, allowing everyone else to safely harvest their spoils. Fire Dragons, which almost always contained fire beast cores, were naturally left for Shen Mo to claim. Shen Mo glanced at the safe house. Inside were Yang Wenyuan, Ye Yan, and three othersstaunch supporters of the Second Peak. While everyone else was outside harvesting fire beast cores, they refused to leave. Perhaps it was out of pride. Perhaps it was due to their allegiance. Or maybe they were simply too afraid. Shen Mo noticed one of them had greed written all over his face, clearly yearning to join in. However, under Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan''s watchful eyes, the man dared not move a single step. His expression was filled with regret and reluctance. Shen Mo smiled faintly, then walked over to the Fire Dragons. With a swift motion of his sword, he began to harvest. Before long, all the fire beasts had been slain. The elders were in high spirits, grouping together to excitedly discuss how many fire beast cores they had collected. Shen Mo himself had obtained five fifth-grade fire beast coresenough for him to refine a significant amount of Scarlet Flame Pills. At that moment, two figures appeared on the distant horizon, rushing toward them. Everyone looked closely and recognized them as the Third Elder and the Seventh Elder. The two of them looked disheveled. Their once-luxurious robes were now tattered, scorched, and blackened in several places. However, when they saw the numerous fire beast corpses around the safe house, they froze in shock, then quickened their pace even further. The Third Elder exclaimed, "You actually held off the fire beasts?!" The Seventh Elder immediately asked, "What about Ye Yan and Yang Wenyuan? Are they safe?" Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan stepped out, their expressions gloomy, and gave a slight nod. Only then did the Seventh Elder breathe a sigh of relief. Before entering the Fire Pill Palace, Yang Qiye had specifically instructed him to take care of Yang Wenyuan and Ye Yan. If anything had happened to them, he would have faced Yang Qiye''s wrath. The Seventh Elder quickly asked, "What exactly happened here? Explain everything in detail!" Yang Wenyuan''s eyes flickered, and he remained silent. The Seventh Elder frowned. The Third Elder, looking puzzled, turned to Lu Dongxuan. "You explain." Lu Dongxuan grinned mischievously and exaggeratedly recounted the events. When the Third and Seventh Elders heard about Liu Ruyun leading over 300 fire beasts to surround the safe house, their hearts nearly stopped. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There were over twenty Nascent Soul elders here. If they had all perished, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s overall strength would have taken a significant hit. The sect''s various cities and industries would have lacked elder overseers. And that was just the immediate problem. In decades or centuries, when the older Divine Transformation elders reached the end of their lifespan and the new generation of Divine Transformation elders had not yet matured, the consequences would be catastrophic. "What exactly happened? Where is that traitor Liu Ruyun, and how did all the fire beasts die?" the Third Elder pressed. Lu Dongxuan laughed and draped his arm over Shen Mo''s shoulder. "All thanks to my junior brother here!" "He found some Fire Beast Powder and used it to intimidate the fire beasts." "As for that traitor Liu Ruyun, she was devoured completely by the fire beasts in their backlash." The Third Elder''s eyes widened. "Fire Beast Powder?! You found Fire Beast Powder, which was supposed to have been completely destroyed?!" He was utterly stunned. Who would have thought there was still some residual Fire Beast Powder in the Fire Pill Palace? Shen Mo nodded. "I was lucky to find some, but it''s all used up now." Given the immense value of possessing the formula for Fire Beast Powder, Shen Mo decided it was best to keep this secret to himself until he had enough strength to protect it. Hearing that it had been used up, the Third Elder sighed regretfully. "What a pity I was hoping to replicate something similar." At that moment, the Seventh Elder''s sharp voice cut through from the side. "Why did you kill Liu Ruyun?!" "Leaving her alive was far more important!" "She could have been a bargaining chip in our negotiations with the State Governor''s Office!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 273: No Gesture of Respect Is Too Much for Him Chapter 273: No Gesture of Respect Is Too Much for Him Shen Mo looked at the Seventh Elder. The Seventh Elder was pointing at him, glaring with anger. The Third Elder frowned and stepped between Shen Mo and the Seventh Elder. In a deep voice, he said, "Seventh Elder, Shen Mo saved all the elders present. He is a great benefactor of the Jade Cauldron Sect. You shouldn''t speak this way." The Seventh Elder replied coldly, "I don''t care about the others. I just want to know why you ordered the fire beasts to devour Liu Ruyun." Shen Mo smiled faintly. "It seems the Seventh Elder is getting old; your thinking isn''t as sharp as it used to be." The Seventh Elder''s face twisted in anger. "What did you say, boy?!" Shen Mo replied calmly, "Even if we had captured Liu Ruyun alive, the State Governor''s Office would never admit any connection to her." "Her family would be massacred immediately to sever any ties." "What''s the point of keeping someone like that alive? To waste rice?" The Seventh Elder''s eyes widened in fury. He pointed at Shen Mo''s nose and roared, "You!" The Third Elder sighed and grabbed the Seventh Elder''s arm, forcibly pulling it down. "That''s enough, enough. Shen Mo is right. That Governor Yu is a cunning old fox. Unless there''s irrefutable evidence, there''s no way you''ll make him acknowledge anything." "This matter is settled." "In any case, Shen Mo saved all the elders here and performed an extraordinary service." "Neither you, I, nor anyone else has the right to criticize Shen Mo." The Seventh Elder snorted coldly and turned his head away. The Third Elder patted Shen Mo''s shoulder, his expression filled with gratitude. "Good lad, it''s a blessing to have you here." "We were delayed by a large group of fire beasts. Even though we rushed here as fast as we could, we were prepared for the worst." "But I never imaginednever imaginedthat you would give us such a pleasant surprise, Shen Mo." Shen Mo cupped his hands. "It was my duty." "Good, good! I like your attitude, hahaha!" The Third Elder laughed heartily, his face beaming with delight. After a brief pause, he added, "The Fire Pill Palace will reopen in four days. I suggest we don''t wander around anymore and head straight to the entrance." The other elders nodded in agreement. This experience had left them with a psychological shadow. Even if the Third Elder hadn''t suggested it, none of them would have wanted to linger any longer. All they wanted now was to leave the Fire Pill Palace and relax their weary minds and bodies. Four Days Later At the entrance of the Fire Pill Palace. The Great Elder and the stationed palace guardian elder, Liu Qiang, had been waiting there for some time. The heavy gates of the Fire Pill Palace rumbled open. One by one, tired and battered figures emerged. When the Great Elder saw that nearly everyone was injured, exhausted, and their numbers had significantly dwindled, his heart sank. He rushed forward to inquire. The Third Elder and the Seventh Elder exchanged a glance. The Seventh Elder remained silent. The Third Elder recounted everything that had happened in the Fire Pill Palace, sparing no detail. He concluded with high praise for Shen Mo. The Great Elder''s eyes flashed with palpable fury. "The State Governor''s Office!" He took several deep breaths to calm himself, then quickly walked over to Shen Mo, scrutinizing the young man intently. The incident in Bloodvine Valley had already made him take note of Shen Mo. But this time, Shen Mo had once again played a pivotal role. "Elder Shen, well done!" "On behalf of the sect, I thank you!" He then bowed deeply to Shen Mo. The gesture shocked all the elders present. The dignified Great Elder, master of the Discipline Hall, was bowing to a young elder who wasn''t even thirty years old. It was utterly unexpected. "Great Elder, there''s no need for this," the Seventh Elder said, frowning. But the Great Elder shook his head. "Shen Mo saved so many elders here. He didn''t just save lives; he saved the future of the sect." "No Gesture of Respect Is Too Much for Him." The Seventh Elder fell silent immediately. "Let''s go, Elder Shen. You are the great hero of our sect!" The Great Elder beamed as he pulled Shen Mo by the arm and walked at the front. The Third and Seventh Elders followed closely behind, with Lu Dongxuan, Ye Yan, Yang Wenyuan, and the others trailing after them. Together, they returned to the Jade Cauldron Sect''s main gate. Jade Cauldron Sect''s Council Hall After listening to the Great Elder''s report, Sect Master Li Zhendao and the gathered elders'' expressions shifted several times. Li Zhendao quickly approached Shen Mo, bowing deeply with sincerity. Shen Mo hurriedly stepped forward to support him. Li Zhendao said solemnly, "Elder Shen, your contributions to the sect this time are immense. It is only fitting that I bow to you." Shen Mo''s actions had saved over twenty Nascent Soul elders. These were no ordinary elders. Each was of the Three-Cauldron or Four-Cauldron rank, the backbone of the Jade Cauldron Sect. If these individuals had all perished, the sect would have been left without capable personnel. Worse yet, it would have led to a devastating generational gap in the near future, leaving the Jade Cauldron Sect vulnerable for years to come. Shen Mo''s efforts were tantamount to saving the sect''s future. Elder Wan Mushun chuckled. "Sect Master, shouldn''t Elder Shen be promoted and rewarded with something nice?" Li Zhendao nodded repeatedly. "That''s only proper. Our sect has never been stingy in rewarding merit." After a brief moment of thought, he declared, "I propose that Elder Shen be directly promoted to the rank of Four-Cauldron Elder for his extraordinary service!" "In addition, he will be awarded 15 Class-B contributions." "What Elder Shen wishes to exchange for using these contributions is entirely up to him." Li Zhendao smiled warmly. "Elder Shen, what do you think of this arrangement?" Shen Mo''s heart stirred slightly. Fifteen Class-B contributionsLi Zhendao was indeed generous. Most Four-Cauldron elders probably hadn''t accumulated 15 Class-B contributions in their lifetimes. To put it into perspective, 15 Class-B contributions were roughly equivalent to 200 Class-C contributions. After all, exchanging lower-grade contributions for higher-grade ones typically required a premium. With these contributions, Shen Mo could purchase treasures unavailable within the Jade Cauldron Sect, such as spiritual artifacts from the Shangqing Sect, elixirs from the Danhe Sect, or spirit beasts from the State Governor''s Office. These were their respective specialties, and such items could only be purchased with Class-B contributions. Even with an abundance of Class-C contributions, they would still be inaccessible. However, before Shen Mo could speak, Yang Qiye stood up. "Sect Master, I object." "Shen Mo has indeed made great contributions, but promoting him from a Three-Cauldron Elder to a Four-Cauldron Elder is already a significant reward." "To further grant him 15 Class-B contributions is excessive." "Bear in mind, many Four-Cauldron Elders haven''t accumulated 15 Class-B contributions in their lifetimes." "Your actions, Sect Master, risk creating discord among the elders." Wan Mushun smiled faintly. "Oh? Then what do you suggest, Elder Yang?" Yang Qiye raised three fingers. "Three Class-B contributions. No more." The Fifth Elder and Eighth Elder stood up in immediate opposition. sea??h th N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s far too little!" "Shen Mo''s contributions are monumental. Awarding only three Class-B contributions would be disheartening. If word of this spreads, what will the Shangqing Sect and Danhe Sect think of us?" "Furthermore" The Fifth Elder sneered. "Second Elder, it was you who advocated for abandoning our beast-taming industry and purchasing all spirit beast and monster materials from the State Governor''s Office." "And now look what''s happened. The State Governor''s Office had already planted a spy in our ranks, aiming to kill all the elders who entered the Fire Pill Palace this time." "Now, you want to reduce Shen Mo''s reward? Elder Yang, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?" "Are you the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Second Elder, or are you working for the State Governor''s Office?" The entire council hall fell silent, the atmosphere turning icy. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 274: Today’s Incident Must Not Be Leaked, or It Will Be Considered Betrayal of the Sect Chapter 274: Today''s Incident Must Not Be Leaked, or It Will Be Considered Betrayal of the Sect Positions and allegiances have always been of utmost importance. When someone changes their stance, they can easily transform from a friend into an enemy. Hearing this, Yang Qiye became furious. "Nonsense! Watch your tone when you speak to me." "I, Yang Qiye, have always been loyal to the Jade Cauldron Sect. I have never done anything to betray the sect." "Everything I do is done with a clear conscience!" "As for whether Liu Ruyun is truly someone from the State Governor''s Office, it remains to be determined! It''s possible she was a spy planted by the Upper Clarity Sect or the Danhe Sect. Before her death, she could have deliberately claimed to be from the State Governor''s Office to damage our relationship with them!" After Yang Qiye spoke, some elders began to ponder. His words made some sense. "Eighth Elder, Liu Ruyun was a member of your Eighth Peak. You are responsible for investigating her identity," the Grand Elder said, turning to the Eighth Elder. "Yes," the Eighth Elder replied reluctantly, nodding with a troubled expression. Suddenly, Yang Qiye raised his voice. "More important than commending Shen Mo is another issue." "That is the pill formula for transforming pure Nascent Soul!" "If we fail to secure the pill formula for transforming pure Nascent Soul this time, we will be forced to purchase such pills from the Danhe Sect in the future." "We''ll be entirely at their mercy." "Yan''er, what''s the status?" He turned to Ye Yan, his gaze full of expectation. Ye Yan remained silent for a moment before speaking hesitantly. "Master, there were too many dangers in the Fire Pill Palace this time. I didn''t have much time to search for the formula." Yang Qiye''s expression stiffened. Li Zhendao sighed lightly. "That''s understandable. With eruptions of underground fire and agitated fire beasts, the elders had little time to look for the formula." "Besides, it''s not an easy thing to find. It''s normal to return empty-handed in such circumstances." "Let''s disperse. You''ve all worked hard for so long; it''s time to rest." "Elder Shen, we will reevaluate your commendation and ensure it meets your expectations." Li Zhendao forced a smile at Shen Mo as he raised his head. Shen Mo smiled faintly and spoke. "I found the formula." To be precise, he now possessed two versions of the formula. The first was the sheet of paper he had obtained. The second was a method recorded in the . In truth, the method for refining the pure Nascent Soul transformation pill found in the was the most exquisite. It required the fewest medicinal ingredients, produced the least pill toxicity, and had the strongest efficacy. As for the formula of the Danhe Sect, it was something their founder had derived by studying the . To put it plainly, it was an inferior version of the original. Its effectiveness was roughly 70% of the perfected version. Still, even at 70%, it far surpassed the pills of the Danhe Sect. The inferior version of the formula was of no use to Shen Mo. Instead of keeping it, it was better to trade it for treasures he needed. "What?" When Shen Mo finished speaking, every gaze in the discussion hall turned toward him. Everyone wore an expression of shock. Li Zhendao stepped forward quickly, his face solemn. "Elder Shen, cultivators do not speak frivolously. Do not make jokes about such matters." The Grand Elder stood abruptly as well. "Elder Shen, I know your dedication to the sect, but please don''t jest about this." Wan Muchun hurriedly asked, his voice trembling, "Shen Mo, did you really obtain it...?" Ye Yan looked at Shen Mo, clenching his fists tightly. A voice roared within his heart. Impossible! Impossible! There''s no way he could have obtained the formula for the pure Nascent Soul transformation pill! The next moment, everyone saw Shen Mo take out a yellowed sheet of paper from his storage ring. "This is the formula for the pure Nascent Soul transformation pill. I''ve already tested it by refining one batch." Shen Mo glanced around, smiling lightly. Li Zhendao widened his eyes and immediately took the sheet. After quickly scanning it, his face lit up with joy. "It''s real! This records two methods: one for independent refinement and one for refinement using advanced Nascent Soul transformation pills." The others were stunned. "What?!" The Grand Elder, Wan Muchun, and the Third Elder all stood up and quickly gathered around Li Zhendao. The council hall suddenly became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. After a brief silence, an uproar exploded like a thunderclap. "It''s really the formula!" "My heavens, Shen Mo, you actually found it!" "Elder Shen, do you realize the magnitude of the contribution you''ve made to the sect? This is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment!" The Grand Elder, Wan Muchun, and the others all turned sharply toward Shen Mo. Their previously grim expressions were now brimming with joy, their faces glowing with excitement. For a moment, Yang Qiye''s expression darkened, but he quickly replaced it with a mask of delight. As for what he was truly thinking, no one could tell. Li Zhendao immediately made a decision. "Elder Shen''s achievement this time fully warrants an A-level contribution!" The Grand Elder beamed. "Not enoughadd ten B-level contributions as well!" Wan Muchun chuckled. "Elder Shen is from my Tenth Peak. Shouldn''t the sect also allocate some additional resources to the Tenth Peak?" "Absolutely, absolutely!" Li Zhendao laughed heartily, unable to contain his joy. With a talent like Shen Mo, how could the sect not flourish? Lu Dongxuan, He Tianchou, and Ouyang Wei excitedly gathered around. After carefully examining the formula, their faces filled with astonishment. For a moment, even they thought Shen Mo had been joking. But it turned out to be real! Fingernails dug deeply into a palm. Blood dripped onto the ground. In the lively and celebratory atmosphere, no one noticed the blood dripping from Ye Yan''s palm. Overwhelming anger and jealousy had dulled his sense of pain entirely. His eyes were fixed only on the figure in green at the center of attention, surrounded by admiration like the moon among stars. "Damn it damn it all" Without turning back, Ye Yan stormed out of the council hall. Li Zhendao noticed his departing figure and sighed softly. The rivalry between two unparalleled talents had not been overtly displayed. But it was clear that Ye Yan had already fallen behind by more than a step. Hopefully, he would come to terms with this and behave more modestly in the future. After this brief moment of regret, Li Zhendao''s gaze toward Shen Mo became even more appreciative. This young man had boundless potential and was still so young. Perhaps he might even be a suitable candidate for the position of Young Sect Master. However, Yang Qiye would surely rally the Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders to oppose the idea. Pushing Shen Mo into the position of Young Sect Master would not be an easy task. "If only the Sect Guardian supported him. If he gave his approval, even Yang Qiye wouldn''t have a say. Unfortunately, the Sect Guardian has made it clear he won''t meddle in sect affairs." Li Zhendao sighed inwardly. "Well, let''s not crowd together anymore. We should discuss how to properly reward Elder Shen," he said with a hearty laugh. The Third Elder nodded. "Yes, yes, the Sect Master is right!" The Eighth Elder added, "We must not shortchange those who contribute to the sect!" Wan Muchun spoke solemnly. "However, the matter of the pure Nascent Soul transformation pill formula must not be disclosed immediately. At the very least, we should wait until we''ve successfully refined the first batch of pills before making it public." The Grand Elder surveyed the room, his tone chilling. "Agreed. The events of today must not be leaked. Anyone who does so will be considered a traitor to the sect!" The elders all felt a chill in their hearts and nodded repeatedly. "Understood!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Please join Patreon, I need all the support I can get. My Patreon has been stagnant since half a month. Chapter 275: Two Letters from the Governor of Yu Province Chapter 275: Two Letters from the Governor of Yu Province A day later, a shocking piece of news spread rapidly from the Jade Cauldron Sect, shaking the region. The Fire Pill Palace, which opens once every ten years, was supposed to be an excellent opportunity for the sect''s elders to search for treasures. However, among the elders, a traitor named Liu Ruyun was discovered. This individual threw treasures into the Earthfire Core to amplify the flames, causing consecutive eruptions of underground fire. She also possessed counterfeit Fire Beast Powder, which allowed her to control the fire beasts. The Jade Cauldron Sect''s cultivators inside the Fire Pill Palace were pushed to the brink of death. Then, a young elder stepped forward with genuine Fire Beast Powder, instantly subduing all the fire beasts. The traitor ultimately met her end, devoured by the fire beasts. The Nascent Soul-stage elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect narrowly escaped with their lives. The name of that young elder was Shen Mo! Additionally, the Jade Cauldron Sect publicly claimed that the traitor was affiliated with the Governor''s Office of Yu Province. The counterfeit Fire Beast Powder she possessed was said to have originated from the Governor''s Office as well. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This sparked a storm of excitement across the Yu Province. Both sect cultivators and wandering practitioners eagerly watched to see how the Governor''s Office would respond. After all, not long ago, the Governor''s Office and the Jade Cauldron Sect had signed a major trade agreement. The Governor''s Office supplied spirit beast and demon beast materials, while the Jade Cauldron Sect provided treasures such as Scarlet Blood Spirit Grains and Star Sand. To many, the two powers appeared to have a relatively amicable relationship. Another day passed. The General of the Governor''s Office, Wu Renyin, issued a proclamation to all of Yu Province, declaring that Liu Ruyun had no connection to the Governor''s Office and that the Jade Cauldron Sect''s accusations were fabricated. Beyond this, there was no further response. While neither side took any direct action, it was clear their relationship had plummeted to an icy low. In the Governor''s Office Rear Garden This time, the Governor of Yu Province was not fishing. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing silently at the distant mountains. Behind him, Wu Renyin knelt on one knee, saying nothing. "Has everything been handled cleanly?" the governor asked indifferently. "It has. All thirty-six members of the family, without exception. No one will trace Liu Ruyun back to the Governor''s Office," Wu Renyin replied gravely. The governor sighed lightly. "I still can''t understand why Liu Ruyun failed at the last moment." Wu Renyin forced a bitter smile. "It''s not just you, my lord. I can''t figure it out either." "Wasn''t it said that all Fire Beast Powder had been destroyed long ago? How did Shen Mo find some in the Fire Pill Palace?" "If it weren''t for Shen Mo, our plan would have succeeded without a doubt!" The governor rarely frowned, but at this, his brows furrowed deeply. Shen Mo. This young man had disrupted his plans multiple times now. Once could be chalked up to chance. Twice, three timeshe had become an obstacle. And obstacles were meant to be crushed. Wu Renyin suddenly spoke. "There''s another piece of news. Yang Qiye sent word that Shen Mo obtained something from the Fire Pill Palace." "What is it?" the governor asked casually. "The pill formula for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill!" The governor''s frown deepened, and he began pacing back and forth. Shen Mo had brought immeasurable benefits to the Jade Cauldron Sect. After a moment, he asked, "What''s the situation in Mist Province?" Wu Renyin responded solemnly, "Today, the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Demons claimed yet another city. A golden-ranked general under the Mist Province Governor''s command fell in battle." The governor shook his head. "What about the capital? Are the Seven Great Sects still unwilling to send aid?" Wu Renyin replied in a low voice, "You should know, my lord, that His Majesty wishes to demonstrate his strength to the Seven Great Sects. He will not lower himself to request their help." "Furthermore, His Majesty''s personally trained army must allocate a significant portion of its forces to guard against these sects, leaving manpower severely stretched." The governor sighed deeply and fell silent. The Kingdom of Jing consisted of nine provinces. Aside from Long Province, where the capital was located, and Yu Province, where sects were numerous, each of the other seven provinces was dominated by a powerful sect. Although the seven great sects ostensibly submit to the Jing Emperor, behind the scenes, they often engage in covert disobedience. The Jing Emperor must demonstrate his power to earn their full respect. The war in Mist Province against the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Demons is a perfect opportunity to showcase such strength. If victorious, the seven great sects will acknowledge his authority with genuine admiration. If defeated, the sects might outwardly remain neutral but would covertly return to treating their territories as private kingdomspaying no taxes and ignoring imperial commands. "In the end, we can only rely on ourselves." "And now, I have only one move left." "The Jade Cauldron Sect, so defiant against the court, must be utterly destroyed as an example." "The first step to their annihilation is forcing them to hand over Shen Mo." The Governor of Yu Province''s eyes gleamed coldly. "Dictate as I speak," he ordered calmly. Wu Renyin quickly rose, moved to the writing desk, and picked up a brush. The governor began, his tone steady. "The first letter, addressed to Mo Lingxiao, Sect Master of the Supreme Clarity Sect." "''Sect Master Mo, it has been three decades since we last met. I trust you remain well and still remember me, your former teacher.''" "''Your sect has long expressed interest in acquiring Ironclad Cloudships. If you ally with me, I will gift you five Ironclad Cloudships without charge.''" "''Moreover, once the Jade Cauldron Sect is destroyed, all their treasures will be yours. My Governor''s Office will not take a single item.''" Wu Renyin''s heart trembled as he wrote. Ironclad Cloudships were aerial warships crafted by the skilled artisans under the Governor''s command. Each was engraved with numerous offensive and defensive arrays. Their destructive power was unparalleled, and their defenses were impenetrableso long as they were supplied with top-grade spirit stones. One Ironclad Cloudship could rival an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in combat power. And ten Ironclad Cloudships firing together could obliterate ten early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators without leaving them any chance to fight back. The Supreme Clarity Sect, founded on the art of crafting magical tools, had long coveted the Ironclad Cloudships and made repeated requests to purchase them. The Governor had always refused. But now, he was offering them freely. After a brief pause, the governor continued, "The second letter, addressed to Hai Qiankun, Sect Master of the Danhe Sect." "''Sect Master Hai, I have heard that your sect has recently developed the formula for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. Allow me to extend my congratulations.''" "''I have also heard that the Qingxuan Sect in Xuanjing Prefecture was once a subsidiary of your Danhe Sect. Shen Mo hails from the Qingxuan Sect, but instead of joining the Danhe Sect, he was intercepted by the Jade Cauldron Sect.''" "''Now that Shen Mo has proven himself a peerless genius, this must be a significant loss to your sect. Should word of this spread, it could greatly damage the reputation of the Danhe Sect.''" "''Furthermore, rumors have reached me that Shen Mo recently obtained the formula for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill in the Fire Pill Palace. This is certainly not good news for your sect.''" "''I sincerely invite Sect Master Hai to sever ties with the Jade Cauldron Sect.''" "''Once the Jade Cauldron Sect is destroyed, their treasures will all belong to the Danhe Sect. My Governor''s Office will not take a single item.''" "''Even if Sect Master Hai is unwilling to agree to this, the Danhe Sect and the Governor''s Office can still collaborate.''" Wu Renyin completed the two letters in one breath, his mood heavy. The Governor noticed his somber expression and smiled faintly. "You can''t catch wolves without sacrificing sheep." "Certain costs are inevitable." "I want you to personally deliver these two letters to Mo Lingxiao and Hai Qiankun." "Oh, and take an Ironclad Cloudship for faster travel." Wu Renyin nodded solemnly. "Understood!" As Wu Renyin''s figure disappeared into the distance, the Governor exhaled deeply. The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that he had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure. By allying with the Supreme Clarity Sect and the Danhe Sect to bring down the Jade Cauldron Sect, he aimed to claim a share of the spoils. That share might just resolve his immediate crisis. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 276: The Radiance of Ascending to the Saint Body Spreads Three Thousand Miles Chapter 276: The Radiance of Ascending to the Saint Body Spreads Three Thousand Miles Supreme Purity Sect. In a secluded garden, Wu Renyin met Mo Lingxiao. This tall middle-aged man possessed a naturally commanding aura, his stern features instilling reverence at just a glance, making people instinctively lower their gaze, unable to look directly at him. However, Mo Lingxiao did not look at Wu Renyin. Instead, he unfolded a letter and read it carefully. When his eyes landed on the words "Ironclad Cloud Ship," a trace of delight flashed across his face, though he quickly concealed it, maintaining a calm demeanor. After a moment, he folded the letter and sighed softly, "This Shen Mo is truly a rare genius. What a pity he''s in the Jade Cauldron Sect." "I recall that the Jade Cauldron Sect has another genius named Ye Yan, doesn''t it? There was a time when he outshone even my disciple." "What virtue or capability does the Jade Cauldron Sect possess to be blessed with two unparalleled talents?" Wu Renyin replied in a low voice, "Sect Master Mo, you are absolutely right." Mo Lingxiao smiled faintly. "Go back and tell Governor Yu that I can agree to his terms, but the number of Ironclad Cloud Ships is too few." Saying this, he spread his hands and raised ten fingers. "At least ten ships." Wu Renyin froze, seemingly about to speak. But Mo Lingxiao raised a single finger to his lips, silencing him. "Shh. I''m not negotiating with you. You''re not qualified. Don''t argue." "Just deliver my message to your master." With that, he waved dismissively, clearly unwilling to exchange another unnecessary word. Wu Renyin took a deep breath. "Understood." A few days later, Pill River Sect. After leaving the Supreme Purity Sect, Wu Renyin rushed non-stop aboard an Ironclad Cloud Ship to the Pill River Sect. The Ironclad Cloud Ship''s speed far surpassed that of most Core Formation cultivators, allowing him to travel from the Supreme Purity Sect to the Pill River Sect within a few short days. In a pavilion, Wu Renyin met the portly sect master of the Pill River Sect, Hai Qiankun. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, Hai Qiankun was being attended to by two young women in gauzy attire. They occasionally fed him fresh, tender red grapes, which he savored slowly. Nearby, another beautiful woman was playing a guqin, the melodious notes rippling like water, arousing a sense of longing. As for the letter Wu Renyin presented, Hai Qiankun didn''t read it himself but had one of his attendants read it aloud. Initially, Hai Qiankun sat with his eyes closed, immersed in his leisure. However, when the attendant read the words "Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill formula," his eyes suddenly snapped open. "Shen Mo discovered the formula for the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill?" "Interesting." "Where did Governor Yu get this information?" Hai Qiankun''s small eyes darted toward Wu Renyin. Wu Renyin replied solemnly, "Apologies, but this is a secret of the Governor''s Office and cannot be disclosed." Hai Qiankun chuckled lightly. "I was just asking casually. No need to be so tense." Wu Renyin said seriously, "What is Sect Master Hai''s stance? I need to report back to the governor." Hai Qiankun smiled faintly. "The interests of the Pill River Sect must not be infringed upon by anyone." Wu Renyin understood and nodded. "I see. I will take my leave now." As Hai Qiankun watched him depart, he suddenly spoke. "Spread the word: immediately gather all information related to Shen Mo. I want it on my desk this afternoon." The guqin-playing attendant nodded firmly. "Understood. I''ll handle it right away." Hai Qiankun fell into deep thought. He realized he had underestimated Shen Mo. That young man was far from ordinary. He couldn''t be dismissed as just another unpredictable factor. "The Jade Cauldron Sect is unbelievably lucky. How did they end up with three talents like Shen Mo, Ye Yan, and L Dongxuan?" Hai Qiankun scratched his head in frustration. The Pill River Sect was immensely wealthy but had never been known for producing exceptional talents. It had always relied on its vast resources to recruit powerful rogue cultivators. "If only Shen Mo were a genius of the Pill River Sect. What a pity, truly a pity. But soon, the Jade Cauldron Sect will be buried alongside him." Hai Qiankun sighed deeply, casting the matter aside to continue enjoying his pleasant surroundings. A Month Later, a Desolate Mountain in Mian Mountain Prefecture Shen Mo casually selected a cave on the desolate mountain, driving away a den of black bears inside. With a gust of fierce wind, he swept out the foul odor, skeletal remains, and filth, cleansing the cave. Only then did he sit down cross-legged. Li Zhendao and the others had been deliberating over his commendation for an entire month, yet no conclusion had been reached. Tired of waiting, Shen Mo accepted a task from the mission hall located in Mian Mountain Prefecture, arriving here to refine the Taiyi Saint Origin Pill. He solemnly retrieved a jade box from his storage ring. Upon opening it, the box revealed a pill the size of a baby''s fist, glowing with a verdant green hue. The pill''s surface bore intricate dark green patterns, seemingly random at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, these patterns resonated with the profound laws of heaven and earth, exuding an enigmatic aura. Gazing at it too long caused dizziness and sparkling lights before one''s eyes. Shen Mo took a deep breath and circulated his spiritual energy to envelop the Taiyi Saint Origin Pill. The refinement process began. A pill of this size could not be consumed directlyit wouldn''t even fit into one''s mouth. Thus, it had to be refined externally before absorption. Soon, strands of emerald-green medicinal energy, as fine as threads, began to seep into Shen Mo''s body through his nose and mouth under the guidance of his spiritual energy. The energy slowly and steadily nourished his physical body. By the end of the day, the Taiyi Saint Origin Pill had only shrunk by a single layera shockingly slow process. Shen Mo, however, remained patient, continuing to expend his spiritual energy to refine the pill. A vast amount of energy was drawn from his spiritual sea. The spiritual energy flowed like snow, while the Taiyi Saint Origin Pill resembled a blazing sun. Even with torrents of spiritual energy pouring over it, the pill''s brilliance only dimmed slightly. For an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, a day of such refinement would likely drain their energy reserves entirely, forcing them to stop and recover before resuming. But for Shen Mo, after an entire day of constant refining, less than one-fifth of his spiritual energy had been consumed. He even had surplus energy to sustain his Solar Essence Flame and Green Lotus Earth Core Flame, ensuring they didn''t turn against him due to a lack of sustenance. Day after day passed. Finally, on the seventh day, the Taiyi Saint Origin Pill had diminished to the size of a sesame seed. Nearly every trace of its medicinal power had been absorbed into Shen Mo''s body. At a certain moment, a remarkable transformation took place in his physique. At first glance, his muscles, bones, and flesh seemed unchanged. Yet on closer inspection, his entire demeanor had undergone a metamorphosisethereal, transcendent, like an immortal descending to the mortal realm. Boom! A pillar of light shot skyward at that moment, piercing through the clouds. The radiance spread across three thousand miles, lingering without fading. Within a thousand miles, flower petals rained from the heavens, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. Within a hundred miles, all beasts prostrated in submission, and vegetation flourished vibrantly. In the sky above, clouds shimmered, and the sun and moon seemed to hang side by side. A series of extraordinary phenomena unfolded, as if heralding the emergence of a supreme treasure. Cultivators and mortals alike in the area surrounding the desolate mountain were alarmed. Unbidden, their gazes turned toward the source. Mortals knelt down devoutly, chanting praises of an immortal. Lower-realm cultivators swallowed nervously, sensing the immense pressure radiating from the skyward pillar of light. Only Nascent Soul cultivators dared withstand the overwhelming force as they made their way toward the desolate mountain. None of them knew whether the phenomenon was caused by the birth of a priceless treasure or the breakthrough of a powerful cultivator. Either way, it was worth investigatingperhaps they might stumble upon a fortune. At this moment, Shen Mo abruptly opened his eyes. A sharp gleam flashed within them, shooting out and piercing the rocky wall in front of him. He exhaled a murky breath, his gaze flickering with excitement and wonder. "After ascending to the Saint Body, I''ve gained such remarkable abilities." "I need to find a place to test them properly." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 277: The New Fate Attribute—Taiyi Primal Body and Instant Enlightenment Chapter 277: The New Fate AttributeTaiyi Primal Body and Instant Enlightenment Shen Mo employed his movement martial skill, immediately dashing out like a gust of wind or a bolt of lightning. Before long, he appeared thousands of miles away, in a secluded mountain valley. Sitting cross-legged, he quietly attuned himself to the connection between the heavens, the earth, and his own being. With a slight motion of his finger, the dense wood-elemental spiritual energy in the valley surged toward him of its own accord. In an instant, it coalesced into liquid spiritual essence. Shen Mo''s face lit up with joy. "After advancing to the Saint Physique, my other four elemental roots have been fully completed!" "From now on, not only will cultivating fire-element martial skills be twice as effective with half the effort, but I''ll also benefit from the Saint Physique''s enhancements when cultivating techniques of other elements!" "My current physique is no longer the Blazing Sun Flame Body. So, what exactly is it?" Shen Mo pondered for a moment and examined his personal panel internally. [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Nascent Soul Stage (Great Accomplishment).] [Fate Attributes: Apothecary''s Son, Instant Enlightenment, Sword Dao Enthusiast, Slightly Fortunate, Taiyi Primal Body, Blessed by Fortune (Temporary).] His thoughts focused on "Taiyi Primal Body" and "Instant Enlightenment." [Taiyi Primal Body: Golden Fate Attribute. A Saint-grade lower-tier physique. Your five elemental spiritual roots are extraordinarily gifted, allowing you to cultivate elemental martial skills and techniques with half the effort. Additionally, your every action naturally aligns with the principles of heaven and earth, making it easier to enter a state of enlightenment and connect with vast areas of spiritual energy.] [Instant Enlightenment: Red Fate Attribute. Thanks to your physique, your comprehension ability has significantly improved. A mere hint from others, or even the faintest spark of inspiration, allows you to fully grasp the essence of matters.] After reviewing these two fate attributes, a genuine smile spread across Shen Mo''s face. Excellent. Truly excellent! Especially the Taiyi Primal Body. A golden fate attribute, the highest grade of all! Far superior to the red fate attributes possessed by individuals like Xiao Fan and Ye Yan! "I now understand why it''s nearly impossible to break through the Nascent Soul Stage to the higher Divine Palace Stage without a Saint-grade physique." "It''s said that the Divine Palace Stage requires resonance with the heavens and the earth. Without a Saint-grade physiquemerely a Heaven-grade oneit''s impossible to sense the heavens and, therefore, to ascend to the Divine Palace Stage." Shen Mo recalled some books he had read and nodded slightly. "It''s time to return. The Jade Cauldron Sect should have finalized my rewards by now." Shen Mo didn''t linger in the valley for long. Turning, he departed swiftly. Meanwhile, at the desolate mountain where Shen Mo had advanced to the Saint Physique, dozens of people had gathered. Among them, several individuals radiated unfathomable auras, having already reached the Deity Transformation Stage. Nascent Soul cultivators could only retreat, not daring to act rashly. Due to the proximity of Mian Mountain Prefecture to Mount Tai Prefecture and Heavenly Mountain Prefecture, cultivators from the Supreme Purity Sect and Jade Cauldron Sect were the first to arrive. The representative of the Supreme Purity Sect was Elder Su Beifeng. From the Jade Cauldron Sect, it was their Eighth Elder. Su Beifeng scrutinized the lingering pillar of light that pierced the heavens, his expression uncertain. "This doesn''t seem to be an anomaly caused by a breakthrough in cultivation," he muttered. The Jade Cauldron Sect''s Eighth Elder appeared thoughtful. "It seems more like a physique advancement. Such phenomena might indicate the ascension of a Heaven-grade physique to a Saint-grade one" Both sides glanced at each other, immediately contemplating the Heaven-grade physiques within the other sect. However, treasures capable of upgrading a Heaven-grade physique to a Saint-grade physique were exceedingly rare. There had been no news of such a treasure appearing recently. Su Beifeng cast a glance at the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Eighth Elder and suddenly remarked, "I''ve heard that your sect recently discovered a promising talent." The Eighth Elder replied with a faint smile, "No matter how promising, it has nothing to do with your Supreme Purity Sect." Su Beifeng chuckled lightly. "I pity them." "Pity?" "Such an unparalleled genius, doomed to perish alongside a sect on the verge of collapseisn''t that worthy of pity?" Su Beifeng smiled faintly, left behind his parting remark, and drifted away. The Jade Cauldron Sect''s Eighth Elder furrowed his brows deeply, let out a cold snort, and also departed. Half a day later, elders from the Pill River Sect arrived to examine the lingering aura carefully. However, they could not discern any conclusive information and eventually left in frustration. The news that someone in Mian Mountain Prefecture had advanced to a Saint-grade physique spread quickly. However, the identity of this person remained a mystery. At the Jade Cauldron Sect. As Shen Mo returned, a gatekeeping disciple greeted him respectfully, "Elder Shen, the sect leader instructed that you should head to the Hall of Deliberation immediately upon your return." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, nodded slightly, and proceeded straight to the hall. Inside the hall, Sect Leader Li Zhendao was the only one present. Standing quietly with his hands behind his back, Li Zhendao turned when he heard the sound of footsteps and smiled. "Elder Shen, you''ve finally returned." Shen Mo cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Sect Leader." Li Zhendao warmly grabbed Shen Mo''s hand and guided him to sit down together, exuding an approachable demeanor. "Elder Shen, we''ve finalized your rewards." "Outwardly, we cannot disclose that you provided the sect with the formula for the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill, so that portion of the reward will remain confidential for now." "On record, for saving more than twenty Nascent Soul elders, the sect has decided to promote you to the rank of Fourth Cauldron Elder and award you fifteen Grade-B contributions." "For the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill formula you handed over, you are also awarded one Grade-A contribution and an additional ten Grade-B contributions." After explaining, Li Zhendao smiled sincerely. "Elder Shen, what do you think?" Shen Mo felt a surge of delight and replied, "Thank you, Sect Leader." Li Zhendao laughed heartily. "No need to thank me. This is what you deserve." "Once we''ve refined the first batch of Pure Nascent Transformation Pills, your contribution will be made public as well." "By then, you will be the pride of the entire Jade Cauldron Sect!" "Countless disciples and elders will look up to you with admiration!" Li Zhendao chuckled again. "Elder Shen, I have a question for you." Shen Mo nodded. "Please, Sect Leader." Li Zhendao smiled meaningfully. "Would you like to become the next Sect Master?" Shen Mo laughed outright. "Of course." Li Zhendao was momentarily stunned and coughed awkwardly. Though no one would reject such a proposition, Shen Mo''s straightforwardness caught him off guard. "But I''m afraid that just because the Sect Leader wishes to make me the successor doesn''t mean it will be that easy," Shen Mo added. Li Zhendao gave a helpless smile. "You truly have sharp insight." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re right. Even if I support you, there will still be opposition from the Second Elder and others." "The Second Elder, Fourth Elder, Seventh Elder, and Ninth Elder were among the original founders of our sect alongside the previous Sect Leader." "In terms of seniority, they are all my elders." "I cannot ignore their opinions." Shen Mo nodded slightly in understanding. Li Zhendao smiled again. "However, if we can gain the support of the Sect Guardian, then none of these issues will matter." "At that point, even if the Second Elder opposes, the Fourth Elder and the others will have to reconsider their stance." "That said, the Sect Guardian has long stated that he would no longer involve himself in sect affairs, so it will require some effort on your part." "I hope you can interact more with the Sect Guardian and strengthen your relationship." "As long as the Sect Guardian gives his approval, the position of Sect Master will be yours, and no one will be able to take it from you!" Shen Mo smiled faintly. He already had a good relationship with the old dragon. Convincing him shouldn''t be difficult. If all else failed, Shen Mo could always play his trump card. After all, by his calculations, the Fire Dragon Egg should be close to hatching soon. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 279: Is There Still a Place for Me, Ye Yan, in the Jade Cauldron Sect? Chapter 279: Is There Still a Place for Me, Ye Yan, in the Jade Cauldron Sect? Shen Mo''s closed-door cultivation lasted an entire six months. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During this period, he never stepped out of his residence. It was a relentless cycle of alchemy and practice, practice and alchemy. The six months passed in the blink of an eye. Yet, Shen Mo''s surroundings remained spotless, and his appearance was exactly the same as it had been half a year ago, without the slightest change. Suddenly, his aura began to surge at a visible speed. In an instant, it soared to an astonishing level. Gale winds swirled around him. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth grew chaotic. On Dragon Snake Mountain, the spirit beasts stopped whatever they were doing and instinctively turned toward Shen Mo''s residence with expressions of fear. Mei Haihe and the other stewards were also startled, followed by a wave of joy. Mei Haihe exclaimed excitedly, "It must be Elder Shen''s cultivation breakthrough! His strength has advanced yet again!" Boom! An overwhelming aura swept outward. Shen Mo''s cultivation naturally advanced to the Nascent Soul stage''s peak. He opened his eyes abruptly, exhaling a cloud of turbid air. A trace of joy flickered across his face. The Nascent Soul stage''s peak. Although he hadn''t reached the absolute peak of the Nascent Soul stage, his strength was now so immense that he could disregard any cultivator below the Divine Transformation stage. He could truly claimbelow Divine Transformation, I am invincible. Shen Mo turned his spiritual sense inward to examine his dantian. The Red Lotus Flame had completely refined five centennial Earthfire Essences, growing even more powerful. The Solar Flame had absorbed the millennial Earthfire Essence, undergoing a dramatic transformation. Previously just a tiny spark the size of a fingertip, it had now grown to the size of a fist. Even the Red Lotus Flame had to yield more space to it. "Not bad," Shen Mo muttered with a satisfied smile, striding out of his residence. The moment he stepped outside, he was greeted by Mei Haihe leading a group of stewards, all kneeling on one knee before him. "Congratulations, Elder Shen, on reaching a higher realm!" Mei Haihe said excitedly. Though he couldn''t discern Shen Mo''s exact cultivation level, he could sense the tremendous leap in Shen Mo''s aura compared to six months ago. Shen Mo nodded with a faint smile. "Stand up. It''s just a small advancement, not worth celebrating." He glanced around and asked, "Why don''t I see Huang Bayi?" Mei Haihe''s expression dimmed slightly. "Elder Huang reached the end of his lifespan. He passed away two months ago." Shen Mo sighed softly. When he had first arrived at Dragon Snake Mountain, he''d already noticed that Huang Bayi had only a few years left. Moreover, Huang Bayi''s potential had been fully exhausted, making it impossible for him to break through and extend his life. Now, it was simply dust returning to dust, earth to earth. "Where was he buried?" Shen Mo asked. Mei Haihe replied quietly, "Elder Shen, please follow me." He gestured to the other stewards to disperse and return to their duties before leading Shen Mo to a mountaintop. There stood a small stone tablet engraved with two lines of text: "Grave of Huang Bayi, Steward of Dragon Snake Mountain, Jade Cauldron Sect." "Erected by Huang Caiying." Before the tablet stood a petite figure, Huang Caiying, silently gazing at the grave. She seemed to sense someone behind her and turned to see Shen Mo. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes as she ran toward him without hesitation, throwing her arms around his waist. "Elder, my grandfather he''s gone he left me behind all alone" Shen Mo patted her gently on the head. "All living beings face death someday. Your grandfather raised and taught you well; he left with no regrets. He was happy and at peace when he departed." "You must also live happily and steadily, so your grandfather can rest in peace in the afterlife. Do you understand?" Huang Caiying wiped her tears and nodded firmly. "Yes, Elder. I will listen to you." Shen Mo thought for a moment before casually saying, "Mei, take Caiying to the sect''s Scripture Pavilion. Help her select some cultivation techniques and martial arts suitable for her. Whatever contribution points are required, report them to me for reimbursement." Huang Bayi had dedicated his life to serving Shen Mo, so it was only fitting for Shen Mo to spend some contribution points on his granddaughter. Mei Haihe was moved. "Understood, Elder Shen. I will carry out your orders!" At the Scripture Pavilion Mei Haihe brought Huang Caiying to the pavilion. Both of them were visiting for the first time, feeling somewhat uneasy amidst the bustling crowd. At that moment, in the first-floor hall of the pavilion, Ye Yan stood before a Scripture Pavilion steward, his expression cold as he asked, "Where are the books on the Ten Thousand Demon Nation I requested? Why are they gone?" The steward could only offer an apologetic smile. "Elder Ye, my sincerest apologies. Those books were exchanged by Elder Shen." "Elder Shen? Shen Mo?" Ye Yan''s face instantly turned icy. The steward smiled wryly. "Exactly. Orders from above state that Elder Shen''s requests are given priority Please don''t blame me." Ye Yan took a deep breath, his heart heavy with dejection. He was a genius, too. Why did the treatment he received differ so drastically from Shen Mo''s? At that moment, a timid voice spoke behind him. "Excuse me, Steward, how should I go about selecting cultivation techniques and martial arts?" Ye Yan turned around to see a frail, petite girl accompanied by an elderly man with a dignified, celestial air. Something about them felt familiar, but he couldn''t immediately place them. The steward frowned. "Use your eyes to look and your hands to choose. Do you need me to teach you that?" Mei Haihe quickly interjected, "I''m sorry. We''ve been stationed at Dragon Snake Mountain all this time and have never visited the Scripture Pavilion. We don''t know the rules. My apologies." "Hmph, then step aside and don''t block others. Wait Did you say you''ve been at Dragon Snake Mountain?" The steward suddenly gasped, as if recalling something. Mei Haihe paused, puzzled. "Yes, I''m the chief steward of Dragon Snake Mountain. This girl is a disciple of Dragon Snake Mountain." The steward''s eyes lit up. "Ah, so you''re one of Elder Shen''s trusted aides! Why didn''t you say so earlier?" "Come, come! Is this young lady here to select cultivation techniques and martial arts? I''m free right now. I''ll help her!" "Follow me. The best techniques and martial arts for Core Formation cultivators are here. Judging by her agility, she''s best suited for subtle and precise martial arts" The surrounding cultivators overheard terms like "Dragon Snake Mountain," "Elder Shen," and "chief steward," and their eyes gleamed with interest. Over the years, Shen Mo''s reputation had soared, and his achievements were well-known among the disciples. Dragon Snake Mountain, being Shen Mo''s base of operations, had drawn considerable attention. Many people had dreamed of joining Dragon Snake Mountain and becoming one of Shen Mo''s subordinates. However, Mei Haihe strictly enforced Shen Mo''s orders, rigorously vetting applicants and barring anyone of unclear background from entering Dragon Snake Mountain. Thus, despite their desires, most people couldn''t get in. Now, seeing the chief steward in person, many disciples eagerly crowded around Mei Haihe and Huang Caiying, their enthusiasm unmistakable. To an outsider, it might even seem like the two were Nascent Soul elders themselves. Meanwhile, Ye Yan''s side became eerily quiet. His face darkened to an extreme. It was one thing to be overshadowed by Shen Mo. But now even Shen Mo''s stewards and disciples were stealing his thunder! Damn it. Absolutely damn it! Was there still a place for me, Ye Yan, in this Jade Cauldron Sect? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 280: If They Don’t Fear Me, It’s My Own Incompetence Chapter 280: If They Don''t Fear Me, It''s My Own Incompetence A few days later, Mei Haihe returned to Dragon Snake Mountain with Huang Caiying. At this time, Shen Mo was practicing his techniques on a vast plain. He was focused on the This technique was no less complex than the The first level involved controlling a single exotic flame, transforming it into various forms. This stage was relatively simple. The second level required controlling and merging two exotic flames, then transforming the merged flame into various forms. The difficulty increased drastically. This stage demanded precise control of the proportions of each flame to achieve a dynamic balance. Each exotic flame had unique properties and power levels. Furthermore, flames could be classified into different stages: spark (juvenile), blaze (mature), and ember (declining). As a result, merging two exotic flames required extraordinarily stringent conditions. If the dynamic balance between the flames was not achieved, there was only one possible outcome Explosion. The area around Shen Mo was littered with scorched earth. His robes had been blown apart dozens of times. Eventually, he stopped wearing robes altogether, covering only his essentials, using his body to withstand the explosions of the exotic flames. At first, the disciples and stewards of Dragon Snake Mountain were startled by the explosions, thinking it was a riot caused by spirit beasts. But after discovering that the commotion was caused by Shen Mo''s training, they gradually grew accustomed to it. When Mei Haihe and Huang Caiying asked for Shen Mo''s location, they were directed to the plain. From a distance, Huang Caiying saw Shen Mo, who wasn''t wearing much clothing, and her face immediately turned crimson. Mei Haihe chuckled and patted her head. "Elder Shen, Caiying and I have returned," he called out. Shen Mo, hearing the voice, immediately retracted the Solar Flame and Red Lotus Flame, donned a robe, and approached with quick steps. "Oh? What techniques and martial arts did you select for Caiying?" Shen Mo asked with a smile. Despite enduring numerous explosions from the exotic flames, Shen Mo''s body was strong enough to withstand them without any harm. He remained as energetic as ever while speaking with Mei Haihe. Mei Haihe responded respectfully, "The cultivation technique we chose is the Earth-grade low-tier As for martial arts, we selected three top-tier Profound-grade techniques: and " Shen Mo nodded slightly. Huang Caiying had an Earth-grade water-attribute physique, and Mei Haihe, with his extensive knowledge, had made excellent choices. Mei Haihe added, "The total cost was 13 Grade-C contributions. However, we encountered the Third Elder at the Scripture Pavilion, and upon hearing about this, he used his Jade Cauldron Pearl to settle the bill for us." Shen Mo chuckled. "The Third Elder?" The Third Elder would not normally pay attention to Core Formation cultivators like Mei Haihe or Huang Caiying. It was evident he had done this deliberately to build a favorable relationship with Shen Mo. "Not badit saved us some contributions," Shen Mo said with a smile. "Caiying, you can head back for now. I need to discuss something with Elder Shen," Mei Haihe said, patting her on the head. "Alright," Huang Caiying replied and left. Once she was gone, Mei Haihe lowered his voice. "Elder Shen, while at the Scripture Pavilion, I overheard a conversation suggesting that some people might be plotting against you." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Let''s hear it." Mei Haihe explained in a hushed tone, "Recently, the Danhe Sect has suspended its pill trade with our Jade Cauldron Sect. The Supreme Purity Sect has also refused to fulfill last year''s artifact orders. And the State Governor''s Office? They''ve not only cut off the trade of spirit beast and demon beast materials but have also withheld our spirit stones. Furthermore, there''s news that the State Governor''s Office has gifted six Ironclad Cloudships to the Supreme Purity Sect." Shen Mo pondered this. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ironclad Cloudships? Those were treasures of immense value. One Ironclad Cloudship was equivalent in power to an early-stage Divine Transformation cultivator. But six Ironclad Cloudships, deployed in a coordinated assault, could easily surpass the strength of six early-stage Divine Transformation cultivators! The State Governor himself didn''t have many Ironclad Cloudships, yet he sent six directly to the Supreme Purity Sect. As for the Pill River Sect, cutting off the pill trade was a severe blow. The Jade Cauldron Sect could refine its own pills, but the cost-effectiveness couldn''t compare to that of the Pill River Sect. So much so that it was cheaper to buy from the Pill River Sect than to produce them in-house. Mei Haihe continued, "There''s word from the Pill River Sect that the Qingxuan Sect in Xuanjiang Prefecture, where you used to belong, has always been a subordinate sect of the Pill River Sect. They claim that the Jade Cauldron Sect poaching you violates the rules set by the three major sects of Yuzhou. The Pill River Sect is demanding that the Jade Cauldron Sect hand you over and have you leave the Jade Cauldron Sect to join them." "There''s also word from the Supreme Purity Sect. They''re accusing you of having killed one of their Nascent Soul elders and are demanding that the Jade Cauldron Sect hand you over for their punishment." "I also heard that the Second Elder and Fourth Elder are already convening a meeting, and the main topic is you." After finishing, Mei Haihe cautiously glanced at Shen Mo, worried that these developments would shake his resolve. In a short period, the Supreme Purity Sect, Pill River Sect, and the State Governor''s Office had all openly shown hostility toward the Jade Cauldron Sect. Moreover, they all demanded that the sect hand over Shen Mo. No matter how strong Shen Mo was, he couldn''t contend with an entire sect alone. If the deliberations in the council hall concluded with a decision to hand him over, what could Shen Mo do? And as Shen Mo''s steward, what would Mei Haihe''s fate be? However, Mei Haihe didn''t see a trace of fear or hesitation on Shen Mo''s face. His expression remained as calm as still water, as if he didn''t care about the news at all. "Is that all? Anything else?" Shen Mo asked nonchalantly. Mei Haihe nodded. "That''s all I heard. They stopped talking when they noticed me approaching, knowing I''m your steward from Dragon Snake Mountain." Shen Mo chuckled lightly. "That''s normal." "If I hadn''t provoked their fear, it would mean I''m incompetent." Mei Haihe couldn''t help but smile wryly. Oh, Elder Shen. Even now, you''re cracking jokes. At that moment, the ground suddenly trembled slightly, as if some enormous creature had shifted underground. All the spirit beasts on Dragon Snake Mountain fell silent, as though sensing the presence of a top predator in the food chain. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, a thought flashing through his mind. "Mei Haihe, I''ll leave Dragon Snake Mountain in your care for now. I need to visit the sect," Shen Mo said, patting Mei Haihe on the shoulder. "Yes, I will manage Dragon Snake Mountain and await your good news," Mei Haihe replied with a resolute nod. Shen Mo smiled, then vanished from sight. When he reappeared, he was deep beneath Dragon Snake Mountain, near the hatching site of the Fire Dragon Egg. "As expected! You''re about to hatch!" Shen Mo looked at the gradually cracking eggshell with joy. The earlier tremor had been caused by the Fire Dragon Egg. "For now, you''ll need to endure a bit of confinement in the beast pouch." Shen Mo retrieved his mid-grade beast pouch, placing the Fire Dragon Egg and its vat-like container inside. Then, without delay, he flew straight toward Dragon Snake Mountain. However, before he reached Dragon Snake Mountain, he encountered three people. Zhao Yaolu, L Dongxue, and He Tianchou. The three appeared anxious, rushing toward Dragon Snake Mountain. Upon spotting Shen Mo, they quickened their pace to meet him. Before Shen Mo could speak, Zhao Yaolu''s expression turned serious as she exclaimed, "Junior Brother! I''ve already arranged a way out for you. Follow me to Jade Sea City immediately. From there, we''ll head straight to the East Sea. I know of a nameless island where we can hide until this blows over!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 281: I Have Indeed Brought a Great Treasure Chapter 281: I Have Indeed Brought a Great Treasure Lu Dongxuan spoke seriously, "Junior Brother, don''t worry. The old man is already buying us time, so you''re temporarily safe. "Use this time wiselyhurry to the East Sea while you still can!" He Tianchou took out a storage ring and solemnly handed it to Shen Mo. "Elder Shen, this contains tokens of appreciation from me, Ouyang Wei, and many elders whom you''ve saved in the past. "It''s enough to sustain your cultivation for a long time. "Go to the East Sea and focus on cultivating. We believe you will achieve the Divine Transformation Realm. "When you reach that level, it won''t be too late to return to the sect!" With that, he forcibly placed the storage ring in Shen Mo''s hand. Shen Mo, still confused, asked, "What''s going on?" Zhao Yaolu''s face turned serious. "The Supreme Purity Sect and the Provincial Governor''s Office have launched a joint attack. They''ve deployed armored cloud ships, capturing two cities within a day. They''re also collaborating with internal traitors, coordinating attacks to surround four of our key industries. "Fortunately, we had agents inside the Supreme Purity Sect who warned us in advance, allowing us to evacuate personnel and resources from one of the industries in time. "But the remaining three industries, including the vital Golden Iron Valley, have been surrounded." Shen Mo''s expression turned contemplative. He knew the Golden Iron Valley was the most crucial artifact-forging industry of the Jade Cauldron Sect. The forging techniques used to create the Azure Lotus Robes, Crowns, and Boots that Yang Qiye obtained had all originated from the Golden Iron Valley. Over twenty sets had already been crafted. Now, the valley was surrounded by the Supreme Purity Sect and the Provincial Governor''s Office. Although they hadn''t attacked yet, the Golden Iron Valley was clearly at their mercy. It was only a matter of time before they decided to strike. For the Jade Cauldron Sect, this was a devastating loss. Lu Dongxuan gritted his teeth. "They haven''t launched an attack yet but have the valley completely surrounded. "They''ve made it clearif we hand you over, they''ll withdraw immediately." "Yang Qiye has already allied with the Fourth Elder and others, demanding that you, as an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect, sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the sect." Lu Dongxuan continued, "Yang Qiye has joined forces with the Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders. "However, the Grand Elder, Fifth Elder, and Eighth Elder stand with me against them. "The Third and Sixth Elders remain undecided, unwilling to take a firm stance. "As for the Sect Master, he hasn''t expressed an opinion. After all, Yang Qiye and his faction are his senior elders, making his position delicate. "To break the deadlock, the Sect Master proposed another topic: the long-vacant position of the Young Sect Master. "He suggested appointing you as the Young Sect Master. According to the sect''s founding rules, once someone assumes this position, the sect must do everything to protect them. S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, Yang Qiye and his faction are obstructing this proposal, leaving the situation at an impasse." "The current stalemate won''t last long. Every second those industries remain surrounded plunges the sect deeper into torment. "If the losses become too great, affecting every elder, steward, and disciple, more people will eventually demand you be handed over." He Tianchou sighed. "Yes, after all, they don''t care about you, Shen Mo. They see it as your death in exchange for their safety. Why would they care?" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "I don''t think it''s worth worrying about. "Becoming the Young Sect Master isn''t all that difficult." Zhao Yaolu scratched her head. "Junior Brother, with your talent, temperament, and contributions, it''s true that if the ten elders united, you''d become the Young Sect Master with ease. "But right now, the elders are split into two factions of equal strength. "Your chances of becoming the Young Sect Master are slim unless..." She seemed to think of something but stopped short of saying it. Lu Dongxuan pondered aloud, "Unless the Guardian of the Sect explicitly supports you, breaking his own rules to intervene in sect affairs." He Tianchou sighed again, unable to find words. The Sect Guardian was the Jade Cauldron Sect''s ultimate safeguard, a last resort. Since the departure of the sect''s founder, the Guardian had refrained from intervening in sect matters, avoiding internal disputes. For him to break his own rules for a young junior like Shen Mo would be unthinkable. Lu Dongxuan added, "I know you have a good relationship with the Guardian, and he even granted you a token for access to the valley. "But that''s not enough. Unless the Guardian openly supports you as the Young Sect Master, it''s all meaningless." He Tianchou nodded. "Elder Shen, please listen to us. Take this time to flee to the East Sea." Shen Mo chuckled but felt a warmth in his heart. He hadn''t expected his senior sister and brothers to come to him immediately and even arrange an escape plan. He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and others had also shown their goodwill. Looking at the three of them, Shen Mo shook his head firmly. "No, I don''t need to run. "The Guardian will support me as the Young Sect Master." As Shen Mo brushed past the trio, he headed straight for the Hengtai Mountain Range. Zhao Yaolu, Lu Dongxuan, and He Tianchou froze, baffled by Shen Mo''s actions. "Isn''t that the direction of the valley where the Guardian resides?" A glint of realization flickered in Lu Dongxuan''s eyes. "Could it be that Junior Brother has some ace up his sleeve to force the old dragon to support him?" Zhao Yaolu said with a hint of surprise. He Tianchou was even more astonished by her words. What could possibly make the Guardian willingly break his own rules to intervene in sect affairs? No one could think of an answer. "Let''s follow him and see," Zhao Yaolu said, her curiosity tinged with uncertainty. Lu Dongxuan and He Tianchou nodded and quickly followed. Dragon Valley The old dragon lounged idly on the ground, holding a sharpened tree trunk in its claw and using it as a toothpick. Its demeanor was utterly relaxed, showing no concern for the current chaos in the Jade Cauldron Sect. Grumbling to itself, the dragon muttered: "Why hasn''t Shen Mo come to chat with me?" "Could it be that he''s died in the Fire Pill Palace?" "Hmph, if Li Zhendao let Shen Mo die there, I''ll have to give him a good thrashing." At that moment, a streak of light descended at the valley''s entrance. The disciples guarding the valley recognized the familiar figure and immediately allowed him passage with respectful bows. However, their gazes toward Shen Mo were a mix of emotions: admiration, fear, pity, and helplessness. Shen Mo smiled and nodded at them before striding confidently into the valley. "Guardian, I''ve come to see you." The old dragon''s eyes lit up with joy. "You''re here? I''ve missed you so much!" "This whole time, Li Zhendao hasn''t visited, Ye Yan hasn''t come, and you''ve been absent too. You have no idea how bored I''ve beenI''m practically growing mushrooms out here!" "So, how was your time at the Fire Pill Palace? Did you gain anything? "Do you have any treasures for me?" "Things have been a bit chaotic in the sect lately, but don''t worry. As long as you stay here, no one will dare lay a finger on you." The old dragon chuckled, exuding an air of unshakable confidence. Shen Mo felt a surge of warmth in his heart. The old dragon clearly understood the situation outside, and these words were meant to reassure him. "I did bring a treasurean extraordinary one at that," Shen Mo said with a smile. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 282: Shen Mo, You’re Truly a Good Man Chapter 282: Shen Mo, You''re Truly a Good Man The old dragon looked astonished. "My standards are exceptionally high," it said. "If what you''ve brought me isn''t a real treasure, I''ll be very upset!" The old dragon pretended to be angry. Shen Mo smiled slightly and took out a beast-taming pouch. From within, he retrieved a large barrel. Inside the barrel was a massive egg, rapidly cracking apart! The old dragon froze for a moment, then its face lit up with uncontrollable joy. "This aura feels so familiar..." "This is... my child?!" The old dragon shot out of its lair like a bolt of lightning, carefully approaching the barrel, its gaze fixed nervously on the massive egg. Shen Mo smiled warmly. "Yes, this is your child." "I promised I''d help you find it, and now I''ve fulfilled my promise." The old dragon took a deep breath, releasing visible white mist from its nostrils. It looked at Shen Mo with solemn gratitude, its massive eyes filling with tears before the dragon even spoke. Tears, like pearls, began to fall. "I... I never imagined that just when I was about to give up hope, you''d bring my child back to me." "I''m so moved." "You, Shen Mo, you''re truly a good man!" The old dragon wept tears of joy. Its massive claw instinctively reached out, as if to embrace Shen Mo. Fortunately, Shen Mo reacted quickly and dodged to the side. Otherwise, he would have ended up crushednot by his enemies but by the old dragon''s overly enthusiastic hug. That would''ve been a ridiculous way to die. Realizing its excitement had gone too far, the old dragon awkwardly rubbed its claws together. "Sorry, sorry, I forgot you''re still in the Nascent Soul Realm. "That hug could''ve nearly broken your bones." Shen Mo waved it off, about to speak, when he noticed the egg cracking even faster. From the bottom of the shell, a hind claw stretched out. The old dragon was ecstatic. "Good, good, good! It''s about to hatch!" "Shen Mo, the medicinal liquid you prepared is excellent. It seems to have sped up the hatching process." Shen Mo chuckled. "I''m an expert in this area." The old dragon crouched down to watch the hatching process closely, lying flat beside Shen Mo with the intense focus of a child in a school lesson. Outside Dragon Valley Zhao Yaolu and the others finally arrived. Without entry tokens, they couldn''t enter the valley and could only peer in from a distance. "What''s going on inside?" Lu Dongxuan said, fidgeting as if ants were crawling all over him. "I can''t see anything; the old dragon''s body is blocking the view," Zhao Yaolu said, scratching her head. He Tianchou sighed. "If we could enter, I''d really love to see what trump card Elder Shen has up his sleeve." "Let''s wait," Zhao Yaolu said with a sigh. "But I can''t shake the feeling that everything is moving toward a worse outcome." Lu Dongxuan blinked. "Senior Sister, have you forgotten your luck? "If your premonition says things are getting worse, it might actually mean they''re getting better! "Keep thinking pessimisticallythe worse it feels, the better it might be!" Zhao Yaolu wrinkled her nose. "You must have a screw loose!" Meanwhile Several figures streaked across the sky toward Dragon Valley like a gale. Leading them was Yang Wenyuan. Behind him were Ye Yan, Wang Wu, and other cultivators aligned with Yang Qiye''s faction. "Did you confirm it? Shen Mo went straight to Dragon Valley?" Yang Wenyuan asked. "Indeed. I figure he''s relying on his relationship with the Guardian to beg for his life," Wang Wu sneered. The others laughed mockingly, their tones full of disdain. At the brink of death, running to beg the old dragon for help? Everyone knew the Guardian had sworn not to meddle in sect affairs unless the sect faced an existential crisis. In the end, Shen Mo was simply wasting precious time. Instead of escaping, he was running to plead with the old dragon? Truly, his brain must''ve been kicked by a donkey! Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Yang Wenyuan and his group landed at the entrance of Dragon Valley, immediately spotting Zhao Yaolu, Lu Dongxuan, and He Tianchou. "Oh? So, you''re here too," Yang Wenyuan sneered, his gaze settling particularly on Lu Dongxuan. "What are you doing here?" Zhao Yaolu''s face turned grim. Ye Yan produced a token and declared, "We''re here to enter the valley and capture Shen Mo!" "No one''s entering today!" Lu Dongxuan flipped his hand, and a long spear appeared in his palm. His murderous aura surged, giving off the impression that he alone could hold off an army of thousands. He Tianchou also unsheathed his weapon, standing ready for battle. After all, Shen Mo had saved his lifenot once but several times. Blocking Ye Yan and the others was the least he could do to repay that debt. Zhao Yaolu didn''t seem to react outwardly, but her fair palm began to shimmer with dark scales. It was as if something ancient and long-sealed within her bloodline was awakening. Ye Yan''s expression grew tense. He suddenly felt immense pressure. Both Zhao Yaolu and Lu Dongxuan, elders of the Tenth Peak, were far stronger than he had anticipated. Yang Wenyuan stepped forward, placing himself before Ye Yan. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His eyes were cold. "What now? Are you planning to defy the sect''s orders?" Lu Dongxuan sneered. "What a joke! The proposals in the council chamber haven''t been resolved yet. Where are these so-called sect orders coming from?" Yang Wenyuan glanced back at his group. Including himself, there were eight people on his side, compared to only three on the other. If it came to a fight, the three of them wouldn''t stand a chance. Making a quick decision, Yang Wenyuan waved his hand. "Attack! Break into the valley and capture Shen Mo alive!" He charged forward, leading the group, with Ye Yan, Wang Wu, and the others following closely behind. The battle was about to erupt when suddenly, a new and vigorous energy surged forth. It felt like the birth of a young sunsmall yet radiating intense, scorching heat. The energy emanated from within the valley. In that instant, everyoneYe Yan, Zhao Yaolu, Lu Dongxuan, and the otherspaused and turned their attention toward the valley. Moments later, a resounding dragon''s roar erupted from within. The sound reverberated for three thousand miles, shaking the heavens. Countless demonic and spiritual beasts fell to the ground, trembling in submission, not daring to make a single sound. This dragon''s roar was unlike any before. It was filled with joy, excitement, and pure happinessthe kind that hadn''t been felt for over a thousand years. Inside the Council Chamber The elders, who had been in a heated debate, froze at the sound of the dragon''s roar. "What''s happening to the Guardian?" "How could there be such a dragon''s roar? What''s going on?" "Could it be... the Guardian has found a way to reproduce?" The elders exchanged bewildered looks before rushing out of the council chamber. Ao Yan, the Guardian of the Jade Cauldron Sect, was the sect''s ultimate pillar of strength. The sudden dragon''s roar from Ao Yan demanded their immediate attention. The two unresolved issueswhether to hand Shen Mo over or appoint him as the Young Sect Masterwere temporarily set aside. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Led by Sect Master Li Zhendao, all eleven council members left the chamber and headed straight for Dragon Valley. Throughout the Jade Cauldron Sect, every elder, steward, and disciple heard the earth-shattering dragon''s roar. The entire sect erupted in discussion, speculating on what might have happened to their Guardian. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 283: Shen Mo, the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect Chapter 283: Shen Mo, the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect Outside Dragon Valley Li Zhendao and the eleven elders arrived swiftly at the scene. Ye Yan, Lu Dongxuan, and the others immediately saluted. Li Zhendao frowned. "Why are so many people gathered here?" Ye Yan replied coldly, "Shen Mo is inside Dragon Valley. We must capture him now to prevent his escape!" The Fifth Elder furrowed his brows. "The council has yet to decide on the matter. Who authorized you to make an arrest, Ye Yan? Who gave you that authority?" Ye Yan answered calmly, "I am an elder of the Second Peak and a member of the Disciplinary Hall, appointed by the Grand Elder. "Regardless of the council''s decisionwhether Shen Mo is to be handed over or nothe must be detained temporarily to await judgment. "If he learns of the situation and escapes, the responsibility will fall on the Disciplinary Hall. On me." The Fifth Elder hesitated, his brows knit in disapproval. Li Zhendao sighed. "Let''s set that aside for now. First, we need to find out what''s happening with the Guardian." Taking a single step forward, he prepared to enter the valley. But in the next instant, an incomparably powerful and majestic aura descended upon them. Everyone present felt as though they were being stared down by a predator at the very top of the food chain, as if their next moment might end in the jaws of a terrifying beast. Even Li Zhendao and the other Divine Transformation cultivators froze in their tracks. All eyes instinctively turned toward the sky. A colossal black silhouette blotted out the sun, descending like a mountain about to crush them. It was the Fire Dragonthe Guardian of the Jade Cauldron Sect! "Who gave you the nerve to cause such a commotion outside my valley?" The old dragon''s icy gaze swept across Yang Wenyuan''s group and Lu Dongxuan''s party. When his eyes landed on Zhao Yaolu, a hint of apprehension flickered in his expression, lingering on her for a moment longer. Li Zhendao cupped his hands respectfully. "Guardian, we heard your dragon roar and came to check on you. What happened?" The old dragon chuckled lightly. "Oh, nothing major. My child was just born." "Your... child?" Li Zhendao froze, his face quickly giving way to utter astonishment. He wasn''t alone; everyone present was stunned. The Guardian''s... child? Born? Where did this child come from? Tap. Tap. Footsteps echoed as Shen Mo strode out of the valley, followed closely by a small dragon no more than three feet long. The dragon was entirely crimson, its scales not yet fully formed, giving it a soft and youthful appearance. It seemed timid, hiding behind Shen Mo''s legs and peeking cautiously at the gathered crowd. Shen Mo cupped his hands. "Greetings, Sect Master." Li Zhendao stared in disbelief. Even a fool could see the small dragon''s closeness to Shen Mo, making the situation abundantly clear. Li Zhendao''s voice trembled. "Elder Shen, you found the Fire Dragon''s egg and helped it hatch?" The old dragon snorted. "Who else? Do you think I would hatch the egg myself?" Gasp! The sound of people inhaling sharply echoed through the air. Shen Mo had found the Fire Dragon''s egg and even assisted in its hatching! This was nothing short of resolving a lifelong regret for the Guardian. What was this? An earth-shattering contribution! Since the departure of the founding patriarch, the Jade Cauldron Sect hadn''t seen such a monumental achievement. "Shen Mo, you" Li Zhendao was so overwhelmed that he struggled to find the right words. Elders like Wan Mushun, the Third Elder, and the Fifth Elder were visibly moved, their eyes glistening with emotion. In stark contrast, Yang Qiye''s face turned incredibly sour. Even a fool could guess what was about to happen next. Ye Yan''s expression darkened to the point that it seemed water might drip from it. He couldn''t believe that Shen Mo had accomplished something so significant. Shen Mo spoke calmly, his voice steady and resolute. "I am fully aware of the challenges facing the sect. "However, sacrificing our own Young Sect Master to appease our enemies is, in my opinion, a grave mistake." The Fire Dragon''s gaze swept across Yang Qiye and his followers. "What do you think?" At that moment, Yang Qiye, a Divine Transformation cultivator, felt as though he was being stared down by a primordial beast that could crush him at any moment. Even though he was a powerful Divine Transformation cultivator, the Fire Dragon''s overwhelming presence made it clear that their power was not on the same level. The gap between Divine Transformation cultivators was vast, and the Fire Dragon was at the pinnacle of its tier. "I agree," Yang Qiye said with immense difficulty, his voice strained under the oppressive aura. As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt as if a mountain had been lifted from his shoulders and let out a deep sigh of relief. The Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders quickly followed suit, bowing their heads in agreement. Li Zhendao, Wan Mushun, and the other elders exhaled deeply, relieved. The Fire Dragon''s words carried two unmistakable messages: First, it fully supported Shen Mo becoming the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Second, it strongly disapproved of the plan to use Shen Mo as a bargaining chip for temporary peace with their enemies. Zhao Yaolu, Lu Dongxuan, and He Tianchou finally relaxed, their previously tense expressions easing. All three looked at Shen Mo with newfound admiration and respect. Shen Mo responded with a faint smile. "I never imagined Junior Brother had such a powerful trump card," Lu Dongxuan muttered, clicking his tongue in amazement. Sarch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hmph, I saw it coming," Zhao Yaolu said smugly, her small face full of pride. Lu Dongxuan chuckled. "Saw it coming? Your premonitions were all doom and gloom earlier. You didn''t see anything." Zhao Yaolu glared at him. "Let''s spar in the training grounds, and I''ll show you!" Lu Dongxuan''s face turned pale. "No way, over my dead body!" The Fire Dragon snorted. "Stop dawdling. Get back to your duties. "Your enemies are at your doorstep. What are you waiting for? "And as for the formal ceremony to appoint the Young Sect Master, pick a time for it soon. "Don''t bother me with these trivial matters. I never interfere in sect affairs or break the rules." The Fire Dragon crouched down, carefully cradled the small dragon, and retreated into Dragon Valley. Before leaving, it glanced back. "Shen Mo, visit often. This little one seems to like you a lot." "I will, for sure," Shen Mo replied with a smile. Li Zhendao and the others bowed respectfully as the Fire Dragon departed. Inwardly, they couldn''t help but think: Of course, none of them dared voice such thoughts, choosing instead to act as if nothing had happened. Li Zhendao laughed heartily. "Young Sect Master, let''s go. It''s time for the formal ceremony." Shen Mo cupped his hands. "Very well." Surrounded by the elders, Shen Mo was escorted toward the council hall, leaving behind Ye Yan, Yang Wenyuan, and Wang Wu. Their faces were dark, their expressions filled with frustration and resentment. "Tsk, clashing with the future Sect Master isn''t a wise move. I hope you''re prepared for what''s coming," Zhao Yaolu said smugly as she passed them. "Some people are about to have a very bad time," Lu Dongxuan added with a sly grin. He Tianchou said nothing, but the amused chuckle that escaped his lips stung Ye Yan and the others even more. "Damn it" Ye Yan clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. The bones of his knuckles bulged, and blood dripped onto the ground. But he seemed completely oblivious to the pain. Yang Wenyuan glanced at Ye Yan''s back before turning to the others. "Let''s leave him to cool off. We should head back." The group departed, leaving only the two dutiful disciples guarding the valley entrance and Ye Yan standing there alone. As the sun set and the moon rose, shrouding the land in darkness, Ye Yan finally seemed to come to a decision. Without hesitation, he turned and left. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 285: Earth-Rank Low-Grade Treasure – Phoenix Perch Parasol Tree Chapter 285: Earth-Rank Low-Grade Treasure C Phoenix Perch Parasol Tree Ye Yan traveled south without pause. His speed was swift, and he didn''t stop for even a moment. As he approached the border of Taishan Prefecture, he finally came to a halt. Ahead of him was a dormant volcano, once a treasured site for alchemy within the Nine Cycles Alchemy Sect. However, the volcano had fallen dormant after being affected by the devastating war of years past. Why did Ye Yan stop here? Even he wasn''t entirely sure. Perhaps it was the fleeting shadow of a demonic beast in the forest. Perhaps it was the sight of smoke curling from chimneys in the nearby village. Or perhaps it was a subtle pull of fate, guiding him to stop unconsciously. Many actions humans take are not the result of deliberate thought. This sudden halt was no exception for Ye Yan. However, as soon as he stopped, he noticed a familiar figure by the volcanic crater, which had long since transformed into a lake. Dressed in flowing green robes, the figure was none other than Shen Mo, the current Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Ye Yan''s pupils contracted sharply. But he quickly realized that the murder of Wang Wu had likely not yet been discovered. Shen Mo wouldn''t be here to pursue him. "Young Sect Master Shen, what brings you here?" Ye Yan asked cautiously. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "I accepted a mission and came here to complete it." "What about you, Elder Ye?" Ye Yan presented a pre-prepared excuse. "I''ve taken on a mission in the south. I''m heading to Longjiang Prefecture to eliminate invading demons." Longjiang Prefecture, located south of Taishan Prefecture and bordering Mist Province, shared a similar culture and was plagued by frequent demon and beast activity. It was common for elders to go there on missions. Shen Mo nodded with a slight smile. "I see. Elder Ye, don''t mind me. Carry on with your task." With that, he turned back toward the lake in the volcanic crater, standing quietly. Ye Yan frowned slightly. He had no idea what Shen Mo was doing here. But since Shen Mo showed no hostility, Ye Yan decided it was best to avoid confrontation. Carefully, Ye Yan circled far around Shen Mo, keeping a distance of at least 100 meters, ensuring he never turned his back on the Young Sect Master. Only when they were over a kilometer apart did Ye Yan gradually pick up his pace and resume heading south. Shen Mo watched Ye Yan''s departing figure with a faint smile. He already knew what Ye Yan''s fate would be. This man had witnessed the overwhelming strength of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation and the invincible power of the Demon Emperor. Coupled with the exclusion he faced within the Jade Cauldron Sect, Ye Yan would inevitably betray the sect and join the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Later, Ye Yan would rise to become one of the Demon Emperor''s most trusted lieutenants. Thus, it was inevitable that Ye Yan would leave the Jade Cauldron Sect one day. Back at Fire Dragon Valley, Shen Mo had glimpsed Ye Yan''s life trajectory through his unique insight. As expected, he discovered that Ye Yan was destined to leave the Jade Cauldron Sect. Of course, Shen Mo had no intention of stopping him or bidding him farewell. However, Shen Mo had also noticed that on Ye Yan''s journey southward, he would pause at this dormant volcano and, by sheer chance, uncover a great opportunity in the lake at its crater. As a righteous and upright cultivator, Shen Mo could not allow such a treasure to fall into the hands of someone destined to join the enemy. Wouldn''t that be aiding the enemy? Thus, Shen Mo arrived at this location in advance. Knowing Ye Yan would deem himself weaker and avoid confrontation, Shen Mo was confident the man would leave swiftly. This ensured that the opportunity would fall into Shen Mo''s hands instead. Not long after Ye Yan left, the tranquil lake suddenly began to boil as if it had been set aflame. Crabs and shrimp floated to the surface one after another. Without wings, they couldn''t escape and soon turned bright red, their lives snuffed out in the process. Deep within the lake, a faint glimmer of light began to shine. "At last," Shen Mo muttered, his eyes lighting up as he leapt into the lake. Moments later, he burst from the water, holding tightly to a piece of fiery red wood, about the length of a forearm. "An Earth-Rank Low-Grade TreasurePhoenix Perch Parasol Tree!" Shen Mo''s eyes gleamed with joy as he smiled. The parasol tree was ordinarily just a common species of tree. Only those over 500 years old could even be considered spiritual wood, let alone used in constructing sect buildings or crafting treasures. But the phoenix has a special affinity for the parasol tree. It often perches atop its branches, grooming its feathers. An ordinary parasol tree, touched by the phoenix, undergoes a fiery rebirth. Its leaves are consumed by flames. The bark chars to black. The core of the tree is tempered and refined in the intense fire. Ultimately, the tree is reduced to a bare trunk, perpetually surrounded by flames. This is the Phoenix Perch Parasol Tree. "This treasure contains the lingering essence of a phoenix. It can help accelerate my mastery of the third and fourth forms of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique," Shen Mo thought, his eyes gleaming. "Perhaps I could even comprehend the fifth form on my own with its aid!" Shen Mo smiled. Even with his extraordinary life fate of "Understanding Thousands at a Glance," his progress in mastering the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique had been slow. In the current climate, with the Ten Thousand Demons Nation poised for invasion and storms brewing on the horizon, slow cultivation was a deadly liability. Thus, Shen Mo was determined to use every possible means to accelerate his progress and increase his strength. Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This piece of the Phoenix Perch Parasol Tree was an opportunity he could not afford to miss. "Now that I have it, it''s time to head back." "By now, the Supreme Clarity Sect, the Pill River Sect, and the Governor''s Office should have arrived at the Jade Cauldron Sect for the four-party talks." Shen Mo quickened his pace, returning to the sect. Jade Cauldron Sect C Martial Arena Sect Master Li Zhentao, Shen Mo, and several elders stood silently, waiting. Disciples and stewards gathered outside the arena, curiously peering in. "I heard the Supreme Clarity Sect, the Pill River Sect, and the Governor''s Office are sending people to our sect today." "What? Why? Aren''t they our mortal enemies?" "No matter how deep the enmity, we must unite against the demons." "That''s true though I wonder if the sect master and the others can hold their composure. If it were me, I wouldn''t give the Governor''s Office any courtesy." "Look, they''re here!" A wave of excitement rippled through the disciples as they looked toward the sky. A massive flying vessel sped through the air, soon appearing above. The ship was over a hundred meters long and more than thirty meters wide. Encased in iron armor, it hovered mid-air, surrounded by faint glimmers of lightevidence of the powerful formations engraved upon it. This was the Ironclad Cloudship, a masterpiece of human formation engineering. "So that''s the Ironclad Cloudship? I''ve heard of how impressive it is, but today I finally get to see it." "They say the Pill River Sect has a similar vessel. It''s a pity we Jade Cauldron Sect don''t have one." "We''ll definitely get one in the future!" The disciples murmured among themselves, barely hiding their envy. Shen Mo and Li Zhentao remained expressionless, while the Great Elder and others snorted coldly. The Supreme Clarity Sect''s flaunting was obvious. Their intention was clear: to assert their influence and gain a stronger voice during the talks. Even as the Ten Thousand Demons Nation threatened the human world, they still played such petty gamesutterly contemptible. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several streaks of light descended from the Ironclad Cloudship. A loud, hearty laugh rang out. "Hahaha! Sect Master Li, it''s been over three hundred years since we last met, hasn''t it? A pleasure, a pleasure!" "When we met last, you were just a junior by the old sect master''s side. Now, you''ve become a sect master yourself." The leader of the Supreme Clarity Sect, Mo Lingxiao, strode forward with confident, long strides. With thick eyebrows, fierce tiger-like eyes, and a commanding presence, he exuded natural authority without needing to speak a word. It was clear this was a man who had earned his reputation as the sect master of the Supreme Clarity Sect. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 286: The Three Sects and the King’s Gathering Chapter 286: The Three Sects and the King''s Gathering Li Zhendao smiled faintly. "Sect Master Mo is as humorous as ever." He betrayed not the slightest change in emotion, as though Mo Lingxiao''s words had no effect on him. Shen Mo, observing the exchange, smiled inwardly. Mo Lingxiao had clearly begun with an attempt to assert dominance over Li Zhendao, acting as though he were Li''s senior, speaking with a lofty air. When Mo Lingxiao saw that his words had failed to evoke any reaction, he smiled faintly and extended a hand to shake Li Zhendao''s. The two clasped hands in a superficial gesture, their faces betraying polite yet insincere smiles. Li Zhendao''s gaze shifted to the tall young man behind Mo Lingxiao. "I''ve heard much about the prodigious talent of your sect''s young master, but I''ve never had the chance to meet him until today. Sect Master Mo has truly hidden him well." Mo Lingxiao laughed heartily. "Of course! If I didn''t keep him hidden, he might catch the eye of some unscrupulous individuals. Yu Province isn''t exactly safe." Shen Mo also turned to examine the young man. With sharp brows, bright eyes, and a tall, commanding presence, the youth resembled a sword drawn from its sheath. Even without speaking, his demeanor was overbearing, radiating an air of arrogance that kept others at bay. This was none other than Chu Tiankuo, the young master of the Shangqing Sect. However, after a glance at Chu Tiankuo''s life panel, Shen Mo lost interest. His destiny couldn''t compare to that of Ye Yan and was far inferior even to Xiao Fan''s. The only notable aspects were the "Fortune''s Favor" and "Turning Calamity into Blessing" attributes, which were just barely acceptable. The rest of his life traits were merely of purple-grade significance. Chu Tiankuo had been sizing up Shen Mo, harboring thoughts of a subtle contest of dominance. But when Shen Mo abruptly shifted his gaze away, as though losing interest, Chu Tiankuo''s irritation flared. What is this? Am I, Chu Tiankuo, unworthy of being your opponent? Mo Lingxiao''s smiling gaze turned toward Shen Mo. "This must be the newly appointed young master of your sect, Shen Mo. I''ve heard many stories about him." Shen Mo merely nodded slightly, his expression calm. Tensions between the two sides had been high recently, with the Shangqing Sect even surrounding three of the Yuding Sect''s industries, including the Golden Iron Valley. They had come close to an outright confrontation. If Shen Mo were to act overly polite, it would only make him appear weak. "Such characterI like it," Mo Lingxiao said with a hearty laugh, amused by Shen Mo''s cold reaction. "Elder, please escort Sect Master Mo and his party to the council hall to rest," Li Zhendao said casually. "Certainly," the elder replied with a nod. "Everyone, please follow me." "Don''t keep me waiting too long," Mo Lingxiao remarked lightly as he departed. Not long after Mo Lingxiao and his group entered the council hall, another cloudship appeared on the horizon. This ship was smaller than the armored cloudship, its surface lacking armor, and its emitted glow was faint. It resembled a merchant vessel more than a warship. From the ship, two figures descended. Leading the way was a rotund middle-aged man, followed closely by an equally rotund younger man. Their smiles and movements were eerily identical, as if cast from the same mold. "Sect Master Hai, a pleasure to meet you," Li Zhendao said with a smile, clasping his hands in greeting. Hai Qiankun laughed heartily in response. "A pleasure indeed. It''s been years, yet Sect Master Li is as distinguished as ever." "You flatter me," Li Zhendao replied with a polite smile. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hai Qiankun''s gaze naturally fell on Shen Mo. "You must be Shen Mo. The Qingxuan Sect was once under the banner of the Danhe Sect. Why did you choose to join the Yuding Sect instead?" His small eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. Shen Mo answered calmly, "The Qingxuan Sect was abandoned by the Danhe Sect long ago, wasn''t it?" Hai Qiankun''s eyes flickered, and then he burst into laughter. "What sharp words! Sect Master Li, you''ve found a treasure. It''s a shame he isn''t a disciple of the Danhe Sect." Li Zhendao chuckled with a hint of pride. "Sect Master Hai overpraises him." At that moment, a massive shadow loomed in the sky, drawing everyone''s attention upward. A massive cloudship appeared in the sky. Its surface gleamed with iron armor, and at its bow was a golden dragon ram, exuding an air of majesty. Lavish and resplendent, it resembled a true dragon on parade. "The Golden Dragon Cloudship! It''s a royal vessel!" Some well-informed disciples exclaimed in hushed voices. Shen Mo gazed at the cloudship, every inch of its deck brimming with royal grandeur, deep in thought. By protocol, a prince was entitled to no more than a Golden Python Cloudship. However, Emperor Jing had specially gifted a Golden Dragon Cloudship to Prince Jing, a display of his favoritism toward his younger brother. The differences between the Golden Dragon and Golden Python Cloudships were not merely cosmetic. In terms of attack, defense, and speed, the Golden Dragon far surpassed the Golden Python. The value of this single ship alone was enough to purchase several smaller sects outright. "Hahaha, it seems this prince is still late despite rushing over. My apologies!" A clear and hearty laugh echoed from the cloudship. Moments later, a figure descended gracefully from the vessel, landing in the center of the martial arena. The man wore a golden python robe, a jade belt at his waist, and carried a sandalwood folding fan. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With sharp brows, bright eyes, a handsome face, and an upright bearing, he exuded nobility. Even a casual glance revealed his extraordinary status. "Greetings, Prince Jing." Li Zhendao, Hai Qiankun, and the elders all cupped their hands in respect toward the young man. As sect masters, Li Zhendao and Hai Qiankun were not required to perform a full bow. Shen Mo, being a young sect master, along with elders like the Grand Elder, Yang Qiye, and Wan Mushun, who were in the Nascent Soul realm, were similarly exempt. The Yuanying elders, deacons, and disciples of the Yuding Sect, given their longstanding defiance of the imperial court, naturally did not kneel. At most, they called out "Your Highness, Prince Jing," as a token of respect. Prince Jing seemed unfazed by this and wore a warm smile as he approached Li Zhendao and Hai Qiankun. "I''ve long heard of Sect Master Li and Sect Master Hai''s illustrious reputations. Meeting you today, I see the truth in the legends." He cupped his hands slightly toward them, showing the proper demeanor of a younger generation. "From now on, I will be acting as the Governor of Yu Province. The previous governor, Ji Quan, acted recklessly, sowing discord among the three sects and even attempting to harm the Yuding Sect. Such actions are unforgivable. Rest assured, Sect Master Li, His Majesty has exiled Ji Quan to Haizhou, where he can endure the harsh, humid sea winds as punishment." "This prince is different. My arrival in Yu Province is to unite the three sects against a common enemythe armies of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation." Prince Jing''s smile was radiant, but his true thoughts remained hidden. Li Zhendao nodded slightly. Prince Jing had shown ample respect and proper conduct, making it clear he wasn''t here to disrupt Yu Province but was earnest in his intention to keep the Ten Thousand Demons Nation at bay. "In that case, I invite Prince Jing and Sect Master Hai to join me. Sect Master Mo has already arrived, and we can begin discussions on countering the Ten Thousand Demons Nation." Li Zhendao smiled. "Excellent," Prince Jing agreed with a nod. As the young sect master, Shen Mo entered the council hall to participate in the discussions among the three sects and the prince. The initial discussions were straightforward. The three sects and the prince agreed to put aside their grievances and unite against the external threat. Given the formidable and advancing armies of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation, this resolution was quickly reached. However, subsequent discussions proved more contentious. While much of Wuzhou had fallen, some cultivators were still resisting valiantly. Moreover, allowing the demon race to take full control of Wuzhou''s resource industries would significantly accelerate the Ten Thousand Demons Nation''s rise in power. Thus, before the demon army reached Yu Province, a counteroffensive needed to be launched into Wuzhou to reclaim lost ground. This required manpower from all four factions. How many people each faction would send, who would bear the costs, and who would take creditall these details had to be meticulously negotiated. Each faction sought to maximize its own interests, making a swift agreement impossible. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 287: The Mist State Expeditionary Army Merges with Eternal Flames Chapter 287: The Mist State Expeditionary Army Merges with Eternal Flames Five days later. The list of cultivators for the expedition to Mist State was finally finalized. The three sects and one king, representing four major powers, contributed a total of eight Divine Transformation cultivators, seventy Nascent Soul cultivators, and three hundred Core Formation cultivators. Lower-realm cultivators were deemed unnecessary for the journey to Mist State. After all, those with lower cultivation levels would have no opportunity to showcase their strength in Mist State. Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, the number of armored cloudships was limited, and so was the capacity they could carry. Naturally, priority was given to cultivators capable of fighting. Core Formation was set as the absolute minimum threshold. The Supreme Purity Sect, known for its superior individual combat strength and expertise in artifact crafting, sent more people and sold spiritual artifacts at a discount to those going to Mist State. The Pill River Sect, whose cultivators were slightly weaker in combat but skilled in alchemy, sent fewer people but provided a large number of pills as gifts to those participating in the expedition. The Jade Cauldron Sect, being more balanced but excelling in no particular area, contributed both cultivators and resources in substantial amounts. As for King Jing, he demonstrated his sincerity by providing four armored cloudships. Thus, a grand expeditionary force was assembled. As the Young Sect Master, Shen Mo naturally could not participate in this expedition. However, people Shen Mo was acquainted withsuch as Zhao Yaolu, L Dongxuan, and Ouyang Weijoined the expedition. Zhao Yaolu and L Dongxuan didn''t have to go; they volunteered. Shen Mo had already reviewed their life panels in advance. Although fraught with danger, they showed no signs of mortal peril, which reassured him. "I hope they all stay safe and return alive," Shen Mo murmured. Li Zhendao stood at the mountain gate, watching the Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators board the armored cloudships in an orderly manner, and sighed. Beside him, Wan Muchun also sighed deeply. No one knew what fate awaited them in Mist State. Within the Jade Cauldron Sect, only Elder Eight had volunteered to go. As for the second candidate, after much deliberation, Elder Seven was selected. After all, Elder Seven''s repeated failures in crafting Spirit Refining Pills in the Fire Pill Palace had drawn dissatisfaction from other elders, causing his reputation to plummet. "How could you let Zhao Yaolu and L Dongxuan go to Mist State as well?" Li Zhendao asked. Wan Muchun replied gravely, "Yaolu''s family resides in the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. She wants revenge, and I couldn''t stop her." "I just hope she doesn''t expose her identity as a Heaven Ghost Clan member too early." "As for Dongxuan the moment he heard there''d be battles, he got so excited that no amount of persuasion could hold him back." He chuckled wryly, his tone filled with helplessness. Li Zhendao furrowed his brows. "I have a bad feeling about this expedition. It''s likely to end in defeat." "Elder Wan, how are the spirit beasts progressing?" Wan Muchun chuckled. "Thanks to Shen Mo, the spirit beasts of Dragon Snake Mountain require very little effort to cultivate and already provide formidable combat strength." "Additionally, I''ve selected a group of disciples with beast-taming talents, training them to abandon other techniques in favor of beast-taming skills." "Within five years, we''ll have a powerful beast-based combat force." Li Zhendao nodded repeatedly. "Excellent!" After a moment of contemplation, he sighed. "I hope Shen Mo makes progress during this time. If he can reach the Divine Transformation stage within twenty years, it would be fantastic news for the Jade Cauldron Sect!" Wan Muchun laughed heartily. "Twenty years? Sect Master, you''re underestimating Shen Mo." "I predict he''ll be ready to break through within fifteen years!" Li Zhendao smiled and nodded. "Good, good! You''ve spent more time with him and know him better than I do." "I look forward to that day!" "By the way, I recall Shen Mo is from the Qingxuan Sect in Xuanjing Prefecture? That''s dangerously close to Mist State. If the demon clans invade, Xuanjing Prefecture will bear the brunt." "If that happens, Shen Mo won''t be able to focus on cultivating." "Send some trusted people to Qingxuan Sect to maintain a presence there." Wan Muchun agreed. "I''ll send Ouyang Wei with a few Core Formation deacons. His strength should be sufficient to protect Qingxuan Sect." "Very well," Li Zhendao affirmed. ... Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, three years passed. On the Dragon Snake Mountain wilderness, a bare-chested figure was controlling two eternal flames, conducting his ninth fusion attempt of the day. The surrounding ground, scarred by countless explosions and scorched by the flames, had become a barren wasteland. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but charred earth, devoid of any vegetation. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that even insect eggs and grass seeds buried deep within the soil had completely lost their vitality. Eternal flamestruly domineering! Not far away, a small crimson flood dragon, about ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) in length, flitted about freely in the air, twisting and turning with unrestrained joy. Occasionally, it would glance toward the bare-chested figure in the distance, its eyes brimming with both affection and reverence. This was the young flood dragon. Due to its mischievous nature, constantly attempting to sneak away, the old flood dragonbeing a doting father in his twilight yearsfound it hard to discipline him with harsh scoldings or punishments. In the end, the old flood dragon decided to let him stay by Shen Mo''s side. Since following Shen Mo, the young flood dragon had become far more obedient. Of course, this change wasn''t because the young flood dragon had turned over a new leaf. It was primarily out of fear of the eternal flames. The essence of eternal flames was too noble and overwhelmingly powerful, far beyond what a crimson fire flood dragon could contend with. Seeing Shen Mo, a mere human, command such flames inspired a deep sense of awe in the young flood dragon. Naturally, during his time with Shen Mo, he hadn''t missed the opportunity to absorb traces of eternal flame energy that occasionally drifted away. As a result, his growth had become astonishingly rapid. Now, his cultivation had reached the fourth rank at its entry levelequivalent to a Core Formation cultivator among humans. This rate of growth was so astonishing that even the old flood dragon, who occasionally visited, was left speechless. On multiple occasions, the old flood dragon openly admitted, "He''s growing just a smidge faster than I did back in my day." However, every time Shen Mo heard the old flood dragon say "just a smidge," he couldn''t shake the feeling that the elder was being a bit modest. At this moment, Shen Mo was seated cross-legged in the wilderness. In his palms, two eternal flamesthe golden Solar Essence Flame and the crimson Red Lotus Flamewere slowly merging and intertwining. For the first time in a long while, Shen Mo''s usually calm face showed a trace of delight. "It''s almost done!" Before him, a two-colored flame orb was gradually taking shape. Time passed quietly, second by second. What initially appeared as two distinct entities began to meld completely into one. Eventually, the two colors fused seamlessly. The Solar Essence Flame''s inherently superior nature overwhelmed the Red Lotus Flame, and the resulting orb turned a radiant gold. But this was not enough. Shen Mo surged his spiritual energy, manipulating the golden flame orb like kneading dough, stretching it forcefully in opposite directions. Simultaneously, he activated the . A domineering and unparalleled giant spear began to take form. Shen Mo''s hands passed over the spear''s tip and shaft. The resonating sound of metal rang out, and an explosive shockwave radiated in all directions. In an instant, dust and smoke billowed into the air, and scorching heatwaves rolled outward. The young flood dragon, who had been playfully sparring with a few hapless demonic beasts, suddenly felt an intense sense of foreboding. Without hesitation, it darted behind a large boulder for cover. As for the unfortunate fourth-rank demonic beasts, they were instantly blasted away by the searing wave of heat, left gasping for breath as they teetered on the edge of death. Peeking cautiously from behind the boulder, the young flood dragon gazed toward the center of the wilderness. The bare-chested youth stood there, gripping a golden flame spear more than ten zhang long with one hand. His entire right arm was wreathed in flames, his eyes shone like brilliant stars, and his presence was awe-inspiring. At that moment, he resembled a deity of fire descending upon the mortal world, radiating majesty and vigor, his aura soaring to the heavens! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 288: How Could Such a Treasure Be Handed to Someone Who Betrayed the Sect Chapter 288: How Could Such a Treasure Be Handed to Someone Who Betrayed the Sect "Phew I''ve finally mastered the second level of the ," Shen Mo said as he admired the ten-zhang-long golden flame spear in his hand, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. This technique was a signature move that could only be comprehended upon mastering the second level of the . Yet, it had no official name. The creator of the technique, the Great Wilderness Sovereign, had forged a two-colored flame lotus and named it , implying that even gods would tremble with fury upon witnessing its might. However, the Great Wilderness Sovereign believed that the creations formed by merging eternal flames would vary from person to person. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He instructed future generations not to imitate him but instead to forge their own unique paths. Following this guidance, Shen Mo did not intentionally shape the fused golden flames into a lotus. Instead, he allowed the process to follow its natural course, guided by a mysterious will, which ultimately forged the flames into a massive spear. "Calling it wouldn''t be fitting." " doesn''t sound right either." "Let''s tweak it a bitI''ll call you ," Shen Mo decided with a slight smile. This technique had unparalleled attack range and destructive power. Additionally, being a fire-based martial art, it could synergize perfectly with his Nascent Soul techniques. Its only drawbacks were the long charging time and high spiritual energy consumption. But as long as it hit its target, even foes below the Divine Transformation stage would face certain death! The name suited it perfectly. "Go!" Shen Mo aimed at a small mountain in the distance. The cultivators and mortals living near Dragon Snake Mountain had long been relocated under his orders, ensuring he could freely test the power of his martial techniques. With a sharp gleam in his eyes, he suddenly hurled the massive spear. The stone mountain, a hundred li away, was instantly pierced by the spear. In an instant, grass and trees were reduced to ash, and rocks melted into liquid. With one strike, the entire mountain evaporated. The deafening explosion reverberated far and wide, scattering nearby demonic beasts in terror. The sheer noise sent waves of fear through the deacons and disciples stationed around Dragon Snake Mountain, nearly causing them to kneel. However, once they realized the attack originated from the wilderness, they sighed in relief. It was just the Young Sect Master honing his martial arts. No big deal. Why make a fuss? It was only natural for the Young Sect Master to be this powerful. "Roar!" The young flood dragon let out an excited cry and darted toward the demolished mountain. Shen Mo chuckled. The lingering aura of eternal flames was simply too enticing for the young flood dragon. Clearly, it was eager to absorb the residual energy from the strike. "Young Sect Master! Young Sect Master!" A joyful voice echoed from afar. Shen Mo turned to see Mei Haihe running over, puffing and panting. Casually pulling on a simple robe, Shen Mo smiled and said, "Old Mei, what''s got you so excited?" Mei Haihe burst into laughter. "Young Sect Master, great news!" "Your senior brother and sisterElder Zhao and Elder Lled our Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators to a major victory against the wolf demon army!" "They killed over a hundred thousand enemies and even slew a Silver-Crested Demon King!" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow in surprise and quickly took the battle report. The ranking system of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom differed significantly from that of humans and demonic beasts. Their hierarchy was divided into Demon Folk, Demon Soldiers, Demon Generals, Demon Marshals, Demon Kings, and Demon Emperors. These corresponded to the human realms of Body Refinement, Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and Divine Transformation. Among Demon Kings, there were further distinctions: ordinary Demon Kings, Silver-Crested Demon Kings, and Gold-Crested Demon Kings. Each Silver-Crested Demon King was at least equivalent to a Nascent Soul advanced-stage cultivator and commanded over two hundred thousand demons. "To achieve such a remarkable feat" Shen Mo smiled and nodded. When Zhao Yaolu and L Dongxuan departed for Mist State with the expeditionary army, he had already glimpsed this opportunity on their life panels. So, Shen Mo was mentally prepared for this outcome. However, seeing Mei Haihe so thrilled, it wouldn''t do to act as if he already knew. He decided to show a hint of surprise. "By the way, there''s another important matter. You asked me to keep an eye out for the Void Spring and the Soul Abyss Spikes. There''s news!" Mei Haihe added excitedly. Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. This was the matter he cared about the most. After all, his cultivation path was clearby refining the Pure Nascent Transformation Pill, he could reach the peak of the Nascent Soul stage within three years at most. But the three essential items needed to forge a supreme-grade divine soul were not yet fully assembled. That was the truly critical step. "How did it come about?" Shen Mo asked eagerly. Mei Haihe chuckled. "It''s thanks to Elder Zhao and Elder L''s achievements." "After they slew the Silver-Crested Demon King, they found three Soul Abyss Spikes in the demon king''s storage treasure." "Elder Zhao and Elder L each kept one and entrusted the third to Elder He Tianchou, who rushed it back to the sect''s treasure vault at top speed." "They even specifically instructed that it be reserved for you!" Warmth filled Shen Mo''s heart. He hadn''t expected those two, far away in Mist State, to still think of him. "I''ll head to the treasure vault immediately!" Shen Mo rose into the air, using his energy to fly toward the Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gate. At the treasure vault. Yang Qiye glared with wide eyes. "Since this Soul Abyss Spike is the sect''s spoils of war, anyone who meets the requirements should be able to exchange for it!" "I''m meeting the conditions, so why can''t I exchange for it?!" The treasure vault deacon standing before him shrank his neck, sweat pouring down as he replied in a trembling voice, "Second Elder, this Soul Abyss Spike was explicitly delivered by Elder He on behalf of Elder Zhao and Elder L. They personally stated that it was reserved for the Young Sect Master." "No one is permitted to exchange for it." Around them, cultivators were watching the scene with interest, whispering among themselves. "The Second Elder is really overbearing. Even something left for the Young Sect Master, he wants to intercept." "He probably wants to exchange the Soul Abyss Spike for Ye Yan, his favored disciple. Makes sense, I suppose. Ye Yan is his pride and joy." "I wonder what the other elders will think about this" "Speaking of Ye Yan, it''s been over a year since anyone''s seen him. Where is he?" "I heard he was sent to complete a mission in Longjiang Prefecture and hasn''t returned. Maybe he found some fortuitous opportunity there." The murmurs of the crowd were unrelenting. Most gazes toward Yang Qiye were cold. Yang Qiye was notorious for his domineering ways, and many Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators feared him greatly. However, his recent push to abandon the beast-taming industry in favor of establishing long-term trade relations with the State Overseer''s Office had made many suspect he had deep connections with that office. On top of that, Yang Qiye''s poor relationship with Shen Mo contrasted sharply with Shen Mo''s growing popularity, thanks to his string of significant achievements. In comparison, Yang Qiye''s reputation had plummeted, making him increasingly unpopular. The whispered remarks only fueled Yang Qiye''s anger. If it had been just one or two people, he could have easily detained them to make an example. But with so many speaking against him, he couldn''t possibly round them all up. "You will hand over the Soul Abyss Spike today! I am the Second Elder of the sect, and I have the authority to make unilateral decisions!" "If you disobey, I''ll charge you with defying orders!" Yang Qiye took a deep breath and spoke sternly. The treasure vault deacon, trembling and breaking into a cold sweat, reluctantly retrieved a jade box. Yang Qiye''s eyes gleamed with joy as he eagerly reached for it. But just then, a calm voice spoke from behind him. "The Soul Abyss Spike is an exceptional treasure for breaking through the Nascent Soul stage." "Such a rare and precious itemhow can it be handed to someone who has betrayed the sect?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 289: One of the Three Treasures for Unlocking a Heavenly-Grade Soul, the Soul Abyss Spike Chapter 289: One of the Three Treasures for Unlocking a Heavenly-Grade Soul, the Soul Abyss Spike Yang Qiye was both shocked and furious as he looked at the newcomer. This voice was one he was all too familiar withit was Shen Mo. "Shen... Young Sect Master, I respect you as the Young Sect Master, but I am the Second Elder. You should speak with more respect!" "My disciple, Ye Yan, how could he possibly be someone who betrayed the sect?!" He locked eyes with Shen Mo, clearly demanding an explanation. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Ye Yan claimed he was going to Longjiang Prefecture on a mission?" "I investigated. The mission he took was to eliminate a group of rampaging demon generals in Longjiang Prefecture." "The mission wasn''t particularly difficult, nor were the rewards significant. With Ye Yan''s vision, there''s no way he''d have chosen such a task." "Yet, he did. He went to the southern Longjiang Prefecture." Yang Qiye frowned. "So what? He had a sudden whim to take that missionis that not allowed?" Shen Mo didn''t answer directly but continued, "From the sect to the mission location in Longjiang Prefecture, with Ye Yan''s cultivation level, it would take at most ten days." "Even accounting for the time to hunt the demon clan and the round trip, it wouldn''t exceed a month." "But now, it''s been three years since he left the sect. Do you think he''s still coming back?" Yang Qiye''s expression froze. Shen Mo continued, "Moreover, a few days ago, Elder Wang Wu from the Second Peak sent someone to collect a debt from Ye Yan. No matter what they did, they couldn''t break through the formation protecting his residence." "Later, with the Grand Elder''s permission, the Disciplinary Hall sent people to crack the formation. What they discovered was that Wang Wu had long disappeared, leaving behind an empty residence." Yang Qiye frowned deeply. "What does that have to do with Yan''er?" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Have you forgotten? Wang Wu used to be Ye Yan''s staunch supporter. However, ever since the Protector endorsed me as the Young Sect Master, Wang Wu hastily severed ties with Ye Yan and even went out of his way to avoid him." "With Ye Yan''s temperament, how do you think he would have handled Wang Wu?" As soon as Shen Mo finished speaking, the surrounding Jade Cauldron Sect disciples began to murmur among themselves, their discussions growing louder. "No way! Could Ye Yan have left the sect? And before he left, killed Wang Wu?" "If he killed someone, why is there no corpse or signs of a struggle?" "Idiot. Both Ye Yan and Wang Wu are Nascent Soul cultivators, but Ye Yan is far stronger. If he caught Wang Wu off guard, killing him instantly wouldn''t be difficult." "Exactly. That way, there wouldn''t be any traces of a fight. He could have even stashed the corpse in a storage ring and taken it with him." "Tsk, tsk. Who would''ve thought Ye Yan would turn out to be such a person?" The cultivators shook their heads in amazement, clearly surprised that Ye Yan might one day betray the sect and flee. Listening to their discussions, Yang Qiye felt his head spinning. It''s true. Over the past three years, he had considered the possibility. But he never dared to believe it. The disciple he had painstakingly nurtured, his most beloved student, could one day abandon him! Could it be that, in Ye Yan''s heart, he, as a master, held no weight at all? For the first time, Yang Qiye felt as though his body might collapse. His reputation in the Jade Cauldron Sect had already plummeted. Out of fear of the Old Flood Dragon''s power, the Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders had distanced themselves from him, maintaining only superficial ties. And now, even his beloved disciple had forsaken him. Who could he trust from now on? "Second Elder, continue to fulfill your duties. You are still the Second Elder." Shen Mo met Yang Qiye''s gaze and spoke calmly. At first, Yang Qiye could hold his ground, but Shen Mo''s eyes remained as calm as still water, radiating an undeniable authority. Eventually, Yang Qiye had no choice but to look away. Even as a Soul Transformation cultivator, he dared not meet Shen Mo''s gaze any longer. Drip, drip. Yang Qiye turned around and walked out of the Treasure Pavilion. The crowd instinctively parted, making way for him. Shen Mo watched his retreating figure, which seemed desolate and lonely. The Second Elder had clearly recognized his predicament. If this person were not a Divine Transformation cultivator but a Nascent Soul cultivator, there would be no need for Li Zhendao, the Sect Master, to speak up. With just one order from Shen Mo, they could be thrown into prison and subjected to a thorough interrogation. However, Yang Qiye was a Divine Transformation cultivator. Every Divine Transformation cultivator possesses immense power. Moreover, the sect''s highest combat strength also lies with its Divine Transformation cultivators. Losing even one of them would be a significant loss. Therefore, even if they could not be befriended, at the very least, they should not be made into enemies. Since Yang Qiye had not overtly betrayed the sect, things would remain as they were. He would still be the Second Elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. "Where is the Soul Abyss Spike?" Shen Mo approached the Treasure Pavilion steward. The steward respectfully handed over a jade box to Shen Mo. "Young Sect Master, this item was specifically reserved for you by Elder Zhao and Elder L. You do not need to contribute any points." Shen Mo nodded slightly. This item was incredibly valuable. He estimated it would take at least four Grade-A contributions to exchange for it. Fortunately, no contribution points were required this time. It was a win for everyone. The surrounding cultivators watched Shen Mo leave with expressions full of envy. "I heard that the Void Spring and the Soul Abyss Spike are two of the most extraordinary treasures for breaking through the Nascent Soul stage. Obtaining even one can potentially open up an Earth-Grade Soul. The Young Sect Master is truly blessed by fortune, acquiring a Soul Abyss Spike without any effort." "Exactly. If only I had luck like the Young Sect Master''s." "Now that Ye Yan has betrayed the sect, the Young Sect Master is the sole unparalleled genius of the Jade Cauldron Sect. That''s not necessarily a bad thing." "True. It eliminates internal strife. Besides, someone as domineering and cold as Ye Yan could never compare to the Young Sect Master." Meanwhile, Shen Mo returned to Dragon Snake Mountain. There, he began to closely examine the small black spike, about the length of a forearm, in his hand. It seemed to be made from some sort of bone, yet it was surprisingly heavy and had a metallic texture. What made it even more remarkable was that staring at the Soul Abyss Spike for an extended period made one feel as if countless long needles were piercing into their mind. The pain was so excruciating that one would feel like rolling on the ground in agony. However, the moment the gaze shifted away, the strange pain would completely vanish. As if it had never existed. Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. The mysterious properties of this item were evident after just a few glances. "Out of the three items required to unlock a Heavenly-Grade Soul, I have already obtained two: the remnants of the Sky-Hanging Whisker and the Soul Abyss Spike." "The only thing left is the Divine Lightning of the Suppressing Demon Sea." "But the Suppressing Demon Sea is far beyond the Eastern Sea, and I don''t even know how to get there. How am I supposed to obtain the Divine Lightning?" Shen Mo pondered deeply. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind. "Perhaps I don''t need the actual Divine Lightning. Just the lingering aura of the Divine Lightning might be enough!" "I must keep an eye out for any news related to this in the future." "The demon clans might have something related to it" Shen Mo seemed to be lost in thought. Of course, he was not yet in the Divine Transformation stage, so there was no need to take unnecessary risks. Instead of venturing into Mist State to clash with the demon clans, it was better to stay safe and grow steadily within the Jade Cauldron Sect. After all, as the Young Sect Master, the contribution points he received every month rivaled those of the Six Cauldron Elders. Moreover, his status was even higher than theirs. As long as he had enough contribution points, anything in the Treasure Pavilion or Scripture Pavilion was within his reach. And the people in the sect were polite, talented, and eloquent. He genuinely liked it here. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 290: Not Out of Desire, But to Prevent Treasure from Gathering Dust Chapter 290: Not Out of Desire, But to Prevent Treasure from Gathering Dust Shen Mo gazed eastward, deep in thought. "If I remember correctly, Ye Yan left behind several fortuitous opportunities in Yu Prefecture." Originally, before Ye Yan could reach the Divine Transformation stage, he would remain in the Jade Cauldron Sect, competing with Xiao Fan for the position of Young Sect Master. After his defeat, realizing the immense power of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, he betrayed the Jade Cauldron Sect and joined their ranks. During that time, Ye Yan stayed in Yu Prefecture, reaping various opportunities. Now, however, his predetermined fate had been altered by Shen Mo. Xiao Fan had not become a disciple of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Ye Yan had also betrayed the Jade Cauldron Sect and headed south to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation before reaching the Divine Transformation stage. As a result, those opportunities were now unclaimed. As Ye Yan''s "close friend," Shen Mo certainly wouldn''t let those treasures go to waste. Yes, it was mainly to prevent them from gathering dust. Absolutely not because he wanted them for himself. "However, these opportunities will only appear at specific times. I''ll have to wait a bit." Shen Mo composed himself and returned to his residence, beginning a secluded session to refine the Pure Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. A Year Later Shen Mo left the Jade Cauldron Sect and traveled to Chiron Prefecture, east of Taishan Prefecture. Chiron Prefecture was home to a picturesque lake called Chiron Lake. Just days before Shen Mo''s arrival, a brilliant light emanated from the lake''s depths, its shimmering waves attracting many cultivators in search of treasure. Among them were disciples from the Three Sects and One King. Shen Mo, donning a mask to conceal his identity, blended into the crowd. Using his life panel, he managed to enter the ruins beneath Chiron Lake ahead of everyone else. Deep in the ruins, he found a Pure Yang Fruit that had just ripened. Although it was a fruit, its temperature was so extreme that even Divine Transformation cultivators found it difficult to consume. Shen Mo didn''t intend to use the Pure Yang Fruit for himself. Instead, it was meant to aid in refining the Solar Essence Fire. Recently, the Solar Essence Fire had already refined the Thousand-Year Core of Earthfire and the Solar Essence Stone. Its size and intensity had grown significantly, but it was still just a "flame" and far from the "blazing fire" of something like the Green Lotus Core Flame. Without refining rare treasures, transitioning the flame from a spark to a blaze would take at least a hundred years. And that was while it resided within Shen Mo''s dantian. In the natural environment, the process would take several dozen times longer. The Pure Yang Fruit, however, was one of the few treasures capable of accelerating this process. Although it would only provide a small boost, Shen Mo didn''t mind. Every small step adds up. With enough opportunities like the Pure Yang Fruit, the Solar Essence Fire would soon complete its transformation. A day after Shen Mo discreetly left Chiron Lake, someone stumbled into the ruins beneath the lake. However, the Pure Yang Fruit was long gone, taken by Shen Mo. The cultivators, finding nothing, could only leave disappointed. Another Year Later Shen Mo traveled to Flying Cloud Prefecture, north of Taishan Prefecture. This area was resource-poor and overrun by demonic beasts, a lawless land ignored by the Jade Cauldron Sect, the Supreme Purity Sect, and the Pill River Sect. Over time, it had become a gathering place for rogue cultivators. In the past year, a powerful wolf king had appeared in Flying Cloud Prefecture. Leading its pack, it roamed like the wind, wreaking havoc and slaughtering everything in its path. Even the most powerful sect in Flying Cloud Prefecture was defeated by the wolf king and its pack. In desperation, the local cultivators pooled their resources to hire the Three Sects and One King for assistance. Elders from the Supreme Purity Sect and the Pill River Sect attempted to intervene. However, the wolf king''s instincts were incredibly sharp. The lucky ones managed to return alive, but the unfortunate ones perished under its claws. Since then, few sect disciples dared to accept the commission. After all, the rewards didn''t justify the risks. Who would risk their lives for such a task? Once again, Shen Mo donned his mask. Guided by his life panel, he quickly located the wolf king and its lair. The wolf king was indeed powerful, but its strength lay primarily in its unmatched speed and mobility. Once Shen Mo located the wolf king''s lair, the creature was as good as trapped. In a single night, Shen Mo annihilated the wolf king and its pack. He extracted a fifth-tier demon crystal from the wolf king''s body. Additionally, in the depths of the lair, he discovered a sixth-tier demon crystal and several storage rings. The storage rings had belonged to unlucky rogue cultivators who had fallen prey to the wolf pack. Though the items within the rings were plentiful, their quality was mediocre. Still, since he was already there, Shen Mo decided not to leave empty-handed. He swept all the contents into his own storage ring. The sixth-tier demon crystal, however, was the most valuable treasure. This crystal was the spoils of the wolf king''s rampage through Flying Cloud Prefecture, including its conquest of the region''s strongest sect, Flying Cloud Sect. The wolf king hadn''t yet had the chance to refine it. Now, it belonged to Shen Mo. Previously, Shen Mo had obtained the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Codex in the Fire Pill Palace. The codex contained not only alchemy techniques but also artifact refinement techniques, including the art of crystal refinement. The sixth-tier demon crystal was a perfect material to integrate into his Two Yi Sword. Enhancing the Two Yi Sword with this crystal would be akin to adding an entirely new sword to its arsenal. Once completed, Shen Mo''s usage of Yang Sword Qi, Yin Sword Qi, or Two Yi Sword Qi would gain a significant power boost. A few days after Shen Mo left the lair, some fortunate rogue cultivators stumbled upon it. However, by the time they arrived, the corpses of the wolf king and its pack had been reduced to skeletal remains, long devoured by other beasts. Finding no treasure, the cultivators left disappointed. Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo sat cross-legged in his residence, observing his dantian internally. As expected, after fully refining the Pure Yang Fruit, the Solar Essence Fire had grown significantly, taking up more space. The Green Lotus Core Flame''s attitude toward this small flame had shifted dramatically, from condescension to equal respect, and even a touch of deference. After all, the inherent nature of the Solar Essence Fire was far superior. The Green Lotus Core Flame simply could not compete. Shen Mo felt a genuine sense of joy. However, it was a bittersweet happiness. With the Solar Essence Fire''s growth, maintaining the dynamic balance between the two flames when using the Great Desolation Starfall technique would once again require careful adjustments. Fortunately, thanks to previous experience, he could now recalibrate the balance much faster. Three Days Later. Shen Mo exhaled deeply as he examined the Two Yi Sword before him. The crystal refinement process was a success. Using the techniques from the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Codex, he had seamlessly integrated the sixth-tier demon crystal into the Two Yi Sword without any issues. He scrutinized the sword, which appeared nearly identical to its previous form, except for a crystal embedded in the hilt. But when he infused it with spiritual energy, the sword revealed its true transformation. A shadowy image of a sword appeared both above and below the Two Yi Swordone black and one whiteperfectly aligned with the sword''s dual nature. Shen Mo tested the Yang Sword Qi and Yin Sword Qi. Immediately, he noticed a dramatic increase in power. The black and white sword shadows doubled the sword''s effectiveness, effectively tripling the power of each technique. Every sword strike now carried the force of three. Shen Mo''s delight was uncontainable. The progress he had made over the past two years far exceeded his expectations. He was now just one step away from reaching the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. His spiritual tools, techniques, and combat skills were nearing perfection. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 291: When This Emperor Rules the World, You Shall Be the King of Humanity Chapter 291: When This Emperor Rules the World, You Shall Be the King of Humanity In Mist Province. The land was engulfed in the flames of war, with smoke rising everywhere. Corpses were being cleared from the battlefield, piled carelessly by the roadside, their stench of decay permeating the air. At the end of this long road stood a massive fortress. Two enormous rock creatures, each over five zhang tall, stood guard at the fortress entrance, wielding giant clubs like fearsome gatekeepers. Not far away, numerous wolf demons patrolled the area, riding on giant wolves. Occasionally, bold wild beasts crept closer to gnaw on the corpses. In the distance, faint sobs echoed. On the main road, a group of wolf demons was escorting a procession of humans toward the fortress. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leading the group was a hulking wolf demon, exuding an aura of dominance. It was clearly a demon commander, comparable in strength to a human Core Formation cultivator. The humans, overwhelmed by the stench of blood and decay, were on the verge of retching. Yet, none dared stop. Stopping would mean ending up like the bodies lining the road. Among the captives was a fair-faced woman holding her young daughter''s hand. The little girl''s eyes sparkled as she stole glances at the rough and terrifying fortress. Suddenly, she noticed a figure standing atop the fortress wall, clad in crimson robes. She whispered, "Mother, why is there a Daoist up there?" The woman froze and looked up. Indeed, a young man with sword-like eyebrows and a cold expression stood on the fortress wall. But wasn''t this the fortress of the demon race? Why was a human cultivator standing there unharmed, unchallenged by any demons? On the fortress wall. Ye Yan''s gaze lingered on the group of humans for only a moment before shifting toward the smoke-shrouded north. "What are you looking at?" A deep and commanding voice came from behind him. The voice carried an accent unlike any found in Jing Kingdom''s provinces, yet it seemed to blend elements from all across the Nine Provinces. It was rich, resonant, and imbued with the majesty and dominance of an emperor. It made one instinctively want to kneel and pay homage. Ye Yan knew who was speaking. He resisted the urge to kneel, suppressing his instincts, and replied, "I''m not looking. I''m thinking." "Oh? Then tell this emperor, what are you thinking about?" "I''m thinking about when the Ten Thousand Demons Nation will suffer a crushing defeat," Ye Yan replied calmly. "Hahaha!" The voice behind him burst into hearty laughter. Ye Yan turned around. Standing before him was a towering figure over one zhang tall. The figure was entirely clad in golden armor, thick and radiant. Only the eye sockets were uncovered, revealing a pair of crimson eyes. Though his entire body was encased in armor, Ye Yan could still discern features characteristic of the demon race. Not of a single species, but rather a fusion of several. "Ye Yan, you''re not afraid of death," the figure remarked with a faint smile. "I fear death," Ye Yan replied calmly. "But I know the Demon Emperor won''t kill me because I''m speaking the truth." The Demon Emperor laughed even louder. His crimson eyes seemed to glimmer with amusement. "This emperor appreciates clever people." "The Ten Thousand Demons Nation lacks people like you." The Demon Emperor spoke lightly, "Ye Yan, would you like to become one of this emperor''s Dragonblood Guards?" Ye Yan shook his head. The Demon Emperor''s smile deepened. "Why refuse?" "Those who refuse this emperor, human or demon, without exception, perish." Ye Yan remained calm. "I''ve heard the Dragonblood Guards undergo body refinement with flood dragon blood, but it can cause irreversible damage to one''s mind." "Therefore, I refuse." The Demon Emperor laughed even more heartily. "Then what do you want?" "I want the Demon Emperor''s essence blood," Ye Yan replied seriously. The crimson eyes beneath the golden armor grew sharp. "Oh? Do you realize that refining this emperor''s essence blood is equivalent to becoming this emperor''s offspring?" "I''ve already witnessed the strength of the Demon Emperor and the Ten Thousand Demons Nation," Ye Yan said calmly. "So what harm is there in becoming the Demon Emperor''s offspring?" The Demon Emperor fell silent for a moment before erupting into loud laughter. "Good, very good." "However, this drop of essence blood cannot be given to you so easily." The Demon Emperor extended a finger, pointing toward the group of humans who had just been escorted into the fortress by the wolf demons. "Kill them all, and I will grant you a drop of my essence blood." Without hesitation, Ye Yan unleashed a blazing palm strike. The group of humans, including the mother and her child, were instantly engulfed by the fiery attack. Pain, wails, and torment. Even the wolf demon commander and its subordinates were obliterated in the inferno. Roar! Roar! Roar! The surrounding wolf demons erupted in furious howls. Spears and arrowsprimitive in design yet gleaming with a cold, eerie lightwere aimed at Ye Yan from a distance. These weapons, though crude in appearance, were potent against spiritual power. With just one command from the Demon Emperor, they would launch a full-scale assault and kill Ye Yan on the spot. The Demon Emperor raised an eyebrow. "You killed my subordinates." Ye Yan replied calmly, "That demon commander and his subordinates repeatedly insulted me, even threatening to twist off my head and use it as a food bowl." "I simply repaid their actions in the way of the demon race." The Demon Emperor chuckled in satisfaction and lowered his hand. Immediately, all the wolf demons withdrew their weapons and began cleaning up the scene. "Not bad. You''ve only been here a year, yet you''ve already learned the ways of the demon race." "If you hadn''t killed him, this emperor would have been displeased." The Demon Emperor smiled faintly. At that moment, a wolf demon clearing the remains suddenly let out a cry and collapsed. A fiery figure burst forth like a streak of lightning, dashing toward the north. None of the surrounding demons could react in time, and they could only watch as the figure disappeared into the distance. Ye Yan froze. Someone had survived his attack, and with such speed and strength, they were clearly at least a Nascent Soul stage cultivator! Among that group of humans, there had been a Nascent Soul expert in hiding! Ye Yan turned to look at the Demon Emperor. But the Demon Emperor didn''t even lift a finger, allowing the person to leave unimpeded. A deep fear suddenly welled up within Ye Yan. He understood now. This had all been a trap orchestrated by the Demon Emperor. "That person is an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. I believe his name is He Tianchou." "He will return safely to Yuzhou, to the Jade Cauldron Sect." "And from now on, you will be known as a traitor to the Jade Cauldron Sect, a traitor to humanity." The Demon Emperor''s calm laughter echoed from beneath the golden armor. But to Ye Yan, the sound was like a bucket of ice water poured over his entire being. It was clearsoon, his name would be infamous across Yuzhou. Everyone would know him as a turncoat, a human traitor. This thought, however, lasted only a moment. Ye Yan dropped to one knee and said calmly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for severing my ties of worry." The Demon Emperor smiled slightly. "It''s good that you understand this emperor''s painstaking efforts. Rise." "With your talent, you will undoubtedly become one of this emperor''s most trusted aides in the future." "When this emperor rules the world, you shall be the King of Humanity." Ye Yan bowed respectfully. "Yes." "I am willing to serve Your Majesty with all my strength." "And now, I offer a strategy for Your Majesty." The Demon Emperor spoke lightly, "Speak." Ye Yan said, "Currently, the Three Sects and One King are united in harmony, jointly resisting the Ten Thousand Demons Nation''s army, making it difficult for us to advance." "My suggestion is to temporarily halt the northern campaign and spread rumors of internal power struggles among the races." "This way, without us lifting a finger, the Three Sects and One King in Yuzhou will fall into internal strife and begin to consume themselves!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 292: This Time, the Jade Cauldron Sect’s Young Master Ling Xuan Will Be Captured Alive Chapter 292: This Time, the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Young Master Ling Xuan Will Be Captured Alive The Demon Emperor smirked faintly. "Continue." Ye Yan spoke earnestly, "Don''t be fooled by the apparent unity of the Three Sects and One King. Their bond might seem close-knit now, but their enmity runs deeper than the hatred between the humans and the demon clans." "After all, for centuries, the three sects of Yu Prefecture have never gone a single day without conflict. Similarly, the Governor''s Mansion has never ceased its ambition to unify Yu Prefecture." "Suspicion and mistrust have always been rife among the Three Sects and One King. It''s only the strength of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation that has forced them to join hands against the demon race." "If Your Majesty advances too quickly, it will alarm the Jing Emperor, forcing him to abandon his suppression of the major sects within his borders and turn his focus to you. At that point, the Ten Thousand Demon Nation will face a devastating defeat." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Demon Emperor nodded with satisfaction. "Not bad. You''re indeed more intelligent than most demons." "However, your strategy is now useless." Ye Yan froze. "Useless?" He had intended to gain the Demon Emperor''s trust quickly by presenting this strategy. The Demon Emperor said calmly, "Five days ago, I already issued orders to halt the advance and focus on local recovery and resource consolidation." "Without my explicit command, no one is to step a foot beyond the Yu Mist border." Ye Yan was stunned. He hadn''t expected the Demon Emperor to possess such foresight. Of course. The rumors were truethe Demon Emperor was not born into noble blood but had clawed his way to power as an ordinary wolf demon of lowly lineage. To achieve his current position, the Demon Emperor relied not only on the opportunities he encountered along the way but also on his intelligence and wisdom. Ye Yan couldn''t help but feel admiration. "Even though I have already issued this decree, the fact that you offered this plan still pleases me," said the Demon Emperor. He continued, "I promised you a reward, and I shall grant it now." The Demon Emperor removed his gauntlet, revealing a hand resembling a human''s but with longer fingers and more pronounced joints. With a slight motion of his mind, a single drop of golden blood welled up from his fingertip. Ye Yan''s eyes widened as he quickly produced a jade vial and carefully collected the drop. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this generous reward!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply. The Demon Emperor smiled. "Go now and refine this blood carefully. I look forward to witnessing your transformation." "Do not forget my words: when I reign over all under heaven, you shall be the King of Men!" "Yes, Your Majesty!" Ye Yan replied with utmost reverence. North of the Demon Emperor''s encampment, a network of fortresses sprawled across the land. 1,200 miles to the north stood a small fortress. Despite its size, its air of brutality and savagery rivaled that of the Demon Emperor''s main stronghold. At the highest point of the fortress sat a towering figure covered in golden fur, lounging restlessly on a throne. In his hand, he held a crude yet massive goblet filled with crimson liquid. In front of him knelt a woman, her face streaked with tears as she played the zither. The oppressive aura radiating from the golden-furred figure was so overwhelming that, despite her efforts to suppress her fear, her trembling hands kept striking the wrong notes. The once elegant and melodious music had devolved into a series of discordant, jarring sounds. "What trash are you playing?" the golden-furred figure roared. "Take her away and cook her!" The moment he finished speaking, two lion demons rushed forward, one grabbing each of the woman''s arms. They dragged her roughly toward a cauldron of boiling oil not far away. The woman screamed in terror, but as a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was no match for the two Core Formation-level lion demons. No matter how she struggled, escape was impossible. Moments later, the screams abruptly ceased. The oil cauldron, however, continued to bubble furiously. "Your Highness, shall we bring another human woman to play the zither?" the lion demon on the left asked in a gruff voice. The Ninth Prince waved his hand irritably. "No, I don''t want to listen anymore. I just want to kill!" The lion demon on the right clapped his hands. "That''s simple. I''ll release the human prisoners from the cages. You can kill to your heart''s content!" The Ninth Prince glared at him. "Fool! I want to kill on the battlefield!" Both lion demons shrank back, their heads lowered. "But His Majesty has decreed that no one is to cross the Yu Mist border without his explicit command." "Even the other princes have halted their movements, remaining within their strongholds," added the one on the left. The Ninth Prince''s expression grew dark with frustration. "What is Father thinking? Why are we not pressing our advantage?" "These humans are no match for us!" The lion demon on the right rolled his eyes and leaned closer. "Your Highness, I have an idea that might let you kill on the battlefield." "Speak!" Grinning slyly, the lion demon whispered, "We can stage a riot by releasing some human prisoners and letting them flee. You can then personally lead the pursuit." "During the chase, no one will know where you''ve gone. You could cross into Yu Prefecture and enjoy a real battle!" "With your strength, Your Highness, unless you encounter a Divine Transformation cultivator, no one will be able to stop you!" "And even if His Majesty learns of it later, you can present the achievements of your raid. With such merits, His Majesty is unlikely to punish youhe might even commend you." "After all, you are the most talented of His Majesty''s over thirty princes! I''ve heard even the First Prince is envious of you." The Ninth Prince slammed his armrest with excitement and stood. "Well said! Let''s do it!" "Bring me the map of Yu Prefecture!" The two lion demons unrolled a massive beast-hide map, which detailed the northern part of the Mist Province and the entirety of Yu Prefecture. Such detailed maps were rare in the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, with only a handful in existence. This particular map had been a reward from the Demon Emperor to the Ninth Princea privilege shared only by the First, Fourth, and Ninth Princes. This demonstrated the Demon Emperor''s special favor toward the Ninth Prince. The Ninth Prince studied the map intently. "Yu Prefecture and Mist Province share borders in three regions: White Crane Prefecture, Jiande Prefecture, and Xuanjing Prefecture." "Xuanjing Prefecture" He muttered the name, his expression sharpening. "I remember nowthe Jade Cauldron Sect''s Young Master, that prodigious genius Shen Mo, hails from the Azure Profound Gate in Xuanjing Prefecture." "If I were to raid the Azure Profound Gate, Shen Mo would surely rush to its defense in desperation. That would be my chance to capture him alive!" "Even if Father learns of it, he wouldn''t punish me. On the contrary, he would heap praise upon me!" A sinister grin spread across the Ninth Prince''s face as if he could already see the Demon Emperor''s approval. "I have thirty thousand demon troops under my commandjust perfect!" "In five days, Shi Meng, you will lead ten demon generals and ten thousand troops to launch a swift assault on White Crane Prefecture. Continue harassing it with rotating attacks." "In ten days, Shi Qiang, you will do the same with Jiande Prefecture. Harass them endlessly as well." "This will draw the attention of the Three Sects and One King. Their forces will be redirected to defend these regions, and our informants within their ranks will provide updates. At that point, you can retreat." "Meanwhile, I will personally lead the remaining demon generals and soldiers to launch a surprise attack on Xuanjing Prefecture!" "This time, I will definitely capture Shen Mo, the Young Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, alive!" The two lion demons roared excitedly in unison. "Yes, Your Highness! We obey your command!" Dragon Snake Mountain Wasteland Shen Mo, as always, was honing his martial skills. Black and white sword energy surged around him, turning the entire area into a monochromatic void devoid of other colors. A small flood dragon lurked nearby, sneaking around him and occasionally snatching bits of residual energy from the extraordinary flames Shen Mo emitted. Its tail wagged joyfully with each bite. Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the distance. "Young Master! Something major has happened!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 293: He Appears to Be a Genius With an Extraordinary Fate Chapter 293: He Appears to Be a Genius With an Extraordinary Fate Shen Mo sheathed his Dual Polarity Sword and looked toward the approaching figure. It was Mei Haihe. "Old Mei, what''s the matter?" Shen Mo channeled his spiritual energy, instantly evaporating the sweat on his body, and asked casually. Mei Haihe spoke in a low voice, "Hall Master He was defeated and captured some time ago but later escaped death by a stroke of luck. He sent back an important message via a transmission jade, and now the entire sect knows about it." "Ye Yan has betrayed the sect and joined the Ten Thousand Demon Nation!" Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. "Oh, is that all? I already suspected as much." "With his personality, once he recognized the strength of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, this was an inevitable choice." Mei Haihe was astonished. He hadn''t expected Shen Mo to be completely unsurprised, as if he had foreseen this outcome long ago. His respect for Shen Mo deepened. The Young Master''s insight was truly sharphe had seen through Ye Yan''s nature with just one look. Mei Haihe hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There''s something else. Recently, the demons, who had been lying low, suddenly sent over ten thousand lion demons to attack White Crane Prefecture." "They say those lion demons are all at least at the Demon General level, equivalent to Foundation Establishment cultivators." "Many of them are led by Demon Commanders, and at the forefront is a powerful Lion Demon King." "The sects in White Crane Prefecture were completely unable to resist. The casualties were severe, with corpses strewn across the landan utterly tragic sight." "Jiande Prefecture has also suffered repeated attacks from lion demons." "However, not only have we dispatched reinforcements, but so have the Shangqing Sect, the Danhe Sect, and the Governor''s Mansion." "I believe we''ll soon drive those marauding lion demons out." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. White Crane Prefecture He recalled that the border between Yu Prefecture and Mist Province consisted of three prefectures: White Crane Prefecture, Jiande Prefecture, and Xuanjing Prefecture. If White Crane and Jiande Prefectures were under attack, did that mean Xuanjing Prefecture might also be in danger? Mei Haihe seemed to guess his thoughts and quickly added, "Young Master, there hasn''t been any news of an attack in Xuanjing Prefecture yet. It should be safe for now. Besides, I''ve heard the sect has stationed Elder Ouyang Wei and several other elders at the Azure Profound Gate to protect your old friends there." He knew Shen Mo hailed from the Azure Profound Gate in Xuanjing Prefecture and likely still harbored strong feelings for it. Shen Mo shook his head. "''Should be safe'' doesn''t mean it is safe. This is not a risk I''m willing to take." "You''ll take care of matters at Dragon Snake Mountain for now. I''ll head to Xuanjing Prefecture." Mei Haihe nodded. "Understood." Shen Mo seemed deep in thought as he instinctively glanced at his Destiny Panel. Whenever he made a significant decision, the panel would reveal the corresponding trajectory of his fate. [Recent Turn of Events]: [Today, sensing a potential crisis in Xuanjing Prefecture, you decide to head there immediately. Upon arriving at Xuanjing Prefecture, you fall into a trap set by the Ninth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, facing an ambush by four Lion Demon Kings. Murong Yue and Ouyang Wei sacrifice their Nascent souls to protect you, allowing you to escape with severe injuries. However, this ordeal leaves a scar on your state of mind, preventing you from entering an epiphany state for a long time. Your cultivation speed significantly decreases.] Shen Mo''s eyebrows rose. The Ninth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation? He had some impression of him. Thanks to the intelligence-sharing among the Three Sects and One King, Shen Mo had access to a wealth of information from the Shangqing Sect, Danhe Sect, and the Governor''s Mansion. The Demon Emperor had many sons. Anyone who received his blood essence could claim the title of prince. Among them, three were especially renowned: The First Prince, an elephant demon known for his immense strength and outstanding military achievements. Despite his rough appearance, he was cunning and deeply trusted by the Demon Emperor. The Fourth Prince, an ape demon with exceptional intelligence, who often devised strategies for the Demon Emperor. The Ninth Prince, a lion demon with remarkable talent, who had been praised by the Demon Emperor on numerous occasions but was known for his impatience and eagerness for quick results. The one attacking Xuanjing Prefecture must be the Ninth Prince. "I see. The assaults on White Crane Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture were mere feints to draw the cultivators of Yu Prefecture into a trap and scatter their forces," Shen Mo muttered. "The Ninth Prince''s real target is Xuanjing Prefecture, the Qingxuan Sect and me!" "He''s certain that as soon as news reaches the Jade Cauldron Sect, I''ll rush back to help without hesitation." Shen Mo chuckled softly. Interesting. Without the Destiny Panel, he might have indeed fallen into the trap set by the Ninth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation. But now that he was aware of the plan, the situation was much easier to handle. "Still, I didn''t expect Murong Yue to have reached the Nascent Soul stage as well." "She must have only recently advanced and hasn''t had the chance to inform the Jade Cauldron Sect yet." Shen Mo smiled in relief. It had been a long time since he last saw Murong Yue. He wondered what she looked like now. It was time to return and see for himself. That Ninth Prince seemed to be a prodigy with extraordinary talent and a strong fate. Perhaps he could even reap some benefits from this encounter. "Ah, it''s a pity Ye Yan ran off. Losing such a fat sheep all of a sudden it''s hard to get used to," Shen Mo muttered as he smacked his lips, then set off for Xuanjing Prefecture. Xuanjing Prefecture, Qingxuan Sect The sect was bustling with activity. The martial arena was filled with long tables, laden with a variety of delicacies and fine wines. Numerous cultivators gathered around, enjoying the rare feast. Above them stood a beautiful woman dressed in a long purple gown that reached the floor. Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was Murong Yue. Just two days ago, she had successfully formed her Nascent Soul, stepping into a higher realm. "Congratulations, Sect Master Murong," a hearty voice called out as a burly figure approached, holding two wine cups with a broad smile. Murong Yue returned the smile and nodded. "Thank you." "Sect Master Murong, once you leave for the Jade Cauldron Sect, the grand Qingxuan Sect will be entrusted to me," said Mo Hanshan, patting his chest confidently. "Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of it." "Perhaps one day, I''ll also step into the Nascent Soul stage, and we can meet again at the Jade Cauldron Sect." Murong Yue chuckled. "Good. I''ll be waiting for you at the Jade Cauldron Sect." "And me, Sect Master Murong?" Wei Xiongtie, holding a wine cup, joined in with a hearty laugh. "Don''t forget about me when you''re at the Jade Cauldron Sect," added Elder Li, a kindly old woman. Murong Yue felt a warmth in her heart. "Don''t worry, everyone. I won''t forget you." At that moment, another tall figure approached, also holding a wine cup. The crowd immediately fell silent and respectfully greeted him, "Greetings, Elder Ouyang." It was Ouyang Wei, who had been stationed here by Li Zhendao''s orders. Ouyang Wei laughed heartily. "We''ve spent quite some time together now. No need to stand on ceremony." The crowd relaxed slightly at his words. After all, Ouyang Wei was a legitimate elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. His cultivation and status far surpassed theirs, naturally commanding a sense of awe and reverence. As the feast progressed, the conversation became more relaxed and lively. Wei Xiongtie downed an entire jar of wine in one gulp, smacking his lips. "I wonder how Shen Mo is doing at the Jade Cauldron Sect. Who would''ve thought he''d become their Young Master!" "Exactly! It''s unbelievable!" Elder Li and Mo Hanshan echoed, sighing with emotion. Ouyang Wei laughed. "If you didn''t expect it, neither did I." "When he first joined the Jade Cauldron Sect, it was only a few years ago. He rapidly climbed the ranks, and before we knew it, he became the Young Master." Murong Yue sighed softly. "I really want to know how Shen Mo is doing now." Wei Xiongtie and the others couldn''t help but share the sentiment. "Who doesn''t? We all want to know." "Especially the day he was officially named Young Master. Ah, what a pity we couldn''t witness such a grand occasion with our own eyes!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 294: Unexpected Genius in an Unexpected Place Chapter 294: Unexpected Genius in an Unexpected Place Elder Li sighed softly. "It''s a pity that getting news from the Jade Cauldron Sect is so difficult, while our reports can easily reach them." Murong Yue nodded. "Indeed, that''s because we have a subordinate-superior relationship." Wei Xiongtie added, "By the way, the neighboring Baihe Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture were both attacked by the demon clans recently. I have a strong feeling that our Xuanjiang Prefecture will be attacked sooner or later." "Yes, Sect Master, when you go to the Jade Cauldron Sect, you must raise this concern. The tragedies in Baihe Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture should serve as a warning for us here in Xuanjiang Prefecture," Elder Li said with a heavy sigh, worry evident in his tone. "Rest assured, I will make sure the Jade Cauldron Sect is informed of this matter," Murong Yue said resolutely. Ouyang Wei smiled. "Everyone can rest easy. While Murong Yue goes to the Jade Cauldron Sect, I will remain stationed at the Qingxuan Sect. As long as we don''t face a particularly powerful demon king, there shouldn''t be any major issues." Wei Xiongtie and the others finally relaxed. "That''s reassuring." They had immense trust in Ouyang Wei''s strength. Just then, a bloodied figure stumbled onto the training field. Weakly, he uttered a warning. "Lion demons lion demons are attacking" With that, he breathed his last. The disciples widened their eyes in shock and rushed forward. Murong Yue, Ouyang Wei, and the others were also startled, immediately moving to investigate. "It''s Elder Sun, who was guarding the E''Shan medicinal fields!" Wei Xiongtie exclaimed, his heart trembling with shock. "What''s going on? Are the demon clans attacking?" Mo Hanshan''s expression turned grim. "Look to the sky! Quickly!" Ouyang Wei, sensing danger, instinctively looked upward. A multitude of black shadows appeared, almost blocking out the sunlight. It was an army of lion demons! At the forefront was a massive lion demon with golden fur that flowed like a banner, exuding an unparalleled aura of dominance. The presence emanating from his body was terrifying. His blood energy surged like flames into the sky. He was clearly a powerful lion demon king. Even more alarming, four other lion demons beside him radiated similarly overwhelming blood energy and flames. Ouyang Wei''s expression darkened slightly. A demon king of this caliber was someone he could at best fight to a standstill, but saving the others would be nearly impossible. "So, this is the Qingxuan Sect?" "How unimpressive." "To think a place like this could produce a peerless genius like Shen Mo." The Ninth Prince surveyed the Qingxuan Sect with a mocking smile. "He he knows Shen Mo?" Wei Xiongtie froze in surprise. Ouyang Wei spoke in a grave tone. "The Young Sect Master has gained great fame through his battle achievements. If the Myriad Demon Nation plans to conquer Yuzhou, they would certainly have detailed intelligence on the experts and geniuses of the Three Sects and One King factions." "I see what they''re doing. They plan to capture the Qingxuan Sect and use us as hostages to lure the Young Sect Master here." "With Baihe Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture already ravaged by the demon clans, most nearby cultivators have been drawn to those regions." "There''s no one nearby who can aid us. We must wait for reinforcements from the Jade Cauldron Sect." Murong Yue''s face turned cold. To think such a ruthless plan was aimed at Shen Mo. "I enjoy killing, but if you surrender obediently, I might spare your lives for a little while longer." The Ninth Prince scanned the crowd with a twisted smile, as though he already held their lives in his hands. "Never! I would rather die with dignity than live in disgrace!" Murong Yue stepped forward, her gaze icy as she stared directly at the Ninth Prince in mid-air. "A Nascent Soul cultivator? You must be the sect master of this Qingxuan Sect." "How stubborn. Don''t you know how many human cultivators are begging to become slaves of the Demon Emperor?" The Ninth Prince sneered disdainfully. Murong Yue took a deep breath and shouted, "All Qingxuan Sect cultivators, retreat immediately! Wei Xiongtie, Mo Hanshan, protect the disciples! Elder Li, activate the mountain protection array!" "Yes!" Wei Xiongtie and Mo Hanshan responded with utmost seriousness, guiding the disciples to safety. Elder Li retrieved a jade token and poured 90% of his spiritual energy into it without hesitation. A massive protective barrier, glowing faintly, suddenly rose around the mountain. The entire Qingxuan Sect''s mountain gate was enveloped by the protective barrier. This provided a fleeting sense of security. The Ninth Prince sneered disdainfully, "You humans always rely on these flashy yet useless arrays to comfort yourselves. Little do you know, they are completely ineffective!" With a sudden swipe of his claw, he commanded, "Destroy it!" The four lion demon kings behind him instantly charged forward. Blood energy surged from their bodies, accompanied by a burst of spiritual power as they struck with full force. Ripples immediately formed across the surface of the barrier, violently shaking for a long time without stabilizing. The light of the protective barrier began to dim at an alarming speedfar faster than Murong Yue had anticipated. "This array is surprisingly resilient," the Ninth Prince remarked with a slight smile. Then, he ordered, "Use the Blood Energy Spear!" "Yes!" The ten thousand lion demon soldiers behind him roared in unison. Led by fifty lion demon captains, the army surged with blood energy, their roars like furious lions echoing in the heavens. Massive amounts of blood energy coiled and rose into the air. In an instant, it condensed into a colossal Blood Energy Spear, dozens of meters in length. "Kill!" The roar of over ten thousand lion demons thundered as the Blood Energy Spear shot forth. The four lion demon kings immediately retreated to make way. The next moment, the Blood Energy Spear pierced through the protective barrier. Its momentum remained unchecked as it plunged into the training grounds below. Those disciples who failed to evade were instantly killed by the terrifying power, without even having the chance to scream. The once-solid blue stone of the training grounds shattered into fragments, scattering like a storm of debris. Murong Yue, Wei Xiongtie, and the others stared in wide-eyed shock. None of them had expected their enemies'' attack to be so overwhelmingly powerful! They didn''t even have time to rely on the array for a counterattack or to wait for reinforcements. Ouyang Wei muttered in disbelief, "Such a powerful blood energy combat technique they must be royal guards!" "Royal guards? Are you saying that the leading lion demon is a prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation?!" Murong Yue gritted her teeth. Ouyang Wei nodded grimly. "When large numbers of demons who practice the same cultivation method gather, they can unleash a blood energy combat technique. But the average demon''s blood energy technique would never have such destructive power." "That these lion demons can condense a Blood Energy Spear powerful enough to shatter a mid-tier earth-grade array proves they are elite royal guards, carefully cultivated!" "I can''t believe that demon is actually a prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation" The Ninth Prince overheard their conversation and burst into laughter. "You humans aren''t entirely stupid. You''ve guessed my identity correctly!" "Now, capture them all alive!" he ordered. "Yes!" The four lion demon kings responded in unison and shot forward like lightning. Murong Yue and Ouyang Wei hastily engaged them. However, the difference in strength was insurmountable. In just three exchanges, both Ouyang Wei and Murong Yue were heavily struck down, their bodies covered in injuries. Ouyang Wei, being slightly stronger, endured even greater damage. His abdomen was torn open, and his intestines spilled out. "Lock them all up," the Ninth Prince commanded coldly. "And get me a communication jade. Immediately send a message to the Jade Cauldron Sect." The Ninth Prince let out a sinister laugh. "Tell them that the Qingxuan Sect is under attack by demons and is holding out using the mountain gate array. Urge them to send reinforcements at once." "And once we capture Shen Mo, take these people back to Mist Province. This prince would like to cultivate a few human slaves for my amusement." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 295: Capturing Shen Mo Will Be a Sure Victory Chapter 295: Capturing Shen Mo Will Be a Sure Victory In Mist Province, within the Demon Emperor''s stronghold, the Demon Emperor sat cross-legged on a massive stone bed, calmly cultivating. His entire body exuded a volcanic surge of blood energy, roaring and churning endlessly. Not far away, Ye Yan endured the relentless waves of blood energy, standing firm without retreating. His body now bore evident traits of the demon clangolden fur, hardened scales, sharp claws, and mesmerizing vertical pupils. "Not bad. It seems you''ve fully refined that drop of essence blood," the Demon Emperor said with a faint smile, looking at Ye Yan with approval. Ye Yan nodded respectfully. His cultivation had now soared to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. Even without using spiritual energy, the sheer strength of his blood energy alone was enough to overwhelm an entry-level Nascent Soul cultivator. "Humans primarily cultivate spiritual energy, while we demons cultivate blood energy," the Demon Emperor said. "For centuries, there have been attempts to cultivate both spiritual energy and blood energy simultaneously, but I am the first demon in history to master both." "Perhaps you will become the first human to do the same." The Demon Emperor smiled. Ye Yan was overwhelmed with excitement and bowed even more reverently. "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty." He now understood why the Demon Emperor was so powerful, able to crush human cultivators of the same rank with ease. At that moment, a Dragonblood Guard entered, kneeling on one knee, about to report. However, upon seeing Ye Yan present, he hesitated. The Demon Emperor chuckled. "Ye Yan is now my prince; there is no need to avoid him." The Dragonblood Guard relaxed and reported, "Your Majesty, the items from the Eastern Sea have arrived." The Demon Emperor nodded. "Let them in." Ye Yan was slightly startled. The Eastern Sea? Had the Ten Thousand Demon Nation''s influence already extended to the Eastern Sea? Wasn''t that the territory of the Flood Dragon Palace? Suppressing his curiosity, he refrained from asking questions. Moments later, heavy footsteps echoed as a tall figure entered the hall. The newcomer had a dragon''s head and a human body, exuding a commanding presence. His vertical pupils gleamed with cold arrogance, as though he belonged to the noblest race in the world. Ye Yan was shocked. This figure resembled the legendary flood dragon humanoids. "Ao Heichao greets His Majesty the Demon Emperor," the tall flood dragon humanoid said calmly, placing one hand on his chest in a gesture of respect. Unlike the other demons outside, he did not display fanatical reverence toward the Demon Emperor. The Demon Emperor, unfazed by his tone and demeanor, casually asked, "How much did you bring this time?" "Fresh flood dragon blood, thirty thousand catties. Aged flood dragon blood, one hundred thousand catties. Coral gold, one thousand catties." Ao Heichao handed over three storage rings. A nearby Dragonblood Guard quickly took them and presented them to the Demon Emperor. The Demon Emperor didn''t bother inspecting the contents and simply waved his hand. "Convey my regards to the Flood Dragon Emperor." "Yes." Ao Heichao placed a hand on his chest again and left under the escort of a wolf demon general. After a brief silence, the Demon Emperor spoke calmly, "Ye Yan, if you have questions, ask freely." Ye Yan shook his head. "There''s no need. I now understand how the Ten Thousand Demon Nation has grown so powerful in just five hundred years." "It turns out that even the Flood Dragon Palace, which has always maintained neutrality between humans and demons, has leaned toward the Ten Thousand Demon Nation." The Demon Emperor smiled faintly. "Not entirely. But it''s only a matter of time." "Once I''ve gathered enough strength and conquered Yuzhou with a thunderous strike, the dissenting voices within the Flood Dragon Palace will gradually fade." Ye Yan''s expression became even more respectful. On land, the north was occupied by the human kingdom of Jing, while the south was the domain of the demon clan''s Ten Thousand Demon Nation, with frequent conflicts between the two. However, the seas on all sides were ruled by aquatic demons. As the royal family among aquatic demons, the flood dragon clan held the highest status. The Flood Dragon Palace, the capital of the flood dragon clan, was located in the Eastern Sea. Both humans and demons treated the Flood Dragon Palace with great respect. The palace had always upheld its neutrality, refusing to involve itself in conflicts between the two sides. To think that even the Flood Dragon Palace, which had always maintained neutrality, is now secretly getting involved. Ye Yan felt fortunatehe had made the right choice. The Ten Thousand Demon Nation would inevitably swallow Jing Nation, and the Demon Emperor would surely reign supreme. By then, even the Flood Dragon Palace would likely bow beneath the Demon Emperor. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, the Dragonblood Guard from earlier hurried in and reported, "Your Majesty, news from the frontlinesShi Meng and Shi Qiang, subordinates of the Ninth Prince, recently disobeyed orders and attacked White Crane Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture in Yuzhou, killing countless enemies and capturing many." "The Ninth Prince himself led his forces days ago to launch an assault on Xuanjiang Prefecture in Yuzhou." "After this news spread, even the previously inactive Crown Prince and Fourth Prince have begun to show signs of mobilization." The Demon Emperor remained silent. Ye Yan raised an eyebrow. It seemed the princes were eager to gain merit. From beneath the Demon Emperor''s heavy armor came an icy voice. "That Ninth Prince dared to disobey my orders and personally attack Yuzhou! When he returns, he must be severely punished!" The Dragonblood Guard quickly added, "Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince is young and impulsive, so his actions are understandable. Moreover, his subordinates, Shi Meng and Shi Qiang, have repeatedly achieved victory, killing countless enemies. This shows that Yuzhou''s Three Sects and One King are nothing but paper tigers." "According to my knowledge, the Ninth Prince targeted Xuanjiang Prefecture and the Qingxuan Sect to use them as bait to lure out Shen Mo, the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect." "If this succeeds, we will capture Shen Mo, that so-called genius, alive!" The Demon Emperor frowned. Hearing this, he recalled Shen Mo. Indeed, Shen Mo was from the Qingxuan Sect in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Moreover, Shen Mo was known to be a man of loyalty and righteousness. If the Qingxuan Sect faced a life-and-death crisis, Shen Mo would undoubtedly rush to its aid. This would make it easy for him to fall into the Ninth Prince''s trap. "Shen Mo is a peerless talent with extraordinary potential and a remarkable will. The Ninth Prince cannot capture him so easily," the Demon Emperor said coldly. "However, since he''s already gone, it''s too late for me to call him back." "Take a team to Yuzhou immediately. Regardless of whether the Ninth Prince captures Shen Mo or achieves any great victory, bring him back to me." "I will ensure he is properly disciplined!" The Demon Emperor''s eighty-one Dragonblood Guards, each equivalent to a Nascent Soul-level cultivator, were far more powerful than their human counterparts, having undergone Flood Dragon blood refinement. Any one of them could lead a team, march into Yuzhou, and retrieve the Ninth Prince and his forces. The Dragonblood Guard bowed and departed. "Yes, Your Majesty." The Demon Emperor sighed. "The Ninth Prince''s rash actions may backfire, forcing the Three Sects and One King to unite further." Ye Yan respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I''ve met Shen Mo before. He is indeed a peerless genius, capable of dominating an entire generation." "If he is allowed to advance smoothly into the Divine Transformation stage, he will become a great threat to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation." "If the Ninth Prince can capture him alive, it would be a great success, eliminating a major threat in advance." "Moreover, with the Ninth Prince''s strength, bolstered by Your Majesty''s bloodline, and his strategic ambush, capturing Shen Mo should be an easy task." The Demon Emperor nodded slightly. He didn''t believe Shen Mo would escape the Ninth Prince either. However, he was deeply displeased with the Ninth Prince''s disobedience. If it were any ordinary demon, he would have ordered them executed on the spot. But this was his most cherished son, the Ninth Prince. For now, he could only give him a stern reprimand. Still, if the Ninth Prince succeeded in capturing Shen Mo, it would be a great achievement. In that case, he would ensure the Ninth Prince received proper rewards. {Please rejoin Patreon, I need all the support I can get. My Patreon has been stagnant since half a month.} ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 296: I’ll Wait for You to Be Bound and Kneeling Before Me Chapter 296: I''ll Wait for You to Be Bound and Kneeling Before Me At this moment, immense joy surged within Ye Yan''s heart. He had to take several deep breaths to calm himself. He had already grasped the capabilities of the three most outstanding princes under the Demon Emperor''s command. Especially the Ninth Prince, whose talent was in no way inferior to Shen Mo''s. Blessed with unparalleled fortune and brimming with potential, his strength undoubtedly surpassed Shen Mo''s. Now, the Ninth Prince had brought along several demon kings, dozens of demon commanders, and tens of thousands of demon soldiers, lying in ambush. The outcome was obvious. Shen Mo would undoubtedly end up captured alive! The mere thought of Shen Mo becoming a prisoner at his mercy, with his fate hanging by a thread depending on Ye Yan''s whims, made Ye Yan''s blood surge with excitement. "What use is great talent?" "Choosing the wrong side was your first mistake." "Your second mistake was being overly sentimental." "Qingxuan Sect was merely a stepping stone for you to enter the Jade Cauldron Sect, yet you insist on risking yourself to rescue them. How foolish." Ye Yan almost wanted to laugh aloud. "I''m waiting for you, waiting for you to be bound hand and foot, kneeling before me!" Jade Cauldron Sect, Elders'' Pavilion Originally presided over by the Second Elder, Yang Qiye, the pavilion had undergone a shift after news of Ye Yan''s betrayal reached the sect. Stricken with shame, Yang Qiye''s health rapidly deteriorated, leading him to resign and voluntarily retreat to the Cliff of Reflection for introspection. The position now fell to the Third Elder. At the moment, he was buried in a mountain of official documents. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since Wuzhou''s fall and the Demon Kingdom''s advance to the borders, administrative work had increased several times over, with reports pouring in from all over regarding demon attacks on towns and industries. In a nearby room, seven or eight disciples were tirelessly recording and summarizing the transmission jade messages arriving from across the region. Suddenly, a young disciple hurried in, reporting urgently, "Qingxuan Sect of Xuanjiang Prefecture is requesting aid. They are under heavy attack by numerous lion demons, including two lion demon kings. They are relying on their sect-protection formation to hold out but urgently need reinforcements." The Third Elder lifted his gaze from the mountain of documents, raising an eyebrow. "Qingxuan Sect? If I recall correctly, that''s the sect our young sect master came from." "Exactly. The sect master had already assigned Elder Ouyang Wei to oversee their defenses, but it seems the situation has escalated beyond control," the disciple replied. The Third Elder frowned. "Even so, our manpower is stretched thin. Many elders are already deployed to White Crane Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture." "The remaining elders are either in seclusion or engaged in crucial tasks such as alchemy and artifact forging" The young disciple suddenly remembered something. "Right, Third Elder! The young sect master left for Qingxuan Sect a few days ago." "By now, he should have already arrived." "With the young sect master and Elder Ouyang Wei there, along with the sect''s protective formation, they should be able to handle the attacking lion demons, given there are only two demon kings." The Third Elder nodded slightly. "Even so, we cannot rule out the possibility of demon reinforcements." "What about He Tianchou? His injuries should have mostly healed by now. Have him lead a team of Core Formation stage stewards to Qingxuan Sect for support." "The young sect master''s safety is paramount. Nothing must happen to him." The young disciple nodded. "Understood. I''ll notify Hall Master He immediately." Northern Wuzhou, a Ruined City A massive eagle demon soared overhead, its sharp eyes scanning for signs of life. Seeing nothing but desolation and silence below, it relaxed and flew off to scout another area. However, within the seemingly deserted ruins, an underground chamber concealed over a hundred cultivators. Their robes bore the insignia of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Although cultivators from the Three Sects and One King entered Wuzhou together, they did not act as a unified force, instead operating as four separate groups. Even so, they frequently assisted one another and shared information. At the center of the underground chamber stood a large table. On the table were detailed maps of Wuzhou and Yuzhou, marked with the locations of demon strongholds and their troop deployments. The Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators surrounded the table, strategizing their next move. They discussed the most efficient ways to capture a stronghold, loot its resources, and retreat swiftly into the safety of the mountains and valleys. These were all factors they needed to consider. After all, Wuzhou had almost entirely fallen into the hands of the demon race. Once surrounded by demons, there would be no escapeonly death awaited them. A rugged-looking man with a bold voice spoke up. "I say we strike at the Ninth Prince''s stronghold!" "Our scouts have already investigated. That Ninth Prince is overly ambitious and recklesseasy to lure out." "Taking down a Ninth Prince would surely cause the Demon Emperor considerable grief!" The surrounding cultivators nodded in agreement. "That''s right! Old L''s sharp as always!" L Dongxuan chuckled with satisfaction. At that moment, a small figure rushed into the room and leapt onto a chair, standing boldly on it. No one among the cultivators said a word, and some even showed respect in their gazes. Since leaving the Jade Cauldron Sect and coming to Wuzhou to battle the demon race, they had almost completely severed ties with the sect. In this environment, the traditional hierarchy of elders held no meaning. Here, strength alone determined status. This petite girl, despite her small stature, was recognized as the strongest below the Nascent Soul stage. She had saved the group from dire situations multiple times. Naturally, she earned their respectadmiration that even extended to two Nascent Soul cultivators. Her name was Zhao Yaolu. "I scouted ahead," Zhao Yaolu said calmly. "The Ninth Prince''s stronghold is empty, guarded only by the old, weak, and injured." The cultivators froze, then erupted in excitement. "That''s incredible news!" "We can seize this opportunity to storm the stronghold and loot their supplies!" Zhao Yaolu continued, "A few days ago, the Ninth Prince led four lion demon kings and over ten thousand lion demons to attack Xuanjiang Prefecture." "By now, they''ve likely captured Qingxuan Sect." The cultivators were stunned. "What? How did we miss this?" "The demon race has better night vision than us. Perhaps they moved under cover of darkness." "Xuanjiang Prefecture must have suffered heavy losses. Damn it!" "Wait Qingxuan Sectthat''s the sect where our young sect master used to belong, isn''t it?" a voice suddenly chimed in. It was L Dongxuan. "Yes! Now that you mention it, that''s the young sect master''s former sect!" "Could this be a trap set by the demons? Think about it. Recently, the Ninth Prince has been dispatching his forces to heavily attack White Crane Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture, drawing much of our attention!" "Damn it! It''s a diversion! His real target is the young sect master! He must have anticipated that the young sect master would return to Qingxuan Sect for assistance!" The Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators gasped in realization. They had long known that the Ninth Prince had sent his demon forces to attack White Crane Prefecture and Jiande Prefecture. But they never imagined his true target was Qingxuan Sectand Shen Mo! "The young sect master is a deeply loyal person. With the sect''s manpower stretched so thin, he would undoubtedly return to Qingxuan Sect on his own to help." "I''m worried he''s fallen into the Ninth Prince''s trap." Zhao Yaolu''s expression turned serious. "Little Donkey, stick to the original plan. Lead the others to capture the Ninth Prince''s stronghold and rescue the captured cultivators and mortals." "I''ll head north alone!" L Dongxuan clenched his teeth. He, too, wanted to save Shen Mo but, after weighing the options, nodded firmly. "Alright. Make sure to protect the young sect master. Don''t let anything happen to him." "Don''t worry," Zhao Yaolu said, her expression resolute. "If things get dire, I''ll use that move. I will save him." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 297: Capture Him Alive Chapter 297: Capture Him Alive At the Qingxuan Sect training grounds, a massive cauldron of boiling oil was set up. Flames roared, and the oil bubbled violently. Circles of lion demons gathered around, drooling at the sight. One of the lion commanders respectfully said, "Your Highness, the brothers are getting impatient from all the waiting. Shall we grab some humans to fry up?" The term "humans" was used with disdainby the demon race, humans were no better than livestock. In their eyes, humans were beings to be reared, cooked, and tamed. The Ninth Prince nodded slightly. "Just grab a few from the Body Refining Realm and toss them in. "Body Refining Realm humans are weaklings and unworthy of being tamed by this prince." "Great! Excellent idea!" The lion demons roared with excitement, their eyes gleaming as they turned toward the bound Qingxuan Sect disciples. For the disciples, the words of the demons were like a knife twisting into their hearts, leaving them trembling with fear. Bound and helpless, they were like lambs awaiting slaughter or fish on a chopping block. At any moment, they could meet their end. And such an end would be utterly humiliating. The lion commander''s gaze swept over the group, finally settling on a weeping female disciple with a tear-streaked face. "You''ll do! Women have tender flesh; they taste better fried!" The lion commander reached out and grabbed the disciple, preparing to toss her into the boiling oil. The girl screamed, tears and snot streaming down her face in terror. The other cultivators clenched their fists in frustration, wanting nothing more than to break free and fight the lion demons to the death. But they couldn''t. Each of them was tightly bound, their movements restricted. The strongest among them, Ouyang Wei and Murong Yue, were heavily injured and guarded by two lion demon kings, making any attempt to fight back futile. There was no hope unless a miracle happenedunless reinforcements arrived. Yet even if Qingxuan Sect''s cry for help had reached the Jade Cauldron Sect, reinforcements would take ten days to arrive. Which meant tragedies like this would play out repeatedly. Hell. This was nothing short of a living hell. "Did you ask me before harming my Qingxuan disciples?" A cold voice suddenly echoed from the sky. The sound was like a resounding bell, reverberating across the battlefield and reaching everyone''s ears. The lion commander, about to throw the disciple into the cauldron, froze and instinctively looked toward the sky. Not just himthe Ninth Prince, the lion demon kings, commanders, and even the Qingxuan Sect disciples all turned their eyes upward. When they saw the figure descending from the heavens, the Qingxuan disciples felt a lump in their throats, their eyes reddening as tears flowed uncontrollably. "It''s the young sect master! No, it''s the young lord!" "It''s Shen Mo! Shen Mo is here!" "Thank the heavens! The young lord has come to save us!" Cries of relief and excitement broke out among the disciples. Murong Yue, gazing at the figure in azure robes, felt a sense of comfort in her heart. After years of separation, the growth of this young man far exceeded her expectations. From him, she could feel a powerful aura that made it difficult to breathea clear sign of the vast disparity in their strength. But after the brief moment of relief, worry clouded her eyes. No matter how strong Shen Mo had become, he couldn''t possibly be a match for the Ninth Prince and the four lion demon kings. If he had come here, it would only mean throwing his life away. Ouyang Wei couldn''t hold back his tears. "Young lord, you you shouldn''t have come" The Ninth Prince and the lion demons burst into laughter. "Good! Excellent!" Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Shen Mo, I thought I''d have to wait another ten days, but you came much earlier than expected!" "Good, this has been worth my planning!" The Ninth Prince''s massive lion eyes gleamed with a brutal light. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. But inwardly, he was carefully analyzing the opponent''s life panel. [Name: Shi An] [Realm: Golden Peak Demon King] [Fate Attributes: Royal Lion Clan, Innate Strength, Fortunate Destiny, Demon Emperor Bloodline, Howling Moon Lion Bloodline] [Destiny: Fifteen years from now, leads troops to battle in Longzhou of Jing Kingdom, betrayed by a demon king under the First Prince, trapped by human armies, and ultimately dies a miserable death.] [Recent Opportunity: After capturing Shen Mo alive and returning to the camp, discovers a Golden Devourer Mouse near Feiyan Bluff in Xuanjiang Prefecture. Tracks it to its lair and finds the first three incomplete pages of Titan''s Imprisoning Force.] Shen Mo scrutinized each of Shi An''s fate attributes. [Royal Lion Clan: Orange Attribute. The lion demons are among the most powerful demon clans, and you are blessed with an even greater advantage as a royal member.] [Innate Strength: Orange Attribute. From the day you were born, you possessed immense strength that grows even more formidable with age.] [Fortunate Destiny: Purple Attribute. Fortune has always favored you, and good things consistently fall into your lap.] [Demon Emperor Bloodline: Purple Attribute. You refined a drop of the Demon Emperor''s blood, significantly enhancing your bloodline''s strength.] [Howling Moon Lion Bloodline: Orange Attribute. Deep within your heart lies a trace of Howling Moon Lion blood. When the time is right, you can achieve reversion and become a true Howling Moon Lion.] After reviewing Shi An''s fate attributes, Shen Mo nodded slightly. There were no signs of protagonist-level attributes like "Narrow Escape," "Nine Lives," "Turn Crisis Into Opportunity," or "Survive Against All Odds." This lion wasn''t the demon race''s protagonist. He''d be easy to kill. However, upon seeing the "Recent Opportunity," Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Titan''s Imprisoning Force? It rang a bell. This technique was a long-lost blood energy cultivation method of the demon race. The current Demon Emperor had risen from a lowly wolf demon to his powerful status today thanks to fragments of Titan''s Imprisoning Force. Shen Mo had long known that this world had two distinct cultivation systems. The first was the spiritual energy system practiced by humans. The second was the blood energy system practiced by demons. Humans attempting to practice blood energy techniques faced immense difficulties. They lacked the natural blood energy of demons and couldn''t endure the physical strain and torment of such methods. Similarly, demons practicing spiritual energy techniques were met with challenges. Their intelligence and comprehension were generally lower, and they struggled to sense and connect with the world''s spiritual energy. There had been attempts by powerful figures from both races to merge these systems, creating a method to cultivate both spiritual and blood energy. But without exception, all had failed. Titan''s Imprisoning Force appears unique, Shen Mo thought. It treats the body as a collection of 840 million particles, identical in number for both humans and demons. If I could obtain Titan''s Imprisoning Force, I might be able to practice this blood energy technique too. A flicker of excitement crossed Shen Mo''s mind. Becoming stronger was always the goal, and practicing Titan''s Imprisoning Force might be worthwhile. What''s more, with his myriad opportunities and his own pill-refining abilities, he had the resources to offset the physical strain of practicing this technique. "Go! Capture him alive!" The Ninth Prince''s cruel laughter echoed as he pointed a vicious finger at Shen Mo. Behind him, the four lion demon kings roared and moved as if golden lightning, shooting toward Shen Mo. Their strikes targeted his vital points from all directions, their overwhelming blood energy already causing the ground to tremble and leaving nearby onlookers unsteady on their feet. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 298: Those Are Four Silver Peak Demon Kings, the Prince’s Elite Guards Chapter 298: Those Are Four Silver Peak Demon Kings, the Prince''s Elite Guards Demons rarely used weapons. Their steel-hard bodies were their best tools for combat. Moreover, weapons forged from ordinary materials often didn''t suit their needs, while rare minerals were extremely scarce. As a result, most demons chose to condense blood energy into weapons to fight their enemies. At this moment, the four demon kings unleashed their blood energy, forming massive weaponsa giant axe, spear, blade, and halberdand launched their attack on Shen Mo. The surging blood energy swept through the skies, casting a crimson hue over everything. The disciples of the Qingxuan Sect trembled in fear, not daring to look up. "Such immense blood energy If I''m not mistaken, those four lion demon kings must be Silver Peak Demon Kings," Murong Yue murmured. Ouyang Wei sighed. "Exactly. Silver Peak Demon Kings are equivalent to human Nascent Soul advanced cultivators. But because of their powerful physiques and extreme speed, in close combat, a Silver Peak Demon King is very likely to defeat a Nascent Soul advanced cultivator in a one-on-one fight." "However, if the numbers on both sides increase, the situation changes. "As long as cultivators have sufficient time to accumulate and unleash their techniques, they can severely injure or even kill Silver Peak Demon Kings before they get close. "After all, demons rarely have long-range combat techniques." Murong Yue nodded but continued to watch the sky with worry. She could vaguely sense that Shen Mo was strong. But how strong? She had no confidence in the answer. Could Shen Mo withstand the attacks of those four lion demon kings? Her heart filled with unease. She feared witnessing Shen Mo die on the battlefield. If that moment truly came, she resolved to end her own life by detonating her Nascent Soul on the spot. Facing the onslaught of the four demon kings, Shen Mo remained fearless. Not even his expression changed. As the threat closed in, two verdant saplings suddenly sprouted from his body. In an instant, they grew into towering trees, their branches and leaves spreading like a canopy. This was the Heavenly Tier upper-grade defensive technique, Evergreen Guardian Trees. The technique required no manual activation. Stored in the dantian, it would automatically deploy to shield him from any imminent danger. Shen Mo was now just a step away from the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. The Evergreen Guardian Trees had grown to an immense size. Each trunk was as thick as twenty men embracing it. Their branches and leaves spread wide, covering much of the sky, like titanic beings connecting heaven and earth. The two trees became the most massive objects in the area, visible even from a thousand miles away. Boom! Boom! Boom! The attacks of the four lion demon kings struck the first Evergreen Guardian Tree. The massive tree groaned under the weight of the assault. Within five breaths, it shattered, disintegrating into pure wood spiritual energy that dissipated into the heavens and earth. But the second Evergreen Guardian Tree stood firm, blocking the next wave of attacks. At that moment, Shen Mo infused his spiritual energy and activated another defensive technique. The Heavenly Tier supreme-grade defensive technique, Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. Hum! After a brief charge, a golden phantom emerged around Shen Mo, towering dozens of meters high. Vast, majestic, and imposing, it was an awe-inspiring sight. "Increase your blood energy!" The Ninth Prince frowned and growled in frustration. "Yes!" The four lion demon kings roared, their eyes bloodshot and their manes standing on end. Blood energy surged from their mouths and noses, causing their condensed weapons to swell even larger. Boom! The second Evergreen Guardian Tree could no longer withstand the immense pressure and shattered instantly. The four lion demon kings finally broke through the trees'' defenses, their attacks now crashing against the surface of the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. Clang! The sound of metal reverberated through the air. The four lion demon kings couldn''t maintain their grip on their blood energy weapons and were sent reeling dozens of meters back. The impact of the blow left their tiger-like mouths aching, and blood trickled down from their palms. The four lion demon kings stared at Shen Mo with a mix of shock and disbelief. Yet, there he stood, the figure in azure robes, calmly upright. The golden phantom of the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron surrounding him remained unshaken, still the most indestructible presence in the heavens and earth. "He stopped it?!" Wei Xiongtie exclaimed in awe. "Those were four Silver Peak Demon Kings, and the young sect master blocked them with just two defensive techniques!" Elder Li marveled. Mo Hanshan nodded, visibly moved. "I never thought Shen Mono, the young sect masterhad grown this powerful!" Ouyang Wei''s eyes widened in disbelief. "When I saw him last, the young sect master wasn''t anywhere near this strong "How could a few years make such an outrageous difference?" Luo Shengnan suddenly shouted, "Look! Shen Mo is preparing to attack!" Amid the massive phantom of the Dragon King Cauldron, Shen Mo had drawn a long sword of black and white hues. The weapon was surrounded by faint, shifting shadowsone black and one whitebarely distinguishable from the blade itself. It was his most formidable spiritual artifact, the Bipolar Sword. A surging wave of gray sword energy began to gather, spreading outward and turning the skies and ground into a stark monochrome. The four lion demon kings immediately felt a sharp pain in their bodies, though the sword energy had yet to descend. Their formidable physical forms, which had always been their pride, now sensed genuine danger. "Do not retreat! The Ninth Prince is watching!" "Lion demons never retreat! Keep attacking! That move of his must take a long time to charge!" "Our kind doesn''t even know the meaning of retreat! Fight to the death! Does he really think he can kill all four of us alone?" "But, uh, technically, we don''t have dictionaries." The four lion demon kings growled low, their voices like distant thunder. With reckless fury, they launched a relentless assault, their blood energy weapons smashing down again and again. The sound of clashing metal reverberated endlessly. Despite their full strength, the blood energy drained from their very bones, their attacks couldn''t shake the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. It stood like an unyielding mountain, only dimming slightly. Within its golden protection, Shen Mo stood unmoved, silently accumulating power. The gray sword energy swirled like a living dragon, becoming increasingly vivid. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its terrifying sharpness, capable of slicing through anything, grew more menacing with every passing breath. After dozens of breaths, the Bipolar Sword''s energy swelled to an overwhelming magnitude. "Had enough?" "Now it''s my turn." "Bipolar Sword Energy, Slash!" With a swift, decisive motion, Shen Mo unleashed his attack. A vast torrent of gray sword energy cascaded down like a celestial waterfall. The black and white shadows of the Bipolar Sword split off, releasing two slightly smaller streams of gray sword energy. In an instant, three torrents of sword energy engulfed the four lion demon kings. Their pupils shrank to pinpoints, and they instinctively crossed their arms to defend themselves. Exhausted from their frenzied assault, their blood energy was depleted, leaving only their bodies as shields. The gray sword energy engulfed them instantly. "Aaaah!" Their screams echoed briefly before being abruptly cut off. Moments later, the gray sword energy dissipated. Blood rained down from the sky, and the remains of fur, viscera, flesh, and shattered bones littered the ground. The surrounding lion demons were left in utter shock. The Qingxuan Sect disciples stared in disbelief, their eyes wide. "They they''re dead?" "Four Silver Peak Demon Kings and the prince''s elite guards!" "They were wiped out so cleanly? Only scraps are left!" The Ninth Prince''s face turned ashen. He had never imagined that the four lion demon kings could be so thoroughly destroyed by a single strike from Shen Mo. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 299: How Could the Demon Clan Have a Coward Like You? Chapter 299: How Could the Demon Clan Have a Coward Like You? Shen Mo glanced at the Ninth Prince and said flatly, "Come down and meet your death." The Ninth Prince''s fury erupted instantly, his golden mane standing on end like steel needles. He hadn''t expected that despite bringing along four Lion Demon Kings, he would have to step in personally. It was utterly humiliating! Suppressing his anger, the Ninth Prince said coldly, "Indeed, you live up to the reputation of being a peerless genius, praised even by my royal father. You do have some skill." "You should feel honored that I, the prince, am lowering myself to fight you personally." Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent. "To be personally killed by me, you should feel honored." The Ninth Prince''s gaze turned savage. He had always held himself in high esteem. Aside from the First and Fourth Princes, none of the other princes or demon kings even registered in his eyes. Shen Mo''s words had thoroughly infuriated him! The two locked eyes. The next moment, the Ninth Prince shot forward like a golden bolt of lightning. Blood energy surged violently, condensing suddenly into nine blood-red spears. Each spear was over twenty zhang (approximately 66 meters) in length, surrounded by faint, wailing souls. The eerie cries caused a sharp pain in one''s head, making it hard to focus mentally. "The Soul-Destroying Blood Spears! That''s the Ninth Prince''s signature technique!" "His Highness is sure to severely wound Shen Mo in one strike and avenge the four Lion Demon Kings!" "Your Highness, kill him! Kill him now!" The gathered Lion Demon captains and generals roared in excitement. They hadn''t expected to witness the Ninth Prince use this legendary move firsthand. "Weak." Shen Mo spoke calmly as he slowly raised his hand. Boom! Red flames roared to life, instantly forming a flaming blade over twenty zhang long. As the nine blood spears approached, Shen Mo''s red flaming blade slashed downward. It was the second form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique! Boom! Blood energy and flames collided in mid-air, intertwining, clashing, and obliterating each other. The blood spears shattered one after another, disintegrating into blood energy that dissipated in the air. The Ninth Prince''s pupils contracted sharply when he realized his blood spears had been destroyed so effortlessly. "Damn it... this Shen Mo truly has some ability." He gritted his teeth and, without hesitation, gathered even more blood energy. Before the remaining fragments of the blood spears could fully disperse, he condensed a single, larger spear. This spear exceeded forty zhang in length, with a girth requiring ten men to encircle. The surface of the blood spear was intricately detailed, as if it contained countless innocent souls who had perished. Around it echoed ghastly wails, like a demonic melody piercing into the mind and threatening to tear one''s spirit apart. "Such a massive and lifelike Soul-Destroying Blood Spear!" "It seems His Highness has mastered this technique to an extraordinary level. Truly the most gifted among the royal princes!" "I''ve heard that the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear grows stronger with more kills, accumulating vengeful souls. His Highness has slain countless enemies, so this spear must be terrifyingly powerful. Look at Shen Mo; he''s already standing still, clearly paralyzed by the vengeful souls!" "With this move, Shen Mo won''t be able to block it. He''s surely doomed!" The Lion Demon crowd erupted in excited discussion, as if Shen Mo''s death was already certain. The Ninth Prince let out a sinister laugh. "Do you feel it? The terror of both your body and soul being under attack?" The next moment, his expression twisted into a savage snarl. "I take back my earlier words. You killed four of my Lion Demon Kings. I will tear you to pieces!" Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. In such a situation, using the Great Desolation Starfall, which required lengthy preparation, was clearly unsuitable. The best choice was still the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. "I haven''t mastered the third form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique for long, but it''s enough to kill you." Shen Mo suddenly unleashed his spiritual energy. The Red Lotus Flame surged out from his shoulder blades, forming a pair of immense flaming wings. S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The wings spanned twenty zhang each. As they unfolded, they completely obscured the sky. Only fire wings are seen, but no sun is in sight! "My heavens... what kind of martial technique is that?" "What immense power! This must be a Heaven-tier martial art!" "It looks somewhat like the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, but it''s unlike any move the Young Sect Master has ever used before!" Wei Xiongtie, Mo Hanshan, and others couldn''t help but discuss among themselves, their eyes filled with astonishment. "Fire Feathers, go!" Shen Mo raised his finger, looking at the Ninth Prince. Behind him, the pair of twenty-zhang-long flaming wings instantly expanded. Countless fiery feathers shot toward the Ninth Prince like a storm. They looked like countless palm-sized firebirds darting through the sky. This was the third form of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix TechniqueFire Feathers! Explosions echoed continuously in mid-air. The fire feathers moved with incredible speed. One moment they were behind Shen Mo. The next, they were already in front of the Ninth Prince, descending in waves. The Ninth Prince''s pupils shrank. He had already sensed the terrifying power of this move. But now, there was no retreat. His only option was to face it head-on, using his Soul-Destroying Blood Spear to pierce through the fiery feathers filling the sky! The endless stream of fire feathers collided fiercely with the surface of the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear. The spear''s forward momentum slowed immediately. The deafening explosions continued without pause. The sky seemed to be engulfed by flames! At first, the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear still advanced. But soon, its speed decreased rapidly. Finally, it was as if the spear had been frozen in mid-air, unable to move. The blood energy surrounding the spear dissipated rapidly. Each fire feather striking the spear drained a portion of its blood energy. As countless fire feathers descended, the spear''s size shrank at an alarming rate. In just a dozen breaths, the spear had been reduced from over forty zhang to merely twenty zhang. And it didn''t stop there. The excess fire feathers rained down toward the ground, targeting the ten thousand Lion Demons below. Cries of agony erupted as the Lion Demons scattered like frightened animals. Every fire feather that landed claimed the lives of numerous Lion Demons. Even the Lion Demon captains couldn''t withstand a single strike. This scene struck terror into the Ninth Prince''s heart. This was his trump card, his most powerful technique. And yet, he had still lost to Shen Mo. "My blood energy..." Sensing the meager amount of blood energy left in his body, the Ninth Prince gritted his teeth in frustration. Continuing the fight was no longer an option. His blood energy was insufficient to sustain further battle. There was only one path left. Escape! "Shen Mo, I''ll take you down with me!" The Ninth Prince roared, pretending to channel his remaining blood energy for a desperate attack. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. He had already predicted the Ninth Prince''s next move. Sure enough. The very next moment, the Ninth Prince suddenly turned and bolted at full speed! He didn''t spare a single glance for the surviving Lion Demons on the ground. "Your Highness, Ninth Prince!" "Don''t abandon us!" "Ninth Prince! Ninth Prince! How could the demon clan produce a coward like you?" The Lion Demons cried out in despair. They could never have imagined that the Ninth Prince, whom they had once revered and worshipped, would abandon them and flee to save himself! This scene left Nangong Yun, Ouyang Wei, and the others utterly stunned. The Ninth Prince had fled! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 300: This Time Is Enough to Obliterate Them Chapter 300: This Time Is Enough to Obliterate Them Shen Mo flicked his fingers lightly. Two streams of spiritual energy shot out, unbinding the ropes tied around Nangong Yun and Ouyang Wei. These ropes were crafted with special threads unique to the demon clan. When enough of them entangled a human, they could greatly suppress the spiritual energy within their body. For this reason, Nangong Yun and Ouyang Wei had been unable to break free all along. "Master, Elder Ouyang, take care of those Lion Demons. I''m going after that coward." Shen Mo left those words behind and increased his pace, pursuing the fleeing Ninth Prince. "Understood!" Nangong Yun and Ouyang Wei looked overjoyed and immediately began untying the other cultivators. Wei Xiongtie, Mo Hanshan, Elder Li, and disciples like Luo Shengnan, Zhao Ting, and Zhao Rou quickly freed themselves from their restraints. Although the Lion Demons were individually powerful, their morale was now shattered. After being decimated by the fiery feathers, they had become a disorganized mob. Dealing with them was no longer a challenge. "The Young Sect Master wants to kill the Ninth Prince, but it might not be easy. Once we finish here, we''ll hurry to support him," Ouyang Wei said gravely. "Of course, I understand," Nangong Yun nodded repeatedly, sharing the same thought. Two figures, the Ninth Prince and Shen Mo, darted swiftly through the dense forest. Shen Mo''s palm continuously unleashed flaming blade strikes. Each strike burned swathes of trees to ash. The Ninth Prince narrowly avoided the strikes multiple times. One blade even skimmed over the top of his head. Although it didn''t harm him, it left him bald, his golden mane completely gone. "Damn it! His spiritual energy seems endless. He''s been using martial techniques without stoppingwhy doesn''t he run out?" The Ninth Prince gritted his teeth as he looked at the figure closing in behind him. He had used the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear twice, and his blood energy was nearly depleted, leaving just enough for his escape. Yet since encountering Shen Mo, the damned human had used martial techniques at least four timeseach one consuming a vast amount of spiritual energy. Why was this guy still brimming with energy as if nothing had happened? "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" "Is there no one coming to help me?" "If this keeps up, he''s going to catch me!" The Ninth Prince was seething. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined such a humiliating scenario. Not only had he failed to capture anyone, but his four Lion Demon Kings, dozens of captains, and over ten thousand soldiers had all perished! Now, even his own life was in danger! What a wretched fate! Shen Mo frowned slightly. Though the distance between him and the Ninth Prince was shrinking, this prolonged chase made it difficult to land a decisive blow. Just then, a surge of blood energy and eerie ghostly qi erupted ahead. The Ninth Prince''s face lit up with joy. Blood energy! It was reinforcements! And judging by the strength of the blood energy, it had to be the Dragonblood Guard! Shen Mo also sensed the ghostly qi and froze momentarily. That aura felt oddly familiar. Could it be... Zhao Yaolu?! "My reinforcements are here!" "It''s the Dragonblood Guard, sent by my royal father!" "Shen Mo, if you dare pursue me further, you''ll die a miserable death!" The Ninth Prince burst into delighted laughter, even adding a note of threat to his tone. Shen Mo remained silent and sped up instead. Realizing something was amiss, the Ninth Prince didn''t dare delay and sprinted toward the source of the battle ahead. In the clearing ahead, trees lay toppled, rocks shattered, and dirt was churned up. Two figuresone tall and one short, one clad in red and the other in blackclashed like bolts of lightning. They collided, separated, and collided again. There were no fancy techniques. Only pure, overwhelming physical power. After another fierce impact, the two separated and simultaneously looked toward the northern forest. They had sensed the approach of the Ninth Prince and Shen Mo. "Ghost Clan member, get out of my way. Don''t interfere with my mission," the Dragonblood Guard said coldly, glaring at the short figure before him. Standing opposite him was a diminutive, pitch-black figure, no more than four feet tall. Her skin was completely black. A pair of ghostly white pupils made her appearance even more unnerving. Atop her head was a small, sharp horn, seemingly containing all her power. "The Demon Emperor wiped out my entire clan, so it''s only right for me to obstruct you." "Not only will I obstruct you, but I''ll also kill you!" Zhao Yaolu bared her sharp fangs in a menacing grin. "Dragonblood Guard! Save me! Quickly, save me!" A desperate scream echoed through the forest. The Ninth Prince stumbled out of the woods, disheveled and frantic. Upon seeing the Dragonblood Guard, his face lit up with relief as though he''d seen his father. Tears of joy streamed down his face. The Dragonblood Guard didn''t hesitate for a moment. He abandoned his attack on Zhao Yaolu and rushed toward the Ninth Prince. The Demon Emperor''s order was to ensure the Ninth Prince returned safely. And the Demon Emperor''s command was the ultimate principle of his existence. "Senior Sister, hold them for ten breaths!" Shen Mo''s voice came from above. Zhao Yaolu raised an eyebrow and muttered, "Damn brat, you knew it was me all along." "I can buy you ten breaths, but can you kill them?" Shen Mo replied resolutely, "I can!" Zhao Yaolu took several deep breaths, her small face turning serious. "Alright, Dragonblood Guard, huh? You think you''re strong?" "The true power of the Ghost Clan doesn''t lie in physical strength but in curses!" In the next moment, her hands moved rapidly, forming intricate seals. Black sigils materialized in an instant, shooting toward the Dragonblood Guard and the Ninth Prince. Before the two demons could react, the sigils had already appeared on their foreheads. Zhao Yaolu clenched her fist and smashed it against her own forehead with force. Bang! She staggered backward, her head spinning, and her vision filled with stars. At the same time, the Dragonblood Guard and the Ninth Prince clutched their heads as though struck by a massive force, flying backward. They couldn''t rise for a long time. Their focus shattered, they could only watch helplessly. Shen Mo was momentarily stunned. He knew that each demon clan member, when their bloodline was fully awakened, could comprehend unique bloodline techniques hidden deep within. These techniques were akin to the Nascent Soul techniques cultivated by human cultivators but varied in form and timing. Some demons comprehended them at birth. Others never did, even in death. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he hadn''t expected the Ghost Clan''s bloodline technique to be so peculiarhurting oneself to hurt the enemy! "This much time is enough!" Shen Mo exhaled deeply. Two flames abruptly ignited in his palms. In his left hand, a golden solar flame burned brightly. In his right hand, the red lotus flame shimmered intensely. At this moment, Shen Mo seemed almost divine. He slammed the two flames together with a decisive motion. Instead of clashing, the flames fused harmoniously, forming a single golden fireball. Shen Mo pulled his hands apart forcefully. A massive flaming spear shot toward the heavens, forming in an instant! The spear exceeded fifty zhang in length, with a girth requiring ten men to encircle. Next to the spear, Shen Mo''s figure seemed insignificant. Yet, this small frame wielded the power to unleash such a colossal martial technique. "Great Desolation Starfall, go!" Shen Mo pointed at the Ninth Prince and the Dragonblood Guard, mimicking a throwing motion. The next moment, the flaming spear shot forth like the wrath of the heavens. Its movement was slow but unyielding, obliterating and melting everything in its path! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 301: You Call Me Master, I Call You Senior Brother—We Each Stick to Our Titles Chapter 301: You Call Me Master, I Call You Senior BrotherWe Each Stick to Our Titles The sudden appearance of the blazing giant spear instantly sent shockwaves through the hearts of the Ninth Prince and the Dragonblood Guard. They could feel the terrifying power contained within the spear, as if it sought to incinerate and melt everything in its path. Even Zhao Yaolu felt a surge of astonishment. From the flaming spear, she sensed the presence of two entirely distinct types of strange flames. What was even more shocking was the sheer improbability of the feat. Strange flames were innately proud and incredibly difficult to tame. Even subduing one was an arduous task. Housing two within the same body? That was almost unimaginable. "Protect me! Quickly, protect me!" The Ninth Prince was utterly terrified. He could feel it with certaintyhe would not survive this attack. Death was inevitable. For humans who had reached the Nascent Soul stage, even if their bodies were destroyed, their Nascent Souls could escape and, given the chance, rebuild their bodies. But for the demon race, the death of their physical body meant true death. The Dragonblood Guard gritted his teeth. He knew what he had to do. "Stay behind me." "I will risk my life to buy you a sliver of survival." Taking a deep breath, the Dragonblood Guard''s blood surged madly. Not just from his mouth and noseblood began pouring out of every pore on his body. The entire demon looked utterly horrifying, like a ghastly specter that had clawed its way out of the underworld. The Ninth Prince shrank his body as much as possible behind the Dragonblood Guard. At this moment, he deeply resented his large frame. "Hellblood Shield!" The Dragonblood Guard roared. The surging blood instantly coalesced into a massive shield, enveloping both him and the Ninth Prince. The once-powerful and muscular figure of the Dragonblood Guard withered in an instant, leaving him gaunt and shriveled, like a dried-out cucumber that had been without water for weeks. Zhao Yaolu shook her head slightly. Her recent battles in Wu Province against the demon race had given her plenty of experience. During a surprise assault on the Fourth Prince''s stronghold, she had nearly slain the fourth prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation. Unfortunately, a Dragonblood Guard had appeared at the last moment. Sacrificing his life to protect his charge, he had used this very same technique. The Hellblood Shield stood like an unyielding mountain, impossible to overcome. In the end, she could only watch helplessly as a group of demon kings rescued the Fourth Prince. Of course, this technique came with a heavy price. It drained not only the blood coursing through the body but also the reserves buried deep within the bones and organs, squeezing out every last ounce of potential. Even if the user survived, their strength would plummet to irrecoverable depths, rendering them no different from a corpse. This was precisely why the Demon Emperor trained Dragonblood Guardsto use them as disposable pawns for such scenarios. Zhao Yaolu nodded slightly. This outcome was acceptable. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dragonblood Guards weren''t easy to cultivate. Losing one carelessly like this was sure to trouble the Demon Emperor for a while. "Want to survive?" "Did you ask for my permission?" Shen Mo watched the scene unfold and smiled faintly. In his dantian, a golden-crowned Nascent Soul that had been meditating with closed eyes suddenly opened them. Threads of golden Nascent Soul energy began to surge. Shen Mo pointed abruptly at the blazing giant spear. The Nascent Soul energy shot into the spear from a distance. In the next moment, the flaming spear swelled as if being inflated! Within mere breaths, it expanded to a massive sixty feet in length! It was far larger than before. The flames burning upon it grew even more ferocious and intense, radiating scorching heat that made the very air shimmer. Though the spear had yet to strike, the searing heat waves were enough to make onlookers dizzy and lightheaded. The Dragonblood Guard''s face turned ashen. He could feel the overwhelming threat looming before him. For the first time, he was unsure. In the next moment, the spear collided with the shield. In an instant, the point of impact erupted with dazzling light. The blinding light from the collision spread across hundreds of miles, visible even to those thousands of miles away. The ferocious shockwaves radiated outward from the point of impact, flattening countless towering trees. Dust filled the air, rocks shattered, and flames licked everything in sight. It was a scene straight out of an apocalypse. At the center of the destruction, a deep crater had formed. At the bottom of the pit were two charred and mangled corpses, barely recognizable. Yet, one could discern they were the Dragonblood Guard and the Ninth Prince. Zhao Yaolu''s eyes widened in shock. This single strike had actually killed both the Dragonblood Guard and the Ninth Prince! The so-called Hellblood Shield had crumbled upon contact! Shen Mo exhaled a deep breath and slowly descended from the sky. He smiled and said, "Senior Sister, long time no see." Zhao Yaolu snorted coldly, and the black aura surrounding her began to recede. It condensed into the single black horn on her forehead, which then vanished entirely. She transformed back into a petite, adorable girl, though her appearance had matured slightly. Instead of looking eight or nine years old, she now appeared around ten. "So, you''ve known I''m from the Heavenly Ghost Clan all along, haven''t you?" Zhao Yaolu''s gaze was sharp. Shen Mo simply smiled without answering. Zhao Yaolu bared her teeth but eventually relaxed. "Fine, you''re my junior brother. If you know, you know." The two exchanged a few words, catching up on the past few years. Shen Mo casually waved his hand, summoning the storage artifacts from the two corpses at the bottom of the pit. "Do you want these?" Zhao Yaolu''s eyes flickered with interest, but she quickly adopted the demeanor of a senior. "These two demons were killed by you. The spoils rightfully belong to you. How could I take them?" "Besides, I''m your senior sister. I should let you have them." She patted her flat chest with an air of authority, as though making a grand gesture. Shen Mo chuckled and nodded. At that moment, the sound of someone flying using spiritual energy approached from a distance. Two figures landed not far away. "Shen''er" Murong Yue''s face lit up with joy upon seeing Shen Mo safe and sound. Zhao Yaolu raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Murong Yue and Shen Mo with a peculiar expression. A woman''s intuition told her that something was amiss. Shen Mo walked over to Murong Yue and gently brushed her slightly disheveled hair aside, smiling. "Master, I''m fine. The Dragonblood Guard and the Ninth Prince are both dead." "You can rest easy now." Murong Yue and Ouyang Wei both looked shocked. "They''re dead?" Ouyang Wei rushed to the edge of the crater and stared at the corpses, his eyes widening even further. The Ninth Prince and the Dragonblood Guard, both beings capable of crushing even peak Nascent Soul cultivators, had died so miserably. Their bodies were barely intactworse than stray dogs. "You two catch up. I''m heading back to the base," Zhao Yaolu said, waving her hand. "Oh, and tell that old man to cut back on his drinking. Now that I''m gone, no one''s going to cover his bills anymore." Shen Mo laughed. "Got it. I''ll tell him." With a few nimble leaps, Zhao Yaolu disappeared into the dense forest. "Who was that?" Murong Yue asked, blinking in surprise. Ouyang Wei respectfully replied, "She is the young lord''s senior sister, Zhao Yaolu." Murong Yue nodded in astonishment. "So, she''s a senior" Shen Mo chuckled and teased, "More importantly, Master, if you join the Jade Cauldron Sect in the future, won''t that make you my junior sister? Shouldn''t you call me Senior Brother then?" "How are we supposed to address each other?" Murong Yue''s fair cheeks turned bright red in an instant. "You call me Master, and I''ll call you Senior Brother," she stammered. "We''ll stick to our own titles!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 302: Addressing the Status of the Young Sect Master Chapter 302: Addressing the Status of the Young Sect Master Shen Mo chuckled softly at the comment. Before long, he embraced Murong Yue tightly, despite her initial startled gasp. At first, Murong Yue struggled, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tried to free herself. But Shen Mo''s arms felt as unyielding as steel, making it impossible for her to escape. In the end, she had no choice but to resign herself to his embrace, leaning against his chest. "Ahem" Ouyang Wei, standing nearby, coughed awkwardly. He couldn''t help but feel out of place witnessing this intimate moment. "There are others here, you know!" Murong Yue whispered, her voice barely audible. Shen Mo finally loosened his hold and turned to the others. "Master, Elder Ouyang, you should return to Qingxuan Sect to clean up the battlefield. I have some matters to attend to in Green Mountain City." Murong Yue nodded in understanding. Shen Mo watched as they left, then headed straight for Green Mountain City. The Ninth Prince''s recent opportunity was rumored to be located at Flying Swallow Bluff, just over two hundred miles south of Green Mountain City. Besides, Shen Mo also had a personal matter to address therebringing his father, Shen Jiuding, back with him. Traveling by controlling his energy, Shen Mo streaked across the sky like a bolt of lightning. Before long, he arrived at a massive, peculiar rock formation that jutted out dramatically, resembling a swallow in flight. This was Flying Swallow Bluff, named after its distinct shape. Shen Mo scouted the area carefully and soon discovered the lair of the Gold-Eating Mice. Inside, he found several pink, chubby baby mice huddled together, their eyes not yet open. Sensing Shen Mo''s presence, the baby mice let out terrified squeals, scattering in confusion. Shen Mo chuckled but didn''t disturb them. Instead, he carefully searched the lair. After a while, he uncovered something hidden beneath the soft strawa set of incomplete pages from the first three levels of the ! "Got it!" Shen Mo nodded with satisfaction and quickly left, heading toward Green Mountain City. Green Mountain City''s remote location had spared it from the demon clan''s attacks. Still, the residents were living in fear, dreading the possibility of the demons arriving to devour them. Some townsfolk had already packed their belongings, preparing to flee the city with their families. Shen Mo''s arrival drew immediate attention. "That man he looks like a Daoist!" "And so young!" "Wait a momentdoesn''t he look just like Doctor Shen? Could he be Doctor Shen''s son, Shen Mo?" S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the townsfolk got a good look at his handsome face, they were visibly stunned. Shen Mo smiled warmly. "Yes, I am Shen Mo. Could you tell me where my father is?" The townsfolk, filled with awe and respect, quickly pointed him in the right direction. Shen Mo clasped his hands in thanks and vanished from sight in an instant. "He''s so fast What level of cultivation is he at now? And what''s his position in Qingxuan Sect?" "I heard he left Qingxuan Sect long ago to join the more powerful Jade Cauldron Sect." "What? Really? That''s amazing!" The townsfolk chattered excitedly, though much of their information was outdated. Many still believed Shen Mo was only a core disciple of Qingxuan Sect. At Shen Medical Hall, Shen Mo found a slender, middle-aged man bustling about, attending to a seemingly endless stream of patients. The hall was just as crowded as ever. "Father, I''ve come to see you," Shen Mo called out, his deep breath steady as he strode in with purpose. The middle-aged man froze and turned to the source of the voice. Shen Mo looked just as youthful as he had in his memories, but the man himself now bore streaks of white in his hair. "Mo''er is it really you?" Shen Jiuding''s expression lit up with surprise and joy. He had never expected Shen Mo to return at such a time. "Father, I''m here to take you to Jade Cauldron Sect. I''ve now established myself there and gained a certain standing," Shen Mo said with a smile. Shen Jiuding hurriedly wiped his hands on his faded robe. "This this won''t do. If I go to Jade Cauldron Sect, won''t I just disrupt your cultivation?" Shen Mo shook his head firmly. "Father, if you fall into danger, that would truly disrupt my cultivation. Trust me, come with me. Even Master has moved to Jade Cauldron Sect. She''ll be there to look after you as well." Shen Jiuding hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, I''ll go with you. But first, I need to prepare medicine for all the patients here. A healer must never disregard human life." Shen Mo nodded. "I''ll wait for you." Two hours later, Shen Jiuding had completed prescriptions for all his patients. He packed a few essential items, tidied up the medical hall, and closed its doors. As he gazed at the wooden plaque above the entrance, a wave of emotion washed over him. "Mo''er, you''ve grown up now, and perhaps you''ve forgotten. From the day you were born until you left to study at Qingxuan Sect, you spent your first decade in this very hall. Now, leaving it behind feels a bit hard." Shen Mo smiled. "You must look to the future, Father. When you''re at Jade Cauldron Sect, you can open another medical hall. The world is vasteverywhere can be home." Shen Jiuding laughed heartily, his sadness dissolving. "You''re right. I''m almost fifty years old, and yet I''m more sentimental than you." "Let''s go! Hold on tight, Father!" With Shen Jiuding securely in tow, Shen Mo flew them to Qingxuan Sect. After a brief conversation with his old acquaintances there, Shen Mo picked up Murong Yue, and the three began their journey northward toward Jade Cauldron Sect. At Jade Cauldron Sect''s Elder Pavilion, the trio descended. Shen Jiuding glanced around at the bustling scene, a hint of nervousness in his expression. "We''ll go to the Elder Pavilion first to help you settle in," Shen Mo said with a smile. Murong Yue nodded gently. Before they could enter, the steward at the entrance spotted them, his eyes lighting up in recognition. "Young Sect Master, you''ve returned so quickly! Is Qingxuan Sect alright? Did you encounter Hall Master He on your way?" Shen Mo smiled and nodded. "Everything is fine. As for Hall Master He, I must have missed him on the way." He chuckled softly. The steward quickly responded, "There''s no need for you to handle these matters personally, Young Sect Master. Leave it to me! And this gentleman is?" He looked toward Shen Jiuding. "This is my father," Shen Mo replied. "I''d like to arrange accommodations for him." The steward was taken aback, his attitude becoming even more respectful. "So, this is the Young Sect Master''s father! Rest assured, I''ll take care of everything." "Thank you," Shen Mo said with a nod. Shen Jiuding, astonished, turned to his son. "Mo''er, you said you had status in Jade Cauldron Sect. This is what you call ? You''re the Young Sect Master!" Shen Mo laughed lightly. "Father, just relax and enjoy yourself." Shen Jiuding, overwhelmed with emotion, exclaimed, "Wonderful, wonderful! How did I, Shen Jiuding, deserve the blessing of a son like you?" The diligent steward led Murong Yue and Shen Jiuding into the Elder Pavilion. Shen Mo didn''t linger; instead, he made his way directly to Dragon Snake Mountain. He could hardly wait to begin practicing the . It was the pinnacle of demon clan techniques! With just a few fragments of this technique, the Demon Emperor had risen from a lowly wolf demon to the invincible ruler he was today. If such power could be achieved from scraps, what heights could Shen Mo reach by mastering it himself? Seated cross-legged in the wilderness of Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo carefully studied the first level of the . After a long while, he exclaimed in awe, "So, this is how it works!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 303: Do You Know Shen Mo? Shen Mo read through the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique carefully. It described the body as composed of 840 million particles, each capable of awakening the power of a giant elephant. The method of cultivation involved awakening this power in every particle. Once all particles had awakened the giant elephant''s strength, the process would begin again, advancing to the dragon elephant particles, followed by the primal elephant particles, and ultimately the divine elephant particles. At the pinnacle of mastery, one could roar down stars, pluck the moon from the sky, and achieve the impossible with a single thought. The incomplete manual Shen Mo had obtained contained the first three levels of the technique and three corresponding moves. The first level, awakening the strength of ten giant elephants, allowed one to learn the "Soul-Piercing Blood Spear," a devastating offensive technique. The second level, awakening the strength of a hundred giant elephants, granted the "Unshakable Saint King''s Body," a powerful defensive technique. The third level, awakening the strength of a thousand giant elephants, unlocked the "Heaven and Earth Great Furnace," a technique to refine spiritual energy, life essence, and even celestial and stellar energy into blood vitality to nourish the body. At that stage, one''s blood would become as dense as mercury, and their bone marrow as pure as frost. A single drop of blood would weigh thousands of kilograms. Shen Mo''s heart surged with anticipation. This was the pinnacle of a pure, powerful physique! "However, cultivating the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique requires an enormous daily supply of life essence." "It seems I''ll need to treat spiritual herbs and elixirs like ordinary beans." "I earned a substantial contribution reward from killing the Ninth Prince. If my stock of elixirs runs out, I''ll head to the treasure hall and exchange for more. With a sect as my backing, I don''t need to worry about resources." Shen Mo chuckled wryly at the thought. The technique had its dangers. If insufficient life essence was available, forcing cultivation could lead to a terrifying backlash, leaving the body emaciated and eventually turning it into a dried corpse. "Let''s get started!" Shen Mo calmed his mind and began consuming various blood-replenishing and healing elixirs like snacks while practicing the technique, determined to master the first level as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, in the Demon Emperor''s fortress, the atmosphere was tense. The First and Fourth Princes, accompanied by a group of Dragonblood Guards, knelt uneasily on the ground. Ye Yan stood silently to the side, saying nothing. The Demon Emperor paced back and forth, his expression dark and brooding, as though a violent storm was brewing. "He''s dead?" "You''re telling me he''s dead?" The Demon Emperor''s voice was hoarse as he spoke slowly. The First Prince bowed respectfully. "Father, according to our informants, Shen Mo accepted a mission at the Jade Cauldron Sect''s treasure hall to kill the Ninth Prince. He then produced the Ninth Prince''s severed hand as proof. "After verification, Shen Mo was awarded an A-rank contribution." "It''s certainthe Ninth Prince is dead, and Shen Mo is the one who killed him." The Demon Emperor suddenly lashed out, shattering the throne beside him with a single kick. Splinters flew through the air like projectiles, grazing the demons present. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Small wounds appeared on every demon, causing blood to drip and pain to spread. None of them dared to utter a word, let alone stand up. The Demon Emperor''s fury was palpable, and no one wanted to provoke it further. "Investigate." "Find out exactly how the Ninth Prince died!" "Keep close tabs on Shen Mo''s movements." "Send more human spies into Yu Province for me." "I want him dead!" His eyes were as cold as ice. "Understood!" The First and Fourth Princes, along with the other demons, bowed deeply and left. Ye Yan watched their retreating figures with a heavy heart. He had been wrong. Shen Mo was neither dead nor captured and delivered to the Demon Emperor. Instead, the Ninth Prince was dead. "There''s only one explanation Shen Mo''s strength has grown again during this time." "That man is terrifying. Even after refining the Demon Emperor''s blood, I still can''t catch up to him." "Will I ever be able to match him in the future?" At that thought, Ye Yan shuddered. An uncontrollable fear surged within Ye Yan. However, his resilience eventually prevailed. After taking several deep breaths, he regained his composure. "He''s strong, but I, Ye Yan, am no weakling either." "His greatest mistake is standing in the way of history''s march forward." "Once the Ten Thousand Demons Nation gathers its strength for a few more years, and once the Three Sects and One King fall into chaos, the Demon Emperor will sweep across Yu Province and the entire Jing Nation like a thunderstorm." "No matter how talented Shen Mo is, he cannot withstand the might of the Demon Emperor''s forces." "Dead is still dead." "As for me, Ye Yan, by siding with the victors, I will survive." A faint smile appeared on Ye Yan''s face. What use is genius if it cannot outlast its enemies? If I can endure longer than Shen Mo, then the title of genius will fall to me. At the Pill River Sect''s mountain gate, the air was thick with the rich fragrance of medicinal herbs. For mortals, taking a deep breath of this scent could instantly cure minor ailments. Living long-term in such an environment could even extend one''s lifespan, and in some cases, grant spiritual roots to their descendants, paving the way to cultivation. On the martial practice grounds, two elders strolled side by side, speaking in hushed tones. "Did you hear? Yesterday, a newly arrived elder crossed the Myriad Elixir River alone and startled the Sect Master!" "I heard about it. That elder is remarkably young, supposedly not even thirty years old!" "Tsk tsk, truly a genius. I wonder how he compares to Shen Mo of the Jade Cauldron Sect or Chu Tiankuo of the Supreme Purity Sect." Their conversation echoed the discussions of others on the practice grounds. The Myriad Elixir River was one of Pill River Sect''s forbidden grounds. It was an underground river, but instead of water, it flowed with medicinal liquid. The river didn''t contain ordinary fish or shrimp but instead, elixirs. Over time, the elixirs soaking in the river had developed a semblance of spirituality, attacking any living being that entered the river. The only way to pass was to walk its entire length. Unlike the Jade Cauldron Sect''s Blood Vine Valley or Fire Elixir Palace, the Myriad Elixir River was more of a trial ground than a dangerous forbidden area. Every elder at the Nascent Soul stage was permitted to challenge the Myriad Elixir River. Successfully completing the challenge would result in an immediate promotion from a one-cauldron elder to a four-cauldron elder. However, since the founding of Pill River Sect, no one had ever fully traversed the Myriad Elixir River. Not even the most gifted talents had succeeded. That''s why the newly arrived young elder''s effortless and unscathed completion of the trial had caused such an uproar, sparking endless conversations among the sect''s disciples and elders. Atop the highest peak of Pill River Sect stood a grand pavilion. Lavishly adorned and radiating opulence, it was the residence of the Sect Master, Hai Qiankun. Today, however, Hai Qiankun was not alone. Standing beside him was a young man. "Young friend Xiao, you and my Pill River Sect seem fated to meet," Hai Qiankun said with a tone of admiration. "If you''re willing to join our sect, I can immediately elevate your elder status to four-cauldron rank!" Hai Qiankun''s eyes gleamed with approval as he looked at the young man before him. Xiao Fan bowed respectfully. "Xiao Fan is willing to join Pill River Sect, serve the sect, and contribute to humanity." Overjoyed, Hai Qiankun stepped forward to lift Xiao Fan to his feet. "Excellent, excellent! Our Pill River Sect is in dire need of talents like you!" "The fact that you traversed the Myriad Elixir River unscathed proves your extraordinary talent, one that rivals even Shen Mo of the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Our Pill River Sect is truly blessed!" Hai Qiankun laughed heartily. At the mention of Shen Mo''s name, Xiao Fan''s expression became slightly unnatural. Hai Qiankun noticed immediately. "What''s wrong? Do you know Shen Mo?" he asked curiously ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 304: Why Isn’t Such a Genius Part of Pill River Sect Chapter 304: Why Isnt Such a Genius Part of Pill River Sect Xiao Fan knew that once he became an elder of Pill River Sect, his background would inevitably be uncovered. So he didnt conceal it and directly revealed his identity. Hai Qian Kun was quite surprised, I see, you and Shen Mo both hail from the Qingxuan Sect of Xuanjiang Prefecture. I didnt expect such a small Qingxuan Sect to produce two geniuses of your caliber. He sighed lightly, Back then, it was short-sighted of those elders to abandon Qingxuan Sect after their decision. After saying that, he added, It seems you have some conflict with Shen Mo? Xiao Fan nodded, Not enemies, but worse than enemies. He subconsciously looked eastward. That was where the Taishan Prefecture and Jade Cauldron Sect''s mountain gates were located. He is my inner demon. As long as he lives, my inner demon remains. Hai Qian Kun nodded, Dont worry, your talent is not inferior to his. With the resources of Pill River Sect tilted in your favor, your growth rate will surpass his! As for what realm Shen Mo is currently in, I dont know. But I estimate he is probably only at the Great Accomplishment of the Nascent Soul realm and hasnt reached its perfection. You and he are in the same realm, so theres no need to worry. One day, you will easily surpass him. At that time, Shen Mo will be like a bug that you can easily crush. Xiao Fan nodded heavily, Yes! In his mind, the voice of Elder Dan resounded. The best sect for you is Pill River Sect, after all, they have inherited most of the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sects teachings. Once you gradually gain power, you can take control. Pill River Sect owes a blood debt, no less than the Supreme Purity Sect or the Jade Cauldron Sect! Xiao Fan thought to himself, I understand. I am the only hope for the revival of the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sect. Good, I believe in you too, Elder Dan said with relief. At this moment, there was a knock on the door, followed by a respectful voice. Sect Leader! News just in! The Ninth Prince of the Demon Nation has been killed! Hai Qian Kun was stunned, Who killed him? Was it an elder from our Pill River Sect? Was it the Fifth Elder or the Ninth Elder? Or was it an elder from the Supreme Purity Sect or the Jade Cauldron Sect? Despite his seemingly naive appearance, he was well aware of the situation in the Demon Nation. The First Prince, Fourth Prince, and Ninth Prince of the Demon Nation were most favored by the Demon Emperor. Each of these princes was guarded by at least one Dragon Blood Guard, making them extremely difficult to kill. The cultivators who ventured to Wu Province had tried and failed to kill them, losing many of their own in the process. In his view, the only way to kill these three princes was if they stumbled into the hands of a Divine Transformation realm cultivator by accident. For a Divine Transformation realm cultivator, killing a prince and their Dragon Blood Guard would be effortless. Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Report immediately, who did it? Hai Qian Kun asked urgently. Xiao Fan also looked curious. Who could kill the Demon Nations Ninth Prince? The steward entered, looking embarrassed, Sect Leader, it wasnt any of them. It was Shen Mo, the young lord of Jade Cauldron Sect. He not only killed the Ninth Prince but also the Dragon Blood Guard and four Lion Demon Kings who came to rescue the prince. By the way, those Lion Demon Kings were reportedly Silver Crown Demon Kings. Hai Qian Kun was stunned. Xiao Fans body couldnt help but tremble slightly. Get out, get out! Hai Qian Kun said angrily. The steward quickly withdrew. Hai Qian Kun tightly gripped the armrest of the nearby table. He murmured, Shen Mo it was Shen Mo Not only did he kill the Ninth Prince, but he also killed the Dragon Blood Guard and four Silver Crown Demon Kings? Why isnt such a genius part of our Pill River Sect? Why did we abandon Qingxuan Sect back then! Hai Qian Kun gritted his teeth in hatred. He couldn''t help but glance back at Xiao Fan. In comparison, Xiao Fan''s aura dimmed. Completing the entire Pill River indeed showed considerable potential. But compared to Shen Mos astonishing combat power, it paled in comparison. Xiao Fan also looked silent at this moment. He didn''t expect that even after coming to Pill River Sect, he would still live under Shen Mo''s shadow. Why is Shen Mo everywhere! Sect Leader, Im a bit tired after walking the whole Pill River. Ill take my leave first. Xiao Fan forced a smile. Alright, go ahead. Hai Qian Kun nodded. He also saw the desolation in Xiao Fan''s heart. ... Not long after, the news of Shen Mo killing the Ninth Prince, a Dragon Blood Guard, and four Silver Crown Demon Kings spread throughout Yuzhou. Supreme Purity Sect, Pill River Sect, and the Governor''s Mansion were all shocked. For a Nascent Soul realm cultivator to achieve this, it was terrifying. Although many cultivators did not show it, they were already vaguely considering Shen Mo as the number one under the Divine Transformation realm! Their hearts were filled with awe for Shen Mo. Some even had a fervent admiration for Shen Mo. They believed he was the only human genius who could rival the Demon Emperor. As long as Shen Mo grew, he could curb the northward advance of the Demon Nation! The discussions from the outside world were overwhelming. Even the neighboring prefectures praised Shen Mo. They praised him for removing a great scourge of the demon clan for the human race. However, these voices did not reach Shen Mos ears. At this moment, he was still meticulously tempering his body in the Dragon Snake Mountain wilderness. At this moment, Shen Mos upper body was bare, revealing firm and raised muscles. If someone got close, they would notice that Shen Mos entire body exuded an ancient and wild aura. It was as if nine majestic elephants were residing in his body. The elephants trunks swirled, causing the galaxy to lose its color. The elephants iron hooves stomped, making the earth quake. In the blink of an eye, the peculiar vision disappeared without a trace. Not far from Shen Mo, the small flood dragon looked at him with both fear and affection. It wanted to approach but didnt dare because of the elephant aura emanating from Shen Mo. Even the Flame Flood Dragon feared the giant elephant. Its bloodline must be incredibly powerful and noble! Almost! Almost! Just a little more! Shen Mo could feel the awakening of the tenth particle. It was as if a giant elephant was about to break out of its shell. Shen Mo grabbed a handful of Blood and Flesh Bone Pills and stuffed them into his mouth. This type of pill was recorded in the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Canon and was very suitable for cultivating blood qi techniques. The various herbs for the Blood and Flesh Bone Pill could be exchanged in the treasure pavilion of Jade Cauldron Sect. Besides, even if Shen Mo didnt need them, people often brought all sorts of natural treasures to him. Just to strengthen their relationship with him. Thus, there was never a shortage of materials for refining Blood and Flesh Bone Pills. The speed of awakening the giant elephants power was maintained at such a rapid pace. Rip! In an instant, it was as if an eggshell was broken. It felt like a giant elephant from ancient times was breaking through the void. Trampling on the heavens and earth, overlooking all beings. The tenth giant elephant particle awakened! At the moment when the giant elephant particle awakened, the entire Dragon Snake Mountain fell silent. Countless spirit beasts and demon beasts prostrated. It was as if they witnessed the birth of a king. They knew it was an apex existence on the food chain, a primordial beast far beyond their understanding! The only thing they could do was submit! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 305: The Soul-Destroying Blood Spear with the Power of Ten Giant Elephant Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes. He could feel the power of ten giant elephants surging tirelessly through his veins. Every time it passed a certain point, it would strengthen and nourish the surrounding flesh and bones! As a result, his body became incredibly tough, and his blood qi grew extremely rich! If judged by the standards of the demon clan, my blood qi is now comparable to that of a Golden-Crowned Demon King. Coupled with my spiritual power realm, even if ten, no, even if nine Golden-Crowned Demon Kings came, they wouldn''t be my match! Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. He was very confident in his current strength. Now I should be able to use the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear. Let''s see how it performs. Shen Mo took a deep breath, and scarlet blood qi spurted out from every pore of his body. It was like countless bees swarming together, buzzing furiously. He crossed his hands abruptly. The blood qi suddenly gathered intensely in the palms of his hands. It did not dissipate but seemed to solidify. Finally, quantity led to quality change, and it highly condensed, forming a solid mass like steel. The next moment, a primitive, ancient red war spear appeared in Shen Mo''s palm. It was about a zhang long. It emitted a terrifying aura like that of a hellish abyss. The intense and oppressive atmosphere was overwhelming. The sharp spear tip constantly dripped blood. Before the blood hit the ground, it evaporated into blood qi and returned to the spear. Just looking at it, one would feel as if they were falling into endless hell. Holding this spear, Shen Mo seemed like the lord of hell. Life and death rested on the tip of the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear! Pierce! Shen Mo roared. In his body, the immense power of the giant elephants surged wildly. The blood qi burst forth like a mountain flood, filling his right arm. In the next moment, the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear shot out from his hand. It instantly cut through the sky, flying dozens of zhang and plunging into a nearby mountain. The hard mountain seemed like tofu, unable to stop the piercing of the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear. Whoosh! With a wave of Shen Mo''s hand, the Soul-Destroying Blood Spear flew back and landed in his palm. From a distance, he saw a dark hole had appeared in the center of the mountain, with the rocks evaporated. Looking through the hole, one could see the scenery on the other side. Clearly, this strike had pierced through the mountain! What a domineering power! The strength and speed of my spear are already enough to pierce through the Ninth Prince and the Dragon Blood Guard, killing them instantly on the spot! Shen Mo deeply understood the power of the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength. Moreover, this was just the power of ten giant elephants, the first layer of the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength! It''s unimaginable what terrifying power he would gain if he cultivated to a higher level in the future! I haven''t checked the storage artifacts of the Ninth Prince and the Dragon Blood Guard yet; there might be something good inside. Feeling happy, Shen Mo sat down and began to examine his previous gains. The day he killed the Ninth Prince and the Dragon Blood Guard, he took their storage artifacts. After returning to the Jade Cauldron Sect, he had been focusing on cultivating the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength and hadn''t had time to pay attention to other things. Now, it was indeed time to see what he had gained. Interesting, the demon clan''s storage artifacts are actually shells. Shen Mo examined the two small shells in his hand, deep in thought. Using seashells as storage artifacts was a technique of the Flood Dragon Palace. Could this mean that the Demon Nation and the Flood Dragon Palace had some unspeakable dealings? This wasn''t good news. It''s known that the first Human Emperor of Jing Country waged war against the demon clans when founding Jing Country, and the Flood Dragon Palace had already existed back then. At that time, the Flood Dragon Palace even supported the Human Emperor. This showed how deep the foundation of the Flood Dragon Palace was. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, stopped thinking about it, and opened the shell. There wasn''t much in the Dragon Blood Guard''s storage shell, only some earth-tier treasures suitable for body tempering and some inferior earth-tier martial skills. Shen Mo, already possessing the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength, had no interest in these martial skills. But when he opened the Ninth Prince''s storage shell, he was indeed amazed. Inside were various natural treasures, as numerous as a small mountain. There were four earth-tier blood qi techniques alone. There were also twelve earth-tier blood qi martial skills. These were probably used by the Ninth Prince to train his demon clan subordinates and win their loyalty. This charred piece of wood Shen Mo suddenly noticed something in a transparent water bottle in the corner of the storage shell. That charred piece of wood constantly emitted golden thunder. The thunder was majestic and awe-inspiring, like heavenly punishment, annihilating all demonic and evil presences. A few more looks at the tiny thunderbolts, and all dark thoughts in the mind would vanish. They would be replaced by an increasingly vast and majestic golden thunder that almost seemed to take over the entire world. At first glance, Shen Mo knew what it was. Divine Thunder! It is indeed the Divine Thunder that suppresses the demon clan! Absolutely no mistake! At that moment, Shen Mo''s breathing quickened for a moment. He had searched for so long. He never thought that this item would one day appear in the Ninth Prince of the Demon Clan''s storage shell! I just don''t know if the remaining Divine Thunder on this charred tree trunk is enough to link the physical body and the nascent soul. Shen Mo pondered. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Why not, let''s give it a try first. After a moment of contemplation, Shen Mo decided to try it on his own body first. He prepared various healing pills and activated various defensive martial skills. Then, he solemnly extended his hand into the transparent water bottle. The next moment, golden thunder suddenly burst forth, wrapping around Shen Mo''s arm like a mad serpent. Sizzle! Shen Mo''s entire right arm felt as if it had been struck by heavenly thunder. His skin split open and his flesh tore apart! It was charred black! The intense pain struck madly! This pain not only affected his right arm but also acted on his nerves and deep within his soul! Shen Mo let out a low roar and quickly retracted his right arm. He looked down and saw that his entire right arm had turned black, showing the patterns left by the thunder strike. He looked again at the transparent water bottle. The golden thunder inside hadn''t diminished at all. Instead, because of his touch, more Divine Thunder surged out from the charred tree trunk. Despite the intense pain, Shen Mo''s face showed great joy. It was enough! This Divine Thunder was definitely enough. This charred tree trunk looked pitifully small. In reality, it stored a vast amount of Divine Thunder. It was enough to successfully link his physical body and nascent soul! To break through the Nascent Soul, the Soul-Ming Awl. To nourish the nascent soul, the Sky-Bending Whisker remains. To link the physical body and nascent soul, the Sea-Suppressing Divine Thunder! The three treasures are all complete, now all that''s left is my realm! Shen Mo took a deep breath, showing a look of relief. He didn''t hesitate for a moment, taking healing pills, then starting to consume large amounts of Pure Nascent Transformation Pills. All to push through to the peak of the Nascent Soul realm! Although he was just a step away. That final one percent might be more challenging than the previous ninety-nine percent combined. Shen Mo had encountered such situations more than once before. His response was to consume Pure Nascent Transformation Pills like eating beans. Moreover, the pills he refined had minimal toxicity. He didn''t need to worry about the accumulation of pill toxins at all. After reaching the Divine Transformation realm, he could expel the pill toxins all at once. Peak of the Nascent Soul realm, here I come! Shen Mo''s eyes shone brightly. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 307: The Legendary Heaven-Grade Divine Soul Hasn’t Appeared in Millennia Chapter 307: The Legendary Heaven-Grade Divine Soul Hasn''t Appeared in Millennia sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Countless demonic beasts prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to make a sound. In a small village nearby, mortals, regardless of what they were doing, instinctively knelt on one knee in the direction of Shen Mo. Their faces were filled with awe. They didnt understand what was happening but sensed an overwhelming presence in the distance, growing exponentially. This aura swept far and wide. Through towns, cities, sects, and even powerful religious orders, countless humans instinctively showed reverence. In that moment, everyone intuitively understood: A Nascent Soul cultivator had ascended to the Divine Transformation stage! At the Jade Cauldron Sect. In a secluded meditation chamber, incense burned, filling the air with a refreshing fragrance. The atmosphere was rich with spiritual energy. Sect Master Li Zhendao was seated cross-legged on a prayer mat, meditating. When the overwhelming aura swept through, it immediately disturbed his inner peace, causing him to open his eyes. A newly ascended Divine Transformation cultivator? But why does this aura make me feel so uneasy? When I forged my Earth-grade Divine Soul, others didnt feel anything like this. Could it be... the legendary Heaven-grade Divine Soul?! Li Zhendao frowned deeply. He couldnt discern who had achieved this breakthrough. Whether it would bring fortune or calamity was uncertain. At the Supreme Purity Sect. Mo Lingxiao was playing chess with Su Beifeng, discussing how to seize several industries belonging to the Jade Cauldron Sect. At that moment, the oppressive aura swept through, causing both men to freeze mid-move. This aura Su Beifeng frowned. Mo Lingxiao frowned even more deeply. Yes, its from a newly ascended Divine Transformation cultivator. But Im certain there isnt a Nascent Soul peak cultivator in our Supreme Purity Sect who could break through to Divine Transformation right now. Su Beifeng spoke in a low voice: As far as I know, neither the Danhe Sect, the Jade Cauldron Sect, nor the Prefecture Governor''s Mansion has anyone close to ascending either. Theyd need at least another decade of arduous cultivation. Mo Lingxiao sighed lightly. Then this is troubling. Who on earth has ascended to the Divine Transformation stage? Moreover, this aura feels far too unsettling. When I forged my Earth-grade Divine Soul, I dont recall causing such a phenomenon. Su Beifeng nodded solemnly. Indeed. No matter who this person is, we must quickly uncover their identity. At times like this, its crucial to minimize any unforeseen factors. Mo Lingxiao nodded. By the way, has there been any movement from the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom? Su Beifeng shook his head. None. Its been five years, and the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom hasnt made any moves. The Demon Emperor seems intent on biding his time, consolidating his control over Mist Province. My sources indicate that the Demon Emperor has issued strict orders forbidding the wanton slaughter of humans. He has even expressed interest in recruiting the remaining human population in Mist Province. Mo Lingxiao sneered. Consolidating his strength is real. He definitely wants to secure full control over Mist Province and exploit its resources. But recruiting humans is a lie. In the eyes of the demons, we humans are livestock, slaves, mere animals to be butchered at will. Just as humans dont equate themselves with cattle or sheep, demons will never truly coexist with us in harmony. The Demon Emperors decree is merely a ruse to win hearts and draw more traitorous humans to his side. Su Beifeng nodded. The Sect Masters insight is sharp. Mo Lingxiao waved his hand. For now, our focus should remain on seizing the industries of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Our grudge with the Jade Cauldron Sect is deep and irreconcilable. Sooner or later, well clash on a grand scale. Rather than waiting for that day, its better for us to strike first and gain the upper hand! Understood, Su Beifeng replied respectfully. At the Pill River Sect. Inside a grand hall, flames surged high, radiating intense heat. At the center of the hall stood a massive pill cauldron, as tall as a small mountain. Xiao Fan wiped the sweat from his brow as he retrieved a batch of pills from the cauldron. Standing nearby, Hai Qiankun was utterly astonished. Elder Xiao, youve refined ten batches of pills today, and eight were successful! Even the most experienced elders in our sect only have a 60% success rate, yet youve achieved 80%! Xiao Fan appeared modest despite the pride glinting in his eyes. You flatter me; its all thanks to the Sect Masters teachings. The more Hai Qiankun looked at Xiao Fan, the more he admired him. Elder Xiao, you dont have a Dao companion yet, do you? I have a daughter who takes after her mothershes stunningly beautiful, a face like the moon and flowers. Shes already a Nascent Soul cultivator and hasnt taken a liking to anyone. Shes never formed a Dao bond with any man. If Elder Xiao is willing, why not consider becoming her Dao companion? What do you think? Xiao Fan was overjoyed. To marry the Sect Masters daughter would be a rare opportunity! With his talent and the status of the Sect Masters son-in-law, wouldnt taking control of the Pill River Sect eventually be a natural progression? This might not be appropriate. After all, I have a childhood sweetheart, Xiao Fan replied, feigning reluctance. Back when Xiao Fan lived in Xuanjiang Prefecture, Ouyang Qian had told him about a distant uncle of hers who often traveled between Xuanjiang and Taishan Prefectures for business, residing long-term in Jade Sea City of Taishan Prefecture. Thus, when Xiao Fan left Xuanjiang, he brought Ouyang Qian along. Through her family connections, he had gained many benefits. In fact, his entry into the Pill River Sect was facilitated by that very uncle. Hai Qiankun laughed heartily. Elder Xiaos devotion to his childhood sweetheart is well-known to me. When you traveled from Xuanjiang to Taishan Prefecture, you brought her along despite all hardships. Her talent is average, yet under your guidance, she managed to reach the Core Formation stage. Ive seen all of this with my own eyes. However, you neednt worry. A childhood sweetheart is a childhood sweetheart, and a Dao companion is a Dao companion. The two dont conflict. Xiao Fan was ecstatic, though he maintained a troubled expression. Bowing slightly, he said, Since the Sect Master insists, I cannot refuse. Hai Qiankun beamed. Excellent! Ill summon her right now so you two can get acquainted! Xiao Fan nodded. Very well. At that moment, an astonishing aura swept through the Pill River Sect, catching the attention of everyone within. Xiao Fan and Hai Qiankun both froze in place. Xiao Fan exclaimed, What a powerful presence! It must be a Divine Transformation cultivator. Hai Qiankun nodded. It seems a new Divine Transformation cultivator has emerged. Strange Im familiar with the backgrounds of most Nascent Soul peak cultivators in Yuzhou. How could someone suddenly break through to Divine Transformation? Xiao Fan speculated, Could it be a rogue cultivator? Hai Qiankun shook his head. Thats even less likely. Such an overwhelming auraforget rogue cultivators, even sect cultivators would struggle to achieve this. I suspect this isnt an Earth-grade Divine Soul. Xiao Fans eyes widened. Could it be a Heaven-grade Divine Soul?! Hai Qiankun nodded gravely. The legendary Heaven-grade Divine Soul! It hasnt appeared in over a thousand years. Even the most gifted individuals have only managed to forge Earth-grade Divine Souls at best. I wonder which fortunate soul has discovered the method to create a Heaven-grade Divine Soul. Xiao Fans eyes lit up with longing. How envious I am of that senior who uncovered such a method. If only I could obtain such a method and forge a Heaven-grade Divine Soul myself. As this thought crossed his mind, the voice of Elder Dan sounded in his mind. Dont envy others. With your immense fortune, youll surely find a way to create a Heaven-grade Divine Soul one day. I believe in you! Xiao Fan nodded firmly. Elder Dan is right. I must have faith in myself! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 308: Divine Soul Domain Amplifies Power Fivefold Chapter 308: Divine Soul Domain Amplifies Power Fivefold Mianshan Prefecture, Deep Valley. Shen Mo exhaled a deep breath of turbid air, but this time, he didnt open his eyes. Instead, he kept them closed, focusing on sensing everything around him. He could hear the breeze brushing past the treetops. He could hear an army of ants surrounding and attacking a large black-furred rat. He could hear earthworms wriggling through the soil. All these faint, rustling sounds now felt as though they were happening right next to his ears, each one crystal clear. This was the ability of a Divine Transformation cultivator the Divine Soul Domain. Within a radius of several hundred miles, any sound, any movement, would instantly be perceived by them. Unless another cultivator of the same level appeared within this range, the Divine Transformation cultivator was the omniscient and sovereign presence within it. Every Divine Transformation cultivators Divine Soul Domain is entirely unique. What is the special trait of mine? Shen Mo delved deep into his perceptions. After a brief moment, it seemed as though he had grasped something. He suddenly raised a finger and flicked it lightly. A wisp of spiritual energy emerged from his fingertip. Shen Mos gaze locked onto the wisp, burning with intensity. In the next instant, the wisp of energy expanded rapidly, visibly swelling as though being inflated. By the time it traveled a hundred feet away from Shen Mo, the once hair-thin wisp had grown into a massive spiritual energy sphere over thirty feet in diameter! Boom! The giant sphere smashed into the distant dense forest. In an instant, the entire forest was flattened. Trees were uprooted, the earth cracked open, and soil and rocks flew in all directions. Countless demonic beasts that didnt manage to flee were instantly obliterated into fragments. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. The power of this single strike was equivalent to a full-force attack from a peak Nascent Soul cultivator! And yet, this was merely a casual flick of spiritual energy. So this is it. The effect of my Divine Soul Domain is to amplify the power of all techniques that leave the domain. Shen Mo reflected thoughtfully. From the moment he released that wisp of energy to the point it left his domain, it had traveled merely a hundred feet. Yet within that short distance, the wisp had swelled to such a terrifying size! It was easy to imagine how much stronger his techniques would become if he used more powerful combat skills. Roughly estimated, my techniques can be amplified by at least fivefold. And this applies to every technique, regardless of its attribute. Shen Mo showed a satisfied expression. After shedding his Nascent Soul exterior, the Nascent Soul techniques he relied on had vanished completely. Initially, he had worried that the Divine Soul Domain wouldnt be as dominant as Nascent Soul techniques, which might lead to a decline in his overall strength. Now, it was clear that not only had his strength not decreased, it had grown significantly stronger! At that moment, Shen Mo suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. He instinctively retracted his Divine Soul Domain. The faint feeling of vertigo finally began to subside. So this is it. Activating the Divine Soul Domain consumes a staggering amount of soul power. I only activated it for about ten breaths, and I already felt lightheaded. Shen Mo pondered deeply. No wonder it was said that at the Divine Transformation stage, one must do everything possible to enhance their Divine Soul. The Divine Soul was the manifestation of the soul itself. In essence, they were one and the same. A stronger Divine Soul meant more abundant soul power. With a more robust soul, the Divine Soul Domain could be maintained for longer durations. If I could keep my Divine Soul Domain active indefinitely... hmm. Shen Mos satisfaction deepened. After waiting and accumulating for so long, he had finally stepped into the Divine Transformation stage. Although Ive just entered the Divine Transformation stage, when combined with my blood energy cultivation, I can crush ordinary mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivators. And with the added boost of my Divine Soul Domain, even facing late-stage Divine Transformation cultivators, I might be able to kill them! Its time to return to the sect. The anomalies here were too intense, and they will surely attract many cultivators soon. Shen Mo meticulously erased all traces of his presence. He didnt return in a straight line. Instead, he took a long detour before finally arriving back at the Jade Cauldron Sect. This habit of caution had long since been ingrained in his daily life. Thus, carrying it out was second nature to him. At the Jade Cauldron Sect. The sect was bustling with activity, with cultivators coming and going in a hurry. As Shen Mo returned, a disciple spotted him, bowed respectfully, and shouted, Young Sect Master! In the martial arts arena, He Tianchou was explaining the application of combat techniques to a disciple. His tone was stern, filled with frustration, as if the disciple before him was the most disappointing he had ever taught. Hearing the voice, He Tianchous previously severe expression instantly transformed into one of delight. He immediately dismissed the disciple before him, telling him to leave, and hurried toward Shen Mo. My Young Sect Master, youve finally returned after all this time training outside! He Tianchou exclaimed joyfully. Shen Mo nodded with a smile. The excuse he had used to leave the Jade Cauldron Sect was that he had encountered a bottleneck and needed to hunt demonic beasts and refine his techniques in search of a breakthrough opportunity. When he left, many meaningful gazes followed him as he departed. However, Shen Mo was no ordinary person. Unless a Divine Transformation cultivator personally pursued him, no one could even come close to catching him. With just a few bursts of speed and a bit of trickery, he had easily evaded all prying eyes. How was the harvest, Young Sect Master? Have you made progress? He Tianchou asked eagerly. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Indeed, Ive reached the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. He Tianchous eyes widened. The peak already? So quickly! Shen Mo simply smiled without responding. Realizing his slip, He Tianchou quickly covered his mouth. Apologies, apologies, that was inappropriate of me. I promise I wont reveal a word about your breakthrough. Shen Mo smiled faintly. In truth, his current cultivation was at the entry level of the Divine Transformation stage. If news of his Nascent Soul peak cultivation were to leak, it wouldnt be a bad thing. In fact, it might even cause his enemies to underestimate him. By the way, where are my master and father? Shen Mo asked. Elder Murong? Shes been stationed at Dragon Snake Mountain, He Tianchou replied with a grin. Your father is there as well, serving as a steward. Got it. Shen Mo nodded and quickly headed toward Dragon Snake Mountain. The Third Elders arrangements were thoughtful and well-planned. At Dragon Snake Mountain. The area stretched for miles with verdant greenery, lush mountains, and clear waters. It was just as Shen Mo remembered it when he left. From a distance, he immediately spotted the residence halfway up the mountain and landed lightly. Elder! A delighted voice called out. A petite figure dashed toward him and threw herself into his arms. Shen Mo chuckled softly. He looked at Huang Caiying, taking a moment to examine her. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The once-young girl had grown into a graceful and beautiful young woman. He patted her head and smiled. Caiying, its been a few years, and youve grown into a fine young lady. Huang Caiying blushed and smiled shyly. Moer, youre back. Not far away, a gentle, soothing voice like flowing water rang out. Shen Mo looked up and saw Murong Yue, dressed in a flowing palace gown. Today, Murong Yue wore a loose blue robe. Yet, despite its looseness, her movements still accentuated her curves, adding an air of elegance and allure. Master, Im back, Shen Mo said, his smile warm. The two embraced tightly. Ahem, shouldnt you greet your father first when you come back? Shen Jiuding stood with Mei Haihe, coughing pointedly. Shen Mo chuckled. All right, all right, Im here now, arent I? Shen Jiuding finally broke into a smile, his face full of pride and satisfaction. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 309: Life Fate “Ancient Sacred Soul” – The Rising Tensions Among Three Sects and One King Chapter 309: Life Fate "Ancient Sacred Soul" - The Rising Tensions Among Three Sects and One King "Honored Elder, Caiying has recently learned many new recipes. Today, let me show you Caiying''s cooking skills!" Huang Caiying said proudly, holding her little head high. "Alright, then tonight''s banquet will be prepared by you. I look forward to enjoying your cooking," Shen Mo said, patting her head. "Got it!" she replied cheerfully. Mei Haihe muttered quietly, "Caiying, how many times have I told you to address him as Young Sect Master?" Huang Caiying snorted. "Everyone else can call him Young Sect Master, but only Caiying calls him Honored Elder! That''s what I want to call him!" Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. "Alright, alright, you can call me that. Its just a title, not a big deal." Mei Haihe sighed helplessly. Since the passing of Huang Bayi, he had practically become Huang Caiying''s adoptive grandfather. Some things he couldnt avoid overseeing. Still, seeing Shen Mo, despite his esteemed status, remain so approachable, Mei Haihe felt deeply moved. Even though he had long realized that aligning with Shen Mo was the right decision, every time he thought about it, he couldn''t help but marvel at his own foresight. As the sun dipped below the western hills and dusk began to settle, a large table was set up in the open space at the center of the residence. A full thirty dishes filled the table, all made from ingredients sourced from the Dragon Snake Mountainspiritual beasts, demon beasts, and spiritual plants. Even when prepared casually, each bite was bursting with flavor. Moreover, Huang Caiying''s culinary skills had indeed improved significantly. After just a few bites, Shen Mo found it difficult to stop, thoroughly indulging his appetite. Around the large table, only a handful of individuals were seated. As for the stewards and disciples, they werent qualified to sit at the table and could only watch enviously from a distance. They too wished to gain the Young Sect Masters favor and earn a place at the table. After the feast, Shen Mo instinctively glanced at the life panels of those around him. When he saw Murong Yue''s life panel, his eyebrows raised slightly. He noticed something unusual. [Name: Murong Yue.] [Cultivation Level: Nascent Soul Stage, Initial Entry.] [Life Fates: Lucky Star Ascendant, Peerless Beauty, Blessed by Fortune, Ancient Sacred Soul, Fiery Ice Constitution.] "Ancient Sacred Soul?" "That life fate didnt seem to exist before." Shen Mo continued reading. [Ancient Sacred Soul: Red-tier Life Fate. An ancient sacred soul resides within your body, which only manifests upon reaching the Nascent Soul Stage. You defied destiny and overcame an early death, which led to the activation of this life fate. Though the ancient sacred soul has yet to fully awaken, it has already provided significant benefits. Once fully awakened, it will reveal even greater secrets.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Interesting. So, this was a hidden life fate. Had it not been for Shen Mos influence inadvertently altering Murong Yues destiny, this new life fate would have never been awakened. "Sacred Soul?" "To bear the title of sacred, the essence of this soul likely far surpasses that of ordinary cultivators." "Could it even be beyond the Divine Palace Stage?" Shen Mo shook his head. With so little information, overthinking was pointless. He chose to set the matter aside for now and continued reading. [Destiny: Limited to Nascent Soul Stage (Advanced). Five years from now, the tensions among the Three Sects and One King will erupt completely, and Murong Yue will be assigned to defend Jade Sea City. The Fourth Prince of the Demon Race and the Second Prince of the Flood Dragon Palace will lead a massive demon force to launch a surprise attack on Jade Sea City. Outnumbered and outmatched, Murong Yue and the cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect will ultimately perish in battle.] Shen Mo frowned deeply. A surprise attack? No wonder. With such a large demon force, unless a cultivator at the Divine Transformation Stage was stationed at Jade Sea City, it would be easily overrun. Murong Yues death in this battle was entirely predictable. Clearly, the demon race exploited a temporal or strategic advantage, possibly employing diversionary tactics or a ploy to lure away reinforcements. Shen Mo immediately checked his own life panel. "So thats how it is. Just as I expected." "For the Demon Emperor to rise to his current status step by step, its no surprise that he possesses such extraordinary cunning." Shen Mo withdrew his gaze, deep in thought. "What are you thinking about?" Murong Yue noticed his expression and asked with concern. Shen Mo shook his head. "Master, after stepping into the Nascent Soul Stage, did you feel something new appear in your mind?" Murong Yue was startled. "You noticed?" Shen Mo nodded. Murong Yue sighed softly. "You and I are master and disciple; I wont hide this from you." "Ever since I stepped into the Nascent Soul Stage, Ive felt a voice in my mind." "The voice is strangeI cant tell if its male or female." "It passed on a very domineering cultivation technique to me, saying that once I reach the Divine Transformation Stage, it will teach me the subsequent parts." "Then it went silent and hasnt appeared again since." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "What cultivation technique?" Murong Yue didnt hesitate to reply. "The . I cant tell its grade, but I estimate its at least of the Heaven Rank." She extended her slender finger and touched Shen Mos forehead. Golden strands of scripture flowed into his mind. Shen Mo carefully examined it and quickly understood. This was indeed an incredibly powerful technique. It also contained a method to develop a Heaven-grade primordial soul. Unlike the , which was still in the realm of conjecture, this codex offered a concrete path. However, the method to develop a Heaven-grade primordial soul was exceedingly demanding. It required extremely rare heavenly materials and treasures, some of which Shen Mo hadnt even heard of. Moreover, the technique had specific requirements for ones constitution. Only women with the Fiery Ice Constitution could cultivate it. "This technique suits you well." "The voice in your mind is likely a remnant soul of a senior cultivator." "Since this senior passed the technique to you, they probably mean no harm for the time being." "You can continue cultivating it for now," Shen Mo said with a smile. Murong Yue felt reassured upon hearing this. She didnt trust anyone elses judgment as much as Shen Mos. Previously, she had hesitated to share this with him, fearing it would worry him. But now, with her doubts dispelled, she felt a sense of relief and clarity. "During my time training outside, the tensions among the Three Sects and One King seem to have intensified," Shen Mo remarked casually. Murong Yue nodded. "Yes, Ive often traveled between the Treasury Pavilion and Dragon Snake Mountain, so Ive heard quite a bit." S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The demon race has made its stance clearthey intend to consolidate their control over Mist Province and fully integrate it into the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom." "Some demons who charged into Yu Province to kill and pillage were later executed publicly by the Demon Emperor upon their return to the demon strongholds." "Since then, few demons dare enter Yu Province anymore." "Under such circumstances, the conflict among the Three Sects and One King was bound to escalate. Its unavoidable." Shen Mo nodded, signaling her to continue. "In the past two years, the Three Sects and One King have been competing for industries near the Yu Province and Mist Province border." "Many of those industries originally belonged to our Jade Cauldron Sect." "They were taken over by the demon race back then, and now they should be reclaimed." "But the Supreme Purity Sect and the Provincial Governor''s Office acted first, driving out the demons in those areas and occupying the industries without any intention of returning them." "We didnt back down and seized several industries belonging to the Supreme Purity Sect." "However, compared to our losses, its still not enough." "Just a few days ago, even the Sixth Elders son was accidentally killed in a skirmish with Supreme Purity Sect cultivators." "The tensions have escalated further." "If not for the Sixth Elder restraining himself for the sake of the greater good, the Divine Transformation Stage cultivators from both sides might already be fighting." Murong Yue sighed deeply. She could already see the immense danger brewing in this conflict ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 310: A Major Incident for the Young Sect Master Chapter 310: A Major Incident for the Young Sect Master Shen Mo nodded slightly. This was something any observant person could see. Even if the three sect leaders and King Jing were aware of it, they could only maintain their composure for so long. A moment of heated passion could easily become the spark that ignites the conflict among the Three Sects and One King. Some would undoubtedly exploit this, pushing the tension to its breaking point. If Divine Transformation Stage cultivators were drawn into the conflict, their goals would be achieved. That day was drawing closer. Shen Mos actions, in fact, might even accelerate its arrival. Shen Mo reflected quietly. His spiritual power and vitality cultivation had both reached temporary bottlenecks. However, his martial skills had yet to reach their pinnacle and could still be honed further. "Right now, the only thing to do is to push my strength to its absolute limit, preparing for the inevitable storm ahead." Five years passed in the blink of an eye. On the desolate plains of Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo awakened another particle within his body. It felt as though a primordial giant elephant had crashed through the void and fused into his physical form. Unable to suppress his joy, he suddenly opened his eyes and let out a thunderous roar. The aura of ancient wilderness erupted, like a bursting mountain torrent or a meteor shower striking the earth. It was awe-inspiring and soul-stirring. Over these five years, Shen Mo had consumed as if they were snacks. Under such circumstances, he had awakened eighty particles within his body. This equated to the strength of eighty giant elephants! Clenching his fists, Shen Mo observed the taut, well-defined muscles on his arms, radiating a beauty of pure power. At this point, his vitality cultivation had almost reached the level of a Demon Emperor. This Demon Emperor was not to be confused with the title "Demon Emperor" used for the ruler of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, Gu Ming. Here, "Demon Emperor" referred to a realm, the ruler of the demon races royal class. Gu Ming, the Demon Emperor of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, originally bore the surname "Wolf" as per his lineage. However, considering his unparalleled achievements, second only to the legendary Vine Demon Emperor, he adopted the surname "Gu," signifying his supreme status. Shen Mo stomped the ground, his leg muscles bursting with energy and spiritual power swirling around him. In an instant, he traversed from one mountain peak to another. The wind roared in his wake, sounding like rolling thunder! "This movement technique is exceptional. As expected of the pride of the Nine Turns Pill Dao Sect," Shen Mo remarked with a smile. The technique, was a Heaven-grade low-tier martial skill derived from the Since the cultivators of the Nine Turns Pill Dao Sect were not adept at combat, they specifically created this technique to maximize speed, ideal for retreating quickly. As for direct confrontations? Why bother? Overwhelm the opponent with sheer numbers instead. At this moment, the frantic voice of Mei Haihe echoed from a distance. "Young Sect Master! Something terrible has happened!" "Su Beifengs nephew, Su Changqing, was killed in our Ironstone Valley!" "Several Divine Transformation Stage cultivators from the Supreme Purity Sect have already arrived. The situation is incredibly tense, and a fight could break out any moment!" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow at the news. "Have the Divine Transformation Stage elders from our Jade Cauldron Sect reacted?" he asked. Mei Haihe quickly replied, "The Third Elder, Fifth Elder, and Sixth Elder have all gone to the scene." "Many Nascent Soul elders and Core Formation stewards have rushed there as well." "Over the past few years, many of their friends and family members were killed by the Supreme Purity Sect, so the hatred runs deep." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "I understand." Just then, a deafening roar erupted from the distance. Blinding light and terrifying energy surged forth in an instant. It was as if two ancient giants were battling in mid-air, their clash obliterating mountain peaks and severing rivers with the shockwaves alone. The source of the chaos was none other than the Ironstone Valley, where the Jade Cauldron Sect''s artifact-crafting operations were located. Mei Haihe was momentarily dumbfounded. Shen Mos expression remained calm. The Divine Transformation Stage cultivators have started fighting. The day had finally come. Unsurprisingly, the Pill River Sect and the Provincial Governor''s Office would likely find excuses to get involved soon as well. What about the demon race? Any movements? Shen Mo asked. Mei Haihe thought for a moment. A year ago, the Demon Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the Fourth Prince all disappeared. The demon race hasnt shown any signs of moving northward. On the contrary, theyve even retreated southward. Oh, and heres a letter Elder Zhao left for you. Mei Haihe handed over the letter. Shen Mo began opening it while asking, When was this sent? A year ago. Shen Mo broke the wax seal and read the letter carefully. So thats it. He was deep in thought. In the letter, Zhao Yaolu explained that the demon race had not only refrained from advancing northward in recent years but had instead retreated 5,000 miles southward. Cultivators on expeditions to Mist Province noticed this anomaly and started investigating. They captured several high-ranking demon kings, and through the Divine Transformation Stage cultivators soul-searching techniques, they discovered that the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom''s restricted area, known as the Blood God Repository, had unexpectedly opened ahead of schedule. This forbidden land, which only opened once every hundred years, offered immense benefits even to the Demon Emperor and was not to be missed. It had opened five times previously, and the Demon Emperor had never failed to attend. Thus, it was highly likely that the Demon Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, and many other top-tier talents and experts had gone to the Blood God Repository. Each time the Blood God Repository opened, it lasted at least five years. This meant that for the next five years, the demon race had no intention of advancing northward. With many of their commanders absent, the demon race had abandoned parts of their territory and retreated southward under the Demon Emperors orders. Shen Mo chuckled. This move was clever. It was plausible that the Demon Emperor had gone to the Blood God Repository, but it was less certain for the other talents and experts of the demon race. They might be feigning disappearance, tricking the human race into believing the demon race would remain inactive for three to five years. Naturally, the Three Sects and One King would seize this opportunity to resolve their internal conflicts. Zhao Yaolu wasnt wrong. She had merely reported what she had observed to the sect. Presumably, the other sects had received similar intelligence. Young Sect Master, what should we do now? Prepare for battle? Mei Haihe asked earnestly. Shen Mo nodded. What about the beast-taming cultivators I asked you to train? How are they progressing? Mei Haihe puffed out his chest with pride. As per your instructions, Ive gathered many trustworthy sect disciples and rogue cultivators. Theyve formed a team of one hundred, all at least at the Core Formation Stage. Each of them has a spirit beast, all at least Fourth Rank, entry-level. The five strongest members are Nascent Soul Stage, great success cultivators. Their backgrounds are spotless, and they hold you in the utmost esteem. Theyre ready to mobilize at your command! Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. Have them spread out and enter Jade Sea City. We are indeed about to face a great battle, but it wont be against the Supreme Purity Sect, the Pill River Sect, or the Provincial Governors Office. Mei Haihe was taken aback. Then who are we fighting? Shen Mo pointed to the east. The demon race. Mei Haihe was utterly stunned. He couldnt understand why, if the demon race had fully retreated southward, they still needed to prepare for them. Moreover, why was Shen Mo pointing eastward? East of Taishan Province lay the East Sea. The water demons of the East Sea had always been under the jurisdiction of the Flood Dragon Palace, maintaining a non-aggression pact with the human race. Why would they suddenly launch an attack? Though bewildered, Mei Haihe maintained his composure and nodded solemnly. Understood! Ill see to it immediately! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 311: Sword Sovereign Ji Ping of Jing Kingdom – East Sea Palace and the Flood Dragon King Chapter 311: Sword Sovereign Ji Ping of Jing Kingdom C East Sea Palace and the Flood Dragon King The East Sea. Waves stretched endlessly, blending sea and sky into a seamless expanse. Fishing boats dotted the seas surface, manned by fishermen from Jade Sea City and nearby villages, who relied on the bounty of the sea to make a living. Their sun-weathered faces were filled with the joy of an abundant harvest. In recent years, the East Seas fisheries had become exceptionally rich. While no one knew why, the fishermen were ecstatic, frequently visiting the Dragon King Temple in Jade Sea City to offer their gratitude for the benevolence of the Flood Dragon King. Yet beneath the calm surface of the sea, in the deep and shadowy waters, a different scene unfolded. Rows of aquatic demons stood at attention on platforms forged from deep-sea metals. Known as Wave-Cleaving Platforms, these constructions, created by the Dragon Palace, boasted remarkable speed and allowed the aquatic demons to easily engage in combat outside of water. Every one of these aquatic demons was armed to the teeth, exuding an intense bloodlust. It was clear that they were elite warriors. At the forefront stood two figures. One was a white flood dragon wearing a small crown atop its head. The other was a white-furred ape. The white ape remarked with admiration, "Second Prince, your talent is extraordinary. To have reached the Flood Dragon Emperor realm while training such a formidable force of aquatic demons is truly impressive. I, Yuan Kong, cant help but admire you." The white flood dragon laughed heartily. "Do you think I havent seen the army of demons youve hidden on that remote East Sea island? Your training surpasses mine! Complimenting me is the same as praising yourself." Yuan Kong chuckled lightly. The white flood dragon continued, "Yuan Kong, were friends. No need for formalities. Just call me Ao Sheng." "If you insist on addressing me as Second Prince, Ill have to call you Fourth Prince in return." "Besides, didnt you step into the Ape Demon Emperor realm a year ago? Were equals now. Theres no need for hierarchy between us." The two demons exchanged knowing smiles. They were none other than Ao Sheng, the Second Prince of the Dragon Palace, and Yuan Kong, the Fourth Prince of the Myriad Demons Kingdom. Yuan Kong remarked, "If you gain control of all the aquatic demons in the East Sea, it wont take ten years before the East Sea surpasses the South Sea and becomes the strongest among the Four Seas!" Ao Sheng laughed loudly. "That day will come!" "My father has already given his tacit approval. If I achieve merits in this battle, half of the East Seas aquatic demons will be under my command!" Yuan Kong clasped his hands in respect, his admiration evident. "It seems Ill witness that day very soon." Ao Sheng laughed even more heartily. "Yuan Kong, why are you clasping your hands like humans? Youre even acting politely." Yuan Kong smiled faintly. "Humans may be inferior, but they do have qualities worth learning from. As the saying goes, Take the essence and discard the dross." Ao Sheng nodded, half-understanding. At that moment, a figure in white suddenly appeared on the seas surface. In the blink of an eye, the figure arrived at the entrance to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea. Both Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng immediately noticed the newcomer, their expressions turning to shock. "Who are you?" Ao Sheng warily sized up the elderly man dressed in white. Yuan Kong scrutinized him closely. The man was tall and well-built, his hair and beard entirely white. His appearance was unremarkable, and his clothing wasnt actually white but faded from repeated washing. At first glance, Yuan Kong couldnt discern the mans cultivation level, which made him inwardly alarmed. He quickly averted his gaze. The elder glanced at them briefly, pausing a moment longer on Yuan Kong before shifting his attention to the Dragon Palace. "East Sea King, why dont you show yourself?" the elder said indifferently. The moment his voice fell, waves roared as if thunder had erupted. Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng struggled to remain standing, while the aquatic demons wavered like drunken men, collapsing into a disorganized mess. In an instant, their once-disciplined formation became utterly chaotic. Ao Sheng gritted his teeth in fury. "Damn old man!" The elder didnt look back, but a terrifying surge of water burst forth from his body. It coalesced into a massive sword, which shot toward Ao Sheng. Wherever the water sword passed, the sea froze into ice, and countless ice spikes spread in all directions. Ao Shengs dragon eyes narrowed sharply. From the sword, he felt an overwhelming killing intent and a premonition of death. "Father, save me!" Without thinking, Ao Sheng let out a desperate cry. A deep voice resonated, filled with an ancient and majestic tone. "Ji Ping, its been a long time. Have you come to the East Sea just to kill my offspring?" A cold voice echoed from within the East Sea Dragon Palace. In the next instant, the massive sword heading toward Ao Sheng abruptly halted. Then, inch by inch, it dissolved and vanished into nothingness. Yuan Kong, witnessing this, narrowed his pupils slightly. Such immense power! The elder in white frowned. East Sea King, are you truly planning to wage war against Yuzhou? From within the Dragon Palace, that indifferent voice replied again, Thats merely a game for the younger generation. I have no interest in intervening. The elder in white nodded faintly. Very well. He took a deep look at the magnificent Dragon Palace but did not linger. In a flash, his figure vanished. The exchange between the elder and the Flood Dragon King was exceptionally brief, concise, and direct. Yuan Kong appeared thoughtful after hearing it, while Ao Sheng quickly prostrated himself toward the Dragon Palace. Thank you, Father, for saving my life! If not for your intervention, I would have perished at the hands of that old man! The East Sea King responded calmly, He wouldnt have dared to kill you. Ao Sheng couldnt help but ask, Father, who is that old man? The East Sea King replied evenly, Sword Sovereign Ji Ping of Jing Kingdom. Hearing this, Yuan Kongs expression finally shifted. So, the elder in white was none other than the strongest figure in Jing Kingdom, the one who silently safeguarded its royal familya peak Divine Transformation cultivator and Sword Sovereign, Ji Ping! Ji Pings visit to the East Sea had an obvious purpose: to ensure the East Sea King would not personally intervene. This way, the intensity of the coming war would be contained within certain bounds, preventing an all-out conflict between the Myriad Demons Kingdom, Jing Kingdom, and the Dragon Palace. Yuan Kong, Ao Sheng, handle your tasks well. Do not disappoint me, the East Sea King instructed before falling silent once more. Yes! Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng both bowed respectfully. A peerless Ape Emperor, a Flood Dragon Emperor, and an aquatic demon army meticulously trained for five yearsthis was the Eastern Army of the demon race. Above the sea, Ji Ping flew past Jade Sea City, gazing down at its still-thriving streets, where music and festivities carried on uninterrupted. He couldnt help but let out a soft sigh. The city thrived today, but by tomorrow, it might be ravaged, reduced to a hellish wasteland. Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had done all he could. The rest was up to the cultivators of Yuzhou. Hmm, that young man Ji Pings gaze suddenly fell on a figure in green standing atop the citys eastern wall. The youth stood there against the sea breeze, his robes billowing as he gazed out at the vast ocean, showing not the slightest hint of fear. What exceptional talent and remarkable resolve. He must be Shen Mo, the young sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Such a pity. Hes only at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage and cannot change the outcome of this war. Ji Ping sighed again. Such an extraordinary figure, yet not part of the royal family. He couldnt serve the imperial courtwhat a shame, what a shame! Without pausing further, Ji Ping continued flying westward. After Ji Ping left, Shen Mo finally turned and looked toward the sky where Ji Ping had lingered. What formidable strength. That must be the one secretly protecting the Jing Kingdoms royal family. Judging by his return from the sea, he must have negotiated with the East Sea King. A negotiation to control the intensity of the war? It seems even the Jing Kingdoms royal family has foreseen this conflict. Yet, the Jing Emperor still has no intention of sending reinforcements to Yuzhou and might even coordinate with the Demon Emperor from afar. Its evident that, in the Jing Emperors eyes, a ravaged Yuzhoua Yuzhou without its sectsis easier to assimilate. Shen Mos expression remained calm. Though he had never met the Jing Emperor, he could already guess his thoughts. The Jing Emperor was no longer concerned with the fate of a single province or region. He was focused on the grand scheme of the world. To achieve his ultimate goal, what did the suffering of countless lives or the fall of two regions matter? In the end, the Jing Emperor would simply take them back. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 312: The Shen Mo You Resented Turned to Dust Five Years Ago Chapter 312: The Shen Mo You Resented Turned to Dust Five Years Ago In the heart of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation, a vast expanse of desolate desert stretched endlessly. Amidst the barren wasteland stood a colossal blood-red tower, resembling the skeletal remains of a fallen behemoth. Massive and indestructible, lifeless yet enduring. At the towers entrance was an immense gate, thirty zhang tall and imposing. Two figures stood silently before the gate. One was clad in heavy golden armor, revealing only a pair of crimson eyes, while the other wore a scarlet robe, his expression cold and handsome. They were none other than the Demon Emperor Gu Ming and Ye Yan. The Demon Emperor spoke calmly. Ye Yan, do you know why I brought only you here and not the others? Ye Yan shook his head. The Demon Emperors tone remained indifferent. The Crown Prince is leading the elephant and tiger clans, along with other powerful demon tribes, in an assault on the Supreme Purity Sect and the Pill River Sect. The Fourth Prince is commanding the ape and bird clans, allied with the water demons of the Eastern Sea, advancing through the waterways to attack Jade Sea City and threaten the core of the Jade Cauldron Sect. They have their own responsibilities. Ye Yans eyes widened slightly. For the past five years, he had been focused solely on his cultivation and was unaware of the events unfolding in the outside world. Had the Demon Emperor not awakened him and brought him to the Blood Gods Treasury, personally explaining these matters, Ye Yan wouldnt have known such monumental events were taking place. Ye Yan wanted to speak but restrained himself. Gu Ming chuckled lightly. I know what you want to ask. Why didnt I let you lead a demon army to invade Yuzhou? Ye Yan nodded. Gu Ming replied calmly. Your strength is still lacking. The Crown Prince and Fourth Prince have both reached the Demon Emperor Realm in terms of blood energy. Only then did I entrust them with leading their respective forces into Yuzhou. While your spiritual energy and blood energy are progressing well, you are still behind them. But thats not the primary reason. Even if your strength is inferior to theirs, you could still lead a force as a subordinate commander. The reason I brought you here lies in the Blood Gods Treasury. Gu Ming reached out, his armored hand brushing against the towering gate, producing a harsh scraping sound. The Blood Gods Treasury has stood here for thousands of years, and you will be the first human to set foot inside. You might acquire treasures of unimaginable power. Gu Ming smiled faintly. Hearing this, Ye Yans heart surged with excitement. Could the Blood Gods Treasury be such a legendary treasure trove? Your Majesty, why have you not participated in this war? Ye Yan suddenly asked. Gu Mings expression remained calm. After the lesson in Wuzhou, Jing Nation wont allow me to personally join this battle. A few days ago, their Sword Sovereign personally visited. Most likely, he will head to the Eastern Sea King next. Ye Yan was stunned. The Sword Sovereign of Jing Nation! No wonder the Demon Emperor didnt personally intervene. Besides, even without my involvement, the outcome of this war is already decided. Though the three sects boast many Divine Transformation cultivators, they are not unitedthey are a loose coalition. With the slightest provocation, theyll turn on each other and self-destruct. Moreover, each Demon Emperor of our demon race can easily take on two Divine Transformation cultivators at once. The destruction of the three sects is only a matter of time. Whether I participate or not makes no difference. By comparison, the Blood Gods Treasury, which opens only once every century, is far more critical. Gu Ming smiled faintly, his tone composed. Ye Yan nodded repeatedly. At that moment, another thought occurred to him, and he asked, But the Jade Cauldron Sect has an old flood dragon at the peak of the sixth rank. If the Jade Cauldron Sect faces annihilation, that flood dragon will surely intervene. Can the Fourth Prince handle it? Gu Ming chuckled softly. All the key pieces on the board are within my calculations. Four years ago, the Jade Cauldron Sect killed a Tiger King and obtained a piece of 500-year-old Coral Gold, the perfect treasure for the flood dragon to ascend. The old flood dragon was overjoyed and immediately began refining it, entering a deep slumber to attempt a breakthrough to the seventh rank. I specifically instructed the Fourth Prince to avoid disturbing the dragons valley. That piece of Coral Gold alone isnt enough for it to truly advance to the seventh rank. By the time it wakes, the Jade Cauldron Sect will already be destroyed, and it will have no choice but to join the demon race. Ye Yan froze in surprise. Coral Gold Wasnt that the treasure exchanged between the Flood Dragon Palace and the Ten Thousand Demons Nation? It was said to be a specialty of the Flood Dragon Palaceextremely rare and irresistible to any flood dragon. The 500-year Coral Gold was even more precious. Even within the Flood Dragon Palace, it was only rewarded to dragon offspring who had achieved significant merit. Gu Ming, however, had ingeniously orchestrated a way for it to fall into the hands of the Jade Cauldron Sect, causing the Lihuo Flood Dragon to enter a prolonged slumber. Ye Yan drew a sharp breath. No wonder Gu Ming was so confident. It turned out he had calculated every factor in advance. Ye Yan couldnt help but feel both admiration and fear for Gu Ming. A loud rumble echoed. From within the massive door came a deafening noise. A narrow gap gradually appeared, revealing the dark void beyond. Gu Ming spoke calmly. Lets go. The Blood Gods Treasury remains open for five years. By the time we emerge, Yuzhou will already be under the control of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. The Shen Mo you resent will long have turned to dust and bones by then. Conquering Yuzhou is merely a trivial step in this emperors plan. Overthrowing Jing Nation, unifying the Four Seas, and ruling the world is the ultimate goal. Dont concern yourself too much with those disorganized rabble from Yuzhou. Ye Yan bowed respectfully. Yes. ... Yuzhou, Ironstone Valley. The battle had reached an intense crescendo. At first, only two Divine Transformation elders, one from the Supreme Purity Sect and the other from the Jade Cauldron Sect, were engaged in combat here. However, as time passed, more cultivators from both sects gathered. From Divine Transformation cultivators to those at the Core Formation stage, all glared at one another with seething hatred, ready to tear their opponents apart. For the Jade Cauldron Sect disciples, in particular, many had lost friends and family to the Supreme Purity Sect, and their rage was uncontainable. Now, as the duel between the two Divine Transformation elders escalated, the fury of the sects reached its peak. Kill! Kill these bastards! No one knew who shouted first, but the disciples from both sects immediately charged at each other. The massacre began, and soon the valley echoed with cries of rage and the clash of weapons. The battle turned so chaotic that even allies started attacking one another in the frenzy. Spiritual power and martial techniques clashed wildly. Severed limbs and shattered bodies flew everywhere. From the blood-soaked ground, faint red mist began to rise, seeping into the noses and mouths of every cultivator. Even the Divine Transformation cultivators were not spared. While most of the fighters descended into madness, some cultivators displayed unusual calmness. They circulated special techniques to hold their breath as they moved through the chaos, eventually slipping away to hide in concealed locations around the valley. Without speaking, they exchanged knowing glances and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. The hatred between the Supreme Purity Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sect runs too deep. Stirring them up into a fight was far too easy. Now, five of the eight Divine Transformation cultivators from the Supreme Purity Sect are here, and the same goes for the Jade Cauldron Sect. The Ninth Elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect smiled faintly. His Majesty the Demon Emperor truly leaves nothing to chance. He had us set up the Blood Fiend Chaos Formation in Ironstone Valley long ago. The Seventh Elder of the Supreme Purity Sect laughed along with him. All thats left now is to wait for the Crown Princes army to arrive! The Ninth Elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect spoke in a low voice. Make sure no one escapes the valley, especially no Divine Transformation cultivator. Dont let anyone else enter, either. Understood! The surrounding cultivators nodded and began closely guarding every exit of the valley. Inside the valley, the slaughter continued unabated. Blood flowed like rivers, cries of despair pierced the skies, yet it was all in vaina futile bloodbath. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 313: The Demon Race Army Strikes Chapter 313: The Demon Race Army Strikes The western border between Yuzhou and Wuzhou. Here stood a forward outpost established by the Supreme Purity Sect. Its purpose was to monitor the movements of the demon race. However, in the past five years, the demon race had been retreating southward. As a result, this outpost had gradually fallen into disuse. Most of those assigned here were cultivators of poor aptitude or those marginalized within the Supreme Purity Sect. Naturally, no one expected them to be particularly diligent in their duties. At this moment, only three Foundation Establishment cultivators lay sprawled on the city wall of the outpost, in various states of drunken stupor. Each held a wine gourd in hand, still pouring fragrant liquor down their throats. Not far away, inside the outpost, a large table had been set up. Several Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators from the Supreme Purity Sect were gathered, drinking and feasting, indulging in their revelry. None of them had the slightest awareness of the impending danger. In the distant Wuzhou Gobi Desert, dust suddenly surged into the sky, filling the air with sand and stone. The howling wind carried the chilling roars of tigers and wolves. It was as if a vast army was charging toward the outpost. On the city wall, a tall and thin cultivator heard the noise and muttered, "Hey hic did you guys hear that? Sounds like roaring could it be a demon race attack?" The two cultivators beside him, their faces flushed with drunkenness, burst into laughter upon hearing his words. "What roaring? I dont hear anything." "Stop joking. The demon race has retreated fifty thousand miles south how could they suddenly appear here overnight?" "Hic what fifty thousand miles? Its clearly five thousand five thousand miles!" Despite his intoxication, the tall and thin cultivator felt that something was off. Unable to shake the unease, he staggered to his feet and peered over the city wall. And then, he saw the most horrifying sight of his life. Amidst the swirling dust, an endless tide of demon beasts was surging toward the outpost. Mighty tiger demons Colossal elephant demons Waves upon waves of wolf demons sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A boundless horde of demon creatures rode the winds and sand. Their murderous aura soared skyward, filling the air with demonic energy. Even without actively unleashing their power, the sheer pressure of their bloodthirst radiated uncontrollably from their mouths and noses. It churned wildly! Threatening to blot out the sky! At the forefront of the horde stood several towering demon figures, their bodies massive and imposing. Their crimson eyes reflected mountains of corpses and seas of blood, steeped in an endless tide of slaughter! Thud! The tall and thin cultivator collapsed onto the ground in terror. His drunkenness dissipated in an instant. "Hahaha! What did you see to make you so scared?" The two cultivators beside him mocked. The tall and thin cultivator screamed at the top of his lungs, using every ounce of his strength: "Enemy attack! Enemy attack! The demon race is here!" "What?!" "A demon race invasion? Impossible!" "Shit, wheres my spiritual weapon?!" "Fuck! Why are you wearing my robe? Take it off now!" "How many of them? Speak!" "Hurry! Send a message to the sect! We cant delay!" The tall and thin cultivator attempted to climb back up the city wall to get a clearer look at the demon armys numbers. Just then, a blood-red arrow, as thick as an infants arm, shot through the air. It pierced straight through his body. The blood arrow did not lose momentum, embedding itself deep into the city wall before finally stopping. Whoosh! A towering figure leaped onto the city wall. The sunlight filtering through the dust illuminated his form. It cast the shadow of an unrivaled ferocious beast. His four hooves were as solid as pillars. With a sweep of his long trunk, he sent a torrent of sand billowing forth. This was none other than the Crown Prince of the Ten Thousand Demons NationXiang Jue. "Slaughter every last one of them. Leave no survivors." Behind Xiang Jue, the demon horde surged forward, their eyes reflecting the stunned faces of the cultivators. Screams of agony rang out in succession. Within less than ten breaths, the outpost was razed to the ground. Not even a single distress signal managed to reach the Supreme Purity Sect. "Continue northward. The Supreme Purity Sects mountain gate is our target!" Xiang Jue''s eyes gleamed with ruthless bloodlust as he let out a chilling laugh. "Yes!" The demon horde roared in unison, their bloodlust surging with excitement. The same scene played out along the border of the two provinces. Countless mortals perished in despair, their cries of terror echoing in the air. Even cultivators could not escape the overwhelming power and numbers of the demon army. Those who struggle will surely die. Those who surrender wisely may yet be sparedperhaps even chosen by the powerful demon race to become human slaves. In just one day, the southern region of Yuzhou was reduced to a land of ruin, filled with wails of despair. Jade Sea City. The sea remained calm as ever. Fishermen set out to sea as usual, casting their nets in hopes of a bountiful catch. However, todays harvest was abnormally poor. Even after casting their nets over a dozen times, they caught nothing but small fish and shrimp. The fishermen gathered, exchanging puzzled looks, unsure of what was happening. "Look! Over there, on the horizon!" One sharp-eyed fisherman suddenly pointed at the distant sea, shouting in alarm. All heads turned. On the horizon, thin blue lines had suddenly appeared. The lines grew thicker and thicker. Until finally, they revealed themselves in full view. They were massive battle platforms, rising from the depths of the sea, constructed entirely of coral. These countless battle platforms were densely packed with all manner of shrimp and crab warriors. Each of their eyes gleamed with a ruthless, bloodthirsty light. But the sea creatures were not alone. Among them, some platforms carried land-based demonsmonstrous ape demons, packs of wolf demons, and more. "The sky!" Instinctively, the fishermen looked up. There, vast numbers of eagle and falcon demons circled above. "Gods! The demon race! There are so many of them!" "Run! Hurry!" Realizing the impending catastrophe, the fishermen frantically rowed toward shore. But how could their boats possibly outrun the wave-slicing war platforms of the Flood Dragon Palace? In mere moments, the war platforms caught up. Before their immense size and speed, the tiny fishing boats were as fragile as eggs smashing against stone. In an instant, the boats were shattered. The fishermen perished at the hands of the water demons. Bright red blood quickly spread across the surface of the sea. Jade Sea City''s eastern wall. From the city walls, the cultivators of Jade Sea Hall, tasked with defending the region, witnessed the horrifying scene in the distance. Their eyes widened in shock, and without hesitation, they blew the war horn. Wooowooowooo! The eerie, mournful sound of the horn echoed through the entire city. The demon race was attacking! No matter what they were doing at the time, all cultivators grabbed their weapons and rushed toward the walls. The mortals, gripped by fear, hurriedly locked themselves inside their homes. Inside a secluded chamber, Shen Mo had been meditating in silent cultivation. At the sound of the war horn, he immediately rose and headed for the city wall. At the same time, Murong Yue, He Tianchou, Mei Haihe, and others also rushed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the eastern wall was already lined with a massive number of cultivators. Some of the stronger ones even had spirit beasts standing beside them. These were the beast-taming cultivators trained under Mei Haihe, following Shen Mo''s orders. "The demon race theyve really come" "The water demons, who have always kept to themselves, have actually allied with the Ten Thousand Demons Nation" Mei Haihes eyes widened in horror as he looked at the sea. There, over a thousand wave-slicing war platforms loomed on the water. A deep fear crept into his heart. If not for Shen Mo''s foresight in predicting this very event Jade Sea City would have been overrun in an instant. "Activate the formation." Shen Mos voice was calm, yet it carried throughout the entire city. "Yes!" Cultivators stationed across the city responded in unison. Buzz. Brilliant blue light surged from all directions. Like an overturned bowl, a massive protective barrier swiftly enveloped the entire city. For a brief moment, a sense of security washed over the people. But that moment was fleeting. Because when they saw the two figures standing atop the largest wave-slicing war platform That sense of security vanished without a trace. The sheer, overwhelming bloodthirsty aura they exuded seemed to blot out the sky. They were two demon emperors! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 314: Hand Over Shen Mo of Jade Cauldron Sect, and the Humans of Jade Sea City Will Live Chapter 314: Hand Over Shen Mo of Jade Cauldron Sect, and the Humans of Jade Sea City Will Live A Demon Emperor could only be countered by a Divine Transformation cultivator. Without a Divine Transformation cultivator, no number of Nascent Soul cultivators would make a differencethey would simply be throwing their lives away. As for this Earth-tier formation, it was even more laughable before a Demon Emperor. Panic spread throughout Jade Sea City. Fear gripped the people, and some were so overwhelmed by the oppressive, blood-drenched aura that they collapsed to the ground, their legs giving out. A few even lost control of their bladders in terror. Beside Shen Mo, Murong Yue and Deacon He sensed the overwhelming bloodlust and their faces paled. "A Demon Emperor" Murong Yues delicate face turned white. "Ive seen their portraits before. The one on the left is Yuan Kong, the fourth prince of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. The one on the right is Ao Sheng, the second prince of the Flood Dragon Palace Why is the Flood Dragon Palace involved?" Deacon He clenched his teeth. Shen Mo remained calm. "There is no whyjust profit." Deacon He immediately responded, "With just us, we are no match for these two Demon Emperors." "Young Sect Master, we must escort you out immediately." "Your identity is too importantyou must retreat to the sect." Murong Yue bit her lip, her expression firm as she stared at Shen Mo. It was clear that she intended to stay behind and cover his escape. Shen Mo shook his head. "Since I foresaw this battle today, I naturally have a plan." "Deacon He, Master, you need not worry." Both Deacon He and Murong Yue were stunned. A plan? But the gap between Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation was like heaven and earth. No plan could possibly bridge such an impossible divide. Deacon He wanted to protest, but Murong Yue spoke first, her voice steady. "I trust you." "Ever since Qingxuan Sect, I have trusted you." "If you are so confident, you must have something prepared." Deacon He felt exasperated. This so-called trust was nothing but sentimentality! What was needed now was absolute rationality! Shen Mo clasped Murong Yues hand. "Master, just have faith." "Deacon He, you neednt worry either." Deacon He gritted his teeth. "Fine, fine. But Ill say it againtheres still time to retreat!" "In a little while, the sect master will likely send someone to retrieve you. Id like to see how you explain yourself then!" His frustration was evident. He even stopped addressing Shen Mo as Young Sect Master and simply used you instead. Shen Mo merely smiled. He didnt blame Deacon He. After all, who would have thought he had already stepped into the Divine Transformation stage? Throughout Yuzhou and the entire Jing Kingdom, Divine Transformation cultivators this young were practically unheard of. Above the ocean. Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng stood atop the tallest wave-splitting battle platform, gazing toward Jade Sea City. Noting the azure glow of the protective formation, Yuan Kong raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. So Jade Sea City was somewhat prepared." Ao Sheng laughed heartily. "And so what if they were? The dead will still die. Do they think a mere formation can stop us?" Yuan Kong chuckled. "Of course not." "As long as there are no Divine Transformation cultivators, this city is already ours." "The Divine Transformation cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect are mostly caught up in their battle with the Supreme Purity Sect in Ironstone Valley. Theyre too busy struggling against the Blood Fiend Chaos Array to worry about anything else." "As for the few remaining Divine Transformation cultivators, theyre surely cowering within their mountain stronghold." "The defenses of Jade Sea City arent worth mentioning. This is just the beginning of our conquest." Yuan Kong smiled faintly. He did not take the cultivators of Jade Sea City seriously. Ao Sheng nodded in agreement. Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly burst into laughter. "By the way, you should know that the Flood Dragon Clan manages our trade with the human race, right?" Yuan Kong nodded. "Of course. I also know that the Flood Dragons not only handle trade but also gather intelligence on humans." Ao Sheng laughed heartily. "Nothing escapes you, does it?" "Recently, I obtained an interesting piece of news." Yuan Kong chuckled. "Lets hear it." Ao Sheng pointed toward Jade Sea City, his smile deep and knowing. "Shen Mo is right there, inside Jade Sea City!" Yuan Kongs expression shifted in surprise. He had never met Shen Mo before, but after learning about the death of the Ninth Prince and the Dragon Blood Guards, he had realized how terrifyingly talented this person was. He had even suggested to Gu Ming multiple times that they should focus their efforts on assassinating Shen Mo. Unfortunately, Shen Mo rarely showed himself. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even finding an opportunity to assassinate him was nearly impossible. However, after reaching the realm of the Ape Demon Emperor, his jealousy and admiration for Shen Mo had completely vanished. A so-called heaven-sent genius would still end up beneath him in the end. Five years had passed in a blink, and now, the great war was about to begin. By all logic, someone of Shen Mos status should have been well-protected within the Jade Cauldron Sects mountain stronghold. Yet, surprisingly, he was here in Jade Sea City. "Shen Mo is indeed a rare talent. I thought he would remain hidden in the Jade Cauldron Sects mountain. Who would have guessed that our first battle would bring us face-to-face with him?" Yuan Kongs smile remained calm. Compared to before, now that he had stepped into the realm of the Ape Demon Emperor, he exuded an even greater sense of ease and composure. A genius was still just a genius. He had not yet become a true powerhouse. Ao Sheng sneered. "King of the South Sea has praised Shen Mo many times, calling him an unparalleled genius. He even wanted to arrange sparring matches between the Flood Dragons and Shen Mo to foster relations. How ridiculous." "Now, he will be buried in Jade Sea City!" "When I bring Shen Mos severed head to visit the King of the South Sea, Id like to see if he can still say those same words!" Yuan Kong chuckled in amusement. "You really hold grudges, dont you, Brother Sheng?" Ao Sheng pointed at the city walls. "Look, we havent even made a move, and the humans are already trembling in fear." "I bet, before we even act, many of them will surrender on their own." A sinister glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly let out a chilling laugh. "Hehehe What do you think? If I tell them that handing over Shen Mo will spare their lives, will they comply?" Yuan Kong smirked. "Humans have an innate flawthey are quick to sacrifice others for their own survival." "In desperate times, they are capable of anything. Let alone betraying someone who has nothing to do with them." "But werent you just saying earlier that after taking Jade Sea City, youd slaughter all the humans here?" Ao Sheng grinned wickedly. "Im no humanI dont play by their foolish, sentimental rules." "Once they hand Shen Mo over with hope in their eyes, I will personally give the order to massacre the city." "I want to see their hope turn to utter despair." "I also want Shen Mo to witness what kind of people humans really are." Yuan Kong nodded repeatedly. "In terms of ruthlessness, I cannot compare to the Second Prince." Ao Sheng laughed loudly, his excitement growing. Blood surged within him as he soared into the sky. His body swelled. From a mere ten feet, he expanded to a towering six hundred feet. He loomed over the entire sky. From his high vantage point, he gazed down at Jade Sea City. The people of Jade Sea City looked up at the massive Flood Dragon in the sky, and fear crept into their hearts. Their legs trembled, their hands shook. This was a Flood Dragon! Jade Sea City thrived by the sea, and temples dedicated to the Dragon Kings were scattered throughout the city, venerating the Flood Dragons. Seeing a Flood Dragon before them, the people instinctively felt reverence, unable to summon the courage to resist. Ao Sheng spoke, his voice calm yet thunderous, carrying the weight of divine might. "People of Jade Sea City, listen well. I am Ao Sheng, the Second Prince of the Flood Dragon Palace." "I bestow upon you a mercyhand over Shen Mo, the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, and all of you shall live!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 315: A Mere Nascent Soul Cultivator Wants to Kill Me? Ridiculous! Chapter 315: A Mere Nascent Soul Cultivator Wants to Kill Me? Ridiculous! As soon as those words were spoken, the entire city fell silent. But in an instant, countless gazes turned toward Shen Mo. The expressions in those eyes were complicated. Some desperately hoped that Shen Mo would step forward willingly to exchange his life for peace in Jade Sea City. Some hesitated, torn between reason and fear. They suspected this might be a trick to sow discord, yet they couldnt stop their thoughts from wandering. If Shen Mo were handed over, would they have a chance to survive? Murong Yue, Deacon He, and others close to Shen Mo instantly turned pale. Damn that Ao Sheng. Not only did he want to kill, but he also wanted to break their spirits! Using such a sinister tactic, he aimed to shatter the unity of Jade Sea City. And it was working. Under such immense pressure, no one was immune. Their minds couldn''t help but wander in that direction. Shen Mo calmly ascended into the sky, his figure suspended in midair. "Shen Mo, you finally show yourself! I thought you were going to hide in Jade Sea City for the rest of your life!" Ao Sheng burst into laughter upon seeing him. "Ao Sheng, if I were to kill you here, what do you think the Eastern Sea King would do?" Shen Mo smiled faintly. Ao Sheng reacted as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. He flipped through the air, laughing wildly. "A mere Nascent Soul cultivator wants to kill me? Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous!" "Do you even realize who stands before you? A Flood Dragon Emperor!" "And yet, you think you can slay me?" "Shen Mo, if I hadnt heard of your reputation as a genius, I wouldve thought you were just an arrogant fool." Shen Mos expression remained unchanged. Ao Sheng laughed for a while before his tone turned icy. "You cannot kill me. Stop your delusions." "I will say it againif you surrender yourself, I will spare the lives of everyone in Jade Sea City." "But if you resist, then you will die. And the entire city will die with you!" As he finished speaking, a surge of blood energy erupted from his body, condensing into a towering Blood Fiend Flood Dragon. The sky churned, clouds roiled, and winds howled! His words sent another wave of fear through Jade Sea City. "Young Sect Master, I have heard that you are kind and compassionate. For the sake of the entire city''s people, please surrender yourself!" A rotund merchant trembled as he fell to his knees. Behind him, a dozen cultivators and over a hundred commoners followed suit, dropping to their knees with bowed heads. They were begging Shen Mo to surrender. The sight filled the surrounding crowd with rage. "Wang Dafu! I never thought youd be such a traitor! Just to save your own skin, youd have the Young Sect Master surrender? Dream on!" "Selfish! Heartless! The Young Sect Master could reach Divine Transformation one day and bring us vengeance, and yet you want him to give up?" "Shen Mo revitalized Dragon Snake Mountain, uplifting the surrounding villages and towns. Jade Sea City thrives because of him! Even you, Wang Dafu, have profited handsomely from ityet you dare to say such shameless words!" Whether cultivators or commoners, the surrounding crowd pointed at Wang Dafu in fury, their eyes burning with rage. Even Wang Dafu looked uneasy. He hadnt expected Shen Mo to have such overwhelming support. Both cultivators and commoners genuinely appreciated his contributions. People who thought like Wang Dafu were in the minority. Murong Yue, Deacon He, and Mei Haihe felt deeply moved as they watched. Not long ago, Dragon Snake Mountain had been thriving. Back then, Jade Sea City had only been a small fishing village, relying on the seas bounty for survival. It was only because of Dragon Snake Mountain that it had prospered. But after the mountain fell into decline, Jade Sea City had become entirely dependent on fishing. For the past ten years, Shen Mo had revived Dragon Snake Mountain. Even the resources that trickled down were enough to bring prosperity to countless cultivators and commoners. People are emotional beingsnaturally, they would be grateful to Shen Mo. Ao Sheng, hearing the voices from within the city, let out a cold snort. "Jade Sea City prospers because of the Eastern Sea, yet instead of revering the Flood Dragon Palace, you worship Shen Mo?" "As I thought, everyone in this city deserves to die!" As Ao Sheng spoke, his dragon whiskers flared outward, a clear sign of his inner fury. The once-clear sky darkened, thick clouds rolling in as thunder rumbled ominously. It was as if the heavens themselves were enraged, preparing to unleash divine wrath upon Jade Sea City. Out on the sea, Yuan Kong, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Since the people of Jade Sea City are so stubborn, refusing even the mercy granted by the Flood Dragon Palace, then Brother Sheng, please give the order." Ao Sheng nodded, his blood energy surging. His powerful, resonant voice spread across the vast ocean. "All aquatic demons, attack!" "Yes!" The Shrimp King, Turtle King, and Crab King responded in unison. Hundreds of wave-splitting battle platforms surged forward toward Jade Sea City. Like an unstoppable tidal wave, they crashed toward the city''s defenses. On the city walls, the cultivators swallowed nervously. Never before had they witnessed such a sight. No matter how composed they tried to be, no matter how strong their beliefs, they could not stop the panic rising in their hearts. Even their hands trembled, barely able to hold their weapons. "Can we really hold out with just this formation and our meager numbers?" "The Young Sect Master is herewhat are you afraid of?" "But the Young Sect Master has yet to reach Divine Transformation" "Thats right. Without a Divine Transformation cultivator, its useless. I dont want to throw my life away!" "The Young Sect Master shows no fearhe must have something prepared! Hold steady, do not panic!" The cultivators couldn''t help but murmur among themselves, their gazes drifting toward Shen Mo, who stood unwavering. Some looked at him with fear. Some with uncertainty. But others gazed with hope, with determination, with trust! "You shouldn''t have come." Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "But since you''re here, I dont mind using you as an offering for war." "The first battle of Yuzhous counteroffensive against the Ten Thousand Demons Nation begins today!" As Shen Mo''s calm voice fell, the air within a hundred feet of him suddenly distorted. It was as if an invisible force shielded everything within that space. He gazed at the vast sea, where hundreds of thousands of demons charged toward the city. Slowly, he unsheathed his sword. The Yin-Yang Sword radiated twin streams of black and white sword energy. Above and below the blade, two sword shadows flickered, exhaling and inhaling ethereal power. In an instant, a terrifying gray sword aura emerged, embodying the power to erase all things. It extended over thirty feet. Two more streaks of gray sword aura, each spanning over twenty feet, followed alongside it. In the next moment, Shen Mo swung his sword! Three streaks of gray sword energy shot forward, slashing toward the army of demons on the sea. The shrimp and crab soldiers, seeing these sword energies, burst into mocking laughter. The Shrimp King, Crab King, and Turtle King laughed even harder. "This is the so-called supreme genius of the human race? Such tiny sword energywho could it possibly kill?" "No need for the Second Prince to actI alone can block these three sword slashes!" "What a joke. Spouting such bold words, I expected much more from him!" Ao Sheng maintained his cold smirk. But Yuan Kongs expression shifted slightly. He seemed to have sensed something. The next instant, all the demons watched in horror as the three sword auras began to expand at an unimaginable speed. Forty feet Fifty feet Sixty feet Until One hundred feet! Three colossal sword slashes, each a hundred feet long, loomed over the battlefield, almost blotting out the sky itself. They carried the terrifying might of splitting the heavens and parting the seas, poised to annihilate all demonic forces in their path! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 316: Your Trump Cards Are Exhausted—Time to Depart Chapter 316: Your Trump Cards Are ExhaustedTime to Depart Ao Shengs expression changed in an instant. From the gray sword energy unleashed by Qi Tian, he felt an overwhelming threat A threat of death! "How could this be Impossible." "A Divine Transformation cultivator Why do I sense an omen of death from a mere Nascent Soul stage practitioner?" Ao Sheng muttered to himself, unable to believe his own eyes. If even Ao Sheng was shaken, the reaction of the other demons was even more extreme. In that instant, they were so terrified that they didnt dare to move. The demon clans controlling the Wave-Cleaving Battle Platforms lost strength in their legs, collapsing on the spot. Some were so frightened that they fell straight into the sea with a splash. Yet, they didnt even dare to struggle in the water and simply allowed themselves to sink deeper into the depths. In contrast, the cultivators and mortals of Jade Sea City did not experience the same level of fear. After all, the sword strike was not directed at them. However, experts like Murong Yue, He Tianchou, and Mei Haihe immediately sensed how extraordinary this attack was. Too immense. Too powerful. Even though it wasnt aimed at them, the mere sight of it stung their eyes. Before their vision, the world lost all color, leaving only the towering hundred-zhang-long gray sword energy. "What exactly is Shen Mos cultivation level?" Murong Yues beautiful eyes gleamed as she gazed at Shen Mos back. A single answer surfaced in her mind. But she didnt dare to believe it. That answer was nearly impossible. Compared to Ao Sheng, Yuan Kong was slightly more perceptive. He saw the towering hundred-zhang-long gray sword energy and faintly sensed the strange power surrounding Shen Mo. His instincts reacted at once. He roared at Ao Sheng, "Dodge! He has already reached the Divine Transformation stage! You cant block this attack!" But his warning came too late. The moment the words left his mouth, the hundred-zhang sword energy was already upon them. It slashed straight at the white flood dragon hovering in the sky. Ao Shengs heart sank. He knew he had no chance to evade. Left with no other choice, he resolved to make a final stand. To block it at all costs! "Bloodline ArtGreat Dragon Transformation!" Ao Shengs scales bristled, and a surge of blood essence spurted from his mouth and nose, coating his entire body. His size began to expand as if inflated. In mere moments, he had swelled to a hundred zhang, barely matching the gray sword energy. At this moment, he was like a colossal dragon condensed from blood energy! "A Divine Transformation cultivatorso this is your true strength." "Come then! Lets see who is strongerme, the prince of the Flood Dragon Clan, or you, the newly ascended Divine Transformation cultivator!" Ao Sheng roared skyward, his furious bellow echoing across the Eastern Sea, Jade Sea City, and even the distant Dragon Snake Mountain. The next moment, the gray sword energy clashed with the blood-energy dragon. The crimson energy never had a chance to dominate. In an instant, it was crushed beneath the gray power. It only took a moment. The colors of heaven and earth vanished entirely. Only an endless expanse of gray remained. "No No! I am the second prince of the Flood Dragon Palace! You wouldnt dare kill me! You wouldnt!" Ao Shengs panicked voice rang out from the sky. The gray sword energy did not hesitate. It streaked forward in a flash. The blood-energy dragon was severed at the waist. It was cut in two, its life force extinguished on the spot. After slaying the blood-energy dragon, only one of the three gray sword energies had been expended. The remaining two slashed straight down toward the sea. Boom! One sword energy descended The sea split apart in an instant. The pitch-black ocean floor was revealed. The Wave-Cleaving Battle Platform, forged from deep-sea metal and once thought to be indestructible, shattered instantly under this strike. The remaining platforms, though spared immediate destruction, tottered and cracked apart bit by bit beneath the churning waves. The demons upon them plunged into the water one after another. The aquatic demons fared betterthey could at least swim. But the land-based demons suffered terribly. The moment they fell into the sea, they flailed helplessly like drowning fowl. And with their spirits already broken by fear, they didnt even attempt to swim One by one, they drowned. The last gray sword energy hurtled toward the largest of the Wave-Cleaving Battle Platforms Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aimed straight at the fourth prince of the Ten Thousand Demons KingdomYuan Kong! Yuan Kongs eyes widened in horror. He did not hesitate for even a moment. He immediately activated his bloodline art. Before him, a fifty-zhang-tall blood-energy giant ape materialized, wielding a towering tree as its weapon. Here''s the translation with the requested name changes: Then, he turned and ran. With a swift dive, he plunged straight into the sea. His goal was clear The Flood Dragon Palace. As long as he could escape to the Flood Dragon Palace, the King of the Eastern Sea would protect him! But before Yuan Kong could flee more than a few steps The blood-energy giant ape was slashed apart by the gray sword energy. The giant ape exploded into a mist of blood, dissipating into the sky and earth. Yet, the gray sword energy was barely weakened. It still pursued like a death god, slashing straight toward Yuan Kongs back. A chill ran down Yuan Kongs spine. He could not comprehend how Shen Mo, having just stepped into the Divine Transformation stage, could already be this powerful. This was not normal for a human cultivator! This man Could he have been possessed by a demon clan?! "Father, save me!" Yuan Kong, utterly terrified, instinctively threw out a treasure. It was a fragment of golden armor. The moment he tossed it, the fragment instantly transformed into a towering phantom clad in heavy golden armor, wielding a massive weapon. The entire figure was covered in thick golden plating, leaving only a pair of blood-red eyes exposed. The moment Shen Mo saw this phantom, he immediately recognized it The Demon Emperor Gu Ming! However, this was merely a life-saving trump card left for the prince through some secret technique. As expected The phantom of Gu Ming raised its right hand to block the incoming gray sword energy. Boom! Gray clashed with gold. The forces intertwined, collided, and quickly annihilated each other. The phantom of Gu Ming was shattered in midair. The golden armor fragment cracked apart into countless pieces. At the same time, the gray sword energy finally dissipated, having exhausted its power. The ever-present death omen that had gripped Yuan Kongs heart vanished completely at that moment. He let out a breath of relief. But he did not stop moving. Instead, he increased his speed and lunged toward the sea. "I didnt say you could run." A cold voice rang out from behind him Like a final judgment from the King of Hell. In the next instant, Shen Mo moved like a storm of wind and thunder. He crossed thousands of zhang in a single breath, appearing less than a hundred zhang behind Yuan Kong. The strongest movement technique of the Nine-Turn Pill Dao Sect Heaven-Stepping Phantom Step! Yuan Kongs eyes widened in shock. Disbelief filled his gaze. Fast. Too fast. What kind of terrifying speed was this? When had Shen Mo acquired such a terrifying movement technique? He had investigated Shen Mo thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned. He had ensured he knew everything about his enemy. Why had he never heard of this? "Your trump cards are exhausted. Its time to depart." Shen Mo looked down at Yuan Kong from above. His entire being surged with energy as a powerful blood aura erupted from his body. In his right palm, a weapon suddenly materialized Neither bone nor wood, over a zhang long A spear. Though the spear had never slain a living being, blood endlessly oozed from its tip. If one listened closely, one could hear the wails and anguished cries surrounding it. As if it had once suppressed countless infernal demons! Yuan Kong caught sight of the weapon from the corner of his eye His pupils shrank in horror. "How do you know my fathers techni" Before he could finish his sentence, Shen Mos right arm tensed, muscles coiling with explosive force as he hurled the spear. Divine Elephant Hell-Suppressing Force, First LayerSoul-Destroying, Life-Reaping Blood Spear! The blood spear was in Shen Mos grasp one moment And the next, it had already pierced straight through Yuan Kongs heart! Soul-Destroying Erasing the soul. Life-Reaping Seizing all life! With a single strike, Yuan Kongs breath vanished completely. Like a broken rag doll, he plummeted into the sea. Blood gushed in torrents from his heart. Within moments, the surrounding waters were dyed crimson, spreading for dozens of zhang in every direction! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 317: I Had Already Agreed With You That Neither Side Would Intervene Chapter 317: I Had Already Agreed With You That Neither Side Would Intervene The entire scene fell into absolute silence. Whether human or the remaining demon clans, all stood in stunned silence, unable to utter a word. D-Dead? Mei Haihes eyes were vacant with disbelief. Two demon emperors Hundreds of thousands of demon clan members Gone? He Tianchous eyes widened in shock. The strength Moer has now far surpasses my imagination, Murong Yue murmured, a sense of relief on her face. Yet alongside that relief, there was also a trace of anxiety. I must hurry and practice as well I have to catch up to Moers pace. Otherwise, I wont be able to stand by his side. Her gaze firmed with determination. In the sky above With a casual motion, Shen Mo reached out and grabbed, causing two lifeless bodies to fall into his palm. They were none other than the corpses of Ao Sheng and Yuan Kong. The body of a demon emperor was an invaluable treasure. There existed certain secret techniques that could refine them into puppets. Though the process would diminish some of their original strength, they would still retain power equivalent to that of an emperor. Furthermore, even if they were not turned into puppets, their bones alone could be extracted and refined into various spiritual artifacts. After all, the bodies of demon emperors had undergone countless refinements through the tempering of their blood essence. Every piece of flesh and bone was incomparably resilient, even superior to minerals and metals in crafting weapons. Just as Shen Mo was about to store both emperor corpses into his storage ring The surface of the sea suddenly began to boil. It was as if an ancient ruler of the ocean had been provoked into a furious rage. Put down Ao Shengs corpse. The body of any flood dragon must return to the sea. A cold voice pierced through the layers of seawater, rumbling like thunder as it exploded in the air. A chilling premonition surged through Shen Mos heart. In an instant, two evergreen trees manifested, shielding his body. Yet before the voice had even completely faded The two trees were instantly shattered into oblivion. Shen Mos expression turned incomparably cold. To possess such terrifying power with just a mere sentence The identity of the speaker was obvious. It was none other than the ruler of the Eastern SeaEastern Sea King! Although the Flood Dragon Palace resided in the Eastern Sea, the Four Sea Kings took turns overseeing and residing within it every hundred years. And as fate would have it, this century belonged to the Eastern Sea King. The moment that icy voice rang out Dark clouds rapidly gathered in the sky. Thunder rumbled, lightning crackled. It was as though an apocalyptic storm was about to descend. Far more ominous and oppressive than when Ao Sheng had appeared earlier. That voice It cant be the Eastern Sea King, can it? Murong Yues face turned pale. He Tianchou muttered under his breath, It really might be This is bad. The young sect master killed Ao Shenghe must have enraged the Eastern Sea King! Mei Haihes face was filled with fear. What do we do now? Will the Eastern Sea King attack the young sect master? He Tianchou whispered, The Eastern Sea King seems to follow certain rules. If the young sect master is willing to return Ao Shengs corpse, he may retreat. Murong Yue shook her head. Moer is not someone who submits. And the Eastern Sea King definitely wont settle for just that. Shen Mo gazed at the vast ocean, his voice cold and unyielding. I dont care about your Flood Dragon Palaces rules. I only know that this is my spoils of war. The sea suddenly fell completely still. Even as strong winds howled, the surface of the ocean did not stir in the slightest. It was as if the entire sea had died. That eerie silence lasted for only five heartbeats. Thenlike a volcanic eruptionthe ocean roared to life. It was as if an ancient beast had awakened, unleashing its boundless fury. Impudent brat! Do you even know who you are speaking to?! A deafening roar echoed from the depths of the sea. The sound was earth-shattering! Tidal waves dozens of meters high surged forth, crashing violently toward the shore. Murong Yue and the others turned pale. They quickly activated their defensive techniques to resist the unrelenting tsunami! But it was not over yet. In the next moment A monstrous wave, a hundred meters tall, emerged from the distant sea. Like a towering giant of the ocean, it loomed over Shen Mo, ready to swallow him whole! You deserve death! The enraged voice thundered. Yet Shen Mo stood firm, completely unshaken. He knewsomeone would intervene. Sure enough, in the next instant, a sigh echoed from within Jade Sea City. A streak of sword energy shot forth like a comet. In the blink of an eye, the sword aura rapidly expanded, swelling to a height of a hundred zhang. A bone-chilling cold radiated from the sword aura. In an instant, it traversed the short distance and struck the towering wave. The massive wave immediately began to freeze at a speed visible to the naked eye. It took only ten breaths. The wave was completely frozen. As if time itself had been halted. This sudden burst of icy sword energy left the people of Jade Sea City utterly shocked. When had such a powerful cultivator appeared in Jade Sea City? A white-robed elder soared into the air, standing suspended above the sea as he gazed into the vast ocean. His voice was calm and indifferent. Eastern Sea King, we had already agreed that neither side would intervene. Why have you broken our agreement? A furious roar came from the depths of the ocean. He killed Ao Sheng. That was Ao Shengs own failure, and I have nothing more to say. But he intends to take Ao Shengs corpse awaythat, I will not accept! The white-robed elder sighed softly and turned to Shen Mo. Shen Mo, my young friend, why not return Ao Shengs corpse to the Eastern Sea King? Both sides can take a step back. What do you think? The human cultivators of Jade Sea City all turned to Shen Mo. Their expressions were fascinating to behold. This white-robed elders identity was unknown, but his strength was unfathomable. He was clearly a powerful Divine Transformation cultivator. Yet even he treated Shen Mo with courtesy. He even addressed Shen Mo as Clearly, he valued Shen Mo greatly. Shen Mo shook his head firmly. Impossible. If he were to surrender his spoils of war so easily, what would that make him? You insolent brat! Today, I will erase both you and Jade Sea City from existence! The Eastern Sea King roared in fury. The entire sea trembled violently. Countless fish and shrimp perished in an instant. The next moment, an even more terrifying wave manifested from nothing. It soared to a height of five hundred zhang. The bodies of countless sea creatures were caught within it. Even shattered ships and deep-sea treasures could be seen tumbling in the raging waters. It was vast enough to blot out the sky and the sun. Crushing all thoughts of resistance. In a flash, the white-robed elder moved and positioned himself in front of Shen Mo. He raised his hand, and an unremarkable longsword appeared in his palm. Yet just this seemingly ordinary sword made Shen Mos eyes feel as if they were being torn apart. A Heaven-tier spiritual weapon? Shen Mo was slightly surprised. I have already warned you. If you insist on interfering, I will act. I wouldnt mind slaughtering some more of your dragon offspring and water demons. Im sure the Southern Sea King and the Northern Sea King would be quite pleased to see it. The white-robed elders tone was calm. Sar?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The momentum of the five-hundred-zhang wave suddenly halted. The Eastern Sea King seethed with hatred. You even brought , the national treasure of Jing Country! The white-robed elder replied evenly, Without the Tongtian Sword, how could I deter the Eastern Sea King? Suppressing his boundless fury, the Eastern Sea King growled, You can protect him for a moment, but can you protect him for a lifetime? Ji Ping, dont think I dont knowyour lifespan is running out! This unfamiliar name did not stir much reaction among most people. After all, not everyone recognized Ji Ping, the Sword Sovereign of Jing Country. But Murong Yue, He Tianchou, and other powerful cultivators had all heard of the name. Though they had suspected it before, hearing it confirmed still left them deeply shaken. So he was ! The guardian of the Jing royal family! A peak Divine Transformation sword cultivator! The strongest expert in Jing Country! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 319: How Can the Sect Prosper Among Those Who Only Care About Profit? Chapter 319: How Can the Sect Prosper Among Those Who Only Care About Profit? At this thought, Yang Qiye couldn''t help but glance at Shen Mo a few more times. He was well aware that there was a topic all four of them had tacitly avoided mentioning. That was the earth-shattering phenomenon that had occurred when someone recently advanced to the Divine Transformation Realm! Every cultivator at that level could infer that someone had likely formed a Heaven-grade Nascent Soul. However, the true identity of that person had never been revealed. Now, even a fool could understand. Shen Mo was the one who had formed a Heaven-grade Nascent Soul! Otherwise, how could he possess such terrifying combat power right after stepping into the Divine Transformation Realm? At this moment, Shen Mo spoke calmly, "The demon clans forces are likely not limited to the Eastern Army. While attacking our Jade Cauldron Sect, they must have also dispatched armies to assault Supreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect." Wan Muchun nodded. "Precisely. Our men risked their lives to bring back intelligenceSupreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect are already in complete turmoil. Many cities have been ravaged by the demon clan." "They may already be at the sect gates." Shen Mo nodded. "This is a rare opportunity. Now is the time for us to act." "The war the demon clan has ignited in Yuzhou may very well be a chance to reshape the entire region!" Yang Qiye''s heart trembled. "You mean..." Shen Mo nodded and stated calmly, "Supreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect will suffer heavy losses. The Provincial Governors Office, choosing to avoid battle, will lose the people''s trust." "At this moment, our Jade Cauldron Sect will sweep through Yuzhou, annihilate all demon clans, and take in the scattered cultivators from the other two sects." "We will become the sect revered by the masses." "When that time comes, Yuzhou will be unifiednot under the imperial court, but under our Jade Cauldron Sect!" Hearing this, Li Zhendao and Wan Muchun were both shaken to the core. Indeed! This was an excellent opportunity to reshape the power structure! They had to seize it firmly. Li Zhendao asked, "Then what do you think our next step should be?" After speaking, he realized he had lost his composure. As the sect master, he was actually asking Shen Mothe young sect masterwhat to do next. Li Zhendao chuckled wryly at himself. But it was no surprise. Shen Mos overwhelming battle recordslaying two demon clan sovereigns and hundreds of thousands of demonswas simply too astonishing. It was impossible not to respect him. Shen Mo replied calmly, "Head to the sect gates of Pill River Sect and Supreme Purity Sect and rescue the remaining cultivators." Li Zhendao immediately asked, "You just slew two demon sovereigns not long ago. Can your body handle this?" Wan Muchun also nodded. "Yes, what about your energy consumption? Dont push yourself too hard." Both of them could see that Shen Mo possessed strength far beyond their own. However, no matter how strong he was, he would still need time to recover. Shen Mo smiled and shook his head. "Its fine. Slaying two demon sovereigns and hundreds of thousands of demons didnt consume much. It only required one technique." He had just entered the Divine Transformation Realm, while Ao Sheng and Yuan Kong were newly ascended demon sovereigns. On the surface, the gap didnt seem large. But ever since embarking on the path of cultivation, every breakthrough Shen Mo achieved was the most perfect possible. Moreover, after mastering the Divine Elephant Prison-Suppressing Strength, his blood energy had already approached the level of a demon sovereign. With his spiritual power and blood energy layered together, combined with the enhancement of his Nascent Soul Domain, which amplified his power fivefold, he could easily crush even those who had reached the mid-stage of the Divine Transformation Realm and silver-crowned demon sovereigns. Fighting multiple opponents at once wasnt an issue. Unless he encountered a peak Divine Transformation expert or an extremely powerful demon sovereign like Gu Ming, he was in little danger. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright! If you say so, Im reassured!" Li Zhendao said, his face full of relief. "The closest sect to us is Pill River Sect. Let''s move immediately," Wan Muchun said gravely. "Pill River Sect doesnt have a particularly bad relationship with usthey are a good target to win over." "Precisely." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "Lets set off now. Sect Master, please guard the sect while I, the Second Elder, and the Tenth Elder head to Pill River Sect." Though Shen Mo disliked Yang Qiye, the latter was still a Divine Transformation cultivator with some strength. If he was willing to repent and work properly, it wouldnt be a bad thingat the very least, he could handle an enemy or two. But if he still planned to cause trouble in secret, Shen Mo wouldnt mind sending him straight to the underworld himself. Li Zhendao nodded slightly. "Alright, take care on the road." Six days later, at the Pill River Sect''s gate. This ancient sect, always shrouded in the rich fragrance of alchemy, was now drowned in blood and fire. Corpses of cultivators lay everywhere. But the surviving disciples had no time to clear the bodies. They were too busy defending the sect. Outside the mountain gate, blood-soaked battle banners rose high, blotting out the sky. Colossal weapons, formed entirely of condensed blood energy, rained down without pause. Each strike caused massive ripples across the sects protective array, making its light dim with every impact. This relentless assault had lasted five days and nights. When one batch of demon commanders exhausted their blood energy, another would take their place. Here is the revised translation without bold font: There was no pause at all. Thankfully, Pill River Sect was extremely wealthy. Years ago, they had spent a fortune to purchase a low-grade Heaven-tier formation to guard the sect. Moreover, they had an abundance of supreme-grade spirit stones, enough to sustain the formations operation. If they had only installed an Earth-tier formation, even if it were the highest quality, it wouldnt have lasted long. Under the demon clans relentless assault, it would have collapsed in no time. At the peak of the sect, Hai Qiankun stood commanding the defenses, his forehead drenched in sweat. While the Divine Transformation Realm elders of Pill River Sect remained intact, their loyalty was severely lacking. The moment news arrived that the demon army was advancing, half of the ten Divine Transformation elders immediately fled. The remaining ones clearly harbored fear as well. It was only a matter of time before they secretly slipped away too. If even Divine Transformation cultivators acted like this, then Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators had even less couragemany had already fled. Over the past few days, more than half of the sect''s members had disappeared. Even Xiao Fan, whom Hai Qiankun had placed high hopes ongoing so far as to entrust his own daughter to himhad vanished without a trace! Seeing all of this, Hai Qiankun felt utterly heartbroken. Not long ago, the sect had been thriving and bustling, yet now it had been reduced to this state. It was truly disheartening. Damn it! How could a sect possibly flourish when surrounded by these parasites who only cared about personal gain?! At that moment, the endless bombardment outside suddenly stopped. Hai Qiankun was startled and immediately looked toward the sects entrance. What he saw made his breath hitch A colossal elephant demon floated in mid-air, flanked by two demon sovereigns as his guards. The moment this elephant demon appeared, the blood-soaked battle banners in the sky expanded wildly. The demon soldiers suddenly seemed to have found their backbone, letting out frenzied roars and shrieks. Their blood energy surged, and their morale skyrocketed. There was no need for further explanationHai Qiankun instantly knew who this demon was. The most valued prince of Demon Sovereign Gu Ming! The most accomplished among nearly a hundred royal heirs! A being blessed with the ancient bloodline of the colossal elephant! The eldest prince of the Myriad Demon NationXiang Jue! "Pill River Sects humans, I will give you an opportunity." "Step out of your mountain gate and surrender immediatelyI will allow you to become my human slaves." Xiang Jue spoke slowly. His voice was like clashing metal, echoing across heaven and earth. It pierced into the ears of every cultivator. The disciples glanced at each other, swallowing hard. No one could deny the terrifying might of the demon clan at this moment. Even though Pill River Sect had an abundance of supreme-grade spirit stones, they couldnt endlessly sustain the grand defensive formations energy consumption. The Divine Transformation elders werent fully committed and didnt even dare to step forward to resist. At this rate, the outcome was inevitable The formation would shatter. The sect would be massacred. Rather than meeting a gruesome end with no burial place, wouldn''t it be better to surrender now and become so-called human slaves? Even if it meant a life of humiliation, at least they could stay alive. That was better than dying a meaningless death, wasnt it? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 320: Has Jade Cauldron Sect Already Fallen? Chapter 320: Has Jade Cauldron Sect Already Fallen? Hai Qiankun felt an icy chill spread through his heart upon hearing Xiang Jues words. Since Xiang Jue had said it himself, there were bound to be many who would be tempted. Sure enough. He turned to look at the Divine Transformation Realm elders beside him. They were all visibly wavering. One elder, his hair snow-white and appearance seemingly upright and righteous, suddenly stomped on the ground and shot into the sky the moment Hai Qiankun looked at him. Then, he flew straight toward Xiang Jue. "Your Highness! I have always admired the Ten Thousand Demons Nation and am willing to serve at your command!" His voice rang out impatiently. It was as if he couldn''t wait to rush to Xiang Jues side and kneel to kiss his hooves. The actions of this Divine Transformation elder were nothing less than a vicious stab to the hearts of the Pill River Sect cultivators still resisting. We are fighting to the death to defend against the demons. Yet you, a sect elder, are the first to surrender?! Hai Qiankun gritted his teeth. He had always provided these elders with generous treatment. Let them enjoy a life of luxury. And yet, this was the result. They discarded the sect like worthless trash. Outside the mountain gate, countless demons erupted into unbridled laughter. "Humans are truly pathetic!" "Willing to become slaves just to save their own lives!" "Creatures like this deserve to be swallowed by us demons! They deserve to be livestock!" Their laughter rose into the sky, forming an oppressive force that seemed to shake the very air. The Pill River Sect cultivators felt their heads throb as if some strange force was attacking their minds. Xiang Jue also let out a sinister chuckle. His gaze toward the surrendering Divine Transformation elder was cold and cruel. He did enjoy keeping human slaves. But only those who resisted fiercelythe more they struggled, the more he enjoyed it. As for those who surrendered on their own He despised them the most. Such human slaves had no value. They should be killed. The elder, however, had yet to realize the coldness in Xiang Jues eyes. He continued flying toward him at high speed, his heart filled with misplaced relief. Its fine. I surrendered before the grand formation broke. If I had waited until Xiang Jue stormed the mountain gate, I might not even have the chance to be a slave. Then A massive shadow suddenly loomed over him. It nearly blocked out the entire sky. Instinctively, he looked up. And what he saw made his soul tremble A colossal blood-red pillar was descending upon him, spanning over sixty feet in diameter! Upon closer inspection, it was no pillar at all. It was a gigantic elephant hoof! Its intricate patterns and textures were clearly visible. A deep, overwhelming fear surged through the old man''s heart. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was the omen of death! He knew, without a doubt This was an attack he could never withstand. He was doomed! "Your Highness!" the elder shrieked in terror. Xiang Jue, however, merely said coldly, "The thing I despise most is spineless cowards who surrender without a fight." "You are not worthy to be my human slave. Youre not even worthy to be livestock. You deserve only death." As his words fell, the blood-soaked elephant hoof accelerated downward. Boom! The elder was instantly smashed into the ground. His body burst apart, reduced to a splattered mess of flesh and blood. The massive hoof crashed into the earth, sending clouds of dust and debris flying. A nearby hill crumbled under the impact. The resulting shockwave struck the sects defensive formation. The protective light flickered violently, then rapidly dimmed. Then, like a fragile eggshell It shattered. Crack! Countless shimmering fragments dissolved into nothingness. The entire Pill River Sect trembled violently. Buildings swayed chaotically. Roof tiles, wooden beams, and bricks came crashing down. All around, the sect was filled with panicked cries, terrified screams, and agonized wails. Hai Qiankun was dumbfounded. Countless cultivators were shaken to their core, overwhelmed by fear. One strike. Just one strike. And a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator had been reduced to pulp! The aftershock alone had shattered the mountain gate formation! This was the power of the eldest prince of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation? Terrifying. Utterly terrifying. Though demon sovereigns and Divine Transformation cultivators were considered to be on the same level of strength, some demon sovereigns were clearly far more powerful than their human counterparts. Xiang Jue was one such sovereign. Despair took root in everyone''s hearts. The Divine Transformation elders beside Hai Qiankun were trembling, their faces deathly pale. They had lived in luxury for far too long. Despite reaching the early or mid-stage of the Divine Transformation Realm, their actual combat strength was likely no different from a newly advanced Divine Transformation cultivator. Just now, that elder had been instantly killed with a single blow. And Xiang Jue clearly despised those who surrendered willingly. It was obviousthey would all meet the same fate. A brutal death. "Charge in and slaughter every human!" Xiang Jue swung his massive trunk and let out a low growl. His words were nothing less than a death sentence for every cultivator of Pill River Sect. The morale of the demon forces soared to its peak. Meanwhile, the morale of the Pill River Sect disciples plummeted into the abyss. Faced with such an overwhelming gap in strength, no one dared to summon the courage to resist Xiang Jue. They could only await death. Hai Qiankun also gave up. At that moment, his mind was filled with scattered thoughts. "What about Supreme Purity Sect?" "They must be completely surrounded by demons as well." "But at least Xiang Jue isnt there. They might be able to hold out for a little longernot as hopeless as we are." "And Jade Cauldron Sect?" Hai Qiankun shook his head. "I heard that the Lihuo Flood Dragon had long fallen into deep slumber and would be unable to fight." "Jade Cauldron Sect has probably been breached by now." "What a pity. Shen Mo was truly a once-in-a-generation genius but in the end, he still couldn''t stop the tides of history from rolling forward." Hai Qiankun sighed deeply, accepting his fate. Beyond the Pill River Sects mountain gate, deep within the dense forest. A lone figure gazed at the sect, now engulfed in flames of war, his expression filled with emotion. "Good thing, Dan Lao, you sensed something was wrong and told me to leave ahead of time." "Otherwise, I would still be inside the sect right now and soon to become nothing more than a corpse among the ruins." Xiao Fan muttered softly, his tone filled with gratitude. A chuckle echoed in his mindDan Lao''s voice. "I merely had a feeling and guessed what the demon sovereign was planning." "I told you to leave under the pretense of carrying out a missionjust in case." "If the demons really attacked, you wouldnt be trapped inside." "And if they didnt, you could simply return unnoticed." "But it seems I was right." "Sigh All of Yuzhou will soon be trampled beneath the demons iron hooves." "After Wu Province, this is the second province to fall." Dan Lao sighed deeply. He never imagined that humans would one day become this weak. Xiao Fan let out a faint smile. "This is the fundamental weakness of Pill River Sect. Hai Qiankun used precious treasures to lure cultivators into joining, and while that did allow the sect to grow tremendously" "it also meant that their loyalty was shallow at best. When there were benefits, they all rushed forward. When there was danger, they scattered like rats." "This was inevitable." Dan Lao nodded. "Don''t linger here. Leave now. I cant conceal your presence for longeventually, that demon prince will sense you." "Alright, Im leaving now. Ill head to Longzhouthe capital of the Jing Kingdom. It should be the safest place." Xiao Fan nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly felt something. He turned his gaze toward the sky. Therefar in the distanceseveral figures were rapidly approaching Pill River Sect. "Wait those are Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators?" Xiao Fan''s expression was one of astonishment. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 321: The Joke You Traveled Thousands of Miles to Tell Is Indeed Hilarious Chapter 321: The Joke You Traveled Thousands of Miles to Tell Is Indeed Hilarious Xiao Fan was shocked. "The people of Jade Cauldron Sect have gone mad?" "They are already struggling to fend for themselves, yet they still want to come and help Pill River Sect?" Although he had yet to see who those figures were, he could already sense that they all exuded the aura of Divine Transformation cultivators. They had clearly come to save someone. Old Dan frowned deeply and suddenly said, "The one in frontdoesn''t he look a bit familiar?" Xiao Fan was taken aback. He infused spiritual power into his eyes and looked carefully. The three figures were moving at an astonishing speed and had already closed in on Pill River Sects mountain gate. Only now could Xiao Fan clearly see their faces. The two flanking figures were elderly men, whom Xiao Fan did not recognize. However, it wasnt difficult to guess. They were likely elders of Jade Cauldron Sect at the Divine Transformation stage. But the man in the middlehis face was incredibly familiar. So familiar that it had become a psychological shadow, one that he could never forget for the rest of his life. It was Shen Mo! "How could it be him?" "Why is he being escorted by two Divine Transformation elders, and why do they even seem to be deferring to him?" Xiao Fan instinctively stepped back. The psychological pressure Shen Mo brought him was overwhelming. Back at Qingxuan Sect, he had been utterly suppressed, barely able to breathe. He had thought that coming to Yuzhou, with its vast stage, would allow him to break free from that shadow. Yet, time and time again, Shen Mo still loomed over him unexpectedly. Old Dan spoke in a low voice. "He''s strongmuch stronger than before. Even the aura he unconsciously emits makes me feel a great sense of danger." Xiao Fan''s expression darkened. "Old Dan, could he have stepped into the Divine Transformation realm?" Old Dan instinctively shook his head. "Impossible. Absolutely impossible." "How old is he? How could he possibly advance to the Divine Transformation stage?" "The young sect master of my Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sect, blessed with unparalleled talent and great fortune, only managed to break through at forty." "What qualifications does Shen Mo have? Compared to you, his fortune is far inferior." Xiao Fan let out a laugh. But his laughter was more miserable than crying. "Old Dan, you always say his fortune is weaker than mine, yet he keeps encountering miraculous opportunities, his fate overflowing with fortune" "Now, I can even feel the threat of death from him" Old Dan sighed. "Let''s leave. We must not linger here. No matter what realm Shen Mo has reached or what his purpose is, this is no longer something we can interfere with." Xiao Fan hesitated for a moment, then suddenly shook his head firmly. "No, I want to see this through." Old Dan sighed again. "Alright then. I will stay and watch with you. With me protecting you, at the very least, you wont die." Xiao Fan nodded. Up in the sky, Shen Mo''s gaze casually swept over the dense forest and caught sight of a young figure. Though the face was unfamiliar, his life panel instantly revealed the person''s true identity. It was Xiao Fan. "Interesting. It seems he sensed the danger and disguised himself early, fleeing the sects mountain gate in advance." Shen Mo smiled faintly. As expected of the Child of Fortune. He always managed to escape peril before it fully descended. "Now that Ive reached the Divine Transformation realm, my personal combat power surpasses the majority of those below the Divine Transformation peak." "Is there a chance to eliminate Xiao Fan and Ye Yanthese so-called Children of Fortune?" Shen Mo pondered. Back when he slew the Ninth Prince of the Myriad Demon Nation, he had seized his fortune. His fate had already risen significantly. If he could now eliminate Xiao Fan and Ye Yan, his own fortune might ascend to the level of a Child of Fortune. "Its worth a try." Shen Mo smiled calmly and continued flying toward Pill River Sects mountain gate. Yang Qiye gazed ahead, his face involuntarily revealing fear. Especially at the sight of the colossal elephant demon. Though it hovered several thousand meters away, it felt as if it loomed directly over his head, looking down upon him. The oppressive aura alone was suffocating, enough to make someone feel as if they were being crushed to death. Wan Muchen, meanwhile, stared in shock at the shattered grand formation protecting Pill River Sects mountain gate. He had long heard that Pill River Sect had spent an astronomical sum to purchase a Heaven-tier formation from Dragon State. Many cultivators believed that the sects protective formation was impenetrable, impossible to break by human means. Unexpectedly, it had already been broken today. However, since it was shattered by the demon race, it technically still hadnt been broken by human hands At this moment, Xiang Jue also sensed an unfamiliar presence and immediately turned around. His massive eyes locked onto Shen Mo and his two companions. His gaze only lingered on Yang Qiye and Wan Muchen for a few breaths before shifting to Shen Mo. As a peerless genius, Shen Mos portrait had long been spread throughout the demon race under the advice of the Fourth Prince, Yuan Kong. Even the lowliest demon civilians had seen his likeness. Let alone Xiang Juethe First Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation. "Shen Mo, so you actually fled to Pill River Sect?" "Interesting. Are you here to seek their aid?" "If so, youre going to be disappointed. Not only will you find no reinforcements here, but youll also lose your life." Xiang Jues voice boomed like a great bell, its deep resonance echoing across the heavens and earth. At his words, the cultivators within Pill River Sect froze in shock. What? Shen Mo? Isnt that the young sect master of Jade Cauldron Sect? Why is he here? Hai Qiankun''s expression was filled with astonishment. He immediately ascended into the sky, gazing upward. "It really is Shen Mo and beside him are Yang Qiye and Wan Muchen." "Didnt many of the Divine Transformation cultivators from Jade Cauldron Sect and Supreme Purity Sect get trapped in Ironstone Valley?" "Jade Cauldron Sect should have been attacked by the demon army as well. How is he completely unharmed?" "Could it be that he came to Pill River Sect to request reinforcements?" The more Hai Qiankun thought about it, the more baffled he became. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No matter how hard he tried, he couldnt figure out how Shen Mo had escaped the encirclement of the demon race. Hearing this, Shen Mo let out an amused laugh. Seek aid from Pill River Sect? What a ridiculous notion. Shen Mo smiled. "Xiang Jue, it seems you have no idea what happened to the Ten Thousand Demon Nations Eastern Army." The demon race did have their own methods of long-distance communication, similar to transmission jade slips. They called them Blood Jade Transmitters, which had to be activated using blood energy. However, Blood Jade Transmitters were far more difficult to use and even harder to create. Only demon royalty were qualified to possess them. Back at the Eastern Sea, Shen Mo had slain Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng in a single strike, annihilating hundreds of thousands of demon troops. It was likely that neither of them had even gotten the chance to send out a message. Otherwise, there was no way Xiang Jue wouldnt know what had happened to the Eastern Army. Sure enough, at Shen Mos words, Xiang Jue frowned. His pitch-black eyes showed a hint of doubt. "Could it be that the old flood dragon awakened and killed Yuan Kong and Ao Sheng?" "No, impossible. He absolutely could not have awakened." Xiang Jue shook his head. He could think of no other possibility. Shen Mo smiled faintly. "Then allow me to satisfy your curiosity." Infusing spiritual energy into his voice, he declared loudly, "The Fourth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, Yuan Kong, the Second Prince of the Flood Dragon Palace, and the Eastern Army of the Ten Thousand Demon Nationhundreds of thousands of demon troopshave been annihilated by my Jade Cauldron Sect!" As soon as these words fell, the entire battlefield fell into a deathly silence. Even the demon army ceased their assault. For a long moment, the silence stretched. Then, suddenly, Xiang Jue burst into wild laughter. The two aged demon royals beside him also cackled in eerie amusement. The hundreds of thousands of demon troops on the ground clutched their stomachs, laughing uproariously. Their laughter boomed like thunder, shaking the very heavens. Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. Xiang Jue laughed heartily. "Shen Mo, I must admit, the joke you traveled thousands of miles to tell is truly hilarious." "I respect your talent, so Ill give you a chanceif you agree to become my personal slave, I will spare your life. What do you say?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 322: You Guessed Wrong, The One Thing I Don’t Lack Is Trump Cards Chapter 322: You Guessed Wrong, The One Thing I Don''t Lack Is Trump Cards Before Shen Mo could speak, Xiang Jue continued, "You''re different from other humans. My father himself praised you as a genius beyond compare." "The King of the South Sea also spoke highly of you, hoping the dragons of the South Sea would interact and spar with you." "I, the prince, can grant you the privilege of becoming my slave." Xiang Jue''s tone was full of arrogance, dominance, and refusal was not an option. The demon clans on the ground jeered along. "A human genius is only fit to be the prince''s slave!" "Even a peerless genius is only fit to be a dog." "Not just any human can become the prince''s slave. Just now, a cultivator in the Divine Transformation stage was rejected by the prince." Shen Mo listened to these voices, his expression calm. He didn''t care in the slightest. Xiang Jue stared at Shen Mo for a while, "Interesting, shouldn''t such words be extremely humiliating to your kind?" "You don''t seem angry at all." "Indeed, you are truly a peerless genius. Even I, the prince, can''t provoke you." Shen Mo calmly said, "I never get angry with dead people." Xiang Jue was taken aback, then burst into laughter, his long trunk curling, resembling a giant python dancing wildly in the sky. He laughed a few times, then abruptly stopped. Instead, his eyes turned extremely fierce. "It seems you''ve decided to reject my kind offer." Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent, "It should have ended long ago." Two demon clan emperors beside Xiang Jue sneered, "Prince, there''s no need for you to act. We will capture Shen Mo alive for you right now!" With that, they suddenly rushed forward. These two demon clan emperors were elephant demon emperors, the same race as the prince. However, their blood energy was somewhat depleted, indicating their lifespans were nearing an end. "If the three of you attacked together, you might have a slim chance. Now you''re just courting death." Shen Mo shook his head. Within his dantian, his primordial spirit trembled slightly, his soul power rippling out, forming an invisible field a hundred feet in size around him. In the next moment, the Redlotus Flame erupted from his scapula. In an instant, it condensed into magnificent flame wings fifty feet in length. The third move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, Fire Feather! Shen Mo pointed at the two elephant demon emperors. Endless fire feathers shot out, streaking across a hundred feet, rushing madly. The two elephant demon emperors didn''t feel much power and immediately sneered coldly. "What peerless genius? That''s all." "I really don''t understand why he came all this way to die." However, in the next moment, their pupils suddenly shrank. Because they suddenly saw the endless fire feathers start to expand wildly! Initially, they were only the size of a palm. Then, in just a few breaths, they expanded to a foot in length! A foot-long azure fire feather! Covering the entire sky! Almost blotting out the sun! The two elephant demon emperors were shocked. Hundreds of thousands of demon clans on the ground were shocked. The surviving cultivators of the Dan River Sect were even more dazed. sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. My god. What kind of realm could unleash such a terrifying martial technique? "It seems there''s an invisible force around Shen Mo... I understand, he''s at the Divine Transformation stage!" Hai Qiankun''s eyes widened. Those fire feathers couldn''t have expanded without external force. The only possibility was that Shen Mo had an invisible field around him, enhancing the fire feathers. That perfectly matched the Divine Transformation stage''s primordial spirit field! He understood. The person who developed the Heaven-grade primordial spirit recently must be Shen Mo! "My god..." Hai Qiankun murmured to himself. Regretting even more why he gave up on Qing Xuan Sect, ultimately letting Jade Cauldron Sect reap the benefits. Boom, boom, boom! The endless fire feathers collided violently with the two elephant demon emperors. The two elephant demon emperors had to burst forth their blood energy, using all their strength to resist. However, their blood energy couldn''t withstand such massive and numerous fire feathers. They could only endure nine fire feathers before their blood energy immediately dried up. They had to force out the blood energy hidden in their flesh and bones, fighting desperately. This blood energy soaked in their flesh and bones was the most important power of the demon clans. It was not easily used. Once used, the physical body would weaken. Without decades of hard cultivation, it was hard to replenish it. More fire feathers bypassed the two elephant demon emperors, plummeting straight to the ground. Boom, boom, boom! It was like meteors falling. Or like heavenly fire destroying the world. Every fire feather that fell would completely annihilate the surrounding demon clans within a radius of several feet. Hundreds of fire feathers fell, and in just a brief ten seconds, the number of demon clans was reduced from hundreds of thousands to a mere hundred thousand! And this number continued to decrease. Everywhere, there were the wails of demon clans. Everywhere, there were charred corpses of demon clans. "Die." Shen Mo pointed at the two elephant demon emperors. More fire feathers converged towards them. "No!" "Prince, save me!" The two elephant demon emperors were terrified. They instinctively called out to the prince for help. But the prince remained motionless, as if he hadn''t heard anything. Boom! The last fire feather fell. The two elephant demon emperors were directly blasted into the ground. Their charred bodies rolled a few times on the ground, then completely lost their breath. Dignified demon clan emperors, in death, were no different from dead dogs. "Dead? Two demon clan emperors, just like that?" "Just like crushing tofu, too easy." "What kind of power does Shen Mo have now... Why do I feel he''s stronger than the sect master?" The cultivators of the Dan River Sect looked at the sky, dumbfounded. Behind Shen Mo, Yang Qiye and Wan Muchun were equally shocked. Although they knew Shen Mo had killed Yuan Kong, Ao Sheng, and hundreds of thousands of demon clans on the coast of the East Sea. They had never seen Shen Mo fight. Seeing it with their own eyes now, they finally understood how powerful Shen Mo had become. Yang Qiye now felt only fear. How did Shen Mo surpass me so much in just a few years of reflection? From Shen Mo''s move just now, he realized that now, Shen Mo could kill him as easily as crushing an ant. He immediately restrained any thoughts, not daring to act rashly. The prince laughed, "Not bad, this is your strongest move, isn''t it?" "It seems the fourth brother has already died by your hand. Good, you have removed a major threat for me." Shen Mo smiled, "You do have some brains." "No wonder you didn''t help those two fools, you wanted to use them to wear me down." The prince laughed again, his two dark eyes emitting an increasingly violent gleam. "You guessed right." "When you used that fire feather, I realized this move is indeed strong, it must be the third move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique." "Instead of helping them, I''d rather let them exhaust your move." "Now, what other trump cards do you have?" The prince sneered, his whole body exuding blood energy, seemingly ready to strike a killing blow. Shen Mo laughed. Laughed happily. "You guessed wrong, the one thing I don''t lack is trump cards." The prince''s pupils contracted, "Impossible, what other trump cards do you have?" "I know, you just used the third move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique from the Jade Cauldron Sect''s library, and you also have the fourth move! But your strange fire is not enough to perform the fourth move!" "I also guessed that you have a top-tier heavenly constitution!" "I also know what cultivation methods and martial techniques you practice." "I know everything about you!" "You can''t possibly have any other trump cards!" Shen Mo smiled, "Who said I only have one strange fire?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 323: Junior Brother Xiao, Long Time No See Chapter 323: Junior Brother Xiao, Long Time No See As soon as these words were spoken. Not only Xiang Jue, but even Yang Qiye, Wan Muchun, Hai Qiankun, and others showed expressions of shock. What? Could it be that Shen Mo had a second eternal flame? Impossible! Eternal flames are divine objects of heaven and earth, extremely proud. Eternal flames are almost incompatible with each other. Even a peerless genius can only tame one eternal flame. If someone tries to forcibly tame two eternal flames, their body will become the battlefield of the two eternal flames. The final outcome would be self-immolation! Xiang Jue stared intently at Shen Mo. Trying to see something in his eyes. Unfortunately, Shen Mo''s eyes were calm as water, unfathomable. He couldn''t see anything. "I, the prince, am here, waiting for you to show a second eternal flame!" Xiang Jue gnashed his teeth, roaring. "I, the prince, don''t believe anyone can tame two eternal flames!" "You should know, even my father only tamed one eternal flame!" Shen Mo smiled, "Thank you for telling me." "In our human clan, we value reciprocation, so as a thank you, I will send you on your way." Shen Mo extended his right hand. A golden flame rose in his palm. Although it was smaller than the Red Lotus Flame. Its essence was nobler and more powerful than the Red Lotus Flame. Anyone who saw it would be compelled to worship it. Because it was like the sun on earth! During this period, Shen Mo provided the Solar Essence Flame with treasures such as Solar Essence Stone and Earthfire Millennium Marrow. The Solar Essence Flame gradually transformed from a flame to a blazing fire. Now, it was infinitely close to a blazing fire. The power it could unleash already surpassed the Red Lotus Flame! When he used the third move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique earlier, Shen Mo had exhausted the Red Lotus Flame''s power. The Red Lotus Flame had fallen into slumber. It would take two or three days to recover. So, Shen Mo needed to use the Solar Essence Flame to perform the fourth move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. Shen Mo''s spiritual power surged. His robes fluttered. Within a thousand feet radius around him, wild winds danced, and the temperature suddenly rose. The sky changed color immediately. The scorching sunlight madly illuminated the earth. As if it wanted to burn all living things to ashes. At this moment, a huge ball of light suddenly appeared in the sky. People couldn''t help but look up. Their pupils were almost completely occupied by the huge fireball. It was a meteor falling from the sky! Huge! Incomparably huge! The Solar Essence Flame in Shen Mo''s hand flew towards the sky and merged with the meteor. In an instant, the meteor became even larger. As if the angry heavens had sent down punishment! "The fourth move of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique, Fire Meteor!" Shen Mo''s eyes were cold as he pointed at Xiang Jue. Xiang Jue''s eyes widened. He immediately used his bloodline technique. A giant elephant of blood energy, roaring at the sky, immediately appeared. It was a hundred feet tall, towering and roaring at the stars. But it wasn''t enough, Xiang Jue immediately burst forth his blood energy, not sparing even the blood energy in his flesh and bones. This blood energy quickly condensed into the shape of an ancient underworld. The shadow of the ancient underworld stood with its hands behind its back, coldly looking at the sky. "Damn...damn..." Xiang Jue panted heavily. His skin was somewhat wrinkled and dry. This was a sign of overusing blood energy. "I must block it! I must escape back to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation and tell my father that Shen Mo tamed a second eternal flame!" Xiang Jue gnashed his teeth. In the next moment, the enormous fire meteor fell from the sky, passed through Shen Mo''s primordial spirit field, and struck the giant elephant of blood energy. Boom! The giant elephant of blood energy that was roaring at the stars suddenly let out a wail. In an instant, it shattered into pieces, disintegrating into countless blood energies scattered between heaven and earth. The shadow of the ancient underworld resisted the fire meteor for five seconds, but then it too shattered and dissipated without a trace. Leaving only a short sigh. With these obstacles gone, the fire meteor continued its slow and steady trajectory towards Xiang Jue. Xiang Jue was dumbfounded. He couldn''t believe that his bloodline technique and strongest martial skill couldn''t withstand Shen Mo''s attack! He, the dignified crown prince, wasn''t a match for Shen Mo, a newly ascended Divine Transformation stage cultivator! Boom! Xiang Jue''s body was slammed hard into the ground. Dust flew, and sparks burst. A huge pit appeared on the ground. At the bottom of the pit was the dying, charred body of Xiang Jue. The body of a demon emperor was incredibly resilient. Even with such terrifying damage, he didn''t die instantly, but was barely breathing. Shen Mo flashed, using the Sky Step technique, and appeared in front of Xiang Jue in an instant. Xiang Jue''s pupils contracted further, "You... you dare to kill me... my father won''t spare you..." Shen Mo smiled calmly, "If I don''t kill you, your father won''t spare me either." "Xiang Jue, your brain is nowhere near Gu Ming''s." "That''s why you are always just the crown prince, while Gu Ming rose from a lowly bloodline wolf demon to the emperor of emperors." Shen Mo pointed casually. The Yin Yang Sword shot out. Gray sword energy burst forth, directly piercing Xiang Jue''s heart. Enveloped in spiritual energy, the heart was instantly extracted without a drop of blood being lost. Shen Mo had long known that Xiang Jue possessed the bloodline of the ancient giant elephant. The Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique he cultivated required awakening the power of the giant elephant from each particle. If he could refine the giant elephant bloodline within Xiang Jue, he might accelerate his progress and awaken the power of a hundred giant elephants. Shen Mo casually collected the bodies of Xiang Jue and the two elephant demon emperors into his storage ring. The bodies of demon emperors were valuable and shouldn''t be wasted. After finishing, Shen Mo flew into the air. He looked around, seeing expressions of shock and awe. "Hai Sect Master, do you expect me to personally kill the remaining demon clans?" Shen Mo smiled slightly. Hai Qiankun suddenly woke up from his daze, "Yes, yes, Pill River Sect disciples, follow me! Kill all the demon clans and avenge our friends and family!" The disciples of Pill River Sect were greatly motivated. "Avenge! Wash away the shame!" "Kill all the demon clans!" "March to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation and seize the demon emperor''s throne!" "Uh... too much. With our current strength, we can barely make it to the Ten Thousand Demon Nation..." In the depths of the dense forest. Xiao Fan witnessed the entire scene, utterly shocked. He couldn''t believe Shen Mo had tamed a second eternal flame. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And from its essence, that eternal flame was clearly more powerful than the Red Lotus Flame. Even more terrifying, Shen Mo instantly killed the crown prince Xiang Jue, who had used all his trump cards! What kind of strength was this? Absolutely beyond his capability to resist. "He just entered the Divine Transformation stage and already has such power. If he advances further, even peak Divine Transformation stage cultivators won''t be his match?" Xiao Fan''s heart was filled with boundless fear. The shadow named "Shen Mo" almost entirely occupied his mind. Elder Dan exclaimed in shock, "He''s flying towards us. Run quickly!" Xiao Fan was startled, almost collapsing. Without hesitation, he started to run. Elder Dan didn''t hesitate to consume his soul power to accelerate Xiao Fan''s speed. However, they were still too slow. Even with Elder Dan''s assistance, their speed couldn''t compare to the Sky Step technique, a top-tier movement skill. By the time Xiao Fan realized, a figure in green stood a hundred feet ahead, back facing them, quietly standing. "Junior Brother Xiao, long time no see." Shen Mo turned around and smiled slightly. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 324: Xiao Fan, This is My Last Soul Power. Take It. Chapter 324: Xiao Fan, This is My Last Soul Power. Take It. Xiao Fan couldn''t stop trembling all over. Even though he had merged with the memories of a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator from back then. Even though he recalled his days as the hall master of the Burning Heaven Hall, commanding wind and rain. But when he encountered Shen Mo again. S~ea??h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When he met this lifelong enemy again, he instinctively felt fear. He even felt that Shen Mo was like a parasitic maggot clinging to him. No matter where he went, Shen Mo would appear there. And achieve higher accomplishments than him. Now, they met again. And this time, Shen Mo possessed an incredibly terrifying power. The gap between his strength and Shen Mo''s had reached an unimaginable extent. Even with Elder Dan''s help, he was afraid that he couldn''t survive this time. Xiao Fan had to force a smile and said, "Shen... Senior Brother Shen, long time no see." Shen Mo smiled, "Where did you go after I killed the old master of the Divine Sword Sect?" "At that time, only those who abandoned the Qing Xuan Sect chose to flee. Why did you leave?" Xiao Fan reluctantly said, "Senior Brother Shen, I just went out on a mission but was chased by powerful monsters and had to run for my life." "You should understand, right?" Shen Mo chuckled, "Understand, understand. So, what are you doing now?" "I heard that Sect Master Hai even promised his daughter to you as a Dao Companion, and you might become a couple in the future." "Why did you leave the sect when the demon army attacked the Pill River Sect?" At this moment, Xiao Fan''s smile was more difficult than crying. He had already used that excuse once, so he definitely couldn''t use it again. But he couldn''t think of a good excuse in a short time. He was silent. Whoosh, whoosh. A few figures flew to Shen Mo''s side. They were Hai Qiankun, Wan Muchun, and Yang Qiye. Hai Qiankun was overjoyed and quickly cupped his hands to Shen Mo, "Daoist friend Shen, many thanks! If you hadn''t arrived in time and killed that Xiang Jue, our Pill River Sect might have been flattened." "On behalf of all the cultivators of the Pill River Sect, I thank you!" After he finished speaking, he directly knelt on both knees and prostrated himself before Shen Mo. Both his actions and tone were filled with respect. It was evident that his gratitude towards Shen Mo came from the bottom of his heart. Shen Mo did not expect Hai Qiankun to perform such a great courtesy. He was a bit surprised and quickly helped him up. "Sect Master Hai, there is no need for such formalities." Hai Qiankun gratefully stood up. Young people are generally more spirited. Now, Shen Mo''s strength had surpassed that of the sect masters of the three sects and most of the Divine Transformation Realm elders. Shen Mo being somewhat overbearing was expected. He did not expect Shen Mo to still be the same as before. For a moment, he felt even more emotional. "Sect Master Hai, here is one of your Pill River Sect''s cultivators," Shen Mo said casually. It was only then that Hai Qiankun noticed Xiao Fan beside him. With his Divine Transformation Realm cultivation, he naturally saw through Xiao Fan''s disguise at a glance. "Xiao Fan!" "I promised my daughter to you as a Dao Companion, and when the sect needed you, you were nowhere to be found!" Hai Qiankun was furious. He pointed at Xiao Fan''s nose and scolded him. Spit was almost flying onto Xiao Fan''s face. Xiao Fan remained silent. He couldn''t say a word. His actions could be seen as selfishness in the small sense and betrayal of the sect in the larger sense. In any of the three sects in Yuzhou, such behavior was punishable by only one penalty. Death! Xiao Fan gritted his teeth and looked around at the few people. These were all Divine Transformation Realm cultivators. Shen Mo had arrived with the momentum of killing the Grand Prince of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, two elephant demon emperors, and hundreds of thousands of demon tribes. Even without speaking, it made him tremble. In this situation, can he still survive? "Elder Dan..." Xiao Fan whispered. Elder Dan sighed softly, "I still have one last card to play." "Using all my divine soul power to perform the Nine Reincarnation Technique, preserving a thread of your soul and aiding your rebirth." "The Nine Reincarnation Technique is something I comprehended on my own, aligning with heavenly secrets, but it''s not yet perfected." "Where you will ultimately be reborn, and as what, is unknown." Hope suddenly rose within Xiao Fan, "You can save me?" Elder Dan sighed lightly, "After using this technique, my divine soul will be completely shattered. The burden of revitalizing the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Sect will rest solely on you." "I hope that what I am doing today won''t be in vain." Xiao Fan solemnly said, "Rest assured, I, Xiao Fan, am a person of deep emotions and righteousness. I will never forget my promise to you today! I will definitely revive the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Sect!" "Good." Elder Dan nodded. At this moment, Wan Muchun casually said, "Since he''s a traitor of the Pill River Sect, let''s leave him to Sect Master Hai for disposal. We are outsiders and it''s not convenient for us to interfere." Hai Qiankun nodded sternly, reaching out to grab Xiao Fan. Shen Mo pondered, actually intending to kill Xiao Fan himself and seize Xiao Fan''s fortune. At this moment, he looked at Xiao Fan''s life panel. [Recent Opportunity: Today, trapped by Shen Mo and others, Xiao Fan is about to be captured by Hai Qiankun and judged as a sect traitor. Elder Dan uses all his divine soul power to perform the Nine Reincarnation Technique, preserving a thread of Xiao Fan''s soul for reincarnation. A year later, Xiao Fan is reborn in the Demon Suppression Sea, starting a new life as a demon.] Shen Mo pondered. The Nine Reincarnation Technique seems to be related to the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Canon. But Shen Mo had thoroughly read the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Canon and had never seen this special technique. It must have been created by that old man inside Xiao Fan''s body. "Rebirth... as a demon in the Demon Suppression Sea..." "I wonder if I can intercept this thread of soul. If not, perhaps I can only let Xiao Fan leave." "But if he escapes, it''s fine. Before leaving, he left me several opportunities, which isn''t bad." Shen Mo smiled slightly. There were still several opportunities on Xiao Fan. If he hadn''t been trapped by them today, he would most likely go to seek those opportunities. Now that Xiao Fan is about to be reborn, those opportunities naturally become ownerless. Shen Mo couldn''t stand to see good fortune wasted, so he reluctantly decided to take them. "Xiao Fan, by the name of sect traitor, I will capture you. Come with me." Hai Qiankun''s eyes were icy, reaching out to grab Xiao Fan''s arm. However, at this moment, Xiao Fan was as heavy as a small mountain and could not be moved no matter what. Moments later, an astounding amount of divine soul power burst from around him. Hai Qiankun''s eyes widened, "Divine Transformation Realm?!" Wan Muchun frowned, "No, it''s not Xiao Fan''s aura. There''s a divine soul hidden within his body!" Buzz! A blue phantom suddenly appeared behind Xiao Fan. It was an old face, full of anger and resentment. "You...you are..." Hai Qiankun was stunned, looking at this face and recalling something. "I am the Great Elder of the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Sect! Xiao Fan is my chosen successor, you cannot kill him!" "I will use my peak Divine Transformation Realm soul to help him escape." "Wait and see, he will definitely revive the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Sect and completely annihilate the three sects of Yuzhou!" Elder Dan roared, exploding all his divine soul power to perform the Nine Reincarnation Technique. A divine light shot from Xiao Fan''s forehead, and before anyone could react, it streaked out like lightning. It sped towards the East Sea. In an instant, it was gone. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 325: Hope Your Wool is Plentiful Enough When We Meet Again Chapter 325: Hope Your Wool is Plentiful Enough When We Meet Again Hai Qiankun exclaimed, "What kind of secret technique is that? I didn''t even have time to react before that divine light disappeared without a trace." Yang Qiye waved his hand, "Escaped, then escaped. Even if he reincarnates, he won''t amount to anything." Wan Muchun shook his head, "I didn''t expect the remnants of the Nine Reincarnation Dan Dao Sect to still think about reviving their sect. It''s truly laughable." Hai Qiankun blamed himself, "I didn''t expect someone like this to have infiltrated the Pill River Sect." Shen Mo looked thoughtfully in the direction the divine light had fled. A demon of the Demon Suppression Sea. It clearly didn''t sound human anymore. In the future, he would probably also go to the Demon Suppression Sea. Maybe he would meet Xiao Fan again. "The child of destiny, if not suppressed by me, would grow very quickly." "When we meet again, I hope your wool is plentiful enough." Shen Mo smiled and silently mouthed towards the east. "Sect Master Hai, it''s time to discuss serious matters." Shen Mo said with a smile. Hai Qiankun sighed lightly. Even if Shen Mo hadn''t mentioned it, he had guessed it. The Pill River Sect suffered heavy losses, with more than half of the Divine Transformation Realm elders fleeing. The Nascent Soul Realm elders, deacons, and disciples below them suffered countless casualties. Describing it as severely wounded would be an understatement. Now, the Jade Cauldron Sect had Shen Mo, a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator with powerful combat abilities. And the slumbering Li Fire Flood Dragon. Without thinking, he knew what would happen next. "I am willing to merge the Pill River Sect into the Jade Cauldron Sect, but I still need to discuss it with a few Divine Transformation Realm elders." Hai Qiankun gritted his teeth. Shen Mo chuckled, "Those Divine Transformation Realm elders? What are they? Do they even deserve to be part of this discussion?" "As long as Sect Master Hai is willing to merge, that''s enough." "Elder Wan, please stay here to discuss the subsequent matters." "And by the way, inform Sect Master Li of the situation here, and let him arrange it." Wan Muchun nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay, I''ll handle it right away." "Elder Yang, let''s go to the Supreme Clarity Sect''s mountain gate." Shen Mo said calmly. "Yes." Yang Qiye dared not have any disobedience, nodding repeatedly like pounding garlic. Hai Qiankun watched the two fly away, with boundless emotion rising in his eyes. He couldn''t help but say, "Elder Wan, how is your Jade Cauldron Sect so lucky to have a cultivator like Shen Mo?" Wan Muchun couldn''t help but smile, but he didn''t answer directly. Instead, he casually said, "Stop sighing, hurry up and clean the battlefield, and heal the disciples." Hai Qiankun sighed, "Alright, alright." Six days later, at the Supreme Clarity Sect''s mountain gate. The ground was filled with dense formations of demon clans. Several ironclad cloud boats lay powerless on the ground, dim and lifeless. Those were the ironclad cloud boats that had been blasted down by the demon army''s gathered blood energy. During this time, the demon army and the Supreme Clarity Sect cultivators had been locked in a long tug-of-war. However, the demon clans were numerous and high-spirited, always having the upper hand, gradually eroding the territory of the Supreme Clarity Sect. After half a month of continuous attacks, they had now broken through two of the Supreme Clarity Sect''s outer defensive formations. Only the last defensive formation remained unbroken. The bright sky was now almost covered by the blood energy reaching the heavens. In such a scene, the morale of the human cultivators could be imagined. In the distant sky, three demon emperors floated calmly. Each demon emperor was immensely huge, over fifty zhang (approximately 165 feet) tall. They exuded an overpowering and savage aura. Just meeting their gaze would instill immense fear. They only needed to float in mid-air to give the Supreme Clarity Sect cultivators immense psychological pressure. "Hold on, hold on, King Jing is almost here!" Mo Lingxiao roared, his voice echoing throughout the sect. As if fate had not abandoned them. In the distant sky, ten massive cloud boats suddenly appeared. The leading cloud boat was luxurious and resplendent, golden all over. It was the Golden Dragon Cloud Boat, a reward from Emperor Jing to King Jing! "King Jing has arrived!" A voice as loud as a great bell resounded in the sky. It immediately greatly boosted morale. Suddenly, the Golden Dragon Cloud Boat began to gather immense energy. The next moment, a dazzling white beam of light shot out, blasting towards the demon clan formations. Boom! A huge mushroom cloud rose. Many demons were killed in this strike. After the Golden Dragon Cloud Boat''s attack, the nine ironclad cloud boats behind it also began to gather energy, continuously launching attacks. Boom! Boom! Boom! The beam of light continued to strike the ground. Immediately, it tore huge gaps in the dense demon clan formations. The Supreme Clarity Sect cultivators were instantly invigorated. Mo Lingxiao also showed joy. The cloud boats were indeed powerful! sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, the ironclad cloud boats of the Supreme Clarity Sect had been severely depleted in the previous ten days of attacks. Some were heavily damaged. Some had exhausted their energy. They were already unable to fight. If the Supreme Clarity Sect had cultivators skilled in repairing ironclad cloud boats, they might have been able to hold out for another ten days to half a month. It wouldn''t have ended so miserably, with casualties everywhere. "Thank you, King Jing!" Mo Lingxiao cupped his hands towards the sky from afar. However, King Jing only glanced at him from a distance and did not respond. Mo Lingxiao''s expression changed several times, and he could only grit his teeth and endure it. He knew that the Supreme Clarity Sect had suffered great losses this time, and their overall strength was at most only thirty percent of their peak. But the combat power of the State Overseer''s Mansion was intact. As long as the demon army was repelled, it was almost certain that the Supreme Clarity Sect would be incorporated into the State Overseer''s Mansion. King Jing naturally wouldn''t give him a good face, nor did he need to show him much respect. The three demon emperors looked at the Golden Dragon Cloud Boat and the three ironclad cloud boats and smiled indifferently. "We''ve been waiting for you, finally you''ve come." "Now we can catch you all in one net and complete the task given by His Majesty the Demon Emperor, bringing a Golden Dragon Cloud Boat back for research." The leading Lion Demon Emperor sneered. The other two demon emperors also sneered. The next moment, an astonishing amount of blood energy spurted from the noses and mouths of the three demon emperors. The Lion Demon Emperor suddenly threw out a withered fruit from his bosom. The fruit looked plain and ordinary, withered and lacking water, no different from a green apple. But when it came into contact with the blood energy, it began to swell at an incredible speed. One foot, five feet, one zhang, ten zhang... up to a hundred zhang! The fruit soon became lush green and full of water. It seemed like biting into it would cause it to burst with juice. King Jing, Mo Lingxiao, and the others frowned as they looked at the fruit. They didn''t know what it was. But judging from the fanatical expressions of the three demon emperors, this seemed to be the demon clan''s trump card. "Activate the defensive formations immediately." King Jing ordered. Buzz! A blue light shield suddenly appeared, protecting the Golden Dragon Cloud Boat. The nine ironclad cloud boats behind it followed the same command. Everyone cautiously watched the strange green fruit. Beside King Jing, Wu Renyin frowned deeply. He seemed to have seen a description of this green fruit in a historical record of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. But at this critical moment, he couldn''t remember it. The next moment, crunching sounds came from inside the fruit. It was as if something was constantly devouring the flesh inside. The fruit soon became transparent. Inside, it revealed a long, wriggling figure. After devouring the flesh, it seemed to smell the abundant human blood outside, eager to break free from its confines. Crunch. The fruit skin was suddenly bitten open. A huge and hideous meat worm, two hundred zhang in length, burst out of the fruit and shot straight towards the Supreme Clarity Sect''s mountain gate! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 {please check this chapter and tell me if there are wrong character names, technique names or anything similar. i will edit it asap. } Chapter 326: Block it with all your might! Even if you die, you must block it for me! Chapter 326: Block it with all your might! Even if you die, you must block it for me! Mo Lingxiao''s pupils contracted, and he shouted sharply, "Quick, get out of the way!" The higher-level cultivators reacted, instinctively dodging. But the lower-level cultivators didn''t react at all. They could only watch helplessly as the huge insect crashed down with a bang! Boom! In an instant, soil and wood splattered, and rocks crumbled. Countless broken limbs and bodies flew in all directions. It was incredibly terrifying. What''s worse, the third defensive formation, which the Shangqing Sect prided itself on, couldn''t withstand the insect''s attack. The top-tier Earth-grade defensive formation shattered into fragments of light! Mo Lingxiao''s eyes widened. What kind of insect is this? Its physical body is that terrifying? The next moment, the giant insect twisted like a dragon. Its huge mouth opened. Inside were rows upon rows of sharp teeth. With a great inhale, a massive gravitational force suddenly emerged. Countless objects flew towards the huge mouth. The terrified screams of the cultivators followed. "Damn insect!" An elder in the Divine Transformation stage roared and suddenly launched a giant ice spike into the insect''s mouth. However, the ice spike disappeared without a trace, like a mud ox into the sea. The insect growled lowly in annoyance, and its sturdy skin suddenly opened. Many flying insects immediately flew out. These flying insects looked similar to it but had a pair of thin wings. They flew nimbly in the complex environment. In the next moment, they gathered around the Divine Transformation stage elder. They opened their mouths, emitting layers of suction. The Divine Transformation stage elder immediately found in horror that his blood and energy were being siphoned away! He had no means of countering it. Even though he killed some of the flying insects, more would come out, sucking his blood and energy! In the blink of an eye, a dignified Divine Transformation stage cultivator turned into a dry corpse and fell powerlessly. This scene caused an uproar among the Shangqing Sect cultivators and the State Governor''s Office cultivators. What kind of terrifying demon beast is this? Even the King of Jing''s expression changed slightly, "Since when did the Ten Thousand Demon Nation have such demon beasts?" At this moment, information flashed through Wu Renyin''s mind like lightning. He exclaimed, "It''s the Heavenly Silkworm Mother! The legendary terrifying demon beast!" The King of Jing was slightly surprised, "You know this creature?" Wu Renyin nodded, "The State Governor no, Lord Ji Quan collected a lot of information about the Ten Thousand Demon Nation." "The fruit is the result of the first demon emperor of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, the Qingteng Emperor." "The Heavenly Silkworm Mother is parasitic inside the fruit." "After the Qingteng Emperor''s death, only three fruits remained, each with a sleeping Heavenly Silkworm Mother inside." "Once the Heavenly Silkworm Mother awakens, it will devour everything around it, regardless of whether they are humans or demons. Therefore, during his lifetime, the Qingteng Emperor dehydrated the fruits to make them fall into dormancy." "In the past, during the founding of our Jing Kingdom, the first emperor swept across the demon tribes, driving them to the southern part of the continent. During the resistance, the demon tribes used two of the fruits, awakening two Heavenly Silkworm Mothers." "Each time, they caused great damage to our Jing Kingdom''s cultivators." "I thought the demon emperor Gu Ming would keep the third fruit as a trump card, but I didn''t expect him to use it so decisively here." Wu Renyin''s face was pale. After listening to his description, the King of Jing also turned pale. His attempt to win hearts might have been a mistake. He might even lose his life here. "Damn it!" Mo Lingxiao watched as the cultivators around him were devoured by the Heavenly Silkworm Mother, and their blood and energy were siphoned by the flying silkworms, turning them into dry corpses. He was furious. He roared, "King of Jing, attack quickly!" "I''ll give you whatever you want!" The King of Jing steadied his mind, "Order the ten cloud ships to operate at full power and attack the Heavenly Silkworm Mother!" "I don''t believe it can withstand the full power of ten cloud ships!" "Yes!" The cultivators from the State Governor''s Office immediately responded. Buzz, buzz, buzz. The formation arrays of the ten cloud ships operated at full speed, channeling energy to their tips. The tips instantly gathered dazzling energy. They shone like ten small suns. The energy condensed by the Golden Dragon Cloud Ship was even more brilliant. It was like the sun in the human world! The Heavenly Silkworm Mother sensed something unusual and couldn''t help but raise its head. It stopped devouring. It seemed to be brewing something in its mouth. The next moment, a terrifying dark green liquid surged in the Heavenly Silkworm Mother''s mouth. The three demon kings'' expressions changed slightly, and they growled, "All demons, activate your blood energy shields immediately!" The demon kings and commanders reacted quickly, instantly activating their blood energy to protect themselves. As for the lower-level demon soldiers, they had no idea what was happening and stared dumbfoundedly at the giant insect. They had long been intimidated by the Heavenly Silkworm Mother''s immense pressure and dared not move. At this moment, the dark green liquid in the Heavenly Silkworm Mother''s mouth accumulated to a point and suddenly spewed out! Splash! The dark green liquid poured down like a torrential storm. It covered hundreds of miles around the Supreme Purity Sect''s mountain gate! Wherever the green rain passed, whether it was rocky buildings or towering trees, sizzling sounds of burning immediately emerged. Then they were corroded at a terrifying speed! As for the human cultivators who were stained by the green rain, there was no need to elaborate. They screamed in agony. They wished they could chop off the parts that were stained directly. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In just ten breaths'' time, many Supreme Purity Sect cultivators died as a result. They fell to the ground, turning into scattered limbs and bodies. Their remaining blood energy was sucked dry by the flying silkworms. The Supreme Purity Sect cultivators suffered heavy casualties. The demon army didn''t fare any better. Lower-level demon soldiers almost instantly died. As for the demon commanders, even with blood energy shields, they screamed in pain, and the stained parts were corroded madly. Only the demon kings could completely resist this corrosion. As for most of the dark green liquid, it pressed down on the ten cloud ships. Even before it fell, the King of Jing and other cultivators could smell the foul stench it emitted! The King of Jing''s expression changed dramatically. Too fast! The cloud ships'' strongest attacks hadn''t even finished gathering. The Heavenly Silkworm Mother''s attack had already arrived. "Block it, block it with all your might, even if you die, you must block it for me!" The King of Jing roared, but his body instinctively retreated. Bang, bang, bang! Huge dark green liquid blobs hit the cloud ships'' surfaces and were immediately blocked by the formation shields. But the formation shields dimmed instantly and shook violently after just withstanding the first wave of attacks. The top-grade spirit stones within the formations quickly turned pale and even shattered. Before the cultivators could replace the spirit stones. The second wave of attacks had already arrived. Boom, boom, boom! The formation shields couldn''t withstand it. They disintegrated into fragments of light. The State Governor''s Office''s cultivators were exposed to the dark green liquid. "Ah!" Screams echoed continuously. The lower-level cultivators, even if touched by just a drop or two, writhed in pain until death. The ironclad cloud ships, the culmination of formation techniques, couldn''t resist such fierce attacks. The decks were constantly corroded, and the formations were continuously destroyed. Boom. The first ironclad cloud ship could no longer bear the burden and plummeted straight to the ground. Then the second, the third, the fourth In the end, only the rusted, battered Golden Dragon Cloud Ship barely floated in the sky. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 327: A Single Step into the Divine Transformation Realm, the World Shaken in an Instant Chapter 327: A Single Step into the Divine Transformation Realm, the World Shaken in an Instant King Jing''s expression changed drastically. He deeply regretted his decision. He wished he could immediately steer the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel and flee to the ends of the earth. As a noble prince, how could he possibly fall into the hands of the demon race? "What should I do... Is there any way out of this?" "Wu Renyin, you recognized this creature as the Devourer Silkworm Mother. Do you know how to deal with it?" King Jing''s face was filled with anxiety. He had lived a life of luxury, lacking experience and tempering. Handling ordinary matters was one thing, but when faced with a situation that directly threatened his life, he found himself utterly flustered. Wu Renyin shook his head. "There is no way." "Once the Devourer Silkworm Mother is awakened, it will go on a rampage, devouring everything around it until it dies from overconsumption." "As far as I know, even the demon race has no means to control it." "But judging by the expressions of those three demon sovereigns, they dont seem the least bit worried that the Devourer Silkworm Mother will eventually turn on them" "Damn it, damn it, damn it!" King Jing gritted his teeth in fury. On the ground, Mo Lingxiao was equally desperate. He had never imagined that the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel and the Ironclad Cloud Vessel would be so effortlessly destroyed by the Devourer Silkworm Mother. That so-called culmination of array formations had crumbled like tofu, utterly defenseless. Was the Ironclad Cloud Vessel simply too weak, or was the Devourer Silkworm Mother just too powerful? Mo Lingxiao had no answer. He knew his death was imminent. "If my Supreme Purity Sect has suffered such a devastating assault, then the Pill River Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sect must have fared even worse." "The three great sects of Yuzhou, locked in endless disputes, now stand on the brink of annihilation How ironic, truly laughable" Mo Lingxiao looked up to the sky and wept. He hated! He hated his own shortsightedness, for failing to see through Gu Mings insidious plot. He hated himself for focusing only on immediate gains, allowing resentment to fester between his sect and the Jade Cauldron Sect. He hated himself for overestimating King Jings abilities and underestimating Emperor Jings cold-hearted indifference. If he were given another chance, he would abandon all past grudges, unite the three sects, and fight the demon race together! At that moment, two streaks of light suddenly appeared on the distant horizon, racing toward the Supreme Purity Sects gates. A mighty Divine Transformation aura swept out in all directions without pause. The ongoing battle came to a sudden halt as all three warring factions took notice. The three demon sovereigns, Mo Lingxiao, King Jing, and the others instinctively turned their gaze to the sky. There, they saw a young figure. Clad in azure robes, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, his expression was resolute and unwavering. Amidst the blood-soaked sky, he stood without fear. It was none other than the Jade Cauldron Sects young sect masterShen Mo! "Him? Why is he at the Supreme Purity Sect?" Mo Lingxiao was dumbfounded. He never expected Shen Mo to still be alive. His first thought was that Shen Mo had come to seek aid. After all, what other reason could there be? King Jing and Wu Renyin were also stunned. They, too, recognized Shen Mo but could not fathom his presence here. Even sensing the Divine Transformation aura radiating from him, their immediate reaction remained the samewas he not simply rushing to his death? The three demon sovereigns also froze at the sight of Shen Mo. "Shen Mo? The young sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect? Shouldnt he be holding off the eastern army led by the Fourth Prince?" "Did he break through the encirclement and flee to the Supreme Purity Sect for reinforcements?" "Thats absolutely ridiculous. Hes not here for aidhes here to die!" The three demon sovereigns burst into laughter. If they could capture Shen Mo alive and present him to Gu Ming, that would be a grand achievement! After all, Shen Mo was someone Gu Ming himself had repeatedly praised as a supreme human genius! Even the Devourer Silkworm Mother, which had been greedily feasting, suddenly halted and turned its gaze toward Shen Mo. As if sensing an even more delectable feast. Yang Qiye stared at the Devourer Silkworm Mother in horror. "What what kind of monster is that?" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "The Devourer Silkworm Mother. This should be the last one." "I never expected Gu Ming to be so determined to ensure the success of his three-pronged assault. He even unleashed something like this." He sighed inwardly. Gu Ming had truly planned everything meticulously. His invasion of the Jade Cauldron Sect, the Supreme Purity Sect, and the Pill River Secteach of the three demon armies had been guaranteed absolute success. However, Gu Ming could never have expected that Shen Mo would become the greatest variable of all. A single step into the Divine Transformation Realm In an instant, the world was shaken! "Young Sect Master, that thing looks terrifying Can you handle it?" Yang Qiye asked cautiously. Shen Mo did not answer. Instead, he advanced calmly. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not even the terrifying appearance and massive body of the Devourer Silkworm Mother could instill fear in him. Before the three demon sovereigns could speak, the Devourer Silkworm Mother suddenly abandoned its feast and lunged straight at Shen Mo! But in doing so, the demon army suffered a catastrophic fate. The demon soldiers on the ground had no time to react before the colossal, two-hundred-zhang-long body of the Devourer Silkworm Mother barreled forward. Except for the demon kings and a handful of the strongest demon commanders, any demon who stood in its path was instantly crushed into pulp. The demon army had already lost half its forces under the bombardment of ten cloud ships. Now, even more were slaughtered. Only around twenty to thirty thousand demons remained. All of them were stricken with terror, unwilling to fight any longer. One by one, they fled toward the forests flanking the battlefield. They were willing to die in combat. They were willing to fight for the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. But they were not willing to die so meaninglessly. Even the three demon sovereigns struggled to control their panicked troops, helpless as they scattered in fear. "Good timing." Shen Mo''s expression remained as calm as still water. His Primordial Spirit Domain expanded in an instant. However Before he could even unleash his techniques, the Devourer Silkworm Mothers speed suddenly accelerated to its peak. With its massive jaws wide open, it lunged And in one gulp, swallowed Shen Mo whole! Its razor-sharp teeth nearly grazed Yang Qiyes nose as it passed. The overwhelming presence of the monstrous beast left Yang Qiyes legs weak with fear. "Shen Mo Shen Mo is dead?" he gasped in disbelief. The three demon sovereigns froze for a momentthen burst into wild laughter. "Hah! And here I thought this so-called peerless genius would at least put up some resistance, but he was swallowed in a single bite by the Devourer Silkworm Mother!" "Absolutely ridiculous! Hilarious!" King Jing and Mo Lingxiao had still been holding onto a shred of hope, expecting some kind of miracle. But seeing this, their hearts sank into despair. However After swallowing Shen Mo, the Devourer Silkworm Mother suddenly showed signs of agony. It was as if something inside was tearing through its flesh. Even through its thick, chitinous hide, faint bursts of light could be seen surging within! A few moments later A scorching pillar of fire erupted from the Devourer Silkworm Mothers back, blasting straight through its body! Dark green insect fluids splattered in all directions. Massive chunks of flesh rained down from the sky, crushing and poisoning many of the remaining demon soldiers below. And amidst the carnage, a strange figure emerged before the stunned crowd. It was still Shen Mo. However, he was now clad in a half-body suit of crimson armor. His head, chest, and right arm were encased in a seamless layer of fiery-red plating. The rest of his body, though not covered in armor, was surrounded by a blazing red glow A barrier that had shielded him from the corrosive stomach acids of the Devourer Silkworm Mother. "If I had attacked from the outside, it might have taken some effort." "But you swallowing me That was your biggest mistake." Shen Mos gaze remained calm as he looked at the Devourer Silkworm Mother, whose tiny eyes now reflected pure terror. Without hesitation, he dove straight into the gaping wound he had just created! Boom! Boom! Boom! Blazing pillars of fire erupted once again inside the Devourer Silkworm Mother, tearing through its massive body in an unstoppable rampage! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 328: Now, We Can Finally Talk Normally, King Jing Chapter 328: Now, We Can Finally Talk Normally, King Jing Outside the gates of the Supreme Purity Sect, the wretched screams of the Devourer Silkworm Mother echoed between heaven and earth. Its cry was sharp and piercing. Even with ears covered, it felt like countless needles stabbing into the mind. The weaker disciples clutched their heads in agony, writhing on the ground. Mo Lingxiao and the Supreme Purity Sect cultivators at the Divine Transformation Realm and above had no choice but to unleash their spiritual power to shield their disciples from the sound. The human cultivators could still protect themselves. But the mighty demons had no such mercy for their weaker kin. The greatest strength of the demon race was their sheer numbers and rapid reproduction. If one batch perished, more demon fodder would take their place. The demon kings could barely withstand this mind-piercing sonic assault. But below them, including most of the demon commanders, blood gushed from all seven orifices of their faces in excruciating pain. As for the lower-ranked demon generals and soldiers, their skulls simply burst apart, their headless corpses crashing heavily to the ground. In this single wave of devastation, the demon army was all but annihilated. Only the three demon sovereigns, a dozen demon kings, and a handful of high-bloodline, powerful demon commanders remained. All three factions had their gazes locked on the writhing Devourer Silkworm Mother. The three demon sovereigns only knew how to awaken the creature But now, they had no idea how to deal with this situation. Moreover, the Devourer Silkworm Mother was thrashing violently. With each convulsion, it was like a dragon awakening from slumber. One careless move, and they might get caught in its rampage. None of them dared to approach. As for the cultivators of the Supreme Purity Sect and the State Governor''s Office, their eyes remained fixed on the raging firelight flickering from within the beasts body. Hope blazed within their hearts. A low, droning hum filled the air. Inside the Devourer Silkworm Mother, the firelight gathered madly, growing ever brighter. It was like a miniature sun forming within its body. At its peak The energy of this small sun reached its absolute limit. Then, it exploded! Boom! The Devourer Silkworm Mother was instantly torn apart into countless pieces of flesh and viscera. Dark green insect fluids shot out in all directions, splattering everywhere. The demon kings let out strange cries, scrambling backward. But some were not so lucky Those struck by the putrid fluids found their bodies corroded on contact, their flesh dissolving into an unsightly mess. Even the three demon sovereigns were drenched in the foul green blood. However, their powerful blood essence surged outward, instantly evaporating the corrosive liquid before it could cause harm. They stared in shock at the sky, where the remnants of the Devourer Silkworm Mother rained down. Where was Shen Mo? Before they could find an answer, a sharp, thunderous sound echoed through the air. And the next moment, a calm voice spoke from right behind them "Looking for me?" The three demon sovereigns'' eyes widened in disbelief. They instinctively turned to strike But Shen Mo had already launched his attack. sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His left hand formed a fist, his right hand an open palm. In his left, the Heavenly Flame of Creation blazed fiercely. In his right, the Solar Essence Flame erupted. With ruthless force, he struck forward. The raging otherworldly flames howled through the air. In an instant, the three demon sovereigns were engulfed. Having spent much of their blood essence to awaken the Devourer Silkworm Mother, they had not yet fully recovered. Now, facing such a devastating, point-blank attack, they had no means of countering it. Surrounded by the inferno, their only option was to unleash their bloodline arts in a desperate bid for survival. However The moment their bloodline arts manifested, forming enormous projections of blood energy They were instantly incinerated by the raging flames. They had no chance to resist! "Die!" Shen Mo raised his right hand and clenched his fist. The red and golden flames converged rapidly, pulling inward. "Ahh!" Three agonized screams pierced the air. Three charred corpses plummeted from the sky, lifeless. The cultivators of the Supreme Purity Sect and the State Governors Office were left speechless! Mo Lingxiao, King Jing, and Wu Renyin were utterly shaken! None of them had imagined That Shen Mo had already reached such an overwhelming level of power. First, he had burrowed into the Devourer Silkworm Mother and obliterated it from within. And with a single strike, he slew the three demon sovereigns! Did he possess limitless spiritual power? How could he withstand such an overwhelming expenditure of energy? Whoosh. With a flicker, Shen Mo appeared atop the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel. "King Jing, its been a while." Shen Mos expression was calm. The aura of a Divine Transformation cultivator radiated from him without restraint, surging in all directions. Moreover, he had just slain the Devourer Silkworm Mother and three demon sovereigns. His presence alone carried lingering dominance. Even if he wasnt actively unleashing his Divine Transformation aura, it was enough to make peoples legs go weak with fear. King Jings face turned deathly pale. What was happening? One moment, this man had been hundreds of zhang away. The next, he was standing right before him. Did this not mean that killing him would take no more than a flick of a finger? Wu Renyins face was just as bloodless. Yet, he still fulfilled his duty as a bodyguard. Gripping his weapon tightly, he stepped in front of King Jing. "Please step back," Wu Renyin gritted his teeth, bearing the full force of Shen Mos unrestrained Divine Transformation aura. The pressure Shen Mo exuded was like a waterfall weighing thousands of tons, relentlessly crashing down on his body. As though it sought to strip the flesh and skin from his bones To reduce him to nothing but a stark-white skeleton. "A full realm of difference in power, yet you still dare to stand and protect your lord. Admirable courage." Shen Mos voice remained indifferent as he casually waved his hand. Wu Renyin was sent flying like a ragdoll. He was nothing more than a flimsy puppet in Shen Mos grasp. He was flung hundreds of zhang away, crashing into the dense forest below. Whoosh! Whoosh! Two Divine Transformation cultivators instantly positioned themselves beside King Jing, gritting their teeth as they glared at Shen Mo. These were King Jings most powerful guards. They normally remained hidden, only revealing themselves in dire situations. "Two mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivators. You are no match for me." Shen Mo shook his head. The Divine Transformation cultivator on the left clenched his jaw. "What kind of monster are you? You just stepped into the Divine Transformation Realm, yet you wield such terrifying strength! Have you been possessed by a demon?!" Shen Mo chuckled. "With your limited knowledge, I suppose possession is the only explanation you can think of." "Attack together! We cant let him harm King Jing!" the right-side Divine Transformation cultivator roared. Both of them lunged at the same time. Their Primordial Spirit Domains unfolded simultaneously. The cultivator on the left summoned a domain of flowing water, transforming all incoming attacks into water-based constructs that surged toward Shen Mo. The cultivator on the right enveloped the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel in a thick black mist. His own figure dissolved into the haze, vanishing without a trace. "This is the first time Ive seen the Primordial Spirit Domains of other Divine Transformation cultivators." "Interesting But completely useless." Shen Mo shook his head. Against absolute power, all flashy techniques were nothing more than meaningless displays. He, too, unfolded his Primordial Spirit Domain. His Twin Extremities Sword soared into the air, unleashing a torrential surge of gray sword energy, covering all directions. "Ahh!" A pained scream echoed. The black mist instantly dissipated. The right-side Divine Transformation cultivator was flung backward, a long, deep gash carved into his chest, nearly exposing his internal organs. Shen Mo raised his fist and struck again. The Red Lotus Flame erupted in an overwhelming surge. The water constructs within the left-side cultivators domain instantly evaporated into steam, dispersing into the sky. The left-side Divine Transformation cultivators eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, the Red Lotus Flame struck him in the chest. His entire front was instantly charred black, his injuries horrific and irreversible. Clearly, he was no longer fit to fight. Watching the two Divine Transformation cultivators collapse in mere moments The other cultivators from the State Governors Office didnt even dare to step forward. Overcome with fear, they dropped to their knees, trembling. Shen Mo took a step forward, his gaze settling upon the young prince. "Now, we can finally have a proper conversation, King Jing." He smiled slightly. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 329: Don’t Say You Dare Not Refuse Me—Even the Emperor Doesn’t Dare Chapter 329: Don''t Say You Dare Not Refuse MeEven the Emperor Doesn''t Dare King Jing wanted to laugh. But his smile was uglier than crying. "Shen Mo Daoist Shen, what exactly are you trying to do?" "Do you realize that opposing me means opposing His Majesty Emperor Jiang and the entire Jing Kingdom?" His voice carried forced authority, but there was fear beneath it. Shen Mo chuckled. "I dont like being threatened. Youd best not try that." "Besides, youre not even qualified to be my enemy. As for your claim that opposing you means opposing the entire Jing Kingdom you are not the emperor." King Jing clenched his teeth but said nothing more. Shen Mo turned toward the gates of Supreme Purity Sect and called out loudly, "Sect Master Mo, no need to keep watching. Come up and speak." In an instant, countless eyes turned toward Mo Lingxiao. Mo Lingxiao sighed softly before stepping onto the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel, standing face to face with Shen Mo. He already had a vague idea of what Shen Mo was going to say. Shen Mo spoke calmly, "Ill make it simple. Including this front, all three of the demon armies have been completely annihilated." Both Mo Lingxiao and King Jing froze, their faces filled with shock. "Completely annihilated?!" They exchanged bewildered glances. This was beyond belief. Shen Mo remained indifferent. "I''m just here to inform you. From now on, Supreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect will be merged into Jade Cauldron Sect. The Yuzhou Governor''s Office will remain, but the governor will be the Sect Master of Jade Cauldron Sect. As for you, King Jingyou may return to where you came from." After these words, Mo Lingxiao and King Jing fell silent, struggling to process what they had just heard. Mo Lingxiao did not speak first. His stance was irrelevantwhat mattered was King Jings reaction. King Jing took a deep breath. "Shen Mo, do you even understand what you''re saying?" "My imperial brother has spent twenty years carefully planning to bring the kingdom''s sects under complete control." "The first step is to eliminate the fragmented rule of sects in Yuzhou and bring the entire province under the imperial court." "But now, you say that Jade Cauldron Sect will absorb Supreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect, and you tell me to leave?" "What exactly are you trying to do?" His eyes locked onto Shen Mo, searching for an answer. He didnt dare agree. He had no idea how the Emperor would react if he accepted this. Shen Mo replied nonchalantly, "Jing Kingdom consists of nine provinces. Except for Wu Province, which lacks sects, the other seven provinces already have a dominant major sect." "What those seven sects are doingI am doing the same." From Emperor Jiangs perspective, he wanted all sects to bow before him and rule the kingdom unchallenged. That was natural. From Shen Mos perspective, he needed to ensure his own security. Thus, he had to unite the three sects and solidify Yuzhou, making Jade Cauldron Sect an equal power to those seven great sectsand, in turn, stand against the Emperor. Neither side was right or wrong. It all depended on perspective. "What if I refuse?" King Jings voice was tight, his jaw clenched. Even his breath carried a chill. Shen Mos eyes grew cold. "When the Demon Nation launched its invasion, why did the Yuzhou Governor''s Office fail to immediately send reinforcements?" "Why did they allow Yuzhou''s people to suffer?" "Why did they wait until Supreme Purity Sect was on the brink of destruction before showing up at a leisurely pace?" "Do you and Emperor Jiang think I can''t see your intentions? Do you think the people of Yuzhou are blind?" "Meanwhile, Jade Cauldron Sect and I personally stood against the demons! We are the heroesthe ones who saved this land!" "Don''t say you dont dare refuse me Even Emperor Jiang himself wouldnt dare refuse me!" By the time he finished speaking, his gaze was ice-cold. If King Jing dared to reject him, Shen Mo would kill him on the spot. That deadly aura was so intense that even Mo Lingxiao felt a chill run down his spine. King Jing shuddered. He was merely at the Nascent Soul stage. He had lived a luxurious life, always enjoying comfort and privilege. Moments ago, he could still rely on his royal status and invoke the Emperors name to suppress Shen Mo. But now, with Shen Mo revealing his fangs, he immediately lost all composure. "I I will report this to my imperial brother." King Jing stared deeply at Shen Mo before speaking. Shen Mo smiled. The killing intent vanished instantlyas if it had never been there. "Sect Master Mo, you may disembark. The King is leaving." Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo said with a lighthearted chuckle. "Ah yes, yes." Mo Lingxiao could only nod along. As soon as the two disembarked, the Golden Dragon Cloud Vessel sped away at its fastest possible speed. As if Shen Mo were some kind of peerless beast. Of course, the vessel was already riddled with holes. Even though it was pushing itself to its absolute limit, it was still painfully slow. On the ground, Mo Lingxiao cupped his hands toward Shen Mo and bowed deeply. "Daoist Shen, from today onward, Supreme Purity Sect will be merged into Jade Cauldron Sect. I, Mo Lingxiao, swear upon my Nascent Soul that I will remain loyal and harbor no treachery." Shen Mo gave a slight nod. Swearing upon one''s Nascent Soul was a solemn and binding oath. Breaking such an oath would halt one''s cultivation entirely. Though there were secret methods to bypass it, they were exceedingly difficult to practice and would significantly shorten one''s lifespan. No one would take such risks unless absolutely desperate. Clearly, Mo Lingxiao had seen the vast difference in power between them and dared not harbor any disloyalty. "Elder Yang, you will remain here to help Supreme Purity Sect clean up the battlefield and handle the sect''s integration matters." Shen Mo spoke calmly. "Yes, yes, of course!" Yang Qiye nodded so vigorously that it looked like he was pounding garlic, afraid that any delay might anger Shen Mo. "Sect Master Mo, come with me." Shen Mo said. "Where are we going?" Mo Lingxiao felt a tightness in his chest. His strength was clearly inferior to Shen Mo''s. Hearing such words, immense pressure instantly settled upon him. Shen Mo replied, "To Ironstone Valley." "There are still quite a few Divine Transformation cultivators from both sects trapped there." "After such a great battle, Yuzhou is already in ruinsthere is no need for further bloodshed." "Besides, I have no patience for long-winded explanations." Mo Lingxiao let out a sigh of relief. So it was just that. Nearly scared me to death. But deep down, he couldn''t help muttering to himself. You have no patience to explain, so you want me to do it? I am still a sect master, you know Well, not for much longer. Might as well accept my fate. Several days later, they arrived at Ironstone Valley. The Blood Fiend Chaos Formation was incredibly difficult to break. So Shen Mo simply blasted it apart with brute force. As for the traitors within, he left none alive. The freed cultivators still had bloodshot eyes, their hearts filled with murderous intentso Shen Mo simply knocked them unconscious. Nascent Soul cultivators were barely able to resist the killing auras control, and after much persuasion from Mo Lingxiao, they finally accepted reality. But after this battle, Ironstone Valley was littered with corpses. The remains of both Supreme Purity Sect and Jade Cauldron Sect disciples lay everywhereit was a ghastly sight. "You may return. If anything comes up, find Li Zhendao at Jade Cauldron Sect." Shen Mo said to Mo Lingxiao, his tone indifferent. Mo Lingxiao nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, I understand." The cultivators who had gradually regained control over their minds watched in shock. The mighty Sect Master of Supreme Purity Sect, standing before Shen Mo, was acting so humble. Anyone who didnt know better would think Shen Mo was a legendary Divine Palace Realm expert. As Shen Mo and the Jade Cauldron Sect cultivators disappeared into the horizon, Mo Lingxiao let out a bitter laugh. "Let''s go. Once we return, I''ll explain everything." "Even if you dont believe it I myself still feel like Im dreaming." In the dense forest outside Supreme Purity Sect, Wu Renyin struggled to stand. He gazed at the empty sky and let out a self-mocking laugh. "Loyalty and devotion, yet my lord abandoned me." "Instead of wasting my life serving the court, I might as well head to Wu Provinceperhaps I can save a few more innocent lives" With staggering steps, he turned southward, heading toward the land of exiles. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 330: Why Didn’t You Die in Yuzhou? Why Did You Return Alive? Jade Cauldron Sect, Grand Hall. Li Zhendao sat at the head of the hall, with the Grand Elder, Third Elder, and Eighth Elder occupying their respective seats. Aside from Li Zhendao, the other three were covered in injuries, but despite this, their conversation was filled with joy. "Sect Master, no matter how I think about it, I still cant believe it. The Young Sect Master has just stepped into the Divine Transformation Realm, yet he already possesses such overwhelming strength. When you told me about everything that happened, I kept feeling like I was still in a dream." The Third Elder sighed deeply. "Youre not alone. Even I feel like Im dreaming." Li Zhendao chuckled at himself. "A dream of uniting Yuzhou." The Grand Elder laughed. "As of now, our sect is undoubtedly the strongest force in Yuzhou." The Eighth Elder nodded repeatedly. "The Tenth Elder has already sent wordPill River Sect has only Hai Qiankun and two Divine Transformation Elders left." "The Second Elder also sent newsSupreme Purity Sect has only Mo Lingxiao and three Divine Transformation Elders remaining." Li Zhendaos eyes gleamed with excitement. "Meanwhile, our Jade Cauldron Sect still has five Divine Transformation cultivators!" "Not only do we have the Young Sect Master, who possesses unparalleled strength despite just stepping into Divine Transformation, but we also have our guardian''s hidden trump card!" Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Grand Elder, Third Elder, and Eighth Elder were all thrilled. The three major sects of Yuzhou had been entangled for far too long. Sometimes they fought. Sometimes they cooperated. But never before had there been such an overwhelming disparity in power. Now, for the first time in a thousand years, Yuzhou was on the verge of unification! Each of them shared the same thought. All of this was possible because of Shen Mo! Tap. Footsteps echoed through the hall. Shen Mo strode in with a confident, steady pace. He smiled. "Apologies for being late." After rescuing the Third Elder, Eighth Elder, and the other Jade Cauldron Sect disciples from Ironstone Valley, Shen Mo had immediately returned to the sect, but he had taken a brief moment to assess his gains before arriving. That had delayed him slightly. "No worries at all! Waiting for you is only natural." Li Zhendao laughed heartily. "Exactly! You''re the one who did all the work, while we barely lifted a finger." The Grand Elder looked at the young Shen Mo with deep admiration. Shen Mo nodded. "In that case, lets discuss the next steps." "I wont be giving opinionsspeak freely." With that, he took his seat. Li Zhendao and the other three elders nodded vigorously. Shen Mo had originally not planned to attend this meeting. But Li Zhendao and the elders insisted on his presence. Even if he didnt contribute to the discussion, he had to listen from start to finish. This wasnt like the passive observation of the past. Shen Mos status had completely changed. At this point, even if Shen Mo wanted to take the position of Sect Master, Li Zhendao would step down without hesitation. Yuzhous current situation was almost entirely Shen Mos doing. With so many crucial topics at handthe merging of the three sects, diplomacy with the Seven Great Sects, resistance against Jing Kingdom, and dealing with the Demon Nationthey needed Shen Mo to be present. Only then could they discuss matters without worry. If Shen Mo disagreed with any decision they made, it could spell disaster for them. That was a risk they could not afford. The heated discussion began. When Divine Transformation cultivators spoke at full speed, their communication was incredibly fast. Glances, words, gestureseverything blurred into a rapid exchange of ideas. If a Nascent Soul cultivator were here, they wouldnt even be able to keep up with the conversation, let alone participate. Shen Mo sat calmly to the side, effortlessly splitting his focus Listening to their debate while continuing to examine his recent spoils. His storage ring was already filled with all kinds of treasures. First and foremost were the corpses of various demon clan sovereigns. There were now ten such bodies in total. Whether for forging spiritual weapons or using secret arts to refine puppets, they were top-tier materials. Next was a fragment of the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique, found within Crown Prince Xiang Jues storage shell. This fragment contained the method for cultivating the fourth layer. Then, there was the ancient giant elephants blood within Xiang Jues body. There was only a small vial, but it should be enough for Shen Mo to awaken the strength of one hundred giant elephants and master the Immovable Saint King''s Physique. Finally, there was an assortment of rare spiritual treasures. Xiang Jue, Yuan Kong, and Ao Shengeach of them had amassed vast collections of heavenly materials within their storage shells. Though the individual quality of these materials was mediocre, their sheer quantity was staggeringpiling up like mountains. For example, Blood God Flowers, which only grew deep within the Demon Nation, were known for accelerating the refinement of blood energy. Xiang Jues storage shell contained three thousand of them. As for Blood God Wine, brewed from these flowers and refined to the highest grade of Earth-Tier, there were three full vats. These were likely Xiang Jues private reserve. Now, they belonged to Shen Mo. Another rare material, Coral Gold, only found in the deepest parts of the ocean, could greatly enhance the growth of aquatic demon beasts. Ao Shengs storage shell contained two thousand jin of it. Of course, this was of no use to Shen Mo, but it could fetch a high price in trade. There were plenty of cultivators willing to pay handsomely to use it for nurturing their own spirit beasts. Besides these, Shen Mo had also memorized the hidden fortunes left behind by Xiang Jue, Yuan Kong, Ao Sheng, and Xiao Fan. There were six in total. Each of these opportunities was concealed somewhere in Yuzhou, Wuzhou, the Eastern Seas, or the Demon Nation, waiting for a fated person to discover them. But as someone who adhered to the philosophy of diligence and frugality, Shen Mo couldnt let such treasures go to waste. Thus, he could only reluctantly accept them one by one. However, because these fortunes were spread out over vast distances, some of them would only manifest at specific times. It was impossible to claim them all at oncehe would have to collect them gradually. That wasnt a concern, though. With his current strength, unless ancient beings like Gu Ming or the Sword Sovereign personally intervened, no one could stand in his way. "First, Ill refine the Ancient Giant Elephants Blood and awaken the strength of one hundred elephants." After issuing orders that he was entering seclusion, Shen Mo immediately retreated into an underground cavern beneath Dragon Snake Mountain, where he began a long period of cultivation. Longzhou, Jing Kingdoms Imperial Capital. This city was the grandest and most ancient within Jing Kingdom. It was from this very place that the first human emperor of Jing Kingdom had set forth, sweeping across the demon clans and establishing the realm of mankind. The suffering and devastation in Yuzhouits lands drenched in blood and littered with corpsesdid not disturb the capitals endless festivities. Even the looming invasion of the Demon Nation, a million miles away, did not interrupt the hedonistic pleasures of the nobles. The decay of Jing Kingdom flowed quietly through the alleys of the capital, hidden behind laughter and indulgence, corroding more souls with each passing moment. At the heart of the capital stood a magnificent imperial palace. From its highest point, one could overlook the entire city, as well as the mountains and rivers beyond. At this moment, two figures stood atop this highest platform. Their appearances bore a striking resemblance. However, the man at the front stood with his hands clasped behind his back, clad in a five-clawed golden dragon robe, his sharp gaze filled with imperial dominance. The man behind him kept his head lowered, dressed in a python robe, his heart filled with fear. King Jing did not dare to lift his head. Because he had no idea what his elder brother, Emperor Jing, was thinking. The more calm the emperor seemed, the more it meant that his rage had already reached its peak. After a long silence, Emperor Jing finally spoke, his voice icy and slow. "Why didnt you die in Yuzhou?" "If you had died for the nation, I would have enshrined your spirit in the Grand Ancestral Temple, granting you eternal reverence from our royal lineage." "Why, then, have you returned alive?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 331: Shen Mo, It’s Time for You to Compromise with Me Chapter 331: Shen Mo, Its Time for You to Compromise with Me Upon hearing these words, King Jing shuddered. He was terrified. Emperor Jings words were certainly not meant as a kindness. He had never been someone who faced death fearlessly. The higher his status, the greater his fear of death. The more he had, the less willing he was to let it go. Royal Brother King Jing whispered. Emperor Jing turned around, revealing an icy expression. His appearance was not particularly striking. But his eyeshis eyes seemed to pierce straight into ones heart, seeing through to the deepest layers of fear within King Jing. King Jing had just started to lift his head, but the moment he met Emperor Jings gaze, he instantly lowered it again. Even his neck instinctively shrank back. So cowardly. How could I have a younger brother like you? From this day forward, you are stripped of your princely stipend for ten years. Go to the Sutra Repository and reflect upon your mistakes for a decade. Emperor Jings voice remained cold. Yet, upon hearing these words, King Jing let out a long sigh of relief. After all, they were brothers of the same father and mother. Emperor Jing would not kill him. Yes, I will strictly follow Royal Brothers orders. King Jing nodded repeatedly, hastily taking small steps to retreat. Once King Jing had left, Emperor Jing turned back, clasped his hands behind his back, and continued gazing over the prosperous capital. Beneath its surface prosperity, how much corruption and hidden turbulence lay in waitonly he knew. The Ten Thousand Demons Nation, the Flood Dragon Palace, and the Suppressing Demon Sea. Any of these forces could bring down this nation that had endured for millennia. No matter what, he could not be the empires last ruler. Emperor Jing raised a hand and lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist. A shadow-shrouded figure abruptly appeared in the corner of the room. Its speed was ghostly, nearly imperceptible. How is the situation in Yuzhou? Emperor Jing asked calmly. The shadow responded in an emotionless voice, The Jade Cauldron Sect has begun absorbing the remnants of the Shangqing Sect, Pill River Sect, and the Governors forces to restore order. Shen Mos feat of annihilating the three invading armies of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation has spread far and wide across Yuzhou. Both the common folk and mages in Yuzhou hold great reverence for Shen Mo and the Jade Cauldron Sect. What of the Seven Great Sects? Emperor Jing asked again. The shadow replied, The Qianyuan Sect of Qianzhou and the Poseidon Island of Haizhou have both sent delegations to Yuzhou to offer their regards. As for the Great Snow Palace of Hanzhou, the Holy Spirit Sect of Cangzhou, the Tianhe Sect of Jiangzhou, the Frenzied Blade Alliance of Mozhou, and the Shadowless Pavilion of Longzhouthere has been no response. What about the Four Seas Flood Dragons? Emperor Jing continued. The shadow answered, The Eastern Sea Flood Dragons and their kin are enraged, eager to take revenge on land, but they dare not act due to the Sword Sovereigns deterrence. The Northern Sea Flood Dragons, as always, remain aloof and indifferent. The Western Sea Flood Dragons, deeply connected with the Ten Thousand Demons Nation, appear to be mobilizing forces to attack Mozhou and Qianzhou. The Southern Sea Flood Dragons, who harbor deep enmity toward the Ten Thousand Demons Nation, were delighted to hear that Ao Sheng of the Eastern Sea had aided the demons. They used this opportunity to invade the Ten Thousand Demons Nations heartland, wiping out several smaller tribes and seizing a significant amount of resources. Emperor Jing nodded slightly and posed his final question. What of the Suppressing Demon Sea? The shadow hesitated momentarily. No changes. The long-distance transmissions from the Suppressing Demon Sea remain normal. Emperor Jing nodded. Go carry out your tasks. Yes. The shadow nodded and vanished in an instant. Frowning in contemplation, Emperor Jing muttered to himself, The Ten Thousand Demons Nations Crown Prince and Fourth Prince are both dead. A million-strong army of demons has been obliterated. When Gu Ming emerges from the Blood Gods Vault, he will undoubtedly be furious. That will be the truly terrifying moment. At that time, I may have no choice but to compromise with the sects. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But even in compromise, there are choiceswho to yield to, who to win over, and who to suppress under the guise of leniency In five years, Gu Mings first target will inevitably be the Jade Cauldron Sect in Yuzhou. Without support from the Seven Great Sects and the imperial court, the Jade Cauldron Sect will still be hanging by a thread. Emperor Jing leaned against the railing, gazing southward, and spoke calmly, Shen Mo, its time for you to compromise with me! ... Three months later, at the Jade Cauldron Sect, Dragon Snake Mountain. Several figures soared through the air. Leading the group was Wan Muchun, an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. The four individuals accompanying him, however, were unfamiliar faces. To Wan Muchuns left were an elderly man with white hair and a vigorous spirit, and a delicate-looking young man. To his right were a stern-faced old woman and a youth who walked with the commanding presence of a dragon and tiger. So this is Dragon Snake Mountain? It doesnt seem to be a particularly blessed land of nature and spirit energy. Why would your sects young sect master choose to train here? the elderly man on the left asked in puzzlement. Wan Muchun chuckled. The young sect master rose to prominence in this place and has grown accustomed to training here. After speaking, he suddenly recalled something and added, By the way, the four of you should remember to protect your ears, or you might be startled. The young sect master is practicing a technique that causes a primordial beasts roar to erupt from within him every few daysit is quite awe-inspiring. If you arent mentally prepared, it could easily shake your spirit. As soon as Wan Muchun finished speaking, the four visitors chuckled. The young man laughed heartily. Elder Wan, I, Shi Jingtian, have fought against sea beasts and water demons in the ocean since childhood, relying only on my physical strength. What kind of beasts roar could possibly frighten me? The other youth said nothing, but a hint of disdain flashed across his face. The elderly man and old woman exchanged smiles. Rest assured, Elder Wan, these two are our chosen successors. Their talents are in no way inferior to your sects young sect master. A mere beastly roar wont startle them. Wan Muchun smiled helplessly. Alright then, follow me. Inwardly, he muttered, The five quickly descended near the dwellings on the mountainside of Dragon Snake Mountain. Mei Haihe and the others noticed their arrival and hurried forward. Elder Wan, these guests are? he asked in confusion. Though they were unfamiliar faces, each one exuded an astonishing presence. Wan Muchun smiled. These four are honored guests from the Qianyuan Sect of Qianzhou and Poseidon Island of Haizhou. They have come specifically to meet our young sect master. Steward Mei, is the young sect master still training? Mei Haihe nodded. Hes in the wasteland. I dare not approach. Elder Wan, you should take our esteemed guests there. Wan Muchun nodded with a smile. Alright. After clasping his hands in farewell, he led the four guests toward the wasteland. However, just as they took off A deafening, earth-shattering roar suddenly erupted! It was as if a hundred ancient, primeval beasts had stepped out from the depths of history. The roar resounded across the stars! It shook the heavens and the earth! In that instant, the four visitors were forcibly reminded of an era when humanity was still in its infancysurrounded by countless primordial and prehistoric beasts, teetering on the brink of extinction. That deep-seated terror, buried within their very blood, was suddenly unearthed and surged through their limbs. Their scalps tingled with chills! Wan Muchun, having heard it many times before, was unfazed. He simply turned around with a grin and looked at the four guests. The elderly man and old woman were the first to shake off their fear. Seeing Wan Muchuns amused expression, they immediately realized they had lost their composure. It took another ten breaths for the young men to recover. Yet the lingering fear on their faces had not entirely faded. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 332: Shen Mo, Shen Mo, Am I Impressive or What? Chapter 332: Shen Mo, Shen Mo, Am I Impressive or What? Wan Muchun chuckled and said, Dont worry. Listen a few more times, and youll get used to it. The stewards and disciples of Dragon Snake Mountain hear this every few days, so its nothing unusual to them. Look, they barely react at all. The four of them turned to observe the cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Sure enough. These people acted as if nothing had happened and continued with their tasks as usual. The young man felt deeply ashamed. He was the dignified young master of Poseidon Island, possessing peak Nascent Soul cultivation, on the verge of breaking through to Divine Transformation at any time. Yet, he had been outperformed by these low-level Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators. The young man beside him also looked a little embarrassed. As the esteemed young sect master of the Qianyuan Sect, a once-in-a-generation genius expected to reach Divine Transformation before the age of fifty, it was rare for him to lose composure like this! Please, follow me, Wan Muchun said with a laugh, his mood evidently lifted. The four quickly curbed their arrogance and hurried after him. On the wasteland of Dragon Snake Mountain, Shen Mo stood bare-chested, his muscular physique fully revealed. Sweat poured from his body, soaking his pants and boots. Even the surrounding sand and soil had become unusually damp. Within his body, the roars of ancient beasts were growing wilder and more intense. It was as if a terrifying primordial beast was about to break free from his flesh and manifest in this world. Every time such a roar echoed, all the demon beasts of Dragon Snake Mountainwhether in the air, on land, or in waterwould instantly fall silent, not daring to make a single move. A hundred meters away, a woman in elegant palace attire stood quietly, watching him with a calm gaze. Her beautiful eyes were filled with deep affection. Before long, an exceptionally loud beastly roar erupted from within Shen Mo. It was as if a newborn creature had broken through its shell. Shen Mos eyes snapped open, his heart surging with boundless joy. He did it! He had successfully refined the blood of the eldest imperial princes ancient giant elephant, awakening the power of a hundred colossal elephants! With this, he had reached the second stage of the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique. A strange flow of information naturally surfaced in his mind. It was the method for cultivating the Immovable Sacred King Body. Murong Yues eyes shimmered as she gracefully stepped forward, taking out a towel to wipe the sweat from his face and chest. Although powerful cultivators could instantly evaporate their sweat using spiritual energy, keeping themselves impeccably clean at all times Shen Mo chose not to. Instead, he let Murong Yue wipe him down, just as a wife would care for her husband. After all, if spiritual energy was used for everything, wouldnt life lose much of its enjoyment? Just as Shen Mo was about to test the strength of his Immovable Sacred King Body, he suddenly sensed five approaching presences. Four of them were unfamiliar. Though their strength was mediocre. At most, he could eliminate them in two moves. However, unfamiliar presences appearing in Dragon Snake Mountain was never a good sign. Shen Mo immediately turned toward the direction of the incoming group. His spiritual energy and blood essence tensed, ready to unleash a strike at any moment. But before he could make a move, Wan Muchun hurriedly called out from afar, Shen Mo! Young Sect Master! No, nodont attack! They are guests from Qianyuan Sect and Poseidon Island! Upon hearing this, Shen Mo finally relaxed his guard slightly. Two months ago, Li Zhendao had already informed him about this. The Qianyuan Sect from Qianzhou and Poseidon Island from Haizhou had heard about what happened in Yuzhou. They had sent messages from tens of thousands of miles away, expressing their intention to visit and offer resources to help rebuild Yuzhou. Regardless of their true motives, the fact that they were offering supplies for free deserved some recognition. As for their visit to Dragon Snake Mountain, they were likely here to assess his potential and strength as the future sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. And, of course, to witness firsthand the man who had annihilated two imperial princes of the Myriad Demon Nation and a million-strong demon army. In front of the five visitors, Shen Mo casually took a long blue robe from Murong Yues hands and draped it over himself. Welcome. I am Shen Mo, the young sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. And this is my master, Murong Yue. Shen Mo cupped his hands slightly toward them in greeting. The elderly man and woman exchanged glances, their eyes moving between Shen Mo and Murong Yue. With their vast experience, they immediately understood the nature of the relationship between the two and couldn''t help but smile knowingly. A romantic bond between master and disciple wasnt uncommon. At their level of cultivation, the concept of age difference became almost meaningless. After all, who wasnt just a five-hundred-year-old "young fairy"? And who wasnt a nine-hundred-year-old "fresh-faced youth"? A cultivators appearance was nothing more than an illusion, only revealing signs of age when their lifespan neared its end and their spiritual energy was exhausted. But if one was fortunate enough to ascend to a higher realm, they could extend their lifespan once againinstantly transforming from a decrepit elder into a figure brimming with vitality. The four visitors then introduced themselves one by one. Through this, Shen Mo learned their names and identities. The white-haired elderOuyang Lang, the fourth island master of Poseidon Island. The passionate young manShi Jingtian, the young master of Poseidon Island. The strict elderly womanTong Yuan, the third elder of Qianyuan Sect. The cold and aloof youthDu Cangqing, the young sect master of Qianyuan Sect. Shi Jingtian''s eyes burned with excitement. "Shen Mo, what technique do you practice? I can sense that, like me, you also cultivate a blood energy technique!" "Am I right? Am I right? I guessed correctly, didnt I?" At his words, Ouyang Lang, Tong Yuan, and Du Cangqing all raised their eyebrows slightly. The existence of two primary cultivation pathsspiritual energy cultivation and blood energy cultivationwas common knowledge. However, cultivating both simultaneously required extraordinary talent, immense endurance, vast resources, and ample time. Very few humans or demons could master both. It was said that the ancient Demon Emperor Gu Ming was the first and greatest being to successfully cultivate both paths. But those who attempted dual cultivation and succeeded were exceedingly rare. Most practitioners who attempted it would eventually hit a bottleneck, unable to progress further. Either their blood energy would suppress their spiritual energy, or their spiritual energy would overpower their blood energy. In the end, instead of complementing each other, the two forces would become an obstacle to one another. Shen Mo smiled slightly. This young man was rather perceptivehe had instantly recognized the similarity in their energies. "You''re right. I practice a blood energy technique." Shi Jingtian exclaimed in admiration, "Thats incredible! My cultivation technique is the Whale Devouring the Sea Art, and Ive already reached the peak of the fifth level. Every time I advance, I can hear the call of a giant whale echoing in my body." "But I can tell that your technique is even more powerful than mine." "The beastly roars erupting from your body are terrifying, even to me." Shen Mo simply smiled without responding. Ouyang Lang hurriedly covered Shi Jingtians mouth and coughed awkwardly. "Apologies. The young master likes to exaggerate. In truth, he hasnt quite reached the peak of the fifth level yet." Shi Jingtian made muffled protest sounds, but Ouyang Lang kept his grip firm, rendering him unable to speak. Murong Yue couldn''t help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. This Shi Jingtian was clearly a walking information leak. Without realizing it, he had revealed the true extent of his strength. Among the seven great sects, everyone knew each others general capabilities. By openly stating that he had reached the peak of the fifth level of Whale Devouring the Sea Art, other sects could immediately infer the cards he had up his sleeve. That was hardly a good thing. Shen Mo also found himself amused. This young man was quite entertaining. "Enough talking!" Ouyang Lang warned. "Not saying anything" Shi Jingtian struggled to reply. Only then did Ouyang Lang release him. Shi Jingtian took a deep breath and then burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Actually, not only have I reached the peak of the fifth level of Whale Devouring the Sea Art, but Ive also cultivated the Titan Overseeing the Seas Scroll, a heaven-tier martial art, up to the third level! Shen Mo, Shen Mo, am I impressive or what? Mmmph!" Before he could finish, Ouyang Lang swiftly covered his mouth again. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 333: What Gives the Jade Cauldron Sect the Right to Lead? Chapter 333: What Gives the Jade Cauldron Sect the Right to Lead? Ouyang Lang once again covered Shi Jingtians mouth. Shi Jingtian struggled desperately, his face turning red, but he was powerless against the restraint of a Divine Transformation realm cultivator. Ouyang Lang smiled awkwardly. Apologies, everyone. Our young master is just like thishe enjoys boasting. I hope youll all understand. Everyone let out a dry cough. Enough already. Your young master just exposed every single one of his trump cards. At this rate, once he becomes island master, Poseidon Island might as well be renamed Leak Island. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a brief moment, Ouyang Lang whispered something into Shi Jingtians ear before finally letting go. He then wiped his hand, looking slightly disgusted by the saliva. Strangely enough, just moments ago, Shi Jingtian had been eager to spill everything. Now, however, he was completely silent. He forcibly swallowed back whatever he had been about to say. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Elder Ouyang, what did you tell him? Ouyang Lang chuckled. Nothing much. I just told him that if he leaks any more of Poseidon Islands secrets, he wont be allowed to set foot in the sea for the next ten years. Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. Shi Jingtian had grown up in the ocean, constantly battling sea beasts and water demons. Forbidding him from entering the sea for ten years? That was probably worse than killing him. Lets not waste time with small talk. Weve already reported the situation to Sect Master Li, but we felt it was necessary to also inform you directly, Tong Yuan said calmly. After all, in our eyes, you are the one who is truly suited to be sect master. Shen Mo smiled. Go ahead. Tong Yuans expression grew serious. After Wuzhou was conquered by the Myriad Demon Nation, Yuzhou and Qianzhou are now at the frontline, directly facing their invasion. Ouyang Lang continued, Additionally, Haizhou is located north of Yuzhou, within the attack range of the Eastern Sea Flood Dragons. When the second prince of the Eastern Sea attacked Yuzhou, the ninth prince led a group of water demons to assault several small islands of Poseidon Island. The two exchanged glances, their expressions grave. Thats why we believe our three forces need to form an alliance. Shen Mo nodded slightly. He had already anticipated this response from the two sects. After all, Qianzhou, Yuzhou, and Haizhou, located in the southern part of Jing Kingdom, were the next regions in the Myriad Demon Nations path of conquest. Anyone with basic intelligence could predict what was coming. Tong Yuan continued, You killed the eldest and fourth princes of the Myriad Demon Nation, annihilated the second prince of the Eastern Sea, and wiped out a million-strong demon army. In five years, when the Demon Emperor Gu Ming emerges from the Blood Gods Vault, he will undoubtedly be furious and launch a northern invasion. If the Eight Great Sects and the imperial court remain fragmented and even continue their internal struggles, we will inevitably be defeated by the Myriad Demon Nation one by one. Our only hope of resisting them is for the Eight Great Sects and the imperial court to unite. Shen Mos expression remained unchanged. This was simply the natural course of events. Anyone who thought about it for a moment could predict what was going to happen. Tong Yuan looked at Shen Mo and said calmly, It will take time for the Eight Great Sects and the imperial court to fully unite. In the meantime, our three forces should form an early alliance. But we will need a leader. Shen Mo smiled. This was the key point. A leader! Sects had sect masters. Holy orders had grandmasters. Islands had island masters. Likewise, an alliance needed a supreme leader. Tong Yuan spoke arrogantly. Qianyuan Sect has twelve Divine Transformation realm cultivators. The strongest of them has already reached the peak of Divine Transformation. This leader should be from Qianyuan Sect. Ouyang Lang coughed lightly. I disagree. Poseidon Island has thirteen Divine Transformation cultivatorsone more than you. Moreover, Poseidon Island has a good relationship with a peak sixth-rank sea beast from the Eastern Sea, which should also count as part of our combat strength. That means the leader should be from Poseidon Island. Shen Mo smiled faintly. Thats not quite right. Qianyuan Sect may have twelve Divine Transformation cultivators, but they are split between the Qian Sect and the Yuan Sect. The Qian Sect and the Yuan Sect have been feuding for centuries, constantly in conflict. If Qianyuan Sect takes the leadership, would it be the Qian Sect leading, or the Yuan Sect? Tong Yuans expression darkened instantly. Shen Mo turned to Ouyang Lang and continued, As for Poseidon Island, though you have thirteen Divine Transformation cultivators, the various islands are scattered and lack unity. Ive heard that the island farthest from the mainland doesnt fully obey the orders of the Grand Island Master. If Poseidon Island takes the leadership, which island master will actually be in charge? Ouyang Lang was stunned into silence. Shi Jingtian and Du Cangqing, on the other hand, looked at Shen Mo in amazement. How did he know so much about Qianyuan Sect and Poseidon Island? Wan Muchun and Murong Yue, however, simply smiled. Shen Mo also smiled lightly. It had been two months since the annihilation of the three demon armies. During that time, he hadnt focused solely on cultivation. He had ordered a thorough collection of intelligence on every region of Jing Kingdom. Some of the information was outdated, but it still provided a solid understanding of each states situation. For example, Hanzhou, the northernmost region of Jing Kingdom, was too far from Yuzhou. The most recent intelligence he had on Hanzhou was from twenty years ago. But Qianzhou and Haizhou bordered Yuzhou, so their intelligence was much more up-to-date. That was how he had gained such a deep understanding of Qianyuan Sect and Poseidon Island. Both sects were internally divided due to historical reasons. Much like the old Jade Cauldron Sect. Qianyuan Sect, for instance, was originally two separate sects that had merged. Yet the internal rivalry between the two factions had persisted for centuries. Poseidon Island was even more fragmented. It had once been a collection of independent beast-taming sects spread across various islands. They had only united out of necessity to resist invading water demons. Even now, their unity was superficial. Some islands were nominally part of Poseidon Island, but their true allegiancewhether to the Eastern Sea Flood Dragons or to Jing Kingdomwas questionable. Under such circumstances, appointing either sect as the leader was clearly a poor choice. Oh? So youre saying the Jade Cauldron Sect should lead? Tong Yuan asked coldly. A Yuzhou that was nearly reduced to ruins, a sect that suffered great losseswhat qualifies you to take this position? Ouyang Lang pressed. Shen Mo smiled. Yuzhou may have been devastated, and the Supreme Purity Sect and Pill River Sect may have suffered heavy losses, but the Jade Cauldron Sect has absorbed them both. Rather than weakening, weve become even stronger. Furthermore, I can tell you with certaintyJade Cauldron Sect now has fifteen Divine Transformation cultivators, all of whom follow my command without question. Tong Yuan and Ouyang Lang were momentarily stunned. They instinctively asked, Why? Shen Mo replied calmly, Because I am stronger than each and every one of them. The two were left speechless. They couldnt refute that. After all, even the sect master of Qianyuan Sect and the Grand Island Master of Poseidon Island had admitted that Shen Mos strength was unrivaledhe was the strongest cultivator below the Divine Transformation peak. Shi Jingtian and Du Cangqing both looked at Shen Mo with newfound respect. When he spoke those words, his expression, posture, and tone radiated absolute confidence. It was impossible not to admire him. Tong Yuan and Ouyang Lang exchanged glances before suddenly bursting into laughter. In truth, before coming here, we had already decided that the Jade Cauldron Sect would take the lead. We simply wanted to see whether you were truly worthy of the position. Now, it seems that you are. The two extended their hands toward Shen Mo. Shen Mo smiled and clasped their hands in return. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 334: Be Careful Not to Poison the Fish and Shrimp Chapter 334: Be Careful Not to Poison the Fish and Shrimp The four of them had another lively exchange with Shen Mo. Shi Jingtian and Du Cangqing both held great admiration for Shen Mo, a peer whose strength far surpassed theirs. Moreover, Shen Mo possessed many qualities that they could learn from. As a result, they frequently sparred with him, hoping to uncover weaknesses in their own techniques. Shen Mo understood that they bore no ill intent, so he casually exchanged blows with them a few times. Of course, while Shi Jingtian and Du Cangqing were top-tier geniuses, they still fell short by quite a significant margin when facing a true prodigy like Shen Mo. The two challenged Shen Mo five times in a row, only to be thoroughly defeated each time. This only deepened their respect for him. Even Du Cangqing, who had arrived with a sour expression, left with a broad smile, clearly having gained a lot from their exchanges. As they were about to depart, Ouyang Lang suddenly recalled something and said, By the way, Sea God Island has already received an official invitation from Emperor Jing. He hopes that we can attend the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet in two years. Tong Yuan followed up, Our Qianyuan Sect received a similar invitation. Shen Mo nodded thoughtfully. Attending the banquet is one thing, but the more important matter is to discuss strategies for dealing with the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. Ouyang Lang and Tong Yuan both nodded. We think so as well. At that time, we may even meet Young Sect Master Shen in the capital. The two clasped their hands in a respectful gesture and smiled. Shen Mo returned the smile. Alright, we shall meet again then. The four of them transformed into two streaks of light, vanishing into the horizonone heading west to Qianzhou and the other northeast toward Haizhou. Shen Mo pondered for a moment before looking at Wan Muchun. What gifts did Qianyuan Sect and Sea God Island bring? Wan Muchun chuckled. These two sects were quite generous. They sent a lot of gifts, including some extremely valuable treasures. Qianyuan Sect delivered one thousand supreme-grade spirit stones, fifty Qianyuan Pearls, and two top-tier Earth-rank formations. Sea God Island sent thirteen hundred supreme-grade spirit stones, four hundred catties of deep-sea blood ginseng, one hundred catties of sea-blue pearls, and the skeletal remains of two sixth-rank sea beasts. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. It seemed that these two sects were truly intent on forging ties with the newly rising Jade Cauldron Sect. Qianyuan Pearls were a specialty of Qianyuan Sect, refined through highly advanced artifact-crafting techniques. These pearls could replace demon cores when embedded into spiritual weapons. Their effect was simple and directeach attack would be infused with a trace of Qianyuan Sword Qi. Though it might not seem like much, in battle, even a single additional thread of sword qi could sometimes alter the course of a fight. As for the deep-sea blood ginseng from Sea God Island, it was an excellent treasure for reinforcing the physical bodies of Core Formation cultivators and those below. Long-term consumption could also enhance mental clarity, sharpen vision, and nourish the mind. The sea-blue pearls were even more valuable. If soaked in the blood of fifth- or sixth-rank demon beasts, they could help strengthen the bodies of Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation cultivators. Shen Mo could certainly make use of them. As for the two sixth-rank sea beast skeletons, they were ideal for crafting spiritual weapons or grinding into powder for pill refinement. Shen Mo sighed slightly. Clearly, the higher-ups of Qianyuan Sect and Sea God Island had already realized that if the ancient demon emperor Gu Ming launched a northern invasion, the first regions to bear the brunt of the assault would be Yuzhou, Qianzhou, and Haizhou. As the three most vulnerable states to an attack from the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, it was only natural for them to strengthen their ties and stand united. By contrast, the other five major sects had yet to react. After all, they were shielded behind Yuzhou, Qianzhou, and Haizhou. As the saying goes, . For now, Jade Cauldron Sect, Qianyuan Sect, and Sea God Island were still holding up just fine, so the others saw no reason to worry. Elder Wan, have Senior Sister and Senior Brother returned yet? Shen Mo flexed his wrist and asked with a smile. Wan Muchun nodded. Dongxuan is on his way back. As for Yaolu, she encountered a slight problem. Shes searching for the lost inheritance of the Sky Ghost Clan, so not only has she not returned, but she has ventured even deeper into the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. Shen Mo pondered for a moment. Zhao Yaolu was destined to escape three life-threatening calamities. Since she hadnt used up all her chances yet, there was no need to worry too much. Just as he was thinking, an excited roar echoed from the horizon. "Little Junior Brother!" "I never expected thisyoure actually this incredible!" Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Killing the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, slaying the Second Prince of the Eastern Sea, and annihilating a million-strong demon army!" "When I first brought you from Xuanjiang Prefecture, I must have used up all the luck I had in my lifetime! Hahaha!" Before the hearty laughter had even faded, a rugged, disheveled man landed beside Shen Mo. Putting everything else aside, for a Nascent Soul cultivator to be covered in filth and pitch-black grimeonly L Dongxuan could pull that off. Wan Muchun shook his head with a helpless smile. "You brat, youve already returned to the sect, yet you cant even clean yourself up a bit." L Dongxuan grinned, revealing a mouthful of dazzling white teeth against his dark face. "No problem, Ill just jump into a waterfall later and wash it all offquick and easy!" Shen Mo chuckled. "Be careful not to poison the fish and shrimp." L Dongxuan froze for a moment before bursting into laughter, his voice hearty and infectious. "Little Junior Brother, I feel like Im about to break through to the Divine Transformation Realm." "But I still feel like Im missing something. Im planning to head out and search for an opportunity." L Dongxuan scratched his head. Shen Mo glanced at his life panel and felt a sense of emotion. L Dongxuan would indeed find his destined opportunity and forge a Heaven-grade Primordial Spirit. He was also on the verge of awakening memories from his past life. "A reincarnated spear spirit... Just what kind of unparalleled divine spear is it?" Shen Mo patted L Dongxuan on the shoulder. "Alright, I wish you success, Senior Brother!" L Dongxuan grinned and nodded before charging toward a nearby waterfall. Moments later, the waterfall turned black. Downstream, fish and shrimp flipped belly-up, floating lifelessly on the waters surface. Shen Mo, Nangong Yun, and Wan Muchun were speechless. In the days that followed, Shen Mo didnt focus on training. Instead, he left the sect and ventured into Mist Province and the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom in search of opportunities. Both the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince were top-tier geniuses, and they each had their own fortuitous encounters hidden in Mist Province and the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. Ten days later, Shen Mo discovered the demonic armors left arm within an ancient cavern in Cangming Valley, Mist Province. A month later, in a tiger demon tribe deep within the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Shen Mo found the decapitation sword book and extermination sword book. The Tiger Demon King had failed to recognize their value and had simply tossed them into a storage room like worthless junk. When combined with the grass sword book and root sword book he had previously obtained, the four books formed the phrase: "Cut the Grass, Uproot the Roots." The power of this set was already approaching the level of a low-grade Heaven-tier spiritual weapon, far surpassing the peak of Earth-tier artifacts. Shen Mo speculated that if he could find either the burning heaven sword book or the scorching earth sword book and merge them into "Cut the Grass, Uproot the Roots," the sword books power would instantly leap into the ranks of Heaven-tier artifacts. After securing these two fortunes, Shen Mo wasted no time and rushed toward the Eastern Sea. Evading the surveillance of the Eastern Seas water demons, he arrived at a sunken ship and discovered a peculiar stone tablet within. This was the fortune meant for Ao Sheng, the Second Prince of the Eastern Sea. At first glance, the stone tablet seemed unremarkablejust an exceptionally sturdy slab of rock. However, carved onto its surface was the location of a rare flame. Nine Nether Ice Flame. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 335: Nine Nether Ice Flame Arrives at Boyang City Chapter 335: Nine Nether Ice Flame Arrives at Boyang City According to Ao Shengs life panel, he was destined to pass by this location during one of his patrols of the Eastern Sea and discover this stone tablet. But he wouldnt be able to understand it. And then he would simply toss it into the depths of the ocean. A complete waste of a priceless treasure. If Shen Mo hadnt found it, it might have remained undiscovered for hundreds of years. "Nine Nether Ice Flame I wonder if its strong or weak." "But a heavenly treasure like an exotic flame is unique in the world. No harm in obtaining it." Satisfied, Shen Mo stored the stone tablet away. The inscriptions on the tablet were extremely ancient, possibly from an era before the founding of Jing. Even he couldnt read them nowit would take extensive research in ancient texts to decipher them. As soon as Shen Mo returned to Dragon Snake Mountain, he noticed the presence of an unfamiliar guest. Nangong Yun was maintaining a calm and composed demeanor while receiving the elegantly dressed visitor. "Who are you?" Shen Mo landed lightly, scrutinizing the man. The visitor gave a slight bow and replied evenly, "An envoy of His Majesty. I have come to deliver an invitation to the Jade Cauldron Sect." "Two years from now, on the second of August, will be the birthday of the Sword Sovereign. We invite the Jade Cauldron Sect to attend the banquet." "Following the feast, His Majesty the Emperor of Jing will convene a discussion with the Eight Sects regarding the joint defense against the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom." Shen Mo took the invitation and nodded slightly. The envoy did not linger. After a brief acknowledgment, he swiftly departed. Nangong Yun appeared somewhat worried. "Xuaner, are you going? Will it be dangerous?" Shen Mo was deep in thought. "The imperial court alone cannot resist the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom." "He needs the Eight Sects to serve his purposes. For that reason alone, he wont dare make a move against me." "However, while he may not act against me outright, he will certainly try to suppress me." "Theres a good chance he will attempt to force my hand into submission." Shen Mo chuckled. He had thoroughly analyzed the emperors mindset. Nangong Yun sighed softly. "Master, do you want to go?" Shen Mo glanced at her life panel and suddenly asked. Nangong Yun nodded. "Ive never been to Longzhou or the capitalId like to see it for myself." Shen Mo smiled. "Alright, then you should go. You, Hai Qiankun, and Wan Muchun can ride a beast to the capital together." "Ill take another route." Since the integration of the Shangqing Sect and Pill River Sect into the Jade Cauldron Sect, sect masters Mo Lingxiao and Hai Qiankun had already become elders of the Jade Cauldron Sect. Nangong Yun was surprised. "Are you planning to travel all the way on foot?" Shen Mo nodded. "There are still two full years before the event. Ill advance toward the capital while seeking opportunities and tempering myself along the way." "Who knows? I might grow significantly during this journey." Nangong Yun nodded. "That makes sense. Youve always been lucky." Shen Mo laughed. "Alright, its settled then." After finalizing his plans with Nangong Yun, Shen Mo gave orders to gather ancient texts regarding early human civilizations. Though very few of such texts remained, he managed to piece together enough information to deduce the approximate location of the Nine Nether Ice Flame from the stone tablets map. "Thousands of years of change, land turning into sea and vice versa Not to mention the destruction wrought by powerful cultivator battles on the landscape" "The Nine Nether Ice Flame should be somewhere in Jiangzhou, in Lianshan Prefecture!" Shen Mos finger landed on Jiangzhou, located northwest of Yuzhou. Jiangzhou was under the dominion of the Tianhe Sect, with the vast Cang River running through it, dividing the region into east and west. The land was rich with rivers, lakes, and marshes, making it one of the most spiritually abundant areas in all of the Nine Provinces. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Water was the most natural medium for gathering the essence of heaven and earth. Because of this, Jiangzhou was known for its exceptional prosperity and dense spiritual energy. It was widely regarded as the most fertile and blessed land in the Nine Provinces. Even though Haizhou was adjacent to the Eastern Sea, its large stretches of saline land made it less fertile in comparison. "Ive heard that the Tianhe Sect maintains close ties with the imperial court. Ill have to be cautious while searching for the exotic flame in their territory." Shen Mo recalled the intelligence he had gathered on the Seven Sects, contemplating his next steps. A few days later, on an otherwise unremarkable morning, Shen Mo silently left the sect and headed northwest. Jiangzhou. A vast land brimming with resources and thriving with life. The scenery was lush and full of vitality, with flourishing landscapes stretching as far as the eye could see. A figure dressed in blue robes walked along the narrow paths between rice fields. His steps appeared slow, yet he covered astonishing distances with each stride. In the blink of an eye, he had traversed endless fields and arrived at a distant city. He looked up. Three large characters stood boldly over the city gates. Boyang City. The blue-robed figure was none other than Shen Mo. He had crossed the border from Yuzhou into Jiangzhou, following the river upstream to reach Lianshan Prefecture in central Jiangzhou. Boyang City lay in the southern part of Lianshan Prefecture. At this moment, Shen Mo did not carry himself with the aura of a Divine Transformation cultivator. Instead, he concealed his strength, disguising himself as a low-level Qi Condensation cultivator. After paying a low-grade spirit stone at the gate, he entered Boyang City. The city was neither too large nor too smallnot exactly bustling, but not desolate either. Cities like this were countless throughout the Jing Kingdom. The only reason Shen Mo had stopped here was due to a faint pull in his destiny. He sensed that something he was searching for might be here. Without much thought, he found a simple tavern and went straight to the top floor. Selecting a seat by the window, he ordered a few dishes and some wine. He ate at a leisurely pace, casually observing his surroundings. The dishes he ordered were not extravagantstir-fried lamb with scallions, stewed chicken with mushrooms, sauted lettuce, and a mixed vegetable stir-fry. All common home-cooked dishes. However, the ingredients had been cultivated with spiritual energy-infused water, enriching them with natural essence. For ordinary people, consuming such food could extend their lifespan. For body-refining and Qi Condensation cultivators, it could subtly enhance their cultivation. Shen Mo ate and drank casually while inwardly inspecting his life panel. [Name: Shen Mo.] [Realm: Divine Transformation, Entry Level.] [Fate Traits: Son of a Healer, Thousandfold Comprehension, Sword Dao Fanatic, Auspicious Star, Supreme Primordial Body, Temporary Fates Blessing, Temporary People''s Devotion.] Ever since he had slain the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince, his "Unbelievable Luck" fate trait had changed, evolving into "Auspicious Star." This meant his fortune had strengthened significantly. Even without actively seeking opportunities, they would present themselves to him unexpectedly. If he encountered danger, his fate would allow him to turn the crisis into fortune. As for "People''s Devotion," it had appeared after news of his destruction of the demon army spread. The people of Yuzhou now sincerely revered him. This trait was temporary. However, it would last a long time. Even when the current generation aged and passed, Shen Mos deeds would be remembered and passed down. Only after centuriesperhaps even millenniaof times erosion would this trait finally fade. [Destiny: Halted at Divine Transformation Peak. Twenty years later, with the combined efforts of the Jing Kingdom, the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom was on the verge of destruction. However, during the final battle, the Jade Cauldron Sect was ambushed by Shadow Pavilion and the Holy Spirit Sect and was nearly annihilated...] Shen Mo calmly read on, continuing to eat and drink. Before setting out, he had already noticed that his fate had shifted. And this outcome was exactly as he had anticipated. The Emperor of Jing would never accept defeat. Believing the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom was about to fall, he would inevitably turn against the Jade Cauldron Sect. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 336: The Demon Sealed by the Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation Chapter 336: The Demon Sealed by the Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation Shen Mo continued reading. [Upcoming Opportunity: You will soon rest in Boyang City. Three days later, Boyang City will be turned into a sacrificial site by the demonic cultivator, Murong Zhen. Sensing something amiss, you will track down Murong Zhen and attempt to kill him. However, Murong Zhen will react quickly and escape using a Small Teleportation Talisman. In the end, you will obtain several Earth-tier treasures meant for the ritual and the Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation.] Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, put down his chopsticks, and set aside his wine cup, lost in thought. He hadnt expected that stopping in Boyang City on a whim would lead to such an event. "Murong Zhen that name sounds familiar." Shen Mo focused his mind. Having read numerous books and intelligence reports on Jiangzhou and the Tianhe Sect, he had absorbed an immense amount of information. Recalling a single name from that vast sea of knowledge wasnt an easy task. Even a Divine Transformation cultivator like him had to take a moment to think. For lower-realm cultivators, it would probably take them three to five days to sift through their memories. Just then, he overheard a conversation at a nearby table. "Hey, do you think the Fifth Elder of the Tianhe Sect will catch Murong Zhen this time?" "Doubt it! That guy defected twenty years ago, and they havent caught him since. Not only that, but he once sacrificed an entire city of nearly 300,000 people! Absolutely insane!" "Yeah I just dont get whats wrong with him. He was once the young sect master of Tianhe Sect, and he betrayed them for no reason. What a waste." "Forget it. Just eat. Let the Tianhe Sect deal with their own mess." Shen Mos brows twitched. Like a flash of lightning, memories surged into his mind. He remembered now. Murong Zhen was the former young sect master of the Tianhe Sect. A peerless genius, he was born with a Heaven-rank physique and was treasured by the sect as their most valuable disciple. For a time, he overshadowed all others. In just fifty-three years, he reached the peak of the Divine Transformation stage and was ready to break through to the next realm. Had he been content with an Earth-tier Primordial Spirit, he would have advanced long ago. But he was obsessed with attaining a Heaven-tier Primordial Spiritan ambition that ultimately led to disaster. Twenty years ago, Murong Zhen betrayed the Tianhe Sect. He slaughtered his own dao companion, the granddaughter of the Tianhe Sects leader. He also killed several of the sects most promising young talents. Then, on a rainy night, he fled into the darkness, vanishing without a trace. Since then, the Tianhe Sect had lived under the shadow of disgrace. Their carefully nurtured young sect master had gone mad, turning against his loved ones and betraying the sect. No one could have predicted such a turn of events. The common folk assumed Murong Zhen had simply lost his mind. But Shen Mo, as the young sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, had access to deeper intelligence. Murong Zhen had succumbed to demonic cultivation. At some point, he had obtained a forbidden demonic technique. The technique detailed how to extract life essence through slaughter, refining it into blood energy for cultivation. Through this, he had become something neither fully human nor fully demonic. His slaughter of his dao companion and comrades had been part of his path into demonic cultivation. After all, the first step into demonic practice required slaying ones beloved. Without killing the one closest to him, how could he truly sever his humanity? "But why is he sacrificing an entire city of 300,000 mortals?" Shen Mo frowned slightly. There were many types of sacrificial rituals. The most common was blood sacrifice. However, extracting life essence from mortals was far less effective than absorbing essence from cultivators. The life energy of 300,000 mortals might not even equal that of thirty Divine Transformation cultivators. Unless he needed it for a specific purpose. "The Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation" Shen Mo repeated the name in his mind, and his eyes gleamed with understanding. Twenty years ago, when Murong Zhen defected, he had stolen several formation banners from the Tianhe Sects treasury. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of them was precisely this Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation. This formation was a sinister, demonic array. Its effect was to use the resentment, killing intent, and other negative emotions of people to awaken certain sealed demons. However, there had never been a case of demons running rampant on the continent. The Nine Nether Resentful Demon Formation had no real use and was thus carelessly stored away in the sects treasury, making it easy for Murong Zhen to steal. With this in mind, everything became clear. Murong Zhen clearly intended to use the formation to awaken some sealed demon. "A demon in Jiangzhou?" Shen Mo frowned. That was impossible. There hadnt been any sign of the demonic race for thousands of years. So much time had passed that most people had forgotten the demons had once roamed freely across these lands. How could Jiangzhou possibly have a demon? "Wait a demon the Nine Nether Iceflame" Shen Mos eyes flashed with sharp light. He suddenly remembered. Before setting out, he had read some information about the Nine Nether Iceflame. This type of exotic fire rarely appeared, so there wasnt much documentation on it. The few records available only briefly described how the Nine Nether Iceflame was born and how it grew. It was formed in extremely dark and deep underground environments. And it fed on demonic energy! The more demonic energy it devoured, the faster it grew. "Most demons were sealed within the Demon-Suppressing Sea, but perhaps one or two managed to escape." "Could it be" "Some powerful senior once sealed a demon underground in Jiangzhou using the Nine Nether Iceflame?" A shocking thought surfaced in Shen Mos mind. The more he considered it, the more plausible it seemed. Excitement flickered across his expression. If this were true, then he had truly come to the right place. He only knew that the Nine Nether Iceflame was located somewhere in the nearby cities but hadnt pinpointed its exact location. If he could track Murong Zhen and ultimately find the Nine Nether Iceflame, that would be an incredible opportunity! At that moment, a commotion erupted in the street below. Shen Mo looked down and saw the city guards clearing the roads. The citizens were being ushered to the sides. Shen Mo leaned forward and glanced toward the city gate. There, a procession was slowly entering Boyang City. Leading the group were several creatures covered in white scalesjiao horses! These steeds were hybrids of flood dragons and horses, carefully bred over generations. Currently, only the Four Seas Jiao Dragon Clan possessed the means to breed them. Each jiao horse cost three supreme-grade spirit stones. Shen Mos gaze moved further back. The carriages looked modest on the surface but were, in fact, incredibly extravagant. They were constructed from thousand-year ironwood, an extremely dense and sturdy material. Every inch of their surface was engraved with formations. With just a quick glance, Shen Mo spotted formations for increased speed, levitation, and other enhancements that facilitated rapid travel. There was also a faint glow flickering around the carriages. Clearly, protective barrier formations had been inscribed as well. For a carriage like this to travel for just one day, it would likely consume an entire supreme-grade spirit stone. Excessive luxury. Only the Tianhe Sect could afford such extravagance. Among the great sects, the Tianhe Sect was renowned for its wealth. Not for any particular reasonother than the fact that they possessed a forbidden land that produced a rare treasure known as the Soul-Consolidating Fruit. It was the key ingredient for refining the Divine Soul Pill! As far as Shen Mo knew, the imperial court purchased large quantities of Soul-Consolidating Fruits from the Tianhe Sect every year to produce Divine Soul Pills. The Danhe Sect also had extensive records of purchasing Soul-Consolidating Fruits from them. As for other major sects, their reliance on the Tianhe Sect was self-evident. With this advantage, the Tianhe Sect was practically drowning in wealth. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 337: Their Plot to Awaken the Demon Must Be Crushed Chapter 337: Their Plot to Awaken the Demon Must Be Crushed Shen Mo gazed at the extravagant flood-dragon horse-drawn carriage and immediately recalled the conversation between the two guests. The Fifth Elder of Tianhe Sect. Capturing Murong Zhen! Without a doubt, the person inside that carriage must be the Fifth Elder of Tianhe Sect. However, such an ostentatious arrival in Boyang City would have surely alerted the lurking Murong Zhen long ago. How did they expect to capture him? Shen Mo couldn''t help but shake his head. He had no interest in Tianhe Sects internal affairs. His only concern was the Nine Nether Ice Flame. "In that case, Ill wait for three days." Shen Mo tossed a few low-grade spirit stones to settle his bill and found another inn. He chose the highest room available. From the window of this room, he could overlook most of Boyang City. Of course, if Shen Mo fully extended his Nascent Soul divine sense as a Divine Transformation cultivator, he could perceive everything in Boyang City and even hundreds of miles beyond. However, doing so would easily alert other Divine Transformation cultivators. Shen Mo sat cross-legged on the bed, silently cultivating. Within his sea of spiritual power, the shattered fragments of his Nascent Soul were rising. Just as Golden Core fragments could be refined into a "Pill Crown" to enhance a Nascent Soul cultivators techniques A Divine Transformation cultivators Nascent Soul fragments could also be refined into a special artifact to strengthen their divine soul. This artifact was called the "Infant Shroud." Its primary function was to protect the divine soul from external attacks. Its secondary function was to amplify the divine souls power. Infant Shrouds were ranked in a hierarchy. Like Pill Crowns, their quality was distinguished by color. The ranking, from lowest to highest, was: white, green, blue, purple, and gold. Before setting out, Shen Mo had already ordered the collection of such treasures. At this moment, he was refining one such treasure in the shape of a butterfly. This item was entirely translucent, tinged with a faint blue hue. It seemed as if it could break free from Shen Mos grasp and drift away at any moment. It was called the "Phantom Soul Butterfly." Not a beast, but a plant. It had simply grown into this peculiar form. The Phantom Soul Butterfly was one of the finest materials for refining Infant Shrouds. However, it was extremely rare. Shen Mo had ordered a search for it across the Yuzhou region. In the end, only Pill River Sect managed to provide two Phantom Soul Butterflies. On his journey to Boyang City, Shen Mo had already refined one, upgrading his Infant Shroud to green quality. Now, he was refining the second one. As he cultivated in silence, three days passed in the blink of an eye. Though Shen Mo never left his room, he sharply sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere of Boyang City. The citys temperature seemed to have dropped by a degree or two. The young servant who delivered his meals had initially worn a sleeveless long tunic, but now he had to switch to long-sleeved robes. The air itself seemed to grow more restless. Fights frequently broke out within the inn. Guests fought against guests. Guests fought against servants. In the end, even the innkeeper ended up fighting the servants. Bang! A sudden, heavy thud came from downstairs. A faint scent of blood drifted into Shen Mos nostrils. His mind stirred, and he immediately extended his divine sense. Without even opening the wooden door, he perceived the scene below. In the inns main hall, a servants corpse lay sprawled on the floor. Bright red blood gushed from the back of his skull. Several still-angry guests stood nearby. Even though the servant was already dead, they continued to kick and punch the lifeless body. Completely indifferent to the consequences of murder. The innkeeper, still holding onto some sense of reason, rushed out to report the crime. Before long, the city guards of Boyang City arrived. Naturally, the guards were far stronger than ordinary people. Within moments, they swiftly subdued and apprehended the offenders. Shen Mo fell into deep thought. He turned over and got out of bed, making his way to the inns main hall. Innkeeper, have there been many troublemakers lately? Where are they being held? The innkeeper was in the middle of scolding the remaining servants. Hearing Shen Mos question, his frustration boiled over, and he immediately turned around, ready to curse. Ask, ask, askask my ass! Cant you go see for yourself?! Get lost, Im already Before he could finish, Shen Mo suddenly released a surge of his Divine Transformation aura. The innkeeper instantly felt as if an immense mountain had materialized before him, so heavy that it nearly suffocated him. A cold shiver ran down his spine, and his eyes cleared up in an instant. He stared at Shen Mo in shock and fear, not daring to show the slightest disrespect. Speak, Shen Mo said indifferently. Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yes, yes! The innkeeper quickly responded, Theres been a lot of unrest recentlynot just fights, but even assassinations. All of these people have been locked up in the prison next to the City Lords Manor. Shen Mos gaze deepened. Every formation must have a formation core. That prison, filled with violent offenders, was likely the core of this formation. It was the perfect place to gather resentment and killing intent! Negative emotions like these were the very nourishment for demons! It seems likely that Murong Zhen is near the prison as well. Without hesitation, Shen Mo stepped out of the inn and headed straight for the tallest building in the citythe City Lords Manor. The streets were filled with angry crowds. Among them were both mortals and cultivators. The minor disputes led to shouting matches. The more extreme ones escalated into brutal physical confrontations. Among cultivators, the clashes were even more destructive. Shen Mo had barely walked a short distance before he heard several loud explosionsclear signs of spell clashes that had already reduced parts of the city to rubble. Moving swiftly through the chaos, he seemed to flicker across the streets. One moment he was standing in place, the next he had already appeared dozens of meters ahead. Not a single person could even graze his robes. This formation is already weakening against Golden Core cultivators. For Nascent Soul cultivators, it has almost no effect. But didn''t the Fifth Elder of Tianhe Sect bring his people into Boyang City? Why haven''t they responded yet? Shen Mo pondered swiftly, his footsteps never faltering. Within a few breaths, he had arrived at the City Lords Manor. To the right of the manor stood a low, sinister-looking building. It was Boyang City''s prison. Only a small part of it was visible above ground. The greater portion was buried underground. Ordinarily, cultivators would be stationed at the entrance for security. Yet, as Shen Mo approached, he saw two Foundation Establishment cultivators lying motionless in pools of blood, their life force completely extinguished. From within the prison, the sounds of intense fighting, screams, and furious roars echoed outward. The entire place was in utter chaos. The resentment and killing intent here are indeed stronger. Someone is deliberately allowing the prisoners to fight each other to accumulate negative energy. Shen Mos brows furrowed slightly. With a surge of spiritual power, he shattered the prisons heavy iron gates and stepped inside. Meanwhile, at the Tianhe Sect''s mountain gate Several streaks of light suddenly shot into the sky, speeding toward Boyang City. Leading the group was a square-faced cultivator with thick brows and piercing eyes. His expression was grim and severe. So thats how it is I see now. Fortunately, I happened to come across an ancient record from thousands of years agoBoyang City has a sealed demon beneath it! Murong Zhens true goal is to break the seal and awaken the demon beneath the city! We must not let him succeed! If he does, the entire region for hundreds of miles around Boyang City will be reduced to a demonic wasteland, devoid of all life! The demon is incredibly difficult to seal and even harder to kill. Once it emerges, Tianhe Sect will be forced to throw countless lives at it just to contain the threat. Gritting his teeth, the square-faced cultivator growled, Increase our speed! We must reach Boyang City by any means necessary and crush the conspiracy of Murong Zhen and the Fifth Elder, Zhang Peng, to awaken the demon! Yes! The surrounding Nascent Soul elders roared in unison. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 338: I Went Through Some Trouble to Keep You from Escaping Chapter 338: I Went Through Some Trouble to Keep You from Escaping Deep within the Boyang City prison A vast open space had been cleared. Sixty-four blue-black formation flags were planted in the ground. Two figures stood silently in the center. One was an elderly man dressed in luxurious robes, his face lined with age. The other was in tattered clothing, humanoid in form but with strange tumors and scales growing on his body. His appearance was grotesquely unnatural. Yet, both wore expressions of fervent devotion. As if eagerly awaiting the descent of a divine presence. Before long, a wisp of eerie, pitch-black energy surged out of the formation. The two mens eyes lit up with joy as they quickly extended their hands. The dark energy split into two streams and seeped into their bodies through their arms. Their faces contorted in sheer ecstasy. As if, in that fleeting moment, they had experienced the greatest pleasure in existence. Their bodies felt weightless, as though they could ascend to the heavens at any moment. Murong Zhen, I have lived for nine hundred and eighty years, and only now do I truly understanddemonic cultivation is the one true path! The power of demonic energy surpasses all, and the demon race is the most supreme creation of all! The elderly mans face twisted with frenzied excitement. Murong Zhen let out a strange laugh. Fifth Elder, its not too late to see the truth. When the resentment and killing intent here erupt and engulf the entire city, we will harvest even more negative energy. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In less than an hour, Lord Demon Sovereign will awaken! Then, we can finally discard these frail human bodies and fully embrace our transformation into the demon race! Tianhe Sects Fifth Elder, Zhang Peng, burst into delighted laughter. Good! Good! Good! Ive long wanted to cast off this decaying body! If I cannot advance further in my cultivation, I wont live more than five more years anyway! The demon race I will become one of them! Kill! Ill kill you! You stole my wife! Ill tear you apart alive! The surrounding prison cells echoed with frenzied roars and the sounds of battle. Blood splattered. Flesh collided. Yet, despite their injuries, the prisoners continued to fight relentlessly. As if they could no longer feel pain. More and more resentment and killing intent surged from their bodies, pouring into the formation. Yes! This is it! Murong Zhens face lit up with joy. He immediately channeled his spiritual power to manipulate the formation flags. With just a slight adjustment The immense resentment and killing intent that had been accumulating within the prison suddenly burst outward. From above Boyang City, it would appear as though tangible demons were rampaging through the streets. They infiltrated the mouths and noses of every person. Driving them to continue their endless slaughter. Inside the prison Steady footsteps echoed. A lone figure walked past the frenzied prisoners, approaching Murong Zhen and Zhang Peng. Wherever he passed, the madness in the prisoners eyes suddenly dissipated. Those with severe wounds collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Those with lighter injuries shuddered in terror, retreating into the corners of their cells, too afraid to move. The clamor of fighting and shouting gradually faded. The once chaotic prison returned to silence. Murong Zhen and Zhang Peng immediately noticed the anomaly and turned their gaze. A figure in green robes stood before them. He exuded the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator. I dont recognize him. Hes not from Tianhe Sect, Zhang Peng muttered, shaking his head. Murong Zhen raised an eyebrow. Must be some meddlesome Nascent Soul cultivator passing through. Kill him. Fifth Elder, hes yours. Zhang Peng let out a sinister laugh. Perfect! Ive been eager to test my strength after absorbing demonic energy! With that, he swung his fist and charged toward the green-robed figure. He didnt even bother using spiritual energy! The green-robed figureShen Mostood motionless. He did not immediately unleash his Divine Transformation cultivation. Instead, he deliberately suppressed his aura to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. In the predetermined fate, he had descended with the cultivation of a Divine Transformation expert. However, Murong Zhen was highly vigilant. Sensing an aura he could not possibly contend with, he immediately activated a , vanishing to another location. The awakening of the demon was left incomplete. Naturally, the , meant to suppress the demon, never appeared. Since Shen Mo already knew how fate was supposed to unfold, he would not repeat the same mistake. Instead, he deliberately suppressed his cultivation and feigned weakness. This way, Murong Zhen wouldnt flee. Interesting. Shen Mo noticed that Zhang Pengs fist had suddenly ignited with a faint black flame. That flame provoked an instinctive unease and revulsion. It did not belong to this world. It was neither a spiritual technique nor a Heavenly Flame. Clearly, it was demonic energy. Shen Mo extended his own fist, not utilizing spiritual power but instead summoning his blood essence. In an instant, it was as if countless ancient giant elephants had emerged from the primordial wilderness. Their hooves thundered across the earth. Vital energy surged like a tidal wave. At that moment, Shen Mo launched a sudden punch. Boom! Their fists collided. A deafening explosion erupted. The shockwave swept in all directions. Several prison doors were blasted apart, reduced to splinters. Murong Zhen instinctively raised an arm to shield himself from the blast. He frowned in dissatisfaction. Fifth Elder, dont make such a scene, you But before he could finish his sentence, the dust settled And Murong Zhen choked on his words. He saw that Shen Mo still maintained his punching stance. But Zhang Pengs entire right arm had vanished. Zhang Peng lowered his head in disbelief, only to find a gaping hole where his heart should have been. His opponents arm was like solid steel, piercing straight through his chest. Your physique Zhang Peng struggled to speak. Shen Mo threw another punch. The strength of a hundred ancient elephants exploded forth. Zhang Pengs head was obliterated. His fleeing Nascent Soul was crushed in the same motion. Zhang Peng had been a mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivator. He had assumed that Shen Mo was merely at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. With his newly absorbed demonic energy, he had been too overconfidentchoosing to fight with raw physical strength rather than spiritual power. His entire body had been left vulnerable. That was why Shen Mo had been able to eliminate him so decisively. Had it been any other Divine Transformation cultivator, Zhang Peng would have at least been able to hold his own for a few exchanges. Murong Zhens pupils contracted violently at the sight. His instincts screamed at him to escape. He immediately channeled spiritual power into the hidden in his right sleeve. It was a precaution he always tookkeeping a talisman concealed in his sleeve at all times. Thanks to this, he had repeatedly evaded the encirclements of Tianhe Sect. However, the moment he tried to lift his arm, he suddenly realized His right arm was gone. His eyes darted down. His arm had been severed cleanly at the root! Only a bloody hole remained in his sleeve! It was only then that searing pain finally struck him like a tidal wave. At that moment, a calm voice drifted into his ears. You sure are timid. Always so eager to run. I went through some trouble to keep you from escaping. Shen Mo stood behind him, casually holding his severed right arm, speaking in an indifferent tone. Murong Zhens pupils shrank to their absolute limit. Who was this young man? His strength was terrifying. He had crushed Zhang Pengs heart with a single punch and obliterated his Nascent Soul with a single grasp. Two moves And in an instant, he had appeared behind Murong Zhen, severing his arm before he even had time to react! What level of power was required to achieve such a feat?! Since when did Jiangzhou produce such a monstrous figure?! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 339: Didn’t You Want to Awaken the Demon? I’ll Give You the Chance to Do It Chapter 339: Didnt You Want to Awaken the Demon? Ill Give You the Chance to Do It Murong Zhen staggered backward repeatedly, his face filled with terror. You Who exactly are you? Shen Mo didnt respond. Instead, his gaze was fixed on the center of the formation. With just one glance, he could tell that the formation within the dungeon was the core of the Nine Nether Wraith Demon Formation, containing only sixty-four formation flags. A large number of additional formation flags had been buried around Boyang City. However, Shen Mo wasnt concerned about these details. His true focus was on the pitch-black demonic energy at the formations center. To his astonishment, the moment a wisp of black demonic energy appeared, his own being reacted to it. It was as if a beast, long dormant and unfamiliar with the taste of flesh, had suddenly caught the scent of fresh blood and meat! After a brief moment of sensing, Shen Mo realized that the reaction wasnt coming from his bodybut from his storage ring! Probing into the ring, he was slightly taken aback. So, its you. In the corner of his storage ring, a piece of Lightning-Struck Wood shimmered with brilliance, pulsating with divine lightning! Back when he had forged his Heaven-Tier Nascent Soul, he had drawn a trace of divine lightning from this very piece of wood. Afterward, he had simply placed it in a corner of his storage ring. Yet now, it was exhibiting a rare reaction! Divine lightning was born to suppress the demon race. Even though this piece of Lightning-Struck Wood contains only a single strand of divine lightning, it instinctively responded upon encountering demonic energy! Shen Mos face lit up with joy. You What exactly are you?! Murong Zhen continued to retreat, his expression filled with feardeep, overwhelming fear. Yet deep within his eyes, a dangerous glint flickered. After retreating a few steps, he suddenly let out a strange laugh and absorbed that wisp of demonic energy into his body. Hahahahaha! Another wisp of demonic energy! This is enough! More than enough! Ive already reached the pinnacle of the King Realmnow, I can break through to the Emperor Realm! Murong Zhens skin suddenly turned a deep purple-black, losing all trace of normal coloration. His joints began writhing, and a moment later, dense, purple-black scales emerged, covering his joints like armor. All over his body, bulging tumors surfaced, wriggling as if something was crawling beneath them, pulsating frantically while radiating intense heat. At that moment, Murong Zhens body expanded at an alarming rate. In just a few breaths, he had already surpassed his former limits. His skin split open as his flesh swelled A larger, more terrifying form emerged before Shen Mo. He now stood over twenty feet tall, like a towering purple-black giant. Yet his entire body was an eerie fusion of scales and tumors, an abomination that defied nature. Infinite limitless power! This is the might of a Demon Emperor! Murong Zhen threw his head back and laughed maniacally. Taking a deep breath, he seemed to revel in the absolute peak of strength, as if he had touched the limits of heaven and earth. After his laughter subsided, he lowered his gaze toward Shen Mo. But now, there was not a trace of fear in his eyes. Only contempt remained. As if he were looking at an insignificant insecta mere ant. Killing you now would be as effortless as crushing an ant. Your biggest mistake was not killing me the moment you had the chance. Murong Zhen pointed at Shen Mo, his voice hoarse but filled with twisted satisfaction. Shen Mo merely smiled faintly. I didnt kill you because I was waiting for something more important. As for you youre nothing more than a minor footnote before I achieve my goal. Murong Zhens gaze turned frigid. Shen Mos calm and indifferent expression had clearly infuriated him. He had become so powerful, he had ascended to the Demon Emperor Realm. Killing a Nascent Soul cultivator should be as easy as crushing an insect. Yet the human cultivator before him showed not a hint of fear. If that was the case, then he would make him understand what it meant to face the terror of a Demon Emperor! Die! Murong Zhen extended his massive hand. Demonic energy surged wildly. It was as if countless wailing spirits and vengeful ghosts had been unleashed, lunging toward Shen Mo with overwhelming malice. Even the corpse of Zhang Peng, lying on the ground, was instantly consumed by the demonic energy. His blood and life force were devoured in a heartbeat. In the blink of an eye He had been reduced to a gruesome, shriveled husk! What spirit energy? What blood energy? Theyre all inferior forces! Demonic energy is the strongest power in the world! Murong Zhens crazed laughter echoed as he envisioned Shen Mos inevitable demise. Shen Mo grew interested. Although he had never encountered demonic energy before, he could already sense its immense power from the current scene. But was it truly as Murong Zhen claimed? That spiritual energy and blood energy were inferior to demonic energy? Shen Mo decided to test it. He unsheathed the Yin-Yang Sword and suddenly slashed out a wave of gray Yin-Yang sword energy. The sword energy surged forward like a tidal wave. Such an attack was enough to instantly kill an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator on the spot. However, when it struck the mass of raging demonic energy, it was as if oil had been poured onto a raging inferno! In an instant, the demonic energy grew even thicker, wilder, and more menacing! Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. He then activated his blood energy, condensing it into a warblade and slashing down fiercely. Just like before, the blood-energy weapon was swiftly devoured by the demonic energy and dispersed into nothingness. "Hahaha, futile struggles!" "I already told youbefore demonic energy, spiritual energy and blood energy are nothing but trash, inferior forces!" "Still, I must admitbeing able to cultivate both spiritual and blood energy techniques while reaching the Nascent Soul stage means you must be an exceptional genius from another province." "To die at the hands of a Demon Emperor is your greatest honor!" Murong Zhen laughed heartily, his face full of arrogance and pleasure. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo pondered. He had just conducted a simple experiment. When spiritual energy techniques struck the demonic energy, half of their power was absorbed. Blood energy techniques were even more severely suppressed, with nearly seventy percent of their power being nullified. However, this did not mean that demonic energy was unbreakable. As long as one''s spiritual energy and blood energy were abundant, the remaining power of an attack could still overwhelm and destroy the opposing force. "Stranger, it''s time for you to die!" Murong Zhen let out a twisted laugh and lunged forward. The vengeful spirits and wraiths formed by demonic energy shrieked as they rushed straight toward Shen Mos mind, as if aiming to shred his consciousness into countless fragments. "Divine Lightning!" Shen Mo flipped his palm, revealing a blackened tree branch, about the length of a forearm. Golden lightning crackled violently across its surface. Crackle! Each time the golden lightning flickered, the very space around it trembled. It was as if this world could barely contain the wrath of divine judgment. The moment the divine lightning appeared, Murong Zhens eyes widened in shock. He did not know what it was. But from that tiny, thinner-than-a-strand-of-hair golden lightning, he could feel an immense, suffocating pressure. Somewhere deep inside him, a voice screamed in warning Stay away! Stay away! You are no match for it. It is our mortal enemy. "The one who should be on his way is you." Shen Mos expression remained unchanged as he raised the Lightning-Struck Wood high and charged forward, accelerating toward Murong Zhen instead. Boom! Wherever he passed, the demonic energy was instantly obliterated by divine lightning. In the blink of an eye, Shen Mo appeared directly before Murong Zhen. The golden lightning pierced straight through Murong Zhens heart. Murong Zhens expression froze. In the next moment His entire body exploded like an overripe watermelon! Countless pieces of purple-black flesh splattered across the dungeon, scattering everywhere. His dark, corrupted blood sprayed in all directions, corroding the ground into a shattered mess. Thud. Murong Zhens severed head rolled away from his disintegrated body, only to be caught in Shen Mos single-handed grip. "Why why didnt you kill me?" Murong Zhen struggled to speak, his voice weak, his thoughts in turmoil. He couldn''t understand. His opponent had deliberately twisted off his head, saving him from being annihilated by divine lightning. "You wanted to awaken the demon, didnt you?" "Ill give you the chance. Go ahead and wake it up." With that, Shen Mo casually tossed Murong Zhens head into the formations core and spoke indifferently. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 340: Who Can Save Boyang City? Who Can Stop the Expansion of the Demon Lands? Chapter 340: Who Can Save Boyang City? Who Can Stop the Expansion of the Demon Lands? Murong was utterly shocked. He had seen reckless people before. But never had he seen someone this reckless. I was merely a human who absorbed demonic energy and underwent transformation, becoming a sovereign. To be precise, I am just a demon sovereign. Yet beneath Boyang City, there lies a true demon lord! That is a genuine sovereign of the demon race! Murong Zhen had no idea what this young genius was thinking. All he knew was that at this moment, the other party must have lost his mind to give him such an opportunity. "I dont know what you are plotting." "But awakening the demon race has been my lifelong wish." "Youve actually given me this chance. I hope you wont regret it when youre about to die!" Murong Zhen burst into maniacal laughter and activated the formation flags with his will. In the next instant, all the resentment and killing intent in the city surged toward Boyang City''s dungeon. It was as if countless vengeful spirits and malicious ghosts had formed a black tsunami! As the resentment and killing intent left their bodies, peoplewhether they had been roaring in anger or entangled in combatsuddenly collapsed as if drained of all strength. Their pupils turned dull, their minds empty and hollow. It was as if something vital had been stripped away. Far away Several streaks of light rapidly approached. They were cultivators of the Tianhe Sect. The square-faced cultivator at the front saw the scene unfolding above Boyang City from a distance, and his pupils constricted. "All the negative emotions are converging toward the city center" "The demon lord is about to break free from its seal! Damn it! Were a step too late!" The square-faced cultivator clenched his fists in anguish. The Nascent Soul cultivators beside him hesitated, their expressions uncertain. "Senior Elder, should we still go forward?" "If the demon lord breaks free, we wont stand a chance against it, will we?" "Yes, Senior Elder, perhaps you shouldnt go either" They tried to persuade him anxiously. At that moment, a thick pillar of purple-black light shot into the sky! Everything within a hundred meters of its center was instantly obliterated. Grass, trees, earth, stone, houses, pigs, dogs, living humans everything was annihilated in the immense force filled with negative emotions! A powerful and sinister will awakened within the purple-black pillar of light. Murmurs and whispers spread in all directions the moment it emerged. Wherever the whispers reached, the air grew heavy and suffocating. Cats, dogs, cattle, and sheep went mad in an instant, their eyes turning blood-red as they attacked anything in sight. Humans fared slightly better, but they too became agitated and irritable. The scene continued to expand outward, engulfing all of Boyang City. From the outside, it appeared as though an invisible wall had cut Boyang City off from the surrounding world. Within was a bleak and sinister demon land. Beyond was a world of birdsong and fragrant flowers. The contrast was stark. The Nascent Soul cultivators beside the square-faced elder instinctively showed fear at the sight. Merely looking at the demon lands for a few moments, they felt as if something foreign had crept into their minds. A strange force whispered in their ears, urging them to step into the demon lands. "Retreat! Retreat now!" "Senior Elder, we must leave! We must return to the sect for reinforcements!" "This place is beyond our ability to handle!" They instinctively backed away, their expressions a mixture of shock and anger. If even Nascent Soul cultivators had such reactions, the fate of those still within the city was obvious. The square-faced cultivator took several deep breaths, then firmly shook his head. "You must retreat at once and use the Sound Transmission Jade to request reinforcements." "I will stay here and delay the spread of the demon lands as much as possible." The Nascent Soul cultivators felt as if they had been granted a reprieve. "Yes, yes!" The square-faced cultivator resolutely flew toward Boyang City. The moment he entered the boundaries of the demon lands, he felt as if his legs were weighed down by lead, his speed slowing to a crawl. Instinctively, he tried to channel his spiritual energy, only to realize that the demon lands had completely repelled the worlds spiritual energy. The air within the demon lands was unbearably thin of it. For a cultivator, this was akin to a fish being deprived of water. Even worse, in such an environment, spiritual energy would slowly seep out of ones body. With no external spiritual energy to replenish himself, and his own power gradually escaping, it meant that every ounce of spiritual energy was precious. Within the demon lands, he couldnt afford to waste a single bit. If he used his energy merely to resist the demonic corruption, he might collapse from exhaustion before even reaching his target. Realizing this, the square-faced cultivator decisively abandoned the idea of using spiritual energy and instead relied on his physical body to endure. Fortunately, he had tempered his body over the years and could barely withstand the corrosive influence of the demon lands. "There must be where the demon lord is sealed." "I just hope he doesnt immediately set his sights on another city." The square-faced cultivator quickened his pace and charged toward the purple-black pillar of light. Yet before he could get close, the pillar suddenly expanded. A surge of purple-black demonic energy erupted outward. Boom! The cultivators pupils shrank as he sensed the terrifying force of the attack. He immediately used his spiritual energy to defend himself. Bang! The instant the purple-black shockwave struck, his expression changed drastically. He had never imagined that even as a mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivator, his spiritual energy would be so utterly powerless against this attack. In that fleeting moment, part of his spiritual energy was devoured by the demonic wave. Boom! The blast sent him flying nearly a hundred meters, crashing through several buildings before he finally came to a stop. Crack. The square-faced cultivator struggled to rise from the rubble, looking down at his chest. His skin had turned a deep shade of purple-black. Even more horrifying, writhing from his wound were numerous tiny, sinister tentacles of the same purple-black hue, creeping toward the depths of his body. The square-faced cultivator had no choice but to ignite his spiritual energy in an attempt to resist the invading corruption. Yet, compared to these monstrous things, his spiritual energy was pitifully weak. It took seven or eight times his normal output just to resist a single one of those tiny tendrils. At this rate, he would undoubtedly perish within Boyang City. "Damn it" "My death doesnt matter, but even if reinforcements from the sect come at full speed, theyll take at least two days." "In two days, that demon lord could expand the demon lands uncontrollably." A flicker of despair flashed through his eyes. "Who can save Boyang City?" "Who can stop the expansion of the demon lands?" The thought had barely formed in his mind before he let out a bitter chuckle. Ridiculous. Demon landssomething even Divine Transformation cultivators dreaded. Even if a passing supreme expert encountered this, they would rather avoid getting involved. Perhaps, in the entirety of Jing Kingdom, only a select few, like Sword Sovereign and his peers, had the power to halt the spread of the demon lands. At that moment, amidst the endless murmurs and whispers in the sky, a thunderous, resounding voice suddenly rang out. His head snapped up toward the purple-black pillar. And then, he saw it. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A golden light burst forth. Like a sword of dawn piercing the blackest night. Sizzle! The purple-black pillar of light was cleaved in two. The boundless murmurs, the ceaseless whispers, twisted into venomous curses and furious maledictions. The demon lordat this momentwas enraged beyond measure! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 341: Stop Fighting, Stop Fighting! If You Want to Fight, Go Outside! Chapter 341: Stop Fighting, Stop Fighting! If You Want to Fight, Go Outside! The square-faced cultivator widened his eyes in shock. What just happened? What was that golden light? It could actually destroy demonic energy! Another burst of golden light erupted. A dark purple-black barrier was instantly torn open. The oppressive dark shroud over Boyang City was suddenly ripped apart, revealing a massive gap. And that gap was growing larger and larger. Cracks began to appear in the corrupted land. The spiritual energy of the outside world surged in immediately. Like a tug-of-war, it continuously shrank the territory of the corrupted land. As the spiritual energy flooded in, the square-faced cultivator was finally able to absorb and refine it again, replenishing his spiritual power and resisting the corrosion of the demonic land. At this moment, he felt like a fish that had returned to water. However, he had no idea who had helped him. Who who who are you? Countless deep, trembling voices echoed in the air, filled with both fear and disbelief. The response was an even more powerful, majestic, and solemn golden thunder! Like the divine punishment of the heavens, it cleansed all evil and filth. In an instant, the dark purple-black demonic energy burned away like oil meeting fire, vanishing without a trace. The entire Boyang City was purified. Once again, it returned to a land of clear waters and lush mountains. The cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs that had been tainted by demonic energy gradually regained clarity in their eyes, returning to their normal state. The people who had been frenzied and fighting stopped, collapsing onto the ground in exhaustion, completely unaware of what they had just been doing. The square-faced cultivator was dumbfounded. What had just happened? Was the demon dead? He looked up at the sky. There, a figure dressed in azure robes slowly emerged. Golden light still lingered around the figure, making him appear even more imposing and otherworldly, as though a divine being had descended upon the mortal realm. Senior, please wait! The square-faced cultivator instinctively called out in a loud voice. The azure-robed figure paused for a moment and then, with a flicker, appeared before him. The square-faced cultivator was overwhelmed with excitement. I am Zhou Mingyi, the Tenth Elder of Tianhe Sect. I greet Senior! Shen Mo sized him up and down. So, you are Zhou Mingyi? You certainly live up to your reputation. Zhou Mingyi was taken aback. Senior you know of me? Shen Mo smiled faintly. Ive heard of you. You are someone who found success later in life and have inspired many disciples of Tianhe Sect. Moreover, you often risk your life to save otherseven ordinary mortals. For that alone, you are worth remembering. Zhou Mingyis expression was filled with emotion. He even felt a little shy. Senior overpraises me. I am just an ordinary cultivatorI dont deserve such high praise from you. May I ask Seniors name? Would you be willing to visit Tianhe Sect as a guest? Zhou Mingyi couldnt help but ask. Shen Mo smiled slightly. There is one thing I need to correctyou should not call me Senior. Huh? Zhou Mingyi was stunned. Someone this powerful, who had just slain a demon, wasnt his senior? He quickly waved his hands. Impossible, impossible! Senior, please dont be so modest. Senior, you have thwarted the evil cultivators conspiracy, slain the demon, and completely eradicated this hidden threat in Jiangzhou. I sincerely invite you to Tianhe Sect as our honored guest! After speaking, he bowed deeply to Shen Mo, his sincerity beyond doubt. Shen Mo chuckled helplessly. He hadnt planned on visiting Tianhe Sect. But since Zhou Mingyi was so insistent, making a trip there wouldnt hurt. He could treat it as a chance to experience the customs of Jiangzhou. Senior, how should I address you? Zhou Mingyi asked respectfully. My surname is Shen, and my courtesy name is Mo. Zhou Mingyi silently repeated the name to himself, feeling that it sounded oddly familiar. Yet, at that moment, he just couldnt recall where he had heard it before. Zhou Mingyi immediately nodded. Alright, then Ill call you Senior Shen. He respectfully said, Senior Shen, please take a rest for now. Ill go assist the common people and help them restore order. At most, within a day or two, the cultivators from Tianhe Sect will arrive. When that time comes, we can head to the sect together. Shen Mo gave a slight nod and casually waved his hand, dispersing the dust around him. Then, he sat cross-legged and hovered in midair. This Zhou Mingyi is quite interesting. Shen Mo recalled the information he had seen on his life panel and smiled slightly. Zhou Mingyis fate carried the trait of late bloomer. In his early years, he was unremarkable, completely ordinary. Each time he advanced in cultivation, he was always the slowest among his peers. But the older he got, the faster he improved. Now, at two hundred years old, he had already reached the early stage of the Divine Transformation Realm. Moreover, he was rich in battle experiencenot the kind of sheltered cultivator who possessed high cultivation but lacked real combat strength. Even among Divine Transformation Realm cultivators, his strength and potential were among the best. Most importantly, Zhou Mingyi was a thoroughly good person. A lifetime spent doing good deeds, willing to risk his life for his friends. In this world, people like him were as rare as clean stones in an outhouse. Shen Mo stopped thinking about it and instead turned his focus inward, examining his own gains. The battle in the underground prison earlier had not been particularly intense. Murong Zhen had fully activated the Nine Nether Wraith Demon Array, gathering the resentment and killing intent of tens of thousands of people in the city, successfully awakening the demon. However, the demon had only just awakened. It was outwardly imposing but hollow insidethough it possessed a monarch-level cultivation realm, its actual strength was not formidable. Shen Mo had not even used any of his own abilities. He had merely relied on the divine thunder contained in his Thunderstruck Wood to instantly slay the demon on the spot. Its entire body of demonic energy had been burned away. Only a single heart-like object, formed from condensed demonic energy, remained and fell to the ground. Originally, it too was about to be obliterated by the divine thunder. But Shen Mo reacted quickly and retrieved it. At that moment, a faint pain suddenly emanated from his dantian. He immediately focused his spiritual vision inward. In his vast and boundless sea of spiritual energy, his grand and stable Dao Platform floated silently. Atop the Dao Platform, a nine-layered lotus bloomed and spun slowly. Sitting atop the lotus platform was Shen Mos primordial spirit, clad in a green infant robe. Between the Dao Platform and the lotus platform was the domain where his exotic flames resided. Originally, only the Solar Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame had existed here. After so much time, the Solar Essence Flame had grown immensely, nearing its peak state. At first, when it was just a small flicker, the Red Lotus Flame had been able to suppress it. Now, the Red Lotus Flame had been pushed to the very edge of the Dao Platform. If it were sentient enough, it would probably regret not having given that little Solar Essence Flame a good thrashing when it had the chance. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, however, the Solar Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame had actually teamed up To gang up on the new arrival: the Nine Nether Ice Flame. The awakening of the demon had also brought the Nine Nether Ice Flame into existence. However, the Nine Nether Ice Flame was now utterly exhausted, on the verge of extinction. Shen Mo could tell at a glanceit had become a decaying flame. If it continued to deteriorate, it would eventually extinguish completely, leaving behind nothing more than a dull fire crystal. Because of this, the Solar Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame had joined forces to bully the weakened Nine Nether Ice Flame. Stop fighting, stop fighting! If you want to fight, take it outside. Shen Mo sent forth a thought, quickly trying to mediate the situation. If they fought in his dantian, werent they trying to kill him? The Solar Essence Flame reluctantly backed away. The Red Lotus Flame, however, was enjoying the brawl and was ready to charge again. Shen Mo immediately activated his . Only then did he manage to suppress the restless Red Lotus Flame. Sigh, these two troublemakers. The Nine Nether Ice Flame is in no condition to survive. If it cant hold its ground against the Solar Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame, itll inevitably wither away. That demonic heart might be able to help it recover. Without hesitation, Shen Mo took out the demonic heart and began refining it. ???? Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers and supporters! I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you''ll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including: ???? Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn''t have to wait! ???? Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do. ???? Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey! Patreon.com/anish_44 https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 342: So You Are That Shen Mo Chapter 342: So You Are That Shen Mo It was quite strange. As soon as the Demonic Heart was taken out, the Nine Nether Ice Flame reacted like a hungry wolf spotting a defenseless lamb. With a , it flared up violently. The Sun Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame trembled in response, as if saying, Shen Mo found the situation amusing and reached out to touch the Demonic Heart. Immediately, the Nine Nether Ice Flame surged forth, engulfing the heart. In the next moment, it was like a giant python swallowing its prey in one gulp. Satisfied, it settled inside his dantian and began refining the heart. In just the blink of an eye, the previously dim and weakened Nine Nether Ice Flame had significantly improved. Even its very nature seemed to be changing, like an old man suddenly regaining his youth. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Seeing this, the Sun Essence Flame and the Red Lotus Flame quickly withdrew their fire tongues, adopting a more subdued and obedient demeanor. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. The Nine Nether Ice Flame is merely residing in my body temporarily for now. When I have time later, Ill try to tame it properly. He let out a slow breath, regaining his composure. Just then, Zhou Mingyi flew over from the City Lords Mansion, drenched in sweat. Seeing Shen Mo open his eyes, he was overjoyed. Senior Shen, have you finished cultivating? Shen Mo gave a slight nod. How many days have passed? Zhou Mingyi chuckled, Just a day and a half. He was about to say more when several streaks of light appeared on the horizon. Excited, he exclaimed, Senior Shen, our Tianhe Sect members have arrived! Several figures landed abruptly. There were four of them, all elderly men with graying hair and beards. Each wore the Tianhe Sects signature blue robes. The leading elder, upon seeing Zhou Mingyi safe and sound, let out a breath of relief. Xiao Zhou, Im glad youre unharmed. Behind him, another elder at the Divine Transformation stage asked in surprise, Xiao Zhou, where is the Demonic Land? Wheres the demon leader? Did you slay it? All four elders collectively drew in sharp breaths. Before coming, they had brought numerous precious artifacts, even some long-forgotten anti-demon treasures from the sects treasury. They had mentally prepared for at least one or two casualties. Yet here was Zhou Mingyi, completely unscathed, and Bo Yang City looked perfectly intact. There was no sign of the devastation described in ancient records about the Demonic Land. The Great Elder, misunderstanding the situation, grabbed Zhou Mingyis hand with admiration. Xiao Zhou, youve matured late, but even though youre only at the early Divine Transformation stage, many who have reached completion in this realm might not be your match. But you have one flawyoure too modest! Dont downplay your achievements. When youve done something great, you should claim credit for it! Everyone will only feel proud of you! The other elders nodded in agreement, looking at Zhou Mingyi with great satisfaction. Decades ago, Zhou Mingyi had still been their disciple. Now, he was standing beside them as an equal. And not just thathe had supposedly slain a demon leader and destroyed a Demonic Land! Once this news spread to other regions and sects, their Tianhe Sect would gain immense prestige. Zhou Mingyis face turned red with frustration. In the end, he had no choice but to raise his voice and shout, It was Senior Shen! Not me! The elders froze for a moment before shifting their gaze to the nearby young man, who was smiling faintly. The Great Elder studied Shen Mo with a puzzled expression. His face looked so young. A deep, unfathomable aura emanated from his body, as vast and boundless as the ocean itself. The Great Elder cautiously cupped his fists in greeting. Fellow Daoist, you are? Shen Mo returned the gesture. Shen Mo, just passing through Bo Yang City. The Great Elder let out a casual , then suddenly froze. Shen Mo what? Shen Mo?! His murky old eyes widened in shock as he stared at the young man before him. The three elders behind him also stiffened, then immediately looked at Shen Mo as if they had just laid eyes on an invaluable treasure. You youre the same Shen Mo who slew the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom? The one who annihilated three million of their demonic army?! The Great Elder scrutinized Shen Mo again, unable to hold back his astonishment. Shen Mo shook his head. Three million demons? Those three armies combined barely reached one million. Your information is incorrect. The four elders exchanged glances and instinctively muttered, Oh so it was just one million You really are Shen Mo! At this moment, Zhou Mingyi also suddenly came to his senses. The battle against the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom in Yu Province had long since spread to Jiang Province. The name had been passed from one person to ten, from ten to a hundred, until it became widely known. Many people deeply admired the young vice-sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect. He had only just stepped into the Divine Transformation stage, yet his strength was already this terrifying. Zhou Mingyi had always wanted to meet Shen Mo and see for himself what this legendary genius looked like. He had even planned to introduce himself at the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet two years later. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine they would meet in such an unceremonious manner! Shen Senior Shen Zhou Mingyi scratched his head awkwardly. Shen Mo chuckled. Elder Zhou, Ive already told youI am not your senior. Zhou Mingyi smiled sheepishly. His cultivation level was slightly higher than Shen Mos, and his age was significantly greater. Addressing Shen Mo as senior was indeed inappropriate. Elders, the demonic leader here was slain by Daoist Shen, and the Demonic Land was purified by him. As for the traitors Murong Zhen and Zhang Peng, Daoist Shen also took care of them. I had nothing to do with it. Zhou Mingyi quickly clarified. The Great Elder looked at Shen Mo in shock. I never expected Daoist Shen to possess such astonishing strength! You have rid Jiang Province of such a terrible scourge. As the hosts, we must hold a feast in your honor. Would you be willing to visit our Tianhe Sects mountain gate? Shen Mo gave a slight nod. That sounds good. Id like to see what Tianhe Sect is like. The Great Elder was overjoyed. Excellent, excellent! Lets not delaylets go now! The group transformed into streaks of light and swiftly made their way toward the sect. Half a month later, at the Tianhe Sect Mountain Gate. More than a dozen elders of the Tianhe Sect, all at the Divine Transformation stage, had gathered. At the forefront stood a figure dressed in azure robesShen Mo. The atmosphere was amicable, and the discussions were smooth and harmonious. Over the past few days, Shen Mo had gotten along quite well with the cultivators of Tianhe Sect. Although the sect was closely tied to the imperial family of Jing Kingdom, they were, at their core, businessmen. Now that Shen Mo had demonstrated his strength and eliminated a major threat to Jiang Province, he had immediately won their collective approval and admiration. At that moment, an elderly man with snow-white hair stepped forward and approached Shen Mo. He was none other than the current sect master of Tianhe Sect. With both hands, he respectfully presented a storage ring to Shen Mo. Daoist Shen, this is a token of our Tianhe Sects gratitude. Please do not refuse. Shen Mo gave a slight nod and accepted the gift without hesitation. Gentlemen, until we meet again. Shen Mo cupped his hands and smiled. The sect master, the Great Elder, Zhou Mingyi, and the others all returned the gesture, smiling as well. Daoist Shen, until we meet again! Shen Mo ascended into the sky, disappearing into the horizon. The sect master of Tianhe Sect let out a deep sigh. I had heard about the situation in Yu Province, but I never imagined Shen Mo would be such a once-in-a-generation talent. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 343: Reaching the National Capital Chapter 343: Reaching the National Capital at the Early Divine Transformation Stage The Great Elder also sighed. Indeed, the Jade Cauldron Sect in Yu Province has been repeatedly suppressed by the imperial court, yet they still managed to produce such a peerless genius. That sect truly stumbled upon a priceless treasure! Zhou Mingyi showed no trace of envy on his face; instead, his admiration was clear. Daoist Shen is truly a role model for all of us! However, two years from now, at the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet, the Jing Emperor will likely ally with several sects to target the Jade Cauldron Sect. I wonder if Shen Mo will be able to overcome that hurdle, the Great Elder sighed. The Tianhe Sect Master pondered for a moment before speaking with a firm tone. For what Shen Mo has done for Jiang Province and our Tianhe Sect today, we must stand by his side. Tianhe Sect is not a sect that betrays its allies! Zhou Mingyi and the others felt a tremor in their hearts and immediately responded in unison, Yes! Northern Jiang Province. Shen Mo flew through the air while inspecting the contents of the storage ring. So much?! When he saw what was inside, his eyes widened in surprise. It was filled to the brim with all kinds of rare treasures. There were twelve Soul-Consolidating Fruits alone! As for supreme-grade spirit stones, there were over a thousand! No wonder the Tianhe Sect is so wealthythis is absurdly extravagant! I recall that the Nine Cycles Alchemy Canon contains a recipe for the Great Refining Divine Pill. With the Soul-Consolidating Fruit as the main ingredient, I can refine it myself! Ill try to reach the early stage of the Divine Transformation realm before arriving at the capital! After leaving Tianhe Sect, Shen Mo found a secluded cave in northern Jiang Province, set up an array, and began refining pills. The materials required for the Great Refining Divine Pill were extensive. Fortunately, Shen Mo always carried a large stock of medicinal herbs. Even the few missing ingredients could be substituted with herbs of similar properties. After taking inventory, he confirmed that he had enough materials to refine six batches of the Great Refining Divine Pill. The Great Refining Divine Pill is already a heaven-grade low-tier pill, and refining it is quite difficult. I just hope I can minimize the loss of materials. After making thorough preparations, he took out the Myriad Beast Cauldron and started refining. Time passed in the blink of an eye. Six months later, Shen Mo put away the Myriad Beast Cauldron and looked at the four round pills before him, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. Out of six attempts, he had failed twice but succeeded four times. Not bad at all. After all, this was a heaven-grade low-tier pill. Even in the Pill River Sect, where many Divine Transformation stage elders specialized in alchemy, few could achieve such a success rate. Across the entire Jing Kingdom, only the imperial family seemed capable of gathering the finest alchemists to mass-produce the Great Refining Divine Pill in the capital. This was how the imperial court managed to win the allegiance of Divine Transformation stage cultivators throughout the land. Time to refine it. Shen Mo swallowed one of the Great Refining Divine Pills and began the process of absorption. Under the guidance of his spiritual power, the pill dissolved into an overwhelming surge of medicinal energy, rushing into his dantian and merging with his primordial spirit. The primordial spirits form gradually expanded. Though the increase was subtle, its internal strength grew at a perceptible rate. Two months later, Shen Mo had fully refined the effects of the pill. His primordial spirit had grown from one inch to three inches tall. A one-inch primordial spirit signified entry into the Divine Transformation realm. A three-inch primordial spirit marked the early stage of the Divine Transformation realm! An invisible force of primordial spirit energy spread out in all directions. For a moment, the vast mountain range fell into a hushed silence. S~ea??h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within a hundred-mile radius, beasts prostrated themselves on the ground, while birds plummeted in terror. Even insects dared not make a sound. In an instant, the entire world seemed to hold its breath. Without opening his eyes, Shen Mo merely willed his mind outward and could hear, over a hundred and twenty miles away, an underground mole gleefully devouring an earthworm. Shen Mo willed his mind outward once more and saw a fish in the lake spitting out a jet of water, knocking an insect off a blade of grass before swallowing it whole. Everythingfrom the skies above to the depths of the earth, from towering trees to tiny insectswas now completely within his perception. A satisfied expression appeared on his face. The Great Refining Divine Pill was indeed far more potent than ordinary Refining Pills. Coupled with the foundation he had been accumulating for a long time, just a single pill had allowed him to smoothly step into the early stage of the Divine Transformation realm. Its time to set off for Long Province. With a single leap, Shen Mo emerged from the cave, landing atop a mountain peak. He gazed at the vast world beneath the golden sunlight, a smile appearing on his lips. He moved swiftly, leaping into the vast wilderness like an agile ape. At times, he flitted through treetops like a bird. At other moments, he soared over deep ravines like a hunting leopard. Though traveling this way was far slower than flying with spiritual energy, it brought him an unparalleled sense of joy. Roaming freely, embracing the mountains and rivers, indulging in the pleasures of the worldthis was the true essence of cultivation. If one only knew how to seclude themselves in bitter training, what was the point of coming into this world at all? One year later, Long Province, the imperial capital. The most prosperous city in Jing Kingdom stood tall on an endless plain. It had no natural barriers for defense. Yet, no Jing Emperor had ever considered relocating the capital. After all, as long as their strength remained unmatched, who would dare lay siege to the imperial city? Furthermore, four massive military camps were stationed in the four cardinal directions around the capital. The soldiers within were no ordinary troops; they were carefully selected cultivators. Their lowest cultivation level was the Foundation Establishment realm. The three generals in command of the camps had all reached the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. Their equipment was also of the highest quality. There were twelve Ironclad Cloudships alone. Without the emperors decree, not a single soldier from these four great camps could be mobilized. Anyone entering or leaving the imperial capital could glimpse these formidable encampments, witnessing their grandeur. However, they could only see the surface. The four great formations protecting the camps ensured that no outsider could spy on what lay within. Among the many travelers entering the city, a figure in blue robes blended into the crowd, moving through the gates along with everyone else. He had taken note of the military camps as well, and indeed, they were powerful and well-equipped. Beyond the Ironclad Cloudships, there were also many newly developed weapons. Likely the result of the imperial cultivators ingenuity. At the city gates, the guards were carefully registering each entrant one by one. When it was the blue-robed figures turn, a soldier routinely asked, Name? Lin Xuan. Cultivation level? Core Formation. Purpose of visit to Pingye City? To participate in the Tianhe Chamber of Commerces Alchemy Conference. After a brief interrogation, the blue-robed figure was permitted entry into the capital. The city was more bustling than ever. In a few months, the most powerful cultivator of Jing Kingdomthe Sword Sovereignwould be celebrating his birthday. Countless cultivators from across the kingdom had already flocked to the capital to pay their respects. Additionally, another major event was about to take place. The Tianhe Chamber of Commerce was hosting an Alchemy Conference, inviting alchemists from all over to exchange insights on the art of pill refinement. The final prize for the competition was extraordinarily generous. As a result, alchemists from every region were arriving in droves. The Tianhe Chamber of Commerce was the trade network established by the Tianhe Sect across the kingdom. In eight of the nine provinces of Jing Kingdomexcluding Mist Provincethere was a branch of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. Naturally, the imperial capital was no exception. So, Ive finally arrived. Shen Mo looked up at the magnificent city before him and smiled faintly. On his journey here, he had already obtained the first two opportunities that originally belonged to Xiao Fan. One was a piece of Resentful Spirit Wood Core. The other was a thousand-year Earth Flame Marrow. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 345: If Successfully Refined, My Tianhe Sect Will Offer Great Rewards Chapter 345: If Successfully Refined, My Tianhe Sect Will Offer Great Rewards At that moment, a knock came from outside. Elder Zhou, a guest claiming to be an esteemed visitor of the Tianhe Sect wishes to see you. Who is it? He didnt give his name, only mentioned three words. Zhou Mingyi was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up. Quickly, invite him in! Moments later, a young man in a blue robe stepped inside. Zhou Mingyis gaze brightened with recognition. Fellow Daoist Shen, it really is you! Shen Mo smiled and cupped his hands, slightly surprised. I didnt expect the president of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce in the capital to be you. Zhou Mingyi laughed heartily. It was supposed to be my uncle, Zhou Yong, but he was no longer up to the task and retired. So, the sect appointed me as the interim president and tasked me with preparing a gift for Swordmasters birthday banquet. Shen Mo nodded slightly. That made sense. A major sect like the Tianhe Sect couldnt attend the Swordmasters banquet without presenting an appropriate gift. If they arrived empty-handed, it would be a disgrace in front of the entire cultivation world. You seem a little troubled, Shen Mo observed Zhou Mingyis expression and inquired. Zhou Mingyi waved his hand. Sigh, its nothing good. Better not mention it. But you, Fellow Daoist Shen, since youve made a special trip to the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce, I assume you have a request? Zhou Mingyi smiled. You eliminated that demon and even executed two traitors of my Tianhe Sect. Whatever you need, I will do my utmost to provide it! His tone was sincere. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clearly, this was no empty courtesyhe genuinely wished to do something for Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded with a smile. I heard the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce is hosting an alchemy competition? Thats right. I need one of the first-place prizes. Which one? The . Zhou Mingyi was immediately taken aback. You want the too? Shen Mo was puzzled. Someone else wants it? Zhou Mingyi let out a helpless chuckle and proceeded to recount Bai Tianyuans request in detail. He also explained the long-standing conflict between the Tianhe Sect and Elder Qingmu. Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. I see. Now I understand why the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce is hosting this alchemy competition. Zhou Mingyi smiled wryly. Fellow Daoist Shen, you are indeed perceptive. You figured it out immediately. Thats right. The goal is to gather alchemists from all over and develop a pill suitable for cultivating the . After speaking, he added, However, since it is you who needs the , there is nothing more to discuss. I will send it to you immediately. He clapped his hands. A robust cultivator promptly entered, awaiting instructions. Zhou Mingyi ordered, This is an esteemed guest of the Tianhe Sect. Serve him tea and refreshments at once. Then, turning to Shen Mo, he said, Please wait a moment. I will retrieve the sword manual from the warehouse. Shen Mo nodded. Zhou Mingyi quickly departed. Waiting was never particularly enjoyable. Shen Mo began to wander around the VIP room, observing the various furnishings. He had to admitthe Tianhe Sect was extraordinarily wealthy. Even this VIP lounge of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce was more luxurious than the main halls of some smaller sects. The ceiling, walls, and floors were all constructed from , which was both sound-absorbing and remarkably sturdy. The tables, chairs, and folding screens were made from thousand-year sandalwood, its fragrance lingering in the air. Additionally, many antique calligraphy scrolls and paintings adorned the space, each with a history of at least a thousand years. Hm? What is this Shen Mos gaze fell upon a small bronze cauldron resting on the table. The cauldron was exquisitely crafted, its surface adorned with intricate carvings of vast landscapes, soaring birds, and fierce beasts, all appearing strikingly lifelike. Based on Shen Mos keen eye, this small cauldron was at least a mid-grade Earth-tier spiritual artifact. However, what truly caught his attention was not the cauldron itself. It was the light blue powder inside. It seemed to be the residue of a failed alchemy attempt. Shen Mo used his spiritual power to extract a small portion of the residue from a distance. With just a light sniff, over a hundred different medicinal ingredients instantly surfaced in his mind. White Serpent Flower Niekong Grass Black Frost Root Hmm, theres also some Heavy Water Essence, but they added too much. No wonder it failed. Shen Mo casually commented. With his current level of alchemy mastery, identifying this type of pill was no challenge. After all, he could successfully refine even the , and with a success rate exceeding sixty percent. Throughout the entire Jing Kingdom, alchemists capable of refining the with such a high success rate were extremely rare. At that moment, footsteps sounded behind him. It was Zhou Mingyi, returning to the VIP lounge from the warehouse. Fellow Daoist Shen, you He noticed Shen Mo standing before the small cauldron, examining the light blue residue with his spiritual power. Zhou Mingyi let out a helpless chuckle. Ive made a fool of myself in front of you. Shen Mo smiled. This was an attempt by one of your sects elders to develop a pill that aids in cultivating the ? Zhou Mingyi sighed. Yes, but it wasnt just one elder. All of our Tianhe Sects alchemy-proficient elders collaborated on it. Since that Elder Qingmu refuses to sell the pill formula, we had no choice but to rely on ourselves. Unfortunately, even with all our alchemy elders combined, we still couldnt match Elder Qingmu! Zhou Mingyi let out a long sigh. After the failure, our sect master distributed the residue to various chamber branches as a reminder of this lesson. Additionally, it was also meant to attract skilled alchemists who might pinpoint the mistakes in the formula. Shen Mo couldnt help but chuckle. The mistakes are quite obvious. No one noticed? Zhou Mingyi was stunned for a moment before his expression turned to shock. Wait you understand alchemy?! Shen Mo gave a slight nod. I know a little. The strongest pill he could refine was merely a low-grade Heaven-tier pill. Calling himself an would be too arrogant. Alchemy was a lifelong pursuit with no end. Saying he knew was quite reasonable. Zhou Mingyi was visibly excited. Then, Fellow Daoist Shen, please tell mewhat went wrong? Shen Mo smiled. First, there was too much Heavy Water Essenceit should be reduced by at least a third. Second, the flame was too weak, preventing the medicinal liquid from properly condensing into a pill. Zhou Mingyis eyes lit up. Many alchemists had examined it for a long time yet failed to deduce anything meaningful. But Shen Mo had effortlessly pointed out two critical mistakes. Though Zhou Mingyi himself was not an expert in alchemy, Shen Mos casual confidence alone was enough to convince him! The first issue is easy to fix, but the second From what I know, they already used the fiercest during the refinement. Unless we can find one of the legendary , its impossible to raise the temperature any further. Zhou Mingyi smiled bitterly. Shen Mo chuckled. An ? I have one. Zhou Mingyi froze for a moment before slapping his thigh in realization. Of course! Their gathered intelligence had long mentioned that Shen Mo seemingly possessed two ! Zhou Mingyi immediately lowered his head in deep respect. May I ask if Fellow Daoist Shen would be willing to refine this pill for my Tianhe Sect? If it succeeds, our sect will reward you greatly! His words were firm, his tone solemn and serious. It was clear this was not an empty promise. Shen Mo nodded slightly. I can give it a try. Zhou Mingyi was overjoyed. Good, good! I will inform my senior uncles and sect elders immediately. They should arrive in the capital within a month. Also, please write down any medicinal ingredients you need. I will have them gathered at once! Shen Mo nodded slightly and immediately picked up a brush to write. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 346: Zhou Mingyi, You Have Clearly Underestimated the Power of a Genius Alchemist Chapter 346: Zhou Mingyi, You Have Clearly Underestimated the Power of a Genius Alchemist "Good, good, good! Ill have someone prepare it right away!" Zhou Mingyi was overjoyed. He had immense trust in Shen Mos abilities. Since Shen Mo was so confident, he naturally had no doubts whatsoever. "Daoist Shen, this is the . I will now take you to your resting place." "As for the pill refinement, theres no rushwe can do it tomorrow." Zhou Mingyi spoke happily. "That works as well," Shen Mo nodded slightly. Zhou Mingyi led Shen Mo through the Tianhe Merchant Associations premises. Eventually, they arrived at a tranquil courtyard. A small pond lay within the courtyard, where a few golden fish swam leisurely. Surrounding the area were lush green bamboo trees. It seemed as though all the hustle and bustle of the outside world was sealed away from this place. Standing here, one might believe they were deep in the mountains rather than in the heart of Jing Countrys bustling capital. "This place is not bad," Shen Mo nodded slightly. Zhou Mingyi laughed heartily. "Then, Daoist Shen, you may rest here." "Rest assured, without my command, no one will disturb you." "Alright." After Zhou Mingyi left, Shen Mo carefully examined the courtyard. There were no signs of danger, nor were there any formations designed to spy on him. Only then did Shen Mo feel at ease. He sat down cross-legged. Then, he took out the . It was an ancient scroll, rolled up like a manuscript. Even without unfolding it, one could feel the fierce, raging flames surging within it. If unfolded and infused with spiritual energy, it would unleash powerful fire-attributed sword energy, capable of cutting down any enemy that approached. Even this alone was equivalent to a top-tier Earth-rank spiritual weaponsomething that would drive Divine Transformation Realm cultivators to fight over it. After all, Heaven-rank spiritual weapons were not something one could acquire simply by wanting them. Thus, for most Divine Transformation cultivators, a top-tier Earth-rank spiritual weapon was already the ultimate pursuit of a lifetime. Shen Mo then took out the . As soon as the two sword manuals came into contact, it was as if long-lost brothers had reunited in a foreign land. They immediately clashed violently. In an instant, sword energy overflowed, and brilliant light erupted. Shen Mo frowned slightly and swiftly released his spiritual energy, sealing off the surrounding space to prevent any sword energy or light from leaking out. The strange phenomenon lasted for a full half-hour before gradually subsiding. What lay before Shen Mo now was an extraordinarily ancient and heavy sword manual. He extended his hand and slowly unfolded it. The more he unfolded, the more he could feel as if an unimaginably powerful ancient sword was sealed within. Once fully opened, the swords energy would burst forth, slaying gods and demons alike! This was a Heaven-rank spiritual weapon! Unmatched in power! Its might was overwhelming! Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. "As expected of the strongest treasure of the Burning Heaven Hall. Back then, Xiao Fan relied on this to dominate Jing Country." "Now that the and manuals are in my possession, only the remains!" A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. This newly formed sword manual was now the strongest spiritual weapon in his arsenal. With this, he had gained yet another trump card! Outside Tianhe Merchant Association. At a certain restaurant. Bai Tianyuan sat in the highest room of the restaurant. Leaning against the window, he could see the entrance of the Tianhe Merchant Association. The table before him was filled with exquisite delicacies, yet he had no appetite. Before long, a charming woman approached him. She was the same female cultivator from the Tianhe Sect who had received Bai Tianyuan at the Tianhe Merchant Association. "Alchemist Bai, I have important news for you," the woman said, her eyes glimmering. Bai Tianyuan smiled slightly. "Speak. If your news is important enough, I can give you whatever you desire." Greed flashed in the womans eyes as she hurriedly said, "President Zhou retrieved the Scorching Earth Sword Manual from the warehouse and gave it to a young man who had just arrived at the association!" Bai Tianyuans expression immediately darkened. "What?! Who is this person?" The woman shook her head. "President Zhou said he is an honored guest of the Tianhe Sect and called him Daoist Shen. Beyond that, I know nothing." Bai Tianyuan repeated the name to himself. "Daoist Shen It seems hes a Divine Transformation cultivator." "Good. Your information is indeed valuable." With a flip of his palm, Bai Tianyuan tossed over two pieces of top-grade spirit stones. "This is your reward." "Keep monitoring the Tianhe Merchant Association from within. Find out this Daoist Shens true identity. If you succeed, I will reward you generously." The womans eyes gleamed with excitement. She was merely a Core Formation cultivator. In her entire life, she had never even seen a top-grade spirit stone. Now, Bai Tianyuan had casually given her two! Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That was enough to buy countless pills and replace all her spiritual artifacts with far superior ones! "Yes, yes, yes! I will keep watch and report to you the moment I have more information!" the woman said excitedly. Bai Tianyuan waved his hand, and the woman quickly left. His expression grew colder. Staring at the bustling entrance of the Tianhe Merchant Association, he muttered, "He would rather give it to someone else than to me?" "Zhou Mingyi, you have clearly underestimated the power of a genius alchemist!" Tap, tap. At that moment, footsteps approached. Bai Tianyuan lifted his head and saw a slender figure wrapped in a tight black outfit, walking toward him with graceful steps. His gaze softened instantly. "Ziyi, youre here." As he spoke, he pushed a long jade box toward her. "This is my gift for you." The black-clad woman sat down before him. A light veil covered the lower half of her face, but from her delicate brows and elegant nose, it was clear that she was an unparalleled beauty. Seeing Bai Tianyuan, she did not display any warmthshe merely nodded slightly and reached for the jade box. Opening it, she found an ancient scroll inside. She frowned slightly, her voice as clear as flowing water. "This is not the Scorching Earth Sword Manual." Bai Tianyuan hurriedly explained, "This is a sword manual I specially acquired. It also releases fire-attributed sword energy. Its not much different from the Scorching Earth Sword Manual." The woman closed the jade box and pushed it back. "I told you, I only want the Scorching Earth Sword Manual." Bai Tianyuan looked troubled. "The Shadow Pavilion is the greatest sect in Longzhou. You can have anythingwhy do you insist on this broken top-tier Earth-rank spiritual artifact?" The woman replied indifferently, "You promised me that you would get me the Scorching Earth Sword Manual." "Whats wrong? The personal disciple of Elder Qingmu cant even obtain a single top-tier Earth-rank artifact?" Bai Tianyuans blood surged with frustration, his face turning red with anger. "Ziyi, its not that I cant do itits that Zhou Mingyi refuses to yield, no matter what I offer!" "He insists that I exchange the Heavy Water Frost Pill formula for it" The woman no longer listened. She simply stood up, ready to leave. "Since you cant obtain the Scorching Earth Sword Manual, stop bothering me." "Ill take it myself." Bai Tianyuan quickly stepped forward. "Ziyi, listen to me! I may not have the Scorching Earth Sword Manual, but Ive discovered some information." "Zhou Mingyi gave it to a Divine Transformation cultivator. He called him Daoist Shen." "That Daoist Shen is currently staying in a secluded courtyard within the Tianhe Merchant Association." A sharp glint flashed in the womans eyes. "This information is somewhat useful." Bai Tianyuan smiled. "Ziyi, at least Ive helped you with this." The woman nodded slightly. "Not bad. Ill see you when I have time." With that, she left without hesitation. She did not care in the slightest that Bai Tianyuan was a prodigious alchemist. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 348: Five Portions of Ingredients—Four for You, One for Me—Enough for Alchemy Chapter 348: Five Portions of IngredientsFour for You, One for MeEnough for Alchemy At that moment, the presence of cultivators could be sensed outside. With a flip of his palm, Shen Mo completely concealed the aura of the exotic flames. His gaze then shifted toward the courtyard gate. There, a familiar figure was striding in quickly. It was none other than Zhou Mingyi. Zhou Mingyi clasped his hands with a smile. "I hope Im not disturbing your cultivation?" Shen Mo waved his hand. "Its fine. I assume the materials are ready?" Zhou Mingyi nodded repeatedly. "Exactly. Everything has been prepared. As long as you have time, we can begin refining at any moment." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he spoke, he handed over a storage ring. Shen Mo accepted it casually. However, he noticed a hint of worry between Zhou Mingyis brows. "Daoist Zhou, is something troubling you? Tell me about it." He smiled. Zhou Mingyi let out a helpless laugh. "Nothing escapes Daoist Shens eyes." "Someone has been spreading malicious rumors, claiming that Elder Qingmu is about to break his long-standing rule and accept disciples. They have also been publicizing the conflict between Elder Qingmu and our Tianhe Sect." "After the news spread, many young alchemists gave up on participating in the alchemy competition." "And among those who insisted on competing, nearly all of them were threatened in some way, leading even more to withdraw." Zhou Mingyi gritted his teeth. "Theres definitely someone behind this!" "Elder Qingmu has long declared that Bai Tianyuan is his final personal disciple. He has limited energy and will never take in another student." "Moreover, alchemists hold a prestigious status. Ordinary cultivators wouldnt dare to threaten them." Shen Mo nodded. "It seems someone is deliberately trying to sabotage the alchemy competition." "There arent many forces capable of opposing the Tianhe Sect. Its likely Elder Qingmu himself." Zhou Mingyi smiled bitterly. "A master alchemist of Elder Qingmus renown holds immense influence. He alone is enough to challenge an entire sect" Shen Mo chuckled lightly. That Elder Qingmu was indeed rather narrow-minded. For so many years, he had refused the Tianhe Sects request to purchase the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill formula. That was one thing. But now, he was actively trying to ruin the alchemy competition. It seemed he was determined to sever the heritage of the Ninefold Tianhe Scroll completely. "Our Tianhe Sects Ninth Elder has already arrived at the merchant guild. When he heard about this, he was utterly distraught." "He was once one of Elder Qingmus disciples, so this morning, he hurriedly prepared gifts and set out to visit Elder Qingmu in hopes that their past master-disciple relationship might sway him." Zhou Mingyi sighed. "But I suspect hell be turned away." After saying this, he looked slightly uneasy. "Daoist Shen, the Ninth Elder has some strong opinions about you. When he returns later, try not to provoke him." "Otherwise, it will strain the relationships between our sects elders." Shen Mo smiled indifferently. Back when he had stayed at the Tianhe Sect for a few days, he had easily noticed the factional divides within the sect. One faction, led by the Sect Master, the Grand Elder, and Zhou Mingyi, believed in independently researching pills suited for the Ninefold Tianhe Scrolls cultivation. The other faction, including the Fifth Elder and the Ninth Elderespecially the Ninth Elder, who had been one of Elder Qingmus disciplesbelieved that there was no one money couldnt buy. Moreover, they didnt think anyone in the world could surpass Elder Qingmu in alchemy and create a pill better than the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill. As long as they persisted and showed enough goodwill, Elder Qingmu would eventually relent and sell them the formula. At that moment, footsteps sounded again from outside the courtyard gate. This time, however, there were two distinct presences. The guards at the gate quickly intervened. "Sirs, our esteemed guest is resting. You cannot enter!" Immediately after, a loud bang echoed. The courtyard gate was violently kicked open. Two figures stormed inside. One was an elderly man with white hairTianhe Sects Ninth Elder. The other was a proud-looking young manElder Qingmus most favored disciple, Bai Tianyuan. Zhou Mingyi frowned but still cupped his hands in greeting. "Ninth Elder, why did you bring an outsider into the guest manor? What if you disturb Daoist Shen?" The Ninth Elder snorted coldly. "Outsider? Tianyuan is my junior brother!" "But the one beside youhe''s the real outsider." His expression was ice-cold as he questioned, "Zhou Mingyi, tell me, why did you hand over the medicinal ingredients I prepared to him?" "Do you even understand how much effort I put into gathering those herbs? I traveled across Jing Country, making countless arrangements to secure them." "I even thickened my skin to make an agreement with my master, pleading with him to refine five Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pills for my grandson. Out of past master-disciple sentiment, he reluctantly agreed." "But now, you''re handing over the ingredients to this man!" "Do you realize how great a loss this is for our Tianhe Sect?" The more he spoke, the more enraged he became. "My grandson is one of the few within our Tianhe Sect who can cultivate the Ninefold Tianhe Scroll!" "But he has been stuck at the peak of the Core Formation Realm for twenty years!" "He cannot wait any longer!" Zhou Mingyi furrowed his brows. It was true that the Ninth Elder had contributed most of the five portions of medicinal ingredients. However, the expenses had been covered by the sects funds. In the end, it was all the sects money. How did it suddenly become the Ninth Elders private property just because it passed through his hands? Bai Tianyuan glanced at Shen Mo with a smirk. "Shen Mo, young sect master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, is it? A pleasure to meet you." "The feats you accomplished in Yuzhou have already reached the capital. Even I have heard a little about them." Shen Mo gave him a calm glance, his expression unchanged. "But I never expected that you could refine pills," Bai Tianyuan sneered. "Or are you just deceiving President Zhou, planning to swindle away those five precious portions of medicinal ingredients?" Shen Mo smiled indifferently. Swindle? Those five portions of medicinal ingredients were indeed invaluable. But they werent enough to tempt him. Had it not been for the favor Zhou Mingyi had shown him by gifting the Scorching Earth Sword Manual, he wouldnt have agreed to refine this pill for the Tianhe Sect in the first place. Bai Tianyuans gaze swept over the three of themNinth Elder, Zhou Mingyi, and Shen Mobefore adding fuel to the fire. "I also heard that President Zhou handed over a top-tier Earth-grade spiritual artifact to this Shen Mo without hesitation?" "Tsk tsk tsk, a top-tier Earth-grade spiritual artifact isnt some common cabbage. Daoist Zhou, youre only the Tenth Elder of Tianhe Sect, yet you think you can just give away the sects wealth to outsiders?" Zhou Mingyi frowned. He was well aware that the Tianhe Merchant Guild had spies from various factions planted within it. No sect was ever a monolithic entity. However, Bai Tianyuan learning about it this quickly was somewhat surprising. The Ninth Elder was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, but then his anger surged even further. "What?! A top-tier Earth-grade spiritual artifact, and you just gave it away? Did you even report this to the sect?!" Zhou Mingyi took a deep breath. "Daoist Shen eliminated the demon cultivators in Jiangzhou and slew traitors of the sect. His contributions to our Tianhe Sect are immense!" "I made the decision to give him the Scorching Earth Sword Manualso what of it?" "If the Sect Master were here, he would have made the same choice!" The Ninth Elder was so furious that he laughed. "Good, very good! You think you can do whatever you want just because the Sect Master favors you? I wont argue anymore!" "Then return the five portions of medicinal ingredients to me!" Shen Mo said calmly, "Out of the five portions of medicinal ingredients, I will give you four. I will keep one portionit''s enough for refining the pill." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 349: How Could a Mere Boy Be Compared to Someone as Noble as You? Chapter 349: How Could a Mere Boy Be Compared to Someone as Noble as You? As soon as Shen Mo finished speaking, Zhou Mingyi, Bai Tianyuan, and the Ninth Elder all froze in shock. Bai Tianyuan immediately burst into laughter. As if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. "The Heavy Water Frost Pill is a Heaven-tier pill. Even if its only of the lower grade, its not something an amateur like you can refine so easily!" Pointing at Shen Mos nose, Bai Tianyuan sneered, "Even my master wouldnt dare claim a one hundred percent success rate." "And yet you say you only need a single set of ingredients?" "Utterly laughable!" The Ninth Elder also reprimanded him. "You''re nothing but an outsider. Giving you a single set of ingredients would be a waste!" "Besides, I painstakingly gathered all five sets of ingredients from various places. Theres no way Im handing even one to you!" Zhou Mingyi turned to Shen Mo. "Daoist Shen, you" Shen Mo met his gaze. "Trust me." Zhou Mingyi looked into Shen Mos eyes and saw unwavering confidence. That self-assured gaze seemed to carry an undeniable force. Taking a deep breath, Zhou Mingyi made his decision. "Alright! I trust you!" He then turned to the Ninth Elder and spoke seriously. "Ninth Elder, while its true that you gathered some of the materials for these five sets of ingredients" "the cost of acquiring them was covered by the sects funds." "As the Tenth Elder of the sect, I also have the authority to allocate resources!" "Moreover, Shen Mo has rendered great service to our Tianhe Sect. Even if we were to give him one set of ingredients, what harm would it do?" The Ninth Elder was left speechless. In the end, he could only grit his teeth and say, "Fine! Ill give him one set." "But Im taking the other four and handing them over to my master for refinement." Shen Mo remained indifferent and simply tossed his storage ring over. The Ninth Elder retrieved the four sets of ingredients, snorted coldly, and left with Bai Tianyuan. "The Young Lord of the Jade Cauldron SectI look forward to hearing of your failure in alchemy." As he left, Bai Tianyuan cast a mocking glance at Shen Mo, leaving behind a final sneer. It was clear that he didnt believe Shen Mo had any chance of success. Once they departed, the courtyard returned to its usual tranquility. Zhou Mingyi finally couldn''t help but ask, "Daoist Shen, can you really succeed?" "You have only one attempt but Elder Qingmu has four. Not to mention, hes a master of the alchemical arts and has successfully refined several lower Heaven-tier pills!" Shen Mo smiled faintly. "If you choose to use someone, trust them completely." "Daoist Zhou, do you still have doubts now?" Zhou Mingyi was at a loss for words. After a brief silence, he nodded resolutely. "Alright! I believe in you!" Shen Mo pondered for a moment before saying, "I have one more condition." "Please, speak." "I want to take a look at the Ninefold Tianhe Scroll." Zhou Mingyi hesitated and, after a long pause, said, "The Ninefold Tianhe Scroll is our Tianhe Sects most powerful and orthodox cultivation technique. It is a Heaven-tier technique and cannot be easily shared." "However, I have studied it myself and can recite it for you." Shen Mo nodded. "That will suffice." With his level of comprehension, he could grasp the essence of the technique just by hearing Zhou Mingyis recitation. For a full hour, Zhou Mingyi carefully recited the entire Ninefold Tianhe Scroll. Shen Mo listened attentively, lost in thought. Finally, Zhou Mingyi cupped his fists and declared, "From this moment on, I will personally stand guard outside this courtyard. No one will be allowed to interfere with your alchemy!" Shen Mo smiled. "Good. That is the greatest support you can offer me." After Zhou Mingyi left, Shen Mo began inspecting the ingredients within his storage ring. "Not bad. All the necessary materials are here." "These ingredients are indeed rare. They were gathered from all across the land, and even a wealthy sect like Tianhe Sect took over a decade to collect five full sets." Shen Mo nodded slightly and began making preparations for alchemy. These ingredients had been reverse-engineered from the remnants of Elder Qingmus past refinements. However, after listening to Zhou Mingyis recitation of the Ninefold Tianhe Scroll and combining it with his own understanding of the Ninefold Alchemy Codex, Shen Mo had developed some new ideas. The Heavy Water Frost Pill refined by Elder Qingmu only accelerated cultivation speed by ten to twenty percent at most. Back then, Tianhe Sect had dismissed it as too insignificant to invest in, which was why they hadnt immediately purchased the pill formula. But now, an entirely new pill was taking shape in Shen Mos mind. Preliminary estimates suggested that it could enhance cultivation speed by thirty to forty percent. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A significant improvement. Another day passed. By then, Shen Mo had already simulated the alchemical process over a hundred times in his mind. Only then did he open his eyes and officially begin refining the pill. He chose to use Solar Essence Fire instead of the Red Lotus Flame. This was because the primary ingredient for this pill was the Essence of Heavy Water. This heavenly material required an extremely high temperature to melt. Moreover, the more thoroughly it was melted, the more its medicinal potency could be activated. With a single motion of Shen Mos palm, the massive and weighty Myriad Beast Cauldron appeared before him. Under the searing flames of the Solar Essence Fire, the cauldron began heating up. The refinement of the nameless pill had officially begun. At the northernmost part of the capital, crimson walls stood tall, isolating the imperial palace from the outside world. To the east of the palace was an area permeated with the thick scent of medicinal herbs. This place was called the Myriad Herb Garden. It was a residence bestowed upon Elder Qingmu by Emperor Jing. Powerful protective formations shielded Elder Qingmu, his disciples, and the young alchemists serving under him from any threats. An abundant supply of rare medicinal ingredients allowed Elder Qingmu to refine pills at will, showcasing his exceptional mastery in alchemy. Over the centuries, the Myriad Herb Garden had evolved into a sacred ground revered by all alchemists in the entire Jing Kingdom. Countless young alchemists traveled from far and wide, just for the chance to catch a glimpse of this legendary master. However, Elder Qingmu rarely made public appearances. Thus, many alchemists left disappointed after making the pilgrimage. At this moment, in the highest pavilion of the garden Behind a curtain of pearl beads sat an old man with a gaunt and withered appearance. He neither spoke nor moved, not even opening his eyes. Yet, an invisible pressure spread around him like the tide, making it impossible for anyone to utter a word. Before him, the Ninth Elder and Bai Tianyuan stood quietly. Especially Bai Tianyuan The once proud and arrogant young man was now as silent as a caged bird, not daring to act presumptuously. After a long moment, the old man finally spoke in an indifferent tone, "Did you bring the materials?" The Ninth Elder smiled ingratiatingly. "Master, I have brought themfour full sets of ingredients." "I humbly ask you to refine the Heavy Water Frost Pill for my grandson. Without it, his future will be utterly ruined." The old man replied, "I expelled you from my tutelage long ago. I have told you many timesyou are not to call me Master again." The Ninth Elder forced a sheepish smile. "Forgive me, but I still remember the bond of master and disciple from back then." Elder Qingmu let out a long sigh. "Indeed who in this world is truly devoid of sentiment?" "However, you previously told me you would bring five sets of ingredients. Why is it that you now have only four?" Before the Ninth Elder could respond, Bai Tianyuan stepped forward and quickly recounted everything that had happened at the Tianhe Merchant Associations courtyard. He also took the opportunity to harshly disparage Shen Mo. Elder Qingmus expression remained utterly impassive. The name Shen Mo was unfamiliar to him. Clearly, this person was no master of alchemy and was therefore unworthy of his attention. "If he wishes to refine a pill with just one set of ingredients, let him. It has nothing to do with me," Elder Qingmu said, his tone as still as an undisturbed pond. Bai Tianyuan immediately chimed in with flattery, "Yes, yes! Someone as noble as youhow could a mere boy ever be compared to you?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 350: Make Sure Shen Mo’s Arrogant Actions Spread Across the Capital Chapter 350: Make Sure Shen Mos Arrogant Actions Spread Across the Capital Elder Qingmu spoke indifferently, "Ignore that boy. Just focus on your own tasks." "Understood," both the Ninth Elder and Bai Tianyuan nodded repeatedly. After a brief pause, Elder Qingmu continued, "Tianyuan, whats going on between you and that young master of the Shadow Pavilion?" Bai Tianyuans expression stiffened, and he shrank his neck slightly, offering an awkward smile. "Nothing escapes your discerning eyes, Elder." Elder Qingmu said flatly, "That Xue Ziyi is not someone you should pursue. Give up on her as soon as possible." "Dont let yourself be used by her." Bai Tianyuan hesitated, looking troubled. "But Master, I truly like her." The Ninth Elder advised, "Junior Brother Bai, you are an unparalleled genius. One day, you will surely become a great alchemy master like Elder Qingmu." "Even if you cannot win her over now, in the future, you will undoubtedly claim her hand. You need not worry too much." Bai Tianyuan nodded repeatedly at these words, feeling deeply grateful to the Ninth Elder of Tianhe Sect. Elder Qingmu sighed softly, "Forget it. I am old now and have no desire to meddle in such matters anymore." "Just be cautious around that woman. Dont let her control you in everything." "Yes, yes! Rest assured, Elder! I am very rational about this!" Bai Tianyuan nodded vigorously. Elder Qingmu weighed the four sets of ingredients in his hands. "I will need a months time." "However, it has been years since I last refined the Heavy Water Frost Pill. I cannot guarantee how many successful pills I will produce." Sar?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Be prepared for that outcome." The Ninth Elder nodded. "Regardless of the success rate, however many pills we obtain in the end, I will accept it." "Good. You may leave now," Elder Qingmu waved his hand dismissively. The two men exited the pavilion. "Senior Brother, thank you," Bai Tianyuan said gratefully. The Ninth Elder chuckled. "A fine lady is worthy of pursuit. I recall that young master of the Shadow Pavilionwhether in looks or charm, she is indeed among the finest in the world. Its only natural that you are captivated by her." Bai Tianyuan declared resolutely, "I will make Xue Ziyi my wife, no matter what!" "Good. I look forward to that day," the Ninth Elder laughed and waved his hand. After a moment of contemplation, Bai Tianyuan suddenly said, "By the way, Senior Brother, that Shen Mo is utterly ignorant of his own limitations, actually daring to attempt refining the Heavy Water Frost Pill. Why dont we take this opportunity to stir things up and make this matter even bigger?" "Once word spreads throughout the entire capital, everyone will know that the Young Lord of the Jade Cauldron Sect is foolish enough to challenge a grandmaster of alchemy. It will be an absolute joke!" "And when the final outcome is revealed, Shen Mos reputation will undoubtedly plummet!" The Ninth Elders eyes gleamed. "You are absolutely right!" Bai Tianyuan continued, "Ive heard that Emperor Jing already harbors ill will toward the Jade Cauldron Sect and Shen Mo." "If we succeed in orchestrating this, the emperor will surely strengthen his ties with Tianhe Sect." "In the future, if Emperor Jing decides to use military force to subjugate the Eight Great Sects, he will undoubtedly reassess his alliances!" "The Jade Cauldron Sect, which has been openly resisting the imperial court, will inevitably be suppressed by force!" "But if Tianhe Sect presents itself as a loyal subject, we may be allowed to negotiate peacefully." "In this way, we can avoid the catastrophe of annihilation." The Ninth Elder nodded firmly. He knew well that although the Eight Great Sects possessed immense strength, they were incredibly disunited. Some sects, such as the Qianyuan Sect and the Mad Blade Alliance, had been bitter enemies for over a thousand years. Expecting the Eight Great Sects to set aside their grudges and unite against the imperial court was nearly impossible. By contrast, the royal family had long been working strategically. For generations, the emperors of Jing had been sowing discord and infiltrating the Eight Great Sects. Now, under the current Emperor Jing, these efforts had yielded significant results. The Ninth Elder could already guess that some sects might have secretly pledged allegiance to the imperial family. They just hadnt openly declared it yet. The power of the royal family was not as weak as the Eight Great Sects imagined. If the day ever came when Emperor Jing waged war against the Eight Great Sects, he certainly didnt want Tianhe Sect to be caught in the flames of battle. If peaceful submission was an option, it was the best course of action. And the best way to demonstrate loyalty was to suppress the Jade Cauldron Sect and Shen Mo! After all, the first step in Emperor Jings grand strategy was to consolidate control over Yuzhou. Unfortunately, Shen Mo had emerged in Yuzhoucompletely disrupting the emperors plans. As a result, the subsequent plans could not proceed as expected. Emperor Jing had likely long wished to kill Shen Mo as soon as possible. "Good! However, I cannot directly intervene in this matter." "Junior Brother, Ill leave this to you." "Make sure Shen Mos arrogant actions spread throughout the capital!" The Ninth Elder sneered coldly. He harbored resentment toward Shen Mo as well. After all, it had taken more than a decade to gather five sets of ingredients, and yet Shen Mo had taken one of them. Naturally, he was filled with bitterness. "Dont worry, Ill leave this to the Shadow Pavilion. This is their area of expertise," Bai Tianyuan chuckled. Over the next half-month, a rumor spread through the capital like a plague. From bustling streets to teahouses and taverns, in every corner of the city, people were all discussing the same thing. The Young Lord of the Jade Cauldron Sect, Shen Mo, was actually trying to challenge Elder Qingmuattempting to refine the Heavy Water Frost Pill using only a single set of ingredients! Shen Mos name had long been known in the capital. His achievementsslaying the First and Fourth Princes of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom and leading the annihilation of a million-strong demon armywere already legendary. Many young people even regarded him as an idol. However, with this rumor spreading, fueled by those with ulterior motives, Shen Mo quickly became a laughingstock. "That Shen Mo seems to be an incredible fighter, but isnt he just an outsider when it comes to alchemy?" "Exactly. Elder Qingmu is a recognized grandmaster of alchemy in the entire Jing Kingdom. How could Shen Mo possibly compare to him?" "I heard Shen Mo even claimed he could refine the Heavy Water Frost Pill with just a single set of ingredients. My alchemist friends say thats utterly ridiculous! No alchemist can guarantee success with just one attempt!" "Indeed! Hes far too arrogant! Just because hes a genius in cultivation, does he think hes also a genius in alchemy?" Such remarks flooded the city. Shen Mos image was quickly twisted into that of a conceited fool who overestimated himself. Even his past, earth-shattering feats against the demon race seemed to be overshadowed. The Imperial Palace. Emperor Jings favorite pastime was standing atop the highest tower of the palace, gazing southward. Like his ancestors before him, he was an ambitious ruler with aspirations to unify all lands. The Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom in the south was the greatest obstacle standing before Jing Kingdom. He intended not only to destroy the demon kingdom but also to use the impending war as an opportunity to fully absorb the Eight Great Sects into the imperial fold. It was a delicate balance. If handled well, he would reap immense rewards. But if mishandled, everything could come crashing down. A faint white mist rose from Emperor Jings head. This was the result of his mind operating at extreme speed. After a long while, he finally stopped and massaged his temples in exhaustion. His index finger idly tapped against the jade pendant at his waist. The soft tapping sound had barely faded when a shadowy figure silently appeared in the corner of the room. "Any major developments recently?" Emperor Jing asked casually. The shadow replied respectfully, "The alchemy tournament hosted by the Tianhe Merchant Association was disrupted. Most alchemists have already withdrawn." "Our sources confirm that it was done under Elder Qingmus orders, carried out by the Shadow Pavilion." Emperor Jing gave a slight nod, showing no concern. "Continue." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 351: The Young Sect Master is About to Refine the Pill Chapter 351: The Young Sect Master is About to Refine the Pill The shadowy figure paused for a moment before continuing, A rumor has been spreading recently in the capital, saying that the Young Sect Master of Jade Cauldron Sect, Shen Mo, is competing in alchemy against Elder Qingmu. Both of them are refining the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill. However, Shen Mo only has a single set of ingredients. Emperor Jing was momentarily stunned. A look of obvious surprise flashed across his face. He had already known about Shen Mos arrival in the capital through his extensive intelligence network. However, this particular news still caught him off guard. On what basis could Shen Mo challenge a grandmaster of alchemy? Who gave him such courage? Explain in detail, Emperor Jing commanded. The shadowy figure nodded. Upon investigation, it turns out that neither Shen Mo nor Elder Qingmu had any intention of competing. However, the Ninth Elder of Tianhe Sect, Bai Tianyuan, secretly instigated the matter, while Wuying Pavilion spread the news, rapidly fueling the notion that Shen Mo was challenging Elder Qingmu. Many in the capital now believe Shen Mo to be an arrogant fool who doesnt know his limits. In the process, his once-glorious reputation for slaying countless demon clans has been completely overshadowed. Emperor Jing let out a silent chuckle. I see. It seems Shen Mo has become an unwitting victim of this whole affair. This Ninth Elder of Tianhe Sect is quite an interesting figure Hmm, he must be trying to curry favor with me. The shadowy figure nodded. Your Majesty is wise. Continue. What other major events have occurred? Emperor Jing waved his hand. The shadowy figure respectfully reported, There is another incident. A tribute cloudship from Qianyuan Sect was attacked by the Mad Blade Alliance while passing over Mo Prefecture. Two Nascent Soul cultivators were killed, and a Divine Transformation cultivator was severely wounded. The tribute gifts were also stolen. Qianyuan Sect is furious and has demanded that the Mad Blade Alliance hand over the perpetrators and return the tribute. However, the Mad Blade Alliance has denied any involvement. Tensions between the two sides are escalating towards war. Emperor Jing chuckled. Was it really the Mad Blade Alliance? The shadowy figure replied, It is uncertain. The Mad Blade Alliance has always been loosely organized, and even their leader might not know who was responsible. Our agents have yet to uncover who orchestrated and carried out the attack. Emperor Jing smiled indifferently. Qianyuan Sect and the Mad Blade Alliance have held grudges for a long time. Even without this incident, a conflict between them was inevitable. Theres no need to interfere. You may go. Yes. The shadowy figure nodded and swiftly vanished. Emperor Jing smiled faintly. With the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet approaching, I suspect there will be no shortage of interesting developments. After speaking, he continued gazing toward the south, standing motionless like a statue. It was unclear whether he was contemplating the legendary feats of his ancestors, who conquered the Eight Desolations and annihilated countless demon clans, or envisioning his own grand ambitions for the future. ... With Wuying Pavilions aggressive publicity, the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly heated. Many people were enthusiastically discussing the upcoming alchemy duel between Shen Mo and Elder Qingmu. Even those who had never heard of Shen Mo or Elder Qingmu before were compelled to learn more about the feud between them. As a result, their names became known to nearly everyone in the capital. Meanwhile, the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet drew ever closer. From across the land, envoys from the Eight Great Sects began arriving one after another. Naturally, news of the rumored alchemy duel also reached their ears. Reactions varied. For example, the Snow Palace, located in the far north of the continent and rarely involving itself in worldly affairs, showed no interest in the matter whatsoever. Similarly, the Mad Blade Alliance, situated on the westernmost edge of the continent near the desert, had no idea who Shen Mo even was and thus had no reaction at all. On the other hand, groups like the Holy Spirit Sect and Wuying Pavilion, both long-standing allies of the royal family and Elder Qingmu, openly disdained Shen Mos actions. Meanwhile, Qianyuan Sect and Sea God Island were rather astonished. They could not understand why Shen Mo would choose to compete against a titan of alchemy. Was he digging his own grave? ... At Yunlai Tavern. The entire establishment had been fully booked by the Jade Cauldron Sect to accommodate visiting cultivators. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This time, the Jade Cauldron Sect had sent a total of twenty cultivators to the capital. The ones leading the group were Hai Qiankun and Murong Yue. Not long after their arrival, they heard the shocking news that Shen Mo was going to compete in alchemy against Elder Qingmu. What? Why would the Young Sect Master compete with Elder Qingmu? This Hai Qiankun was momentarily stunned. Murong Yue frowned deeply. Thats not right. Hes not that kind of person. Perhaps this is just a misunderstanding that got out of hand. Elder Qingmu is a towering figure in the field of alchemya true grandmaster. Even if the Young Sect Master has some skill in alchemy, theres no way he could compete with someone of that caliber, Hai Qiankun said, furrowing his brows. Where is Moer now? I want to see him, Murong Yue asked. It seems hes at the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. Wait, Ill go with you! Hai Qiankun said anxiously. Before long, the two of them arrived at the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce, where they met Zhou Mingyi. Recognizing them as cultivators from the Jade Cauldron Sect, Zhou Mingyi immediately showed them great respect. After a brief exchange, Zhou Mingyi shook his head. I understand that you wish to see Daoist Shen, but unfortunately, he is at a crucial moment in his pill refinement, and no one can disturb him. Hai Qiankun scratched his head. I have a questionsince when did our Young Sect Master become so close to Tianhe Sect? Murong Yue nodded in agreement. Yes, as far as I know, there hasnt been much interaction between the Jade Cauldron Sect and Tianhe Sect. Zhou Mingyi chuckled. It seems Daoist Shen didnt tell you what happened before. Very well, let me explain everything in detail! With that, Zhou Mingyi recounted how Shen Mo had obliterated a demonic fiend in Boyang City and slain a traitor of the Tianhe Sect. Since he had personally witnessed the events, his narration was rich in detail, vividly capturing every moment. It was as if they had been transported to the scene themselves. What? A demonic fiend? Hai Qiankun shuddered, his plump body trembling visibly. Even Murong Yue couldnt hide the shock in her eyes. I never thought that true demonic fiends actually existed in this world! Zhou Mingyi sighed. Our Tianhe Sect has preserved some ancient records. I happen to enjoy reading, so I was able to piece together some clues from them. But arent demons supposed to be unbelievably powerful? How did the Young Sect Master manage to slay one? Hai Qiankun asked, astonished. Zhou Mingyi shook his head. That, I do not know. He must have some hidden trump card. The two of them couldnt help but show expressions of deep respect. Even demonic fiendsmonstrous entities capable of corrupting the land itselfcould be slain by Shen Mo. His strength was clearly extraordinary. A glimmer of admiration flashed in Murong Yues eyes. A faint, proud smile appeared on her lips. After all, the Shen Mo they reveredwas her beloved. The three of them continued conversing for a while. Finally, Hai Qiankun cupped his hands. Since thats the case, we wont disturb him any further. Well take our leave for now. Murong Yue lowered her voice. Take good care of him. Zhou Mingyi responded solemnly, Rest assured. I can guarantee Daoist Shens safety one hundred percent. I have been standing guard outside the courtyard this entire time and havent let a single person enter! Just as the two of them turned to leave, they suddenly sensed a surge of powerful energy emanating from within the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce! A dense mist of water vapor began gathering from all directions. In just the blink of an eye, beads of moisture had already condensed on the surfaces of the furniture. Hai Qiankun, who was once the Sect Master of the Pill River Sect and an expert in alchemy, immediately recognized this as a sign that a Heaven-Tier pill was about to take form! His eyes lit up, and he immediately said, President Zhou, seal off the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce! No one is to enter or leave! The Young Sect Master is about to complete the pill! Zhou Mingyi was overjoyed. Alright, alright! Ill give the order at once! Hai Qiankun and Murong Yue hurried to the entrance of the courtyard and stood guard. Murong Yue turned to Hai Qiankun. Elder Hai, with such signs manifesting, can we be certain that the pill will be successfully refined? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 352: The Formation of Elder Qingmu’s Pill – Congratulations from All Sides Chapter 352: The Formation of Elder Qingmus Pill C Congratulations from All Sides Hai Qiankun shook his head. Its not set in stone yet, but theres at least an eighty percent chance of success. Ive heard that the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill must be refined using a special flame, requiring an entire month of continuous refinement day and night. Thats an immense test of spiritual power. No matter how extraordinary the Young Sect Masters talent is, his total spiritual power wouldnt surpass other Divine Transformation cultivators by much Now, it all depends on whether the Young Sect Master can endure it! Murong Yue nodded slightly, her delicate brows still tightly furrowed. She knew that Shen Mos spiritual power was undoubtedly greater than the average persons. However, Shen Mo harbored two eternal flames within his body. Those two flames constantly consumed his spiritual power. With such a rapid depletion rate, could Shen Mo truly hold out? At that moment, the two of them suddenly sensed something and abruptly turned toward the imperial city. A powerful surge of water spiritual energy was erupting from that direction. Vast amounts of water vapor from all directions were converging there. That place is The two exchanged glances, momentarily stunned. Patter, patter. Zhou Mingyi hurried over, his expression somewhat grim. Thats the Imperial Citys Myriad Herb Garden, the estate that Emperor Jing granted to Elder Qingmu and his disciples. Hai Qiankuns expression stiffened. So, Elder Qingmu has succeeded? Zhou Mingyi nodded. It seems so. News should spread soon. Lets wait and see. The three exchanged glances, a hint of anxiety in their hearts. Imperial City, Myriad Herb Garden Bai Tianyuan and the Ninth Elder of the Tianhe Sect stood before Elder Qingmu, their expressions filled with anticipation. Their eyes were fixed on the alchemy furnace, brimming with excitement and reverence. Master Bai Tianyuan murmured. Elder Qingmu smiled. It is done. Though I havent refined the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill in years and my technique was a bit rusty, costing me three sets of ingredients, Ive managed to succeed in the end. The Ninth Elder of the Tianhe Sect was ecstatic. Good, good, good! As long as its successful, thats all that matters! My grandson has been stuck at the peak of the Core Formation stage for years, lacking only the catalyst for a breakthrough. I believe that with this Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill, he will surely accumulate enough foundation to step into the Nascent Soul stage! Elder Qingmu nodded with a gentle smile. Just then, a young attendants voice rang from outside. Grandmaster, someone from the Shadowless Pavilion has arrived, bringing gifts to congratulate you on your successful pill refinement. Elder Qingmu asked calmly, Who is it? The Young Master of the Shadowless Pavilion, Xue Ziyi. Bai Tianyuan immediately turned sharply and was about to rush outside in an instant. Elder Qingmu sternly reprimanded, Stop. You have followed me in refining pills for over forty years, yet you still act so impetuously. Bai Tianyuan looked aggrieved. The Ninth Elder pulled him back. Masters pill refinement caused a significant phenomenon. The Shadowless Pavilion just happened to arrive firstother major factions will surely come to pay their respects as well. Junior Brother, dont be impatient. If you rush out now, wouldnt that be beneath our status? Bai Tianyuan suddenly realized. Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother! Sure enough A few breaths later The young attendants voice sounded again. Grandmaster, more people have arrived. The Holy Spirit Sect, Qianyuan Sect, Sea God Island, and Great Snow Palace have all sent representatives bearing gifts to congratulate you on your success. Elder Qingmus face bore a faint, satisfied smile. At his level, he had already solidified his position at the pinnacle. Thus, what mattered most now was prestige. At the moment his pill was formed, the great sects had come to pay their respectsthis was undoubtedly a grand display of his status. Lets go. Elder Qingmu slowly rose to his feet. The Ninth Elder whispered, Junior Brother, as a Tianhe Sect Elder, it would be inappropriate for me to show myself. You should assist Master outside. Understood. Bai Tianyuan nodded in comprehension. Immediately, he supported Elder Qingmu as they stepped out of the pavilion. At this very moment, the entrance of Myriad Herb Garden was already lined with numerous cultivators. Each one of them possessed at least a Nascent Soul cultivation. There was no shortage of Divine Transformation experts among them. Bai Tianyuans gaze swept across the crowd and immediately landed on a woman dressed in black combat attire, her face partially concealed by a black veil. His heartbeat involuntarily quickened. The gathered cultivators cupped their hands and offered their congratulations. Congratulations to Elder Qingmu for once again refining a Heaven-grade pill! S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Elder Qingmu was pleased, but he did not reveal it on his face. Instead, he maintained a faint smile. Its nothing, nothing. Just an old pill formula from the past. I havent refined it in over a hundred years, so its hardly worth mentioning. A Divine Transformation expert from the Holy Spirit Sect laughed heartily. Elder Qingmu is indeed a giant in the Dao of Alchemy! Even after a century without refining this pill, he succeeds the moment he attempts it again! Indeed! Elder Qingmus brilliance remains undiminished! I wonder if Elder Qingmu has any free time in the near future. Would you be willing to refine a pill for our Great Snow Palace? The various sect cultivators quickly voiced their requests. Elder Qingmu responded with a smile, I am rather weary. I may need to rest for a year or two. At that moment, a burst of laughter suddenly echoed from the back of the crowd. Elder Qingmu truly is the pillar of our Jing Nation! With Elder Qingmu here, I can rest easy! Everyone was startled and turned toward the source of the voice. A golden, resplendent imperial carriage had arrived! Eight mighty dragon-horses, clad in golden-scaled armor, neighed toward the sky, exuding an imposing presence. From the carriage, a majestic imperial aura spread outward, making it difficult for anyone to resist the urge to bow in reverence. The young herbal attendants of Myriad Herb Garden immediately dropped to their knees in salute. The cultivators from the Shadowless Pavilion, Holy Spirit Sect, Qianyuan Sect, Sea God Island, and Great Snow Palace also paid their respects. However, they were not subjects of the Jing Emperor, so a hand-over-heart salute sufficed. As for Elder Qingmu and his core disciples, only a respectful nod was required. This was a special privilege granted by the Jing Emperor himself. Your Majesty, I never expected to trouble you with my humble affairs. I am deeply honored, Elder Qingmu said, though his face was brimming with joy. The Jing Emperor rarely made public appearances, yet today, he had come in person just to congratulate him on refining a Heaven-grade pill. This was a tremendous boost to Elder Qingmus prestige. The Jing Emperor gracefully leaped down from the imperial carriage, landing effortlessly. The cultivators watching couldnt help but feel a brief illusionalmost as if a true dragon had descended, taking human form. The fleeting vision quickly faded, and they hurriedly withdrew their gazes. They understood that this was the manifestation of a nations fate embodied within its ruler. As the sovereign of the land, even if the Jing Emperor were an ordinary mortal, the power of the nations destiny would safeguard him, making it nearly impossible for him to perish easily. With steady, commanding strides, the Jing Emperor approached, smiling. What are you saying? Elder Qingmu, like Sword Sovereign, is the very foundation of our Jing Nation. Now that Elder Qingmu has successfully refined another Heaven-grade pill, I am overjoyed. How could I not come personally to offer my congratulations? Elder Qingmus smile grew even wider. The Sword Sovereign was the strongest cultivator in Jing Nation. For the emperor to compare him to the Sword Sovereign was an undeniable display of respect and status. I hereby decree that Myriad Herb Gardens territory shall be expanded twofold. All of Elder Qingmus requests must be fulfilled without exception. Additionally, the imperial court recently acquired several ancient pill formulasdeliver them all to Myriad Herb Garden. A nearby eunuch immediately bowed. Understood. The gathered sect cultivators silently took in the scene. They couldnt help but marvel at the Jing Emperors methods. Despite already being the ruler of the land, the moment Elder Qingmus pill was successfully refined, he personally arrived, bearing gifts and congratulations, demonstrating the utmost sincerity and respect. If any of them were in his position, they would likely be unwilling to lower themselves to such gestures of goodwill. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 353: He Is Refining a Pill Even Greater Than the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill… Chapter 353: He Is Refining a Pill Even Greater Than the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill "Many thanks for Your Majestys generous reward," Elder Qingmu said, his voice trembling slightly as he attempted to bow. The Jing Emperor quickly stepped forward and helped him up. "There is no need for such formalities, Elder Qingmu." "I still have state affairs to attend to, so I shall take my leave." "Very well, we respectfully see Your Majesty off." Elder Qingmu nodded. Bai Tianyuan and the herbal attendants all called out in unison, "Respectfully seeing off His Majesty!" The Jing Emperor boarded the dragon carriage, and the young eunuch driving it gave a loud command. The eight golden-scaled dragon-horses neighed and took to the skies, pulling the carriage toward the imperial palace. Bai Tianyuan felt immense satisfaction in his heart. He couldnt help but chuckle. "Master went through all four sets of medicinal ingredients, and now the pill has finally been completed." "Five great factions sent their people to congratulate him immediately, and even His Majesty personally came to offer his blessings." "In contrast, that brat Shen Mo hasnt made a single move!" "I bet he already failed a long time ago and is just hiding in the guest courtyard of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce, having Zhou Mingyi guard the entrance to keep others out. Hes only stalling for time." "He must have been hoping that Master would fail in his refinement as well." Elder Qingmu replied indifferently, "Just an arrogant junior, not worth paying attention to." "Im going to rest now. Tianyuan, you see the guests out." "Yes!" Bai Tianyuan nodded firmly. Just as Elder Qingmu was about to return to the pavilion, Xue Ziyi suddenly felt something and sharply lifted her head, looking beyond the imperial city. A moment later, Elder Qingmu also sensed something, his gaze filled with uncertainty as he stared in the same direction. As a grandmaster in the Dao of Alchemy, he was intimately familiar with the various phenomena that accompanied the successful formation of different pills. And when it came to Heaven-grade pills, he understood their accompanying signs even more clearly. For example, the Great Refining God Pill he frequently crafted would produce invisible energy waves upon completion, spreading in all directions. It would even strike at ones soul, causing a momentary blankness in the mind. Similarly, the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill also followed a pattern. Upon formation, it would cause an immense surge of water vapor to condense from the surroundings, drawing an enormous amount of water spiritual energy. Just now, he had clearly felt a vast wave of water spiritual energy converging in that direction. That was undoubtedly a sign of pill formation! Moreover, the phenomenon was even more grand and imposing than when his own pill had formed! Elder Qingmu abruptly stood up, pointing toward the direction in question with a serious expression. "Where is that?" Bai Tianyuan, unaware of his masters change in demeanor, followed his gaze and laughed. "Thats the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. That ignorant brat is staying in its guest courtyard." "Masters eyes are truly sharp, spotting that brats residence in one glance. Truly, you are" Before he could finish his sentence, Elder Qingmu sternly interrupted, "Silence!" Bai Tianyuan immediately shrank his neck, not daring to speak further. He had no idea why his master was suddenly so enraged. "That is that is a sign of pill formation!" Elder Qingmus eyes widened as he sensed the spiritual energy shifting in the heavens and earth. "The boy you spoke of so dismissivelyhe is about to succeed in his refinement!" "What?!" Bai Tianyuan froze in shock. The cultivators from the five great factions also faltered, all turning their eyes toward the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Bai Tianyuan immediately denied it. "Master, hes just an amateur! He only had a single set of medicinal ingredientshow could he possibly succeed on his first attempt?" "You failed three times before finally succeeding. How could Shen Mo have such skill to refine it in one try?" Elder Qingmu took a deep breath. "Were going." Bai Tianyuan looked confused. "Going where?" "To the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce!" Elder Qingmu said with a grave expression. Seeing Elder Qingmu react so intensely, Xue Ziyi and the others were astonished and quickly followed. High above the imperial palace, the dragon carriage suddenly halted. The Jing Emperor gazed toward the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce with furrowed brows. "Stop here. Prepare plain robes. I will go and see for myself." The young eunuch nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty." By now, a considerable number of cultivators had gathered. Without exception, all of them were at least at the Core Formation stage or higher. At this level, cultivators could sense and connect with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, making them more attuned to changes in their surroundings. That was why they had immediately noticed the massive condensation of water vapor over the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. It had almost formed into rain clouds. "What on earth is happening inside the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce? Could someone be cultivating an extremely powerful water-attribute technique?" "No, have you forgotten? That Shen Mo, who has been the talk of the city lately, is currently refining pills in the guest courtyard of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce!" "Right, I remember now! And he had the audacity to challenge Elder Qingmu!" "This phenomenon could it be that he is about to complete his pill?" "Impossible! Shen Mo only had a single set of ingredients. How could he be so absurdly lucky to succeed on the first try?" The cultivators were engaged in a heated discussion, with most unwilling to believe that Shen Mo was about to complete his refinement. Some tried to enter the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce using their personal connections, but they were firmly denied entry. As a result, more and more cultivators gathered at the entrance, all eager to find out what was happening. Just then, an exclamation rang out from the outer edges of the crowd. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Elder Qingmu!" "The grandmaster of alchemy himself has arrived!" "Not long ago, we saw water vapor gathering over Myriad Herb Garden in the Imperial City. That must have been when Elder Qingmu successfully refined the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill." "But why would Elder Qingmu come here? Did he also sense that Shen Mo is about to complete his pill?" "Look behind Elder Qingmucultivators from the Shadowless Pavilion, Holy Spirit Sect, Qianyuan Sect, Sea God Island, and Great Snow Palace are all here!" The cultivators murmured in hushed voices, their expressions filled with astonishment. A moment ago, the origin of the strange phenomenon had still been uncertain. But now that even Elder Qingmu had personally arrived, the answer was clear. Shen Mo was about to complete his pill! Xue Ziyi gazed at the darkening rain clouds, a flicker of emotion flashing across her beautiful face. "It must be complete." "But why why is this phenomenon even more astonishing than what Elder Qingmus Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill caused?" The cultivators from Qianyuan Sect and Sea God Island exchanged glances, deeply shaken. "I never expected that the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, already formidable in combat, would also possess such mastery in alchemy!" "Indeed. It seems that allying with the Jade Cauldron Sect was the right decision after all!" The cultivators from the Holy Spirit Sect and Great Snow Palace also looked at each other in confusion, unable to make sense of the situation. At that moment, the phenomenon in the sky shifted once more. The black clouds became even heavier. Then, with a deafening clap of thunder A torrential downpour suddenly erupted! However, the rain fell solely within the grounds of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. Beyond its perimeter, the sky remained completely clear, with bright sunlight pouring down. The sight was utterly bizarre. It even drew the attention of many mortals. To them, such a scene was nothing short of divine intervention! And then A powerful surge of energy suddenly erupted from within the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce! A rich, ethereal fragrance spread through the air, filling the nostrils of everyone present. With just a single breath, they felt a profound sense of tranquility, as if they were drifting peacefully upon the ocean, basking in the golden hues of the setting sun. Elder Qingmu murmured, "It is done He has succeeded." "And its not the Heavy Water Extreme Cold Pill that he refined. It is something even greater" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 354: As the Supreme Emperor, I Cannot Lower Myself to Recruit Someone Who Opposes the Court Chapter 354: As the Supreme Emperor, I Cannot Lower Myself to Recruit Someone Who Opposes the Court Bai Tianyuan was momentarily stunned upon hearing Elder Qingmus voice. Master, are you joking? The Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill is already an incredibly rare elixir. How could he possibly refine an even better pill? Elder Qingmu did not respond. Instead, he simply shook his head, unwilling to say more. Boom. The gates of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce burst open. Zhou Mingyi, Murong Yue, and Hai Qiankun emerged with bright smiles on their faces. At the very center of their formation was Shen Mo, closely protected by the trio. Greetings, fellow Daoists. Zhou Mingyi clasped his hands together with a wide grin. A Divine Transformation cultivator from the Qianyuan Sect immediately asked, Elder Zhou, what was all that commotion about? The others also turned their gazes to Zhou Mingyi. They had already made a rough guess, but they still needed Zhou Mingyi to confirm it. Zhou Mingyi smiled faintly, glanced at Shen Mo, and then said, Everyone, at the invitation of our Tianhe Sect, the Young Sect Master of the Jade Cauldron Sect, Shen Mo, has refined an elixir for our sect. The pill has now been successfully formed. Thats all there is to it. The Divine Transformation cultivator from Qianyuan Sect couldnt help but ask, But why was the phenomenon so grand? This doesnt seem like the usual anomaly caused by the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill. Could it be that Alchemist Shen refined something other than the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill? Zhou Mingyi let out a hearty laugh. That, I cannot answer. Ill let Daoist Shen explain it himself. Shen Mo spoke calmly, The Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill can only increase the cultivation speed of the Ninefold Heavenly River Scroll by about ten to twenty percenttoo slow. After much contemplation, I made some slight modifications and refined a new pill. I have named it the Thousandfold Cold Extreme Pill. Its effects surpass the previous version. As soon as these words were spoken, Bai Tianyuan immediately rebuked, Nonsense! Whether it is better than the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill can only be determined after consumption! How can you spout such baseless claims and fabricate results? Elder Qingmu took a deep breath and scolded, Shut up! Bai Tianyuan was incredulous. Master I told you to shut up! Do you want to embarrass yourself even further?! Elder Qingmus voice rose in volume. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bai Tianyuan fell silent. The gathered cultivators also began to contemplate. For pills below the Heaven-Tier level, their efficacy indeed needed to be tested through consumption. However, Heaven-Tier pills would always trigger small-scale anomalies during the refining process. By observing these anomalies, one could roughly estimate the potency of the pill. The anomaly triggered by Shen Mos Thousandfold Cold Extreme Pill had clearly overshadowed the one caused by Elder Qingmus Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill. This was an undeniable fact. Elder Qingmu looked at Shen Mo and asked hoarsely, Dare I ask, how did you improve it? As soon as he spoke, the entire crowd fell silent. Everyones attention shifted between Elder Qingmu and Shen Mo. Shen Mo replied calmly, Reduce the amount of Heavy Water Essence and increase the temperature of the Eternal Flame. Elder Qingmus expression stiffened. The first modification was indeed a viable improvement. But the second Back then, he had nearly lost his life trying to barely subdue the Soul-Burning Xin Flame within his body. The temperature of the Soul-Burning Xin Flame was not extremely high, but it was already far hotter than natural flames such as Earthfire Springs. To further increase the temperature of an Eternal Flameimpossible. It was clear that he would never be able to improve the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill in his lifetime. Elder Qingmu let out a bitter chuckle. Fate. This is fate. Young friend, your future achievements in alchemy will surely surpass mine. Farewell. With that, he disregarded everyones gazes and turned to leave. He was someone who valued his dignity. And he knew that he had already lost all face. Due to Bai Tianyuans earlier hype, nearly the entire imperial capital believed that Shen Mo was competing against him in alchemy. Now, with the Thousandfold Cold Extreme Pill clearly surpassing the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill, Even if he tried to explain, others would simply assume that he had lost to Shen Mo. Rather than making a fuss, it was better to admit defeat with dignity. At least that way, he could retain a shred of his reputation. With that, Elder Qingmu turned and walked away. Bai Tianyuan wanted to say something, but under Elder Qingmus piercing glare, he could only swallow his words. In the blink of an eye, the two figures disappeared without a trace. Elder Qingmus words were nothing short of a final verdict. Shen Mos future achievements might even surpass his own! What did this mean? Given enough time, Shen Mo would inevitably become a grandmaster, a towering figure in the world of cultivation! At that moment, the cultivators present began calculating their own interests. "Congratulations, Daoist Shen." A crisp voice, as melodious as wind chimes, was the first to break the silence. All eyes turned toward the speaker. It was a graceful woman, clad entirely in black, her face veiled in dark silkthe Shadow Pavilions Young Mistress, Xue Ziyi. Shen Mos expression remained unchanged. He hadnt expected Xue Ziyi to be the first to offer congratulations. This woman was anything but simple. After Xue Ziyi spoke, the other cultivators also stepped forward with their own words of congratulations. Regardless of what the future held for Shen Mo, the fact that he could refine a pill superior to the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill already demonstrated his extraordinary skill. Who wouldnt want to befriend a prodigious alchemist with limitless potential? The cultivators of the Qianyuan Sect and Poseidon Island were particularly delighted. They had long established an alliance with the Jade Cauldron Sect, even sending rare treasures to assist in its reconstruction and the restoration of its strength. Now, realizing that Shen Mo possessed extraordinary talent in alchemy, their joy knew no bounds. Elder Qingmus alchemy fees were exorbitant, and he was often unavailable. But now that Shen Mo had proven himself capable, their alliance with the Jade Cauldron Sect meant they could seek his help for pill refinement in the future. Meanwhile, among the distant crowd A man in plain robes, Emperor Jing, observed the scene, his gaze growing colder by the moment. Once, the governor of Yuzhou, Ji Quan, had advised him to recruit Shen Mo and bring the Jade Cauldron Sect under the imperial fold. But the emperor had dismissed the idea. Shen Mo had once defied imperial authority and opposed the court. At the time, the emperor saw no reason to lower himself to recruit such a rebel. Now, however, it was clear that he had made a grave miscalculation. Shen Mo possessed immense strength and unparalleled potential, and now, he had demonstrated exceptional mastery in alchemy. He had become an undeniable rising star. At this moment, there was likely no sect that wouldnt want to recruit him. But whats done is done. As the supreme ruler, I cannot lower myself to recruit someone who has opposed the court. That would only reveal my weakness to the world. After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Jings gaze turned resolute. The world had never lacked geniuses. Countless prodigies had perished beneath the tides of history. Shen Mo would be no different. Once the Demon Emperor Gu Ming emerged from seclusion, his first target would be Shen Mo. A dead genius was of no value to anyone. Return to the palace, Emperor Jing ordered with a wave of his hand. The young eunuch beside him bowed respectfully. The two figures disappeared into the crowd, walking in the opposite direction of the many people rushing toward the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. Shen Mo noticed the two figures moving against the tide and smiled faintly. The commotion at the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce lasted the entire day. It was not until nightfall that the noise and excitement finally subsided. Hai Qiankun was grinning from ear to ear. After spending an entire day receiving congratulatory gifts for Shen Mo, he felt as though his hands were growing numb. "Heh, my Pill River Sect has only produced a handful of alchemy masters over the years. As for an alchemy grandmaster on par with Elder Qingmu? That was something we never even dared to dream of. And yet, Shen Mo has actually achieved it!" Hai Qiankun couldn''t help but laugh. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 355: This Is the Famous Roast Chicken—I Love This Dish Chapter 355: This Is the Famous Roast ChickenI Love This Dish Night fell. In the grand courtyard of the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce, several tables were laden with a lavish banquet. Cultivators from both Tianhe Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sect gathered to celebrate. The long tables were filled with exquisite delicacies and fine wines, making everyone''s mouths water. Cups clinked, laughter echoed, and the atmosphere was brimming with joy. The feast was, of course, to celebrate Shen Mos incredible achievement that day. No one had expected that he would successfully refine a pill superior to the Heavy Water Cold Extreme Pill! Even an esteemed alchemy grandmaster like Elder Qingmu had been forced to concede defeat. News of this event had already spread like wildfire throughout the imperial capital. Countless mortals and cultivators alike were discussing it with great enthusiasm. How could they not be overjoyed? After several rounds of drinking, dozens of cultivators were already sprawled across the courtyard, completely drunk. For cultivators, a bit of intoxication was nothing. A simple use of spiritual energy could dispel the effects of alcohol in an instant. However, on such a joyous occasion, why not allow themselves to enjoy the drunkenness? Shen Mo looked at the cultivators lying in various positions across the courtyard and couldnt help but smile. With a single leap, he landed atop the highest rooftop. The cool night breeze brushed against his face, gradually clearing away his intoxication. "Not drinking anymore? Why did you run up here?" A womans voice came from behind him. Before he could turn around, a soft, fragrant figure fell into his arms. It was Murong Yue. Murong Yue was usually rational and rarely drank. But tonight, she had indulged more than usual, overwhelmed by joy. Her fair cheeks were now flushed like a ripe apple. Instead of getting up, Murong Yue rested her delicate arm around Shen Mos neck. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Kiss me," she suddenly said. Shen Mo chuckled. "Master, youre being quite forward today." Murong Yue huffed. "I got drunk on purpose tonight." Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh, then lowered his head and kissed her. Their lips met. The coolness of her lips sent a ripple through his heart, as if something deep inside him had been stirred. "Continue," Murong Yue whispered. Shen Mo smirked and prepared to scale the towering peaks of passion. Just then, a sudden surge of energy erupted into the sky, instantly drawing their attention. Shen Mo turned his head at once. "Hmm? That seems like Zhou Mingyis aura." Murong Yues drunkenness vanished in an instant, and the flush on her cheeks disappeared without a trace. Like a tense panther ready to strike. But when Shen Mo turned back to her, the drunken haze returned to her face. She even pressed her hand to her temple as if suffering from a headache. "Shen Mo, Im too drunk Take me to rest," she murmured. Shen Mo nodded. "Ive reached the peak of Divine Transformation! I did it!" A booming laugh echoed through the courtyard. "Daoist Shen! Where is Daoist Shen? Thank you for your Thousandfold Cold Extreme Pill!" With a swoosh, Zhou Mingyi shot up to the rooftop like an arrow. The first thing he saw was Shen Mo and Murong Yue in an embrace. His cheerful laughter froze instantly. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh Did I come at a bad time?" Shen Mo smacked his lips. "What do you think?" Murong Yue rolled her eyes behind Shen Mos back. Zhou Mingyi cleared his throat. "Should I leave?" Shen Mo waved a hand. "Forget it, Ill go." "Master, Ill take you to your room first. Ill go out for a walk afterward." "Mmm Alright" Murong Yue was still holding her head. But as she passed by Zhou Mingyi, she shot him a fierce glare. Zhou Mingyi coughed again. The effects of the Thousandfold Cold Extreme Pill had been astonishing, allowing him to break through to the peak of Divine Transformation instantly. He had simply been too excited. Who would have thought hed interrupt them right in the middle of that? After helping Murong Yue to her guest room to rest, Shen Mo did not linger. Instead, he left the Tianhe Chamber of Commerce. With a few swift leaps, he arrived outside the imperial capital. He originally intended to keep moving forward, but a sudden feeling made him stop instinctively. Checking his personal status panel, he noticed a recent fortuitous opportunity and suddenly smiled. "So thats how it is..." Towering mountains stretched into the sky in this area. Shen Mo ascended to the peak of one of the mountains, sitting cross-legged as he enjoyed the cool mountain breeze and gazed at the bright moon above. Yet, for some reason, his body felt restless. It was as if an ancient power within him was struggling to break free. "Is this the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique?" "Perhaps my blood surged too quickly when I was with Master just now, triggering the technique to activate on its own." Shen Mo examined his internal state. To his astonishment, he had unknowingly unlocked the power of nine more giant elephants. With this addition, he had now activated three hundred elephant particles, granting him the strength of three hundred giant elephants. "The power of a thousand elephants isnt far off." "As long as my essence keeps up, unlocking a thousand elephant particles before Gu Ming emerges from the Blood God Repository shouldnt be too difficult." Shen Mo smiled faintly. Without hesitation, he fully unleashed the might of the divine elephants within him. The force roared across heaven and earth, reverberating like a thunderous stampede. With a single punch, a mountain crumbled into dust. With a single step, the ground trembled, and rivers reversed their flow. Yet, in the next moment, his spiritual energy surged, effortlessly restoring everything to its original state. Not a single villager in the nearby mountain village was disturbed. By morning, when the villagers awoke, they would find that the three great mountains separating them from the imperial capital had vanished without a trace. All of it had happened overnight. Satisfied, Shen Mo prepared to leave. Just then, a sword light shot through the night sky, streaking directly toward him. Shen Mo''s pupils contracted slightly, yet he made no move to resist. Instead, he simply watched the sword light approach. It grew larger and larger. It filled his entire vision. It was as if the whole world had been reduced to a single sword strike. Still, Shen Mo remained motionless. Buzz! The sword light halted at his brow. "Youve got some nerve, kid." "Arent you afraid Ill kill you?" A bold voice came from behind. Shen Mo turned his head to see an elderly man in white, seated on a boulder. In his left hand was a wine gourd, and in his right, a roast chicken, which he was tearing into with great enthusiasm. It was none other than the Sword Sovereign. Shen Mo smiled slightly. "Senior Sword Sovereign treasures talent. You wouldnt kill me." Ji Ping burst into laughter. "Youve got sharp eyes, kid. You saw right through my weakness." Shen Mo chuckled and, without hesitation, sat beside him. Casually, he reached out and tore off a chicken leg, biting into it without reservation. Before long, the two had devoured the entire roast chicken, and Shen Mo had even taken several sips from the wine gourd. Ji Ping sighed helplessly. "That was the finest roast chicken from Hundred Fragrance Garden. It costs five low-grade spirit stones apiece. I love this dish, and you went and ate the whole thing." Shen Mo laughed heartily. "Senior Sword Sovereign, werent you supposed to be guarding Jade Sea City for ten years? What brings you to the imperial capital?" Ji Ping grinned slyly. "That was just to fool that old flood dragon. Do you think Id actually sit in Jade Sea City for ten years? Thatd be too boring." "But if he really dares attack Jade Sea City, I can return in an instant. No problem." Shen Mos eyes flickered with understanding. Could it be some kind of clone technique? "Lets not talk about that," Ji Ping said. "Kid, I never expected you to be an alchemy grandmaster. Today, you actually overshadowed that old fox Qingmu." "Impressive." The Sword Sovereign gave a thumbs-up, not holding back his praise. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 356: Why Do Humans Have No Divine Palace Realm, and Demons Have No Demon Sovereigns? Shen Mo chuckled softly but did not speak. The old and the young both fell into silence. After a while, Ji Ping finally spoke, "Little friend, once Gu Ming exits seclusion, his strength will undoubtedly advance further. How do you plan to deal with him then?" Shen Mo smiled. "SimpleI''ll just be stronger than him." Ji Ping was momentarily taken aback before letting out a laugh. "Indeed, that is simple. But I fear it wont be easy." "However..." His gaze scrutinized Shen Mo before he continued, "You also cultivate both spirit and blood energy. Perhaps you truly can surpass Gu Ming." Shen Mo was not surprised that Ji Ping saw through his dual cultivation of spiritual and blood energy. After all, Ji Ping was a Sword Sovereign, a peak Divine Transformation cultivator. If he couldnt even discern that much, his reputation would have been undeserved. "I, too, was once ambitious in my youth. I practiced blood energy techniques, only to later realize I wasnt suited for them." "My blood energy realm even ended up hindering my spiritual cultivation. In the end, I abandoned those techniques and focused solely on spiritual power." Ji Ping sighed lightly, his eyes tinged with nostalgia, as if recalling his younger days of ambition and recklessness. "I have something here, a gift from Ji Wu." Ji Ping reached into his robe and retrieved a blood-colored crystal. "Im old now, and I have no need to waste such a treasure." He pushed the blood-colored crystal toward Shen Mo. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. Ji Wuthe current Emperor of Jing. With just one glance, Shen Mos eyes lit up. Even though he had foreseen this treasure in a recent fortuitous encounter, seeing it in person now, he still felt an overwhelming surge of blood energy radiating from it. Ji Ping smiled. "This is a Qingluan Blood Essence. In life, it had reached the seventh tier, equivalent to the Divine Palace Realm in human cultivation." "The Qingluan is a descendant of the Phoenix. However, all Qingluan in this world have already been exterminated." "This piece of Qingluan Blood Essence should be enough to push your blood energy cultivation to the next level." Shen Mo did not immediately accept it. Instead, he looked at Ji Ping. "Senior, what is your request?" Ji Ping laughed. "You truly are a smart one." Then, his tone turned serious. "For decades, I have traveled across the Eight Sects of the Nine Provinces, secretly observing the rising talents of each region." "Some possess unparalleled talent but are arrogant and overambitious." "Some remained obscure for years, only to bloom into greatness after decades." "Some are blessed with extraordinary aptitude but lack moral character." "Among countless geniuses, you have grown the fastest." "You are blessed with great fortune, surrounded by opportunities, and possess unwavering determination." "As long as nothing unexpected happens, your spiritual cultivation will surely reach the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm, and your blood energy cultivation will ascend to the Golden Summit Monarch level." Ji Ping spoke solemnly. "When the day comes that your power shakes the world, I hope you will not eradicate the royal bloodline." He let out a bitter laugh. "No matter what happens, my surname is Ji. I do not wish for the Ji bloodline to be severed." Shen Mo was somewhat surprised. Ji Pings foresight was far-reaching. Clearly, he was using this Qingluan Blood Essence to secure Shen Mos goodwill in advance. Moreover, his request was surprisingly lenient. He did not ask Shen Mo to serve the imperial court or pledge loyalty to the royal family. He merely hoped that, in the future, Shen Mo would spare the Ji bloodline from complete annihilation. Shen Mo remained silent, not agreeing immediately. Ji Ping sighed after a moment and added, "As part of this exchange, I can also share something else with you." "This matter is even more importantit concerns a great secret of this world." Shen Mo pondered. "Senior, give me a few key terms first, and then Ill decide whether I want to hear more." Ji Ping couldnt help but laugh. "Alright." His expression turned solemn. "I will say only one term." He enunciated each word carefully. "Suppressing Demon Sea." Shen Mo''s heart trembled. "Fine. I accept your condition." Ji Ping let out a long breath and smiled in relief. He knew his time was running outhis lifespan was nearing its end. He also knew that Shen Mos potential was limitless. In the future, Shen Mo would undoubtedly become someone of his caliberperhaps even surpass him. Trading a Qingluan Blood Essence and a piece of intelligence for Shen Mos promise? He did not consider that a loss. Ji Ping spoke slowly, "Do you know why humans have no Divine Palace Realm cultivators, and why the demon race has no Demon Sovereigns above the monarch level?" Shen Mos eyebrows twitched. This question had long been on Shen Mos mind. Clearly, the Divine Palace Realm existed, yet throughout the vast Jing Kingdom and the entire continent, there was not a single Divine Palace Realm cultivator. It was too strange. The same was true for the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. It was as if an invisible boundary separated the Divine Palace Realm from the Divine Transformation Realm. During his spare time, Shen Mo would read various books. With his current cultivation, he could skim through ten lines at a glancehundreds if he wished. Yet, despite reading countless books, he had never found any records regarding this mystery. All cultivators who had reached the Divine Palace Realm, all demon monarchs who had ascended beyond their level, seemed to have vanished the moment they stepped into that realm. Not even the faintest trace of their existence remained. Ji Ping spoke in a low voice. "Because of the Suppressing Demon Sea." "Demons are the common enemies of both humans and monsters. Any human who ascends to the Divine Palace Realm and any monster who advances to the Demon Sovereign Realm is immediately summoned by the will of the Heavenly Dao and sent to the Suppressing Demon Sea to suppress the Demon Race." Shen Mos eyes widened slightly. So thats the truth! "When a Nascent Soul cultivator emerges in a regional sect, they are usually summoned by their sect and required to join it." "But that is not mandatorythere are many Nascent Soul rogue cultivators who live freely outside the sects." "But the summons of the Heavenly Dao are different." Ji Ping continued, "If one refuses, they are erased on the spotwithout reason, without negotiation." "Whats even more terrifying is that even if one is killed, the summons still take effect." Shen Mo was startled. "How can someone be summoned after death?" Ji Ping let out a bitter laugh. "Even if a Divine Palace Realm cultivator dies physically, their primordial spirit remains intact. The summons will take their primordial spirit and reconstruct a body in the Suppressing Demon Sea." "Demon Sovereigns, even if slain, can be reborn from a drop of blood. They are simply sent to the Suppressing Demon Sea, where they are resurrected with overwhelming force." Shen Mo felt a chill run down his spine. Not even death could escape the will of the Heavenly Dao! "How did you learn of this, Senior?" Shen Mo asked. Ji Ping tapped his temple. "Our Ji royal family has always carried this knowledge in our minds, passed down through generations." "This memory is entrusted only to the strongest cultivator of each generation." "No written record is allowed to existbecause it cannot be written down." Ji Ping lowered his voice. "Monsters are the byproduct of forbidden experiments by demons, so they are closer to demons than humans." Shen Mo nodded firmly. "Understood. Thank you, Senior." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 357: His Behavior Couldn’t Be Called Dignified, but at Least He Indulged Freely Chapter 357: His Behavior Couldnt Be Called Dignified, but at Least He Indulged Freely Night had deepened. Shen Mo returned to the Tianhe Merchant Association, entered his room, and sat cross-legged. Before leaving the association, he had seen through a recent opportunity that he would meet the Sword Sovereign. However, he hadnt expected to obtain such crucial intelligence this time. The Will of Heaven It always feels like its thinking isnt very sharp, and its a bit obsessive. Shen Mo shook his head, dismissing the thought. Instead, he focused on the qingluan blood essence before him. It was entirely crimson, refracting a brilliant glow like red agate under the dim yellow lamplight. If one listened carefully, it seemed as though a sharp cry emanated from within, as if it had traveled across the vast ages. That cry carried an uncanny ability to clear distracting thoughts and repel evil, instantly sweeping away all stray emotions and inducing a profound sense of tranquility. Shen Mo steadied his mind slightly and began refining it. His hands released layers of blood energy, enveloping the qingluan blood essence entirely. Buzz. The blood energy resembled sunlight, while the blood essence was like a snowball. However, this sunlight was far from warm, and the snowball was exceptionally frigid. Several hours passed, yet the blood essence showed no signs of diminishing. An entire day later, Shen Mo finally managed to refine a single wisp of blood energy. As soon as the wisp entered his body, it was as if a living qingluan had crashed into his flesh. It rampaged wildly! Suppress it! Shen Mo let out a low roar, unleashing the full force of his giant elephant strength. Only then did the blood energy let out a faint wail, calming down and obediently becoming part of him. It took another two days before he completely refined this single strand of blood energy. Within him, an ancient beasts roar echoed, as if a colossal elephant from the distant primordial era had awakened. Even within the Tianhe Merchant Association, the astonishing roar reverberated, causing everyone to be startled. Shen Mo was slightly taken aback as well. He hadnt expected that just a single wisp of blood energy from the qingluan blood essence would allow him to open a giant elephant particle and awaken the power of a giant elephant! No wonder it belongs to a seventh-rank demon beast! A smile appeared on Shen Mos face. This piece of blood essence would last him a long time. With the power of a thousand giant elephants, he would reach a breakthrough naturally! By then, once he had mastered the grand furnace of heaven and earth technique, he would be able to refine qingluan blood essenceand even all things in the worldat an even faster rate! His blood energy would grow at an explosive pace! Time passed, day after day. Very soon, the day of the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet arrived. On this day, the entire imperial capital was decorated with lanterns and banners, brimming with joyous festivity. The royal family hosted flowing banquets across the capitals bustling streets and alleys. Long tables were lined with an endless array of delicacies, completely free and open to all. As soon as one dish was finished, new ones were brought in immediately. Under such circumstances, the common folk were naturally overjoyed, genuinely grateful to both the Sword Sovereign and the royal family. At this very moment, within the imperial palace, an even grander banquet had commenced. Inside a resplendent golden palace, lanterns were hung high, and banners fluttered in the air. Emperor Jing sat atop the dragon throne, while the various influential forces were seated on either side below the grand staircase. The Holy Spirit Sect, having the closest ties with the court, was seated on the left. Tianhe Sect, the wealthiest among the eight great factions and known for its diplomatic neutrality, was seated on the right. Additionally, the Qian Yuan Sect and the Mad Blade Alliance harbored a millennia-old blood feud, making it impossible for them to sit together. Naturally, they were assigned to opposite sides. Even so, the two factions glared at each other intensely. If gazes could kill, they would have already fought so fiercely that rivers would reverse their flow, and the heavens would be thrown into chaos. Meanwhile, the Jade Cauldron Sect, which had a particularly poor relationship with the court, was deliberately placed at the very end of the right side for the banquet. Shen Mo, however, paid no mind to any of this. These little tricks were meaningless to him. He glanced around and found that all the sect representatives had already arrived. Now, only the main figure of this banquet was missing Sword Sovereign Ji Ping. Just as the Jade Cauldron Sect had settled into their seats, the representatives of Qian Yuan Sect and Sea God Island immediately walked over. These two were the ones Shen Mo had previously encountered Qian Yuan Sect''s Young Sect Master, Du Cangqing, and Sea God Island''s Young Master, Shi Jingtian. Both of them cupped their fists toward Shen Mo. Shi Jingtian grinned, admiration flashing in his eyes. Incredible, Brother Shen! We hadn''t even been in the capital for long before we heard of your astonishing feat! To think you actually refined a Heaven-Tier Lower-Grade Pill! When are you going to make a few for me as well? Du Cangqing was more reserved than Shi Jingtian but still revealed a hint of respect. I never expected Brother Shen to have such profound mastery in alchemy. Even Master Qingmu himself had to praise you. Im truly impressed. Shen Mo returned the gesture with a smile. You flatter me. After exchanging some pleasantries, the two returned to their seats. Du Cangqing remained composed, merely exchanging sharp glares with the cultivators of the Mad Blade Alliance. Shi Jingtian, on the other hand, couldnt exactly be called dignified and refined, but at the very least, he was eating and drinking without restraint. Not long after sitting down, he had already emptied several plates, devouring the food like a starving villager who hadnt had meat in decades. The sight amused many of the eunuchs and palace maids in the hall, who couldnt help but chuckle. Shen Mo also let out a small laugh. However, since Shi Jingtian was still young and had always been this way, it didnt really matter. Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Taking advantage of Ji Pings delayed arrival, Shen Mo scanned the grand hall. After all, those who had the qualifications to attend this banquetwho had the right to be seatedwere the core figures of their respective sects. The true leaders of these factions wouldnt personally make the trip. Instead, they had sent their young successors. Among them were Xue Ziyi from Shadow Pavilion, Zhou Mingyi from Tianhe Sect, Du Cangqing from Qian Yuan Sect, and Shi Jingtian from Sea God Island. His gaze paused when it landed on the robust young man from the Holy Spirit Sect. Interesting. His fate is actually that of the Martial Ancestors successor? That young man also noticed Shen Mos gaze and immediately responded with a friendly smile. Yet beneath that seemingly warm expression, there was an underlying hint of venom, like fangs hidden in the dark, waiting to strike. Shen Mo smiled back and nodded, his heart as calm as still water. He had not forgotten In the destined future, the first to launch a surprise attack on the Jade Cauldron Sect would be none other than the Holy Spirit Sect and Shadow Pavilion. This so-called Holy Son was clearly no reckless brute but a ruthless schemer who masked his cruelty beneath a facade of honesty and reliability. People like him concealed their true nature the deepest Yet when the crucial moment arrived, they would leap out and deliver a fatal strike! Shen Mo carefully examined his fate panel. Name: Lin Dongtian Cultivation: Early Divine Transformation Realm Fate: Innate Holy Son, Heaven-Defying Luck, Martial Ancestor Successor, Unyielding in Crisis, Calamity and Fortune Interwoven, Unorthodox Desires, Martial Spirit of Sacred Thunder Destiny: Sixty years later, he will reach the Divine Palace Realm and be summoned by the Will of Heaven to the Demon-Suppressing Sea, where he will slay multiple Demon Clan Sovereigns. Surrounded and outmatched, he will ultimately be swept into a spatial vortex and leave this minor world. Upon arriving in the greater world, he will continue to rise, eventually defeating and killing the previous Martial Ancestor with his own hands, claiming the Martial Ancestors title for himself. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Interesting. Lin Dongtians fate was actually to leave this world and venture into another. Moreover, his fate was vastly different from that of Xiao Fan, Ye Yan, and the others. He possessed a golden fate. Even at their best, Xiao Fan and Ye Yan only had red fate, one tier below gold. A thought stirred in Shen Mos mind. He immediately began to study Lin Dongtians fate in detail. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 358: I Am Not One to Waste Words—Let’s Get Straight to the Point Chapter 358: I Am Not One to Waste WordsLets Get Straight to the Point Innate Holy Son: Red Fate. You were born as a Holy Son, and at the moment of your birth, the skies were illuminated with boundless radiance. From childhood, you have lived a life of luxury, never lacking in cultivation resources. Heaven-Defying Luck: Gold Fate. Your fortune is beyond extraordinary. If the God of Luck truly exists, then ordinary geniuses are merely his children, but you you are his father! Martial Ancestor Successor: Red Fate. At the age of three, guided by destiny, you climbed into an attic within the Holy Spirit Sect and discovered the long-forgotten inside a dust-covered, unassuming box. You are one of the successors of the Martial Ancestor. Survivor of Great Calamities: Red Fate. You will not face many disasters in your life, but whenever you do, you will always manage to survive. Blessings in Disguise: Gold Fate. Every time you encounter a catastrophe, an unforeseen opportunity will present itself. Unorthodox Desires: White Fate. Your preferences are rather unique. You enjoy sparring in the way of the sword with like-minded companions. Martial Spirit Sacred Thunder Body: Gold Fate. A saint-tier physique. Your body is exceptionally powerful and is destined to reach at least the Divine Palace Realm. A formidable ancient martial spirit resides within youonce a great general who followed the Martial Ancestor in his conquests across the Eight Desolations. After his fall, his spirit wandered for countless years before settling in this minor world. He has recognized you as his master and will protect you for life. Your thunder spiritual root is unparalleled, allowing you to cultivate lightning-based martial arts and techniques with half the effort and twice the results. Shen Mo finished reading through Lin Dongtians fate panel and couldn''t help but be impressed. Heaven-defying luck! Blessings in disguise! Martial Spirit Sacred Thunder Body! With these three golden fate traits, no wonder Lin Dongtians future achievements would surpass those of Xiao Fan and Ye Yan. Shen Mos eyes sharpened slightly. He continued reading. Upcoming Opportunity 1: During the Sword Sovereigns birthday banquet, you will receive an official promise from Emperor Jingsoon, you will be able to marry the Eldest Princess and become a royal prince-consort. Upcoming Opportunity 2: After the Sword Sovereigns banquet, Emperor Jing will personally gift you a heaven-tier treasurethe Dao Origin Fruit. Upcoming Opportunity 3: Three years later, within the Holy Spirit Sects Martial Spirit Cave, you will resonate with your martial spirit and comprehend the heaven-tier martial art . Upcoming Opportunity 4: Shen Mo furrowed his brows slightly. Whether it was marrying the Eldest Princess, receiving the Dao Origin Fruit in secret, or interacting with his martial spiritthese were not opportunities that could be intercepted. Heaven-defying luck was truly different. Even his fortunes were difficult to seize. However, in a few years, when Gu Ming emerges and the great battle begins, there will be opportunities to intercept. Shen Mo was not discouraged. Instead, he memorized all of Lin Dongtians other opportunities. When the time was right, he would strike first. Although his analysis of Lin Dongtians fate panel seemed lengthy, in reality, Shen Mo processed everything in an instant. In the blink of an eye, every detail was imprinted in his mindunless he chose to forget it, it would remain there permanently. He glanced at Lin Dongtian once more. The latter still maintained a gentle, amiable smile. A perfect picture of an honest and good-natured young man. At that moment, a loud voice rang out The Sword Sovereign has arrived! A vast and boundless sword intent descended from the sky. Everyones gazes were instinctively drawn toward the grand halls entrance. There, a lone figure stood. Dressed in white, with a head of long, snow-white hair, tall and imposing, yet brimming with vitality. It was none other than the Sword Sovereign, Ji Ping. His appearance was unremarkable. If he deliberately concealed his Divine Transformation Realm aura and stood among the crowd, he would look like an ordinary old man. But the moment he released his full presence He was the strongest in Jing Country. The very Sword Sovereign whose mere words had kept the East Sea King from setting foot on land for ten years! Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emperor Jing rose from his seat. Everyone followed suit. Emperor Jing cupped his hands. Greetings, Ancestor. The rest of the assembly either cupped their hands, bowed, or placed a hand over their chests as they saluted in unison. Greetings, Senior. Ji Ping was of a much older generation than Emperor Jing. Even though the emperor held the throne, he still had to address Ji Ping as Ancestor. No need for such formalities. Its just a simple birthday banquet. Ji Ping chuckled heartily. As he passed by Shen Mo, he glanced at him and smiled. Young friend, lets share a drink after the banquet. Shen Mo returned the smile and nodded. Gladly. Ji Ping swaggered over to Emperor Jings side and took his seat on the throne next to him. Ji Pingtitled Martial King. However, ever since he was granted the title over a thousand years ago, it had never changed. Few people ever referred to him as Martial King, to the point where many had nearly forgotten that Ji Ping was also a prince of the royal family. "Hmm?" The crowd instinctively turned their gazes toward Shen Mo. Ji Pings casual interaction with Shen Mo took them by surprise. From his tone alone, it almost seemed as though they were old friends who shared everything without reservation. Xue Ziyis eyes flickered with thought. She was aware that when the fourth prince of the ten thousand demon kingdom led an army to attack Yuhai City, Ji Ping had made an appearance and briefly interacted with Shen Mo. However, she hadnt expected their relationship to be this close. Had they somehow formed a bond across generations beyond her knowledge? Lin Dongtian, Shi Jingtian, Du Cangqing, and the others also cast curious glances. They, too, were surprised by this unexpected scene. Even Emperor Jing was no exception. For the Sword Sovereign to suddenly address Shen Mo like this at a grand banquetwas there some deeper meaning behind it? Emperor Jing glanced at the old man beside him, who was already holding a roasted chicken in one hand and a wine cup in the other, deep in thought. Dont just stand there in a daze! The banquet is only the appetizer. The real discussion begins after. Ji Ping wiped the oil from the corners of his mouth and laughed heartily. Ji Wu, dont get your priorities mixed up. Emperor Jing respectfully replied, Understood, Ancestor. Before Ji Ping, he dared not refer to himself as Zhen. At his signal, a young eunuch immediately raised his voice and announced, The eight great sects shall now present their tribute gifts! The tribute ceremony went without any surprises. The eight great sects would never hand over anything too precious. Besides, Ji Ping was already at the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm. At his level, only treasures that could aid in breaking through to the Divine Palace Realm would catch his interest. Anything else was utterly insignificant to him. Ultimately, presenting gifts was merely a customary formalitya respectful gesture toward the most powerful figure in Jing Country. He hardly had any need for these offerings. After the eight sects had finished, the next segment was for members of the royal family to present their own tributes. Shen Mo, however, was a little surprised. The royal familys numbers were far smaller than he had expectedthere were only a little over twenty people. Ji Ping treated the royal heirs like a kind and doting grandfather. Yet, once they finished, and the eunuchs and palace maids exited, leaving the hall sealed shut The true purpose of this banquet finally unfolded. Emperor Jing slowly rose to his feet. Everyone, I am not one to waste words, so lets get straight to the point. The Demon Emperor Gu Ming will walk out of the Blood Gods Hidden Realm in no more than three years. Once he learns of the deaths of the First and Fourth Princes, his fury will be boundless, and he will surely lead his forces north in retaliation. No single sect alone is capable of withstanding the ten thousand demon kingdom. This time, the court and the eight great sects must work together, or else the demon horde will trample our borders. Tonight, we are here to discuss the specifics of this alliance and establish a proper strategy. Emperor Jing swept his gaze across the hall. All of you are core figures of your respective sects. Your words can represent your sects stance. Now, who would like to speak first? ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 360: Defying Imperial Might, Disrespecting Imperial Authority—Deserving of Death Chapter 360: Defying Imperial Might, Disrespecting Imperial AuthorityDeserving of Death Shen Mo turned his gaze toward the speaker. The woman was dressed in a waist-length white ruqun, with a pure white cross-collared top tightly wrapping her full chest. A belt, adorned with several jade-green beads, cinched her slender waist at just the right spot. Her long, silver-white hair cascaded to her waist, and her almond-shaped eyes reflected a deep, snowy vastness within their pupils. Her presence exuded both intellect and etherealitya beauty that carried an air of profound wisdom and composure. Shen Mo contemplated. He had already scanned the backgrounds of everyone present. Naturally, he was familiar with this woman as well. Her name was Yue Yingrong, the snow maiden of Grand Snow Palace. Among all the factions, Grand Snow Palace was undoubtedly the most enigmatic. They never involved themselves in worldly disputes, instead choosing to remain secluded in Han Prefecture, the northernmost region of the continent. Had it not been for the looming threat of the ten thousand demon kingdom, Grand Snow Palace likely would not have sent anyone to the imperial capital at all. The palace had a palace master, yet no successorinstead, it had the snow maiden. Every snow maiden, barring unexpected circumstances, would one day inherit the position of palace master. However, what Shen Mo couldnt understand was why Grand Snow Palace would freely offer cultivation resources to the three-sect alliance without asking for anything in return. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yue Yingrongs words also puzzled the others, especially Emperor Jing. As emperor, he had some knowledge of Grand Snow Palaces secrets. Their greatest strength was not in combat, alchemy, artifact forging, or formationsbut in divination. Thousands of years ago, before Jing Country had even existed, its first human emperor was merely a slave under the rule of the monster race, toiling endlessly in a mine. One day, a snow maiden was captured and thrown into the same mine. Using fifty years of her lifespan, she performed a divinationand was astounded by what she saw. A few years later, Grand Snow Palace rescued her from the mines and took the future founder of the empire with them. That was the moment the first human emperor began his rise. Rumors claimed that many of his miraculous survivals and impossible victories had been due to Grand Snow Palaces prophecies, warning him of dangers ahead of time. "Could it be that she foresaw something?" A sliver of caution surfaced in Emperor Jings mind. From a distance, Shen Mo cupped his hands toward Yue Yingrong. "Many thanks, snow maiden." Yue Yingrong gave a slight nod but said nothing more, as if this was merely a trivial matter. Lin Dongtians gaze lingered on her and Shen Mo for a moment, a fleeting chill passing through his eyes. But soon, he smiled. "Grand Snow Palace has set an example. What about the other sects?" he asked with a gentle smile. Zhou Mingyi of Tianhe Sect spoke loudly, "Tianhe Sect is also willing to provide resources to the three sects. However, we cannot do so for free." "We hope the three sects will trade their unique treasures in return." "Tianhe Sect is willing to offer a higher purchasing price as a gesture of goodwill." Shen Mo gave a small nod. "Many thanks, Daoist Zhou." Zhou Mingyi smiled in return. The negotiations over resources lasted the entire day. Finally, a tenuous agreement was reached. Grand Snow Palace would provide free cultivation resourcesincluding pills, spirit artifacts, and formationsto Jade Cauldron Sect, Sea God Island, and Qian Yuan Sect. Tianhe Sect would also supply resources, though at a cost, with the benefit of purchasing treasures from the three sects at fairly high prices. Grand Snow Palace, Tianhe Sect, Mad Blade Alliance, Holy Spirit Sect, and Shadow Pavilion each agreed to deploy three divine transformation realm cultivators and twenty nascent soul realm cultivators, along with necessary supplies, to be stationed in Qianzhou, Yuzhou, and Haizhou. The imperial court committed three ironclad cloudships to the three sects, in addition to a fleet of ten ironclad cloudships that would patrol the borders of Qianzhou and Yuzhou. Should the monster army invade, they would immediately mobilize for battle. With the exception of Grand Snow Palace and Tianhe Sect, the other factions'' contributionswhether in manpower, wealth, or resourcescould not be considered their best effort, but were at least passable. Shen Mo, however, did not care. In the end, they would all turn against each other anyway. And he never intended to rely on anyone elses strength to fight the ten thousand demon kingdom. Ultimately, it would all come down to his own power. At the roundtable, Shen Mo calmly rose to his feet. The negotiations between Jing Countrys factions had concluded. It was time to leave. At that moment, Emperor Jing suddenly spoke. "Shen Mo, why did you threaten Prince Jing back then?" "Do you realize that he is my blood brother, a prince of Jing Country?" Shen Mo turned around and saw Emperor Jing looking at him calmly. Though his expression was neutral, there was an unmistakable pressure behind his gaze. That was the immense weight of national destiny, a suppression stemming from the very fate of an entire kingdom. It was as if the might of an entire nation was pressing down upon Shen Mo. He frowned slightly. Had it been any other divine transformation realm cultivator, they would have felt a surge of fear and awe before the emperor, overwhelmed by the force of his kingdoms fortune. But Shen Mos physical body was already incomparably strong. This kind of pressure meant nothing to him. Just as he was about to speak, Ji Ping, who had remained silent throughout the discussion, suddenly coughed lightly. "Im tired." Emperor Jing furrowed his brows slightly. The others in the hall raised their eyebrows as well, exchanging looks, some smiling knowingly. Emperor Jings expression remained calm. "Someone, escort the ancestor to rest." Ji Ping sighed lightly and said no more. A young eunuch quickly approached, carefully supporting Ji Ping as he left. Even though the eunuch knew full well that Ji Ping could erase him from existence with the flick of a finger, he still had to obediently offer his assistance. Shen Mo glanced at Ji Pings departing figure. It was obviousJi Ping had deliberately interrupted Emperor Jings words, unwilling to let the emperor confront him directly. However, by having the eunuch escort Ji Ping away, Emperor Jing had made it clearhe intended to continue the conversation. Ji Ping had no desire to challenge imperial authority, so he could only sigh and leave. Shen Mo met Emperor Jings gaze head-on and said flatly, "His status, his bloodline, none of that matters." "He stood in my way. He had two choicesmove aside on his own, or be crushed beneath my feet. Its that simple." Emperor Jing raised an eyebrow. He hadnt expected Shen Mo to be so utterly defiant, refusing to back down even an inch. "Impressive. The young sect master of Jade Cauldron Sect is truly ambitious." After a brief silence, he suddenly burst into laughter. "Many thanks to all for traveling such a great distance to attend the banquet. As a final gesture, I shall drink a farewell toast to you all!" Emperor Jing lifted his cup with one hand and downed the wine in a single gulp. Among the gathered cultivators, some left immediately, while others hesitated, picked up their cups, and then put them down again. Moments later, the hall was completely empty. Only Emperor Jing remained. "Defying imperial might, disrespecting imperial authority deserving of death, deserving of death indeed." He stared at the vast, empty hall and the heavy palace doors, as if Shen Mos unwavering, unyielding figure was still lingering before him. A flicker of killing intent surfaced in his eyes. Shen Mo and the others walked side by side as they exited the imperial palace. Just as they stepped outside, they saw a familiar figure waiting quietly in their path. It was none other than Yue Yingrong, the ethereal snow maiden of Grand Snow Palace. She seemed to have anticipated exactly which route they would take. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. He had a strong feeling that she was here for him specifically. Nan Gongyun, standing beside him, gave Yue Yingrong a scrutinizing look, her expression turning slightly wary. Yue Yingrong gave a gentle nod of acknowledgment and spoke. "Grand Snow Palace will firmly support Jade Cauldron Sect. Please be at ease, Daoist Shen." With that, she didnt wait for any response. With a graceful step, she vanished into the crowd. Hai Qiankun was astonished. "Grand Snow Palace rarely meddles in worldly affairs. They spend their days secluded in the Snow Mountains, divining the heavens and preaching the Dao. Why are they suddenly taking such an interest in our sect?" "Its almost too good to be true!" Zhou Mingyi pondered for a moment. "Grand Snow Palace is renowned for their expertise in divination. Perhaps they foresaw something about the future?" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 362: He Is a Flood Dragon, I Am a Flood Dragon—This Doesn’t Make Sense Chapter 362: He Is a Flood Dragon, I Am a Flood DragonThis Doesnt Make Sense Even with just a brief glance, Shen Mo could immediately sense the immense power of this martial technique. It was a mid-tier Heaven-grade martial art based on blood energy. And it originated from a True Dragon. Not a mere Flood Dragon. Naturally, it was far superior to all the blood energy techniques currently possessed by the Flood Dragons of the Four Seas. For the South Sea King to offer such a thing in exchange clearly demonstrated his sincerity. Shen Mo put away the blue pearl and turned to look at Ao Bing, whose eyes darted around restlessly. "Your father has entrusted you to me. From now on, you will stay on Dragon Snake Mountain and follow my orders in all matters." Ao Bing was stunned. "What? Impossible!" "I''m doing just fine in the South Sea! Why should I stay here? And why should I listen to you?!" Shen Mo casually tossed the blue pearl over. Ao Bing pressed it against his forehead and listened carefully. His expression turned to one of utter shock. He murmured, "No wonder Big Sister and Second Brother didnt come. Instead, they sent me as the envoy." "Father He wants to ensure our bloodline doesnt go extinct." Shen Mo nodded slightly. "As long as you understand." Ao Bing declared resolutely, "Im going back! I want to stand with my kin and share their fate!" Shen Mo spoke indifferently, "Your father went through great trouble to avoid the spies of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation and smuggle you out. Yet you want to run straight back?" "Do you think thats the right thing to do?" Ao Bing hesitated. Shen Mo continued, "Besides, whether the South Sea Flood Dragons will be completely exterminated is still uncertain." "The South Sea King is merely preparing for the worst, keeping you safe here as a precaution." "Im sure other princes have also been sent elsewhere for protection." Ao Bing suddenly realized, "Thats right Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, and Sixth Sister were all made envoys and sent to different places to negotiate." Shen Mo nodded. "Then that settles it. Stay here and focus on your training." "Your cultivation is too weak. Youd just be a burdentheres no need to follow them to your deaths." Ao Bings face turned red with frustration. "I Im strong too! I am at the King level, after all!" Shen Mo smirked. "Oh? I have a little Flood Dragon here. You can play with him." He whistled. "Xiao Huo, come!" A fiery-red figure instantly soared out from the mountain forest and joyfully landed beside Shen Mo. It was the only offspring of the old Flood Dragon. The little creature had never been given a name. The old Flood Dragon had been in a deep slumber for years, refining Coral Gold, and Shen Mo felt it wasnt his place to name him. For now, he simply called him Xiao Huo. Ao Bing widened his eyes and scoffed, "A Lihuo Flood Dragon? Not under the Four Seas'' jurisdictionan outsider!" The moment Xiao Huo saw Ao Bing, he bared his fangs and claws and lunged at him. Ao Bing sneered, "A little brat with no discipline. Let me teach you a lesson on behalf of your father!" With a low roar, he immediately transformed into his dragon form. A blue and a red Flood Dragon clashed, entangling mid-air. Their dragon cries echoed across the sky. However, the commotion did not alarm the elders, enforcers, or disciples of Dragon Snake Mountain. Shen Mo had long since set up a powerful formation around the wilderness, isolating all sight and sound. Here, he was the master. An incense sticks time later, the red and blue dragon shadows plummeted simultaneously, both covered in wounds and missing scales. Even though Ao Bing was significantly larger, he hadnt gained any advantage. Instead, he had been burned several times. This greatly shocked him. "This little thing is stronger than I expected. Interesting!" Ao Bing grumbled, still eager for another fight. Shen Mo said coolly, "Theres no need to continue. He is only at the Flood Commander level, whereas you are already a Flood King." "With such a massive difference in cultivation realms, yet you could only fight to a drawyouve already lost." Ao Bings dragon eyes widened in shock. "What?! Hes just a Flood Commander? Impossible! With this kind of blood energy" Before he could finish, Xiao Huo activated his blood energy. In both quality and quantity, it was far inferior to Ao Bings. Clearly Just a Flood Commander. Ao Bing''s dragon eyes widened in shock, and for a long moment, he was at a complete loss for words. After a while, he muttered, "How did he do it?" "Eternal Flame," Shen Mo replied indifferently. As he spoke, a Green Lotus Core Flame ignited in his palm. Xiao Huo couldn''t help but move closer. Even as the Green Lotus Core Flame scorched him, he seemed to enjoy it, comfortably absorbing the black smoke produced by the flames. Ao Bing''s eyes grew even larger. What the?! This is insane! Too shocking! Shen Mo smiled. "When you become stronger, it''ll be the right time to take revenge on Gu Ming. Everything should be based on strength." Ao Bing hesitated for a moment before clenching his fists in determination. "Alright! I''ll stay!" "But I haven''t fully learned my Great Dragon Transformation Technique yet. That blue pearlyou get it one day, I get it the next. You can''t keep it all to yourself." "I''ll take one or two years to master it completely, and then itll be yours." Shen Mo chuckled. "Fine, thats not a problem." ... Two years passed in the blink of an eye. At this moment, on the barren plains of Dragon Snake Mountain Xiao Huo lay coiled beside them, basking lazily in the sunlight. Ao Bing, however, looked as if he''d just seen a ghost, staring at Shen Mo in disbelief. He saw Shen Mos blood energy surging In an instant, a colossal hundred-zhang-long Azure Dragon phantom materialized! The Azure Dragon was vivid and lifelike, its eyes flashing like lightning, exuding an overwhelming presence. It looked as if, in the very next moment, it would tear through the heavens and shatter the universe with a single roar! Ao Bing murmured in shock, "Two years Just two years, and hes already cultivated the Great Dragon Transformation Technique to the third levelable to manifest a complete Azure Dragon phantom!" "Ive been training for over fifty years, and Ive only reached the second level. I can barely manifest a dragon head and claws!" Ao Bing felt like crying. Im a Flood Dragon. Hes a Flood Dragon. So how is a human cultivating True Dragon martial arts faster than a Flood Dragon?! This doesnt make any sense! Shen Mo let out a slow breath, and with a mere thought, he retracted the Azure Dragon phantom. His blood energy flowed back into his body. Seeing Ao Bings bewildered expression, he smiled. "It makes perfect sense." He had cultivated the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Techniqueand the battle power of ancient Giant Elephants was on par with True Dragons. Even though the Azure Dragon was considered the head of the True Dragons, it only slightly surpassed the ancient Giant Elephant. Moreover, cultivating the Great Dragon Transformation Technique required massive amounts of life energy and essence. Had it been before, Shen Mo wouldnt have been able to devour vast amounts of heavenly treasures daily like a Flood Dragon. After all, a humans digestive ability was inferior to that of a Flood Dragon by at least four or five levels. But six months ago, Shen Mo awakened the power of a thousand Giant Elephants, unlocking the "Heaven and Earth Grand Furnace" technique of the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Technique. This ability allowed him to refine life essence at an astonishing speedlike a whale swallowing the sea! Naturally, his ability to absorb energy skyrocketed. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Additionally, the Great Dragon Transformation Technique required exceptional comprehension. Ao Bing had been stuck due to his lack of comprehensionno matter how hard he trained, he simply couldnt break through to the third level. But for Shen Mo, this comprehension barrier might as well not exist. So, he effortlessly advanced. First Level: Manifest the Azure Dragon Claws. Second Level: Manifest the Azure Dragon Head. Third Level: Manifest the Azure Dragon Phantom. Fourth Level: Manifest the Azure Dragons Power Projection! "The fourth level of the Great Dragon Transformation Technique is the hardest and the most powerful." "But even at the third level, manifesting the Azure Dragon Phantom, it already surpasses the Soul-Devouring Blood Spear in power." "If I reach the fourth level, and fully manifest the Azure Dragons Power Projection, its power will be ten times stronger than the Soul-Devouring Blood Spear!" A glimmer of excitement flashed across Shen Mos eyes. As the South Sea King had said The power of this Great Dragon Transformation Technique was absolutely terrifying! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 363: Impossible! Shen Mo’s Strength Can’t Be This Powerful Chapter 363: Impossible! Shen Mos Strength Cant Be This Powerful Deep within the Ten Thousand Demons Nation A vast desert stretched endlessly, and amidst the desolate wasteland stood a towering, blood-red structure. This was the Blood God Repository. At this moment, millions of demon clans had gathered outside the towering structure, awaiting the arrival of their Emperor. Just outside the massive, fortified gates of the Blood God Repository, three figures stood at the forefront. They were the Second Prince, Hu Yong; the Third Prince, Xiong An; and the Tenth Prince, Ying Ti. Five years ago, the First Prince, Xiang Jue, and the Fourth Prince, Yuan Kong, were slain by Shen Mo, creating a massive power vacuum. In the chaos that followed, numerous princes vied for power, plunging the empire into turmoil. Seizing the opportunity, the human nations launched multiple southern invasions, plundering numerous valuable resources from the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Yet, the foundation of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation remained strong. The demon population was still overwhelming. Five years was not enough for the Jing Kingdom to march south and completely annihilate the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Thus, instead of waging all-out war, the human forces focused on strategic raids, looting resources, and consolidating power. Over time, the Second Prince, Hu Yong; the Third Prince, Xiong An; and the Tenth Prince, Ying Tieach backed by their respective clansrose to prominence and successfully filled the power vacuum, establishing themselves as the three strongest princes of the empire. However, they all knew one undeniable truth Gu Ming was the true Emperor of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Not once did they dare to harbor ambitions of usurping the throne. A few days ago, the Blood God Repository erupted in a sky-piercing crimson lighta sign that it was about to open. Realizing this, the three princes immediately gathered their most elite forces and stationed themselves outside the repository, standing guard day and night. For a radius of ten thousand miles, every single being present was at least a Demon Commander. Boom. Suddenly, the crimson light above the Blood God Repository intensified, forming a pillar of blood-colored radiance so dense it almost seemed tangible. Even the air carried the sweet metallic scent of fresh blood. The surrounding demons instinctively took deep, greedy breaths. Just inhaling this air made their blood energy surge wildly, as if they were on the verge of breaking through to a higher realm. "Emperor!" "Emperor!" A deafening chant erupted from the millions of demon commanders, their voices shaking the heavens. The overwhelming blood energy condensed into storm-like clouds, filling the sky. Rumble. Even the very grains of sand trembled in harmony with the rhythmic war cries. The roars echoed like thunder, shaking the firmament. The three princes lowered their heads in reverence, their expressions filled with awe. Their Emperor was about to emerge. Boom. It was as if an invisible hand had pressed against the massive gates of the Blood God Repository. The impossibly heavy doors slowly creaked open, inch by inch. From the darkness of the widening gap, two figures gradually emerged. One led the way, while the other followed closely behind. The leading figure was over three meters tall, clad in thick, heavy golden armor, with only a pair of crimson eyes visible beneath the helmet. The figure behind him, though less imposing, was still taller and more muscular than an average human. The three princes immediately prostrated themselves and shouted in unison, "We greet His Majesty, the Demon Emperor!" The Ten Thousand Demons Nation had many rulers But only one Demon Emperor. And that was Gu Ming. Tap. Tap. Gu Ming strode out of the Blood God Repository, stepping into the blazing sunlight, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. The gains of his five-year seclusion had far exceeded his expectations. The Blood God Repository was truly a divine treasure trove, a sacred land bestowed upon him by fate. Though he had yet to ascend to the Demon Sovereign Realm, he was now infinitely close to reaching it. Apart from a handful of elite cultivators, there was no one in the world who could challenge him. Behind him, Ye Yan emerged with a radiant smile. Compared to Gu Ming, Ye Yans gains from the Blood God Repository were even greater. His blood energy had skyrocketed, and he had now reached the level of a Silver Peak Demon Royal. He was just one step away from becoming a Gold Peak Demon Royal. All he needed was a single opportunity, and he would fully condense Gold-tier blood energy. At this point, his power had already surpassed the Fourth Prince, Yuan Kong, and was on par with the First Prince, Xiang Jue. Under Gu Ming, he was now the undisputed strongest warrior of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Crushing Shen Mo would be as easy as flicking his wrist. Just imagining it filled Ye Yans heart with uncontrollable excitement. He couldnt wait to storm into the Yuding Sect and prove to those blind fools He was the true peerless genius. Far greater than Shen Mo. Gu Ming scanned the surroundings and suddenly noticed that Xiang Jue and Yuan Kong were absent. Nearly half of the Eighty-One Dragon Blood Guards, whom he had personally trained, were also missing. His brows furrowed deeply. As the emperor of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation, his emergence from seclusion should have drawn every demon to his side. There was only one possible explanation they were all dead. "Hu Yong, during the five years of my seclusion, what has happened?" Gu Ming asked calmly. Hu Yong stepped forward and spoke in a solemn tone. "The year you entered seclusion, three armies were deployed to invade Yuzhou." "The Fourth Prince, Yuan Kong, and the Second Prince of the Eastern Sea, Ao Sheng, led a force to attack Yuhai City. They were annihilated by Shen Mo, and every last demon in their army was wiped out." "The First Prince, Xiang Jue, led a force to attack the Pill River Sect. He too was slain by Shen Mo when he arrived on the battlefield." "A coalition of several royal-level demons, carrying the Devouring Silkworm Mother, launched an assault on the Supreme Purity Sectonly to be slaughtered by Shen Mo as well." Hu Yong lowered his voice. "All of this happened within a month of your seclusion." The moment he finished speaking, Ye Yan, standing behind Gu Ming, revealed an expression of utter disbelief. Ye Yan immediately shook his head. "Impossible! Shen Mo''s strength cannot be that powerful!" Hu Yong glanced at him and spoke gravely. "Over the past five years, we have gathered enough intelligence." "The results confirm that Shen Mo was responsible for it all." "Five years ago, Shen Mo''s power was already sufficient to overwhelm Xiang Jue, Yuan Kong, and other demon royals." Ye Yan''s expression froze in shock. Hu Yong continued, "Your Majesty, according to reports from our spies in the capital, it is highly likely that Shen Mo simultaneously cultivates both spiritual and blood energy techniques." "His spiritual power is at least at the Divine Transformation Realm." "His blood energy is at least on par with a demon royal." "Otherwise, there is no way he could have effortlessly crushed Xiang Jue and Yuan Kong five years ago, nor could he have slain the Devouring Silkworm Mother." Ye Yan''s body trembled uncontrollably. He felt as if the sky was collapsing around him. For five years, he had cultivated with all his might, pushing himself beyond his limits to surpass Yuan Kong and match Xiang Jue. Yet Shen Mo had already surpassed them both five years ago. Even the legendary Devouring Silkworm Mother, a being that demons revered, had been erased with just a few moves. Was this someone he could ever hope to surpass? Hu Yong, Xiong An, and Ying Ti remained silent, secretly observing Gu Mings expression. Yet Gu Ming''s face remained impassive, as still as a deep lake. It was as if none of Hu Yongs words had shaken his will in the slightest. "Interesting." "The only person I have ever misjudged in my life might just be him." "Shen Mo" "Good. Very good." "I truly hope he is willing to become my son." Gu Ming gazed northward, his scarlet eyes narrowing into a smile. The three princes involuntarily shuddered. Gu Ming laughing instead of raging that was a sign that something even more terrifying was about to happen. "Ye Yan, from this moment forward, you are the Eleventh Prince." "If you want greater resources, you must defeat every prince ahead of youclimb step by step." sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "In my domain, there is no place for the weak. And I have no need for cowards who shrink away at the first sign of hardship." Gu Ming cast a sidelong glance at Ye Yan and spoke indifferently. "Understood" Ye Yan steadied himself, his voice tinged with unwillingness and disappointment. Gu Ming then swept his gaze across the assembled demons and spoke in a commanding voice. "All demon clanshear my order!" His voice was not loud, yet it instantly spread across thousands of miles. Every demon present straightened, their spirits rising. The moment had arrived. "From this day forward, sharpen your weapons and mobilize on the border of Mist Province." "The moment I give the commandwe march north to war!" Gu Ming''s voice was solemn and unwavering. "Yes!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ======================================================================= Dear readers, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, Ive found myself in a challenging financial situation, and Im reaching out to you for support. Your help would mean the world to me and would allow me to continue creating content for you. If youre able, please consider supporting me through Patreon or making a donation on Ko-fi. Every little bit helps and would be immensely appreciated. In return for your generosity, I promise to post Four chapters a day. Im also excited to share that Ive picked up some very interesting projects that Ill be working on once Ive completed my current tasks. Your support will not only help me through this tough time but also ensure that I can bring you even more engaging content in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 364: Taking the Initiative – Marching South Chapter 364: Taking the Initiative C Marching South The news of Gu Mings emergence from seclusion quickly spread to Jing Nation. After all, most of the demon race was straightforward by nature and not adept at concealment or deception. Gu Mings return instantly boosted the morale of all demons, sweeping away the sluggishness of the past five years. Anyone with a bit of sense could guess that Gu Ming had emerged. For a time, dark currents surged through Yuzhou and Qianzhou. Everyone was on high alert, wary of the demon armys arrival. Yet, after a long wait, the demon army merely advanced to the border of Wuzhou but did not continue northward. It seemed as if they were waiting for something. The cultivators defending the border remained on edge every moment. They feared a sudden attack by the demons. However, day after day passed. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The demons never advanced north. The longer the stalemate dragged on, the more oppressive the atmosphere became for the human cultivators. It felt like being stranded on a lone island while witnessing a colossal tsunami rising from the horizon. The massive wave inched closer and closer. Yet, there was nowhere to run, no means of escape. Wuzhou, Three-Sect Alliance Grand Camp. This stronghold was situated on a vast plain in central Wuzhou. From here, a high-speed march of ten days could reach Yuzhou, and likewise, ten days would be enough to cross into the territory of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. To ensure efficiency in operations, the stationed cultivators in the camp were all at least at the Core Formation stage. Even those responsible for logistics and supplies were required to be at the Foundation Establishment stage at minimum. Additionally, three armored cloudships were hidden in the surrounding mountains. These vessels moved faster than even Nascent Soul cultivators. As long as they had a steady supply of top-grade spirit stones, they could circle around Wuzhou in just five days. At this moment, inside the main discussion tent. Shen Mo, Ouyang Lang, and Tong Yuan were gathered. Seated beside them were Li Zhendao, Du Cangqing, and other key figures from their respective sects. Tong Yuan frowned. This situation cant continue. Our numbers are far inferior to those of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Maintaining such high alert every day is merely a waste of energy. If we keep this up, by the time their army actually attacks, well be completely exhausted. Li Zhendao, Yang Qiye, and Wan Muchun nodded in agreement. Theres an old sayingstrike while the iron is hot. If the momentum falters, morale will dwindle. The Ten Thousand Demons Nation had deliberately deployed its army to the front lines, with its soldiers brimming with vitality, chanting praises to the Demon Emperor each day, shaking the heavens. Yet, they did not launch an actual attack. This pressure alone was enough to drain the human cultivators will to fight. No one knew whether the Demon Emperor Gu Ming was truly among the ranks of the army. Shen Mo chuckled. Theyre trying to deceive us so they can act elsewhere. He turned to Ouyang Lang. Elder Ouyang, whats the situation? Ouyang Lang spoke solemnly. Just as Daoist Shen predicted, the Ten Thousand Demons Nation has launched an assault on the South Sea Flood Dragons. And, the Demon Emperor Gu Ming is personally leading the charge. Their forces are unstoppable. Tong Yuan, Li Zhendao, and the others were visibly shocked. They hadnt expected Gu Ming to deliberately deploy his army at the border to create pressure. In reality, he had freed up his forces to attack the South Sea Flood Dragons instead. The Four Seas Flood Dragons, if united, would be a formidable force. The South Sea Flood Dragons alone are at least equivalent to three major sects. However, even with that level of strength, they are still weaker than the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Besides, water demons are still demons. They only submit to the flood dragons, but now that Gu Mings power is at its peak, who knows how many water demons secretly revere him? If a real battle breaks out, the South Sea Flood Dragons will undoubtedly collapse like a crumbling mountain. Shen Mo spoke gravely. Before Gu Ming wages war in the north, his first move must be to eliminate the South Sea Flood Dragons. Otherwise, once he marches north, the South Sea Flood Dragons will undoubtedly land ashore and attack us from behind, forming a pincer assault. As soon as Shen Mo finished speaking, the others nodded in agreement. That makes sense. Shi Jingtian scratched his head. Then why didnt Gu Ming wipe out the South Sea Flood Dragons earlier? Why wait until now? Shen Mo replied calmly, No matter how divided the Four Seas Flood Dragons may be, they are still one family. If Gu Ming were to exterminate one faction, he would inevitably offend the other three. The remaining flood dragons would not take it lightly. The fact that he is acting now means the benefits have already been delivered. Shi Jingtian suddenly understood. So, what should we do now? Du Cangqings eyes burned with intensity. Shen Mo spoke in a deep voice. We take the initiativemarch south and attack! While Gu Mings main forces have yet to return, we should eliminate as many as we can. The Eagle Clan is one of the most powerful among the demon race. According to intelligence, a medium-sized settlement of twenty thousand adult eagle demons is stationed here. Shen Mo extended a finger, pointing at a mountain range within the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. This mountain range was very close to Wuzhou. With a high-speed raid, they could reach it in just over ten days. Shen Mo then pointed to several other locations. Here, here, and herethese are the settlements of the Tiger Clan, the Lion Clan, and the Bear Clan. Surrounding these powerful tribes, there should also be some weaker subordinate clans. We can wipe them out along the way. Shen Mo drew a circle on the map. If we can destroy these medium-sized settlements together, it will greatly weaken the morale and fighting spirit of the demon army. After hearing this, everyones spirits were lifted. Indeed, this was an opportunity too rare to pass up. In a war between two races, staying on the defensive was not an option. The best strategy was to take the fight to the enemy! However medium-sized settlements are usually guarded by demon royals. We will have to split our forces. If that happens, we might not be able to secure a swift victory, Li Zhendao said solemnly. A settlement with a permanent demon population of over twenty thousand was considered medium-sized. Above that, those with a permanent population exceeding a million were classified as large-scale settlements. Shen Mo smiled slightly. Thats why we need to notify the other sects. I believe they would be more than happy to join us. Tong Yuan and Wan Muchun nodded in agreement. That makes sense! Cultivators from the northern regions of Jing Nation rarely encountered the demon race. For them, slaying demons was also a way to earn merits. With such an opportunity in front of them, who wouldnt be tempted? Spread the word. We set out immediately! After taking the demon camp, we split our forces and march south! Shen Mo made the final decision. Yes! The gathered cultivators responded in unison. That afternoon. The Three-Sect Alliance camp moved out at full speed. All Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation cultivators boarded the armored cloudships. Core Formation cultivators advanced on the ground. For three consecutive days, they marched at full speed. Soon, Shen Mo and the other cultivators spotted the demon armys camp. Even from the sky, the demon camp stretched for hundreds of miles, grand and imposing. The air above the camp was thick with blood-colored energy, swirling like a vicious dragon, warding off any who approached. On the armored cloudship Shen Mo was aboard, the helmsman was Wan Muchun. Wan Muchun hesitated. Should we continue forward? If we enter the blood energys range, the armored cloudship will be vulnerable to attacks. We dont have the means to repair the ship if its damaged. Shen Mo was resolute. Keep going. That blood energy is an illusion. Understood! Wan Muchun took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. This old man will risk his lifecharge! Boom! The armored cloudship surged forward, slicing through the illusionary blood dragon. They did not encounter the thick, near-solid blood energy they had imagined. Beyond that false layer of blood energy, the sky was clear and boundless. Looking down, the vast camp was nearly empty, save for a few tens of thousands of old, weak, and injured demons maintaining the illusion. On the ground, massive formations had been arranged. It was these formations that magnified the blood energy, creating the false image of a fearsome demon camp! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ====================================================================== Dear readers, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, Ive found myself in a challenging financial situation, and Im reaching out to you for support. Your help would mean the world to me and would allow me to continue creating content for you. If youre able, please consider supporting me through Patreon or making a donation on Ko-fi. Every little bit helps and would be immensely appreciated. In return for your generosity, I promise to post Four chapters a day**. Im also excited to share that Ive picked up some very interesting projects that Ill be working on once Ive completed my current tasks. Your support will not only help me through this tough time but also ensure that I can bring you even more engaging content in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 365: His Majesty Does Not Speak, But We, as Ministers, Should Be Able to Guess Chapter 365: His Majesty Does Not Speak, But We, as Ministers, Should Be Able to Guess On the ironclad cloud boat, the cultivators were all extremely astonished. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The blood qi dragon that soared into the sky was incredibly realistic. Even from dozens of miles away, it could instill an extreme sense of dread in one''s heart. One would instinctively shrink back in fear. Every night, they couldn''t sleep peacefully and would inevitably have nightmares. So, it was actually fake?! "Damn the demon race, when did they get such brains?!" Yang Qiyi snorted coldly. "Ordinary demons indeed don''t have much brains, but Gu Ming is different. He has read through the history of Jing Country and often reads books," Li Zhen sighed. At critical historical junctures, the emergence of just one great person can be enough to change the course of history. Gu Ming is just such a person. What''s more, his rule in the Demon Kingdom is unquestionable. No demon can shake his rule. At his command, all demons obey. He can maximize the use of his personal wisdom. Even if he orders the demons to commit collective suicide, probably only a few demons would frown. Three ironclad cloud boats flew over the demon camp, and the old, weak, and wounded soldiers in the camp became panicked at once. The instructions from above didn''t mention that the human race would cross the camp. "Leave one Spirit Transformation cultivator, two Soul Infant cultivators, to cooperate with the Foundation Establishment cultivators who will arrive later to clean up the battlefield." "The rest continue to head south," Shen Mo said calmly. Wan MuChun said seriously, "Then I''ll stay. After the battle situation here is over, I will immediately follow you." With that, he pointed to two Soul Infant cultivators and they flew down from the cloud boat, like three huge meteors, crashing into the demon camp! The three ironclad cloud boats accelerated and continued to head south. At the same time. Two other teams were also heading south at a faster speed. One of them was the team of cultivators stationed in Qianzhou. It included many cultivators from the Holy Spirit Sect, the Great Snow Palace, and the Tianhe Sect. The other was the fleet of ironclad cloud boats patrolling the border between Qianzhou and Yu Zhou. A total of ten ironclad cloud boats burst out with astonishing speed. Compared with the three ironclad cloud boats that the court provided to the Three Sects Alliance, although the shape of these ten ironclad cloud boats was not much different, their internal structure was obviously different. This allowed them to have higher speed and greater power. On the foremost cloud boat, a young man in golden armor stood majestically. He was surrounded by several Spirit Transformation cultivators. He was Prince Jing. Now he had changed from his golden-threaded python robe to this golden armor, to show his determination to fight the demons to the end. Prince Jing looked at the gradually clear Wuzhou. He couldn''t help but recall what Emperor Jing had said to him. "I''m giving you another chance. Those ten ironclad cloud boats are under your command, but remember, you are only the deputy commander." "Brother Emperor, rest assured, I will be well-behaved and strive to atone for my sins by meritorious service!" "Do not disappoint me. Consult the commander more often. He knows when to fight and when not to." "Yes!" Prince Jing took a deep breath and couldn''t help but look at the old man sitting in the corner of the deck, roasting meat. The old man had white hair and beard, messy like a bird''s nest, and was slovenly. A few years ago, he was a frontier official, holding the position of Yu Zhou Mu. Later, because he failed to implement Emperor Jing''s grand plan, he was stripped of his position as Yuzhou and exiled to Haizhou. Now, Emperor Jing has re-employed him. However, no matter how Prince Jing looked at him, he couldn''t associate him with a great strategist. In his view, the old man was so slovenly that he even seemed to disgrace the royal family''s face. But since Emperor Jing had said so, Prince Jing did not show any look of contempt. At this time, he suddenly saw the old man put a piece of roasted meat sprinkled with cumin into his mouth. He shouted and screamed while showing an expression of enjoyment. It was as if he hadn''t eaten meat for a hundred years. Even the surrounding Soul Infant cultivators felt a bit disgusted. A royal family member, and he acts like this? "Uncle, what are you doing..." Prince Jing couldn''t help but ask. Ji Quan chuckled, "I''ve been eating fish every day in Haizhou. I''m almost sick of it." "Now that I finally have the excuse from the commander to change my taste, I definitely can''t waste it!" Prince Jing was speechless. After a while, he asked, "Uncle, do you think we can achieve great success this time? Can we atone for our sins by meritorious service?" Ji Quan nodded repeatedly, "Yes, definitely!" "Didn''t the Jade Cauldron Sect feed us all the intelligence we need?" "You can achieve success, and so can I. Why not?" Prince Jing''s eyes showed a longing, "I want to achieve greater success!" "Uncle, for this trip, I used up a lot of my family''s resources and pulled some strings to buy many treasures from the Shadowless Pavilion." He immediately listed them all like treasures of his own. After taking a bite of the roasted meat, Ji Quan nodded slowly, "Some are useful, some are not." "But it''s hard to achieve great success with these." "Moreover, His Majesty''s requirement for us is not to achieve great success, but to preserve our strength and wait for the right opportunity." Prince Jing was stunned, "Preserve our strength and wait for the right opportunity? My brother didn''t tell me that." Ji Quan smiled lightly, "His Majesty won''t say it, but we, as ministers, should be able to guess." Prince Jing frowned. He didn''t understand all these twists and turns. He just wanted to achieve success. Great success. To conveniently wash away the shame he had at first. And to make his brother happy. From childhood to adulthood, his brother had always doted on him and loved him. As his younger brother, he should do everything to share his brother''s worries. Ji Quan took a big bite of roasted meat sprinkled with chili powder, enjoyed it for a long time, and then said, "Our cloud boat is fast. We should be able to reach Wuzhou before the Three Sects Alliance." "When to fight, when to retreat, when to achieve great success, and when not to be greedy for success, I will tell you all." Prince Jing hesitated for a moment and then said, "Okay." Human cultivator teams from all directions were speeding up to head south. Taking advantage of this great opportunity, they successively broke through the demon camps. Boom! Two beams of light burst out from the sides of the ironclad cloud boat, like a plow, fiercely raking the ground. The walls and gates of the demon tribe were as fragile as tofu in front of such beams of light. They shattered on the spot. Shen Mo leaped forward, flew on the air, and rushed into the small tribe like a flash of lightning. Just the air wave brought by the landing smashed many demon civilians and soldiers into minced meat. Bang! Bang! Bang! Behind Shen Mo, more cultivators descended from the sky and appeared in this small tribe. As the saying goes, the jackal and the wolf are in collusion. The jackal tribe has always been a subordinate tribe of the wolf tribe. Even though the jackal tribe is a bit more intelligent, in the Demon Kingdom where strength is the measure of superiority and bloodline determines nobility, the wolf tribe still occupies the dominant position. "Kill all the demons, don''t leave a single one," Li Zhendao roared. "Yes!" The Soul Infant cultivators responded in unison. Spiritual energy lights intertwined. Every beam of light that fell would surely kill a large number of demons. "Ah!" A female cultivator suddenly screamed. In front of her, a jackal tribe toddler, not even knee-high, was looking at her with big, watery eyes, seemingly begging her not to kill him. However, just as the female cultivator''s heart softened, the jackal tribe toddler took out a blood-colored crystal from his waist and threw it over viciously. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ================================================================================================ Dear readers, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, Ive found myself in a challenging financial situation, and Im reaching out to you for support. Your help would mean the world to me and would allow me to continue creating content for you. If youre able, please consider supporting me through Patreon or making a donation on Ko-fi. Every little bit helps and would be immensely appreciated. In return for your generosity, I promise to post Four chapters a day if i get certain number of supporters. I am already doing 2 chapters a day. You can get character images if you support me on kofi. Im also excited to share that Ive picked up some very interesting projects that Ill be working on once Ive completed my current projects. Your support will not only help me through this tough time but also ensure that I can bring you even more engaging content in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 366: Seeing This, Do You Still Want to Spare the Lives of the Bie Clan Children? Chapter 366: Seeing This, Do You Still Want to Spare the Lives of the Bie Clan Children? The blood-colored crystal exploded in mid-air. It burst into a cloud of crimson powder. The female cultivator hurriedly tried to block it. But she found that the powder only slightly hindered the flow of her spiritual energy. It couldn''t truly harm her. The Bie clan child was extremely ferocious, shouting in strange demonic language. "Kill you! Kill you! Despicable human slave!" Shen Mo sighed lightly, flicked his finger, and a thread of spiritual energy penetrated the child''s body, directly cutting off its life force. "Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts. Do you really want to spare its life?" Shen Mo said calmly. The female cultivator from Qianyuan Sect lowered her head in shame, "He is still just a child and hasn''t killed any humans. I think..." Shen Mo was about to speak when a Nascent Soul cultivator rushed over, "Young Sect Master, we have found the place where the Bie clan is holding the humans." "But those people..." He couldn''t continue, seemingly finding it hard to say. Shen Mo nodded, "Follow me. Once you see how the demons treat humans, you will know whether they deserve to live or die." The female cultivator from Qianyuan Sect nodded. A moment later, Shen Mo arrived at the underground dungeon of the small tribe. It was damp and dark, with the faint sound of insects wriggling. In the corner, dozens of human women were huddled, stripped of their outer clothes. Their bodies were dirty and foul-smelling. Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even when Shen Mo and the other cultivators arrived, they showed no reaction. Their eyes were numb and empty, like soulless husks. The female cultivator looked at the scene in horror. Shen Mo said calmly, "The Bie clan has some intelligence, but their reproduction is not as good as other races." "So they thought of using human women to breed their offspring." "You are a woman, and a female cultivator at that. Your body is stronger and less likely to be destroyed to death." "Have you thought about what would happen if you were captured by the Bie clan?" The female cultivator immediately shuddered, her scalp tingling. Shen Mo continued, "Seeing this, do you still want to spare the life of a Bie clan child?" The female cultivator from Qianyuan Sect looked at Shen Mo with awe, bowed, and said, "Thank you, I understand." "These women, I want to take them out and let them live a good life..." She looked at the women huddled in the corner. Shen Mo said calmly, "Those whose eyes still have some vitality have already been taken out." "But them..." Shen Mo pointed, "Do you see any of them reacting?" "Most of them are ordinary people from Wuzhou, whose families have been destroyed and who have lost their loved ones. Some were even born and raised here as human slaves, not even knowing what normal human life is like." "For them, death is the best release." The female cultivator was silent, and after a while, she nodded, "You are right." Shen Mo sighed lightly and waved his hand. The cultivator beside him nodded and used the most efficient and painless method to end the lives of these miserable women one by one. As they died, a glimmer of relief flickered in their empty eyes. The female cultivator said firmly, "I will do my utmost to slay the demons!" Shen Mo nodded, "Go ahead." Shen Mo''s heart also grew colder. Having seen too much of what the demons had done to humans, his mind, like the female cultivator''s earlier, was left with only one thought. That was to completely exterminate all demons. After returning to the surface, more cultivators gathered around Shen Mo. "Young Sect Master, all the Bie clan members have been slain." "Young Sect Master, a rough estimate shows that this small tribe should have about sixty thousand Bie clan members." "Please instruct us on what to do next, Young Sect Master?" Shen Mo nodded, "Take all the cultivation resources. As for this place, burn it to the ground. Leave nothing for the demons." "Yes." The cultivators immediately followed the order. At that moment, Shen Mo felt a sense of something and looked up. To his surprise, he saw a fleet of ten ironclad cloud boats flying overhead! Whoosh. A figure flew to Shen Mo''s sideit was Murong Yue. "Mo''er, that''s the imperial fleet. They left later but arrived first, trying to get to that medium-sized eagle tribe ahead of us," Murong Yue''s willow-like eyebrows were tightly furrowed. The three ironclad cloud boats the court had given them were clearly the emasculated versions. Shen Mo waved his hand, "Let them be. After all, we''re all killing demons." Murong Yue sighed softly, "How shameless." Shen Mo chuckled lightly, "I bet Gu Ming will have some hidden tricks up his sleeve. Let them be the ones to step on that landmine first." Murong Yue''s eyes lit up, "You''re right!" No sooner had she spoken than a blinding light flared up thousands of miles away. It was clearly the power of the ten ironclad cloud boats firing together. Many people witnessed that scene. However, just as the blinding light began to fade, a deafening cry tore through the sky. A surging blood energy rose up and blocked the combined attack of the ten ironclad cloud boats. "I am the Tenth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Yngt!" "His Majesty anticipated that you might launch a surprise attack from the south! He had already ordered me to lead the Dragon Blood Guard to lie in ambush here!" "Kill! Kill all the human slaves!" Yngt''s cry even reached thousands of miles away. Even Shen Mo and the other cultivators could hear it clearly. This was something the demon race excelled at. Especially the demon kings; they didn''t need to use their blood energy. Just relying on their physical strength, they could transmit their voices thousands of miles away. Shen Mo shrugged, "It looks like a fight has broken out." Murong Yue couldn''t help but cover her mouth and giggle. After a while, she stopped laughing, "So what do we do now..." "Of course, we go to reap the benefits," Shen Mo smiled. "Yes, Young Sect Master!" Murong Yue feigned seriousness. The battle resumed. The mighty human army swept through everything in its path. Every demon tribe they passed was devastated, and all demons were slaughtered. Some cultivators had too much sympathy and originally wanted to spare the demon children. But after seeing how humans were treated like livestock by these demons, they became furious, and their hands no longer showed any mercy. The Tenth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Yngt, and his Dragon Blood Guard, also failed to stop the advance of the human cultivators. In the end, they left behind a large number of eagle demon corpses and, in exchange for one ironclad cloud boat, they hastily fled south. The human cultivators pressed their advantage and penetrated deep into the territory of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. Night. In the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, on a plain by the mountains and water, the Three Sects Alliance camp. Inside the camp tents, everyone was in high spirits, loudly exchanging their achievements of the day. "Hey, I killed two tiger demon kings today!" "So what? I killed two golden-crowned demon kings!" "Damn, you''re more impressive." "You''re all nothing. I followed the Young Sect Master and others and surrounded and killed two demon kings!" "Amazing, big brother, you go ahead and eat first!" The cultivators excitedly exchanged stories, as if breaking through the capital of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom was just around the corner. Shen Mo, Li Zhen Dao, Wan Mu Chun, Ouyang Lang, and other core figures of the sects were sitting around the bonfire having a meal, their expressions filled with joy. "According to the reports from our fleet, the main force of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom is still attacking the South Sea Dragon. Even if they retreat now, it will take them at least a month to get back here." "We can take advantage of this gap to kill more demons!" Ouyang Lang waved his hand vigorously and said excitedly. "Well said!" Shen Mo also nodded with a smile, and subconsciously glanced at his life panel. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ================================================================================================ Dear readers, I hope this message finds you well. I''m reaching out because I''m currently facing a challenging financial situation, and your support could make a significant difference. If you''re able, please consider supporting me through Patreon or making a donation on Ko-fi. Your contributions, no matter the size, would be immensely appreciated and would help me continue to create content for you. In return for your generosity, I promise to increase my daily chapter posts to four chapters a day if I reach a certain number of supporters. Currently, I''m already posting two chapters a day. Additionally, supporters on Ko-fi will receive exclusive character images. I''m also excited to share that I''ve picked up some very interesting projects that I''ll be working on once my current projects are completed. Your support will not only help me through this tough time but also ensure that I can bring you even more engaging content in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 367: The Jade Cauldron Sect Will Not Participate Chapter 367: The Jade Cauldron Sect Will Not Participate During the period when Shen Mo marched south to attack the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, he would review his life panel every day. For the past few days, the life panel had shown no changes, and everything had been going smoothly. He had thought that today would also be without any unexpected changes. Unexpectedly, the change did come! Shen Mo quickly finished reading the "Recent Opportunities" and pondered thoughtfully. "...So it is. Gu Ming truly is the emperor of emperors; he indeed kept a trump card up his sleeve." "And in order to maximize the killing of human cultivators, he was willing to use the lives of millions of demon clans as bait." "How ruthless." Shen Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. It was just that the demon clans reproduced too quickly, producing a litter at a time. Otherwise, Gu Ming probably wouldn''t dare to waste the lives of the demon clans so casually. "Shen Mo, what are you thinking about?" Li Zhendao laughed heartily. Wan Muchun teased, "Probably counting how many demon kings he killed today." "You guys didn''t see it. With one swing of Shen Mo''s sword, three Silver Crown Kings died instantly. The power was too overwhelming." Everyone burst into laughter. Their gazes couldn''t help but reveal a bit of admiration for Shen Mo. The combat instinct of the demon clans was too strong, and the rule of survival of the fittest was far more brutal than that of the human race. Therefore, generally speaking, demon clans of the same realm would have a slight advantage over humans. Yet, Shen Mo could continuously kill the Silver Crown Kings of the demon clans in an instant. His strength had clearly soared to a level that was difficult for them to estimate. "By the way, other sects said they would send people over to discuss attacking that large tribe." "Judging by the time, they should be arriving soon," Li Zhendao suddenly said. The others all nodded in agreement. Ten thousand miles to the southwest, there was a large bear clan tribe. It was home to over a million bear demons. The bear clan was one of the major clans in the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. It was also one of the important forces for breaking through and overcoming difficulties. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If this large tribe could be eradicated, it would significantly reduce the number of troops Gu Ming could mobilize. And if troops had to be mobilized from the heartland of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, it would require more time and more provisions. The time would be dragged out even longer. Moreover, the tenth prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Eagle Cry, who had fled south, was also recuperating in that large tribe. If he could be killed, it would surely yield a large amount of cultivation resources from him. After all, he was a prince! Shen Mo frowned slightly. He was about to speak up and persuade the cultivators present to turn back. However, at that moment, he suddenly sensed several familiar auras arriving at the camp. "There they are," Ouyang Lang smiled slightly, pointing to the entrance of the camp. Sure enough, several figures passed through the shadows and entered the camp. The first two were the main and deputy leaders of the imperial fleet, Ji Quan and Prince Jing. Behind them were Lin Dongtian, Xue Zi Yi, Zhou Mingyi, Yue Yingrong, and others. All were key figures of various forces. The two sides exchanged bows, which served as a greeting. "Everyone, I am Ji Quan, the main leader of the fleet. I have dealt with some of you here before." Ji Quan still had the same slovenly appearance as before. When he said this, his gaze clearly fell on Shen Mo. Although they had secretly crossed paths several times before, this was the first time they were meeting face to face. Now that he saw him, he felt even more impressed by the young man''s extraordinary presence. Shen Mo had long known that the main leader was Ji Quan, so he was not surprised. "There is no need for idle talk. Main leader, please tell us, how should the city attack be arranged tomorrow?" Yang Qiye spoke up loudly. Ji Quan laughed heartily, "Good. The plan is still very simple. First, my ten ironclad cloud ships will fire three rounds in unison to maximize the weakening of the bear clan''s defensive capabilities." "At this time, we will need your help to protect the safety of the ironclad cloud ships. After all, in this state, the ironclad cloud ships are very vulnerable and easiest to attack." "Subsequently..." Ji Quan had clearly already formulated a plan. The plan was even precise down to which time, which sect would launch an attack on which location. The offensive is not the same either. There are frontal assaults, feigned attacks, and coordinated actions. After Shen Mo finished listening, he couldn''t help but admire. Ji Quan''s tactical level is indeed very high. No wonder he was brought over from Haizhou by Emperor Jing to serve as the main leader of the fleet, striving to atone for his crimes through meritorious service. However... Although the tactics are not a problem, the strategy is. "Does everyone have any issues? Since that''s the case, then let''s proceed as planned. We will launch the attack precisely at the hour of the hare tomorrow," Ji Quan said loudly. Everyone nodded, with no intention of objecting. Most of the sect''s cultivators had no experience in leading troops into battle. Even if they were to nitpick, it would be difficult to find any flaws in the plan formulated by Ji Quan. Shen Mo shook his head, "The plan is good, but the Jade Cauldron Sect does not intend to participate." As soon as he finished speaking, it immediately caused a round of astonishment among the crowd. Especially among the cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sect. That is a large tribe. The resources accumulated inside are innumerable! If they could plunder and bring them back to the sect, it would surely elevate the sect''s foundation to a higher level. Why abandon it at such a critical juncture? Ji Quan frowned but did not speak. Prince Jing, however, was the first to speak, "Shen Mo, I know you don''t like the court, but you don''t have to resort to such means, do you?" "Now is the time for us to unite against the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom! It is a war between humans and demons!" "Why do you still place your personal interests above the righteousness of humanity?" Shen Mo couldn''t help but laugh. Nangong Yun stepped forward and said coldly, "Prince Jing, you are the last person qualified to talk about the righteousness of humanity." "When Yu Zhou was attacked by three armies of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, and the people of Yu Zhou suffered greatly, I didn''t see you come to help at the first moment. Instead, you thought it was the last moment to come out and reap the benefits." Prince Jing''s expression turned angry, and he was immediately left speechless. Lin Dongtian and Xue Zi Yi looked at Shen Mo thoughtfully. Yue Yingrong, however, spoke softly, "My Great Snow Palace will also withdraw." Everyone was astonished. Even Shen Mo was somewhat taken aback. I haven''t even mentioned the reason, and you''re already withdrawing? Facing everyone''s gaze, Yue Yingrong''s expression remained calm, without the slightest change. Ji Quan sighed lightly, "Shen Mo, I know what you are worried about." "You are worried that this is a trap, worried that Gu Ming''s main force will arrive and catch us off guard, right?" "I can tell you straight away that there is no need for such concern." "Gu Ming is still in the South Sea, fighting against the King of the South Sea." "The second strongest person in the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom after Gu Ming is Xiong Luan, and he is also in the South Sea." "This is the intelligence obtained by the court, and I believe the friends from the Sea God Island should have also received it." Looking at Ouyang Lang behind Shen Mo. Ouyang Lang nodded awkwardly, "Yes... One of our island''s leaders has been observing covertly near the South Sea." "These days, he sends the intelligence as soon as it is obtained every day." Shen Mo nodded slightly. He naturally knew about this. But he trusted his life panel more. He believed in what he saw. Moreover, he didn''t think Gu Ming was a demon who didn''t take care of everything. That large bear clan tribe is a bait, but it is a deadly bait. Once you want to swallow it, you have to pay a heavy price in casualties. "The Jade Cauldron Sect will not participate, and that''s my final word," Shen Mo said calmly. Li Zhendao, though he didn''t know where Shen Mo''s confidence came from, firmly stood by his side, "The Young Sect Leader''s word is the word of our Jade Cauldron Sect." Tong Yuan and the Sea God Island exchanged glances, frowned, and finally said seriously, "We will also withdraw." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 368: Truly the One I, the Emperor, Have Chosen Chapter 368: Truly the One I, the Emperor, Have Chosen The Three Sects Alliance had long established a rule, with the Jade Cauldron Sect taking the lead. Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And ever since Shen Mo single-handedly annihilated the demon clans'' three-pronged army, the true soul figure of the Jade Cauldron Sect had already become Shen Mo. It could be said that whatever Shen Mo said now, it was the law. Very few people in the Jade Cauldron Sect dared to go against Shen Mo''s words. Now, without giving any reason, Shen Mo directly announced that the Jade Cauldron Sect would not participate in this matter. Li Zhendao, as the head of the sect, immediately echoed him to show the Jade Cauldron Sect''s firm support for Shen Mo. Seeing the Jade Cauldron Sect, Qianyuan Sect, Sea God Island, and Great Snow Palace all declare non-participation, Ji Quan''s expression visibly darkened. However, he still didn''t say anything, just letting out a soft sigh. It was Prince Jing beside Ji Quan who now sneered, "Good, it''s better that you don''t participate!" "With our capabilities, we can still take down that large bear clan tribe, and might even capture the tenth prince of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom alive!" "You''ll regret it then!" With that, he left without looking back, clearly full of anger. For some reason, Ji Quan also felt a bit of worry rising in his heart. Could it be that, as Shen Mo feared, Gu Ming had set an ambush in that large tribe? However, after a brief moment of contemplation, he firmly cast this thought out of his mind. No matter what, he had to achieve great merit. Not for himself, but for his descendants. Otherwise, his descendants would never be favored, and would gradually be marginalized, eventually losing their royal status and becoming commoners. This was something he did not want to see. "Let''s go." Ji Quan shook his head, not leaving any harsh words like Prince Jing, but simply turned and left. Lin Dongtian, Xue Zi Yi, Zhou Mingyi, Wang Lang, and others also followed and left. After they had completely left, Li Zhendao, Yang Qiye, Tong Yuan, Ouyang Lang, and others gathered around Shen Mo. They looked at him with strange eyes. Nangong Yun whispered, "Xuan''er, now you can tell us, what is the real reason?" Shen Mo shook his head, "Gu Ming is not that foolish. The demons of those small and medium-sized tribes combined are less than a million." "But this large bear clan tribe has already exceeded a million, and there is even a tenth prince, Ying Ti, in it. The bait is too valuable." "It''s like placing a plate of steaming hot delicacies in front of someone who is starving." Everyone pondered thoughtfully. Upon reflection, it did seem too smooth. The large tribe plus the tenth prince as bait was indeed too valuable. It seemed more like a poisonous, deadly bait. "No rush, we will know the answer in a few days," Shen Mo waved his hand, "We won''t attack that large tribe, attacking other medium-sized tribes is the same." "All cultivators at the Core Formation stage, turn around and head north immediately." "Only those at the Soul Transformation and Infant Soul stages will stay in the camp." "We can sweep the surrounding demon clans, without continuing to delve deeper into the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom." "In this way, although the spoils of war will be less, the advantage is safety." Everyone nodded, "Understood." In the following days, the Three Sects Alliance began to move according to Shen Mo''s plan. All cultivators of lower realms were sent back to the Wuzhou camp. They swept the surrounding demon clans and plundered the nearby cultivation resources. News from the front kept coming non-stop. The team led by Ji Quan marched southward, unstoppable. The demons in the places they arrived at hardly had any ability to resist. Either they died or they fled to the large bear clan tribe. In just a few days, the demons in that large tribe had surged to over 1.2 million. Under such a smooth offensive, many people''s thoughts changed. The cultivators marching south all believed they had made the right decision and were on the right team. The cultivators of the Three Sects Alliance and the Great Snow Palace were very envious. Some who originally didn''t respect Shen Mo even began to secretly harbor resentment towards him. Shen Mo had anticipated all these situations and didn''t care. South Sea, the Dragon Palace. The magnificent architecture was razed to the ground. The colorful corals and shells were reduced to drifting fragments and dust. The corpses of dragons, dragon people, and various water demons floated in the seawater. Blood dyed the entire sea red. Gu Ming strode into the Dragon Palace and sat on the crystal throne. From a distance, it looked like a golden armor sitting on a crystal-clear throne, making him appear even more regal and majestic, with an overwhelming demonic aura. "Too hard." "Does the King of the South Sea sit in such a place every day?" Gu Ming shook his head and did not linger, slowly rising to his feet. At this moment, a Dragon Blood Guard quickly walked in and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the King of the South Sea, the Crown Princess of the South Sea, and the Second Prince have fled to the northwest. The remaining dragons have either surrendered or died." "As for all the dragon people and water demons, they have all chosen to submit." Gu Ming nodded indifferently, "No problem, let the King of the West Sea deal with it." "If all goes well, the King of the West Sea will naturally send someone to bind the three fleeing dragons and deliver them to the capital of our Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom." The Dragon Blood Guard continued, "Your Majesty, human cultivators have marched south and attacked the tribe of the Bear Chaos Emperor." "However, according to the reports from the human spies, the Three Sects Alliance and the Great Snow Palace did not participate in the attack." Gu Ming smiled faintly, "It must be Shen Mo who decided not to participate." The Dragon Blood Guard nodded. Gu Ming sighed slightly, "He is truly the one I, the Emperor, have chosen. Not only does he possess super strength and great potential, but he also has extraordinary wisdom." "Unfortunately, if he had decided to join the battle, I would have immediately returned through my avatar and killed him on the spot." "But since he chose not to go, I don''t need to go either." "Send a message to Bear Chaos, to proceed according to the plan." "For every human Soul Transformation cultivator he kills, I will grant him a few drops of my essence blood." "Also, tell him not to destroy all the human ironclad cloud ships. Leave one intact." The Dragon Blood Guard respectfully replied, "Yes!" ... Outside the large bear clan tribe. Nine ironclad cloud ships and a large number of cultivators had arrived. They were dark and dense, like a dark cloud. Prince Jing looked down at the demon tribe from a high position. He immediately saw the demons inside colliding randomly like headless flies. It seemed they were extremely afraid of the ironclad cloud ships. Those were the demons who had fled from the previously annihilated tribes. They had already become like birds frightened by a bowstring. Prince Jing couldn''t help but sneer. "Anyone who has witnessed the power of the ironclad cloud ships will turn into a disorganized mob!" "Those demons have already been terrified by us!" "Uncle the Emperor, give the order." He looked at Ji Quan. Today, Ji Quan was not in his slovenly appearance but had changed into a shiny set of armor. If a few days ago he was a careless wanderer, today he had become a great commander who planned strategies! His temperament had changed completely! Not just Prince Jing, but even Lin Dongtian, Xue Zi Yi, Zhou Mingyi, and others were momentarily stunned. It was as if they had seen a general emerging from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. "The time has come." "Attack!" Ji Quan channeled his spiritual energy, and his voice swept across the sky. "Prepare for a round of synchronized firing!" Prince Jing immediately responded loudly. The front ends of the nine ironclad cloud ships quickly lit up. Terrifying energy surged within them. The cultivators of the Sacred Spirit Sect, the Shadowless Pavilion, and the Tianhe Sect immediately dispersed to protect the ironclad cloud ships from the demon attacks. In a short while, the energy accumulation of the ten ironclad cloud ships was completed. Terrifying beams of light immediately shot out! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 369: Full Retreat—Who Is Willing to Stay Behind with Me? Chapter 369: Full RetreatWho Is Willing to Stay Behind with Me? However, within the tribe, a blood-red barrier suddenly rose up. The barrier was like an inverted giant bowl, covering the ground below. Not just the human cultivatorseven many of the demon race members were caught off guard. Boom! The energy pillar struck the barrier. Surprisingly, it failed to penetrate and was instead blocked by the barrier. Ripples spread across the barriers surface, gradually dimming. Yet, all nine energy pillars lost their brilliance, completely exhausted. And still, the barrier stood firm! Before the human cultivators could react, two massive, terrifying blood-colored beams shot out from within the tribe! Each beam was more than a hundred feet in diameter! Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and the others immediately sensed the overwhelming threat. They swiftly activated their defensive martial techniques to resist. Ji Quans pupils shrank sharply, and he shouted at the top of his lungs, Activate the defensive array! Hurry! But his warning was still too late. Boom! The blood-colored beams surged forth. In an instant, they engulfed nine armored cloud ships and a vast number of cultivators! Within the blinding blood-colored light, agonized screams erupted. Cultivators at the Divine Transformation stage could still protect themselves. But those at the Nascent Soul and Core Formation stages, facing such an attack from a Gold-Crowned Emperor, had no choice but to rely on the armored cloud ships for protection. However, the armored cloud ships had just endured a full round of attacks and had already depleted their supreme-grade spirit stones. Now was precisely the time they needed to replace them. These two blood-colored beams came so suddenly that no one had expected them. The main forces of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation were clearly in the South Sea. At most, this large tribe should have had only two demon emperors. How could such a terrifying attack be launched from here? The armored cloud ship carrying Ji Quan, Xue Ziyi, and their group was exceptionally disciplinedwhenever their supreme-grade spirit stones were depleted, they replaced them immediately. As a result, they could barely activate their defensive array. But the other armored cloud ships were not as fortunate. Faced with such a sudden and devastating attack, all they could do was watch as the blood-colored beams consumed them. Boom! Boom! Boom! Four armored cloud ships exploded violently, plummeting straight toward the ground. Most of the cultivators aboard perished instantly, and only a few Divine Transformation-stage cultivators managed to escape, severely wounded. The casualties were immense! Whoosh! Whoosh! Suddenly, ten figures shot up from within the tribe, hovering in midair. Each of them radiated a surge of overwhelming blood energy, like towering demonic giants. The two leading demon emperors had particularly massive bodies, making them the most eye-catching. On the left stood a giant eagle over fifty feet long, its body covered in golden feathers. This was none other than the Tenth Prince of the Ten Thousand Demons NationYing Ti. On the right stood an enormous black bear over eighty feet tall! A white arc-shaped marking stretched across its chest. Around its neck was what appeared to be a string of white beads. There were at least five hundred of them. But on closer inspection, they were no mere beadsthey were dried, skinned human skulls! Strung together, they formed his necklace! This uniquely gruesome accessory immediately revealed his identityone of the most notorious demon emperors of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation. Xiong Luan! Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and the others were all struck with shock. Ji Quans eyes burned with fury. Wasnt Xiong Luan still in the South Sea, aiding Gu Ming in his campaign against the sea dragons? How had he suddenly appeared here? It was well known that Xiong Luan was an extremely powerful Gold-Crowned Emperor. And he was a bear demon. Bear demons were most feared for their sheer brute strength! A single slap from his paw could shatter an entire mountain! In the eyes of many demons, Xiong Luan had always been the strongest beneath Gu Ming! There were even rumors that he was the one who should have ascended to the throne of the Supreme Emperor, not Gu Ming. But Xiong Luan himself had admitted he was no match for Gu Ming, so he relinquished his claim to the throne. Xiong Luan saw the grim faces of the human cultivators and immediately burst into loud laughter. Humans, you didnt expect this, did you? You must have thought I was still in the South Sea! In truth, the one in the South Sea was just a clone of mine. The real me is right here! These demon emperors had already left the South Sea in batches some time ago and arrived here! His Majesty was rightyou cunning humans would surely take advantage of the moment when the Ten Thousand Demons Nation''s main army was occupied, launching a large-scale offensive to the south! Prince Jings expression turned extremely grim. Commander, what should we do now? He looked at Ji Quan. Ji Quans usual carefree demeanor had completely vanished. In its place was unshakable resolve. Full retreat! Who is willing to stay behind with me to cover the rear? Ji Quan roared. Prince Jing first sighed in relief, but when he heard the latter half of Ji Quans words, he was momentarily stunned. Cover the rear? In this situation, staying behind was no different from signing ones own death warrant. Moreover, if Ji Quan, the chief commander, died, then as the deputy commander, he would be the one held responsible! No! You cant die! Come with mewe still have time to retreat! Prince Jing grabbed Ji Quans arm. However, Ji Quan was as immovable as a mountain, refusing to budge. I cant leave. I am already a condemned man. We fell into the demon races trap this time, losing five out of ten armored cloud ships. My sins are unforgivableeven if I return alive, His Majesty will have me executed. But if I die in battle, His Majesty will at least show mercy to my family. Ji Quan spoke solemnly. You are different. You are His Majestys own younger brotherno matter what, he will never hold you accountable. Run. Just run. He looked toward Xiong Luan and suddenly let out a bitter chuckle. Ling Xuan, Ling Xuan I didnt expect everything to be exactly as you predictedthere really was an ambush here Prince Jing saw the ten demon emperors closing in and felt the weight of fear sinking deeper into his heart. My lord, we have replaced the supreme-grade spirit stones in the cloud shipswe can retreat at full speed at any time, a cultivator shouted. Hurry! Retreat now! Prince Jing growled. Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! The four cloud ships turned around, preparing to escape at maximum speed. Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and the others stood on the deck, watching Ji Quan hover in midair, facing Xiong Luan. Their expressions were complicated. Dont let them escape! Xiong Luan roared. Like a falling meteor, he charged straight toward the four retreating cloud ships! My lord, well help you! A fifth cloud ship did not retreat. Instead, it accelerated, rushing toward Ji Quans position. Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was aiming to collide head-on with Xiong Luan! Ji Quan hovered in midair, looking at the approaching cloud ship with a smile. Good. You are truly worthy of being a Golden General! The captain of that armored cloud ship was one of the few survivors from the Mist Province, a general under the command of Governor Ji Shilong, one of the Golden Generals. During the battle of Cangming Valley, nearly the entire army was wiped out. Very few survivedhe was one of them. A mere armored cloud ship Xiong Luan sneered. He raised a massive paw, blood energy surging wildly, forming an enormous claw that covered nearly half the sky, slamming down fiercely! With just one strike, the defensive array of the armored cloud ship shattered instantly. All the lower-level cultivators aboard exploded into blood mist on the spot. Only one Divine Transformation cultivator and a few Nascent Soul cultivators barely managed to keep the cloud ship operational. If I have to die, Ill die standing! The Golden General roared, overloading the ships speed formation, charging straight toward Xiong Luan. Ji Quan laughed heartily and leaped onto the cloud ship. If we die, lets die with style! Xiong Luan shrieked in frustration. Damn it, these humans must be insane! He had no choice but to retreatfacing a suicidal collision from an armored cloud ship, even he didnt dare to take it head-on. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 370: The Essence of Demonic Blood—Divine Transformation Stage Completion Chapter 370: The Essence of Demonic BloodDivine Transformation Stage Completion In the dense forest, a shadow flickered through the towering trees with incredible agility. The humid climate of Mist Province allowed the trees to grow exceptionally well. Even though the demon race frequently cut them down recklessly, the trees would still regrow at an astonishing speed. After a while, the figure suddenly halted. His gaze fixed on the treetop of an exceptionally large tree. There, a massive nest sat prominently. He waited for a moment as two pitch-black giant birds in the nest let out long criesone flew east, the other west. Once the two dark birds had flown far away, he swiftly approached the nest. Inside the nest lay two pure white eggs. Among the scattered debris were many chaotic objectshuman clothing, dried bones, and more. Found it! His sharp eyes swept through the messy pile, and at one moment, his expression turned razor-sharp. Reaching out, he grabbed what appeared to be an unremarkable object and turned to leave. His movements were exceptionally fast. In just a few blinks, he had vanished into the vast wilderness. Moments later, at a concealed tree branch, Shen Mo finally stopped. He examined the grayish crystalline rock in his hand and revealed a long-lost smile. The Essence of Demonic Blood To think its such an ordinary-looking thing. Shen Mo chuckled. Back in the capital, when he had browsed through Lin Dongtians life panel, he had memorized all of the mans recent fortuitous encounters. One of them was precisely this Essence of Demonic Blood hidden in the giant tree nest. After Lin Dongtian and his group were ambushed by Xiong Luan and other demon emperors, they attempted to flee aboard the armored cloud ships. However, they were soon betrayed from within. The last remaining armored cloud ship was also destroyed. Lin Dongtian fell from the sky and happened to land near this giant trees nest. By sheer luck, he stumbled upon this Essence of Demonic Blood. But now, it was in Shen Mos hands. Demonic blood continuously released demonic energy, corrupting everything around it. However, once separated from the body, small amounts of demonic blood would eventually exhaust all its energy and dry up. Under the natural forces of the world, it would then condense and compress, transforming into the Essence of Demonic Blood. Those two black giant birds had probably just used it as a building material for their nest. Human cultivators found it difficult to refine and absorb this substance. Only those who had cultivated specific demonic arts would collect the Essence of Demonic Blood to aid their practice. The same was true for the demon race. Some demons who had fallen into the demonic path sought out this essence to absorb and refine. Shen Mo, of course, had no intention of refining it himself. This was meant for Nine Nether Iceflame. Shen Mo focused inward, inspecting his Dantian. He found that Nine Nether Iceflame had already sensed the presence of demonic blood and was itching to act. With a single thought, Shen Mo summoned the Nine Nether Iceflame, which instantly ignited in his palm. As soon as it left his body, it detected the Essence of Demonic Blood. Immediately, like a python, it coiled around it and swallowed it whole. "Sigh You''ve been staying with me for so long, feeding off my spiritual energy every day." "I even fed you a Demonic Heart before, and now Ive brought you the Essence of Demonic Blood. Dont you think its time you gave me something in return?" Shen Mo snorted. The Nine Nether Iceflame had just been about to retreat into Shen Mos body when it paused at his words, as if contemplating something. After a moment, it separated a small flame, which reached out and gently stroked his cheek, like a comforting hand. Shen Mo sneered, That trick wont work on me anymore. The last time, the Nine Nether Iceflame had done the same thing. It was reminiscent of the tactics used by manipulative, high-level temptresses when dealing with men. The flame froze in midair for a moment. Then, as if admitting defeat, it curled up into a soft, lifeless ball in Shen Mos palm. Anyone who didnt know better might have mistaken it for a tiny white kitten. If you still cant be of use to me today, youd better go find someone else to mooch off of. See if anyone else will let you freeload like this. Shen Mo sneered. The Nine Nether Iceflame hesitated for a while. In the end, a strand of extremely pale white flame extended from its core and reached for Shen Mos forehead. The moment the pale flame touched his brow Shen Mos consciousness suddenly connected with another consciousness, one that carried a faint sense of guilt. I was wrong. I wont do it again. So, will there be more of this stuff in the future? Shen Mo: Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "So you''ve already become this intelligent, huh?" This level of wisdom had clearly surpassed both the Red Lotus Flame and the Solar Essence Fire. No wonder, in the beginning, the two of them had ganged up on Nine Nether Iceflame. But now, Nine Nether Iceflame had turned the tables, casually knocking them around whenever it pleased. It was truly a case of the highly intelligent elder toying with the lesser flames. "The Essence of Demonic Blood is extremely rare. I cant guarantee I''ll find more," Shen Mo said calmly. Nine Nether Iceflame responded, "Oh, then dont bother looking for me in the future. I''m gone." In the blink of an eye, it disappeared without a trace. No matter how many messages Shen Mo sent through their connection, Nine Nether Iceflame remained completely unresponsive, as if it had died. Shen Mo cursed under his breath. "Damn flame." But after cursing, he actually smiled. Because he could feel a steady stream of energy being fed back into his body from Nine Nether Iceflame. That was the power of the Essence of Demonic Blood. Ordinary cultivators couldn''t refine or absorb it, but Nine Nether Iceflame could. And since Shen Mo was now deeply connected to it, as Nine Nether Iceflame refined the demonic essence, a portion of the power naturally flowed into him as well. A true win-win situation. Compared to the Solar Essence Fire and the Red Lotus Flame, Nine Nether Iceflame was undoubtedly more powerful. If he could merge all three heavenly flames, the Great Desolate Starfall technique would reach an unimaginable level of destruction. It would become his ultimate trump card. For now, Nine Nether Iceflame was acting uncooperative because it wasn''t getting fed. That was fine. In a real crisiswhen Shen Mo was in mortal dangerit would have no choice but to help. He didnt dwell on the matter further. Instead, he turned his gaze southward. Even from tens of thousands of miles away, Shen Mo could sense the lingering shockwaves from the fierce battle between the human and demon races. "It should be over by now," he muttered. Shaking his head, he turned and left. His recent glimpses into fate had revealed that Gu Ming possessed a secret technique that allowed him to switch between his true body and his clone. In the original timeline, if Shen Mo had chosen to join the battle, he would have been ambushed at that large tribe by Gu Ming, Xiong Luan, and over ten demon emperors, suffering a devastating defeat. It was only thanks to the self-sacrifice of Li Zhendao, Wan Muchen, and others that he had barely escaped with his life. "So that clone technique must have come from the Blood Gods Vault No wonder Gu Ming was so confidenthe truly believed he could wipe out the South Sea Flood Dragons and still have enough strength left to deal with the human cultivators advancing south." Shen Mo returned to the Three Sects Alliances main camp, deep in thought. This predetermined fate confirmed one thinghe was still not strong enough to face Gu Ming head-on. He needed to accelerate his cultivation. His blood energy realm still had a long way to go before breaking through to the next stage. But right now, the fastest improvement he could make was in his spiritual power realm. "I''m so full" "The energy contained in the Essence of Demonic Blood is even greater than I imagined!" As Shen Mo traveled north, he could feel his Dantian swelling as if it was about to burst. His expression was filled with excitement as he quickly found a concealed mountain cave to begin breaking through to the next stage. Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! As expected, within moments, the feeling of expansion within his Dantian became impossible to suppress. And then Like a volcanic eruption, the energy surged outward! At that instant, Shen Mo''s cultivation soared He had stepped into the peak of the Divine Transformation Stage! Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 371: Fighting While Retreating Chapter 371: Fighting While Retreating Upon returning to the camp, Shen Mo saw four armored cloud ships hovering in the sky outside. Their surfaces were riddled with scars, and many of the defensive formations were damaged. The entire camp was bustling with activity. Cultivators were so busy that they barely had time to touch the ground. Many of the wounded had no place to rest and could only lie on the ground to receive treatment. Shen Mo had only taken a few steps into the camp when someone shouted loudly. "The Young Sect Master has returned!" "It''s Fellow Daoist Shen!" In an instant, Li Zhendao, Tong Yuan, and others gathered around Shen Mo. The looks they gave him were filled with even greater admiration. Tong Yuan sighed with emotion, "I truly didnt expect that Gu Ming actually set up an ambush in that large tribe." "A full ten demon emperors, including Xiong Luan, who is second only to Gu Ming in strength within the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom!" "Moreover, that tribe had set up an extremely rare formation capable of storing blood energy, which could be unleashed all at once when needed." "It was by using that formation that they were able to severely damage a large number of armored cloud ships and kill many low-level cultivators in a short time." Ouyang Lang sighed softly, "The imperial court and the cultivators from other sects have suffered heavy losses, alas." "If only they had listened to the Young Sect Master and not launched an attack on that large tribe, they wouldnt have ended up in such a state," Yang Qiye snorted coldly. His words immediately drew hostility from many cultivators of the Shadowless Pavilion, Sacred Spirit Sect, Heavenly River Sect, Mad Blade Alliance, and the imperial court. Wang Lang of the Mad Blade Alliance, covered in blood, cursed angrily, "What a load of nonsense! If your sects had joined the battle, would we have fought so bitterly?!" "I think youre colluding with the demons!" The cultivators of the Mad Blade Alliance hailed from the desert regions of Mo Province, where the people were known for their fiery and fierce temperament. After Wang Lang spoke, the Mad Blade Alliance cultivators were riled up, itching to charge at Yang Qiye and start a fight. Yang Qiye immediately looked embarrassed. He hadnt expected the Mad Blade Alliance to react so fiercely. Lin Dongtian said calmly, "Elder Yang, you cant say that." "If your three sects and the Great Snow Palace had also joined the battle, perhaps we wouldnt have been driven back by Xiong Luan and the other demon emperors, and we wouldnt have lost four armored cloud ships." "Perhaps we could have even flattened that large tribe and achieved greater results." Yang Qiye was left speechless. He didnt know how to refute this. Xue Ziyi said calmly, "I dont want to disrupt the unity among the sects, but what Lin Dongtian just said does make some sense." Zhou Mingyi, who was currently healing from his injuries, couldnt help but let out a bitter laugh upon hearing their argument. He was a close friend of Shen Mo, so naturally, he shouldnt speak ill of him. But from the perspective of the Heavenly River Sects interests, it was indeed necessary to criticize a little. After all, the Heavenly River Sect had also suffered significant losses this time. Shen Mo glanced at Lin Dongtian and Xue Ziyi, his expression remaining unchanged. If the Three Sects Alliance and the Great Snow Palace had also joined the battle, they would have had to face not only Xiong Luan and the other ten demon emperors but also the demon emperor Gu Ming himself! In that case, it wouldnt have been a situation where they suffered heavy losses and most managed to escape. Instead, it would have been a complete annihilation, with only a few managing to survive! Shen Mo simply said indifferently, "Xiong Luan was supposed to be in the South Sea. Why did he suddenly appear in that large tribe?" "Have any of you thought about that?" After he said this, Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and other clever individuals seemed to realize something, their expressions changing slightly. Shen Mo continued, "The Blood Gods Treasury is a treasure land, even a sacred place, of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. Only a handful of demons are allowed to enter." "However, every demon that emerges from the Blood Gods Treasury becomes incredibly powerful." "Some speculate that its because the Blood Gods Treasury enhances their bloodline techniques." "Gu Mings bloodline technique has rarely been displayed in front of others, but Ive found records of it being used twice." Shen Mo said calmly, "The first time, Gu Ming killed Shi Xiao, who was competing with him for the throne. Some demons witnessed that Gu Ming had a blood-colored shadow appear beside him." "The second time, Gu Ming personally took action, deep into the heart of Mist Province, and slaughtered five cities. People from afar saw five blood-colored shadows resembling Gu Ming entering those five cities." "After such a bloodline technique is enhanced by the Blood Gods Treasury, what exactly will it become?" The expressions of Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and the others completely changed. They were all intelligent people. As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." They had also read records of Gu Mings past actions. Now, with Shen Mo connecting the dots, they quickly realized the implications. Gu Ming''s bloodline technique is very likely related to creating clones! After being enhanced by the Blood Gods Treasury, Gu Ming might very well be able to shift between his main body and his clones. Moreover, he might even be able to create clones for other demons! The cultivators present, such as Li Zhendao, Ouyang Lang, and Tong Yuan, all wore solemn expressions. They hadnt expected Gu Ming to become so formidable. No wonder the demons regard the Blood Gods Treasury as a heaven-sent sacred land! Some low-level cultivators from the Mad Blade Alliance wanted to speak up, but when they saw Wang Lang shake his head, they immediately fell silent. "Fellow Daoist Shen, your wisdom is truly profound. Ziyi admires you," Xue Ziyi said solemnly. "Ziyi apologizes to you." With that, she actually bowed to Shen Mo. Soon after, many others also bowed to Shen Mo, apologizing for their earlier irrational behavior. Shen Mo waved his hand, "Everyone, go about your duties. All Nascent Soul cultivators, gather here to discuss the war." Inside the tent, the Nascent Soul cultivators assembled. They began discussing their next steps. "I suggest we retreat immediately and return to the territories of Yu Province and Qian Province," Tong Yuan said in a low voice. Wang Lang immediately flared up at this, "No way! So many of our brothers diedhow can we just retreat like that? I absolutely refuse!" As he spoke, his wounds reopened, and blood spurted out. If Tong Yuan and the others hadnt dodged quickly, they would have been splattered. Xue Ziyi said gravely, "If we retreat too quickly, it could lead to a drop in morale." "Once the main forces of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom gather, it will be even harder to resist them." Zhou Mingyi nodded in agreement, "Young Master Xue is right." The group continued to argue over whether to fight or retreat, with no consensus reached. The debate grew heated, with faces turning red and sleeves being rolled up. It seemed as though they were about to come to blows at any moment. Lin Dongtian raised his voice, "Everyone, hold on. I have a suggestion" Before he could finish, Yue Yingrong, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke, "Why dont we hear what Fellow Daoist Shen has to say?" Her words seemed to carry a strange, calming power. The atmosphere in the tent immediately cooled. "Tranquil Heart Technique?" Xue Ziyis eyes flickered. Wang Lang grumbled, "Dont use the Tranquil Heart Technique on me. I cant even feel my temper anymore" Yue Yingrong said calmly, "The Tranquil Heart Technique has no side effects. Its only meant to help everyone calm down." "Fellow Daoist Shen successfully prevented us from being completely annihilated by the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. I think we should let him decide whether to fight or retreat." All eyes turned to Shen Mo. Lin Dongtian glanced at Yue Yingrong, his gaze cold. Shen Mo looked around the room and said, "Fight, but fight while retreating." "Xiong Luan and the other demon emperors will certainly pursue us in their victory. Demons, once bloodied, often act recklessly and may directly disobey Gu Mings orders to continue chasing us." "What weve lost before, we might very well reclaim in the coming days." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 372: Crushing Us Like Ants Chapter 372: Crushing Us Like Ants Over the next ten days, things unfolded exactly as Shen Mo had predicted. Xiong Luan and the other demon emperors, emboldened by their victory, pursued relentlessly northward. The cultivators, however, feigned a complete collapse, appearing like startled birds. At the mere sight of demons in the distance, they would immediately flee. In this way, they lured Xiong Luan and the other demons further and further north, away from the territory of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. At the border between Mist Province and Yu Province. Ying Ti, watching the terrified human cultivators fleeing in panic, frowned slightly. The recent successes had been too smooth, making him instinctively feel that something was wrong. Even Gu Ming held Shen Mo in such high regard, considering him a formidable enemy. How could Shen Mo now seem completely incapable of mounting a counterattack? Xiong Luan asked impatiently, "Why arent we pursuing them? If we can capture Shen Mo alive, it would be a great achievement!" sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Who knows, we might even get a chance to enter the Blood Gods Treasury!" At the mention of the Blood Gods Treasury, a flash of greed appeared in Ying Tis eyes. However, after a moment, reason prevailed. He shook his head, "No, something feels off." "Besides, ahead lies the territory of Mist Province. Its possible the humans have already set up an ambush." "Xiong Luan, His Majesty also gave us orders to pursue while victorious but not to venture beyond the borders of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom." "I think its best to withdraw." Xiong Luan snorted coldly, "Withdraw? Impossible!" "I respect His Majestys wisdom, but the situation changes rapidly. Now is the time to press the attack!" "That Shen MoI think His Majesty has completely overestimated him. How could he possibly foresee everything? Hes not some prophet." "Besides, I suspect theres internal strife among the humans. Think about itShen Mo proposed not participating in the attack, which led to the four sects staying out of the battle." "Many human cultivators probably believe that if those four sects had joined, the casualties wouldnt have been so severe!" "They must hate Shen Mo to the core!" Ying Ti was taken aback, "That does make some sense" "Exactly! What are we waiting for? Lets pursue them now. We cant waste any time." Xiong Luans feet surged with blood energy, and in an instant, he shot forward several hundred meters, crushing a small hill beneath him, which exploded into countless rocks. "Lets make this clearif I capture Shen Mo, the greatest credit is mine. You get nothing! Hehehe!" Ying Ti gritted his teeth, spread his wings, and resolutely followed. Capture Shen Mo! Achieve a great merit! Enter the Blood Gods Treasury! This was an irresistible temptation for him! Through normal means, he would never surpass the likes of Hu Yong and Xiong An. He had to use every possible method to strengthen himselfthat was the only way! Besides, with Xiong Luan, the second strongest under Gu Ming, leading the charge, even if the humans had an ambush, they should still be able to retreat unscathed. Several hours later. In a gourd-shaped valley, the battle had already concluded. The corpses of Xiong Luan and Ying Ti lay in the mud and blood. Around them were the bodies of several other demon emperors. These powerful and noble demon emperors now lay like dead dogs, utterly lifeless. Li Zhendao and the others stared at the scene, still unable to believe their eyes. They hadnt expected it to actually work! Everything had gone exactly as Shen Mo had predicted. The demons, driven by bloodlust, had charged recklessly without considering the consequences. Even though Gu Ming had given strict orders, they hadnt necessarily followed them. Xue Ziyi looked at Shen Mo, who was inspecting the spoils of war, and felt a shiver of fear. Earlier, Shen Mo had single-handedly fought Xiong Luan and Ying Ti, two demon emperors. He had effortlessly slain them. After the battle, he bore no injuries, only some damage to his clothing. Such combat prowess was terrifying. "It seems" "Shen Mos strength has made significant progress." "With his current power he has likely already surpassed Lin Dongtian and me." "He could crush us like ants." Xue Ziyi couldnt help but tremble. Perhaps only the grand elder of her Shadowless Pavilion, once he emerged from seclusion, could stand against Shen Mo. It wasnt just her. Zhou Mingyi, Wang Lang, Tong Yuan, and the others also looked at Shen Mo with increasing awe and respect. Xiong Luan, the demon emperor revered by countless demons as the strongest beneath Gu Ming, had once even had the chance to compete with Gu Ming for the throne of the Demon Emperor. Yet, he had been so easily slain by Shen Mo. His death was less dignified than that of a dog. Lin Dongtians gaze toward Shen Mo had completely changed. Back in the capital, he had once believed that with his unparalleled talent, he would inevitably surpass Shen Mo in no time. Yet, now, only a few years later, the gap between Shen Mo and himself had not only failed to narrow but had instead grown even wider! At this rate, he wouldnt even be able to see Shen Mos shadow, let alone catch up to him. "Fellow Daoist Lin." A voice brought Lin Dongtian back to his senses. He quickly turned toward the source of the sound. To his surprise, it was Shen Mo walking toward him. Lin Dongtian took several deep breaths before managing to adopt his usual tone. "Fellow Daoist Shen, what can I do for you?" He smiled warmly, his expression still as honest and simple as ever. Shen Mo smiled in return. In Lin Dongtians eyes, there had been a flicker of panic just moments ago. Clearly, Shen Mos deliberate display of his strength in front of everyone had achieved the intended effect. "Ive heard that the Sacred Spirit Sect has a secret technique for creating puppets, called the ," Shen Mo said calmly. Lin Dongtian hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I was just about to discuss this with you, Fellow Daoist Shen. There are many demon emperor corpses here, all of which can be refined into puppets." "Especially Xiong Luans corpse. Once refined, it will likely retain the strength of a Golden Summit Emperor." "My Sacred Spirit Sect is willing to offer some Sacred Spirit Eyes in exchange for these corpses" Shen Mo smiled. "I want this secret technique." Lin Dongtian was utterly shocked. "No! This is the Sacred Spirit Sects closely guarded secret" Shen Mo waved his hand. "I havent finished speaking. Dont be so hasty." "I dont need the complete setjust a portion of it." "Ive heard that your sects is divided into two parts. The first is the formula for the corpse-refining elixir, and the second is the method for controlling the puppets." Lin Dongtian was momentarily stunned and couldnt help but nod. How did Shen Mo know more about the than he did? Shen Mo smiled. "I want the method for controlling the puppets." Lin Dongtian frowned. "No, if this method is handed over to you, Fellow Daoist Shen, you could control our sects puppets as well. This" Shen Mo continued, "The spirit control method is unique. The control method for each puppet is completely different. Theres no need to use that as an excuse to brush me off." Lin Dongtian clicked his tongue. How did Shen Mo even know this? However, without the corpse-refining method, the quality of the puppets produced would be poor. He guessed that Shen Mo must have obtained some inferior formula for the corpse-refining elixir and hoped to use it to refine puppets on his own. After careful consideration, Lin Dongtian nodded. "I can agree to hand over the spirit control method to you." "However, I need the corpses of five demon emperors. Otherwise, I wont be able to explain this to the sect. After all, Im only the Holy Son, not the Sect Master." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 373: The Corpse Refining and Spirit Control Puppetry Art – Nine Yin Corpse Refining Elixir Chapter 373: The Corpse Refining and Spirit Control Puppetry Art C Nine Yin Corpse Refining Elixir Shen Mo shook his head. "No, thats too much. At most, I can give you one demon emperors corpse." Lin Dongtian also shook his head. "How about this? Lets both compromisefour demon emperor corpses." Shen Mos head shook like a rattle drum. The two continued to negotiate. Finally, they reached an agreement: Shen Mo would hand over two demon emperor corpses and three Golden Summit Demon King corpses in exchange for the spirit control method. Both sides were satisfied. Lin Dongtian quickly left with the demon corpses, fearing that Shen Mo might change his mind. Shen Mo smiled faintly. He truly only needed the spirit control method. Because he was about to obtain an even better corpse-refining elixir. As night deepened. After a grand victory celebration, almost all the cultivators, except those on guard duty, had fallen into a deep sleep. Cultivators could usually use their spiritual energy to dispel the effects of alcohol. However, after slaying so many demons, there was no need to remain fully alert. Sometimes, it was necessary to indulge and get thoroughly drunk. In the darkness, a figure moved swiftly, entering the vast mountain forest. His speed was incredibleone moment he was in the camp, and the next, he was hundreds of meters away. Moreover, he didnt alert anyone or any beast. It was as if a drop of water had merged into the ocean, or a ghost had blended into the night. After about half an hour, the figure stopped at a raised mound of earth. There were many ruins scattered around. Moonlight fell on the figures face, revealing Shen Mos features. "This is the place. It was once the mountain gate of a sect in Mist Province." "Now, its in ruins." Following the guidance of his life panel, Shen Mo found a passage leading underground through the ruins. After some searching, he indeed found a shattered stone slab. On the slab were carved strange, fantastical beasts. At first glance, one might think it was the whimsical work of a carver. The demons probably hadnt understood what it was either, which was why they hadnt taken it. But Shen Mo knew that what was carved on it was a formula for a corpse-refining elixir, created by a genius! Hundreds of years ago, the Sacred Spirit Sect had produced a genius with extraordinary talent in corpse refining. However, he wasnt part of the sects orthodox lineage but belonged to a different faction. This led to the genius being frequently ostracized by the orthodox faction. In the end, unable to endure the humiliation, he faked his death by making it appear he had been killed by a demon beast and fled the Sacred Spirit Sect. The genius traveled south and eventually settled in Mist Province, where he gradually grew in strength. Thanks to his talent, he quickly became the young sect master of a local sect. The formula for the corpse-refining elixir was the result of countless days and nights of experimentation. He named it the "Nine Yin Corpse Refining Elixir." This elixir was more comprehensive and superior to any of the corpse-refining elixirs currently used by the Sacred Spirit Sect. The final product, the puppet, would lose the least amount of blood energy. This meant that the puppet could retain the maximum level of strength it had possessed in life! The Sacred Spirit Sect had spent over a thousand years trying to improve their corpse-refining elixirs, but it was ultimately a genius they had ostracized and driven away who succeeded. If those who had pushed him out knew this, they would surely be filled with regret. However, this eccentric genius ultimately couldnt escape the wheels of history. He died at the hands of the Demon Emperor Gu Ming. Shen Mo bowed slightly to the stone slab before taking it, as a gesture of respect to the genius who had come before him. This opportunity had been buried deep within the ruins. If he had come looking for it earlier, it would have been extremely difficult to find. But now, the battles between Xiong Luan and the other demon emperors and the human cultivators had caused changes in the surrounding terrain. Frequent small earthquakes had occurred. This had caused the slab to be unearthed from the depths of the ruins, making it possible to discover. According to Lin Dongtians recent opportunities, he would have come here two days later with a handsome man to discuss sword techniques. While lost in the afterglow of their conversation, they would have accidentally discovered the entrance to the ruins and eventually found this stone slab, taking it back to the Sacred Spirit Sect. But now, it belonged to Shen Mo. "With this, I can finally refine puppets." Shen Mo smiled. The corpses of bear demons were exceptionally strong, making them one of the most suitable materials for refining puppets. And Xiong Luan, as the second strongest demon beneath Gu Ming, though he had been no match for Shen Mo, possessed a body that was terrifyingly powerful. Once refined, it would undoubtedly become a significant asset in critical moments. Even if it proved less useful, it could at least serve as a meat shield to block a fatal blow. After obtaining the stone slab, Shen Mo quickly left and found a secluded spot. He easily dug a deep hole and began preparing the elixir. Most of the ingredients for the corpse-refining elixir were not hard to find. As for the rare ones, given Shen Mos current status, all he had to do was make a request, and someone would willingly deliver them to him. Thus, Shen Mo soon gathered all the necessary ingredients for the elixir. He then submerged Xiong Luans corpse into the mixture and began the refining process. The corpse-refining process was slow. It would take at least half a year for the corpse to fully absorb the elixir. However, after this battle, both the demons and humans had suffered significant losses. The demons losses were even greater. After all, so many tribes had been destroyed, and the nearby resources had been plundered. For Gu Ming to gather millions of demons again, he would need to mobilize forces from the heart of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. As for provisions, they would also have to be transported from the core regions. This would undoubtedly slow down the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdoms northern campaign. Therefore, Shen Mo could afford to wait the six months. Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Capital. The eldest prince, Hu Yong, and the third prince, Xiong An, led a large group of demons out of the city to welcome the returning army. Even though Gu Ming had not yet arrived, they knelt halfway, and none dared to rise. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a long while, the ground began to tremble slightly. The demons couldnt help but lift their gazes. Sure enough, a dark line appeared on the southern horizon, gradually growing larger and revealing the figures of countless demons. It was the triumphant main army. At the forefront, on the imperial carriage, stood a figure clad in dark gold. An aura of dominance radiated from him, making it impossible not to bow in submission. Many traitors had surrendered simply because they had glimpsed Gu Mings kingly demeanor from afar. Before the main army even arrived, the sounds of celebration and excitement could be heard. Hu Yong and Xiong An even saw that the crystal throne of the South Sea King had been dug up and carried back. Clearly, the battle in the South Sea had yielded great rewards. However, they couldnt bring themselves to smile. Because they had to present the grim report from the northern front to Gu Ming. Before long, the army arrived before the gathered demons. Gu Ming stood on the imperial carriage, looking down at Hu Yong, Xiong An, and the others. He smiled and said, "Why are you still kneeling? Rise." Hu Yong and Xiong An didnt dare to speak. After a moment, Hu Yong respectfully said, "Father, this is the report from the northern front." With that, he presented the report with both hands. Gu Mings eyes flickered. He instinctively sensed that something was wrong. Gu Ming unfolded the report and quickly scanned its contents. Ye Yan stood beside Gu Ming, not daring to peek at the report. But his keen senses immediately detected the shift in the atmosphere. Gu Ming casually clenched his hand, and a crimson flame erupted, instantly reducing the report to ashes. His expression was hidden behind the dark gold armor, making it impossible to discern. But the cold, icy gaze from his crimson eyes was unmistakable. Hu Yong, Xiong An, and the other demons couldnt help but feel a deep sense of fear. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 374: Only Awaiting the Emperor’s Command to Create Demon Land Chapter 374: Only Awaiting the Emperor''s Command to Create Demon Land "Xiong Luan and Ying Ti disregarded orders, recklessly seeking glory, and were consequently annihilated within the borders of Mist Province." "Even the largest tribe in the northern region of our Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom has been completely slaughtered." "Excellent. It seems my commands hold no weight anymore, not even enough to ensure obedience." Gu Ming''s words were calm, devoid of any noticeable fluctuation in tone. Yet, the more composed he appeared, the more it revealed the seething rage within him. The orders he had repeatedly emphasized had been ignored by monarchs like Xiong Luan and Ying Ti, treating them as mere whispers in the wind. This negligence led to the complete destruction of a major Bear tribe. Previously, the losses of medium and small tribes had been mere bait, sacrifices that could be endured. But this major tribe was a crucial part of his plans, intended to serve as a hub for troops and supplies. Now, with the tribe annihilated and resources plundered, everything had to start anew! This was something he could not tolerate! Hu Yong and Xiong An both kept their heads down, not daring to speak. At such a time, anyone who spoke would be courting misfortune. Yet, Ye Yan''s mind began to race. This could very well be a significant opportunity. If seized, he could become a great hero of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom in the future. Thinking this, he immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply, "Father Emperor, I am willing to take charge of this matter, to rebuild the tribe at once, and establish a new hub for troops and supplies for Your Majesty!" Hu Yong and Xiong An were both taken aback. Their gazes towards Ye Yan shifted subtly. Brother, you are truly bold. Gu Ming also raised an eyebrow. The death of Xiong Luan and the destruction of a major Bear tribe were significant blows to the Bear clan. Other major clans, such as the Tigers, Lions, Elephants, and Wolves, still had many surviving monarchs, including top-tier monarchs who had once vied with him for the Demon Emperor''s throne! With the Bear clan severely weakened and temporarily diminished, these major clans would inevitably carve up the power vacuum left by the Bears. If any one clan grew too powerful, it would affect all aspects of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom. As the Emperor of the Demon race, Gu Ming had to maintain balance. Thus, he had initially planned to entrust this matter to Xiong An. To hand this achievement directly to Xiong An, thereby bolstering the honor of the Bear clan and balancing the power of the other major clans. However, Ye Yan''s self-recommendation gave him a new idea. The surrendered humans within the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom were also a considerable force. They could be used to counterbalance the powerful clans. "Very well, I shall entrust this task to you," Gu Ming declared, looking down at Ye Yan with an imperious tone that brooked no refusal. Ye Yan responded solemnly, "Yes!" "Your Majesty, there is another matter that requires your attention," Hu Yong suddenly spoke. "Speak." Hu Yong said gravely, "Many of the demon kings who participated in the hunt against the Heavenly Ghost Clan in the past have either mysteriously disappeared or been found dead in the wilderness in recent years." "I suspect that the last descendant of the Heavenly Ghost Clan has reappeared." A cold glint flashed in Gu Ming''s crimson eyes. "I remember now, it''s the missing daughter of the Ghost King." "Find her, and kill her." "I will not tolerate any unforeseen variables." Hu Yong replied respectfully, "Understood." Gu Ming said indifferently, "I give you three years. Within three years, the new tribe must be established, and the Ghost King''s daughter must be slain." "I will be in seclusion for three years, to digest the gains from the Blood God''s Treasury." "Yes," the princes responded in unison. After the princes left, Gu Ming waved his hand, and all the Dragon Blood Guards immediately departed. Only Gu Ming and the leader of the Dragon Blood Guards remained in the grand hall. "How are things progressing?" Gu Ming asked calmly. The Dragon Blood Guard leader replied gravely, "The items have been delivered to all designated locations. We only await Your Majesty''s command to create the Demon Land." Gu Ming nodded slightly, "No rush, now is not the best time. You may leave." "Yes." ... Jing Kingdom, Capital, Imperial Palace. The Jing Emperor still stood quietly. However, his expression was far from calm. In the corner of the room, a shadowy figure knelt on one knee, silent. He had just heard the report from the Shadow Guard. The imperial fleet, seeking glory, had advanced recklessly and was ambushed by Xiong Luan, Ying Ti, and other demons. Numerous cultivators were killed or severely wounded. Commander Ji Quan took the initiative to cover the retreat and, as a result, died in battle. Only four of the ten ironclad cloud ships remained. The losses were nothing short of devastating. What made matters worse was that Xiong Luan, Ying Ti, and other monarchs of the demon race were all killed by Shen Mo while they were pursuing their victory. The military might of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom suffered a severe setback, forcing them to temporarily recuperate. Shen Mo''s reputation among the various sects had risen to an astonishing level. Some even believed that if Shen Mo continued to grow stronger, he might one day confront Gu Ming directly and slay him. Even within the imperial court, many argued that they should no longer oppose Shen Mo. Instead, they should strive to win him over or at least avoid standing against him. The Jing Emperor''s mood had now sunk to its lowest point. "Your Majesty, how should we handle Ji Quan''s family?" the Shadow Guard whispered. A cold glint flashed in the Jing Emperor''s eyes. He had placed great hopes in Ji Quan, which was why he had reinstated him as the commander of the fleet. By the time the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom was on the verge of collapse, this fleet would not only annihilate the core demons of the kingdom but also serve as a weapon to control the various sects. But now, everything was ruined. Most of the court-raised cultivators had perished, and the survivors were severely injured. His younger brother, Prince Jing, was incapable of commanding respect. Now, those cultivators would inevitably have to follow the orders of the sects. Once again, his plans had failed. Ji Quan, Ji Quan, why couldn''t you make me happy just once? "Exile them to Han Province," the Jing Emperor said coldly. "Yes," the Shadow Guard nodded. "Also, keep a close eye on Shen Mo''s movements. I want to know his every action." The Shadow Guard hesitated, "Your Majesty, Shen Mo''s strength is too great. We cannot monitor him. We must ask the leader to intervene." "But the leader is currently in the Western Sea." Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Jing Emperor said calmly, "Forget about the Western Sea King. Have him focus on Shen Mo at all times." "Understood. I will notify him immediately." The Shadow Guard vanished like a ghost in the blink of an eye. ... Western Sea. A furious roar erupted from the Dragon Palace. "You failed to capture the Southern Sea King and his men! What are you all doing?!" Terrifying waves surged, crashing against the shore and pounding the reefs. The once clear skies and calm waters were now a raging storm. Many fishing boats capsized, and countless fishermen drowned in despair. Inside the Dragon Palace, a dozen princes knelt on the ground, their faces filled with fear. On the crystal throne, the Western Sea King was seething with rage. "Get out, all of you! Get out!" The princes scrambled to their feet and fled like startled birds. One of the lesser-known princes left the Dragon Palace but did not return to his quarters. Instead, he made his way to a remote, uninhabited area. He took out a communication jade, and a voice immediately came through. After listening, he frowned. "Abandon the Western Sea King and focus on Shen Mo?" "I heard Shen Mo has achieved great feats and is a hero of the human race. Is His Majesty mistaken?" After a long pause, he reluctantly put away the communication jade. He was none other than Mo Lin, the leader of the Shadow Guards. The cultivation technique he practiced was highly unique, allowing him to change his appearance at will, even transforming into other races. For over thirty years, he had been disguised as a prince of the Western Sea Dragon Palace, lurking here to steal a treasure of immense value. It was said to be a relic left behind by the last true dragon before it departed this realm. However, the Western Sea King had hidden it well, not even revealing its location to his most trusted princes. Naturally, Mo Lin had not yet had the chance to access it. Just a year ago, he had finally uncovered some clues. To give up now would be a great pity. "The Emperor''s will is as unyielding as the heavens. I dare not disobey" He sighed softly and swiftly swam toward the surface. In an instant, he disappeared without a trace. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 375: A Trump Card—Better to Have It and Not Need It Than Need It and Not Have It Chapter 375: A Trump CardBetter to Have It and Not Need It Than Need It and Not Have It In the blink of an eye, a year passed quietly. Shen Mo once again arrived at the place where he had been soaking Xiong Luan''s corpse. The vegetation around the deep pit had withered and died. Even the ground had become dry and barren to varying degrees. This was the effect of the corpse-refining elixir. However, this was an inevitable consequence. Refining corpses into puppets was seen by many as a rather dishonorable practice. It had even been classified as a demonic technique at one point. However, since it had no actual connection to the demon race and was a closely guarded secret of the Holy Spirit Sect, it was ultimately not categorized as a demonic technique. Shen Mo, however, didnt care whether it was honorable or not. As long as it provided combat power and enhanced his strength, it was a good thing. Shen Mo approached the deep pit and extended his spiritual energy. "Its done. Every inch of the corpses skin has absorbed the refining elixir." "The corpses blood essence has only lost one-tenth, retaining a full nine-tenths." Shen Mo smiled. If it were the corpse-refining elixir currently used by the Holy Spirit Sect, the corpses blood essence would lose at least three-tenths. And that would only be achievable by someone who frequently refined such elixirs. If it were a less experienced cultivator attempting the refinement, the loss of blood essence would likely be even greater. For a top-tier Golden Crown Monarch like Xiong Luan, losing three-tenths of his blood essence would almost drop him to the level of a Silver Crown Monarch. But thanks to Shen Mos efforts, the corpse retained the strength of a Golden Crown Monarch. "Next is the soul control process." Shen Mo sat cross-legged in front of the deep pit and began circulating the soul control technique. Threads of spiritual energy coiled and extended, penetrating into Xiong Luans skull. The soul control technique was somewhat obscure. If one lacked talent in this area, progress would be slow. However, Shen Mos comprehension was exceptional. By the second day of obtaining the technique, he had already grasped the basics. Now, he was extremely proficient. Effortlessly, he took control of Xiong Luans corpse. Xiong Luans turbid eyes suddenly opened. A surge of blood essence erupted from his body. The deep pit exploded instantly, and Xiong Luans corpse shot into the air! His towering body, dozens of feet tall, stood upright, muscles bulging like small mountains. Blood essence surged like flames around him. He looked like a divine bear god, towering between heaven and earth. It was impossible to doubt that he could shatter mountains with a single punch or sever rivers with a single step. Shen Mo silently commanded, "Shrink." Xiong Luans body immediately shrank, and his blood essence gradually receded. Finally, he was reduced to a little over ten feet tall. His blood essence was completely contained within his body. Shen Mo thought for a moment and tossed over a set of black robes and a bamboo hat. Moments later, Xiong Luans burly figure was concealed beneath the black robes. His blood essence acted like armor, covering every inch of his skin and shielding him from prying eyes. From the outside, it was almost impossible to tell that he was a puppet refined from Xiong Luans corpse. He simply looked like an unusually tall and robust man. Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. "Youll stay hidden here for now. When I need you, Ill call for you." Xiong Luan nodded, then leaped away and disappeared into the forest, lying in wait. As long as Shen Mo gave no orders, he could remain motionless for decades, even centuries, until his blood essence was completely depleted. With this backup plan in place, Shen Mo left. No one knew about this trump card. At some point, Xiong Luan might become the ace that decided the outcome of a battle. Of course, even if he never played a significant role, it didnt matter. As the saying goes, its better to be safe than sorry. A trump card is something you may not need, but you must have. Another year passed. In Mist Province, amidst the endless dense forests and heavy mists, Shen Mo sat alone among towering ancient trees. Inside his body, it felt as though countless giant elephants were galloping and roaring. From a distance, he sometimes appeared like a majestic mountain, suppressing all immortals and demons. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At other times, he resembled a great river, capable of cleansing all impurities from the world. And yet at other times, he seemed like a meteor shower, ready to obliterate the entire world. At a certain moment, a deafening roar erupted from within Shen Mos body. A surge of blood essence erupted uncontrollably in all directions. The surrounding ancient trees were incredibly sturdy, resistant to even the sharpest blades and axes. Yet, where Shen Mos blood essence swept through, all the trees crumbled like tofu. The rumbling roar continued without end. Giant trees fell in waves. Only when the surge reached a thousand miles away did a single giant tree manage to withstand the overwhelming blood essence, like a waterfall from the Milky Way, and barely remain standing. Shen Mo opened his eyes, filled with excitement. "Two thousand giant elephant forces!" A look of joy spread across his face. The blood essence contained within the Azure Phoenix Blood Crystal was indeed astonishing. Over the past two years, he had never stopped refining and absorbing it. This allowed him to advance rapidly, opening another thousand giant elephant particles without any hindrance. Now, he had a total of two thousand giant elephant particles, awakening two thousand giant elephant forces. With his current strength, a single punch from Shen Mo could pierce through an ordinary monarch without even needing to use his blood essence. If he were to use a blood essence martial technique, he could instantly kill a top-tier Golden Crown Monarch like Xiong Luan. Shen Mo felt a slight surge of joy and was about to stand up when he suddenly sensed an incredibly pure energy emerging within his body. That cool, pure energy rushed into his dantian, so refreshing that he almost cried out in pleasure. This burst of energy was equivalent to five years of arduous cultivation! "Could it be the Demon Blood Essence?" Shen Mo quickly focused inward to inspect his dantian. Sure enough, the Netherworld Ice Flame had completely refined and absorbed the Demon Blood Essence. That massive surge of pure energy had come from the Demon Blood Essence. Over the past two years, every month or two, the Netherworld Ice Flame would distribute a portion of the Demon Blood Essence. Even without actively cultivating his spiritual energy, Shen Mo''s spiritual power had grown rapidly. "I actually feel like I''m about to break through again." Shen Mo felt the swelling of his spiritual energy ocean and couldn''t hide his surprise. This sudden breakthrough had clearly exceeded his expectations. "No time to waste. I must start cultivating immediately!" He sat back down and once again immersed himself in cultivation. This time, however, he focused on his spiritual energy. Spiritual energy surged around him like tidal waves. Even from a thousand miles away, the sound of crashing waves could be heard. Half a year later. Thanks to the humid and hot climate of Mist Province, the surrounding giant trees had once again grown to cover the area. Shen Mo''s aura, however, had reached its peak at this moment. It was as if a massive boulder had been dropped into a calm lake. Instantly, towering waves of spiritual energy erupted. A pillar of light shot into the sky but was immediately concealed by the formation Shen Mo had set up earlier. The violent remnants of spiritual energy surged in all directions but were absorbed by the formation. Not a single trace leaked out. Within Shen Mo''s body, it felt as though a thin layer of paper had been pierced. He opened his eyes sharply, feeling the roaring flow of spiritual energy through his meridians. "Perfect Divine Transformation Realm!" His expression was one of immense satisfaction. "My blood essence realm has already reached the level of a Golden Crown Monarch." "Moreover, I am undoubtedly among the top-tier Golden Crown Monarchs." "My spiritual energy realm has now reached the Perfect Divine Transformation Realm." "I wonder if my current strength is enough to challenge Gu Ming. Is there a chance I could defeat him?" He immediately calmed his mind and focused inward to inspect his life panel. Sure enough, his destiny had undergone a tremendous change! ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 376: Gu Ming’s Backup Plan—The Minor Teleportation Talisman Chapter 376: Gu Ming''s Backup PlanThe Minor Teleportation Talisman After reviewing his life panel, Shen Mo fell into deep thought. Destiny had already changed. Not only could he survive, but he could also defeat Gu Ming. However, while he could defeat him, he couldn''t kill him. Gu Ming had a backup plan. Realizing he was no match, he didnt even bother with threats. Instead, he immediately used a Minor Teleportation Talisman to flee tens of thousands of miles away. "The Minor Teleportation Talisman is indeed a good thing." "I once obtained one myself." Shen Mo retrieved a palm-sized talisman from his storage ring. This talisman was made by writing with cinnabar on talisman paper. Though it might seem simple, crafting it was extremely difficult. The cinnabar used was not ordinary cinnabar but a rare type known as Spirit-Infused Cinnabar. This cinnabar had absorbed vast amounts of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, allowing it to channel the spiritual power of a cultivator. The talisman paper was also no ordinary paper. It had to be made by soaking demon beast hide in a special medicinal solution to soften it, then processed into paper. The grade and quality of the demon beast hide would determine whether the talisman paper could withstand more powerful patterns. "The art of crafting talismans has long been lost. All that remains today comes from ancient times without exception." Shen Mo stared at the talisman with its intricate patterns, furrowing his brow. This also meant that methods to counter talismans were equally hard to find. "However, if I live long enough, I might just figure out how to counter them." Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. He immediately thought of the Four Seas Dragon Kings. The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas had extremely long lifespans. The oldest among them was the North Sea King, who had once assisted the Human Emperor in conquering the eight wilds. Second to the North Sea King was the South Sea King. The South Sea King had assumed his position after the Human Emperor unified the world and established the Great Jing Dynasty. As for the East Sea King and West Sea King, both had been replaced once, and their ages were not particularly old, barely over a thousand years. "The South Sea Dragon Palace has suffered heavy losses, and the South Sea King''s whereabouts are unknown. Finding him will be difficult." "I can only have people gather information about him." Thinking this, Shen Mo quickly returned to the camp. His reputation was now extremely high. With just a single order, many people were willing to help him track the South Sea King''s whereabouts. Tong Yuan, Ouyang Lang, Zhou Mingyi, and others didnt even ask for reasons before agreeing. They didnt hesitate at all. Just as Shen Mo was about to leave to practice his martial skills, he noticed Wang Lang, a cultivator from the Mad Blade Alliance, pacing back and forth with a worried expression. Not far away, Tong Yuan and Ouyang Lang were whispering to each other. "...Recently, water demons from the West Sea and East Sea have been frequently coming ashore to attack cities. The cultivators along the coast have been forced to defend day and night, suffering greatly." "I heard the West Sea water demons have also intensified their attacks on Mo Province. Look at Wang Langhes so anxious hes scratching his head, wishing he could go back and help." Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. For now, these were just small-scale raids. But soon, a full-scale invasion would come, pressing deep into the heartlands of the Mad Blade Alliance and the Sea God Island. This was one of Gu Ming''s tactics. Shen Mo said nothing. Some things he couldnt change, nor did he need to. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If he changed them, the predetermined fate would shift, leading to a future he couldnt predict. The unknown was the most terrifying. ... "Big Brother Shen, the person you asked me to find, ahwoo woo..." Shi Jingtian''s loud voice echoed outside the tent. However, before he could finish, someone else covered his mouth. Shen Mo smiled wryly. "Come in." Two figures, one tall and one short, quickly entered. They were Du Cangqing and Shi Jingtian. Shi Jingtian glared at Du Cangqing, clearly displeased that the latter had covered his mouth. Du Cangqing expressionlessly wiped his hand on Shi Jingtian''s clothes. "Your saliva is disgusting." Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh at the two clowns. "Did you find him?" "Yes, the South Sea King has arrived. Hes hiding in the dense forest outside and hasnt revealed his whereabouts," Du Cangqing nodded. "Good, thank you both." Shen Mo clasped his hands in gratitude. Shi Jingtian grinned, "No need to thank me, no need! Big Brother Shen taught me a lot during our sparring sessions. This is the least I could do!" Du Cangqing said expressionlessly, "It wasnt your Sea God Island that found him. It was my Qian Yuan Sect. What are you being so modest for?" Shi Jingtian retorted angrily, "Its practically the same! Why bother splitting hairs?" Du Cangqing replied coldly, "Last time you stole food from the Tianhe Sect and immediately blamed it on me, saying Sea God Island is Sea God Island, and Qian Yuan Sect is Qian Yuan Sect." "Back then, you were very meticulous about drawing the line!" Shi Jingtian snorted, "Youre no better. Last time you took me to peek at the female cultivators of the Great Snow Palace bathing..." Du Cangqing immediately covered his mouth. The two of them instantly started wrestling. Shen Mo clicked his tongue and let them brawl, turning to leave. These two had been rivals for a long time. They argued every three days and fought every five. Everyone was used to it. With a flash, Shen Mo appeared in the dense forest outside the camp. After a moments thought, he slightly activated the blood energy within his body. Sure enough, he soon sensed three powerful blood energies hidden deep in the forest. Shen Mo used his movement technique and arrived in the depths of the forest in an instant. There stood three figures. An old man, a young man, and a woman. The old man was tall and robust, with a kind face full of wrinkles. However, he occasionally showed signs of pain, clearly still bearing injuries. The young man was tall and sturdy, with cold and aloof features, his face filled with vigilance as if danger lurked everywhere. The woman had a graceful figure, curvaceous and elegant, like a lotus emerging from water. Though her face was beautiful, there was a hint of heroism in her brows. Clearly, she was no delicate lady. However, all three had dragon horns on their heads, revealing their identities. Shen Mos sudden appearance put the three on high alert. Especially the young man, who nearly unleashed a martial technique on reflex. "Xiao Yi, mind your manners," the old man scolded. The young man relaxed his blood energy but still watched Shen Mo warily. Shen Mo wasnt offended. After all, these three had been on the run for a long time. It was only natural for their nerves to be on edge. The old man smiled, "Young friend, you truly are a dragon among men, with extraordinary strength. None of us noticed your approach." Shen Mo clasped his hands, "You flatter me, South Sea King." "Let me introduce you," the old man said, pointing to the young man behind him. "Ao Yi, the second prince." He then pointed to the woman, "Ao Jia, the eldest princess." Ao Yi looked somewhat proud. After all, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas were usually respected wherever they went. Even Nascent Soul cultivators would respectfully address them as princes and princesses. Ao Jia, however, said calmly, "What princes and princesses? Thats all in the past. Now were just exiled dragons from the South Sea." Shen Mo looked at Ao Jia with some surprise. This dragoness clearly understood the current situation better than her brother. And she was more accepting of their current status. "How is Third Brother?" Ao Jia asked. "Hes doing well, and his strength has improved significantly," Shen Mo nodded. After some small talk, the South Sea King spoke solemnly, "Young friend, we hope to take refuge here for a while. In light of the Great Transformation Dragon Art, we ask for your assistance." ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 377: Three Methods to Counter the Minor Teleportation Talisman Chapter 377: Three Methods to Counter the Minor Teleportation Talisman Upon hearing the South Sea King''s request, Shen Mo agreed without hesitation. The South Sea King was clearly a reasonable dragon. Long ago, he had prepared for the worst and sent his direct descendants away. He had even gifted Shen Mo the Great Transformation Dragon Technique in advance, showing great sincerity. Now, Shen Mo naturally had no reason to refuse. Moreover, the South Sea Dragon had already become mortal enemies with Gu Ming. Shen Mo had even more reason to accept these three. As for how the dragons of the West Sea and East Sea would react, that was not within Shen Mo''s considerations. Other cultivators might still harbor illusions, thinking that the dragons of the West Sea and East Sea were merely friendly with Gu Ming and would remain neutral. But Shen Mo had long known that these two sea dragons had already colluded with the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom. The reason they hadn''t openly broken with Jing Kingdom was simply a strategy of Gu Ming. Is a warrior who brandishes weapons under the sun more fearsome? Or is an assassin lurking in the shadows, constantly watching the battlefield, more fearsome? "Does the South Sea King understand talismans?" Shen Mo suddenly asked. The South Sea King was taken aback and laughed, "Why do you ask, young friend?" Shen Mo smiled, "I happened to acquire a talisman and am quite curious about it." The South Sea King casually replied, "Existing talismans are extremely rare nowadays, and most of them have been passed down from ancient times." "As for those talismans, the majority come from the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Lingbao Zhengfa Sect?" The South Sea King nodded, "Indeed." "That sect was one of the first established by humans, far older than most sects today." "During that ancient era, the continent was dominated by demons and monsters, with almost no territory for humans." "Now, the longest-existing sect should be the Great Snow Palace, but when the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect fell, the Great Snow Palace had not yet appeared." "The founding ancestor of the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect was just an ordinary person who, by chance, obtained a heavenly scripture, and thus made his fortune with talismans, establishing the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect." "During that period, the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect almost became a beacon for humanity, leading the resistance against the demons." Shen Mo pondered, "What happened later? How did the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect disappear?" The South Sea King sighed lightly, "The Lingbao Zhengfa Sect created too many talismans, allowing low-level cultivators to unleash high-level combat power through them." "Naturally, they became a thorn in the side of the demons." "The founding ancestor was ambushed and killed by the demons, the heavenly scripture vanished, and the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect gradually declined." "Then, it took only a little over two hundred years for it to completely vanish." Shen Mo nodded slightly. Such short-lived sects were not uncommon. "Do you know of the Minor Teleportation Talisman?" Shen Mo asked again. The South Sea King nodded, "Of course, the Minor Teleportation Talisman is one of the most popular talismans among the many created by the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect." "This talisman only requires the infusion of spiritual power to teleport at least five thousand miles to a random location." "The more spiritual power infused, the farther the teleportation distance." "It was the go-to escape tool for human cultivators back then." "It was also the talisman most hated by the demons." "Have you obtained a Minor Teleportation Talisman?" he asked with a smile. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Since he was asking how to counter the Minor Teleportation Talisman, there was no need to lie about it. Shen Mo countered, "How is the Minor Teleportation Talisman used? Can it be interfered with, interrupted, or countered?" The South Sea King laughed, "The method of using talismans is the same; you just need to infuse them with spiritual power." "As for whether the Minor Teleportation Talisman can be interfered with, I can tell you with certainty, yes." "Moreover, there are at least three methods to interfere with the Minor Teleportation Talisman." Shen Mo''s heart stirred, "Please enlighten me, South Sea King!" The South Sea King nodded and spoke seriously, "First, there is demonic energy." "I heard you killed a demon in Jiangzhou, so you should know the terror of demonic energy." "The essence of demonic energy far surpasses spiritual and blood energy, thus it counters both." "Within demonic territory, the range of the Minor Teleportation Talisman is greatly reduced, possibly to just a few hundred or even tens of miles." "If a demon locks down your entire body with demonic energy, the effectiveness of the Minor Teleportation Talisman will be severely limited." "Second, there are spatial arrays." "As long as a spatial array is used to lock down a certain area in advance, the Minor Teleportation Talisman will be directly disabled, and no amount of spiritual power infusion will help." "However, spatial arrays are extremely difficult to create. The larger the area they cover, the harder they are to make. To my knowledge, there is only one array called the Black Tortoise Chaos Void Array that can lock down a space within a hundred-mile radius. There is no larger spatial array than this." After hearing these two methods, Shen Mo couldn''t help but frown inwardly. Demonic energyhe certainly didn''t have that. Spatial arraysthey were too difficult to find, and he didn''t have one capable of covering a large area either. The South Sea King smiled, "The first two methods are almost impossible to come by nowadays, so you need not worry about being countered by them." Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged as he calmly asked, "What about the third method to counter the Minor Teleportation Talisman?" The South Sea King nodded, "The Void-Locking Talisman." "Void-Locking Talisman?" The South Sea King smiled, "This talisman was initially created by the founding ancestor of the Lingbao Zhengfa Sect to counter demons capable of tearing through the void." "Later, cultivators discovered that this talisman could also have the same effect on the Minor Teleportation Talisman, though its effectiveness against the Major Teleportation Talisman is extremely limited. If there is a significant gap in cultivation levels between the users, it can be said to have almost no effect." Shen Mo''s eyes lit up. The Void-Locking Talisman! It seemed he might be able to work with this. "Are there many Void-Locking Talismans in the world?" Shen Mo asked again. The South Sea King laughed heartily, "Young friend, there''s no need to be so cautious. Talismans are rare to begin with; how would ordinary cultivators have the chance to obtain them?" "The Minor Teleportation Talisman is already very rare, and the Void-Locking Talisman is even rarer." "To my knowledge, it seems only the Sword Sovereign of Jing Kingdom has preserved some rare talismans." "The Sword Sovereign has a close relationship with you and naturally wouldn''t act against you, so you can rest assured." Shen Mo was even more delighted upon hearing this. The Sword Sovereign! He hadn''t expected him to collect talismans as well. How thoughtful. "Good, thank you, Senior," Shen Mo said sincerely, cupping his hands in gratitude. The other party had been so patient in answering his questions, so it was only right to express his thanks. "No problem. We may need to rely on you a lot in the future, young friend Shen Mo," the South Sea King also bowed to Shen Mo, showing no airs of a dragon who had lived for thousands of years. After seeing them off, Shen Mo flashed away, soaring through the air toward the northeast. His speed was extremely fast. In five days, he reached the border between Wuzhou and Yuzhou. After another three days, he arrived at Jade Sea City. Upon arriving in Jade Sea City, he didn''t need to search carefully before hearing a familiar voice from the side. "Well, well, young friend, what brings you to Jade Sea City to see me? Shouldn''t you be diligently cultivating in Wuzhou?" "Wait, your aura now... it feels much stronger than a few years ago. Is it just my imagination?" Shen Mo turned toward the direction of the voice. It was none other than the Sword Sovereign, Ji Ping, dressed in extremely plain clothes, looking like a neighborly old man. Ji Ping was currently holding braised beef in his left hand and a wine gourd in his right, looking at Shen Mo in surprise as if seeing this young man for the first time. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 {For next week, I will post 4 chapters daily. If support increases, i will keep posting 4 chaps till end of the month. lets clarify one thing joining base tier on patreon: 2 days of 4 chapters S~ea??h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. joining second tier : 4 days of 4 chapters per day joining max tier: full week 4 chapters per day. thanks again for those who joined. your support means alot. and welcome to those who will join. Also comment down some novels you want translated and i will pick them up} Chapter 378: The Demon Emperor Will Unify the Eight Desolates and Four Seas Chapter 378: The Demon Emperor Will Unify the Eight Desolates and Four Seas Shen Mo chuckled lightly, "Sword Sovereign, it''s been a while." Ji Ping quickly waved his hand, "Don''t change the subject. Have you advanced in your cultivation again?" "Moreover, I feel like both your spiritual power and blood energy have improved." Shen Mo knew that Ji Ping harbored no ill will toward him and was instead full of goodwill, so he didn''t hide anything and nodded affirmatively. "I''ve indeed made some small breakthroughs." Ji Ping clicked his tongue, "Small breakthroughs? You''re not even releasing your aura, yet I can sense a hint of threat from you." "If you were to go all out, I''m afraid I might no longer be your match." Shen Mo smiled without responding. Ji Ping''s intuition wasn''t wrong. Although Ji Ping''s cultivation was at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage, his body had aged significantly, and his lifespan was nearing its end. In contrast, Shen Mo was still in his ascendant phase, with his spiritual power reaching the perfection of the Divine Transformation stage and his blood energy achieving the level of a Golden Crown Sovereign. Against ordinary peak Divine Transformation cultivators, Shen Mo could completely dominate and kill them with ease. Even against a seasoned and formidable peak Divine Transformation cultivator like Ji Ping, Shen Mo could firmly hold the upper hand. Relying on his powerful martial skills and nearly inexhaustible spiritual and blood energy, Shen Mo could wear down his opponent to death. From the very beginning of a fight, Shen Mo stood in an invincible position. "Good, good! Excellent! I knew I wasn''t wrong about you!" Seeing Shen Mo''s affirmative response, Ji Ping exclaimed excitedly like a child. It was as if it wasn''t Shen Mo who had advanced in cultivation, but himself. Shen Mo was both amused and exasperated. "Come, come, let''s talk somewhere else. It''s too crowded here," Ji Ping said, pulling Shen Mo along. In an instant, the two disappeared from the streets. In the blink of an eye, they appeared on a high mountain outside Jade Sea City. The mountain wind was strong here, and in the distance, one could see the endless expanse of the East Sea. The current calm seemed to foreshadow the coming storm. Ji Ping handed over half a roast chicken, "You must have something important to discuss since you came to see me so suddenly. Speak." Shen Mo took the roast chicken without hesitation and began eating heartily. In just a few bites, he devoured the half of the glossy, succulent roast chicken. "I heard that the Sword Sovereign enjoys collecting talismans?" Shen Mo suddenly asked. Ji Ping nodded, "Indeed, I''ve always wanted to study something from those talismans." "Unfortunately, I haven''t succeeded." "The power of talismans is immense, capable of crossing a major realm to fight enemies, so I carry all my talismans with me." "What talisman do you need? Speak." Shen Mo smiled and got straight to the point, "The Void-Locking Talisman. I need a Void-Locking Talisman." Ji Ping looked curious, "The Void-Locking Talisman? That''s one of the most useless talismans." "I thought you might need something like the Divine Martial Talisman, which can temporarily enhance martial techniques, or the Divine Shield Talisman, which can block attacks of any level." Shen Mo coughed lightly, "If the Sword Sovereign is willing to give me the Divine Martial Talisman or the Divine Shield Talisman, I wouldn''t refuse. I could reluctantly accept them." Ji Ping burst into laughter, "Sure, of course." "However, Gu Ming must have ways to counter the Divine Martial Talisman and the Divine Shield Talisman. Are you sure you still need them?" Shen Mo chuckled lightly. In fact, based on the current trajectory of his life panel, whether Gu Ming also possessed talismans like the Divine Martial Talisman or the Divine Shield Talisman, Shen Mo could still defeat him. However, after defeating him, Shen Mo couldn''t kill him, as Gu Ming would use the Minor Teleportation Talisman to escape instantly. What Shen Mo needed most now was the Void-Locking Talisman. "If you''re willing to give them, I''m willing to take them," Shen Mo said with a slight smile. One could never have too many good things. Nor too many trump cards. Ji Ping pondered for a moment, then took out three talismans and handed them to Shen Mo. The talisman papers of the three talismans were similar. But the blood-colored patterns on their surfaces were completely different. Looking at them for a while could even make one feel dizzy. Ji Ping said solemnly, "These three talismans are the Divine Martial Talisman, the Divine Shield Talisman, and the Void-Locking Talisman. I''m giving them all to you." Shen Mo accepted them with some surprise. He truly hadnt expected Ji Ping to be willing to hand over all three talismans. Ji Ping smiled faintly, "The power of these three talismans has significantly diminished after lying idle for thousands of years." "Now, they can only exert about one-fifth of their peak effectiveness." "However, thats still enough." "As long as the timing is right, they can still deal a heavy blow to Gu Ming." Shen Mo nodded slightly, "What does the Sword Sovereign need from me?" Ji Ping gazed into the distance toward the east. His vision seemed to stretch beyond the East Sea, reaching the farthest eastern lands. "I have never forgotten the words left by our ancestor." "He said that the demons are the root cause of the destruction of this world." "He hoped that the royal family of Jing Kingdom, the descendants of the Ji clan, would shoulder the responsibility of protecting humanity and resisting the demons for generations." "Unfortunately, I am too old, and the royal family has not produced another figure capable of taking on this great task." Ji Ping sighed softly, "Consider these three talismans my final gift to you." "In the future, you will inevitably be summoned by the Heavenly Dao to go to the Demon-Suppressing Sea." "When that time comes, slay a few more demons there, and it will be enough to repay the three talismans Ive given you today." Shen Mo felt a slight stir in his heart. This request was almost no request at all. After all, by that time, Ji Ping would have long since exhausted his lifespan. Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Whether Shen Mo fulfilled the promise or not would make no difference to Ji Ping. Yet Ji Ping had still done this, not only giving him the Void-Locking Talisman but also the Divine Martial Talisman and the Divine Shield Talisman. Clearly, Ji Ping trusted him. Shen Mo nodded slightly, "I promise you." "Good." Ji Ping showed a sincere smile, "Go now. I will wait, wait for your climactic battle with Gu Ming." Shen Mo bowed to Ji Ping, then soared into the air, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye. Ji Ping smiled leisurely, sitting alone and drinking by the vast, boundless sea. ... Jing Kingdom, Capital. The largest city in Jing Kingdom was still bustling with lights and revelry. The air seemed to be filled with the scent of powder and rouge. The city guards, who should have been stationed on the walls and patrolling the capital, were now lying drunk and unconscious at their posts. Shadowy figures clad in black moved through the night. They converged, as if by unspoken agreement, at an unremarkable residential house. Through the cellar of the house, they descended into a massive cavern a hundred zhang underground. At its center lay a massive purple-black arm. The arms skin was covered in scales and fur, unlike a humans or any known beasts. A transparent barrier encased the arm, isolating it from the outside world. If one looked closer, they would see countless wisps of black energy brewing and swelling within the barrier. It had reached its limit and was on the verge of exploding. The black-clad figures removed their cloaks in unison, revealing their true faces. Their identities varied. Some were street vendors, some tavern owners, some city guard commanders, and even some were members of the royal family. Under normal circumstances, these individuals, with their vastly different statuses, would never gather together. But now, they had come together for a common purpose. At this moment, their eyes all shone with the same fanatical and devout light. "The Demon Emperor will surely unify the Eight Desolates and Four Seas!" ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Cultivation realms explained Each cultivation realm consists of five sub-realms, representing progressive mastery: Entry Minor Accomplishment sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Major Accomplishment Perfection Peak Advancing through these stages steadily increases a cultivator''s power, longevity, and overall potential, setting the stage for progression to higher realms. 1. Body Forging Realm Cultivators strengthen their physical bodies through intense training, surpassing normal human limitations in strength, agility, and endurance. This realm lays the essential physical foundation for future cultivation. 2. Qi Condensation Realm Cultivators begin sensing and absorbing spiritual energy (Qi) from their surroundings, refining and storing it internally. This stage prepares the cultivator''s body and energy pathways for more advanced spiritual practices. 3. Foundation Building Realm Cultivators consolidate their internal foundation, solidifying their spiritual structures and energy circulation. This realm critically impacts a cultivators future potential, growth rate, and power stability. 4. Core Formation Realm Cultivators condense spiritual energy into a solid, concentrated core within their dantian, greatly enhancing their internal energy reserves and power. The quality of one''s core significantly affects future growth, longevity, and combat strength. 5. Nascent Soul Realm Cultivators refine their core into a Nascent Soula spiritual embodiment of themselves. The Nascent Soul enables advanced spiritual techniques, increased lifespan, and the capability to survive temporarily outside the physical body. 6. Divine Transformation Realm (Divine Soul Transformation) At this advanced level, cultivators attain mastery over their Nascent Souls and spiritual consciousness, freely wielding spiritual attacks and defenses. Although incredibly powerful, cultivators remain in the mortal realm. 7. Divine Palace / Venerable Realm Upon reaching this supreme stage, cultivators are forcibly conscripted by the Heavenly Dao to serve on the Demon Suppression Battlefield: Divine Palace Realm (Spiritual Energy Path): Cultivators manifest their profound spiritual comprehension into tangible forms called Divine Palaces, vastly enhancing their spiritual powers. Venerable Realm (Physical Cultivation Path): Physical cultivators following the Blood Energy Path condense their bodily strength into powerful layers known as Blood Platforms, greatly amplifying their physical might and blood-energy martial skills. Note: The main character follows both the Spiritual Energy Path (Divine Palace) and the Physical Cultivation Path (Venerable), simultaneously cultivating spiritual and physical strength, thus possessing extraordinary potential and power. ???? Unlock Exclusive Early Access on Patreon! ???? Hello, beloved readers! Join my Patreon community to enjoy: ???? Daily Updates: Never wait for new chaptersget your story fix every day! ???? 20 Chapters Ahead: Access new chapters far in advance of NovelFire/RoyalRoad/NovelFire releases. Support the creation of the stories you love and dive deeper into my world! Patreon.com/Alex_Cruise https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 379: Now, only one in ten cultivators remain steadfast here. Chapter 379: Now, only one in ten cultivators remain steadfast here. Everyone uniformly took out a small knife and slit their right hand. Then they pressed their palm against the surface of the bronze bell. Their blood was absorbed by the pitch-black arm through the bronze bell. In the blink of an eye, these figures collapsed to the ground, turning into mummies. However, the pitch-black arm covered by the bronze bell seemed to have gained life. The black aura within it became more surging, as if it were about to burst out at any moment! Cracks gradually appeared on the surface of the bronze bell. Crack, crack. The cracks spread like a spider web. Eventually, it shattered completely! Boom! Infinite black aura suddenly gushed out from within. The pitch-black arm was the source of the black aura! Wherever it passed, the land, rocks, and houses were immediately corrupted and eroded. The pitch-black arm clearly had no mouth. Yet, there was an eerie and absurd whispering surrounding it. It seemed that if one listened for a few more moments, their head would explode and their spirit would collapse. Buzz. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth was completely expelled. Within a radius of one mile, it became demonic land in the blink of an eye. All living beings were demonized! Couples who were just kissing each other began to bite each other the next moment, with flesh and blood blurred. Good friends and relatives who were just hanging out turned against each other on the spot, fighting and tearing each other apart. Brothers fighting in the same room, fathers and sons becoming enemies... Moreover, the spiritual beasts that had been raised for years went crazy and attacked their owners. Within the range of the demonic land, ordinary people almost began to demonize in an instant. Cultivators below the Nascent Soul realm could barely hold on for dozens of breaths. But if they couldn''t escape the range of the demonic land within those dozens of breaths, they would also begin to demonize. The demonic land was still expanding at a speed visible to the naked eye. Wherever it passed, it was a scene of hell. What''s more, it was not just one place where the demonic land appeared. This city was vast in area. At the same time, demonic land erupted in four places. If viewed from above, it could be seen that the pitch-black demonic land was spreading wildly like ink dropped on white paper! The chaos continued further, with flames burning the sky. There were cries of "Father!" and "Mother!" everywhere, and roars from demonized beings everywhere. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The cultivators immediately flew out, gazing at the demonic land with solemn expressions. Emperor Jing, dressed in a brocade robe, looked at the capital shrouded in black smoke, his whole body trembling with anger. Beside him, the shadow guards quickly reported the situation. "Overnight, in our prestigious capital, demonic land erupted in four places simultaneously!" "What about the city guards, what are they doing?" "What are you shadow guards doing?!" The shadow guards fearfully lowered their heads, not daring to speak. "What''s the current situation?" Emperor Jing asked again. The shadow guard said in a deep voice, "Cultivators at the Divine Transformation realm can barely consume spiritual energy to stop the spread of the demonic land, but it''s only a temporary solution." "A cultivator at the Divine Transformation realm said that we must delve into the demonic land and destroy its root to completely eliminate it." "But... it''s extremely dangerous." Emperor Jing took several deep breaths, "Convey my order, open the treasury, and take out all the demon-suppressing items left by the ancestors, and hand them over to the cultivators at the Divine Transformation realm." "Anyone who can eliminate the demonic land, I will enfeoff him as a king, with a fief of three thousand li!" The shadow guard respectfully replied, "Yes." Emperor Jing looked at the chaotic capital, his face gloomy. As Emperor Jing, he naturally knew about the demon race, demonic land, and demonic aura. But he never expected that the capital would have demonic land. "Could it be... a diversionary tactic?" Emperor Jing''s gaze was profound as he suddenly tapped the jade pendant on his waist. A new shadow guard quickly appeared, waiting respectfully for orders. Emperor Jing, "Immediately gather information on those sects, and see if they have also had outbreaks of demonic land." Shadow guard, "Yes." A moment later, the shadow guard appeared again. He respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I have just received intelligence that demonic land has erupted in all the states and various sects, and it all happened within the past two days." Emperor Jing''s breath caught for a moment, and his expression turned extremely grim. "If other sects are also threatened by demonic land, they will inevitably have to recall their cultivators from outside." "In that case, the number of cultivators on the border will be greatly reduced, making it difficult to withstand the onslaught of the Wan Yao Kingdom." "This is an open and shameless scheme by Gu Ming." "Damn it!" ... Jade Sea City. The Eastern Sea, which had not seen waves for several years, suddenly became turbulent. The waves grew larger and larger. The people on the shore were terrified. Some even couldn''t help but kneel on the ground, praying devoutly that the Dragon King would not be angry. Ji Ping squinted his eyes and looked towards the east. He was astonished to see that among the undulating waves, there appeared numerous wave-cutting battle platforms! They were densely packed with aquatic demons such as fish, shrimp, turtles, and crabs! Boom! Boom! Dozens of figures burst out of the sea and hovered in the sky. Ordinary people and cultivators looked up and saw that they were dozens of python dragons! The leading python dragon was particularly enormous, with a body length exceeding a hundred zhang. Its scales were a deep blue, almost turning black. The cultivators of Jade Cauldron Sect stationed in Jade Sea City swallowed their saliva and tightened their weapons. Anyone could see that the Eastern Sea Python Dragon Palace had revealed all its trump cards! Even the Eastern Sea King had made an appearance! At that moment, a figure in white suddenly rose into the air from the crowd. Seeing his appearance, ordinary people and cultivators immediately felt relieved. "Can''t hold back any longer?" Ji Ping looked at the Eastern Sea King and said indifferently. The Eastern Sea King let out a shocking dragon roar, "My direct descendant dragon son was killed, and I have suppressed this grudge for far too long." "Today, I will return it all to the human race!" "My son''s life is not enough to be compensated by a whole Jade Sea City!" "Kill!" The Eastern Sea King roared fiercely, and all the Eastern Sea aquatic demons immediately charged forward on the wave-cutting battle platforms. "Cultivators of Jade Cauldron Sect, follow me and fight!" Ji Ping''s expression remained calm as he advanced with his sword. The battle instantly became fierce! ... At the same time, Shen Mo quickened his pace and hurried back to the Three Sects Alliance camp in Wu Zhou. Traveling south, he saw crowds of refugees everywhere. The atmosphere in the air seemed to gradually become stagnant. When Shen Mo arrived at the camp, he immediately sensed that the atmosphere of the entire camp had become tense and anxious. Moreover, the camp, which was usually crowded with people, seemed to have lost quite a few. "Young Sect Master, Young Sect Master is back!" A cultivator of Jade Cauldron Sect saw Shen Mo and immediately shouted loudly. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Many cultivators immediately poured out from various tents. They all looked at Shen Mo with eager eyes. Shen Mo scanned the area and immediately noticed something was wrong. Cultivators of Jade Cauldron Sect and Qian Yuan Sect were still there, but not a single cultivator from Hai Shen Island remained; they had vanished without a trace. Before anyone could speak, Nan Gong Yun said in a deep voice, "Hai Zhou was heavily invaded by Eastern Sea aquatic demons, and the three island leaders who had gone deep into the Eastern Sea rebelled and joined the ranks of the Eastern Sea aquatic demons, leaving the main island of Hai Shen in a precarious situation." "Just three days ago, Ou Yang Lang, Shi Jingtian, and other cultivators from Hai Shen Island apologized to us and then left at the fastest speed possible." Tong Yuan continued, "Moreover, Mo Zhou was heavily invaded by Western Sea aquatic demons, and the cultivators of Kuang Dao Alliance have also withdrawn." Wan Muchun let out a bitter smile and said, "There''s an even more critical issue: demonic land has appeared in all the states!" "Sheng Ling Sect, Wu Ying Pavilion, and Tian He Sect have all had to recall their cultivators." "Only Qian Yuan Sect and Da Xue Palace have not withdrawn." Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Now, only one in ten cultivators remain steadfast here!" ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 381: Why are you acting like certain emperor of sea, Gu Ming? The cultivators stood on the ramparts of the camp, gazing into the distance. They immediately saw several enormous tower ships striding across the sky. Vast blood energy rose from the tower ships, blocking out the sun and sky, as if it were about to cover the entire world in a blood-red hue. The tower ships were similar to the Ironclad Cloud Boats, but their design was far more rugged and violent. It seemed as if countless huge pieces of timber had been forcibly gathered together. However, their size was clearly much larger than that of the Ironclad Cloud Boats. The cultivators were all so shocked by this sight that they were speechless. Wasn''t the Ironclad Cloud Boat considered a precious treasure of the imperial court? It was extremely difficult for various factions to study and attempt to replicate an Ironclad Cloud Boat, even in secret. At most, they could only produce inferior imitations. Why then could the Demon Realm create even more massive tower ships? Did the Demon Realm actually have such skilled craftsmen?! Tong Yuan gazed at the terrifying tower ships and murmured, "It must be... the Demon Emperor." Wan Muchun sighed softly, "Indeed, the only wise one in the Demon Realm is probably the Demon Emperor Gu Ming." "No wonder they targeted the Ironclad Cloud Boats first; it turns out they had the idea of dragging one away to study it themselves." Murong Yue spoke in a deep voice, "We don''t know how these tower ships compare to the Ironclad Cloud Boats; perhaps they are just empty shells." "If that''s truly the case, with the capabilities of our camp, it wouldn''t be difficult to withstand these tower ships." All the cultivators nodded in agreement. There was no need to be overly fearful of the demons because of this. After all, this was just a vanguard force. Shen Mo strode out of the tent and declared loudly, "Prepare to activate the formation and face the enemy!" "Yes!" The cultivators quickly took their positions. The formation required top-grade spirit stones to maintain its energy. Once the energy of the top-grade spirit stones was exhausted, they had to be replaced immediately. Moreover, the formation flags in various places might also be damaged, which required the cultivators to maintain them. The formation was just an inanimate object; it couldn''t function without the cultivators. Soon, each cultivator was in their proper place. They were just waiting for Shen Mo''s command to activate the defensive formation that protected the camp. This formation was generously contributed by the Tianhe Sect and was of the highest grade, reaching the level of an earth-class superior formation. It was already considered a rare defensive formation. It could withstand three rounds of simultaneous firing from six Ironclad Cloud Boats! Therefore, the cultivators were almost all full of confidence. At that moment, a calm voice came from the foremost tower ship. "Shen Mo, I have arrived!" "For a genius of your caliber, I have always been willing to give several chances. Now, I will give you another opportunity." "If you submit willingly, I will grant you the position of Crown Prince. Once I have pacified the eight desolates and four seas, you will be the king of humans!" "Leave the camp now, and I will personally destroy it. I only want you; the lives of the others are as worthless as pigs and dogs." This voice was not loud, but it quickly spread with the wind. It reached the ears of everyone present. The cultivators first showed disdain, then their expressions turned to astonishment. Me, the emperor? Who in the Demon Realm dared to call themselves "me, the emperor"? For a moment, those cultivators who realized their situation immediately turned pale. The Demon Emperor, Gu Ming! He had come in person! This was clearly not a vanguard force. It was the Dragon Blood Guard protecting the Demon Emperor! Thinking of Gu Ming''s formidable reputation and the fact that he had arrived in person, the cultivators couldn''t help but feel intimidated. Their hands trembled, their legs shook. They could hardly hold their weapons steady. More cultivators instinctively looked towards Shen Mo. Their gazes were complicated. Gu Ming wanted only Shen Mo. The lives of the others were as worthless as pigs and dogs in his eyes. Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Shen Mo were to step out now, he would surely be fine. But they are all likely to die. How would Shen Mo choose? Abandon them? Whoosh. Shen Mo stamped his foot hard and suddenly rose from the ground, hovering in mid-air. "Human and demon races can never coexist, Gu Ming. You needn''t use such words to disrupt the morale of our human forces." He spoke indifferently. "Hahaha! Good, you are truly Shen Mo!" Gu Ming''s voice came with the gale. "Then let me put it another way." Gu Ming said indifferently, "Human cultivators in the camp, listen carefully!" "Whoever can capture Shen Mo alive will be granted the title of King of Humans and will be rewarded with ten drops of my royal blood!" "Whoever can slay Shen Mo will be granted the title of King of Mist Province and will be rewarded with three drops of my royal blood!" "My promise stands forever!" After these words, the cultivators who had close relationships with Shen Mo immediately changed their expressions. They moved towards Shen Mo in the first place. After all, Gu Ming''s promise was too substantial. Probably few people could resist such temptation. Before today, no one had anticipated that Gu Ming was actually in this so-called vanguard force. The pressure Gu Ming exerted was immense. So immense that as long as they could survive, they would do anything. However, those who remained now were almost all cultivators who wished to contribute to the human race. Even those who felt fear had already fled under the cover of darkness some time ago. Therefore, even after Gu Ming finished speaking, no one made any moves. "Humans are indeed somewhat interesting," came Gu Ming''s indifferent voice from the tower ship. The next moment, a figure clad in thick golden armor gracefully floated out. He was about ten feet tall, with his whole body wrapped in armor, except for a pair of blood-red eyes that were exposed. Gu Ming smiled and said, "Shen Mo, you are the most astonishing genius I have ever seen in my life." "I have wished countless times for you to become my royal son. What a pity." Shen Mo''s expression remained indifferent, "I don''t have the habit of recognizing a demon as my father." Gu Ming laughed heartily, "That''s too bad. Do you know that after Ye Yan accepted my royal blood, his cultivation soared and has now reached the rank of Golden Summit Monarch!" Shen Mo''s expression still remained indifferent, "He is just a shameless person. There is nothing more to say about him." Gu Ming''s laughter gradually subsided, "Do you know why the main force hasn''t arrived, but I have come in person?" Shen Mo, "You want to kill me with your own hands." "Kill me, and there will be no obstacles in sweeping through Jing Country from then on." Gu Ming smiled, "You are right." "Let''s begin, the ultimate battle between you and me." On the tower ship, the leader of the Dragon Blood Guards roared, "Fire!" The tip of the tower ship immediately began to frantically accumulate energy. Inside the camp, Tong Yuan shouted, "Activate the formation! Face the enemy!" Boom! Three huge beams of light struck the surface of the defensive formation straight on. They produced an earth-shattering roar and a blinding brightness. Amidst this roar and brightness, Gu Ming moved. His figure was like a golden flash of lightning, shooting towards Shen Mo. The blood energy around him surged frantically. In a moment, it condensed into a blood-red, emaciated giant hand. This hand was a hundred feet in size. It seemed as if it could burst the sky with its bare hand. The next moment, the giant hand grabbed towards Shen Mo tightly! Before the blood-red giant hand fell, the air around Shen Mo made a creaking sound as if it couldn''t bear the weight. Shen Mo roared, and it seemed as if tens of millions of giant elephants roared inside his body. The strength of two thousand giant elephants surged out suddenly. A shadow of a thunder elephant, which seemed to be able to suppress countless gods and demons, condensed around him. The blood-red giant hand fell fiercely, but not only did it fail to crush Shen Mo. Instead, it was shattered on the spot by the thunder elephant. A large amount of blood energy disintegrated instantly and dissipated into the universe! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 383: The Power of the Princes Will Replenish Me Chapter 383: The Power of the Princes Will Replenish Me These eight giant dragons, each over a hundred zhang in length, exuded a surging power. They seemed like the heavenly emperor''s dragon carriage, the mounts of immortals and demons. As soon as the eight dragons appeared, they immediately stunned the human cultivators on the ground. Many had not seen the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique with their own eyes, but had a vague idea of what it looked like through hearsay. Now, seeing it with their own eyes, they were utterly terrified. The majestic dragon aura was almost enough to shatter their livers and gallbladders. Among these cultivators, Wan MuChun had the most intense reaction. Because he was originally a royal remnant, having changed his name and hidden his identity to serve as the tenth elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect. He had not cultivated the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique, but had cultivated the inferior Five-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique. It is said that if an extremely talented cultivator could refine the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique to its highest depths, they could simultaneously condense nine giant dragons. Even at his peak, Sword Sovereign Ji Ping could only condense seven dragons. But Demon Emperor Gu Ming could condense eight dragons! What did this mean? Gu Ming possessed an astonishingly exceptional spiritual energy cultivation aptitude! Far surpassing many of the royal bloodline''s descendants. More crucially, the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique was entirely distinguished by the number of dragons. The power of eight dragons was more than five times stronger than that of seven dragons! It is said that the Human Emperor once cultivated nine dragons. When the nine dragons emerged together, their might was overwhelming, surpassing that of eight dragons by tenfold! "Shen Mo, can he withstand it?" Wan MuChun muttered. Gu Ming clasped his hands and pushed towards Shen Mo''s direction, "Eight dragons together, annihilate!" The eight dragons roared and charged straight towards Shen Mo! As if they were going to swallow up the entire sky. Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. He shook his body, and his spirit realm was automatically activated. He flipped his palm, and the spiritual sword Taiyi appeared in his palm. "Taiyi Sword Qi!" Gray sword qi suddenly appeared. And above and below the sword qi, slightly smaller but equally domineering gray sword qi emerged. "Slash!" Shen Mo suddenly struck a sword. The vast gray sword qi was unleashed from his spirit realm. Originally only over twenty zhang in length. By the time it left the spirit realm, it had astonishingly expanded to over two hundred zhang! The overwhelming gray sword qi almost dyed the entire world gray. Everyone was stunned by the power of this strike! And even more amazed by the strength of Shen Mo''s spirit realm! That spirit realm seemed to be a purely enhancing martial technique realm. This kind of simple and direct enhancement of power was precisely the most powerful type. No matter how fancy you are, I will break it with one move. This is the true essence of brute force overcoming all methods! Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged. During this period, he had not stopped the refining of the infant garment. He had already refined the golden infant garment. The size of the spirit realm had expanded from a hundred zhang to two hundred zhang. When it was a hundred zhang, it could enhance the power of martial techniques by five times. Now that it had reached two hundred zhang, it could enhance it by ten times! Looking at the three gray sword qi that were tearing apart the sky and earth, Gu Ming''s crimson eyes also narrowed. The power of this move was far beyond his expectations! "Blood-Explosion Dragon Transformation Technique!" Without hesitation, Gu Ming immediately slapped his chest and spat out a mouthful of his own vital blood. This was the vital blood he used to reward the princes. The rarest and most precious. Only one drop would be produced on its own each year. This drop of vital blood flew into the sky. In an instant, it condensed into a small dragon. Although not as huge as the other eight giant dragons. It also displayed an extremely powerful aura! Wan MuChun''s eyes widened, "He has also learned this move?!" The Blood-Explosion Dragon Transformation Technique is in the same lineage as the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique. It was specifically left by the Human Emperor for the descendants of the Ji family. No matter how well one understands the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique, using this kind of secret technique can condense a small dragon out of thin air. Do not underestimate it. If the Nine-Dragon Emperor''s Ultimate Technique is cultivated to the level of seven or eight dragons, using this technique can enhance the power of this move by five to ten times! Gu Ming was clearly prepared for this! "The power of his attack has already been enhanced tenfold!" "Who will win in this clash?" Wan MuChun clenched his fists. Nan Gong Yun, Tong Yuan, and the others were also staring intently at the sky, not daring to let their guard down for a moment. Boom! In the next moment, the nine dragons collided with the sword qi. Ten colors interwove in mid-air. Entwining, colliding, annihilating. From the ground, it seemed as if the sky itself had been shattered. Rumble! The light almost tore the sky apart, causing temporary blindness. A moment later, the deafening roar finally followed. "Ah!" The cultivators at the Core Formation level screamed in agony as their ears were instantly ruptured, blood flowing out. They lay on the ground, writhing in pain. Even the cultivators at the Nascent Soul level were not spared, groaning and retreating step by step. Only the cultivators at the Divine Transformation level, with their deeper cultivation, could ignore the terrifying noise. Whoosh! In an instant, a gale arose, dispersing the residual power in the sky. Shen Mo and Gu Ming still stood in mid-air. It seemed that neither side was injured. But only Gu Ming knew that in the previous exchange, he had already been at a disadvantage! His Dragon-Weary Armor had another astonishing gash. And this time, the gash was enormous, stretching from his left shoulder all the way down to his right waist. This scene was witnessed by many cultivators and Dragon-Blooded Guards. The cultivators were overjoyed. The Dragon-Blooded Guards, however, had grave expressions. They never expected that the arrogant Demon Emperor Gu Ming could actually be injured! "Good, very good!" Gu Ming laughed in anger. A chilling laugh echoed from beneath his armor. "I didn''t want to use this move, but since your strength has become so formidable, I have no choice but to act." Gu Ming took a deep breath and suddenly slapped his chest fiercely, as if he had activated some secret technique in the void. "Do you know why I am so keen on bestowing vital blood upon powerful demonic races?" he laughed maniacally. Shen Mo remained indifferent and silent. Of course he knew; his life panel had already provided a detailed description. "The power of those princes will be replenished to me!" He suddenly spread his arms wide, and a surge of blood energy erupted from his body! Not far away, the princes Hu Yong and Xiong An suddenly screamed in terror. The vast blood energy within their bodies was inexplicably being drained by an indescribable, immense force! Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the blink of an eye, the two demons became emaciated. It seemed as if a gust of wind could knock them down and turn them into dust. "No... no!" The two demons were not foolish. The demonic races that could become princes were far more intelligent than the others. Combining Gu Ming''s words, they could easily guess that the vital blood Gu Ming had given them was both a gift and a shackle! Whenever Gu Ming needed it, he could instantly drain all the blood energy from the princes to enhance himself! Tens of thousands of miles away, within the main force of the demonic races, many princes screamed in agony at this moment. Their blood energy was being inexplicably drained. One by one, they fell, completely unaware of what was happening to them. Ye Yan coughed up blood and fled. He had long discovered the problem with the vital blood, pretending to be utterly loyal to Gu Ming on the surface while secretly contemplating a way to break free. "Damn it... Gu Ming and Shen Mo''s battle has reached the point where he has to use this move?" Ye Yan tore open his clothes, revealing his chest. Then, with a determined look in his eyes, he resolutely cut open his chest and grabbed the drop of vital blood in his heart! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 384: The Day I Was Forced to This Extent by a Human Genius Chapter 384: The Day I Was Forced to This Extent by a Human Genius This drop of vital blood was not the one Gu Ming had initially bestowed upon him. Instead, it was a new drop of vital blood that had condensed in his heart after refinement. However, this drop of vital blood still bore the mark of Gu Ming. If he were to directly remove it, Ye Yan''s blood energy realm would plummet significantly. But if he didn''t remove it, all his blood energy would become food for Gu Ming. Weighing the two options, he chose the lesser evil. The reason Ye Yan hadn''t acted before was simply that he couldn''t bring himself to do it. But now, he had no choice but to take action. "Ah...!" Ye Yan growled lowly, digging out the vital blood and tossing it into a bottle he had prepared in advance. His entire body immediately became withered and emaciated to varying degrees. His cultivation level also dropped sharply from the Golden Apex Demon Emperor level, all the way down to the Golden Apex Demon King level. It was utterly devastating. "Damn Gu Ming..." "I thought he genuinely cared for me, that he truly intended to enfeoff me as a human king." Ye Yan gazed resentfully towards the north. Then, he took the various treasures he had obtained from the Demon Realm''s treasure vault long ago and fled eastward. The Eastern Sea was filled with numerous islands, more than enough to serve as his temporary refuge. At the Mist Province Three Sect Alliance Camp. An endless stream of blood energy converged from the south. It merged into Gu Ming''s body. Gu Ming''s body kept swelling. In the blink of an eye, it had expanded to over two zhang in size. The dragon-aura armor on his body was truly peculiar; it enlarged itself seamlessly to cover his entire body. This scene, witnessed by the cultivators, was like a stormy wave crashing over them. "Heaven... Gu Ming''s blood energy has swelled to such an extent." "It seems his injuries have vanished without a trace." "Gu Ming now appears even more powerful than at his peak!" "It''s over, we''re doomed..." The cultivators muttered to themselves. Some were scratching their heads in frustration, others were burning with anxiety inside, and still others had faces ashen with despair. "It''s too terrifying... where is all that blood energy coming from?" Tong Yuan was stunned. "There were two screams of agony from the tower ship just now, seemingly from the Demon Realm''s princes. Perhaps Gu Ming has some way to control those princes," Wan MuChun whispered. In mid-air, Gu Ming was currently being infused with a vast amount of blood energy, feeling almost ecstatic. A huge blood-colored shadow even appeared around him. It was Gu Ming himself. The shadow, standing a hundred zhang tall, seemed like a blood-colored giant connecting heaven and earth. It was almost tangible, capable of blocking any external attack. Shen Mo casually slashed out a sword qi. As expected, the sword qi immediately vanished like a mud ox entering the sea. This was the technique of the Divine Elephant Prison Strength, the ultimate defensive method, the Immovable Saintly King Body. From within the blood energy shield, Gu Ming''s laughter echoed. "Useless, my blood energy is extremely abundant now, and the Immovable Saintly King Body I''m using is incredibly powerful." "No matter what means you use, you won''t be able to break it." "I will absorb all the blood energy and crush you like a mere ant." Shen Mo''s expression remained unchanged as he said indifferently, "Oh? No means can break it? I don''t think so." With that, he suddenly stretched out both hands. His left hand burst into red flames, while his right hand burst into golden flames. They were the Red Lotus Earth Heart Fire and the Solar Essence Fire. Without hesitation, Shen Mo slapped the two kinds of strange fire together. Instead of exploding, they harmoniously merged into an even stronger high-temperature fluid. Like a mass of flowing molten iron. Shen Mo reached out and pulled to the left and right. Clang! A huge spear suddenly took shape. It seemed to be forged entirely from blazing flames, with waves of heat rolling off it. Even before it was thrown, it had already evaporated all the moisture in the surrounding air. The cultivators in the Three Sect Alliance camp all felt parched. Those cultivators with water affinity felt immense pressure and had to retreat step by step. Even the Dragon-Blooded Guards, renowned for their robust physical bodies, were forced to activate the tower ship and retreat over a hundred zhang. Sensing the extremely intense flame fluctuations outside, Gu Ming let out a soft "hmm." He couldn''t see what was happening outside, but he could sense it. Shen Mo seemed to be building up an extremely powerful move. "What is that move? I''ve never received any intelligence about it." Gu Ming''s eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Great Wasteland Star Meteor!" Shen Mo roared and hurled the huge spear, which was wreathed in surging flames. Boom! The spear roared as it flew forward. At first glance, it seemed to move incredibly slowly. But in the blink of an eye, it had already arrived in front of Gu Ming. It was as if it were a divine punishment spear cast down from the heavens! The moment the spear approached, Gu Ming finally sensed an intense threat. His expression suddenly changed, and he immediately stopped absorbing blood energy, instead activating the power of the giant elephant within him. Roar! Roar! Roar! Over a thousand giant elephants roared within him, pouring their power into the Immovable Saintly King Body. The Immovable Saintly King Body grew larger once again, swelling even more. At this moment, the strange fire spear finally struck. Boom! Blinding light burst forth suddenly. The surging flames shot out in all directions. The brilliance of this place was clearly visible even tens of thousands of miles away in Yu Province. Countless demonic beasts and wandering cultivators were terrified and scattered, watching this scene from afar with fear and astonishment. After a long while, the dazzling light gradually subsided. The cultivators were then able to see the battle situation in mid-air. Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were shocked to see that Gu Ming''s golden armor had been blasted into pieces, flying in all directions. Although Gu Ming was still floating in mid-air, most of the black wolf fur on his body had been burned off, revealing an unusually slender figure. There was a huge charred mark on his chest. It seemed as if a huge spear had pierced through it. If one looked from Shen Mo''s perspective, there was already a huge hole there. Through which one could see the scenery behind Gu Ming. "So this is what a Demon Emperor looks like. No wonder he always wears armor." "Demonic races are naturally ugly. He must have realized this." "It seems like the Young Master has won." The cultivators began to chatter excitedly. Their tones finally carried joy and excitement. However, cultivators like Tong Yuan, Wan MuChun, and Nan Gong Yun sensed something was amiss. If Gu Ming had no more trump cards and was at the end of his strength, he should have been knocked down by Shen Mo long ago. Why, even with his heart pierced, could he still float in mid-air? Shen Mo gazed quietly at Gu Ming, his expression unchanged. He had long known what Gu Ming''s final trump card was. Now he was just waiting for the opponent to make a move. "Hahaha... impressive, truly impressive." After a while, Gu Ming finally spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and unpleasant. "I never thought that one day I would be pushed to such an extent by a human genius." "Even forcing me to use my last trump card." "Shen Mo... you are guilty, of a great sin!" Gu Ming suddenly raised his head, and to everyone''s shock, he was holding a withered purple heart in his mouth. After chewing it a few times, he swallowed it completely. The flesh around his pierced chest began to grow on its own. In just a moment, a new heart had regenerated, completely filling the hole. However, that part was entirely purplish-black. Neither demonic nor human, it seemed more like a demon. "Die!" Gu Ming was furious, wildly activating the power within his demonic heart. What burst from his wolf claws was not spiritual energy nor blood energy, but a purplish-black, eerie demonic aura! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 385: Demonic Heart, My Demonic Heart Chapter 385: Demonic Heart, My Demonic Heart This scene immediately and violently shocked both the human and demon races present. Although some people did not know what the purple-black sinister energy was, this did not prevent them from feeling its incomparable power and terror. The purple-black power seemed to contain a horrifying aura capable of destroying everything. Spiritual power and blood qi were pale and mediocre in comparison, even inferior. Wan Muchun and Tong Yuan, cultivators who had been famous for a long time, recognized it at a glance. Wan Muchun exclaimed, "Demonic qi! It''s demonic qi!" Tong Yuan murmured, "Has Gu Ming actually swallowed a demonic heart whole? Has he gone mad?" After their words, the other cultivators also reacted. This was actually the legendary demonic heart and demonic qi! No wonder Gu Ming had suffered such a fatal injury yet still had not died! A Qian Yuan Sect cultivator swallowed, "I''ve heard that the demonic qi used by the demon race can produce an overwhelming advantage against human spiritual power and demon race blood qi..." A Jade Cauldron Sect cultivator sighed softly, "I have also seen related records in the ancestral classics." "In the ancient times when the demon race was still rampaging across the continent, the demon race and the human race were competing, and humans were just an insignificant group." "At that time, it would take three cultivators of the same realm to fight against one demon race cultivator." "I thought it was terrifying back then." A female cultivator could not help but say, "Can Senior Shen Mo still be a match for Gu Ming? If even Senior Shen Mo is not Gu Ming''s opponent, then what about us..." Everyone fell silent. It seemed the outcome was already predetermined. They involuntarily looked up toward the sky. In the sky, the demonic qi unleashed by Gu Ming had already approached within ten zhang of Shen Mo. Shen Mo could almost smell the familiar foul odor of the demonic qi. "Too far." Shen Mo slightly furrowed his brow, pressing his hands virtually, and spiritual power immediately gushed out from within his body, forming a vast and majestic giant cauldron. On the cauldron''s surface, a divine dragon wound around, breathing clouds and mist. Lifelike, as if it would fly out of the cauldron the next moment, roaring at the sky, howling across the nine provinces. This was the earth-grade supreme defensive martial skill that Shen Mo cultivated: the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. The crowd tensed. They could only watch whether Shen Mo could block this attack. Boom! The demonic qi completely struck the surface of the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. The Immovable Dragon King Cauldron was almost instantly severely corroded. Emitting a sizzling sound. In the blink of an eye, this seemingly robust and solid spiritual power giant cauldron had been corroded by more than half! Gu Ming saw this and laughed maniacally, "Hahahaha! How ridiculous, actually trying to block demonic qi with a spiritual power martial skill." "How naive!" The cultivators on the ground were also stunned. How could they fight this? The gap between demonic qi and spiritual power was too large. They were not even from the same world of power. It was like a dimensional strike. Shen Mo raised his eyebrows slightly, immediately injecting more spiritual power into the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. In the blink of an eye, the Dragon King Cauldron that had just been corroded restored to its previous appearance. Not only that, Shen Mo also activated the power of the giant elephant within his body. Instantly, he condensed a blood-colored giant standing between heaven and earth. This was the Immovable Sacred King Body! Gu Ming''s laughter paused. This guy''s spiritual power and blood qi were too abundant. There was not even a hint of exhaustion. "My demonic qi is enough to exhaust you to death. Let''s see how you block it!" Gu Ming sneered and increased the output of demonic qi. The two sides immediately fell into a stalemate. Even though the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron and the Immovable Sacred King Body were like winter snowmen gradually melting away, every time the demonic qi was about to break through these two martial skills, Shen Mo''s body would surge with more spiritual power and martial skills. He was actually able to maintain the Immovable Dragon King Cauldron and Immovable Sacred King Body without dispersing. Not only was Gu Ming stunned, but even the human cultivators and the Dragon Blood Guards of the demon race were left in shock. For the first time, they saw someone maintaining equilibrium with demonic qi using spiritual power and blood qi! "This level of demonic qi cannot harm me." "Gu Ming, is this all you''ve got?" Shen Mo''s expression was calm. He was deliberately provoking Gu Ming. Forcing him to use a demonic qi martial skill. Gu Ming would only come close when using that particular move. And Shen Mo was also ready to deploy his true trump card. Gu Ming took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger. Normally, he would never be provoked by Shen Mo''s words. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now, after revealing multiple trump cards and still failing to harm Shen Mo, even his composure was being tested. Moreover, consuming the demonic heart would cause irreversible damage to his body. If the duration was short, he could potentially mitigate or eliminate the residual demonic qi using rare treasures. But if too much time passed, he might truly be demonized, turning into a soulless walking corpse. Proud as he was, how could he tolerate such an outcome? At this point, he had no choice but to use the demonic qi martial skill he had collected. The demonic qi stored in the demonic heart was only enough for one use of this martial skill. "Shen Mo, you deserve to die!" Gu Ming growled, stomping his foot, demonic qi erupting as he lunged forward with ghostly speed. Demonic qi spurted from every pore of his body, instantly forming over a dozen massive tentacles. Each tentacle was dozens of zhang long, as thick as towering trees. All tentacles writhed, like demons dancing, threatening to tear the sky apart. As Gu Ming approached, the tentacles twisted together, attempting to bind Shen Mo! Shen Mo''s body compared to these tentacles was like an ant to an elephant. "Die in my embrace, you can be proud of that!" Gu Ming sneered, accelerating towards Shen Mo. At this moment, the distance between them had narrowed to ten zhang. "Enough." Shen Mo revealed a smile. Gu Ming was stunned. Enough? What did he mean? He saw Shen Mo slowly raise his palm. A white flame, seemingly rising from the nine depths of the underworld, suddenly appeared in his palm, burning quietly. For some reason, the moment he saw the white flame, he felt a chill from head to toe. As if encountering a natural predator, a top-tier predator in the food chain. After brief shock, he realized the one feeling fear was not him, but the demonic qi within him! Demonic qi could actually feel fear! Gu Ming was utterly astonished. Then he saw Shen Mo lower his head, seemingly speaking to the white flame. The flame, almost humanlike, nodded and suddenly burst forth! In an instant, the dozen massive purple-black tentacles were like pork on a cutting board or fat fish in hot oil. Immediately emitting sizzling sounds. A fearful consciousness emanated from them, instinctively trying to retract. But the white flame, like a bone-clinging maggot, wrapped around the purple-black tentacles and rapidly burned towards Gu Ming. Before Gu Ming could react, the white flame entirely enveloped him! Pain! A pain that penetrated his marrow and pierced his soul! It felt as if something in his chest was being directly devoured! Gu Ming let out a terrified cry, "The demonic heart... No, my demonic heart!" Whoosh! The Nine Netherworld Ice Flame shot out from his chest, clearly wrapping a shriveled demonic heart! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 386: I Have No Interest in Explaining to a Dying Demon Chapter 386: I Have No Interest in Explaining to a Dying Demon The cultivators and Dragon Blood Guards all stared wide-eyed and slack-jawed at this scene. The demonic heart... had actually been snatched away? What was that flame? Was it a new spirit flame? When did Shen Mo acquire a third spirit flame?! Whoosh. The Nine Netherworld Ice Flame flickered and disappeared into Shen Mo''s body through his palm. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo smiled slightly. The Nine Netherworld Ice Flame was incredibly lazy, originally reluctant to make a move. However, after Gu Ming consumed the demonic heart, the Nine Netherworld Ice Flame was like a starving man who hadn''t tasted meat in three years suddenly smelling a delicious feast, instantly springing into action. If Shen Mo hadn''t restrained it, the Nine Netherworld Ice Flame would have rushed out immediately. At that time, the distance was too far. If the Nine Netherworld Ice Flame had acted rashly, it might not have been able to completely seize the demonic heart. Bang! Gu Ming''s body fell from the high sky. Like a massive stone crashing into the earth. Dust and smoke instantly rose from the ground. His expression was desperate, seemingly accepting his impending fate. "Never thought I would die in a place like this..." Gu Ming''s despairing wail emerged from the dust. The cultivators were excited, clapping and cheering. No one had expected the invincible Demon Emperor Gu Ming would end up like this! In the crowd, Xue Yue Yue Rong from the Great Snow Palace was anxious. She was the most talented diviner in the Great Snow Palace''s history. Even before this battle began, she had already divined that Gu Ming was not Shen Mo''s match. So, during every exchange between Shen Mo and Gu Ming, she showed no surprise. Her only concern was Gu Ming''s ultimate fate. Her divination showed that Gu Ming would not die, but disappear. No remains, no trace. "My countless divinations targeting him have failed. What about this time?" Yue Rong looked at Shen Mo, seemingly anticipating something. Shen Mo''s expression remained calm, but his inverted palm had already activated a space-locking talisman. Hum! An invisible wave spread out from him, instantly sealing the space within a radius of ten li. Cultivators at the Divine Transformation realm suddenly felt a heart palpitation. They couldn''t help but look around. The mountain was still that mountain, the trees were still those trees, the birds were still those birds. Yet they felt the surrounding scenery was heavier, as if frozen for eternity. Even the color seemed more monotonous. Extremely strange. Cultivators below the Divine Transformation realm barely noticed anything. They continued to stare fixedly at the dust. Expecting to see Gu Ming like a dead dog. Whoosh. Shen Mo flashed, appearing above the dust. He gently waved his hand, and a strong wind blew away the dust concealing Gu Ming''s body. As the dust cleared, Gu Ming''s shocked and angry face was revealed. "You... what exactly did you do? Why can''t my Minor Teleportation Talisman be used!" Gu Ming clutched a talisman, his voice trembling, both shocked and furious. He had deliberately fallen from the sky and raised a large dust cloud to buy time to activate the Minor Teleportation Talisman. Yet after injecting spiritual power, the talisman showed no effect at all. It was as if locked by some force. Shen Mo shook his head, "I have no interest in explaining to a dying demon." With that, he casually struck with a sword. Clang! The sword light fell. The wolf head flew up. Gu Ming''s eyes were wide open, filled with confusion and unwillingness. Thud, thud, thud. The head bounced a few times on the ground before stopping. His headless body sprayed fresh blood and also collapsed. "He''s dead!" "Gu Ming is dead!" No one knew who shouted first. All human cultivators began screaming as if going mad. Incomparably excited, incomparably joyful. It was even more thrilling than breaking through a major realm after cultivating for over a decade or suddenly learning that one''s partner had given birth to a child! Yue Rong''s suspended heart finally relaxed. It seemed Shen Mo had changed fate once again. This young man appeared to be born with a miraculous ability to defy destiny. The Dragon Blood Guards on distant ships were petrified upon seeing Gu Ming beheaded. Having undergone the Dragon Blood Refinement and been brainwashed by Gu Ming, they had become his most loyal subordinates. Now, witnessing Gu Ming''s death, their inner faith had completely collapsed. They were now in utter panic and terror, not knowing where to go. Shen Mo casually commanded, "Kill them all. It''s time to end this." Whoosh. A robust black shadow suddenly burst from the crowd, charging into the ships like a small mountain! The black shadow was like a tiger entering a flock of sheep. Wherever it passed, Dragon Blood Guards were instantly punched to pulp, exploding into masses of flesh! In just a few dozen breaths, all Dragon Blood Guards on three ships were massacred! "Wow! Who was that guy? Such incredible physical strength!" "Looks like someone who cultivates blood qi techniques. Maybe a cultivator from Sea God Island?" The cultivators discussed animatedly, none knowing the identity of the black shadow. Only a few present might have guessed the identity, but they tacitly kept silent. Shen Mo beckoned, and the black shadow returned to his side. Entirely shrouded in black robes, like a towering iron pagoda standing quietly. Emanating a cold aura that warned others to keep their distance. Shen Mo turned to face everyone, finally revealing a smile, "Everyone, we have won!" Tong Yuan bowed, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shen!" Wan Muchun bowed, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shen!" The assembled cultivators bowed, calling out in unison, "Thank you, Senior Shen!" The subsequent events required little involvement from Shen Mo. With Gu Ming dead, the backbone of the Myriad Demon Nation had been removed. This towering tree of a nation would immediately begin to collapse. The human race''s sole task was to pursue victory and exterminate the demon race! Moreover, since most other sects had already returned to their respective mountains, only cultivators from Jade Cauldron Sect, Qian Yuan Sect, and Great Snow Palace remained. The greatest benefits of invading the Myriad Demon Nation''s capital would be divided among these three sects! Any later arriving cultivators would, at most, receive only meager remnants. Five days later, the three sects defeated the Myriad Demon Nation''s main army. Ten days later, they conquered twenty-nine cities in succession, winning battle after battle. One month later, they approached the Myriad Demon Nation''s capital. In three days, the capital was destroyed, with countless demon race members killed. That day, the capital ran with rivers of blood, smoke billowing to the sky. Surviving demon race members retreated to the South and West Seas, seeking refuge with the West Sea King to continue resisting. The South Sea King, Ao Ga, and other South Sea Dragon cultivators had returned to the South Sea, counterattacking the demon race with human cultivators'' help. The remaining demon race could only struggle to survive. In Jade Sea City. The sea surface was filled with fish, shrimp, turtles, and crabs. The city was strewn with fallen human corpses. In the high sky, the confrontation between Ji Ping and the East Sea King had not yet ended. In the initial days, Ji Ping had originally held the advantage. But now, the East Sea King had reversed the tide, suppressing Ji Ping. The East Sea King said disdainfully, "Why persist? You don''t have many years left to live. Why waste your life for this city and country? It''s not worth it!" "This king promises that if you leave, we can act as if nothing happened. You can go wherever you want." Ji Ping, covered in wounds, even his beloved sword cracked, remained unchanged, "I will not retreat." The East Sea King sneered, "Stubborn to the end! Then go die!" At that moment, joyful shouts from human cultivators rose from below. "Great victory! Great victory! Senior Shen Mo has slain the Demon Emperor Gu Ming!" ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 388: The Jing Emperor Has Yet to Pay Respects to the Sword Sovereign Chapter 388: The Jing Emperor Has Yet to Pay Respects to the Sword Sovereign At the moment Shen Mo broke through to the peak of the Divine Transformation realm, his shocking aura surged in all directions. The entire Yu Province, and even half of Qian Province, Mist Province, and Sea Province could feel this tsunami-like aura. People instinctively looked in that direction, born with an innate sense of reverence. "It''s the Young Sect Master breaking through again!" "What realm is the Young Sect Master in now?" "I don''t know, completely don''t know... Even when he beheaded Gu Ming, I felt his realm was as deep as an ocean." The elders of Jade Cauldron Sect exchanged words, none knowing exactly what realm Shen Mo had reached. The Jade Cauldron Sect disciples were even more excited, chattering away. Their faces were full of joy. They felt proud by association. After all, the stronger Shen Mo was, the more face they had. More critically, no one would dare bully them now. All because their Jade Cauldron Sect had Shen Mo, a world-saving supreme powerhouse! Shen Mo flashed and pushed open the door, feeling the warm sunlight and revealing a smile. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Over a dozen figures arrived from all directions, appearing before him. They were Murong Yue, Li Zhendao, Hai Qiankun, Mo Lingxiao and others. Shen Mo nodded, looking pleasantly surprised, "Master, you''ve opened your primordial spirit?" Murong Yue smiled, "During your closed-door cultivation, I also had some fortunate encounters." Li Zhendao laughed heartily, "Elder Murong has indeed had continuous fortunate encounters. The treasures she refined during this period have made even us jealous!" The others burst into laughter. Shen Mo nodded slightly, then asked, "What about my senior brother and senior sister? Any news of their whereabouts?" Everyone exchanged glances and shook their heads. Shen Mo sighed lightly. Zhao Yaoqing and L Dongxian, according to their predetermined fate, would have been killed by Gu Ming. But now that Gu Ming was dead, the two had vanished without a trace. Mo Lingxiao suddenly spoke, "Young Sect Master, there''s something I must tell you." "Speak." "The Sword Sovereign Ji Ping exhausted his life force and fell over a month ago." Shen Mo''s gaze momentarily froze. Ji Ping was a good man who had provided him crucial help. However, even having reached the peak of the Divine Transformation realm, life force was not infinite, and ultimately could not prevent its own end. After a moment''s reflection, Shen Mo smiled, "Sect Master, please convey to all sects that in one month, we shall gather at the capital to pay respects to the Sword Sovereign." Li Zhendao''s spirit lifted, "Excellent! Rest assured, I will ensure the message reaches every sect!" Shen Mo nodded with a smile, "Very good." Then he took Murong Yue''s hand, "Master, let''s take a walk outside." Murong Yue sweetly smiled, "Okay." The news of Shen Mo inviting various sects to pay respects to the Sword Sovereign at the capital spread quickly. Cultivators from north and south were discussing hotly, speculating on Shen Mo''s true intentions behind inviting sects to gather, given his momentum of having killed Gu Ming. Paying respects seemed false; issuing commands seemed the real purpose! Various analyses flew everywhere. Of course, these analyses could not escape one major topic. The imperial court, the Jing Kingdom''s royal family! Jade Cauldron Sect had never had a good relationship with the royal family. If not for the Ten Thousand Demon Nation''s massive invasion, the royal court might have first sought to destroy Jade Cauldron Sect. Under such circumstances, how could Shen Mo not deal with the royal family? Moreover, the Sword Sovereign had already passed away. What was meant to come would ultimately come. How the royal family would respond became a topic of discussion among many cultivators. Even many ordinary people discussed this over tea and meals. Some even wondered if a change of dynasty was imminent. The Jing Emperor, upon receiving this news, fell into constant anxiety. Restless day and night. Afraid that Shen Mo might appear before him and kill him the next moment. This waiting was a torment, especially unbearable. Days passed. But related discussions did not diminish; instead, they grew more intense. The rebuilt capital seemed peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents were surging. Everyone knew Shen Mo was not coming for sightseeing. ... Outside the capital, Mei Mountain. This was the only mountain near the Jing Kingdom''s capital. It was also the royal family''s burial ground. From the founding emperor, a total of eight Jing Emperors were buried here. Not every Jing Emperor lived to be a thousand years old. Most died after several hundred years. One unfortunate emperor was assassinated by the Burning Heaven Hall merely eighteen years into his reign. The Burning Heaven Hall was subsequently destroyed by the imperial court after a hefty bounty was placed on them. Not long ago, a new tomb was added to Meishan. Though he was not the Jing Emperor, he was buried with nearly imperial honors. He was the Sword Sovereign, Ji Ping. The cultivator who spent his life guarding the Kingdom of Jing. At this moment, a large crowd had gathered at the foot of Meishan. Among them were mortals and cultivators alike. Atop Meishan, before the Sword Sovereigns tomb, cultivators from various sects had assembled. Lin Dongtian of the Sacred Spirit Sect, Xue Ziyi of the Shadowless Pavilion, Zhou Mingyi of the Tianhe Sect All had arrived. Not a single one was absent. No one dared to refuse the invitation of the continents strongest. The crowd stood with bowed heads, silent. Only a few from the Qian Yuan Sect and the Sea God Island whispered among themselves. A single thought echoed in their minds. He hasnt come yet? Why hasnt he arrived? At that moment, a streak of light appeared on the horizon. In the next instant, a figure abruptly manifested before the crowd. Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and the others were inwardly startled. Shen Mos arrival had escaped their notice entirely. Had the gap in their strength widened to such an extent?! "Everyone, its been a while." Shen Mo swept his gaze across the assembly, speaking calmly. With just a glance, he could discern who harbored fear and who stood with clear conscience. "Greetings, Senior Shen." The crowd cupped their hands in respect, not daring to show the slightest disrespect. Given Shen Mos current level of cultivation, the title "Senior" was well-deserved. To address him as a peer would have been presumptuous. "No need for formalities. Ive only come to pay my respects to Senior Ji Ping." Shen Mos expression remained placid as he approached Ji Pings tombstone and stood in silent contemplation. After a long pause, he finally turned. "The Kingdom of Jing suffers under the tyranny of the Ten Thousand Demons Nation because its internal factions are divided, breeding chaos." "From this day forth, the eight sects must unite under the imperial court and heed its commands." "Does anyone object?" His words left the crowd stunned. Not just Lin Dongtian and Xue Ziyieven Li Zhendao and Ouyang Lang widened their eyes in disbelief. Sar?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unite under the imperial court? Obey its orders? "Th-That is acceptable," Wang Lang coughed awkwardly. "The Shadowless Pavilion has no objections," Xue Ziyi nodded. "The Jade Cauldron Sect has no objections," Li Zhendao scratched his head and also nodded. "Nor do we," the other sects voiced their agreement one after another. Shen Mo gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze toward the imperial palace and called out in a clear voice, "Jing Emperor, will you not come to pay your respects to the Sword Sovereign?" His voice, infused with spiritual power, surged forth like a raging river. In the blink of an eye, it traversed thousands of feet, reaching straight into the palace. The Jing Emperor, already unsettled, trembled at the sound. "Shen Mo? Where is Shen Mo?" he immediately shouted. Several Shadow Guards appeared at once. "Your Majesty, Shen Mo is at the summit of Meishan. He wishes for you to pay respects to the Sword Sovereign as well." The Jing Emperor froze, pointing at his own nose. "Me? Why should I listen to" He trailed off, realizing the futility of his words. "Fine. Ill go." The Jing Emperor took a deep breath and let out a bitter laugh. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 389: The Old Dragon Awakens Chapter 389: The Old Dragon Awakens At the summit of Mei Mountain. This time, Emperor Jing did not ride in the dragon sedan chair, but came here under the protection of two shadow guards. The crowd parted to make way for him. The looks everyone gave Emperor Jing were different. Some were gloating, some were disdainful and sneering, and some were filled with sighs. Emperor Jing took in all these gazes, his heart filled with immense resentment. He was the emperor of a nation! In normal times, who would dare to look at him with such expressions? With just a glance from him, countless cultivators would kneel in submission! But now "Your Majesty, we have reached the summit," the shadow guard beside him reminded. Only then did Emperor Jing hurriedly raise his head. As soon as he looked up, he met the gaze of the young man at the end of the path. The young man''s eyes were very calm. But Emperor Jing felt as if they were soaked in the eternal, unmelting ice of ten thousand years. It seemed to freeze his very soul. The cultivators around watched Emperor Jing, deep in thought. The fate of Jing Country had, at some point, already slipped away from Emperor Jing. That was why the once high and mighty Emperor Jing, who seemed like a true son of heaven, now appeared like a jester in a tangerine-yellow dragon robe. Without the slightest imperial demeanor. "Shen Mo, why did you summon me to mourn the Sword Sage?" Emperor Jing slowly spoke. Shen Mo directly interrupted him, "I called you here for only one thing." "Abdicate." Emperor Jing''s eyes widened, "Abdicate?!" "You want me to abdicate?! Never!" Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, and others finally began to understand Shen Mo''s meaning. What Shen Mo had said earlier about uniting under the court and obeying the court''s orders did not seem to refer to obeying Emperor Jing or the Jing royal family''s commands "Whether you abdicate or not is not up to you, but up to me." "This time I called you here is not to discuss with you, but to inform you." Shen Mo looked directly into Emperor Jing''s eyes and spoke indifferently. Emperor Jing angrily said, "No! I absolutely will not" Shen Mo casually waved his hand, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged over. Emperor Jing immediately felt as if his mouth had been sealed shut. No matter how hard he tried, turning red with anger and exerting all his strength, he couldn''t make a sound. It was as if an invisible hand had tightly covered his mouth. Everyone could only see Emperor Jing jumping around on the spot like a jester. Shen Mo continued, "You are all bark and no bite, good at plotting but indecisive, reluctant to take risks for great matters, and willing to risk your life for small gains." "You are not fit to be Emperor Jing anymore." "Do you have any objections?" Shen Mo glanced at the two shadow guards beside Emperor Jing. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The shadow guards looked at each other and shook their heads repeatedly, "We dare not, we have no objections." Shen Mo calmly said, "Let the royal family choose a prince to serve as Emperor Jing." "In addition, the court will form a cabinet to assist Emperor Jing in governing the country. Each sect will assign a cultivator at the Divine Transformation stage to serve as a cabinet member." "The elder of Jade Cauldron Sect will serve as the chief, with greater responsibilities." After saying this, Shen Mo looked around, "I have finished speaking. Are there any objections?" Everyone lowered their heads and dared not make a sound. When your fist is strong, your words are the truth. Who would dare to object? "Very well, then I leave this place to you," Shen Mo nodded, and with a flash, he disappeared. After Shen Mo left, the crowd dared to raise their heads and whisper to each other. Any sensible person could tell. This was not about the eight sects uniting under the court and obeying the court''s orders. It was about choosing a puppet to serve as Emperor Jing. The cabinet was a tool to monitor the puppet emperor. On the surface, the eight sects obeyed the court, but in reality, they obeyed the orders of Jade Cauldron Sect! However, they still dared not voice any objections. After the destruction of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, half of the vast territory in the southern part of the continent fell into the hands of Jade Cauldron Sect. The remaining parts were divided among Qianyuan Sect, Great Snow Palace, Sea God Island, and Tianhe Sect. As for the Sacred Spirit Sect, the Shadowless Pavilion, and the Mad Blade Alliance, they didn''t even get a taste. Jade Cauldron Sect had the largest area, the deepest heritage, and the strongest power. The combined strength of the other seven sects could not compare to that of Jade Cauldron Sect now. "Strange, why didn''t Brother Shen just kill Emperor Jing?" Shi Jingtian couldn''t help but mutter. Du Cangqing whispered, "Brother Shen doesn''t need to. Naturally, there are people who will do it for him to ingratiate themselves." "Speaking out in public would just give them ammunition." Shi Jingtian''s eyes widened, "So that''s how it is! Brother Shen truly is something! He''s got a mind full of cunning schemes!" Du Cangqing was left speechless, "Do you even know how to speak properly? Be careful or your father will give you a good slap!" Shi Jingtian quickly covered his mouth, "I was wrong... I was wrong..." A few days later, the new policies were implemented. Emperor Jing issued an edict, voluntarily abdicating without any coercion. The new Emperor Jing was to be the eighteenth prince, who had never been favored by Emperor Jing. This prince had no mother. He was merely a child born to Emperor Jing and a palace maid. The poor maid had thought she would become a consort, but after giving birth, she was framed and killed. Such a new emperor clearly suited the interests of all parties involved. Moreover, the court established a cabinet, with each sect assigning one person to serve as a cabinet member. The chief of the cabinet was to be a cultivator from the Jade Cauldron Sect. The cabinet would assist the new Emperor Jing in handling state affairs and unite the eight sects. The common people were all abuzz with discussion. In every street and alley, before and after meals, everyone was talking about it. Everyone knew that things had clearly changed. Anyone with a bit of sense could understand the hidden implications behind the "voluntary abdication" and the "cabinet." However, these discussions quickly died down over time. With a new emperor, the lives of the common people didn''t change much. So, it was just like usual. The only benefit was that people no longer had to worry about the Ten Thousand Demon Nation launching a northern invasion, nor did they have to fear becoming slaves or livestock for the demon race. Another year passed. The Western Sea King died in battle, and the Western Sea water demons submitted. The Northern Sea King came to the mountain gate of the Jade Cauldron Sect and pledged allegiance to Shen Mo. The Eastern Sea King gathered a large number of surviving demons and water demons from the Ten Thousand Demon Nation and launched a desperate attack on the Jade Cauldron Sect once again, only to be annihilated by Shen Mo on the coast of the Eastern Sea. With this, the demon race was pacified, and the four seas were cleared. All the noise from the outside world was irrelevant to Shen Mo. At this moment, he sat alone above the Eastern Sea, gazing into the far east. Even though he had reached the peak of the Divine Transformation stage, he still couldn''t see the end of the Eastern Sea. It was still a seamless blend of water and sky, a vast expanse of blue. There wasn''t a trace of the Demon-Subduing Sea in sight. In Shen Mo''s mind, the description of the Spirit Palace stage from the Divine Thunder Demon-Subduing Scripture emerged. He couldn''t view it before when his cultivation was insufficient. Now that he had reached the peak of the Divine Transformation stage, the subsequent content revealed itself naturally. "To enter the Spirit Palace stage, one must forge a spirit palace to protect the divine soul." "Every spirit palace of a Spirit Palace cultivator is not exactly the same, but one thing is certain: the bigger, the better." "To forge a spirit palace, one must first lay a solid foundation." "One must separate a part of the divine soul to build the foundation; this is a task that requires great patience and effort." Shen Mo exhaled a breath of turbid air. He had already tried to lay the foundation. However... after a whole year, he had only managed to lay a foundation an inch long. It was far too short. No wonder it was said that advancing from the Divine Transformation stage to the Spirit Palace stage was incredibly slow. Just this step alone could exhaust those old cultivators whose lifespan was running out. "Hmm? Such a powerful aura!" Shen Mo suddenly felt a pang of anxiety and instinctively turned around, only to find an astonishing aura bursting above the Jade Cauldron Sect. The aura was incredibly familiar. "It''s the old dragon awakening!" Shen Mo was somewhat surprised. After such a long time, the old fellow had finally awakened! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 390: The Will of the Heavenly Dao Summons Ao Yan’s Gift Chapter 390: The Will of the Heavenly Dao Summons Ao Yan''s Gift Above the Jade Cauldron Sect, the old dragon''s enduring laughter echoed. "Hahahahaha! I''ve reached the seventh rank! I''m truly amazing! Phew, like a real dragon!" Cultivators like Li Zhendao, Hai Qiankun, and Mo Lingxiao rushed over to congratulate him. The old dragon looked puzzled, "You two, aren''t you the leaders of Pill River Sect and Supreme Purity Sect? Why are you here at my Jade Cauldron Sect? Looking for trouble?" He bared his teeth and grimaced. It seemed that if they didn''t have a good answer, he would give them a good thrashing. Hai Qiankun and Mo Lingxiao gave an awkward smile. Li Zhendao, with a wry smile, quickly explained the unification of the three sects. The old dragon''s face was full of surprise, "There''s such a thing? I didn''t expect so much to happen while I was in slumber!" "Where''s Shen Mo? He did a great job! I''ve missed him so much!" He stirred his divine consciousness, scanning the entire sect, and didn''t find Shen Mo, but was very pleased. "Not bad, Li Zhendao, the number of people in the sect has increased a lot compared to before, and it seems like our territory has also expanded a bit..." When he said "a bit," he seemed a little hesitant. Hai Qiankun chuckled, "It''s more than just a bit." Li Zhendao smiled, "The entire Ten Thousand Demon Nation has now been destroyed. Half of the land in the southern part of the continent belongs to us, the Jade Cauldron Sect!" The old dragon''s face was full of astonishment, "What? You''re not joking with me, right?" Li Zhendao and the others exchanged glances, then recounted the death of Gu Ming and the destruction of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation in detail. After listening, the old dragon was unable to calm down for a long time, and after a while, he said, "Wow..." "That kid Shen Mo... has become so powerful?!" "Where is he? I want to see him even more!" As he was speaking, a streak of light appeared on the horizon. Shen Mo''s cheerful laughter followed, "Protector of the Sect, long time no see." The old dragon was overjoyed, "Shen Mo! You''ve given me such a pleasant surprise!" Shen Mo just smiled. He was also happy for the old dragon. Originally, the old dragon''s predetermined fate was to be consumed by the third incarnation of Ao Huang. However, now that the old dragon had reached the seventh rank, The third incarnation of Ao Huang, which had yet to appear, should still be at the sixth rank, and might even have died at some point. After all, the number of dragons that Shen Mo had slain recently was countless. The old dragon''s inevitable death had long been averted. That "Ao Huang" probably no longer had a chance to be resurrected. Shen Mo was about to speak when he suddenly felt a pang of anxiety for no reason. Not just him, but Li Zhendao, Mo Lingxiao, and Hai Qiankun beside him also instinctively started, all looking up at the sky. The old dragon sighed softly, "What has to come will come, but... it''s too soon, isn''t it?" Shen Mo seemed to be thinking. Could it be the will of the Heavenly Dao? In the next moment, the clear sky suddenly filled with golden light. The golden light quickly condensed, and in the blink of an eye, it formed a huge golden scroll. On the golden scroll, there were characters written with the flourish of dragons and phoenixes. Each stroke seemed to be imbued with the rules of the universe, in harmony with the principles of heaven and earth. It made people involuntarily bow in worship and immerse themselves in it. "Dragon Ao Yan, having reached the seventh rank, is now summoned to serve as a demon-subduing guard in the Demon-Subduing Sea. No disobedience is allowed. Disobey the order and be erased!" In the sky, an ancient and ruthless voice slowly sounded. It was grand and powerful, echoing through the heavens. "Yes, Ao Yan accepts the order," the old dragon sighed softly and said in a low voice. He turned to Shen Mo and the others, "Everyone, I''ve been summoned. Let''s meet again in the Demon-Subduing Sea!" Li Zhendao and the others nodded solemnly. Shen Mo said earnestly, "Senior Ao Yan, take care." "Alright, I''ll be waiting for you in the Demon-Subduing Sea. I guess it won''t be long before you reach the Spirit Palace stage," Ao Yan laughed heartily. "Oh, and in my place of residence, I''ve left something for you. Remember to use it well." "And my son, take good care of him!" After Ao Yan finished speaking, his figure was enveloped by the golden scroll and disappeared in an instant. Shen Mo''s eyebrows twitched. What did Ao Yan leave for him? Could it be something that could speed up the advancement to the Spirit Palace stage? Shen Mo was lost in thought, about to ask Li Zhendao and the others, when he saw them all momentarily dazed. After a moment, Mo Lingxiao said strangely, "Why are we standing here?" Hai Qiankun was surprised, "Didn''t we come to find the Protector of the Sect? Why did the Protector disappear?" Li Zhendao shook his head, "I don''t know." Shen Mo turned around and looked at the other cultivators in the sect. They also didn''t know what had happened and looked bewildered. Shen Mo seemed to be thinking. It seemed that the memory of that moment had been collectively erased by the will of the Heavenly Dao. But why could he still remember it clearly? Shen Mo couldn''t figure it out, so he stopped thinking about it. He went straight to the place where the old dragon had slept for many years. There was a huge pit here. There were very few things at the bottom of the pit. Shen Mo scanned around and finally found what Ao Yan had left here. A bottle. Inside the bottle was a drop of still warm blood. "The essence blood of a seventh-rank beast..." Shen Mo''s heart moved. This should be the essence blood that Ao Yan had condensed after just reaching the seventh rank. He didn''t expect that Ao Yan had forced it out at the fastest speed and left it behind. He must have guessed that the will of the Heavenly Dao would not give any leeway and had to leave this drop of essence blood as soon as possible. "Thank you!" Shen Mo took a deep breath, looked to the far east, and bowed deeply. This drop of seventh-rank beast''s essence blood, although it didn''t help much in improving the spirit power level, was greatly beneficial to the improvement of the blood qi level! If he could break through the blood qi level to the Respected One level, it would be equivalent to the level of a Spirit Palace cultivator. At that time, he would also be summoned by the will of the Heavenly Dao and sent to the Demon-Subduing Sea. During this period of cultivation, Shen Mo had already felt that since both his spirit power level and blood qi level had reached the current peak, it had become extremely difficult to continue growing. The quality of the spiritual energy in the world was too low, and it required a huge amount of spiritual energy to condense into a wisp of spirit power and improve the spirit power level. The rate of absorbing life essence was also too slow, which similarly affected the improvement of the blood qi level. This meant that he had to go to the Demon-Subduing Sea. "I will focus on cultivating now. I must make good use of this drop of essence blood." Shen Mo informed the others and then found a quiet place in the Qingcang Mountains to start cultivating day and night. Spring passed and autumn came, and the fallen leaves on the ground had already accumulated ten layers. Shen Mo sat motionless in the center of the valley, his body as still as a stone sculpture. During these ten years, there was originally a drop of essence blood the size of a fist in front of him, rising and falling. But now, the essence blood had shrunk to the size of a little finger. Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And it was still shrinking at an extremely fast speed, merging into his body. At a certain moment, the essence blood completely disappeared. A deafening roar sounded deep within Shen Mo''s body. It was as if ten thousand ancient giant elephants were rushing from the river of history and colliding into his body! Every muscle, every inch of skin, and every bone in his body was being tempered by the force of the giant elephants at this moment. They became incredibly tough and refined! Shen Mo suddenly opened his eyes, with a strange light flickering at the bottom of his eyes. The power of ten thousand giant elephants! He had cultivated the fourth level of the Divine Elephant Prison-Breaking Technique, opened ten thousand giant elephant particles, and awakened the power of ten thousand giant elephants. His cultivation level also naturally entered the Respected One level at this moment! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 391: Eating Hot Pot and Singing When Suddenly Taken by Heaven’s Will Chapter 391: Eating Hot Pot and Singing When Suddenly Taken by Heaven''s Will Boom! A pillar of blood-colored light shot up from the ground, straight into the sky. The light pillar was magnificent and vast, completely lacking the evil and domineering aura of the demon race. At the moment the light pillar appeared, cultivators across the entire continent, regardless of what they were doing, stopped and looked in that direction. Such earth-shattering commotion clearly indicated that someone had advanced from the Emperor Realm to the Venerable Realm! At first, many cultivators worried it might be surviving demons who had encountered some fortuitous opportunity and advanced to the Demon Venerable Realm. But after sensing that the light pillar didn''t contain the brutal aura of demons, they breathed sighs of relief. Not demonshumans were good. So who was it? Cultivators everywhere gazed toward the direction of the light pillar. They roughly pinpointed Yu Province. A figure rose in everyone''s mind. Is it him? No way, this quickly! At Holy Spirit Sect. Lin Dongtian''s face showed pleasant surprise as he quickly stood up. During this period, he had been cultivating day and night, and with several fortunate encounters, he finally reached the perfection of the Divine Transformation Realm. "I''ve reached the perfection of Divine Transformation! Shen Mo should be at the pinnacle of Divine Transformation, so the gap between us isn''t that great anymore." "Give me ten years, and I''ll definitely catch up to him!" Lin Dongtian felt a moment of joy. Just then, he suddenly felt an inexplicable palpitation. He looked around but found nothing unusual. As he was about to shake his head to dispel this strange feeling, from the corner of his eye, he inadvertently glimpsed the blood-colored pillar of light outside the window. "That is..." Just one glance was enough for him to sense the terrifying blood energy! He could never be a match for the owner of that blood energy! That blood energy was far stronger than Ancient Darkness! It couldn''t be merely the Emperor Realm; it must be the Venerable Realm above Emperor! "Where did that light pillar come from?" Lin Dongtian leaped several times to reach the highest point of the Holy Spirit Sect''s entrance. Looking into the distance, he discovered the light pillar was coming from Yu Province! His heart became even more unsettled. "There aren''t many people in Yu Province who cultivate blood energy techniques." "It must be Shen Mo..." "How can his cultivation speed be so fast?" Lin Dongtian felt a wave of despair in his heart. We''re both supposed to be geniuses, but compared to him, I seem like a mediocrity. "However..." Lin Dongtian''s thoughts suddenly took a turn. He also knew about the existence of the Demon Suppression Sea. Moreover, he knew that once someone reached the Divine Palace Realm or Venerable Realm, they would be summoned by Heaven''s Will and dispatched to the Demon Suppression Sea. This meant... since Shen Mo had advanced to the Venerable Realm, he would soon leave! Shen Mo, the continent''s strongest person, was leaving! Lin Dongtian''s expression brightened. This could be a crucial opportunity! The Holy Spirit Sect had long coveted the territories occupied by the Jade Tripod Sect! Shadowless Pavilion, Heavenly River Sect, Qianyuan Sect, Sea God Island... various sects all witnessed this earth-shaking scene at the same time, their hearts incredibly shocked. More or less, they all thought of the same thing. The departure of Shen Mo, the continent''s strongest person, would inevitably create a vacuum of power. Previously, Shen Mo could single-handedly fight against many, suppressing all enemies. But with Shen Mo gone, could the Jade Tripod Sect still defend such vast territories? Moreover, no human or demon sent to the Demon Suppression Sea had ever returned to the continent. This meant they could take action against the Jade Tripod Sect without worrying about Shen Mo! At Qingcang Mountain Range. Li Zhendao, Hai Qiankun, Murong Yue, and other Divine Transformation Realm cultivators rushed in from all directions. Shen Mo hovered in mid-air, looking at everyone. Everyone''s expressions were somewhat uneasy. They knew Shen Mo would eventually be summoned by Heaven''s Will. But none expected it would happen so quickly. Shen Mo had become the backbone of the Jade Tripod Sect. Now that Shen Mo was leaving, the Jade Tripod Sect, occupying such vast territories, would likely face attacks from all sides. Other sects would certainly be happy to tear off a piece or two from the Jade Tripod Sect. Shen Mo smiled calmly, "Everyone, don''t worry, I''ve prepared for this long ago." "The Divine Transformation Realm and Nascent Soul Realm cultivators on this list have excellent aptitude and character, all capable of shouldering important responsibilities." "Some can be cultivated as sect seeds, others are suited for combat. What you need to do is nurture them well." Shen Mo lightly flicked his finger, passing a list to Li Zhendao. He had already examined the life panels of these people in his spare time, which was why he could confidently entrust it to Li Zhendao. "Good!" Li Zhendao nodded firmly. This was indeed valuable. Since Shen Mo believed these people could handle important responsibilities, he had no worries and could employ them immediately. Shen Mo continued, "I''ve previously obtained many cultivation techniques, combat skills, and precious materials, but they''re of no use to me now." He took out a storage ring and handed it to Murong Yue, "Master, I give this to you." Murong Yue solemnly replied, "Alright, I''ll ensure they don''t go to waste." Shen Mo smiled. The Jade Cauldron Sect was like his second home, so naturally he wanted to settle everything before leaving. At that moment, numerous golden lights appeared in the sky. In an instant, they condensed into a golden scroll. Golden characters manifested on the scroll. An ancient and vast voice followed. "Human Shen Mo, having advanced to the Venerable Realm, is hereby summoned to serve as a Guardian at the Demon Suppression Sea. No defiance permitted. Violation means annihilation!" Shen Mo laughed lightly, "Everyone, I''m leaving." "Young Sect Master, farewell!" Li Zhendao, Hai Qiankun, Mo Lingxiao, Wan Muchun, Murong Yue, and others cupped their hands toward him from a distance. Tears welled in their eyes. Shen Mo smiled. However, he suddenly noticed more golden light appearing at the horizon. More and more golden scrolls materialized in the sky. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Human Li Zhendao, at Divine Transformation Realm perfection, is hereby summoned to serve as a Guardian at the Demon Suppression Sea. No defiance permitted. Violation means annihilation!" "Human Mo Lingxiao, at Divine Transformation Realm perfection, is hereby summoned to serve as a Guardian at the Demon Suppression Sea. No defiance permitted. Violation means annihilation!" "Human Wan Muchun, at Divine Transformation Realm perfection, is hereby summoned to serve as a Guardian at the Demon Suppression Sea. No defiance permitted. Violation means annihilation!" "..." Li Zhendao, Mo Lingxiao, Wan Muchun, and others were completely dumbfounded. How the hell am I being summoned too?! Li Zhendao, quick of eye and hand, hurriedly passed the list to Murong Yue. Then he looked at Hai Qiankun, who wasn''t being summoned due to his lower cultivation level, "Elder Hai, Elder Murong, the sect is now in your hands!" Murong Yue and Hai Qiankun were still bewildered. What? Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several figures including Shen Mo were instantly enveloped by golden light, disappearing without a trace. "Has Heaven''s Will lowered its summoning threshold to Divine Transformation Realm perfection now?" Hai Qiankun was astonished. Murong Yue shook her head, "I''m not sure, but this situation is likely happening beyond just our Jade Cauldron Sect." Hai Qiankun was startled and immediately ordered, "Quick, gather intelligence from all other sects!" As they expected, the same scene occurred in various sects across different regions. Lin Dongtian, Xue Ziyi, Tong Yuan, Ouyang Lang, Wang Lang, Zhou Mingyi, and other cultivators who had reached Divine Transformation Realm perfection or above were all immediately summoned. Additionally, the South Sea King, North Sea King, and many water demons were also summoned by Heaven''s Will. It was like eating hot pot and singing when suddenly taken by Heaven''s Will. They didn''t even have a chance to say goodbye to their families. This news quickly spread throughout the continent. Many became deeply worried. The conditions for Heaven''s Will''s summons had never changed before. Now they had suddenly been lowered. Clearly, there was only one answer. The Demon Suppression Sea was in dire straits! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 392: First Arrival at the Demon Suppression Sea Chapter 392: First Arrival at the Demon Suppression Sea Shen Mo''s consciousness gradually cleared. When he regained his vision, he discovered himself standing on unfamiliar ground. The surrounding terrain was flat and unobstructed. Numerous dwellings stood upon the earth. On streets paved with thick stone slabs, many pedestrians came and went. These people had varying cultivation levels. But at minimum, they possessed Foundation Establishment Realm strength. They seemed unsurprised by Shen Mo''s confusion. Their clothing styles were ancient, resembling fashions from a thousand years ago. Moreover, everyone was busy with their own tasks, rarely stopping to rest. After a short while, Shen Mo witnessed two people getting into a conflict, coming to blows. The reason for the conflict was trivial. It was merely because one person''s combat technique practice disturbed another who was cutting vegetables and cooking. The two began fighting, and soon blood was flowing from their heads. People around them showed no concern, completely indifferent. Before long, both combatants were injured, dragged away by their respective relatives, ending the farce. "Oh? You look like a newcomer, just arrived?" A strong voice sounded behind Shen Mo. Shen Mo looked carefully and saw a bald, muscular man approaching, standing ten feet tall. He wore purple-black armor, with a fierce tiger head carved on the breastplate. Even just standing still, he exuded an extremely fierce aura. Shen Mo sensed that, like himself, this person was also a cultivator of a blood energy technique, having reached the Venerable Realm. The bald warrior stepped forward, nearly pressing his large head into Shen Mo''s face. "You''re the only cultivator summoned by Heaven''s Will in several hundred years. Tell me, how is Jing Nation faring now?" Shen Mo stepped back, "Jing Nation is doing well. The Ten Thousand Demons Nation is gone, and people live in peace." The bald warrior''s eyes widened, "What? The Ten Thousand Demons Nation is gone?" He quickly lowered his voice, "Shh, whether it''s true or not, never spread such words loudly, or you''ll suffer the consequences." Shen Mo was puzzled but didn''t immediately question this. Instead, he asked another question. "When I was summoned by Heaven''s Will, several Divine Transformation Realm perfection and peak cultivators were also summoned. Where are they?" The bald warrior raised his eyebrows, "Even Divine Transformation Realm perfection and peak cultivators are being summoned now?" He waved his hand, "If they were summoned, they must be at the Demon Suppression Sea, and Heaven''s Will ensures their safety, so you can rest assured about that." "However, the Demon Suppression Sea is vast and boundless. They might not be in this Demon Suppression Fortress." "Don''t worry, you''ll eventually meet them." Demon Suppression Fortress? Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More than one? Shen Mo''s confusion grew. On the continent, information about the Demon Suppression Sea was extremely limited; everything required questioning to get answers. "Your teleportation location by Heaven''s Will was somewhat off. Theoretically, you should have been sent directly into the Demon Suppression Fortress, or at least to the Guardian Barracks." The bald warrior scratched his head, "Anyway, come with me, I''ll take you there." Shen Mo nodded, "Thank you, friend." The bald warrior smiled, "We''ve all started as low-level Guardians, so helping is natural." Speaking, he pointed to the gigantic wall in the distance that almost reached the clouds. "See that? That''s our Black Tortoise Fortress, eight hundred zhang high." Shen Mo gazed at the massive, towering fortress, showing surprise. The two headed toward the Black Tortoise Fortress, conversing as they walked. Through this, Shen Mo learned the bald warrior''s name and identity. His name was Shi Dingyue, currently a Profound-rank Guardian of the Black Tortoise Fortress. Beings summoned by Heaven''s Will all started as Guardians. Guardians were divided into four ranks: Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven. One had to bravely slay demons and accumulate military merits to advance in rank. Above Guardians were Demon Suppression Generals. However, Demon Suppression Generals were extremely rare. Each General was the leader of a Demon Suppression Fortress. Unless exceptionally powerful demons attacked the fortress, they would not take action. Before long, under Shi Dingyue''s guidance, Shen Mo arrived at the Guardian Barracks below the fortress. This military camp covered a vast area. The surrounding buildings were diverse. Taverns, teahouses, pastry shops even brothels. Far more prosperous than where Shen Mo had been earlier. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. These buildings seemed to have been built around the military camp. "We''ve arrived. This is the Demon Suppression Guard Camp." Shi Dingyue smiled. "Since you''ve been conscripted as a Demon Suppression Guard, you''ll need to register with the commander on duty today." Shen Mo nodded. The two of them, one in front and one behind, arrived at the camp''s entrance. At the entrance, two cultivators in black armor stood guard. The aura they exuded was fierce. Their four eyes scanned the surroundings menacingly. Enough to deter any troublemakers. Seeing Shi Dingyue approach, their expressions subtly changed. There was even a hint of disdain. "Brother Shi? Aren''t you off duty today? What are you doing at the camp?" "Yeah, Brother Shi, we only get one day off a month. You should cherish itgo have some fun at the brothel!" The two chuckled. Shi Dingyue laughed heartily. "I was supposed to be off today, but after a few drinks, I saw this guy standing in the middle of the road." "He''s a Demon Suppression Guard conscripted by the will of the Heavenly Dao. There was a slight issue with his teleportation location, so I figured Id bring him straight to the camp." Only then did the two guards glance at Shen Mo. They didnt see anything unusual about him. So they withdrew their gazes. "You sure are kind, Brother Shi." They laughed. Shi Dingyue waved his hand. "Who''s the duty commander today?" The Demon Suppression Guard on the left replied, "Commander Zhong Baisheng." Shi Dingyue nodded. "Alright, I''ll head over then." Shen Mo followed. The two of them entered the Demon Suppression Guard Camp. Stepping inside, Shen Mo felt as if he had entered another world. Even the air here seemed filled with an intense, battle-hungry energy. Everyone had bulging muscles and sturdy physiques. Completely different from the cultivators of Jing Kingdom, who focused solely on spiritual power and neglected physical training. Shi Dingyue noticed his gaze and laughed. "Surprised, huh?" "Let me tell you, most Demon Suppression Guards here practice blood energy techniques to some extent." "You have tootherwise, you wont last on the battlefield against demonic energy." "But you seem strong and well-built. Youve trained in blood energy techniques, right?" Shen Mo nodded. "Thats good. Your survival rate will be much higher." Shi Dingyue laughed carelessly. Shen Mos mouth twitched. Was the survival rate of Demon Suppression Guards that low? "Look, thats the commander''s tent." After walking a bit further, Shi Dingyue pointed at the imposing tent ahead with a grin. Shen Mo nodded. "Shi Squad Leader, what business do you have?" The two soldiers at the tent entrance didnt waste words and asked directly. Shi Dingyue explained the situation. "Shi Squad Leader, please wait outside. Yougo in alone." One of the soldiers pointed at Shen Mo. Shen Mo showed no fear. He nodded and strode confidently into the tent. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 394: No One Wants to Take the Risk of Claiming Him Chapter 394: No One Wants to Take the Risk of Claiming Him The four exchanged glances. Finally, the dark-skinned Li Heitan lowered his voice and said, Brother Shen, Ill tell you. He let out a soft sigh. There are two types of Demon-Suppressing Guards. One type is like you and the bossconscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards. You have to reach the Divine Palace Realm or Venerable Realm to be conscripted. But sometimes the standards are lowered, usually only when the war gets intense. The other type is usordinary Demon-Suppressing Guards born and raised in the Demon-Suppressing Sea. As long as your realm reaches the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm or the Silver Crown Emperor Realm, you can enter the Demon-Suppressing Fortress. So, everyone assumes conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards are stronger. Li Heitan continued, The boss was initially held in high regard. The commander personally trained him and even made him a personal guard. But the bosss blood crown wasnt as impressive as they thoughtjust a six-layer blood crown. Worse yet, theres something strange about his body. His realm fluctuates wildly. At its peak, he reached the Heavenly Crown Venerable Realm; at its lowest, he barely held onto the Silver Crown Venerable Realm. Li Heitan gave an awkward smile. Now, after over five hundred years, his realm still swings up and down. The only good news is that he can more or less maintain it around the Silver Crown Venerable Realm. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. For most cultivators breaking into the Venerable Realm from the Emperor Realm, forming a blood crown was essential. The better the cultivation technique, the stronger the blood crown formed. The lowest was one layer, the highest nine. Shen Mo cultivated the Divine Elephant Prison-Suppressing Strength, so he didnt need to form a blood crownjust steadily awaken the bodys particles. He also knew the minor divisions of the Venerable Realm. Ordinary Venerable Realm, Silver Crown Venerable Realm, Gold Crown Venerable Realm, Heavenly Crown Venerable Realm. As blood qi cultivation progressed, the blood crown would take on different hues. These corresponded to the minor realms. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When hed been around Shi Dingyue, hed noticed Shi Dingyues aura fluctuating, lacking stability. Now, hearing Li Heitans explanation, it made sense. There was something odd about Shi Dingyues body. It could be an innate constitution, a unique cultivation technique, or maybe some strange natural treasure hed consumed. Zhao Xin picked up the thread. That Sha Rilang used to be a Demon-Suppressing Guard under the bosss command. Once, on their way back from a victory, they were ambushed by a horde of demons. A lot of Demon-Suppressing Guards died, and at a critical moment, the bosss realm suddenly dropped. Sha Rilang lost half his face and an arm because of it. Hes hated the boss ever since, thinking hes all reputation and no substance. Shen Mo nodded in understanding. With a cultivators recovery abilities and miraculous elixirs, healing injuries wasnt hard. But Sha Rilangs face had healed poorly. His left arm hadnt regrown either. That meant it had to be demonic qi that injured him. Shen Mo sighed lightly. Looked at this way, Sha Rilang was being a bit unreasonable. Shi Dingyue never spoke harshly to Sha Rilang, likely out of guilt. Zhao Xin shook his head. Lets drop it. Brother Shen, tell us about the continent. Whats it like? Li Heitan chimed in eagerly, Yeah, yeah! We grew up in the Demon-Suppressing Sea and really want to know what the continents like. Sun Kong said excitedly, Whats Jing Kingdom like? My grandpa said our ancestors came from Jiang Province. Whats that place like? Is it really a land of fish and rice? Li He asked shyly, Brother Shen, my ancestors were from Wu Province. Whats Wu Province like? Can you tell me? Suddenly, all four crowded around Shen Mo. Shen Mo chuckled helplessly. Alright, alright, one at a time. No rush. Jing Kingdom is divided into nine provinces, which are Inside the forward army commanders tent. Zhong Baisheng sat with sixteen centurions lined up on either side of him. The sixteen centurions varied in expression, but each had a broad, muscular build and a powerful physique. Next to each of them were three documents. Each corresponded to one of three people. Three conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards. Youve all read them, right? Zhong Baisheng said calmly. Pick now. No sooner had Zhong Baisheng spoken than a burly, bear-like man raised his hand. Commander, Ill take this Lin Dongtian. Were both from the Holy Spirit Sect, after all. Zhong Baisheng nodded slightly. Fine. Lin Dongtians yours. After a while, a lean, wiry man raised his hand and said, Commander, Ill take this Zhou Mingyi. He seems like an honest guy. Zhong Baisheng nodded. Good. Then, a long silence followed. No one spoke. Zhong Baisheng frowned. Theres still one left. No one wants him? The centurions exchanged glances but remained silent. After a while, one centurion finally spoke in a low voice, Commander, were worried this guy might be like Shi Dingyue As soon as he said this, more centurions nodded in agreement. Who knows what Shen Mos real strength is? What if hes just someone who got lucky and broke through to the Venerable Realm? Compared to him, those conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards who havent yet reached the Divine Palace Realm or Venerable Realm are more worth training. At least we can see what kind of divine palace or blood crown theyll end up forming. Another centurion said impatiently, Commander Zhong, you should know how we all feel. Shi Dingyue only broke into the Venerable Realm back then because he consumed a ten-thousand-year deep-sea dragon ginseng, getting conscripted by the Will of the Heavenly Dao out of nowhere. But his blood crown is only six layersnot exactly impressive. According to the rules set by the Will of the Heavenly Dao, we have to do everything we can to keep conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards alive for the first ten years. How many lives were lost protecting Shi Dingyue back then? Are the lives of conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guards the only ones that matter? Dont the lives of us ordinary Demon-Suppressing Guards count? No one knows what Shen Mos strength really is. No one wants to take the risk of putting him under their command. I dont care what the others think, but I, Xiong Yuanshan, will say this: hes definitely not joining my squad! The centurion finished in one breath, heedless of the others stares. Zhong Baisheng sighed lightly. I understand your concerns. Heres the deal: whoevers willing to take him under their command will get priority access to combat supplies for the next five years. If he underperforms within three years, the centurion can request to transfer him to another squad. Hows that? After Zhong Baishengs words, the sixteen centurions expressions softened considerably. Priority replenishment for five years was already a significant concession. Ill do it. My unit lost too many people in the last big battle. Were short-handed. A rugged, broad-shouldered figure stepped forward. If not for the slight curve at her chest, no one would have pegged her as a woman. Good, Ning Tianying. Hes yours. Zhong Baisheng let out a breath of relief and waved his hand. The sixteen centurions filed out. As they left the commanders tent, Xiong Yuanshan shook his head. Ning Tianying, youve already got Shi Dingyue under you, and now you want Shen Mo too? What if hes like Shi Dingyue? Wont you end up with two deadweights? Ning Tianying smiled. Who isnt a deadweight when they first arrive at the Demon-Suppressing Sea? As for Shi Dingyue, I can tell he wants to get stronger and wash away his shame. Its just a pity the effects of that ten-thousand-year deep-sea dragon ginseng are still messing with his body. Xiong Yuanshan sighed lightly and didnt press further. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 395: Your Rank Symbolizes Your Identity Chapter 395: Your Rank Symbolizes Your Identity The next day. Just as dawn broke faintly. Shen Mo heard a loud, resonant voice from outside the tent. Everyone up! Centurion Ning has arrived! Inside the tent, Shi Dingyue, Li Heitan, and the others jolted awake, scrambling to their feet. Shen Mo paused, confused. Whos Centurion Ning? Shi Dingyue said gravely, My direct superior, Centurion Ning Tianying! It seems youve indeed been assigned to her command. Shen Mo nodded thoughtfully. He followed Shi Dingyue and the others outside the tent. Outside, the Demon-Suppressing Guards were already standing like cedar trees, not daring to move an inch. Shen Mo could see the neighboring tent, where Sha Rilang was also leading his men to stand solemnly, not slacking in the slightest. Thud! Footsteps approached. Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It felt as if the ground itself was trembling. Shen Mo immediately spotted a towering, burly figure striding toward them. Broad-shouldered, thick-waisted, and powerfully built. The sheer size alone exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure. But then No Adams apple. Shen Mo realizedshe was a woman! He couldnt help but marvel. For a woman to forge such a physique was far harder than for a man. Yet because of that, if she succeeded, a woman of the same build would outmatch a man! Because theyd excel even more in technique! Shen Mo! Ning Tianyings gaze swept over Shi Dingyue and the others, finally landing on Shen Mo. Yes! Ning Tianying said calmly, I dont know what you were before the Will of the Heavenly Dao conscripted you. I dont care if you were once a sect leader above millions, a king ruling a nation, or a wealthy merchant tycoon. Once youre here, youre just a Demon-Suppressing Guarda lowly Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard! Your military rank is what symbolizes your identity! Your battle merits are what represent your wealth! From now on, youre a Demon-Suppressing Guard under my command, led by Shi Dingyue. Understood? Shen Mo nodded earnestly. Centurion Ning, I understand. Ning Tianying gave a slight nod, scanning the group. Five days from now, the lesser demons will launch a siege, and the main attack will hit our Xuanwu Fortress. Many of you have just arrived at the Demon-Suppressing Fortress. Some of you have never even stepped onto a battlefield or faced the demon race. While the demons havent arrived yet, do everything you can to make yourselves stronger. Dont die easily on the battlefield. Yes! The group responded in unison, their voices booming. Ning Tianying didnt waste more words. After saying this, she strode off. Once her figure disappeared, Sha Rilang from the neighboring tent sneered. Look at that. Seems Centurion Nings playing the good guy again, taking in this new conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guard. Several nearby squad leaders cast glances toward Shen Mo, their expressions varied. News of a new conscripted Demon-Suppressing Guard had spread like wildfire in just one day. Everyone had been guessing who hed end up under. No one expected hed land with Ning Tianying. Shen Mo felt the stares from all directions and frowned slightly. These people were too quick to judge. Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of him, blocking the gazes. No training to do? Bullying a new Demon-Suppressing Guardis that fun? Shi Dingyue said calmly. Sha Rilang let out a strange laugh. Lets just wait for the siege in five days. Shi Dingyue, how about a bet? If this kid can perform at the level of a normal Venerable Realm, Ill apologize to him on the spot, no questions asked! Ill even give him twenty D-grade battle merits! Li Heitan, Li He, Sun Kong, Zhao Xin, and the others were visibly shocked. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Yesterday, after collecting his bracelet, armor, and other items, hed gotten a rough idea of what battle merits were and how much purchasing power they held. The bracelet on his wrist was a Demon-Suppressing Bracelet, forged by the Will of the Heavenly Dao. It couldnt be removed voluntarilyonly shattering upon death. After slaying demons, the bracelet would automatically absorb demonic qi to record battle merits. As Ning Tianying had said, battle merits were the currency of the Demon-Suppressing Sea. D-grade merits were tied to Earth-tier treasures. Twenty D-grade merits were enough to exchange for two top-quality Earth-tier treasures! For a newcomer like Shen Mo, twenty D-grade merits were undoubtedly a substantial windfall. Sha Rilang noticed the expressions on Shen Mo and the others faces and let out a sly chuckle. But if this kid cant perform at the level a Venerable Realm should, Shi Dingyue, youll owe me one C-grade merit! The merit system in the Demon-Suppressing Sea wasnt decimalit was based on hundreds. Generally, it took a hundred D-grade merits to exchange for one C-grade merit. Clearly, Sha Rilangs so-called bet wasnt aimed at Shen Moit was aimed at Shi Dingyue! Boss, dont take the bet! Its not fair at all! Li Heitan said urgently. Zhao Xin snorted. Yeah, twenty against a hundred? Who do they think is the fool here? And C-grade merits are way rarer than D-grade ones! Li He chimed in, Even if Brother Shen has the strength, he might not be able to show it. Too many factors could get in the way. Sun Kong muttered, Plus, he didnt specify what counts as Venerable Realm performance. Thats a loophole. Shen Mo pondered. He had full confidence in his own strength. Letting twenty D-grade merits slip away for nothing would be a shame. But if he lost, the loss would fall on Shi Dingyue. Shen Mo couldnt bring himself to do that. Before Shi Dingyue could respond, Shen Mo called out to Sha Rilang from a distance. Ill take your bet, but the stakes need to change. The wager will be one C-grade merit. If I perform at a normal Venerable Realm level, you lose and give me one C-grade merit. If I fail to perform, I lose and give you one C-grade merit. Sha Rilang froze. The Demon-Suppressing Guards behind him froze too. Then they burst into laughter. Hahaha! Kid, you sure know how to talk big! One C-grade merit? Do you even know how long it takes to earn that? On average, you need to kill five lesser demons for one D-grade merit! Youd have to slay five hundred lesser demons to earn one C-grade merit! Sha Rilang sneered. Kid, you dont even have a C-grade merit to your name. Im not betting with you. Shi Dingyue looked at Shen Mos confident expression and suddenly remembered his younger self. Back when hed first been conscripted by the Will of the Heavenly Dao, hed been just as brimming with ambition. Shi Dingyue said firmly, Shen Mo doesnt have one, but I do. Ill lend it to him. Sha Rilang, satisfied now? Sha Rilang blinked, then laughed heartily. Good! Great! Its a deal then! All these squad leaders heard it, Shi Dingyue. No backing out when the time comes! Shi Dingyue said solemnly, Dont worry. I, Shi Dingyue, am not one to break my word. But you still havent clarified what counts as performing at the Venerable Realm level. When the time comes, wont it just be up to your word? Sha Rilang smirked. Relax, Im not that shameless! Lets set one true demon as the standard. If he can kill a true demon in the battle five days from now, relying on no one else, thatll count as normal Venerable Realm performance. Shi Dingyue glanced at Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded slightly, showing no objections. Shi Dingyue then nodded. Fine. Its a deal. Sha Rilang sneered. Ill be waiting for that day! With that, he turned and walked off.==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 397: It’s Only His First Battle, Yet He Has Learned So Thoroughly Chapter 397: It''s Only His First Battle, Yet He Has Learned So Thoroughly Looking closely, that wasn''t any tidal wave. It was clearly a swarm of pitch-black Lesser Demons! Most numerous among them were Lesser Demon Generals, while those slightly stronger were Lesser Demon Commanders. Leading their charge were many True Demon Kings and True Demon Emperors. Behind this swarm, commanding from the rear, stood a True Demon Lord over five zhang tall. He appeared more like a Demon commander, not rushing forward immediately, instead overseeing the battlefield from behind. "They''re still too far. Don''t attack yet," Shi Dingyue ordered softly. "Understood." Li Heitan and the others tightened their grip on their spiritual weapons, restraining themselves. The black tide surged forward rapidly, creating an oppressive feeling in everyone''s heart. At some point, a cultivator could no longer withstand this pressure and suddenly screamed strangely, launching a blood-energy martial skill towards the demon horde from afar. Boom! A crimson blade of blood energy stretched over hundreds of zhang, crashing into the swarm of Lesser Demons. It was like a drop of water thrown into a blazing fire Instantly evaporated without a trace. His premature strike seemed like a signal. Other cultivators started launching attacks one after another. Yet, spiritual techniques and blood-energy skills vanished like stones sinking into the sea, disappearing into the demon horde without a trace. Even the most powerful cultivators only managed to kill three or four Lesser Demon Commanders at most. Seeing this, Shen Mo shook his head slightly. Too little power; they could only kill one or two Lesser Demon Commanders per strike. Since spiritual energy and blood qi were fundamentally inferior to demonic qi, overwhelming quantity was necessary to suppress it Only then could they inflict maximum damage. However, before coming, Shi Dingyue had mentioned: A few months ago, the demon clan had launched a massive assault on several fortresses, including Xuanwu Fortress. Many Demon Suppression Guards had died then. Therefore, most of the current Demon Suppression Guards participating in this battle had just recently joined the fortress. They were pure novices. Even after training, facing demons for the first time, fear and panic were unavoidable. Such chaotic reactions were entirely normal. The Lesser Demon swarm continued rushing toward the shore. From thousands of zhang away, Shen Mo could roughly estimate their number. It was indeed as Ning Tianying had saidover two hundred thousand. "They''re close enough. Attack now!" Shi Dingyue shouted. Shen Mo, Li Heitan, and the others immediately struck. Nearby, on the Split-Wave Battle Platform, Sha Rilang''s squad chose the same moment to launch their attacks. Boom! Boom! Boom! Massive spiritual and blood-energy martial skills crossed the thousand-zhang distance, directly striking the demons. Shen Mos Soul-Extinguishing Blood Spear mixed among numerous attacks. Whoosh! With every strike, it pierced through a Lesser Demon''s chest, penetrating their heart. Among these Lesser Demons, even the strongest were merely Demon Commanders. Though demonic qi was fundamentally superior to spiritual and blood energies, it wasn''t enough to withstand the overwhelming force of a Venerable Realm cultivator. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! The Soul-Extinguishing Blood Spear seemed intelligent, weaving through the demon swarm and taking lives with every strike. In comparison, Li Heitan and the others were far less efficient. Their cultivation was lower, only Emperor Realm, and they lacked combat experience. On average, they needed three strikes to kill a single Lesser Demon. As Shen Mo killed Lesser Demons, he closely observed Shi Dingyue''s attacks. He noticed something unique about Shi Dingyue. Each of his strikes was extraordinarily concise. If he could kill a demon with one unit of power, he would never use two. Shi Dingyue''s killing method was like a skilled butcher dissecting an oxclean, decisive, without the slightest hesitation. This method was clearly the most effective for battlefield slaughter. As Shen Mo watched, he began to comprehend it. His own attacks gradually grew simpler, more energy-efficient. At first, they had been somewhat flashy, but later, they became utterly unremarkable. He pursued only the quickest speed and minimal blood qi to kill the demons. Shi Dingyue saw this scene, astonished. "When I joined Demon Suppression Fortress, it took me eight battles to gradually grasp this killing method." "This is only his first battle, yet he''s already comprehended it so thoroughly?" "His comprehension is simply terrifying," Shi Dingyue marveled internally. But although he was surprised, his outward killing efficiency didn''t drop at all. As Shen Mo fought, he continually observed his surroundings, deep in thought. Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Over these past few days, he had gained a clearer understanding of what the Demon Suppression Sea truly was. The Demon Suppression Sea was more like a giant funnel. Wider at the top, narrower toward the bottom. The demonic qi within had even settled over time, creating intricate passageways akin to an ant colony, sprawling in every direction. Perhaps even the demons themselves did not fully understand how to navigate through it. Every once in a while, the Demon Suppression Guards would proactively explore the Demon Suppression Sea and redraw the maps. The explored region was currently divided into nine layers. Except for especially deep areas, most main routes were guarded by Demon Suppression Guards to prevent demon breakthroughs. As for the regular incursions of Lesser Demons and True Demons every few days, this had already become a tacit understanding between the Demon Suppression Guards and demons. The Demon Suppression Guards needed practice, and so did the demons. "Hmm? Something isn''t rightsomeone is watching me." Shen Mo''s eyebrows twitched slightly. In his dantian, the Nine Nether Ice Flame inexplicably flickered. As if giving him a warning. Shen Mo turned his gaze toward the swarm of Lesser Demons. One by one, they charged fearlessly, faces still fierce and vicious. They died in countless ways. Nothing seemed unusual at first glance. The surrounding Demon Suppression Guards had also started to relax a little. After all, although these Lesser Demons were numerous, they were simply too weak. Killing them was as easy as chopping vegetables. Even if one or two strikes didn''t do the job, four or five certainly would. Even against True Demon Kings and True Demon Emperors, several guards attacking together would still finish them off. Thus, even newly enlisted guards gradually regained their composure. Some even started chatting and laughing with each other. Shen Mo glanced at his status panel, immediately realizing the source of his unease. "A True Demon Lord hiding among the Lesser Demons, waiting for an opportunity?" Shen Mo maintained his calm expression. As long as one hid carefully, this tactic was indeed very effective. But since Shen Mo already knew, he wouldn''t allow his opponent to remain hidden, waiting for a chance to strike. His gaze swept across the demon swarm. Very soon, he locked onto a Lesser Demon Commander who continuously and subtly dodged incoming attacks. This particular demon was slightly taller and stronger than the other Lesser Demon Commanders. Yet, noticeably smaller than the commanding True Demon Lord behind. Perhaps it was precisely because of this unique size that he deliberately hid among the Lesser Demons, turning into a venomous snake waiting to strike. At this moment, Shen Mo suddenly noticed the commanding True Demon Lord roaring fiercely. Demonic qi surged from him, as if activating some bloodline secret technique. The demonic qi flooded outward from him and entered the bodies of each Lesser Demon. His roar was clearly the signal for an all-out attack. Under the influence of this bloodline technique, the Lesser Demons instantly became even more reckless and fearless. Previously, they would at least dodge attacks. Now, they charged directly into attacks, desperate to close the gap with the Demon Suppression Guards. One thousand zhang! Nine hundred! Seven hundred! Five hundred! The distance rapidly shortened. At this range, even True Demons could spit demonic qi to attack the guards. "Ah!" A Demon Suppression Guard was suddenly struck by demonic qi spat out by a True Demon Emperor. His entire right arm began corroding violently, as if immersed in potent acid. Unable to endure, he screamed in agony, flailing wildly and disturbing nearby guards. In turn, this impacted the killing efficiency of those around him. A single disruption triggered widespread consequences! The Lesser Demon swarm accelerated even further! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 398: True Demon Lord Revealed—Descendant of the Great Sky Demon Chapter 398: True Demon Lord RevealedDescendant of the Great Sky Demon Those Lesser Demons only took about a dozen breaths to reduce the five hundred zhang distance down to two hundred! For many Demon Suppression Guards, this was practically within arms reach! The attacks of the Lesser Demons grew increasingly intense. Large numbers of demonic qi projectiles fell from the sky like boulders launched from catapults! Screams erupted continuously among the Demon Suppression Guards. If Shen Mo hadn''t swiftly pulled Li Heitan aside, Li Heitan and the others would have nearly been struck by these demonic qi bombs. "Thank you, Brother Shen!" Li Heitan said gratefully. Shen Mo nodded slightly, his eyes fixed on the hidden True Demon among the Lesser Demon swarm. This enemy was still patiently waiting for the perfect moment Clearly preparing for a lethal strike. This True Demon''s target certainly wouldnt be ordinary Demon Suppression Guards like Li Heitan or Zhao Xin. Instead, his targets would definitely be those in the Venerable Realm, such as Shi Dingyue or Sha Rilang. As expected. A few breaths later, Shi Dingyue stumbled slightly while dodging the demonic qi projectiles. Usually, a stumble was insignificant; Lesser Demons couldn''t cross several hundred zhang in an instant. However, a True Demon had long hidden himself among the Lesser Demons! He seized this opportunity and attacked ferociously! A sharp, purple-black light instantly condensed into a gigantic blade and fiercely slashed toward Shi Dingyue! A Demon Suppression Guard happened to be standing in the path of the demonic blade. In an instant, he froze in place. When others turned to look, he had already been cut into two halves! "Die!" The True Demon laughed wildly, shouting in the demon language. "A True Demon Lord! It''s a True Demon Lord!" "Damn it! There''s actually a True Demon hiding among the Lesser Demonshow shameless!" Only after this blade struck out toward Shi Dingyue did the surrounding Demon Suppression Guards react, crying out in shock. Shi Dingyues face turned deathly pale. He never imagined a True Demon could conceal himself among the Lesser Demons, waiting for the chance to strike. In a panic, he barely had time to unleash all his blood energy, hoping to momentarily block the attack. But he knew clearly in his heart that this could only delay his death by a few breaths at most. In battles against True Demons of the same realm, it generally required at least two Demon Suppression Guards to reach equilibrium. Yet beside him stood only Shen Mo, who lacked combat experience. Even though Shen Mo had reached the Venerable Realm, he was merely an ordinary Venerable and hadn''t even approached the threshold of a Silver-Topped Venerable. Moreover, such a sudden attack had likely caught Shen Mo completely off guard. He definitely couldn''t be counted on. His death was still inevitable. In the distance, Sha Rilang saw this scene clearly, and a flash of joy appeared in his eyes. Shi Dingyue had cost him half his face, condemning him to live the rest of his life disfigured. Now Shi Dingyue was about to die Sha Rilang couldn''t be happier! "So many people died to protect you back then, yet you couldn''t even deliver half their worth." "You should have died long ago!" Sha Rilang laughed wildly in his heart. Further away, the captains of other squads also looked over. Their expressions were complicated. Shi Dingyue was, after all, a Demon Suppression Guard. Even if he wasn''t well-liked, it was still unfortunate to see him die so easily. At that moment, countless beastly roars erupted around Shi Dingyue It sounded as if ancient giant elephants had shattered the void, charging forth! Hum! In the next instant, blood energy surged wildly, condensing into a massive, blood-colored giant over a hundred zhang tall, standing protectively next to Shi Dingyue. Immovable Saint King Physique! When the giant demonic blade fell, the collision point instantly melted away like ice and snow. Yet fresh blood energy immediately rushed in, rapidly restoring the blood-colored giant. For a moment, it unexpectedly achieved a stalemate! Shi Dingyue was stunned; Sha Rilang was stunned. Countless Demon Suppression Guards stared in utter shock. Blocked? What kind of blood-energy martial skill could actually stop the ambush of a True Demon Lord?! Even the True Demon Lord himself was shaken. He had charged this attack for so long, yet it had been blocked? Had he concealed himself so carefully for nothing? At this point, Sha Rilang and the others finally saw clearly who had unleashed this martial skill. Shen Mo! The one standing beside Shi Dingyue, supporting this blood-colored giant, was actually Shen Mo! Sha Rilang felt his heart tremble slightly. "Perhaps I''ve truly underestimated him." Crack! The demonic blade finally exhausted its energy and shattered. Only then did the blood-colored giant slowly vanish. Shi Dingyue looked at Shen Mo with astonishment and uncertainty, as though seeing the young man for the first time. "Retreat immediatelyyou''ve been exposed!" shouted the True Demon Lord commanding from behind. However, the shorter True Demon Lord didn''t retreat; instead, his murderous intent intensified. With a furious roar, he charged straight toward Shen Mo! The commanding True Demon Lord furrowed his brows and accelerated as well. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. Although he couldnt understand the demon language, he could roughly grasp their intentions through their tone and expressions. They intended to kill him. They assumed Shen Mo had exhausted a significant amount of blood qi to execute that defensive martial skill, leaving him vulnerablethis was their perfect chance to strike amidst the chaos! Shen Mo''s expression remained calm. He had been worried about how he''d win his bet Now that a True Demon Lord had delivered himself right to him, how could he let this opportunity slip away? "Die!" The short True Demon Lord screeched, his entire body surging with demonic qi. Rather than forming a weapon, he transformed himself into a giant hammer, smashing down fiercely! This was clearly a bloodline secret art! Shi Dingyue breathed a sigh of relief. "This bloodline secret technique is called the Crushing Demon Hammer. Among the numerous bloodline arts, it''s not particularly powerful." "If we both defend together, we can definitely block it!" Just as he finished speaking, an enormous and exceptionally powerful demonic phantom appeared behind the short True Demon Lord. It towered imposingly above, dominating everything around! Scornful of all beings under heaven! Shi Dingyue, Sha Rilang, and many other squad captains felt their hearts tremble simultaneously. They recognized that phantom It was clearly the phantom of a Great Sky Demon! Only descendants of a Great Sky Demon could summon such a phantom when using their bloodline techniques! This True Demon Lord was actually a descendant of a Great Sky Demon! The surrounding Demon Suppression Guards were terrified, quickly retreating. They feared becoming collateral damage. A descendant of a Great Sky Demonthough only at Demon Lord rankwas far stronger than ordinary True Demon Lords! Having painstakingly moved this close to unleash such an attack, he obviously intended to kill! This strike was certain to claim a life! Shi Dingyue took a deep breath and roared furiously. Six layers of silver-gleaming, blood-colored circular platforms surged from his body. These were the six-layered Blood Platforms he''d formed upon entering the Venerable Realm. Their silver gleam symbolized his current realmSilver-Topped Venerable. "Hide behind meI''ll block it!" Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shi Dingyue channeled all his blood qi into a defensive martial skill. Shen Mo had just saved his life. He couldn''t let his savior die. Therefore, he had to block this strike with everything he had. "You dont have to bear it alone," Shen Mo smiled faintly. Blood qi surged powerfully from him. In an instant, it condensed into nine ancient, imposing blood spears. Soul-Extinguishing Blood Spears! The nine blood spears shot forth like lightning. In the blink of an eye, they crossed hundreds of zhang. Before the Crushing Demon Hammer of the short Demon Lord could even fall The nine blood spears pierced directly through him! The momentum didn''t stop there, continuing onward to pierce straight through the short Demon Lords chest! His demon heart shattered instantly! Demonic blood sprayed wildly! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 399: You Asked My Name — I’m Xiao Fan Chapter 399: You Asked My Name Im Xiao Fan This scene undoubtedly shook every single Demon Suppression Guard to their core. That was a real Demon Lord! He released a bloodline technique and even summoned the phantom of a Great Sky Demon clearly a descendant of the Great Sky Demon! And yet he was blasted to death so easily by Shen Mo! Either that Demon Lord was ridiculously weak, or Shen Mo was absurdly powerful! His blood energy had grown so strong that he could ignore the fundamental difference between blood energy and demonic energy and still obliterate that Demon Lord! Shi Dingyue was so stunned he couldnt speak for a long while. You you Compared to the reactions of the Demon Suppression Guards, the demons were even more shaken. The Demon Lord holding the rear line widened his eyes, letting out an incredulous roar. All the Lesser Demon Commanders, True Demon Kings, and True Demon Emperors saw their morale plummet. They had known all along that the short Demon Lord was hiding among the lesser demons, waiting for the right moment. They had even expected that, because of this, one of the Demon Suppression Guards elites would likely fall. But they never imagined that the one who would end up dead would be that Demon Lord! Retreat! Retreat now! The Demon Lord at the rear let out a furious growl. The lesser demons had no choice but to abandon the corpses and flee in panic. He shot Shen Mo a cold glare and spoke in words the human race could understand. Demon Suppression Guard, you killed my brother An Zhen Ding! You killed the offspring of the Eighth Great Sky Demon! Tell me your name! I, An Zhen Yuan, will remember you forever! The Demon Lord at the rear growled from afar. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and replied seriously, My name is Xiao Fan. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An Zhen Yuan mouthed the name, his eyes filled with hatred. Xiao Fan Ill remember that. Your death is coming! With that, he turned and left without looking back. The demons also retreated like a receding tide, vanishing from sight. Li Heitan muttered in confusion, Brother Ling, isnt your name Shen Mo? Whyd you say its Xiao Fan? Sun Kong smacked him on the head. Idiot. Brother Lings tricking him! Who knows if demons can curse someone using their real name? Only then did Li Heitan get it, quickly giving a thumbs-up. Brother Ling, youre really cautious! At the top of the fortress Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan stood with hands behind their backs, gazing into the distance. Beside them were several especially strong Demon Suppression Guards their personal guard unit. From this height, they could oversee the surrounding Demon Suppression Sea and instantly assess any confrontation between the guards and the demons. So they could decide quickly whether to lead their personal guard into battle or continue observing from above. Their observation wasnt out of disregard for the lives below. They were not only watching their own Demon Suppression Guards but also keeping an eye out for any emerging geniuses among the new generation of demons. Just as the demons targeted talented guards The Demon Suppression Guards also targeted the demons rising stars. At that moment, shouting came from the east. Ning Tianying turned to look To his surprise, several young Demon Suppression Guards had worked together to slay a True Demon Lord. One of them was none other than Lin Dongtian, a disciple of the Holy Spirit Sect. Xiong Yuanshan raised an eyebrow. Smart and capable not bad. Why didnt I recruit him under my command back then? Ning Tianying laughed heartily. You think you could snatch him from Lin Yuanxin? Hes from the Holy Spirit Sect Lin Dongtians ancestor, no less. Xiong Yuanshan scratched his head. True I couldnt compete. What a pity Just after their brief exchange, more exclamations came from the west. They turned their attention and immediately saw the heavily wounded Zhou Mingyi being rescued by a few guards. Beside Zhou Mingyi lay the corpses of several True Demon Emperors. Clearly, Zhou Mingyi had used his own body to block them, buying time for his comrades. Ning Tianying nodded repeatedly. If Zhou Mingyi hadnt stopped them in time, those three Demon Emperors probably wouldve torn a hole through the line and wreaked havoc among the guards. He basically saved several lives indirectly. Xiong Yuanshan didnt hold back his praise either. Looks like both of our recruited guards are doing pretty well. What about the one you recruited? Why hasnt he shown up yet? Ning Tianying scanned the battlefield below, then finally locked onto Shen Mo. There, over there Wait what the hell! Theres a Demon Lord hiding among the lesser demons! Her expression changed, and her tone grew serious. A Demon Lord willing to lower himself and hide among lesser demons, waiting to strike? How shameless! Wait, that looks like a descendant of the Great Sky Demon. Look! When he used his bloodline technique, he even summoned the phantom of a Great Sky Demon! Xiong Yuanshan exclaimed. Ning Tianying took a closer look and frowned deeply. A Demon Lord sneaking in with a surprise attack was already despicable enough. But he turned out to be a powerful descendant of the Great Sky Demon, no less. Seriously how do they get more shameless every day? No, I have to go down there and save them. Otherwise, at least ten Demon Suppression Guards will die. Ning Tianying was in a rush and prepared to jump down. Right now, the Demon Suppression Guard was severely understaffed. Even if they were just new recruits, they couldnt be allowed to die like this for nothing. She had to save them. But just then, she heard an astonished exclamation from Xiong Yuanshan. Hes dead?! Ning Tianying froze. Whos dead? Xiong Yuanshans eyes were wide. That True Demon Venerable! Shen Mo killed him in a single strike! Ning Tianying quickly widened her eyes and looked down. Sure enough, the short-statured True Demon Venerable had collapsed into the sea. Nine small holes had been punched through his chest. Demonic blood spilled out. He was clearly lifeless. Hes really dead Ning Tianying stared wide-eyed. She was at the Golden Summit Venerable realm. Even for her, unless it was a sneak attack, it might take everything to kill a True Demon Venerable in one strike. But Shen Mo had faced that Demon Venerable head-on in battle and still killed him. Hes just at the ordinary Venerable realm how could he possibly kill a descendant of the Great Sky Demon? Xiong Yuanshan was still dumbfounded. He couldnt believe what he was seeing. Ning Tianying let out a breath and suddenly smiled. Only, combined with her broad shoulders and strong build, that smile felt a bit off. This Shen Mo really does have some strength after all. You all underestimated him. Xiong Yuanshan nodded slightly. True. If he can keep up this level of strength, Im willing to take back what I said before. But right after he said that, he shook his head again. Still strength in a moment doesnt mean much. Wasnt Shi Dingyue like this back in the day? He shone brightly at first, earned countless merits, but later became completely mediocre. With his strength, he shouldve long since reached our level commanding a full hundred-man unit not still stuck as a low-ranking squad leader. I really dont want to see Shen Mo end up the same way. Ning Tianying gave a faint smile. Then lets wait and see. Time will give us the answer. Xiong Yuanshan waved his hand. Sound the gong for retreat. Many of the demons have already fled. No need to let our guards keep suffering the erosion of demonic energy. Ning Tianying nodded and gave a signal to her guards. DANGDANGDANG! A deafening gong echoed from the fortress. Retreat. The Demon Suppression Guards piloted their wave-splitting platforms back to shore. They returned to the fortress with laughter and chatter. Only, this time was different from when they had set out. Many of them looked at Shen Mo with clear respect and awe. Killing a True Demon Venerable alone, without relying on anyone. Shen Mo had completely proven his strength. He was a genuine Venerable-realm cultivator! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 400: Lin Dongtian’s Opportunity — A Sealed Heaven-Tier Spiritual Artifact Chapter 400: Lin Dongtians Opportunity A Sealed Heaven-Tier Spiritual Artifact Squad Leader Sha, you still remember what you said earlier, right? Yeah, yeah, Squad Leader Sha wouldnt be the kind of person to go back on his word, would he? Li Heitan, Sun Kong, and the others grinned, their tone dripping with sarcasm. Sha Rilang glanced at Shen Mo a few times and said flatly, Im not someone who breaks my word. He strode over and bumped his bracelet against Shen Mos. In the next moment, Shen Mo felt his bracelet give a slight vibration. He looked down and saw that he had gained one C-rank battle merit. I hope you can keep showing this level of strength in the future. Sha Rilang said, then quickly turned and walked away. Clearly, he didnt want to stay even a second longer. Li Heitan and the others immediately crowded around Shen Mo, their admiration plain in their eyes. To them, a conscripted Demon Suppression Guard was clearly stronger than a regular one. Shi Dingyue hadnt shown the strength expected of him, likely due to physical issues. But Shen Mo had fully demonstrated what a conscripted guard was meant to be. He was worthy of their respect. At this moment, Shi Dingyues face was flushed with joy. Seeing Shen Mo independently slay a True Demon Venerable, he felt even happier than if hed killed a Great Sky Demon himself. So it wasnt a problem with conscripted Demon Suppression Guards the problem was me S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I wonder if the ten-thousand-year Deep Sea Dragon Ginseng I took back then has finished digesting Amid his joy, Shi Dingyue gave a wry, self-mocking smile. It had already been five hundred years, and it still hadnt fully digested. What tier was that spiritual herb anyway? Could it really have been the legendary Saint-tier? Shen Mo and the others laughed and chatted as they headed back toward the barracks. Halfway there, they came across another group of people. At a glance, Shen Mo saw Lin Dongtian surrounded at the center of the crowd. Even a centurion stood beside Lin Dongtian, wearing an unmistakable grin. Whos that centurion? Shen Mo asked. Shi Dingyue took a look. Lin Yuanxin. Hes one of Commander Zhongs strongest centurions. Right, I remember him saying he came from the Holy Spirit Sect. I think Lin Dongtian is from there too. Thats why Lin Yuanxin was willing to take him under his command. Shen Mo nodded. At that moment, Lin Dongtian clearly noticed Shen Mo as well. He smiled and greeted from afar, Senior Shen, long time no see. Shen Mo gave a faint smile and nodded slightly. Lin Dongtian had known he was also stationed at this camp but hadnt come looking for him like Zhou Mingyi had. For five straight days, he hadnt sent a single message. Now he was suddenly greeting him? Clearly, hed just gained some merit in the recent battle and wanted to show off. Sure enough, before Lin Dongtian could say anything, the Demon Suppression Guards around him got the message and started talking. Isnt that a conscripted Demon Suppression Guard? I heard hes a Venerable-realm expert! Howd you perform in this battle? Another guard chuckled. Brother Lin fought alongside us and took down a True Demon Venerable! That conscripted guard over there your cultivations higher than Brother Lins, and higher than ours too. You mustve taken down a True Demon Venerable too, right? The guards began to jeer and stir up trouble. All right, thats enough. Quiet, Centurion Lin Yuanxin snapped. Only then did the guards fall silent, though they still threw mocking glances at Shen Mo. It was obvious they looked down on him. Li Heitan, Sun Kong, and the others couldnt stand it and were about to argue back But just then, heavy footsteps echoed from atop the city wall. A powerful voice followed. Shen Mo independently killed a True Demon Venerable with his own strength. And the opponent was even a descendant of a Great Sky Demon. Youre pretty sharp you actually guessed right. Ning Tianying descended the wall in long, powerful strides. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. As soon as those words left her mouth, Lin Dongtian and the others were stunned. Even Lin Yuanxin looked visibly shocked. Among the human race, the Venerable realm was equivalent to the Demon Venerable level in the demon race. But in a one-on-one fight, it was extremely difficult for a human Venerable to actually kill a Demon Venerable. Whats more, Ning Tianying had just said that the slain Demon Venerable was a descendant of a Great Sky Demon! That made it even harder to kill! And yet Shen Mo had managed to take down such a Demon Venerable entirely on his own, without help? Lin Dongtians smile immediately faded. He understood Ning Tianying had no reason to lie. That had to be Shen Mos real achievement. No wonder they call you Senior Shen no wonder youre known as the number one in Jing Nation truly incredible, Lin Dongtian cupped his hands from a distance. These younger brothers of mine spoke a bit too boldly. I hope you wont take offense, Senior Shen. Shen Mo only smiled faintly, too lazy to reply. Lin Yuanxin nodded slightly to Ning Tianying from afar but said nothing more. He led Lin Dongtian and the others away. Number one in Jing Nation? Damn, Brother Ling, youre really that strong?! Li Heitan and the others were stunned. That kind of title wasnt something just anyone could earn. Shen Mo let out a hearty laugh. Just an old nickname. Here at the Demon Suppression Sea, Im just a mere Yellow-rank guard. Ning Tianying gave Shen Mo a long, deep look. The Heaven Dao Vault appears once every ten days. You mustve earned quite a bit of battle merit this time. Remember to convert it into strength as soon as possible. The Demon Venerable you killed was a descendant of the Great Sky Demon. His master wont let you go. Shen Mo nodded seriously. Thank you for the reminder, Centurion. Ning Tianying gave a final nod, then left with her guard unit. The Heaven Dao Vault a treasure trove gathered by the will of Heaven itself, open only to the Demon Suppression Guards. It was filled with all kinds of rare herbs, divine weapons, cultivation techniques, and martial arts. Yellow-tier, Profound-tier, Earth-tier, Heaven-tier everything was available. There were even Saint-tier items above Heaven-tier. As long as one had enough battle merit, anything could be exchanged. Come on, lets head back to the barracks and celebrate! Shi Dingyue laughed heartily, feeling completely exhilarated. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. ... Night deepened over the barracks. Li Heitan, Zhao Xin, and the others were drunk and fast asleep. Lesser demons attacked every five days. Having just repelled the latest assault, there would be a brief period of calm. The Demon Suppression Fortress didnt strictly control the guards behavior. As long as it didnt interfere with resisting the demons, they could do as they pleased. Shen Mo lay there, surrounded by snores, enthusiastically checking his bracelet. One C-rank merit sixty-six D-rank merits. He carefully reviewed the combat logs. Just as Sha Rilang and the others had said, it took killing five Lesser Demon Commanders on average to earn one D-rank merit. Killing lower-level Lesser Demon Generals earned merit even more slowly. Shen Mo kept flipping through the records. He gradually pieced together the demon-to-merit conversion. One hundred Lesser Demon Generals, five Lesser Demon Commanders, or two True Demon Kings all equaled one D-rank merit. One True Demon Emperor was worth two D-rank merits. One True Demon Venerable ten D-rank merits. The Demon Venerable Shen Mo had killed today was a descendant of the Great Sky Demon, making him even more valuable. Slaying him had earned Shen Mo a total of fifteen D-rank merits. Five more days and the Heaven Dao Vault will descend I really want to see whats in there. But before that I cant miss out on Lin Dongtians opportunity. Shen Mo smiled faintly. Earlier today, with just a casual glance, he had seen that Lin Dongtians great opportunity was arriving. A sealed Heaven-tier spiritual artifact! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 401: Could It Be That You’re a Master at the Zenith Venerable Realm? Chapter 401: Could It Be That Youre a Master at the Zenith Venerable Realm? [Upcoming Opportunity: Three days from now, go to the Qinglou to exchange swordsmanship insights with a fellow cultivator. By chance, discover a sealed Heaven-grade spiritual weapon in a nearby pawnshop. Lin Dongtian arrives at the pawnshop and senses the presence of the sword. Taking advantage of the shopkeepers ignorance, he purchases the Heaven-grade spiritual weapon at an extremely low price.] A Heaven-grade spiritual weapon! Shen Mo still didnt possess a single Heaven-grade spiritual weapon. Even the Sword Manual he had was only a top-tier Earth-grade item. Unless he obtained the Burning Heaven Sword Manual or the Scorching Earth Sword Manual, he wouldnt be considered to have truly stepped into the ranks of Heaven-grade spiritual weapons. Shen Mo had long heard of the power of Heaven-grade spiritual weapons. If he could obtain such a fortune, his strength would increase by a great margin! Without hesitation, Shen Mo left the military camp and headed straight for the city behind the Demon Suppression Fortress. He already knew that these cities were all established relying on the fortress. Behind the fortress held by the human race were cities inhabited by humans. Behind the Demon Suppression Fortress held by the demon race or flood dragons, naturally, were cities where the demon race and flood dragons lived. These cities spread out like a fan, radiating outward. The closer they were to the Demon Suppression Fortress, the more prosperous the cities became. The farther from the fortress, the smaller and more desolate the cities. Shen Mo didnt travel too far. He went straight to the largest city behind the Xuanwu Fortress. This city was called Xuanwu City. It had all sorts of complete facilities. All were built for the convenience of the Demon Suppression Guards. After all, fighting the demon race was an exhausting endeavor for the Demon Suppression Guards. In their daily life, they needed entertainment to ease their tense nerves. The Qinglou was one of the most effective methods. Of course, the Qinglou didnt only serve men, it also welcomed women. After all, there was a considerable number of female Demon Suppression Guards. Shen Mo entered Xuanwu City. The Demon Suppression Guard uniform on his body immediately drew the attention of the citys residents. No matter what they were doing, the residents would greet him with great respect. This was the special status held by the Demon Suppression Guards. Absolutely superior. Everyone living here knew it was thanks to the Demon Suppression Guards shedding blood on the frontlines that they could live in peace. Shen Mo walked around the city for a bit, checking out the busiest Qinglou locations. He finally settled on a Qinglou in the eastern part of Xuanwu City. Near this Qinglou, there happened to be a pawnshop. It matched perfectly with the description from his Life Panel. Shen Mo strode into the pawnshop. There was only one shopkeeper inside. When the shopkeeper saw a Demon Suppression Guard had entered, he greeted him respectfully, Sir, are you here to pawn something? Or to redeem an item? Dont look down on this small shopif you have treasures, I can exchange them for military merit points! Shen Mo chuckled. Military merit points? Are you a Demon Suppression Guard too? The shopkeeper shook his head. Oh no, the requirements to become a Demon Suppression Guard are way too high. I dont even come close. Then how can you give me military merit? Shen Mo asked curiously. The shopkeeper grinned. This shop has long-term cooperation with a few Demon Suppression Guards. Besides, my son is one. Once we finish our transaction, Ill go invite them to help transfer the merit. The only downside is that its a bit troublesome and takes time. After all, not every Demon Suppression Guard is available or easy to contact. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo nodded in understanding. So thats how it was. There really are more solutions than problems. Shen Mo smiled. I was just recently recruited into the Demon Suppression Guard and I want to pick out a spiritual weapon that suits me. The shopkeeper quickly nodded. Right this way, sir. The shopkeeper led Shen Mo to the pawnshops warehouse. Inside the warehouse, countless spiritual weapons were neatly arranged. Most of the weapons were Mysterious-grade and Earth-grade. The shopkeeper smiled. Feel free to choose. Ill be right herejust let me know if you take a liking to something. Shen Mo asked curiously, Arent you afraid Ill just run off with a spiritual weapon? The shopkeeper chuckled. Listen to yourselfno wonder youve only just been recruited into the Demon Suppression Guard. If a Demon Suppression Guard dares to do something like that, theres no need for the fortress to punish them. Their own Demon Suppression Bracelet would automatically deduct their merit points. Thats why cases of Demon Suppression Guards committing crimes are extremely rare in the cities surrounding the fortress. Shen Mo nodded in understanding. That was a clever system. The Demon Suppression Guards held a position and strength far above ordinary people. If there werent at least some restrictions, they would undoubtedly run wild. Shen Mos gaze swept across the various spiritual weapons. Eventually, he locked onto his target. It was a pitch-black greatsword covered in dust. Thick, imposing, and brimming with a heavy presence. It looked as if it were forged from a meteorite fallen from the heavens. Shen Mo stepped forward and grasped the hilt, effortlessly lifting it. The shopkeeper was visibly surprised. This sword is unusually heavy, and you lifted it so casually? Shen Mo looked puzzled. Is it really that heavy? The shopkeeper quickly explained, This sword is a bit strange. Though its only a mid-tier Earth-grade spiritual weapon, it feels heavier than some top-tier Earth-grade ones. When a few centurions from the Demon Suppression Fortress came here to shop, they all noticed itbut none could lift it. Shen Mo chuckled. Who were they? The shopkeeper replied, Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and Lin Yuanxinsome of the most renowned centurions. Their cultivation is at least at the Golden Zenith Venerable Realm. And yet you can lift this sword with ease... Could it be that youre a master at the Zenith Venerable Realm? As he spoke, the shopkeeper gasped, clearly stunned. Shen Mo waved his hand and laughed. I just have a bit of strength, thats all. Although he was only at the Ordinary Venerable Realm, the cultivation technique he practiced was the Divine Elephant Suppression Force. He had only acquired the first four layers of it so far, but even that was Heaven-grade in quality. The power of this blood-qi-based technique far exceeded Shen Mos expectations. It was only natural that his physical strength surpassed that of most cultivators. Shopkeeper, how many merit points for this sword? Shen Mo asked. The shopkeeper answered seriously, I originally planned to ask for ten Ding-rank merit points. But since youre clearly such a powerful expert, Ill give you a discount. How about sixjust six Ding-rank merit points, and its yours. Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. Alright. This shopkeeper was quite something. Offering a lower price on purposeclearly trying to build goodwill. Please wait here. Ill head to the fortress to get someone! The shopkeeper led Shen Mo to a small courtyard behind the pawnshop, prepared some refreshments, then dashed off. Shen Mo waited for about a quarter of an hour before he heard approaching footsteps. It was a ten-man squad leader Shen Mo had never seen before. The man was tall, long-armed, and smiling. Hello, Im Sheng Xing, one of the squad leaders under Centurion Xiong Yuanshan. Shen Mo stood up and shook his hand. Shen Mo, Demon Suppression Guard under Centurion Ning Tianying, reporting to Squad Leader Shi Dingyue. Sheng Xing was slightly surprised. Shi Dingyue? Thats the one with inconsistent strength among the recruited guards? With your ability, youre wasted under him. Shen Mo just smiled and said nothing. Seeing this, Sheng Xing didnt press further and extended his wrist. Shen Mo extended his as well. Their Demon Suppression Bracelets touched. Shen Mo then transferred six Ding-rank merit points. After that, he cupped his hands to Sheng Xing and the shopkeeper, picked up the sealed Heaven-grade spiritual weapon, and turned to leave. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 403: The Three Golden Rankings — Divine Thunder Destroys Monsters Chapter 403: The Three Golden Rankings Divine Thunder Destroys Monsters Just as the Demon Suppression Guards were divided into four ranksHeaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow those who had advanced from the Demon Suppression Guard to become generals were also divided into two classes: Heavenly Demon Suppression General and Earthly Demon Suppression General. However, the number of Heavenly Generals was extremely limited. On the Heaven Ranking, there were only five. Shen Mo looked over it carefully and noticed there were only twenty-one names in total on the Heaven Ranking. From the names alone, it was clear that there werent many human Demon Suppression Generalsonly eight. The remaining positions were split between the monsters and the flood dragons. Among the top five, only a single human name stood outZhang Longxiang. There was only one flood dragon general. But the monsters had three generals on the list. This disparity clearly highlighted the power gap. "Sigh, if only our human race had more Demon Suppression Generals." "The monsters really look down on us because they have more generals." "Back during that siege a hundred years ago, they even intentionally weakened the defenses and lured the demon armys main force toward us. The Vermillion Bird Fortress was nearly overrun." Li Heitan and the others whispered in low voices, their words full of resentment. Shen Mos expression grew thoughtful. Hed heard about that incident before. The demons had deployed two Grand Sky Demons, over a thousand True Demon Venerables, and tens of millions of lesser demons. The assault had been unimaginably ferocious. It had left many Demon Suppression Guards feeling like the end had come. In the end, though, the attack had been repelled. But because the surrounding two monster-controlled fortresses had intentionally steered the demonic tide toward the humans, Vermillion Bird Fortress became the main target. Out of over twenty thousand Demon Suppression Guards stationed there, only two hundred survived. Even the Earthly Demon Suppression General stationed there died in that battle. That incident remained etched in the memories of many human guards and fueled their grudge toward the monster generals Lang Mang and E Yuan. Just then, Sun Kong suddenly shouted, The Earth Ranking just appeared! Look, look! Holy crap, Commander Zhong is on the list! Nineteenth place! Awesome! Zhao Xin and Li He took a closer look, their faces lighting up. He really is nineteenth! Last time, wasnt he ranked twentieth? Shi Dingyue grinned with excitement. Commander Zhong is amazingdefinitely one of the strongest under General Zhang. Shen Mo also turned to look. The names on the Earth Ranking were much smaller than those on the Heaven Ranking, and there were many more of them. 1st Blood God Fortress Heaven-rank Demon Suppression Guard Shi Wu 2nd Panlong Fortress Heaven-rank Demon Suppression Guard Ao Hong 3rd Blood God Fortress Heaven-rank Demon Suppression Guard Ying Ye 4th Tianjiang Fortress Heaven-rank Demon Suppression Guard Gui Ting 5th Azure Dragon Fortress Heaven-rank Demon Suppression Guard Tang Zhanmo 6th 19th Xuanwu Fortress Earth-rank Demon Suppression Guard Zhong Baisheng Shen Mo couldnt help but shake his head. On the Earth Ranking, the human races advantage declined even further. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, the monsters dominance expanded. It seemed even the fortresses differed greatly in strength. Shi Dingyue sighed, The top ten on the Earth Ranking earn twenty C-rank merit points every month. The top hundred get five C-rank merit points monthly. Man, I hope we can make it up there someday. Li Heitan and the others burst out laughing. Boss, youre dreaming too bigyoure still on the Human Ranking. Shi Dingyue chuckled. Youve got to have dreams. What if one day they come true? At that moment, text began to gradually appear on the third golden ranking. All the Demon Suppression Guards turned their gazes toward it. For the vast majority of them, the Human Ranking was the one that truly mattered. The Heaven Ranking was for generals only. The Earth Ranking required at least Earth-rank Demon Suppression status. But the Human Ranking? That was the battleground for Yellow-rank and Profound-rank guards. Once it fully appeared, the Demon Suppression Guards broke into cries of surprise. First on the Human Ranking of course its himTang Shenting, son of Tang Zhanmo! Tang Shenting is incredible. I bet hell be promoted to Earth-rank in another year. His names fitting too. They say his father gave him that name hoping hed become as mighty and unstoppable as divine thunder in the Demon Suppression Sea. Plenty of generals say Tang Shenting has the potential to become a Demon Suppression General! If its said by a human general, I believe it. If a monster general says it, probably just trying to set him up. Shen Mo listened quietly as Li Heitan and the others chatted, his eyes fixed on the Human Ranking. 1st Azure Dragon Fortress Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard Tang Shenting 2nd Blood God Fortress Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard Shi Mie 3rd Panlong Fortress Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard Ao Ri 4th Howling Moon Fortress Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard Lang Po 5th Blood God Fortress Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard Hu Sha Shen Mo continued scanning down the list. He spotted Shi Dingyue, ranked 805th on the Human Ranking. He also saw Sha Rilang at rank 919. From the discussion around him, Shen Mo learned that Sha Rilang had dropped quite a bit because hed lost a C-rank merit point to Shen Mo in a prior challenge. The Earth Ranking listed only one hundred names, while the Human Ranking capped at one thousand. The thousandth name on the Human Ranking belonged to a Profound-rank guard from White Tiger Fortressnot Shen Mo. "Looks like Im still new here. My merits too low to make the list yet." Shen Mo shook his head. He wasnt bothered about not appearing on the golden rankings. If anything, their appearance gave him more motivation. After all, what could be better than lying on a ranking list and receiving free merit every month? It would be a shame to miss out on something so freely given. The three golden rankings hovered in midair, radiant and enduring. Every name that appeared on them became a hot topic, discussed and admired by the guards. Just then, the sky over the Demon Suppression Sea suddenly roiled with black clouds. Thick, pitch-black clouds surged wildly, and deep within, golden light seemed to be gathering and flickering. All the Demon Suppression Guards perked up. "Its here! Divine Thunder!" "Every time the Heavenly Dao Rankings appear, the will of the Heavenly Dao unleashes Divine Thunder to cleanse the world. Heh, hope it wipes out a bunch of demons!" "Wishful thinking. The demons learned their lesson long ago. During this time, they all hide deep underwater. Only a few lesser demons still linger in the shallows." "Thats why the real killfest only happens when a Demon Suppression General uses their merit to summon Divine Thunder for targeted strikes." "Exactly. Thats the reason demons never dare let their Grand Sky Demons appear near the seas surface." Li Heitan and the others chattered excitedly, their faces lit with enthusiasm. Shen Mo narrowed his eyes and looked far into the distance. Sure enough, massive golden bolts of Divine Thunder were quickly forming, then crashing violently down upon the dark sea. Any demon that touched the Divine Thunder was instantly reduced to ash, vanishing without a trace. Even the mighty Grand Sky Demons held deep fear toward Divine Thunder. The bombardment lasted a full hour before the black clouds finally began to dissipate. The crowd slowly pulled their gaze back from the skies above the Demon Suppression Sea. The Heavenly Dao Rankings had appeared, and Divine Thunder had cleansed the battlefield. Now, the true event was about to begin. As expected A hundred breaths later, a colossal golden gate materialized in the air. The gate seemed to link heaven and earth, towering ten thousand feet tall. Shi Dingyue spoke in a deep voice, That is the gate to the Heavenly Dao Vault. Just focus your attention on it, and youll be able to project your consciousness inside. Shen Mo nodded and immediately followed his instructions, reaching out to connect with the Heavenly Dao Vault. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 404: Spiritual Treasure Talismans, Divine Thunder, and the Essence of Water Chapter 404: Spiritual Treasure Talismans, Divine Thunder, and the Essence of Water Shen Mo kept his gaze locked on the towering golden gate that rose ten thousand feet into the sky. At first, he didnt feel anything unusual. But slowly, the sensation intensified. It felt as though he was flying toward the colossal gate Or perhaps the gate itself was rushing toward him. In an instant, dazzling light erupted. Shen Mo had to shut his eyes from the overwhelming brilliance. When he opened them again, he found himself standing amidst clouds. Before him stretched an endless, vast list. Countless names and terms flashed across it, dazzling and nearly unreadable. With a thought, Shen Mo wondered if he could sort the list by grade. Immediately, the list surged and transformed. In the blink of an eye, it split into five separate rankings. They corresponded precisely to Saint-grade, Heaven-grade, Earth-grade, Profound-grade, and Yellow-grade. Shen Mos heart stirred again, and many ideas surfaced. After a few tests, he realized the Heavenly Dao Vault could instantly respond to his thoughts, filtering exactly what he was looking for. Saint-grade sword techniques. He silently mouthed the words. The rankings shifted swiftly. A stream of glowing characters flashed past. At last, a small list stabilized in front of him. There were nine sword techniques listed. Each one was a Saint-grade sword art suited to Shen Mos cultivation path. He leaned in to take a closer look And couldnt help but suck in a breath. top-tier Saint-grade technique 100 A-rank merit points top-tier Saint-grade technique 98 A-rank merit points high Saint-grade technique 90 A-rank merit points low Saint-grade technique 70 A-rank merit points Each technique demanded an astonishing amount of merit. Just that alone cost 100 A-rank merit pointswhich, when converted, equaled ten million D-rank merit points! That number was truly terrifying. Shen Mo noticed that some techniques could be redeemed in parts, while others could not. For example, the was divided into eighteen sections, each with ten sword moves. Even so, each move required more than half an A-rank merit point. Shen Mo had no plans to redeem any sword techniques at the moment. With a casual wave, the list vanished into nothing. A thought stirred again. I want Divine Elephant Suppression Force. The massive list shook violently. It was as if the Heavenly Dao Vault was scouring itself for the Divine Elephant Suppression Force. A moment later, a single line appeared. high Heaven-grade blood-qi technique 80 B-rank merit points Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. What was going on? The Vault didnt even have the full version of Divine Elephant Suppression Force? Could it be this technique didnt originate from this world? His interest deepened. That could mean the Divine Elephant Suppression Force was far more powerful than he originally thought. Perhaps it truly was of Saint-grade origin. He examined the incomplete manuscript closely. The Heavenly Dao Vault offered the first eight layers of the Divine Elephant Suppression Force. Each layer could be redeemed individually. The first layer required only 1 B-rank merit point. The second required 3 B-rank points. And the further it progressed, the more merit it demanded. It was clear the Heavenly Dao Will had calculated and concluded that the later layers were exponentially harder to cultivateand therefore more valuable. "Ive already cultivated the first four layers." "To redeem the fifth layer I need thirteen B-rank merit points." Shen Mo scratched his head. That was a lot. Thirteen B-rank pointswhere would he get those? Looks like hed have to keep working hard and snatching up fortuitous encounters. With that, Shen Mo continued searching through the Heavenly Dao Vault Shen Mo searched through the Heavenly Dao Vault, flipping through entry after entry: , , , , , , he even searched for the of the Jing Kingdom royal family. To his astonishment, every technique or artifact he could name existed within the Heavenly Dao Vault. "If thats the case can I get the Burning Heaven Sword Manual and the Scorching Earth Sword Manual?" Shen Mos eyes lit up. The massive list shifted again. A smaller list appeared. high Heaven-grade spiritual weapon 89 B-rank merit points. Looking closer, the could be exchanged in separate volumes: the "Slash" character manual, the "Grass" character manual, and four others. The cheapest, the , cost only 5 C-rank merit points. The most expensive, the , cost 19 B-rank merit points. The wasnt cheap either1 B-rank merit point. The Vault even offered a service to perfectly fuse all six sword manuals into one, for just 1 C-rank merit point. After scrolling through so many choices, Shen Mos vision blurred. It felt just like those times hed spent over an hour browsing food delivery apps without placing a single order. In the end, he chose two items: 1 C-rank merit point. 61 D-rank merit points. The needed no explanationit was the orthodox talisman inheritance from the Spiritual Treasure True Law Sect and the key to breaking the seal on . One C-rank merit point was a bit pricey, but not unreasonable. The was formed when Divine Thunder struck ocean water, compressing it under extreme conditions in a short time. Refined through divine lightning, these water essences became exceptionally dense and even carried a trace of divine thunders power. Even ordinary Demon Suppression Guards could use it to resist demon attacks. But to Shen Mo, it had a far greater value. He could use it to rapidly cultivate the and begin forging his Divine Palace! Swish. With a thought, Shen Mo redeemed the two items. A glimmer of light shot out from his body and merged into the great ranking list. When he looked again at his Demon Suppression Bracelet, only a pitiful few D-rank merit points remained. He clicked his tongue. Time to hustle for more merit. With another thought, Shen Mo exited the Heavenly Dao Vault. His awareness returned to his physical body. Immediately, he sensed that two items were now stored in his Demon Suppression Bracelet. They could be retrieved anytime he wished. However, the bracelet was only a temporary storage device. Once something was taken out, it couldnt be placed back inside. It wasnt a true spatial treasure or storage artifact. Shen Mo looked around. Li Heitan, Sun Kong, and the others had also exited the Vault, grinning with satisfaction. Clearly, they had gotten what they wanted. Shi Dingyue gave a faint smile. Since youve all redeemed what you needed, its time to start leveling up. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During this window when Divine Thunder has cleansed the sea, the demons wont dare to strike. Use it well and strengthen yourselves. Li Heitan and the others nodded repeatedly. Shen Mo returned to his own tent. After every Divine Thunder cleansing, demons would lie low for at least ten days. But the next time they attacked, theyd surely bring more lesser demons and even True Demons Setting off an even more brutal and devastating war. Shen Mo unfolded the and began reading carefully. Before long, he closed the incomplete scroll and fell into deep thought. Though his eyes were shut, his fingers began moving in the air As if tracing patterns. As time passed, his finger movements grew faster. Eventually, they stirred the spiritual energy in the surroundings, causing popping bursts in the air. And then Shen Mos eyes snapped open, filled with joy. "Ive grasped it!" "This is truly profound. I can now break the first seal on !" ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 405: The Spirit of the Sword, Ziling, Refines Blood Qi into Blood Essence Chapter 405: The Spirit of the Sword, Ziling, Refines Blood Qi into Blood Essence Shen Mo took out the heavy, pitch-black greatsword. His gaze fell upon the first layer of the seal. As expected. The once obscure and profound patterns had now become clear and simple. Shen Mos gaze was like an invisible hand, unraveling layer by layer, analyzing the pattern. For a full two hours, he remained completely still. His eyes moved along the seals lines. Sometimes upward, sometimes downward. Sometimes shifting side to side. At a certain moment, he suddenly withdrew his gaze. Even for him, such intense analysis of the seals pattern left him mentally exhausted. However, the value was clearly immense. So thats how it is. This is the Three Seals of the Grand Profound Spirit from the Spiritual Treasure Orthodox Sect. Specifically used to seal rare and strange spiritual weapons. These weapons, without exception, possess incredibly destructive power, but also come with severe side effects. To prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of evil cultivators and demonic cultivators, the Spiritual Treasure Orthodox Sect sealed them away. Shen Mo exhaled a heavy breath and smiled. But now, he could already break the first seal! Shen Mo extended his finger, spiritual power surging to its tip. In the blink of an eye, threads of spiritual energy like silk formed. Agile and lively. As if they had a life of their own. Shen Mos ten fingers danced rapidly. In a flash, those threads formed an intricate and obscure pattern. That pattern fell straight toward the first seal. Crack. A faint cracking sound seemed to echo in the air. Shen Mo looked closely. The pattern of the first seal on Heavenbreakers surface had vanished without a trace! Buzzbuzz! The pitch-black heavy greatsword trembled violently, as if reborn. Clang! Clang! Clang! Bursts of sword cries rang out. Shen Mo immediately reached out and gripped Heavenbreakers hilt tightly. The immense strength of the Venerable Realm erupted, his muscles bulging, barely keeping Heavenbreaker from flying out of his grasp. As for the resounding sword cries, they were completely contained within the tent. Long before settling into this tent, Shen Mo had arranged various formations inside. Sound isolation was merely one of the many functions. Such sword cries were utterly incapable of breaking through the restraints of the formations. Heavenbreaker struggled fiercely in Shen Mos grasp. After a while, as if realizing it couldnt escape his hands, it finally calmed down. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo extended his divine sense, touching the spirit within Heavenbreaker. Since it had become a Heaven-rank spiritual weapon, it was bound to have a spirit. However, having been sealed for so many years under three layers, its spirits intelligence had likely been nearly worn away. It was uncertain whether it could still match its former peak. Shen Mos divine sense entered Heavenbreakers interior. It was pitch black within. No trace of light could be seen. Then, a womans voice filled with killing intent suddenly rang out. You dare enter my body? Courting death! Immediately after, a sword intent so fierce it seemed to cleave heaven and earth surged forth and struck with a thunderous boom. Shen Mo raised his brows slightly but didnt dodge. He simply stood there, facing the sword intent head-on. Boom! The fierce sword intent struck directly between Shen Mos brows but did not continue downward. The womans voice rang out again, You didnt dodge? Shen Mo smiled. You dont dare kill me. The woman gritted her teeth. Who says I dont dare?! Shen Mo spoke calmly. The Spiritual Treasure Orthodox Sect has long since been destroyed, and its legacy is severed. If you kill me, who will remove the remaining two seals? The woman instantly fell silent. After a long pause, she seemed to bite down hard on her silver teeth and said coldly, Ill spare your lifefor now! Shen Mo gave a faint smile. Perhaps this was the side effect of snatching a fortuitous encounter halfway. If Lin Dongtian had obtained this opportunity instead, the spirit of Heavenbreaker would likely be affectionate and welcominghow would there be such tests? Heavenbreaker, tell mewhat are you capable of? Shen Mo asked casually. The woman snorted coldly. Heavenbreaker is the name of this sword. My name is not Heavenbreaker. Then what is your name? Shen Mo asked indifferently. The woman snorted again. No one but my master is worthy of knowing my name! Shen Mo nodded. Alright then, Ill call you Cuihua from now on. The woman was momentarily stunned, then flew into a rage. What Cuihua?! Thats awful! My name is Ziling! Shen Mo shrugged. Well, didnt you just say it anyway? Why bother making such a fuss. The woman: Arent you going to show yourself? How long do you plan to keep hiding? Shen Mo looked into the surrounding darkness. The woman snorted. Not showing you. Shen Mo thought for a moment, then asked, Who was your master? Wu Zu? The woman sneered. Youre pretty clever to have guessed that. My master will definitely come back for me. This little world is far too small to contain my complete self. Shen Mo chuckled. Is there a chance Wu Zu already abandoned you? Maybe hes found a better spiritual weapon by now. Ziling was momentarily dazed. Impossible. Absolutely impossible! I followed my master since he was a child. He would never abandon me. Shen Mo waved a hand, no longer interested in continuing that topic. You havent answered my first question yetwhat are you capable of? Ziling remained haughty and said nothing. Shen Mo let out a cold laugh. Recognize your status. Youre the servant, and Im the master. Right now, Im the only one who can remove the remaining two seals. Your spirit needs to recover, and that requires me to infuse blood qi into you. Ziling was left speechless. After a moment, she finally spoke with some reluctance. Absorb blood qi and refine it into blood essence. This power is far stronger than spiritual power or blood qi. It can counter demonic energy. Shen Mo raised his eyebrows, visibly intrigued. So thats how it was. Refining blood qi into blood essence to counter demonic energy. It was indeed a solid concept. With this kind of power, Shen Mo wouldnt have to expend massive amounts of blood qi and spiritual power in fighting the demon race. How many units of blood qi does it take to refine one unit of blood essence? Shen Mo pressed further. One hundred to one. Each refinement takes a full day, Ziling said in a low voice, seemingly having accepted her fate. Heavenbreaker can store up to ten units of blood essence. Shen Mo was overjoyed. This was tremendous news! It meant he now had a trump card to fight the demon race. With that, his military merits would skyrocket. Good. Start refining blood essence now, Shen Mo nodded, actively channeling blood qi into her. Ziling nodded and, without playing any tricks, began refining the blood essence for him. Shen Mo exhaled deeply. At once, he took out the Divine Thunder Water Essence, refining it while simultaneously cultivating the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Canon. With the aid of the Divine Thunder Water Essence, his cultivation speed in the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Canon increased significantly. Not to mention, the spiritual energy in the Demon-Suppressing Sea was far more condensed than on the mainland. In the month that followed, Shen Mo fully laid the foundation for his Divine Palace. This meant he had taken the first step toward the Divine Palace Realm! The Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Canon was created by the True Flame Master, specifically to counter the demon race. As long as I enter the Divine Palace Realm, my spiritual power will carry a trace of Divine Thunder Forceenough to oppose demonic energy! By then, Ill have both Divine Thunder Force and blood essence as means to counter the demonic aura! Shen Mo smiled. These two techniques already surpassed what ordinary Demon-Suppressing Guards could achieve. With them, he would surely accelerate his accumulation of military merit! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 406: The Demon Execution Alliance and the Demon Race’s Conspiracy to Protect You Chapter 406: The Demon Execution Alliance and the Demon Race''s Conspiracy to Protect You In the blink of an eye, summer faded and winter cameanother year had passed. In the Demon-Suppressing Sea, there was no spring or autumnonly winter and summer. The two seasons alternated. Winter lasted a year, and summer lasted a year. At times, winter would even last abnormally longer. During summer, the sea surface would melt, and the demon race''s offensives would weaken. During winter, the sea would freeze over, and the demon attacks would intensify further. Ha Shen Mo turned over and got out of bed, immediately sensing that something was off. As he exhaled, he saw a white mist appear before his eyes. Clearly, the chill in the air had grown immensely strong. Normally, the changing seasons had little to no effect on powerful cultivators. But the winters in the Demon-Suppressing Sea were clearly extraordinarily cold. Even Demon-Suppressing Guards in the Venerable Realm who trained in blood qi techniques and possessed incredibly powerful bodies could feel the biting chill. As for those who cultivated spiritual power, or those only in the Royal Realm, they were likely already shivering uncontrollably. Even without stepping out of his tent, Shen Mo could already imagine what the other guards looked like. Sure enough, the moment he stepped outside, Shen Mo saw Li Heitan and the others wrapped tightly in their cloaks, shivering and wailing from the cold. Li Heitan sneezed. Idamn, it got this cold in just one night?! Sun Kong, Li He, and Zhao Xin were all curled into balls, nodding in agreement. At that moment, Shi Dingyue emerged from his tent, also wrapped in a thick robe. He rubbed his hands together and stomped his feet repeatedly, trying to keep his limbs from going numb. Huh? You dont seem cold at all, Shi Dingyue said, surprised upon seeing Shen Mo. Li Heitan and the others also exclaimed in surprise, Yeah, whats going on, Brother Shen? Youre not cold at all! Shen Mo chuckled. Ive got a fire-type physique. I dont feel the cold. Li Heitan scratched his head. But Ive also got a fire-type Earth-rank physique, and Im freezing my ass off Shen Mo just smiled and said nothing. A low-grade Saint-rank physiqueTaiyi Hunyuan Bodywas one reason. The three types of different fires residing within his body were another. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With both factors combined, he could hardly feel the chill of the Demon-Suppressing Seas winter. When the sea freezes in winter, the demon race will definitely increase their offensives. Our hard days are coming. Lets hope this winter doesnt last too long, Shi Dingyue muttered softly. Li Heitan and the others nodded solemnly. Winter was also when the death rate among Demon-Suppressing Guards spiked. You all stay in the tent. Ill go collect todays pills, Shen Mo said with a smile. Thanks, Brother Shen! Youre the best, Brother Shen! Li Heitan and the others were moved to tears. Quite literally. Their snot was already starting to freeze into icicles. Shen Mo nodded, caught the token tossed by Shi Dingyue, and strode off toward the camps pill depot. Every day, the depot distributed Vital Blood Pills to the Demon-Suppressing Guards. These pills contained massive amounts of life essence, with mild and balanced medicinal properties, making them the ideal choice for those cultivating blood qi techniques. With the help of these pills, many guards had greatly enhanced their physical bodies. Even those cultivating spiritual power had acquired durable, resilient bodies. Over the past year, Shen Mo had received Vital Blood Pills many times and was already very familiar with the process. After collecting pills on behalf of Shi Dingyue, Li Heitan, and the others, Shen Mo was just about to return. But his keen senses picked up an unexpected conversation. The Demon Execution Alliance will protect you. On the battlefield, well fight side by side and save every wounded brother. Well share our battle merits, share our pills, and eventually drive out the demon race completely. Thank you, Hall Master! Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and slipped behind a tent. Immediately, he saw a tall Demon-Suppressing Guard distributing his own Vital Blood Pills to others. The guards receiving the pills looked at him with deep gratitude. When Shen Mo appeared, the tall guard smiled slightly, not hiding anything, and spoke directly, Brother, are you interested in joining our Demon Execution Alliance too? Demon Execution Alliance Shen Mo rolled the name around in his mind. Ever since he arrived at the Xuanwu Fortress, he had heard that an organization called the Demon Execution Alliance was expanding in other fortresses. At first, the Alliance had only been active in the Demon Beast Fortress. Their influence seemed to be vast. There were even Demon-Suppressing Generals who had joined the Demon Execution Alliance. Shen Mo hadnt expected the Demon Execution Alliance to have already reached the Xuanwu Fortress. He shook his head. No need. I have no interest in the Demon Execution Alliance. The tall Demon-Suppressing Guard didnt get angry. Instead, he smiled and said, It doesnt matter. Sooner or later, youll come to understandthe Demon Execution Alliance is the true balance point between the human race, the monsters, and the flood dragons. Only when the ten Demon-Suppressing Fortresses unite under the Demon Execution Alliance can we cooperate sincerely and strike down the demon race together. With that, he continued handing out Vital Blood Pills to the other guards. Shen Mo didnt linger. He turned and left. He couldnt shake the feeling that something was very wrong with these Demon Execution Alliance members. Vital Blood Pills werent extremely rare, but they were essential cultivation resources. No one had ever complained about having too many. The more, the betterwas the usual belief. Who would willingly give away their own Vital Blood Pills to others? Moreover, if the Alliance members were constantly giving theirs away, how did they cultivate? And where exactly did they get so many Vital Blood Pills? As Shen Mo returned to his tent, he began browsing through his Life Panel. After reading it, he frowned slightly. So thats it The Demon Execution Alliance has many hidden agents, and their strength is intertwined and entrenched. They clearly have ulterior motives. Still, this may not be a bad opportunity to rack up a massive amount of military merit Shen Mo fell into thought. Slaying demons was only the primary method of earning merit. Any action that contributed to harming the demon race could earn military merit. For example, forging spiritual weapons, refining pills, constructing formationsall of these were viable means. The Life Panel had just pointed him to another grand path toward merit! Demon-Suppressing Sea, Sixth Layer. Here, it was pitch-black and deathly dim. The passageways were like a mazeinterconnected and chaotic. If one were not a veteran demon who had lived here for years, they wouldnt know how to navigate it at all. A True Demon Venerable strode quickly through the sixth layer, moving with practiced ease toward its depths. There, a rugged and imposing palace stood tall. Purple crystals were embedded all around the palace, emitting a faint, dim glow. For demons, this amount of light was more than sufficient to see. The demon race had always disliked overly bright illumination. This was the Demon Palace of the sixth layer. It was the residence of the four direct descendants of the Sixth Great Archdemon. At the entrance of the palace, two massive demon flood dragons stood guard. So-called demon flood dragons were flood dragons corrupted and tainted by demonic energy. They had already transformed into fully demonized flood dragons, who recognized only the demon race as sovereign. Only after the True Demon Venerable revealed his identity did the two demon flood dragons allow him to pass. He entered the palace and headed straight toward a courtyard in the back. It was a strange sight. All the courtyards at the front bore the demon races usual wild and brutal architectural style. But this one was built with bricks and wood and had the aesthetic of human architecture. Even so, the True Demon Venerable did not dare be disrespectful. The owner of this courtyard was a truly legendary figure. Once a human tainted by demonic energy, they had risen to prominence through repeatedly offering critical strategic advice and had gradually gained the Sixth Great Archdemons favor. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 407: The Archdemon’s Heir, An Fan, Breaks Through to the Divine Palace Realm Chapter 407: The Archdemons Heir, An Fan, Breaks Through to the Divine Palace Realm Three years ago, this demon was granted True Demon Blood, transforming into a True Demon. A year ago, he was even gifted the Heart Blood of the Great Archdemon, becoming an heir of the Archdemon. The Sixth Great Archdemon held this demon in high regard and granted him the privilege of residing in this Demon Palace. Moreover, this demon was an executor of a crucial plan. The True Demon Venerable gently knocked on the courtyard door and spoke softly, Respected An Fan, I, An Zhenshan, have returned to report. A calm voice came from within the courtyard. Enter. An Zhenshan walked in lightly and quietly, and saw a tall, slender demon reclining on a stone chair, quietly reading a book. He was quite different from most of the demon race. His limbs were long and thin, and his skin wasnt the usual deep purple-black. Rather than a demon, he looked more like a human with purple-black skin. However, An Zhenshan didnt dare show even the slightest disrespect. He had already experienced the mans intelligence firsthand. And the authority he held was more than enough to completely suppress a mere True Demon Venerable like him. An Zhenshan bowed respectfully. Respected An Fan, Ive followed your arrangements and successfully infiltrated the Demon Execution Alliance into the Xuanwu Fortress. The progress has gone very smoothly. An Fan nodded. Have you found that human Demon-Suppressing Guard who calls himself Xiao Fan? An Zhenshan replied in a low voice, Were still searching, but we should find him soon. An Fans expression remained calm. After a brief pause, he said, You need to speed up. Of the four human fortressesAzure Dragon, Vermillion Bird, White Tiger, and Xuanwuthe power of Vermillion Bird Fortress has already declined significantly. Next, it will be Xuanwus turn. Theres always been great friction between the humans and the monsters. If Xuanwu Fortress is attacked, the nearby monster fortress definitely wont be the first to send aid. Even if they do send reinforcements, itll only be after Xuanwu Fortress has suffered heavy damage. We must exploit this thinking of the monster race and break through Xuanwu Fortress in one swift strike! This is a strategy personally decided by the Father Demon. There can be no delay. An Fan turned his chair to face An Zhenshan directly. Being stared at by that gaze, An Zhenshan felt a chill in his heart and immediately bowed respectfully. Yes, I will urge the Demon Execution Alliance to accelerate the plan. In at most half a year, the Alliance will grow to five thousand members. Well especially focus on taking control of those Demon-Suppressing Guards in formation, alchemy, and weapon refinement. Each Demon-Suppressing Fortress housed around twenty thousand guards. Some of the monster fortresses had larger numbers, but none exceeded forty thousand. The Vermillion Bird Fortress of the human race had suffered severe destruction in the past and had never fully recovered, with only fifteen thousand guards. Xuanwu Fortress had a moderate forcetwenty-five thousand guards. If the Demon Execution Alliance could grow to five thousand members and focus on taking control of those involved in formations, pill-making, and crafting, then theyd essentially bury a ticking time bomb within the fortress. Once it exploded, the impact would shake the heavens! An Fan nodded slightly. Go. An Zhenshan respectfully took his leave. Yes, sir. After he left, the courtyard returned to stillness. An Fan slowly stood and exhaled deeply. A faint smile played at his lips. Interesting calls himself Xiao Fan Ive been in the Demon-Suppressing Sea so long, Ive nearly forgotten my own name. Didnt expect to one day hear the name Xiao Fan from the mouths of the demon race. Who still remembers me? When I find you, Ill definitely pay you a proper visit, old friend. An Fan quietly contemplated. A figure instinctively appeared in his mind. It shouldnt be him. Even if Shen Mos cultivation speed is astonishing, its impossible for him to reach the Divine Palace Realm or the Venerable Realm in just over ten years. Even if he made it to the Demon-Suppressing Sea, it wouldnt be until at least ten years from now. By then, who knows if the ten Demon-Suppressing Fortresses will still exist. An Fan shook his head, pushing that figure from his mind. Since becoming part of the demon race, he had gained immense power. Now, he had already reached the level of an ordinary Demon Venerable. And after receiving the Archdemons blood, he had become one of the Archdemons heirs. Even though he was once just a mere demonized human, his current status was extremely high. He had even personally orchestrated the Demon Execution Alliance. Shen Mothe one who had once haunted his heart like a nightmarehad long since disappeared without a trace. If he faced the current Shen Mo, he was confident he could kill him with ease! Its a pity I wont get to face Shen Mo. An Fan smiled faintly and returned to his book, no longer paying any mind to Shen Mo. Inside Shen Mos tent. He sat cross-legged on his bed, cultivating quietly. With the assistance of the Divine Thunder Water Essence, his pace in constructing the Divine Palace increased steadily each day. After a year, he was finally approaching the end. The Divine Palace had reached the point of completion. Shen Mo looked inward at his dantian. Above the ocean of spiritual power stood a towering, majestic palace. It floated as if suspended over the sea. With a single thought, Shen Mo caused the palace doors to slowly creak open with a booming sound. Revealing a vast, empty inner hall. At the center of the hall stood a steady and solid Dao Platform. It was the very foundation of the Divine Palace. As long as the Dao Platform remained intact, the Divine Palace would never collapse. Seated upon the Dao Platform was his closed-eyed Nascent Spirit. Vague and ethereal, it was the embodiment of Shen Mos soul. Surrounding the Nascent Spirit were three flamesNine Nether Iceflame, Solar Essence Flame, and Red Lotus Flame. They constantly absorbed spiritual power. S~ea??h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And in turn, guarded the Nascent Spirit. Shen Mo then looked toward the walls surrounding the palace interior. All four walls were bare, without a single marking. It wasnt that he hadnt intended to engrave anythingit was because these four walls were unique. They were the surfaces upon which Manifestations would eventually be formed. They too were part of the foundation! The Manifestation Realm was the next realm after Divine Palace. The entire Divine Palace Realm focused on two things: expanding the palace and seeking treasures needed to form Manifestations. Because of this, cultivators in the Divine Palace Realm were generally weaker than those in the Venerable Realm. The Demon-Suppressing Fortresses had never placed much importance on Divine Palace Realm cultivators. After all, aside from a vastly increased spiritual reserve, a strengthened Nascent Spirit domain, and a method to protect the soul, there wasnt much that set them apart from those in the Core Transformation Realm. But the moment a Divine Palace Realm cultivator stepped into the Manifestation Realm Their strength would skyrocket. The Demon-Suppressing General of the Xuanwu Fortress, Zhang Longxiang, was a top expert in the Manifestation Realm. With a single move, he could summon the Manifestation of a Dragon-Elephant, shaking the heavens. Every strike could wipe out tens of thousands of demons. Only one last step remainsfinishing the roof! Shen Mo calmed his mind and accelerated his efforts. The top of the Divine Palace was forming at high speed. Tile after tile of spiritual power condensed and fell into place atop the palace. Until the final tile landedBOOM! The Divine Palace trembled violently! The once-calm sea of spiritual power surged into raging waves, as though celebrating the completion of the palace. Within the palace, the three different flames trembled slightly, as if sensing the palaces formation. Fierce spiritual energy burst out in all directions. However, it was instantly absorbed and concealed by the formations Shen Mo had laid down in advance. Today, he had stepped into the Divine Palace Realm! Shen Mo opened his eyes. Instinctively, he extended his hand. A sphere of spiritual power suddenly appeared in his palm. Yet within that power, there was a faint tracethin strands of golden lightning! This was Divine Thunder Force! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 411: Got It, Xiao Zhu Is Fine, Xiao Zhu Chapter 411: Got It, Xiao Zhu Is Fine, Xiao Zhu General Zhang, Ive brought todays letters for you, Zhong Baisheng said respectfully. The man before him appeared plain and unremarkable, yet he held the highest authority in the Xuanwu Fortress. As one of the many commanders under Zhang Longxiang, Zhong Baisheng naturally held deep reverence for him. Zhang Longxiang nodded without even looking up. Zhong Baisheng dared not speak further. He silently stood by and began sorting through the letters. He was one of Zhang Longxiangs longtime subordinatesone of the few qualified to enter the tower. Every night, it was his duty to collect the letters from the boxes and bring them to Zhang Longxiang. Of course, Zhang Longxiang was far too busy to read every single submission. Thats why Zhong Baisheng had to sift through them first, filtering out the baseless ramblings. Before long, he had sorted through the pile. Then he noticed a thick envelopeso thick it was equivalent to more than a dozen letters. Zhong Baisheng raised an eyebrow. He had retrieved this from the Demon Informants box. But this was a bit too much, wasnt it? Just how many Demon Suppressors had this person reported? Could it be that this was just someone driven by envy, trying to slander others? Zhong Baisheng opened the envelope and began reading. Name after name flashed before his eyes. The more he read, the more unsettled he became. Each member of the Demon-Slaying Society was listed with convincing detail All seemingly parasitized by demons. There were more than twenty names in total! But when he reached the final name, his eyes widened in disbelief. He was completely shaken. The name was Lin Yuanxinone of his sixteen centurions! Lin Yuanxin was powerful, a centurion Zhong Baisheng relied on heavily. He had earned great merit, slaying countless demonsincluding true demons. How could such a loyal Demon Suppressor be a demon in disguise? Impossible. Absolutely impossible! Zhong Baishengs first instinct was to toss the letter into the trash. At that moment, Zhang Longxiang happened to lift his head from the scrolls and exhaled a heavy breath. Your expression changed significantly. What did you see? Zhang Longxiang asked calmly. With his level of perception, it was easy to sense even subtle emotional shifts around him. Even though Zhong Baisheng had tried to keep calm, he couldnt hide it. With no choice, Zhong Baisheng honestly explained everything he had read. In the end, his expression turned stern. This report is pure fabricationhow dare someone slander a centurion who has rendered such great service. If I find out who wrote this, Ill drag them out and punish them severely. Zhang Longxiang calmly tapped the table with his fingers. Let me see that report. Zhong Baisheng was stunned, but didnt dare delay. He quickly handed it over. Zhang Longxiang skimmed through it at a rapid pace. As he read, his brows began to furrow. Zhong Baisheng quickly added, General, surely you think this is all made up nonsense as well? Zhang Longxiang shook his head. Its well-reasoned and convincing. The true demons Lin Yuanxin has killed all had past grievances with An Zhenxiongor had once slighted him. Zhong Baisheng frowned. But these details are far too specific. How could an ordinary Demon Suppressor know any of this? Zhang Longxiang pondered for a moment. You can return for now. Yes, sir. Zhong Baisheng dared not question further and simply nodded. Zhang Longxiang took out a jade token and injected it with spiritual energy. After a while, a hurried voice came from within. Why are you contacting me? Im deep in hostile territoryits easy to get exposed! Zhang Longxiang spoke in a low tone. I need you to investigate a demon named An Zhenxiong. Find out which demons in the past had feuds with him. That person sounded puzzled. An Zhenxiong? With the Zhen title, he''s just a mere True Demon. You want me to pull strings for someone like that? Zhang Longxiangs tone grew solemn. This matter is critical. It may involve a demon who has been hiding in the Xuanwu Fortress for decades. Upon hearing this, the other mans tone became serious as well. Understood. Ill start the investigation immediately. Give me a dayI''ll have your answer. Good. Thank you, Xiao Zhu, Zhang Longxiang said with a smile. The other man immediately snapped, veins practically bulging from his forehead. Call me Xiao Zhu one more timeI swear Ill beat you into the dirt the moment I get back! Zhang Longxiang grinned even wider. Got it, Xiao Zhu. No problem, Xiao Zhu. With a growl of frustration, the man cut the communication link. Zhang Longxiangs expression shifted instantly, turning serious. If the intelligence was accurate, then Lin Yuanxin was without a doubt a major threat. A Peak Demon Venerableonce he coordinated with the demon forces outside the fortress, the resulting damage to the Xuanwu Fortress would be catastrophic. If the man turned out not to be a demon, all would be well. But if he was, then exposing him early would be an enormous victory. It could mean saving thousands of Demon Suppressors. Perhaps it could even mean saving his own life. Zhang Longxiang let out a heavy breath and stepped in front of his desk, turning a mirror with a light touch. The mirror rotated and suddenly displayed a scene at the entrance of the tower. Rewind to midnight. Play everything from the beginning, Zhang Longxiang said softly. The mirrors image reversed instantly. Then it began playing from midnight onward. One figure after another appeared at the tower, delivering letters. Finally, Zhang Longxiangs gaze locked onto a young Demon Suppressor who placed a thick bundle of letters into the wooden box. Who are you? Zhang Longxiang stared at the overly youthful face, thoughtful. One day later Zhang Longxiang received a response from Xiao Zhu. Thats all of it. Ive told you everything I found. But this An Zhenxiong has been missing for a long time. He probably died on the battlefield, Xiao Zhu added, puzzled. Why are you even looking into him? Zhang Longxiang tapped his desk. Hes not dead. Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xiao Zhu paused. Not dead? Where is he? As soon as he asked, a realization struck him like lightning. He blurted out, Hes in the Demon Suppression Fortress? In your Xuanwu Fortress? Zhang Longxiang nodded solemnly. You guessed right. I used to think that the Peak Demon Venerable hiding in the fortress had already escaped. But now I knowhes still here. And hes one of my own centurions. A centurion with a glorious record, whos slain demons bravely on the battlefield. Xiao Zhu frowned. I get it. Most of the demons he killed were his former enemies. Using his position to settle old scores hes got some cunning. Zhang Longxiang exhaled slowly. Enough about that. Hows your own mission going? Xiao Zhu replied calmly, No progress. I cant access deeper areas, so theres no way to confirm whether the Undying Demon Emperor really exists. No more talk. This kind of contact is risky. Unless I reach out first, dont contact me again. Zhang Longxiang nodded. Alright. Take care. The connection ended. Zhang Longxiang turned his gaze toward the brightly lit Xuanwu Fortress, eyes deep and thoughtful. Lin Yuanxin is An Zhenxiong. And that list was real. Its time to make the arrest. With that, Zhang Longxiang leapt forwarddiving straight off the hundred-zhang tower. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 412: How Could the Second on the Human Ranking Be a Mere Yellow-Rank Demon Suppressor? Chapter 412: How Could the Second on the Human Ranking Be a Mere Yellow-Rank Demon Suppressor? The great sun rose in the east. The warm winter light barely pierced through the dark clouds, casting faint rays upon the Xuanwu Fortress. Shen Mo woke up as usual. No sooner had he risen than he heard Li Heitan and the others chatting about something. Why would that centurion suddenly be arrested? Thats too strange. Not just himseveral Demon Suppressors were taken away too. Rumor says it might be related to the demon race. Scary stuff to think someone could get parasitized by a demon without anyone noticing. If only we had some way to screen the body. Well, Ive heard that only those with weak willpower are vulnerable to demon parasitism. As long as we stay true to ourselves, we should be fine. Yeah, youre right Hey? Brother Shen, youre up too? When they saw Shen Mo, Li Heitan and the others looked at him with respect in their eyes. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. Whats going on? Li Heitan and the other three immediately relayed everything that had happened the night before in detail. Shen Mo nodded knowingly. It was all within his expectations. After all, it involved a centurion. Zhang Longxiang would certainly collect evidence from all sides and carefully verify whether that anonymous tip-off was legitimate. A one-day turnaroundalready very efficient. Since Zhang Longxiang had already apprehended the people on that list, his own military merits should have been awarded too, right? Shen Mo sensed the Demon Suppressor bracelet on his wrist. And then a look of joy lit up his face. He had received twenty whole B-rank military merits! As expected, the Will of Heaven would consider the overall impact of an incident when assigning merit. Although Shen Mo hadnt fought any demons directly, and hadnt personally captured An Zhenxiong or the others He had played a critical role in the entire operation. Without him, An Zhenxiong and the members of the Demon-Slaying Society would never have been exposed. They would have coordinated with the demon race from within, causing catastrophic damage to the fortress and resulting in the tragic outcome described in the fated future. Killing an ordinary True Demon Venerable usually grants ten D-rank military merits on average. The specific reward depends on the demons strength, bloodline, and how many underlings they command. The higher the True Demon Venerables strength, the more military merit is awardedsometimes five to six times more, or even higher. Shen Mo reflected on what hed heard from the conversations of Shi Dingyue and the others. That intel had come from their centurion, Ning Tianying. Killing a Silver-peak True Demon Venerableforty D-rank merits on average. Killing a Gold-peak True Demon Venerabletwenty C-rank merits on average. Killing a Peak True Demon Venerabletwo B-rank merits on average. Reporting a parasitized Demon Suppressorone C-rank merit on average. By that logic, Shen Mos anonymous report of An Zhenxiong and the Demon-Slaying Society had earned him ten times the usual reward. An absolutely staggering figure. Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If military rank promotions didnt also require corresponding cultivation realms, Shen Mo couldve been promoted to Earth-rank Demon Suppressor on the spot! Now I can finally redeem the fifth layer of the Divine Elephant Suppression Technique. My blood energy has long since reached full capacity. Once I get the technique, Ill be able to step into the Silver-peak Lord Realm in no time. Shen Mo smiled. In just two more days, the Heavenly Dao Treasury would descend again. He had long been looking forward to the fifth layer of the Divine Elephant Suppression Technique. Two days later The Heavenly Dao Treasury descended as scheduled. However, the Heavenly Dao Golden Ranking Board unexpectedly did not appear. Shen Mo didnt care about that. He quickly redeemed the fifth layer of the Divine Elephant Suppression Technique, two pieces of Qnglun Blood Essence, and a core of Divine Thunder Water Essence. The fifth layer of the Divine Elephant Suppression Techniquethirteen B-rank merits. Two Qnglun Blood Essencesone hundred D-rank merits total. Divine Thunder Water Essence Coresixty-one D-rank merits. After spending all that, Shen Mo was left with only a few B-rank merits. Even so, this amount of military merit already far surpassed most Black-rank and Yellow-rank Demon Suppressors. Perhaps only a few extremely lucky Black-rank Demon Suppressors could hope to amass so much. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow, suddenly remembering something important. With all this military merit I might end up at the very top of the Human Ranking, huh? Damn thatll definitely put a target on my back. Hed long known that the demon race constantly monitored the three Heavenly Dao Ranking Boards. Those Demon Suppressors who ranked high were always singled out for special attention by the demons Including, but not limited to, assassination and poisoning. And once on the battlefield, theyd be marked targets. To Demon Suppressors, appearing on the three Heavenly Dao Rankings was a mark of glory. But to the demon race, those rankings were practically bounty lists. Id better spend a bit more of my meritno need to rank too high. Who was first again? I think it was Tang Shenting, a Black-rank Demon Suppressor from the Qinglong Fortress? Alright, Ill stay just under him. With that, Shen Mo straightforwardly spent the rest of his merit on various types of blood essences and Divine Thunder Water Essence. Blood essence from rare birds and beasts was best for cultivating the Divine Elephant Suppression Technique. As for the Divine Thunder Water Essence, it was used to assist in cultivating the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Scripture. These resources were never wastedthe more, the better. After this shopping spree, Shen Mos military merit had dwindled down to a single B-rank point. Only then did he nod in satisfaction. Another day passed. The Heavenly Dao Golden Rankings finally descended. For some reason, this time the rankings appeared the Heavenly Dao Treasury, rather than before. For thousands of years, the three Heavenly Dao Ranking Boards and the Treasury had always appeared on time, every ten daysnever early, never late. This unexpected delay left the Demon Suppressors rather puzzled. Could even the Will of Heaven show up late like some slacker? But the divine thunder descending over the Demon Suppressor Sea soon reassured everyone. As long as the divine thunder was still there, everything was fine. However, this time, when the three rankings descended, the Heaven and Earth Rankings didnt change much. But the Human Ranking changed drastically. Look at thatwhos second on the Human Ranking now? Shen Mo? From Xuanwu Fortress? A Yellow-rank Demon Suppressor?! A Yellow-rank Demon Suppressor? What the hell! I heard most Black-rank Demon Suppressors usually maintain one or two B-rank merits just to hold their position on the Human Ranking and get their monthly reward. How did that Yellow-ranker even get B-rank merit? Thats way too bizarre! Absolutely absurd! Who the hell is that Shen Mo? Some Demon Suppression Generals long-lost son? Did they cripple a bunch of Peak True Demon Venerables and let him finish them off for credit? No way. Military merit is awarded by the Will of Heaven based on contribution. Whoever contributes the most to killing a demon gets the most meritperiod. Across the ten fortresses, countless Demon Suppressors were abuzz with speculation. Everyone was asking the same thingwho was Shen Mo, and how had he suddenly risen to second place on the Human Ranking with such overwhelming merit? Qinglong Fortress. A lean, shirtless young man was training with martial techniques. Each of his punches roared with wind and thunder, shaking the skies as if tearing open the heavens. This was Tang Shentingthe first on the Human Ranking. Several Demon Suppression Generals had said that Tang Shenting would one day become a general himself. He had long held a top spot on the demon races most-wanted list. Over the years, countless demons had tried to assassinate, poison, and ambush himbut every time, he survived, becoming even stronger. Squad Leader, the Heavenly Dao Ranking has appeared, someone nearby said with a smile. Tang Shenting didnt even blink. Nothing to look at. The rankings barely ever change. He was about to resume his training. But the Demon Suppressor beside him suddenly froze after reading the Human Ranking. Bossthe second place just changed! Its not Lion Slayer anymoreits a Yellow-rank Demon Suppressor from Xuanwu Fortress named Shen Mo! Tang Shentings fist froze mid-strike. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 413: Tang Shenting’s Doubt, Shi Mie’s Fury Chapter 413: Tang Shenting''s Doubt, Shi Mies Fury Tang Shenting retracted his fist and exhaled, frowning as he looked at the Heavenly Dao Golden Ranking. Just as the nearby Demon-Suppressing Guard had said. The second place on the Human Ranking had changed from Shi Mie of the Blood God Fortress to a completely unfamiliar name. "Xuanwu Fortress, Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard, Shen Mo?" Tang Shenting chewed on this name, extremely surprised. Since when could a Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard reach second place on the Human Ranking? Not to mention second placeeven making it into the top two hundred was rare for Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guards. The entire Human Ranking listed a thousand names, and the top eight hundred were all Black-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guards. There were years when the entire Human Ranking consisted solely of Black-Rank names. After all, the ten fortresses had at least three hundred thousand Demon-Suppressing Guards. Unless a Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard had heaven-defying luck, it was nearly impossible to achieve more merit than a Black-Rank. Tang Shenting was very familiar with Shi Mie. Shi Mies military exploits had always been biting at his heels, relentlessly pursuing him. Now this Shen Mo had suddenly surpassed Shi Mie, which left him puzzled. More importantly, he had never heard of this person before. Could he be some hidden ace from Xuanwu Fortress? "Look into this Shen Mo, find out who he is," Tang Shenting said casually. Someone unexpected taking second on the Human Ranking only surprised him; he didnt really care. He had dominated the first place on the Human Ranking for ten full years. Pressing Shi Mie down so hard he couldnt breathe. No one could surpass him. Shen Mo wouldnt be able to either. The first places of the three Golden Rankings not only earned monthly merit rewards but also granted one important treasure every year. At the end of each year, the top of the Human Ranking would receive a Visualization Diagram! The contents of the Visualization Diagram were unknown, but the top-ranking Demon-Suppressing Guard could submit a general request. And the Visualization Diagram was a treasure coveted by cultivators in the Divine Palace Realm and Venerable Realm alike! It was the best choice for condensing a Dharma Form for those in the Divine Palace and Venerable Realms! Tang Shenting was currently suppressing his cultivation on purpose, just to stay at the top of the Human Ranking a few more years and collect more Visualization Diagrams. In order to condense the most powerful Dharma Form! Once in the Dharma Form Realm, there would be a massive leap in strength. Since he had this ability, he was determined to obtain the strongest Dharma Form. He would not settle for anything less. "Continue training." Tang Shenting let out a turbid breath. With a punch carrying wind and thunder, he struck the wooden dummy with overwhelming force! Blood God Fortress. This fortress was entirely blood-red, as if covered in a layer of blood that would never dry. It was also the most powerful among the four demon race fortresses. At the highest point of the Blood God Fortress was an enormous martial training ground. This training ground was exclusively for the direct bloodline of the Lion Clan. No other demon race dared approach it. Even collateral branches of the Lion Clan werent allowed. At this moment, two figures were clashing in the center of the arena. One was a giant lion covered in golden fur. The other was a massive black bear. Though the lion was huge, it was still slightly smaller than the bear. However, the bear, despite its imposing physique, was at a disadvantage the whole time. Soon, wounds covered the bears body. He cried out in pain and kept backing away. "Young Master, stop hitting! I surrender! I surrender!" Only then did the giant lion laugh heartily and leap back. Its teeth and claws were drenched in blood. He was Shi Mie, direct fourth-generation descendant of Shi Tian, the Demon-Suppressing General of the Blood God Fortress. The giant bear on the ground was named Xiong Da. He had grown up with Shi Mie, which was why he was allowed to train in the arena. Xiong Da chuckled. "Young Master, youre too strong. Now that the Human Ranking has descended, you must have taken first place!" At those words, Shi Mie snorted coldly. "What nonsense! What do the humans say again? Speak of the devil and he shall appear!" "Tang Shentings strength is formidable. His merit points have suppressed mine for ten years." Too bad I still havent been able to get the Visualization Diagram for first place on the Human Ranking Xiong Da quickly said, Young Master, youre a peerless warrior! Sooner or later youll surpass that Tang Shenting! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Besides, I heard that Tang Shenting has been suppressing his cultivation for a long time. I think he wont be able to hold it down much longer. Shi Mie nodded. Lets hope so. Just then, golden light flashed across the sky. Xiong Da said excitedly, Young Master, the Human Ranking has appeared! Hehe, I wonder if I can make it into the top hundred this time. Shi Mie couldnt be bothered to look and was about to rinse the blood off his body with water. But at that moment, Xiong Da suddenly froze in shock. Y-Young Master! Second place Second place Shi Mie said impatiently, What is it? Xiong Da quickly replied, Second place isnt you anymore. Its a Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard from Xuanwu Fortress! Shi Mie was utterly stunned and immediately turned around. Sure enough, on the enormous golden ranking in the sky, the name ranked second was that of a Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard from Xuanwu Fortress. The name was Shen Mo! Shi Mie was now in third place. Whats going on? Shi Mie was dumbfounded. He couldnt understandwhere did this person suddenly come from? Last time, just ten days ago when the Golden Ranking appeared, that name hadnt been there. How could someone suddenly shoot to second place within ten days? It was simply unbelievable! Xiong Da scratched his head, just as baffled. Go investigatenow! I want to know everything about this Shen Mo! Shi Mie growled. Xiong Da jumped up immediately and nodded vigorously. Shi Mies expression turned dark. Who exactly was this Shen Mo? Too strange! The same scene unfolded across all the fortresses. Every Demon-Suppressing Guard was baffled. Who exactly was this Shen Mo who suddenly appeared in second place? Aoran from Panlong Fortress, Lang Po from Xiaoyue Fortress, Hu Sha from Blood God Fortress along with numerous other top-ranked Demon-Suppressing Guards on the Heavenly Dao Human Ranking, all stared at the list in astonishment. They too were wonderingwho was Shen Mo? Xuanwu Fortress. Li Heitan saw the change on the Human Rankingand saw a familiar name. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief, double-checking to see if it was just someone with the same name. But after confirming it read Xuanwu Fortress, Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard, he jumped up in shock. Holy crap! Brother Shen made it onto the Human Ranking! He immediately raised a ruckus. Li He, Sun Kong, and Zhao Xin were all stunned. Shi Dingyue was in the middle of cultivation, but came out of the tent when he heard the commotion. What? Shen Mo made it onto the Human Ranking? No way. Shi Dingyues tone was casual. Let me guess ranked in the 900s? Its insanely difficult for a Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard to get on the Human Ranking. Still, it shows that fighting bravely is the only way to make it on the list. You all need to learn from Shen Mo. Li Heitan swallowed hard. Boss, are you sure second place on the Human Ranking can be reached just by fighting bravely? That kind of merit probably requires killing a True Demon Sovereign from the Peak Realm! Li He, Sun Kong, and Zhao Xin all saw the list tooand were completely shocked. They just couldnt believe it. At that moment, Shen Mo walked out of the tent. Seeing himself ranked second on the Human Ranking, he clicked his tongue. He hadnt expected that even after spending so many merit points, he would still end up in second place. Miscalculated. Had he known, he would have spent a bit more to land around the hundredth spotthat wouldve been better. Shen Mo felt a little helpless. The Human Ranking didnt display specific merit pointsonly placement. He hadnt thought the gap between first and second place would be so small. Li Heitan, Shi Dingyue, and the others quickly gathered around Shen Mo, eyes shining. Brother Shen! What exactly did you do?! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 414: You’re Going to Logistics—Stay Off the Frontlines Chapter 414: You''re Going to LogisticsStay Off the Frontlines Shen Mo gave a helpless smile. He knew that with the existence of the Golden Ranking, there was no way to hide the fact that he had earned such a vast amount of merit. So, he had been prepared from the very beginning. However, just as he was about to speak, he saw a group of people approaching the camp in a great rush. At the head of the group was none other than Ning Tianying, the centurion of Shen Mos own hundred-man unit. Shi Dingyue and the others straightened their backs at once and called out loudly, Greetings, Centurion Ning! This woman, whose frame was as burly as a giant bear, gave a slight nod and looked at Shen Mo deeply. Shen Mo, come with me. General Zhang wants to see you. Shi Dingyue and the others were shocked. General Zhang?! But Shen Mo only nodded. Alright. If Zhang Longxiang couldnt deduce that he was the one who anonymously submitted the inteldespite Shen Mo being second on the Human Rankingthen this Demon-Suppressing Generals reputation was rather undeserved. Shi Dingyue watched Shen Mo leave, a thoughtful look on his face. Li Heitan and the other four still seemed completely lost, staring blankly. At the fortresss high tower Zhong Baisheng had already been waiting at the entrance. Ning Tianying didnt go up the tower herself, but handed Shen Mo over to Zhong Baisheng and had him escort Shen Mo up. Zhong Baisheng looked at Shen Mo with a gaze full of meaning. Shen Mo, you really are a knife up the buttunexpected and eye-opening. Shen Mo just smiled. Im just a bit more observant than most. Zhong Baisheng nodded and took him to the top of the tower without another word. There, Shen Mo saw the man sitting behind the desk. This man was neither as tall and burly as Zhong Baisheng nor as muscular as Ning Tianying. He looked utterly ordinary. If he were stripped of his generals armor and dressed in coarse clothing like a farmer, no one would suspect that he was the number one figure in Xuanwu Fortress The Demon-Suppressing Heavenly General ranked third on the Heavenly Ranking! Shen Mo held deep respect for this general who guarded the fortress and protected the human race. He said sincerely, Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard Shen Mo greets General Zhang. Zhang Longxiang looked up and waved at Zhong Baisheng. Zhong Baisheng nodded and took his leave. Only then did Zhang Longxiang smile. His smile was warm and approachable. Shen Mo, have a seat, he said, pointing to the chair. Shen Mo didnt stand on ceremony and sat down directly with a nod. Zhang Longxiang smiled. You suddenly appeared as second on the Human Ranking. Most of your merit came from anonymously reporting An Zhenxiong and the members of the Demon-Slaying Society. I asked Ning Tianying to bring you here simply to ask a few questions. Shen Mo nodded. I understand. Please ask, General. Zhang Longxiang asked, How did you determine that Lin Yuanxin was An Zhenxiong? Shen Mo replied, The cultivation method I practice is rather uniqueit allows me to detect demonkind. When I was within ten paces of Lin Yuanxin, I noticed unusual fluctuations in my technique. After repeated confirmation, I suspected that Lin Yuanxin may have already been parasitized by a demon. Sometimes, even on the battlefield, I would split my focus to observe him. I noticed that when he killed True Demon Sovereigns, there wasnt just the righteous hatred of a human toward demonsthere was also a strange, personal grudge. Taking all this into account, I deduced that Lin Yuanxin was likely not human, but a Peak Realm True Demon Sovereign disguised using a Thousand-Face Shapeshifting Technique. When he had anonymously submitted the report earlier, he hadnt described it in full detail. In fact, he had deliberately made parts of it vague, and some parts were even pure speculation. He knew very well which parts needed to be simplified and which needed to be precise. If he wrote too much, it would invite unnecessary suspicion. Which could, in turn, affect him. Zhang Longxiang asked with some curiosity, This cultivation method of yourswould you be willing to tell me more about it? Shen Mo wasnt worried that Zhang Longxiang would try to seize his cultivation method. If a Demon-Suppressing Guard committed any wrongdoing, the Heavenly Daos will would detect it and deduct their war merit. Zhang Longxiang, as a Demon-Suppressing General, would face even harsher punishment from the Heavenly Dao if he stole a subordinates technique. Shen Mo''s thoughts stirred. I wonder if General Zhang has heard of Master Yanyu? Zhang Longxiang raised an eyebrow. Of course I have. His full name was Zhao Yu. At the time, I wasnt yet the general of Xuanwu Fortress. I was only a Heaven-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard. He was searching for rare treasures and accidentally crossed the Eastern Sea, somehow ending up in the Demon-Suppressing Sea. All of us were shocked. Someone had crossed the vast ocean without the aid of the Heavenly Daos will and arrived at the Demon-Suppressing Sea, which is so far from the continent. Later, Master Yanyu joined our fortress and fought alongside us for a while. Zhang Longxiang sighed. Not long after, he was gravely wounded by An Chen, who was still a True Demon Sovereign back then, and eventually disappeared. He never returned to the fortress. I imagine hes already passed away. Shen Mo became thoughtful. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He hadnt expected Master Yanyus past to be so legendary. A cultivator in the Nascent Soul Realm had actually crossed the sea to reach the Demon-Suppressing Sea by himself. Zhang Longxiang continued, If you know of Master Yanyu, then the technique you''re cultivating must be one of his creations. He was very unique. Although not high in realm, he was exceptionally talented at creating techniques and martial skills. During his time at the fortress, he even crafted a Heaven-Rank martial technique tailored specifically for the previous general of Xuanwu Fortress. He once said that he hoped to create a technique capable of injuring demonsbut unfortunately, he never succeeded before he left. Shen Mo''s heart stirred. General Zhang, the technique I cultivate is precisely the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra created by Master Yanyu. Im willing to offer the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra for others in the Demon-Suppressing Guard to study. He then described the process of cultivating the sutra and advancing to the Nascent Soul Realm. If he could promote the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra, he would undoubtedly earn a tremendous amount of war merit. Zhang Longxiang was initially pleased, but his expression darkened as he listened to Shen Mos explanation. No, the power contained in those three items is too overwhelming. If you truly refined and absorbed them, theres at least an eighty percent chance you wouldve exploded on the spot. The remaining twenty percent wouldnt mean successit would be permanent crippling, with no chance of recovery. Unless your body is extremely special, or you had some other treasure inside you that helped neutralize the excess power. Shen Mo blinked. Now that he thought about it, that might actually be the case. At that time, his body had undergone long-term tempering by the Green Lotus Core Flame, making it far stronger than that of an ordinary cultivator. It was precisely because of this that after arriving at the Demon-Suppressing Sea, he possessed a far tougher physique than most cultivators who relied solely on spiritual energy techniques. Zhang Longxiang added, The techniques created by Master Yanyu all require extremely high comprehension. Unless they were specifically made for someone, most people can''t cultivate them. This Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra surely isnt something everyone can train in. You being able to cultivate it makes you quite fortunate. Its not something that can be promoted widely. A shameif it could, you would have earned enormous war merit. Zhang Longxiang looked regretful. Shen Mo clicked his tongue, feeling a bit of regret himself. If only he could distribute the Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra widely His war merit would probably skyrocket at a terrifying pace. Forget the Human Rankingeven the Earth Ranking wouldnt be a problem. Truly a pity. Zhang Longxiang paced back and forth for a long time. Now that youre ranked second on the Human Ranking, the demon race will surely target you. Also, you exposed many members of the Demon Execution Society, resulting in their complete purge from Xuanwu Fortress. That will make the society bear deep hatred toward you. Theres a Demon-Suppressing General among the demon race who is aggressively spreading the Demon Execution Society in his own fortress. And your Divine Thunder Demon-Suppressing Sutra allows you to identify whether someone has been possessed by a demon. That makes you all the more important. Your current situation is extremely dangerous. After thinking for a while, he finally said, Heres what well dostarting today, youll be transferred to the logistics division. Stay off the frontlines. Logistics is much safer for you. The Formation Hall, Pill Hall, Spirit Armament Hall, Armorywhich one do you want to go to? ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 415: General Zhang, I’m Willing to Go to the Armory Chapter 415: General Zhang, Im Willing to Go to the Armory Shen Mo was well-versed in the Dao of Alchemy and had originally intended to choose the Pill Hall first. But suddenly, he thought of the Armory. That logistics department rarely showed its face among the Demon-Suppressing Guards. Even among those he knew, few had ever served in the Armory. Shen Mo asked, General Zhang, I know about the Formation Hall, Pill Hall, and Spirit Armament Hallbut this Armory... it seems rather mysterious. Zhang Longxiang slowly paced. The Armory... houses all kinds of weaponized machinery powered by top-grade spirit stones. You should know about cloud ships. The Armory contains quite a few similar devices. There are also wave-cleaving battle platforms, tide-cutting battle platforms, and so onthey all fall under the Armorys jurisdiction. However, those weapons are extremely old and have long fallen into disrepair. If not for the flood dragons barely managing to manufacture and repair battle platforms, the ten Demon-Suppressing Fortresses would have lost them all five hundred years ago. Shen Mo looked thoughtful. Zhang Longxiang continued, Its said that many years ago, when the Demon-Suppressing Sea first formed, the Four Seas Dragon Palaces, the Emperor of Jing Kingdom, and the Emperor of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation once allied and promised the ten Demon-Suppressing Generals that every fifty years they would deliver battle platforms, cloud ships, and other military machines to help resist the demons. But time passed, and as the years changed, the humans and monsters who once fought side by side against the demons became bitter enemies. That fifty-year promise to deliver weapons, naturally, vanished with it. Shen Mo sighed softly. That made sense. Jing Kingdom and the Ten Thousand Demon Nation were now locked in bloody war, and the flood dragons of the Four Seas each had their own agenda. Who still had the strength to build war machines and ship them across the seas to resist the demon race? Let alone the fact that no demons had appeared on the mainland for a very long time. As the emperors who made those ancient promises died one after another, everything eventually became just fleeting memory. To most ordinary people, demons had become nothing more than stories used to scare children. Naturally, no one would take such things seriously anymore. The Armory has always been neglected by the Demon-Suppressing Guards. Repairing the machinery is time-consuming, laborious, and extremely difficult, Zhang Longxiang shook his head. Are you sure you want to go to the Armory? Let me be clear. Im moving you to the logistics division purely for your safetybut I cant guarantee youll keep earning war merit. Compared to the front lines, logistics obviously makes it much harder to earn merit, and your cultivation growth will slow. Your position is special. You could easily choose the Pill Hall, Formation Hall, or Spirit Armament Hallthose are the real cushy jobs. Zhang Longxiang spoke with complete sincerity. He genuinely wanted Shen Mo to survive. In the future, Shen Mo could become a living detectorhelping Xuanwu Fortress identify Demon-Suppressing Guards parasitized by demons. That would greatly reduce the risk of the fortress being breached from within. Whether Shen Mo could earn merit or cultivate properly in logistics wasnt something Zhang Longxiang could consider. Shen Mo replied earnestly, General Zhang, Im willing to go to the Armory. He was absolutely willing. There was a fortuitous opportunity from Lin Dongtian hidden therean ancient manual on constructing massive machinery. With his level of comprehension, he could master it easily. In the future, hed be able to build war machinesand earn merit while practically lying down. That was far better than risking his life on the front lines. Zhang Longxiang gave a helpless look. Alright, then go. The Armory is short-staffed anyway. Wang Xingan has asked me for more men several times already. Shen Mo nodded. Wang Xingan was one of Zhang Longxiangs ten commanders, responsible for overseeing logistics. Due to the Armorys importance, it was directly managed by Wang Xingan, with no centurion acting as an intermediary. Zhang Longxiang thought for a moment. Alright. Ask Shi Dingyue and the rest of your squad if theyre willing to go to the Armory with you. Anyone willing can go. If theyre unwilling, I wont force them. Ning Tianying will escort you there. Shen Mo nodded. Thank you, General Zhang. With that, he turned and left. Zhang Longxiang watched Shen Mos back thoughtfully. "Armory" "If he has any talent in repairing or crafting military equipment, that would be ideal. But even if he doesn''t, it doesn''t matter." "His true value is in ensuring that no demons appear within the fortress." "That alone is enough." Zhang Longxiang gave a slight nod, returned to his desk, and continued handling documents. Inside the tent of Shi Dingyue''s squad. After hearing Shen Mos explanation, Shi Dingyue, Li Heitan, and the others were all quite shocked. Shi Dingyue looked at Shen Mo in surprise. I didnt expect you to be cultivating such a strange technique. No wonder you discovered that Lin Yuanxin was actually a demon in disguise. Zhao Xin spoke with concern. But Brother Shen, youre really going to the Armory? That place might be safe, but earning war merit there is way too slow. Sun Kong agreed. Exactly. I heard those machines are practically all falling apart. Commander Wang Xingan has been trying to trick people into going there for ages, but barely any Demon-Suppressing Guards have agreed. Li Heitan shook his head. Safety comes first. War merit is secondary. Brother Shen, Ill go with you! Ive loved tinkering with machines since I was a kid! Zhao Xin and Sun Kong didnt understand and tried to talk Li Heitan out of it. But Li Heitan was stubborn, and in the end, insisted on following Shen Mo to the Armory. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. Alright. Centurion Ning will be coming tomorrow to take us there. That night, the six of them sat down for a hearty meal, drank till they were fully drunk, and shared laughs about the good times theyd had recently. The next day. Ning Tianying arrived as promised. Only Li Heitan was willing to go to the Armorysomething that didnt surprise her. After all, the Armory was indeed not a good place to earn war merit. War merit was the currency of the Demon-Suppressing Fortress. Unless someone was planning to just coast through their days doing nothing, any Demon-Suppressing Guard with ambition wouldnt willingly go to the Armory. Lets go. Ill take you to the Armory. Ning Tianying waved and signaled the two to follow her. Shen Mo nodded. The two of them waved goodbye to Shi Dingyue and the others, then followed Ning Tianying toward the Armory. Xuanwu Fortress was vast. From south to north were ten military camps, each overseen by one of Xuanwu Fortresss ten commanders. Zhong Baishengs camp was located at the southernmost part. The Armory, on the other hand, was located at the far north. As for the more important Formation Hall, Pill Hall, and Spirit Armament Hall, they were all situated at the fortresss center. Originally, the Armory had also been at the center. But as the machinery within gradually fell into disrepair and fewer people were capable of maintaining them, the Armory had to be relocated to the fortresss edge. After all, the Armory was filled with large-scale equipmenttoo bulky and space-consuming to remain in the central zones. The group walked for half an hour and finally arrived at the northern edge of the fortressat the Armory. Just as expected, the place was desolate and bleak. Completely incomparable to the bustling Pill Hall. Even the gate at the Armorys entrance was covered in rust. Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It took a great deal of effort just to push it open. There were weeds growing all around the entrance as wellclearly, few people ever came here. By right, the entrance should have been guarded. But now, not a single person stood watch. Ning Tianying raised an eyebrow, then shook her head with a sigh. Commander Wang, the Armory has new recruits! Within the silent Armory, a voice suddenly rang out like muffled thunder. The next moment, a massive figure leaped out from inside, jumped over the gate, and landed heavily in front of the three. The man was fat and burly, heavy as a hill. His belly looked like a giant pillow. His face was unkempt with a scruffy beard and disheveled haircompletely unlike what one would expect from someone ranked just below the generals, one of the ten commanders of the fortress. This was Wang Xingan, direct overseer of the Armorysecretly nicknamed Commander Fatbelly. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 416: Come On, Follow Me Inside Chapter 416: Come On, Follow Me Inside Wang Xingan was holding a wine gourd in his hand. The moment he landed, he took a big swig, . Then he wiped the corners of his mouth with his commanders robe. That once-mighty robe was now stained with oil, sweat, and liquor. Ning Tianying immediately frowned, but still forced herself to speak. Commander Wang, these two Demon-Suppressing Guardsone is named Shen Mo, the other is Li Heitanhave volunteered to serve in the Armory. Wang Xingan laughed heartily and gave both Shen Mo and Li Heitan heavy pats on the shoulder. Good! Anyone willing to come to the Armory is a true man! Tianying, when you get back, tell old Zhong to send something over to the Armory for me. Ning Tianying blinked. Send what? Wang Xingan scowled. Wine, of course! In this cold weather, how do you expect the Demon-Suppressing Guards here to warm themselves without wine? Ning Tianying sighed. Alright, Ill pass on the message. But whether Commander Zhong is willing to send itthats his call. Hmph, Id like to see him refuse. I saved his life on the battlefield once, you know! Wang Xingan scoffed. Ning Tianying gave Shen Mo and Li Heitan one last look before turning to leave quickly. She was afraid if she stayed any longer, shed end up turning into another Wang Xingan herself. Once she was gone, Wang Xingan waved his hand dramatically. Come on, follow me inside! Shen Mo and Li Heitan looked at each other. Technically accurate, but it still sounded a little off. Wang Xingan suddenly stomped on the ground and, like a ball of flesh, launched himself into the air and soared over the gate, crashing into the Armory. Shen Mo and Li Heitan: No wonder the gate was rusty and overgrown with weeds. So you dont even the main entrance? Brother Shen, should we jump too? But the gate looks kinda high Li Heitan scratched his head. Shen Mo grabbed his shoulder and, with a powerful stomp, leapt into the air. With a rush of wind like a tigers roar, Li Heitan found himself standing on solid ground. He looked back and saw the rusted iron gate now behind them. Damn, Brother Shen! Youve got some serious strength! You carried me over like it was nothing? From the corner of his eye, Wang Xingan caught Shen Mos effortless landing and was a bit surprised. He muttered to himself, Not bad at all. No wonder he could cultivate such a strange technique. General Zhang, you really tossed a gem into my Armory. Shen Mo looked around. Behind the gate was a spacious, level plaza. There werent many weeds. But the ground was cracked in many places and clearly hadnt been repaired properly. Directly ahead stood four enormous warehouses. Each one was at least twenty tall. It wasnt hard to guess they housed various large-scale military machines. To the west of the Armoryon the left side after they leapt over the gatewas a row of houses. Likely the living quarters for the Armorys Demon-Suppressing Guards. Wang Xingan casually grabbed an iron rod and struck the bronze bell in the plazas center. The sharp bell echoed through the Armory. Wang Xingan bellowed, Get out here! The Armorys got two new suckersuh, no, I mean new Demon-Suppressing Guards! From the previously silent row of houses came a bit of movement. After a while, a few guards shuffled out lazily. Most of them looked half-asleep, one of them shirtless. Clap your hands! Wang Xingan shouted. Scattered applause followed. Alright, go back to sleep, Wang Xingan nodded with satisfaction. The guards immediately went back inside. Wang Xingan laughed. Welcome ceremony complete! From now on, you two are officially members of the Armory. So? Excited? Shen Mo and Li Heitan exchanged glances. Li Heitan hesitantly raised a hand. Commander Wang can I go back? Wang Xingans gaze suddenly sharpened. Go back? Anyone who dares leave the Armory is considered a deserter! You want to go back?! Li Heitan shrank his neck in fear, shaking his head like a rattle drum. Wang Xingans face lit up again, instantly returning to that kindly expression. Theres an empty house over there. You two can stay there. If theres one thing the Armorys got plenty of, its empty rooms. No need to worry about finding a place to live. Unlike the other campsover there, they''re still living in tents. Wang Xingan waved his hand generously as he spoke. Shen Mo cupped his fists. Commander Wang, may I ask what were supposed to do on a daily basis? Wang Xingan grinned. Good question! He raised his plump finger and pointed toward a wall in the distance. On it were rows of large, crooked characters. Look therethats the Armory Handbook written by yours truly. It includes everything about your daily duties. Besides that, it also covers what you can and cant do, where you can and cant goits all up there. At this point, Wang Xingan waved his hand again. Alright, thats enough guidance for newcomers. Starting tomorrow, youre veterans of the Armory. This commander has work to dodont bother me if nothings wrong, and dont bother me even if something is. With that, he vanished from their sight like a surprisingly nimble ball of flesh. Shen Mo smacked his lips. Commander Wang Xingan what a character. Come on, lets go take a look at the Armory Handbook. Shen Mo led Li Heitan toward the wall with long strides. Written there, in handwriting that looked like chicken scratches, were twenty-six rules. Shen Mo read through them from start to finish and nodded slightly. The rules werent particularly strict. The daily duties of the Armory were simple. First, clearing dust from the machinery. Second, repairing damaged equipment. If battle was approaching, they had to inspect whether the armaments were ready for deployment. After battle, they were responsible for retrieving the weapons and hauling them back to the Armory. Of course, most of the military gear in the Armory was already aged and broken. The only equipment still deployed were wave-cleaving battle platforms and the more advanced tide-cutting battle platforms. As long as the Demon-Suppressing Guards of the Armory completed their assigned duties each day, they were free to do whatever they wanted. Commander Wang wouldnt interfere no matter where they went. Shen Mo didnt mind any of that. As long as he wasnt restricted in movement, it was fine. If he couldnt even leave the Armory, how was he supposed to intercept his fated opportunities? The reason he chose the Armory in the first place came down to two things. First, the Armory used to be a highly prized post. This was because if a piece of military equipment was crafted by a Demon-Suppressing Guard and then used to kill enemies or break formations in battle, the Heavenly Dao would allocate the majority of the resulting merit to the maker. Repairers would also receive some war meritbut much less. Those who merely cleaned the machines earned the least. On the battlefield, killing five lesser demon commanders would get you one Tier-D war merit. But in the Armory, youd have to clean dust off ten pieces of equipment just to get that same Tier-D war merit! The second reason, however, was the most important. Shen Mo had already seen a recent opportunity connected to Lin Dongtianone specifically tied to the Armory. He had taken note of it long ago. So when Zhang Longxiang asked which logistics branch he wanted to join, he had immediately chosen the Armory. If he could obtain that opportunity He wouldnt just be able to repair old machines. Hed be able to craft new ones using long-lost techniques. At that point, he wouldnt need to fight on the battlefield at all. War merit would flow to him endlessly! It would truly be a case of earning war merit while lying down. ==================================================================================== Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 417: The Inheritance of Divine Craftsman Ou Ye – The Colossal Machinery Classic Chapter 417: The Inheritance of Divine Craftsman Ou Ye - After Shen Mo and Li Heitan put down their luggage, The two of them arrived in front of a warehouse. Li Heitan mustered all his strength, using every ounce of effort as if trying to lift a mountain, but no matter how hard he pushed, the heavy door didnt budge an inch. His face flushed red with exertion, and in the end, he had no choice but to step back in frustration. Shen Mo stepped forward, placed both hands lightly on the surface of the door, and gave it a gentle push. The door creaked open. Li Heitan looked at Shen Mo with admiration, then quickly darted into the warehouse and lit the torches inside ahead of him. Only then did the vast warehouse fully reveal itself before Shen Mo. The warehouse was labeled D. It was referred to as the D-grade warehouse. Most of the equipment stored inside were relatively small-scale military weapons. Such as catapults, cloudship cannons, iron battering rams, and so on. Of course, even relatively small meant massive machines compared to the Demon Suppression Guards, whose average height was under one zhang. As for the other three warehousesC-grade, B-grade, and A-grade The equipment stored in them was even larger and more important. The A-grade warehouse could only be accessed by Wang Xing''an himself. Wow, these are the weapons in the armory. They look so fierce! Li Heitan was like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, immediately excited as he rushed to examine the devices. Breathing warmly on them, stroking them with care. Anyone who didnt know better might think he was looking at a naked beauty. Shen Mo smiled. Li Heitans reaction showed he truly loved tinkering with military equipment. When Shen Mo had first arrived at the Demon Suppression Fortress and met Li Heitan, he had noticed the man possessed a purple fate pattern called Mechanism Expert. He was naturally inclined toward crafting and mechanical devices. Unfortunately, he came from a poor family and had never had the chance to study such things. Fortunately, he had achieved success in cultivation and was able to pass the Demon Suppression Guard selection, gaining entry to the fortress and bringing honor to his ancestors. Heitan, you go ahead and tinker here for now. Im going to check out the other warehouses. Shen Mo smiled and left the D-grade warehouse, heading to the C-grade warehouse. That opportunity related to Lin Dongtian lay within the C-grade warehouse. [Upcoming Opportunity: When the demon race invades, Lin Dongtian is ordered to the armory to dispatch armored cloudships and other equipment. While wandering around, he accidentally discovers a jade slip hidden inside the mast of a Snow Sculpture Cloudship in the C-grade warehouse. Lin Dongtian obtains the jade slip and realizes it contains the inheritance left behind by the divine craftsman Ou Ye. After over ten days of study, he is unable to grasp its essence and eventually gives up, leaving it forgotten in a corner of his storage ring.] Lin Dongtian had obtained the jade slip, but due to lack of talent, was unable to comprehend the , and gave up in the end. A treasure like thisif left to gather dust in the corner of Lin Dongtians storage ringwould be a terrible waste. To carry forward the that is our unshirkable duty! The corners of Shen Mos mouth lifted as he began searching within the C-grade warehouse. The C-grade warehouse mainly stored standard cloudships. There were speed-focused ones like the Thunder Falcon Cloudship. There were offense-focused but poorly armored ones like the Black Hawk Cloudship. And there were large-capacity transport ones like the Snow Sculpture Cloudship used for carrying goods between fortresses. However, most of these cloudships were grounded and inactive. Only the Thunder Falcon Cloudships could still be barely used. Nowadays, even the Thunder Falcons had to take on the roles of both Black Hawks and Snow Sculptures Used for both attack and transport. They were expected to be fully scrapped within twenty years at most. The Demon Suppression Guards in the armory clearly knew how to slack off. Once the door opened, all the cloudships within sight were wiped clean. But if you went deeper past those cloudships, Every ship inside was coated with dust. So much so that stepping on them would leave clear footprints. Still, Shen Mo found what he was looking for among the dust-covered cloudships. A jade slip hidden atop the mast of a Snow Sculpture Cloudship. Inside was the inheritance of the divine craftsman Ou Ye. Shen Mo gently caressed the jade slip as the image of Ou Ye surfaced in his mind. Divine craftsman Ou Ye was a master of refining tools who shook the Jing Nation two thousand years ago. The Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sect had invited Ou Ye multiple times to serve as its honorary sect master, but Ou Ye rejected each invitation. After achieving fame and success, he no longer focused on refining various spiritual artifacts. Instead, he turned his attention to crafting large, super-large, and even colossal spiritual devices. He believed that only by doing so could one stand against the ever-growing numbers of the demon race. He had repeatedly hoped to be summoned by the Will of Heaven, but the Will of Heaven never responded. In the end, Ou Ye left behind many colossal machines, and wrote before peacefully passing away. Many of these machines were handed over by the Jing Nation to the Demon Suppression Fortress for resisting the demon race. Others were studied by cultivators of the Jing Nation. Cloudships, in fact, evolved from one such type of machine. Many sought to seize . Ou Yes descendants were unable to hold onto the classic and ended up selling it to the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sect. Later, after the fall of the Nine Revolutions Pill Dao Sect, it passed through many hands. Eventually, it vanished without a trace. No one would have imagined that it had long since left the continent and ended up at the Demon Suppression Fortress Silently awaiting a destined one in the dusty C-grade warehouse of the Xuanwu Fortress armory. Shen Mo took the jade slip and turned to leave the warehouse. The was vast and profoundit required peace of mind and deep contemplation. Shen Mos entry into the warehouse had naturally not escaped Wang Xing''ans notice. However, he didnt pay it much mind. The D-grade and C-grade warehouses held no particularly important equipment. Even if Shen Mo was curious and broke something, it didnt matter. This kid showing interest in military equipment isnt a bad thing. He might just be a promising seedling, Wang Xing''an sat atop the roof of the armorys highest building, gulping down wine, lost in thought. ... That night. Li Heitan was snoring loudly in the room next door. His thunderous snores echoed clearly throughout the armory. However, Shen Mos room had already been layered with various formations, including sound-isolating arrays. Let others enjoy Li Heitans ear-splitting snore concert. Shen Mo calmed himself and sent his spiritual sense into the jade slip. He immediately felt as if he had entered a pitch-black world. A light flickered in the distance. He couldn''t tell whether he was walking toward the light, or the light was surging toward him. In the blink of an eye, he was swallowed by the radiance. When he could see clearly again, he found himself standing inside a massive house. An unkempt old man was busy working inside, practically floating across the floor with constant movement. Beside the old man stood one colossal machine after another. By a cultivators standards, they could still be considered spiritual artifacts, though their sheer size demanded top-grade spirit stones to operate. There was no need to thinkit was clear to Shen Mo that this old man was none other than the divine craftsman Ou Ye, the one who wrote . Standing here, it felt as though he had stepped into Ou Yes shoes, personally witnessing the creation of colossal machines. Catapults, giant cannons, cloudships, tower ships, sky shuttles... Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As if someone had pressed a fast-forward button, Time began accelerating rapidly. Various machines flashed before Shen Mos eyes. Anyone else would have been overwhelmed, their head spinning with confusion. But Shen Mo possessed the fate pattern Comprehending Thousands at a Glancehis comprehension had already surpassed ordinary people by countless times. As the blueprints of each machine swept past his eyes, his pupils moved rapidly, effortlessly memorizing every detail. After a long time, the glow of the jade slip dimmed. Shen Mos consciousness withdrew from it. The first chapter of the fully understood! His eyes gleamed with brilliance. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 ============================================================================================ Exciting news! You can now access 2 quality ficsexclusively on Patreon and NovelFire, each 20 chapters ahead of NovelFireplus 16 fresh chapters every week for each story. That means a total of 32 new chapters every week! All for just $10! Not interested in Patreon? You can still show your support on Ko-fi! Every contribution helps, and if we reach a certain goal, Ill release bonus chapters as a token of appreciation. Your support means everything and will help me overcome financial hurdles, ensuring I can continue bringing you incredible stories. With your help, I can keep writing without stress and focus on delivering even more exciting content. Chapter 418: First Time Repairing Military Equipment – Encounter with the Blood Energy Cannon Chapter 418: First Time Repairing Military Equipment C Encounter with the Blood Energy Cannon The next day. Shen Mo got up early. Li Heitan brought him a Vital Blood Pill. At the same time, he grumbled, Brother Shen, those Demon Suppression Guards are so lazy. Its already this late and theyre still not up. Is the armory always like this? Shen Mo smiled without replying. Most of the Demon Suppression Guards stationed here were just killing time. Anyone with even a bit of ambition had long been transferred elsewhere. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Laziness was the norm here. At least the Vital Blood Pills are being distributed properlyno ones skimming off the top. Shen Mo casually tossed the Vital Blood Pill into his mouth and swallowed it whole. With the terrifying digestion power of the Furnace of Heaven and Earth, the pill would soon be refined into vital essence, which would then be converted into blood energy and infused into the 840 million micro-particles within the human body. Once enough blood energy had been accumulated, more Giant Elephant Particles could be awakened. Lets gotime to repair the equipment. Shen Mo waved his hand, signaling Li Heitan to follow. Li Heitan crunched down on his pill, only just swallowing it. Hearing Shen Mos words, he couldnt help but be stunned. Brother Shen, werent we just cleaning off the dust? How are we repairing anything? Shen Mo smiled. How would we know if we dont try? Li Heitan scratched his head. True enough! The two headed straight for the D-grade warehouse. But the door to the D-grade warehouse was already open. Inside, a burly figure was diligently repairing a catapult. Catapults were simple in principle. Even when their top-grade spirit stones ran dry, they could still be fired manuallymaking them one of the few types of equipment that could actually be repaired. Shen Mo raised his brows slightly. He had assumed Wang Xing''an would also be slacking off. Unexpectedly, Wang Xing''an was up even earlier than they were. Not bad, youre up early, Wang Xing''an grunted without looking up. Most of the Demon Suppression Guards have no talent for equipment repair, but catapults are simple enough. You can handle those. He pointed to dozens of catapults nearby. Go on, those are all yours. Shen Mo gave them a glance and found that these catapults had all sustained significant damage. They were in desperate need of repair. Li Heitan quickly walked over and got to work. But Shen Mo didnt head toward the catapults. Instead, he looked at the cannons not far away. These cannons were known as Blood Energy Cannons and operated using top-grade spirit stones. Inscriptions of small-scale formations were carved within them, designed to enhance the blood energy infused into them. A Demon Suppression Guard at the Emperor realm only needed to inject blood energy to activate the formation, which would then amplify the energy and unleash a beam of blood energy equivalent to a full-power strike from a Venerable realm cultivator. It was precisely with such methodsfortresses, formations, military equipmentthat the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses, manned by just over 300,000 Demon Suppression Guards, could hold off demon hordes numbering hundreds or thousands of times more. However, an Emperor-realm guard could only infuse the cannon with blood energy five or six times in a row. {Note: emperor realm is equivalent to divine transformation realm.} With a slight realm advancement, that might stretch to just one more shot. Once their blood energy was depleted, they had to withdraw and be replaced by another guard. Blood Energy Cannons were available in the Heavenly Dao Treasury, but the merit cost was immense. A single Blood Energy Cannon required five C-grade merit points. The Heavenly Dao Treasury also offered repair services, but each repair cost at least ten D-grade merit points. By comparison, slaying one True Demon Venerable only earned ten D-grade merit points. Yet a True Demon Venerable typically had protective techniquesit took an average of four cannon blasts just to bring one down. Calculating it this way, it became clear: rather than buying or repairing Blood Energy Cannons, it was better to build and repair them oneself. However, Blood Energy Cannons were fairly complex pieces of equipment. Once one was broken, it was basically one less in use. Shen Mo gazed over and saw many Blood Energy Cannons stacked haphazardly in a dusty corner of the D-grade warehouse. His thoughts stirred. The first chapter of contained the blueprints and principles of the Blood Energy Cannon. In that chapter, the Blood Energy Cannon was not considered a particularly complex piece of military equipment. Especially the small-scale formation inscribed within it, which served to enhance blood energyOu Ye treated it as a frequently used formation. Among the many blueprints in the , nearly all featured the presence of this enhancement formation. When Wang Xing''an glimpsed Shen Mos silhouette, he immediately knew what the youth was thinking. If youre interested, give it a try. Who knowsyou might really be able to repair the Blood Energy Cannon. Shen Mo casually picked up one of the still-intact cannons. With a light squeeze, he removed the damaged section. Then, he rummaged through the other cannons nearby, salvaging parts from those that were severely damaged and beyond repair. After a short session of tinkering, he nodded slightly and set aside the now-repaired Blood Energy Cannon. Fixing one Blood Energy Cannon hadnt cost Shen Mo much time. He immediately moved on to repair the next. Due to the limitation of materials, he only selected cannons that were still worth repairing. After all, repair materials also needed to be exchanged for with merit points. If the cost of repairs surpassed the merit cost of purchasing a new Blood Energy Cannon, then it wasnt worth repairing. Soon, a growing pile of Blood Energy Cannons began stacking up beside Shen Mo. Though they didnt look particularly refined and had not yet been tested, Shen Mo was confident they would function properly in actual combat. On the other side, Li Heitan was clumsily learning to repair catapults under Wang Xing''ans watchful eye. But within just half an hour, he was already beginning to fumble through basic repairs. At this pace, it was only a matter of time before he became proficient. Wang Xing''an was visibly pleased. Demon Suppression Guards with talent in this area were exceedingly rare. At that moment, he caught Shen Mo in the corner of his eye. To his surprise, a number of Blood Energy Cannons were already piled up beside Shen Mo. Hmm? You repaired these Blood Energy Cannons? Let me take a look. Wang Xing''an was taken aback. He stepped forward, picked up one of the newly repaired cannons, and was just about to inject blood energy Shen Mo quickly stopped him. Commander, wait. The enhancement formation on this one has an issue. I still need to make some adjustments. Wang Xing''an was stunned. You can tell the enhancement formation has a problem? Shen Mo nodded. Yes. Why do you ask, Commander? Wang Xing''an pointed to the enhancement formation inscribed inside the cannons barrel and said seriously, Then tell mewhats wrong with it? Shen Mo pointed at a specific spot. This pattern has been damaged, rendering the formation ineffective. It just needs to be re-engraved. Wang Xing''ans eyes widened. He had studied formation arts for over three hundred years, and only after that did he barely manage to understand most sub-Heaven-grade formations. As for the miniaturized formations carved into military deviceshed spent over a hundred years more before he could claim to have truly mastered them. How could Shen Mo understand all this so clearly? You understand miniaturized formations? Wang Xing''an pressed down his rising excitement and asked. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. Miniaturized formations are quite similar to talisman inscriptions. Ive studied the , so understanding this enhancement formation isnt a problem. Wang Xing''an was overjoyed. He had also exchanged merit points for the and tried studying it himself. Precisely because he had studied it, he knew how incredibly obscure and difficult it was to grasp. Many fools had once attempted to learn it, hoping to craft their own talismans to earn merit points. But after spending merit on the manual and slogging through the cryptic material, most gave up in the end. Eventually, hardly anyone bothered with it anymore. Most people simply chose to save up more merit and buy talismans directly from the Heavenly Dao Treasury. Good! Excellent! Wang Xing''an was so excited he nearly jumped. The look he gave Shen Mo was like gazing upon a stunning beauty draped across a jade couch. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 419: Repairing Cloudships in the C-grade Warehouse Chapter 419: Repairing Cloudships in the C-grade Warehouse Wang Xing''ans openly fervent gaze made Shen Mo feel a chill down his spine. It was the first time hed ever experienced such a sensation. Anyone unaware might think Wang Xing''an had a fondness for men. Wang Xing''an said solemnly, Since you know how to engrave enhancement formations, staying here to repair Blood Energy Cannons would be a waste of your talent. Come with me to the C-grade warehouse! With that, he grabbed Shen Mo and dragged him away. Li Heitan watched the whole scene in a daze. Brother Shen was that gifted at repairing military equipment? Wang Xing''an gave the door of the C-grade warehouse a strong push and flung it open. Shen Mo had already visited this place the day beforeit was mostly filled with cloudships. If even one of these machines can be repaired, the strength of the Xuanwu Fortress will increase significantly! And the merit earned for repairing them is far greater than what you''d get from fixing Blood Energy Cannons! Wang Xing''an spoke earnestly. Shen Mo nodded slightly. consisted of three chaptersthe first covered both Blood Energy Cannons and cloudships. To him, repairing these machines was not difficult. Cloudships are much harder to repair than Blood Energy Cannons. After all, they each have eight to ten miniaturized formations inscribed within. But dont rush. Start by repairing the simplestThunder Falcon Cloudships. Wang Xing''an spoke with heartfelt concern. Thunder Falcons dont carry weapons and dont need defense. Theyre the easiest to handle. With your talent, give yourself two or three years to fully master the Thunder Falcons structure. Once youve got it down, then you can move on to dismantling and repairing the Snow Sculpture Cloudships. Snow Sculptures are much more difficult. I have average talentit took me over ten years to barely grasp their structure. You dont need to worry about time. Just take it step by step. As for the Black Hawk Cloudships, those are the most difficult of all. Without thirty to fifty years of experience, it''s nearly impossible to handle them proficiently. Dont try repairing the Black Hawk Cloudships until youve fully mastered both the Thunder Falcons and the Snow Sculptures. Wang Xing''an spoke with such conviction, it was clear he was passing down his own personal experience without holding anything back. It was obvious he regarded Shen Mo as a rare talent. Li Heitans abilities were enough to make him feel pleased But someone like Shen Mo, who understood formations and the inner structure of military equipment, was exactly the kind of genius the armory needed most. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Looking at the nagging, motherly Wang Xing''an, Shen Mo chuckled and nodded repeatedly. Commander, rest assured. Ill take things step by stepfirst the Thunder Falcon, then the Snow Sculpture, and only later the Black Hawk. Wang Xing''an nodded in satisfaction. Good, good! Focus on repairing here in the C-grade warehouse. I wont let anyone disturb you. Shen Mo nodded, then turned and began examining the structure of a Thunder Falcon Cloudship. Wang Xing''an smiled broadly as he watched for a few moments, then left. He shut the warehouse door. Then, with a wine gourd in hand, he stood guard at the entrance of the C-grade warehousetaking on the role of its sentry. It was only then that the Demon Suppression Guards from the armory began to slowly wake up, still groggy as they wandered toward the D-grade and C-grade warehouses. Huh? Commander, whys the C-grade warehouse door closed? the guards asked in surprise. Wang Xing''an waved them off. Go to the D-grade warehouse. The C-grade ones occupied. The Demon Suppression Guards exchanged looks. Is it that newcomer from yesterday? Wang Xing''an nodded with a smile. One of the guards, a Xuan-rank cultivator, stepped forward with a frown. Commander Wang, but... if you wont let us into the C-grade warehouse, what about our merit? Even among the mostly idle Demon Suppression Guards, there were still one or two who truly wanted to work. This one was named Wu Zhanyun. Hed loved tinkering with machines since he was a child and had shown talent for it early on. After passing the Demon Suppression Guard selection, he didnt choose to serve under any commanderinstead, he came straight to the armory. His dream was to recreate the long-lost machines. Wang Xing''an was quite fond of this driven guard. In the past, Wang Xing''an often personally guided Wu Zhanyun, teaching him hand-in-hand. Wu Zhanyun was a quick learnerwithin just over seven years, he had already mastered the repair of Blood Energy Cannons. Now, he was diligently studying the structure and principles of the Thunder Falcon Cloudship. From Wang Xing''ans perspective, his progress was also quite fast. Although Wu Zhanyun had yet to repair a Thunder Falcon with full proficiency, he was already capable of fixing those with minor damage. So when Wang Xing''an closed the C-grade warehouse and blocked his access, Wu Zhanyun naturally felt displeased. Seeing Wu Zhanyun''s expression, Wang Xing''an scratched his head. Wu Zhanyun had decent talentbetter than Li Heitansbut likely still fell short of Shen Mo. Even so, after working with Wu Zhanyun for years, he had grown fond of the young man. His hardworking nature and dedication made him well-liked. After a moment of thought, Wang Xing''an finally nodded. Alright, go inbut make sure you dont clash with the newcomer. Wu Zhanyun nodded. Understood. Im only going in to study the Thunder Falcon Cloudship. As long as he doesnt bother me, I wont bother him. Wang Xing''an opened the door and let Wu Zhanyun in. As for the other Demon Suppression Guards, he sent them to the D-grade warehouse. Wu Zhanyun has good potential, but compared to Shen Mo, theres still a gap. He''s always been proud of his talent. Meeting Shen Mo might be a humbling experience. Realizing there''s always someone better isnt a bad thing. If they can study cloudships together, maybe theyll spark some inspiration and speed up their progress. Wang Xing''an chuckled to himself. Inside the C-grade warehouse Shen Mo was currently focused on dismantling a heavily damaged Thunder Falcon Cloudship. Of course, he had heard the door open and footsteps entering the warehouse. Then, a voice called out from a distance. Newcomer, Im Wu Zhanyun. Whats your name? Shen Mo. Wu Zhanyun nodded. Alright. Commander Wang told us not to get into any conflicts. As long as you dont interfere with me, I wont interfere with you. With that, he walked off to the other side of the warehouse without showing any signs of hostility. Shen Mo gave a small nod. Hed already heard the voices outside earlier and was mildly concerned this Wu Zhanyun might try to stir up trouble the moment he entered. Now it seemed the guy was at least reasonable. That was enough. Shen Mo resumed dismantling the Thunder Falcon Cloudship. Unlike the Blood Energy Cannon, the Thunder Falcon was far more complex and had to be disassembled before repairs could begin. Still, Shen Mos dismantling speed was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, a cloudship over ten zhang long was fully disassembled into a spread of various parts. The deck, mast, ramming prow, cloud sailseach part was neatly categorized and arranged in order on the floor. Shen Mo quickly identified which parts were damaged. The decknearly half of it was ruined, and its protective formation had nearly failed. It needed replacing and re-engraving. The ramming prowslightly worn but still usable after some polishing. The cloud sailsheavily burned, needed full replacement. The mastformation circuits were broken and needed re-engraving. Repair methods surfaced rapidly in Shen Mos mind. He then retrieved intact parts from nearby severely damaged Thunder Falcons. Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Within just half an hour, a fully restored Thunder Falcon Cloudship stood once again. Not far away, Wu Zhanyun had just finished dismantling one Thunder Falcon and was stretching his back. Out of habit, he glanced in Shen Mos direction And froze. R...repaired? ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 420: Ten Cloudships Pass Inspection—Ready for the Battlefield Chapter 420: Ten Cloudships Pass InspectionReady for the Battlefield With Shen Mos perception, he naturally sensed Wu Zhanyuns gaze with ease. But he didnt mind. The methods for repairing military equipment werent something one could pick up just by watching. No matter how much Wu Zhanyun stared, it would be of no use. Shen Mo flexed his fingers and began repairing the second Thunder Falcon Cloudship. After completing one, he already felt quite proficient. Fixing one more would likely allow him to fully master the Thunder Falcon and move on to the Snow Sculpture Cloudship. In just under half an hour, another fully repaired Thunder Falcon Cloudship stood beside him. He gave a slight nodhis speed had noticeably improved. Without bothering with the remaining Thunder Falcons, he stepped forward and began dismantling a Snow Sculpture Cloudship. Wu Zhanyun, who had been occasionally watching from the side, froze on the spot. A-another one? And it looked like it had taken even less time than before. Staring at the freshly repaired Thunder Falcon, a thought arose in Wu Zhanyuns mind Was it truly fixed? Could it actually function? Was Shen Mo bluffing? He mulled it overperhaps the newcomer really was faking it. But then again, it was possible the guy was genuinely a master of military engineering. Only when Wang Xing''an came to inspect would they know the truth. But how is he already dismantling the Snow Sculpture Cloudship? Does he think hes already mastered the Thunder Falcons structure? Wu Zhanyun looked on, suspicious. He had been studying under Wang Xing''an for years, and even now, he wasnt fully confident in the Thunder Falcons intricacies. Yet this newcomeronly here for two daysalready moved on to the next model? Wu Zhanyun continued to watch while slowly dismantling his own ship. His hands moved slower and slower. Eventually, he just stopped altogether and observed Shen Mo from a distance. He didnt understand the Snow Sculpture Cloudship. But watching Shen Mos deft fingers at work, it was clear he wasn''t fumbling through it. The more he watched, the more puzzled he became. Who exactly was this newcomer? Had he grown up around military equipment? Or was he the child of some commander, sent here to the armory to avoid frontline combat? After all, Demon Suppression Guards in the armory earned merit so slowly that they rarely paid attention to the Heavenly Dao Golden Rankings. Shen Mos name might already be thunderous elsewhere, a favorite topic of many. But here in the armory, almost no one knew who he was. Even if someone had glanced at the People Rankings and seen the name Shen Mo in second place, they would never link that top-ranked genius to the new recruit toiling in the warehouse. The reason was simple Anyone ranked in the top ten was undoubtedly an elite. Why would such a person come to this quiet, forgotten place like the armory? They would only assume it was someone with the same name. After all, it wasnt that rare a name. Hoo... done. Elsewhere, Shen Mo let out a breath. He had just finished repairing a Snow Sculpture Cloudship. And faster than before. After all, the structures of cloudships were interconnected. The differences between the Thunder Falcon and the Snow Sculpture were not vast. Once you understood one, you understood them all. From here on, his repair speed would only accelerate. Once he had studied all the cloudships, he could begin crafting his own. That would be the true turning point. Soon, night fell. Shen Mo had repaired one of each cloudship: Thunder Falcon, Snow Sculpture, and Black Hawk. Though only a few of each type, With his unparalleled comprehension, their construction principles were already etched into his mind. Now, he could even design superior cloudships based on those three. Like the Flame Jiao Cloudship from , whose ramming prow spewed violent flames and had more than ten times the offensive power of a Black Hawk Cloudship. Or the Giant Kui Cloudshipover a hundred zhang long, twenty zhang wide, with a transport capacity more than twenty times that of a Snow Sculpture. And then the Soaring Dragon Cloudship, the most powerful of them all: equipped with upgraded large Blood Energy Cannons and Spirit Energy Cannons at both the front and rear ramming prows, with ten standard cannons of each type mounted along the sides. Its mast was made from flood dragon bone, inscribed with acceleration formations. The deck was fused with powdered black tortoise shellnear indestructible. The Soaring Dragon Cloudship was the culmination of Ou Yes entire cloudship design legacy. Unfortunately, he had never managed to construct it in his lifetimeonly the blueprint remained. Its time to rest. Shen Mo stood up and stretched, preparing to leave the warehouse. Wu Zhanyun had been watching him the whole day. Seeing this, he stepped over and couldnt help but ask, You have completely mastered all three types of cloudships? Shen Mo nodded. Yeah, what about it? Wu Zhanyun swallowed hard, then pointed at the cloudships Shen Mo had repaired. So, these cloudships can actually be operated? Shen Mo nodded again. Wu Zhanyun paused for a moment, then asked, Can I test them? I know it sounds a bit unpleasant, but I just cant quite believe it. Shen Mo smiled. You dont know how to pilot a cloudship. How would you test them? If anyones going to test them, it should be Commander Wang. I was just about to call him to inspect everything. Wu Zhanyun nodded. He really did want to know whether those cloudships had truly been repaired. Deep down, he still didnt believe anyone could fix ten cloudships in just a single day. He preferred to think Shen Mo was putting on a show. Boom. The door to the C-grade warehouse suddenly swung open. Wang Xing''an, who had been dozing off by the entrance, jolted awake and quickly got to his feet. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Heading off to rest? Well, makes senseits been a whole day. He yawned loudly. Though hed spent most of the day dozing off in intervals, he still felt tired. Being a napper was exhausting too! Nothing like sleeping lying down. Shen Mo shook his head. No, Ive finished repairing ten cloudships. Please inspect them, Commander. Once they pass, we can have them dusted off and kept ready for deployment. Wang Xing''an froze. R-repaired? Ten of them?! Even the fat on his body seemed to tremble slightly in that moment. Did he hear that right? Ten cloudshipsfully repaired? Alright! Ill inspect them now! With a burst of energy, Wang Xing''an darted into the warehouse like an arrow. Wu Zhanyun followed close behind. Shen Mo walked at a steady pace and pointed to one area. Theretheyre the ten I repaired. Wang Xing''an glanced over and inhaled sharply. Good heavens. Three Thunder Falcon Cloudships, three Snow Sculpture Cloudships, and four Black Hawk Cloudships! I told you to proceed step by stepto start with Thunder Falcons and only move on to Snow Sculptures and Black Hawks after youd thoroughly mastered the first! Wang Xing''an couldnt help but say. Shen Mo shrugged. Once Id understood the Thunder Falcons, everything else just fell into place. Since there was time, I moved on to the Snow Sculptures and Black Hawks. I did follow your order. Wang Xing''an was speechless. He didnt know what to say. Shen Mo spoke with confidencehe didnt seem to be lying. But his instincts told him the entire scene before him was unreal. Only proper inspection could put his mind at ease. You two wait here. Ill go test them. With a sudden leap, his round frame bounced like a ball of flesh up onto the deck of one Thunder Falcon Cloudship. He inspected the ramming prow, the deck, the mast, the inscribed formationsone by one. After a thorough check, his eyes widened. Even though many of the parts were obviously cobbled togetherpieces taken from different sources and patched into place, the appearance far from polished They worked! This Thunder Falcon Cloudship could absolutely flyand perform exactly as it was meant to. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 421: The Demon Race Temporarily Delays Assembly; Battle Achievement Record Acquired Chapter 421: The Demon Race Temporarily Delays Assembly; Battle Achievement Record Acquired Wang Xing''an was greatly shocked. He quickly boarded the nearby cloud vessel. After a thorough inspection, it could be operated normally! Next came the snow sculpture cloud vessel and the black hawk cloud vessel. They were also fully functional and operable! At this moment, Wu Zhanyun was filled with worry. Because Wang Xing''an remained silent the whole time. If there was an issue with the cloud vessels, Wang Xing''an would have spoken up immediately. But he said nothing, simply jumping from one cloud vessel to another. It was too strange. After a long while, Wang Xing''an finally jumped down from the deck. His gaze toward Shen Mo was full of astonishment. Like looking at a treasure trove. All ten cloud vessels passed the inspection. With just a bit of dusting, they can be taken straight to the battlefield. Shen Mo, how did you do it? Wang Xing''an couldnt help but ask. Before Shen Mo could respond, Wu Zhanyun beside him had already widened his eyes. Passed inspection?! All of them?! What the hell! This was the most unlikely outcome! Shen Mo smiled. Commander Wang, I once studied a book specialized in war machinery. Youve probably heard of it. The . Wang Xing''an exclaimed in surprise, ? How did you get your hands on that? It was inside the Heavenly Dao Treasury. Exchanging it required fifty B-rank battle merits. I borrowed quite a lot from other commanders and barely managed to acquire the first volume. Unfortunately, my comprehension was lacking. I couldnt grasp it fully and eventually gave up. I heard that among the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses, only General Ao Guang has genuine insight into the first volume of the . Shen Mo had already prepared his excuse and continued, Before arriving at the Demon Suppression Fortress, I had obtained the first volume and read through it briefly, though not in depth. Now that Ive entered the armory and witnessed these constructs firsthand, I realized how powerful they are. Perhaps I really do have a talent for this. Wang Xing''an was dumbfounded. This isnt just talentyoure a prodigy! He said with joy, With you here, all the disabled machinery in Xuanwu Fortress can be brought back to life! This way, many Demon Suppression Guards who shouldnt have died can be saved! Starting tomorrow, youll be transferred to the B-rank warehouse! Wang Xing''an was visibly excited, his gaze toward Shen Mo full of admiration. Wu Zhanyun stood aside, already numb. Once, Wang Xing''an had looked at him the same way, believing him to be a rare talent. He had personally guided him in repairing and understanding the structure of war machines. It wouldnt be too much to say they were like master and disciple. But now, Wang Xing''an had changed too quickly. It was as if everything he once had had suddenly vanished. He was no longer the most talented Demon Suppression Guard in the armory. Shen Mo was. Wu Zhanyun walked out of the C-rank warehouse, somewhat dazed. Outside, several Demon Suppression Guards were whispering among themselves. Seeing Wu Zhanyun come out, they all looked over curiously. Brother Wu, what happened in there? Yeah, Brother Wu, that new guy can actually repair cloud vessels? Youre joking, right? Wu Zhanyun looked dejected and said nothing. He was extremely jealous of Shen Mo. But he knew he couldnt speak out. This was critical information for Xuanwu Fortress. If the demon race didnt learn of this, they would definitely misjudge the fortresss strength. In that case, the Demon Suppression Guards would surely secure a decisive victory. He walked away quietly, returning to his own room. Inside the C-rank warehouse. Wang Xing''an watched Wu Zhanyuns departing figure and sighed softly. He had originally thought Wu Zhanyun and Shen Mo could work together to study machinery and complement each others strengths. But now it was clearthere was no comparison between the two. Shen Mo smiled. I still need two assistants. Wang Xing''an nodded. Who do you want? Just name them. Li Heitan and Wu Zhanyun. They both have some talent and are loyal to the fortress. Wang Xing''an was surprised, then nodded. Alright, well go with your choice. He knew Shen Mo had definitely seen Wu Zhanyuns jealousy. Yet Shen Mo was still willing to bring Wu Zhanyun along. That showed Shen Mo was generous. So young, and yet with such a noble temperament. Truly rare. The more Wang Xing''an looked at Shen Mo, the more he liked him. He had thought Zhang Longxiang was dumping a problem on the armory. Who would have thought he had delivered a treasure? By the way, the demon race hasnt begun assembling lately? Shen Mo suddenly asked. According to the predetermined fate shown on his life panel, the demon race should have attacked around these days. But the fortress remained calm. The demons hadnt moved. Wang Xing''an shook his head. Its strange. Demon Suppression Guards from the second and third layers of the Demon Suppression Sea had sent word earlier, saying the demons under the Sixth Archdemon were showing signs of mobilization and warned us to be cautious. But just a few days ago, new reports came saying they only gathered on the fourth layer and never moved toward the sea surface. Shen Mo nodded. I see. He had a rough idea. It was likely due to An Zhenxiong being exposed, and the mass arrest of Demon Execution Society members infiltrating Xuanwu Fortress, that the demon leadership became wary. They must have delayed their plans for attack. This kind of thing had happened before. When Shen Mo altered predetermined fate through his own efforts, the trajectory of destiny inevitably changed. It wasnt unexpected. You should check your Demon Suppression Braceletyour battle merits should be updated by now, Wang Xing''an laughed. Its already late. Go get some rest. Repairing war machines is mentally and physically taxing. Dont skip rest and mealsremember to balance work and rest. Wang Xing''an spoke with concern. Shen Mo nodded. Thank you, Commander Wang. Inside his room. Shen Mo focused his mind into the Demon Suppression Bracelet. Immediately, detailed records of acquired battle merits appeared. Repaired two Blood Energy Cannonsperfect repair. Earned two D-rank battle merits. Repaired three Thunder Falcon Cloud Vesselsperfect repair. Earned sixty D-rank battle merits. Repaired three Snow Sculpture Cloud Vesselsperfect repair. Earned one hundred and fifty D-rank battle merits. Repaired three Black Hawk Cloud Vesselsperfect repair. Earned three C-rank battle merits. Shen Mo nodded slightly. Not bad at all. To other Demon Suppression Guards, the armory wasnt a place to earn battle merits. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But that was only because they didnt know how to repair anything. If you had the skill, the armory was a goldmine. For example, repairing one Thunder Falcon Cloud Vessel earned twenty D-rank battle merits. That was the same as killing two regular True Demon Lords on the battlefield. The value of the Thunder Falcon Cloud Vessel was highit could attack and transport troops. As for the Snow Sculpture and Black Hawk Cloud Vessels, their roles were even more significant. Each Snow Sculpture Cloud Vessel repaired would improve trade between Xuanwu Fortress and other fortresses. This allowed them to trade surplus resources for urgently needed ones. Even with tension between the Yao race and humanity, everyone was still willing to do business. And this is just for repairs. If I could build these machines myself, once they enter battle and start killing demons, I could earn a large share of the credit each time. Shen Mo smiled. That would be the real source of battle merit! The demon race has temporarily halted their mobilizationthis gives me an opportunity. I need to use this time to construct the Flame Flood Cloud Vessel, the Giant Horned Serpent Cloud Vessel, or the Soaring Dragon Cloud Vessel. Such massive constructs could very well change the course of battle and exert immense power. Shen Mo didnt rest. He immediately immersed his mind into the jade slip, accelerating his comprehension of the . ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 422: An Fan’s Rage, Ye Yan’s Movements Chapter 422: An Fans Rage, Ye Yans Movements Demon Suppression Sea, Sixth Layer. This depth had never been reached by any Demon Suppression Guard. In fact, even with the combined might of the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses, they had only managed to establish a few outposts on the first, second, and third layers of the Demon Suppression Sea. Those outposts relied entirely on the power of the Heavenly Daos will to remain stable. An Zhen Shan once again arrived at the demon palace. At the entrance, the two demonized flood dragons stood guard as before. They recognized An Zhen Shan, so instead of baring their fangs, they allowed him to pass directly. He strode quickly through several courtyards, his sharp ears catching the sounds of decadent pleasure. He knew the children of the Sixth Archdemon were engaging with beautiful succubi. Not daring to linger or eavesdrop, he hastened his steps. Finally, he arrived before the deepest courtyard. It was eerily quiet. An Zhen Shan knocked and said respectfully, Lord An Fan, this is An Zhen Shan, reporting as ordered. A calm voice replied from within, Come in. Only then did An Zhen Shan dare to push open the door. At the center of the courtyard, An Fan sat reclining in a chair, as always, reading a book with focused intensity. No one understood how a demon like An Fan could be so engrossed in books written by humans. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An Fan spoke flatly, What did you find out? How were An Zhen Xiong and the Demon Execution Society members exposed? An Zhen Shan replied awkwardly, We couldnt find anything there were no signs. One day, they were just suddenly captured. An Fan frowned and sent out a wave of demonic energy. An Zhen Shan was flung far back, crashing into the courtyard wall before stopping. He gritted his teeth, returned to his position, and knelt without complaint. An Fan said coldly, Useless. You couldnt even find that out. Then why are you here? An Zhen Shan presented a sheet of paper. Theres been a change on the Human Rankings. You said that if anything changed, I was to copy it immediately and bring it to you. I heard about it from what remains of the Demon Execution Society and brought it as soon as I could. An Fan raised an eyebrow. The Human Rankings havent changed in ten years. What happened? Did Lion Slayer surpass Tang Shenting? Or did someone from below suddenly rise? An Zhen Shan shook his head. Neither. Something very strange happened. A Yellow-Rank Demon Suppression Guard from Xuanwu Fortress suddenly rose to second place, pushing Lion Slayer down. An Fans interest was piqued. Interesting. Whats his name? Shen Mo. An Fan froze. What? Say that again? An Zhen Shan answered, Yes, my lord. His name is Shen Mo. An Fan took a deep breath. Shen Mo Shen Mo It cant be. It cant be him. He abruptly stood and began pacing back and forth. Memories long buried surged in his mind. I want a portrait of this Shen Mo within three days! An Fan ordered sternly. An Zhen Shan hesitated. My lord, that will be difficult. All of our Demon Execution Society operatives in Xuanwu Fortress have already been purged. Also, that name is quite common To obtain an accurate portrait He raised his head and met An Fans gaze. An Fans eyes were icily cold. The words died in An Zhen Shans throat. He didnt dare continue. My lord, Ill handle it! I swear Ill bring back his portrait within three days! With that, he turned and left without looking back. After An Zhen Shan departed, An Fan slowly sat back down. Shen Mo? It cant be him. No matter how talented Shen Mo was, theres no way he reached the level that would earn the recognition of the Heavenly Daos will. It must be someone else with the same name. Im overthinking. Still, a sense of unease lingered. Those old memories The shadows that once loomed over his heart He had thought they were long gone. But now, just hearing that name, they seemed to return once more. Like an invisible hand gripping his heart, making it hard to breathe. Ill wait for the portrait from An Zhen Shan An Fan steadied his mind. Three days later An Zhen Shan did indeed return with a portrait. My lord, I did not fail you. Ive brought you a portrait of Shen Mo! he said respectfully. Xuanwu Fortress happened to purchase a batch of Blood Energy Cannons from Jinshan Fortress at a high price. Our people from the Demon Execution Society hid within the shipment and infiltrated Xuanwu Fortress. Thats how they managed to acquire this image. However, the person who obtained it didnt meet Shen Mo directlyit was sketched based on others descriptions. An Fan praised him a few times, then took the portrait and slowly unfolded it. His pupils contracted at once. The image was merely a sketch, resembling the Shen Mo he remembered only in part. But that aurano one could imitate that. It was him. It was the Shen Mo he once knew! Shen Mo had returned! He was in Xuanwu Fortress! In that instant, An Fans body swayed violently. He nearly passed out. An Zhen Shan quickly stepped forward, trying to support him. But An Fan shoved him away. Taking a deep breath, he gradually calmed himself. He could feel it. From the depths of his heart The shadow that had vanished was once again rising. And it refused to fade. Like maggots clinging to bone. Unless he personally killed Shen Mo, this nightmare would never leave him. What does Father Demon say? When will the assault on Xuanwu Fortress begin? An Fan asked solemnly. An Zhen Shan was stunned, then shook his head. Since the Archdemon gave the order to postpone mobilization, there have been no further commands. They may even be planning to cancel the assault altogether. However, Ive heard the confidant of the Fifth Archdemon has arrived in our territory. Perhaps the two Archdemons might join forces. An Fan paced back and forth. He knew Shen Mo was only a Yellow-Rank Demon Suppression Guard for now. He would definitely be sent to the battlefield. Now was the perfect chance to kill him. The sooner the battle, the better. The more it was delayed, the stronger Shen Mo would become. That much, he had already experienced firsthand. I cannot influence Father Demons decision. For now, we can only wait. An Fan let out a long sigh. When the Sixth Archdemon made a decision, no one could change it. He had long accepted that. An Fan added, Go back. Keep close watch on Shen Mos every move. Find out exactly where he is. An Zhen Shan nodded seriously. Yes, I take my leave. He turned and departed, disappearing quickly. Shen Mo Shen Mo I truly want to kill you with my own hands! An Fans gaze seemed to pierce through the sea itself, seeing all the way to Xuanwu Fortress. Seeing that familiar figure from his memories, the one who left him breathless. In the Eastern Sea, the sky and water merged in a vast blue expanse. A lone figure dashed across the waves at great speed. His body was mostly human, though several parts still retained bestial traits. He looked quite strange. Smiling, he pulled out a palm-sized jade bowl and grinned. This Azure Sea Bowl is really somethingit can illuminate the condition of the sea within ten thousand li. Makes it so easy to avoid danger and chase fortune! This was Ye Yan. After leaving the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, he had fled to the Eastern Sea, traveling ever eastward. He had acquired the Azure Sea Bowl while escaping from a sea beasthe found it by accident in a sunken ship. This treasure could reveal the structure of the ocean across a vast range. Trenches, undersea valleys, shipwrecks, sea beasts, treasuresall were visible. The sea was filled with powerful aquatic demon beasts. But with the Azure Sea Bowl, he could easily avoid dangerous areas. Sometimes, hed even lure two powerful sea beasts to fight one another, then swoop in to reap the rewards. Thanks to the Azure Sea Bowl, he repeatedly stumbled upon great opportunities. His cultivation advanced rapidly, and now he had reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realmjust a step away from the Divine Palace Realm. Ive heard that the far eastern region is the Demon Suppression Sea. The cultivation resources there must be even richer. Maybe with this Azure Sea Bowl, I can reach the Demon Suppression Sea just by heading east. Ye Yans thoughts stirred, and he immediately picked up speed. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 423 – Zhang Longxiang, What Are You Doing? You’re Not Even Working Chapter 423 - Zhang Longxiang, What Are You Doing? You''re Not Even Working sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s done!" Shen Mo looked at the massive cloudship in front of him, his face brimming with the joy of a bountiful harvest. Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship! Its streamlined hull, reinforced keel and deck, and the awe-inspiring flood dragon ramming horn immediately emanated an overwhelming pressure. Standing beneath the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship and looking up, Shen Mo felt as though a mountain was pressing down on him. If it were demons instead, the sense of oppression would undoubtedly be even greater. Beside Shen Mo, Li Heitan and Wu Zhanyun were both dumbfounded. As Shen Mos assistants, they naturally followed him closely. Wu Zhanyun had initially been surprised that Shen Mo would choose him as an assistant. But he soon came to terms with it. He even felt a bit excited. Shen Mo''s understanding of military weaponry was undoubtedly superior to his own. He could learn a lot from Shen Mo. Following Shen Mo might not be a bad thing after all. These past few days, they had watched the entire process of Shen Mo building the cloudship. Wu Zhanyun didn''t even dare blink. At first, he had been shocked. Shen Mo had exchanged a large number of precious materials from the Heavenly Dao Treasury. Such as the extremely heavy Black Ironwood, the perfect choice for constructing decks. Or the scalding Lava Sand, an ideal material for crafting fire-attribute ramming horns. And Wind God Silkworm Thread, which could autonomously gather wind spiritual energy from heaven and earthan optimal choice for making sails. Nearly all of these materials were top-tier Earth-rank treasures. When Shen Mo handed them over to Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan, both of them were stunned. Even Li Heitan, as dull as he was, could tell these materials were extraordinary. Wu Zhanyun, who was even more well-versed than Li Heitan, recognized their divine properties at a glance. So they couldnt understand why Shen Mo would waste precious military merits to exchange for such heavenly materials. Only later did they realizeShen Mo was going to build the cloudship himself! At first, Wu Zhanyun almost went mad. He questioned Shen Mo multiple times about why he would waste military merit on something like this. Even General Ao Guang at the Flood Dragon Fortress, who had devoted his life to military weaponry, could only repair most equipment proficiently. He couldnt construct a cloudship from scratch. Shen Mo, a mere Yellow-rank Demon Suppression Guardhow could he possibly pull this off? But it only took two days for Wu Zhanyun to fall completely silent. Li Heitan, even more so, acted like a mute the entire time. His jaw never even closed. The two of them had watched with their own eyes as this massive cloudship took formkeel, deck, mast, sails, and ramming hornall assembled piece by piece. Now, this cloudship stood gallant and imposing, like a sword unsheathed. It seemed eager to rush into battle and slaughter demons. The Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship could even pressure Shen Mo himself. Naturally, it had completely stunned Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan. "Can... can it actually operate?" Wu Zhanyun asked seriously. Shen Mo couldnt help but laugh. "Why would I build it if it couldnt?" "I... Ill go get Commander Wang right away!" Wu Zhanyun said, utterly serious. Moments later, Wang Xingan, who had been eating and drinking, was dragged over by Wu Zhanyun. "...Whats going on, whats going on?! I just used my military merits to buy a plate of pig head meat and a bottle of Monkey Wine. I hadnt even taken a bite or a sip before you dragged me here. Just what" Wang Xingan didnt finish complaining. Because he saw the massive cloudship in the warehouse, over sixty zhang in length. "This... what model of cloudship is this? Why have I never seen it before?" "Does the Class-B warehouse even have something like this?" Wang Xingan was dumbfounded. He had been running back and forth these past few days to Zhang Longxiangs place asking for supplies, sometimes making several trips a day. Naturally, he didnt have time to check in on Shen Mo and the others. So he had no idea what they were working on in the Class-B warehouse. He couldnt wrap his head around it. He knew every screw and every rat in the four military depots like the back of his hand. How had just a few days passed and now there was suddenly such a massive, imposing cloudship in the Class-B warehouse? He thought for a moment and came up with two possibilities. First, that it was exchanged for using military merit by some Demon Suppression Guard. But he immediately dismissed that idea. Cloudships could be exchanged in the Heavenly Dao Treasury, but only three types were available: Thunder Falcon, Snow Eagle, and Black Hawk. This one, he had never seen before. The second possibilitywas that it had been built by Shen Mo and the other two. That thought had just arisen when he dismissed it completely. Compared to the first possibility, this one was even more unlikely. Even the Demon Suppression Heavenly General Ao Guang couldnt forge military weapons. How could Shen Mo possibly pull it off? With Shen Mos talent, he might be able to create weaponry one day in the future. But right now? Absolutely impossible. Where did it come from? Wang Xingan asked. Shen Mo smiled. The three of us built it. As soon as he spoke, Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan quickly shook their heads. We just helped out a bit. To be precise, Shen Mo built it alone. How would they dare take credit for this? Wang Xingans eyes widened. With a leap, he landed directly on the deck of the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship and began inspecting it. Moments later, he jumped back down from the deck, visibly excited, his face flushed red with emotion. It works! It works perfectly! This cloudships offensive power is far superior to the Black Hawk Cloudship! Shen Mo, is this something you comprehended from the Colossal Machinery Classic? Wang Xingan couldnt help grabbing Shen Mos shoulders, slightly losing control of himself. Shen Mo smiled and nodded. Thats right. This is a blueprint left behind by Divine Craftsman Ou Ye. Wang Xingan stroked the cloudship, looking utterly enamored. Whats it called? Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship. Wang Xingan murmured, Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship Good! Very good! You three stay here in the Class-B warehouse. Do not let anyone else enter! Im going to report this to General Zhang immediately! He laughed as he rushed out, Like a breeze of joy. The Demon Suppression Guards in the Armory were all baffled. Was Commander Wang drunk again from conning wine off some other officer? Why was he grinning like that? Li Heitan and Wu Zhanyun immediately moved to the warehouse gate and sealed it tightly. They, too, had realized it. The appearance of this new model cloudship could be considered top-level classified information in the Xuanwu Fortress. It must not be discovered by ordinary Demon Suppression Guards. At this point, Wu Zhanyun no longer had a trace of envy or jealousy in his heart. Toward Shen Mo, he felt only pure admiration! Fortress Watchtower. Wang Xingan was banging furiously on the door. The two Demon Suppression Guards standing guard exchanged confused looks. Zhang Longxiang! Let me in! I have something important to report! Wang Xingan shouted, Zhang Longxiang, what are you doing?! Youre not even working! After a while, Zhang Longxiang poked his head halfway out of the tower window, looking annoyed. Wang Xingan, what madness are you up to now? Wang Xingan immediately changed his tone and wore a flattering smile. Hehehe, my dear General Zhang, I have something urgent to discuss with you. Zhang Longxiang sneered, Is your urgent matter that the Armory is in dire need of good wine, or that it needs to restock weaponry? Wang Xingan chuckled again. Neither, neither. Would old Wang ever be the kind of man who only seeks food and drink? Zhang Longxiang let out another cold snort and, after thinking for a moment, said, Come up. The tower door creaked open slowly. Wang Xingan dashed upstairs in a hurry. His movements were so swift and fluid, he didnt look like a chubby man with a bulging belly at all Rather, he was agile and nimble. So much so that the two guards at the entrance stared in disbelief. At the top of the tower, After hearing Wang Xingans report, Zhang Longxiang showed a look of shock. What? A new model cloudship? He built a new cloudship?! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 425: Eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships Board the Fleet Chapter 425: Eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships Board the Fleet One month later. Shen Mo exhaled a mouthful of turbid breath. He looked at the eight cloudships in the warehouse and revealed a satisfied smile. The eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships stood majestic and domineering, emanating an overwhelming presence. Even their creator could feel the pressure they exerted. Not to mention how oppressive they would appear to the demon race once deployed on the battlefield. Li Heitan and Wu Zhanyun had watched Shen Mo build them from start to finish. In their hearts they could only describe it as shocking! Shen Mos speed in constructing the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships increased day by day. Only by working ever faster could he complete eight of them. Li Heitan asked, Brother Shen, if these cloudships enter the battlefield, how powerful will they be? Shen Mo smiled and paced slowly. The prows Flame Flood Dragon ram horn can amplify the spirit power of a Divine Transformation Realm Demon Suppression Guard by over a hundred times. Roughly comparable to the full-force strike of a peak Divine Palace Realm cultivator. Li Heitan drew a cold breath. A peak Divine Palace Realm cultivatorthats equivalent to a True Demon Lord, right? Shen Mo continued, On both sides of the hull there are five Blood Energy Cannons and five Spirit Energy Cannons. A Divine Transformation Realm or Emperor Realm Demon Suppression Guard must operate them. When fired together, they can blast a Golden True Demon Lord to scraps within five breaths. He pointed to the mast. The mast employs the Grand Levitation Array and the Grand Acceleration Array, allowing a massive displacement in a short time to evade danger. Then he indicated the deck. The hull absorbs heaven and earths spiritual energies to form an anti-demon shield that reduces demon-energy attacks by over fifty percent. It is also engraved with an anti-demon array, further weakening demon-energy assaults by thirty percent. In addition, there is an invisibility array on the hull. The more top-grade spirit stones consumed, the better its concealment against powerful enemies. Shen Mo smiled slightly. With such a Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship, how many demon tribes could stand against it? Li Heitan was speechless. He now understood exactly how fearsome they were. They were instruments of mass slaughter when deployed at the right moment. At that moment, Wang Xingan strode in. He had also observed the construction over the past days, so he no longer felt astonished. Wang Xingan said seriously, The demon race has launched its attack. Reports from our watchtower indicate the Sixth Great Sky Demon persuaded the Fifth Great Sky Demon to join the assault. Over ten million demon troops are advancing on the southern fortresses. The Demon Suppression Sea formed a circle guarded by ten fortresses. The southern fortsXuanwu, Zhuque, and Jinshanwere the weakest. They were the main targets of the demon assault. Attacks elsewhere were merely probes. Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. The demon race was cautious and avoided blind offensives. General Zhang ordered that, at the crucial moment, these eight cloudships will board the fleet. Wang Xingan sighed, They will sway the tide of battle. We may slaughter a large number of the direct descendants of the Great Sky Demons! Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan lit up with excitement. Among the True Demons, the descendants of the Great Sky Demons were the strongest. They served as commanders, officers, and leaderslike the brains of the army. Once they fell, the lesser demons would descend into chaos. If we could kill a Great Sky Demon but Ive heard their power surpasses a Demon-Suppressing General, so that may be impossible, Li Heitan mused. Demon energy exceeded spirit power and blood energy. Confronting a Great Sky Demon usually required two Demon-Suppressing Generals. Even after many years, such generals remained few. The Beast Races fortresses suffered fewer assaults, so more Demon-Suppression Guards survived. At Bloodgod Fortress and Howling Moon Fortress, one primary and one secondary jointly commanded the fortress. Only Qinglong Fortress and Baihu Fortress among the human fortresses have two Demon?Suppressing Generals. Xuanwu Fortress has only Zhang Longxiang. Zhuque Fortress is worse offsince its Demon?Suppressing General died, no new one has appeared. For the past century, Zhuque Fortress has been jointly overseen by the two Demon?Suppressing Generals from Baihu Fortress and Howling Moon Fortress. Its too difficult to kill a Great Sky Demon. Dont dream about it, Wu Zhanyun shook his head. Wang Xingan said solemnly, Ill bring a squad of elite Demon Suppression Guards shortly to board the cloudships in advance. Well be waiting for just General Zhangs order! The three of them nodded earnestly. Wang Xingan pushed open the door and left. Moments later he returned with a batch of Demon Suppression Guards and the two centurions, Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan. Each of these guards had reached the Xuan levelpowerful and experienced. Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and everyone else were puzzledwhy, with the demon race already attacking, did they head to the fortresss northern armory instead of joining the battle? But since this order came directly from Zhang Longxiang, they did not question it and came at once. Outside the Class B warehouse, Wang Xingan gave a slight smile. Tianying, long time no see. Then he extended his hand. Ning Tianying nodded, and their hands clasped. Xiong Yuanshan also shook Wang Xingans hand. Commander Wang, what exactly does General Zhang want us to do here? Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The front line needs us. Wang Xingan laughed. Come in; youll see once youre inside. Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan exchanged puzzled glances. Class B warehouse? Isnt this just discarded heavy weaponry? Whats so special? Still puzzled, they stepped inside, the elite guards following behind. Moments later, they gazed at the eight majestic Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, their eyes widening! So powerful! So huge! So fierce! My heavens, what kind of new cloudship is this? Ive never seen it before! No wonder we were brought hereweve all piloted cloudships before! The elite guards gasped in astonishment, thrilled beyond measure. Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan were even more stunned. Since when did the armory have eight cloudships like these? Could they have been purchased from another fortress at great cost? That would be a huge loss. And weve never heard a whisper of this. Ning Tianying couldnt help but ask, Commander Wang, these eight cloudships Wang Xingan nudged Shen Mo and the other two. They were built by Shen Mohe used to serve under you. Only then did Ning Tianying notice the three beneath the cloudships. He saw that young Demon Suppression Guard. Its you! You built these eight cloudships?! Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and all the elite guards gaped in disbelief. So much heavy weaponry, left to rot and rust because no one could maintain it Now someone has suddenly appeared who can build cloudships. And build large-scale cloudships more powerful and terrifying than the Black Hawk Cloudship! My gods. Were not dreaming, are we?! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 426: Staying Hidden to Catch a Bigger Fish Chapter 426: Staying Hidden to Catch a Bigger Fish Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan approached Shen Mo, their eyes puzzlingly sizing him up. It was as if they were meeting this young man for the first time. Although they had seen Shen Mo slay a True Demon Lord on the battlefield, that had been a solo feat. But now the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships in this Class B warehouse were entirely different. Each Demon Suppression Guard who saw them immediately understood. These cloudships would be the key to turning the tide. If deployed at the right moment, they would inflict devastating losses on the demon race. They might even seize the chance to counterattack deep into the Demon Suppression Sea. They could set up watchtowers on the fourth and fifth layers. If they truly reached that point, these eight cloudships would earn legendary status, and their creator would be worshipped. Their pilots would be immortalized in history. At the thought, Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan exchanged a glance and leapt onto one cloudship each. The other Demon Suppression Guards followed suit and boarded the cloudships. Shen Mo, what is this called? Ning Tianying shouted. Shen Mo smiled and replied, Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship. Ning Tianying nodded decisively. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wang Xingan laughed and said, Come on, you all board too. Once on the battlefield, I will protect you. After all, only Shen Mo knows how to maintain these Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships. If they suffer heavy damage in battle, they must be repaired immediately. Such important weaponry cannot be treated as disposable. Shen Mo smiled and nodded, Of course. He also wanted to see how his creation would perform in battle. Besides, with Divine Thunder Fist and Blood Origin on his side, he was powerful enough. As long as no True Demon Lord intervened, he had nothing to fear. Everyone, familiarize yourselves with the controls and await orders! Wang Xingan yelled. On the decks of the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, the Demon Suppression Guards nodded excitedly, Yes! Shen Mo, Wang Xingan, Ning Tianying, and the others stood on the foremost cloudship. Shen Mo pricked up his ears and heard the guards whisper excitedly. Holy hell, that firepower is insane! Five Blood Energy Cannons and five Spirit Energy Cannons on each side! These Blood Energy Cannons have been modified to consume less blood energy, so I can fire more rounds! Look at this deckits ridiculously tough. I slashed it hard and barely left a mark. Amazing, absolutely amazing! Hearing this, Li Heitan and Wu Zhanyun exchanged triumphant smiles. Although they were not the builders, they had contributed during the construction. They were witnesses to these eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships. Hearing the excited voices of experienced cloudship pilots, they felt as if they themselves were being praised. Shen Mo looked around and nodded to himself. These guards were excited but focused. In a short time, they had mastered most of the cloudships functions. They were truly the veterans Zhang Longxiang had secretly selected. Two days later, the sounds of fierce fighting drifted into the armory. The Demon Suppression Guards paced anxiously. Still no deployment? Would General Zhang continue to hold back his trump card? The centurions Ning Tianying and Xiong Yuanshan remained relatively calm, though hints of impatience flickered in their eyes. Only Wang Xingan sat eating and drinking with no sign of impatience. Li Heitan could not help but ask, Commander Wang, why arent you anxious at all? As long as we delay joining the battlefield one day, Wang Xingan replied, the frontline guards must fight the demon race to the death for one more day. Heaven only knows how many will die. Why dont you ask General Zhang? Let us board the battlefield at once! Not only he, but the other elite Demon Suppression Guards on deck cast determined glances. Wang Xingan shook his head and looked into Li Heitans eyes. Heitan, we are lying low now to catch a bigger fish. General Zhang wants us to play a greater role, not just kill lesser demons and True Demons and be done with it. We pay a high price now so we pay less later, or even no price at all. Do you understand? Li Heitans expression froze, then he nodded earnestly. Shen Mo said nothing but inwardly his respect for Zhang Longxiang grew. He had guessed Zhang Longxiangs intention. Zhang Longxiangs goal was not lesser demons, True Demons, or descendants of the Great Sky Demons. It was the Great Sky Demon! If they could lure out the Great Sky Demon at the right moment, these eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships could slay it! If they could severely wound or even kill a Great Sky Demon, the demon races power would be greatly reduced. This was the true path to victory. Wang Xingans expression shifted as he took the jade tablet from his waist. He gulped down his drumstick and abruptly straightened. Everyone assemble! Prepare to depart! Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and the others fell silent. Yes! At Xuanwu Fortress, demon energy filled the sky. The mighty demon energy rose from the sea like demons from hell. Strange laughter and low murmurs drifted through the air at intervals. Constant battle cries, wails, and screams added to the chaos. It was enough to make lower-realm Demon Suppression Guards heads split and wish for death. Fire the cannons! A centurion split a lesser demon charging the battlements with one sword and roared. The six Blood Energy Cannons beside him thundered like elephants. The blood-energy shells suddenly fired, crashing into the distant horde of lesser demons and splattering demonic blood everywhere. Continue firing! The centurion bellowed. But this time, only three Blood Energy Cannons thundered. The other three fell completely silent. Fire, will you be deserters?! The centurion glared over and shouted. No one answered him. The three Demon Suppression Guards lay on the ground, their faces pale. Centurion Liu, theyve expended their last drop of blood energytheyre dead. A guard beside coughed a few times and whispered, I can still fire one shot. The other two forced themselves to speak, I can still fire two shots. Centurion Liu felt his heart bleeding. An Emperor Realm Demon Suppression Guard could fire at most five shots in a short time. Any more and theyd damage their foundations. But these guards beside him had each fired over twenty shots. They had already overdrawn their bodies. And now they lay dead on the battlements. You die on the battlefieldyou are not cowards! Centurion Liu took a deep breath and wiped the sweat, tears, and blood from his face. He held his sword in his left hand and lifted a Blood Energy Cannon with his right. He gathered himself, then suddenly fired. Boom! The blood-energy shell hit the ground, blasting lesser demons everywhere. His long sword severed a True Demon King trying to attack the cannon in half! Such scenes played out along every section of Xuanwu Fortresss walls. Demon Suppression Guards fell by the countless. The Blood Energy Cannons, Spirit Energy Cannons, and other weaponry were heavily damaged. Some sections of the wall had even been breached by the demons. Even Zhang Longxiangs personal guards had gone straight up to hold the line. Xuanwu Fortress looked as if it were about to fall! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 427: Zhang Longxiang Battles the Fifth Great Sky Demon, Anfeng Chapter 427: Zhang Longxiang Battles the Fifth Great Sky Demon, Anfeng Above the Suppression Sea. Within the boundless demonic aura, Two violet-black figures stood side by side, gazing toward the fortress in the distance. Both of them stood over three zhang tall, their bodies entirely violet-black. They were none other than the Fifth and Sixth Great Sky Demons. The Fifth Great Sky Demon, Anfeng, was tall and thin, almost skeletal. His bones were clearly exposed, creating a ghastly appearance. His body bore traits of humans, demons, and flood dragons. He had two headsone human, one dragon. He also had four arms: one human, one flood dragon, one tiger demon, and one bear demon. Demonic energy surged around him, radiating overwhelming pressure. The Sixth Great Sky Demon, Anchen, had a massive, imposing figure like a moving mountain. Anchen resembled a giant black humanoid, With features roughly aligned with that of the human race. Anfeng said casually, The demons we sent to the demon race fortress have already been repelled. Anchen replied calmly, As expected. The main assaults on the Xuanwu Fortress and Vermilion Bird Fortress are what matter most. Anfeng smiled. Xuanwu Fortress is already showing signs of collapse. I expect Zhang Longxiang to make a move soon. Anchen grinned. Thats exactly what were waiting for. If we can kill Zhang Longxiang, morale at Xuanwu Fortress will crumble completely. After that, well have two breach pointsXuanwu Fortress and Vermilion Bird Fortress. After speaking, he took a deep breath, sounding intoxicated. I cant wait to break free of this prison. Anfeng pointed at Xuanwu Fortress. Look, Zhang Longxiang is making his move. Anchen followed his gaze. He immediately saw Zhang Longxiang leading his personal guard up the city walls. With a sweep of his longsword, a group of True Demon Lords that had rushed onto the wall were sliced clean in half. Its time to make our move, Anfeng cackled. No rush. Let the cannon fodder wear him down a bit more, Anchen said calmly. There was no trace of equality in his tone toward the lower-bloodline demons. To them, those demons were nothing more than slaves, cannon fodder, expendables. General, why have you come here?! You mustnt go up on the wall! Zhong Baisheng shouted in a low voice. Everyone knew that the Demon Suppression General was a key pillar of any fortress. He stood as a deterrent, locked in standoff against the enemys Great Sky Demons. If the Demon Suppression General entered the battlefield, it would undoubtedly provoke a response from the enemys Great Sky Demons. That would plunge the situation into unpredictable chaos. Possibly leading to a conclusion that no one could foresee. Zhang Longxiang was just about to speak, When a large number of True Demon Lords suddenly surged onto the city walls. Among them were many powerful Apex True Demon Lords. The Demon Suppression Guards, already drained of spiritual power and blood essence, were rapidly being pushed back by the enemys assault. Even commanders like Zhong Baisheng, who had been locked in battle for days, were unable to withstand the Apex True Demon Lords. Worse still, as the demons swarmed the wall, their demonic energy began to erode the fortress. Though it hadnt yet formed true Demon Soil, Within the areas covered by the demonic aura, the Demon Suppression Guards could no longer access the natural spiritual energy. Their spiritual power couldnt recover at all. They could only rely on blood essence. This forced the guardsmost of whom cultivated spiritual power techniquesto face the enemy with their remaining, rapidly dwindling strength. The situation was rapidly deteriorating. Zhang Longxiang took action again. Spiritual power surged from within him, shooting straight into the skies. In an instant, it condensed into a massive dragon-elephant manifestation over fifty zhang tall! The dragon-elephants form resembled that of an elephant, but it was covered in scales, and dragon horns protruded from its head. It radiated the mighty aura of the dragon race. According to legend, in ancient times, the dragon-elephant stood even higher in status than the flood dragon. However, dragon-elephant bloodlines were incredibly rare. Because of their natural suppressive power over the demon race, the dragon-elephants were relentlessly hunted. Before even the start of the ancient era, they had been nearly wiped outcompletely extinct. What remained today were only giant elephants with a few faint traces of dragon-elephant blood. It is extremely difficult for the dragon-elephant bloodline to resurface. Back when Zhang Longxiang dominated the Human Ranking for a long time, he obtained a crucial visualization diagram. It was precisely the dragon-elephant visualization diagram. Relying on this, Zhang Longxiang''s strength ranked among the top of all Demon Suppression Generals. None of the other generals dared to claim they could definitely defeat Zhang Longxiang. All because of that dragon-elephant manifestation! At this moment, the moment the dragon-elephant manifestation appeared, it unleashed astonishing power. The demonic aura pressing down on the fortress evaporated like frost meeting blazing sun. The True Demon Lords fighting on the city wall were shaken to the ground by the manifestation, howling in pain. As for the lower-tier Lesser Demons, they were directly reduced to minced flesh and shattered bones, unable to even scream. This was the dragon-elephants suppressive power against the demon race. Very soon, the city wall was clear once more, and the demonic aura had been completely swept away by the dragon-elephant manifestation! Zhong Baisheng shouted at the top of his lungs, veins bulging on his forehead, General Zhang has taken action himself! General Zhang is right here with us! The fortress will not fall! More Demon Suppression Guards joined in the shouting. Kill! Two figures of Apex True Demon Lords suddenly appeared in the air. Their arms transformed into blades and lunged at Zhang Longxiangs vital points. They had actually approached this close to Zhang Longxiang by relying on their cultivation techniques! The speed of the two Apex True Demon Lords was astonishing. Zhang Longxiangs personal guard only realized their presence when they were nearly upon him. Shocked and enraged, they moved to defendbut it was already too late. The blades of the two Apex True Demon Lords were already about to strike Zhang Longxiang. Dragon-elephant manifestationresound! Zhang Longxiang let out a low roar. The hundred-zhang dragon-elephant lifted its trunk and let out a thunderous trumpet. The sound echoed throughout the entire Xuanwu Fortress, and even farther beyond. Within a thousand-zhang radius of the fortress, every demons skull exploded under the roar. Within ten thousand zhang, countless demons bled from all seven orifices, writhing in unbearable pain. The sound had no effect on the Demon Suppression Guards. But to the two Apex True Demon Lords, it was a fatal blow. Their bodies froze mid-charge, as if time had stopped. Moments later, dark violet demon blood oozed from their bodies. With a thud, they collapsed to the ground. When the Demon Suppression Guards investigated, they found that their brains and organs had turned to mush. After slaying the two Apex True Demon Lords, Zhang Longxiang remained unchanged. Having stepped into the Manifestation Realm for many years, killing enemies a realm below him was a trivial matter. But he was well aware of the enemy''s plan To exhaust his spiritual power by throwing demon after demon at him. Even if only a little could be worn down, it was still worth it. Zhang Longxiang understood this perfectly. The ten Great Sky Demons were all cunning and treacherous. They would never reveal themselves easily. Unless he exposed a fatal weakness, they would never recklessly act to take his life. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This entire performance had to look absolutely real. Otherwise, he would never achieve his objective. General Zhang, to think a mighty Manifestation Realm cultivator would lower himself to bully such weak demons. Dont you find it shameful? A deep voice echoed from the sky. It was the Fifth Great Sky Demon, Anfeng. Zhang Longxiang replied calmly, This is war between raceslife and death. What shame is there in that? Anfeng laughed heartily. Very well, then I shall also attack your Demon Suppression Guards. Suddenly, the demonic aura in the sky transformed into massive beastsdemon wolves, demon tigers, demon lionspressing down upon the city walls. Even before the beasts arrived, the thick demonic aura once again enveloped the walls. Zhang Longxiang shouted lowly, and the dragon-elephant manifestation roared again. A deafening boom shook heaven and earth. The clash of metal echoed through the skies! Zhang Longxiang and the Fifth Great Sky Demon Anfengengaged in battle! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 428: Willing to Bait Them, Even at the Cost of His Life Chapter 428: Willing to Bait Them, Even at the Cost of His Life In the heavens above, two vastly different forces clashed and intertwined like layers of clouds, constantly shifting and collapsing. It was as if living creatures were locked in a fierce struggle. Even the sky and sea emitted strange sounds, as if echoing the battle between the two mighty beings. The sight sent shock and dread through both the Demon Suppression Guards and the demons. This was the power of a Demon Suppression General and a Great Sky Demon. One move could shift the winds and clouds. Another could make heaven and earth roar. The battle between Zhang Longxiang and Anfeng grew increasingly intense. At a certain moment, Zhang Longxiang rose into the sky. Their duel gradually shifted toward the upper air. Zhong Baisheng raised his long saber, blocking an attack from a Golden Apex True Demon Lord. With a swift counterstrike, he forced it back. He looked up at the sky, his face filled with worry. Most Demon Suppression Guards didnt understand, but he knew all too well This time, it was the Fifth and Sixth Great Sky Demons acting together. The Sixth Great Sky Demon, Anchen, was definitely still hiding somewhere in the demonic mist, waiting for the right moment to enter the battle. Zhang Longxiang was already at a disadvantage against Anfeng. If Anchen joined as well He dared not imagine it. He feared that if terror consumed his heart, he would lose the courage to fight. Zhong Baishengs thoughts mirrored those of nearly every other commander. Could they really win this battle? Why hadnt the demon race fortress come to reinforce them yet? Would they wait until Xuanwu Fortress had shed its last drop of blood and lost its final soldier? A moment later, a laugh suddenly rang out from the sky. Watching General Zhang battle Anfeng has made my hands itch as well. General Zhang, this next strike of mine is powerfulprepare yourself! A blinding purple beam of light abruptly shot forth. It was over a hundred zhang wide, cutting through the sky like a massive pillar. Another voice of a Great Sky Demon! The moment it sounded, the demons under the Sixth Great Sky Demon instantly became energized and wildly excited. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their king had arrived! Demonic morale soared. The Demon Suppression Guards were overwhelmed and forced to retreat further. Boom! Two beams of light blasted directly onto the dragon-elephant manifestation. That magnificent, majestic manifestation, as mighty and solemn as a mountain, shattered like fragile glass. A loud resounded. Spiritual power burst apart into countless glowing fragments. With the protection of the dragon-elephant manifestation gone, the demonic aura surged in like a tidal wave. Within moments, it flooded the city walls. In such an environment, the Demon Suppression Guards were even weaker, their casualties increasing rapidly. Not far away, Lin Dongtian threw punch after punch, phantom shadows flashing along both his arms. Although he was only at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, he managed to block the charge of a standard True Demon Lordand even suppress it. My Martial Spirit is incredible. Fully awakened, I can fight enemies an entire major realm above me. If only I could always keep it awakened. Lin Dongtian let out a low roar and unleashed his strongest punch. The ordinary True Demon Lord was pierced through the chest and fell backward, dead! The nearby Demon Suppression Guards looked at Lin Dongtian with awe and admiration in their eyes. Lin Dongtian smiled slightly, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to the sky. No matter how strong he was, his impact was limited. In the end, everything hinged on Zhang Longxiang. Could he repel the Fifth and Sixth Great Sky Demons? But he felt that it was unlikely. So, even as he continued fighting, he never went all out. He had long prepared to escape. As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. With his destiny, he only needed to hide away somewhere, and he would eventually rise as the strongest. Then he could return to slay demons and avenge the Demon Suppression Guards who died today. Wait a minute Lin Dongtian looked toward the sky againand suddenly his pupils contracted. He saw a figure fall from the sky, smashing hard into the city wall. The stone bricks exploded! Debris scattered everywhere! From above, Anfengs laughter echoed. General Zhang, your strength hasnt improved lately. You need more training. Anchen roared with laughter, Though I dont think hell get the chancebecause today, he dies. The two Great Sky Demons exchanged glances, laughing even more joyfully. As long as Zhang Longxiang was killed and Xuanwu Fortress was bathed in blood, the true objective behind this massive offensive would be achieved. Just like a hundred years agowhen the Demon Suppression General of Vermilion Bird Fortress was slain, and the fortress itself was massacred. These ten fortresses would eventually be weakened one by one, until they were completely razed. The moment Zhang Longxiang crashed onto the city wall, even the air seemed to freeze for several breaths. Kill Zhang Longxiang! No one knew which demon shouted first. But all around, the demons immediately abandoned whatever they were doing and surged toward the fallen figure. Their eyes bulged with madness, demonic aura erupting wildlythey looked completely deranged. That was Zhang Longxiang! The master of Xuanwu Fortress! The third-ranked general of the Heaven Ranking! His bounty was so enormous it could instantly elevate a newborn Lesser Demon to an Apex True Demon Lord! If they killed Zhang Longxiang, they could transcend their bloodlineand might even receive a blood gift from a Great Sky Demon! The surrounding Demon Suppression Guards instantly saw red. They erupted with tremendous courage and roared to the skies. No matter how severe their injuries were, they charged forward without hesitation. They swung weapons, unleashed martial techniques, even flung their bodies into the fraydoing anything to slow the demons advance. Lin Dongtian was stunned and confused. Zhang Longxiang had fallen too quickly. Was it time for him to run? As soon as the thought formed, his body involuntarily took a few steps back. Elsewhere Zhang Longxiang let out a sharp cough, spewing a mouthful of blood. A normal persons blood should be bright red and vigorous. But his was tinged with a deep violet-black. Clearly, demonic aura had invaded his body. Yet he revealed a genuine smile, looking down at the jade token in his hand. Wang Xingan, its time. To the north of Xuanwu Fortress Eight Flame Flood Dragon Skyships floated silently in the sky, their invisibility arrays fully activated. They had been waiting here for some time. The moment Zhang Longxiang sent the signal, all eight Flame Flood Dragon Skyships had quietly departed from the armory. The ships remained hidden, suspended in the air, observing the battle on the fortress wall from afar. Wang Xingan did not allow the skyships to move any closer. This was per Zhang Longxiangs earlier instructions. After all, Anfeng and Anchen were Great Sky Demonsimmensely powerful. If they got too close, even the invisibility arrays might not hide all eight skyships from their senses. So, they had to remain at a distance. Even from here, everyone aboard the Flame Flood Dragon Skyships could clearly see the brutal clash taking place atop the city walls. The fighting. The bloodshed. The carnage. They saw Zhang Longxiang being besieged by two Great Sky Demons and smashed into the wall. Every scene burned itself into the eyes of the Demon Suppression Guards aboard the ships. They clenched their fists so tightly that many didnt even notice their nails had pierced their palms, letting blood drip onto the deck. Shen Mo stared toward the battle, deeply moved by the intensity. Thiswas war. A struggle between races. A battle of life and death. If the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses fell, the billions of demons lurking in the Suppression Sea would be like rabid beasts released from their cage, gnawing through this world. That was why the Demon Suppression Guards fought to the death and never retreated. And it was also why Zhang Longxiang, a dignified Demon Suppression Heavenly General, was willing to act as bait. As long as they could slay even one Great Sky Demonevery sacrifice would be worth it. Even if that sacrifice was Zhang Longxiang himself! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 429: The Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships Arrive—Reinforcements Are Here Chapter 429: The Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships ArriveReinforcements Are Here The moment the jade token vibrated, Wang Xingan abruptly stood up. He took a deep breath and shouted, Advance! Its our turn to strike! On the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, all the Demon Suppression Guards straightened at once, clenching their fists tightly. At that instant, the speed of the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships surged to their maximum! They resembled eight flame-wreathed dragons charging into the battlefield! As they advanced, the Flame Flood Dragon rams at the prow of each ship, along with the blood energy cannons and spiritual energy cannons mounted on either side, all began charging up simultaneously. The ram on the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudship carrying Shen Mo was even being charged by Wang Xingan himself! Wang Xingan was a Demon Suppression Guard at the Peak Venerable Realm! The blood energy he poured into the Flame Flood Dragon ram, enhanced by the power-amplifying formations and the inherent might of the ram itself, was enough to unleash an all-out strike comparable to the Manifestation Realm! On the ramparts of the Black Tortoise Fortress, the desperate battle continued. The Demon Suppression Guards fought to the death to protect Zhang Longxiang. The demon race charged madly. Even a Peak True Demon Venerable had been jointly taken down by several Demon Suppression Guards in a life-for-life exchange. Such tenacity and ferocity, drawn from their very bones, from their flesh and blood, from the depths of their hearts, caused the surrounding demon soldiers to freeze instinctively in fear. An Feng and An Chen exchanged a glance. Lets do it ourselves, An Feng said calmly. An Chen nodded. Very well. Without Zhang Longxiang, the Eightfold Vajra Demon-Slaying Formation is just a target. It wont hold us off for long. Two Grand Demon Lords appeared at once. Giant demonic energy palms materialized out of thin air, as though otherworldly fiends were delivering divine punishment, and slammed down toward the fortress walls. The Eightfold Vajra Demon-Slaying Formation automatically activated. Eight wrathful Vajras formed in the eight cardinal directions, each towering over eighty zhang tall. They roared in unison. The deep Sanskrit chants thundered forth, blasting through the demonic energy like a raging storm. Under the barrage of the Vajras, the demonic palms quickly dissipated into nothingness. But An Feng and An Chen didnt stop. They kept unleashing demonic palms. One after another, wave after wave. Without Zhang Longxiang coordinating on a macro level, the Eightfold Vajra Demon-Slaying Formation was like a giant without a brain. It relied solely on brute force, devoid of strategic finesse. This Heaven-rank formation consumed a massive amount of spiritual energy every second. Top-grade spirit stones, once inserted, were drained of energy almost instantly, turning into useless white husks. At this rate, the pre-prepared supply of top-grade spirit stones was quickly running out. The Demon Suppression Guards in charge of replenishing the spirit stones were nearly in despair. The two Grand Demon Lords had launched over fifty demonic energy palms in succession. The glow of the Eightfold Vajra Demon-Slaying Formation had dimmed to its lowest. It was like a sheet of golden paper, fragile and on the verge of collapse. The final strike. The strongest one. An Feng and An Chen exchanged a look and simultaneously summoned all the remaining demonic energy in their bodies. Their earlier clash with Zhang Longxiang had already cost them two or three-tenths of their strength. Now, in using brute force to batter down the Eightfold Vajra Demon-Slaying Formation, another five-tenths had been expended. Only about two-tenths of their demonic energy remained. But Zhang Longxiang was severely injured. Reinforcements from the adjacent fortresses to Black Tortoise Fortress had yet to arrive. As far as they knew, there was nothing at Black Tortoise Fortress that could pose a threat to them. So they had no reason to worry about exhausting their power or encountering danger. Buzz! Two massive demonic energy palms suddenly appeared. This strike carried no embellishmentjust raw, condensed power. The area covered by the demonic palms was vast. Not only Zhang Longxiang, but the Demon Suppression Guards near him, and even the frenzied demon soldiers charging to kill him, were all within its range. Two Peak True Demon Venerables witnessing the scene cursed and fled at speeds far exceeding before. When Grand Demon Lords attacked, they didnt care about collateral damage among their own. If those demons died, they simply died. No one in the demon race would mourn them. As that palm descended, An Chen suddenly sensed something and instinctively looked straight ahead. A subtle sense of threat brushed past himbut he couldnt tell where it came from. Was it just an illusion? He felt a sense of doubt. In the next instant, not only did the threat not disappearit intensified wildly at a terrifying speed. It took only three breaths. The threat expanded to the point that he could feel the presence of death. An Chens heart pounded violently. Without even thinking, he instinctively activated a demonic martial technique and leapt backward. Seeking advantage, avoiding harm. That had always been his survival instinct. After all, long, long ago, he had been just a lowly True Demon, without even the blood blessing of a Grand Demon Lord in his veins. Completely incomparable to those born of Grand Demon lineage. He had grown to where he was step by step, relying on his ability to sense danger in advance. Hm? An Chen? Not seeing An Chens figure, An Feng looked back in confusion. An Chen murmured, I hope its just my imagination The next moment, he saw eight blindingly bright, massive fireballs suddenly appear in the sky straight ahead. The leading fireball was as dazzling as a celestial star! The fireballs streaked across the sky. Like eight miniature suns, they crushed everything in their path, crashing down toward the spot where he had just been standing. Caught completely off guard, An Feng was engulfed by the eight colossal fireballs. sea??h th NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A scream rang out from within the flames. At that moment, An Chens pupils shrank abruptly. He stared fixedly in the direction from which the fireballs had come. And there they wereeight enormous cloudships, majestic as dragons! Towering! Vast! Magnificent! Like true dragons descending upon the mortal world! All the demons were instantly overshadowed. A tremendous pressure welled up in their hearts. It was as though eight towering mountains were suspended above them. Ready to crash down at any moment and crush them into dust! Zhang Longxiang revealed a knowing smile, his expression relaxed. Theyve arrived. The Demon Suppression Guards beside him wore faces of shock and joy. Reinforcements! They were reinforcements! Not far away, Lin Dongtian, who had been preparing to flee, suddenly froze mid-movement. His expression was filled with awe. Xuanwu Fortress actually had such a hidden trump card? Incredible! He couldnt help but glance around. After realizing that nearly all the nearby Demon Suppression Guards were dead, he was relieved. As long as no one knew he had tried to run, it was fine. Damn demonsdie! How dare you invade Xuanwu Fortress! Lin Dongtian waved his fists, his martial spirit possessed him, and he launched into a furious assault against the surrounding True Demon Emperors without pause. To those unaware, it looked like he had been fighting valiantly this whole time. Boom! Boom! Boom! On the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, the blood energy cannons and spiritual energy cannons roared furiously. Every shot launched would blast dozens of demons into the air. Reinforcements are here! Our reinforcements are here! Covered in blood, Sun Kong looked up at the sky and shouted. Beside him, Li He and Zhao Xin were so exhausted they had nearly collapsed to the ground. They barely managed to open their eyes, and upon seeing the eight mighty, awe-inspiring Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, they were instantly re-energized as if injected with raw adrenaline. Boss Shi, those are our reinforcements! they shouted. Shi Dingyue cleaved the True Demon King in front of him in half with one slash, wiped the blood from his face, and grinned with elation. Kill! Reinforcements have arrivedwe can win this! At that moment, the morale of the Demon Suppression Guards surged to its peak. The demons also noticed the sudden arrival of the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships. The destructive power of these massive war machines was overwhelming. Many True Demon Venerables had experienced it before. Two Peak True Demon Venerables exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously. Wings of flesh suddenly sprouted from their shoulder blades. The next moment, they grabbed other demons and flew straight toward the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 431: You Know I’m Hungry and Still Ask Chapter 431: You Know I''m Hungry and Still Ask The Great Dragon Transformation Art was a True Dragon martial technique. It was a powerful technique gifted to Shen Mo by the King of the South Sea. Though categorized as a top-tier Earth-rank technique, its power could utterly crush most techniques of the same level. After all, it was a legacy of the True Dragons. The Great Dragon Transformation Art was divided into four layers. The first layer: Azure Dragon Claw. The second layer: Azure Dragon Head. The third layer: Azure Dragon Phantom. The fourth layer: Azure Dragon Projection. Shen Mo had long since cultivated it to the third layer. He was already on the verge of reaching the fourth layer. However, Shen Mo discovered that the fourth layer had a strict requirement. Azure Dragon Essence Blood! This was something he had no way of obtaining at the moment. Not even the Heavenly Dao Treasury contained it. This indicated that Azure Dragon Essence Blood had never appeared in this world. Nevertheless, Shen Mo believed that even if it did appear in the Heavenly Dao Treasury, its price would be astronomical. Probably no different from Saint-level techniques and martial skills. At this moment, the blood essence within Shen Mo surged, condensing into a massive Azure Dragon phantom. A majestic dragon head, razor-sharp dragon claws, a thick and powerful tail. Its body was covered in dense, solid scales. If not for its slightly illusory form, many would have mistaken it for a real Azure Dragon! The Heavenly Apex True Demon Lord''s pupils abruptly contracted upon seeing the Azure Dragon phantom. He too felt a tremendous pressure. As if being suppressed from the very origin of his bloodline. How could the opponent unleash such a terrifying martial technique?! The Heavenly Apex True Demon Lord let out a low roar, exerting his full strength and activating all his demonic energy. At the same time, he unleashed his bloodlines secret art. Buzz! A towering mountain suddenly appeared, enveloping the Heavenly Apex True Demon Lord within. The mountain was dark purple and black, barren of all vegetation, covered only with jagged rocks and desolate sands. In the next moment, the Azure Dragon phantom collided with the demonic mountain. Boom! A violent explosion resounded. The deck shook, spreading with numerous web-like cracks. Each deck of the Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships was inscribed with powerful top-tier Earth-rank defensive arrays. They could withstand several full-force strikes from the Heavenly Apex True Demon Lord. Yet now, even the deck had cracked. This proved how terrifying that last strike was! Bang! The Heavenly Apex True Demon Lord was blasted far away. Demonic blood spewed midair. Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His eyes revealed fear. He could clearly sense that the opponent''s spiritual power was only at the entry level of the Divine Palace Realm, and his blood energy merely at the level of an ordinary Venerable. A vast difference from his own power. So why could the opponent unleash such a terrifying attack? One strike, and he was severely wounded! Escape! He must escape! Only this thought remained in the Heavenly Apex True Demon Lords mind. He flapped his flesh wings, channeling his remaining demonic energy into them. His speed surged to the limit. Shen Mo frowned. Running after losing. Not a virtue to be emulated. Although Shen Mos offensive power now rivaled the True Demon Lords, His defense and speed still lagged behind. This demon was truly about to escape, and Shen Mo couldn''t catch up. At this moment, he felt something stirring within his dantian. Shen Mos heart moved. "Nine Nether Ice Flame, are you hungry?" Shen Mo chuckled and immediately released the Nine Nether Ice Flame. The pale white flames shot out swiftly. In a short time, they crossed a distance of hundreds of , directly striking the back of the peak true demon Venerable. "Ah!" The peak true demon Venerable immediately cried out in agony. The demonic energy throughout his body burned fiercely, as if oil had met fire. In the blink of an eye, the Nine Nether Ice Flame had burned away the peak true demon Venerable''s chest. His pulsating demon heart was completely enveloped by the Nine Nether Ice Flame. By the time it returned to Shen Mo''s side, the peak true demon Venerable''s hollow corpse had already fallen from the sky, plummeting towards the fortress wall. Shen Mo was slightly surprised. Back when he fought the Demon Emperor Gu Ming in that earth-shattering battle, the Nine Nether Ice Flame could only move within a range of ten or twenty around him. Now, it could actually extend over a hundred . It seemed that the Nine Nether Ice Flame was indeed a natural nemesis of the demon race. The more demon hearts it refined, the faster it improved. Now, the Nine Nether Ice Flame could probably completely suppress the Solar True Fire and the Red Lotus Flame. Shen Mo took a moment to look inside his Divine Palace. Sure enough. The two little fire "juices" had been squeezed into a corner. The Nine Nether Ice Flame, on the other hand, had arrogantly occupied most of the space in the Divine Palace. Shen Mo didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. At this moment, he could already feel wave after wave of pure energy surging towards him. It was the Nine Nether Ice Flame refining the peak true demon Venerable''s demon heart, and sharing a good portion of the refined energy with him. "It still has some conscience." Shen Mo smiled, and quickly began to rescue the injured on the Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship. Xiong Yuanshan lay in a pool of blood, his condition unknown. But after examining him, Shen Mo discovered that he had only lost too much blood and fallen unconscious due to the erosion of demonic blood. Shen Mo used his Divine Thunder Force to resist the demonic energy in his body, and also fed him a few medicinal pills. He wouldn''t need any more help; Xiong Yuanshan would recover on his own. Rescuing the injured was also a contribution to resisting the demon race, and naturally, it was also a way to earn battle merits. Shen Mo naturally wouldn''t miss out on this kind of thing. After rescuing the injured on this Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship, Shen Mo leaped and arrived on other cloud ships. He now deeply understood how strong his own power was. His Divine Thunder Force could completely contend with demonic energy on a one-to-one basis. As for his Blood Essence, one strand of Blood Essence could even withstand five or six strands of demonic energy! It was precisely because of these two trump cards that Shen Mo could unleash martial skills with power surpassing those of the same realm. After all, his martial skills were at least of the highest grade of the Earth rank. The main reason why other Demon Suppression Guards needed two or three people to contend with a demon of the same realm was that their spiritual power and blood energy were inherently weaker than demonic energy. Before long, Shen Mo had cleared all the demons from eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships. Inside his Demon Suppression Bracelet, records of battle merit acquisition kept refreshing non-stop. Because the Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships were crafted by his own hand, a large portion of the battle merits earned from their kills would also go to him. Later on, Shen Mo simply muted the battle merit acquisition record notifications. That thing was too annoying. It was just as annoying as the ads pushed to his phone before he transmigrated. Soon, Shen Mo returned to Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship Number One, the one where Wang Xingan was operating the Flame Flood Dragon Ram. As soon as he returned, he saw Ning Tianying bandaging Xiong Yuanshan''s wounds. When the two of them saw Shen Mo, they both revealed shocked and strange expressions. Ning Tianying couldn''t help but say, "I still can''t believe it. Old Xiong just said that you killed that peak true demon Venerable, saved him, and saved that Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship." Shen Mo chuckled. "My cultivation techniques and martial skills are a bit stronger, I guess." Wu Zhanyun, Li Heitan, and the other Demon Suppression Guards couldn''t hide the admiration in their eyes. A Yellow-rank Demon Suppression Guard could even kill a peak true demon Venerable! If all the Demon Suppression Guards in the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses were like this, then there would be no need to defend the fortresses at all. They''d just flatten the Demon Suppression Sea on the spot today. The ten Great Sky Demons? Crush their bones and scatter their ashes! And that legendary, damned Undying Demon Emperor? They''d dig out his corpse and scatter his ashes too! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 432: The Fifth Great Sky Demon Falls, the Demon Race Collapses Chapter 432: The Fifth Great Sky Demon Falls, the Demon Race Collapses At this moment, Wang Xingan finally burst into laughter and stood up from in front of the Flame Flood Dragon Ram. As soon as he stood up, he swayed and nearly fell to the ground. Fortunately, Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan were nearby and quickly supported him. Shen Mo looked over and discovered that Wang Xingan had shrunk in size. The fat on his belly had disappeared by more than half. Much of the fat all over his body had evaporated. Clearly, he had just unleashed a massive amount of blood energy, and even his body had been somewhat depleted. However, judging from Wang Xingan''s appearance, he had obviously accomplished a great deal. "Hahahaha, that Great Sky Demon got hit by me!" "He''s still screaming miserably!" "Although I''ve stopped here, the other Flame Flood Dragon Rams are still spraying like crazy." "Shen Mo, the Flame Flood Dragon Rams you built are truly awesome! That strange crystalline fire falling on the Great Sky Demon hasn''t extinguished at all!" Wang Xingan laughed strangely. His face was as red as if he had drunk hundreds of jars of strong liquor. Shen Mo looked up and saw that fierce flames were still burning in mid-air. This was the powerful aspect of the Flame Flood Dragon Rams. The flames would persist. When Shen Mo built them, he had also added a little something extra to the Flame Flood Dragon Rams. Nine Nether Ice Crystals. This substance was a treasure that accompanied the Nine Nether Ice Flame. From the moment it was born, it contained a trace of the Nine Nether Ice Flame''s power and could also kill demons. However, its price in the Heavenly Dao Treasury was particularly high. Each palm-sized Nine Nether Ice Crystal required one Rank B battle merit. But fortunately, the battle merits required to build the Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships could be reported and paid by Zhang Longxiang. Only in this way could Shen Mo recklessly expend battle merits to build eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships with the highest configuration! After adding the Nine Nether Ice Crystals, the crystalline fire spewed out by the Flame Flood Dragon Rams would burn like a maggot attached to a bone. Unless a great deal of power was used to extinguish it, it would keep burning. Just like white phosphorus bombs before he transmigrated. Shen Mo looked towards the fortress wall below. He noticed that the demons charging onto the wall were also retreating under the onslaught of the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships. The Demon Suppression Guards, who were covered in wounds, pressed their attack and quickly drove the demons off the wall. This battle was nearing its end. In the sky shrouded in demonic energy. The crystalline fire was still burning. The fifth Great Sky Demon, An Feng, desperately tried to escape, squeezing out the last bit of demonic energy in his body, trying to extinguish the crystalline fire. But the crystalline fire continued to burn. Moreover, the crystalline fire illuminated his body. No matter where he fled, the Flame Flood Dragon Rams of the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships would relentlessly pursue him, spraying crystalline fire. His injuries became increasingly severe. His strength was constantly draining away. "An Chen, where are you? Save me!" An Feng let out a miserable roar. An Chen concealed himself, remaining unmoved. At first, he had intended to help. But later, he discovered that the crystalline fire on An Feng''s body was like a maggot attached to the bone, impossible to get rid of. Moreover, it contained a power that made his heart tremble. He had only heard of that power from the most ancient First Great Sky Demon. It was the power contained within the demon race''s nemesis, the Nine Nether Ice Flame! The emergence of these eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships, and the terrifying firepower they carried, completely exceeded his expectations. The balance of the battle had been reversed by these eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ships. Xuanwu Fortress was not far from victory. And he had failed to achieve his goal of killing Zhang Longxiang, nor had he succeeded in slaughtering Xuanwu Fortress. Apart from leaving behind the corpses of millions of his demon race subordinates, he had accomplished nothing. He was well aware of what this meant to him. This meant that his prestige among all the demons would decline, and his overall strength among the ten Great Sky Demons would decrease. The demon race revered the strong, and the law of the jungle prevailed. In the past, he had risen step by step from a True Demon to a Great Sky Demon. His cunning and ruthless tactics had attracted many demons to his side. But now, those demons would abandon him after his defeat. Lesser demons were indeed cannon fodder. But if a Great Sky Demon didn''t even have cannon fodder, what face would he have left? An Chen was no longer thinking about victory, but about replenishing his strength! He planned to replenish a large amount of his strength by killing An Feng and plundering his forces! That was why he stood here, standing motionless. Waiting for An Feng to be continuously burned and weakened by the crystalline fire. Until a certain moment. Only then did he drift over to An Feng''s side. An Feng was not stupid. In fact, from the moment An Chen didn''t appear, he had realized An Chen''s intentions. The ten Great Sky Demons had never been harmonious. Every Great Sky Demon wanted to become the strongest, to rule all the demons. Their only common goal was to attack the Demon Suppression Fortress and break free from this cage. "An Chen, you have the least seniority and the fewest subordinates among the ten Great Sky Demons." "As long as you safely send me back and don''t reveal the fact that I''m seriously injured, I can... give you one of my demon hearts!" An Feng endured the pain of the burning flames and growled. A Great Sky Demon had more than one demon heart. The more powerful and ancient they were, the more demon hearts they had. It was said that the First Great Sky Demon had cultivated demon hearts all over his body, almost becoming immortal. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A Great Sky Demon''s demon heart was an extremely important and rare treasure for any demon. Of course, if a demon was too weak and tried to refine a Great Sky Demon''s demon heart for their own use, they would explode and die. But An Chen was different. As a fellow Great Sky Demon, he didn''t need to worry about exploding and dying at all. He only needed to dissolve An Feng''s power, and he could quickly transform it into his own demon heart. Thereby raising his strength to a new level. This was an irresistible bargaining chip for any Great Sky Demon. An Chen was surprised. "Of course! An Feng, you once supported me. The first drop of Great Sky Demon''s blood essence I obtained was also thanks to you." "Naturally, I will safely send you back to the depths of the Demon Suppression Sea, and I certainly won''t reveal the news of your injuries." "Did you think I was an insidious demon like the Third Great Sky Demon?" An Feng felt somewhat relieved. But in that moment of relief. An Chen had already appeared beside him like a ghost. Demonic energy condensed into a giant claw, directly piercing his chest and digging out his two demon hearts. "I know you have three demon hearts. Just now, you already used one to resist this strange fire." "I''ll take these remaining two." "What you said earlier was very strange. Since I can get both demon hearts by killing you, why would I send you back to the depths of the Demon Suppression Sea and only take one?" An Chen looked calmly at An Feng, whose eyes were wide with shock, and smiled. An Feng''s figure rapidly faded. He used all his strength to growl, "You... you..." In the end, he couldn''t finish his sentence. An Chen slapped him on the head from afar. Demonic energy shattered. Flesh and blood flew everywhere. The dignified Fifth Great Sky Demon fell. The moment An Feng died, all the demons under his command suddenly felt immense sorrow. When they saw flowers, they wept; when they saw leaves, they grieved. No matter what they saw, they couldn''t help but feel sad. The Demon Suppression Guards were puzzled. They didn''t understand what madness these demons were going through. However, this didn''t stop them from killing the demons. Demons who stood in place, neither running nor fighting back, were just walking battle merits, weren''t they? ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 433: From Today Onward, Seeing Shen Mo Is Like Seeing Me Chapter 433: From Today Onward, Seeing Shen Mo Is Like Seeing Me Zhang Longxiang, supported by Zhong Baisheng and the others, had already stood up shakily. His complexion had been incomparably pale, having lost a great deal of blood. But now, after a period of recovery, coupled with taking precious elixirs, he had healed considerably. Seeing this scene from afar, joy appeared on his face, and he said in a low voice, "Those demon clans are all under the command of the Fifth Great Sky Demon. Only when the Fifth Great Sky Demon dies will they be so sorrowful." "Pass down the order, counterattack! Kill as many as we can!" Zhong Baisheng, standing beside him, looked delighted. He immediately took a deep breath and roared with all his might, "The Fifth Great Sky Demon is dead! Counterattack!" This sound surged out and spread throughout the fortress walls. All the Demon Suppression Guards were invigorated. The Fifth Great Sky Demon was actually dead! This was an unprecedented event! Ever since the three races, with the help of the Heavenly Dao''s will, established ten Demon Suppression Fortresses to suppress the demon clans, this was the first Great Sky Demon to fall! This Great Sky Demon was killed by their Xuanwu Fortress! "Kill!" "All of you die!" "Drive out the demon clans, leaving not a single one behind!" The Demon Suppression Guards roared with excitement. Even though they were covered in wounds, at this moment, they charged forward as if injected with stimulants. The subordinates of the Fifth Great Sky Demon fled in disarray. Especially those direct descendants of An Feng, that is, the demon clans born from the union of An Feng and female demon clans. They were called "Great Sky Demon Progeny," which meant Great Sky Demons who had not yet grown up. Their status was second only to the ten Great Sky Demons, even higher than the "Great Sky Demon Descendants." For these demon clans, their direct source of power was An Feng. Once An Feng died, the demonic energy within their bodies immediately weakened to the extreme. The dignified Great Sky Demon Progeny had now become like pigs and dogs, slaughtered by the Demon Suppression Guards. "It''s time to retreat." "Although I didn''t kill Zhang Longxiang or bloodbath Xuanwu Fortress, I obtained two Demon Hearts and most of An Feng''s subordinates." "For me, it''s not a loss." An Chen did not carefully savor the comfort brought by the two Demon Hearts but immediately ordered all the demon clans to retreat. Defeat was already a foregone conclusion. What was most needed now was to stabilize morale and preserve strength. Soon, the demon clans under the command of the Sixth Great Sky Demon, under the command of various True Demon Venerables, began an orderly retreat. Shen Mo, clad in demonic armor, carrying Heavenbreaker on his back, and holding a blood spear, joined the battle. The battle merits gained from killing a Great Sky Demon Progeny were more than those from killing a Zenith True Demon Venerable. How could he miss such a good opportunity to strike a drowning dog. The slaughter lasted for a full two hours. Until the setting sun. The ice surface of the Demon Suppression Sea had been completely dyed purple-black by demonic blood. Everywhere were the bloody remains of demon clans. If these remains accumulated too much, they might be used by demon clans who cultivated the to transform them into powerful demonic corpses. To prevent the fortress from being attacked again, these demonic corpses had to be cleared away. The best way to clear them was naturally to set them on fire. Of course, because the demon clans'' physical bodies were powerful, ordinary flames naturally could not incinerate demonic corpses. The Demon Suppression Guards had to gather all the corpses and throw them into the "Demon Incineration Furnace." The Demon Incineration Furnace had many strengthening formations inscribed within it and could convert blood energy and spiritual power into powerful flames. Even if it couldn''t compare to , it could at least reach the strongest level below . Only this method could completely burn the demonic corpses without them being used by the demon clans to create demonic corpses and continue attacking the fortress. Within the enormous Demon Incineration Furnace, towering flames rose. Rolling black smoke surged into the sky. The surviving Demon Suppression Guards began to clean up the city walls, wash away bloodstains, and move the bodies of their fallen comrades. Some were sad, some were happy. And some were full of questions. Like Zhong Baisheng. He really wanted to know where those eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Boats that changed the course of the battle came from. He also asked Zhang Longxiang. But Zhang Longxiang just kept smiling and didn''t answer directly. Zhang Longxiang said with a smile, "They weren''t bought at a high price from other fortresses. You''ll find out later." Before long, the eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Boats began their return flight. Wang Xing''an led Shen Mo, Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and the others to Zhang Longxiang. Zhang Longxiang''s gaze fell on Shen Mo, unblinking. Zhong Baisheng looked at Shen Mo and noticed the attitude of Wang Xingan, Ning Tianying, Xiong Yuanshan, and the others towards Shen Mo. He immediately guessed something. But the thought that arose in the depths of his heart even he himself felt was absurd. "Impossible... Could it be related to this kid?" Zhong Baisheng stared at Shen Mo suspiciously. It wasn''t just him. There were also several other battalion commanders behind him, all with astonished and curious expressions. They really wanted to know what role this excessively young Demon Suppression Guard had played in this battle. Wang Xing''an solemnly knelt on one knee, "General Zhang, we were fortunate enough to complete our mission!" Zhang Longxiang quickly helped Wang Xing''an up and laughed loudly, "More than completing the mission, you''ve achieved the objective perfectly!" He came to Shen Mo, patted Shen Mo''s shoulder, and looked at Zhong Baisheng and the others. "Let me introduce you all." "This is Yellow Rank Demon Suppression Guard Shen Mo, the former number two on the Human List." "These eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Boats were all crafted by him alone! He brought the key factor in this battle!" Zhang Longxiang''s voice fell. Except for Wang Xing''an and the others who already knew, the entire place was silent. Zhong Baisheng and the others all widened their eyes, staring fixedly at Shen Mo. Especially Zhong Baisheng, as if he was seeing Shen Mo for the first time. He remembered that this excessively young Demon Suppression Guard was originally under Ning Tianying. Later, because Wang Xingan wanted someone, Zhang Longxiang transferred him to the armaments workshop with a single order. This was very normal. Wang Xingan asked various battalion commanders for people every day. But few were willing to go to the armaments workshop, that kind of desolate place. Therefore, he had never paid much attention to that young man. As for the Human List number two... There were so many people with the same name, who knew which Shen Mo it was? Because of this, he was now extremely astonished. This young man actually crafted those eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Boats? This was too amazing! Shen Mo smiled slightly. Now his strength was enough to deal with a peak true demon venerable. Currently, the Nine Nether Ice Flame was refining that Demon Heart. Once it was completely refined, his blood energy cultivation would probably break through several levels consecutively. At that time, he would be able to deal with even more peak true demon venerables. This also meant that he would have almost no safety concerns. In this situation, it wouldn''t matter even if his ability to craft giant armaments was revealed. After all, this matter couldn''t be hidden for too long. It would be exposed sooner or later. Compared to that, now was obviously the best time! No Demon Suppression Fortress could refuse the temptation of giant armaments! At that time, a steady stream of orders would flood into Xuanwu Fortress. He himself could also obtain a massive amount of battle merits. Battle merits were the most important thing. Zhang Longxiang pondered for a moment and said solemnly, "From today onward, Shen Mo must have a battalion commander as a personal bodyguard at all times." "Shen Mo does not need to go to the front line, nor does he need to fulfill any of the obligations of Heaven Rank, Earth Rank, Profound Rank, or Yellow Rank Demon Suppression Guards." "All the materials required for all the armaments crafted by Shen Mo will be paid for by Xuanwu Fortress, that is, taken from me." "No one is allowed to hinder him from crafting armaments by any means. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Violators will be treated as traitors to the fortress!" "From today onward, seeing Shen Mo is like seeing me!" Everyone''s expression turned solemn, and they said respectfully, "Yes!" ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 434: Late Reinforcements, Demonic Armor Opportunity Chapter 434: Late Reinforcements, Demonic Armor Opportunity Several more hours passed. Only then did reinforcements from the left and right fortresses of the Xuanwu Fortress arrive late. To the left of Xuanwu Fortress were the Monster Clan''s Heavenly River Fortress and the Flood Dragon''s Coiling Dragon Fortress. The two fortresses of the Flood Dragon, namely Coiling Dragon Fortress and Cold Dragon Fortress, had completely opposite stances. Coiling Dragon Fortress leaned more towards the Monster Clan. Cold Dragon Fortress leaned more towards the Human Clan. Therefore, the Demon Suppression Guards of Heavenly River Fortress and Cold Dragon Fortress arrived very late. It was obvious that they wanted to weaken the strength of Xuanwu Fortress so that they could take advantage of the situation and take over Xuanwu Fortress in the future. To say nothing else. The vacancy of the fortress lord alone was enough to arouse the covetousness of many people. The fortress lords of the ten fortresses were unique, and each month they enjoyed a large amount of battle merits bestowed by the will of Heaven. You should know that in some fortresses, there was also another Demon Suppression General. How could they not want to become the fortress lord? However, when the reinforcements from Heavenly River Fortress and Coiling Dragon Fortress arrived, they were stunned to find that the battle had already ended. The incinerator on the ice surface spewed out fire dragons, igniting towering flames. The air was filled with the joy of victory after a great battle. Although the Demon Suppression Guards of Xuanwu Fortress were exhausted, everyone''s face was filled with smiles. Not far away, a grand banquet was being held. Many Demon Suppression Guards gathered here, raising their glasses and drinking to their heart''s content. It was completely different from the scene they had expected. "Oh, the reinforcements have arrived." Zhong Baisheng saw the reinforcements from Heavenly River and Coiling Dragon Fortresses and sneered. Zhang Longxiang also smiled, "Let''s go, let''s meet them." He casually patted Shen Mo''s shoulder, who was sitting next to him, "Shen Mo, you should go take a look too. This is the first time Demon Suppression Guards from other fortresses have come to our fortress." Shen Mo put down his chopsticks and nodded. He was indeed a little curious about the other fortresses. Soon, the Demon Suppression Guards from those two fortresses walked over quickly. The leaders of both sides were a strong crocodile monster and an azure flood dragon. The blood energy in their bodies was surging, and their strength was obviously not weak. Shen Mo glanced at them and could roughly guess their realm. They should be Peak Venerable Realm, serving as commanders in their respective fortresses. Sending a commander to lead twenty or thirty Demon Suppression Guards to help. And deliberately arriving several hours late. This was obviously not to help. Those dozens of Demon Suppression Guards were completely insignificant and had no bearing on the overall situation. The crocodile monster commander of Heavenly River Fortress said in a deep voice, "I am y Bing, commander of Heavenly River Fortress." The flood dragon commander of Coiling Dragon Fortress nodded, "Ao Wufeng, commander of Coiling Dragon Fortress." Although the monster and the flood dragon were arrogant, they still lowered their heads to Zhang Longxiang. Respecting the strong is an unchanging law. After saluting Zhang Longxiang, Ao Wufeng asked, "We came to help on the orders of our respective generals, but the battle seems to have ended. May I ask what happened?" y Bing was also puzzled, "Could you tell us?" Zhong Baisheng looked at Zhang Longxiang, and Zhang Longxiang smiled and shook his head. Only then did Zhong Baisheng say indifferently, "I can''t tell you. Please go back." Ao Wufeng frowned, "We came all this way to rescue you, wasting so much time, and you won''t even say a word?" Zhong Baisheng sneered, "All this way? Rescue? By the time you arrived, our Xuanwu Fortress would have been wiped out." "Please go back, you two. How can we easily show our Xuanwu Fortress''s trump cards to outsiders?" Anger flashed across the faces of Ao Wufeng and y Bing. Monsters were prone to rage in the first place, and y Bing couldn''t help but stir up his blood energy. Zhang Longxiang looked at him. Without even making a move. The blood energy that was burning like flames around y Bing suddenly extinguished. It was as if a large basin of ice water had been poured on him, from head to toe. Seeing this, Ao Wufeng quickly restrained his blood energy, not daring to act rashly. Demon Suppression Heavenly General''s pressure forced Ao Wufeng and y Bing to restrain their arrogance. Zhang Longxiang was usually very approachable, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t kill. In that instant, they could both feel it. If they took another step forward, Zhang Longxiang would have beheaded them! There was no doubt about it, because Zhang Longxiang had done this before. Back then, a Tiger Monster Commander from Blood God Fortress had offended Zhang Longxiang. Zhang Longxiang had killed him in front of Blood God Fortress''s Demon Suppression Heavenly General, Shi Kuang! In that confrontation, Shi Kuang had clashed with Zhang Longxiang and been forced back by Zhang Longxiang''s Dragon Elephant Dharma Avatar! "Get out." Zhang Longxiang uttered a single word. Ao Wufeng and y Bing were sent flying dozens of zhang away, as if struck by a giant wave. The flood dragon and crocodile didn''t dare to speak their anger and could only leave in a sorry state. Zhong Baisheng couldn''t help but ask, "General Zhang, didn''t you say you were going to sell the weakened version of the Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship? How are you going to sell it now?" Zhang Longxiang chuckled. "Don''t other fortresses have spies here?" "Besides, by driving them away like this, they''ll only be more eager to know what exactly changed the course of the battle." After he finished speaking, the commanders like Zhong Baisheng nodded repeatedly, feeling that he made sense. Shen Mo clicked his tongue. In a corner of the celebration banquet. Zhou Mingyi, Shi Dingyue, Wu Zhanyun, Li Heitan, and others gathered at a table, their mouths greasy from food, and their faces flushed from drinking. "Hahaha, you guys don''t know, but Shen Mo was awesome in the armory! With a few swishes, he repaired the Thunder Falcon Cloud Ship. I was completely dumbfounded!" Li Heitan chuckled. Wu Zhanyun exclaimed, "Back then, Heitan and I were Shen Mo''s helpers. I really didn''t expect that I would get to see the Flame Flood Dragon Cloud Ship wreak havoc and even kill a Grand Heavenly Demon!" Shi Dingyue took a sip of wine and said with a strange smile, "I was the one who brought Shen Mo to the fortress. He was able to build so many giant weapons, so I deserve some credit!" Sun Kong and Zhao Xin laughed loudly. "Boss, you''re so shameless!" Zhou Mingyi also smiled knowingly as he listened to their laughter. His life in the fortress was stable and uneventful, not as magnificent as Shen Mo''s, but it was still much better than that of ordinary Demon Suppression Guards. As one of the cultivators who came to Xuanwu Fortress in the same batch as Shen Mo, he felt even more proud of Shen Mo! In another corner of the celebration banquet. Lin Dongtian was also surrounded by several Demon Suppression Guards, toasting, drinking, and eating happily. However He couldn''t help but look towards the center of the celebration banquet. He saw Shen Mo, who was surrounded by Zhang Longxiang and the other commanders. His heart filled with immense jealousy. He was only being toasted by a few Mysterious Rank and Yellow Rank Demon Suppression Guards. But Shen Mo was being toasted and surrounded by Zhang Longxiang and a group of commanders! How could this be the same? After this great battle, the gap between his and Shen Mo''s status in Xuanwu Fortress was as wide as the distance between clouds and mud! Lin Dongtian sighed inwardly. "Opportunity, I need an opportunity." Lin Dongtian was in a depressed mood. He drank a few cups of wine and ate a few mouthfuls of food before leaving the celebration banquet. Shen Mo caught a glimpse of his departing figure. At first, he didn''t pay much attention. But then he casually glanced at his Life Panel. And immediately became interested. "Demonic Armor?" "To think that the remaining parts of the Demonic Armor are actually in this Xuanwu Fortress. I''ve never discovered this before." Shen Mo immediately noted this opportunity in his heart.\ ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 435: The War Ends, Battle Merits Soar Chapter 435: The War Ends, Battle Merits Soar The victory banquet lasted all the way until midnight. Many of the Demon-Suppressing Guards were so overjoyed they got completely drunk. But after such a great battle, the demons didnt dare launch another assault for the time being. And with guards still on duty at the walls, there was no real danger, even if some were inebriated. After all, during the battle, everyones body and nerves had been under immense tension. Now that it was over, fine wine and good food were the best way to unwind. S~ea??h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shen Mo bid farewell to the others and returned to the armory with Wang Xingan and a few others. On the way, Shen Mo asked, Commander Wang, I should be allowed to enter the Grade-A warehouse now, right? Wang Xingan laughed heartily. Of course you can! Forget the Grade-A warehouseI''d even be your assistant if you asked! Shen Mo smiled and nodded. The remaining components of the demon armor were stored in the Grade-A warehouse. This was reasonable. The four warehouses of the armory contained piles of weaponssome intact, some damaged, and others completely destroyed. Naturally, the demon armor would be among them. The armory was usually quite deserted. The Grade-A warehouse, in particular, could only be accessed by Wang Xingan. No one else was permitted entry. That was why the demon armor had remained undiscovered for so long. According to how fate was supposed to unfold, Wang Xingan wouldve stumbled upon it ten days later while cleaning the Grade-A warehouse. But by then, the armors light would have faded, and its power mostly lost. Wang Xingan wouldve mistaken it for a scrapped spiritual artifact and discarded it. It was through that chance that Lin Dongtian eventually acquired the demon armor. Now, hearing Wang Xingans affirmative reply, Shen Mo nodded with a smile. Good. They soon returned to the armory. Everyone else headed back to their own quarters. Some were too excited to sleep. Others passed out snoring, drunk beyond reason. Shen Mo sat cross-legged on his bed, his face beaming with joy. He hadnt had a chance to check his battle merit records during the chaos. And since the constant notifications were annoying, he had muted them entirely. Now, with the night quiet and peaceful, it was the perfect time to see just how much merit he had racked up. Shen Mo sent his spiritual sense into the Demon-Suppressing Bracelet. A flood of notifications popped up like app alerts on a phone. [Blood Energy Cannon killed 60 Lesser Demon Generals C 5 Class-D merits earned.] [Spirit Energy Cannon killed 5 True Demon Emperors C 5 Class-D merits earned.] [Solo kill on one Gold-Tier True Demon Lord C 20 Class-C merits earned.] [Spirit Energy Cannon helped kill one Descendant of a Great Demon C 3 Class-B merits earned.] Shen Mo kept scrolling down. His gaze finally froze on one particular entry. [Flame Flood Dragon Ram killed a Great Demon C 60 Class-A merits earned.] Shen Mo: ! Sixty Class-A merits?! He immediately focused his spiritual sense on that record. A more detailed breakdown appeared at once. [Killing one Great Demon yields 100 Class-A merits total.] [Zhang Longxiang acted as bait to lure the Fifth Great Demon, Anfeng C awarded 25 Class-A merits.] [Wang Xingan and others piloted eight Flame Flood Dragon Rams to strike and kill Anfeng C awarded 15 Class-A merits.] [Shen Mo forged all eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships, contributed the most C awarded 60 Class-A merits.] After the entire battle, Shen Mos total tally came out to: C 60 Class-A merits C 35 Class-B merits C 129 Class-C merits C 2,850 Class-D merits His smile widened. A bright, cheerful grin spread across his face. As expected, just like he had plannedcrafting military equipment was the fastest path to accumulating merits! All he had to do was work in the armory crafting weapons. Once those weapons were used in battle, merit would flow in endlessly. The key was those eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships. Without them, Zhang Longxiang couldnt have acted as bait, and Wang Xingans crew couldnt have attacked. That means my contribution to killing Anfeng was the greatest. Shen Mo understood clearly. The Heavenly Dao Treasury appears once every ten days. There are five days left until the next arrival. The fifth layer of Divine Elephant Suppresses Prison Forcealmost within reach! Anticipation lit up Shen Mos face. Demon-Suppressing Sea, Sixth Layer. An Zhenshan once again arrived at this demonic palace. Previously, the entrance to the palace had been guarded by two vicious demonized flood dragons. Now, the outside of this demonic palace was surrounded by a large number of demon troops. Among them were even peak True Demon Lords. The two demonized flood dragons had been squeezed into a corner, trembling like frightened snakes. An Zhenshan knew the reason. Because the Sixth Great Demon, Anchen, was currently residing in this demonic palace. These demons were stationed here to guard Anchen. An Zhenshan kept a respectful posture and approached the entrance. A peak True Demon Lord stepped forward to block him. State your business. An Zhenshan respectfully replied, Im here to see Lord Anfan. Token. An Zhenshan quickly offered his token. Only then did the peak True Demon Lord nod and allow him to pass. An Zhenshan entered the demonic palace, walking down long corridors and through multiple courtyards. He could hear waves of seductive sounds drifting through the air. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of breeding and lust. The stronger the demon, the more frequently they bredto propagate their bloodline. Take the Sixth Great Demon Anchen, for examplehe had fathered over ten thousand offspring. More than half of them possessed Great Demon bloodlines. The rest, even if merely True Demons, were far stronger than ordinary ones. An Zhenshan dared not look around, nor listen too closely. Even though he, too, coveted those beautiful female demons, he understoodsuch desires were not for someone of his status. Eventually, he arrived before a remote courtyard. Lord Anfan, its An Zhenshan. Enter. An Zhenshan pushed the door open and respectfully closed it behind him. Anfan was the same as before, calmly reading a book. Hows the battle situation? Why have my fathers forces suddenly grown in number? Anfan asked, puzzled. An Zhenshan immediately reported everything he had gathered, without missing a detail. Anfans eyes widened. What? Xuanwu Fortress deployed eight massive cloudships? The Fifth Great Demon Anfeng fell in battle?! An Zhenshan nodded respectfully. After the Fifth Great Demon was slain, more than half of his subordinates merged into your fathers army. Anfan asked again, And what about that Shen Mo I told you to watch? Is he dead? An Zhenshan shook his head. Reporting to Lord Anfan, in the early days of the battle, I did not spot Shen Mo at all. It wasnt until the end, when the eight massive cloudships appeared, that I noticed he was aboard one of them. Lord, I dare to speculateShen Mo is likely stationed in the armory. Anfan frowned. No wonder Shen Mo hadnt diedhe had gone to the armory. I heard that the armory of every fortress is always desolate, filled with useless Demon-Suppressing Guards just waiting out their days. Shen Mo doesnt seem like the type to loaf around. Why would he go there? Anfan couldnt help but question inwardly. He spoke in a low voice, Continue keeping an eye on Shen Mo. And find out where those massive cloudships came fromreport back immediately once you know! An Zhenshan bowed. Yes, my lord! After a moments thought, he added, In five days, the Heavenly Dao Golden Roll will descend. I will return then to report on the latest situation. Ill also compile a list of promising young talents who emerged from the Demon-Suppressing Guard during this battle. Anfan nodded in satisfaction. Good. Youve done well. Youre still just a Silver-Tier True Demon Lord, right? Take thisstrive to break through to the Gold Tier soon. As he spoke, he tossed over a piece of dark purple crystal. Within it, three drops of blood shimmered. An Zhenshan was stunned, then instantly overjoyed. Thank you, Lord Anfan, for bestowing your blood essence! Anfan had personally received the blood of the Sixth Great Demon Anchen. His status surpassed that of Great Demon descendants and was second only to the Children of the Great Demons. His blood had already been fully merged with Great Demon blood. To a regular True Demon like An Zhenshan, this blood was an unparalleled treasure. Naturally, he was filled with gratitude and devotion. Go, and dont disappoint me, Anfan said with a nod. Yes! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 436: The First Great Demon An Cang—Heavenly Dao Treasury Shopping Spree Chapter 436: The First Great Demon An CangHeavenly Dao Treasury Shopping Spree Demon-Suppressing Sea, Eighth Layer. At this depth, the sea was utterly darkone could barely see a hand in front of their face. But the demons, having lived in such an environment for generations, had long since adapted. Unlike deep-sea creatures who evolve grotesquely in the absence of light, demons retained form and instinctthis darkness was their home. In fact, the darker the environment, the more comfortable the demons felt. Forcing them to attack the fortresses near the surface, where the light was more intense, often left them uneasy and irritable. This was precisely why, before every major invasion, a flood of demonic energy would first blot out the skiesso they could move under the cover of darkness. Deeper into the Eighth Layer S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There stood an ancient, timeworn demonic palace. There were no guards posted. At its peak, a single word was carved: One. This was the palace of the First Great DemonAn Cang. Within a radius of three thousand li around the palace, not a single demon dared set foot. Even the Children of the First Great Demon would not approach lightly. Even if there was urgent news, they would only communicate via long-distance jade transmission. This palace was rugged and simpleunlike the grand, ornate fortresses of the other Great Demons. It had a kind of primal, raw beauty. At the very moment the Nine Nether Ice Flame flew from Shen Mos body and devoured the magic heart of a peak True Demon Lord This silent palace suddenly stirred. The long-sealed stone gate began to turn. Dust billowed as it slowly opened. From within, a thin figure rode a surge of demonic energy and emerged. Bathed in the dim glow of a few glowing corals, his figure could barely be discerned. He stood over a zhang tall. A long dragon tail trailed behind him. But his head was unusually large and heavyalmost as if most of his body weight was concentrated in his skull. This was the First Great DemonAn Cang. How strange An Cang spoke aloud. At first, his voice was hoarse and jarring, but it quickly stabilized into proper demonic speech. Why do I sense the power of that eternal flame? I clearly remember it was extinguished long ago Could a wisp of it still remain in this world? An Cangs expression grew increasingly wary. After thinking for a moment, he gently tapped a dark purple-black jade token at his waist. Before long, a large figure rode demonic energy and flew toward him. This figure was burly and imposing, standing over three zhang tall. But before An Cang, he bowed deeply in humility. Subordinate An Tianying, awaiting your command, Lord An Cang. In demon naming traditions, the surname An was shared by all. The second character carried deep meaning: If it was Zhen (True), it signified a bloodline of True Demons. If it was Tian (Heaven), it signified a Great Demon bloodline. And if it was a unique two-character name like An Cang, An Feng, or An Chenthen it likely belonged to one of the Ten Great Demons. Of course, beings like Anfan, who were once humans or hybrids and later rebranded as demons, did not count. As for Lesser Demons, they had no names at all. An Cang calmly said, I sensed the presence of the Nine Nether Ice Flame. Go and investigate immediately. No matter the means, find out which Demon-Suppressing Guard has tamed it. An Tianyings expression changed slightly, then he immediately nodded with utmost seriousness. Understood. I will see to it at once. With a flicker, he vanished. An Cang sighed softly, his figure blurred with demonic energy as he returned to the palace. The stone gate shut once again. The three thousand li around the First Demon Palace returned to a deathly silence. In the blink of an eye, five days passed. It was once again the day of the Heavenly Dao Treasurys ten-day descent. After the great battle last time, many Demon-Suppressing Guards across the ten fortresses had earned a large number of battle merits. Naturally, they eagerly anticipated this round of the Heavenly Dao Treasurys arrival. However, just like on a previous occasion, they noticed that the Heavenly Dao Golden Roll had not appeared immediately. What appeared first was the massive gate representing the Heavenly Dao Treasury. The Demon-Suppressing Guards found it a little strange, but didnt dwell on it. One by one, they sent their consciousness into the Heavenly Dao Treasury and began spending their merits. At the Xuanwu Fortress armory Wang Xingan laughed heartily. I earned a ton of battle merits this timeI''m going on a full-blown shopping spree! Wu Zhanyun said enviously, Commander Wang is probably planning to exchange them for rare techniques, right? Li Heitan looked jealous. What a pity that techniques from the Heavenly Dao Treasury are directly transferred into the mind and dont come with physical manualsotherwise we could at least get a peek. Wang Xingan waved his hand. Forget rare techniquesI want Monkey Brew! I want Fiery Nectar! I want Golden Elixir Wine! Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan: Even Shen Mo was left both amused and exasperated. However, Monkey Brew, Fiery Nectar, and Golden Elixir Wine all contained vast amounts of life essencefar more potent than Essence Blood Pills. Drinking those wines could indeed quickly replenish life energy. The only side effect was intoxication. Besides, exchanging for more powerful techniques or martial arts would require starting overspending time to cultivate them from scratch. And there was no guarantee they would be better than ones current techniques. From that perspective, Wang Xingans decision actually made sense. The one you should really be envious of is Shen Mo, not me, Wang Xingan chuckled. Wu Zhanyun, Li Heitan, and the others nodded in agreement. Over the past five days, word had spread throughout Xuanwu Fortress. Everyone now knew that a divine blacksmith had emerged from the armory! All eight Flame Flood Dragon Cloudships were forged by him alone. The chief contributor to the last battlewas Shen Mo! Naturally, many Demon-Suppressing Guards speculated how many battle merits Shen Mo had received. But no one could guess the true figure. Sensing their stares, Shen Mo smiled and waved. No point guessing. Guessing wont earn you any merits. Better to think about how to grow stronger. With that, he looked up at the great gate in the sky and immersed his consciousness into the Heavenly Dao Treasury. The moment he entered, Shen Mo silently chanted: Divine Elephant Suppresses Prison Force. The massive golden list began rapidly searching. Finally, a line of golden characters appeared before him: [Divine Elephant Suppresses Prison Force] (Fragment) C Heaven Grade, Upper-Tier Blood Qi Technique C 80 Class-B Merits. Shen Mo had looked this up before. The version of Divine Elephant Suppresses Prison Force in the Heavenly Dao Treasury had eight layersjust enough to awaken 840 million giant elephant micro-particles. The ninth layer should be the one where Dragon Elephant particles begin awakening. To exchange for the next four layers, Ill need sixty Class-B merits. Shen Mo smacked his lips. Then with a bold wave, he said, Add to cart. No more pretending. Cards on the tableIm rich now! That said, even if he had wealth, he wouldn''t squander it. He had already cultivated the first four layers of Divine Elephant Suppresses Prison Forcethere was no need to waste merits on them again. He only needed layers five through eight. Golden light flashed. A glowing orb appeared beside Shen Mo. Golden text shimmered within it. Shen Mo reached out to touch it but discovered the orb was intangiblehe couldnt make contact. Time to pick a few more things Shen Mo paused to consider. His martial arts techniques did still have room for improvement. For example, the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Techniquejust from its name, it clearly had nine layers. Previously, with the help of Phoenix Perch Wutong, Shen Mo had sensed the phoenix aura and comprehended the fifth layer: Divine Phoenix Destroys the World. But the remaining four layers were still completely absent. He could absolutely search for them in the Heavenly Dao Treasury. As for spiritual energy defense techniques, he was currently using the Earth Grade supreme technique Immovable Dragon King Cauldron. Now that he had enough battle merits, he could consider upgrading to a Heaven Grade technique. As for movement techniques, his current one, Heaven-Treading Phantom Step, was a lower Heaven Grade technique, and it hadnt fallen behind yetstill perfectly usable. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 437: A Small Change on the Earth Ranking Chapter 437: A Small Change on the Earth Ranking After searching for a while, Shen Mo finally found the remaining four layers of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique. But to his slight surprise, although the final four layers were indeed available, they only allowed cultivation up to the eighth layer. As for the ninth and most powerful layer, it required the assistance of phoenix blood essence to cultivate. If he could master the ninth layer, the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique would directly evolve into a Low-Grade Saint-level art, with its power increasing more than tenfold. The only problem was the Heavenly Dao Treasury didnt have phoenix blood essence! Shen Mo smacked his lips. He could roughly guess why. Azure Dragons, Vermilion Birds, Phoenixessuch sacred beasts most likely didnt exist in this world. Perhaps they once did, but had since left. Or maybe they never left behind any bloodline remnants in this realm. No matter how powerful the Heavenly Dao Will was, it couldnt produce something that had never appeared in this world to begin with. The sixth, seventh, and eighth layers of the Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique cost thirty-six Class-B merits in total. Add to cart. Shen Mo gave a grand wave of his handanother glowing orb appeared beside him. My Divine Thunder Suppresses Demons Scripture needs a lot of rare materials. That Divine Thunder Water Essence is starting to lose its punchits too slow. Lets replace it with Azure Thunder Lotus, which holds far more divine thunder power. After a round of selection, Shen Mo tossed ten Azure Thunder Lotuses into the cart. Azure Thunder Lotus was a lower Heaven-Grade treasure, shaped like a glowing azure lotus with flickering lightning on its surface. Each time divine thunder descended to slay demons, it had a chance of producing one or two Azure Thunder Lotuses. Ordinary Demon-Suppressing Guards couldnt refine Azure Thunder Lotus. Only those with a thunder spirit root or who cultivated thunder-type martial arts could barely manage. Even then, theyd need supportive healing herbs to assist the refinement process. After all, the divine thunder power contained within was not something just anyone could endure. Demons especially despised the Azure Thunder Lotus. Every time such a treasure emerged, demons would try to destroy it as quickly as possible. Thus, the Azure Thunder Lotus was exceedingly rare. But by exchanging for it in the Heavenly Dao Treasury, one could skip all the hassle and danger of diving into the Demon-Suppressing Sea to search for it. The only downside was the cost. Each Azure Thunder Lotus cost a whopping twenty Class-C merits. Shen Mo estimated that ten should be enough to help him reach the minor completion stage of the Divine Palace Realm. As for future needs, he could always return to the Heavenly Dao Treasury later. After redeeming ten Azure Thunder Lotuses, Shen Mo continued searching and found another material he needed: Earthmother Crimson Ancient Sap. This was formed by earth vein energy absorbing the blood essence of living beings and being compressed under the deep sea over time. Each drop of Earthmother Crimson Ancient Sap required at least a thousand years to accumulate. Such treasures were usually located below the third layer of the Demon-Suppressing Sea. Demons, having the geographic advantage, could obtain them easily. But for Demon-Suppressing Guards, finding this item was incredibly difficult. At most, they had outposts on the third layer. Going any deeper was next to impossible. The Heavenly Dao Treasury did stock Earthmother Crimson Ancient Sapbut at an even higher price than Azure Thunder Lotus. Each drop cost five Class-B merits. And the treasury only allowed ten drops per roundfirst come, first served. By the time Shen Mo found the listing, only eight drops were left. Without hesitation, he bought them all. I have the merits, so I might as well use them. Better I get them than someone else. Oh right I probably earned so many merits that Ill skip the Earth Ranking and jump straight to the Heaven Ranking, huh? That would be a bit too shocking. Id better spend a bit more. No way am I letting myself onto the Heaven RankingEarth Ranking is just fine. Shen Mo began a grand shopping spree. [Scripture of Mystical Talismans and Spirit Treasures] C the orthodox legacy of the Spirit Treasure Orthodoxy, full set except the first layer. [Platform Forging Scripture] C records various methods for forging battle platforms. [Heavenly Shift of the Zhou Cycle Scroll] C a Heaven Grade Mid-Tier defensive martial art, capable of rebounding incoming attacks. [Great Void Saint-Nurturing Pill] C boosts and refines Saint-Grade physiques. At lastand most importantly Shen Mo exchanged for the first three volumes of the . This was a peak Saint-grade cultivation art. Across the entire realm, this scripture was among the absolute pinnaclewith no equal. Just by its name, one could tell it had an extraordinary suppressive effect against demons. It clearly surpassed the . Right now, Shen Mo was already cultivating several techniques. There was the Heaven-Grade supreme technique . The Earth-Grade supreme technique . And the ungradedyet clearly Heaven-tier. As someone who possessed a Saint-grade physique, Shen Mo had the capacity, and more importantly, the comprehension, to cultivate multiple high-level techniques. Moreover, since both the and the were specialized in suppressing demons, there would be little to no conflict between them. Shen Mo was confident that he could harmonize the two perfectlyor even integrate them through his own insight! At that moment, he glanced behind himand was stunned to see dozens of glowing orbs floating around him. Some of them were shining so brightly, they looked like miniature suns! My remaining battle merits just a little over one Class-A merit left. Should be fine. Shen Mo gave a small nod and exited the Heavenly Dao Treasury. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The voices of Wang Xingan, Wu Zhanyun, and Li Heitan echoed nearbythey were excitedly chatting. Clearly, each of them had just exchanged for something valuable from the Treasury. Shen Mo glanced at his Demon-Suppressing Bracelet and smiled lightly. This heavy sense of fulfillmentthat was what brought him true joy. Suddenly, a Demon-Suppressing Guard pointed at the sky and shouted joyfully, Hey, the Heavenly Dao Golden Roll is about to appear! Li Heitan grinned. I really want to see what rank Brother Shen lands at! I bet hes gonna pass Tang Shenting and take first place on the Human Ranking! Wu Zhanyun chuckled. Come on, think it through. Shen Mo was the biggest contributor in this entire battle! It wouldnt be strange if he skipped the Human Ranking and landed directly in the Earth Rankingmaybe even the top five! The surrounding guards all widened their eyes. No way. You think he could really jump from the Human Ranking straight to the Earth Ranking? Damn if he really pulls that off, wouldnt he be the first Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard to ever make the Earth Ranking? Hahahaha, I think youre right! The Earth Rankings always been filled with Heaven and Earth-rank guards. Not even Mystic-Rank guards have made it before, let alone Yellow-Rank ones. Were about to witness history! Everyone in the armory was buzzing with excitement. To be considered Shen Mos comradeswhat a story to tell someday. They had worked with Shen Mo! Shared the same armory! Even Wang Xingan looked hopeful. Anyone who made the Earth Ranking was a point of pride for their entire fortress. If Shen Mo could get on it, Wang Xingan would be thrilled. At that moment, golden light flashed and formed the Heavenly Ranking. There had been a slight shift in positions. Zhang Longxiang, originally ranked third, had moved up to secondknocking Ao Guang, the Demon-Suppressing General of Panlong Fortress, down a spot. Hahahaha! Must be because General Zhang risked his life as bait and earned a ton of battle merits! Wang Xingan laughed until his eyes disappeared. Zhang Longxiangs rise in rank brought glory to all the guards of Xuanwu Fortress. Shen Mo glanced at the board. When he confirmed that he wasnt on the Heavenly Ranking, he let out a small breath of relief. Goodhe had spent enough battle merits to avoid ending up there. After all, a Yellow-Rank guard standing on the same list as Demon-Suppressing Generals? Thatd be a bit too ridiculous. Before long, the Earth Ranking appeared. First Place: Xuanwu Fortress C Yellow-Rank Demon-Suppressing Guard C Shen Mo Second Place: Blood God Fortress C Heaven-Rank Guard C Shi Wu Third Place: Panlong Fortress C Heaven-Rank Guard C Ao Hong Fourth Place: Blood God Fortress C Heaven-Rank Guard C Ying Ye Fifth Place: Tianjiang Fortress C Heaven-Rank Guard C Gui Ting Sixth Place: Azure Dragon Fortress C Heaven-Rank Guard C Tang Zhanmo There was a small shift on the Earth Ranking. Shen Mo pushed everyone else downand firmly took the top spot! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 438: He’s Not First on the Human List Anymore—He’s First on the Earth List Chapter 438: Hes Not First on the Human List AnymoreHes First on the Earth List Wang Xingan, Wu Zhanyun, Li Heitan, and the others suddenly discovered The top rank on the Earth List had become a name they were all familiar with! Holy crap, he really is Earth List number one! My god! I cant believe Im a comrade of the Earth Lists number one. Im so lucky! The Demon Suppression Guards all cried out in astonishment. Their gazes toward Shen Mo were filled with admiration and awe. Wang Xingans grin nearly reached the back of his ears. Good! Damn good! You lads, get serious with your cultivation! Im off to cultivate too! Wang Xingan laughed heartily and vanished like a puff of smoke, not bothering to look at the Human List again. Of course, he wasnt actually going off to cultivate. He found a quiet place to indulge in Fiery Nectar and Golden Branch Jade Liquid. The reason he bolted so fast Was simply to avoid others trying to mooch his wine. Before long, the Armory was filled with an intoxicating fragrance of wine. Like a young maidens gentle hand, it stirred the heart and made one itch. Seeing this, Wu Zhanyun and Li Heitan returned to their own quarters to refine the treasures they had exchanged from the Heavenly Dao Treasury. Shen Mo smiled and also returned to his residence. As usual, he activated multiple arrays to ensure no one could barge in uninvited, and only then did he begin refining the spiritual treasures. The Azure Lightning Lotus, Earth Mother Crimson Pulp, and Void Saint-Nurturing Pill were all laid out in order. Shen Mo began operating the Grand Furnace of Heaven and Earth technique. All kinds of spiritual herbs and treasures rapidly transformed into spiritual energy and life essence, merging into his body and raising his cultivation. Within his Divine Palace, the Nine Nether Ice Flame continued to refine the demon heart of the Peak True Demon Lord. A strand of pure energy continuously merged into his body every moment. With the infusion of so many energies, Shen Mos aura was changing by the second. At Azure Dragon Fortress Tang Shenting, after exchanging the spiritual treasures he needed, exited the Heavenly Dao Treasury and continued cultivating his technique. The cultivation method he practiced was a mid-tier Heaven-grade technique, simply named . Yes, that plain. His grandfather, Tang Jinglong, was the lord of Azure Dragon Fortress. Tang Jinglong had originally exchanged the technique from the Heavenly Dao Treasury. After exchanging it, the technique and martial arts were directly imprinted into the users mind for comprehension. There was no such thing as a physical manual. The Heavenly Dao Will forbade any exchanger from transcribing or verbally transmitting the . Violators would have their battle merits deducted. But every rule has its loophole. After mastering the , Tang Jinglong compiled his insights into what became known as the , which he passed on to his son, Tang Zhanmo. Tang Zhanmo, in turn, passed it down to his son, Tang Shenting. Because the was not the original , it didnt violate the Heavenly Daos restrictions. Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was one of the key reasons Tang Shenting, at such a young age, had already become a Profound-rank Demon Suppression Guard. His starting point was exceptionally high So high that he began cultivating a Heaven-grade technique not long after being born! Of course, no matter how insightful Tang Jinglong was, the , being just a derived compilation, was still inferior to the original . At best, it could be considered a low-tier Heaven-grade technique. The Golden Ranking has descended again? Is that Shen Mo still second on the Human List? If he is, then Shi Mies strength is just pathetic. Tang Shenting swung his fists, wreathed in wind and thunder, and said casually. A nearby Demon Suppression Guard looked up from the Human List and froze. Boss, I dont see Shen Mos name. Tang Shenting smiled faintly. He probably spent a lot of his battle merits and gave up his rank. Very few can resist that kind of temptation. He was different from others. He held the top position on the Human List solely for the sake of the Visualization Diagram. For that, he could save up battle merits indefinitely without using them. As for the spiritual treasures he needed, his father naturally exchanged them for him. Huh? Ive already scrolled down to the bottom of the Human List, and I still dont see Shen Mos name, the Demon Suppression Guard said, puzzled. Wait a second I see himhes hes Earth List number one! he suddenly exclaimed in shock. Tang Shentings expression froze. What? Youre joking! The Demon Suppression Guard gulped. Boss, see for yourself. Im not jokingEarth List number one really is Shen Mo, Yellow-Rank Demon Suppression Guard of the Black Tortoise Fortress! Tang Shenting couldnt even finish exhaling before looking at the Earth List, his breath still unsteady. Sure enough, the name at the top was exactly that one! A Yellow-Rank Demon Suppression Guard from the Black Tortoise Fortress, standing above all the Heaven-Rank guards! Tang Shentings eyes widened. His sharp and handsome features twisted in disbelief. The Human List number one came with a Visualization Diagram each year. Naturally, Earth List number one did too. And not only thatit was far superior to the one granted to Human List number one! The only issue was that claiming the top of the Earth List required an immense amount of battle merit. His father, Tang Zhanmo, was a regular among the Earth Lists top ten. According to his father, to steadily maintain the first rank on the Earth List, one needed an A-grade battle merit. But earning an A-grade battle merit purely through one''s own efforts was unimaginably difficult. Tang Shenting didnt believe he had that kind of capability. So instead, he simply secured Human List number one and hoped to obtain a high-quality Visualization Diagram to condense his Dharma Aspect. Whether cultivating spiritual energy techniques or blood energy techniques, whether in the Divine Palace Realm or the Venerable Realm, the next step was always the Dharma Aspect Realmwhere one had to condense a Dharma Aspect. The only difference lay in how it was done: Divine Palace cultivators used spiritual energy; Venerables used blood energy. The quality of the Dharma Aspecthigh or lowdirectly determined the strength of one in the Dharma Aspect Realm. Damn it, just what is with this Shen Mo?! Tang Shenting was stunnedand even a little shaken. He had always believed that among the young generation of the Ten Demon Suppression Fortresses, he was the most dazzling talent. But Shen Mos sudden rise completely shook his confidence. He began to question whether he was still the strongest genius of the Demon Suppression Seas younger generation. Go go investigate. Find out exactly what Shen Mo did to become Earth List number one! Tang Shenting took a deep breath and growled. The Demon Suppression Guard nodded repeatedly. Blood God Fortress. At the highest point of the fortress, within the Martial Arena There were two massive golden lions and a colossal black bear. The black bear had exited the Heavenly Dao Treasury early and was waiting nearby. The two golden lions were Heaven-Rank Demon Suppression Guard Shi Wu and his son, Profound-Rank Demon Suppression Guard Shi Mie. The black bear was Xiong Da. Within Blood God Fortress, the bear clan had always been a strong ally to the lion clan. At that moment, one of the golden lions gradually regained full consciousness. Xiong Da chuckled, Commander Shi Wu, I bet you redeemed quite a haul this time! Shi Wu shook his head. I got everything else, but the Earth Mother Crimson Pulp I needed mostthere wasnt a drop left. When I tried to exchange for it, I was already too late. Xiong Da blinked. Really? Someone got to it before you? Shi Wu sighed. Their hands were too fast. A pity. Just then, Shi Mie also exited the Heavenly Dao Treasury, his face lit up with joy. Father, Ive exchanged enough treasures! Give me a few years, and I should be able to break through to the Golden Summit Venerable Realm! Shi Wu nodded with a smile. Good. I look forward to that day. At that moment, Xiong Da saw the Golden Rankings and exclaimed with joy, All three rankings have appeared! Brother Shi Mie is back at Human List number two! I told you, us beast clans are the strongest! Shi Mie glanced at the Human List and, seeing himself at second place, smiled proudly. But Shi Wu noticed the changes on the Earth List and his gaze froze. Earth List number one Yellow-Rank Demon Suppression Guard from Black Tortoise Fortress, Shen Mo?! ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 440: If We Had Soaring Dragon Warships, Even a Vast Demon Nest Would Be Left in Ruins Chapter 440: If We Had Soaring Dragon Warships, Even a Vast Demon Nest Would Be Left in Ruins The Demon Suppression Sea was different from the mainland. Beneath the ten fortresses of the Demon Suppression Sea lay immense spiritual-gathering formations that drew in spiritual energy from hundreds of thousands of li in all directions. Because of this, cultivators in this region didnt necessarily need a Saint-grade physique to enter the Divine Palace Realm. If one was lucky, even a low-grade Heaven-grade physique could suffice. But on the mainland, where spiritual energy was far more scarce than in the Demon Suppression Sea, a Saint-grade physique was almost a requirement for stepping into the Divine Palace Realm. Zhang Longxiang and Wang Xingan were both born and raised in the Demon Suppression Sea. Wang Xingan had a low-grade Heaven-grade physique, and had now cultivated to the Peak Venerable Realm. Without an enormous opportunity, further progress was unlikely. Zhang Longxiang, being of low-grade Saint Physique, had been able to condense a Dharma Aspect and step into the Dharma Aspect Realm. Shen Mo had been recruited as a Demon Suppression Guardhis talent already far beyond the majority. Now, with his physique having advanced further, his future was limitless! By the way, our allied fortresses are starting to urge us about the orders. Ahem Go tell Shen Mo, once his cultivation stabilizes, he should work on building a few more warships. After all, he already accepted the battle merits. Dragging things out too long doesnt look good. Zhang Longxiang cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly a little embarrassed. Wang Xingan burst out laughing. Alright, alright, Ill tell him when hes done. Zhang Longxiang leaned in and whispered, Have him hold back a little. Dont make the warships too powerful. Wang Xingan winked mischievously. Got it, dont worry. Shen Mo will definitely get the hint. Only then did Zhang Longxiang nod in satisfaction. With a gentle step, he vanished. Inside the room Shen Mo exhaled a long breath of turbid air and gradually withdrew from his cultivation state. His body was still surging with spiritual and blood energy, and it took quite a while before things finally settled down. Minor Completion of the Divine Palace Realm! Silver-Crested Venerable Realm! A look of joy appeared on Shen Mos face. He took a moment to sense the power coursing through him, carefully absorbing its meaning. He had the distinct feeling that if he were to face that Peak True Demon Lord againeven without the Nine Nether Ice Flamehe could kill it outright! Rather than merely injure it and watch it flee. Shen Mo continued his introspection and noticed that his mind had grown much clearer. Whether it was comprehending cultivation techniques and martial skills, or reading ancient texts and scrolls, his speed had drastically increased. Moreover, his ability to absorb spiritual energy from the heavens and earth had improved by more than fifty percent. Such were the benefits of a physique breakthrough. Crap did I cause another phenomenon again? I hope the formation I set up worked and didnt let the anomaly leak out Only now did Shen Mo realize there might be trouble. He quickly got up to inspect the array. And then he discoveredalmost all the formation flags had been shattered. This He clicked his tongue. It seemed that the phenomenon triggered by the convergence of three breakthroughs was far too extreme. Even the formations he personally laid couldnt handle the force. Cautiously, Shen Mo pushed open the door and stepped outside. Only to find Wang Xingan already waiting there with a wide grin. Shen Mo let out an awkward chuckle. Commander Wang, youre here. Not out drinking today? Wang Xingan roared with laughter. Shen Mo! Congratulations! A double breakthrough in spiritual and blood energy cultivation! With your current realm, you can be promoted to Profound-Rank Demon Suppression Guard any time now! Youve only been at Xuanwu Fortress a short while, and youve already become a Profound-Rank Guardtsk, tsk. When I got promoted to Profound-Rank back in the day, it took me a whole ten years! Wang Xingan couldnt help the envy in his voice. Truly, comparing oneself to others only led to frustration. What qualifications did he even have when standing next to Shen Mo? None. Absolutely none. Oh right, the reputation of the Flame Flood Dragon Warship has spread far and wide. Qinglong Fortress, Baihu Fortress, and Vermilion Bird Fortress have all placed orders hoping to purchase them. Wang Xingan lowered his voice, Qinglong Fortress wants ten. Baihu and Vermilion Bird each want seven. Thats twenty-four in total. Shen Mo let out a wry laugh. No way, thats too many. Commander Wang, I dont take long to forge each one, but the spiritual materials required for every Flame Flood Dragon Warship are extremely complex. Each one costs at least five A-grade battle merits. If not for General Zhangs willingness to spend freely, I couldnt have crafted something this fully equipped. Wang Xingan paused in surprise. Seriously? One warship costs five A-grade merits? Damn The resources for Shen Mos warship crafting came from two sources: First, from Zhang Longxiangs personal battle merits. Second, from the fortress-wide pool of Xuanwu Fortressessentially public funds. However, as the fortress lord, Zhang Longxiang could legally access those shared merits. But according to the will of the Heavenly Dao, even a fortress lord who used public battle merits must do so for the benefit of the fortress. If one used shared resources selfishly, punishment would followbattle merits would be deducted instead. Wang Xingan didnt know exactly how many A-grade merits Zhang Longxiang had, nor how much remained in Xuanwu Fortresss collective fund. But he did know one thing: crafting those eight Flame Flood Dragon Warships had cost Zhang Longxiang a fortune. If not for the battle merit windfall from slaying the Fifth Great True Demon, Zhang Longxiangs Heaven List rank mightve already dropped to the bottom. On the Heaven List, every rank brought its own reward. So maintaining ones position was crucial. Drop one rank, and the loss could be over a dozen A-grade battle merits. Wang Xingan thought for a moment and said seriously, Alright, lets go find General Zhang and have a proper discussion. Well figure out how many orders we can realistically fulfill. Shen Mo nodded. That works. He was no longer content with just building Flame Flood Dragon Warships. His true goal lay beyondin the future, he aimed to craft even greater vessels like the Giant Qiu Warship and the Soaring Dragon Warship. So, whether or not other fortresses wanted to buy the Flame Flood Dragon model didnt matter much to him. If they wanted them, they could paywith enough merits. Before long, Shen Mo arrived at the high tower and met with Zhang Longxiang. The three of them entered a lengthy and intense discussion. They debated from day into night before finally settling on concrete figures. Each Flame Flood Dragon Warship would cost four A-grade battle merits for human fortresses, and for other fortresses, four A-grade merits plus fifty B-grade merits. As for the orders from Qinglong, Baihu, and Vermilion Bird Fortressesthey were all cut down to three warships each. After all, many of the spiritual materials required to craft these warships were limitedfirst come, first served. Moreover, as a transmigrator, Shen Mo naturally understood hunger marketing better than Zhang Longxiang. If the goal was to earn battle merits, then Flame Flood Dragon Warships couldnt be mass-produced. If too many were made, the market would become saturated and demand would fall, bringing the unit price down. By the time every fortress had a few of these warships, Shen Mo would likely be ready to roll out the Giant Qiu Warship and even the Soaring Dragon Warship. If the Flame Flood Dragon Warship was a destroyer, then the Giant Qiu Warship would be a cruiser. And the Soaring Dragon Warship? That would be an entire aircraft carrier strike group! Their combat power wouldnt even be in the same league. Eight Flame Flood Dragon Warships, if timed correctly in a coordinated strike, could severely wound a Great True Demon. But if eight Soaring Dragon Warships advanced with world-annihilating might In such a spectacle, no matter how vast the demon nest was, how could it possibly remain unscathed? sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44 Chapter 441: The Great Demon Council — Authority of the Great Demons Chapter 441: The Great Demon Council Authority of the Great Demons Demon Suppression Sea, eighth layer, First Demon Palace. The lords of the Demon Palaces had gathered within this oldest of halls. Inside the dimly lit main hall stood a massive round stone table. Surrounding the table were ten colossal stone chairs. But not all were occupiedonly a few figures were present. An Cang summoned us here. Where is he himself? A cold voice rang out. The palace''s dark-purple crystal dome projected the figure who spoke. He stood over five tall. His upper body resembled a human, but his lower half was like the tentacles of an octopus. Each tentacle was thick and powerful, capable of unleashing immense force with a mere flickflattening mountains, halting rivers. He was the Third Great Demon, An Mie, whose authority was Brutal Force. The Sixth Great Demon, An Chen, gave a light chuckle. No need to be so impatient. An Cang is always late. His head consumes a great deal of demonic energy, so it takes him quite some time to awaken. An Mie snorted, his massive tentacles swaying. An Chen, I heard you recently suffered a humiliating defeat and even lost An Feng in the process. An Chen still smiled calmly. Bad intelligence. I didnt expect the Xuanwu Fortress to have developed such powerful weaponry. Suddenly, a figure who had been sitting silently with eyes closed spoke. Oh? Weaponry? I thought the war machines of the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses were already long out of repair. How did they come up with stronger weapons? His form resembled a massive shark, but he had eight pairs of limbs growing from his abdomen. He was the Fourth Great Demon, An Zhou, whose authority was Curses. Long ago, the ten Demon Suppression Fortresses had housed many skilled artisans. But An Zhou had long realized the strategic value of weaponry and infiltrated the fortresses multiple times, assassinating many craftsmen through remote curses. This caused a generational gap in craftsmanshipleaving the fortresses unable to repair more complex or large-scale weaponry. As time passed, with no maintenance, the war machines inevitably fell into disuse. An Chen then described the situation with the Flame Floodcloud Warship. An Zhous eye twitched. Thats a threat. Whoever created it should be eliminated as soon as possible. An Chen, if you give me those two flesh mines on the seventh layer, Ill have my subordinates avenge you. Flesh mines These strange mineral veins were only found below the fifth layer of the Demon Suppression Sea. The deeper one went, the richer and more potent the veins. No one knew where they came from. They simply appeared, without any warning. Over time, the demon race grew accustomed to it. They never bothered to search for them deliberately. The Red Flesh and Purple Flesh extracted from the veins were potent tonics for the demon race. Of the two, Purple Flesh was far superior. Thus, the number of flesh mines a Great Demon controlled became one of the standards by which their strength was judged. Hearing this, An Chen smiled. An Zhou, you sure dream big. Those two newly discovered mines of mine are vast, and theres a large quantity of Purple Flesh. How could I possibly hand them over so easily? An Zhou wasnt angered. No rush. Lets discuss after this meetingIm sure I can offer something satisfactory. An Chen smiled faintly and nodded without answering. In a corner, another voice spoke up. Where are Ninth and Tenth? Why havent they shown up? An Chen looked toward a particular stone chair. Though it appeared empty, atop it rested a tiny grain of purple-black rice. That grain was actually the Seventh Great Demon, An Wei. Though his body was minuscule, it was unimaginably dense and indestructible. His authority was Stealth. His offspring and descendants also possessed extremely small bodies. Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They could easily pass through the tiniest of gaps and infiltrate the bodies of the Demon Suppression Guardsnatural-born assassination machines. An Chens gaze shifted slightly. The Ninth and Tenth Great Demons had been missing for a long time. Many of their subordinates had chosen to defect, pledging allegiance to other Great Demons instead. Even An Chen didnt know what those two were up to. The Third Great Demon, An Mie, spoke casually, The plan is already seventy to eighty percent complete. No harm in telling you now. Ninth and Tenth are preparing to resurrect the right arm of the Great Demon Emperor. An Chen, An Zhou, and An Wei all showed subtle changes in expression, their faces revealing joy. It can be resurrected? Where is the Great Demon Emperors right arm? If we can harness the power of the right arm, we might be able to break through the Demon Suppression Fortresses and escape the Demon Suppression Sea! An Mie grinned. I dont know the exact location. The plan is being led by An CangI only played a partial role. An Wei spoke with displeasure, Why didnt An Cang inform us? The Great Demon Emperor is the source of our power, like a father to us all. We deserve to know. An Mie chuckled. Once the right arm of the Great Demon Emperor is revived, even a single drop of its flowing blood can dramatically enhance a Great Demons cultivation. You think therell be enough blood to share? Would it be better to have one more mouth at the table, or one less? An Wei fell silent. But a killing intent began to stir in the air. An Chens mind turned. The Great Demon Emperor they spoke of was the very one the Demon Suppression Guards referred to as the Undying Demon Emperor. All ten Great Demons were at the Demon Emperor Realm, equivalent to the Dharma Aspect Realm of the Demon Suppression Guards. The Undying Demon Emperor was a title. As their collective father, his cultivation was at the Great Demon Emperor Realm, far above the Dharma Aspect Realm. However, since the dawn of the demon race, the Undying Demon Emperor had always remained in a state of death. His blood was stagnant and devoid of life. An Cang, the oldest and wisest of the ten Great Demons, had tried countless ways to resurrect the Undying Demon Emperor, but none had succeeded. I thought hed given up. Didnt expect hed change his methodchoosing instead to resurrect just a part of the Undying Demon Emperors body. An Chen sighed in admiration. Just then, a ghostly voice echoed through the air. An Mie, youre spouting nonsense again. Once the right arm of the Great Demon Emperor is resurrected, I will ensure the blood is distributed equally among all. We, the ten Great Demons, share one father. We are brothers and sisters. An Chen, An Mie, An Wei, and An Zhou all turned their gazes. They saw An Cang slowly appear, floating in with his oversized head and long trailing tail. Hearing An Cangs words, both An Wei and An Zhou calmed down slightly. An Cang, you finally show up. I was starting to get impatient, An Mie said casually. An Cang ignored him. The reason Ive gathered you all is to discuss several important matters. FirstOld Five has fallen. But his position must not remain vacant, and the authority of Filth Mist he controlled cannot be left unattended. Old Seven, your territory is closest to his. Make arrangements for a competition among Old Fives offspring. Whoever wins will inherit the title of Fifth Great Demon. When the time comes, well bring him to the ninth layer, where he shall officially ascend as the Fifth Great Demon under the watchful gaze of our Fathers corpse. All the demons nodded. Whenever a Great Demon fell in the past, this was the method used to determine the successor. The authority held by the ten Great Demons had never gone unclaimed for a single day. Secondwe must now move to resurrect the Father Demons left and right legs. An Cang continued, The left legIve already handed that to Second and Eighth. As for the right legwho among you is willing to take it on? ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44