Demonic Cultivator(293-296)

Chapter 293: This Time, Let Them Come to Us

In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed in the cavernous world.

Lie Yong had naturally progressed into the ranks of a Gold Insect Master. Yet, he did not make a show of his advancement.

Instead, he quietly annexed the smaller tribes surrounding the Fire Ant Tribe. Continuously, he amassed power.

He had once contemplated whether he could acquire the cultivation method of the Devouring Thunder Ants by joining their tribe. But this thought was quickly dismissed.

For he cultivated the Fire Ant method. Unless he killed his three Fire Ants and started anew with Devouring Thunder Ants, acquiring their cultivation method was impossible.

He also considered capturing a Insect Master from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe and forcing the method out of them.

However, as each cultivator's progress in the Devouring Thunder Ant method varied, securing a complete method required capturing a Gold Insect Master at the very least.

The Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, being a mid-sized tribe, meant its Insect Masters were significantly stronger than those of equivalent rank from smaller tribes.

Strong as he was, Lie Yong did not believe he could capture a Gold Insect Master from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe with absolute certainty.

His only path forward was to continue accumulating power, flatten the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, destroy their bronze statues, and obtain their cultivation method.

To accelerate this process, Lie Yong imparted the "Orifice Opening Scripture" to his trusted subordinates, allowing them to cultivate it as well.

Thus, the high-end combat power of the Fire Ant Tribe would increase. The emergence of more Gold Insect Masters was only a matter of time.

To Lie Yong's knowledge, the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe had only three Gold Insect Masters with peak combat abilities. As soon as more Gold Insect Masters arose within the Fire Ant Tribe, they could crush them!

Time swiftly flowed, and another decade passed. The power of the Fire Ant Tribe had expanded tremendously.

Extremely restrained, Lie Yong faced the Insect Masters from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe who came annually to collect taxes, always swallowing his pride and concealing his strength.

After ten years, Lie Yong had ascended to the upper echelons of Gold Insect Masters. Three more Gold Insect Masters had emerged in the Fire Ant Tribe.

Moreover, there were as many as twenty Silver Insect Masters. As for the lowest-ranked Bronze Insect Masters, their numbers had surpassed five hundred.

With such a scale of Insect Masters, they were more than capable of steamrolling over the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe!

The Fire Ant Tribe.

Lie Yong tightened his insect-skin coat around him. Flanked by two trusted aides. Now seventy-eight years old.

Though ascending to Gold Insect Master had added a decade or two to his lifespan, who would complain about living longer?

Naturally, the more, the better. He aimed to achieve the greatest feats within his lifetime.

"It's the end of the year again, isn't it?" Lie Yong remarked casually.

"Yes, within a few days we need to deliver the tribute to the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe," Chen He, his left-hand confidant, whispered back.

"Let's not deliver it this time; let them come and collect it themselves," Lie Yong said calmly.

Chen He paused, then quickly grasped Lie Yong's intent, nodding, "Yes."

It was a tradition in the cavernous world that small tribes paid tribute to mid-sized tribes. No small tribe had ever dared to defy this.

After annihilating tribes such as the Rock Ant Tribe, the Fire Ant Tribe had even pretended these tribes were still around, paying their tributes as well. Had it not been for this burdensome tribute, the Fire Ant Tribe might have amassed enough strength five years earlier.

"Is your son prepared?" Lie Yong asked evenly.

"He is ready. It is his honor to contribute to the tribe," Chen He replied gravely.

Lie Yong nodded slightly.

...

As expected, this time, having not paid the tribute. Eight days later, a Insect Master from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe arrived personally.

This Silver Insect Master, accompanied by three Bronze Insect Masters, strode haughtily into the Fire Ant Tribe.

Standing at the gate, he bellowed, "I am Lei Jia from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe! Where is the chieftain of your Fire Ant Tribe? Let him come forth! Why hasn't this year's tribute been delivered? And what about the Rock Ant Tribe, the Great Swallow Ant Tribe? Why haven't they delivered their tributes either?"

With a creak, the grand gates of the Fire Ant Tribe swung open with a thunderous sound.

Lie Yong, flanked by his confidants, strode out briskly.

Lei Jia, observing Lie Yong's imposing march, suddenly felt a chill.

It was strange. He only felt such a presence when facing tribal leaders and the like.

Yet here was the chieftain of a small tribe, emanating such an astonishing aura.

Lei Jia scoffed coldly, "You are the chieftain of the Fire Ant Tribe? I ask you, where is this year's tribute?"

Lie Yong sighed, "This year the harvest was poor; we truly couldn't gather enough for the tribute."

The Fire Ant Tribe was known for its production of sulfur and blood pearl rice. Thus, their annual tribute was measured in these commodities.

Lei Jia frowned deeply, "Unacceptable! It doesn't matter if you have nothing to eat, the tribute must be delivered in full!"

Lie Yong's face was etched with worry, "We really don't have any…"

Lei Jia's expression turned icy, "None?"

He growled lowly.

Instantly, two Devouring Thunder Ants appeared menacingly by his side.

Seeing this, the Insect Masters behind him also summoned their respective Devouring Thunder Ants.

The Insect Masters beside Lie Yong tensed and subconsciously called forth their Fire Ants.

The situation became tense in an instant. However, Lei Jia and his companions' Devouring Thunder Ants, evidently well-fed, boasted gleaming carapaces and sharp mandibles.

In contrast, the Fire Ants appeared somewhat inferior. This was the inherent disparity between a mid-sized tribe and a small tribe.

Lei Jia sneered, "Oh? Should I take it that you wish to defy the tribute? Resist the orders of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe?"

Lie Yong's expression was one of grief and indignation, "Why would you say that? I have always held the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe in the highest regard..."

Pointing at the insect masters behind him, Lei Jia demanded, "Then make them withdraw their insects immediately! Daring to reveal your insects in my presence is seeking death!"

Lie Yong took a deep breath and sighed deeply, "Withdraw them... All of you, withdraw."

"But chief..." a young insect master clenched his fists.

Lie Yong roared, "No buts, withdraw! Chen Ang, you too!"

Reluctantly, the insect masters of the Fire Ant Tribe withdrew their insects, each of them seething with anger.

Lei Jia let out a mocking laugh, "That's more like it. Remember, the orders of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe are supreme decrees! Even the words of the Holy Ant Tribe have no sway on our turf!"

Pointing at Chen Ang who had just spoken, Lei Jia sneered, "You just spoke disrespectfully to me, kneel down!"

Chen Ang's face flushed with rage, "You wish!"

Lie Yong bellowed, "Kneel!"

Chen Ang stiffened his neck, stubbornly refusing to kneel.

Lei Jia sneered, "Fine, you won't kneel, huh?"

He swiftly pulled out the whip from his waist and lashed out fiercely.

Crack!

A shocking streak of blood immediately appeared on Chen Ang's face.

Chen Ang was sent flying by the force of the blow. Someone moved to help him up.

Lei Jia scoffed coldly, "I'd like to see who dares help him. Anyone who does shares his guilt!"

The people of the Fire Ant Tribe, suppressing their rage, dared not reach out.

Lei Jia raised his whip again, striking fiercely.

Crack! Crack!

One lash after another.

Bloodstains appeared continuously on Chen Ang's body.

Only when Lei Jia had his fill did he finally retract his whip, stating indifferently, "I'll give you another month. No matter what, the tribute must be complete..."

Before he could finish, an elderly woman suddenly cried out, "Child! Say something! What's wrong with you?"

She held Chen Ang, weeping bitterly.

Yet, the young man showed no response.

He appeared to be... dead.

Chapter 294: Live for Ourselves! Overthrow the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe!

Lei Jia was taken aback.

Lie Yong's face suddenly changed color, and he immediately knelt to check on Chen Ang. He placed his fingers under Chen Ang's nose, but he found no breath.

"He's dead! He's dead!"

"It's all Lei Jia's fault; he beat Chen Ang to death!"

"Kill him! Kill him!"

Suddenly, someone shouted loudly.

In an instant, voices erupted like rolling thunder.

The people of the Fire Ant Tribe glared at Lei Jia, the man who had killed Chen Ang before their very eyes.

Lie Yong clenched his fists, as if suppressing a towering rage, "Lei Jia... Even if we couldn't pay the tribute on time, was there any need to kill a child... He was only sixteen this year, having just celebrated his Insect Orifice Ceremony... How could you, an insect master of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, commit such an act...!"

Lei Jia's face turned pale, and he instinctively stepped back. He looked down at his hands.

Impossible. He had always known his own strength. The whipping was meant only to vent his dissatisfaction and to serve as a warning to others. He had not intended to actually kill the young man named Chen Ang.

Lei Jia vaguely felt that something was amiss, yet he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Lei Jia was uneasy, "There must be some misunderstanding here. I was very measured with my strike; he couldn't possibly be dead..."

Lie Yong tightened his fists, "Are you suggesting that my Fire Ant Tribe would use the death of a promising young child to slander and frame you?"

Lei Jia was at a loss for words. That seemed unlikely as well.

"Kill him! Kill him!"

A stone suddenly flew, striking Lei Jia on the head.

"Kill this mongrel! Avenge Chen Ang!"

"The Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe has always oppressed us! Overthrow the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe! We must live for ourselves!"

The crowd erupted with even louder voices.

Lei Jia's complexion turned even paler. He retreated continuously, "There must be some misunderstanding. Let's talk this over. Your tribute can be delayed; I'll personally speak to the tribal leader..."

Lie Yong roared, "No amount of delayed tribute can bring Chen Ang back! You deserve to die!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, two Fire Ants leapt forward.

Lei Jia hadn't even reacted before their sharp mandibles slashed across his neck.

With a snap, his head was severed from his body!

The remaining few Bronze Insect Masters from the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe had no chance to resist and were killed by the enraged people of the Fire Ant Tribe.

Lie Yong ascended to a higher ground, his voice booming, "Fellow tribespeople! The Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe is tyrannical! Extortionate! They disregard human life! They are corrupt to the core! We must not remain vassals of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe; we must live for ourselves!"

His words echoed the sentiments of all the Fire Ant Tribe people.

"Live for ourselves! Overthrow the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe!"

Their voices merged together, roaring like continuous thunder.

...

Chu Xuan, as an observer, witnessed the entirety of the Fire Ant Tribe's war to annihilate the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe.

From the outset, Lie Yong's strategy was one of blitzkrieg—a decapitation strike, to be precise.

He lured the formidable insect masters of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe to the Fire Ants and killed them.

The Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, being a mid-sized tribe, had a very strong foundation.

A prolonged war would undoubtedly be disadvantageous for the Fire Ant Tribe.

Thus, the quicker the fight, the better.

Ideally, before the majority of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe could react, all their Gold Insect Masters would be killed in a swift, thunderous assault.

Indeed, he succeeded.

Long years of peace had left the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe complacent and decayed.

Using the tribute as bait, Lie Yong gradually enticed the Gold Insect Masters of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, who stormed in aggressively.

These pampered masters, seldom engaging in combat even with their insects, were no match for Lie Yong.

With the death of the Gold Insect Masters, the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe was headless.

Their core tribespeople were quickly slaughtered by the Fire Ant Tribe.

Ultimately, the Fire Ant Tribe smoothly took over the Devouring Thunder Ant Cave...

...

That evening, Lie Yong led his confidants into the grand hall of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe.

The opulence and luxury there shook him to his core. On the tables of the hall lay exquisite dishes that hadn't been finished.

"Our tribe's tribute of blood pearl rice was carelessly wasted by them."

"Damn it, these bastards of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe! Our people can't even fill their bellies, and they waste food so frivolously!"

"We should have overthrown them long ago! I'm going out to kill a few more of their tribespeople now!"

Several Silver Insect Masters of the Fire Ant Tribe were filled with righteous indignation upon seeing the state of the hall.

Lie Yong also reflected deeply before sternly saying, "If we are to rule over the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, we must not kill indiscriminately. Send the order: Insect Masters of the Fire Ant Tribe must not kill, must not enter homes without permission, and must not seize property. Those who disobey will be executed. As for the tribespeople of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, even those who have committed murder should be detained for now, to avoid escalating conflicts."

Although his confidants were somewhat puzzled, they nodded respectfully.

"Chen He, come here," Lie Yong beckoned.

The now silver-haired Chen He approached.

Lie Yong spoke gravely, "Chen Ang sacrificed his life for the tribe, and he deserves to be honored. Your fifth son, Chen Pei, has great potential. I will take him as my student."

Chen He was moved, "Yes! Thank you, Chief!"

Lie Yong was the strongest of the Fire Ant Tribe, a Gold Insect Master.

With Lie Yong personally teaching him, his fifth son, Chen Pei, would surely stand out among his peers.

There was a real possibility he could become a pillar of the tribe in the future.

"Go and remember my words," Lie Yong said with a smile.

"Yes."

...

Inside the chieftain's bedroom, Lie Yong had indulged in a comforting hot bath before wrapping his lower body in a soft insect-skin skirt and moving to his desk.

On the desk lay a purple-blue crystal stone.

This was the Devouring Thunder Ant cultivation method.

Lie Yong had already ordered the destruction of the Devouring Thunder Ant bronze statues to retrieve it.

"Magic mirror, I present to you the Devouring Thunder Ant cultivation method," Lie Yong solemnly placed the crystal stone on the surface of the broken Mirror.

Moments later, the cultivation method transformed into words that flowed into Chu Xuan's mind.

Chu Xuan nodded in satisfaction. He then displayed the formula for a longevity pill, modifying each ingredient to be something unique to the cavern world.

Over decades of interaction, he had discovered that the cavern world was rich in resources, many plants there could substitute for the spiritual plants of the cultivation realms.

Even if one or two plants were not potent enough to achieve the desired medicinal effect, then ten, twenty, or even a hundred would suffice.

Lie Yong, seeing the method to extend life, immediately showed a look of joy on his face. Although some ingredients were extremely rare, things he had only heard of a few times, such a method for extending life was indeed a priceless treasure!

Perhaps even the kings of powerful nations could not obtain such a method for longevity.

"With this method, I can continue to extend my life. I must strive to reach the level of a Platinum Insect Master!"

A fierce light sparked in Lie Yong's eyes.

Chapter 295: Today's Long Need Not Be Yesterday's Long

"This Devouring Thunder Ant cultivation method is quite remarkable," Chu Xuan mused as he delved deeply into the technique, his mind achieving a moment of epiphany, sparking a sense of lateral thinking.

The method employed by the Devouring Thunder Ant was akin to usurping the nest—specifically, it took advantage of the small size of the Devouring Thunder Ant eggs to parasitize other ant eggs.

When these parasitized eggs hatched, they initially appeared as their original species, such as the Fire Ant or Blade Ant.

Step by step, the Devouring Thunder Ant would consume the nutrients of these host insects. When the time was ripe, the Devouring Thunder Ant would emerge, breaking out from within these hosts.

The difficulty of the "Heavenly Yin Gu Corpse Technique" lay in the discordance between the gu insects and the corpse puppets.

Thinking along these lines, could one perhaps select a gu insect with similar habits to parasitize a living human body? Could this step-by-step transform the host into a gu corpse?

Such gu insects were not rare. Perhaps one could go even further, using a corpse disguised as a living person to deceive the gu insects.

This would ultimately allow the gu insect and the corpse puppet to merge perfectly, creating a true gu corpse!

Chu Xuan couldn't help but praise his own ingenuity.

That's exactly what he would do!

…

Immediately, Chu Xuan returned to Mystic Azure Star. He tasked Wan Hun to find suitable gu insects for him.

Wan Hun was highly efficient. Before long, he had procured three types of gu insects.

"Blue Tuft Silk, Marrow Sucking Worm, and Bone Swapping Worm."

Chu Xuan examined these three gu insects and, with a grand gesture, began the experimentation.

After all, practice is the sole criterion for truth. His experiments required many volunteers.

However, Chu Xuan only needed to snap his fingers, and immediately, numerous zombie volunteers came forth to contribute to his gu insect project.

Chu Xuan did not let these volunteers' selfless contributions go to waste. In just one month, he successfully concluded his experiments.

It was feasible!

The most suitable gu insect was the Blue Tuft Silk. This gu insect was quite unique.

If one must make a comparison, Chu Xuan felt it somewhat straddled the line between insect and plant.

It was extremely surreptitious; once it entered a body, it could lie dormant for decades without ever harming its host.

However, during its dormancy, the Blue Tuft Silk continuously released a toxin. This toxin would gradually alter the host's body, hardening it. Eventually, the host would turn into a lifelike blue wooden sculpture.

At that moment, the Blue Tuft Silk truly revealed its fangs, beginning to devour the host's organs and flesh. Once it had consumed its fill, the Blue Tuft Silk would drill a small hole through the host's skull and sprout bright blue flowers.

Eventually, these flowers would release numerous spores. These spore worms would drift with the wind, seeking other unfortunate hosts to continue the propagation of the Blue Tuft Silk.

As for deceiving the Blue Tuft Silk into thinking the corpse was a living person, Chu Xuan already had a plan in mind. What differentiates a corpse from a living person?

A corpse lacks vitality; a living person possesses it! Therefore, the solution was to infuse the corpse with life! This was precisely the kind of task for which the Psionic Cube was perfect!

Without hesitation, Chu Xuan inserted a Psionic Cube into Jin Zhao's body. He then implanted the Blue Tuft Silk's eggs into Jin Zhao's chest. After that, all he needed to do was wait. It wouldn't take long for the gu corpse to emerge.

…

The creation of the gu corpse happened faster than Chu Xuan had anticipated. Within a month, Jin Zhao's body had completely hardened, transforming into a blue wooden sculpture. The Blue Tuft Silk eggs, receiving the signal, immediately hatched and began consuming Jin Zhao's insides, ultimately taking over the shell.

When the Blue Tuft Silk tried to instinctively drill through the cranial plate, it was suddenly met with resistance far exceeding its expectations. The cranial plate was much harder than anticipated.

Confused, the Blue Tuft Silk wondered how it was supposed to bloom and spread seeds. It attempted several times to drill through the eyes, nose, and mouth but failed each time.

Chu Xuan, observing from the side, couldn't help but laugh. He had soaked Jin Zhao's entire body in a corpse-refining solution, making it extraordinarily hard, capable of withstanding a full-strength hit from a top-grade magical treasure. The newly born Blue Tuft Silk, being only a second-tier gu, understandably found it difficult to break through.

Left with no other options, the Blue Tuft Silk had to bloom and seed within Jin Zhao's body. More and more Blue Tuft Silks eventually occupied Jin Zhao's entire shell.

At this moment, Chu Xuan slowly stood up. He had already taken control of the initial egg with his own blood essence. Now was the time.

"Rise."

With a low shout from Chu Xuan, the Blue Tuft Silks inside Jin Zhao received the signal and instinctively began to act. The body of Jin Zhao, which had been lying on the ground for a long time, suddenly trembled.

With a whoosh, Jin Zhao swiftly leapt up. However, while his legs received the command to stand, his torso, arms, and head remained on the ground. The subsequent movements were also exceedingly strange, resembling the bizarre motions of some peculiar creature.

Chu Xuan was not particularly concerned about the initial quirks of his creation. After all, it was a new path he had forged himself. Some initial issues were normal and could be fine-tuned over time.

Ten days later, Chu Xuan observed the gu corpse, which moved with the ferocity of a storm, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. The gu corpse, freshly created, already possessed the level of a first-tier Corpse King. Its talents were extraordinary, marking it as a top-tier corpse puppet. In addition to the four spells it inherently knew, it also carried two spells from the Blue Tuft Silk.

"Hu, go, play with it a bit," Chu Xuan commanded, gesturing with a wave of his hand. Hu charged forward in a burst, engaging the gu corpse in combat.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Tremendous forces clashed.

Remarkably, the gu corpse wasn't sent flying with a single punch; it merely staggered back several steps.

Hu roared, "Again!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The two corpses exchanged blows continuously, with fierce gusts of wind from their fists swirling around them. Both sustained damage, with chunks of flesh flying off.

Chu Xuan's eyes lit up. "Such powerful strength!"

Bao was also crouched on the side, watching the intense fight. Seeing its elder and a junior go at it so fiercely excited it too. It hurriedly took the opportunity to snatch up the scattered pieces of flesh and stuffed them into its mouth.

Chu Xuan's mouth twitched at the sight. "Can't you be a bit more dignified? Must you eat everything?"

After a while, at Chu Xuan's command, the two corpses gradually disengaged. The gu corpse, newly refined and already capable of contending with Hu, a fourth-tier Corpse King, showed immense potential.

"Very good! Very good indeed!" Chu Xuan nodded in complete satisfaction.

"Master!" Hu knelt before Chu Xuan.

The gu corpse stood somewhat dumbly by. Blue Tuft Silks emerged from its skin, swiftly repairing the battle damages.

"You also need a name. What shall I call you?" Chu Xuan stroked his chin. It was time for the enjoyable task of naming, a task at which he excelled.

"Your original form was Jin Zhao, and you contain the Blue Tuft Silk. I think I'll call you… Long!"

Chu Xuan nodded in satisfaction. Long, Hu, Bao! What a melodious ring to it. How could it be complete without a Long? Today's Long need not be yesterday's Long.

Chapter 296: Let's See What's Up—Fight If We Can, Run If We Can't

In the cavern world, the Fire Ant Tribe had effectively implemented Lie Yong's will, firmly controlling the people of the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe and striving to assimilate them.

The disappearance of a few small tribes wouldn't cause any ripples, but the vanishing of a mid-sized tribe like the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe was enough to stir a moderate storm in the vicinity.

There was no doubt that the Fire Ant Tribe had obliterated the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe, and it was inevitable that the Holy Ant Tribe would come to inquire.

Why had the Fire Ants committed this act of usurpation?

After all, for the Fire Ant Tribe to replace the Devouring Thunder Ant Tribe and become a new mid-sized tribe, they needed the approval of the Holy Ant Tribe.

This highlighted the importance of Lie Yong's justified and renowned strategy from the beginning. Chu Xuan believed in Lie Yong's wisdom to handle these matters perfectly.

…

Blood River Star.

At the gate of Heaven Blood Alliance, the sovereign power on Blood River Star, formed by the merger of several fourth-level cultivation sects. The main color theme of the gate was red. Red flowers, red trees, red flowing waters, even every pebble seemed to exude a fierce and intense aura.

At this moment, the Alliance Leader, Luo Zhantian, strode into the council hall. Inside, a young man was leisurely walking back and forth with his hands behind his back, occasionally examining the hall's decorations. He seemed somewhat surprised.

This Shang Xingchen had been left hanging here all day, yet he remained completely composed, showing no signs of impatience or agitation. Luo Zhantian internally praised, "My old fellow truly has some commendable sons."

Finally, Luo Zhantian greeted with a smile, "Fellow daoist Shang, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Shang Xingchen turned around, also smiling, "Greetings, Alliance Leader Luo."

Luo Zhantian waved his hand, "Your father and I were peers, we even fought together back in the day, don't call me Alliance Leader Luo, it sounds too formal. Call me Uncle Luo."

Shang Xingchen instantly replied warmly, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Uncle Luo."

Luo Zhantian gestured for Shang Xingchen to sit down. "I've been neglectful due to my many duties, I apologize."

He glanced at the table, then suddenly frowned, "You've been waiting in this hall for so long, why hasn't tea been served yet?"

Luo Zhantian slammed his hand on the table and bellowed, "Where are the people?"

A cultivator hurried over and knelt down, "Greetings, Alliance Leader."

"Why is there no tea?" Luo Zhantian demanded.

The cultivator trembled, unable to speak.

Shang Xingchen offered a faint smile. "Uncle Luo, no worries, I didn't come for tea."

Luo Zhantian scoffed, "You should be thanking my nephew. Now get out!"

"Yes, yes, yes!" The cultivator wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hurriedly dashed out.

He pondered secretly, wasn't it the Sect Leader who instructed me not to serve tea, deliberately snubbing Shang Xingchen? Why am I being blamed instead?

How fierce the Sect Leader is!

Luo Zhantian turned to Shang Xingchen, his smile returning. "I heard that recently you contributed a Turbid World Blue Lotus to the Reincarnation Divine Sect, and in the presence of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, Spirit Feather True Master was utterly crushed. It's still quite impressive to recall."

"My nephew, that was quite the feat," he said, giving a thumbs up.

Shang Xingchen just smiled, "It was merely leveraging power to suppress others, a minor trick really."

Luo Zhantian smiled, "It's been a while since I've heard from you, nephew. What brings you to my Blood River Star?"

Instead of answering directly, Shang Xingchen countered, "I see that Blood River Star is gearing up for battle. Is the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect about to go to war with the Reincarnation Divine Sect?"

Luo Zhantian raised an eyebrow, "That's a sect secret, even I am not privy."

Though it was clear to any observant person that war was imminent.

But exactly when it would start, he, the leader of the Heavenly Blood Alliance, was also in the dark.

Shang Xingchen continued, "Mystic Azure is solid as a rock; if the Sect wishes to penetrate it, they'll have to break through the realm's protective grand formation. That would take too much time, costing many cultivators' lives and draining the strength of the Heavenly Blood Alliance."

Luo Zhantian's expression darkened.

Indeed, that was the case.

Currently, only Northern Cold served as a foothold on Mystic Azure, with most of the power in the hands of the loyalist faction of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace. Achieving the upper sect's goal was going to be exceedingly difficult.

Since Blood River Star was closest to Mystic Azure, the Heavenly Blood Alliance would inevitably lead the charge.

The longer the war dragged on, the worse it would be for the Heavenly Blood Alliance.

Luo Zhantian was indeed worried about this.

Shang Xingchen smiled, "I know the predicament of the Heavenly Blood Alliance, Uncle Luo. I've come especially to bring you a significant gift."

"Oh? What kind of gift?" Luo Zhantian inquired.

"Ancient teleportation array unknown to Feather Transformation Heaven Palace," Shang Xingchen revealed.

Luo Zhantian paused, taken aback.

"How about it, Uncle Luo? Isn't this gift substantial enough?" Shang Xingchen smiled.

Luo Zhantian's gaze towards Shang Xingchen shifted.

An ancient teleportation array unknown to Feather Transformation Heaven Palace. It held immense strategic value. If used well, it could serve as a continual point of reinforcement once the war began. Capturing Mystic Azure would then be much less strenuous!

Suddenly, Luo Zhantian asked, "What do you want?"

"I wish to become a true disciple of the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect," Shang Xingchen stated directly.

Luo Zhantian scratched his head, "I can't decide that; I need to consult the higher-ups."

Shang Xingchen nodded, "I can wait."

"Alright." Luo Zhantian nodded, casting a deep look at Shang Xingchen before departing.

Moments later, Luo Zhantian returned to the council hall and announced solemnly, "The upper sect has agreed, and the Third Elder has consented to take you as his disciple."

Shang Xingchen smiled and nodded in appreciation. He produced a jade slip imprinted with his spiritual sense. "This is the location of the ancient teleportation array. This was discovered by our Nether Dao Sect long ago and never made public, hence it remains out of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace's control. Uncle Luo, make good use of it."

Luo Zhantian nodded gravely, accepting the jade slip.

...

Northern Cold.

Chu Xuan strode out of the cultivation chamber. The cultivator guarding the door bowed respectfully and went to prepare spiritual food for him.

Soon, the long table in the hall of Black Devil Peak was laden with exquisite dishes.

Chu Xuan, as usual, devoured the meal.

"It's not as good as the spiritual food made by Zhu Jie, alas..." He shook his head. The taste of this food paled in comparison to Zhu Jie's.

Just then, he felt a tremor in his storage bag. He withdrew a communication jade, and Shi Juntian's voice immediately emitted from it.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, the Reincarnation Divine Sect has launched a surprise attack on our sect's Deity Transformation Elder. The two sects have begun warring. Feather Transformation Heaven Palace will surely act soon. Fellow Daoist Lin, please be cautious. Our task is to prevent the full activation of the protective grand formation, to assist our sect's Deity Transformation Elder."

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.

After such a long wait, the battle had finally begun.

"So many will die in this conflict," he mused. "A speck of dust from the era becomes a mountain for the common folk."

Chu Xuan pondered, "Let's see how things unfold. If possible, we'll fight; if not, we flee. After all, one must not put oneself in peril unnecessarily."