Chapter 2304: Chapter 2308: Ouyang Song’s Heart Demon
"Elder Ouyang, while power is important, one’s own strength is even more crucial."
Upon hearing Hu Yiqiu’s words, Jiang Chen’s expression became solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice: "I once heard my master speak of you, knowing that you are one of the few friends my master has. Today, I wish to boldly speak a few more words, and if I’m being offensive, I beg your pardon!"
"Speak!"
Hu Yiqiu’s words made Ouyang Song himself notice something was amiss, yet he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly. Upon hearing this, he raised his head to look at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen solemnly said: "Elder Ouyang, a hundred years ago, my master was at the Middle Unity Realm Stage, and you were at the Late Unity Realm Stage. Now, a hundred years later, my master is at the Late Unity Realm Stage, but you are still at the Late Unity Realm Stage. Have you never thought about the reason for this?"
Ouyang Song’s complexion changed, his brow furrowed tightly, revealing a trace of dissatisfaction in his eyes.
This young man, is he taking revenge for what happened earlier? Is he deliberately mocking me?
However, when he saw the clarity in Jiang Chen’s eyes, and the hint of worry within them, he dismissed this possibility, gently lowered his head, and carefully pondered Jiang Chen’s words.
"Young Jiang, speak boldly. If this old one dares to get angry, your master will back you up. I know your insight is strong, and your thinking sharp. Have you noticed something?"
Hu Yiqiu spoke seriously, as it was evident Jiang Chen had discerned something. Ouyang Song was indeed one of his few friends, and he did not want anything to go wrong with Ouyang Song.
"Alright!"
Jiang Chen glanced at Hu Yiqiu, nodded lightly, then turned to look at Ouyang Song, raising his hand in salute: "Elder Ouyang, I will dare to be presumptuous!"
Jian Cangqiong and the others looked at Jiang Chen expectantly, all knowing of his remarkable nature and eager to see what he had discovered.
Meanwhile, Su Qingluan and Lu Zhichen looked at Hu Yiqiu with surprise, their eyes full of suspicion as they turned their gaze to Jiang Chen.
After first apologizing, Jiang Chen’s face turned solemn, his gaze towards Ouyang Song filled with seriousness.
"Cultivators, cultivate strength, cultivate the Dao, and also cultivate the heart!"
Jiang Chen spoke with a heavy tone: "Elder Lu must judge with reason as a Punishment Hall elder, but what about you?"
"Have you ever thought about why your realm has not advanced in a hundred years? Is it really just due to talent? Talent is certainly important, but isn’t one’s mindset even more crucial?"
"Even though I’m not very familiar with your usual conduct, based on your actions just now, when you preside over something or reprimand someone as one of the Eight Elders, do you perhaps experience a sense of satisfaction, a feeling of being above others?"
Ouyang Song’s body trembled abruptly, his eyes showing a hint of astonishment as he looked at Jiang Chen in surprise.
"It seems I was correct!"
Noticing Ouyang Song’s reaction, Jiang Chen’s expression turned grim: "Elder Ouyang, as one of the eight elders of the outer court, you are indeed above us students. But have you considered, compared to the Dean, the Crown Prince, the Great Emperor, are you still above them?"
"This sense of being ’above others’ should be a feeling for those of us who need to look up to you. But if you yourself have this feeling..."
Jiang Chen lightly furrowed his brow: "Do you sometimes feel that being ’above others’ is quite good as it is, so why bother cultivating so arduously? Isn’t it enough as it is, aren’t you already very content and enjoying it greatly?"
Crack!
A crisp sound echoed, as Ouyang Song’s hand on the armrest of his chair suddenly clenched, instantly crushing it.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The heavy sound of breathing echoed, a thin layer of cold sweat appeared on Ouyang Song’s forehead, and his eyes revealed a trace of shock.
Beneath the shock, there was also a deep-seated fear in the depths of Ouyang Song’s eyes!
Looking at Ouyang Song, Jiang Chen ceased speaking. Ouyang Song’s reaction indicated he had already understood what needed to be faced.
Hu Yiqiu and the others all had their expressions change, looking at Ouyang Song with eyes full of seriousness.
From Jiang Chen’s words, they discerned a different implication, understanding Ouyang Song’s anomalies. Precisely because they understood, Hu Yiqiu and the others were all internally shocked, focusing intently on Ouyang Song.
If Ouyang Song cannot overcome this mindset, he’s likely to be stuck at the Late Unity Realm Stage his whole life, with no hope of any further advancement, and might even experience a regression in strength!
Buzz!
Suddenly, a surge of overwhelming pressure erupted from Ouyang Song, with chaotic Great Dao Divine Light emerging from within, rampaging wildly throughout the hall.
Crash!
Crack!
The tables and chairs within the hall instantly collapsed, and the greenery meant for decoration fell to the ground.
Swish!
Hu Yiqiu swiftly moved to Jiang Chen’s side, grabbing his arm and pulling him behind himself.
At the same time, Jian Cangqiong moved behind Ouyang Song, protecting Ouyang Ruoxue.
Su Qingluan and Lu Zhichen both swiftly retreated from beside Ouyang Song.
Buzz buzz buzz!
A series of powerful Great Dao pressures erupted from Hu Yiqiu, Jian Cangqiong, and others, Great Dao Divine Light soared into the sky, forming a barrier around Ouyang Song, blocking the rampant Power of the Great Dao.
Could it really be that thing? Unexpectedly, Elder Ouyang would nurture a Heart Demon Seed due to his lust for power!
Jiang Chen’s brow furrowed tightly, his eyes revealing a trace of worry.
The Heart Demon Seed is a peculiar energy that emerges before the Heart Demon itself, capable of influencing a person’s emotions, behavior, and, in severe cases, even their mind!
Those who develop a Heart Demon Seed invariably transform into a Heart Demon during tribulation. Once the Heart Demon appears, it’s incredibly difficult to expel, and the ultimate outcome is to become dust under the Tribulation Lightning!
"Ouyang, wake up! You must wake up!"
Hu Yiqiu stared fixedly at Ouyang Song, a trace of urgency in his eyes.
However, his anxiety was futile, for both the Heart Demon Seed and the Heart Demon itself require one’s own Dao Heart to be stable, breaking the obsession or desire triggered by the Heart Demon Seed to be resolved.
It’s fortunate and thanks to Jiang Chen’s discovery of the anomaly today, triggering the Heart Demon Seed. Had it been allowed to grow into a Heart Demon, even if Ouyang Song hadn’t reached a breakthrough, it would still have triggered a Heart Demon Tribulation from within. Failure to overcome this tribulation would also result in death, and the demise of the Dao.
Moreover, whether a Heart Demon manifests during the Heavenly Tribulation, or a Heart Demon Tribulation arises from within, both are much more formidable than the eruption of a Heart Demon Seed. By comparison, eliminating the Heart Demon Seed is the easiest.
At this moment, no one can help; it’s all up to Ouyang Song himself!
