Chapter 356: Chapter 313: Treasure Plants Sprouting (2)
"Found treasure!"
Ji An’s heart surged with great waves. The Soul Nourishing Wood belongs to the treasure plants, but a Tier One upper-grade Soul Nourishing Wood does not reach the level of naturally emitting treasure light.
"Senior Brother Li, you truly are a person of great fortune! Haha."
A somewhat frantic laughter echoed and reflected within the small magma pool, lingering for a long time.
Although Ji An still could not recognize what kind of treasure plant this was, it did not affect his joy at all.
Treasure plants grow extremely slowly, and he had plenty of time to gradually understand them.
Once the merchant flying ship from Central Continent arrived again, he planned to purchase some knowledge about treasure plants.
The laughter gradually subsided, and Ji An calmed his spirit and mind, suppressing his excited emotions.
He sequentially cast wood, fire, and earth element magic, leaving satisfied.
...
Pu Yun Mountain, Chen Clan Ancestral Land.
In the grotto mansion, Chen Daochang crushed the jade slip in his hand, white powder scattered like fine sand.
His eyes were deep, staring silently at the ground beneath his feet.
A few years ago, his graying hair was now as black as ink and gleaming with a glossy sheen.
The gray beard had also turned black, with the tips faintly shimmering with a red glow.
Chen Daochang was now in a complex mood; a few years ago, he was approaching the end of his life, not expecting that being forcibly turned into a demon cultivator would extend his lifespan considerably.
Now he believed he could live another 150 years without any issue.
If he could advance further to become a Chao Origin Stage demon cultivator, his lifespan would significantly increase.
When he had just been transformed into a demon cultivator, he was devastated, but now he felt somewhat fortunate.
He was in a struggle with himself, wanting to achieve a breakthrough to the Chao Origin Stage, which required transforming a certain number of demon cultivators.
"Clan Leader, it’s Chen Xingzhou."
Upon hearing the voice outside the grotto mansion, Chen Daochang opened the dharma prohibition.
Chen Xingzhou stepped in with large strides. Compared to before, he had grown by half a head and seemed much sturdier.
"Clan Leader, the task is done. We’ve captured a total of thirty-six loose cultivators, ready to begin the transformation ritual anytime."
He wore a smug, ferocious grin. Since he started cultivating the Celestial Demon Transformation Scripture, he felt his cultivation improving every day, now on the brink of the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment.
The feeling of advancement made him intoxicated; it had been years since he’d felt so exhilarated.
"I understand, Xingzhou, have a seat."
Chen Daochang performed a spell gesture to close the dharma prohibition, and then said:
"What is your opinion on the Celestial Demon Alliance’s actions?"
Chen Xingzhou sat down, grinning widely to reveal crimson gums and sharp teeth.
"The alliance leader of the Celestial Demon Alliance is Master Cyan Dragon of the Golden Core Stage. Although I don’t know his specific realm, they are beings we cannot provoke.
The alliance also includes several Chao Origin Stage demon cultivators, but I reckon what we’ve seen is only part of the Celestial Demon Alliance’s strength.
I’ve had some talks with Elder Xiong Ba and learned from hints that Master Cyan Dragon plans to establish a power base in the Western Continent."
He paused and said in a deep voice:
"Clan Leader, you and I have no way back now. Why not continue down this path to the end?
For now, becoming a demon cultivator doesn’t seem too bad."
After refining Fire Ape Essence Blood, his temperament was indeed a bit irritable, but it was still within control, and he could restrain it himself.
He could also obtain calming pills from the Celestial Demon Alliance to completely eliminate such emotions after taking them.
Most importantly, his cultivation was continually improving.
As a cultivator, what could be more gratifying than such progress?
Demon cultivators are cultivators too!
Chen Daochang shook his head lightly:
"The Celestial Demon Alliance aims to become a recognized power, which means it must fight the Three Sects and win to achieve that."
The three sects have been the overlords of the Western Continent for years, enjoying privileges and not likely to tolerate a new power sharing the benefits they’ve secured.
If a battle ensues, especially if all three sects join, he worries Cyan Dragon might not withstand it.
Currently, he only knew of one Golden Core cultivator in the Celestial Demon Alliance, while the Three Sects revealed a total of ten Golden Core level combat powers in warfare. The gap was too large.
"So, what does the Clan Leader suggest?"
Inwardly, Chen Xingzhou shook his head, feeling that the Clan Leader was indeed old and indecisive.
Since refining Demon Ape Essence Blood and practicing the Celestial Demon Transformation Scripture, they had no way to retreat.
If he were the Clan Leader, he would plan to convert all family cultivators into demon cultivators.
Without the protection of Foundation Establishment cultivators, even if those living clansmen retained the bloodline of the Human Race, what would it matter?
Instead of dying slowly, why not take a gamble? After all, several batches of family disciples had already been secretly sent out.
Chen Daochang remained silent for a while, saying:
"Let’s wait and see; after all, the Celestial Demon Alliance hasn’t given us any mandatory tasks for now."
In the future, the Celestial Demon Alliance will inevitably step into the light.
He wanted to observe the situation before making any moves.
Chen Xingzhou felt even more frustrated with the Clan Leader’s indecision, thinking, "If we don’t express our loyalty while the Celestial Demon Alliance is just founded, will we be treated as cannon fodder later?"
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze shaded with ambition.
He had ambitions and wanted to gamble on a future.
Chen Xingzhou’s eyes darted as he said:
"Clan Leader, the clansmen guarding the dungeon and capturing loose cultivators may be suspicious of our actions. We should turn them into demon cultivators.
Otherwise, if someone slips up and is noticed by those with ill intent, things will become troublesome.
You taught me that carelessness in action can lead to disaster."
Things happen only once or countless times. As long as the Clan Leader does it once, he will have completely aligned with the Celestial Demon Alliance.
If the family could flourish, would it matter if they were not of the Human Race?
"I will carefully consider this suggestion."
Chen Daochang’s brows flickered with struggle. He also understood that if he started transforming clansmen, he would be completely severed from his past.
With a light sigh, he stood and said:
"Let’s go and transform those loose cultivators.
I wonder how many of them we can successfully transform this time."
...
Sunrise Peak, within the mountaintop grotto mansion.
Lin Jiuxiao’s expression was serious as he slightly bowed and said:
"Reporting to the ancestor, a few days ago, I caught a clue while on a mission outside.
The one spreading demonic cultivation techniques is a demon cultivator.
But he ultimately transformed into a black eagle and flew away too quickly for me to catch."
Daoist Master Zhengyang furrowed his brows tightly and said:
"The demon cultivators intend to create chaos, consuming the foundations of Human Race cultivators.
I suspect there’s some cooperation between demon cultivators and demon beasts."
The matter is very tricky because he knew there was at least an Eighth-Layer Golden Core Cyan Flood Dragon demon cultivator hidden in the shadows.
Lin Jiuxiao said with hatred:
"This tactic is too insidious. If we ignore it, the situation outside the sect will completely deteriorate.
If we strike back openly, it’s difficult to achieve much when the enemy is hidden while we’re exposed.
Ancestor, what should we do?"
"I will inform the sect leaders of the other three sects of our findings and together decide on a plan.
In truth, exterminating demon cultivators isn’t difficult; the challenge lies in locating their hiding spots, otherwise, efforts are in vain."
You must notify all families; only by uniting the large and small powers of the Western Continent can such matters be accomplished."
Daoist Master Zhengyang took out his Sect Leader Token and, with a spell gesture, sent it to his disciple.
Displaying the Sect Leader Token signifies that all families within the sect’s jurisdiction must comply unconditionally.
Lin Jiuxiao received the token and said in a deep voice:
"As you command, I will set out tomorrow to inform the surrounding family powers of the situation."
Daoist Master Zhengyang gave a nod of approval, saying:
"Jiuxiao, after completing this task, you don’t need to attend to everything personally. Let others handle it.
You and Qiubai are the disciples with the most hope of breaking through to the Golden Core Stage. I look forward to your early breakthrough."
Although the demon beasts retreated, they haven’t fully withdrawn and still occupy the Mingfeng Mountain line.
There are demon cultivators and demon cultivators still hiding within the Western Continent. The undercurrents are surging, and the situation is not optimistic.
Lin Jiuxiao smiled, saying:
"Ancestor, in recent years, I have fought with enemies of the same realm frequently and found that my cultivation has not been slow to improve.
The Water Element Divine Mansion is nearing Great Success. I estimate it won’t be long before I can attempt to establish the Wood Mansion."
"Good! This war has delayed you."
Daoist Master Zhengyang was overjoyed; in the sect’s jurisdiction, the water veins were not apparent, and Water Element Qi was not abundant.
Normally, when disciples strengthen the core of their Water Element Divine Mansion, they all travel to the northwest, seeking large rivers and lakes to build a retreat home.
