NCCnovel Chapter 238 Ancient Demon Takes Over Nest, Golden Eagle Tears Off Face
Chapter 238 Ancient Demon Takes Over Nest, Golden Eagle Tears Off Face
Chapter 238 Ancient Demon Takes Over Nest, Golden Eagle Tears Off Face
Upon hearing this, all the Nascent Soul cultivators present were shocked.
Ancestor Qingshan is a top-tier existence in the late Nascent Soul stage. He usually lives deep within the forbidden area of Qingyun Cave Heaven and rarely ventures into the outside world.
The fact that this small trading fair, which is only for early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, would be held today is itself unusual.
As everyone exchanged glances, a sense of foreboding began to rise in their hearts.
This initial surprise and doubt did not last long; it was quickly dispelled by an overwhelming pressure far exceeding that of everyone present.
The void not far away distorted slightly, and a figure dressed in a gray-blue Taoist robe slowly solidified.
The figure appeared ordinary, yet it was surrounded by a faint spiritual aura of heaven and earth. A spiritual light flowed between its hair strands, and when its eyes opened and closed, it seemed as if the sun, moon, and stars were floating in its depths. It was none other than the Green Mountain Ancestor of Qingyun Cave.
What was even more chilling was that a female cultivator in a purple dress was accompanying the ancestor, her toes treading on wisps of dark purple demonic flames.
Although the demonic flames were not intense, they exuded a chilling aura that could erode the soul. The magical power emanating from his body was thick and condensed, comparable to that of the Green Mountain Ancestor.
The Nascent Soul cultivators present were all knowledgeable and quickly guessed the female cultivator's identity. She was likely the leader of the ancient demon lineage in the Demon Beast Mountain Range, a Xuan Yin Grand Cultivator.
These powerful figures of the demonic path, once considered a major threat by the entire Moon Lake region, have now arrived side by side with the Green Mountain Ancestor. The implications of this have stirred up unpleasant thoughts in the hearts of many.
Fellow Daoists
The Green Mountain Ancestor's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying the unique pressure of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
"Since the True Lords of 80% of the forces in the Moon Lake region have gathered here today, I will not hold another gathering to save myself some trouble."
He gestured to the purple-skirted female cultivator beside him.
"This is Fellow Daoist Xuanyin, the leader of the Ancient Demon lineage. I'm sure you fellow Daoists have heard of him before."
After a slight pause, the patriarch's gaze swept over everyone present before he continued:
"Many people lump all demonic paths together, but that is not the case."
Those who practice blood cultivation, soul cultivation, evil cultivation, or evil beast tamers often act against the natural order and are bloodthirsty by nature, so they are naturally not recognized by our lineage of Xuan cultivators.
But the ancient demon lineage is different. They are similar to us, all relying on spiritual veins as their foundation and cultivating with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Their methods and approaches differ slightly, but they are essentially neither righteous nor evil.
"Previously, several Nascent Soul stage cultivators from Zhongzhou gathered to discuss the matter and all agreed that the cultivation world should strive for a flourishing of diverse paths. Only by encouraging and refining different lineages can the traditions be passed down continuously."
After this discussion, we have decided that we will no longer oppose the Xuan Yin lineage's departure from the Demon Beast Mountain Range.
"Friends of Xuan Yin have chosen to establish themselves in my Yuehu area as their first stop. Qingyun Cave Heaven would like to express our welcome."
"Next, fellow practitioner Xuan Yin needs to choose a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual vein cave as his mountain gate."
Regardless of which faction's spiritual vein is chosen, we hope everyone will prioritize the overall situation and actively cooperate.
I hereby declare that Qingyun Cave Heaven will not intervene in any casualties resulting from armed resistance.
"As for the chosen forces, Fellow Daoist Xuanyin and I will discuss and provide appropriate compensation. We will never let you suffer too much loss."
After the Green Mountain Ancestor finished speaking, all the Nascent Soul cultivators present fell silent, though they were already cursing him inwardly.
What nonsense about "the ancient demon lineage being no different from the mystical cultivation," and what about "a hundred flowers blooming"?
Ultimately, it's all because the Ancient Demon lineage produced Xuan Yin, a powerful cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage.
There are no other forces in the Moon Lake area that can join forces to suppress it, so they came up with this "compromise method"?
The so-called "putting the overall situation first" is nothing more than making ordinary Nascent Soul sects like them sacrifice their interests.
They even said that Qingyun Cave Heaven wouldn't interfere. If you don't take action, who can defeat that late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator?
Not to mention the "corresponding compensation,"
For a sect that relies on spiritual veins for survival, a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual vein cave is the foundation of the sect's inheritance. The spiritual energy, mineral veins, and spiritual plant resources contained therein cannot be compensated by simple "rewards".
But no matter how unwilling they were, they could only suppress it in their hearts.
With a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator on the other side, if a fight really breaks out, these early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators won't even have a chance to resist.
In the Central Plains, the combat power of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators is the most absolute deterrent, leaving them no room for disobedience.
Moreover, some people who know the inside story are aware that the Green Mountain Grandmaster and the Profound Yin Grandmaster had secretly fought each other in the Nine Heavens.
In that competition, the Grand Cultivator Qingshan suffered a complete defeat. Otherwise, given his status as a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he would never have spoken so politely.
They were truly defeated and had lost all will to resist.
The Green Mountain Ancestor seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction, but he didn't offer much explanation. He simply turned slightly and gestured to the Profound Yin Grandmaster:
"I have said all I have to say. I will now leave the rest to my friend Xuan Yin to explain to you all."
Most of the Nascent Soul cultivators present were not too worried.
After all, the newly arrived ancient demon clan wanted to seize territory, so they had to choose a weaker opponent to attack.
Right now, there are one or two sects like the Star Moon Sect where the old Nascent Soul cultivators are nearing the end of their lifespans and have lost their peak combat power, and the new Nascent Soul cultivators have also died out. No matter how you look at it, it's not my turn.
Especially the Golden Eagle True Monarch of Eagle Ridge Mountain, who greeted the Profound Yin True Monarch with a beaming smile, took the initiative to introduce the situation of the various forces' cave dwellings, and deliberately emphasized the situation of the Star Moon Sect in his words:
"True Monarch Yuelan is getting on in years, so she probably won't need a fourth-order spiritual vein anymore."
Their sect's next Nascent Soul seed failed to form a Nascent Soul and died several years ago. Now, only two female cultivators are left to support the entire sect. They haven't even prepared all the materials for the Nascent Soul Transformation Pill, so the hope of passing on the Nascent Soul has basically been lost.
"If Senior Xuan Yin chooses the Star Moon Sect's mountain range as his training ground, he will certainly avoid a lot of trouble."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Yin Zhenjun glanced indifferently at the large, hooked-nosed face with a fawning smile before him, his expression unchanged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Ning Bu'er, the disciple standing behind her, quietly moved her lips and reported something to her master using the art of telepathy.
As she spoke, Ning Bu'er's beautiful eyes glanced intentionally or unintentionally in the direction of Chen Yi.
His gaze lingered on Yue Qingqiu's face beside Chen Yi for a long time. His eyes were cold and inquisitive, making Yue Qingqiu feel uneasy.
After the telepathic message ended, Ning Bu'er parted her red lips slightly and silently mouthed in a certain direction, as if saying:
"Another one, what about Chengcheng?"
Chen Yi made a silent lip movement but did not react, as if he had not noticed it. His aura remained as calm as an ancient well, suppressing his presence to an extremely low level.
The next moment, Xuan Yin Zhenjun suddenly raised his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his lips, and his voice clearly reached everyone's ears:
"My master and I are both female cultivators, and we understand best the difficulties female cultivators face in their cultivation. Therefore, we don't need to consider the Star Moon Sect."
I think Eagle Ridge Mountain is a good fit. You have one month to move out.
Upon hearing this, True Lord Yuelan and Yue Qingqiu were first taken aback, then could not hide their joy and almost bowed to True Lord Xuanyin without regard for the occasion, feeling that the other party was simply a kindred spirit.
But on the other side, Golden Eagle True Monarch's face instantly turned ashen, his expression one of utter discomfort as if he had swallowed a fly.
He went to great lengths to recommend others, but in the end, it was his own sect that had to make room for him?
"Senior Xuan Yin, you...you haven't misunderstood, have you? Why would it be our Eagle Ridge Mountain?!"
Golden Eagle True Lord spoke with an incredulous urgency, unable to resist pressing for answers to his questions.
"Our Eagle Ridge Mountain sect has two Nascent Soul cultivators and also raises a fourth-order demon king. In the Qingyun Cave Heaven's forces, if not among the top, it is at least of average level. It is far stronger than the Star Moon Sect."
Why don't you choose the weakest sect?
Unexpectedly, Xuan Yin Zhenjun glanced at him disdainfully upon hearing this, his tone icy:
"Your Eagle Ridge Mountain sect has two Nascent Soul cultivators, plus that fourth-tier demon king, and the only remaining Nascent Soul cultivator from the Star Moon Sect..."
In my opinion, their combat strength is about the same.
It's just a difference between one slap and three slaps.
"I've decided on Eagle Ridge Mountain. I don't want to repeat myself."
As soon as he finished speaking, a faint purple demonic flame emanated from Xuan Yin Zhenjun's body. Although he did not deliberately release his pressure, it made everyone present tense up, and no one dared to say anything more.
Golden Eagle True Monarch was about to retort when a cold, authoritative voice suddenly echoed in his mind, carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"Don't think that no one knows about your secret collusion with Beast King Valley."
"I can either destroy Eagle Ridge Mountain head-on, or I can deliver the evidence of your collusion with Beast King Valley to Azure Cloud Cave Heaven, letting the so-called 'righteous path' deal with you."
The telepathic message exploded like thunder in the Golden Eagle True Monarch's mind. He froze on the spot, his face turning from white to green, and he dared not have the slightest thought of defending himself.
He suddenly remembered that Xuan Yin Zhenjun was not only the leader of the ancient demon lineage, but also said to have subdued many branches of the demonic path.
Beast King Valley might have already fallen.
"well-"
Weighing the pros and cons, Golden Eagle True Lord could only suppress his resentment and anger, and bowed to Profound Yin True Lord, saying:
"Alright, Eagle Ridge Mountain obeys."
"Senior Xuan Yin, I will immediately return to Eagle Ridge Mountain to arrange the relocation. I guarantee that the mountain gate will be completely vacated within a month."
After saying that, he glared fiercely at the direction of the Star Moon Sect, his eyes seeming as if he wanted to devour True Monarch Yuelan and Yue Qingqiu whole. Finally, filled with resentment, he was the first to turn and leave.
The cultivators present reacted with varying expressions upon seeing this scene.
Among the cultivators present, some were surprised, while others were puzzled.
Their thoughts were similar to those of Eagle Ridge Mountain; they had assumed the Ancient Demon lineage would choose the weakest sect, such as the Star Moon Sect.
Unexpectedly, they managed to bite off a tough nut to crack: Eagle Ridge Mountain.
This made many sects present feel uneasy, as they knew that Eagle Ridge Mountain was a powerful force.
If they can seize Eagle Ridge Mountain, they also have a chance to seize most of the sects' training grounds.
Fortunately, Eagle Ridge Mountain ultimately bore the brunt of it all, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Their eyes, however, held a hint of schadenfreude as they looked in the direction Eagle Ridge Mountain had gone.
Unbeknownst to them, True Lord Xuan Yin was initially somewhat interested in the spiritual vein dojo of the Star Moon Sect.
Although she possessed sufficient strategic deterrence after advancing to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, that was under the condition of having nothing to lose;
Once a sect is established, one can no longer act recklessly as before and must abide by the basic rules of the cultivation world.
To integrate into the cultivation environment of this region, she couldn't always be at odds with all forces. She could secretly assassinate low-level Nascent Soul cultivators from other sects, so naturally others could also target her sect's disciples.
Therefore, in the initial plan, Xuan Yin Zhenjun intended to prioritize "making as few enemies as possible" and find the weakest Daoist temple to settle in. This would reduce trouble and make other forces lower their guard.
Just as she was about to mention the Star Moon Sect, her disciple Ning Bu'er suddenly reported through telepathy that...
He said he owed a favor to someone from the Star Moon Sect and begged his master to be lenient and reconsider his choice.
With his keen insight, Xuan Yin Zhenjun quickly guessed the origin of the lightning crystal core within Ning Bu'er's body.
It's mostly related to that inconspicuous cultivator from the Star Moon Sect.
She then recalled that her own breakthrough and successful advancement to the late Nascent Soul stage were indirectly inspired by that lightning crystal core.
According to the principles of cause and effect in the cultivation world, it was indeed inappropriate to dismantle Chen Yi's "rain shelter" at this time.
Therefore, abandoning the Star Moon Sect and choosing Eagle Ridge Mountain became a logical decision.
Fortunately, there are still some easy targets to take advantage of, and Eagle Ridge Mountain is the most suitable one.
Before leaving the mountain, Xuan Yin Zhenjun was not unprepared. She had already gone to the Beast King Valley and questioned each of the Nascent Soul cultivators, extracting many secrets from them.
The Beast Taming lineage has never distinguished between righteous and demonic. Many Beast Taming sects in the Central Plains have unclear and ambiguous connections with Beast King Valley, and the one closest to Beast King Valley and with the deepest ties is Eagle Ridge Mountain.
Beast King Valley had previously suggested that after Xuan Yin Zhenjun emerged from seclusion, he secretly incorporate Eagle Ridge Mountain into his subordinate forces.
Use them to quickly get things started, or to handle some dirty business that you can't handle yourself.
However, Xuan Yin Zhenjun had always disdained the dirty tricks of the Beast Taming lineage, and distrusted such "subordinates" who might turn against him at any time. He was unwilling to get too involved with them and never intended to use Eagle Ridge Mountain.
Now that we have the leverage to find out about their collusion with Beast King Valley, we can easily seize their spiritual vein cave and achieve our goal.
These inside details were unknown to all the factions present.
Even Eagle Ridge Mountain itself only knew half of the story, and they would never have imagined that Xuan Yin Zhenjun's abandonment of the Star Moon Sect was related to Chen Yi.
Now that Eagle Ridge Mountain has been driven out of the Spirit Vein Cave and reduced to a rootless and adrift cultivator, this may not be good news for the entire Moon Lake region.
It should be noted that the Eagle Ridge Mountain sect possesses two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and a powerful fourth-tier Eagle King, making its overall strength quite formidable.
Now that they are no longer bound by the constraints and restrictions of the spiritual vein cave, given their inherently unorthodox ways, no one can predict what outrageous things they might do next.
The members of the Star Moon Sect had probably guessed this hidden danger, and now they had no intention of staying at the trade fair any longer. They only wanted to hurry back to their sect to make preparations as soon as possible.
Afterwards, Chen Yi didn't even have time to meet and talk with Ning Bu'er in private.
He couldn't even squeeze in a moment to discuss the "Puppet Divine Technique" with Master Yuntian.
He could only hastily leave a message for Master Yuntian, asking him to come to the Star Moon Sect later to make a separate deal.
Afterwards, without meditating to regulate her breathing, True Monarch Yuelan took a pill to restore her magical power and activated the handkerchief-shaped flying magic weapon.
He led Yue Qingqiu and Chen Yi directly down from the Nine Heavens, without even stopping at Qingyun Immortal City, heading straight towards the Star Moon Sect.
Just now, when that hook-nosed Nascent Soul cultivator left, he had given a hateful glance in the direction of the Star Moon Sect. The resentment and unwillingness in his eyes made the three members of the Star Moon Sect suddenly feel a "thump".
Chen Yi immediately activated his ability to perceive the world and instantly detected an extremely strong "inauspicious intent."
He could almost immediately conclude without much thought that Eagle Ridge Mountain, driven from its home and now operating in the shadows, would inevitably seek revenge.
Since they dared not attack a powerful cultivator like the Xuan Yin Grandmaster, they could only vent their resentment on the weak Xingyue Sect, launching retaliatory attacks against it.
"Qiuyue, there's no need to worry too much. I've already sensed something during this trip, so rest assured, I will protect you completely."
With a solemn expression, True Monarch Yuelan condensed a pale blue magical power at her fingertips, creating a transparent protective shield at the Nascent Soul level on the square handkerchief magic treasure, isolating Chen Yi from the outside and leaving only herself and Yue Qingqiu facing each other.
She slowly raised her hand, and a pure white ring engraved with star and moon patterns floated in her palm. The surface of the ring shimmered with an ancient spiritual light, which was the token of the sect leader of the Star Moon Sect that had been passed down for countless years.
"This ring is the inherited ring of our sect, and it also grants the final access to all secret places, caves, and treasure vaults. It is now entrusted to you for safekeeping."
"From today onwards, the Star Moon Sect is in your hands."
Yue Qingqiu's expression changed repeatedly, her eyes flashing with panic and reluctance, but she ultimately suppressed the sob in her throat, showing no trace of her girlish demeanor.
She reached out her hands and solemnly accepted the storage ring, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force.
He then sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and focused all his energy on regulating his breathing. A faint moonlight emanated from his body, clearly indicating that he was ready to fight.
As for the fact that True Monarch Yuelan secretly hinted that "she can only protect Yue Qingqiu and cannot guarantee Chen Yi's safety," the two women had no time to care about it at the moment.
The tension and sense of crisis of the impending great battle filled their minds. They were already at their limit in protecting the sect's heritage and their own safety, and they really had no extra energy to consider others.
Chen Yi was quite frank about this; he hadn't expected the Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Star Moon Sect, whom he had only met twice, to have much obligation to protect him.
He had made thorough preparations for this trip.
Even if a Nascent Soul True Monarch disregards his dignity and attacks him, he still has ways to protect himself.
If things really get desperate, Ning Bu'er and his disciples are still nearby. At worst, they can put aside their so-called "face" and ask Ning Bu'er for protection.
In his view, hiding behind a female cultivator was not honorable, but as long as he could live, this "shame" was not worth mentioning at all.
To speed up the return journey, True Monarch Yuelan disregarded the depletion of her internal magical power and fully activated the Fangpa magic treasure.
When the magic weapon descended to the Four Heavens, in order to reduce resistance, she even removed the simple protective shield on the outer layer of the magic weapon.
The fierce wind blew like knives, and the three people on the handkerchief could only use their magic to condense shields to resist it.
Chen Yi cultivates both physical and magical techniques, making his physical body inherently strong. When the gale-force winds lashed against him, it was like a gentle breeze, having little effect on him.
Although Yue Qingqiu was slightly strained, she quickly took out a first-grade high-level protective talisman and slapped it on her body. The pale golden light shielded her completely, preventing her from causing any trouble for True Monarch Yue Lan beside her.
Chen Yi looked at Yue Lan Zhenjun, who was using her magic weapon with all her might, and sighed inwardly.
He knew very well that rushing back to the Star Moon Sect at this moment was not the best option.
If it were up to him to make the decision, he might stay in Qingyun Immortal City for the time being, spend some spirit stones or resources, and hire two Nascent Soul cultivators to accompany and escort him.
The Star Moon Sect has been operating for thousands of years and has a profound foundation. It should have some connections to contact independent cultivators who are willing to help.
Moreover, given her status as a female cultivator, finding a few cultivators willing to act as her "protectors" would not be difficult.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the final say.
For many years, True Monarch Yuelan has not stepped out of the mountain gate. Now that her lifespan is coming to an end, there are very few treasures left in the sect that can be traded or exchanged for protection.
She didn't want to leave Yue Qingqiu with a pile of favors to owe her.
Yue Qingqiu was already single-handedly supporting the sect, and now she needed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage during this difficult time. If she were to incur favors from two Nascent Soul cultivators as well...
Given the current situation of the Star Moon Sect, Yue Qingqiu might be forced to become a concubine of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Only then will the Star Moon Sect's thousands of years of heritage truly be severed.
The magic treasure Fangpa flew at full speed through the gale, covering nearly 100,000 li in just two hours. Currently, it was less than 50,000 li from the Star Moon Sect's mountain gate.
Just as True Monarch Yuelan felt her magical power was being depleted and wanted to slow down and recuperate for a moment, a golden light suddenly flashed across the distant horizon.
The light and shadow, carrying the terrifying speed of a peak early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, rushed towards the three of them like a sharp arrow.
Even from a hundred miles away, Chen Yi had already detected two sharp auras thanks to his keen senses.
The aura carried the ferocity unique to demonic beasts and the oppressive aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator, almost capable of severing the divine sense of ordinary cultivators.
"It's the Golden Eagle True Lord, and his spirit pet, the Golden Eagle Demon King."
Moon Orchid True Monarch's face instantly darkened, and she solemnly reminded the two beside her, her fingertips already gathering magical power, clearly trying to boost her own morale.
It should be noted that she had not fought a cultivator of the same level in a direct battle for more than two hundred years, so she was inevitably a little rusty when facing an enemy who was gathering strength.
Whoosh!
Just as the golden eagle was less than a hundred miles away from the three of them, a golden feather suddenly shot out from its back. The tip of the feather gleamed with a chilling golden light, and it was extremely fast, heading straight for the Fangpa magic weapon.
Moon Orchid True Monarch's expression turned slightly flustered. She subconsciously tried to control Fang Pao to dodge to the side, but the golden feather was too fast. By the time she reacted, there was no way to avoid it.
In desperation, she could only grit her teeth and use her remaining magic power to urgently condense a light blue protective shield in front of the handkerchief.
"clang--!"
A dull thud resounded, causing the magic cloth to tremble slightly.
The three-foot-long golden feather, carrying immense demonic power, actually smashed a hole in the protective barrier.
The tip of the feather was deeply embedded in the crack of the protective shield, and the patterns on the feather and the fluctuations of the demonic power attached to it were clearly visible, down to the smallest detail.
The entire Fangpa magic weapon shuddered violently from the blow, its forward flight speed instantly reduced by more than half, almost coming to a standstill in mid-air.
True Monarch Yuelan was already deficient in magical power. She had to control a flying magical artifact and also carry two junior cultivators, Chen Yi and Yue Qingqiu, so her escape speed was far inferior to that of the Golden Eagle Demon King, who specialized in flight.
At this moment, the blow caused her internal magical power to fluctuate violently, and even her breathing became somewhat disordered.
True Monarch Yuelan secretly calculated in her heart: Just now, the opponent had only let the spirit pet strike casually, yet it had already made it difficult for her to defend herself.
If it really comes down to a fight, even without Golden Eagle True Monarch personally taking action, she might not be able to defeat that Golden Eagle Demon King.
But True Monarch Yuelan showed no fear on her face, only coldly staring at the rapidly approaching eagle and man, her voice carrying the unique pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator:
"Golden Eagle, your Eagle Ridge Mountain dares to disregard the rules of Azure Cloud Cave Heaven and launch a sneak attack on us! Aren't you afraid of being punished by the Green Mountain Ancestor afterward?!"
Her voice was cold and sharp, seemingly a stern interrogation, but in reality, she was secretly mobilizing the nascent soul power that had been dormant within her for many years.
Her magical power, which had been dormant for a long time, was now flowing faster and faster under the guidance of her mind, even moving towards boiling, all in order to adjust her state to its best before the battle.
(End of this chapter)