Chapter 923 - 694: Expedition to the Southern Wilderness
"I am willing to go!"
"Count me in as well!"
In the valley, the demons responded in unison.
Roars and shrieks intermingled, a grand battle intent soared like a wildfire spreading.
"Thunder Roc Fellow Daoist, your courage is commendable."
Charm-Winged Tiger Emperor looked at the three-eyed Thunder Roc, a hint of approval flashed through his dark-golden slit pupils.
"This time, I will personally assume the role of commander. Thunder Roc, you will be the vanguard, first attacking the Bright Flame Sect."
It started to appoint roles one by one, its voice not loud, yet each word was like an ice dagger piercing into the ears of every Great Demon.
Nearly all powerful tribes of the Southern Wilderness were listed, with their military edge covering the entire Qin Country territory.
The green-horned Flood Dragon Demon suddenly raised its head, its voice ice-cold: "Thunder Roc Fellow Daoist. As far as I know, the one leading the Bright Flame Sect this time is likely True Monarch Red Flame. This person has pure fire techniques and deep cultivation. My dark cold true water perfectly counters his red flame spirit fire. This vanguard position, perhaps it should be given to me?"
"Humph!"
Thunder Roc’s body erupted in lightning, the vertical eye between its brows opened, electric snakes danced within, staring fiercely at the green-horned Cold Flood Dragon.
"Cold Flood Dragon! Do you think I can’t slay that old Red Flame? Cease your words! I am going back to gather my soldiers, to flatten the Bright Flame Sect’s mountain gate!"
Two fierce demonic auras collided violently, the air emitted an unbearable sharp whistle.
"Enough."
Charm-Winged Tiger Emperor slowly lifted a tiger claw covered with steel-like black fur, pressing down lightly.
An immense pressure from deep within the bloodline spread out, like a collapsing mountain, instantly subjugating the restless demonic auras into submission.
The three-eyed Thunder Roc and green-horned Cold Flood Dragon groaned, each restraining their aura, yet their eyes flashed with fierce light.
"No need for dispute."
Charm-Winged Tiger Emperor spoke with a sinister tone.
"The human race is unaware of our plans, thinking it’s just like the small skirmishes of the past. We can prepare in secret, and at the right time, everyone will follow the plan and unleash a thunderous strike."
It looked around at every Great Demon that had transformed, speaking each word powerfully, like the sound of a bell.
"Make sure to kill all cultivators of the human race who come out to fight, including the Nascent Soul True Monarchs, Golden Core True Masters, all cultivators who engage in battle!"
"In doing so, we will severely damage Qin Country’s human race vitality, and demonstrate the mighty prestige of our Southern Wilderness Demon Race!"
"Then, we will take advantage of the situation to launch an endless Beast Tide, crush the Immortal Cities, and seize their Spiritual Lands!"
"Everyone can enjoy a feast!"
At these words, Charm-Winged Tiger Emperor’s mouth curled into a bizarrely sinister smile.
Meanwhile, shadows behind him violently churned, countless twisted figures quietly emerged.
These were all Chong Puppets.
They varied in appearance, faces fierce, features distorted, eyes burning with green grim fire.
Some remained humanoid, yet with missing limbs, surrounded by a swirling black mist at their wounds.
Some were half-human, half-beast, joints reversed, moving ghost-like.
They silently roared, emanating endless resentment and death, as if crawling from the depths of the Netherworld, silently guarding their "king."
"Brother Hu Huang, you are wise!"
"Just as it should be!"
"I love the taste of cultivators the most!"
The eyes of the demons blazed fiercely, revealing cruel grins, responding enthusiastically.
Throughout the valley, a murderous intent descended like the harsh winter, freezing everything, chilling to the bone.
...
The depths of the Bright Flame Sect, the Vice Hall Master’s chamber.
Introduced by Liu Minglin, Shen Xuan met Ming Liu True Master.
This person wore a jade green Daoist robe, with a gaunt face, bright eyes, auras profound and dominating, already of Middle Stage True Pill cultivation.
With merely a glance, one could sense his shrewdness, capabilities, and the demeanor of someone long used to being in power.
"Fellow Daoist Guo, please sit. Taste this Spirit Tea."
Ming Liu True Master smiled warmly, personally pouring a cup of Spirit Tea for Shen Xuan.
The tea was crimson red, faintly shimmering, with steam rising and a subtle flame illusion flickering away.
Shen Xuan thanked and accepted, sipping lightly.
The tea entered his throat not like ordinary tea, smooth and gentle, but as if swallowing a scorching thread of fire!
A pure dominant heat exploded instantly from the throat, rushing to every limb and bone, causing his blood and energy to shake, his spirit suddenly invigorated.
This heat did not harm, but rather like a warm sun melting snow, nourishing the fire spiritual power within his meridians.
"Fellow Daoist Guo, this is Creek Fire Green, a Tier Three Spirit Tea from Creek Fire Mountain under our Bright Flame Sect’s jurisdiction. How does it taste?"
Ming Liu True Master asked with a smile.
"Good tea!" Shen Xuan praised sincerely.
This tea was vastly different from his Frost Stream Spiritual Tea; one was fierce and tempestuous, the other clear and divine, each outstanding in its own right.
For fire cultivators, this Creek Fire Green indeed had the effect of enhancing spirit and strengthening essence, warming the fire spirit.
"As long as you like it. Minglin, take my token, go to the storeroom and fetch two jars of Creek Fire Green to give to Fellow Daoist Guo."
"Yes, Patriarch."
Liu Minglin respectfully took the token and left.
As he left, he gently closed the heavy chamber door.
Only the two remained in the room, the tea aroma softly wafting, yet making the atmosphere subtly more solemn.
"Fellow Daoist Guo, upon first meeting, I originally wished to have a good chat with you."
Ming Liu True Master put down the tea cup, his smile slightly subdued.
"However, mundane matters engulf me, so I must cut our conversation short."
He looked calmly at Shen Xuan, straightforward: "To be direct. Your background, what you’ve done, whether in Bright Flame Sect or with my Liu Family, none of it matters."
"I only ask one thing, what do you want?"
Shen Xuan met his gaze with calmness, eyes without a hint of fear, instead bursting with strong confidence.
"Guo seeks only to condense a Golden Core."
"Very well."
Ming Liu True Master nodded slightly, not surprised by his answer.
"Ming Liu Brother specifically summoned me, what instructions do you have, please feel free to say."
Shen Xuan’s face showed a faint smile.
"In this battle against the Demon Beasts, all merits Fellow Daoist Guo may achieve, the Liu Family will not take a single bit."