Half an hour later, the sky in the direction of Black Wind Valley suddenly echoed with dragon roars, as five black Demon Dragons broke through the clouds and soared into the sky.
Each Demon Dragon was over a hundred feet long, with scales shimmering with a dark, cold light, surrounded by mana at Tier Three level.
Their necks were bound with golden chains, the other end connected to a luxurious Fragrant Vehicle.
The Fragrant Vehicle was entirely made of black sandalwood, with its body intricately carved with hundreds of eye patterns. Each eye was embedded with pale golden crystal stones, glinting eerily in the sunlight.
A black veil hung from the top of the vehicle, its edges embroidered with dark gold demon patterns. As it fluttered in the wind, the silhouette of a figure seated inside was faintly visible.
Around the Fragrant Vehicle loomed a hint of Nascent Soul pressure, like an invisible barrier. Everywhere it passed, Demonic Cultivators on the ground bowed down, not even daring to look up, fully displaying the might of the Nascent Soul!
Meanwhile, at the peak of White Crane Mountain, Chen Sheng was sitting cross-legged in the center of the array.
On the ground before him, pale golden array patterns flowed like living entities, enveloping the entire White Crane Mountain.
This was a quasi-Tier Four Grand Array he had spent three days constructing, centered on the underground Spirit Vein, mending the previous formation. It could briefly harness the Spirit Vein's power to provide him with mana comparable to a Nascent Soul Level.
"Buzz——"
The Nascent Soul pressure from afar surged like a tide. Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, a glint flashing through them.
He could clearly perceive the caution and probing within that pressure, and couldn't help but chuckle lightly:
"Finally here, quite the spectacle!"
The Fragrant Vehicle halted a hundred feet above White Crane Mountain, the black Demon Dragons restraining their flames and hovering in the void like five black statues.
Een theelepel op een lege maag vernietigt alle parasieten razendsnelOpen
Inside the vehicle, the Hundred-Eyed True Monarch slowly opened his primary eye, the pale golden gaze piercing through the veil and landing on the formation atop White Crane Mountain—amongst the shifting array patterns, the Void Power was faintly permeating, even making it difficult for his Nascent Soul's Divine Sense to penetrate.
"What a brilliant formation!"
The Hundred-Eyed True Monarch's apprehension deepened; his sect's safety was at stake, and he dared not rashly breach the array.
He used his Divine Soul to transmit a message towards White Crane Mountain—the sound wrapped in Void Power, precisely reaching the center of the formation:
"Since fellow Daoist has set up a grand array, you must be aware of my arrival. I am the Hundred-Eyed of Black Wind Valley, willing to meet fellow Daoist without resorting to hostilities."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng understood—the other party intended to negotiate rather than initiate a conflict.
He stood up, patting the dust off his Daoist Robe, surrounded by faint blue Void Power. His figure melted like ink into water, instantly disappearing from the center of the formation, leaving only the ever-running array patterns on the ground.
Before long, two figures simultaneously appeared in the void above White Crane Mountain.
Chen Sheng was enveloped in faint blue Void Power, holding a quasi-Tier Four Void Longsword in his hand. The Sword Qi was hidden yet emanated a menacing sharpness.
The Hundred-Eyed True Monarch, clad in a gray Daoist Robe, bore multiple eyes on his face, each emitting a pale golden glow, with dense mana surrounding him.
Both used the Void Power to envelop themselves, maintaining a distance of several miles from each other.
"The Hundred-Eyed of Black Wind Valley, may I have the honor of knowing fellow Daoist's esteemed name?"
The Hundred-Eyed True Monarch was the first to speak, his tone carrying a hint of probing. He wanted to deduce the other's identity based on their name.
Chen Sheng raised his hand in salute, speaking in a plain tone:
"Just an unnamed Sword Cultivator, feel free to speak plainly, no need for formalities."
The Hundred-Eyed True Monarch didn't get upset at this response—he had long heard that Sword Cultivators were not social creatures and had prepared for this.
Shifting his tone, he became more solemn:
"Since fellow Daoist is in a phase of rebirth and needs a stable place to cultivate, I am willing to offer convenience."
"But concerning fellow Daoist's massacre at my Black Wind Valley's affiliate sect White Crane Mountain, some explanation is required, or I cannot account to the valley's disciples."
Chen Sheng slowly nodded, the Void Power around him slightly fluctuating, his tone carrying a hint of battle intent:
"If fellow Daoist feels unjust, do you wish to have a go with me?"
Even after hearing this provocation, the Hundred-Eyed True Monarch did not get angry. He chuckled lightly:
"Indeed, fellow Daoist embodies the flair of a Sword Cultivator, taking joy in challenges. However, I came today to end hostilities, not to initiate battle."
Shifting his gaze towards Chen Sheng:
"I only wish to ask, does fellow Daoist intend to reside long-term in Han Country?"
Chen Sheng gently shook his head: "Han Country is but a rural backwater, with scarce Spiritual Qi. Staying here long-term will only hinder one's path."
The Hundred-Eyed True Monarch remained unagitated, instead revealing a slight smile:
"Since fellow Daoist has no intent of long-term residence, there is no need for conflict. Why not engage in a scholarly competition, determining both superiority and future interactions?"
What he referred to as a "scholarly competition" was a common contest among Nascent Soul True Monarchs—elaborating the Void Domain and competing in the control of Void Power.
After all, Void Power was the hallmark of the Nascent Soul Realm, offering a direct demonstration of a cultivator's strength, with room to spare without damaging the Dharma Body.
Chen Sheng showed an interest upon hearing this.
He flicked his finger, and a wisp of faint blue Void Power surged from his fingertip, instantly transforming into a Void Domain five feet in diameter before him.
Within the domain, countless strands of pale golden Sword Qi crisscrossed, with Sword Intent howling like thunder—each Sword Qi infused with Void Power, as if capable of tearing through any obstacle.
At the edge of the domain, faint blue Void ripples spiraled continuously, completely isolating the breath of the outside world.
"How does fellow Daoist find my Void Domain?"
Chen Sheng's tone was calm yet carried an undeniable confidence.
This domain represented his comprehension of both Sword Dao and Void Power. Though mana constrained its range, it excelled in concentration and sharpness.
Hundred-Eyed True Monarch gazed at the void domain filled with sword qi, his heart sank suddenly, and his pupils contracted sharply—Late-Stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivator!
He hurriedly withdrew the void power around him, respectfully clasping his hands towards Chen Sheng, his tone full of awe:
"So it is the Great Cultivator in person! I was reckless and offensive just now, I hope the Great Cultivator will forgive me!"
At this moment, he finally understood why the other party was unwilling to reveal their name—someone capable of merging Sword Dao and void power to such a degree must be a renowned Sword Dao Great Cultivator. Though for some reason had fallen, now possessing another body to cultivate anew.
Such a person's background and causal relations must be extremely complex; even if the other party were willing to speak, he dared not listen, for the more one knows, the greater the trouble.
Looking at his respectful demeanor, Chen Sheng's lips curled into a slight smile:
"You understand the situation well. The spirit vein and array of White Crane Mountain, I need to borrow for a hundred years as a place for cultivation. In a hundred years, it shall be returned to Black Wind Valley."
Hundred-Eyed True Monarch promptly clasped his hands, speaking with a bit of flattery in his tone:
"For the Great Cultivator to take interest in White Crane Mountain is a great honor for Han Country. Why speak of 'borrowing'? As long as the Great Cultivator desires, White Crane Mountain belongs to you for hundreds, thousands of years, it matters not!"
He clearly understood that establishing a connection with such a Sword Dao Great Cultivator was a rare opportunity both for himself and Black Wind Valley; a mere White Crane Mountain was of no significance.
Chen Sheng nodded slightly, choosing not to say more.
Hundred-Eyed True Monarch tactfully took his leave, blending into the void as he returned to the Fragrant Vehicle.
Soon, five demon dragons pulled the Fragrant Vehicle, flying towards Black Wind Valley, with the pressure felt during arrival having long dissipated.
Watching the Fragrant Vehicle's distant silhouette, Chen Sheng gently landed on the peak of White Crane Mountain, not help but to sigh inwardly:
Arts uit Brussels: 's Ochtends komen er wormen uit je lichaam. Probeer hetOpen
"These True Monarchs of the major demon sects each have excellent temperaments, able to flex and yield. Far superior to those Golden Core Cultivators who are ignorant of their place."
...
The Fragrant Vehicle raced through the void, the five black demon dragons retracting their flames, flying several times faster than on arrival, apparently following the instructions of Hundred-Eyed True Monarch.
Inside the vehicle, Master Black Sand stood nearby, his face full of confusion—though True Monarch was cautious upon arrival, he carried a hint of probing intent.
Yet, after returning from White Crane Mountain, True Monarch's aura became significantly heavier, even carrying an almost imperceptible hint of lingering fear, which fueled his curiosity, though he dared not rashly inquire.
Only when the Fragrant Vehicle entered the range of Black Wind Valley and landed on the plaza before the Sect Hall did Hundred-Eyed True Monarch slowly come out from the vehicle.
He raised a hand to dismiss the disciples driving the demon dragons, leaving only Master Black Sand to follow.
Entering the hall, Hundred-Eyed True Monarch sat in the main seat, slightly furrowing his brow, seemingly still pondering the confrontation with Chen Sheng.
Master Black Sand could finally no longer suppress his curiosity, bowing and asking:
"True Monarch, what exactly is the origin of Venerable Master Hehuan? Why did you suddenly decide to withdraw without even probing further?"
Hundred-Eyed True Monarch looked at him, his gaze icy, speaking with a hint of warning: "A Late-Stage Nascent Soul Great Sword Monarch possessing and cultivating anew, what do you intend?"
"Boom!"
This sentence exploded like a thunderclap in Master Black Sand's mind, rendering him momentarily frozen, his face devoid of confusion, replaced entirely by shock, cold sweat dripping down, soaking the Daoist robe on his chest.
Late-Stage Nascent Soul!
Great Sword Monarch!
The combination of these two terms was enough to shake the entire Ten Demon Countries—in the Human Realm, Celestial Venerables are few, and Late-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivators stand at the pinnacle.
Especially a Great Sword Monarch specialized in Sword Dao, whose combat prowess far exceeds fellow cultivators of the same stage—a mere Nascent Soul Early-stage cultivator would be as insignificant as an ant before them.
The Ten Demon Countries had not seen the trace of a Late-Stage Nascent Soul for several hundred years, and now suddenly one appeared, still in a state of possessing a new body for cultivation anew. The causal relations and power behind this were beyond what Black Wind Valley could touch.
Master Black Sand finally understood why the True Monarch had been so respectful—facing such an existence, any probing would be courting disaster.
He quickly kneeled, his voice trembling:
"Subordinate was ignorant, did not know it was the Great Cultivator who descended! I wonder...if it may be necessary to send a person from our side to Hehuan Union Sect, to take care of things secretly, to show the Great Cultivator Black Wind Valley's sincerity?"
He sought to use this opportunity to draw closer to Chen Sheng, knowing that exposure to a Late-Stage Nascent Soul Great Sword Monarch could propel Black Wind Valley's future standing to unprecedented heights in the Ten Demon Countries.
Hundred-Eyed True Monarch slowly shook his head, his tone flat yet with an unquestionable determination:
"No need. Hehuan Union Sect, for the Great Cultivator, is nothing more than a temporary stepping stone and does not even catch his eye. If you rashly send people, it will only arouse his vigilance and create unnecessary trouble."
He understood well, a cultivator like Chen Sheng despised interference from others during his cultivation journey; better to maintain a distance rather than add unnecessary complications.
He paused, continuing to instruct:
"Go to the Treasure Vault and take fifty thousand High Grade Spirit Stones, and personally deliver them to White Crane Mountain, saying that it's the cultivation materials prepared by Black Wind Valley for the Great Cultivator, to assist him in achieving Perfection soon. Remember, maintain a respectful attitude, and do not pry into the Great Cultivator's affairs."
"Yes! Subordinate understands!"
Master Black Sand promptly responded, his reverence growing deeper—fifty thousand High Grade Spirit Stones were a significant expense for Black Wind Valley.
Yet, in the eyes of True Monarch, it was merely the key to express sincerity, highlighting the weight of the Great Cultivator's standing.
He dared not delay, turning quickly to leave the hall, proceeding towards the Treasure Vault to prepare the Spirit Stones.
Watching his departing figure, Hundred-Eyed True Monarch lightly sighed—being able to coexist peacefully with the Great Cultivator today was already quite fortunate; he only hoped this Great Cultivator would soon leave Han Country, sparing Black Wind Valley from unnecessary troubles.
At the same time, at the foot of White Crane Mountain, Hehuan Daoist was leading a group of core disciples from Hehuan Union Sect, all kneeling neatly on the ground.
They had already received the news, knowing that Hundred-Eyed True Monarch had personally arrived, yet hurriedly retreated, evidently intimidated by their own Venerable Master.
Seeing Chen Sheng descending slowly from the void, even though his sword qi had been restrained, he still exuded a heart-palpitating pressure; everyone held their breath, not daring to even lift their heads.
"Subordinate Hehuan Daoist, leading all of Hehuan Union Sect, pays respects to the Venerable Master! Congratulations on the Venerable Master's divine might!"
Hehuan Daoist led the greeting, his voice filled with reverence and flattery, his forehead knocking heavily on the ground with a dull thud.
The disciples behind him echoed, their voices uniform, the power to compel a Nascent Soul True Monarch to personally visit and then flee disgracefully was beyond their imagination.
"Paying respects to the Venerable Master! Venerable Master's divine might!"
Chen Sheng landed before them, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone indifferent:
"Rise. White Crane Mountain has become my place of cultivation, and henceforth you must behave, or face my wrath."
"Yes! We obey!"
Hehuan Daoist quickly stood up, respectfully standing aside, silently grateful that he had wisely chosen to submit earlier; otherwise...
Without saying more, Chen Sheng turned and walked toward the mountain peak, his figure gradually disappearing at the end of the mountain path, leaving only a faint ripple in the void.
Hehuan Daoist and the disciples stood frozen in place, not daring to move until Chen Sheng's aura completely vanished, allowing them to slowly let out a breath, their gazes to the peak filled with awe and fear.