Chapter 302
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 302
Chapter Title: Facing the Great Demon, Entering the Mystic Realm
"Fellow Daoist Chen, we meet again. I hope we can meet again in the Beast Taming Mystic Realm."
Cen Linfeng ignored Cen Linchuan's attempts to stop him and walked up to Chen Jianghe, speaking in a strange, sarcastic tone.
This startled Chen Jianghe out of his deep thought.
He glanced at Cen Linfeng. The man's rugged face now had a scar, adding a touch of ferocity to his appearance.
This scar was left by the two mansion lords under Ruan Tieniu.
The spiritual power of some demonic cultivators was extremely sinister, making it difficult to heal with medicinal pills unless one had a spirit pill with exceptionally high healing properties.
Otherwise, if that sinister spiritual power couldn't be neutralized, the scar on his face would naturally be impossible to remove.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, my apologies. My brother was injured by demonic cultivators at Clear Water Bay last time, and his nerves are a bit frayed, which is why he misspoke. I, Cen, apologize to you on my brother's behalf."
Cen Linchuan quickly came over and cupped his hands in a salute.
"It's nothing."
Chen Jianghe said with a gentle voice and a smile on his face, then turned and walked away.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, this man is very hostile towards you. Do you need me to eliminate him for you in the mystic realm?"
Lady Jinghong sent a voice transmission.
She owed Chen Jianghe a favor and had promised to help him once in the mystic realm, so she naturally wanted to settle the debt as soon as possible.
"Thank you for your kind offer, my lady. This Fellow Daoist Cen was merely disfigured by demonic cultivators, which is why he's acting a bit mad. He bears me no real malice."
Using Lady Jinghong's favor on someone like Cen Linfeng would be far too wasteful.
In Chen Jianghe's eyes, Cen Linfeng was just an ordinary Perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator.
He could handle it himself; there was no need for Lady Jinghong to intervene.
However, he understood Lady Jinghong's intention. He would definitely have to use this favor within the mystic realm.
He couldn't delay her Core Formation.
It was just too wasteful to use it on Cen Linfeng.
At the very least, it had to be used on a top-tier prodigy from an immortal clan, like Lu Qingfeng, to be worthy of Lady Jinghong's action.
Seeing that Chen Jianghe had no intention of letting her act, Lady Jinghong didn't send another voice transmission. After staying at the exchange meet for a short while, she left the Gathering Immortals Pavilion.
Although her demeanor had changed slightly, her solitary nature remained the same. In her eyes, it seemed only Zhao Tiezhu was worthy of walking beside her.
"Brother Jianghe, that Cen Linfeng is too hostile towards you. Once we're in the mystic realm, get rid of him as soon as possible to prevent any trouble."
Although Gao Peiyao wasn't with Chen Jianghe, Cen Linfeng's strange, sarcastic tone had echoed throughout the entire venue.
It made it clear to all the cultivators present that Cen Linfeng held deep animosity towards Chen Jianghe.
This also made many cultivators subconsciously distance themselves from Chen Jianghe.
After all, Cen Linfeng had many people around him. His younger brother Cen Linchuan, allies Chen Chengping, Ji Yanfeng, Boss Feng, and several others were all at the Perfected Foundation Establishment stage.
In contrast, Chen Jianghe was just a lone late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Even if he was a Talisman Grandmaster, who would care about your grandmaster status inside a mystic realm?
The weak were always the ones to be bullied.
"We'll see after we enter the mystic realm," Chen Jianghe replied, and then he too left the exchange venue.
He wasn't short on resources, so there was no need to stay at the Gathering Immortals Pavilion.
Even if he were to trade, it would be others seeking to trade for his Tier 2 high-grade escape talismans, and it was impossible for him to trade away the Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans he possessed.
It was better to leave early than to stay at the Gathering Immortals Pavilion and refuse people.
He would also offend fewer people that way.
Besides, he still needed to find a way to resolve the crisis brought about by Xu Feng.
His friendship with Xu Feng wasn't deep, their mutual interests weren't significant, and there were no special entanglements of interest between them.
Unlike Ruan Tieniu, who would choose to keep his secret even after learning the effects of the Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass.
He returned to the Many Treasures Tavern.
Chen Jianghe mulled it over for a long time and decided to write a letter to the two women at the Rosy Cloud Grotto-Heaven, asking them to trap Xu Feng.
As for asking Ruan Tieniu for help to capture or directly eliminate Xu Feng.
That was somewhat unrealistic.
Firstly, Ruan Tieniu couldn't go to Muyun Market City himself, as he also had to enter the Beast Taming Mystic Realm. He could only send his subordinates.
But once such matters were entrusted to others, unexpected troubles could arise.
Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu were more reliable.
Both of them were late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, close to reaching the ninth layer, whereas Xu Feng was only at the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment.
He just had more combat experience.
But the two women had many trump cards.
Both of them possessed Spirit-Nurturing offensive and defensive magical artifacts, and their physical bodies had been cultivated to the sixth level. Overall, they were much stronger than Xu Feng.
Besides, Chen Jianghe wasn't asking the two women to kill Xu Feng.
He just wanted to trap Xu Feng, even if it meant confining him within the Rosy Cloud Grotto-Heaven. He would decide what to do based on the situation when he returned.
The reason he wanted them to trap Xu Feng was because Xu Feng held the status of an Immortal Official in the Feng Kingdom. Attacking and killing him would be equivalent to provoking the authority of the Feng Kingdom.
If it was just about restraining him, then there would be no problem.
The Immortal Emissary of Muyun Market City knew about the relationship between Jiang Ruxu and Chen Jianghe, and also knew about Chen Jianghe's relationship with Ruan Tieniu.
As long as they didn't kill him, the Immortal Emissary of Muyun Market City would not act against Jiang Ruxu.
With this in mind, Chen Jianghe immediately wrote a letter to Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu, but he didn't state his intentions explicitly in the letter.
He only mentioned inviting Xu Feng to be a guest at the Rosy Cloud Grotto-Heaven.
The opening of the Beast Taming Mystic Realm was imminent.
At this time, any letters sent out from Many Treasures Market City, or rather, any letters from trial-takers like them, had a chance of being exposed.
Chen Jianghe normally didn't invite people into his personal domain. He figured the two women would understand his meaning.
To be safe, Chen Jianghe also needed to use the two stalks of Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass as soon as possible.
But even after using them, he feared that few would believe it, and they would still think he had Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass in his possession.
Some things, people only believe what they want to believe. Even if the truth was right in front of them, they would turn a blind eye.
"I still have to find a way to get Xiao Hei to become a Tier 3 spirit beast first. The resources I get in the Beast Taming Mystic Realm this time must be prioritized for Xiao Hei's use."
Chen Jianghe knew very well that only when Xiao Hei was strong could he not fear external dangers.
If Xiao Hei became a Tier 3 demonic beast.
Even if a Core Formation mighty figure came to force him to hand over the Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass, he wouldn't be afraid. He could even turn the opponent into blood food for Xiao Hei.
All crises stem from a lack of strength.
Time flew by.
The next morning.
At the third quarter of the Chen hour, the cultivators from the Tiannan Sect's side gathered in Many Treasures Market City. Then, under the leadership of six Core Formation mighty figures, they flew towards the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
As for the mystic realm trial-takers from the Feng Kingdom's side, they naturally wouldn't travel with the Tiannan Sect. They had likely already entered the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range from the capital city.
The Beast Taming Zhou Clan and the Kui in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range had reached an agreement. Entering and exiting the mountain range, they naturally wouldn't be attacked by Tier 3 demonic beasts.
"It's been two thousand li already, aren't we at the mystic realm entrance yet?"
An hour passed.
They still hadn't reached the entrance to the mystic realm, which made many of the Foundation Establishment cultivators feel anxious.
This was the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, home to many Tier 3 demonic beasts and even a Tier 4 great demon.
Having traveled two thousand li deep, they had long since entered the activity range of Tier 3 demonic beasts.
Even though they hadn't encountered a single Tier 3 demonic beast, the Foundation Establishment cultivators felt extremely suppressed.
It was like a dark cloud hanging over their heads that could not be dispelled.
"We've gone more than two thousand li into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. When we come out, will we also be two thousand li inside?"
"Probably not, right?"
"When we enter the Beast Taming Mystic Realm, the Tier 3 demonic beasts might have been gathered in one place by the Kui King. But after we leave the mystic realm, will those Tier 3 demonic beasts still be gathered together?"
"They should be, right? After all, there are still the cultivators from the Feng Kingdom."
"..."
These Foundation Establishment cultivators began to discuss among themselves in low voices, all worried that they might be able to leave the mystic realm but not the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
They were too deep inside.
They had now traveled two thousand four hundred li deep.
They were about to enter the core region of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, which was the territory of the Tier 4 great demon, the Kui King.
If the legendary Kui King set its sights on them, there was no thought of escape. With just a single thought from the creature, a Foundation Establishment cultivator's soul would instantly collapse.
In his prime, even the old Sect Master of the Tiannan Sect had to avoid its might, not daring to venture deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, let alone make a move against this sole Tier 4 great demon.
Now in his twilight years, he was even less of a match for the Kui King.
As if hearing the discussions of the Foundation Establishment cultivators, a Core Formation elder from the Tiannan Sect said, "The opening of the Beast Taming Mystic Realm is located three thousand li deep within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. At that time, Senior Kui King will personally open the passage. When you see Senior Kui King, you must all be respectful and polite, and not lose your manners."
"The Kui King is opening the mystic realm passage?!"
At these words, not only the cultivators from outside the sect, but even the sect's own disciples showed expressions of shock.
They never expected that the Beast Taming Mystic Realm would be opened by the legendary Tier 4 great demon, the Kui King.
"Perfected One, after the mystic realm ends, will we appear in the depths of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, or on the outskirts?"
A Perfected Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator asked.
"I don't know for now either. We will only know when the mystic realm ends. However, you can rest assured. Senior Kui King wouldn't deign to act against juniors like you."
"As for those Tier 3 demonic beasts, they will also be restrained by Senior Kui King. After the mystic realm's restriction is dispelled, they will not attack you for one day."
"In one day, even if you are in the inner region of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, you can fly out."
"The premise is that after you leave the mystic realm, you do not take any spiritual items from the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. Then, those Tier 3 demonic beasts will not make a move."
The Core Formation elder said.
This sentence made everyone heave a sigh of relief.
If the Kui King wouldn't act, and the Tier 3 demonic beasts wouldn't act for a day, then they had nothing to worry about.
As for taking spiritual items?
No one was a fool. Being deep within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, in the heartland of demonic beasts, they were very clear that their lives were more important than spiritual items.
Besides, as long as they could emerge from the unknown mystic realm, they would already have many spiritual items on them.
They certainly wouldn't covet the spiritual items in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
Under the lead of the six Core Formation mighty figures, and with no demonic beasts blocking their path, their sword-flying speed was very fast.
They arrived three thousand li deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
This was already considered the core region of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
It was the cultivation ground of the Tier 4 great demon, the Kui King. An area of two thousand li in radius was its domain.
At the outermost edge of the core region, three mountain peaks rose to the heavens, standing like three celestial pillars in a triangular formation amidst the mountain ranges.
The mountains were tens of thousands of feet high, piercing straight into the clouds.
On top of one of the mountains, dozens of cultivators could be seen; they were the trial-takers from the Feng Kingdom's side.
The one in the lead was Perfected One Chilong. His enormous Fire Scale Flood Dragon was coiled at the peak of the mountain, looking majestic and imposing.
The Core Formation elders of the Tiannan Sect led their group of cultivators to another mountaintop, waiting quietly for the Kui King to open the passage to the Beast Taming Mystic Realm.
Chen Jianghe sat cross-legged on the mountaintop, feeling the whistling cold wind. The icy gale felt as if it would tear through his flesh and blow directly into his bones.
Fortunately, everyone who came was a cultivator at the late-stage Foundation Establishment or above. Otherwise, even Qi Refining cultivators would find such an icy wind hard to bear.
Chen Jianghe did not activate his Dharma Eye to observe the Feng Kingdom cultivators on the opposite peak.
The other cultivators also sat quietly, meditating and conserving their energy.
They didn't dare to speak or look around carelessly.
This was the domain of the Tier 4 great demon, the Kui King. A single action that displeased the Kui King would truly leave no chance of survival.
Even the usually arrogant and domineering Cen Linfeng was like a well-behaved child at this moment, his aura gentle and his gaze clear.
Chen Jianghe was very curious about the core region of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
But at this moment, he didn't dare to look around, and he didn't even have the thought of sending a voice transmission.
A Tier 4 great demon was comparable to a Nascent Soul True Lord. It had already condensed a divine soul and could perceive the memories of others.
Perhaps it could also perceive others' voice transmissions.
It was better to be well-behaved here.
*Rumble!*
Suddenly, a colossal figure appeared from behind the three mountain peaks. It was dozens of zhang tall, shaped like an ox, hornless, with a massive black body. It had only one foot on the ground, its eyes were like the sun and moon, and its voice was like thunder.
It was the legendary Demon King, the Kui.
The Kui King flew to the top of the innermost mountain peak. Its eyes, one bright and one dark, swept around, making even the Core Formation mighty figures feel immense pressure, causing them to involuntarily bow their bodies.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators also hurriedly stood up and bowed in salute.
"Where is this? How can there be such a powerful aura!"
Xiao Hei's voice rang out on Chen Jianghe's spiritual platform, filled with shock and panic.
"A Tier 4 great demon is before us. Be silent."
Chen Jianghe sent a voice transmission through his spiritual platform.
Facing an existence like the Kui King, Chen Jianghe emptied his mind, not daring to have any distracting thoughts.
"Greetings, Senior Kui King."
The six Core Formation mighty figures from the Tiannan Sect's side all faced the Kui King and bowed deeply, showing none of their usual high-and-mighty demeanor.
In front of the Kui King, they were nothing more than insignificant ants.
Below Nascent Soul, all are ants.
This wasn't just a saying. With a single thought, the Kui King could obliterate any of the Core Formation mighty figures present.
This was the terror of a Tier 4 great demon.
Even a Nascent Soul True Lord, without a powerful magical treasure, would find it difficult to stand against a Tier 4 great demon.
"Junior Chilong greets Senior Kui King."
Perfected One Chilong also bowed deeply to the Kui King. The Fire Scale Flood Dragon by his side lowered its noble head and let out a low growl.
Immediately after, all the Foundation Establishment cultivators also bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior Kui King."
In response to the greetings from the cultivators, the light in the Kui King's eyes did not waver in the slightest. Its majestic and deep voice, however, boomed like heavenly thunder, echoing for a hundred li in all directions.
"If you find a small, blood-red grass like this in the mystic realm, bring it out. One stalk can be exchanged with me for one portion of a Core Formation spiritual item."
A flame insignia on the Kui King's brow flashed, and a blood-red grass flew out. It had five leaves, and each leaf was shaped like a lotus flower.
"If it's a grass with seven leaves, you can exchange it with me for three portions of Core Formation spiritual items."
"Remember, after exchanging for the Core Formation spiritual items with me, you will also gain my appreciation."
The Kui King's voice fell.
The expressions of everyone, including the Core Formation mighty figures, changed instantly.
They didn't know what the blood-red grass was.
But they knew what Core Formation spiritual items were.
One stalk of the five-leaf blood-red grass could be exchanged for one portion of a Core Formation spiritual item, and one stalk of the seven-leaf blood-red grass could be exchanged for three portions.
Most importantly, one could also gain the Kui King's appreciation.
To form a good relationship with the Kui King.
Traveling in the Tiannan Domain, whether in the territory of the Tiannan Sect or the Feng Kingdom, one would be treated as an honored guest.
Perfected One Chilong's expression changed, but he quickly returned to normal. Although he was displeased, he didn't dare to show it.
When Chen Jianghe saw the image of the Five-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass magnified by the Kui King's divine ability, he understood that his guess was correct.
After the Beast Taming Mystic Realm, the effects of the Blood Lotus Grass would surely become public knowledge.
He could forget about finding any more lucky bargains in the future.
Moreover, he might be in some trouble.
However, he was unmoved by the temptation of the Core Formation spiritual items promised by the Kui King. Others might not know the use of the Blood Lotus Grass, but he did!
A Five-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass, he wouldn't trade it for one portion of a Core Formation spiritual item, not even for two.
As for the Seven-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass, although Chen Jianghe couldn't guess what grade of bloodline purity it could enhance, he was very clear.
Forget three portions of Core Formation spiritual items; even ten or twenty portions couldn't be exchanged for a single stalk.
As for forming a good relationship with the Kui King?
If he could really obtain enough Five-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass to raise the bloodlines of both Maoqiu and Latiao to their limits, then he might consider forming a good relationship with the Kui King.
Otherwise, it was all just an empty promise with no real value.
"Junior Ruan Tieniu, if I can obtain this spiritual grass in the Beast Taming Mystic Realm, I will definitely offer it to Senior."
While everyone was still in shock, Ruan Tieniu spoke up directly.
Immediately after, under the watchful eyes of everyone and in front of the Kui King, he activated his Dharma Eye and swept his gaze around, especially at the trial-takers from the Tiannan Sect's side.
"If anyone obtains the spiritual grass in the mystic realm, they must offer it to Senior immediately after leaving. Otherwise, if I, Ruan, see you take the spiritual grass but don't offer it to Senior, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
This sentence was directed at all the mystic realm trial-takers.
Hearing Ruan Tieniu's words and seeing his actions, the crowd of Foundation Establishment cultivators and False Core rogue cultivators all cursed him inwardly as a sycophant.
They secretly resented themselves for being a step behind Ruan Tieniu.
In their eyes, that strange-looking spiritual grass might be very precious, but to them, it was not as valuable as a Core Formation spiritual item.
They had already planned to form a good relationship with Senior Kui King.
But Ruan Tieniu had beaten them to it, giving Senior Kui King a good impression without even needing the spiritual grass.
"Fellow Daoists, don't blame me. I just know that this Beast Taming Mystic Realm was opened by Senior Kui King. If we can obtain spiritual items, or even Core Formation spiritual items, inside, it is all a fortuitous opportunity bestowed by Senior Kui King. We should all be grateful."
Ruan Tieniu circulated his spiritual power once again and shouted loudly, so that the cultivators on all three mountain peaks could hear.
Hearing this, the cultivators wanted to curse Ruan Tieniu, but they didn't dare to show any sign of disagreement.
"Ruan Tieniu? Hmm~ I know you. You were there during the Muyun Mystic Realm, you little fellow. You are loyal and honest, with a grateful heart. You will surely form a Core in the future."
"Junior only has the most basic grateful heart of a cultivator and dare not accept such high praise from Senior."
Ruan Tieniu hurriedly bowed in salute from afar.
His voice was loud, echoing among the three peaks.
Seeing this, Chen Jianghe couldn't help but admire Ruan Tieniu. He was truly audacious, daring to show off his petty schemes in front of the Tier 4 great demon, the Kui King.
And he even succeeded.
But Chen Jianghe also knew that Ruan Tieniu's success was inevitable, because the Blood Lotus Grass was too important to the Kui King.
According to legend, the Kui King possessed a fifth-grade high-tier bloodline.
If it wanted to increase its bloodline purity, it would need Five-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass, or even Seven-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass.
Ruan Tieniu's words were equivalent to entering the Beast Taming Mystic Realm to help the Kui King monitor all the cultivators, forcing them to hand over any Blood Lotus Grass they obtained.
As for those cultivators who hated Ruan Tieniu.
Most of them were just jealous of Ruan Tieniu's actions, secretly hating that it wasn't them.
Just based on the Kui King's favorable words, he would be safe in the Tiannan Domain.
‘You will surely form a Core in the future.’
This was a protective talisman.
If you killed someone the Kui King deemed certain to form a Core, you would be showing complete disregard for the Tier 4 great demon!
It was the same as before.
Ruan Tieniu had formed a good relationship with the Kui King.
The Kui King might forget about this ant, Ruan Tieniu, in the next moment, but when it did remember.
Ruan Tieniu could die, but he couldn't be killed by others.
"Bold and meticulous, and blessed with fortune. His chances of successfully forming a Core are even greater than mine," Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
Ruan Tieniu's maneuver made him feel inferior.
The next moment.
The Kui King moved. A five-colored auspicious cloud gathered under its single foot, and it flew between the three peaks. A beam of light shot out from its yin-yang eye, striking the void and instantly creating a flowing curtain of light.
It was the restriction of the Beast Taming Mystic Realm.
Immediately after, the Kui King gently stomped its single foot, instantly causing the earth and mountains within a hundred li to shake.
Dense patterns began to appear on the flowing curtain of light.
*Boom!*
The spiderweb-like curtain of light shattered, revealing a large hole. Through it, one could see a different world within. What was originally a valley had turned into towering mountain peaks.
"All of you, go in!"
The Kui King's majestic voice sounded.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators and False Core rogue cultivators didn't dare to delay for a moment, rushing into the mystic realm one after another.
They had long grown tired of the oppressive feeling of being deep within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, especially after seeing the Kui King.
The mental pressure seemed about to drive them mad.
Entering the Beast Taming Mystic Realm was a form of relief for them.
Chen Jianghe also followed the crowd, quickly flying into the shattered hole and entering the Beast Taming Mystic Realm.
Ruan Tieniu was the last to enter the mystic realm.
Before entering, he gave a respectful salute to the Kui King, then turned and darted into the opening.
"Chilong, this little fellow is quite good."
The Kui King's enormous ox head looked at Perfected One Chilong and said faintly.
"Junior also believes he is a malleable talent. I have already informed my elder brother and we are preparing to cultivate him well."
Perfected One Chilong quickly replied respectfully.
Inwardly, however, he was displeased with Ruan Tieniu. The man had used him as a stepping stone to connect with the Kui King.
But there was nothing he could do.
The Kui King's gaze turned to the Core Formation mighty figures from the Tiannan Sect and the three top-tier immortal clans, and it faintly spoke in human language.
"You can all scram now."