Lin Shuang held tightly onto the core of Hu Xun.
After the minor realm collapsed, she felt a burning sensation in her palm.
Huangpu Yuan lowered his dark eyes, gazing at her with a complex expression.
This half-core contained half of Hu Xun’s cultivation over a lifetime.
Yet now, half of it melted in her hand, transforming into a continuous stream of demonic energy flowing into Huangpu Yuan’s body.
The other half became scalding liquid, flowing into Lin Shuang’s palm.
She almost dropped it from the intense heat.
“What did you do?” Lin Shuang accused.
“…This part I absorbed,” Huangpu Yuan looked toward Hu Xun’s distant body, his expression complicated, “was the demonic energy he gained years ago after devouring my mother’s flesh and blood.”
Once separated from Hu Xun, the demonic core lost its connection. This portion, originally belonging to the Nine-Tailed Fox, merged into his body.
His own demonic core gradually absorbed it, bit by bit.
“How despicable!”
Lin Shuang accused furiously, glancing back at Hu Xun.
Gasping for breath, she summoned her flying sword back.
She looked at the half-core black pearl, hot and concentrated, in her palm.
“You’ll never use the same trick against the Nine-Tailed Fox clan again—”
“He still owes me a favor—once every two days, a candle’s worth of petting time…”
Before she could finish, a fluffy fox paw opened and pressed against her red lips.
“…” Lin Shuang swatted it away.
“Before he fulfills that, whether you’re a cultivator undergoing tribulation or anything else, don’t even think about taking him away!”
The Nine-Tailed Fox’s black pupils trembled.
Then he turned his face away, his ear flaps twitching slightly.
Hu Xun: “….”
Why, before his death, did he have to witness such a scene!
He glared, watching his shrunken demonic core, no matter how desperately he called out, refuse to return to him!
It was actually slowly melting in Lin Shuang’s hand.
Like mud, it seeped into her palm.
Lin Shuang was startled.
She shook her hand, trying to reject it.
The black liquid from the demonic core dripped onto the ground as impurities.
But the refined demonic energy vaporized, turning into spiritual energy of heaven and earth, entering the spirit-gathering talisman attached to her body.
Everything returned to water; everything reverted to its origin.
Hu Xun’s demonic energy, cultivated over a lifetime from absorbing the sun and moon, finally returned to its purest primal state.
【This cultivation method is truly amazing…】
【Lin Shuang seems unable to control it fully yet.】
【Whatever you take from heaven and earth, from others, you will one day repay to heaven and earth!】
【Amazing! Their combined move by the three of them barely reached the Void-Entering realm. Though not strong enough to defeat someone undergoing tribulation, they managed to steal the core of a tribulation-level being! Hehe~】
【Wait, something’s off!】
【?】
The projected text, moments ago lively, suddenly froze.
Especially when the minor realm shattered, and Lin Shuang and Meng Zi, exhausted, were about to fall into chaotic spiritual currents.
They were caught by a snow-white fox with a tail of nine brilliant colors, a peerless, handsome Nine-Tailed Fox demon.
One he caught by the collar of the neck, another hooked by the waistband with his right claw…
With one leap, he soared through the chaotic spiritual currents, riding the wind.
One fox and two humans, how majestic!
But.
【Wait—didn’t Lin Shuang and Meng Zi just use their unique combined move, the one only the three of them know?】
【! So this Nine-Tailed Fox is…】
The Nine-Tailed Fox’s tall demonic form took a step, creating a cloud of auspicious mist beneath him.
He carried Lin Shuang by the neck, hooked Meng Zi by the waistband, and returned from the minor realm.
Smoothly, he carved a graceful figure through the sunset at the hunting grounds.
Meng Zi, hanging high by his waistband, slowly sliding down, trembled wildly with all four limbs, shouting, “Hey, my pants are falling off!”
Lin Shuang, caught by the neck: “….”
She had wanted to complain, but decided against it.
She was already in a guest position.
With a flick of his body, the fox flung her onto his smooth, long fur-covered back.
Meng Zi: “….”
Discrimination!
He wanted to file a complaint!
“Ah! You owe me a new waistband…”
Silence.
Not only the watching projection but the entire hunting grounds—elders, disciples, and demons from various sects—looked up, speechless.
Until the legendary Nine-Tailed Fox landed on all fours, raising a cloud of dust, did everyone finally snap back to reality.
Bai Feng, a kind and steady old white-haired matron, leaning on a dragon-shaped cane, led Bai Yu, Yu Gui, and many other sea-dwelling beings, quickly approaching this radiant, handsome Nine-Tailed Fox.
Her expression was respectful and joyful.
“From the deep sea of the western regions, we greet our young master!”
【!】
The dashing fox elder, with flaming red long hair, followed by foxes of various colors and sizes, also quickly knelt down.
With tears of joy.
“The Fox Clan pays homage to our young master!”
Beside him, the noblewoman of the Wolf Clan, draped in a golden-brown fur coat, her ears trembling slightly, led a group of young wolf guards and knelt as well.
Two young leaders of the Dog Clan bowed respectfully.
“Young master, we are honored to have accomplished our mission. We have eliminated one thousand of Hu Xun’s personal guards who were followers of the邪修 Tianji!”
(Note: The term “邪修” is typically translated as “evil cultivator” or “dark practitioner” in cultivation contexts, but since it appears as part of a name here, it’s retained in pinyin as “Tianji” with the original term in Chinese for stylistic consistency. If a specific translation is preferred for “邪修,” please provide additional context.)
“The Wolf Clan has destroyed three Tianji outposts outside the city!”
“The Fox Clan, cooperating with the Myriad Monks Sect, destroyed Hu Xun’s underground cellars!”
【!】
“This time we rescued one thousand one hundred and sixty-two missing young demons!”
As they spoke, a group of demons knelt before this young Nine-Tailed Fox.
Countless young demons, long missing from the palace, were brought here.
Unconscious, gravely injured, bleeding, their white tail bones exposed… Although they had received initial treatment, the sight still made the demons unable to bear looking closely.
The Nine-Tailed Fox, who had set down Lin Shuang and Meng Zi, raised his head and let out a long howl.
His demonic core emerged from his body.
As if bathed in the glow of the sun and moon, it shone upon these younglings.
With each breath, their wounds gradually healed, and their eyes slowly opened.
“The aura of the previous Nine-Tailed Fox!”
Hu Xun had devoured the blood and essence of the previous Nine-Tailed Fox but couldn’t fully absorb it. The residual energy remained on the surface of his demonic core.
Earlier, it had been absorbed by this young Nine-Tailed Fox.
Now, he exhaled it, using it to heal these young demons.
“I’m sorry.”
He looked at the young demons waking up on the ground, their fur reflecting the rosy glow of the evening.
His black pupils were deep and profound.
“I arrived too late.”
The tiger clan’s Wei Zhen and several siblings, the snake clan’s second king, the bear clan’s elder… only now were they allowed in by the fox clan to check on their missing young ones.
They personally stepped forward, commanding their guards to continue giving pills and treatment to the young demons no longer in danger of death.
“Hu Xun conspired with evil cultivators from the human realm and harmed the former Demon King. The Snake Clan arrived too late to save him. Please, young master, punish us!”
The Silver King of the Snake Clan, leading a hundred snake guards, immediately pledged allegiance.
She Feng’s pupils widened.
So much information—just like in the game, heroes emerge in times of chaos… Was this his chance to become a Snake Prince?!
He gave a meaningful look to Xiong Er’zi, Zong Xing, beside him, and immediately followed his second aunt in kneeling.
“She Feng, at Foundation Cultivation Stage Seven, pays homage to young master!”
“I wish to follow young master! To become his personal guard, slaying evil demons and remnants!”
Zong Xing: “…!”
He immediately tugged at his bear father, who was a beat behind.
As everyone knows, the Snake Clan is cunning and clever.
But who isn’t just a small demon who can’t beat the game!
“Zong Xing, at Spirit Transformation Stage One, pays homage to young master.”
“I regret not meeting young master a hundred years ago, to fight alongside him against traitorous demons, to investigate the Tianji!”
“Fortunately, it’s not too late now! Young master, please allow our Bear Clan’s elite to participate in the eradication of the evil cultivators and demonic beasts!”
He slapped his chest, showing his loyalty.
Bear King, Zong Xing’s father: “…!”
When did his son suddenly become so smart?
“Dad, what are you waiting for? Don’t you know that in the game, you won’t survive past the second day like this.”
Zong Xing whispered, pointing.
Bear father: “…?”
“Ah, if you survive, you’ll still only be a lackey, never becoming the young demon king’s most trusted subordinate.”
Zong Xing’s eyes were filled with sorrow.
Bear father twitched his eye. Where did he learn all this?
In the game.
Zong Xing’s eyes flickered.
In the game, he had chosen a human cultivation path of saving a decaying dynasty.
Overthrowing tyranny, starting a rebellion.
But in times of chaos, many kings rise. Choosing which peasant rebellion force to follow is an art.
In the game, he had tried following a ‘rebel leader who fights among his own ranks’ and failed, a ‘rebellion without a just cause’ and failed, a ‘disorganized rebellion force’ and failed, a ‘rebel leader who is benevolent at first but becomes a tyrant later’ and failed… thirteen terrible endings.
Zong Xing had much to say about choosing the right new king to follow in chaotic times.
He had failed many times in the game, died many times.
And learned this bloody lesson: the new king must—
—Have a strong military force (support from the sea clan, fox clan; cooperation with human cultivators; vassalage of the snake clan)
—Be benevolent (rescuing missing young demons, healing them, all witnessed)
—Have a legitimate reason to overthrow the old king (Tiger King murdered the previous Nine-Tailed Fox)
—Have deep wisdom and foresight (enduring humiliation for years, returning only now)
—Care for the people, not becoming corrupt after rising to power (better than the Tiger King anyway)
—Be universally recognized, gaining the people’s hearts (exposing the Tiger King’s evil deeds publicly)
Zong Xing lowered his head, his eyes flashing wildly.
None of the present demon clans had such legitimacy, timing, and advantage as this young Nine-Tailed Fox.
The game had already told him what to do.
—Knowing the ‘future new king’ in his humble beginnings, befriending him in crisis, offering help in snowstorms is best!
If the best timing was missed, then two words—act early!
Zong Xing immediately slapped his chest, unleashing his Spirit Transformation cultivation, attacking a fleeing tiger guard!
With a slap, he knocked the Tianji token from the tiger’s spatial bag!
He displayed his ability to this young and powerful Nine-Tailed Fox young master.
If he couldn’t squeeze into the young master’s inner circle or his most trusted subordinates now, it didn’t matter!
The young master was still young enough; Zong Xing still had a long time to follow him.
He could grow together with the young master, building the entire Myriad Demon Realm!
Zong Xing’s eyes sparkled.
Indeed, the next moment, the young Nine-Tailed Fox young master looked toward him.
As if acknowledging him, he nodded slightly.
“!”
Zong Xing’s chest burned with fervor, surging wildly.
It turned out that doing something in real life brought more accomplishment than playing games.
The pleasure spread from his toes to the crown of his head.
“Dad, what are you waiting for? Join me in slaying the remnants of the tiger demons!”
“If you keep hesitating like this, even after a hundred years, there won’t be a place for you by the young master’s side…”
Bear father: “….”
His son really had become smarter.
Bear father twitched his mouth, glancing at the young Nine-Tailed Fox’s subordinates.
Indeed, there seemed to be no space left.
Hard to squeeze in.
The earlier the better…
“The Bear Clan firmly refuses to associate with Hu Xun!”
Bear King led his subordinates to hastily join, chasing after the fleeing tigers.
Other lion and leopard clans hesitated briefly, then, after the Snake and Bear clans defected, gritted their teeth and bowed their heads.
“We refuse to associate with demon traitors.”
“We follow the Nine-Tailed Fox lineage!”
Wei Zhen and other tigers, their pupils wide with shock.
As they hesitated, one by one, the bodies of Hu Xun’s personal guards fell.
A bloodline split their bodies in two, revealing the black Tianji token inside.
Hu Xun had truly led their tiger clan into ruin!
“Damn Hu Xun, even our three-year-old snakes weren’t spared!”
“Tiger Clan, no wonder you never investigated the disappearances, it was you all along, kidnapping two hundred of our bear youths…”
“You piled lion and leopard cubs into mountains! Tiger Clan, don’t you feel any remorse!”
Wei Zhen staggered back a step.
His daughter Yuan Ya supported him.
“Dad, he is him, we are us!”
“In the game, you’ve played this ending before. It’s time to abandon darkness and turn to the light.”
Wei Zhen: “….”
Yes.
Even the game understood this principle.
“We, the rest of the Tiger Clan, will definitely give everyone an explanation for Hu Xun’s actions.”
“For the rest of my life, I, Wei Zhen, will search the ends of the earth to find the remaining missing young demons!”
“To atone for this!”
Otherwise, the Tiger Clan would truly become enemies of all demons, with no place left to stand.
Wei Zhen finally lowered his head toward the young Nine-Tailed Fox in the distance.
“Welcome… young master’s return.”
The young fox king, his nine-colored tail fluttering.
His handsome fox face nodded toward the gathered demons in the rosy glow.
Then, step by step, he walked toward the human cultivators’ ranks, toward Lin Shuang.
“Human cultivators will forever be allies of the Nine-Tailed Fox lineage.”
“Elder Shui, Elder Chen, please allow me to continue my cultivation at Qing Shui Sect.”
【!】
“Until I become an elite Spirit Transformation disciple of Qing Shui Sect, matters of the demon clans will be temporarily handled by Elder Bai Feng.”
“Lin Shuang, Meng Zi, your treatment among the demon clans will be equal to mine.”
【!!!】
【Wait, wait—】
The young Nine-Tailed Fox lifted his handsome fox face, his black eyes slowly turning toward Lin Shuang.
Lin Shuang smiled.
The massive Nine-Tailed Fox gradually shrank, transforming into a tall figure in a blue robe.
Huangpu Yuan, with snow-white hair tinged with red, walked toward them.
【!】
Meng Zi grinned, hugging his sword, “Are you sure you don’t want to stay now to inherit the throne? I was hoping to enjoy a few days of royal treatment!”
Lin Shuang rolled her eyes, “It’s hard to go from luxury to simplicity.”
Huangpu Yuan remained noncommittal, “After dealing with the collusion between the evil cultivators and the demon clans, shall we return to Qing Shui Sect together to complete the final disciple assessment?”
“Hey hey hey, you’re ignoring me again!”
Meng Zi, dissatisfied, slapped his sword repeatedly.
Chen Wu Shui and Shui Qian Tan of Qing Shui Sect both wore complex expressions.
The elders of the other eleven sects all looked on with envy.
Why hadn’t such good fortune come their way?
Why hadn’t the Nine-Tailed Fox come to study at their sects?
【No way, no way, what kind of constitution does Lin Shuang have? Her roommate in the outer sect was a descendant of the Zhao family, and the senior brother who trained with her was a royal demon.】
【Does Meng Zi have some hidden identity too?】
【I don’t believe he doesn’t!】
Disciples from the Bai Hua Sect, Bian Bo Cai, Kong Miao Ke, and others, had already approached Meng Zi, studying him intensely.
“Meng, such a surname makes one think…”
“Brother Meng, your love for spirit stones—is that some kind of identity disguise?”
“To create such an extreme contrast, are you actually either rich or noble?”
Meng Zi: “…”
Get out!
“Brother Zhao, Xiao Xi, long time no see.”
On the other side, the Yao Clan was already cleaning up the mess.
The elders of the Twelve Sects also began to have some free time and started chatting with each other.
Shui Qiantan and Chen Wushui approached the two shield-wall assassins from the Yannie Pavilion.
The shield-wall assassins looked up at the sky.
Their backs seemed to say, ‘Who are you calling?’
“…Don’t pretend. You just used the Qing Shui Sect’s technique and stood beside a cultivator who excels in the Zhao family’s technique. Handsome young version of Shui Qiantan, besides you, who else could it be?”
Chen Wushui nodded.
In the past, the Yannie Pavilion’s cultivators rarely showed their hands.
They had never interacted face-to-face with this group of elders.
But after the brief clash, the aura they emitted was hard to conceal from each other.
Especially this pair of assassin couple, one of whom even used the Qing Shui Sect’s core technique.
Familiar auras were leaking out.
“A ten million reward. I originally thought it was offered by the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan or the Deep Sea Clam Clan.”
Chen Wushui mused.
“But after seeing you, I understand. The Yao Clan would never issue such a mission targeting human cultivators. They’ve never trusted human cultivators enough in the past. Therefore, the only ones capable and willing to offer such an enormous bounty across the entire realm must be you yourselves.”
“Is the one who issued the bounty the Zhao family’s ancestor?”
Zhao Mingde and his wife continued to look up at the sky.
Chen Wushui, Shui Qiantan: “…”
“The stubbornness of you two pretending not to admit it is really laughable!”
[What!]
[…The Yannie Pavilion belongs to the Zhao family?]
[This!]
[It’s useless; they didn’t admit it. You’ll have to judge the truth for yourselves.]
Peng—
The communication talisman in Zhao Kuran’s hand fell to the ground.
What?
Xiao Xi… Zhao…
These two Yannie Pavilion elders with shields as tall as walls are her parents…?
The ten million spirit stones bounty mission was issued by the Zhao family?
The Yannie Pavilion is run by the Zhao family!
Zhao Kuran’s worldview collapsed.
The answer to the fastest learning method has been right beside me all along…
“Senior apprentice sister, big news!”
Lin Shuang gave a subtle look, “Quick, retreat, retreat!”
She also had a Yannie Pavilion disguise.
She quickly signaled to Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zi to retreat.
“…”
…
Most of Hu Xun’s subordinates were controlled by various clans, and those found harboring remnants of the Tianji Order were all detained.
In the original Tiger King’s meeting hall, the Sea Clan’s elder, a kind old woman with Transcendent cultivation named Baifeng, temporarily took charge of the affairs of the Yao Realm.
Together with the Twelve Sects from the Donghua Region and the representatives from the Northern Regions who arrived later, they signed a century-long friendship treaty between the Yao Clan and human cultivators.
“Congratulations, this time in the Twelve Sects’ competition, all the Nascent Soul and Ning Yuan high-level disciples have successfully completed their missions.”
“Senior Baifeng, esteemed elders of the Yao Clan, please submit your rankings for the disciples of the Twelve Sects based on their performance this time,” Chen Wushui said with a smile.
Baifeng, with white hair, leaning on a cane, short in stature, with signs of age on her face.
Her longevity ranked among the top ten of the current Yao Clan.
Exactly which position she held, no human cultivator could figure out clearly.
But when she smiled, her old eyes full of wrinkles looked mischievous.
Amused, she looked at the Qing Shui Sect’s Elder Chen, then at her own child, Baiyu, who was hesitating whether to stand behind his great-grandmother or join the Qing Shui Sect.
“Alright, I’ll fill it out.”
[…]
[One sigh.]
[Excuse me, is there still any suspense?]
The disciples of the Eleven Sects were all waiting nervously for the results in the hall.
Yes, only eleven sects were nervous.
Lin Shuang and a few others had already collapsed onto homemade soft and fluffy sofas.
Like a big pancake, completely relaxed.
Li Hua, the senior apprentice sister of the Bai Hua Sect who was in the competition team, walked from the main hall to the corner.
She hadn’t forgotten her role as commentator. She looked at Lin Shuang, who was leisurely drinking tea on the sofa, and whispered to the projection screen.
“Fellow observing disciples, the rankings are about to be revealed.”
“For the final Nascent Spirit showdown, as in the past, the Bai Hua Sect has opened a voting channel on the projection.”
“You can cast your vote for the top three you believe in. If your final ranking matches your guess, you will receive this year’s Bai Hua Sect’s prediction big gift package for free.”
[…]
[Do you look interested to me?]
“It was pretty interesting in previous years, but this year… the winning rate is definitely very low. Who can’t guess the result?”
“First place, Qing Shui Sect; second place, Bai Hua Sect; third place, Qi Dan Sect.”
“Unbelievable, hahaha, damn it, is there anyone who doesn’t know this ranking!”
“Not participating. Everyone can guess the result, the winning rate is too low!”
Li Hua looked at the projected text and nodded, “This year’s Bai Hua Sect prediction big gift package is ‘Becoming Immortal, Starting from Qi Cultivation’ set, worth ten million.”
[!]
[!!]
[…]
“Do you want to get it? This cultivation game that transformed the appearance of countless young members of the Yao clan.”
“This cultivation game that captured the demonic cultivator prince and made him open up his heart…”
“This simulation game, which countless Transcendent-level Yao Clan members and Xu Jing high-level cultivators are addicted to, features a hundred different profession paths and a thousand unique endings, spanning across four realms and diverse races…”
“From sects, to court, to wandering knights, countless paths to immortality!”
Li Hua’s eyes sparkled, “This game, advised by Lin Shuang, the junior apprentice sister of the Qing Shui Sect, written by the Bai Hua Sect, created by the Qi Dan Sect, and maintained by the Shan Hai Sect… a game jointly launched by multiple sects.”
“It’s worth owning, for just ten million spirit stones.”
[…!]
“Among the disciples who successfully predicted, we will draw five lucky winners to receive Lin Shuang’s signed edition for free.”
“The signed edition of the next-generation Demon King candidate—Rare Nine-Tailed Fox, Huangfu Yuan.”
“There are also the spiritual consciousness signatures of the elders from each sect on the game box.”
[! Don’t say anymore, don’t say anymore! I’ll participate, okay!]
[Damn it, Li Hua! Stop talking, let me participate alone, don’t tell them!”
[Where is the prediction channel? What, not open yet, hurry up!]
[Let me bathe and burn incense first, wash my hands before drawing the lots!]
Li Hua smiled and gave the camera to Lin Shuang, who had already started reading a storybook on the sofa.
“Now, let me analyze and help you vote.”
After accepting the mission, Lin Shuang, the junior apprentice sister of the Qing Shui Sect, assisted the next-generation Demon King, the Nine-Tailed Fox, in infiltrating Hu City. She then arranged for the disciples of the Ming Zhong Sect to open a portal, allowing the Sea Clan to reach Hu City. Additionally, she authored the storybooks and designed the games that destabilized the internal structure of the Hu Clan.
In the final battle, she, along with Meng Zi and Huangfu Yuan, obtained the Hu King’s Yao Core.
“And the young master, personally accompanied by Elder Baifeng, along with all the other disciples from the Qing Shui Sect, were participating in the competition!”
[Don’t say anymore, I’ll vote for Qing Shui Sect already!]
“The issue is the second place, must be Bai Hua Sect, right? They wrote the storybooks and games.”
“The Qi Dan Sect contributed a lot to the game. You know how many demon clan youths are addicted to this game…”
The projection already showed Elder Baifeng and the Snake Bear Clan elder seriously considering and filling out the sect rankings.
Finally, the missing little demon hidden in the palace was found by the senior apprentice brother of the Wan Sen Sect and the Dog Clan together.
With the big prize at stake, the observing disciples became hesitant again when it came to voting and predicting.
Soon, elders and leaders from various clans, including Baifeng, finished filling in their evaluations.
Large and small water screens emerged in the air, forming golden characters composed of yaoqi (demon aura).
—Qing Shui Sect first: Deservedly so!
—Lin Shuang first: She meticulously planned everything before, during, and after the mission!
—Qing Shui first: Without Qing Shui, we wouldn’t have our current young master.
—Yannie Pavilion second: Thanks for issuing the ten million spirit stones mission!
—All sect elders second: Thank you for uniting your efforts to help the myriad demon clans escape suffering!
—Qi Dan Sect second: The game is fantastic; my little one has become smarter. When will the new version of ‘Starting from Qi Cultivation’ be released, and will there be any new professions?
—Bai Hua Sect second: It’s pretty good. The storybook bookmarks made me realize that being close to the tiger king was like being close to a tiger, so we should have eliminated him!
—Ming Zhong Sect second: The hundred-person teleportation array was very useful in bringing the fox clan to assist at a critical moment.
[!]
Apart from the leading Qing Shui Sect, every expert of the Yao Clan held a second favorite in their hearts.
It was hard to determine who was better.
In the end, Bai Hua Sect and Qi Dan Sect narrowly became second.
Ming Zhong Sect and Wan Sen Sect tied for third.
Other sects tied for fourth.
“Unfortunately, none of you guessed correctly,” Li Hua solemnly said in front of the projection.
[…]
[…Your ancestor!]
[I hate you, Bai Hua Sect!]
[Lin Shuang, Huangfu Yuan, and Meng Zi became the top of the 8492nd layer.]
[Please return to your sects to claim your rewards.]
Because of the great distance, no beast heads appeared on their robes.
Lin Shuang looked down, waited for a while, didn’t see any effects, and gave up.
This time we destroyed the Tianji Order’s base in the Yao Realm and also eliminated part of the Tianji Order within the Hu Clan.
If we trace back to the origins, the tragedy of the previous Nine-Tailed Fox and even the entire Yao Clan was caused by the Qing Shui Sect.
The founder of the Tianji Order, the Tianji Elder, was the first elder of the Qing Shui Sect. After faking his death and turning to evil, he caused chaos in the four realms.
After the Qing Shui Sect and the Shan Hai Sect split, they had never had enough strength to resist.
Today, at long last, a pure land was restored to the Yao Clan.
“There is still no trace of the divided body of Sheng Ku.”
Lin Shuang pondered.
The teleportation array under the Hu Clan palace probably led to the hiding place of the Tianji Elder.
But unfortunately, after the Wan Sen Sect and the Fox Demon tracked it down, they found the teleportation array had already been destroyed.
Most likely, it was done by the Hu King’s personal guards before their deaths when they realized the situation was hopeless.
They attempted to locate Elder Tianji through the Yao Clan’s lineage, but once again met with failure.
Old but not dead, truly cunning.
Lin Shuang sighed.
Elder Chen Wushui and Elder Shui Qiantan, carrying the ancestral rain dew of the Qing Shui Sect’s Chen family, walked around and conducted ‘security checks’ on all the involved members of the Yao Clan.
No abnormalities were found.
“Your guess is probably correct,” Huangfu Yuan said, flipping through a book. “Sheng Ku is either with his original body or was never separated at all.”
Meng Zi scratched his head.
After defeating the Hu King, the undigested spiritual energy in his body was largely processed.
After sitting for half a day, he reached the eighth layer of Nascent Spirit cultivation.
“These members of the Yao Clan, when killed, the evil thoughts within the Tianji Order also perished. I wonder if that old man has suffered any backlash now.”
A large number of divided bodies, Tianji Orders, and tributes have been destroyed.
The original body’s cultivation must have declined.
Lin Shuang’s expression was strange, “If he was at the Ascension Stage before, now he’s at most at the early Transcendent Stage?”
*
Underground in a desolate mountain.
The man in black looked at the old man with open eyes in the jade coffin and took a step back.
The coffin guardian also had a face full of fear.
“Lord… Lord… you’re only at the Xu Jing now?”
The old man who woke up as planned inside the jade coffin: “!?”
According to the plan, he should be at the peak of Ascension when he woke up now!
How come he’s only at the peak of Xu Jing?!
*
“Miss Lin, Young Master Meng, would you like to accompany us to the Dog Clan in the Southern Region as guests?”
“No, come to my Fox Clan! That is the origin of the Nine-Tailed Fox!”
“The Wolf Clan welcomes you.”
The next morning, when Lin Shuang and Meng Zi woke up and pushed open their room doors, they could hardly step outside.
The door was crowded with dogs, wolves, and foxes.
The handsome fox clan uncle in front of them was exceptionally charming, “In principle, for a human cultivator to become our clan’s friend, they should undergo a test. But now, it’s us who should accept your evaluation. Miss Lin, our Fox Clan has always been wiser than the Dog Clan. We can resonate with you. Come to our place for a short stay…”
“Pah—! Miss Lin, the Fox Clan’s fur is stiff and not soft to touch.”
“Don’t argue. Young Master Meng, come with us Wolf Clan; we’ve got money!”
“Get lost.”
The three clans bickered incessantly, almost coming to blows.
Huangfu Yuan, expressionless, closed his door.
He didn’t want to see.
He really didn’t want to see.
Finally, Lin Shuang said she had two trips a year for spring and autumn outings, plus weekend trips, which calmed them all down.
Meng Zi even wanted to bring the Yannie Pavilion’s spirit stone glow to every place.
“We’ll always welcome you as our guests,” the leaders of the several clans finally reached a consensus and left happily.
“Oh, did we seem to forget something?”
“It’s okay; the young master won’t be angry.”
Lin Shuang: “…”
She couldn’t help but pet the various little dogs, foxes, and wolves running around her.
After indulging herself, she reluctantly left.
With Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zi, she set off on the return journey.
They arrived in haste and with little fanfare, but upon their departure, many members of the Yao clan came to bid them farewell.
The elder of the Bear Clan, the two kings of the Snake Domain, and even Hu Zhen, who was about to set off to find other members of the evil Yao Clan, all arrived.
They were not only seeing off the Twelve Sects from the Eastern Region but also their own children.
Yuan Ya, She Gan, Zong Xing, and other young members of the Yao clan all wanted to see the “sect in the game.”
They wanted to see if the real sects were as fun, fresh, and full of challenges as in the game.
“Second aunt, don’t see me off anymore. I’m almost at the Nascent Spirit Stage.”
“Dad, that’s enough. I’m familiar with the Qing Shui Sect.”
The various elders of the Yao Clan couldn’t help but twitch their mouths.
How familiar?
Familiar in the way of having ‘died’ dozens of times in the game?
But looking at their children’s confident faces, and then at Huangfu Yuan standing in the Qing Shui Sect, they didn’t know what to say.
After all, with the next-generation Demon King watching over them, nothing serious could happen.
Under the gaze of all, both humans and the Yao Clan stepped into the teleportation array together.
(Note: “妖族” is translated as “Yao Clan” to maintain cultural specificity, and “teleportation array” is kept as a fantasy term consistent with the original context.)
Yuan Ya, She Gan, Zong Xing, who ranked in the top three in the game, clenched their fists.
This time, they would become true ‘elite disciples of the sect’ and return to establish the Yao Clan!
“Let’s go!”
“Charge—”
[Why am I suddenly so excited?]
The new generation of young Yao Clan apprentices, you guys rock!
Half a day later, the disciples from the Twelve Sects’ competition gradually returned to the West Gate of the Qing Shui Sect.
The shadowy Zhen Chuan Jiutan was half-exposed within the clouds.
It was almost the moment of arrival.
On the robes of Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, and Meng Zi, the beast-head reward from the Zhen Chuan level master appeared.
[Congratulations, Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, and Meng Zi, for completing the trial with the fewest disciple casualties and at the fastest speed in history.]
[!]
[This time, there were really minimal casualties…]
[The demonic clans fighting among themselves, not bad, huh…]
[You not only completed the tasks of this level, but also received the highest appraisal from the demonic clans, and brought 84 young, passionate demonic youths to study in the Twelve Sects, promoting human-demon cooperation.]
[It turns out, true allies are not only bound by contracts, but can also be based on mutual interest, understanding, and appreciation.]
[Drawn together by interest, appreciating each other through understanding, and becoming harmonious through cooperation—you have brought back far more than just a hundred-year contract.]
[The Elders’ Council of the Twelve Sects has resolved that, starting today, there will also be exchange and study opportunities for sect disciples to travel to the demonic regions.]
[Exchange Quotas: Available within the Jiutan Trial, exchangeable at the 4,000th, 6,000th, and 8,000th layers.]
[!]
[This time, it seems the boundary between humans and demons has truly been bridged…]
Lin Shuang looked up at the water-screen text hanging in the air and noticed the gaze Huangpu Yuan cast toward her.
Without any pretense, they exchanged smiles.
“Don’t thank me with words; you know how you should show your gratitude, right?”
“Weren’t those cubs enough?”
Apparently not quite enough.
Lin Shuang tilted her head, thinking seriously.
Meng Zi, shouldering his blade, walked between them. “Hey, anyone home?”
[Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, and Meng Zi, through cooperation with the other eleven sects and the demonic clans, eventually passed the trial with excellent results. Along the way, they also improved their own cultivation.]
Lin Shuang absorbed the heavenly and earthly spiritual energy from the Tiger King’s demonic core, advancing to the sixth stage of Soul Refinement.
Meng Zi, having digested most of the spiritual energy gifted by Elder Yueshi, reached the eighth stage of Soul Refinement.
Huangpu Yuan, having undergone physical and mental transformation among the demonic clans and accessing the demonic core left by his mother, advanced to the ninth stage of Soul Refinement.
Thus, their 8,400-layer trial had now come to a successful conclusion.
Three beast heads forged by Zhen Chuan descended upon their robes, under the watchful eyes of all disciples from the Twelve Sects.
This time, these beast heads were different from previous ones.
They seemed to combine the characteristics of all twelve sects: blossoms, Buddhist seals, landscapes, fire and wood, alchemy and artifacts, sound formations…
Lin Shuang took a deep breath.
[The first place in this session’s internal competition of the Twelve Sects: Qing Shui Sect!]
[Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, and Meng Zi have simultaneously become the masters of the 8,492nd layer.]
[!]
[…]
“You’re truly my senior apprentice sister.”
Zhao Keran was filled with excitement. “This is what it means to learn quickly!”
The elders of the Twelve Sects rose into the air, their faces wearing smiles or solemn expressions.
“The internal competition of the Twelve Sects for this session has now concluded.”
“But our battle against the evil cultivators has yet to end. We hope all disciples will continue forward, not stopping at this moment or in the past!”
[The Twelve Sects have issued a joint mission!]
[!]
[???]
[What?]
[Joint Mission: If you’re a true cultivator, reach the 9,999th layer!]
[Go to the highest point of Jiutan, and uncover the secret left by the elders of the past!]
[The fastest to complete the trial will become an honorary disciple for life of the Twelve Sects. Your name will be eternally inscribed on the lintel of the Jiutan Trial Hall, before all future generations.]
[Leave your name before those who follow.]
[!!]
Lin Shuang smiled, glancing knowingly at Meng Zi and Huangpu Yuan.
“Shall we go?”
“Of course,” Meng Zi clenched his fist. “We must be the fastest. After we finish, I still need to play games for the little demons!”
[…]
[The 8,492nd layer—each time adding 500 layers. They still have four more trials before reaching the 9,999th layer?]
[Unbelievable. This round was already about defeating a Demon King. What greater difficulty lies beyond?]
But before the projections could finish their discussions, they saw Lin Shuang and Huangpu Yuan glancing at their spirit pouches.
They retrieved a seemingly plain, withered leaf.
The Zhen Chuan Passage Leaf.
In the past, they had thought it was not yet the right time, limited by their cultivation levels.
But later, even when their cultivation was sufficient, they had never activated it.
Because back then, they had not yet found the answer. Now, however, it seemed the time had come.
Meeting Elder Chen Wu Shui’s complex gaze, Lin Shuang activated the Passage Leaf in her hand.
—Jiutan Trial Layer: To Die or Not to Die!
‘With but a single thought tomorrow, how many lives can you save?’
‘I await your answer beyond the 9,000th layer…’
In an instant, Lin Shuang’s figure blurred into a water-like trail.
Huangpu Yuan followed closely behind, vanishing from sight.
Meng Zi still held his clenched fist. “Aiya, wait for me!”
He fumbled through his spirit pouch in a rush.
“You didn’t tell me it wasn’t just adding 500 layers at a time, huh?!”
He hurriedly activated the leaf in his hand, and in an instant, his form blurred.
At the same moment of blurring, he held two long swords and struck fiercely into the void!
Inflate!
This time, they started inflating even before reaching the Jiutan!
Elders like Chen Wu Shui and Shui Qian Tan all wore complex expressions.
Lin Shuang and the others had become increasingly adept at completing trials.
[Before it even begins, I’m already ready to finish it.]
[So excited I could fly, don’t close the projection! I can spare a few spirit stones for Baihua Sect! Let me see the 9,000th layer!]
Amidst the cries of the crowd, water-screen texts appeared before Lin Shuang and the others.
It was as if the trial itself had heard her wish to graduate quickly, becoming unusually considerate.
[Layer 9904: To Die or Not to Die.]
“What? Did we jump straight to the 9,900th layer?”
Meng Zi was stunned.
[! This Passage Leaf…]
Lin Shuang raised her brow, glancing involuntarily toward the projection in the void. “Perhaps it’s Elder Chen of the first generation, wanting to give us a hand, directly bringing us to the 9,900th layer.”
Huangpu Yuan nodded.
Elder Chen, the founding elder of Qing Shui Sect, the only remaining legend of the first generation, had never appeared before the disciples.
His condition was likely even worse than what they had seen with Elder Wang of Shan Hai Sect.
Merely moving could accelerate the depletion of his lifespan.
But he had been waiting, waiting for his disciples to find the traitor of the old days—Tian Ji, the founding disciple who betrayed Qing Shui Sect.
For this, he had been prolonging his life at the cost of deep slumber, slowing the drain of his remaining years.
He waited for his disciples to reach the highest level of Zhen Chuan, to find the heart-blood left behind by Tian Ji, the ringleader of the Tian Ji catastrophe, locate his whereabouts, and then, with his final lifespan and near-transcendent body, eliminate the traitor Tian Ji.
Just like Shan Hai Sect’s Elder Yueshi, as the layer architect, could change the positions of the trial stone layers in times of crisis.
Elder Chen, as the founding elder, certainly had the power to alter the layers of Jiutan Trial.
Their sudden arrival at the 9,900th layer meant Elder Chen had begun to grow impatient, which meant his remaining lifespan likely wouldn’t last much longer.
“Pick up the pace!”
Lin Shuang narrowed her eyes.
“Elder Chen can’t wait much longer. Finish this within sixty breaths!”
[…]
[???]
[Baihua Sect hasn’t even closed the projection yet. Can she really finish in sixty breaths?]
[Layer 9,900—sixty breaths?!]
Before the texts could even fully display, outside, Elder Chen Wu Shui hadn’t even managed to speak half a sentence, when the fox and two humans within the 9,900th layer sprang into action like thunder!
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