“Limniang, that girl who married outside the clan? When did she arrive here? Never mind, tell me in detail later.” A glint flashed in the eyes of the golden-faced middle-aged man as he issued the command in an unquestionable tone.
The head of the Long Family felt a chill and hurriedly responded with deference.
Though he was the patriarch of the Long Family and the biological son of this venerable ancestor, ever since the Long Family’s ancestor cultivated that immensely powerful Heartless Dao technique, such familial bonds had become utterly insignificant.
Interacting with the Long Family’s ancestor, even as the family head, he remained cautious and never dared the slightest negligence.
“Is this the semi-dragon transformation of the True Dragon’s blood? To contend with a demonic cultivator in physical combat without the slightest disadvantage—truly an eye-opener for this humble one.” The Sage Maiden of the Spirit Vessel Clan, Qianqiu, flew over leisurely, smiling before even speaking.
“This old man is a late-stage Body Unity cultivator, yet I couldn’t even subdue an early-stage demonic cultivator. What is there to celebrate? Are you mocking me, Sage Maiden?” The Long Family’s ancestor showed no joy at her words, instead replying woodenly.
“Giggle, Fellow Daoist Long, why feign ignorance? Demonic cultivators are renowned for their formidable physiques, and ape-types are among the strongest. You didn’t use any treasures yet matched a Body Unity-level ape demon in raw strength—what that implies hardly needs explanation. Had you employed other techniques, that demonic ape wouldn’t have lasted long.” Qianqiu paid no heed to the Long ancestor’s expression, replying with a light laugh.
“Heh, ‘wouldn’t have lasted long’? If that’s what you think, Sage Maiden, you’re gravely mistaken.” The Long ancestor’s face twisted into a strange, cold smile.
“Oh? Has Fellow Daoist discovered something?” The yellow-robed maiden blinked, feigning slight surprise.
“All of you, withdraw. I wish to speak with Fellow Daoist Qianqiu alone.” Without answering, the Long ancestor flicked his sleeve, dismissing all nearby Long Family cultivators.
Simultaneously, the dragon horns on his head and the golden scales on his face faded, his golden eyes reverting to ordinary black.
Including the Long Family head, the cultivators obeyed respectfully, flying back toward the castle.
In moments, only the middle-aged man and the yellow-robed maiden remained in the sky.
“Such caution, Fellow Daoist. Could that demonic ape have some extraordinary background?” Qianqiu didn’t stop the others from leaving, asking nonchalantly.
“I suspect it’s from the Sacred Island!” The Long ancestor’s words stunned Qianqiu, her expression shifting to shock.
“Sacred Island? That holy land shared by your human and demon races?” she murmured.
“Indeed. Otherwise, it’s hard to explain how such a Body Unity-level demonic ape suddenly appeared among the demons. Every thousand years, the Sacred Island selects prodigies from both races to bolster its ranks. After so many millennia, who knows how many unknown Body Unity experts reside there? I estimate at least twenty or thirty. Unless it concerns the survival of our races, those on the Sacred Island are forbidden to leave. It’s precisely because of this island that humans and demons can unite against external threats.” Though his face remained impassive, a trace of gravity flickered in his eyes.
“Interesting. Your Sacred Island sounds much like our Spirit Race’s Holy Temple. Even I don’t know how many Sage-level beings reside there.” The yellow-robed maiden sighed.
“There’s another reason I suspect this ape is from the Sacred Island. The guardians of the island include the exceedingly rare Golden Ape clan. This giant ape resembles them and is no ordinary early-stage Body Unity demon. Even without my full power, it clearly held back. Even going all out, I doubt I could’ve captured it. Naturally, I won’t provoke the Sacred Island.” After a pause, the Long ancestor revealed his true apprehension.
“That demonic ape is truly so fearsome? Without facing it myself, I can’t say. But those silver flames it used to escape—capable of melting space—felt threatening.” The maiden’s smile faded as she spoke slowly.
“The Golden Apes’ innate ability includes the Nine Infants True Flames. Few can awaken and master it, so its true nature remains a mystery.” The Long ancestor’s eyes gleamed.
“So, you’re certain this golden ape is a Golden Ape?” Qianqiu frowned.
“Not certain, but ninety percent sure.” The Long ancestor’s confidence was absolute.
“Well, if it’s from the Sacred Island, we’ll have to swallow this loss.” After studying the Long ancestor, the maiden suddenly giggled.
“Hmph. It’s not fear of the Golden Apes but respect for the Sacred Island. And that ape’s parting words suggest there’s more to this. I’ll investigate further.” The Long ancestor’s eyes flashed coldly.
“Since Fellow Daoist has decided, I’ll say no more. But regarding our earlier discussion—after a full day, we still haven’t agreed. Must we drag this on? I didn’t come here just for the Long Family; I have other matters to attend to.” The maiden’s expression turned frosty.
“Our terms are simple: ten mindless waste spirits per war pill, and you’ll receive one-third of the Sky-Supporting Battleships we forge. Isn’t that generous? Your clan doesn’t even consider waste spirits as kin. This trade is immensely profitable.” The Long ancestor replied impassively.
“Ten is impossible. Though we don’t regard them as kin, handing waste spirits to outsiders violates our race’s laws. Five per ship at most. And for only one-third of the ships, the risk outweighs the gain. Frankly, had I known the Long Family would be so stingy, I’d have preferred the Sky-Supporting Ship blueprints falling to the Three Emperors or demon kings. They’d surely be more generous.” The maiden tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone indifferent.
“No need for such tactics, Qianqiu. You know my Heartless Dao renders me immune to emotional manipulation. But since you insist, I’ll concede: eight waste spirits per ship, and forty percent of the total fleet.” After a long stare, the Long ancestor spoke gravely.
“Forty percent, eight spirits? No. At most, seven per ship.” The maiden remained cautious.
“Seven it is. Now, let’s discuss other collaborations before the Devil Calamity.” After a brief pause, the Long ancestor agreed.
“Naturally. Once the initial exchange proceeds smoothly, our clan is eager for further cooperation.” Delighted, the maiden’s smile bloomed like a flower.
“Then, Sage Maiden, follow me. This is no place for lengthy talks. Let’s continue in the tower.” The Long ancestor gestured courteously.
By now, the golden ape seemed entirely forgotten.
After all, a mere early-stage Body Unity demon’s disruption paled beside the Long Family’s alliance with the Spirit Vessel Clan—a matter of survival during the Devil Calamity.
Meanwhile, the golden ape had already landed on a remote, uninhabited mountain peak miles away.
When it tore through the Welcome Immortal Palace’s barriers with silver flames, it naturally alarmed the guards. But with its bizarre speed, it vanished instantly, leaving the Nascent Soul and even Void Refinement guards helpless.
Seeing pursuit futile, they soon gave up.
After inquiring with the Long Family on the ninth level and learning the escapee was a Body Unity demon, they were shocked. Repairing the damaged barriers, they feigned ignorance.
Yet word of a Body Unity golden ape causing havoc at the Long residence spread like wildfire among other senior cultivators.
Many, astonished, dispatched agents to investigate.
But the previously unheard-of golden ape had vanished without a trace.
Frustrated, some even speculated about the Sacred Island.
Unaware of this, the ape scanned its surroundings before its golden light shimmered, transforming into an unremarkable young man.
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