Chapter 75: Chapter 75: The Nearly Infuriated Tongtian Hierarch [Seeking Recommendations]_1
Sha Chen knew that killing four great demons would definitely attract attention. However, it was a critical moment with rich rewards, so he had no choice. He had actually considered the consequences. Doing so wasn’t entirely disadvantageous. Gradually, as others learned of his strength, the weak wouldn’t dare to trouble him, while the strong would understand that his power was growing progressively, not achieved overnight. That way, he wouldn’t be perceived as some anomaly to be exterminated.
Now, after devouring the inner cores of the four dragon demons, Sha Chen’s aura underwent a dramatic change. Originally, his cultivation would have required consuming a God Source Stone and a century of arduous cultivation to achieve a breakthrough. Now, he had finally done it. He had broken through to the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal mid-stage realm.
"Host’s cultivation has broken through to Greater Primordial Golden Immortal mid-stage. You have the following choices:"
"Option One: Emerge from seclusion to dominate a territory, carve out your own world, and receive the reward: [Demon-slaying Sword]. (Demon-slaying Sword: A magical tool of Yun Zhong Zi, capable of slaying demons and highly effective against beings infused with demonic qi.)"
"Option Two: Continue seclusion to strive for greater breakthroughs and receive the reward: [Wind and Thunder God’s Apricot]. (Wind and Thunder God’s Apricot: An apricot from a spiritual root of heaven and earth, containing the power of wind and thunder. Consuming it grants wind and thunder wings, increasing speed. Currently possessed by Lei Zhenzi.)"
Sha Chen hesitated. Although the Demon-slaying Sword was tremendously useful, he had previously given up the Beat God Whip, so this was even less of a consideration.
The system is always trying to trip me up!
Sha Chen chose to continue his seclusion and received the Wind and Thunder God’s Apricot, which looked like an ordinary apricot and landed in his hand.
He glanced at it and then swallowed it without hesitation.
Instantly, a pair of wings large enough to cover the sky sprouted from his back, one side white with the essence of wind, the other purple with the essence of thunder.
With the power of wind and thunder in his wings, Sha Chen shrank his body and zipped around within his cave abode. He tested the speed of his wings and found that as his cultivation level increased, so did his speed. With these wings, he was ten times faster than his wingless self.
Sha Chen was filled with joy as he soared within the cavern, roaring with delight.
At Zi Zhi Cliff, the Tongtian Hierarch, who was imparting lessons to his disciples to build closer relationships, noticed this. A smile touched his lips. "What good fortune, to obtain the Wind and Thunder God’s Apricot. After a tenfold increase in speed, surely he’ll crave a broader world. I don’t believe he won’t come out."
He had heard it clearly. Sha Chen was soaring so excitedly within his cave abode; he must be even more eager for the outside world, to roam the vast universe—how splendid would that be!
But then, Sha Chen quickly retracted his wings and resumed his meditative posture.
Even if I’m this fast, there must be others faster out there. The bird that ventures out first is the one that gets eaten by the hawk. Better to continue my seclusion.
The Tongtian Hierarch in Biyou Palace almost fell off his throne. This wretch! So timid, utterly useless!
The listening disciples shivered, unsure who the Sect Hierarch was referring to, each bowing their heads low.
Sha Chen continued his secluded cultivation and then began refining the Nine-dragon Divine Fire Cover he had obtained earlier. After performing the blood-drop ownership ritual and infusing it with his spiritual consciousness, the entire Nine-dragon Divine Fire Cover belonged to him.
Upon closer inspection, Sha Chen found that the Nine-dragon Divine Fire Cover seemed more powerful than any other magical tool he had obtained, except for the Apricot Yellow Flag of Wuji.
The cave abode is naturally damp. This is perfect for drying it out. Plus, cooking will be much less troublesome next time.
Sha Chen hurriedly placed the Nine-dragon Divine Fire Cover in the kitchen. He tried cooking a meal with it, and it was indeed exceptionally fragrant and delicious.
Only then did he contentedly resume his secluded cultivation.
His cultivation had just broken through to the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal mid-stage, merely keeping pace with his physical body’s realm. It was nothing to be proud of. He had only managed to defeat the dragon demons because his physical body, strengthened by the Zulong Essence Blood, had already reached the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal mid-stage. His cultivation hadn’t kept up before. Now that it had, he felt even less satisfied.
He continued his arduous cultivation.
「Jinao Island.」
His clone, Chen Sha, had already reached the Initial Stage of Immortal Taiyi, a speed that could be considered astonishingly fast. It was purely because no one on Jinao Island was cultivating him. This, coupled with his rapid progress in the Eight-Nine Profound Art and the 72 Polymorphic Transformations, led people to mistakenly believe he was talented. Consequently, resources were lavished upon him. Even so, he managed to hide some resources, planning to bring them back for his main body.
「That day.」
A middle-aged man appeared before Chen Sha, the clone. He was Emperor Ziwei, the second adopted son of the Golden Spirit Holy Mother.
He said indifferently, "Chen Sha, everyone on Jinao Island has witnessed your arduous cultivation over the past decades. However, secluded hard work alone is not enough."
Chen Sha was taken aback and asked excitedly, "Your Majesty, do you intend to let this junior return?"
Emperor Ziwei’s cheek twitched. Why is this fellow always thinking about returning? Isn’t Jinao Island good enough?
Seeing this, Chen Sha understood that wasn’t the case and felt somewhat disappointed. Consequently, he showed little interest in going elsewhere; he preferred to stay and cultivate, preserving his strength for when it was truly needed. This trait was very much in line with his main body’s cautious nature.
Emperor Ziwei said, "Recently, a Demon King overseas has gained a prominent reputation. Mother wishes for him to become her disciple, but it’s not appropriate for her to approach him directly. Therefore, she wants you to go and make the proposition."
Chen Sha said, Who is so unlucky? Er, no, I mean, who is so fortunate?
Emperor Ziwei replied, "The Nine-headed Dragon of Luanshi Island."
Chen Sha’s heart stirred. It’s actually the Nine-headed Worm! Though called the Nine-headed Worm, that was a derogatory term; the creature was, in fact, a Nine-headed Dragon.
Emperor Ziwei asked, "The Nine-headed Dragon possesses some cultivation. Do you dare to bring him here?"
Chen Sha replied, "I dare not."
Emperor Ziwei said, "Such courage! Pack your things and head to Luanshi Island."
Chen Sha was dumbfounded. Didn’t I say ’I dare not’!?
He didn’t want to go, as it was highly likely to cost him his life. After all, asking such a long-established and powerful figure to become someone’s disciple could easily be seen as an insult, prompting them to kill him on the spot. However, he was powerless to resist and had no choice but to go.
Emperor Ziwei said, "The journey is long. To prevent you from getting lost or being bullied, you will ride our sect’s Xianhe. Several disciples will also secretly protect you."
Chen Sha’s cheek twitched. Protecting me? Or more like monitoring me to prevent my escape? Nevertheless, he went.
Emperor Ziwei watched him depart and soon returned to the inner palace. The Golden Spirit Holy Mother, seated with dignity in the Seven Fragrance Chariot, asked majestically, "Has he left?"
Emperor Ziwei bowed. "He has left. Mother, what are you hoping to test about him this time?"
The Golden Spirit Holy Mother said, "This child came to Jinao Island and has always wanted to leave. Since he couldn’t, he immersed himself in cultivation. He has some talent, yet he remains composed and not arrogant. He is a capable individual.
"The Master is currently in need of personnel; he is promising material. If he can return alive this time, take him to see the Master."
Emperor Ziwei gave a wry smile. "I fear that will be difficult. The Nine-headed Dragon is inherently suspicious. He has killed our disciples and plundered our goods; why would he agree to become a disciple?"
The Golden Spirit Holy Mother stated, "That is precisely why it is a test for him." Then, glancing at Emperor Ziwei, she asked indifferently, "The Xianhe accompanying him, is it Qin Jun?"
Emperor Ziwei replied, "Yes, it is."
Just then, a disheveled youth stumbled in, exclaiming, "Master, Your Highness! Sister Yunyao knocked me unconscious and ran off with the credential!"
Emperor Ziwei’s cheek twitched. "She’s at it again? Truly detestable! For Chen Sha to be riding on her—what a disgrace!"
The Golden Spirit Holy Mother said calmly, "As a Xianhe, isn’t it natural for her to be ridden? Hopefully, this will teach her a lesson."