Chapter Sixty-Six: Sudden Upheaval

“Ninefold Mystic Art, Second Cycle.”

He had to activate the second cycle—the burning over his heart had already surpassed what Yuan Wuji could endure. If he hesitated, he would surely fall to the Dragon Soul.

The second cycle of the Ninefold Mystic Art was still beyond Yuan Wuji’s complete grasp at his current level. It should have only involved the Myriad Demon Gold Core and the Heavenly Gang Gold Core, but because he could not fully control it, even the Geng Metal Gold Core in his dantian began to spin.

Three great gold cores spun in unison, aligning with the principle of the Dao: the Dao begets One, One begets Two, Two begets Three, and Three begets all things.

With the combined movement of the three gold cores, the Dragon Soul was thoroughly refined in just a short while.

He had expected that the two gold cores would suffice to refine the Dragon Soul, but unexpectedly, the Geng Metal Gold Core also intervened. The Samadhi True Fire on the Dragon Soul was absorbed by the Geng Metal Gold Core, which would now occasionally emit a wisp of Samadhi True Fire.

More surprisingly, the entire Dragon Soul was absorbed by the Myriad Demon Gold Core, while the Heavenly Gang Gold Core showed no desire to compete.

Having refined the Dragon Soul, the persistent confusion that had plagued Yuan Wuji was finally resolved.

Once, Yuan Wuji had slain hundreds of thousands of living beings on Mount Wuzhang, absorbing their essence blood. According to the cultivation method of the Myriad Demon Gold Core, it should have long since reached the Hundred Demon Realm. Yet, for some reason, it had been stuck just short of that threshold, unable to break through.

Now, after refining the entire Dragon Soul, entry into the Hundred Demon Realm came as naturally as water flowing downhill.

In the past, although he had absorbed the essence of a hundred thousand beings—including numerous spirit beasts—Yuan Wuji had underestimated the threshold for the Hundred Demon Realm. To truly break through, a primary soul was required, one worthy to lead the hundred demons. The Dragon Soul from the Nine Dragons Fire Shield was an ancient soul, more than qualified to serve as the chief among a hundred demons.

With the Myriad Demon Gold Core now cultivated to the Hundred Demon Realm, the oppressive aura of his demon form surpassed what it had ever been, faintly exuding a regal majesty unique to a demon emperor.

As he broke through, the momentum of the Myriad Demon Gold Core continued to rise. The essence blood of a hundred thousand souls encompassed far more than just a hundred types.

“At last, it’s settled.”

Though still some distance from the Thousand Demon Realm, reaching the Hundred Demon level had granted his demon body a tremendous boost—its strength doubled. This doubling of physical power was a huge leap; Yuan Wuji felt as if he could shatter a mountain with a single punch.

Yet the greatest gain was not simply the refinement of the Dragon Soul, but elevating the Myriad Demon Gold Core to the Hundred Demon Realm.

Having reached this stage, many days had already passed. He wondered if Sun Wukong had returned to Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Stepping out of the Fire Cloud Cave, Yuan Wuji could still sense the eight puppets who had been standing guard around its entrance.

Indeed, one can only truly rely on one’s own.

“Your Majesty!” Duoli called from atop a low hill.

After disposing of the bodies at Mount Shu, Duoli had returned to find the eight puppets still guarding the Fire Cloud Cave. Realizing this must be Yuan Wuji’s arrangement, he led the demon soldiers—driven out by the puppets—to temporarily settle on the hill.

The moment Yuan Wuji emerged from seclusion, his formidable demon aura spread out, and Duoli hurried over. He had no desire to linger in his place of confinement, and as for escaping from Yuan Wuji, Duoli knew he dared not attempt it now.

“You eight should go clean yourselves up,” Yuan Wuji said. The puppets had stood guard for years, never leaving, and were now filthy beyond description.

“Your Majesty,” Duoli responded with utmost respect, flying to Yuan Wuji’s side.

“Hu Xiao appears to have died.”

On his way back from Mount Shu, Duoli had discovered Hu Xiao’s dismembered corpse. Clearly, he had been dead for days; faint traces of magical power still lingered on the remains.

“Don’t let it trouble you. Let the dead rest.”

Yuan Wuji knew exactly how Hu Xiao had met his end. When the puppets had returned to the Fire Cloud Cave, he’d immediately recognized the scent of blood on them—it was no different from Hu Xiao’s. There was no need to probe the puppets’ souls; he already knew what had happened.

Punish the eight puppets over Hu Xiao? Not a chance.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Duoli answered respectfully.

“Reorganize the demon soldiers of the Fire Cloud Cave,” Yuan Wuji commanded, then departed. As for the eight puppets, he considered this a holiday for them, granting them some freedom.

If he guessed correctly, Sun Wukong should have just returned from his studies and would presently be at Flower-Fruit Mountain. The urgent task was to raise King Yurong’s cultivation; if the Seven Sages of Flower-Fruit Mountain were all present, Yurong King would not be at such a disadvantage.

Upon emerging from seclusion, Yuan Wuji’s mastery of the Fire Element had reached forty percent; further progress was becoming increasingly difficult, and he was unsure whether the eight remaining Dragon Souls would suffice. As for the Metal Element, after the Geng Metal Gold Core absorbed the Samadhi True Fire, it became even purer, raising his Metal cultivation to eighty percent. Occasionally, a wisp of Samadhi True Fire would still emerge within his dantian to temper the Geng Metal Gold Core.

As Yuan Wuji stepped onto Mount Wuzhang, he immediately sensed a powerful cultivation aura, accompanied by several unfamiliar presences.

A cold smirk curled Yuan Wuji’s lips as he realized what this meant.

When Yuan Wuji appeared outside Wuzhang Cave, some of the guards eyed him with open hostility.

“Your Majesty, you’ve returned!”

From among the ranks of soldiers, a demon covered in wounds stepped forward. Had he not spoken, Yuan Wuji might not have recognized Dog Vanguard.

“Who is in charge of the cave now?” Yuan Wuji asked coolly, his face impassive.

“It’s—”

“Of course, it’s Your Majesty. The others are merely gatekeepers in your absence,” Dog Vanguard was cut off by Eagle Vanguard, who was in far better shape, without a scratch on him.

“You do know how to speak,” Yuan Wuji remarked.

In truth, he simply wanted to understand Tiger Baisheng’s current situation. It seemed Eagle Vanguard, under Tiger Baisheng’s management, had become wary and even his words were now laced with flattery. As for King Yurong’s safety, Yuan Wuji had no worries; with Black Moon’s protection, Tiger Baisheng could do him no harm.

Without bothering with the two demons further, Yuan Wuji released his own aura. Tiger Baisheng would surely sense it and be the first to appear.

Yet from Wuzhang Cave, not just Tiger Baisheng’s aura emerged; three others swiftly followed.

One was King Yurong, one was Black Moon, and the last—Bull Demon King.

“Even Bull Demon King has come? This is getting interesting.”

Tiger Baisheng had changed dramatically; his cultivation had likely reached the rank of Loose Immortal of Taiyi, and he had even donned a set of gleaming “gear” to appear more dignified. Unfortunately, it was all mundane human trinkets, good for nothing but show.

“Your Majesty, you’ve returned!” Tiger Baisheng’s face darkened upon sensing Yuan Wuji’s aura. Upon leaving seclusion, he had intended to seize Wuzhang Cave for himself, but had not anticipated Black Moon’s sudden appearance and warning against such a move.

Tiger Baisheng, flush with newfound strength, had planned to take vengeance on Black Moon. Yet when confronted, he found himself no match after only a few exchanges.

He had no choice but to put his plans for Wuzhang Cave on hold, heeding Black Moon’s warning.