Different Treatment for the Demon Suppressing Pillar

"Are you sure this is Sea Race Formation Base?"

Xiao Chen glanced around at the intricate patterns on the Array Foundation.

Unfortunately, I didn't understand it.

"Although I don't have much talent in array formations, I've learned a bit about the unique Formation Pattern of the Sea Race by following Gang Yuan Brother Gangyuan."

Rift Void True Monarch explained very seriously, "Although my understanding is not comprehensive, and I don't fully understand the specific principles."

"But I can be certain that the vast majority of these Array Foundation come from the Sea Race."

Previously in the Shallow Sky Sea, a complete Array Foundation was seized from the temporary Defensive Formation set up by Hai Hong.

Initially, all of them were kept in the custody of Gang Yuan True Monarch and subjected to reverse engineering.

Later, when dividing the spoils, he and Han Chuan True Monarch gave up many Fourth-Order Spiritual Item and took the vast majority of the Sea Race Formation Base.

On the contrary, the other sects only kept two or three people.

Firstly, they serve as souvenirs; secondly, they expand the variety of items in the warehouse; and thirdly, they are for unforeseen circumstances.

Therefore, Rift Void True Monarch was the person who had the most contact with the Sea Race Formation Base on site and knew the most about it.

Since he made such a confident guarantee, it must be true.

Reminded by him, Xiao Chen re-examined the patterns.

He immediately realized that it did indeed have many similarities to the Sea Race Formation Base he had seen in the Shallow Sky Sea before.

"Yes, judging from the timeline, the initial group of traitors who defected to the Sea Race and the occurrence of the Heaven and Earth Phenomenon here did indeed happen around the same time."

Xiao Chen said with a hint of regret, "It seems the culprit is the Sea Race."

"If that's the case, then it's probably not a good thing."

Although he had a vague feeling before that this place didn't seem like Ancient Ruins.

However, upon realizing that it truly had nothing to do with Ancient Ruins, a sense of regret still welled up within me.

"If it's Sea Race Formation Base, why are there strange demonic sounds coming from nearby?"

Thunderbolt True Monarch was somewhat puzzled. "Could it be that the Sea Race and the remnants of the demonic path colluded to create this unusual situation?"

He heard it clearly; it really sounded like someone was calling out the name of the ' Myriad World Heavenly Demon '.

"I also find it strange. How could a high-level demonic cultivator suddenly appear out of nowhere?"

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch was also very concerned about the strange whisper he had just heard, "Clearly, thanks to everyone's efforts over the years, the demonic path has been almost completely eradicated."

"Moreover, no demonic cultivators have been found on the front lines or among the captured Human Race Traitor."

"It doesn't seem quite plausible to say that they've already colluded in secret."

The "demonic cultivators" he refers to here, strictly speaking, are those cultivators who have completely fallen into the demonic path.

For example, the Mirror Reflection True Monarch whom Xiao Chen had encountered before, although he secretly practiced some of the Demonic Sect Secret Method as a trump card in battle.

However, this does not include situations where he has not openly or has not yet had time to completely change his Cultivation Method.

Because the other Nascent Soul True Lord had also come into contact with Devil Cultivation Method to varying degrees.

Some people only skim through it once and then put it aside, some choose to try to improve it for their own use, and some cannot resist the temptation to directly cultivate it so that they can prolong their lives.

Aside from the last case, it's actually difficult to define the first two as demonic cultivators.

"Hmph, I don't find that surprising at all."

Surging Wave True Monarch clearly had no good feelings towards demonic cultivators. "Whether they are Sea Race or demonic cultivators, none of them are good people."

"As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together; they probably just clicked because of their shared stench."

"As for why there's no frontal view, it's naturally because after years of exorcising demons, those treacherous insects have been terrified."

"Now we only dare to hide on a deserted island in the Outer Sea, barely surviving, and dare not venture into the territory of the Compassion Sea to cause trouble again."

It's not surprising that he has such thoughts.

For hundreds of thousands of years in the Compassion Sea, aside from a few Righteous Cultivator accidentally went astray while practicing Devil Cultivation Method, no demonic cultivator dared to openly show themselves.

At the same time, for this very reason, many Righteous Cultivator have actually never actually seen many demonic cultivators.

Most people have only a rough understanding of the special existence of demonic cultivators from books or the accounts of their predecessors.

Therefore, most people's attitude towards demonic cultivators is basically one of contempt mixed with a hint of disdain.

Only someone like Xiao Chen, who had personally come into contact with many demonic cultivators, understood that those true demonic cultivators never knew what fear was.

They won't be afraid of being suppressed by the righteous path.

Instead, driven by Devil Cultivation Method or desires, they will try every means, even involuntarily, to bully the weak and harm the innocent in order to obtain the crucial Essence Blood for cultivation.

"Sigh, if there really is a high-level demonic cultivator later, I really hope I don't run into someone I know."

Xiao Chen sighed inwardly.

Throughout the entire Compassion Sea, there are only a handful of people who have the ability to cultivate Devil Cultivation Method for a long time without being detected by others.

Only those who belong to the upper echelons of a major sect can perfectly erase the traces of their cultivation of Devil Cultivation Method.

"I think I heard someone shouting again."

Ming Xiao True Monarch's ears twitched, then he repeated, "He said there's a secret on the island that can help one break through to the Spirit Transformation."

"They said it was a rare fortuitous opportunity, there was only one, and I absolutely mustn't tell you."

After he said that, everyone laughed.

This scam is just too fake.

They are just Newly Promoted True Monarch, not three-year-olds; no one would believe such nonsense.

"I heard it too, but the content was different."

Purple Sun True Monarch added, "He said that inside the island lies a Fifth-Order Spirit Fruit and a secret immortal's teachings."

"Let me find a way to get you all away, then I'll find a gap and sneak into the innermost part to receive the inheritance."

"Judging from this, it seems he's at the very bottom."

Upon hearing this, Surging Wave True Monarch laughed and said, "This guy doesn't seem to have much ability; he only dares to think about defeating them one by one."

"Let's go, let's go and meet him."

Everyone ignored this low-level scam and instead prepared to catch the elusive guy.

Midway through, both Thunderbolt True Monarch and Rift Void True Monarch also heard different whispers.

They were led to separate from the crowd and rush to the core of the island to seize the benefits.

Um?

What's wrong with this guy?

Xiao Chen watched as everyone else was gradually lured in, but he alone remained completely oblivious to the temptation.

Inside the Water Wall, although the sound was indistinct to him, it was at least there.

Since leaving, I haven't heard a single word of it again.

No, why wouldn't you lie to me?

How can this be considered differential treatment?

You should at least give it a try. How will you know if you can succeed if you don't try to fool me?

What if I fall for it?

Is that right?

It was obvious that he was being treated differently, so Xiao Chen was naturally a little Qi Ingestion.

Are you targeting me? You're not talking to me, are you?

Okay, just you wait.

I'll come in right away and have a good chat with you.

The space behind the Water Wall wasn't very large; in just a few breaths, Xiao Chen landed on the island in the center, which was almost entirely made of iron pillars.

Upon entering this place, the stench of decay in the air reached its peak.

Without having to look down, one can clearly see that many of the exposed iron pillars are covered with a thick layer of rust.

It even dyed the seawater around the island's edge reddish-brown.

The group trudged through the thick layer of rust and began to survey the island.

Xiao Chen quickly noticed that something like a large explosion or earthquake had occurred here.

Only a few iron pillars on the outer perimeter were broken; most of them remained intact, only rusted from the seawater.

However, the closer to the center of the island, the more severe the damage.

More and more iron pillars began to break off from the middle, and it even became common for only a small part to survive while the rest disappeared.

"Huh, there's Sea Race Formation Base here too?"

Xiao Chen suddenly noticed that among the pile of iron pieces broken into several pieces, there was also a piece of Array Foundation that was also broken into several pieces.

It was clearly painted with the same Sea Race Formation Pattern as those on the outer fragments.

What's even stranger is that the further you go into the center of the island, the more numerous these fragments of the Array Foundation become.

What Xiao Chen can see right now is probably enough to reassemble hundreds of Array Foundation.

It's easy to imagine that the actual number would be several times greater than these fragments.

Clearly, the Sea Race must have once set up a very, very large formation here.

Something's not right!

According to Xiao Chen's information, the Sea Race has not done a single good deed since they came to the Compassion Sea.

Instead, they stirred up trouble everywhere, causing chaos and plotting numerous conspiracies and schemes.

Of the things he encountered and successfully stopped, there were two major incidents: using the New Ruin to kill the True Disciple of various sects, and collecting Sha Qi from all over the place.

The former aims to eliminate promising young talents in the Compassion Sea who have the potential to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Although Xiao Chen single-handedly intercepted two locations of Sha Qi, the latter ultimately failed to succeed.

But it's probably not a good thing either; they might be trying to imitate Demonic Method to artificially create Demonic Calamity.

Based on this situation, the Sea Race causing trouble here must have ill intentions.

"Daoist Zhang, you seem to have a good understanding of formations."

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch inquired, "Could we try to deduce the approximate function of the formations set up here by the Sea Race through these Array Foundation?"

For those in the know, this request is not unreasonable.

However, upon hearing Zhang Shouquan frowned. "This... although I have been studying array formations, I haven't yet delved into the array formations of the Sea Race."

Although he looks quite old, he actually spent his early years wandering the streets and markets, experiencing a life of constant displacement.

I've only really been involved in the field of formations for a few years now.

Because the foundation was already weak, and because most of the previous energy had been focused on studying Human Race formations and the Fifth-Order Grand Array of Universal Salvation Temple.

Therefore, they didn't have time to learn more about the Sea Race Formation Base.

"I see. What about Rift Void Daoist?"

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch turned and asked, "How much do you know about this?"

However, Rift Void True Monarch Scratched his head and said, "I'm really sorry, but I'm actually only Third-Order Array Master."

"In the past two years since my breakthrough, I've been busy cultivating my true essence and adapting to the Fourth-Order Technique. I haven't even started to focus on Dao Arts yet."

In fact, it wasn't just him; the situation was the same for all the other Newly Promoted True Monarch.

After all, they had neither Hextech nor Yin Five Elements Seal, and each strand of true essence had to be obtained through their own hard work and cultivation.

In fact, his actual progress in cultivation was not as good as that of Zhang Shouquan, who was a rogue cultivator.

"Alas, if only Daoist Gang Yuan were here."

Thunderbolt True Monarch sighed softly, "He will definitely be able to discern the specific situation through the Formation Pattern."

Um?

If you can't handle it, just give up. There's no need to say such discouraging things.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen assumed that everyone was a bit anxious, so he wanted to take the lead and encourage them.

Before he could even open his mouth, he heard Surging Wave True Monarch chime in, "Yes, if only one of us knew about formations."

"Of course, I'm referring to the Sea Race's formation."

Before he could finish speaking, some of the others remained silent, while others burst out laughing.

Although no names were mentioned, everyone glanced at Zhang Shouquan, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

It's worth noting that when Zhang Shouquan first appeared, he deliberately held up Formation Flag to demonstrate his mastery of formation techniques.

However, Surging Wave True Monarch not only put it very tactfully, but he also deliberately added a sentence to cover up his mistake.

Although it sounds like he's gilding the lily, and even makes one wonder if he did it intentionally.

Faced with such veiled sarcasm, Zhang Shouquan's face turned ashen, and he clenched his fists in his sleeves.

However, he couldn't directly lose his temper, since Surging Wave True Monarch hadn't openly targeted him.

Semantically speaking, that statement wasn't entirely without problems, but at most it was just a slip of the tongue and a lack of precision, and an explanation was provided promptly.

The key point is that everyone else smiled knowingly after hearing it.

But there's no way to get angry about this, since you can't exactly question someone about why they suddenly started laughing.

Then just say, "I remembered something happy."

It will only make things more embarrassing for him.

Xiao Chen didn't laugh, but he also understood the unspoken meaning in Surging Wave True Monarch's words.

Tsk tsk tsk, if this continues, the dissatisfaction on both sides will only grow stronger, and sooner or later they'll become enemies.

Although Zhang Shouquan's current strength is not yet great, his future Development Potential may not be any less than that of others.

At that time, the Compassion Sea will likely be restless again.

No matter what happens, it certainly won't affect Xiao Chen.

However, he promptly changed the subject, breaking the awkward atmosphere. "The array formations of the Sea Race are completely different from those of our Human Race."

"Moreover, this isn't the front line, so the formation must be an unconventional, Special Formation."

"I estimate that even if Daoist Gang Yuan were to actually come, he might not necessarily be able to recognize me. It's quite normal that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference."

"Let's go ahead and investigate the current situation here."

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch immediately chimed in, "That's right, this is usually the case when we go out to explore; many situations are difficult to ascertain at the beginning."

"Let's follow Daoist Xiao inside and take a look."

He had only had a sudden inspiration to try and obtain information through the Formation Pattern.

If he had known things would turn out this way, he wouldn't have asked.

As the oldest person present, although he didn't take the initiative to talk to Zhang Shouquan the way, he was actually the only person besides Xiao Chen who didn't laugh.

At this moment, he even gave Zhang Shouquan an apologetic look.

It's not for any other reason than to hope that if a conflict breaks out in the future, it won't be the first target of Thousand Machines Valley.

Upon hearing this, the group said no more and set off for the very center of the island, the area most severely damaged.

Based on the extent of the damage to the iron pillars, it is now clear that an exceptionally violent explosion did indeed occur on the island.

"Everyone, come quick! There seem to be words here!"

Purple Sun True Monarch pointed to a broken stone tablet at his feet and exclaimed, "It looks like it's written in Ancient Spirit Script!"

Xiao Chen immediately came over to observe together.

With a wave of his hand, he used his true essence to pry the stone tablet out from the pile of rust and fragments, and he could see that it was indeed inscribed with a few short sentences in Ancient Spirit Script.

Due to severe damage, most of the content can no longer be verified.

The few remaining sentences are all incomplete.

After carefully analyzing the situation for a while, Xiao Chen could only roughly summarize a few points.

This island is a forbidden area; all cultivators who have strayed here should leave immediately, otherwise...

If any demonic cultivators are discovered on the island, they must be... all exterminated...

If the outer Demon Suppressing Pillar are damaged, you should immediately move to the nearest...

Never do this... otherwise, all the consequences will be...

Apart from these four sentences, the remaining, already limited content is completely incapable of forming any meaningful argument.

"Hiss~, the outer Demon Suppressing Pillar?"

Xiao Chen keenly noticed this crucial clue.

So he found a relatively intact iron pillar nearby.

Then, by gripping it tightly with both hands, he pulled it out easily.

Then, use your true energy to wash away the rust and carefully examine the patterns on it.

Sure enough, several unfamiliar symbols were found on the surface of the pillar, and the words 'Demon Suppression' were also found on the bottom edge.

There are also the number 'eighteen' written directly in Ancient Spirit Script and the ordinary capital number sixty-seven, which look like some kind of serial number.

However, it is not yet known what it specifically represents.

However, one thing is certain: since these iron pillars have serial numbers, it means that they were not placed randomly, but must have followed some specific pattern.

Considering the name ' Demon Suppressing Pillar ', its function should not be hard to guess.

It was probably specially created to suppress a certain demonic cultivator, or rather, a group of demonic cultivators.

"So, this place is actually a prison?"

Xiao Chen looked around at the densely packed Demon Suppressing Pillar: "A man-made prison specifically for imprisoning demonic cultivators?"

To be honest, as soon as the idea came to him, even he himself felt it was a bit outrageous.

Is this really necessary?

Why bother imprisoning demonic cultivators? It's a waste of manpower and resources.

Shouldn't the correct approach be to capture and execute each one, then display their bodies in the marketplace as a warning to other independent cultivators not to go astray?

Or perhaps the situation was different at some point in the past?

The other True Lord also felt something was amiss.

They either stared at the stone tablet, trying to guess what the rest of the sentences meant.

Or they might begin a meticulous search of the surrounding area, hoping to find fragments of the stone tablet or locate the rest.

Unfortunately, after searching the surrounding area, no second stone tablet was found.

At the same time, no flying debris was found; instead, a lot of gravel and stone dust were observed.

It's estimated that most of the inscriptions were damaged in the explosion.

It is worth mentioning that Zhang Shouquan felt out of place standing in front of the stone tablet.

He was actually the only person present who couldn't understand the Ancient Spirit Script.

This is not surprising. Before Xiao Chen went to the Heavenly Dipper Sect to borrow books, he was also completely ignorant of the Ancient Spirit Script.

The problem was that Zhang Shouquan was too embarrassed to ask at the beginning.

However, they found that everyone was watching silently, and no one spoke up to read the inscription aloud.

After they finished, they didn't even discuss the contents of the record, leaving him feeling awkwardly embarrassed.

In the end, I had no choice but to bite the bullet and pretend that I was thinking about the specific details.

While secretly cursing in his heart—it's all because of these damned major sects that control and even monopolize all kinds of advanced Cultivation Method and rare Ancient Books.

As a result, unless a rogue cultivator like him actively joins a sect to serve, he is essentially treated like a beast of burden.

Otherwise, not only will they be unable to access advanced Cultivation Method, but they will also have no way to acquire even basic common knowledge.

The more Zhang Shouquan thought about it, the more frustrated he became.

He became increasingly dissatisfied with the people around him.

"Young friend, there is hatred in your heart!"

A strange voice suddenly rang in Zhang Shouquan's ears. "You have seen this unfair world, you have seen those ugly sect cultivators."

"Do you really want to humbly follow them around, hoping they'll give you scraps?"

"Do you really intend to endure humiliation and hardship just to obtain a substandard spiritual item that others despise and leave to you?"

"I know you don't want to, I can see the hatred hidden in your heart!"

"Come, follow those broken cracks to the deepest part of the island to find me."

"I can help you gain immense power, enough to crush everyone under your feet!"

"With my help, you will be completely transformed, becoming the most powerful cultivator and wielding the strongest authority!"

"But you have to be quick; you have to come find me before I do!"

"You absolutely cannot fall behind them, otherwise those despicable guys won't give you a chance to turn things around."

"What they fear most is your growth; what they fear most is that you will become powerful and surpass them in strength."

"So you have to disguise yourself well and not let them notice anything unusual."

"You need to find a reason to get them out of here. I know you know what you should do!"

"Young friend, I'll be waiting for you in the center of the island!"

Zhang Shouquan had heard simple advice before, but he hadn't taken it seriously.

This time, however, was different; the unfamiliar voice spoke a great deal in succession.

And most importantly, his words seemed to possess a certain eerie magic.

The more I listened, the more I felt an inexplicable sense of warmth, as if a kind and approachable elder was offering advice.

The more I listened, the more sense it made; it was like a teacher in a school instructing young children.