"Right, half a year. And during this half-year, we'll need to constantly replenish the Fire Spirit Gourd with qi and blood. Only then can we suppress the tree demon to the greatest extent and prevent him from making any trouble."
Qin Bo's heart tightened. Replenishing qi and blood was no small matter.
Supplying it continuously for half a year would be an enormous drain on anyone.
"Senior Songhe, what level of cultivation is required for this qi and blood? And how should it be replenished?"
Qin Bo hurriedly asked.
Old Taoist Songhe looked at Qin Bo and said:
"At the very least, it must be the qi and blood of a Blood Condensation Realm martial artist. Furthermore, special incantation arts must be used to guide it into the Fire Spirit Gourd every day. Only then can the suppressive power be maintained."
Zhou Yunxuan nodded slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "I'll arrange for the Blood Condensation Realm martial artists in the city to come here in shifts."
"The most urgent matter is to find the materials needed to repair the sealing Formation Array, as well as a Formation Array master.
"Taoist Master, do you have any ideas?"
"No. If there truly is no other way, we can only relocate all the citizens of the city and leave this place, to prevent rivers of blood from flowing."
Old Taoist Songhe was helpless as well.
Zhou Yunxuan's expression instantly turned ugly. Relocating all the citizens of the city was easier said than done.
Leaving aside how much manpower and resources the process would consume, Yunzhou City was an important town in the surrounding region.
Once it was relocated, the situation throughout the entire region would undergo tremendous changes.
Countless citizens would be displaced because of it, losing their homes.
"Master Songhe, relocating the citizens is the absolute last resort. Unless we have no other choice, we must not take that step."
Zhou Yunxuan gritted his teeth, a trace of resolve showing in his eyes.
"Let's think of another way. There must still be some other solution."
Qin Bo was burning with anxiety as well.
He knew that time was pressing. The tree demon's threat was like the sword of Damocles hanging over Yunzhou City, liable to fall at any moment.
At this point, it was no longer merely a matter of his lifespan running out.
The citizens of all Yunzhou would suffer.
"City Lord, Senior Songhe, I think we should still start by searching for the materials and a Formation Array master. Although the difficulties are immense, it isn't completely hopeless."
Qin Bo clenched his fists.
"Right. That kid Qin's words make sense. For now, this is the only way."
Zhou Yunxuan nodded firmly, then looked at the two dispirited people.
"Taoist Master, you should go rest first. Leave this place to me for now. Once the Demon Suppressing Division has settled down, we'll make further decisions."
"Then I'll have to rely on you, City Lord. I'll inform headquarters of what happened in the Demon Suppressing Division as soon as possible and have them send more people down to uphold justice."
Under Zhou Yunxuan's arrangements, Old Taoist Songhe and Du Sanniang were sent to guest rooms to rest and recuperate from their injuries.
Qin Bo left with them as well.
Only then did he learn that Zhao Ting, the head of the Demon Suppressing Division, had sacrificed himself to hold back the tree demon.
"Kid Qin, now that this matter is over, there shouldn't be any major problems for the time being."
"Next, you need to prepare for the assessment. Although it's only a formality, you still have to take it seriously."
"With the status of a Demon Suppressing Division member, you'll also have a place to establish yourself and make a living."
Master Songhe spoke earnestly to Qin Bo.
"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Taoist Master."
Qin Bo understood that although the Demon Suppressing Division's assessment was merely a formality, he still couldn't afford to let his guard down.
After all, it concerned his future development in the Demon Suppressing Division, as well as whether he could better protect Yunzhou City.
The Netherworld, in a remote place.
A flash of light passed by.
A black vortex abruptly appeared in midair.
Suddenly, a white shadow fell out of the vortex.
It was none other than the Fox Demon that had escaped from the ancient well.
"I'm back?!"
"Damn brat, how could he have such strength!"
The Fox Demon couldn't help recalling the scene of Qin Bo cutting off its claw with a single stroke. Resentment and unwillingness flashed through its eyes.
The Fox Demon knew very well that in its current state, it had no way to seek revenge against Qin Bo.
It had to recover its strength as quickly as possible and find allies.
Thus, the Fox Demon dragged its injured body toward the depths of the Netherworld.
The Netherworld was filled with gloomy mist everywhere.
Black liquid that gave off a foul stench flowed across the ground, while strange lights flashed through the sky from time to time.
The Fox Demon trudged forward with difficulty through this harsh environment, avoiding many powerful nether creatures along the way.
The Netherworld was not a monolithic whole, either.
If it still possessed its former level of strength, it would not have needed to be so cautious. It could have simply flown straight over.
But after its realm had fallen, it could only proceed with such caution.
The entire Netherworld had already been divided up. Moreover, its former master, that tree demon, had once been a regional overlord as well.
Later, after they invaded the Human Realm and were suppressed, the territory they occupied was completely devoured.
Afterward, they were taken in by an even more powerful force.
That force belonged to Black Mountain Old Demon, who occupied an entire region alone.
The Fox Demon proceeded uneasily and finally arrived at Black Mountain Old Demon's territory.
The mountains here towered into the sky, their bodies black as ink and radiating a bone-chilling aura.
Ghostly energy filled the surroundings, and eerie howls rang out from time to time.
At last, the Fox Demon arrived before an ancient castle.
Several little ghosts floated over and blocked its path.
"What are you? How dare you trespass into our king's territory!"
The Fox Demon hurriedly revealed its identity. "I'm a former subordinate of the tree demon. I have an important matter and wish to see Lord Black Mountain. I hope you gentlemen can show me some consideration."
The little ghosts exchanged glances. One of them said, "Wait here. We'll go report this."
With that, it transformed into a wisp of black smoke and vanished.
Before long, the little ghost returned. "The king permits you to enter. Follow me."
The Fox Demon followed the little ghost along a winding mountain path until they arrived before a massive cavern residence.
Inside, candle flames swayed. A tall, hideous old demon with a body as black as pitch sat on a stone chair. It was none other than Black Mountain Old Demon.
"Greetings, Lord Black Mountain!"
The Fox Demon bowed respectfully.
"Why are you in such a sorry state? Your strength has even fallen to the Evil rank?!"
The figure on the throne spoke in a deep voice, carrying a trace of displeasure.
The Fox Demon hurriedly explained in detail how the sealing Formation Array in the Human Realm had been damaged, how the tree demon was about to break free, and how it planned to take revenge. Finally, it begged Black Mountain Old Demon to send troops to help.
After listening, Black Mountain Old Demon pondered for a moment before letting out an eerie laugh.
"This is indeed a fine opportunity. If we can open a passage between the two realms, we'll be able to enjoy the Human Realm's spiritual energy and resources at will. But... what benefit can you bring this king?"
The Fox Demon's heart tightened. After thinking for a while, it said:
"My lord, if the plan succeeds, Yunzhou City in the Human Realm will belong to you. The qi and blood there are abundant, and its resources are plentiful. They will certainly allow your strength to rise another level."
A trace of interest flashed through Black Mountain Old Demon's eyes, but it quickly returned to indifference. "And I'm supposed to believe you based on your word alone? How can you make this king trust you?"
The Fox Demon gritted its teeth. "My lord, I'm willing to use my vital essence blood to establish a contract. If I violate it, may my soul scatter and my spirit perish!"
Before you continue