115116: In a Thousand-Mile Peril, Storms Close In; True Fire Refines the Heart, and Thoughts Become Clear

One month later.

In a mountain forest a thousand miles away from the Evergreen Sect, the booming sounds of a battle erupting could be heard frequently, like a series of firecrackers and grenades exploding, spreading far and wide.

Hundreds of birds in the mountains and forests had already scattered in fright.

Meanwhile, four battle groups were engaged in fierce fighting within the forest.

In each battle, two or three densely haired Demon Beast were trapped and attacked by five or six or more cultivators, fighting like cornered beasts.

The roars of various Law Artifact and Law Technique, accompanied by the howls of Demon Beast, carried far and wide.

"Not bad, not bad."

Chen Dengming, dressed in a light blue robe embroidered with ivy on the chest, was a second-stage Foundation Establishment. He floated in mid-air, supporting the numerous disciples below. His Divine Transformation Blade hovered beside him, surrounded by Spiritual Qi energy, ready to strike at any moment.

Seeing the battle below raging on with great intensity, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Now, a month has passed, and after encountering several waves of demons and monsters driven by Demon Beast, these disciples have indeed made considerable progress.

Compared to their naivety a month ago, these disciples can now be considered qualified warriors, cautious, meticulous, determined, and possessing fighting spirit and courage.

This is the powerful mental fortitude honed in life-or-death combat.

Chen Dengming is already very satisfied with his current twenty-eight disciples.

The only dissatisfaction was that four disciples still died unexpectedly during the more than one month of combat.

Battles are unpredictable, especially when encountering demons with strength comparable to Foundation Establishment cultivators. Chen Dengming couldn't even care about his many disciples, so casualties were inevitable.

Guan Le had originally returned along the way, but because powerful Foundation Establishment Demon Beast had appeared in other areas, Guan Le was reassigned to another side. This gives an idea of how many demons had infiltrated after the Turtle Snake Bee was breached.

Fortunately, it seems to be nearing its end, as we haven't encountered any more demons with Foundation Establishment strength lately.

"After this demonic chaos ends, I wonder how many more Cultivation Family will decline. Will the war in the northeast corner also gradually come to an end? And I wonder if the Luo Family is safe now?"

Chen Dengming's thoughts were in turmoil as he thought of the Luo Family and Xu Wei once again.

Whenever he thought of this, he felt an urge to cross the northeastern corner of the Battlefield, go to the former Bright Moon Workshop, search for traces of the Luo Family, and find Xu Wei.

But he also knew that this impulse was useless.

It's nothing but a futile display of bravado.

Because he had confirmed from Liang Yunsheng that the Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions and the demons from the Demon Kingdom had all invaded from the outskirts near Bright Moon Workshop.

The Luo Family was located in Leshangou, more than 600 miles away from Bright Moon Workshop, and could not possibly have escaped unscathed unless Lüo Bing had already led the Lineage to other places in advance.

With his current strength at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, he seems very strong among Qi Refining disciples. However, if he were to go to the chaotic northeastern War Zone full of demons and monsters and wander around looking for someone, he might lose his life at any time. There are also Golden Core Devil Cultivator roaming the Battlefield there.

"I wonder if we can use Sect Contribution? Could you please ask the fellow Daoists of the Longevity Sect on the Battlefield to keep an eye out for us? Even if we really have to go, we need to understand the situation, have a plan, be fully prepared, and ensure our own safety, rather than just fooling around aimlessly."

Just as Chen Dengming was getting to this point, he suddenly heard a gasp from below.

My heart immediately tightened.

Upon closer inspection, a slender figure darted into a group of disciples, instantly tearing apart the blockade established by them. One of them even had his protective aura shattered, and the situation became extremely precarious in the blink of an eye.

"Whoosh!--"

A swift blade of light suddenly descended from the sky, its chilling killing intent so intense that it made the gaunt demon's hair stand on end. As the blade flashed towards him, an unprecedented sense of danger instantly enveloped his entire body, and the aura of death arrived with chilling force!

However, having already made its move, it was naturally confident. In an instant, it suddenly lashed out with its claw, its sharp claw stirring up a rolling cloud of blood, prying up the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, and carrying a stench of corrosive pus like rain, striking the Divine Transformation Blade with a 'clang'.

With a loud clang, the Divine Transformation Blade trembled, shaken by the force of the impact, and a plume of smoke rose from its blade.

"Hmm? You used your Blood Sha Qi to manipulate the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi?"

Chen Dengming's heart tightened, and he suddenly pointed out with his finger, the Gold Touch Technique transforming into a Golden Light that swept past.

The gaunt demon leaped up suddenly, as if anticipating something, moving faster than a ghostly gust of wind to barely evade the Gold Touch Technique.

Just as Chen Dengming was about to make another move, he suddenly felt a familiar, chilling killing intent coming from behind him. Four words flashed through his mind instantly—"Blood Ghost Daoist!"

He maintained the sword's light and continued the pursuit while simultaneously forming a hand seal with his left hand.

"Whoosh--!"

A Blood-colored Sword Shadow struck in an instant, piercing through Chen Dengming's figure and shattering a piece of wood with a 'bang'.

At the same time.

Seeing the gaunt demon rushing towards a disciple, its expression cruel as it prepared to strike with its claws.

An astonishing blade of energy suddenly attacked from behind, moving with unparalleled speed.

The gaunt demon, its eyes wide with horror, was about to quickly turn away.

With a 'plop', a gleaming white blade emerged from his mottled skin, piercing almost his entire forehead and face, separating his eyes, from which blood slowly seeped out.

The gaunt Demon Beast's eyes fixed on something, then immediately lost their luster.

In front of him, the disciple who had narrowly escaped danger earlier wore a triumphant smile and hurriedly re-fastened his belt.

Chen Dengming had arrived beside the disciple at some unknown time.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that all the disciples had a piece of wood tied to their waists.

With this piece of wood, as long as Chen Dengming isn't unable to extricate himself, he can use his newly acquired Substitute Peach Tree Technique (which he has advanced to the beginner level) to appear next to any disciple within fifty feet. The only cost is two pieces of wood and a disciple's belt.

"Bass--"

A jet of blood shot out, and the eight-zhang-long Divine Transformation Blade detached from the demon's head, landing in Chen Dengming's hand like a staggering bolt of lightning. A powerful Foundation Establishment spiritual aura spread out, and the many Demon Beast surrounded by the disciples bared their teeth and growled in fear, but dared not move for a moment.

At this moment, a Blood Shadow, accompanied by a figure radiating Blood Sha Qi, passed through the opposite forest and appeared before everyone; it was none other than the Blood Ghost Daoist.

"Hey Chen, it seems your strength is getting stronger and stronger."

Blood Ghost Daoist's face was grim. He slowed his pace, his eyes filled with wariness, murderous intent, and anger. With a wave of his hand, the Blood Shadow Sword in mid-air swept back to his side.

To avoid being detected by Chen Dengming, he launched a sneak attack from a great distance.

However, Chen Dengming easily dodged the attack and still had the strength to kill another of his Blood Demon, indicating that he was stronger than before.

This made his heart sink, and he thought to himself that it would be difficult to subdue this person on his own. He could only try his best to entangle and stall until the other fellow Daoists arrived.

"Whoosh--"

At that moment, Chen Dengming summoned his spirit boat and, without hesitation, ordered his disciples to disengage from the battle and leave.

"Trying to leave? How naive!"

The Blood Ghost Daoist sneered, then suddenly let out a sharp, long howl.

Instantly, the Blood Demon around him, along with the Demon Beast surrounded by numerous disciples, roared angrily and launched a sudden attack.

The disciples suddenly felt immense pressure and could only fight and retreat.

Chen Dengming's eyes turned cold, and he suddenly clenched his fists. His spiritual power surged, and as his robes billowed, large amounts of Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy in the air gathered into sharp streams of air, producing the smell of molten iron from the friction.

In an instant, several Demon Beasts were swept into the torrent of flowing metal energy and were torn to pieces, their flesh and blood dregs.

"Roar!--"

In that instant, the Blood Demon also charged forward like a tiger and a dragon, roaring as it unleashed its right claw and left fist. The powerful force, accompanied by waves of increasingly stronger Blood Sha Qi, created a surging, overwhelming force that crashed down on Chen Dengming.

With a shout, Chen Dengming raised his hand, and the eight-zhang-long Divine Transformation Blade surged with Spiritual Qi, bursting forth with dazzling light that scorched the eyes, before crashing down!

The force of the fist collided with the broadsword in an instant, exploding like thunder.

The Blood Demon cried out in pain as his thick arm was nearly cleaved in two, with flesh and skin about to fall to the ground.

The dazzling blade light suddenly dissipated, transforming into a rain of countless blades, like a swarm of locusts crossing a river, which swiftly returned to Chen Dengming's side.

With a series of clanging sounds, several Blood-colored Sword Shadow silently swept in from various tricky angles, all of which were deflected by the blades surrounding Chen Dengming.

However, mixed among these sword shadows was a sinister and eerie Divine Sense that suddenly burrowed into Chen Dengming's mind.

"Roll!"

Chen Dengming instantly sensed it, his eyes blazing with spiritual light, his mind sharp as a knife, and in the instant his Divine Sense concentrated, he repelled the Divine Sense that was trying to invade his mind.

Even so, he still felt an intrusion of a Spiritual Energy, his mind trembled, and his head throbbed with pain.

"Ah!"

At that moment, the Soul House in his arms trembled slightly, and the Little Array Spirit suddenly extended a Red Rhombus, directly absorbing a needle-shaped Divine Sense.

"Well!--"

Blood Ghost Daoist's face turned pale; his Divine Sense was injured, and his mind was shaken.

"Is it that Pure Spirit?!"

His eyes changed instantly, his steps shifted, then he suddenly stopped, glancing at the branches beneath his feet. He frowned and moved them aside, watching helplessly as Chen Dengming floated away onto the spirit boat, the other party quickly making a hand seal.

A large amount of blazing and dazzling Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy gathered, forming powerful vortexes of metallic torrents within just two breaths. These vortexes, like golden tornadoes, collided and swept across, sending the pursuing demonic Demon Beast flying and tearing Flesh and Blood to pieces.

"Roar--"

Just as the Blood Demon was about to give chase, Chen Dengming swiftly swung his hand in a chop.

In mid-air, the eight-foot-long broadsword flashed, its blade once again aimed at the Blood Demon.

The fierce and surging sword energy caused even the Blood Demon's fierce and bloodthirsty eyes to show surprise. Suddenly, it cried out in pain as the rampant sword energy that filled the severed arm's Flesh and Blood exploded. Staggering, the thick severed arm fell to the ground with a 'thud'.

On the spirit boat, Chen Dengming exuded a powerful spiritual aura, his robes billowing as he calmly and steadily looked down at the Blood Ghost Daoist.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh--

One after another, the disciples quickly boarded the spirit boat, their speed of movement far exceeding that of a month ago.

Blood Ghost Daoist frowned deeply, his mind racing with thoughts. After weighing the pros and cons, he decided not to pursue further. Watching Chen Dengming's spirit boat rapidly ascend into the sky, he realized that this was the second time he had been defeated by the other party. He gritted his teeth and roared in resentment.

"Chen Ming, see you next time. You won't be able to leave so easily."

Chen Dengming's eyes narrowed slightly as he calmly looked at the Blood Ghost Daoist below, then suddenly smiled and bowed.

"Fellow Daoist Blood Demon, there's no need to be so polite every time, insisting on giving me something. The Ghost Eater you gave me last time was extremely precious, and I liked it very much. Since I couldn't give you a gift this time, there's no need for that next time either."

Having said that, the spirit boat swiftly soared into the sky and departed without lingering.

The Blood Ghost Daoist's sudden appearance in this area seemed less accidental and more as if his whereabouts were already known.

To be on the safe side, Chen Dengming figured that even if he was confident he could fight the Blood Demon, he didn't want to fall into a trap, so it was best to leave as soon as possible.

The Battlefield is never a place to show off individual bravery; combat is an art and a test of wit.

Moreover, Chen Dengming was also analyzing Blood Ghost Daoist's sudden call of his name and utterance of those words was just a polite remark to save face, or Devil Cultivator really had some other conspiracy in mind, and that this idiot Blood Demon had let slip the secret out of anger.

On the ground, the Blood Ghost Daoist watched the spirit boat quickly depart, his face grim, realizing that he had let something slip in his anger.

However, he didn't say anything substantial.

"Damn it! I told you long ago that Chen Ming was no ordinary person, but unfortunately Fellow Daoist Li and the others didn't believe me. I've overlooked him. If he causes any trouble in the future, I, Blood Ghost, will not be responsible."

The Blood Ghost Daoist's eyes flashed with a fierce light. He turned around and saw the Blood Demon still clutching his arm and howling in pain. He couldn't help but roar angrily.

Pick up your hands! Pick up your hands!

The thought of having to use the Blood Demon Limb-Restoring Technique to restore the Blood Demon's arm only fueled the Blood Ghost Daoist's anger.

The Blood Demon duo, who were once invincible against enemies, are now unable to even deal with a young man who has only recently advanced to the Foundation Establishment. How shameful!

High in the sky, the spirit boat Swift as the Wind and Lightning, the vast sea of clouds changing in an instant, sometimes like a dancer waving a white gauze, dancing gracefully, and sometimes like surging waves rolling backward from both sides.

More than twenty disciples of the Evergreen Sect all looked at Chen Dengming's figure on the bow of the spirit boat not far away with admiration, whispering among themselves about the thrilling scene that had just occurred.

When they got to the exciting parts, some people even became animated, as if they were Chen Dengming, who had just displayed his great prowess.

In the eyes of many disciples, Blood Ghost Daoist, Foundation Establishment Devil Cultivator with a notorious reputation, was a mass murderer on the Battlefield. Just hearing his name from afar was enough to make people tremble with fear, let alone encounter him.

They had heard that Martial Uncle Chen had defeated the Blood Ghost Daoist, but they thought there was some exaggeration involved. After all, they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, and some disciples were still skeptical.

But witnessing it firsthand today, Martial Uncle Chen effortlessly wielded his sword to kill a Blood Demon and even severed the arm of an even Blood Demon one, intimidating the Blood Ghost Daoist so much that he dared not pursue him, leaving only a perfunctory remark. This imposing and majestic display naturally inspired admiration and longing among all the disciples.

However, unlike his disciples' excitement and worship, Chen Dengming calmed down and pondered the situation, but he vaguely felt that something was wrong.

"The traces of many demons have been decreasing lately, and Senior Brother Li and Senior Sister He have also killed quite a few demons."

I thought the recent demonic calamity was about to end.

Logically, the Blood Ghost Daoist and other Devil Cultivator should have taken advantage of the chaos to leave. Why are they still in the heart of the Eastern Region, even daring to show themselves and expose their whereabouts?

His hair fluttered in the wind as he pondered deeply, sensing something strange about the matter.

The Devil Cultivator aren't stupid; they know that launching a sneak attack from the shadows offers a chance of success, while appearing in the open is tantamount to suicide.

But since they dared to risk revealing their presence, they wouldn't be doing it without a purpose; they must have their own intentions.

"Could it be that the Blood Ghost Daoist intends to hunt me down this time? To avenge past grievances and weaken the Evergreen Sect's strength. However, for him to come alone to hunt me down seems quite confident. He underestimates me too much; perhaps he has miscalculated."

Just as he was pondering this, Chen Dengming's expression changed slightly again.

Now that he's been added to the Devil Cultivator' kill list, is it possible that his other Senior Brother and sisters have also been attacked at the same time?

If that's the case, it can only mean that the lurking Devil Cultivator had been plotting for a long time, and they just happened to choose the moment when the demons were about to be wiped out, which was also the moment when their vigilance was at its weakest. It's possible that even the sect is now in danger.

Chen Dengming felt heavy-hearted. He patted his Storage Bag, and several shimmering, opposing Sound Transmission Jade Talisman flew out.

After Chen Dengming channeled his Spiritual Qi, he conveyed his thoughts, informing the other side of the situation, warning of the danger, and inquiring about the details.

This type of Sound Transmission Jade Talisman can transmit sound over a range of thousands of miles, and is commonly known as a thousand-mile sound transmission talisman. One talisman can only correspond to another, and it is impossible to contact multiple talismans at the same time.

After doing all this, Chen Dengming took a deep breath, gradually calmed his mind, and examined his current state.

"Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator [Chen Dengming]"

Lifespan: 84/338/629

Spirit Root: Metal, Wood (Superior Grade 50/100)

Martial arts: Omitted

Daoist Techniques: <Evergreen Merit> (Level 2, 277/6000), <Golden Gang Spirit Venerable> (Beginner, 26/100), <Reverse Glory Spring Return Technique> (Beginner, 65/100), <Substitute Peach Tree Technique> (Beginner, 23/100).

The month-long campaign to eliminate demons had cleared away unstable factors in the surrounding environment, but it had also distracted him, slowing down his progress in cultivating the Evergreen Merit.

However, it has only been a month, and now his Spiritual Root Potential is excellent, and his cultivation speed is not slow.

Since he couldn't meditate during this time, he frequently practiced Technique Method the Substitute Peach Tree Technique from beginner to entry-level, his Lifespan Limit of 629 years.

In addition, he has also mastered the <Reverse Glory Spring Return Technique> quite skillfully.

However, this technique is indeed as Old Man Mo said, quite difficult to master, requiring high levels of skill in Mnemonic and hand gestures, and it is indeed contrary to the laws of nature.

For the past month, Chen Dengming has been practicing the <Reverse Glory Spring Return Technique> twice a day. Each time, he causes all the vegetation around him to wither and his Spiritual Qi to be depleted, making him a pure environmental destroyer.

However, this technique can be used not only on targets such as grass and vegetation, but also on enemies or oneself.

In Chen Dengming's view, this technique is a top-tier skill commonly found in games that drains both mana and life.

When used against an enemy, if the enemy is unable to resist, their vital energy Spiritual Qi will be absorbed and converted into his.

When used on himself, he can quickly recover his Spiritual Qi at the cost of consuming his own vital energy. This method naturally appears to be quite extreme and demonic, a desperate skill used only when necessary in life-or-death battles.

"If used well, this technique can turn the tide of battle and save a life; if used poorly, it can kill the enemy. I wonder if things will change if I cultivate it to a higher level."

As they pondered, the Evergreen Sect's Mountain Gate, shrouded in mist, gradually came into view ahead.

A Mountain Protecting Formation resembling an inverted bowl, resembling a large, upside-down bowl, has been activated.

Many disciples, as numerous as tiny dots, were gathered together, looking as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Someone is attacking the sect?"

Chen Dengming was startled and taken aback. Could it be that Golden Core Cultivator had made a move? Otherwise, why would they need to activate the Mountain Protecting Formation?

The disciples behind them also stood up in an uproar, discussing nervously.

Just then, a voice transmission came from one of the jade talismans, a response from Vice Sect Master Liang.

"Junior Brother Chen, it's good that you're alright, but now Junior Brother Wang, Junior Brother Li, and Junior Sister He have also been attacked. They are now in Eagle Wind Ravine and Mist River Beach respectively."

This matter is too strange, and the timing is just right at the critical moment when Sect Master Qiu and others are carrying out a major event.

I'm worried the enemy's target is the Mountain Gate and the Longevity Incense of the Sect Master Qiu. The only way is to activate the Mountain Protecting Formation and be on high alert. Junior Brother and Senior Brother Mo have already rushed to their aid; Junior Brother Chen, you should also hurry to their aid. Remember, act according to the situation and ensure your own safety."

Chen Dengming's expression changed instantly.

My fears actually came true.

Now even Old Man Mo, who is almost semi-retired and guards the Dharma Transmission Hall, has rushed to provide assistance, which suggests that the situation is extremely urgent and dangerous.

Senior Brother Liang's last words were like a reminder, and also like something that tugged at a chord in his heart.

Act according to the situation and ensure your own safety.

Is it possible to choose freely, to stay or leave as one pleases?

If he doesn't rush to the rescue, but instead hides somewhere and comes out after the crisis is over, who can blame him?

Or perhaps he pretended to go, but arrived late; no one could blame him for that.

Let's not go; why take the risk?

It could lead to the extermination of the entire family.

Perhaps things will be better. The Evergreen Sect won't be destroyed, and Senior Sister He and the others will return safely. At most, he will be despised by these people and no longer trusted, and he won't be able to join the Longevity Sect in the future. At least he won't have to take any risks.

Let's not go.

Let's not go.

A voice seemed to be constantly stirring in his heart, full of magic, seducing his mind, shaking his beliefs, suffocating him, and about to shatter the last bit of Xianxia spirit he had always held in his heart.

Bring everything back to one word—'survival, survival, survival'. Survive to the very end, survive until the sect perishes, survive until my wife and daughters perish, survive until my fellow Daoists die, survive until I am immortal. Survive to the very end, and you will achieve eternal life. It will all be worth it!

As if a thousand Thunder Fire were striking his mind, Chen Dengming rediscovered the fearlessness and obsession he had when he overturned the Five Elements Mountain.

In this life, one can live a life of compromise and caution, but there are some things that must be upheld. Otherwise, it's not just about being complacent, but about merely surviving, and even surviving to the point of immortality.

However, this ruthless, ruthless, and self-sacrificing old Demons and Monsters, though possessing a long lifespan, is utterly despicable.

"Senior Brother Li led me into the Daoist path, Senior Sister He treated me with great kindness; this is a great favor."

Moreover, if these Devil Cultivators were truly capable, they would have already attacked the Mountain Gate directly. Why would they hide in the shadows and resort to these underhanded tricks? Clearly, their strength is not yet that great; even Golden Core Cultivator wouldn't possess such abilities."

Chen Dengming's eyes suddenly cleared.

Hesitation is human nature, but perseverance is a rare and valuable quality.

He has made his decision to go and provide assistance. He will do his utmost to save lives if possible, and if there is no way to save them, he will prioritize his own safety so that he can at least have a clear conscience.

He quickly channeled his Spiritual Qi into the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman to respond to Senior Brother Liang. Then, he leaped into the air and, amidst the astonished gazes of the disciples, propelled the spirit boat to send them flying towards the sect ahead. He himself then flashed a blade of light, transforming into a blue rainbow blade of energy that wrapped around Liang's body and sped away Swift as the Wind and Lightning.

Divine light shoots across the earth like a blue rainbow; the Treasure Blade soars through the air, not too late. Amidst a perilous landscape and pressing wind and rain, true fire tempers the mind, and thoughts become clear.

Inside the Evergreen Sect's Mountain Gate.

Seeing the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman light up again, Liang Yunsheng read the message within, and a relieved smile appeared on his tired face.

The Evergreen Sect, this newly promoted Foundation Establishment Junior Brother, is he trustworthy?

(90 monthly passes still left, I'll add an extra long chapter tonight, brothers!)