Dangers Abound in the War Zone; a Snake Demon Blocks the Way

Turtle Snake Bee.

When Chen Dengming and his entourage arrived here by spirit boat, they rested briefly before entering the War Zone without crossing the border.

They had no choice but to stop.

Because they had only just arrived at this border, a major battle was already breaking out, giving them absolutely no time to adjust or become familiar with the situation.

Chen Dengming had assumed that he would quietly enter the War Zone with this hastily assembled squad, and according to the instructions in the mission Jade Slip, reach the corresponding destination and complete the plan to annihilate the enemy.

After that, you are free to move around or return to your sect.

Because this would be considered fulfilling one's service to the sect and thus earning merit.

Upon arriving at the destination, they witnessed a magnificent scene: Golden Core Cultivator was fighting Golden Core Demon at the border.

In the distance, amidst the clouds and mist, a Great Demon with a human body and a bull's head, wielding a giant axe over two zhang tall, exuding astonishing Blood Sha Qi and demonic spiritual power, was fighting against a Golden Core Cultivator shone like a small sun.

Each collision between the two unleashed dazzling light and ripples of Spiritual Qi, causing the surrounding Spiritual Qi to fluctuate and be rapidly drawn away, making all low-level cultivators feel the turbulent fluctuations of Spiritual Qi in the air.

This wasn't the first time Chen Dengming had witnessed Golden Core Cultivator fighting, but the last time it was too fast. This time, however, he was at a safe distance and could see clearly.

All that could be seen was the Spiritual Qi energy unleashed by the human and the demon spreading wildly, scattering the clouds and mist, and creating deep, spiraling trenches as it struck the ground.

Occasionally, when the demon was repelled by the Law Treasure with its fiery tail, it would crash into the small hill below, causing the hill, which was nearly tens of feet high, to collapse and crack. Large chunks of rock mixed with soil would explode and fall down, making a sound that, even from a distance, sounded like a thunderclap, making the eardrums of the people in all directions tingle and itch.

But in the next instant, that half-mountain suddenly flew off, directly hurled by the Golden Core Demon with astonishing force, crashing towards the Golden Core Cultivator.

After watching the scene for only a short while, everyone felt sweat beading on their foreheads. In such Battlefield, even Foundation Establishment cultivators would face certain death if they were unfortunately caught up in it.

"And you say the battle isn't as intense as it was in winter? Golden Core Demon are already so close to the border. Was it really more terrifying in winter?"

Chen Dengming, puzzled, exchanged a question with Zhou Yunji, whose face was equally grim.

A female cultivator from the Longevity Sect named Yang Lan said, "It's not too intense yet. During the winter, our two patriarchs from the Longevity Sect came to the vicinity of the War Zone to oversee things. It's rumored that the Soul Devouring Demon Devil Lord has also been spotted by the Devil Cultivator."

At that time, at least four Golden Core cultivators were fighting, the situation was very tense, and Foundation Establishment cultivators were killed or injured.

This situation now looks like another probing attack by the Devil Cultivator. Look at our side, how many experts are stationed here to probe our strength."

Chen Dengming was speechless for a moment, looking at the surging Demon Beast outside the barrier. Was this just a probing attack without them even getting serious?

"Junior Brother Chen, your mount is quite extraordinary. It will be of great help to you when you enter the War Zone."

Seeing that Chen Dengming remained silent, Yang Lan changed the subject and smiled at Black Cloud Leopard.

The Black Cloud Leopard rolled its eyes in its signature way, deliberately turning around to reveal the row of words on its left side.

Can you read?

This leopard has an owner.

It's a leopard, Cave Guarding Spirit Beast, not a mount.

This leopard thinks you, young lady, have the potential to be my mount.

Chen Dengming smiled politely and said something, but did not continue speaking.

Boom--

A muffled sound erupted, and five spirit boats carrying a group of Qi Cultivation Cultivator flew through the air above Turtle Snake Peak, emitting a tremendous whooshing sound.

Then, thousands of Qi Cultivation Cultivator shouted and cast spells in unison, instantly filling the sky with Fireball Technique, water blades, Golden Spear Technique, and even higher-level Technique Method like rapid-fire bullets and continuous earth spikes, bombarding the numerous bloodthirsty Demon Beast outside the border.

Large numbers of Demon Beast screamed in agony as they were struck, their flesh torn to Flesh and Blood by various Law Technique.

Some fell, while others, with their thick skin and flesh, stubbornly attacked the barrier even as flames engulfed their bodies, spurred on by the desolate horn sounds from behind, displaying fearlessness in the face of death.

"Is such an attack meaningful? It only increases casualties."

Zhou Yunji was puzzled; it seemed he also lacked experience in the War Zone.

A Qi Cultivation Cultivator from the Longevity Sect nearby explained, "Senior, the Western Region Devil Country has many demonic Demon Beast. For demons, raising demonic Demon Beast is as simple as mortals raising pigs. These Demon Beast are only low-level Qi Refining Demon Beast; the demons can drive many..."

They are using the lives of these Demon Beasts to deplete the power of our Void-less Withering and Flourishing Array. In reality, they are competing to consume resources. Once we show a weakness, they will rush in and attack in one fell swoop.

But in reality, activating the grand formation only consumes the spiritual Wood Spiritual Energy of the Spirit Vein beneath Turtle Snake Peak and the surrounding vegetation, which can sustain us for several years."

The Qi Cultivation Cultivator explained in great detail, and Chen Dengming and the others listened attentively. Zhou Yunji even blushed with embarrassment.

In comparison, these newly arrived Foundation Establishment cultivators are practically Battlefield novices, while the Qi Cultivation Cultivator who have long served in the War Zone are extremely experienced.

"Senior Brother Liu, the time has come. You all come with me quickly. Enter the War Zone through the southwest exit and then reach our destination."

At this moment, two cultivators rushed over in Escape Light. One of them bowed to the crowd and then immediately addressed Cao Yan, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator from the Longevity Sect.

Cao Yan bowed in confusion, "Junior Brother Wei, why are you in such a hurry?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator who had spoken immediately took out a Jade Slip, "Your annihilation mission has been temporarily changed to a rescue mission. Junior Brother Kong and the others are trapped there. This is the mission Jade Slip."

Cao Yan was the first to receive the Jade Slip, and after pressing it to his forehead, a flash of inspiration struck him, and he immediately passed it on to everyone to read.

Given the current situation, this probing offensive will likely end soon, presenting Chen Dengming and his group with the best opportunity to break through and escape.

Because the Devil Cultivator's attention was all focused on Turtle Snake Peak.

Once this probing attack ends and the Devil Cultivator withdraw, if the group chooses to enter the War Zone again, they might run into the retreating Devil Cultivator army, which would be even more dangerous.

The group acted decisively and quickly followed the plan.

The strategist in charge of overall planning naturally knew when the best time was.

The southwest corner exit is actually just a corner of the Formation barrier.

There is a mountain hollow shaped like the mouth of a gourd, and beyond the hollow is a narrow mountain crevice like a sliver of sky.

Therefore, although there were traces of Demon Beast and demons, since it was not the main Battlefield, the number of Demon Beast and demons was not large.

"Fellow Daoists, the journey ahead is fraught with peril. We must unite as one and weather the storm together. Enough said, the key to breaking through is speed."

Once we're separated, just follow this route through the mission area; we'll meet again sooner or later!

As Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator and the leader among them, Cao Yan displayed considerable demeanor, taking out a map to point out the route and give instructions.

Chen Dengming glanced at it, quickly memorized the route, and then patted the Soul House in his arms without making a sound, reminding the Little Array Spirit to be alert and act as a lookout later, to be vigilant against enemies and possible Soul Devouring Sect cultivators around them.

Then he nudged the Black Cloud Leopard sitting beneath him, signaling it to hurry up.

"Junior Brother Chen, stay close to me from now on. Let's look after each other for safety!"

At this moment, Zhou Yunji transmitted his voice to Chen Dengming.

Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming gave him a smile.

Yang Lan from the Longevity Sect glanced at the Black Cloud Leopard sitting on Chen Dengming's back and secretly envied him. This Junior Brother from the Evergreen Sect was so lucky to have such a mount at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level Refining. He wouldn't need to expend his spiritual energy to travel thousands of miles later.

"Walk!"

With a low shout from Cao Yan, the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Longevity Sect, who was controlling the array plate, immediately opened a small gap in the opposite Formation barrier.

The group quickly mounted their weapons and rushed out in single file, disappearing into the mountain crevice in an instant.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh--

Spiritual Light swiftly rushed out of the mountain crevice.

Outside the mountain crevice, a group of wandering Demon Beast also moved at the sound of the wind breaking, roaring and charging towards them.

Chen Dengming rode the Black Cloud Leopard, a flash of sword light appearing around him, his sword energy surging, ready to make his move.

"Puff--"

"Puff puff--"

The first few demonic Demon Beast that pounced on them weren't even enough to go around for the surrounding Senior Brother; they all died on the spot.

"Roar!--"

More Demon Beast nearby were startled and swarmed in to attack.

Chen Dengming spotted one and was about to make a move when his Senior Brother around him simultaneously cast spells or unleashed Law Artifact, instantly swarming another group of them. Some were even blasted to pieces, their Flesh and Blood mangled beyond recognition.

Stealing monsters, huh?

Chen Dengming was taken aback and just lowered his hand from the hand seal.

A Demon Beast resembling a rabbit demon darted out quickly. The Black Cloud Leopard opened its mouth and spat out a bolt of cloud lightning, instantly killing the rabbit demon and turning it into a roasted charcoal. In the end, it even bared its teeth at Chen Dengming.

"Snap--"

Chen Dengming slapped him, making Leopard's head tremble.

Black Cloud Leopard was furious, flaring its nostrils, when it heard Chen Dengming shout.

"Run! A tough guy is coming!"

The Black Cloud Leopard was suspicious, but in the next instant it sensed the 'Demon Qi' formed by the combination of strong Spiritual Qi and Sha Qi. It immediately flapped its wings wildly, almost slapping a fellow Daoist from the Longevity Sect on the head, and flew away swiftly with a 'whoosh'.

A demon with a human body, a python's head, and a snake's tail charged forward, radiating an astonishingly Sha Qi. It flew through the air at an incredible speed.

It held two spears in its hands and wore a robe that had been torn from some unfortunate monk.

The exposed areas were covered with shimmering blue scales, emanating a chilling aura. Its upper body was muscular and covered with countless twisted, snake-like hairs, and a spiral horn on its head, making it look ferocious.

"Watch out, it's Foundation Establishment Late Stage Ice Python Demon!"

Cao Yan shouted a warning, and the snake demon that had rushed over suddenly hissed, its sound forming a kind of unpleasant sound wave, like countless fine needles piercing everyone's brains.

Chen Dengming easily shook off the influence with a little concentration, but the Black Cloud Leopard he was sitting on rolled its eyes back—this time, they really rolled back—and its limbs and wings stiffened.

With a whoosh, the air exploded, and the temperature plummeted to freezing.

A spear carrying a vast expanse of icy coldness shot towards them.

The dense, icy aura seemed to coalesce into the shape of a python, plunging straight towards one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Longevity Sect.

The cultivator seemed to still be in a daze and couldn't react in time.

At the critical moment Cao Yan shouted and urged his magical Law Artifact to rush forward. A three-colored canopy-like Law Artifact opened up and blocked the ice spear with a "bang".

In an instant, a large amount of ice crystal mist exploded, impacting the ground and freezing a layer of floating ice, with ice shards scattered everywhere.

At this moment, the snake demon had already closed in, letting out another deafening hiss, and was about to raise another spear in its hand to stab Zhou Yunji, who was closest to it.

Suddenly, the air around him trembled violently, churning like a pot of muddy water. A large amount of golden, hazy Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy swirled rapidly, transforming into an incomparably sharp torrent of metal that enveloped his body, rubbing and twisting it at high speed.

"Sizzle--"

The snake demon froze, its robes shattering instantly. Its muscular upper body was covered in shimmering blue scales that condensed into ice crystals, easily deflecting the various wandering energies.

However, in that instant, Chen Dengming's figure appeared ten feet away, his eyes flashing with divine light, as he unleashed his Refining Spirit Technique in conjunction with his Blade Intent.

In an instant, his eyes shot out like two gleaming daggers, piercing straight into the serpent demon's icy blue pupils.

In that instant, both the human and the demon revealed their sharpest glints in their eyes, clashing in the void like Divine Weapon.

Chen Dengming immediately felt an unusually powerful Mental Power suddenly counteract him.

He grunted, but gritted his teeth and made a firm decision, thrusting his palm strike.

With a clang, the Divine Transformation Blade transformed into hundreds of blade lights, the whistling sound like a series of muffled thunderclaps in the sky. Like the scales of hundreds of carp crossing a river, they merged into the flowing energy and crashed into the snake demon.

"Click--"

The scales lasted less than half a breath before suddenly shattering, splattering blue blood.

The snake demon hissed in agony, unleashing astonishing Demon Power. A vast expanse of icy aura suddenly spread out, causing the Divine Transformation Blade's momentum to gradually stall. Ice flowers and snow patterns condensed on the blade, and frost scattered across the surrounding ground, resembling countless silver threads embroidered into a floral handkerchief.

"Burning!"

Just then, Cao Yan roared and wielded a magical Law Artifact, which resembled a red-hot stick, radiating a misty aura of fire, and suddenly struck down.

With a "whoosh," flames and icy mist scattered together, the ground cracking from the intense impact of the flames and blasting out large chunks of scorched earth.

The snake demon screamed and staggered backward.

The others had also recovered by this time and took action, unleashing a barrage of Law Artifact Technique Method and spells.

A few breaths later.

A Golden Light, Vajra Giant appeared on the Battlefield, wielding a massive, eight-zhang-long Great Saber. The blade's energy stirred up a fierce gale, mercilessly striking the fallen enemy. The ice shards clattered and cracked with each strike, shattering the ground.

After a short while, the snake demon, who was in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, died a gruesome death.

The group was also quite exhausted, and some were even injured, but they were still astonished and slightly dazed as they looked at the snake demon lying on the ground, which still exuded a strong Sha Qi and spiritual power.

This was a demon at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage; its very hiss had sent shivers down everyone's spines, causing them to feel a sharp pain and dizziness.

Even Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator like Cao Yan could only manage a feeble maneuver before fleeing in disarray.

After all, Demon Beast are always stronger than cultivators at the same level, and generally only cultivators from major sects can defeat Demon Beast of the same level on their own.

But demons are even more terrifying than Demon Beast. They generally possess special abilities similar to some kind of bloodline talent, such as that wild roar just now, or the skillful use of ice-type Spiritual Qi to perform demonic arts, and so on.

This Foundation Establishment Late Stage demon was clearly the leader of this area, yet they killed it so quickly. Everyone could see who contributed the most to this battle.

"Junior Brother Chen, you truly live up to your reputation. Your combat strength is astonishing. If it weren't for your timely intervention, we might have already suffered casualties. We all owe you our gratitude."

After Cao Yan used his magic to heal Yang Lan, he looked at Chen Dengming with a smile and said politely.

Zhou Yunji, still pale and recovering from the shock, immediately bowed to Chen Dengming upon hearing this, saying, "Thank you, Junior Brother Chen. I owe Junior Brother my life."

If Chen Dengming hadn't intervened in time, he would have been in real danger and might have been pierced through the heart by a spear.

"Senior Brother Zhou, there's no need to be so polite. It's all what we should do. Didn't we agree to help each other out?"

Chen Dengming, who was rapidly recovering his Spiritual Qi by holding a Spirit Stone, immediately shook his head upon hearing this.

"Yes, yes, Junior Brother is right." Zhou Yunji's lips trembled slightly, feeling very embarrassed.

His original intention was to take care of this Junior Brother a little, thinking that his strength was slightly better than his. But now it seems that he is the younger brother.

A cultivator from the Longevity Sect named Qi Fen also joined in the commotion.

"Senior Brother Chen, I should call you Senior Brother Chen. The way you addressed me before was correct."

Chen Dengming forced a smile, too lazy to be polite anymore, because he had also exhausted himself. He knew his own situation best. Fortunately, the snake demon didn't know how to use the vast power of Divine Sense, otherwise he would have been in big trouble.

"Alright, give Junior Brother Chen some time to rest. We've made too much noise. We'll set off immediately in sixty breaths; we can't stay any longer."

Seeing that Chen Dengming was recovering, Cao Yan didn't want to continue being polite, so he immediately interrupted and then looked at Chen Dengming with a smile.

"Junior Brother Chen, the corpse of this Foundation Establishment Late Stage demon is a treasure trove. Although we don't eat this stuff, it's great for refining weapons. Besides, bringing it back would be a merit. Why don't you take the Junior Brother with you?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, but then he understood what Cao Yan meant. He wanted to curry favor with him and also showed that he did not want to take credit for himself.

But he still smiled and shook his head, "Senior Brother Cao, my Storage Bag is really a bit small. You should take the demon corpse with you. This credit belongs to everyone, and we can divide it when we get back."

This sentence once again won everyone's favor.

Who wouldn't want a companion who is both strong and humble? Upon hearing this, Cao Yan was secretly surprised, but also quite impressed. He could only pretend to be humble for now.

Chen Dengming, however, had his own considerations. There was no need to take the demon's corpse and arouse suspicion and jealousy, after all, people's hearts are unpredictable.

Secondly, this Foundation Establishment Late Stage demon doesn't seem to be an unknown nobody. He might be a general of the Demon Kingdom, or a subordinate of that Golden Core Bull Demon from before. Bringing this corpse into the War Zone might cause his Demon Qi to leak out when he opens the Storage Bag. It's hard to say whether that's a blessing or a curse, but it's definitely not a good omen.

To be on the safe side, it's best to avoid getting involved.

After a brief rest, the group immediately set off again, heading straight for their mission destination along the map.

However, the journey that followed was not smooth sailing, as they frequently encountered small groups of Demon Beast that seemed to be patrolling.

Even with everyone Divine Abilities, they were still exhausted from running around. They realized that traveling together and making too much noise to Escape Light their target was still too much.

The only way is to break the whole thing into smaller parts and travel separately.

In this way, although security is greatly reduced, the fact that they are not clustered together makes them much more concealed and makes it much easier to penetrate deep into the War Zone.

Half a day later.

Night fell.

A dark shadowy creature, its wings gliding lightly, glided through the forest like a fish swimming in water, landing gracefully on a large tree.

Chen Dengming rolled off the Black Cloud Leopard, patted his old partner with satisfaction, and then began to cautiously observe his surroundings.

(Bonus chapter complete for today! Still asking for monthly votes tomorrow! We must stay in the top 100 of the overall rankings! Bonus chapter for monthly votes tomorrow!)