073: Winter Snow Weighs Down the Phoenix Branch; Only Kindness Remains as It Was

Although the visit of the Ming Family cultivator seemed rather presumptuous, Chen Dengming still gave them a warm welcome.

Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake, let alone a mere Chen. He can't get arrogant just because he's become a high-level cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Eighth Level. If he gets arrogant, he's still not Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Fortunately, Boss Hu had given him a heads-up a few days earlier, and Chen Dengming was aware of the Ming family's intentions.

Both sides drank tea instead of wine, and after a series of discussions, they parted on good terms.

The Ming Family cultivator were quite friendly. The leading female cultivator had bright, beautiful eyes and graceful movements. She addressed him as "Brother Dao" repeatedly, and her sweet, humble demeanor was not offensive. She did not show any discrimination because of Chen Dengming's common accent.

"If someone treats me with respect, I'll repay them tenfold." Chen Dengming is also a master of this principle.

However, he wasn't some naive young man who would be easily swayed by a few sweet words of praise from a female cultivator.

Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, he politely declined the olive branch offered by the Ming family, but agreed to another deal that would also benefit him, allowing both sides to save face.

"As long as I join the Ming family as a high-ranking retainer and sign the Dao Heart Contract, I can directly obtain first-tier seventh to eighth-level Dao techniques. When I break through in the future, I can obtain even higher-level Dao techniques, as well as other good benefits. It's indeed tempting. What a pity."

"Now that the Luo Family has moved to the Eastern Region, their strength has been greatly diminished, and they will probably use this kind of Daoist technique to recruit some guest cultivators again."

Chen Dengming paced back and forth in the courtyard, his hands behind his back, frowning in thought, then smiling and shaking his head.

In his eyes, the olive branch extended by this Cultivation Family was nothing more than a dog leash.

Although he had never experienced that Dao Heart Contract, he had heard of it.

Once you sign, you'll truly be a loyal servant of the Lineage for a certain period; breaching the contract will come at a heavy price.

This is the helplessness of living in this world.

Qi Cultivation High Level cultivators seem very carefree, and even Cultivation Family value recruiting them. Those who haven't reached this level of strength don't even qualify to be recruited.

The subtleties involved are actually a matter of individual interpretation.

Some people don't care; it's not like they're chained up for life.

Some people, however, would mind, and Chen Dengming was one of the latter.

Perhaps because he was new to the Cultivation World, he witnessed many cruel and dark aspects of this world, making it difficult for him to trust Cultivation Family.

Therefore, after assessing the situation, he chose to do something that was equally beneficial to him and that he needed to do.

In this way, he neither embarrassed the Ming family nor failed to obtain the benefits he desired.

This matter involved helping the Ming family deal with the Demon Beast in the nearby mountains and forests, especially the Spider Demon Beast.

If he can hunt down five Spider Demon Beasts at or above the Qi Cultivation Fifth Level, the Ming family will directly grant him a first-tier, seventh-level Dao technique.

Secondly, if he were willing to trade the corpses of the five Spider Demon Beasts to the Ming family at half the market price, he could ask the Ming family's senior weapon refiners to help him refine a high-grade Law Artifact.

Now that our strength has increased, both our Daoist techniques and Law Artifact urgently need to be improved.

In particular, the Ice Spirit Blade, his main magical Law Artifact that allows him to unleash his full combat power, urgently needs an upgrade.

Back in the wilderness of Brocade Workshop, the Ice Spirit Blade struggled to even cleave open the body of a blue -Qi Cultivation Fourth Level.

If we don't improve soon, we might end up just giving Qi Cultivation High Level Refining Demon Beast handicap.

The spirit blood of the hunted Demon Beast can also be used to nourish the two Gu Worm.

However, hunting Demon Beast always carries certain risks.

Although Chen Dengming's strength has improved considerably, he remains as cautious as his strength has increased, to avoid becoming complacent and making a fool of himself.

After a cup of tea.

Chen Dengming, carrying two cans of spirit tea he had taken from the Storage Bag of the Lin family cultivator he had killed, went to visit his neighbor Zhu Xun in his courtyard.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu!"

"I hope you are at home Fellow Daoist Zhu?"

Inside the courtyard house, Zhu Xun peeked out from behind the window, muttering to himself.

"Is this guy surnamed Chen trying to show off in front of me? Trying to make me look foolish?"

They used to call me Brother Zhu, but now they call me Fellow Daoist. They changed their address quite quickly.

"So, where did that high-level cultivator Lingwei come from a few days ago? It was this guy showing off in the middle of the night."

"Alas! I was too naive. This guy surnamed Chen keeps the Formation running at will, consuming two Low-grade Spirit Stone a month. He stays at home all day and never goes out to make a living. He's obviously got some skills. How come I was so slow to realize it?"

At that moment, Chen Dengming's voice continued to come from outside.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, it's me. I've brought two cans of spirit tea to visit you, and I'd like to ask you about matters concerning Demon Beast."

Zhu Xun didn't look well.

Are you still here badmouthing him?

A dignified Qi Cultivation High Level cultivator asking a mid-level Qi Refining cultivator a question about Demon Beast?

Thinking of all the boasts he'd been making lately, Zhu Xun's face flushed.

"I'd like to see what tricks this Chen guy is up to. Why does he enjoy playing pranks on people so much?"

Zhu Xun stormed out, but her pace slowed as she walked. When she reached the door, she let out a long breath, forced a smile, and then Open Door to greet him warmly.

"Oh dear! Fellow Daoist Chen! I was just chopping meat inside, chopping and chopping so loudly that I didn't hear you knocking on the door very clearly."

"If I don't like you, well, that won't do! I really didn't hear you clearly. I was just saying that as soon as Lord Ming left, I would immediately bring a few catties of Demon Beast meat to visit you, fellow Daoist."

Come, come, please come in quickly! Oh, this spiritual tea, please don't accept it, I really dare not accept it!

Zhu Xun more and more naturally, and his smile became more and more natural and humble. He warmly invited Chen Dengming to sit down in the courtyard and quickly poured tea and water for him.

The atmosphere quickly became harmonious.

However, the roles of the two seem to have been reversed now compared to before.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, you are a renowned Demon Beast hunter near Bright Moon Workshop. I actually need your guidance to consult with you on this matter. Rest assured, I will definitely offer you a good reward."

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Chen, you're too kind. Just call me Little Zhu. All this talk about being famous or not is just me making things up."

However, if you say that I, Little Zhu, can be of help, then that's easy to do!

"Fellow Daoist Zhu is too modest. Actually, it's like this: I've discussed this with the Ming family."

Half an incense stick later.

Chen Dengming walked out of Zhu Xun's residence with a satisfied smile, now holding a detailed map of the nearby mountains and fields, so detailed that it even included notes on which Demon Beast had appeared in which areas.

He has reached a preliminary agreement with Zhu Xun to cooperate in hunting Demon Beast.

With Zhu Xun, an old hunter and cultivator, as his guide, he led him to hunt Demon Beast in the surrounding mountains and forests, with Spider Demon Beast being the most important target.

Afterwards, apart from the Spider Demon Beast's corpse, he handed over all the other Demon Beast corpses to Zhu Xun to handle.

He himself only takes a 30% cut after the Demon Beast's corpse is disposed of.

Zhu Xun clearly calculated the potential gains and risks. That's why he was willing to give Chen Dengming the map he had compiled from years of hunting.

"This map is indeed very detailed, covering the entire area within 500 li around the Ming family, and even roughly marking areas beyond 500 li."

Chen Dengming's gaze fell on Leshangou, 600 miles away on the map, and he showed a thoughtful expression before finally looking away.

Lüo Bing had been kind to him; after all, when he first came to the Cultivation World, it was Lüo Bing who gave him the Waist Token and leveraged her influence, which allowed him to gradually gain a foothold.

In a later transaction, he obtained a hundred Low-grade Spirit Stone, which was a resource that allowed him to quickly become stronger.

However, it was ultimately a transaction, involving trade and investment. Lüo Bing was also quite pragmatic, to the point of being cold-hearted, which diminished the sense of gratitude.

Chen Dengming kept all of this in mind.

If he has the ability, he is willing to help Lüo Bing when necessary.

However, such assistance must be provided while ensuring one's own safety.

Repaying a debt of gratitude doesn't mean paying with your life.

Lüo Bing's kindness wasn't that great, and it also required choosing the right time.

Offering help in times of need is acceptable.

There's no need to add anything extra.

Although the Luo Family has fallen to such a state, at least they still have Lüo Bing, a sect disciple who has broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, to hold their position.

As long as Lüo Bing doesn't die, the Luo Family won't collapse, and will eventually prosper again, although life may be much more difficult.

Being adrift is ultimately not as good as being based in Lüoshan City, which possesses First-Rank Spirit Vein.

However, given Lüo Bing's intelligence and the fact that she has now reached the Foundation Establishment, which is akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, she will naturally know how to leverage her connections with the Wonderful Sound Sect to resolve her predicament.

Sects are not to be trifled with, after all.

Before reaching the Foundation Establishment, Lüo Bing might have had difficulty utilizing much of the sect's power, but after successfully Foundation Establishment, the situation changed.

Therefore, although the Luo Family may seem to be in decline now, they don't need his help, even though he is Qi Cultivation High Level Refining cultivator.

This is just as the winter snow weighs down the phoenix branches, yet the kindness remains unchanged. The spring breeze turns the grass green in Jiangnan, and swallows carry mud year after year.

At best, Xiao Chen can only add icing on the cake, but he can't offer help in times of need.

After finishing what I need to do, I should focus on cultivating and improving my strength, and repay this kindness when I have the chance in the future.

That day, Chen Dengming and Zhu Xun left Bright Moon Workshop and went to the nearby mountains to hunt Demon Beast.

This was Chen Dengming's first time venturing into the wilderness since arriving in Bright Moon Workshop.

The countryside around Brocade Workshop, apart from the Mingyun Mountain Range and other mountains facing north, is mostly plains facing southwest.

The wilderness Bright Moon Workshop is almost entirely composed of rolling hills.

In some secluded Old Lin, the branches and leaves are lush and the vines are everywhere, winding around the Ancient Wood and entwining the new pearls, weaving a huge green net that blocks out the sun and prevents light from entering.

Such mountain forests are naturally home to many spirits, monsters Demon Beast.

The gathering of Spiritual Qi energy can even create strange and mysterious spiritual areas, where even cultivators unfamiliar with the area might get lost, let alone ordinary people.

With Zhu Xun seasoned veteran, as his guide, hunting in the mountains became much easier for Chen Dengming.

Even so, the two of them didn't gain anything much on the first day, except for killing a Qi Refining First Layer -like Demon Beast at the first level of Qi Refining.

However, I often see other cultivator teams driving away powerful Demon Beast, including cultivators from the Ming family.

"Weren't they saying there were a lot of Demon Beast lately? How come there aren't enough for us to go hunting?"

Two days later, in a mountain forest, Chen Dengming frowned as he drank water and spoke.

If things continue like this, he'll get tired of all the trouble.

At worst, I'll just forgo the first-tier, seventh-level Dao technique and other benefits offered by the Ming family, and go back to cultivating peacefully.

Hunting Demon Beast was something he considered just something he did casually.

At the same time, it allows them to adapt to a new Strength Realm, hone their combat skills, give the two Gu Worm a treat, and also gain benefits from the Ming family—a win-win situation.

But if it's inconvenient or troublesome, then it's best to put it aside for now.

Zhu Xun his head, "Hey, Fellow Daoist Chen, it's not that there aren't enough Demon Beast to go around. Demon Beast are quite cunning. Recently, many fellow cultivators have responded to the Ming family's call and gone into the forest in groups to hunt Demon Beast."

The stupid ones were all killed; those remaining were all cunning and shrewd, who would immediately hide as soon as they sensed the presence of a powerful cultivator or a large group of people.

I think after we've searched this forest, we should go further in to take a look.

Chen Dengming nodded in agreement and smiled, "You're right, Demon Beast are clever too. So, in that case, we'll have to keep a distance from each other, each using a Breath Concealing Bead to lure the Demon Beast out."

He hadn't expected that the Demon Beast could sense the aura of a powerful cultivator.

The main reason is that none of the Demon Beast from the former Brocade Workshop were this clever.

The Demon Beast over there are used to swaggering around the plains and frequently hunting humans.

Suddenly encountering Chen Dengming, this Sha Star Demon Beast hunter, they were clearly not used to it before being slaughtered. In the end, the little Demon Beast became smarter and rarely came out to roam anymore.

The Demon Beast in Bright Moon Workshop are a different story.

The saying "One region's water and soil nurture its people, and one region's people nurture its Demon Beast" is absolutely true.

Immediately after discussing it, Chen Dengming and Zhu Xun both used the Breath Concealing Bead.

One person acts as bait, while the other follows behind, ready to strike at any moment.

"Heavenly spirits, earthly spirits, may the King of Hell not show his power."

Even if Demon Beast does jump out later, please don't let it be a giant spider at the Qi Cultivation Fifth Level. I know this area well; at most, a forest wolf at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Level usually appears here. Don't panic, don't panic!"

Zhu Xun the surface, but was actually filled with anxiety and trepidation. He acted as bait and paved the way ahead, his hands constantly moving, ready to perform a hand seal at any moment.

Although he believed he understood Chen Dengming's character, he had never fought alongside him before, so it would be a lie to say he wasn't worried or suspicious.

Actually, he was also worried that a powerful Demon Beast might suddenly appear, and Chen Dengming would sell him off to be the sixth one.

However, having already boasted beforehand, thumping his chest loudly to indicate that he was familiar with this mountain forest and that no particularly powerful Demon Beast would appear, and given that he did indeed need to clear a path ahead, he had no choice but to act as bait himself.

"Don't be nervous, I've spotted one. It's probably at the Qi Cultivation Fifth Level. Good. Continue pretending to walk forward."

Suddenly, Chen Dengming's voice transmission rang in Zhu Xun's ears.

Zhu Xun was initially delighted, but then his heart nearly stopped in fright, and he was so shocked that his blood vessels felt like they were about to explode and he almost jumped out of his skin.

Qi Cultivation Fifth Level Demon Beast is nearby; why leave him here pretending to walk forward?

Are they preparing to throw human flesh buns at a dog?

Zhu Xun was about to leave the spot almost instantly.

At the same time, a strong spiritual energy fluctuation suddenly emanated from the surrounding air.

Chen Dengming's eyes shone brightly, his white hair danced in the air, and he used the Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique to remotely control a portion of Spiritual Qi with both hands, suddenly clenching them together.

"Roar!"

Almost simultaneously, a howl of a demonic wolf, shaking the mountains and forests, suddenly came from the side not far away.

But the next moment, that majestic roar turned into a pitiful howl.

The air in the forest fluctuated violently, and then a large amount of reflective metallic luster appeared along with sharp air currents, instantly forming a terrifying metallic storm vortex that emitted a strong suction force, as if a deep pool had collapsed out of thin air, pulling a slender demon wolf into it.

Kara--

A series of teeth-grinding sounds of bones shattering and tendons snapping erupted, and the demon wolf let out a dying howl, its spiritual power surging, its blood-red eyes forcefully breaking out of the vortex of energy.

But at that very moment, a dazzling blade of light flashed past, striking the wolf's head with a clang. The sound of metal striking metal was heard, but it only managed to tear a layer of skin and bone, without penetrating it.

However, at this moment, half of the demon wolf's body had already crashed to the ground with a 'plop,' and blood, along with broken internal organs and intestines, spilled all over the ground, the Blood Qi aura soaring into the sky. It had died tragically on the spot.

"Whoosh--"

Chen Dengming leaped closer.

With a wave of his hand, the Ice Spirit Blade hummed and nimbly darted back to his side like a fish, slowly spinning and radiating a chilling aura and a hazy spiritual light.

He ran his fingertips over the cold blade with a hint of dissatisfaction and sighed softly.

Although wolves are known for being stubborn.

But even though the demon wolf was only at the Qi Cultivation Fifth Level, after he unleashed a single strike, the Ice Spirit Blade couldn't even pierce half of the bone...

This Law Artifact's destructive power is rather weak; it urgently needs an upgrade.

"Call--"

At this moment, Zhu Xun's figure rushed over and saw the demon wolf lying dead on the ground, its body cut in two, the other half of which was twisted into Flesh and Blood. He was so shocked that his scalp tingled and he felt a chill run down his spine.

If it weren't for the spiritual power and Sha Qi emanating from this demonic wolf, proving that it was indeed a wild forest wolf at the Qi Cultivation Fifth Level, he would have thought it was just a mongrel dog that had been so easily killed by his neighbor.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, what kind of Daoist technique was that just now? I didn't quite see it. Was it a high-level Daoist technique?"

Zhu Xun asked with a forced smile, but his words were slightly hesitant, clearly still quite nervous.

"It's not a high-level Dao technique, it's a first-tier, sixth-level Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique! Haven't you ever seen anyone use it?"

"Oh? So it's the Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique. I've seen that before, but... Fellow Daoist Chen, the power of the technique you used... wow, it's quite strong."

Chen Dengming: "This is normal. I practice it often. Any Daoist technique, when practiced to a high level, possesses this power."

"Oh--yes!"

Zhu Xun suppressed his doubts and shock, thinking to himself that this Fellow Daoist Chen might indeed have been immersed in this kind of Daoist technique for a long time, which made him strong with this technique, but he might not be as strong with other Daoist techniques.

He then looked at another Flesh and Blood wolf carcass on the ground.

The corpse was so badly mangled that even its fur was torn to shreds, and its Flesh and Blood was rotten beyond recognition. He felt both chilled and heartbroken. He immediately considered his words carefully, and with a dry laugh, he cupped his hands in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, I've witnessed your strength, but this is such a waste. Next time, you could be a little gentler on killing it, so the meat can fetch a better price."

Chen Dengming readily agreed, "Okay, this is our first time working together. I was afraid you'd get hurt by this beast, so I acted a little hastily. Be careful next time."

Zhu Xun a warmth in his heart, realizing he had been judging Chen Dao with his own petty mind. He quickly became even more humble, saying, "Brother Fellow Daoist Chen, you're too kind. Shall we continue?"

Oh wait, you just cast a spell, doesn't that need to be undone?

"Oh, it's alright. This technique is fine. It didn't take much of a toll, and I've recovered now." Chen Dengming waved the Spirit Stone he had used for recovery.

Zhu Xun was speechless and felt a tightness in his chest.

You haven't used up much energy, so why are you recovering so frequently?

Moreover, the Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique that just killed a Qi Cultivation Fifth Level Wild Forest Wolf in an instant didn't consume much energy, did it?

If someone were to attack him, wouldn't even ten of them lined up to be killed be enough to give this Fellow Daoist Chen a good time and some fun?

It seems he was too naive before, thinking that even if a Qi Cultivation High Level cultivator was strong, they wouldn't be ridiculously strong.

But now, looking at Chen Dengming's strength, it's simply outrageous. His father Open Door to something even more outrageous; it's ridiculous beyond belief.

To expect him to be a guide is overly cautious. This forest is safe to roam freely, and there aren't any Foundation Establishment Demon Beast lurking around.

While silently complaining to himself, Zhu Xun immediately busied himself cleaning up the Demon Beast corpses, not daring to complain too loudly for fear of being noticed by the powerful Chen Dengming.

After they finished packing, they immediately set off before it got dark.

Zhu Xun's courage also grew considerably by taking advantage of the situation, and he became more arrogant as bait. His posture in the mountains and forests became much more imposing, no longer so timid and hesitant.

Fellow Daoist Chen is so strong, yet so cautious; that's enough.

As the bait, Little Zhu had to walk in front. If he wasn't arrogant, how could he lure out the cunning Demon Beast? He wanted the Demon Beast to be so enraged by his arrogant demeanor that they would try to devour him.

(This chapter took a while to write. I'll update again during the day, aiming for 10,000 words. Please vote with your monthly tickets!)