Devilish Cultivators of the Western Region Subdue Spirit Boats, Wealth, Companions, Dharma, and Place Are Also Hot Potatoes

There are several Cultivation Family Lineage 300 miles of the Evergreen Sect, almost all of which depend on the Evergreen Sect for survival.

Some of these Lineage' patriarchs or ancestors were once stewards of the Evergreen Sect. Later, they probably lost hope of achieving the Golden Core and realized that immortality was hopeless, so they left the sect and began to marry wives and concubines, and have many children.

The Wu Family is one of them. However, no patriarch or elder of the Wu Family has ever served in the Evergreen Sect. Some of their members have served as disciples of the Evergreen Sect, and they have also recommended some outstanding retainers to join the Evergreen Sect. Therefore, they are well-known and trusted by the Evergreen Sect.

Before returning to his sect, Chen Dengming first went to the Wu Family and visited the Wu Family head Wu Yongwang.

His current status, after all, was once that of a high-ranking retainer of the Wu Family, so the script for both sides is an amicable parting.

Now that I have achieved the Foundation Establishment, I should pay a visit; it would be a proper performance.

Of course, the main reason was that Chen Dengming wanted to personally investigate the Wu Family's situation to avoid being exposed later.

When Wu Yongwang, the head of the Wu Family, learned that a Foundation Establishment cultivator had come to visit, and that the visitor was the very person he had vouched for before, he was secretly surprised.

But he was also a shrewd person, and he immediately understood Chen Dengming's intentions.

They immediately and warmly welcomed Chen Dengming out of the Lineage and personally entertained him. Then, amidst the confused looks of some Lineage members, they ushered Chen Dengming into the Lineage compound for discussions.

For the Wu Family members, it's true that Wu Family the years, one or two unfamiliar worshippers would suddenly appear, and they've gotten used to it.

Since these people were basically confirmed by the family head, and as the Lineage's only Foundation Establishment cultivator, their identities were obviously genuine.

However, these people may have other work arrangements, and unlike ordinary worshippers, they only accept the orders of the head of the household, so it is normal that they are not well known.

At least this time, Chen Ming, the former retainer who made a surprise visit, was quite popular with the Lineage members.

After all, he used to serve as an honorific in the Wu Family, but now he has become Foundation Establishment cultivator. No matter what, there is still some connection between them. For the Wu Family members, this can only bring benefits and no harm.

When they go out and boast, they can say that one of the Wu Family's former retainers was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and that the Wu Family is very powerful.

Other Lineage would also be wary upon hearing this. Even if they had any ideas about the Wu Family, they would have to think twice and take this Foundation Establishment cultivator named Chen Ming into account.

However, only Chen Dengming and Wu Yongwang, the head of the Wu Family, knew that their relationship was limited to tacit cooperation based on mutual interests.

Having cultivated himself for so many years, Wu Yongwang naturally understands that when helping someone, one should help them to the very end, and see them through to the end.

Just do good deeds; don't say things you shouldn't say, and don't ask questions you shouldn't know.

Therefore, Chen Dengming and the unassuming Wu Family patriarch, who had shifty eyes, got along quite well.

When smart people interact, they don't need to say much.

Everyone stopped at a reasonable amount of food, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves.

When he left the Wu Family, many of the Wu Family members sincerely saw him off with Wu Yongwang and invited Chen Dengming to come back and visit often.

This makes it seem as if Chen Dengming was truly a former retainer of the Wu Family. If anyone dares to say otherwise, Chen Dengming probably won't even need to defend himself; the many disciples of the Wu Family will be the first to disagree.

A gentle breeze caressed his face as Chen Dengming bid farewell with a smile. The last and most important task of his trip was now complete.

Wu Yongwang provided him with detailed information about the Wu Family's basic situation and some details regarding their official duties.

I will be able to answer fluently whenever anyone asks me about it in the future.

He channeled his Spiritual Qi, flew at full speed, and manipulated the sword energy released by the Ice Spirit Blade to form a cone shape outside his body, trying his best to reduce air resistance during high-speed flight.

Along the way, he happened to encounter his own sect's spirit boat flying in the distance, bringing with it bursts of sonic booms, and its speed was much faster than his escape speed.

Compared to the sect's spirit boat, he was now like driving an ordinary sedan, while the spirit boat was a cool supercar; the roar of the engine had barely begun before it had already flown far away.

However, the three spirit boats quickly disappeared into the clouds above, as if they had activated a sound-absorbing or shielding Formation, and the sound vanished in an instant.

"Judging from the direction, they're heading to the front lines. It seems the first batch of disciples from within the sect, along with the recruited Rogue Cultivator, have already arrived, so they were immediately sent to the front lines."

Chen Dengming pondered this for a moment, then continued on his way.

Less than fifteen minutes.

He then traveled three hundred miles back to the Evergreen Sect.

A group of disciples patrolling the mountain saw his speeding figure and were initially stunned and confused, preparing to intercept him. However, after recognizing him clearly, they all bowed and made way for him.

"Martial Uncle Chen!"

"Greetings, Martial Uncle Chen!"

"Hello, you've all worked hard! Your martial uncle will treat you to drinks later."

Upon hearing this, the group of disciples patrolling the mountain exchanged glances, and then couldn't help but become somewhat excited.

The Foundation Establishment Master Uncle was so polite, even offering to drink with them. Even if it was just a polite remark, it was the first time they had ever been so courteous and encouraging. The other Foundation Establishment Deacon in the sect had never been so kind and encouraging, making them, the ordinary disciples, feel incredibly honored.

"Ling'er, we might have to move again in a couple of days."

Back in his residence, Chen Dengming greeted the Little Array Spirit array floating inside with a smile.

Since developing his Divine Sense, he realized that Foundation Establishment cultivators could probably directly use their Divine Sense to perceive the existence of spirit entities like Little Array Spirit.

Therefore, I haven't taken the Little Array Spirit out much these past two days.

After all, he's been dealing with Foundation Establishment cultivators quite a bit lately, to the point that the little guy is getting really bored.

"Moving again?"

The Little Array Spirit floated over in surprise, her pretty face full of confusion and doubt. She had only recently gotten to know the flowers and plants in the courtyard. "No, no, it doesn't mean that our home is settled, it's, it's right here."

Chen Dengming laughed and said, "It's settled. We're not moving very far; it'll probably be one of the nearby mountains."

Once everything is arranged, I estimate we'll be moving to Foundation Establishment cultivator's cave abode. The environment there will be better, and it's on Second-Rank Spirit Vein, which will also be safer for you."

"Oh--"

Hearing that the move wouldn't be too far, the Little Array Spirit, though still in a bad mood, was willing to accept it.

She also knew that the better the Spirit Vein, the more beneficial they would be to a fellow cultivator's cultivation.

She used to dance diligently every day, just to help her fellow cultivators improve faster. Seeing her fellow cultivators' progress after such hard work made her especially happy.

However, after your recent breakthrough in strength, you seem to have become complacent. You haven't asked her to dance for several days to help with your cultivation, and you've been somewhat neglectful.

"Hmm? Ling'er? You seem unhappy? Don't you want to move again?"

Chen Dengming was tidying up his things in the room when he noticed that Little Array Spirit was acting strangely, so he asked her with a smile.

The two, one human and one spirit, had spent over a year together and were extremely familiar with each other.

Especially for Little Array Spirit, when their emotions are intense, their spiritual light will be much brighter, and when their emotions are low, their spiritual light will dim. When their emotions fluctuate violently, they will blink incessantly like a light bulb, making it difficult to hide.

"No, no, it's just that you haven't seen me dance for several days now. Have you become lax since you reached the Foundation Establishment? Don't you like watching me dance?"

Chen Dengming was surprised, put down the items in his hand, and smiled helplessly.

"No, it's just that my Cultivation Method has reached its limit. Now that I've reached the Foundation Establishment stage, I need to switch to a new Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method. Without Cultivation Method, it's not convenient for me to cultivate for the time being."

Chen Dengming shook his head, "We'll continue after we change. If the intensity is too high then, you might not be able to handle it. Let you rest for a few days first."

"I can endure it."

The Little Array Spirit, unusually, spoke without stuttering. Hearing this explanation, it became happy, its body radiating a bright spiritual light. Knowing that its fellow Daoist had not become lazy or changed his mind, its heart immediately calmed down.

That evening, after receiving a sumptuous dinner for Foundation Establishment cultivators at the sect's dining hall, Chen Dengming went to the Transmission Hall to familiarize himself with the Cultivation Method.

The old man guarding the Dharma Transmission Hall was surnamed Mo, and he was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and he was quite old.

When Chen Dengming first came, the old man was indifferent and unresponsive. When Chen Dengming inquired about the relevant Cultivation Method and Daoist techniques, he would often ask three questions and receive no effective feedback.

This time, the old man was more polite. Although he was still too proud to admit it, he at least got up from the wooden rattan chair where he had been lying, exchanged a few polite words with Chen Dengming, and finally gave normal answers to Chen Dengming's questions.

Chen Dengming understood this.

He was, after all, Qi Cultivation Cultivator. Even if he was at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level, he was still a Qi Refining cultivator and might not necessarily be able to break through to the Foundation Establishment. Their status and position were different. Naturally, the other party remained lying in the chair, pretending to be a deaf, mute, and paralyzed disabled old man, and did not answer.

Now that the two sides are evenly matched in strength and status, the old man is no longer deaf, mute, or paralyzed.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you should know that sects directly reward cultivators who reach the Foundation Establishment with three thousand Sect Contribution."

You can exchange these three thousand Sect Contribution for our sect's signature Cultivation Method, the Evergreen Merit, and then use that to cultivate other high-level Daoist methods.

Chen Dengming paused, then asked with a smile, "Senior Brother Mo, how much Sect Contribution is needed to exchange for the Evergreen Merit?"

Old Mo stroked his beard and sighed, "To exchange for the Evergreen Merit, you need 2,200 Sect Contribution."

For an ordinary disciple, it would take many years to accumulate so much Sect Contribution.

Therefore, Evergreen Merit is divided into the Qi Refining Chapter and the Foundation Establishment Chapter. As for the Golden Elixir Chapter, that is the Longevity Dao Gong, which is the sect's treasured Cultivation Method of the Longevity Sect. One must apply to the Longevity Sect to study it.

After a pause, Old Man Mo continued, "The Qi Refining chapter of the Evergreen Merit Technique requires two hundred contribution points, Foundation Establishment chapter requires two thousand. Junior Brother Chen, after you exchange for the Foundation Establishment chapter, you can use the remaining one thousand contribution points to exchange for a high-level first-tier Technique Method, but exchanging for a second-tier Technique Method will be quite difficult."

"Thank you for your explanation, Senior Brother Mo."

After thanking him, Chen Dengming began to wander around the Dharma Transmission Hall.

The sect leader and deputy sect leader have not yet returned, and their Sect Contribution and other benefits have not yet been arranged.

However, it's alright to just get a feel for the situation first.

His Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method will definitely be the Evergreen Merit Gong, the signature Cultivation Method of the Evergreen Sect.

Putting aside everything else, this Everlasting Evergreen Merit is derived from the Longevity Dao Skill of the Longevity Sect. When one cultivates to the Golden Longevity Sect and directly cultivate all the way to the Spirit Transmutation Stage without having to change the method or seek the method elsewhere.

Of course, more importantly, the potential and efficacy of this Cultivation Method are powerful enough.

The Evergreen Merit's spirit-gathering amplification effect is as high as 66%.

After cultivation, it also has the added benefit of prolonging life.

Generally speaking, Cultivation Method that can increase the effect by 40% to 50% are very difficult to find on the market.

More than 60% of them are extremely rare, enough to become the Immortal Sect's signature Cultivation Method. Not to mention that the Evergreen Merit also prolongs life and is a prerequisite Cultivation Method for the Longevity Dao Technique, making it a top-grade technique.

Besides the Evergreen Merit, Chen Dengming planned to use the remaining one thousand Sect Contribution to exchange for Qi Cultivation High Level Refining Technique Method.

Currently, he has not yet learned the three Qi Cultivation High Level techniques: Level 8, Level 9, and Level 10.

Ordinary people might skip these Technique Method and accumulate Sect Contribution so they can directly learn the corresponding second-tier Foundation Establishment Technique Method later.

However, Chen Dengming could extend his lifespan by learning more advanced Technique Method.

These are all opportunities to extend one's lifespan, and they should not be missed.

Moreover, the master leads you through the door, but the practice is up to you.

A first-tier, level eight to ten advanced Technique Method, when cultivated to the master level, is more powerful than a second-tier, low-level Technique Method when cultivated to the proficiency level.

With the help of the panel and their own efforts, it's not impossible to turn the impossible into the possible.

Soon, Chen Dengming eliminated the advanced version of the <Withered to Flourishing Art <Great Withered to Flourishing Art, from his limited five level eight to level ten metal and Wood Element Dao techniques.

It also eliminated the ninth-level metal-based Dao technique, "Solid as Gold".

I selected three Qi Cultivation High Level techniques that I liked.

"Tier 1, Level 8 Metal-type Technique Method <Golden Body>: After casting, it rapidly gathers a large amount of Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy to form a golden body, resisting external physical or Law Power attacks, but cannot resist sound waves, evil spirits, or Curse- type Technique Method. Exchange requires 200 Sect Contribution."

"The first-tier, ninth-level Wood Element Technique Method, <Substitute Peach for Plum>, requires multiple pieces of wood as casting materials. It requires prior learning of <Wood Escape Technique> and mastery of it."

After casting the spell, a piece of wood can be used to absorb damage in place of oneself, while one quickly disappears into another piece of wood within the spell's range. (Exchange requires 300 Sect Contribution.)

"Level 10, Gold-type Technique Method <Golden Gang Spirit Venerable> requires prior mastery of <Golden Body>. After casting, it rapidly condenses a large amount of Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy around the caster, transforming it into a colossal spirit venerable form, possessing immense power and unparalleled ferocity. Exchange requires 500 Sect Contribution."

Alright, with the three sects combined, we can just use up the remaining thousand Sect Contribution points.

Overall, Chen Dengming essentially got something for free.

He is the first disciple in the history of the Evergreen Sect to receive a large amount of Sect Contribution in just over two months after joining the sect and without doing anything.

However, since this benefit has not yet been implemented, Chen Dengming is a little uneasy, worried that something might go wrong.

After all, his identity is somewhat questionable, so it's understandable that he might feel guilty. As long as the benefits haven't materialized, things can't be said for sure.

Four more days passed quickly.

Just as Chen Dengming was growing impatient, two dilapidated and still smoking spirit boats returned.

A dozen or so travel-worn and somewhat disheveled cultivators flew down from the spirit boat.

The deputy sect leader Liang Yunsheng, was among them, along with Foundation Establishment Deacon Chen Dengming had never seen before, and several disciples, all of whom appeared to be injured.

The atmosphere within the Evergreen Sect instantly became much more somber.

Many disciples were alarmed by what they saw.

An atmosphere of panic quickly spread throughout the Evergreen Sect.

For over a century prior, the Longevity Sect area had been very peaceful.

Many disciples, and even their fathers, have never experienced war since birth, nor have they ever been in contact with chaotic areas like Gathering Place, so they have no concept of what war is.

Even when war broke out between the Immortal Sect outside the Longevity Sect, causing a great commotion, most people remained detached and watched from the sidelines.

Relying on the Longevity Sect, many people are completely unaware of the cruelty and horror of war, and are blindly confident.

When this war broke out, many Evergreen Sect disciples were even excited and eager to try their luck.

They believed that once their own sect's army of cultivators charged out with the Longevity Sect's spirit boat, they would immediately unleash their divine power and decisively turn the tide of battle.

Now, even the deputy sect leader Liang Yunsheng has returned injured and dejected. Many Evergreen Sect disciples feel their confidence shattered, filled with panic and unease, and all their previous excitement and ease have vanished.

Even Yu Meizhu, the senior sister who walked in and out of the sect and was praised by many disciples, who Qi Cultivation Tenth Level and had High-grade Spiritual Root, actually showed some wavering and fear in her expression.

Seeing the Evergreen Sect disciples' mental state, Chen Dengming was quite disappointed.

Indeed, a comfortable environment breeds greenhouse flowers.

In his view, these Evergreen Sect disciples were not only talented but also powerful.

However, in many aspects such as temperament, cunning, and shrewdness, they are far inferior to the Rogue Cultivator in the Gathering Place.

Some cultivators who are usually praised as being at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level or even ninth level of Qi Refining are just so-so. Their character is much worse than that of Xu Ning, Qian Yuan, and other minor figures in the Gathering Place.

Upon comparison, Chen Dengming suddenly realized that Miss Lüo Bing was exceptionally outstanding, at least in terms of temperament, she could easily surpass the so-called top ten disciples of the Evergreen Sect.

That night, a terrifying message spread within the Evergreen Sect: "The two Evergreen Sect spirit ships that departed four days ago were ambushed on their way to the front Battlefield and were completely wiped out. Two Foundation Establishment Deacon of the Evergreen Sect also lost their lives as a result."

When the deputy sect leader and his group returned, they had also endured a bloody battle, with many of their accompanying disciples perishing.

"How could this be? Were these people ambushed in the Longevity Sect Territory? If so, could it be that the Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions have already invaded the heart of the Eastern Regions?"

As Foundation Establishment cultivator, Chen Dengming received more detailed information, but he was immediately incredulous and asked Li Yue, who had come to inform him of the news.

Li Yue looked grave, shook his head with a wry smile, and said, "This matter is indeed strange. Only Junior Brother Yu and the others knew the route they took, as well as Sect Master Qiu and Vice Sect Master Liang. Yet they were attacked on the way."

Neither the sect leader nor the deputy leader could have leaked the information; there could only be one possibility: among the people on those two spirit boats, there were spies planted by Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions.

As for how the Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions infiltrated the heart of the Eastern Regions, the situation is not hard to guess.

You mean...

Chen Dengming's eyes flashed, and he realized what was going on.

This war is not just taking place in the northeastern corner of the Eastern Region.

This also includes several other regions that have been invaded by Western Region Devil Cultivator and demons from the Demon Kingdom.

Even if the Longevity Sect manages to seal its gates, the Heavenly Dao Gate, the Shu Sword Pavilion, and the Five Elements Escape Sect, which are the mainstays of the other regions, may not be able to do so effectively.

If some powerful Devil Cultivator and monsters were to detour from other areas and infiltrate here...

Chen Dengming felt a chill run down his spine.

Suddenly, he realized that even staying in the heart of the Eastern Region might not guarantee safety from the flames of war; danger could erupt at any moment, and demons might even be lurking nearby.

Just a few days ago, they had exchanged pleasantries and congratulated the Foundation Establishment Steward He, who had a goatee.

In the blink of an eye, the enemy had already died on their way to the front lines.

Besides, many fellow disciples and Rogue Cultivator gathered from the Gathering Place had all died within just a few days.

"Alright, Junior Brother Chen, everyone has their own destiny, and we can't force things. You don't need to worry too much."

Li Yue paused abruptly, then looked at Chen Dengming with a smile and asked, "I heard that Junior Brother Chen went back to the Wu Family a few days ago? How is the Wu Family head's health now?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, then met Li Yue's ambiguous smile and understood what the other was thinking.

He immediately nodded with a smile, "Master Wu Family's health is as good as ever, and his many descendants are also thriving."

"Well"

Li Yue's eyes flashed, and he was completely relieved.

Some things didn't need his reminder or further explanation. He immediately said, "Now that Sect Master Liang has returned, your treatment and benefits can be arranged immediately. I came here today because Sect Master Liang instructed me to take you to see him."

"Good!"

Having waited and hoped for many days, Chen Dengming was already quite impatient.

But now, I'm not so looking forward to it anymore, and I even have a slight urge to run away.

If you accept benefits from a sect, you must also bear the responsibilities and obligations.

Everything has a cause and an effect; it's impossible to get something for nothing.

"These are turbulent times."

Finally, he composed himself, settled the Little Array Spirit, and left with Li Yue.

People always have to move forward, and he also needs to obtain the Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method to continue his cultivation.

We shouldn't overthink things just because they're unknown and haven't happened yet, lest we become overly worried and stagnant.

Within the Evergreen Sect, the righteous leader, Qiu Feng, is Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator and was once an elder of the Longevity Sect.

Later, he left the Longevity Sect and founded the Evergreen Sect, but he still maintained close ties with the Longevity Sect, similar to the difference between a head office and a branch office in his previous life.

Liang Yunsheng, as the deputy sect leader of the Evergreen Sect, was also one of the earliest subordinates to follow Qiu Feng. He possessed the strength of Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, commonly known as a cultivator at the Pill Embracing Perfection or False Core Cultivator, above the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

The so-called "Pill Embracing Perfection" means that the Spiritual Qi in the upper, middle and lower Dantian of the Foundation Establishment has been completely refined and perfected. The three lights of the Foundation Establishment transform into purple-gold frost, Spirit Aperture shines with wisdom light, as bright as a luminous pearl in the night. This step is the False Core Realm of the Foundation Establishment Perfection.

When the three families merge into one, and the three pills become one pill, then one will truly break through and step into the Golden Core stage, unleashing the Golden Core Might gold.

A pseudo-core cultivator can also be called a great cultivator. Such a person must be far superior to most Foundation Establishment cultivators, and Liang Yunsheng himself is also an extremely domineering figure.

His temples were slightly gray, which only added to his authority. He spoke in a loud and clear voice, as if he were a passionate and magnanimous person.

The meeting between Chen Dengming and him was quite amicable.

Although Liang Yunsheng had an imposing presence, he was not arrogant. After exchanging some polite words, he began to chat with Chen Dengming as if they were old friends, getting into the process of probing for details.

Fortunately, Chen Dengming had already visited the Wu Family and met Wu Yongwang.

He answered Liang Yunsheng's pointed questions fluently, and finally Liang Yunsheng smiled with satisfaction, "Junior Brother Chen, it's a blessing for our Evergreen Sect that such an outstanding talent as you can come to break through to the Evergreen Sect Foundation Establishment. Come on."

He smiled and took out a Storage Bag, saying...

"In this Storage Bag, your Foundation Establishment robe, three bottles of Qian Yuan Pill, fifty Mid-grade Spirit Stone, your sect identity token, cave abode token, etc., are already prepared. Your Sect Contribution are recorded in the identity token."

If you wish to choose Cultivation Method, then go to the Transmission Hall to select one yourself."

Chen Dengming's heart skipped a beat. He had been looking forward to this moment for days. He immediately stood up, accepted the gift with both hands, and expressed his gratitude.

Liang Yunsheng stood up, smiled, and waved his hand, "Junior Brother Chen, no need to be so polite."

As you know, the current situation in the sect and on the front lines is such that even though you've broken through to the Foundation Establishment, I won't assign you any dangerous Sect Mission.

But if the situation worsens in six months, there are some things I can't control. I hope you cherish your time and train hard."

Chen Dengming's heart sank, but he still smiled and agreed before taking his leave.

Six months.

This might be Liang Yunsheng's way of giving him a protection period as a Foundation Establishment novice.

Half a year is neither a long nor a short time.

However, although Chen Dengming had never tried to break through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, he knew it was absolutely impossible.

If, six months from now, I really want to get involved in some dangerous missions of the sects, I need to plan ahead and learn and improve some Daoist techniques that can quickly enhance my combat power.

In fact, if there were truly fatal dangers, he might just turn into Chen the Runner again.

Seven days later.

In the mountains and forests near Changle Workshop.

A beastly roar that shook the hills resounded.

A massive black beast shadow, nearly ten feet tall, suddenly burst through the air, its outstretched wings shaking the air. Suddenly, it lashed out with a claw, the air currents vibrating, and with a force as powerful as splitting mountains and shattering rocks, it slammed into a figure in front of it.

The figure stood motionless, then suddenly brought his arms together in a hand seal.

The Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy in the surrounding air instantly boiled and condensed in front of him at an unparalleled speed, causing the surroundings to emit dazzling white and Golden Light.

The moment the Black Cloud Leopard's claws struck the dense platinum light, a metallic tremor that vibrated like an eardrum erupted.

The immense recoil force directly knocked the Black Cloud Leopard's claws away, causing a loud bang, shaking the earth, and cracking the ground with its sharp claws.

"Awoo--"

The Black Cloud Leopard's eyes nearly welled with tears. It stretched out its paws and began to lick the figure opposite it, its gaze filled with resentment.

The figure was enveloped in golden light, and the Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy on its body seemed to have condensed into a small cone-shaped golden mountain, exuding an indestructible quality.

This was none other than the first-tier, eighth-level Technique Method, <Golden Body>.

The Black Cloud Leopard was very aggrieved at this moment. It was so angry that it hugged its paws and spun around on the spot, howling and lashing its tail at the ground to vent its anger.

Leopard was tricked again. It had been tricked by Chen Dengming, who gave it a chance to attack with all its might and promised not to fight back, only to defend.

Seeing such a good opportunity to beat up his master, Leopard Brother wasn't stupid. He knew he wouldn't miss this chance, so he naturally transformed into Leopard Head Lin Chong and went all out.

As a result of that full-force slap, it felt as if its claw had struck a mountain of gold. The pain was so intense, its fingers were almost numb.

How unscrupulous!

"Hey, keep going. I won't fight back. Come on, I'll give you a chance to beat me up."

On the other side, Chen Dengming maintained his Golden Body Art spell and sent out a seductive voice.

He felt that this Technique Method was very powerful. He wondered if it was because he was Foundation Establishment cultivator and used spiritual essence to activate it, rather than Spiritual Qi energy. His golden body withstood the full force of the Black Cloud Leopard's attack, and it only consumed less than one percent of his spiritual essence. The defensive effect was outstanding.

"Waaah--"

The Black Cloud Leopard glared resentfully at Chen Dengming, baring its teeth and shaking its head violently.

Chen Dengming was helpless.

Since being "trained" by him, this guy has practically become a cunning leopard; he's too smart to be fooled.

He likes the kind of simple-minded, honest type like the Golden Silkworm Gu; if that doesn't work, something as cute and silly as the Little Array Spirit will do.

Unfortunately, now that he has become Foundation Establishment cultivator, the Golden Silkworm Gu is no longer of much use to him. Even the auxiliary function of moving eyes has been replaced by Divine Sense. As for the power and toxicity of the Golden Silkworm Gu, it is not much of a threat to Foundation Establishment cultivators of the same realm.

"Come on, I won't defend now, come at me again. I absolutely won't use that Technique Method again."

Chen Dengming suddenly withdrew the Golden Body Art, Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy barrier that had been gathered around his body, which was like an impenetrable fortress, disappeared. He smiled and said to the Black Cloud Leopard.

"Aww--"

The Black Cloud Leopard glared, and almost the instant Chen Dengming withdrew his defenses, it transformed into a Black Wind whirlwind and charged forward. Its black iron tail, like a long whip, swept fiercely towards Chen Dengming with unparalleled speed.

Chen Dengming had already begun forming hand seals a breath in advance, almost at the instant the Black Cloud Leopard's iron tail swept across his body.

"Bang!--"

His figure suddenly vanished, replaced by a piece of wood, which was lashed out of existence by the Black Cloud Leopard's iron tail, sending countless wood chips flying in all directions.

"Roar!--"

The Black Cloud Leopard was furious. It pounded its feet and claws on the ground, scattering and cracking the soil. It had already anticipated that Chen Dengming would not be so obedient.

Thirty feet away, Chen Dengming emerged from a tree, glanced at the distance, and shook his head with a smile.

"The escape range of this Substitute Peach for Plum is still a bit short. The straight-line distance of thirty feet is less than half a breath for cultivators of the same level."

Moreover, this technique requires training to the point of instantaneous casting; a casting time of one breath is still too long.

Despite this, Chen Dengming was extremely satisfied with the three Qi Cultivation High Level Refining Dao techniques he had just acquired.

Techniques like the Golden Body Art and the Substitute Peach for Plum Technique can be combined into a combo attack.

When faced with a powerful enemy that cannot be evaded, use the Golden Body Art to withstand the attack.

If they couldn't withstand the attack, they immediately used Substitute Peach for Plum to escape and then quickly fled far away.

Seven days have passed, and he has successfully exchanged his Sect Contribution for the "Evergreen Merit," as well as other Cultivation Method and Technique Method such as "Golden Body," "Substitute Peach Tree Technique," and "Golden Gang Spirit Venerable."

He has already begun learning the first three and has mastered them quickly.

The latter Technique Method, <Golden Gang Spirit Venerable>, requires one to first cultivate <Golden Body> to a proficient level, and I haven't even started learning it yet.

"After learning the Evergreen Merit, my spiritual energy recovery speed has increased significantly, and the transformed spiritual energy is also much purer."

As Chen Dengming felt the spiritual energy in his Dantian quickly recover, a smile appeared on his lips. He was about to walk towards the Black Cloud Leopard when he suddenly heard an extremely tense exclamation from the Little Array Spirit inside the array plate in his arms.

"Daoist, fellow Daoist, there is, there is an evil force here!"

Chen Dengming felt a sense of alarm and immediately focused his Divine Sense to spread it out, while simultaneously reassuring others.

"Don't be nervous, tell me quickly, what evil force is it? Where is it?"

He had barely uttered the question when a sense of dread began to creep into his mind.

Two powerful, malevolent, and menacing auras suddenly approached from the mountains and forests on his left and right, one of which also carried Blood Sha Qi that felt strangely familiar to him.

"Western Regions Devil Cultivator? Demons?"

Chen Dengming frowned suddenly, but the situation was critical at this moment. Despite his many doubts, he quickly cast a spell and made hand seals.

Whoosh!

A powerful killing intent suddenly surged forth with the surging airflow, and within it, a chilling aura of bloodlust broke through the air and arrived swiftly. Even before it got close, the Sha Qi within it made people feel terrified.

But then, with a soft "cough".

Chen Dengming's figure had disappeared from the spot, leaving only a piece of wood split in two.

The next instant, Chen Dengming appeared on a large tree next to the Black Cloud Leopard in front of him.

"Walk!--"

Regardless of how these Devil Cultivator suddenly appeared or what they're here for, the best of the thirty-six stratagems is to flee. I need to get back to the sect as quickly as possible.

(8,500 words today. Requesting monthly votes. If there are 200 more monthly votes than expected, I will add 5,000 words tomorrow on top of the guaranteed 6,000 words.)

I'd like to recommend my friend's new book, Seedling. Synopsis: Surname: Aptitude: 99 (Normal) Talent: Growth Mastered Martial Arts: Yuan Yang Fist/Beginner (90%) Mastered Skills: Medicine/Beginner (14%) An attribute panel appears before Chen Xuan. Talent Growth: With each day he lives, his aptitude increases by one point. As long as he lives, his aptitude can increase indefinitely.