Epimedium

Teng Rong said, "I'll go see my master right away. But my master is cultivating and cannot be disturbed at will. I can only report this matter when there is time, so you'll have to stay here for a few more days. Do not come out of this cage."

Yan Chihuo said, "What if I come out?"

Teng Rong said, "Once you come out, you won't be able to get back in. If you run into any other Flower Demons or tree monsters, you're as good as dead. Even if I return, I may not be able to protect you." As soon as it finished speaking, its body slipped away. A rustling sounded outside the cave, then vanished moments later.

Sitting inside the cage, Yan Chihuo could not help but smile bitterly to himself. He had practically become a prisoner, and judging by what the vine demon had said, there was no telling when there would be an answer. Still, he quietly calculated in his heart: what if the vine demon's master also wanted benefits? Even if he satisfied these two demons, they would report upward level by level, and if someone at every level came demanding a share, how much could he possibly afford to give?

Though he had swept up quite a few treasures from Heavenly King Li, he had not gotten his hands on Heavenly King Li's true treasures. Thus, if high-cultivation demons tried to extort him, he would be unable to satisfy them either.

Yan Chihuo estimated that it would already be quite good if he could satisfy the vine demon's master. If he then helped the demons of Spirit-Devouring Forest refine some formations, perhaps the forest's demons would let him pass through.

He examined the cage. Though cramped inside, it was at least large enough