Before long, Li Chen learned the general state of the surrounding ten thousand li from the demons and discovered that Hu Ze had amassed considerable resources. After all, he had countless Demon Beasts at his disposal, as well as several Transformed Demons. His commands ruled the mountain forests, and none dared defy them.
Although the area had no Spirit Peak Blessed Lands, its sheer expanse, together with the spiritual essence leaking from randomly scattered Spirit Veins and spring eyes, was enough to yield a decent harvest of heavenly treasures.
As for anything unusual, there had been nothing of note lately. The Demon-Hunting Group organized by Cloudstride City had suffered devastating casualties, and demon-hunting activities would have to cease for a time.
The struggle between the Demon Race and humanity was brutally cruel. Demon Hunters could hunt Demon Beasts and monstrous creatures, but demons also ate humans, especially those demons and nature spirits that had yet to assume human form.
After hearing his subordinates' reports, Li Chen saw that it was getting late and prepared to dismiss them. Just then, however, a thought stirred in his heart, and he told the demons, "Do not say I never gave you an opportunity. I am in a fine mood today, so I shall impart half a classic to you. Those with the destined affinity may cultivate it."
"My lord, is that truly so?"
All the demons were astonished. Even the jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards that still bore the forms of Demon Beasts displayed humanlike expressions.
They were all sentient beings whose intelligence had awakened. Naturally, they understood that scriptures and cultivation methods were ladders to greater heights.
But apart from the Puppet Dao, all paths of cultivation upheld the principle that teachings must not reach a third pair of ears. Anything worthy