Passing down the secret arts

The Demon Wolf Tribe's territory on Bluestone Mountain.

After wiping out the Leopard Tribe's vanguard, Mingye set up a Guardian Barrier on Bluestone Mountain.

He placed the Blood Jade Coral within Bluestone Mountain and poured a considerable amount of demon power into it. The barrier it generated was strong enough to withstand attacks from most demons.

After all, this was the power that had made the Hundred Demon Bats famous. Not everyone could break through the Guardian Barrier as Mingye had.

Without the Thunder Rage Sword in his hands, even Mingye would have been unable to shatter it.

And weapons that extraordinary were exceedingly rare throughout the Demon World.

With this barrier in place, the Demon Wolf Tribe on Bluestone Mountain had protection. Even when he was away from their territory, he no longer needed to worry about some foolish demon attacking his tribesmen.

"So this is the barrier power of the Hundred Demon Bats? It really is powerful!"

The old chief waited until Mingye had finished setting everything up before voicing his admiration.

"No, the Hundred Demon Bats are history now. From now on, this power belongs to our Demon Wolf Tribe!"

Mingye smiled faintly. This was a power that could be passed down. He had melted down the Five Thunder Finger, one of the Demon Wolf Tribe's treasured assets, to forge the Thunder Rage Sword.

Now that he had acquired the Guardian Barrier's power, he had given the Demon Wolf Tribe something in return.

The old chief's face lit up at his words. He understood what Mingye meant: from now on, this power would belong exclusively to the Demon Wolf Tribe.

"I'll pass down the Barrier Secret Art, and I'll also write down the method for refining Blood Jade Coral."

Mingye spoke calmly, explaining that activating this barrier required a specific method and a sufficiently deep reserve of demon power.

"But our Demon Wolf Tribe's demon power is nothing outstanding in the Demon World, in either quality or quantity. A barrier this powerful needs a great deal of demon power to sustain it..."

The old chief frowned again, his voice troubled.

"I'll pass down the Demon Power Breathing Method and the Qi and Blood Circulation Method I developed. These are the fundamental methods behind the growth of my demon power and my strength!"

Mingye had already decided how to address this: he would teach his methods to his tribesmen so they could grow stronger as quickly as possible.

Of course, there would be simplified versions. The complete versions would be available only to the chief, those with exceptional talent, and those who had made tremendous contributions to the tribe.

"These are the secret arts that let you grow so strong so quickly. Are you truly willing to teach them to others?"

Shock appeared on the old chief's face. He knew that, gifted as Mingye was, it was his mysterious secret arts that had truly allowed him to become powerful.

He had no idea how Mingye had developed such powerful secret arts, but they clearly involved secrets.

Yet now Mingye was willing to share them and teach them to the tribe. This was an immense contribution.

For a youth barely over fifty to possess such generosity of spirit was extraordinary.

Even demons several hundred years old could hardly match that magnanimity!

"However powerful a secret art may be, it ultimately depends on its user. The Qi and Blood Circulation Method and the Breathing Method complement each other. As your demon power grows rapidly, you'll need more energy to replenish it, which means more food, and even medicinal herbs!"

Mingye gave them a warning. Demon power could not grow out of nothing. Besides absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, they would need to obtain much more energy from food.

He had hunted many demons, roasting many of their bodies to nourish his own.

Otherwise, expecting to gain strength like Mingye's merely by absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was far too naive.

"Yes, you're right. This comes with enormous risks!"

The old chief nodded slightly. This meant that after practicing these two secret arts, the Demon Wolf Tribe would become a demon tribe that actively attacked other tribes.

They would no longer roam aimlessly across the world, living miserable lives as they did now.

This was a prerequisite for strength. To become powerful, they had to weather such storms. Bloodshed and turmoil were unavoidable.

And attacking other demon tribes meant that some of their own tribesmen would die.

That was inevitable. When fighting other demons to the death, they would face the danger of being killed as well.

"We wolves are bloodthirsty by nature. We were born from darkness, and we will bring darkness to the world!"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Mingye gazed down at the scenery of Bluestone Mountain and spoke calmly.

In a world like this, there was no absolute right or wrong. Only the strong could control everything!

Whatever the strong said was right!

The weak had no voice in such a world!

This was what Mingye had learned from surviving in this world for more than fifty years.

"Just as I thought, Mingye. You are the hope of our wolf tribe!"

The old chief's eyes gradually widened as he felt Mingye's boldness and resolve.

Someone so young actually possessed a resolve beyond even his imagination.

He was the hope heaven had bestowed upon the wolf tribe!

"Pass down these three secret arts. You should practice them too. They may extend your life and heal your injuries."

Mingye took out three scrolls containing the Barrier Secret Art, the Qi and Blood Circulation Method, and the Breathing Method respectively. These would become the foundations of the Demon Wolf Tribe and the means by which it flourished!

"Heal my injuries... It seems this old man's time isn't up yet..."

The old chief accepted the three secret arts with a smile. With sufficiently powerful demon power, his injuries would disappear.

Mingye's words were not unfounded. Demon power was so miraculous that it could even reassemble a demon's body after it had been torn apart.

That required powerful demon power.

If the old chief could achieve a breakthrough in his demon power, he could heal his internal injuries and extend his lifespan.

After all, he was only a little over four hundred, still middle-aged for a demon.

The old man took the three secret arts and gathered the tribesmen. Mingye naturally did not need to handle the teaching himself.

"Lord Mingye..."

Hairinbō watched the old chief's departing figure with envy. Although he was a swordsmith, he naturally yearned for secret arts that could increase his demon power.

"Forge weapons diligently for our wolf tribe, and you'll receive these secret arts too."

Mingye naturally saw the longing in Hairinbō's eyes. The fellow was indeed a skilled weaponsmith, and Mingye would not be stingy. As long as he worked hard, why not give him these secret arts?

"Lord Mingye... Chongli is willing to fight through blood and battle for the wolf tribe!"

The little monkey was named Chongli. Following at Mingye's side, he declared his intentions.

"You'll have your share too."

Mingye nodded faintly. Chongli had managed to steal a treasure from the Earth Dragon Clan despite his meager demon power, so he was clearly no ordinary demon.

He possessed a trace of the fearsome beast Zhu Yan's bloodline, giving him considerable potential.

That was also why Mingye had allowed the little fellow to follow him.

After all, he would not let just any nobody stay by his side.

"Lord Mingye, I, Hairinbō, will absolutely prove my worth to the wolf tribe!"

Hairinbō pledged his loyalty earnestly.

"Me too!"

Chongli scratched his head and spoke with utmost seriousness.

"Go."

Mingye waved a hand lightly, signaling for the two to withdraw.

Hairinbō and Chongli bowed and took their leave.

"I wiped out the Leopard Tribe's vanguard. The Leopard Cat Tribe certainly won't let this go. They should be here before long...

"I wonder just how far I am from becoming a Greater Yokai now..."

Mingye gazed into the distance and murmured to himself. The two divine swords at his waist hummed softly, as though responding to his mood.

They, too, were looking forward to stronger opponents!