Recruitment (II), the Dark Fiend Guard

"Mo Li, step back."

Upon hearing Northmont Yin's words, Mo Li's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed his head respectfully, replying, "Yes, Lord Northmont Yin."

Although his Mysterious Yin Sect had two immortal ancestors in charge, one of whom was his grandfather, the person in front of him, Northmont Yin, was one of the most powerful people in the Northmont Clan Marquis of Anch’an in the present era. His strength was unfathomable, and his status was extremely esteemed.

My grandfather once said that among the eight top powers in Anchan Commandery, there are probably very few who dare to say they can definitely defeat Northmont Yin and Northmont Blacktiger.

Disobeying him would have consequences far beyond what a Primordial Spirit Daoist like him could bear.

Northmont Yin's gaze swept over the group of cultivators who had come to recruit Ji An, and they all understood what he meant.

"Since Lord Northmont Yin has matters to discuss with Fellow Ji An, then we shall take our leave."

"Indeed, indeed, we will not trouble you any longer, sir."

Only after everyone's figures had completely disappeared at the end of the corridor did Northmont Yin slowly turn his gaze back to Ji An.

The next moment, a powerful pressure surged towards Ji An like a tide, and the surrounding Heaven and Earth seemed to merge with him, as if the entire Heaven and Earth had become his support.

"This Northmont Yin truly lives up to his reputation as someone who can rival Northmont Blacktiger. His strength is probably at the level of a 100,000-year-old Loose Immortal," Ji An to himself.

He could clearly sense the terrifying nature of the person before him. The sense of threat posed by Northmont Yin was Extreme Point strong. Even when he was still in the Violet Palace Mansion Realm, he had never felt such suffocating pressure when facing Primordial Spirit Daoist.

Of course, Ji An has now fully comprehended the entire Dao, so this pressure alone cannot have any substantial effect on him.

"Haha!" Northmont Yin laughed loudly, "I heard that my son acted rashly half a year ago and offended my Ji An. I have already reprimanded him severely. The first thing I have come here today is to apologize to you on my son's behalf. I hope you will be magnanimous and not take it to heart."

His words and actions exuded a bold and generous spirit. If Ji An hadn't read the original work and known his true character, he probably would have been deceived by this frank appearance.

This Northmont Yin is truly cunning as a fox. His son, Northmont Fox, although his name contains the word "fox," is nothing more than petty, unsophisticated cleverness.

Ji An gently shook his head and said calmly that he didn't take it to heart.

"Ji An," seeing Ji An shake his head, Northmont Yin changed the subject, his tone becoming even more earnest, "Your talent is truly one in ten thousand years. At the mere Myriad Phenomena Realm, your combat strength is already comparable to that of a Nascent Primordial Spirit. Your future is undoubtedly limitless."

He paused slightly, then offered a bargaining chip that would drive any cultivator mad. "If you are willing to join my Northmont Clan and serve me, you can choose and study any Qi Refining techniques and supernatural abilities within the Northmont Clan's Scripture Pavilion. Not only that, I will also provide for all your cultivation needs from now on, from cultivating to the Primordial Spirit realm, including all the Essence Liquid. I know you are currently struggling to accumulate merit to exchange for Immortal Rank Qi Refining methods, but if you simply agree, why go through all that trouble?"

"As for your concerns about freedom, I can also make you a promise." Northmont Yin stared intently at Ji An, saying each word clearly, "As long as you agree to complete three things for me after you become an immortal, I can then decide for you to leave the Northmont Clan. From then on, you will have a free and unfettered life, without any further ties. What do you say?"

He knew very well that with Ji An's talent, if he only wanted Immortal Rank Qi Refining Method, he could have joined the Yinglong Guard Inner Guard long ago. At that time, let alone Immortal Rank method, even a Pure Yang Rank method would not be difficult for Ji An.

Although the Northmont Clan was large and powerful, compared to the Yinglong Guard, they were like ants compared to an elephant, completely incomparable.

However, he also had an advantage that Yinglong Guard could not match: sufficient freedom.

That's why he made these three promises as the biggest bait to recruit people.

Upon hearing this, Northmont Fox, who was following behind Northmont Yin, gasped in disbelief.

Unlimited supply of Essence Liquid?

Such a feat would drive any Myriad Phenomena, whether at the Myriad Manifestations stage or even the Primordial Spirit stage, mad with desire.

At least he knew very well that his father, Northmont Yin, had never been so generous to him.

It should be understood that although Essence Liquid can rapidly improve one's cultivation level, the resources it consumes are astronomical. An ordinary cultivator needs a full thousand catties of Essence Liquid to break through from the Violet Palace to the early stage of Myriad Phenomena, which is an astronomical price for an ordinary Wanxiang Adept.

Furthermore, the amount of Essence Liquid required to break through from the early stage of the Myriad Phenomena to the Primordial Spirit Early Stage is as high as tens of thousands of catties!

Even for Northmont Yin, this was a huge expense that would cause him considerable pain for a long time.

However, Ji An remained unmoved. Although the conditions offered by Northmont Yin were Extreme Point tempting, the path he sought had never been one of relying on others or being at their beck and call.

Moreover, he vaguely guessed that the three tasks Northmont Yin mentioned were probably not easy tasks.

Meeting Northmont Yin's deep eyes, Ji An's gaze remained as firm as ever. He calmly rejected Northmont Fox Northmont Yin, without wavering. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Bei Shan, but as I replied to Young Master Bei Ji An before, the path I seek lies in freedom and unrestrained ease, not in being subservient to anyone. I appreciate your kindness, but Ji An that I cannot comply."

The moment the words fell, Ji An suddenly felt the pressure on his body surge several times over, as if the entire sky was pressing down on him, causing his blood and qi to churn.

If he hadn't cultivated the Blood God Body, this pressure alone would have been enough to severely injure a cultivator in the late stage of the Myriad Phenomena.

A hint of surprise flashed in Northmont Yin's deep eyes. He hadn't expected that this small Wanxiang Adept could still stand upright and remain calm under the pressure he had released with all his might.

It's important to understand that this isn't a life-or-death battle. In actual combat, cultivators can amplify their combat power with their understanding of the Dao. But at this moment, only the physical body and soul are putting up the strain.

It seems that Ji An is most likely a reincarnated immortal, otherwise he could never possess such a powerful divine and demonic body.

"Very well! What a wonderful freedom!" Northmont Yin's voice suddenly took on a chill, but the overwhelming pressure receded like a tide. "Since your mind is made up, I will not force you. However, I hope you will take care of yourself!"

As Northmont Yin led the gloomy-faced Northmont Fox away, Ji An remained calm, as if the terrifying aura that had just been enough to make even ordinary Primordial Spirit Daoist change color had never appeared in this corridor.

"Take care of yourself--"

Northmont Yin's words before leaving still echoed in his ears, and the threat they contained was already obvious.

Ji An felt no fear. He knew that refusing Northmont Yin would bring trouble, but to truly submit to him would be like playing with fire, with endless consequences.

Heavenly Treasure Mountain, Jia Character No. 3 Grotto)

The heavy stone door slammed shut, completely isolating the cave from the outside world by a powerful barrier.

Inside the cave, the rich and pure spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth permeated the air like white mist. Inhaling just one breath was enough to improve the cultivation of an ordinary cultivator by one point.

Ji An sat cross-legged on a jade futon in the center of the cave. With a gentle flip of his hand, a Mustard Stone and a jade bottle containing deep purple Thunder Light quietly appeared in his palm.

His gaze first fell on the Mustard Stone, and a wisp of Divine Sense probed into it.

Buzz!

In an instant, a pair of enormous, dark golden wings suddenly unfolded in the quiet room. The feathers gently spread, stirring up a howling wind. On the wings, countless mysterious cyan runes flowed slowly as if they were alive, emitting an extremely rich aura of wind.

"Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings!"

A fervent light flashed in Ji An's eyes.

Without the slightest hesitation, the Crimsonbright divine power within Ji An surged forth, instantly subduing the "Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings" suspended in mid-air.

Wrapped tightly.

"Refine!"

Ji An quickly formed hand seals, and countless obscure runes emerged from his fingertips, swirling around his wings like a sky full of Stars. He intended to use his own divine power to forcibly refine this Heaven Rank magic weapon.

"Hiss--!"

The dark gold wings trembled violently, and the cyan runes on them burst forth with dazzling light, instinctively resisting the intrusion of external forces.

The spirituality of Heaven Rank magic weapon is already extraordinary, especially this "Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings," which is made primarily from the feathers of Void Roc. It is even more unruly and extremely difficult to refine.

The Yuehua Adept once said that even those who are not Primordial Spirit Daoist can activate this treasure to a basic level, but he did not mention that it is so difficult for non- Primordial Spirit cultivators to refine it into their bodies.

If it were an ordinary Myriad Phenomena Godfiend, it probably wouldn't have lasted even a moment before being injured by the backlash of the magical artifact.

However, just how powerful is Ji An's divine and demonic body?

Having cultivated the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram" to the tenth level, one's physical body is already comparable to that of an ordinary late-stage Myriad Phenomena cultivator. Furthermore, with the cultivation of the third level of the "Blood God Body," the strength of one's physical body is already comparable to a Heaven Rank magic weapon.

He completely ignored the wings' fierce resistance, determined to forcefully integrate the Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings into his body.

The process of refining a magical artifact is also a process of interacting with the artifact and comprehending its fundamental principles.

Ji An was completely focused at this moment. The "Windwing Evasion" he cultivated was highly compatible with the "Windsun" attribute of these wings. At this moment, the two were mutually reinforcing each other, which made his understanding of the Path of Gale even more profound, and he stepped into the level of the Dao Domain in one fell swoop.

Finally, after three days and three nights of refining, the wings that had been struggling frantically suddenly trembled, and the azure light on them abruptly subsided.

The wings instantly became incredibly docile, and there was no longer any barrier between them and the Crimsonbright divine power within Ji An's body.

"It's done!"

With Ji An slight thought, Ji An's "Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings" floating in mid-air instantly transformed into a stream of Flowing Light, disappeared into his body, and vanished without a trace.

The next moment, he had another thought, and a pair of azure wings with a wingspan of only a few feet quietly unfolded behind him.

With a gentle flap of his wings, Ji An's figure vanished from the spot like a ghost, reappearing at the other end of the quiet room.

The entire movement was silent and incredibly fast. Even Ji An himself felt that this speed was even faster than when he used the True Meaning of the "Heaven and Earth and Earth" Grand Dao.

Of course, the role that this winged magic weapon can play in life-or-death battles far surpasses the True Meaning the "Heaven and Earth" Grand Dao.

"Good!"

Ji An was overjoyed. With these wings by his side, his speed and agility had increased several levels, giving him greater confidence whether chasing powerful enemies or escaping danger.

After refining the "Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings", Ji An turned his gaze to the jade bottle filled with the Thunder Essence.

The deep purple Thunder Light within the bottle surged ceaselessly as if it possessed a life of its own, radiating an aura of unparalleled dominance and destruction.

"Next, we will cultivate the Thunder God Eye!"

Ji An raised his hand and broke the seal on the jade bottle. A pure and extremely potent Thunder energy instantly spread out, and the entire quiet room was filled with crackling thunder. The primordial energy of Heaven and Earth was stirred up and made restless by this domineering Thunder power.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately activated the cultivation method of "Thunder God Eye," guiding the Thunder Essence in the bottle slowly towards the vertical eye between his eyebrows.

In an instant, a soul-tearing pain suddenly struck. The power contained in this Thunder Essence was far too domineering, far beyond what ordinary Thunder could compare to. Upon contact, it was like thousands of steel needles piercing his Sea of Consciousness.

"Hmph!" Ji An groaned, clenching his teeth and enduring the excruciating pain.

His Divine Consciousness was like an impregnable fortress, firmly protecting his Sea of Consciousness, while carefully guiding the Thunder Essence to temper the Thunder God Eye between his brows.

Although the process of refining the Thunder Essence was extremely painful, the results were also remarkably significant.

As the last wisp of Thunder Essence was completely absorbed, Ji An's vertical eye between his brows suddenly opened, and a dazzling purple lightning bolt flashed out from it, instantly draining away all the surrounding Thunder power.

"The Windsun Heaven-Escaping Wings have been successfully refined, and the Thunder God Eye has also broken through—this training has greatly increased my strength!" Ji An slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, his eyes shining brightly, and his aura was even stronger than before.

If they weren't currently in Heavenly Treasure Mountain, surrounded by numerous restrictions, Ji An would have loved to immediately test the power of this Myriad Phenomena level Thunder God Eye.

Now, the divine lightning contained in the Thunder God Eye has reached the power of the first-grade Earth Rank. The power of this divine lightning alone is enough to threaten Primordial Spirit Daoist.

He didn't linger any longer and got up to leave the jade prayer mat.

Swish!

The next moment, his figure appeared in the sky above Anchan City.

When he first arrived in Anchan City two years ago, he had to conceal his presence, descend from the sky, and walk into the city.

Anchan City has a clear decree that Wanxiang Adept are prohibited from flying in the air; only those of the Primordial Spirit Daoist are qualified to fly in the air within the city.

However, cultivators of the Yinglong Guard who reach the level of Two-Clawed Yinglong Guard can also possess this privilege.

In just two years, he also gained the right to fly freely in Anchan City.

With Ji An, Ji An's azure wings suddenly unfurled.

As his wings spread, the aura of the Wind Origin emanating from his feathers perfectly resonated with the Dao Domain he had just comprehended. The surrounding gale seemed to become his servants, surrounding his body.

"Let's go to the Red Dragon Mountain Range!"

With his mind made up, he suddenly flapped his wings!

Boom!

With a deafening roar, Ji An's figure transformed into a streak of azure Flowing Light, almost invisible to the naked eye, tearing through the sky and hurtling towards the Red Dragon Mountain Range at a speed more than ten times faster than before.

The howling gale was completely calmed by the gust of wind surrounding him the moment it approached his body, making his flight faster than ever before.

The destination of this trip is the Red Dragon Mountain Range.

He needs to hunt down Demon Kings at the Primordial Spirit level and plunder Demon King essence and blood to cultivate the fourth level of the Blood God Body. At the same time, he also needs to achieve his goal of 10,000 merit points.

Below Anchan City, within a vast mansion.

Northmont Yin stood with his hands behind his back on the high pavilion in the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the blue Flowing Light that pierced the sky like that of a hawk.

"This speed—it's not weaker than some Primordial Spirit Daoist at all." Northmont Yin's voice was unreadable, but the chilling aura emanating from him silenced the guards and Northmont Fox standing behind him, who didn't even dare to breathe.

"This boy's talent is terrifyingly high. If he cannot be used by me, then I must not let him be used by others, especially—by the Northmont Blacktiger."

He slowly turned around, his eyes sharp as knives, and looked at the black-clad man standing silently behind him like a statue. He coldly ordered, "Send the first squad of the 'Dark Fiend Guard' to depart immediately."

Northmont Yin's voice was devoid of any emotion, as cold as ice. "Bring Ji An back. It's best if he's alive, but if he resists—death is acceptable!"

The Dark Fiend Guard is an elite force under the command of Anchan Marquisate, and also the sharpest blade in Northmont Yin's hands.

Each Dark Fiend Guard squad consists of one Primordial Spirit Daoist and twelve Myriad Phenomena Peak True Persons. Such a lineup is more than enough to deal with a Two-Clawed Yinglong Guard.

"Yes, sir." The man in black bowed and accepted the order, his voice hoarse and deep. Then, with a flash, he disappeared from the spot.

Upon hearing his father's order, Northmont Fox's face twisted with glee. He whispered in agreement, "Father is wise! That Ji An is so arrogant, daring to refuse your offer. He deserves this calamity! Let's see how arrogant he is now! Those treasures he possesses are perfect—"

He wanted to say, "It's perfect for me," but when he met his father's unfathomable, icy gaze, he swallowed the rest of his words, feeling a chill run from his feet to the top of his head.

Northmont Yin didn't look at him again, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He did this not merely to vent his son's petty resentment.

Ji An's potential was too terrifying, and he had refused his offer of a position, while his son had offended him in the past.

Such a genius, who is uncontrollable and likely to become a major threat in the future, must either be kept firmly in one's grasp, or—before he truly grows to the point of being able to threaten oneself, be completely eliminated to prevent future troubles.