Chapter 338: Is This How You Cultivate?

Chapter 338: Is This How You Cultivate?

Wanshan Temple.

High mountains and dense forests surround the ancient temple, nestled atop a peak, hidden amidst the clouds.

Occasionally, the sound of melodious bells reverberates, creating an ethereal atmosphere akin to a celestial realm.

However, every citizen of Zhenyang City knows that three years ago, it was normal to consider Wanshan Temple as a heavenly abode.

But now, on these stone steps, every inch is stained with blood, and each step is littered with bones.

Many who could no longer survive in Zhenyang City fled to Wanshan Temple, only to be hunted down and killed by demons on these very steps.

Inside the ancient temple, weeds and thorns run rampant, covering the ground.

An old monk sits motionless before a Buddha statue, eyes closed, chanting sutras.

Tread, tread.

Footsteps echo through the grand hall, sounding especially loud in the silence.

The abbot of Wanshan Temple, eyes still closed, pauses his chanting, "Why has the esteemed guest come here?"

Without opening his eyes, he can discern from the sound of the footsteps that this visitor is neither his disciple nor a demon.

"Town Demon Bureau's Qi Yuan has come to ask you something."

Qi Yuan calmly observes the abbot of Wanshan Temple.

The abbot appears to have paralyzed legs, and his cultivation has reached the Jade Blood Realm.

Qi Yuan estimates that if not for his leg condition, the abbot would likely have already advanced to the later stages of the Jade Blood Realm.

"I wonder what brings the benefactor here?" The abbot remains composed, showing no fear despite Qi Yuan's position in the Town Demon Bureau.

"I want to know the whereabouts of the Flower Demon Manro," Qi Yuan says without hesitation.

The usually calm abbot's face twitches with pain upon hearing this name.

"She... is in the Flower Cave," the abbot replies truthfully.

"Your heartbeat tells me you're not lying, but... your words are false," Qi Yuan scrutinizes the abbot.

With his cultivation, he can discern lies from ordinary people without needing an elongated nose; he can sense the truth through their heartbeats.

The abbot's heartbeat remains steady, and his microexpressions indicate he is speaking the truth.

But Qi Yuan's nose elongates.

The abbot looks at Qi Yuan in surprise, "Benefactor... you are quite unusual."

"Whether I'm special or not is irrelevant. Just give me the correct answer," Qi Yuan responds, not in the mood for small talk.

He is eager to slay demons.

"The one you seek is in the Flower Cave," the abbot repeats his answer.

This time, Qi Yuan's nose does not grow.

He shows a keen interest, "Interesting, this time it seems to be true.

Flower Demon Manro is not in the Flower Cave, but the one I seek is.

This means... oh dear, I need to use my brain more.

I can't think about it anymore, let's just leave it at that."

Qi Yuan doesn't want to think about it further.

This task seems complicated.

But in reality, it's not difficult to accomplish.

All he needs to do is soul-search every enemy, and the truth will be revealed, right?

It's much faster and more accurate than guessing randomly.

Just then, the abbot speaks, "If you have come to vanquish demons, I beg you to spare her life. She... has endured a miserable life, and those she killed deserved their fate."

The abbot's voice carries a deep sense of helplessness.

According to the County Governor, Flower Demon Manro was raised by the abbot of Wanshan Temple, who cared for her like his own daughter.

"Thank you for the information. I'll remember it," Qi Yuan nods.

He is still quite polite.

Even as a freeloader, he knows to express gratitude.

After Qi Yuan's words, his figure vanishes from the grand hall.

The spacious hall is now empty, except for the abbot of Wanshan Temple.

He gazes around, as if seeing the past—a young man and woman kissing beneath the Buddha statue, and the tears of Master Tong and Lady Tong.

The paths of humans and demons are different.

"A parent's love for their child is deep and far-reaching," the abbot of Wanshan Temple murmurs.

...

In the Shu Demon Mountain, the terrain is treacherous, with cliffs and precipices.

At this moment, led by Huo Mushi, a small group navigates the winding mountain paths.

Thorns and weeds obstruct their way, making the journey arduous.

Suddenly, Qi Yuan halts, "Bodyguard, it's your turn to take action."

In a cave ahead, two demonic beings lie asleep.

These creatures are scattered demons.

Huo Mushi has brought his team to eliminate these demons, ensuring they don't venture into the demon camp within Shu Demon Mountain.

Yang Guang's voice booms, "Little brother, you stay here and enjoy your watermelon. I'll be back in a flash!"

True to his word, Yang Guang is determined to protect Qi Yuan.

After all, by providing Qi Yuan with enough demonic blood, he can obtain the Genius Alliance's certification.

It's a profitable deal.

"Go and come back quickly," Qi Yuan says, sitting on a large rock, eating a watermelon.

This watermelon was, well, 'acquired' from a watermelon field.

The group estimates that the watermelon was grown by the demons on Shu Demon Mountain.

Passing by, they decided to confiscate this ill-gotten fruit.

The only regret is not finding the watermelon's owner, as they could have gained some more demonic blood.

Qi Yuan sits, while Huo Mushi and three city guards stand nearby, holding watermelons and pockets full of seeds. They plan to bring these seeds back to the city to cultivate.

"Sir Qi, is it safe for Sir Yang to go in alone? There are two pig demons in the cave, both in the Qi Blood Realm!" Huo Mushi asks worriedly.

Demons in the Qi Blood Realm already hold positions within the demon camp.

In his mind, Huo Mushu imagined that the adults from the Demon Suppressing Bureau would join forces to deal with such a powerful demon.

But in reality...

"Rest assured, Yang Guang must be very strong. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked me to be his bodyguard." Qi Yuan was eating watermelon and spitting out the seeds as he spoke.

Huo Mushu remained silent, but his expression was still uneasy.

Time ticked by, and Qi Yuan finished his watermelon. He held the watermelon rind and stared into space, "There's no trash can here, where should I throw this?"

Qi Yuan was a man of manners and wouldn't litter.

Especially with watermelon rinds, which could easily cause people to slip and fall. If someone got hurt, he might have to pay compensation.

Huo Mushu's eyes widened at Qi Yuan's words.

Is this how people from the capital city think?

His thoughts were indeed peculiar.

"Don't worry, this place is rarely visited, and the only ones who come are demons.

Even if someone slips, it'll be a demon who falls." An Qiao explained.

"That makes sense." Qi Yuan finally threw away the watermelon rind.

At that moment, footsteps approached, accompanied by a deep, robust voice.

"Brother Qi, these two pig demons have been slain, and their demonic blood... is it enough?"

Not far away, Yang Xing, bald-headed man was approaching, holding a wild boar in each hand.

Each wild boar weighed three to four hundred pounds.

Now, they were dead pigs.

Huo Mushu and the other city guards' eyes lit up at the sight.

This Yang was indeed a formidable man.

In just the time it took to eat a piece of watermelon, he had killed two late-stage Qi and Blood Realm demons.

"Not enough." Qi Yuan waved his hand.

Instantly, a hundred drops of demon blood appeared in his palm.

"No problem, I still have time. I'll go kill more demons." Yang Guang, carrying the two pig demons without a hint of fatigue, assured, "You can trust me. I'll get you enough demonic blood as promised!"

In truth, Yang Guang felt a bit guilty about this deal.

After all, he had gained a significant advantage from this transaction.

Qi Yuan, a novice in the Jade Blood Realm, could only utilize a limited amount of demonic blood.

And the token of the Genius Alliance was a rare and precious item.

"I trust your character. Well done." Qi Yuan offered a few words of praise.

At that moment, Yang Guang tossed the bodies of the pig demons onto the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

"Take these demon corpses back as food!"

Huo Mushu swallowed hard.

These two pig demons, together, weighed nearly a thousand pounds.

The city's residents would have a proper feast.

Four city guards quickly stepped forward and lifted the bodies of the pig demons.

Their martial arts training had endowed them with incredible strength.

"Huo Mushu, lead the way again, and this time, let's find a more formidable one!" Yang Guang said confidently.

According to his estimation, hunting down a single early-stage Jade Blood Realm demon would be more than enough for Qi Yuan's needs.

The reason he chose an early-stage Jade Blood Realm demon instead of killing more late-stage Qi and Blood Realm demons was to showcase his formidable strength.

In the 169 book bar, there's a version without any mistakes!

This was a way of telling Qi Yuan, "See, with me as your bodyguard, you can rest assured. I'll protect you."

More importantly, Qi Yuan could even kill late-stage Qi and Blood Realm demons.

If he didn't kill an early-stage Jade Blood Realm demon, it would make his role as a bodyguard seem unnecessary.

It's like in an office where there's only one person; they dare not take leave because their absence would be noticed by the boss. Without them, the department still functions just fine.

"An even stronger one?" Huo Mushu's face paled, "That kind of demon can command hundreds of demon troops in the demon camp. Do we really need to..."

"Don't worry, with me here, it's nothing to worry about!" Yang Guang patted his chest confidently.

Having just slain two powerful demons, he was brimming with confidence.

"Yes, let's find a stronger one.

Killing weak ones is no fun." Qi Yuan agreed.

Huo Mushu had no choice but to comply, "The demon we're hunting this time is a snake demon, an early-stage Jade Blood Realm one!"

"Rest assured, an early-stage Jade Blood Realm demon is no big deal." Yang Guang was full of confidence.

Qi Yuan also chimed in happily, "This bodyguard is worth every penny. If I had met him earlier, the last mission world wouldn't have been so challenging."

Yang Guang also felt a sense of pride, "If we encounter each other in the next mission, I'll protect you too!"

"Really?" Qi Yuan's eyes lit up, "Even if we face an ultimate enemy, you'll protect me?"

"Of course!" Yang Guang, already feeling like he had gained a lot from this deal, patted his chest in assurance.

"It's a pity my nemesis isn't here. If he were, I'd call him over and have you, Brother Yang, help me kill him." Qi Yuan sighed.

"Oh? Who is this nemesis?" Yang Guang asked subconsciously.

"Yes, the old ancestor of Taohuang Palace is quite powerful. He almost forced me to flee my home.

Alas, I'm too weak now, probably not a match for him. But if I improve my strength, I might be able to contend with him!" Qi Yuan thought of the great calamity in the Canglan Realm, the Taohuang Palace behind it, and that Yang God.

That Yang God was clearly no ordinary deity.

Upon hearing this, Yang Guang was certain, estimating that he was probably a mid-stage Jade Blood Realm cultivator.

"If he dares to show up, I'll definitely take his head and present it to Brother Qi!" Yang Guang declared fearlessly.

"Brother Yang... you're so bold and fearless!" Qi Yuan exclaimed in awe.

In the Canglan Realm, even if someone knew about the Yang God of Taohuang Palace, they wouldn't dare to speak ill of them.

Because the Yang God's perception of the heavens is not just an empty claim.

With a single curse, one might be sensed by them.

But this world is different; it lacks the celestial stars that reflect the heavens.

The Yang God of Taohuang Palace cannot sense this world.

Otherwise, a heavenly thunderbolt might descend and strike Yang Guang dead.

Of course, Qi Yuan was also curious.

If the Yang God of Taohuang Palace were to descend, and Yang Guang were to protect him and challenge the Yang God, what would be the outcome?

Seeing Yang Guang's confidence, he must have some hidden trump card, right?

"A true man's word is as good as gold!" Yang Guang continued to pat his chest.

"Brother Yang, when this game is over, I'll go home with you. If the Old Ancestor of Taohuang Palace comes, will you help me block him?" Qi Yuan asked tentatively.

Although Yang Guang was only at the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm, what if he had hidden cultivation at the level of a Great Sage?

That wouldn't be unusual, would it?

It's like an ant on the ground; today it might eat a grain of rice, but yesterday it might have swallowed a dinosaur.

It's perfectly reasonable.

"No problem, it's a small matter!" Yang Guang continued to agree.

"Let's go, let's kill the snake demon!" Qi Yuan spoke up at this moment.

A proud look flashed in Yang Guang's eyes, "Brother Qi, you just need to watch, leave the demon-slaying to me!"

About half an hour later, the group arrived at a forest.

Yang Guang was a man of his word, insisting on going alone.

Qi Yuan and the others remained in the forest, waiting for Yang Guang to return after slaying the demon.

Qi Yuan sat on a wooden bench, and a pungent stench wafted through the air.

"The smell here is too strong, I've lost my appetite for eating and even for cultivation."

Having just obtained a hundred drops of Demonic Blood, he had to cultivate.

An Qiao looked at Qi Yuan with admiration, "Mr. Qi, at such a young age, you've entered the Jade Blood Realm. Such diligence is beyond the capabilities of ordinary people."

Huo Mushi also looked at Qi Yuan with respect.

An Qiao observed Qi Yuan, and saw him close his eyes, seemingly in deep cultivation.

At this moment, a peculiar voice emanated from Qi Yuan's mouth.

"You've consumed 100 drops of Demonic Blood and begun your cultivation.

The path of cultivation emphasizes diligence.

With 50 drops of Demonic Blood consumed, your cultivation increased by 50 days, and you've made significant progress in the early stages of the Jade Blood Realm.

Another 50 drops of Demonic Blood consumed, and your cultivation has further increased.

With a strong foundation, you're now just a step away from the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm."

"???" An Qiao was perplexed.

"???" Huo Mushi echoed.

At this moment, Qi Yuan opened his eyes, his expression refreshed.

"Not bad, this cultivation session was profitable. I'm almost at the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm."

An Qiao, standing beside Qi Yuan, stared at him with a peculiar look.

This... is this cultivation?

Cultivation with voice-over effects?

"Mr. Qi, you can't consume Demonic Blood recklessly, or else... you might go insane and self-destruct!" An Qiao couldn't help but remind him.

"Don't worry, I can handle it, no problem," Qi Yuan replied.

An Qiao's gaze shifted to Qi Yuan, her expression filled with suspicion.

Could he have gone insane already? His demeanor seemed... abnormal.

At this moment, a thick, pungent stench filled the air, and a confident Yang Guang approached. His bald head glistened, but his face beamed with joy.

"Brother Qi, today's harvest is exceptional! In this snake den, there were two early-stage Jade Blood Realm snake demons, and I've slain them both.

The Demonic Blood from these two snake demons should be enough for you, right?" Yang Guang spoke, slightly out of breath.

Clearly, hunting these two early-stage Jade Blood Realm snake demons had been challenging for him.

But the harvest was bountiful.

"That's great! These four hundred drops of Demonic Blood will be enough for my cultivation to reach the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm." Qi Yuan's hand reached out, and another four hundred drops of Demonic Blood fell into his grasp.

These four hundred drops of Demonic Blood were enough to propel his cultivation into the mid-stage of the Jade Blood Realm.

He was growing fonder of Shu Demon Mountain by the day.

Especially with a free fighter at his disposal.

He contemplated asking Yang Guang to help him eliminate the three thousand demon troops of Shu Demon Mountain.

After all, with Yang Guang's confidence to challenge the Yang God of Taohuang Palace, wouldn't dealing with Shu Demon Mountain's troops be a piece of cake?

"However, the Demonic Blood isn't enough. I consume it too quickly. You can ask An Qiao.

I swallowed those hundred drops in one go." Qi Yuan looked at Yang Guang expectantly, "How about you help me kill some more?"

"Not enough?" Yang Guang's heart skipped a beat.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end