Chapter 454: The Recruitment Plan for the Twelve Demon Gods, and the Long-Awaited Return of the Houn

Chapter 454: The Recruitment Plan for the Twelve Demon Gods, and the Long-Awaited Return of the Hound Lord in Qitian City

Whoosh!

Demonic energy swirled and raged, and the terrifying aura of the Black Ox Demon God leaked out, as if distorting space endlessly.

This time, his true form had appeared. Sensing something amiss, the Black Ox Demon God rushed over in his original body. The unease in his heart stemmed from his demonic intuition.

He trusted his intuition, but when he arrived outside the yard where the Ox Demon was located and found the Night Bat Demon God, the unease in his heart dissipated.

The Black Ox Demon God was surrounded by surging demonic energy, revealing only a black ox head with scarlet eyes. He furrowed his brows and stared at the Night Bat Demon God before him.

"Night Bat, has something happened?"

"Did the Ox Demon attack you?"

The Black Ox Demon God couldn't help but ask.

However, the Night Bat Demon God was extremely respectful, bowing and cupping his fists, "I've been keeping a close eye on the Ox Demon from the Netherworld, but I haven't noticed any abnormalities."

Upon hearing this, the Black Ox Demon God's doubts gradually faded. He glanced at the Night Bat and saw that he was unharmed, not appearing to be seriously injured, so he didn't think further.

The Night Bat was one of his most important confidants. In the future, when the Qitian Temple's inheritance was opened, he would still need the Night Bat to investigate and gather resources, which was of utmost importance.

Due to the influence of the strange temple deity's spiritual invasion, numerous demons had been born in the mortal world. So far, even within the countries of Dajing and Dali, and the royal courts, there were large numbers of demons.

Outside these countries, the demons had established Shiwandachuan, imitating the Guaique's Demon Cave, and gathered a large number of demons. With the increase in the demon population, their desire for resources had naturally intensified.

The Black Ox Demon God encouraged the Night Bat for a while.

The Night Bat seemed to sense something, and after bidding farewell, he once again hid in the void, leaving behind only a thin crack as fine as a strand of hair.

The Black Ox Demon God turned his head and met the gaze of the Ox Demon in the yard—a towering, broad figure like a mountain.

One black ox, one cute ox, two oxen, seemingly gazing at each other from a distance.

The Black Ox Demon God smiled faintly, but unfortunately, he was a real ox.

And the Ox Demon... was just a fake wearing a mask.

Rumble!

The black wind howled, and demonic energy surged as the Black Ox Demon God retreated and returned to the City Lord's Mansion. Seated in the mansion, he extended his perception to the three city gates, identifying all the powerful human cultivators entering the city.

As the challenges continued, more and more powerful cultivators stepped into the city.

Since the three Demon Gods guarding the city gates were at the One Disaster, One Tribulation Realm, and there were also many powerful cultivators at the One Disaster, Two Tribulations Realm among the human cultivators who had come.

Moreover, due to the previous death of the Heavenly Crane Demon God, many Demon Gods became cautious and were unwilling to risk their lives too much, fearing a similar fate.

After all, the Temple Deity Resonance of Qitian was about to begin, and as demons, they already had a significant advantage within the Temple Deity Resonance of the Qitian Demon Saint.

If they fought with human cultivators at this time, it would be fine if they were injured, but if they perished, they would miss the Temple Deity Resonance of Qitian and lose the opportunity to advance further, which would truly be a loss.

The benefits of the Temple Deity Resonance of a Three Pure Strange Temple were immense! If one could truly inherit the Temple Deity Resonance of Qitian, there might even be a chance to be guided into the Demon Cave and become a member of the Divine Camp in the future!

Outside the Qitian City, in the yard.

Li Che wore the Ox Demon mask, watching the big black ox leave, and couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

However, the murderous intent in his eyes was not concealed.

Ever since this big black ox plotted against Xixi, intending to capture her and send her to the Demon Cave in Guaique, Li Che had developed a determination to kill this big black ox.

After all, this was a powerful Demon God at the Two Disasters Realm.

The divine tribulation at the Two Disasters Realm was called the Honored One. What is an Honored One? In cultivation, one who is revered is an Honored One.

How could Li Che remain calm when such a powerful being set his sights on his daughter?

Moreover, the big black ox represented not only himself but also the numerous demons of Shiwandachuan and the Demon Cave, a major divine camp!

Li Che's eyes lowered, and the connection between Xixi and the Juling Camp was inevitable.

Ever since Xixi accepted the Temple Deity Resonance inheritance of the Third Prince, it was basically decided that Xixi's future would be entangled with the Juling Camp.

She had even become the daughter of Juling...

Li Che wasn't clear about the significance of Juling's daughter or her status within the Juling Camp.

However, the fact that the Demon Cave valued her so highly indicated that Juling's daughter held a significant position in the Juling Camp!

"Fortunately... Xixi is in the mortal world, and the divine camp cannot interfere with the mortal realm for now."

Li Che touched the Ox Demon mask on his face.

The mortal world was protected by the will of heaven and earth, which safeguarded both mortal cultivators and Xixi.

Buzz!

His mind moved, and he once again entered the Mocheng Fengdu.

Inside Fengdu, a massive bat corpse lay across the uneven ground, drenched by the cold, dark rain. The black rain washed over its body, and twisted black blood flowed out.

This was not the original color of the blood but a change caused by a powerful poison.

A poison so potent that even a Demon God at the One Disaster, Two Tribulations Realm couldn't withstand it.

Beside the giant bat corpse stood a tall, slender figure in a black robe and hood, resembling a scientist. He was extracting the vital essence and poison from the giant bat's body.

"Master."

Upon seeing Li Che's arrival, Gu Yunxuan immediately stopped collecting the vital essence and poison.

As the Poison Saint, Gu Yunxuan was naturally very interested in all kinds of toxins, especially the poison of a One Disaster, Two Tribulations Demon God.

Li Che glanced at Gu Yunxuan, a gentle smile on his face.

In order to save time and quickly eliminate the Night Bat Demon Deity, Li Che had no choice but to use his secret weapon, Gu Yunxuan.

With a single move, Gu Yunxuan used the Nine-turn Ascending Dragon Stake in one hand and the Three-legged Toad Hook in the other, rendering the Night Bat Demon Deity defenseless. He was then swiftly killed by the Sea-Turning Nine-Headed Demon and Li Che's full-powered attack.

Buzz—

A trail of black smoke twisted and contorted, and the Bound Deity's figure appeared, its wings retracting as it transformed into a human-like form, albeit a bit hideous, with two fangs protruding menacingly.

Instead of sending the Night Bat Demon Deity to the Ten Fiend Painting to feed the Nine-Headed Demon, Li Che chose to bind it.

After all, the Night Bat Demon Deity still had great use as a spy or a hidden assassin by the Black Ox Demon God's side.

Originally, the Night Bat Demon Deity was a spy planted by the Big Black Ox in the Earthly Court Ox Demon's camp. However, Li Che had turned him with a simple and brutal method, ensuring absolute loyalty.

It could only be said that the Netherworld's methods far exceeded the imagination of the Yao Zu.

Even the Night Bat Demon Deity himself was shocked.

This Netherworld, how could it be a legitimate power? It's clearly a demonic sect!

Li Che instructed the Night Bat Demon Deity on some matters, and under the influence of the Bound Deity, he was absolutely loyal to Li Che, obeying his commands without question, a loyalty that surpassed the suppression of the Yao Zu hierarchy.

"Master, when the Qitian Temple's inheritance is opened, my ultrasonic perception can quickly scout for resources, searching for Dao Yun Shen Jing, Shen Xing Jing, and other resources. If I enter the Guai Que, I can even find and track Shen Xing Jing mines!"

The Night Bat Demon Deity boasted about his abilities.

Li Che's eyes lit up at these words. After understanding the Night Bat Demon Deity's significant role in the Big Black Ox's camp, Li Che's mind began to race.

It could only be said that the Big Black Ox was truly generous, allowing such a talented demon to fall into his hands.

As the Night Bat Demon Deity returned to his spying mission, Gu Yunxuan, standing by, clasped his fists and reported on the recent research progress: "Reporting to the Master, after my 367 deaths, the Thousand-Layer Centipede Powder, ranked eighth in the Tian Du Shendan Scripture, has made significant progress."

"I estimate that after another 180 deaths or so, I will be able to research the Thousand-Layer Centipede Powder."

Gu Yunxuan said excitedly.

Li Che's mouth twitched at these words, and he couldn't help but click his tongue.

So, you've died this many times?

"Old Gu, you've worked hard..."

Li Che couldn't help but say.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yunxuan's usually stern face broke into a smile: "Master, you're too kind. I deserve to die."

Gu Yunxuan left, taking the Night Bat Demon Deity's vital essence and poison to research new deadly toxins.

Li Che, on the other hand, didn't hesitate to take out the Night Bat Demon Deity's demon core and began absorbing its Yaoqi to enhance the Wan Yao Di Dao Guo.

The speed at which the Wan Yao Di Dao Guo absorbed Yaoqi was astonishing, and before he knew it, the absorption was complete.

Playing with the demon core, which was like a night pearl, Li Che's eyes shone with a brilliant light.

He was already thinking about how to deal with the Big Black Ox.

Li Che didn't dare to underestimate this Demon God, who threatened his daughter's safety.

Suddenly, Li Che thought of the roundtable meeting of various Demon Gods arranged by the Big Black Ox, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"There are a total of twelve Demon Gods, which probably isn't the total number of Demon Gods in the human realm's Shiwan Dachuan Yao Zu... Perhaps, these are just the Demon Gods under the command of the Black Ox Demon God."

Li Che pondered.

He knew very little about the Shiwan Dachuan Yao Zu, and his heart stirred.

The Night Bat Demon Deity, who had just left, returned.

"Master, do you want to know the overall strength of the human realm's Yao Zu?"

The Night Bat Demon Deity replied without any hesitation: "The human realm's Yao Zu gained support from the Guipengulo's camp of gods. In the human realm's Shiwan Dachuan, there are two Supreme Demon Gods and six Demon God Honored Ones... As for the number of Demon Gods, there are even more."

"In fact, five hundred years ago, the Yao Zu didn't have this many Demon Gods. It was only after occupying Qitian City and communicating with the Guipengulo that the Yao Zu began to grow and expand."

The Night Bat Demon Deity spoke in a low voice.

Li Che's heart trembled slightly at these words.

Are the Yao Zu really that strong?!

However, this was only Li Che's perception of their strength.

After all, this was the total number of strong Yao Zu in the human realm, and the Yao Zu and Ren Zu were corresponding forces.

The Ren Zu had powers like Dajing, Dali, Wushenshan, and Xiyu Buddhist Land.

When the strong cultivators from these various powers were added together, they probably wouldn't be much weaker than the Yao Zu.

The Supreme title was reserved for those who had survived the Three Disasters and the Three Tribulations, while the Honored One was a title for those who had survived the Two Disasters and the Two Tribulations.

The Big Black Ox, for example, was a Two Disasters Demon God Honored One.

Did the Human Cultivators have any Three Disasters and Three Tribulations cultivators? Yes, they probably did, but Li Che hadn't encountered them yet. Moreover, the will of Heaven and Earth severely restricted the Three Disasters and Two Disasters cultivators, so they rarely appeared in public, and Li Che had limited means to learn about them.

"Master, rest assured, in the human realm, the Supreme Demon Gods cannot take action, not even in Qitian City. Therefore, the Supreme Demon Gods in the Shiwan Dachuan usually operate within the Guai Que."

"The Supreme Demon Gods in the Guipengulo's camp are truly numerous, and there may even be true deities..."

The Night Bat Demon Deity spoke in a deep voice, having already aligned himself with the Netherworld camp, which made his tone heavy.

"Unfortunately, in the Yao Zu, the ranks are clear. I have never seen the two Supreme Demon Gods of the Shiwan Dachuan, but I have heard the Demon God Honored One say that the Great Struggle Era is approaching, and with it, a time of great contention. Powerful cultivators will emerge like bamboo shoots after the rain, and the human realm will face upheaval!"

The Night Bat Demon Deity said.

Shen Chao...

A jolt ran through Li Che's mind. This wasn't the first time he had heard of Shen Chao.

However, he didn't know much about the so-called Shen Chao.

As for the 'Great Struggle Era' mentioned by the Night Bat Demon Deity, Li Che did understand it on a sensory level.

With the arrival of the Great Struggle Era, many who were stuck at bottlenecks would choose to break through their realms, and it would be easier to do so. Figures like Lu Taibai and Ji Mo Li had already reached the Divine Tribulation realm.

There was also Shen Du Zhen Miaosi Zongdu Ye Pengju and others...

The top-tier Great Deities and the unparalleled beings at Tian Men Guan had all advanced further, starting a new competition.

After asking the Night Bat Demon Deity some questions, Li Che let the demon deity return. After all, he had to report to the Big Black Ox every three incense sticks of time, and any delay might arouse the ox's suspicions.

"There are still twelve Demon Gods left..."

Li Che's eyes flickered slightly, and his fingers tapped lightly. The next moment, a faint smile curled up at the corners of his lips.

Qitian City was divided into the inner and outer cities, and the inner city was where the inheritance was located. It was still not open, and even the Yao Zu couldn't enter it.

"There's only half a month left before the inner city of Qitian opens. At that time, the Temple Deity Resonance will take place, and as for the twelve Demon Gods..." Li Che's eyes gleamed, "Can I subdue them all before the inner city opens?"

What he meant by 'subduing' was actually 'capturing' the deities.

In Li Che's opinion, his method of capture was the perfect way to subdue them.

The heavy rain poured down, pounding on the ground and splashing everywhere.

But Li Che seemed to have formed an invisible field around himself, blocking out the countless raindrops as if he had created a vacuum.

"It's a bit challenging, but it's worth a try..."

He thought of the Black Ox Demon God, and how he had ordered the twelve Demon Gods to be stabbed from behind, turning them into a sieve. The image made him feel strangely amused.

"First, we need to determine the exact strength of these twelve Demon Gods. One disaster, one tribulation, one disaster, second stage... and even one disaster, three tribulations realm..."

"As long as they aren't two disasters Demon Gods, they can all be dealt with," Li Che thought.

Moreover, Li Che had a bold idea in mind.

His perspective had broadened significantly, and he knew that the real threat to his daughter wasn't from the Yao Zu in the mortal world, but from the Supreme Demon God of Guipengulo in Guai Que, and even the deities! Therefore, Li Che's plan to subdue the Yao Zu could also serve as a backup plan for the future confrontation with Guipengulo.

Buzz—

His mind stirred.

His heart moved, and he teleported to Mocheng Fengdu.

In an instant, he returned to the yard in Qitian City.

He slowly stood up, his jet-black hair like lightning striking the air, emitting a booming sound. His robust body seemed to burst out of his clothes, revealing his muscular physique.

Beneath the Niu Mo mask, his eyes burned like golden flames.

"Twelve Demon Gods, congratulations... you've been surrounded by me."

...

...

The plan to hunt down the twelve Demon Gods was a grand one.

Moreover, it had to be done without attracting the attention of the Black Ox Demon God, which wasn't an easy task.

Not all Demon Gods were like the Night Bat Demon Deity, who concealed their presence and demonic energy to monitor the situation from the void, thus becoming a loophole.

Li Che had directly pulled the Night Bat Demon Deity into Mocheng Fengdu without being detected.

Other Demon Gods constantly released terrifying demonic energy, and if they were pulled into Fengdu, their demonic energy would disappear.

The entire Qitian City was shrouded in a vast demonic mist, but this mist wasn't created by the Black Ox Demon God alone. It was the combined effort of the fourteen Demon Gods under his command.

After the fall of the Tian He Demon God and the Night Bat Demon Deity, only the twelve Demon Gods were left to maintain the demonic energy in Qitian City.

Li Che didn't take action immediately but waited as usual.

Outside Qitian City.

After observing for several days, Lu Qiankun made his move.

With his one disaster, two tribulations realm cultivation, he easily defeated the Sword Gazelle Demon God guarding the city. As for Fang Hanchu, although he had reached the Divine Tribulation realm, he used some unknown method to conceal his presence and entered the city in a top-tier Great Deity posture.

Only Lu Taibai was left.

Whoosh—

The wind, stirred by the demonic energy, howled continuously.

Lu Taibai's silver hair fluttered, and the Tai Bai Sword hidden in his sleeve hummed. He looked at Li Che and Xixi, whom he was leading.

"I'm going to make my move."

Lu Taibai said.

"Are you going to bring Xixi and the others into Qitian City?"

Lu Taibai looked at Li Che with an inquiring gaze.

As for whether Li Che could enter the city, Lu Taibai wasn't worried. Li Che had too many trump cards.

"Let's go into the city. We can't leave the little ones outside; it's more dangerous out there. It'll be a good experience for them to enter the city, even if they don't participate in the Temple Deity Resonance."

Li Che's ink-black robe fluttered, and a gentle smile hung on his face.

Lu Taibai nodded, then ruffled Xixi's hair, "I'm going in!"

The next moment, the Tai Bai Sword hidden in his sleeve buzzed and exploded with a dazzling sword light, slicing towards the Sword Gazelle Demon God on the western city wall.

Lu Taibai had entered the Divine Tribulation realm with the 'Wind of God Extinction' as his Dao position, making him an exceptionally powerful cultivator.

The Sword Gazelle Demon God had no desire to fight to the death. After a few exchanges, he allowed Lu Taibai to enter the city.

His main purpose in guarding the western gate was to stop the unruly Human Cultivators who wanted to force their way into Qitian City.

Lu Taibai, after entering the city, quickly joined forces with Lu Qiankun and Fang Hanchu.

Three figures appeared atop the city walls.

Li Che held Xixi's hand, with Yun'e and Zhou Peng following behind, and Jin Taishui trailing like a tail.

The four little ones obediently stayed close to Li Che.

The group arrived at the base of the city walls.

Just as the Sword Antelope Demon God was about to speak, a thunderous roar shook the air.

Demon energy surged, and the majestic aura of the Black Ox Demon God enveloped Heaven-Attaining City, gradually revealing his form. The oppressive force of a Two Disasters Demon God was terrifying, causing the four little ones to swallow nervously, despite Li Che's protective aura.

Xixi's face paled with tension, even with Li Che's shielding energy.

Especially Jin Taishui, who possessed some demon bloodline, trembled with fear.

"Defeat your opponent, and you may enter the city," the Black Ox Demon God's voice boomed like a bell.

In truth, his gaze had already fixed on Xixi, confirming her identity as the daughter of the Juling Camp.

His goal was to capture the Juling Camp's daughter, and whether Xixi entered the city or not was of little concern to him.

However, it would be best if he didn't have to leave Heaven-Attaining City.

Li Che smiled lightly at the Black Ox Demon God's words, understanding his intentions.

On the city tower, Fang Hanshu's expression changed slightly, sensing something amiss.

"Che, don't bring Xixi into Heaven-Attaining City," Fang Hanshu whispered to Li Che after some thought.

Li Che glanced at Fang Hanshu and nodded gently, reassuring him with a look.

Even Li Che, who knew Fang Hanshu's secrets, noticed his concern for Xixi.

Fang Hanshu hesitated, then quickly understood... Li Che had also sensed the Black Ox Demon God's strangeness. With this realization, he said no more.

A roar echoed as the Sword Antelope Demon God, guardian of the western gate, unleashed a top-tier Demon King.

Li Che chose a straightforward approach, extending his finger and firing a beam of light, accompanied by a resounding clang.

The Shenji Tongbi Qitian Armor appeared! Li Che, with Xixi and the others, descended into the control room within the armor's head. The flickering mechanical imprints glowed brightly.

"Wow!" Xixi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

"Daddy, can Xixi control this big monkey?" Xixi asked, her mouth watering.

Li Che ruffled Xixi's hair, "Xixi needs to become a little stronger first..."

Controlling the Shenji required a top-tier Great Deity-level Heaven and Earth Soul, and Xixi was still far from that level.

With a thought, Li Che manipulated the Qitian Armor to clench its fist.

The appearance of such a powerful Shenji shocked the cultivators from various factions, including Dajing and Shenzong, who felt a sense of dread.

The Demon King guarding the city almost got punched to pieces!

The Sword Antelope Demon God intervened, his face grim. A four-deity transformation divine fetus controlling a mechanical body had unleashed War Deity-level strength! It was truly astonishing...

Humans had developed such a terrifying mechanical technique! It was like a monster!

The massive Qitian Armor rumbled and shook the ground with each step, as if making the earth tremble.

After entering the city, Li Che retracted the Qitian Armor and led Xixi and the others inside. Under the gaze of the Black Ox Demon God, whose eyes were like copper bells, Li Che calmly brought Xixi into the courtyard where Lu Qiankun and the others had gathered.

Inside Heaven-Attaining City, the group naturally chose to stick together.

"Finally, we're inside the city... the daughter of the Juling Camp!" Li Che exclaimed.

Above Heaven-Attaining City, the Black Ox Demon God's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

His eyes even flashed with extreme excitement, knowing that capturing the Juling Camp's daughter and delivering her to the Guaique Demon Cave would be a great achievement. Perhaps then, he would have a chance to...

Challenge the Three Disasters and attain the Supreme Demon God realm!

In the courtyard, Li Che settled Xixi, Jin Taishui, and the others. He seemed to hear the Black Ox Demon God's low murmur.

A cold smile curved his lips.

Anyone who dared covet his daughter would die, even if they were a Two Disasters Demon God.

Li Che placed the latest version of the Feilei Chess Piece on Xixi and the others.

If Xixi encountered an unbeatable danger, the chess piece would automatically activate and teleport them to Mocheng Fengdu.

Once inside Mocheng, they would be safe.

Mocheng Fengdu...

No enemy who dared to step into it could ever leave.

Outside Heaven-Attaining City, the battle continued, with many powerful cultivators attempting to enter.

As time passed, the day of the Qitian inheritance drew closer.

In the courtyard of Heaven-Attaining City, Li Che donned the Niu Mo Mask, his breath stirring the winds.

Just as he was about to implement the Demon God Recruitment Plan, an overwhelming force, powerful enough to distort space, erupted from outside the door.

It was as if an immense terror was approaching.

Li Che's eyes snapped open, and his heart stirred.

The courtyard gate swung open, revealing...

A large black dog, walking with graceful strides and swaying its tail, approached leisurely.

Under the Niu Mo Mask, Li Che's eyes widened.

Old Dog?

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(End of Chapter)

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