Chapter 524: What is a Demon? Am I the Target? (6K)

Chapter 524: What is a Demon? Am I the Target? (6K)



"A task?"

"According to the rules, the new recruit period for the Duke's Army is half a month," Li Yuan wondered, "It's been exactly half a month, and ordering us to battle follows the rules."

"However, from my conversations with other Centurions these past few days, a typical new recruit squad of a hundred wouldn't have a battle task within a year." Li Yuan frowned, "After all, the new recruit period is just to get a basic grasp of the battle array, but it's not enough to unleash the full might of the battle armor."

Although he had just joined the Duke's Army, Li Yuan's fame as a Fifth Rank Immortal Foundation had already spread, attracting many Centurions to befriend him.

"Things are strange, it's not ordinary," Li Yuan thought to himself, "I'll have to adapt as I go."

Li Yuan wasn't afraid. Over the past half-month, he had interacted with many high-level cultivators in the army, read more Daoist scriptures, and even met a 'Earth Immortal General' within the Duke's Army, which significantly reduced his previous fears.

The reason was that the Earth Immortal General's strength was surprisingly weaker than he had expected.

Their life level was actually below 50.

"In this world, it seems that the requirements for comprehending the laws at each cultivation level are much lower, but the difficulty of enlightenment is much higher than I imagined, and it requires at least a Fourth Rank Immortal Foundation," Li Yuan thought, "Very few can advance from Nascent Soul Demigod to the Earth Immortal Realm."

A Fourth Rank Immortal Foundation, equivalent to a Four-star Meridian, was still a level that most Nascent Soul Cultivators couldn't reach.

In the Divine Realm, out of a thousand Fourth-stage Demigods, only one Fifth-stage Void Deity would usually be born.

But in this world, according to Li Yuan's calculations, the advancement from a Fourth-stage Demi-Immortal to a Fifth-stage Earth Immortal was a qualitative change, with a probability of one in a hundred thousand, extremely low.

"Even Earth Immortals are like this."

"There are even fewer True Immortals." Li Yuan thought, "According to the Daoist scriptures I've accessed, there should be a True Immortal in the Duke's lineage."

"Otherwise, it would be difficult to suppress those top sects, but a power with True Immortals doesn't even have a teleportation array?"

"The Changyun Dynasty should also have Heaven Immortals."

To construct a teleportation array, usually only a True God at the peak of spatial manipulation could do so.

In the Divine Realm, slightly more important planets would have teleportation arrays.

Even on the relatively isolated Awakening Star Continent, many True God nations had built teleportation arrays.

But in the grand Anshun City, there was no teleportation array... at least, none that was publicly available for countless cultivators to use.

Just from the absence of a spatial teleportation array, Li Yuan could indirectly glimpse a portion of this world's strength.

"So-called Heaven Immortals, their law comprehension is probably not high, and their life level is likely lower than Heaven Deities," Li Yuan speculated, "Perhaps, even in law comprehension, they are not up to the standard of True God."

"How strong can their strength be?"

Of course, these were just Li Yuan's speculations; he still dared not be too careless and cautiously explored this world.

After all, even Earth Immortals could easily live for tens of thousands of years.

"True Immortals? The Immortals in the Duke's lineage should all be 'Dao Court Immortals'. With a lifespan of a million years, they probably have some means. Li Yuan's thoughts wandered.

As he pondered, Li Yuan stood up and sent a message to his hundred new recruits, "Gather quickly."

...

Soon, within the Duke's Army, a large number of soldiers gathered, a total of twenty 'squads' of a hundred each.

All Nascent Soul Cultivators wore the same black battle armor.

This was the battle armor, capable of maximizing the might of the 'combined array'.

"Seven-star Daoist, didn't we just finish the new recruit period?" The Demi-Immortal Lei Kun stood beside Li Yuan and asked via sound transmission.

Not just him, many new recruits felt puzzled.

"Yes, but it's best to be prepared. It seems like a major task, and we've basically grasped the battle array," Li Yuan sound transmitted, "Let's go."

"Yes." The hundred new recruits had different thoughts, but each had a hint of worry in their hearts.

As part of the Duke's Army, they were supplied with various sect's spirit stones, and those from influential families could even be exempt from a large portion of family taxes.

This wasn't a free ride.

Executing various tasks carried a significant risk of death.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three figures appeared in the sky, led by a golden-robed figure who exuded a terrifying aura, like the sun itself.

He alone subtly suppressed the thousands of Nascent Soul Cultivators below.

"An Earth Immortal!"

"And likely a powerful one at that. The two Earth Immortal Generals stand respectfully to the side?" Witnessing this, the Nascent Soul Cultivators felt a chill in their hearts.

"A life level of 52?" Li Yuan was secretly astonished, "That's significantly higher than the life levels of the other two Earth Immortals."

During this time, Li Yuan had been in Anshun City, and he hadn't dared to use his 'Divine Perception' to investigate freely.

But when meeting other cultivators, he still dared to use his Divine Palace to probe their life levels.

For Nascent Soul Cultivators, life levels typically ranged from 40 to 43.

The life levels of the two Earth Immortal Generals beside the golden-robed figure were only 48.

The current Earth Immortal had a life level of 52.

He was the most powerful person Li Yuan had encountered so far.

"It seems my previous speculation is mostly correct. The Earth Immortals in this world have lower requirements for law comprehension, which also results in their life levels being much lower than Void Deities," Li Yuan concluded, "So, if True Immortals and Heaven Immortals are the same, their strength is weaker than I imagined."

In the Divine Realm, even a Fifth-stage Void Deities would have a life level of at least 50.

"Let's go," a low voice from an Earth Immortal General commanded.

A massive warship slowly descended, and under the leadership of the twenty Centurions, two thousand Nascent Soul Cultivators flowed into the ship like a tide, while the three Earth Immortals flew to the top of the vessel.

Whoosh!

The warship rose and swiftly flew towards the outskirts of Anshun City.

...

Countless intricate array patterns were engraved on the warship, emitting invisible ripples. As it sped through the air, it also concealed its presence.

Inside the warship, three Earth Immortals exchanged glances.

"Daoist Qing Li," one of the Earth Immortals addressed the golden-robed figure. "We were mere children when you were already a renowned and accomplished Earth Immortal in the Great World." The two Earth Immortals flattered the golden-robed figure.

They were well aware of the terror the golden-robed figure possessed.

Having lived for tens of thousands of years, he was a top-tier existence within the Border Guard Division of the Duke of Anshun. Rumors claimed he was just a step away from achieving True Immortal status.

However, crossing that final step was no easy feat.

Not only did one have to reach the level of Combined Array (the eighth level of insight), but they also had to establish themselves within the Dao Court.

"Enough flattery," the golden-robed figure interrupted.

"This operation is a collaboration between the Border Guard and your Duke's Army," Daoist Qing Li explained. "The Blood Demon Artifact of that Demon Cultivator, Zhi Yun, is about to be completed."

"It's only right that such a powerful artifact be offered to the Dynasty, to wash away its sins in the Sin Pool and become a divine weapon of the Immortal Dao."

"Agreed!" the two Earth Immortals chimed in.

In truth, they both knew the situation.

With the Border Guard's capabilities, why would it take so long to hunt down a Demon Cultivator who had cultivated for thousands of years?

It was simply a matter of 'nurturing the enemy'.

Allowing Zhi Yun to slaughter countless mortals would paint him as a great demon, causing mortals to trust the Dynasty more readily.

As Zhi Yun's Blood Demon Artifact neared completion, they would strike him down, harvesting the powerful artifact.

"By the way," Daoist Qing Li spoke up. "Daoist Qiansui mentioned that among the latest batch of Nascent Soul materials in your army, there's one he needs for his Nascent Soul cultivation. Is it here with you?"

"Yes, we've brought them," the two Earth Immortals replied. "Are you going to take action now?"

"Impossible," Daoist Qing Li shook his head. "Although these Nascent Soul cultivators are merely food for us, we can't act like Demons. We should do it properly. I'll pretend to be affected by the battle's aftermath and destroy his physical body. Then, under the pretext of helping him 'heal his Nascent Soul', I'll take his Nascent Soul and send it directly to the pill refining."

"Later, we'll announce that he lost control of his Nascent Soul during the process."

"Agreed," the two Earth Immortals nodded.

After a while...

"We've arrived," the two Earth Immortals announced. "Jade Crane Mountains, according to the Border Guard's intelligence, Zhi Yun should be within these mountains."

"You two, lead the army and deploy the Heaven Net Array, covering this area," Daoist Qing Li commanded. "I'll take care of Zhi Yun."

"Understood," they replied.

...

Inside one of the warship's cabins...

"Nascent Soul material? Using a Nascent Soul for pill refining?" Li Yuan furrowed his brows, his mind racing with thoughts. "Do they mean me?"

In Anshun City, Li Yuan had been cautious, not daring to use his divine perception to scan the surroundings.

However, facing only a few Earth Immortals, the highest being at the 52nd level, Li Yuan felt less apprehensive. With his divine perception, he could clearly hear their conversation.

"These Earth Immortals and that Daoist Qiansui," Li Yuan's eyes flashed with killing intent. "They're all so fake and dirty, they deserve to die."

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The two Earth Immortals, each leading over a thousand Nascent Soul cultivators, simultaneously unleashed the power of their black battle armor, creating a dazzling display of light. The concentrated light seemed to form a single entity.

The two Earth Immortals and their two thousand Nascent Soul cultivators formed two terrifying arrays, radiating countless stars.

The starry array covered an area of several hundred kilometers, encompassing not only the Jade Crane Mountains below but also distant lakes and mortal cities.

"What's this?"

"Huh?" The numerous mortals trapped within the dual Heaven Net Arrays were filled with confusion. "Is it the arrival of an Immortal?"

Lower-level cultivators at the Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment stages stared at the void in astonishment.

"Is this the power of an Immortal battle?" A Golden Core cultivator's eyes widened in fear. He knew all too well the terror of an Immortal clash.

A slight misstep could affect thousands of miles, turning countless lives to ashes.

"Immortal Spirits do have their advantages," Li Yuan mused, being part of the Heaven Net Array, as the battle armor drew on his Nascent Soul power.

This Heaven Net Array was led by the Earth Immortal general.

Although Li Yuan harbored killing intent, he wasn't entirely sure and wanted to observe further.

In the vast expanse of the universe, a voice echoed through the void, its owner hidden within the enigmatic depths of the array. "To abandon the physical realm and focus solely on the cultivation of the soul, forming a 'Yuan Shen' that merges with the very fabric of the universe. While one's strength may diminish, the manipulation of the universe's power becomes significantly easier." Li Yuan's thoughts raced as he contemplated the implications, "Furthermore, the Yuan Shen seamlessly merges with the universe, making it incredibly easy for thousands or even tens of thousands of cultivators to unite as a perfect 'super array'."

"This is merely the initial stage of the Tian Luo Grand Array."

Li Yuan's mind wandered to the brief mentions he had come across in the Dao archives about the Heavenly Star Array of the Dao Court's Heavenly Realm, where a million celestial soldiers and generals could form a unified front. Even a Heavenly Immortal would be trapped, and the encirclement and slaughter would be far more intense." Li Yuan's thoughts deepened.

In the Divine Domain, such a massive array formed by countless cultivators was beyond imagination. While there were some powerful arrays in the Divine Domain, they relied on array foundations, the power of the universe, or the might of divine beings.

For hundreds of divine beings to unite in an array was an extremely rare occurrence, and the energy consumption was immense. During the Flying Star Battle, hundreds of demi-gods from the Demon Civilization formed an array, and their combined might reached the initial stage of a Void Deity.

After all, in the cultivation of the Dao, individual differences were vast, and physical strength accounted for a significant portion. How could they casually mobilize and unite?

"If a thousand demi-gods faced a powerful Void Deity, they would be slaughtered without resistance. "But if a thousand Nascent Soul Demi-Gods join forces in an array, they could suppress even a powerful Earth Immortal."

"Can this Yun Di Xian survive?" Li Yuan wondered, observing from the shadows.

...

The two layers of the Tian Luo Grand Array enveloped the area, and within seconds, countless golden lights erupted, crushing the Jade Crane Mountains at the array's center. Peaks shattered into dust, and the earth trembled with a mighty roar.

The countless mortals and beasts living in the mountains were instantly annihilated.

"Boom~" A vast array manifested, its radiant green lights shining upon the mountains, countering the golden glow from above.

"Damn you, servant of the Dao Court!" A furious voice reverberated through the heavens and earth.

Whoosh! A figure in a green robe soared into the sky, his slender figure and fluttering robes exuding a hint of immortal elegance.

He stared intently at the divine ship in the void, along with the numerous Nascent Soul cultivators and three Earth Immortals.

Within the confines of the Tian Luo Grand Array, escape was nearly impossible.

"Master?"

"It's the Duke's Army! The legendary Tian Luo Grand Array? And there are several Earth Immortals too." Nearly a hundred Purple Mansion cultivators emerged from the lower array, their eyes widening at the scene in the void.

They were all nominal 'disciples' of Yun Di Xian.

"Tian Luo Grand Array, damn it! How did they pinpoint the time when my Dao artifact was about to be refined?" Yun Di Xian's eyes turned icy, his gaze sweeping over his group of disciples. "Did someone betray me?"

"All of you, die!"

A thought flashed through his mind, and dozens of his disciples perished.

"As expected of Yun Di Xian, a bloodthirsty demon. He even slaughters his own disciples." Qing Li Di Xian looked down at Yun Di Xian, her voice clear and resonant, "I am Qing Li, an Earth Immortal of the Border Guard Army, sent by the Dao Court to subdue demons."

"Yun Di Xian, a bloodthirsty demon who has slaughtered countless mortals. It's only fitting for you to face the Immortal Execution Platform and descend into the depths of hell." Qing Li Di Xian's voice boomed, "The Dao Court's army has arrived. Surrender now, or face the consequences!"

Her voice reverberated through the heavens and earth, carrying an invisible force that echoed for thousands of miles.

Countless mortals and low-level cultivators within the vast region heard her proclamation.

"So, it's the Dao Court that's here to subdue demons."

"The exalted Dao Court."

"A demon wreaking havoc, no wonder there have been continuous disasters in recent years. Thankfully, the Dao Court Dynasty has come to subdue demons, ensuring our peace." Countless mortals knelt on the ground, their hearts filled with anticipation for the success of the demon-subduing mission.

For countless eons, these mortals had worshipped the Dao Court.

Meanwhile, in the void above the array...

"A voice carrying for tens of thousands of miles? How is that possible? How can an Earth Immortal achieve this, let alone a peak Void Deity?" Li Yuan was astonished, slightly raising his head to gaze into the void, sensing an invisible force descending from the infinite void.

Earlier, Li Yuan had thought it was an exaggeration, but now it seemed to be true.

...

"Haha, you call me a demon? I, who bear the sins of bloodshed, deserve to be executed on the Immortal Execution Platform?" Yun Di Xian stood atop the grand array in his lair, his voice carrying for thousands of miles, "Qing Li, don't pretend to be virtuous!"

"Those mortals may not know, but do you think I'm unaware?"

"The so-called evil demons in this world, are they not secretly nurtured and released by your Dao Court Dynasty to make countless mortals sincerely worship the Dao Court?" Yun Di Xian sneered.

"Nonsense." Qing Li Di Xian remained unmoved, "You've slaughtered billions of mortals, and your body is stained with bloodshed. Do you still blame the Dynasty for forcing you to kill? A demon is a demon, and even at the brink of death, you still try to justify yourself!"

"Haha, I have indeed slaughtered countless mortals." Yun Di Xian smirked, "But aren't the divine beings of your Dynasty also feeding on mortal blood and devouring their essence and souls? As far as I know, the Anshun Marquisate alone contributes 'trillions of mortals' as blood food tax to the Changyun Dynasty every year, extracting their essence and refining their souls."

"As for refining Golden Cores into Immortal Pills and Nascent Souls into Divine Pills, I need not elaborate... You call me a demon, but your Dao Court Dynasty is the true demon."

Action:

"However, once you're on the Dao Court's Immortal Register, you'll be free from cause and effect, and your sins won't taint your body." Zhi Yun Earth Immortal spoke, "Otherwise, I see you've already incurred the wrath of the heavens, and now you're filled with merit?"

"It's not that I'm a demon, but that the Heavenly Dao is unjust!"

"This Heavenly Dao? It's what the Dao Court upholds? I'd rather call it the Evil Heavenly Dao." Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's voice thundered, echoing through the heavens and earth.

Boom~

In an instant, the heavens and earth changed, and countless rays of lightning seemed to surge in the void, as if heavenly punishment was about to descend, causing thousands of Nascent Soul cultivators to tremble.

Just then, Zhi Yun Earth Immortal, who had an air of immortality, suddenly emanated a faint blood light.

It was the manifestation of sin.

He had reached the level of blood-light sin!

"Zhi Yun, you've attained immortality, but you dare to speak of the heavens. Your sin is unforgivable." Qing Li Earth Immortal said coldly.

"Even if you enter the endless hell, you won't escape. Your soul and spirit will disperse, and you'll never be able to reincarnate."

In this realm, there was the concept of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.

Immortals gained great merit, and even if their bodies perished, they could reincarnate and ascend the immortal path again, which was the pursuit of countless cultivators.

"Reincarnation?"

"Reincarnation is just a scam." Zhi Yun Earth Immortal seemed to have lost all hope, wanting to vent his anger from his long years, "Living a mundane life, after death, one's soul and spirit are taken to the underworld, and the essence of their souls is extracted. So-called reincarnation is just a process of nurturing the 'Reincarnation Artifact' with drops of spiritual light."

"I devour the mundane, using their blood, soul, and spirit to refine the Blood Demon Artifact, causing their souls and spirits to disperse, freeing them from the suffering of hell. I should be grateful..." Zhi Yun Earth Immortal roared.

"Once you fall into the demonic path, there's no salvation!" Qing Li Earth Immortal shouted coldly, "There's no turning back! Kill!"

Boom—

The two grand arrays erupted, and countless golden lights enveloped them, forming golden light circles that surged forward.

"Haha!"

"Come! Kill! Kill! Kill!" Zhi Yun Earth Immortal roared, his eyes flashing with madness. He formed hand seals, and the ground beneath him trembled.

His long-prepared lair array finally erupted.

Boom~ A massive green lotus platform appeared, its leaves blossoming with countless green lights that spread out, intertwining with the array.

The two arrays clashed.

For a moment, they were evenly matched.

"Well done, demon cultivator. With this treasure and your array, you can withstand the pressure of two grand arrays, even if only temporarily. That's impressive enough."

"This treasure and I are fated."

"Heaven Moon Sword!" Qing Li Earth Immortal's killing intent surged, and he finally made his move.

His aura surged, and countless flying swords appeared, forming a terrifying sword array with hundreds of blades.

He was a Sword Immortal.

Within the sword array, a strand of sword light was born, howling as it descended, slicing through the heavens and earth, instantly cutting through the countless green lights.

"A Sword Immortal?"

"Go!" Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's eyes flashed with madness, and countless silver threads appeared around him, flowing with various law patterns.

Striving to block the terrifying sword light.

...

Qing Li Earth Immortal made his move, and in just a few moments, he had forced Zhi Yun Earth Immortal into a desperate situation.

But even as they clashed, the terrifying aftermath of their battle raged on.

Despite the protection of the array, many of the Nascent Soul cultivators in the formation were caught off guard and heavily injured, though none had perished yet.

Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's counterattack became even more ferocious.

"You want me dead? Want my treasure? You'll get nothing!" Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's eyes were filled with madness.

He suddenly triggered a seal within the core of the array.

The purpose was singular—self-destruction! The array detonated, and the green lotus platform beneath his feet shattered into countless fragments, shooting out in all directions.

This terrifying surge caused Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's body and even his divine soul to directly annihilate.

The heavens and earth changed color.

"Oh no? This demon is insane, he's gone mad with sin!" Qing Li Earth Immortal's expression shifted.

He had left a special seal within the Origin of Dao when crafting this treasure, causing the treasure's power to be inherently limited, unable to reach its full potential. But in a desperate situation, it can self-destruct, preventing enemies from obtaining it," Qing Li Earth Immortal said, retreating and unleashing countless sword energies to protect himself.

His strength far surpassed Zhi Yun Earth Immortal, and with a distance of nearly a thousand li, it was easy for him to protect himself even in such a sudden crisis.

But those Nascent Soul cultivators in the formation suffered instant misfortune.

Boom~ The power of the array and the self-destructing Immortal-tier treasure caused countless golden lights to vanish.

"Pfft!" "Pfft!" Even as the two Earth Immortals exerted their strength to withstand the pressure, many Nascent Soul cultivators perished.

Some Nascent Soul cultivators had their physical bodies destroyed, leaving only their Nascent Souls to escape.

Suddenly.

"Swoosh!"

Beside Qing Li Earth Immortal, an inconspicuous sword energy shot out, mixed within the aftermath of Zhi Yun Earth Immortal's self-destruction, heading towards Li Yuan's area, directly targeting him.

"Qing Li!"

"The target is indeed me, wanting to destroy my physical body and refine my Nascent Soul into a pill?" Li Yuan's eyes flashed with cold determination.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end