https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-529-Rebuilding-the-Combat-System/12942096/
Chapter 528: Gazing at the Sea Cliff, Driving Away Tigers and Devouring Wolves
Chapter 528: Gazing at the Sea Cliff, Driving Away Tigers and Devouring Wolves
Outside Black Swan Island.
When Cheng Dou heard the words "This seat, Azure Sun," he pursed his lips.
As expected!
Just as they had guessed, this young man, who acted arrogantly, had mastered the Azure Sunfire and even used it as his Dao name.
Thinking of the conditions required to refine the Azure Sunfire according to rumors, Cheng Dou's heart trembled.
The process required countless living creatures' essence blood, which was incredibly cruel.
Only a powerful demon cultivator would dare to refine such a fire.
Therefore, he had to treat this guest with utmost respect to avoid provoking him.
"Venerable, please this way!"
Cheng Dou respectfully led the way, allowing Luo Chen to walk ahead.
Luo Chen glanced at him and said indifferently, "I'd rather not reveal my cultivation level just yet."
Cheng Dou was startled but quickly understood.
As a grand Foundation Establishment Ninth Level cultivator, he was just a step away from Foundation Establishment Great Perfection. Black Swan Island was also the base camp of his Cheng family, with a large number of followers. However, he was showing such respect to a cultivator who seemed to be only at the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage. If this news spread, others would undoubtedly guess that Luo Chen's identity or cultivation level was even higher.
He took a deep breath, straightened his back, took a step forward, and walked side by side with Luo Chen.
"The banquet has already been arranged, but it will take some time. In the meantime, why don't I give you a detailed introduction to Black Swan Island and the Flying Swans Archipelago?"
"As you wish."
...
"Venerable, you should know that the Northern Sea is also called the Demon Sea. This is because there are countless sea demons in the ocean, and the Demon Domain has numerous demon cultivators and high-level cultivators, earning it this alias from the outside world."
"Over time, the Demon Domain itself has acknowledged this name. No one knows when the Demon Domain started referring to the conquered and occupied regions as the Demon Domain, while the unoccupied areas were collectively called the Demon Sea."
"The Flying Swans Archipelago has been our human territory for eight hundred years. Eight hundred years ago, this place was still within the Demon Sea, and it was filled with countless Cloud Piercing Sparrows and Sea Shattering Swallows."
"Eight hundred years ago, the Demon Domain sent its subordinate sects to conquer this place and renamed it the Flying Swans Archipelago."
"However, due to the relatively scarce resources and remote geographical location, as well as the constant threat from the Trust Heaven Sea, no major sects were willing to stay. Over time, it became a gathering place for solitary cultivators and small families."
"My Cheng family also settled here at that time and made a living by breeding and selling Black Swans, which are first-stage demon beasts."
Cheng Dou recounted the history of the Flying Swans Archipelago in detail, with much more information than Cheng Haichang had shared.
Luo Chen listened quietly, absorbing useful common knowledge.
For example, the Demon Sea was divided into the Demon Sea and the Demon Domain.
Another example was that although the Demon Domain seemed to act arrogantly and ruthlessly, it actually had a similar mission to the Abyss Sect—opening up new territories! If this was the case, did the Southern and Western holy lands also have similar tasks or responsibilities? If so, the initial intentions of the five holy lands were still commendable, as they were all working for the benefit of human cultivators.
Wait, what role did the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect in Zhongzhou, which was free from external threats, play? A leader? A beneficiary? Or, after toiling to open up a continent, were they now enjoying the fruits of their labor?
His thoughts wandered, and the little Golden Core cultivator found himself daydreaming.
This time, Luo Chen did not interrupt his thoughts.
Before coming to the Northern Sea, he had already vaguely sensed the conflict between the human holy land, Abyss Sect, and the demon beast Yu Clan's holy land, Cangwu Mountain.
If he were to advance to the Nascent Soul Stage or even the Divine Transformation Stage in the future, he would most likely have to return to Donghuang.
By then, he might very well be drawn into the conflict.
It was always beneficial to sort things out in advance.
Cheng Dou continued his introduction.
"Although the Demon Domain is known for its unrestrained and ruthless actions, in the eyes of many, it is still a legitimate sect with its own principles."
"They follow the law of the jungle, advocating survival of the fittest, both internally and externally. However, they do have a line they won't cross, and that is in dealing with the lower ranks. They strictly prohibit high-level cultivators from wantonly slaughtering low-level human cultivators, including ordinary people!"
"Even the Soul Refining Lineage within the Demon Domain, which requires a large number of low-level soul essences, is forbidden from killing ordinary people and Qi Condensation Stage cultivators. If they need souls, they can hunt in the endless Demon Sea."
"Venerable, you should have noticed that the ordinary people on our Flying Swans Archipelago, although they live a hard life, all have a way out. This is because many years ago, the Demon Domain set an example for us on how to manage ordinary people."
"They allow ordinary people to multiply and increase the population. Those with spirit roots are accepted into sects, while those without spirit roots are taught body-tempering martial arts and given soulbound artifacts. This enables them to shine in some mundane tasks. Some exceptional ordinary people with innate talent are even recruited into our cultivation families, receiving decent treatment."
Luo Chen suddenly understood.
No wonder the ordinary people he had met earlier all had weathered faces but were still full of enthusiasm for their work.
Unlike the numb and indifferent mortals of Donghuang, there was indeed "hope."
It turned out that the Yuanmo Sect had done quite well in this regard.
Luo Chen nodded, "From this perspective, the Yuanmo Sect has done a pretty good job."
Cheng Dou's spirits lifted, and he steered the conversation in this direction, openly and subtly praising the Yuanmo Sect, and Luo Chen seemed quite pleased with his performance.
Regardless of whether the other party was a descendant of the Yuanmo Sect or not, he believed he had done a good job.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Yes, the Yuanmo Sect is just a bit eccentric and bizarre in their actions. Even though the world calls them the Demon Sect and labels them with various names like the Demon Domain or Demon Heads, they don't bother refuting it. They don't even bother calling themselves the Holy Sect or other such pretentious names."
Luo Chen hummed in agreement. Top-tier cultivators rarely cared about the distinction between righteous and demonic paths, let alone a mere title.
As they chatted, they soon arrived at the entrance of the estate by Little Mirror Lake.
"Venerable Qingyang, the banquet is ready. Please come this way."
Luo Chen's steps faltered slightly, and he glanced at Cheng Dou, his face showing a hint of a smile.
"It seems quite lavish!"
Cheng Dou's heart tightened, "It's the duty of the junior to prepare, hoping that the Venerable will be pleased."
"You're very thoughtful."
Luo Chen chuckled and strode into the estate.
As soon as they entered, a graceful and slender woman stood at the entrance of the hall, standing with her delicate hands.
Upon seeing Luo Chen's face, her eyes trembled, and she bowed slightly, her waist bending gracefully.
"Junior sister Cheng Haixin, paying respects to Venerable Qingyang!"
As she bowed, her skirt shifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of spring.
Without mentioning her curvaceous figure, just the sight of the heart-stirring white cleavage was enough to captivate anyone.
Luo Chen glanced at her and said indifferently, "Lift your head."
Cheng Haixin pursed her pink lips, biting her teeth as she straightened up, her long neck resembling a proud swan.
It was at this moment that Luo Chen noticed her advantage.
Tall! She was nearly 1.8 meters tall, almost as tall as himself.
Even taller than Cheng Dou beside her.
Among the women he had seen in his life, perhaps only the demon cultivator Qing Shuang could rival her in height.
However, compared to Cheng Haixin's delicate and fragile demeanor, like a little white rabbit or swan, Qing Shuang was far superior.
Qing Shuang's cool and powerful aura had made Luo Chen dare not look directly at her for three years in Cangwu Mountain.
The only reason he remembered Qing Shuang's tall figure was probably because during their few encounters, with his head lowered, he could only catch a glimpse of her long and sturdy legs, leaving a deep impression.
Cheng Dou stood cautiously beside them, carefully observing Luo Chen's expression.
In that instant, he saw a trace of Luo Chen being lost in thought.
At this point, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As expected!
This black pearl of Black Swan Island, no matter who saw her, would be unable to resist.
"Venerable, please take a seat!"
Luo Chen looked at the chair Cheng Dou had pulled out and raised his eyebrows, "I'm the guest, sitting in the main seat seems a bit inappropriate."
Cheng Dou quickly smiled, "It's appropriate, Venerable. Your presence at the Cheng family is our honor. We must ensure that you are treated as an honored guest. If there's anything lacking, it's the junior's fault."
Luo Chen smiled slightly, not being overly modest, and sat down in the main seat.
Cheng Dou also sat down beside him.
After they sat down, Cheng Haixin, who had been standing in the hall, became a bit awkward.
Cheng Dou signaled her several times, and the woman finally gritted her teeth and sat down next to Luo Chen.
Her reluctant expression made Luo Chen smile inwardly.
It seemed that Cheng Dou had other intentions regarding him!
"Venerable, please try some of our Flying Swans Archipelago's specialty dishes."
"Haixin, pour wine for the Venerable!"
Cheng Haixin responded and poured a cup of wine for Luo Chen with slightly awkward movements.
As the aroma of the wine filled the hall, the spiritual energy in the entire hall seemed to stir.
Luo Chen's heart stirred, and his gaze fell on the wine cup.
"Let me explain, this is Washed Orange Wine, made from Deep Sea Spirit Spring, the Blood Orange of the Yuanmo Sect's Blood Deity Path, and Superior Grade Washed Jade Marrow. It's a Third-Rank Spirit Wine with powerful effects in assisting cultivators in breaking through their cultivation realms!"
Cheng Haixin held up the wine cup and presented it to Luo Chen. The blood-red liquid in the cup, like crimson syrup, was captivating.
Beauty, spirit wine, and a grand feast...
Luo Chen smiled.
A banquet for only three people began amidst an ambiguous atmosphere.
Cheng Dou was a very talkative person.
He intentionally brought up the previous topic and continued the conversation.
Under the rule of the Yuanmo Sect, the Northern Sea Cult Realm was in constant turmoil, but overall, their kind of cultivation families still managed to get by.
However, a hundred years ago, after the Yuanmo Sect was destroyed, everything changed.
The already not-so-good order collapsed overnight.
The atmosphere that had been guided by the Demon Sect for thousands of years erupted, and there was no longer the absolute suppression of the holy land.
Thus, for the next seventy years, the entire Northern Sea Cult Realm was shrouded in a bloody storm.
It is rumored that the inland Demon Domain has truly become a realm of demons!
Countless demon lords emerge, and the mighty demon cultivators casually raze mountains and exterminate entire sects. Even those with lower cultivation levels have taken up the path of Tribulation Cultivators.
Some cultivators, having learned a bit of the Demon Sect's techniques, have embarked on a path of slaughter.
Whether it's the Blood Deity Path's Blood Demon Technique or the Soul Refining Lineage's Soul Refining Technique, these methods require a large amount of essence blood and soul essence to sustain.
In the past, they would direct their aggression outward, targeting the demon races in the endless seas.
But now, with a large number of easy targets within the cultivation world, who would dare venture into the Demon Sea?
In any case, those seventy years were the darkest and most desolate period in the history of the Northern Sea's cultivation world.
Even the remote Flying Swans Archipelago experienced several bloody struggles that destroyed families.
The Cheng family originally had several Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage cultivators, who were the pillars of the family and its backbone. However, they all perished during the seventy years of turmoil.
The appearance of the Southern Heaven Adept pushed the bloodshed and slaughter to the extreme.
Upon his arrival, he immediately annihilated a family with three Foundation Establishment Late-Stage cultivators, thereby occupying the only Third Rank Spirit Vein in the area.
If that were the end of it, it would be tolerable.
However, after that, he ordered all the forces in the Flying Swans Archipelago to pay tribute to him.
Any slight disobedience would result in bloody suppression.
In just seventy years, three Foundation Establishment families were destroyed by his hands.
Thirty years ago, the Li Surname Powerhouse established the Sea Ocean Righteous Alliance in the central region of the Demon Domain, and a fragile new order was finally established in the Northern Sea's cultivation world.
Regardless of whether they were willing to submit to him or not, they still had to show respect on the surface.
The Southern Heaven Adept nominally joined the Sea Alliance to gain the Li Surname Powerhouse's Island Linking Formation Art.
It was only after that he restrained his reckless and unrestrained behavior.
The Flying Swans Archipelago welcomed thirty years of brief peace.
"However!"
"That Southern Heaven Adept has a narrow-minded heart. Once there is someone on the Flying Swans Archipelago who poses a threat to him, he will openly suppress them and secretly take action to eliminate them."
"Take the Dragon Serpent Gang's leader, for example. Despite being at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection level, he has been wandering alone in the overseas regions for so many years, afraid to return to the Flying Swans Archipelago."
"I, with my dual spirit roots, have a decent cultivation speed. But even after several decades at the Foundation Establishment Ninth Level, I dare not enter the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection and strive for higher realms. I fear the same fate."
Cheng Dou sighed as he spoke, his tone filled with regret.
His gaze fell on Luo Chen, and his voice suddenly became animated.
"But now, things are different!"
"With the Venerable's arrival, the Flying Swans Archipelago will be peaceful. With the Venerable here, the Flying Swans Archipelago will have a bright future!"
Luo Chen suddenly raised his hand.
The enthusiastic words came to an abrupt halt.
Amidst Cheng Dou's confusion, Luo Chen took the last sip of the spiritual wine.
"The wine is good, and the dishes are unique, but I'm tired."
Cheng Dou opened his mouth, his face slightly flushed.
However, having survived under the Southern Heaven Adept's oppressive might for decades, he had some composure. He realized that he had been too hasty.
He forced a smile and said, "My apologies, senior. I forgot that you've traveled a long way, and you indeed need to rest." Cheng Haixin, please take the Venerable to the inner courtyard for some rest!"
Cheng Haixin's face darkened, and she silently stood up.
Luo Chen waved his hand, "There's no need to go to the inner courtyard. I see that the solitary mountain cliff at the tail of Black Swan Island has a good view. There's also a Second Rank Spirit Vein there, which can serve as a temporary resting place for me."
Cheng Dou naturally dared not disobey.
He quickly changed his words, "The Venerable also has refined tastes. The Sea Gazing Cliff indeed offers a magnificent view. Cheng Haixin, please accompany the Venerable to that side and help set up a temporary cave mansion for rest!"
Cheng Haixin lowered her head and nodded.
...
On the solitary cliff, Luo Chen manipulated the Blackfire Sword and, within half an hour, created a simple yet spacious cave mansion.
As soon as he entered, he immediately released the Primordial Cauldron from his storage bag.
From within the cauldron, a series of hissing sounds could be heard.
Cheng Haixin, standing beside him, showed a curious expression.
When Luo Chen executed a series of hand seals, and five Blue Ring Fangtooth Sea Snakes appeared, Cheng Haixin's beautiful face paled.
Luo Chen turned around and said indifferently, "I wish to rest here. You may do as you please, my friend!"
Cheng Haixin's face alternated between paleness and redness, but she finally gritted her teeth and said, "The Sea Gazing Cliff is cold at night with strong winds. If the Venerable sleeps alone, it might be chilly. This servant is willing to warm the bed for the Venerable."
Luo Chen raised an eyebrow and carefully examined her.
Finally, he slowly shook his head.
"Forget it, I'm not that fragile."
"But..." The woman's heart filled with joy, but her face still showed hesitation.
"There's plenty of time!" Luo Chen said with a meaningful tone, then stopped paying attention to the woman and began setting up the temporary resting place.
Cheng Haixin hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she couldn't hide her joy and left the Sea Gazing Cliff.
After she left, Luo Chen walked to the entrance of the cave mansion.
Gazing at the silver waves and the tranquil starry sea, his eyes narrowed slightly.
A moment later, he smiled casually.
"It's just a matter of driving away one tiger to face another wolf!"
(End of Chapter)
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