Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Within the camp, Zhao Qianyun opened his eyes. He looked deep into the darkness, his pupils shaking.

A moment ago…the fluctuations of world strength had already been astonishing. But, what left him in even greater disbelief was that Zuo Lanyue who had erupted with that world strength had actually died.

Indeed, his original feelings hadn't been wrong. This Yao Bin, he really was someone that kept himself deeply hidden.

Thinking about how Xu Guzi and the others had chosen him to be their chess piece, a mocking look flashed in his eyes.

After a moment of thought, he closed his eyes. He casually pointed his finger behind him and a shadow flashed across the ground before disappearing.

The fluctuations of world strength were enough to cause all the demon beasts prowling the night to retreat in fear. Thus, amongst the ashes, everything was strangely peaceful.

Qin Yu chose a place. After making some small arrangements he prepared to sit down. But then his eyebrows furrowed together.

He turned around and saw a shadow creeping across the ground. The shadow emerged and stood up, presenting the outline of a tall and straight figure.

The face of the shadow was blurry and couldn't be clearly seen. But, the imposing aura that seemed to tear apart the surrounding air was unmistakable.

"Scion Zhao."

The shadow cupped its hands together. "Fellow daoist Yao."

Qin Yu took a deep breath. "Since Scion Zhao came here, are you planning to take revenge for Zuo Lanyue?"

Zhao Qianyuan lightly said, "I didn't have such friendship with fellow daoist Zuo." He paused and continued, "The reason I came here today is because I would like to propose cooperating with fellow daoist Yao."

Qin Yu's expression eased up. "You already have so many formidable companions, right?"

Zhao Qianyuan replied, "They might not be weak, but their sight is aimed too high. They overestimate themselves and underestimate others. They aren't the only smart people in this small world. If we can think of something, why can't others? Hunting down the ancient tree monster…this probably won't proceed as smoothly as they hope. Since fellow daoist Yao is staying here, that means you naturally hope to obtain some harvests. If you and I join together, our chances will be much higher!"

Qin Yu said, "And why should I believe you?"

Zhao Qianyuan said, "Fellow daoist Yao doesn't need to believe me. With your strength, you can deal with everything yourself. I have no need for you to give me a pledge either. I just ask that you judge the correct moment for yourself and take action when the opportunity presents itself."

Qin Yu was silent for several breaths of time. He nodded, "Alright, I agree."

Zhao Qianyuan cupped his hands together, "Like I said just now, hunting down the ancient tree monster won't be easy. I have a premonition that great waves will be coming. Fellow daoist Yao should be careful."

His figure dissolved into shadows, melting into the ground and soon vanishing into the endless dark night.

Qin Yu had a thoughtful look. A sharp light shimmered in his eyes.

…

Below the ancient tree monster, the Sage stood up and looked into the distance. His face shook a little as he spoke with admiration.

"It's hard to imagine that besides Zhao Qianyuan, there is also another proud son of heaven within the demonic path.

"Why do the heavens favor the demonic path so heavily and yet be so cruel to my monster race lineage?"

The Sage shook his head and lightly sighed, his unwillingness fading into helplessness. "Hah, where is there true fairness between the heavens and earth? Otherwise, I wouldn't have been pushed to this step today.

"This plan was difficult to bring to fruition. Killing Zhao Qianyuan is a must, but we will count this person too and eliminate them both together."

He turned around and lightly patted the tree trunk. "Lord Monster Emperor, with these two proud sons of the demonic path as sacrifices, you really might be able to complete your rebirth. I truly am looking forward to that with anticipation."

At this time, the Sage frowned. He looked up at the heavens. After staring at the skies for several breaths of time, he revealed a happy expression.

"So you finally realized something is wrong? But, it is already too late. My enemies in the Demonic Path, please accept the gift this old man gives to you."

…

Heavenly Demon City.

Four figures stood up side by side. Their complexions were pale. As they looked at the vortex swirling above their heads, their gazes were filled with fury and their eyes with killing intent.

An invisible aura swept out on all sides like waves. Winds and clouds changed colors and cracks frequently appeared in the skies.

This was because due to the opening of the Demon Ascension Gate, four Calamity Immortal realm experts had gathered in this small Heavenly Demon City. And now, they were all here.

Starting from several days ago, no more demonic path disciples emerged from the small world. At first, this matter didn't arouse any interest.

No one knew what the exact situation within the small world was like. In addition, ever since the Demon Ascension Gate had been established countless years ago, there had never been a single accident that occurred, thus no one thought strangely of this.

But when more and more days passed, this matter was finally reported up through the ranks. The Calamity Immortal realm experts tried to probe what was happening in the small world, but they discovered that it had been sealed away from the outside. By that point, too much time had passed.

What who had dared to interfere with the grand event of the Demonic Path's Demon Ascension Gate?

They thought about how almost every outstanding disciple of the younger generation was gathered in the small world. Then, deep killing intent rose up in the hearts of the four Calamity Immortal realm existences and they wished they could tear apart the world.

"The small world has been closed up and none of us are able to open it. We must immediately ask for an almighty being to come and forcefully open it!"

"Pass down orders. Seal up the entirety of Heavenly Demon City. Not a single person is allowed to enter or leave!"

"Summon every physician. Prepare to aid anyone who emerges!"

Deep within the eyes of the four Calamity Immortals, there was a trace of worry. If there was someone willing to take such a great risk and interfere with the Demon Ascension Gate, there was bound to be some great plot.

Although they didn't know what the goal was, they weren't too optimistic about the disciples caught within the small world.

…

The next day, Zuo Lanyue didn't return.

The atmosphere of the squad became quieter. Although no one mentioned the matter, it was like a heavy stone had been pressed against everyone's chests.

Last night, Zuo Lanyue had quietly left. Everyone knew what he was planning on doing.

The initial struggle for the wonder stone had stirred up considerable waves in Heavenly Demon City. Anyone interested in such things would have known about it.

But now, the result was not consistent with what they expected. There were many possibilities for why Zuo Lanyue had disappeared without a trace, but the most likely possibility was that he had died.

Zuo Lanyue had died, so what about Yao Bin?

It would be best if they both died together. But, the chances of this happening were far, far too low.

As they imagined how there was the possibility that a cold pair of eyes was calmly watching them right now, even the cruel and vicious Dong Hanzhu had a gloomy expression.

Zhao Qianyuan knew everything, but he wouldn't say anything. He stayed on the edges of the squad, as cold and indifferent as he always was.

Sun Zifu lay down in the Phoenix Luan Car. Within the shadows of despair in his heart, there was a weak trace of hope.

He knew that this hope was unreasonable and the chances of it coming true were so small that it could be ignored.

But at the very least, he wouldn't need to dryly wait for his death to arrive. And Yao Bin…he was someone who gave off the feeling that he could accomplish any miracle.

The squad continued forward.

…

Within the small world, halfway across a mountain peak, a fierce battle erupted. Three commander-level demon beasts had attacked together and a squad of cultivators was fending them off with difficulty.

There was a speedcar in this squad. No matter how violent the attacks of the demon beasts were, they were forcefully thrust away. None of them could approach even half a step close to the speedcar.

Finally, after realizing they couldn't obtain the advantage, the three commander-level demon beasts retreated with their injuries. As for the squad, they seemed to have already experienced this before. They started to quickly and methodically heal themselves.

The door to the speedcar quietly opened. An incomparably beautiful girl with a pale face stepped out. Her pupils were gorgeous as if they were shining pools of water. No matter who she looked at, it seemed as if she were silently telling a story with her eyes.

"Miss Blue, why did you come down? Your injuries haven't fully healed yet so it's best that you stay in the car and rest." A man hurried over, his face still pale. During the melee with the demon beasts just now, he had gone against one of them all by himself. He was the strongest within the squad…well, on the surface he was indeed the strongest.

Blue Cloud had a guilty expression. "Everything is my fault. If I wasn't accidentally injured before, I wouldn't have dragged everyone down and made you take care of me."

Another cultivator smiled. "Miss Blue, don't say that. In our squad, anyone can leave, but we cannot be lacking miss' guidance."

These words were approved by everyone. Even though the two other female cultivators felt bitter in their hearts, there was no enmity in their eyes.

Miss Blue was indeed an indispensable member of the squad. If it weren't for her leading the way, how could they have all found the rumored divine tree said to contain unsurpassed good fortune?

That's right, this squad's goal was also the ancient tree monster!

Blue Cloud gently smiled, her expression pure and kind. "Thank you everyone. Since there is nothing I can do, allow me to give these pills to everyone. They might be of some help."

Everyone's eyes brightened and they quickly expressed their thanks before splitting up the pills.

Along the way, they had already eaten up a considerable number of pills provided by Blue Cloud. Although they didn't know what materials were used to refine them, their effects were incredible.

Not only did they rapidly supplement their lost strength but the pills also increased the speed at which their wounds recovered.

If it weren't for these pills it would have been impossible for them to easily arrive here. They would have likely suffered some losses already.

As Blue Cloud saw everyone eat the pills, her smile became that much more beautiful. "Fellow daoists, we aren't too far away from the divine tree. If everyone joins forces, we can definitely succeed!"

At this time, in the newly set up camp, Sun Zifu carried out his third sensing. With his bloodline ability he finally locked onto the location of the ancient tree monster.

As everyone was smiling, he actually felt bitter inside. It wasn't that Sun Zifu didn't want to hinder the process a little, but Xu Guzi had come over to lend him a helping hand. With the both of them working together, there was no chance for him to mess around.

As expected, these people no longer cared about giving him any face. As he thought about what this represented, he grew increasingly nervous.

Xu Guzi took a moment to stabilize his breathing. Then he stood up and said, "Everyone, the ancient tree monster isn't too far away from where we are!"

The atmosphere suddenly brightened. No matter what thoughts everyone had in their hearts, their ultimate goal was to hunt down the ancient tree monster and obtain the demon blood crystal.

In the dark night, as everyone was preparing to rest, a group of uninvited guests appeared at the edge of the camp.

Xu Guzi opened his eyes, a cloudy look on his face!

Outside the camp, a speedcar quietly came to a stop. Leng Feng, who stood in front of his squad, also had a similar complexion.

They had chosen the same location to camp, proving that their vision and judgment was similar. But, this wasn't something to be happy about.

The group had put in an immense amount of effort in the last several days and was just about to reach the end. They were prepared to make camp and rest in preparation for the great battle tomorrow where they would capture their own unsurpassed good fortune, when suddenly another group of people had leapt out of nowhere. There was likely no one that would feel comfortable at such a sudden change in things.

Both sides stared at each other from across the camp's array formation. No one spoke and the atmosphere was tense and heavy!

The car door opened and Blue Cloud stepped out. As she swept her eyes across those in the camp, she suddenly said, "You also came here for the spiritual wood?"

With one sentence, she brought the situation to light.

Xu Guzi took a deep breath. Then he said, "It looks like we all have similar thoughts."

Dong Hanzhu had a ferocious expression. "Screw off or die!"

There was a limited amount of demon blood crystals. They all felt their own distribution amounts weren't high enough already, so why would they split the spoils up between two groups?

Leng Feng's eyes flashed with bloodthirst. "You can try!"

Hu -

His robes began to stir and a rich demonic energy erupted from his body. A demon beast phantom appeared above his head, emanating an astonishing pressure.

Bloodline projection!

Xu Guzi's pupils shrank. He never thought that this other party would have such a powerhouse.

His eyes swept over them. Although there was some dread, there was no fear in their eyes.

Moreover, while some of them seemed ordinary, to Xu Guzi, they were like still and fathomless lakes.

Dong Hanzhu diabolically grinned. Just as he was about to step forward, he was stopped by someone.

He frowned, but the killing intent and savagery in his eyes didn't erupt.

If there was someone that could force the cruel and vicious beast from the Dong Family to be so patient, it could only be the number one powerhouse of the demonic path's younger generation - Zhao Qianyuan.

Zhao Qianyuan had a calm expression. His eyes were faint and a little dignified. "These people aren't easy to deal with. If we were to seriously fight here, I fear we would both suffer heavy losses."

His judgment was indeed correct. All the powerhouses of the demonic path's younger generation were gathered here in this small world, and not even describing this place as a land of crouching tigers and hidden dragons was enough. There was Yao Bin from before, and now…

Zhao Qianyuan's eyes fell onto the body of the beautiful girl with a clear aura. She kept her head hidden and she had a delicate appearance. But, he could sense that she was like a deeply slumbering volcano.

No one dared to ignore Scion Zhao's words. Dong Hanzhu furrowed his eyebrows before restraining the cold chill around him.

He wasn't an idiot.

Xu Guzi's eyes flickered. He suddenly said, "Since we both have the same goal, let's all mind our own business. Everyone can rely on their own skills!"

Leng Feng shouted out, "Good!" He lifted a hand, "We're leaving!"

Blue Cloud returned to the speedcar. It hummed as it came alive and left, guarded by everyone around it.