Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 780 - 763: Zhengyang Sect, Chongming Bird
After picking the [Qilin Vermilion Fruit], Zhouyang and his wife had no reason to stay on Qilin Peak.
On the same day after they finished picking the spirit fruits, they formally bid farewell to Lu Caixia.
Leaving Qilin Peak, Zhouyang followed the map given by Lu Caixia to traverse a route she had once taken hundreds of years ago.
A few hundred years may seem long, but for a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator with a lifespan of thousands of years, it is not very long at all.
Perhaps in these few hundred years, the strength of some demon beasts and barbaric beasts along the way could have increased, but certainly not to the extent of threatening Zhouyang.
Thus, when traveling along this route, Zhouyang and his companions moved much faster than before, without spending extra effort to guard against potential dangers ahead.
After traveling smoothly for about five months, they eventually flew out of the Wilderness Jungle and formally entered the Cultivation Realm of Celestial South Continent.
The Cultivation Realm of Celestial South Continent is hot and mountainous, with miasma in the air and numerous poisonous insects, snakes, and ants, making it unsuitable for ordinary mortals to reside.
Therefore, although the land is fertile and rich in resources, the mortal population here is much smaller compared to the Cultivation Realms of Liuyun Continent and Donghua Continent, and naturally, the number of cultivators is also far fewer.
However, due to the abundant resources of demon beasts and spiritual objects here, the number of middle-to-high tier cultivators in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm is not any less than in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.
Moreover, there are no super powers in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm. While there are quite a few powerful sects here, none qualify as super powers nor can they suppress other major sects.
This situation makes the middle-lower tier cultivators in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm faring better than their peers in other cultivation realms.
Of course, everything has its pros and cons. Although the cultivators in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm enjoy more wealth and freedom than their peers in other realms, they also face greater risks.
As mentioned earlier, Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm is mountainous, filled with miasma, and inhabited by many demon beasts—it's a place with vast lands and a sparse population.
This has made it a paradise for demonic cultivators and those who enjoy murder and looting. Ordinary cultivators, when traveling outside, away from the mountain gates and immortal cities protected by arrays, can easily be targeted in the wilderness by people or demon beasts.
Here, killing and looting, as long as done cleanly and not involving people with deep backgrounds that could attract a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator's investigation, leaves a very small chance of getting caught because it's hard to find witnesses.
This is very similar to the situation Zhouyang encountered in the Overseas Cultivation Realm.
He entered from the northernmost part of the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm bordering the Wilderness Jungle, following the map to the nearest large immortal city. Along the way, within a distance of less than two hundred thousand miles, he witnessed over a dozen scenes of cultivators slaughtering each other.
Some of these cultivators were so enveloped in blood evil qi that he mistook them for being from the Blood Slaughter Demon Sect!
"These juniors are too bloodthirsty. Those people were already willing to give up all resistance and hand over everything, yet they wouldn't spare them. It's truly excessive!"
From high above the clouds, witnessing yet another scene of murder and looting below, Xiao Ying, who was traveling with Zhouyang, finally exclaimed with displeasure.
She had experienced situations of murder and looting before but had never seen anything as malignant as in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, leaving her somewhat unsettled.
"Ying'er, you have a point, but this is the characteristic of the Cultivation Realm of Celestial South Continent. Since none of the local powers want to change it, why should we meddle? It's better to turn a blind eye."
Zhouyang slightly shook his head, having no intention of enforcing justice.
The rules of the cultivation realm follow the survival of the fittest. Although he does not fully agree with these rules, he neither intends to overthrow them nor has the ability to do so.
What he can do is to protect himself and his close family and friends from being harmed by these rules as much as possible.
Seeing that he had no intention to intervene, even though Xiao Ying felt an indignation inside, she could only look on helplessly.
After all, she couldn't personally take action against those Foundation Establishment cultivators, could she?
If she did, Zhouyang would actually be gratified.
Half a day later, Zhouyang and his companion successfully arrived at the well-known large immortal city "Cloud Peak Immortal City" in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.
This Cloud Peak Immortal City was established by the top major sect Zhengyang Sect in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, situated less than thirty thousand miles from the mountain gate of the Zhengyang Sect.
Zhouyang came to the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm openly to seek spiritual resources, so there was no need to conceal his cultivation level and whereabouts. Upon entering Cloud Peak Immortal City, he was promptly welcomed by the Golden Core cultivator city lord of Zhengyang Sect into a high-level cave dwelling serving as a posthouse and then informed the Nascent Soul Stage cultivators of Zhengyang Sect about his arrival.
Within less than two days, a mid-stage Nascent Soul Stage cultivator from Zhengyang Sect named Duan Zhengming personally visited the posthouse to meet him.
Since Zhouyang was in the territory of Zhengyang Sect, he naturally had some understanding of the four Nascent Soul Stage cultivators there and knew that Duan Zhengming was at the fourth-layer Nascent Soul stage, only second in status to the Grand Elder with a seventh-layer Nascent Soul stage within Zhengyang Sect.
With his powerful divine sense, Zhouyang had already noticed Duan Zhengming the moment he arrived in Cloud Peak Immortal City.
Yet, Duan Zhengming had not noticed Zhouyang at all. Instead, as soon as he reached the outside of Zhouyang's place of residence, he laughed heartily and said: "Hahaha, hearing of the illustrious [Master Qianyang]'s visit, Duan and everyone from our humble sect feel greatly honored. We've been debating for days about who should come out to greet Fellow Daoist Zhou, so if there has been any neglect, please forgive us."
Such courteous remarks were something Zhouyang did not believe in the slightest.
The only reason they took so long to send someone to meet him was that they had spent these two days investigating his purpose for coming to the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, along with seeing where he had been and where he had come from.
Of course, there was no need to mention these things.
With a pleasant smile on his face, Zhouyang immediately opened the door, and repeatedly cupped his hands toward the middle-aged man waiting outside the door with a smile, saying: "No, no, Fellow Daoist Duan, you flatter me. Zhengyang Sect is a renowned sect in Celestial South; how can Zhou dare presume to deserve such hospitality from you!"
"You are more than deserving, more than deserving. Just for Fellow Daoist Zhou's heroic deeds in exterminating demons and protecting the Dao in the Beiting Continent Cultivation Realm, you deserve for us Zhengyang Sect to treat you with the highest respect,"
Duan Zhengming said, revealing an appropriate hint of shame on his face, "To speak truly, I feel ashamed. At that time, due to the demonic cultivators' treacherous plans, we had no choice but to take the ancient ice road to Beiting, nearly causing a great disaster due to our missed opportunity!"
"Fortunately, Fellow Daoist Zhou and fellow daoists from the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm risked their lives to thwart the demonic cultivators' conspiracy, saving us from becoming the sinners of the entire cultivation realm!"
With these words, he suddenly cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Zhouyang, his face full of gratitude, "For this achievement alone, Fellow Daoist Zhou deserves my salute!"
Hearing him mention the war against demons in the Beiting Continent Cultivation Realm, Zhouyang's smile gradually faded, and he fell silent.
As someone who experienced it firsthand, few understood the intensity of that war better than he did.
Due to the losses from that war, the number of Nascent Soul Stage cultivators in the entire Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm is still at a historically low level, not to mention the virtually devastated Beiting Continent Cultivation Realm.
"Sigh! What's past is past, what's lost is lost. Let bygones be bygones!"
Zhouyang gently sighed and waved his hand, not wanting to discuss the matter further.
Duan Zhengming understood his intention upon seeing this and hurriedly said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou is right; it was a slip of the tongue on my part. I wonder if there's anything Fellow Daoist Zhou needs assistance with from myself or the Zhengyang Sect during your visit to the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm?"
Upon hearing mention of business, Zhouyang's expression immediately improved significantly.
He promptly said, "To be honest with Fellow Daoist Duan, my visit to the Celestial South is to seek a certain spiritual object for cultivation. The Zhengyang Sect is a renowned sect in Celestial South, with far superior intelligence than that of an outsider like myself. I wish to inquire from Fellow Daoist Duan regarding this matter."
"Oh? But may I ask what rare object compels Fellow Daoist Zhou to travel such a vast distance specifically for it?" Duan Zhengming asked curiously.
"It is the complete Heart of a Tier Six Tree Demon. If Fellow Daoist Duan or the Zhengyang Sect possesses this item, or can provide accurate information about it, I am willing to exchange artifacts, spirit pills, or other spiritual objects of equal value. It will absolutely not put Fellow Daoist or your esteemed sect at a disadvantage!" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
Zhouyang concealed nothing, frankly stating his purpose and conditions.
There wasn't much point in hiding anything, as spiritual objects of this level, like the Heart of a Tier Six Tree Demon, are out of reach for cultivators below the Nascent Soul Stage, making secretly inquiring about it impractical.
The best approach was to inquire about it from Nascent Soul Stage cultivators in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.
Since the Zhengyang Sect is among the top major sects in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, with the added reputation of being a prestigious sect, it naturally became Zhouyang's primary target.
After all, "Master Qianyang" Zhouyang is now also recognized as a "virtue gentleman of the righteous path" across several major cultivation realms.
"Tree demons are rare compared to other demon beasts, and Tier Six Tree Demons are even more exceedingly rare. In the nearly ten thousand years of the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm's history, the appearance of Tier Six Tree Demons is fewer than five, and the most recent sightings were over two thousand years ago. Seeking a Heart of a Tier Six Tree Demon here is a formidable challenge," said Duan Zhengming, shaking his head repeatedly, emphasizing the difficulty thrice with his words.
Hearing this, Zhouyang, though he had anticipated the difficulty, couldn't help but show a trace of disappointment.
However, being a cultivator of profound level, he quickly composed his emotions, and earnestly looking at Duan Zhengming, said, "Difficult as it may be, the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm is possibly the most promising place among the great cultivation realms to find a Tier Six Tree Demon. If Fellow Daoist Duan is willing to help, I would be indebted to you."
"This... Alright, since Fellow Daoist Zhou requests, I will help inquire with the acquainted daoists around to see if anyone has heard of any news regarding a Tier Six Tree Demon!"
Duan Zhengming hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded, agreeing to assist.
Upon seeing this, Zhouyang's face lit up with joy, promptly bowing with hands clasped in gratitude, "Then I shall first express my gratitude to Fellow Daoist Duan."
"It may take some time to send messages to the various daoists and await their responses. If Fellow Daoist Zhou has no other business, you might wander around the cultivation realm nearby, and I will inform you at the fastest speed once there is news."
"When communicating with others, perhaps it would be prudent to include the information contained within this jade scroll."
Based on his previous experiences in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, Zhouyang copied the jade scroll he previously gave to Master Cyan Yang and handed it to Duan Zhengming.
"I understand, Fellow Daoist Zhou. Please patiently await my news."
Duan Zhengming took the jade scroll and soon left.
For now, Zhouyang could only hope Duan Zhengming would bring back good news.
Therefore, once Duan Zhengming departed, he set aside his worries, wandering Cloud Peak Immortal City with his dao companion, Xiao Ying, concealing their cultivation and enjoying the exotic cuisine and scenery.
However, after two months had passed, there was still no news from Duan Zhengming.
This greatly diminished Zhouyang's enthusiasm for leisure, causing him to ponder whether he should wait indefinitely.
He was not without tasks; in the list of fire attribute demon kings obtained from Lu Caixia, there was an ideal target located in a perilous area within the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.
If Duan Zhengming continued to have no news, he might as well first visit that perilous place, slay the demon king, and seize the demon pill.
After hesitating and procrastinating for another three months without any message from Duan Zhengming, Zhouyang finally decided to leave.
He sent a message to Duan Zhengming explaining the need to leave for some time, then left Cloud Peak Immortal City with Xiao Ying, heading towards the known dangerous area in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.
Two months later, within the notorious perilous site "Flame River Valley" of the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, loud explosive sounds suddenly erupted, accompanied by piercing bird cries and dragon-like roars, as if a great power cultivator was engaged in magical combat inside.
This commotion attracted numerous middle-lower tier cultivators seeking spiritual objects nearby, yet due to the valley's infamous reputation, none dared to enter and witness what was happening.
While the battle within "Flame River Valley" seemed extremely intense, it wasn't prolonged, calming down just after several hours.
When Golden Core Stage cultivators active nearby heard the news and braved their way into the valley to investigate, they only found fractured ground, collapsed peaks, broken wings stained with blood...
"These blood-stained feathers on the ground... Could they belong to that legendary demon king?"
A middle-aged Golden Core Stage cultivator bent over to pick up a half-broken red-gold feather from the ground and looked at the faint red bloodstains with a face full of surprise and uncertainty as he raised his eyes to look around the apocalyptic valley, exclaiming in shock.
"What else would Fellow Daoist Han think? Besides the legendary Chongming Demon King, who possesses the bloodline of the Chongming Bird, is there another Tier Six avian demon king in the Flame River Valley?"
A hoarse voice suddenly sounded from behind the middle-aged man, and when he turned his eyes, he saw a gray-robed old man with silver hair several hundred feet behind him, who had arrived without him knowing.
"So it's Fellow Daoist Xiang from Jinyang Sect. Did you also come after receiving news to check out the situation?"
The middle-aged man's eyes glimmered with dread as he glanced at the gray-robed elder, forcing a smile as he softly inquired.
The gray-robed elder, however, acted as if he hadn't heard the man's words, merely looked intently at the red-gold feather in the man's hand and said marveling:
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, I don't know which zhenren acted, but they surprisingly slew the Chongming Demon King in just a few hours. You know, this demon king has a Tier Six Middle Grade cultivation, and if he unleashed his True Spirit Bloodline of the Chongming Bird in a place like Flame River Valley, even a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would find it hard-pressed to kill him. Could the person who acted be a Nascent Soul Ninth Layer Half-Step True Immortal?"
The middle-aged man surnamed Han's expression changed dramatically; whether provoked by the gray-robed elder's attitude or shocked by the news revealed in his words, it was uncertain.
Anyway, after a series of expressions, he abruptly tossed the red-gold feather in his hand to the ground, clasped his fist towards the gray-robed elder in a salute, and left the valley on a cloud without saying another word.
"Heh-heh-heh, this young man from the Han family indeed has some wit, quickly making the wise choice. No wonder the Han family has been thriving year after year since his core formation."
The gray-robed elder squinted at the departing figure of the man surnamed Han for a moment, turned his head with a wry smile, glanced at the red-gold feather lying on the ground, and with a wave of his hand, brought it to his possession.
"The Han family, just a mere Golden Core clan, afraid of getting involved in a matter as scapegoats. But my Jinyang Sect is unafraid. This feather will be brought back to Junior Martial Uncle Lv, to see if his elderly self could trace the origin of the great power that slew the Chongming Demon King from the remaining aura!"
