Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 453 - 448 Where is the Trust Between Humans and Demons?_1

Chapter 453: Chapter 448 Where is the Trust Between Humans and Demons?_1

"Senior, we’ve accidentally come across some information, but we can’t be sure if it’s true or false," they said.

The four conversing were all Golden Core Stage Cultivators, with the highest being in the Late Golden Core Stage; the source of their intelligence was unknown.

"When did you learn of this news?" Jia Ren asked, as he had to clarify the matter upon hearing it.

Whether to go or not still required judgment.

"The news spread not long ago. Families and Sects near the Yunlan River have been plagued by Flood Dragons, and many Cultivators have recently perished in the jaws of these beasts."

"Yunlan Sect is currently inviting High-Order Cultivators to hold a grand ceremony to exterminate the Flood Dragons."

An extermination ceremony for Flood Dragons? Interesting.

Jia Ren inquired further about the specifics of the information, verifying that the incident had happened not long ago.

Intelligence like this was time-sensitive; once missed, one wouldn’t even catch sight of Flood Dragon dung, let alone the beasts themselves.

The Yunlan River was only a little more than seven hundred li from the Blue Cloud Market, a distance not considered far. Heading there now offered a fair chance of encountering a Flood Dragon. If he delayed by half a month, the situation could be very different.

"Thank you all," Jia Ren said.

He took out a white porcelain bottle, causing the four Golden Core Cultivators to show faces of delight. "Thank you, Senior, for your generosity."

Leaving the tavern, Jia Ren moved to a deserted area.

"Go to the Yunlan River and check it out."

Jia Ren had no intention of going in person. Seven hundred li wasn’t far, and the task was better suited for his Insect External Incarnation. The Insect External Incarnation controlled several Spiritual Treasures and had life-saving Talismans. Though not a match for Divine Transformation Cultivators, escape would certainly be no issue.

With some luck, it might even capture a Flood Dragon. Whether it succeeded or not, he had to have it try.

Watching his Insect External Incarnation drive its Escape Light away, Jia Ren continued to stroll around the market, looking for local specialties and useful treasures.

Unfortunately, what a Divinity Transformation Cultivator like him needed were top-notch resources. Only treasures like Thousand-Year-Old Spiritual Medicine, Spiritual Materials, and Heavenly Earth Elixirs could catch his eye; lower-grade materials were worthless to him.

The Blue Cloud Market was just a small market; the highest-level Cultivators passing through were merely at the Nascent Soul Stage. The occasional Ancient Treasure and Supreme Grade Magical Treasure that appeared failed to pique his interest. The Spirit Beasts he saw were also common and of no value.

Having gained nothing, Jia Ren returned to his Cave to meditate in seclusion. He couldn’t practice Divine Skills conveniently, so he decided to improve the fifth layer of the Treasure Light Body Refining Technique and attempt to refine a suitable Spiritual Treasure.

Meanwhile, his Insect External Incarnation, riding its Escape Light, arrived at the Yunlan River seven hundred li away. A large number of Cultivators had gathered, with figures of Nascent Soul Stage and Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators appearing from time to time. The most numerous were those wearing Taoist Robes with cloud patterns, members of the most powerful Sect nearby: Yunlan Sect.

A sect with Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators in the Mysterious Realm was considered merely a small to medium-sized sect. Comfortably secluded, it could still act as a local hegemon. Yunlan Sect was developing well; given time, it could maintain its prosperity for a thousand years.

No one knew why, but dozens of Flood Dragons had suddenly appeared in the Yunlan River out of nowhere, as if someone had deliberately ’released’ them. Flood Dragons were never content; they always loved to stir up trouble. Yunlan Sect, situated near the Yunlan River, suffered heavily, losing many Sect Disciples to the Flood Dragons.

There were quite a few Fifth Rank Flood Dragons, a problem beyond Yunlan Sect’s ability to resolve. They had no choice but to broadcast invitations, asking others to come and lend a hand.

"Thank you, fellow Daoists, for coming to our aid," a Yunlan Sect representative said.

"Flood Dragons are rare, and trading the Demonic Beast Materials of a Fifth Rank Flood Dragon for a Spiritual Treasure shouldn’t be a problem."

"I won’t say much more. How much you can gain depends on your own abilities," he announced to the assembly.

Seven Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators had arrived; they were powerhouses from the various Great Sects and clans within a ten-thousand-li radius. They knew of the commotion caused by the Flood Dragons and had arrived at the first opportunity. Flood Dragons were rare to begin with, scarce in number, but to have dozens gathered was unheard of. Missing this golden opportunity would attract Void Refinement Cultivators and more Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators to the scene, leaving them without even a chance for leftovers.

"The Evil Dragons devour Cultivators and flood fertile fields; their sins must be punished!" one exclaimed.

"Cloud Sect Master, rest assured, we will see to it that the Evil Dragons do not return!" another assured the leader.

The crowd was filled with righteous indignation, eager to enforce justice on behalf of heaven.

"We haven’t spotted any Sixth Rank Flood Dragons in the river yet," the briefing continued. "There are eleven Fifth Rank Flood Dragons, and all the rest are Fourth Rank Jiao Dragons with strength far surpassing that of ordinary Cultivators."

"Since you all have come to lend us your strength, let’s set some simple rules to prevent Cultivators of insufficient Realm from perishing to Flood Dragons."

"Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators may act freely. Cultivators below the Nascent Soul Stage should not participate individually. Instead, you Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators will form groups of five per boat to jointly slay the Flood Dragons. Fellow Daoists, what do you think of this arrangement?"

This proposal aimed to prevent Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators from facing Fifth Rank Flood Dragons without any means of resistance. Cultivators came to slay Flood Dragons while also ostensibly assisting Yunlan Sect; having them die in the Yunlan River wouldn’t look good and could lead to many complications. Several Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators combined would stand a chance against Fifth Rank Flood Dragons, ensuring at least a fighting chance and the ability to call for support from Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators, who could quickly reinforce. Even Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators, fighting alone, were no match for Fifth Rank Flood Dragons, but they could fight or flee as they wished. Yunlan Sect couldn’t impose on Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators, so they were left to their own devices.

"Let it be as Cloud Sect Master wishes," they consented.

Those with sufficient power would not object, and those with less came for wealth, not wishing to capsize in the gutter. Only by sticking together could they effectively combat the Flood Dragons.

Each Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator from Yunlan Sect took four other Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators with them. The Insect External Incarnation was also assigned to a team and boarded a massive Spirit Boat.

The Spirit Boat sailed into the turbulent waters of the Yunlan River.

"Daoist Ma, you’ve also come to join the fray," someone said.

"Daoist Friend Jiang, you’re here too, aren’t you?" another replied.

"The materials from Flood Dragons are too tempting. It’s a rare opportunity that can’t be missed," a third declared.

Several familiar Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators chatted. Upon seeing the Insect External Incarnation’s unfamiliar face, one finally asked, "Daoist friend, you are unfamiliar to us. Which sect or family do you hail from?"

The Insect External Incarnation looked at the two overly familiar individuals and managed a forced smile. "Just a Loose Cultivator."

As soon as the words "Loose Cultivator" were spoken, surprised glances were cast in its direction.

"Daoist friend, would you be interested in joining the Zhou Family? Spirit Stones, cultivation paradises, Supreme Grade Magical Treasures—we have them all."

Nascent Soul Stage Loose Cultivators were a rare sight. It wasn’t that there were no Nascent Soul Stage Loose Cultivators in the Mysterious Realm. With the thick nature’s spiritual energy of the Mysterious Realm, the precious sites and opportunities far surpassed those in the Sealed Land by countless times, so the upper limit for Loose Cultivators was much higher.

Once a Cultivator reached the Nascent Soul Stage, their Realm and standing became different. Those who still pursued advancement to the Divinity Transformation Stage and the cultivation of the Great Dao would either join a medium-sized Sect as a guest cultivator or try their luck in the Great Sects to become a Protector. The rest would either establish their own family or Sect, becoming a minor power. The founder of Yunlan Sect, it was said, came from a Loose Cultivator background. Nascent Soul Stage Loose Cultivators were extremely rare, so naturally, they couldn’t miss the opportunity to recruit one when encountered.

"The Qingfeng Sword Sect is a Sword Cultivator sect, specializing in the Qingfeng Divine Sword Art, a Cultivation Technique that leads straight to the Lianxu Stage. If you join the Qingfeng Sword Sect, Daoist friend, a position of Elder will be waiting for you."

For a time, numerous Cultivators extended olive branches to the Insect External Incarnation.

The leading Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator from Yunlan Sect was about to make an offer to the incarnation.

Just at that moment, he sensed a demonic aura from the distant river waters.

"We found it! Lucky us!" 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"This is a Fourth Rank Jiao Dragon!"

In an era where Magical Beasts were becoming increasingly rare, common ones were seldom seen; only in perilous places did they remain. A Flood Dragon’s entire body was precious and even more scarce. Facing a Fifth Rank Flood Dragon, five Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators combined would struggle to deal with such a Magical Beast. At best, they could protect themselves for a short time, but the slightest mistake could lead to their demise in the Flood Dragon’s jaws.

A Fourth Rank Demon Beast, however, was much easier to handle. With the cooperation of five Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators, while not a certainty, the probability of slaying the Flood Dragon was sizable.

The Insect External Incarnation used Heavenly Vision to look towards the location of the demonic aura in the river. It had already sensed the demonic aura earlier with the aid of a Demon-Spotting Talisman; it was orange, indicating a minor threat. The effects of low-level Talismans were becoming increasingly unreliable. Out of caution, it utilized Heavenly Vision to double-check.

The muddy riverbed couldn’t obstruct Jia Ren’s divine eye technique. An Exotic Beast lay hidden at the bottom of the river, with a horse’s head, a snake’s tail, and its body covered in blue Scale Armor, gazing up through the water at the figures of the Cultivators in the sky.

A Fourth Rank Jiao Dragon?! Are you sure this isn’t some kind of joke? Even a Fifth Rank Flood Dragon wouldn’t have such terrifying Spiritual Power; this must be the legendary Sixth Rank Magical Beast! Truly cunning, masquerading as a Fourth Rank Demon Beast. Where’s the trust between humans and beasts? Should I inform the other four Cultivators to flee together? Doing so would only startle the prey, causing the Sixth Rank Flood Dragon to strike prematurely. At that point, even I wouldn’t have a chance to escape. Better them than me.

The Insect External Incarnation did not hesitate in the slightest, decisively activating its Escape Light and fleeing at an astounding speed.

The others showed faces filled with astonishment. They hadn’t expected this fellow to be such a coward. However, they didn’t try to stop it. Taking down this Fourth Rank Blue Flood Dragon wouldn’t be difficult, and with one less person to share the spoils, they would each get more.

"Green Bee Sword Shadow!"

A Cultivator from the Green Bee Sword Sect couldn’t hold back any longer and was the first to strike. A green sword light vibrated at high frequency, like the stinger of a venomous bee, and suddenly shot forth. The emitted Green Sword was incredibly fast and powerful. The Green Bee Sword Sect certainly had its merits; this sword technique was impressively formidable.

"Suppressing Sea Seal!"

Another Cultivator took out a blue Jade Seal. Initially only the size of a palm, it rapidly inflated upon leaving his hand, astonishingly transforming into a massive hundred-foot-tall seal, smashing down directly onto the Flood Dragon’s head.

Everyone unleashed their techniques, jointly striving to kill the Flood Dragon. They had formed a temporary alliance, and to secure more spoils, it depended on who contributed more ’effort.’ Whoever exerted more effort would receive a greater share of the loot. This was the prime opportunity to shine.

"ROAR!"

The Blue Flood Dragon rose from the bottom of the river. One by one, Magical Treasures landed on its body, only to be repelled, failing to leave even a scratch on its Dragon Scales.

"How could this be?!"

Only at this moment did the four Cultivators realize something was amiss, finally understanding why Zhen Yi had fled.

But it was too late for them to escape.

A peculiar fluctuation suddenly erupted, and the four Nascent Soul Stage figures froze in midair, then dropped into the riverbed like dumplings, their fate unknown. The four Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators had perished instantly, powerless to resist.

This was not a Fourth Rank Flood Dragon; indeed, as Jia Ren had guessed, it was a Sixth Rank Flood Dragon from the Lianxu Stage!

The Blue Flood Dragon looked towards the disappearing figure of the Insect External Incarnation in the sky. Sensing the presence of nearby Nascent Soul Stage and Divine Transformation Stage Cultivators, it hesitated for a moment but chose not to pursue.

Totally not worth letting more significant prey escape for the sake of one small fish. It’s time to draw in the net! After this haul, it’ll be time to change locations, to prevent High-Order Cultivators from the Mysterious Realm from taking action against us.