thefictionvixens Chapter 165 The Shocking Demon Shadow! The Whereabouts of the Shennong Cauldron!
Chapter 165 The Shocking Demon Shadow! The Whereabouts of the Shennong Cauldron!
Chapter 165 The Shocking Demon Shadow! The Whereabouts of the Shennong Cauldron!
The moment Xiahou Jinxuan revealed his identity, Mo Yi's face showed a panic he hadn't seen in nineteen years.
Even if Xiahou Jinxuan had overheard his conversation with Long Ming, he shouldn't know his real name.
Mo Yi shifted his gaze to Mu Lan.
She probably didn't know either—
"What withered tree? What demonic shadow? Jin Xuan, what are you talking about? I don't understand." The demonic shadow that possessed Xiahou Tao's body slowly shook its head and said in a deep voice, "You've made many friends of dubious origin along the way. Don't trust people too easily."
Mu Changlan sneered, "What a clever way to turn the tables! Accusing others of having dubious origins, how can you compare to you, the Grand Elder of the Yaksha Kingdom?"
Mo Yi's expression was cold and stern, with a hint of murderous intent in his words. "Miss, this is the Xiahou family. Don't speak carelessly, or you won't be able to pay the price."
Xiahou Jinxuan shook his head in disappointment and said, "You've made another mistake. My second uncle is usually very magnanimous and would never become so hostile over a few words."
Mo Yi fell silent immediately.
Seeing that the other party was still being stubborn, Xie Cangxing couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Your identity was told to us by the head of the Shu Mountain Sect, including the fact that your Demon Realm's water veins are drying up and that you want to move the Yaksha Kingdom to the human realm. Senior Brother Sect Leader has told us all of that."
With his plan exposed, Mo Yi was stunned for a long time before letting out a long sigh. "I have always been meticulous in my actions, and I have planned for nearly twenty years without a single mistake. This Sect Leader Chu is truly extraordinary. No wonder he was able to befriend such a noble figure as the Demon Lord."
"Young Master, your fake second uncle is quite the flatterer too. Did you learn it from him?" Xie Cangxing grinned, teasing Xiahou Jinxuan.
Xiahou Jinxuan looked helpless. If he weren't used to Xie Cangxing's outspoken personality, most people would have already lost their temper.
"You big dummy, shut up if you can't talk!"
"Brother Xie, if you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!"
Xia and Mu Changlan glared at Xie Cangxing with unfriendly expressions.
"Why are you so agitated? I won't say anything more, okay?" Xie Cangxing quickly admitted his mistake. He could offend anyone, but not a woman in a bad mood.
There was no need to play dumb now. Mo Yi devised a plan and said to Jiang Cheng with ill intent, "You shouldn't associate with them. We are the same kind of people. Your true identity is—"
Before Mo Yi could finish speaking, Jiang Cheng immediately said, "A descendant of Chi You, right? If you want to use this to sow discord between us, you don't need to. They all know that I have half demon blood in my veins."
Another card was guessed beforehand, and Mo Yi's face turned ashen with rage, trembling all over. "Who was it that Sect Leader Chu told you this time?"
Xie Cangxing mocked, "Not bad, not bad, you've even learned to apply what you've learned to other situations. You've certainly earned your position as the Grand Elder."
Mo Yi had never met the mysterious leader of the Shu Mountain Sect, but at this moment he felt like he was being played with. Mo Yi believed that his intelligence was second to none, and he found it hard to accept this situation.
"Who exactly is he, and why does he know so much!" Mo Yi questioned the crowd through gritted teeth.
Xia said coldly, "Your sect leader's abilities are beyond your imagination. You'd better put away your petty thoughts, sit down obediently, and confess everything you need to!"
Xie Cangxing clicked his tongue and muttered, "He was just scolding me for trying to climb the social ladder, but now he's calling me 'senior brother' himself."
Seeing this, Mo Yi stopped pretending. His demonic energy surged forth like a tidal wave, making him seem like a completely different person. He said in a deep voice, "You think you can make me surrender with just a few of you?"
On the other side, apart from Xiahou Jinxuan, everyone else drew their weapons and confronted each other.
Xia said somewhat uneasily, "The sect leader asked us to discuss cooperation, isn't it a bad idea to start a fight like this?"
Xiahou Jinxuan shook his head and said, "Cooperation that is not based on strength is not stable. The other party is the Demon Clan, who believes in the survival of the fittest. If we are the weaker party, they can tear up the so-called alliance at any time."
Jiang Cheng nodded and said, "Miss Xia, what Young Master Xiahou said is correct."
Mo Yi, who was about to make a move, heard their conversation and paused, a question arising in his mind: what did they mean by cooperation?
Given the current situation, is there any possibility of cooperation between the two sides, or are these kids deliberately telling him this to keep him calm?
Mo Yi favored the latter, so he decisively attacked Xiahou Jinxuan and the others. Among them, Jiang Cheng was the strongest. If he could take him down first, the others would be no threat at all.
Having already made his stance clear, Jiang Cheng lost his value in Mo Yi's eyes. What use is a descendant of Chi You who cannot break the seal between the two worlds?
The demonic energy surged forth like a great wave washing away sand, unleashing a terrifying suction force that aimed directly at Jiang Cheng.
Having been through countless battles, Jiang Cheng was already on guard. As his body was being pulled by the demonic energy, he gathered his true essence in both fists and slammed them forward. The purple true essence collided with the demonic energy, creating a powerful impact.
Using the momentum, Jiang Cheng steadied himself and, instead of retreating, advanced, launching a counterattack immediately.
A look of surprise flashed in Mo Yi's eyes. He had thought that the conflict between the demonic energy and true essence in Jiang Cheng's body would cause him to immediately suffer a qi deviation after being stimulated by him, but the other party showed no abnormality.
"Have you accepted this power? Have you accepted your identity as a demon?"
"Who gave you the courage?"
While Mo Yi was still in shock, Jiang Cheng had already closed in.
The sky was filled with countless fist shadows, like a raging flood, stretching endlessly, their power astonishing.
The vast, smoky demonic energy blocked Jiang Cheng's fist, preventing him from advancing an inch. At the same time, Mo Yi heard Jiang Cheng's reply in his ear.
"They accepted me, so I accepted myself. Sect Leader Chu told me that good and evil are not determined by status; whether one does good or evil is up to me!"
Humans and demons are not defined by their social status; good and evil are not determined by their identities!
These words exploded in Mo Yi's ears like a thunderclap!
These are words spoken by the head of the Shu Mountain sect; from the perspective of ordinary people, they are simply heretical!
How many people in the world dare to say that there are good people among the demon race?
With his mind in chaos and his expression dazed, the demonic energy surrounding him weakened, and he murmured:
'
Did he really say that?
Mu Changlan sneered, "How could a coward like you possibly imagine the magnanimity of Sect Leader Chu?"
Mo Yi shook his head, took a deep breath, and reverted to his previous indifferent demeanor. "I almost fell for your tricks, you little brats. How could the dignified head of the Shu Mountain Sect say such a thing? The Demon Suppression Tower holds countless demons; it can't even tolerate demons, so how could it possibly tolerate demons?"
The room was filled with terrifying, suffocating demonic energy. Everyone's expression changed drastically, realizing that Mo Yi was about to make a serious move.
Just then, a reassuring voice rang out.
"First, let me correct two of your mistakes. The demons in the Demon Locking Tower were not captured randomly, but each one has a blood debt to pay, without exception. As for those demons that have never harmed anyone, Shushan will formulate new laws to deal with them in the future."
"Secondly, I did say that the difference between humans and demons is not determined by their status. In fact, I believe that this applies to all living beings in the Six Realms."
Chu Yang entered the room and waved his hand, causing the demonic energy to dissipate. In contrast, Mo Yi's face turned deathly pale, as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, and his breathing became disordered.
The Chu Yang who appeared at Xiahou's house at this moment was his true form.
The shadow clone that had followed them back earlier dissipated due to the impact of demonic energy, and Chu Yang, sensing the situation, immediately used Phantom Shift to arrive here.
As the enemies encountered become stronger, the margin for error for shadow clones is decreasing, and now they can only be used as coordinates.
Chu Yang felt it was time to research a new ability to replace the function of shadow clones.
The demonic energy all over his body felt as if it were being roughly shoved back into his body by a pair of large hands, causing Mo Yi great pain.
Seeing that Chu Yang was staring at him without saying a word, he had the idea of a gecko cutting off its tail.
Having abandoned this body, he could no longer spend decades reorganizing. If the mysterious and unpredictable Sect Leader Chu were to follow the clues and harm his true form, it would be a great loss.
Just as Mo Yi was about to take action, Chu Yang guessed his intention first and laughed, "So the dignified Grand Elder of the Yaksha Kingdom is so easily frightened that he doesn't even have the courage to speak to me before abandoning this body?"
Upon hearing this, Mo Yi silently stopped the surging demonic power within his body. He looked up at Chu Yang, his expression returning to its usual calm and composed state.
Chu Yang clapped his hands and nodded in approval, saying, "Not bad."
"Your methods are truly admirable, and there's no point in arguing about who's right and who's wrong," Mo Yi said with a dark expression. "I wonder what advice Sect Leader Chu has for me?"
"I dare not presume to teach you; I am merely here to bear witness." Chu Yang turned to look at Jiang Cheng. "You will now speak with him. Say whatever you wish."
A hint of curiosity appeared on Mo Yi's face.
Do they really want to cooperate with me to save the Demon Realm from the depletion of its water veins? But what are they after?
What was the purpose of the Shushan Sect Leader?
Jiang Cheng answered Mo Yi's doubts with his actions. He took out the Water Spirit Orb he had obtained from Chu Yang and said, "The Water Spirit Orb you wanted is right here. Use it to repair the water veins of the Demon Realm, and return it to Mount Shu afterward."
The Water Spirit Orb floated slowly in the air, radiating abundant water elemental power. Mo Yi stared blankly for a moment, then asked incredulously, "You really intend to hand over the Water Spirit Orb to me?"
Jiang Cheng frowned and said, "Believe it or not, we're not so bored as to take such a big risk to fool you."
The shock in Mo Yi's eyes hadn't faded at all. "Why is this? What benefit does this bring to you, or to Mount Shu?"
Xiahou Jinxuan shook his head and said, "Of course, it's of no benefit to us, and we also have to bear the risk of losing the Water Spirit Orb. Even so, we want to do something for the people of the Yaksha Kingdom. They did nothing wrong in this matter, yet they have to suffer such a calamity. Shouldn't we help them?"
Mo Yi had imagined countless reasons in his mind, but he never expected to hear such a simple one.
These words seemed to possess some kind of magic, draining Mo Yi's spirit. He still asked in disbelief, "On what basis?"
Xia said impatiently, "I explained it to you, but you still don't believe me. What a hassle! The logic is simple: if everyone over there were like you, we definitely wouldn't help. But if there are people like Brother Jiang, how could we not help?"
Xie Cangxing gave Xia a thumbs up and praised, "Girl, your description is quite good. Even I understood it."
Mo Yi lowered his head and murmured, "So the problem can be solved so easily? What have I been doing all these years?"
"This is not simple—" Jiang Cheng sighed, "If it weren't for Sect Leader Chu's strong support, I wouldn't have had the courage to face my true identity. Perhaps—I would have become deserted by everyone, just as you initially planned, and it would have been impossible for me to sit down and have an open and honest conversation with you."
Mo Yi remained silent for a long time, perhaps moved by the sincerity of Jiang Cheng and the others, and the coldness on his face gradually softened.
"As expected of the head of the Shu Mountain Sect, I, Mo Yi, have learned my lesson." Mo Yi bowed deeply to Chu Yang with heartfelt admiration. "There should be no one in the world who would deceive an insignificant person like me for the price of a Water Spirit Pearl."
Xiahou Jinxuan also breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Since you are willing to believe us, explain the situation of the Yaksha Kingdom clearly, and also explain the things we don't know."
Mo Yi hesitated for a moment, then said, "The commotion just now has alerted the people in the manor. Why don't we leave here first, and then we can talk to you in detail?"
Chu Yang smiled and said, "I have set up a barrier here with my magic, so you can't hear anything outside. Don't worry."
Xie Cangxing suddenly realized, "No wonder no one has come for so long, I thought the Xiahou residence was unattended."
With his last worry gone, Mo Yi then revealed everything about the Yaksha Kingdom, including his plans over the years.
He had considered being cautious and concealing some of the facts, but he simply didn't have the courage to confront the unfathomable Chu Yang.
This person is like an unpredictable mystery. Mo Yi can hardly bet on how much he knows. If something goes wrong, he will personally shatter the current favorable situation.
The risk is too great; there's no need to take the risk at all.
After hearing a more detailed account of the truth from Mo Yi, everyone's anxiety finally subsided. The information was basically the same as what Chu Yang had said before, which proved that Mo Yi was truly willing to cooperate.
Chu Yang cautioned, "Regarding the Shennong Cauldron, I can tell you definitively that it's not in Mount Shu. You'd better think of another way."
Mo Yi nodded and said, "I just received the news that the Shennong Cauldron is indeed not in Shu Mountain, or even in the Central Plains, but on another continent outside the Hundred Thousand Mountains."
"The people over there call it the Divine Land."
Xiahou Jinxuan, Jiang Cheng, and Mu Changlan all showed surprised expressions. They had not come into contact with the three sects of Qingyun Sect when they were in Shu Mountain, so they did not know about this matter.
Xia and Xie Cangxing seemed to be deep in thought, clearly having already heard the news from their respective masters.
Chu Yang continued, "Is there any more detailed information?"
After a moment of contemplation, Mo Yi said, "Regarding the matter of Shenzhou, I think it would be better for His Majesty Longming to explain it to you personally."
Chu Yang chuckled, "He's been listening silently for so long, he's probably itching to speak up by now, right?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a hearty laugh rang out.
"Sect Leader Chu is truly interesting. Did you know all along that I'd been listening to your conversation?"
Long Ming's voice echoed in the room, but it was impossible to tell exactly which direction it came from.
"It was probably when Jiang Cheng voluntarily handed over the Water Spirit Pearl that your secret communication technique was restarted. Since His Majesty Longming has been listening for so long, I probably don't need to explain anymore, right?"
"Longming thanks you all on behalf of the people of the Yaksha Kingdom."
"Business is important, so there's no need for formalities."
"I came to the Divine Continent a few months ago. According to the intelligence I have gathered, I have found the sealing place of the Shennong Cauldron, but a guy with Yin-Yang eyes appeared and ruined my plans."
"Was that person wielding a golden sword?"
"Huh? Sect Leader Chu knows that guy too!"
Chu Yang closed his eyes and let out a long breath. At this moment, he was basically certain that Long Ming had encountered one of the male protagonists of Xuanyuan Sword.
Yuwen Tuo.
In the Xuan-Yuan Sword series, ancient artifacts are an indispensable element, much like the Five Elemental Pearls in the Legend of Sword and Fairy story.
The most important of these is undoubtedly the Xuanyuan Sword, since the entire series of stories is named after this divine weapon, which also demonstrates the strength of Yuwen Tuo, the owner of the Xuanyuan Sword.
It's no exaggeration to say that they represent the pinnacle of combat power in the human realm.
He was even stronger than Qingwei and Dugu Jiansheng, so it was normal for Longming to be no match for him.
Chu Yang pondered for a moment and said, "If it really is the person I'm thinking of, this matter probably needs to be considered carefully."
Xia's eyes widened in surprise. "Is the opponent that powerful?"
Chu Yang nodded and said, "He's a formidable man, but what's even more formidable is the sword in his hand."
Everyone looked at him curiously.
Chu Yang continued, "That sword is called the Xuanyuan Sword, also known as the Xuanyuan Xia Yu Sword. It was a divine weapon forged by the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan during the battle between him and Chi You. He used this sword to defeat Chi You and establish the status of the human race. After Chi You was defeated, he sent the remaining members of his race to the Demon Realm before he died."
"One side of the Xuanyuan Sword is engraved with the sun, moon, and stars, while the other side is engraved with mountains, rivers, and plants. One side of the hilt is inscribed with the techniques of farming and animal husbandry, while the other side is inscribed with the strategy for unifying the four seas. It contains unfathomable power and is one of the top ancient artifacts."
Upon hearing that it was the sword of the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, everyone immediately understood the power of the Xuanyuan Sword.
Long Ming exclaimed, "So that's how it is. No wonder I couldn't even last twenty rounds against that person. He was actually the owner of the Xuanyuan Sword."
Chu Yang said, "There are very few people in the world who can escape unscathed from Yuwen Tuo's hands. His Majesty Longming has every reason to be proud."
"What's there to be proud of in defeating someone?" Long Ming sighed softly, his voice echoing in the room. "Sect Leader Chu, just call me Long Ming. I don't know how to repay your kindness."
Xia said, "We don't need your repayment. We just hope that you will stop hating humans in the future. We also hope that one day, people in the world will stop hating and fearing half-demons like Brother Jiang who remain in the human world."
"What you say is absolutely right, young lady." Long Ming's voice paused slightly, and his breathing became heavy, as if he had made a great decision. He then said, "I wish to establish an alliance with you all in my capacity as the ruler of the Yaksha Kingdom."
"If this matter goes smoothly, the Yaksha Kingdom will henceforth guard the passage between the two worlds for the human realm. I, Longming, can guarantee that as long as I live, no demon will be able to enter the human realm through this passage."
Upon hearing Long Ming's promise, Mo Yi exclaimed, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! How will the Yaksha Kingdom face the Demon Realm in the future?"
It's no wonder that Mo Yi was panicked. Once this alliance is established, the Yaksha Kingdom will become the target of everyone in the demon realm, and its future is predictable.
Chu Yang asked, "Have you thought it through?"
Long Ming's voice grew increasingly firm, "The reasoning is actually quite simple. Even without this alliance, the war in the Demon Realm wouldn't easily end. The Yaksha Kingdom would still be besieged on all sides. Enemies would remain enemies, and nothing would change—"
"Besides this, I have nothing to give back to everyone. From the perspective of transactions or cooperation, this is unfair."
Xiahou Jinxuan shook his head and said, "Brother Long, you are mistaken. The reason we are doing this is entirely for the sake of the innocent people of the Yaksha Kingdom."
Long Ming laughed and said, "Then I can't let you suffer a loss, otherwise how can I face my people in the future?"
Mo Yi sensed Long Ming's persistent attitude and knew that he could not change the other party's mind, so he could only sigh with worry.
But Longming is right about one thing.
The war in the Demon Realm has now reached a fever pitch. Even if the water veins are repaired and the living environment improves, the war may not necessarily stop, and it may even end with the complete annihilation of some countries.
The right way is to abandon illusions and make plans early.
Chu Yang confirmed Long Ming's determination and said, "Very well, as the head of the Shu Mountain Sect, I hereby establish this alliance with you. I hope you will not break your promise in the future."
Long Ming laughed and said, "Sect Leader Chu, don't worry, I'm not that stupid."
Xie Cangxing chuckled and said, "I say, Elder, don't worry too much. Since we're allies, if the Yaksha Kingdom really gets into trouble, we'll just help you fight a few battles, won't we?"
Mu Changlan rolled her eyes at him speechlessly, "I didn't know Brother Xie had the ability to travel between the six realms. Why don't you teach everyone?"
"Oh, I forgot about that." Xie Cangxing scratched his head awkwardly, then immediately looked down and stopped talking.
After they finished arguing, Chu Yang continued, "I know a bit about Yuwen Tuo. He probably didn't take the Shennong Cauldron because he coveted the divine artifact. Let's wait and see what he's up to."
Long Ming said helplessly, "This is the only way for now."
Mo Yi suddenly spoke up: "My plans in the Central Plains have been completely thwarted by Sect Leader Chu. There is no point in staying here any longer. I might as well go to Shenzhou and lend His Majesty a hand."
Xiahou Jinxuan exclaimed excitedly, "No!"
Mo Yi looked at him with a complicated expression. This was the child he had raised with his own hands. Although the identity was fake, the moments they had spent together over the years were truly real.
Xiahou Jinxuan explained, "If you leave, how will you explain it to Father?"
Mo Yi pondered, "This body was already weak, so it wouldn't be surprising if it suddenly died of illness."
Xiahou Jinxuan stared at Mo Yi, "Whether Second Uncle dies or disappears, Father will be heartbroken. He is old and cannot withstand such a blow."
Mo Yi fell silent.
Xia whispered in Xiahou Jinxuan's ear, "Bookworm, do you want him to keep acting like this? Isn't that a bit—"
Xiahou Jinxuan couldn't quite articulate his true feelings, so he could only stubbornly use an excuse to brush it off: "Uncle can't just suddenly pass away right now; we need to give Father some time to process it."
Jiang Cheng gave Xiahou Jinxuan a deep look, seemingly guessing his thoughts.
Xie Cangxing, the oldest and most experienced among them, couldn't help but shake his head, a hint of emotion in his eyes.
The room gradually fell silent, and the atmosphere became eerie.
Just then, Long Ming spoke up: "Elder Mo Yi, even if you come, the situation will not improve. We have no way to snatch the Shennong Cauldron from Yuwen Tuo, nor do we have the right to bargain with him. If the identity of the demons is exposed, it may lead to an even more intense conflict."
Upon hearing this, Mo Yi had no choice but to abandon his plan to go to Shenzhou.
Chu Yang said, "Please be patient, both of you. Soon, the roads between the Central Plains and Shenzhou will be opened up. Then you can plan your next move."
Long Ming was immediately startled. "Is what Sect Leader Chu said true? The Hundred Thousand Mountains are boundless and cannot be traversed by human power."
Chu Yang laughed and said, "It's alright, we're taking the empty route."