Chapter 108

Chapter 108

007 saw that the little kid had left the ranks of "everyone being weak," and it felt weirdly antsy inside.

Although it was a system, it also had a drive to improve.

007 opened its little mouth and sighed helplessly, feeling a sense of urgency about its own strength.

But for now, there was no way to get stronger right now. It knew that the biggest difference between itself and the child was that the other had a well-connected father.

Don’t think it didn’t know why the little kid had suddenly become so powerful—it must be because You Nan’s husband had lent his strength to his son.

007 looked into the distance. The Vajra Shield had completely devoured the thick black mist and absorbed the demon’s power to strengthen itself, causing the golden torrent to grow increasingly vast. It had now begun a full-scale counterattack.

The golden torrent defied gravity, climbing and spreading up the mountain like a fluid giant beast, actively hunting down the other demons and monsters on the mountain.

The villagers stared intently at the edge of the Vajra Shield. When they saw their little immortal using immortal magic to defeat the demon, they all broke into cheers and celebration.

"The little immortal won!"

"Mother! The little immortal has defeated that demon!"

"The little immortal is amazing! I haven’t offered incense to the little immortal today—would burning a stick now make the little immortal even stronger?"

The village was filled with laughter and joy, as if they had seen the dawn of victory.

But the little immortal they were cheering for, along with the powerful divine energy that had appeared out of nowhere, continued deeper into the mountains.

Behind the Great Xing Mountain lay a vast, boundless sea, and at the foot of the mountain on three sides lived ordinary people.

There were the Yan State, as well as the Qin State and the Jin State.

All three countries were simultaneously under attack by great demons from the mountains.

A dark, sinister mist assaulted Yan State, the giant serpent that the Outer Elder had seen went to Qin State, and a massive black deer demon descended upon Jin State.

The sects and royal families of the three countries immediately sprang into action, hastily recruiting, mobilizing, and dispatching numerous Cultivators to Great Xing Mountain to slay the demons and monsters.

The ruler of Yan State also urgently sent envoys to the local sects, hoping they would step forward to eliminate the great demon for the people of Yan State, eradicating evil and promoting good.

However, the sects ignored the royal family’s request, choosing instead to close their gates and refuse to come out.

When faced with the envoys sent by the royal family, they unhesitatingly informed them of the existence of the wild deity, responding with statements like, "There is not just one demon in Yan State’s Great Xing Mountain—there is also a wild deity. The wild deity has enjoyed the incense offerings of the people and will surely help them."

They also suggested waiting until the wild deity and the demon were locked in a struggle, both sides weakened, before taking action.

That way, they could kill two birds with one stone.

The royal envoys found this unreliable.

They had established diplomatic relations with the other two countries and had already learned about the situations in Jin State and Qin State through communication talismans. Otherwise, they would not have rushed over so urgently, repeatedly pleading with the sects.

From the messages returned by the other two countries, they knew that the great demons from the mountains were exceptionally powerful.

Cultivators from Jin State and Qin State had bravely resisted and launched fierce attacks, but they were no match for the demons. Many Cultivators had been killed in the struggle.

In a short time, the great demons had already laid waste to the villages at the foot of the mountains in both countries, leaving no survivors. All the villagers had been drained into dried corpses, and the land was strewn with bodies.

Cultivators skilled in observing energy saw heavy dark clouds hanging over these villages, with faint signs of disasters and calamities within.

If these great demons were not eliminated quickly, the mortal world would likely be plunged into misery and suffering.

"Immortal Elder, will this really work?" the royal envoys hastily relayed the information they had obtained to the sects, hoping to change their minds. "Those great demons are far too powerful. We cannot just wait for disaster to strike."

But the sect disciple who came out to respond still did not take it seriously. "Don’t worry. This only shows that the sects and rogue cultivators in Jin State and Qin State are not up to the task."

The disciple was highly confident in his sect’s strength: "Rest assured, we already have elders and disciples at Great Xing Mountain. If that demon dares to kill, our sect’s disciples and elders will certainly not let it get away!"

Hearing this, the envoy sighed inwardly.

It seemed the sect would not take action.

He could only bow to the disciple and say, "Since the Immortal Elders have their own arrangements, I shall take my leave."

"Mm," the disciple stood still, arrogantly accepting the bow.

When the envoy straightened up, his expression remained gentle yet slightly bitter. But as soon as he turned around, his expression changed.

His eyes turned fierce, and his face became expressionless.

Again!

Every time they wanted the sect to save the people, they would always make excuses and delay. Only after the royal family promised many rewards would they "reluctantly" agree to help.

This time, the envoy had also brought many gifts.

These were carefully prepared by the Yan State royal family based on the sect’s needs.

But now, after hearing the disciple’s words, the envoy was unwilling to play the nice guy and hand over the gifts.

The royal family wasn't foolish.

Every time they needed the sect’s help, they could easily find out what the sect lacked—especially when it came to treasure and valuables, which were as abundant as the sea.

Weren’t Cultivators supposed to be free from mortal desires and avoid interacting with mortals?

Then why did they need so much gold, silver, and jewels? And how could mortals know their preferences and thoughts?

They wouldn't believe it if someone said the sect had voluntarily disclosed this.

Moreover, every time they offered gifts, the royal family lost thirty percent of their treasures—just enough to reach their limit. Any more, and the royal family would suffer significant losses.

If anyone said the sect hadn’t calculated this deliberately, they would never believe it.

The envoy turned his back on the sect disciple and hurried away, as if deeply affected by the disciple’s words. He did not look back at the disciple even once before leaving.

Naturally, he did not see the disciple’s hesitant expression and anxious, conflicted gaze behind him.

Oh no, oh no! Why was this person so impolite this time? He didn’t even offer them anything. Had his attitude been too harsh? But his senior brothers and sisters always acted this way.

Why was it different when it was his turn?

This was terrible! If his master found out he hadn’t secured any benefits, he would be done for!

The disciple wanted to chase after the envoy, but when he remembered his status as an immortal and the fact that those people would eventually come back for help, his anxiety eased.

What was there to fear? Nothing to fear at all!

The gifts would still be delivered—it would just take a little longer this time.

The envoy returned to the imperial palace, and as soon as he arrived, the King of Yan immediately summoned him.

"How did it go? Did the Immortal Elder say when they would make a move?" the King of Yan asked eagerly.

He was still terrified that the group of Great Demons would destroy his Yan State.

Only if the people of Yan State lived in peace could the royal family thrive. If the state and its people were lost, what purpose would the royal family serve?

The Daxing Mountain appeared to be on the border of Yan State, far from other regions.

But to demons, what was such a distance?

Even a thousand miles away, a Cultivator could arrive in the blink of an eye. How could demons, who were even more powerful than Cultivators, be deterred by such a trivial distance from advancing and invading?

The envoy’s expression was grim. "Your Majesty, it seems the sect is unwilling."

"Unwilling?" The King’s brow furrowed instantly. "Even after we were prepared to send them so many treasures, they still refuse?"

The envoy felt somewhat awkward.

Those treasures hadn’t been delivered, so of course they wouldn’t help.

The envoy quickly relayed the outer sect disciple’s words to the King and explained, "That little disciple made it clear they had no intention of intervening. They want the wild deity and the demons to fight until both sides are weakened, so they can swoop in and eliminate both. I found this unacceptable and did not continue to engage in pretense with that little disciple. I beg Your Majesty to punish me for my offense."

As he spoke, he lifted the hem of his robe and knelt. "Your Majesty, I am filled with indignation. I do not understand why they insist on making the royal family beg repeatedly before reluctantly accepting gifts and acting as if they are forced to help. Their hypocrisy is utterly detestable! Where do they think they’re putting the dignity of our royal family?"

"Moreover, this time they clearly have no intention of contributing. The three states communicate through message talismans—I don't buy that they're out of the loop. Perhaps they are afraid of those demons and unwilling to act. That’s why they’re resorting to this 'when the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman profits' strategy." The envoy spoke with tearful eyes. "Since they have no intention of helping, I did not want to give them these treasures."

"I have said all I need to say. I await any punishment Your Majesty deems fit."

The envoy finished speaking and kowtowed forcefully, waiting for the King’s judgment.

The King remained silent for a long time.

To the envoy, it felt like a moment, or perhaps much longer, before he finally heard a heavy sigh.

"Alas."

The King sighed, his heart filled with sorrow. "Since that’s the case, let it be."

He said, "I don’t know how long our great state can survive. If, as the sect disciple said, we are doomed regardless, then giving them the treasures won’t make much difference. Let the royal family keep them for ourselves."

Upon hearing this, the envoy’s eyes instantly lit up.

The King continued, "But for now, let’s set aside the matter of the sect. Since the Daxing Mountain, a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy, has given birth to a wild deity who has halted the demons’ advance into Yan territory, he is our hope. As such, we of Yan State must not treat him unfairly."

Those sects have taken so much from our royal family and people without doing anything. Now, this wild deity has truly helped by preventing the demons from advancing further into Yan territory and minimizing casualties. That alone deserves our gratitude.

Now it is time for Yan State to take action.

The King made his decision and issued an order: "Someone, convey my command. A wild deity has emerged from the veins of Yan State’s land at Daxing Mountain, protecting the peace of our territory. Yan State shall offer worship to show respect."

The eunuch beside him seemed hesitant, as if he had something to say.

The King noticed and asked, "Is there something you don’t understand?"

The eunuch lowered his head. "How should we respond if the sect questions this, Your Majesty?"

These sects maintained strict control over temples and deities. Since establishing themselves in Yan territory, they had focused on spreading their teachings, elevating the status of their sect, and persuading many places in Yan to dismantle their original deity statues, replacing them with those revered by the sect.

However, many remote areas had not received news from the capital, so their people continued to worship Yan’s original deities, unaware of the change.

The palace naturally also enshrined the deities promoted by the sect.

But the King seldom participated in worship. For one, he was often busy; for another, whenever he stood before the deity statue, he felt as if his flesh were being stripped away, revealing his inner self.

It sent shivers down his spine, as if he were being watched by a terrifying giant beast or demons.

So unless absolutely necessary, such as during annual sacrifices, he generally avoided it. Every time he went, he would fall ill for ten days to half a month—an unbearable feeling.

Hearing his eunuch’s words, the King already had a response in mind. "The wild deity protects Yan State and deserves recompense. If the common people wish to continue worshiping the sect’s deities, the royal family will not forbid it. But if the sect expects the royal family to continue worshiping their deities, they must demonstrate their sincerity."

The envoy and the other eunuchs and palace maids in the hall understood the King’s meaning immediately.

They were inwardly shocked—His Majesty was forcing the sect to act!—but their expressions remained calm as they all knelt to thank him. "Your Majesty is wise."

The envoy spoke with the King a while longer, and when he left the hall, he was assigned a new mission: to go to the village at the foot of Daxing Mountain, investigate the origins of this wild deity, and bring back a small statue of him to Yanjing for craftsmen to replicate.

The envoy immediately returned to his residence, gathered his servants, and with generous rewards of gold and silver, recruited a dare-to-die squad.

Standing before the carefully selected squad, he declared loudly, "We may never return from this journey, but rest assured, if any of us do not make it back, my household will provide for your families and ensure they live out their years in peace."

Before departing, the envoy looked at his subordinates one last time and gave them a final choice. "A wild deity capable of protecting Yan State from demons has emerged, yet the Cultivators of the sect refuse to save people. We ordinary folks must save ourselves. This journey may end in death at the hands of demons, but if we return, His Majesty will reward you with promotions and titles!"

"So I ask once more: are you willing to risk your lives and follow me to Daxing Mountain?"

As soon as the envoy finished speaking, someone responded loudly.

"Willing!" shouted a man. "This subordinate is willing to follow you, my lord! If not for your rescue back then, I would have died long ago. How could I have the life I have now? My life belongs to you! I will follow you!"

"This subordinate is also willing! Since the sect refuses to help, why not change our allegiance!"

"The demons in Jin State and Qin State are fierce and ruthless. Both states are in grave danger now. If we don’t seize every possible opportunity, I fear Yan State will follow in their footsteps."

"This subordinate is willing to try! If there’s even a sliver of hope to turn danger into safety, I’m willing to take the risk. I refuse to stand by and watch my parents, wife, and children die while I can do nothing."

Their voices grew louder, filled with increasing passion and determination.

Everyone was prepared not to return.

The envoy’s eyes moistened. "Good! You are all brave men! Yan State will remember you forever!"

He wiped his eyes, leaped onto his horse, and said, "Since that’s settled, let us depart!"

"Alright!" the men roared in unison, mounting their horses and following the envoy to Daxing Mountain.

As they journeyed to Daxing Mountain, the crisis in Yan State’s Daxing Mountain had already been resolved.

The Little Immortal withdrew the Vajra Shield. Having devoured half of the dark mist’s power, he now matched the strength of a Golden Core stage Cultivator by human standards.

It was a direct breakthrough of two major realms, equivalent to over ten minor realms.

But the little child was not satisfied with his current state.

Perhaps greater strength only fueled his desire to grow stronger. He began to look forward to his father quickly devouring the other two demons and sharing some of their energy with him, so he could become even more powerful.

The villagers from other villages at the foot of Mount Daxing also witnessed the *Vajra Shield* protecting their villages during the demon invasion.

They all knew it was these *Vajra Shields* that had saved them.

Those three villages were the first line of defense against the demon invasion. If they had been wiped out by the demons, the next to perish would have been themselves.

Fortunately, the villages ahead managed to hold their ground.

They immediately mobilized the entire village to investigate the reasons in these three villages. It wasn’t until they entered the villages that they learned a Little Immortal had appeared there.

The *Vajra Shield* was also the extraordinary power of the Little Immortal.

The Little Immortal protected the three villages and indirectly safeguarded all of them.

Upon hearing this, the people from these villages, their eyes lit up.

With a Little Immortal stationed in the village, wouldn’t it mean peace and safety from now on!

They were thrilled and crowded around the village chief of You Nan’s village, eagerly asking questions.

"Can we also worship the Little Immortal?"

You Nan held the child’s hand and stood beside his village chief. He had been asked by the chief to help receive people from other villages.

The chief smiled upon hearing this but didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he turned to the young man beside him.

The chief asked You Nan, "Xiao Nan, what do you think?"

You Nan felt the child tug his finger and immediately understood the child’s thoughts.

You Nan said, "Everyone has come sincerely to invite the Little Immortal to guard their villages. Such intentions are certainly good. I believe the Little Immortal would be pleased as well."

Hearing You Nan’s words, the chief naturally glanced at the child beside him.

The child grinned, looking very happy.

The people from the other villages were confused why a young man was making the decision, but then they saw the chief finally nod in agreement. "In that case, of course it’s allowed. However, your villages must send two carpenters to work with the carpenters from our village to carve statues, so the Little Immortal can be enshrined."

Upon hearing this, the people from the other villages didn’t waste time and quickly agreed, afraid the chief might change his mind. "That’s only right! We’ll arrange for people immediately!"

The chief nodded and smiled contentedly, exchanging a look with the Little Immortal beside him.

.

"Outer Elder! Outer Elder, good news! The dark mist at the foot of Mount Daxing has retreated!"

The sect disciples stationed at the entrance, observing the direction of Mount Daxing, saw the gloomy dark mist disappear and immediately reported the news excitedly to the Outer Elder.

Upon hearing this, the Outer Elder showed no emotion. "Did the dark mist retreat on its own, or was it repelled by another Cultivator?" he quickly asked.

These two scenarios held entirely different meanings.

If the dark mist retreated on its own, it meant it had had its fill and returned to the mountains, implying all the mortals at the foot of Mount Daxing had died.

But if a Cultivator had driven back the dark mist, it would mean their sect’s reputation had been tarnished, and it could also indicate that the Great Demon of the dark mist had been repelled or even injured.

This would also signal another opportunity for their sect to become famous again.

The disciple stammered, "Outer Elder, we are currently in the county town, at least dozens of kilometers from the Mount Daxing range. From such a distance, it’s hard to make out."

The dark mist demon wasn’t very tall, estimated to be around seven or eight meters. Up close, it would be terrifying, but from such a distance, with other structures blocking the view, it was naturally difficult to see clearly.

Only vague glimpses were possible.

The Outer Elder didn’t press the issue and quickly formed a plan. "Since the dark mist demon has retreated, we should report this to the Yan capital as soon as possible, so the monarch, the sect leader, and other elders need not worry about it."

"But what reason should we give?" a disciple asked.

The Outer Elder already had an answer. "You idiot, it must be because of our sect’s deity! The divine power of our sect’s deity intimidated these evil forces, making them dare not provoke us, which is why they retreated."

"Just write it that way! After all, our Yan State is in a much better situation compared to Qin State and Jin State."

Those Cultivators are truly useless, unable to even hold back the demons.

Upon hearing this, the disciple immediately understood the Outer Elder’s intention. He patted his chest and boasted, "Outer Elder, don’t worry! This disciple will definitely complete the task well! We will spread the glory of our sect and our deity!"