Nine Transformations of the True Spirit.

As soon as the Demon King of the Divine Origin finished speaking, his aura emanated and landed on Chen Yuan, as imposing as a mountain, causing his body to immediately hunch over, his face to turn pale, and he to tremble uncontrollably.

The Thunder Mountain Demon King frowned, raised his sleeve and flicked it, a gentle breeze blew by, and the oppressive force that Chen Yuan was under quietly dissipated.

Chen Yuan straightened up, and the Thunder Mountain Demon King said indifferently, "Bei Ming, Fellow Daoist Can Yuan has asked a question. You must answer truthfully and not hide anything, otherwise I will not spare you."

The Demon King of the Divine Origin was slightly dissatisfied. He glanced at the Demon King of Thunder Mountain and snorted softly, but he did not press Chen Yuan any further. Instead, he picked up the wine cup in front of him and drank it all in one gulp.

Chen Yuan clasped his hands in a bow to the Demon King of Canyuan, his expression sorrowful: "Reporting to the Demon King, I am also deeply grieved by the deaths of Fellow Daoist Qiyan and Fellow Daoist Yanhuang. I wish I could go with them. How could I abandon these two fellow Daoists?"

"However, that demon lord was too ferocious, and I was the only one skilled in escape techniques, so I was the only one with a chance to escape."

"That's why the two fellow Daoists offered to cover our retreat so that I could save my life. It's better than us all dying at the hands of that Demon Lord's remnant soul."

boom!
The Demon King of the Divine Origin slammed his wine cup heavily onto the stone table, causing several cracks to appear and the stone, made of millennia-old spiritual materials, to dent.

He sneered and stared at Chen Yuan: "I'll give you one more chance. Tell the truth and I'll spare your life. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Chen Yuan raised his head, his expression resolute: "Every word Bei Ming said is true. I urge the Demon King to see for himself."

The Demon King Shenyuan's expression changed drastically, while the Demon King Leishan said casually, "Why should Fellow Daoist Shenyuan bother with a junior? I think this is the truth."

The Demon King of the Divine Origin roared, "Then my three demon generals just gave up their lives for nothing?"

"Qiyan has the potential to become a demon king. I have poured a lot of effort into him, but now it has all come to nothing."

Thunder Mountain Demon King's face darkened: "Fellow Daoist, do not forget that three of your demon generals died in the fragments of the Green Mantis Realm, and my Iron Wing Demon General also perished there."

“The interface fragments are ever-changing. Although most of the time the Demon General can enter them unharmed, there will always be unexpected events.”

"Bei Ming is skilled in escape techniques, which is why he was lucky enough to survive. Do you expect him to stay and die with us?"

The Demon King of Canyuan snorted coldly: "Of course I would not be so heartless, but the deaths of three demon generals without cause, and the fact that Qiyan also possesses royal blood, are too great losses."

"However, the spatial passage leading to that interface fragment was destroyed by Bei Ming. As for why they died, it is all Bei Ming's side of the story and should not be believed."

Thunder Mountain Demon King frowned and said, "Fellow Daoist, do you really intend to make things difficult for Bei Ming?"

The Demon King of Canyuan said coldly, "I am not trying to make things difficult for Beiming, but it is too strange that all three demon generals of my Canyuan Cave have died, while he has survived."

"It is not enough to try to exonerate himself based on his own words alone."

"Unless he can prove that he has nothing to do with the deaths of Qiyan, Yanhuang, and Guixiao, I will never let this go."

The Thunder Mountain Demon King looked at Chen Yuan: "Can you prove that the deaths of those three demon generals have nothing to do with you?"

Chen Yuan said helplessly, "This... I was being chased by the Demon Lord and escaped from the interface fragment alone. I didn't even see the bodies of the two fellow Daoists, so I really can't prove that they weren't killed by me."

Leishan Demon King turned back to Shenyuan Demon King: "Fellow Daoist, you have also heard it. The situation is urgent. It is already a stroke of luck that Beiming was able to save his life. Why force him to do something so difficult?"

"Why don't you listen to me and let it go?"

The Demon King of the Divine Origin ignored him and stared at Chen Yuan: "Since you can't produce any concrete evidence, then the deaths of those three people will be attributed to you."

"I will not take your life, but I will cripple your arm as a punishment."

Chen Yuan's expression changed. The Demon King's move was not simply to cripple an arm, but to use a method to render his indestructible body's divine power ineffective, so that it would never be able to recover.

For the demon race, which relies on the physical body, losing an arm severely damages their foundation, making it impossible to improve their cultivation level any further, and they will be stuck there forever.

The Thunder Mountain Demon King narrowed his eyes and said indifferently, "Fellow Daoist, what exactly is your purpose in coming here today? Please tell me."

"Bei Ming is a great general under my command. He will be of great use in the battle against Shi Mu and in the future when we enter Ba Gui Island. He cannot be allowed to fail."

"If you insist on this, you will have to get past me first."

Upon hearing this, the Demon King of the Divine Origin vanished without a trace of his murderous aura and said calmly, "Very well, then I will give you face, but this matter is ultimately related to Bei Ming. There are conditions for me to back down..."

His voice gradually lowered until only his lips moved silently, becoming a form of telepathic communication.

The Thunder Mountain Demon King frowned, pondered for a moment, and then spoke: "Alright, I agree. The matter of Beiming will be dropped here."

A hint of joy flashed in the eyes of the Demon King Shenyuan, and he nodded.

Thunder Mountain Demon King turned to look at Chen Yuan: "The matter of the Green Mantis Realm fragments must not be spread, especially since it involves the origin of the realm and the remnant soul of the Demon Lord."

Chen Yuan bowed deeply: "Bei Ming obeys."

He bowed to the Demon King again: "Thank you for your magnanimity, Demon King. I am deeply grateful for your great kindness and will remember it forever."

The Demon King of Canyuan remained noncommittal, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to the Demon King of Leishan: "Now that this matter has been settled, I will not disturb you any longer. Farewell."

The Thunder Mountain Demon King rose to return the greeting and ordered a maid to summon Demon General Yu Cheng to escort the Can Yuan Demon King to the teleportation array.

Chen Yuan stepped aside, stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.

After the Demon King of the Divine Origin departed, the Demon King of Thunder Mountain stood on the edge of the cliff, watching his departing figure, and suddenly called Chen Yuan over.

Chen Yuan strode forward, clasped his hands in a bow, and asked, "Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"

The Thunder Mountain Demon King continued to gaze at the few wisps of white clouds on the horizon, and said calmly, "Did Qi Yan and Yan Huang volunteer to cover the rear, or were they forced to stay behind to block the Demon Lord's pursuit after being tricked by you?"

Just as Chen Yuan was about to answer, he was interrupted by the Thunder Mountain Demon King: "Think carefully before you speak. I despise those who deceive their superiors and mislead their subordinates the most."

Chen Yuan's expression shifted, as if he were struggling. Finally, he lowered his head and spoke with difficulty: "Your Majesty... with your keen insight, it was I who used my spatial magic to shatter the void and leave a spatial rift to block their path, which is why the Demon Lord caught up with them."

"However, when we were plotting against Yanhuang, Qiyan and I worked together, forcing Yanhuang to fight to the death with the remnant soul of the Demon Lord, which gave us the opportunity to break the restriction."

"When I plotted against Qiyan, he also attacked me, trying to make me block the Demon Lord so that he could use earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a technique used in Chinese fantasy novels) to escape."

"It's just that I was more skilled, which is why I prevented him from succeeding..."

He suddenly raised his head and said urgently, "I did not mean to deceive Your Majesty, but I was afraid that Your Majesty would not believe me and would punish me. I beg Your Majesty to see the truth!"

The Thunder Mountain Demon King said calmly, "Is Iron Wing's death related to you?"

Chen Yuan was taken aback, then said decisively, "I am very close to Fellow Daoist Tieyi. It was with his help that I was able to join the Great King's forces, open up my own cave, lead a region, make contributions in the great battle, and advance to the rank of high-level demon general."

“Fellow Daoist Tieyi has done me a great favor. I would rather fight that Demon Lord to the death than scheme against him.”

"He did indeed rely on his escape techniques to entangle with the Demon Lord, but one careless move led to his death at the Demon Lord's hands."

The Thunder Mountain Demon King turned around, his gaze fixed on Chen Yuan's face, unfathomable. Chen Yuan met his gaze calmly, without flinching, his eyes resolute.

After a long pause, the Thunder Mountain Demon King slowly spoke: "The fragments of the interface do not allow infighting among the demon race. I also believe that Qi Yan and Yan Huang wanted to attack you, but they made a mistake and were outmaneuvered by you. They only have themselves to blame."

"But I cannot tolerate my subordinates killing each other. If you lay a hand on Iron Wing, I will not let you off lightly."

Chen Yuan looked anxious and was about to speak in his defense when the Thunder Mountain Demon King changed the subject: "However, since you joined my ranks, everything you have done has been without fault, and you have no reason to attack Iron Wing."

"Let's leave this matter here. Focus on your cultivation and don't slack off."

"With the great war between the two realms imminent, I will still be of great use to you."

"As long as you make contributions on Turtle Island, I guarantee that you will be promoted to Demon King within a thousand years."

Chen Yuan immediately clasped his hands and bowed, his face full of gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise. I am willing to go to war in the Corroded Wood Cave and share Your Majesty's burdens!"

The Thunder Mountain Demon King pondered for a moment, then shook his head slightly: "This matter is not urgent. Since you were seriously injured by the remnant soul of that Demon Lord, you should recuperate properly and avoid leaving any future troubles."

"If I truly need you to go into battle, I will send someone to deliver the order."

Chen Yuan looked unwilling, clasped his hands in agreement, bowed and took a few steps back. With a flash of light, he soared into the sky and disappeared, finally feeling completely relieved.

The fact that Demon General Qiyan and Demon General Yanhuang volunteered to cover the rear was a flaw he deliberately left behind.

If he fabricated his experience flawlessly, but claimed that he was the only one who escaped, it would easily arouse the suspicion of the two demon kings.

Only when the demon generals scheme against each other, plot against each other, and deceive each other does it seem more real.

Chen Yuan even suspected that the Thunder Mountain Demon King should also blame Iron Wing Demon General's death on him.

But since there was no way to prove it now that he was dead, and since he was still of great use to the Thunder Mountain Demon King, the Thunder Mountain Demon King did not pursue the matter further.

A living high-ranking demon general, who also possesses the bloodline of the Kun fish, is far superior to a dead mid-ranking demon general.

The Demon King of Leishan was willing to grant him an exception to open his own residence, and as long as he did not show any signs of rebellion, he would at most give him a few warnings, but would not actually impose a severe punishment.

……

Chen Yuan flew continuously until he returned to Beiming Island. Upon entering his cave, he found a communication talisman hanging in the stone hall, its position uncertain.

He raised his hand and caught it in his grasp. After listening to it, a smile appeared on his lips, and he turned and walked out of the cave.

Chen Yuan rode his escape light to a secluded valley on the island and landed.

The valley was overgrown with weeds and lush greenery, appearing to be a desolate valley rarely visited by humans.

Chen Yuan flipped his hand and took out a sound transmission talisman, put it to his lips, whispered a few words, raised his hand and released it. It flew into the valley and disappeared in a flash.

He stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for a moment. Suddenly, ripples like water spread through the valley, revealing a passage. The scene then changed, revealing a pine forest.

This seemingly ordinary valley has been transformed by an illusion array that completely conceals its interior.

Chen Yuan flew in, and at the end of the pine forest, two stone doors opened on the mountain wall, and the Taoist Cangsong came out to greet him.

The ripples behind Chen Yuan closed, and the illusion array once again concealed the valley.

This place is the cave dwelling of Daoist Cangsong on Beiming Island. This valley is secluded and has been set up with an illusion array, so even the demon generals cannot detect it, and no one can find Daoist Cangsong's whereabouts.

The Taoist Cangsong welcomed Chen Yuan into his residence, and they sat down as host and guest, with the Taoist personally serving him spiritual tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Daoist Cangsong showed concern: "I was in the Mojia Cave a month ago when I captured a mid-level demon general. After interrogating him, I learned that you had returned, so I rushed back immediately."

"I heard that you were seriously injured, fellow Daoist. May I ask the details of your injuries and whether you have recovered?"

Chen Yuan looked radiant and showed no signs of injury.

But Daoist Cangsong knew that some internal injuries are not apparent, yet are much more serious than external injuries, which is why he asked this question.

Chen Yuan smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need to worry. I wasn't injured. I just deliberately released the news to avoid arousing suspicion from the Thunder Mountain Demon King and the Ginseng Yuan Demon King..."

He recounted his experiences in the Green Mantis Realm fragments in a general manner, without concealing even the origin of the realm, except for the matter of the World Destroying Warship.

But this time, he was forced to use his Thunder Dao Divine Power to kill the remnant soul of the Demon Lord. Afterwards, in order to conceal his identity, he killed the four Demon Generals.

The Annihilation Warship is a treasure that even Mahayana cultivators can control. Even if it is severely damaged, it can still drive Nascent Soul cultivators crazy. It must never be known to others.

Daoist Cangsong exclaimed in amazement: "The Heavenly Dao actually exists, and can even give rise to instinctive consciousness. This has truly broadened my horizons."

"That remnant soul of the Demon Lord is so ferocious that only someone like you, who has refined the essence of true spirit blood, could destroy it with heavenly lightning..."

Chen Yuan put down his teacup and said calmly, "I myself barely escaped with my life, and thankfully I escaped unharmed, managing to deceive both the Thunder Mountain Demon King and the Ginseng Yuan Demon King."

"Regarding the matter I previously asked you to handle, I wonder how things are going now, and whether it has been successful?"

Daoist Cangsong's expression brightened: "After receiving your instructions, I quietly sneaked into the Mojia Cave, revealing my late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation several times. I killed several demon generals and intentionally spared the lives of several low-level demon beasts."

"Although the time was somewhat rushed, less than a year, it has already attracted the attention of that black-armored demon general, who issued an arrest warrant and sent demon generals to search for my whereabouts."

"However, he is a high-level demon general after all, and he won't personally take action just because of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."

Chen Yuan nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist. Next, please do not hold back and kill a few high-level demon generals, deliberately leaving clues to lure out that black-armored demon general."

A hint of worry flashed in Cangsong Daoist's eyes: "Fellow Daoist, you have just returned from the interface fragments, and a high-ranking demon general has been attacked and killed. Will this arouse the suspicion of the Thunder Mountain Demon King?"

Chen Yuan said, "When I went to the Leishan Mountains this time, I volunteered to fight twice to test the Leishan Demon King, but he refused both times, which seems to indicate that he intends to stop the war."

"The cause of this battle was quite strange. I was able to successfully instigate it by taking advantage of the long-standing grudge between the two demon kings."

"Now that the two major cave dwellings have been locked in a fierce battle for twenty years and have suffered heavy losses, a ceasefire is only reasonable."

"However, I still want to give it a try. If I can provoke the wrath of the Thunder Mountain Demon King, this battle should be able to continue for a while longer."

"At the very least, we can take advantage of the Thunder Mountain Demon King's preoccupation to hunt down a few more high-ranking demon generals and seize their demon cores."

He paused for a moment, then said, "As for the Thunder Mountain Demon King's suspicion... as long as he doesn't suspect that I am a human cultivator, I can be assured of safety."

"The Northern Underworld Demon General is highly valued by the Thunder Mountain Demon King. He has only recently advanced to the rank of High-Rank Demon General and has a long road ahead of him. What reason would he have to secretly attack a High-Rank Demon General in the Thunder Mountain Cave?" (End of Chapter)