The Demon Slayer Martial Saint Begins with Insect Refining

Chapter 416 Void Shadow Spider
Qu Qinglan's endorsement allowed Su Yan to directly obtain the Shadow Devouring Beast.

There was also a fourth-grade top-quality pill formula from the client.

Su Yan only glanced at it briefly, but he knew that this alchemy commission was not so simple.

Core Ingredients: Tier 4 Monster Essence, Fiend Spirit Core, Underworld Water, Eternal Sorrow Flower

All four items are top-grade or even supreme-grade natural treasures of the fourth tier, and they all have some extreme properties that require special methods to handle.

Besides this core material, there are seventeen kinds of third-tier natural treasures, eleven kinds of second-tier natural treasures, and thirty-seven kinds of first-tier natural treasures...

With so many materials, such complicated processing, and so many different methods, it's no wonder this commission has been hanging for so long without anyone taking action.

'Without the Lancang Medicine Pavilion, it would probably have taken a year or more to collect all these materials.'

Su Yan memorized the pill formula and pondered in his heart: "There is still more than a month until the eighth day of the third month. I should first transform the Star Shadow Demon Spider and then see what the Long family's plans are."

Having obtained the transformed item, Su Yan returned to the Demon Suppression Guard's residence and, under the pretext of going into seclusion, entered his own courtyard.

The Nine Dragons Imprisoning Demon Cover and the Concealing God Banner were placed throughout the courtyard, quietly isolating the courtyard from the outside world.

He took out 30 million yuan stones and spread them all over the courtyard. Only then did he take out the Star Shadow Demon Spider, the Shadow Devouring Beast, the Soul Crystal Gold, and the Crimson Mountain Mystic Crystal.

"Devour it!"

The Star Shadow Spider had been itching to get its hands on the three molted items for a long time.

After receiving Su Yan's order, it could no longer suppress its devouring nature.

Its menacing, guillotine-like mouth opened, then shot out spider silk as dark as shadows.

Spider silk wrapped around the Shadow Eater's body, then tightened it and began to devour it.

Strands of red light gradually flowed into the Star Shadow Demon Spider's body from the Ferocious Insect Cauldron, assisting the Star Shadow Demon Spider in rapidly absorbing the essence from the Shadow Devouring Beast.

Once the transformation process begins, the Star Shadow Spider will enter a state of constant change, and it is in this state that it is able to quickly complete its devouring.

As time went by, the cocoon, along with the Shadow Eater, Soul Crystal Gold, and Crimson Mountain Mystic Crystal, completely enveloped them.

Su Yan sat cross-legged in the courtyard, his eyes slightly closed, circulating the Ferocious Insect Technique and the Heavenly Gang Demon Suppression Scripture within his body.

Between the two techniques, the essence of the Extreme Cold Insect Demon Technique was gradually digested by Su Yan, turning into nourishment for the transformation of the Ferocious Insect Technique.

'The Extreme Cold Insect Demon Technique uses insects as a guide, cultivating the laws of extreme cold; humans and insects mutually enhance each other. My Ferocious Insect Technique originated from the sect's Beast Contract Technique, its foundation being the Ferocious Insect Cauldron. Now, the Extreme Cold Insect Demon Technique has filled in the gaps of the sixth tier. Using insects to develop the technique, one can form an inner world; with all insects developing the technique, one can form the universe…'

As time passed, the spiritual energy gathered by the 30 million yuan stone in the courtyard, like milky white milk, continued to converge towards the cocoon.

One day, two days, three days...

The aura of the Star Shadow Demon Spider within the cocoon continued to intensify, and the surrounding elemental stones also shattered one after another as they were consumed.

Finally, on the seventh day, cracks appeared in the cocoon, and shadows seeped out from the cracks like black mercury.

The cocoon was constantly swallowed by the shadows, eventually forming a bizarre spider-like monster shrouded in shadows, with eight eerie eyes arranged in a sinister pattern.

The shadows shifted between reality and illusion, as if the transformed Star Shadow Spider had lost its physical form at this moment.

[The Star Shadow Spider devours its molted offspring and successfully transforms into a Void Shadow Spider.]

[Tier 5 Insect Lord: 400000/1000000]

The Insect Lord's experience surged instantly, and the insect essence emanating from the Void Shadow Spider was incredibly powerful, making Su Yan feel as if he were surrounded by a warm current.

"Manifesting the Body"

Su Yan silently gave the command, and sure enough, the shadow materialized. The Void Shadow Spider's body became solid, its entire body was pitch black, its carapace was ferocious, and its spider legs were more than four times the length of its body.

"Fifth-tier bloodline, able to transform into shadow, switch between reality and illusion, manipulate objects and shadows... By that logic, the Void Shadow Spider also possesses the strength of a fifth-tier Beast King."

He was overjoyed. He now had five fifth-tier beast kings by his side: the Blood Prison Demon Centipede, the Giant Spirit Flame God Scorpion, the Thunderwing Holy Spirit Insect, and now the Void Shadow Spider.

'My Ferocious Insect Technique is gradually advancing towards the sixth tier. Even without using the Ferocious Insect Transformation, I can fight against a Golden Body Realm martial artist. If I were to use the Ferocious Insect Transformation and unleash all my abilities, I would be no weaker than a Golden Body Realm expert. Considering this, I feel more confident and perhaps I can bring the Void Shadow Spider into the open.'
-
While Su Yan was in seclusion, things were not peaceful in Chijiang Prefecture.

Two major events occurred during this period: the Youlong Sect's secret plot was exposed, leading to a fierce conflict with the Demon-Suppressing Guards led by Chen Meng.

What started as an investigation has now turned into a stalemate and struggle in Dongjiang County. This situation is unlikely to calm down anytime soon.

Even Fan Zhen went to Dongjiang County to find Youlong Patriarch, the founder of the Youlong Sect, and to stop him from causing further trouble.

Another matter is that three prospective disciples of the Nine Nether Sect came down from Nine Nether Mountain and entered Chijiang Prefecture one after another, claiming that they wanted to have a duel with Su Yan.

The whereabouts of the people are still unknown, but one of them, Yu Yunfan, has found the Long family in Chijiang County and challenged the eldest son of the Long family, Long Cangqing.

The two engaged in a fierce battle. Although it didn't take place at the mouth of the Longjiang River, the battle still raged across a section of the Chijiang River, causing upheaval and stirring up spiritual energy.

Although he was only a martial artist at the Dharma Aspect Realm, his fighting skills were so impressive that even some martial artists at the Golden Body Realm couldn't help but praise him.

Both Yu Yunfan and Long Cangqing have the strength to enter the Dragon Gate Ranking, and Long Cangqing, who defeated Yu Yunfan in thirty rounds, is even speculated by some to be able to rank in the top ten of the Dragon Gate Ranking.

Su Yan is in grave danger!

On one hand, Su Yan was secluded and in seclusion, while on the other hand, Long Cangqing was suppressing his contemporary, the Nine Nether Sect's prospective disciple.

The comparison between the two naturally raises questions.

Three days ago, Long Cangqing went to Longjiangkou alone. Standing in the river, he felt the surging water, which was strong enough to crush rocks, but it could not break Long Cangqing's body.

Around Longjiangkou, more and more martial artists gathered, all eager to see the once invincible Champion Marquis defeated in this place.

After Su Yan emerged from seclusion, he listened to all the rumors, whether they were dismissive or contemptuous, he never took them seriously.

However, seeing Long Cangqing, the eldest son of the Long family, making such a high-profile trip to Longjiangkou, Su Yan narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Minister of Justice, do you think Long Cangqing is a high-profile person?"

Xing Menglan was slightly taken aback, not expecting Su Yan to suddenly ask her a question.

She thought carefully, then shook her head and said, "It doesn't seem like it."

"Although the Long family of Chijiang Prefecture is not low-key, this young master Long Cangqing is the opposite. There are only rumors of his fame, but no records of fighting or dueling. Even we only have a rough estimate. He is obviously a hidden successor of the Long family. Now, in order to challenge you, the Champion Marquis, he has actually entered Chijiang and done such a high-profile thing. I think the Long family has been pushed to the limit by the Champion Marquis."

Su Yan became interested and asked, "Tell me about it."

Xing Menglan explained, "The investigation of the Youlong Sect has exposed a corner of the smuggling situation in Chijiang Prefecture. After the Dajiang Alliance submitted, they also mentioned smuggling. Every single sect in Chijiang Prefecture has been involved. The Long family is large and powerful, so they must also have some shady dealings. If they don't win this competition, the entire family will probably be severely suppressed, so he has to be high-profile. The higher Long Cangqing is, the less likely the Champion Marquis can take action against the Long family if he loses."

The analysis was meticulous, and Xing Menglan's words were indeed reasonable.

After all, the duel between Su Yan and Long Cangqing had become common knowledge.

Therefore, when Su Yan is defeated, any action he takes must not be aimed at or related to suppressing the Long family.

Otherwise, he's intolerant of geniuses and is a person who uses his position for personal revenge.

With such a label attached, Su Yan would likely lose all face and be unable to travel to the remaining prefectures.

"My lord, should we gather information on Long Cangqing's current situation?" Su Yan shook his head: "How is Chijiang Freight?"

"After the adults agreed to the contest, the boatmen started working. Although it was not as busy as before, the boats were starting to move again."

As Xing Menglan spoke, a subtle expression appeared on her face.

Su Yan noticed her expression and asked, "Is there a problem?"

"Two days ago, over a hundred large ships were sunk. Traces of sinking were found everywhere, from Tiger Leaping Gorge, Three Smoke Gorge, Three Die Water Pass, etc. It was impossible to tell who was responsible. The cargo was also looted. The Long family is furious and has dispatched a large number of their members to find that shipment."

"A turbulent time"

Su Yan narrowed his eyes slightly and simply instructed, "Keep a close eye on the Long family. Also, find out about the damaged ships and see who owns them."

"It's an adult."

……

Among the Demon Suppression Guards, Fan Zhen was absent, leaving only Xing Menglan in charge.

Su Yan didn't care about anything else. After their conversation that day, he left the Demon Suppression Guard's residence that night and headed towards the Lancang Medicine Pavilion.

Seven days later, the materials for Lancang Medicine Pavilion were ready, and Su Yan needed to go and pick them up in person.

As night fell in Chijiang City, where a storm was brewing, a bright moon hung high in the sky, but the streets and alleys were deserted.

Su Yan stepped onto the stone bricks of the street, his footsteps echoing softly.

He walked towards Lancang Medicine Pavilion, and when he reached a crossroads, he suddenly saw a yellow figure blocking his way.

He looked closely and saw that the street was empty, with only him and the old man in yellow standing at opposite ends.

'monk'

Su Yan only glanced at it out of the corner of his eye, but the bald man's appearance had already come into view.

He was bald with white eyebrows and a withered face, yet he exuded a compassionate and empathetic air.

"Amitabha"

The man chanted a Buddhist prayer, then suddenly took a step forward, his figure seemingly teleporting, and in an instant he was hundreds of feet above the ground.

Pedestrians hurried by, but no one seemed to notice the old monk.

Su Yan's lips curled up slightly. What a charlatan! Did he really think I wouldn't dare to keep up?
The old monk came specifically for him, and if Su Yan avoids him now, he might not be able to hold his head up high when facing the monks in the future.

Behind him, wind and thunder surged, and Su Yan took a step forward, following closely behind the old monk.

The old monk moved unhurriedly, his black cloth shoes seemingly stepping on spatial nodes, each step instantly creating a new hundred-zhang-high platform.

Su Yan transformed into wind and thunder, biting the old monk from behind, already extremely surprised by the old monk's methods.

As the two chased each other, they had already crossed the city gate of Chijiang Prefecture and disappeared into the dark countryside.

After traveling a full thirty miles along a narrow, winding path, the old monk finally came to a stop.

“Amitabha, thank you for following me, Marquis of Champion.”

The old monk turned around and bowed deeply to Su Yan.

Su Yan stopped a hundred feet away from him, his eyes scanning him, his expression becoming slightly more serious.

Although he wasn't chasing at full speed, his speed under the influence of wind and thunder was undeniable.

The old monk, however, remained unhurried, allowing Su Yan to follow him here, which clearly demonstrated his profound strength.

"I think you should introduce yourself first, fellow Daoist."

"I have met the Champion Marquis at Xuanjiang Temple."

His Dharma name was Ping An, and the old monk's expression was gentle and extremely polite.

Xuanjiang Temple

Su Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling the information about this temple.

Suddenly, it was discovered that even among the Demon Suppression Guards, there were very few records about Xuanjiang Temple.

On the cliffs of Chijiang, ancient trees have been transformed into temples.

A tree, a bell, a Buddha

The abbot of Xuanjiang Temple, Zen Master Ping'an, is suspected to be a master of the seventh level of the Golden Body Realm.

The brief and concise intelligence, however, made Su Yan wary.

Unexpectedly, even in Youyuan Prefecture and Chijiang Prefecture, where the Buddhist sect's influence is not strong, there are still such experts in Buddhism.

"Has Abbot Ping An come here to see how Su Yan treats the Buddhist disciples of Chijiang Prefecture?"

Zen Master Ping An said, “The Vajra is wrathful, punishing evil and promoting good. The Marquis of Champion acts swiftly and decisively. Although he has a vow against killing, he acts with discipline. I trust the Marquis of Champion, but I do not trust some of the scoundrels in the Buddhist community.”

If there are any scoundrels in Buddhism, then given Su Yan's personality, he would probably punish everyone except the ringleader.

Su Yan, however, had no intention of letting Abbot Ping An off the hook, and then asked, "Is there anyone at Xuanjiang Temple who should be punished?"

These words were sharp, hitting the nail on the head regarding Ping An's role in the event.

Abbot Ping An made no attempt to conceal anything, holding up three fingers before saying, “The three individuals are: those who secretly colluded with demonic martial artists; those with wicked intentions who plotted to harm their fellow disciples; and those who set up roadblocks on the river to ambush and kill the fleet. These three have already been personally escorted away by this old monk.”

Abbot Ping An chanted a Buddhist prayer, then looked at Su Yan: "Xuanjiang Temple has 246 monks. This old monk begs Marquis Champion to spare Xuanjiang Temple."

There were only a few hundred people, even though a temple had a Golden Body Realm expert in charge.

This scale is truly unexpected.

Whether or not you let it go is up to you, not me.

Ping An raised his head slightly and unleashed a golden handprint, as if capturing a dragon. The golden light transformed into a claw, as if a dragon was swimming in his hand.

At this moment, the old monk pointed his finger, and golden light transformed into a golden relic, which actually flew towards Su Yan.

Su Yan raised his hand to catch it, and his expression changed slightly. It was actually a fifth-order golden body relic, and it contained a legacy within it.

"Is the host trying to bribe me?"

The old monk smiled, but shook his head: "Yes and no. The Marquis of Champion is right. Whether we let them go or not is up to us, not the Marquis of Champion. But there is one more thing that I need to trouble the Marquis of Champion with. The Dragon-Capturing Hand in this relic is a small gift for the Marquis of Champion."

"What's the matter?"

"I would like to trouble the Marquis of Champion to help take care of some children."

(End of this chapter)