New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 213 Shadow Knights

"Now, let's take stock of what we've accomplished."

Tiger Demon stepped aside, clearing space in the middle of the attic, and looked down at the five 'items' scattered haphazardly on the ground.

First of all, the 'Insect Pillar' made from the [Shadow Demon Insect] was nothing special; it had been successfully made countless times in the underground world, and this time was no exception.

It has accumulated rich experience in refining, but its only drawback is the lack of a [Shadow Dream Hole] to assist it, preventing it from refining in batches with full automation. Relying solely on this tiger demon and refining by hand is extremely inefficient.

Secondly, there was the somewhat dilapidated black armor.

On the eve of Yuan Zhu's return from his last mission, he (in his Tiger Demon form) successfully captured and devoured a lone 'Knight-type undead' on the surface.

Now that the Death Knight has been digested by [Inner Universe], it has failed to produce any high-end [Chang Gui]. Similarly, it has not produced any semi-finished products such as 'Shadow-type Pollution Crystal'.

The [Damaged Armor] before us, or more accurately, the [Tiger Demon] had roughly washed away its original markings and re-marked it with [20% Shadow Contamination], and was barely refined into a 'Knight Armor'.

The tiger demon extended a claw and scratched back and forth on the metal armor, sensing the incredibly familiar 'shadow pollution' content inside, producing a continuous metallic clanging sound.

"So, does this count as a success?"

A giant snake head hanging from the ceiling spoke, replying in a clear, girlish voice: "From the perspective of [Chang Gui Divine Power], it was naturally a failure. You didn't refine any 'garbage-grade extraordinary pollution' and you also wasted a lot of energy and time. But from the perspective of my innate divine power [Universe Within the Belly], there was still a gain. It's equivalent to you refining a piece of [extraordinary equipment]."

"This armor is still a standard [Knight Series. Contamination]. According to the information fed back by the 'armor,' any human who equips it can start the 'Knight Series Trial,' and once they pass, they can join this [Transcendent System]. The difference is that [Inner Universe] has washed away the mark of the original [Undead Knights] and stamped it with the personal mark of [Tiger Demon], thus becoming independent from the former knights."

Tiger Demon pondered, "This is quite a coincidence."

It had just come into contact with several knights in Taixi (the real knight Amiao, the fake knight Zhou Chu), and even mastered a half-finished technique called the Holy Light Knight Breathing Technique.

The creation of this Shadow Knight Armor is a stroke of genius. It has absolutely no interest in becoming a Knight. However, it does have some ideas about using this tattered armor to train a Shadow Knight of its own and teach it the Iron Breathing Technique.

Tiger Demon asked, "Do you think it's possible for me to build a brand new Shadow Knight Order, starting with this Shadow Knight Armor?"

In his mind, he thought of Zhou Chu, who was bewitching children in the Insect City in an attempt to create the [Child Labor Knights]; and the [Undead Knights], a natural disaster ravaging the surface.

So, is it possible for me to raise a Shadow Knights Order named after the Tiger Demon as my vanguard?

Snake Tail: "Theoretically feasible, as long as you continuously supply resources to help the first [Knight Commander] grow stronger. And help them create more [Shadow Armor] and train more members... But the core of the [Shadow Knights] is always the [Knights], not the [Shadow]. So, you understand."

"What do I know?"

Snake: "Once the Knights are fully formed and grow large, all your investments will only be converted into 'shares,' making you a minor shareholder. The more complete and powerful the Knights' structure, the more easily they can turn around and cut you off, break free from their control, and sever their 'relationship' with you, escaping the clutches of the Tiger Demon."

Tiger Demon nodded to indicate that he understood. Only direct 'pollutants' that are included in the control of the [Boss Template] can be considered safe and reliable private property.

This "knight armor," tinged with a hint of "shadow," is ultimately another "polluted system." It was only 20% forcibly corrupted by the "Tiger Demon," making it impossible to fully digest and absorb.

"It's a bit of a waste." Tiger Demon was not satisfied with this [armor]. Then, his thoughts changed and he came up with a new idea: "Then tell me, if I refine an excellent 'humanoid ghost,' teach it the [Steel Breathing Technique], and then put armor on it, could I cultivate a [Ghost Knight] exclusive to the [Boss Template]? In this way, I can interfere with the [Knight System]."

Snake praised, "Great idea, 100% feasible! But I analyzed it with the [Immortal Scripture] and it's not worth it."

"Based on your personal experience, the [Changgui] supernatural power has shown a control limit when controlling the [Shadow Demon Insect]. The [Tiger Demon] cannot infinitely cultivate and control [Changgui]. The stronger and more corrupted the [Changgui] under the Tiger Demon's control, the larger the quota of [Changgui (supernatural power)] it occupies, and the fewer the number it can control."

"Therefore, while the [Chang Ghost Knight] can certainly be formed, its share will be far greater than that of the [Shadow Demon Insect]. As the [Chang Ghost Knight] continues to grow stronger, the pressure on [Chang Ghost. Divine Power] will increase. Once a [Knight Order] is formed, not only will more resources be needed to forge new armor, but also to refine more new Chang Ghost Knights. The pressure on [Chang Ghost] will increase dramatically... and then 'Boom!' it will explode. You can't withstand it."

"Especially the [Knight System], which is a polluted system that relies on quantity. The [Chang Gui Divine Power] cannot support so many knights. Once the number is insufficient, the potential of this system will shrink and lose its value. However, once the number is unleashed, the [Chang Gui] will eventually be overwhelmed. Allowing a large number of out-of-control 'Chang Gui Knights' to exist will eventually lead to the reactivation of the [Legion Power], which will break free from the constraints of the [Boss Template] in the form of [Knight System. Pollution]."

Therefore, the conclusion is: it's not worth it, and it's not recommended.

Tiger Demon: "Are we really that incompatible?"

Snake Demon: "It's not that bad. If you don't insist on forcibly taking it for yourself, it's still a wonderful method for protecting your path. You can invest and operate it on [Anti-Law]."

Tiger Demon agreed: "Indeed, this [Shadow Armor] can be used for lending. With the [Origin Armor] in hand, I can cultivate a [First Generation. Changgui Legion Commander], and then use it as a [loan] to lend to suitable targets to help build a [Knight Order]. I will be the major shareholder behind the scenes."

Snake Demon: "You can consult Miaomiao about this. Use the excuse of forming the 'Shadow Knights Club' to harass Miaomiao and forcefully strike up a conversation. Whether the investment succeeds or not is not important; getting in touch with Sister Miaomiao is a win!"

"genius!"

The tiger demon then looked at the third item, which was a mixture of pitch-black and purplish-red 'flesh and blood tissue'.

A standard 'Shadow-type Extraordinary Polluted Biological Tissue'. It looks almost identical to the 'polluted tissue' refined from the [Demonized Giant Insect], except that this one is even more exaggerated in size, quantity, and concentration of pollution.

This source of contamination comes from the complete remains of a Rank 7 Earthly Insectoid Qi Refiner, found at a medicinal herb cultivation base in Cicada City. Originally, this corpse was a spoil of war from a conflict between another Insect City and Cicada City. It was intended for 'corpse seeding,' but was ultimately stolen by Commander Zuo and given as a gift to Yuan Zhu.

Yuan Zhu sent it into the [Inner Universe] for refinement. Originally, he wanted to use a 'low-level cultivator' to reverse-process a [Shadow-type Meridian Tissue] so that it could be transplanted into the body of a 'Changgui' or 'Goblin' to deduce a cultivation technique belonging to the [Shadow-type].

Only now do I realize that it was all wishful thinking. Whether it's a 'Qi Refiner' or a 'Demonized Giant Insect,' what they can create is this kind of [Insect-type Extraordinary Organization].

The only difference is that the 'Shadow Organization' refined by the Demon Insect tends to enhance physical constitution, strength, and defense; while the 'Shadow Organization' refined by the Qi Refiner focuses more on 'energy transfer, nerve reflexes, and speed coordination'.

Because the [Qi Refining System] is a Frankenstein's monster, [Insect-type Contamination] forcibly borrowed from [Kunlun] and [Knight System] to cobble together 'meridians and Qi Refining'. But 'meridians' come from the Kunlun spiritual root, and 'Qi Refining' comes from breathing techniques.

Now, after being decomposed and refined by the [Inner Universe], it was immediately reduced to its original form, becoming a wriggling [Insect-type Shadow Extraordinary Organization]. It possesses no potential for 'meridians' or 'cultivation upgrades'.

Tiger Demon: "Snake, what do you think is the value of this thing?"

Snake Demon: "I offer two directions for consideration. First, these [Insect-type Extraordinary Organs], although they cannot serve as 'meridians or spiritual roots,' can still strengthen and enhance the physical strength of 'Goblins and Ghosts.' Therefore, we can consider incorporating them into the [Path of Strength] to enhance the innate muscle strength of the 'Path of Muscle Refinement.'"

"The second direction is that our [Shadow Contamination] could, like [Insect-type Contamination], forcibly plagiarize [Kunlun Immortal Path], replace the spiritual root and insect egg seed, and develop a third [Shadow Meridian] to recreate your 'Shadow Immortal Cultivation' dream. However, this path has nothing to do with the [Insect-type Contamination Organization]."

Setting aside the large mass of [Insect-type Shadow Contamination Organization], the Tiger Demon looked at the fourth [Ancient Corpse], whose aura was ancient and decaying, yet whose interior was solid and resistant to the erosion of the Shadow Contamination.

The tiger demon manipulated countless shadow tentacles, touching and examining the corpse, constantly drilling into its body through its seven orifices to explore and study it, finally marveling at its wonder.

"This is the first time in my career that I've encountered something that I failed to refine!"

The 'ancient corpse' before us was the one Yuan Zhu snatched from a demonized tree tumor when he was attacked by 'contaminated roots' in a forbidden area during his journey to the surface.

Originating from a "Human Immortal Zombie" left behind by the Kunlun Immortal Path before the "Great Cataclysm Era" of the Bubble World. After death, it was devoured by the equally corrupted and demonized "World Tree Roots," which injected "Immortal Zombie Whiskers" and refined it into a genuine [Kunlun System. Immortal Path Corrupted Zombie].

Therefore, the 'extraordinary power' within its body is both ancient and orthodox, yet also exceptionally corrupt. The level of corruption of the [Orthodox Kunlun Immortal] alone is beyond what the current [Boss Template (Shadow Corruption)] can match.

So even after being swallowed by the [Inner Universe] and refined as a vengeful spirit for so long, it still couldn't refine anything. It was even inferior to the [Shadow Armor], which at least refined the equipment and marked it with its own label.

The tiger demon watched helplessly as the lingering 'shadow pollution' clung to the rotting body, yet it was powerless to penetrate its interior, unable to break through the 'immortal zombie body'.

"This zombie..."

Snake Demon: "How about we sell it? This piece of aged cured meat is too dense for us to chew. But that doesn't mean no one in the [Space of Gods] is interested. There are definitely people with the right expertise."

Tiger Demon nodded: "Sell!"

It now realizes that [Changgui + Inner Universe] is not a panacea. In the field of 'Changgui Refining', [Tiger Demon] should still pick on the weak. It's best not to mess with established pollution systems.

It even suspected that it had encountered a powerful 'Holy Light Cultivator, Buddhist High Monk', who also couldn't refine high-quality Soul Crystals and Buddhist Cocoons.

Finally, there was a cluster of [Shadow Roots], intertwined and constantly whipping the branches. Its origin was similar to that of the [Immortal Zombie]; it was a genuine 'activated root' captured in a polluted area on the way to the surface.

Because it wasn't as ancient as the [Kunlun Ancient Corpse], it hadn't absorbed too much 'iron poison and immortal zombie tendrils' to the point of being indestructible. Therefore, this clump of 'demonic roots' with the characteristics of [immortal tree roots] was forcibly refined into a special contaminant with 30% pollution attribute and 70% corrupting root properties.

The snake demon began to explain, "It can't be considered a [Changgui]. But it's not an ordinary [Transcendent Pollution Organization] either. It's more like a 'Shadow Demon' that's subordinate to the [Tiger Demon]. Specifically, it can devour and absorb 'Shadow Pollution, Rotten Flesh and Blood, Humus,' taking root and expanding in the soil to hunt, protect, and attack... In addition, its most distinctive feature is that it can release [Shadow Miasma]. Or rather, it's considered extremely heretical 'Rotten Demonic Energy (Spiritual Energy)' by the [Kunlun System]."

Tiger Demon immediately thought of the Kunlun Spiritual Root planted on the floating island at the very top of Taixi City: "So, this thing is actually a corrupted and demonized 'Kunlun Mutant Spiritual Root'?"

Snake: "Yes, but it doesn't reach the level of a 'spiritual root.' In the bubble world, only the 'root network' that spreads throughout the underground world is qualified to be compared to the [Kunlun Spiritual Root]. Our 'Shadow Roots' can release a corrupting miasma with 'shadow attributes,' which can confine it in a closed space and create an environment suitable for the production of [insect cultivators]."

Qi cultivators are extremely demanding in their environment; once they leave the bubble world, their artificially constructed system completely fails. However, if the outside world can provide highly toxic miasma (spiritual energy), then insect cultivators can struggle for a while longer.

Tiger Demon shook his head in denial: "The insect cultivation system is not advisable. Continuously trying to take advantage of [Knights, Kunlun] is pointless. There's no need to create such an apocalyptic environment outside; the cost is too high. This thing isn't very valuable!"

He has given up on replicating the [Qi Refining System] or the [Shadow Qi Refining Version], so the value of this 'Shadow Demonized Roots' has plummeted.

Snake: "Then we can consider using it as the 'root' and grafting it onto our 'Shadow Tomato Network' to obtain a more powerful 'nutrient intake engine'. This will create a synergy with the [Starlight Guidance Ritual] that I envisioned earlier."

A scene flashed through the Tiger Demon's mind: beneath the soil, a clump of wildly writhing roots devoured corpses, rotting flesh, and kitchen waste; nourishing the [Eggplant Spirits] parasitized and controlled by the Shadow Eggplant vines on the surface, keeping them fully powered up for their work; and above its head, eggplant seedlings burst forth from its skull, receiving starlight and photosynthesizing to produce even more 'Shadow Eggplants'.

Yuan Zhu directed batches of workers to pour buckets of swill collected from Runing City's food street onto the ground. As a result, even more frenzied 'roots' sprouted out, frantically absorbing the 'kitchen waste' that restaurants were paying to clean up.

Tiger Demon: "How did we end up back on the same old path as the [cleaning company]?"

Snake: "Others pay for cleaning and provide free 'nutrients.' We earn double, so what's there to complain about?!"

(End of this chapter)