Promise!

Chapter 291, Subduing the Demon

Cangzhou City, First Ring Road, Shangguan Family Residence.

"My husband knows that one of the important reasons why the aristocratic families left so many martial artists in Cangzhou City is to consume the exotic beasts in the Funiu Mountains. However, because of the blockade and restrictions imposed by the aristocratic families, it is possible for rogue martial artists to consume ordinary exotic beasts, but what about those Vajra Realm exotic beasts that are truly comparable to Yin God martial artists?"

'Governor? Head of a powerful family?'

The moment the thought crossed Zhuang Jin's mind, he immediately dismissed it: taking Cangzhou as an example, he knew the governor of Cangzhou and the heads of the three major families, and it was unrealistic to expect these incompetent people to cleanse the Vajra Realm beasts.

In fact, normally, Xuanyuan Zhengji and the heads of the three great families would not approach the Second Pass, for fear of disturbing the Vajra Realm beasts in the Third Death Zone. It would be truly difficult to ask them to kill and eliminate them.

The difficulty of breaking through to the Yin God realm for beasts is no less than that of a martial artist, and may even be more difficult. However, due to different cultivation systems, beasts have relatively long lifespans. If they are not dealt with for a long time, they will accumulate into enormous troubles.

Before Zhuang Jin could think further, Shangguan Yunchang gave her own answer: "The Suspended Sky Mirror absorbs the primordial energy of heaven and earth during the Jiazi cycle, which can provide a full activation to carry out a great cleansing of the super-limit Vajra Realm beasts in the Funiu Mountains. That is, Vajra Realm level four and above, which is equivalent to the second level of Yin Spirit realm and above for us martial artists. This is called 'Jiazi Demon Extermination'."

"This is also why, when my husband mentioned various situations and the three deadly zones of the Funiu Mountains might be undergoing changes, I said I would handle it myself. Any problems will be resolved after the 'Jiazi Demon Extermination' purge in the next two days."

Indeed, no matter what changes occur in the Funiu Mountains, as long as the super-limit Vajra Realm beasts are physically eliminated, no mutation will be a problem. This is similar to the thinking of some bureaucrats: they don't necessarily need to solve the problem, but rather the manufacturing... well, the people who raise the problem are the same.

"I see."

Zhuang Jin nodded slightly, his original doubts resolved. The lifespan of a Yin God martial artist is shorter than that of a Vajra Realm beast, and under normal circumstances, their combat power is also slightly inferior to that of beasts of the same realm. So why didn't the latter cause a disaster?

However, he also keenly noticed one thing: the energy accumulated over sixty years, even when the Suspended Sky Mirror is fully activated, is limited. If there are too many beasts at the Transcendent Vajra Realm, it will be difficult to deal with. The consumption by rogue martial artists can be compensated for by the underlying buildings, thus creating a balance.

'Was this also part of that immortal's plan?'

Now, as Zhuang Jin's cultivation level rises, he can feel more and more the interference and influence that immortal has on the Great Qian Dynasty, which makes him think from time to time about what that immortal wants to do.
"This Jiazi Demon Extermination will take place the day before the large-scale primordial tide of this year."

Shangguan Yunchang said, "Every Jiazi Demon Extermination is a grand event for the aristocratic families of each state, involving huge benefits: the corpses of dead Vajra Realm beasts, Vajra relics, and rare and precious materials born in the large-scale primordial energy tides in the triple dead lands."

Taking Cangzhou as an example again, in the usual large-scale primordial energy tides, the opportunities born in the three dead zones of the Funiu Mountains basically belong to those Vajra Realm beasts. But this time, the 'Jiazi Demon Suppression' is different. The rare flowers and herbs, rare treasures, and even those Vajra Realm beasts that have transcended limits will become the harvest of the aristocratic families.

Because of the importance of this matter, in the years prior, preparations had been made for the Round Table Meeting, the Azure Dragon Society, and so on, so that the state government and the three major families could focus their energy on this carnival during the 'Jiazi Demon Extermination' period.

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Jin's heart stirred: 'So this is a tremendous gain in high-end resources. If I can ride this wave, it can greatly delay the energy storage time of the Holy Spirit Pearl, making my chances of surviving in Cangzhou to reach the Yang God realm much greater.'

"How is this divided?"

"According to past practice, the heads of the three great families and the governor act together. Of the rare beasts and rare treasures that are obtained, 30% is handed over to the capital, 20% to each of the three great families, and 10% to the governor."

Shangguan Yunchang paused for a moment, then said, "However, this time, our Shangguan family has three Yin Gods, so it's impossible for us to do it this way again. We still need to discuss the specifics."

Strength represents the right to speak, and also the distribution of benefits. Of course, you have to fight for it yourself. If you don't fight or grab, the benefits won't fall from the sky.

"We will be discussing matters with the Heavenly Bureau tomorrow, and I will need my husband's help as well."

"Why must Yun Chang be so distant and aloof? We are one, with shared interests."

Now that Shangguan Yunchang is in charge of the Shangguan family, the more share the Shangguan family gets, the more Zhuang Jin will benefit. He naturally understands this, and it is his duty to do so.

……

The next day, in the first ring of Cangzhou City, at the Xuantian Division, the highest of the nine levels.

At the center of the room was a pillar of light about ten feet in diameter, around which illusory images of dragons and phoenixes danced and circled. The rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth flowed here like mist, as if it were ethereal and otherworldly.

However, in such an environment, several prominent figures from Cangzhou, including Governor Xuan Yuan Zhengji, Cen family head Cen Chongxuan, Ge family head Ge Daoqian, Shangguan Jinfeng who had faded from the public eye in the past two years, as well as Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang, all came and argued fiercely, like a quarrel in a vegetable market, which was a real eyesore.

“I have heard that in the past, the distribution of the proceeds from the ‘Jiazi Demon Extermination’ has followed a precedent. Needless to say, 30% is paid to the imperial court. Of the remaining 70%, the three major families each take 20%, and my prefectural government takes 10%.

That was indeed the case in the past, but this time, of the six Yin God martial artists in Cangzhou, half were from the Shangguan family. Xuan Yuan Zhengji ignored this point and deliberately probed.

"That's true."

Seeing that Xuan Yuanzhengji had become the first to stick his neck out, Cen Chongxuan and Ge Daoqian kept their eyes down and echoed his sentiments.

"can."

The current head of the Shangguan family is Shangguan Yunchang, but because of her age and seniority, when it comes to this bare-chested fight for interests, it is still the old lady Shangguan Jinfeng who speaks up, and she actually nods in agreement with a smile.

'They actually agreed?!'

Xuanyuan Zhengji, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian exchanged glances, all sensing that something was amiss.

Sure enough, the next moment, Shangguan Jinfeng said, "This old woman will still go with you. My two young men can go find some food on their own. Our share will still be divided as before."

“Grandmother is right. My husband and I are young, so we shouldn’t be a burden. That would be just right.”

"We two are experiencing something like this for the first time, and we've only managed to find some minor benefits. Our gains are limited, so the three of you need not worry about it."

Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang worked together seamlessly.

If the 'Jiazi Demon Sweep' truly annihilates all the strange beasts comparable to the second level of Yin God martial artists, Zhuang Jin, now at the second level of Yin God, is fearless even when traveling alone.

Moreover, Shangguan Yunchang was also with them. The two had already practiced the secret techniques of the Yin-Yang Union Technique together. With their combined strength, they were even stronger, comparable to the third level of the Yin God Realm. They could even fight against strange beasts at the seventh to ninth level of the Vajra Realm.

"impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Zhengji, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian unanimously objected.

After the Jiazi Demon-Slaying Cleansing, the environment in the Triple Dead Zone is safe. The corpses of Vajra Realm beasts and rare treasures are existing resources. If Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang act on their own, they will take up a large portion of it. As a result, the 30% share they receive, which is handed over to the imperial court, will probably not even be enough to meet the minimum quota.

This distribution method means that the Shangguan family is not just taking more than their share, but rather that they are using their authority with the Suspended Sky Mirror to work for the Shangguan family, so naturally they cannot agree to it.

"You flatter me, Niece Shangguan. How could you two be a burden traveling with me?"

"Indeed, I have a deep understanding of Fellow Daoist Zhuang's strength."

"If we act together, we can be safer."

The alliance between Xuanyuan Zhengji, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian clearly indicated that joint action was the bottom line.

“Joint action is also possible, but after deducting the 30% to be paid to the imperial court, my Shangguan family will take 50% of the remaining 70%.”

"Fellow Daoist Shangguan, you really dare to say that. Your family wants half of it, and what about the remaining 20% ​​that my Cen family, Ge family, and the state government will share?"

"Even if we consider the number of Yin God warriors, your Shangguan family accounts for half, which is half of 70%, that's only 35%. How can you be so outrageous as to ask for 50%?"

"This is going too far."

Xuanyuan Zhengji, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian naturally objected again.

"This allocation is naturally due to the current strength of my Shangguan family," Shangguan Jinfeng said domineeringly, her eyes narrowed.

"Fellow Daoist Cen, Governor Xuanyuan, and Fellow Daoist Ge, since we can't reach an agreement, how about a duel?" Zhuang Jin suggested opportunely. 'Another duel?!'

Xuanyuan Zhengji and Cen Chongxuan, in particular, were traumatized by these words, and Ge Daoqian, whose lifespan was nearing its end, knew his own limitations and naturally could not agree.

"This is not just a matter of strength. The key to the Jiazi Demon Suppression was the contribution of the Suspended Sky Mirror, the authority of our two families, and the cooperation of the state government. They made a great contribution."

"Yes, if it's just about strength, then why don't we go and challenge the powerful clans?"

"If we distribute it like this, we might as well just break up."

In a three-on-three battle, Shangguan Jinfeng, Zhuang Jin, and Shangguan Yunchang from the Shangguan family argued endlessly with Xuan Yuanzhengji, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian. After a fierce verbal battle, they all turned red in the end.

On the Shangguan family's side, both Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang have room for improvement and should strive for more shares, which is the path to enlightenment; on the Cen and Ge families' side, Cen Chongxuan and Ge Daoqian may not be useful to themselves, but they can serve as the family's foundation; Xuanyuan Zhengji has now recovered from his injuries and plans to make as much money as possible before being transferred next year.

This is a matter of vital interest, far more important than saving face; it cannot be compromised by appeasement or compromise.

The final, albeit reluctantly, agreement was reached: a joint operation, with 30% going to the imperial court, 35% to the Shangguan family, 15% each to the Cen and Ge families, and 5% to the state government represented by Xuanyuan Zhengji.

For the Shangguan family, this was acceptable; the Cen and Ge families had already prepared themselves to lose some of their own money and could accept it; but Xuan Yuan Zhengji was not so satisfied and secretly planned to pocket the entire five-tenths share, leaving the three major families of the state government to starve. Anyway, he would have already been transferred by then, so he didn't care what happened after he left.

Zhuang Jin looked at the result and nodded slightly, finding it somewhat satisfactory.

The resources allocated in this way are enough for him to prolong his time. In addition, this is the first time he has experienced such a "sixty-year demon-slaying" ritual. Who knows if the cleansing will be thorough? Acting together can also minimize the risks.

It can only be said that this result is unsatisfactory to all parties, but they can all accept it. After reaching an agreement, the "Jiazi Demon Extermination" will truly begin.

……

Within the Suspended Sky Bureau, Shangguan Yunchang, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian activated their authority, causing the Suspended Sky Mirror to switch from sleep mode to fully activated state, and a dazzling beam of light shot straight into the sky.

hum!
Like ripples in water, the energy spread outwards from the Mirror of Heaven, quickly encompassing the entire Funiu Mountains. Between the mountains and the earth's veins, lines like ritual tracks lit up, connecting with each other. The Eight Trigrams in the sky rotated, and the Nine Palaces on the ground appeared, combining to form the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams covering thousands of miles.

"This is not the first time I have seen this scene, but every time I see it, such power is still awe-inspiring."

"How can we fathom the power of that immortal? Let's wait and see; after that, it will be time to reap the rewards."

"This cleansing will create a triple death zone, and it will keep the area clean for decades to come."

……

Shangguan Jinfeng, Cen Chongxuan, and Ge Daoqian looked relaxed. Over the past eight hundred years, the "Jiazi Demon Extermination" had been largely uninterrupted, with only a few exceptions that had gone smoothly without incident.

This has become a habitual way of thinking, so they are extremely relaxed.

Inspired by them, Shangguan Yunchang and Xuanyuan Zhengji also adopted a relaxed attitude.

Zhuang Jin, on the other hand, had quietly entered the 'Transparent World' state, observing this wondrous creation.

……

The Funiu Mountains, a triple death zone.

At the Thousand Cliff where Zhuang Jin once chased Xiao Linye, a dozen miles away from here, in the center of the Triple Death Zone, there stands a giant spirit tree, about a hundred feet tall, with roots covering an area of ​​dozens of miles.

At this moment, powerful Vajra Realm beasts were gathering around it.

Besides the Chaotic Ape King that Zhuang Jin had fought, there were several others, namely:
One type: It resembles a fierce tiger, with fur all over its body like a hedgehog, and its bark sounds like a dog;
One type: It has a sheep's face and a human body, with eyes under its armpits, tiger's teeth and human claws, and its cry is like that of an infant.

One of them has the body of a large fish, the wings of a bird, and its cry is like that of a mandarin duck;

One of them has six legs and four wings. Wherever it is, all the water-attribute primordial energy of heaven and earth is repelled, and the air turns crimson, as if it is burning.
One type: It resembles a red leopard, with five tails and one horn, and its sound is like striking a stone;

One type: It resembles a fleshy ball and has antennae;
One: A strange frog several meters in size, whose belly is a peculiar mirror emitting a hazy white light;
……

If Shangguan Jinfeng and the others were here, they would surely recognize that these Vajra Realm beasts are: Qiongqi, Taotie, Yingyu, Feiyi, Zheng, Chaos Insect, and Prism Beast!

These Vajra Realm beasts, though less intelligent than humans of the same realm, possess an extremely strong sense of territory. Yet, they are strangely peacefully gathered near the Spirit Tree, in perfect harmony, without the slightest conflict.

If Xuanyuan Zhengji were here, he would definitely feel a sense of familiarity, because this spirit tree is like a giant version of the spirit tree that Li Shizong encountered back then.

This is a special sacred toon tree that has grown for hundreds of years, or rather, a strange toon spirit that has been preserved in the form of a sacred toon tree for a long time in some way.

Because of the 'Jiazi Demon Sweep', which periodically cleanses the super-limited beasts, its form can be regarded as a plant rather than a beast. It has evaded the cleansing of the 'Jiazi Demon Sweep' time and time again, and with the ability to condense a batch of Three Yuan Fruits every forty years, it has gradually controlled all the Vajra Realm beasts in the three dead zones of the Funiu Mountains.

This explains why Zhuang Jin encountered the Chaotic Ape King for the first time, and then replaced it with the Teng Snake, which was not restrained by his divine soul advantage, the second time; the Teng Snake's violation of biological instincts to enter his domain and fight; and the timely rescue by other Vajra Realm beasts... all these reasons.

Everything lies in the fact that this sacred tree is controlling everything behind the scenes.

hum!
At this moment, the branches and leaves of the spirit tree swayed, and roots, like tentacles, broke through the soil and pierced the bodies of these Vajra Realm beasts, causing them to fall into a deep sleep and enter a very special state.

These Vajra Realm beasts have already been controlled as puppets. In a sense, they can be considered dead, but in this special state, they can use a bug-like method to evade the purge.

Now, this spirit tree, through controlling these strange beasts in the Vajra Realm, has reached a limit, and its own aura is between the Vajra Realm and the Great Vajra Realm.

However, at this level, growth is extremely slow, and growth can only occur through the annual small energy tide and the five-year large energy tide.

However, as a plant, it can sense the immense, earth-shattering energy hidden beneath the Funiu Mountains. The eruptions that occur once a year or every five years are merely a tiny fraction of its power. This time, through the Jiazi Demon-Slaying Technique, it is about to carry out a plan.

At this moment, the only Vajra Realm beast that was not dormant and had not entered a special state—the Prism Beast—rose into the sky under Ling Chun's control. It was as if invisible tentacles were piercing into the void, and its aura rose steadily. Soon it reached the extreme of the Ninth Revolution, the peak of the Vajra Realm. Its body swelled to over a hundred feet, and the mirror on its chest emitted a strong silver-white light, almost rivaling the brilliance of the sun in the sky.

The Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, which covered the heavens and the earth, instantly locked onto the only extremely transcendent Vajra Realm beast that had been found. One ritual after another lit up, and the terrifying energy accumulated by the Suspended Heaven Mirror over sixty years gathered and fell like a comet.

Swish!
The moment the energy beam struck, the terrifying Prism Beast, at the peak of the Vajra Realm, evaporated instantly like a water droplet exposed to the sun. However, the mirror on its chest deflected the energy at an angle, transferring it to another location.

That place was precisely where Ling Chun sensed the weakest point in the earth's energy adjustment as a large-scale primordial energy tide was approaching.

Even so, even if it controls all the Vajra Realm beasts and attacks with all its might, it may not be able to shake them, because there is a strange energy field there that repels different energies, and only energies of the same origin can be effective.

Now, we are using the power of the 'Jiazi Demon-Slaying Mirror' to attack the enemy's own defense with the enemy's own spear.

boom!
Under that refracted energy, the earth collapsed, cracking and spreading. The thousand-foot cliffs, directly impacted, collapsed amidst the earth-shaking tremors, and the vast energy stored underground in the Funiu Mountains surged forth like subterranean fire.

The energy released this time even surpassed that of previous large-scale primordial energy tides, with surging and rolling primordial energy of heaven and earth dissipating like dozens or even hundreds of mushroom clouds blooming.

Moreover, it is not only the primordial energy of heaven and earth, but also a higher level of mysterious energy that is dissipating.

Under this energy, the spirit cypress flourished and began a kind of transformation, becoming different and its various abilities were greatly enhanced!

As its canopy-like branches swayed, endless catkins flew about, accompanied by surging primordial energy from heaven and earth, spreading outward like a mushroom cloud. In the Funiu Mountains, the strange beasts that came into contact with it instantly stiffened, their eyes lost their light, and they became as wooden as puppets.

……

(End of this chapter)