Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 598 Signing the Contract (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

"This means that you now have access to top-tier spiritual veins for cultivation, freeing you from the constraints of the external environment!"

Li Yunjing's gaze sharpened as he surveyed the assembled demons. "Our demands are simple. We don't expect you to defeat the 'Tianluo Dao Sect,' we just want them to pay the price and stop invading the major sects of the East Sea!"

"Hahaha!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King suddenly burst into laughter, the sound so loud it made the Demon Moon Stone atop the palace tremble. "What a brilliant scheme! But..."

He changed the subject, "Why should we believe you?"

"I'm not here on my own behalf today!"

Li Yunjing raised the "Divine Firmament Token" and said in a deep voice, "The 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' has a reputation for hundreds of thousands of years, and it won't be ruined by you demon kings!"

"What a fine signboard for the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect'!"

Golden light surged in the eyes of the Golden-Winged Roc King, and all three pupils simultaneously contracted to the size of pinpoints.

"But do you know that back then, your human race used the word 'trust' to trick my race into signing the 'Nine Netherworld Contract'?"

He slammed his hand on the armrest of the throne, causing the entire hall to tremble. "And the result?"

"This is what you humans call credibility!"

The white-bearded old man suddenly produced an ancient animal hide that glowed with blood, covered with dense golden runes.

Li Yunjing stared intently, and his heart trembled violently.

This is the original contract signed between the human race and the demon race in ancient times.

Although Li Yunjing did not see the original document, he figured that if the demon race dared to take out the "Nine Netherworld Contract," the human race must have done something dishonorable.

This matter has nothing to do with Li Yunjing, but since they are from the same clan, they also felt somewhat embarrassed.

"I haven't read 'The Nine Nether Contract'."

After thinking for a moment, Li Yunjing still braced himself and said, "I haven't seen any relevant documents in the sect's records."

"Of course it won't be recorded!"

The Nine-Tailed Demoness sneered, "Isn't what you humans are best at most rewriting history?"

The atmosphere inside the hall was tense, and Li Yunjing knew that he could not back down at this moment.

"Everyone!"

Li Yunjing took a deep breath, his voice booming like a bell, directly interrupting the demon kings' questions, "Let bygones be bygones, I only have one question today!"

He raised his hand and coldly shouted, "Just tell me whether you want to dismantle 'Demon Suppression Valley' or not!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King's three golden eyes flickered slightly.

The other demon kings were also deep in thought. Lifting the "Demon Suppression Valley" was certainly a good thing, but after being oppressed by the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" for so many years, they were extremely unwilling to just agree to serve the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect".

Seeing the demon kings wavering, Li Yunjing pressed his advantage: "If you all agree to help, my sect is willing to set aside a sea area as your second territory."

The demon kings exchanged glances and secretly discussed their plan.

After a moment, the Golden-Winged Roc King said in a deep voice, "Not enough! We have more requirements!"

"please say."

Li Yunjing knew things weren't that simple; the demon race's demands were entirely expected.

"First, after the 'Demon Suppression Valley' is lifted, all the demons imprisoned in the valley must be released immediately!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King stated his first condition.

"can."

Li Yunjing did not hesitate.

With the "Demon Suppression Valley" gone, some of the suppressed demons will definitely be able to escape, it will just take a little effort.

He also didn't want to get bogged down in such a small problem at this crucial juncture.

"Secondly, within the next hundred years, the human race shall not establish any strongholds within a thousand miles of the 'Youlan Mountains'!"

"Our sect can agree!"

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment: "But as for the other sects... I can't control them."

On the outskirts of the "Youlan Mountains", the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" established a total of four markets.

These four markets are used to monitor the "Youlan Mountains," recruit cultivators, slaughter low-level demonic beasts within the "Youlan Mountains," and weaken the potential of the demon race.

The demon race's proposal to shut down four strongholds is not something we can't agree to.

As for the demon race's so-called "within a hundred years," it clearly refers to a short period of peace, and they will probably have to continue fighting with the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" afterward.

A hundred years is still acceptable for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"!

A hundred years from now, once the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" has resolved the problem of "crossing the mountain range" and completely secured its territory, if the demon race wants to turn against them, then they can simply defeat them!
"We need to add one more!"

The Nine-Tailed Demoness suddenly interjected, "You will stay as a hostage until the war is over!"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

"This condition is unacceptable."

Li Yunjing felt a chill run down his spine, but he didn't show it on his face and calmly said...

"What? Don't you dare?"

The Nine-Tailed Demoness sneered, "Weren't you quite bold just now?"

"It has nothing to do with courage!"

Li Yunjing suddenly laughed: "I am the deputy sect leader of the Shenxiao Dao Sect. I have many affairs to attend to. How could I have the time to stay here with you?"

Golden-winged Roc King's eyes flashed with golden light, and he suddenly raised his hand to stop the Nine-Tailed Demoness from continuing to make things difficult: "Since the Vice Sect Master is busy with affairs, then let's change the terms."

"You must leave three drops of your life essence as collateral when you unseal 'Demon Suppression Valley'."

His three golden eyes locked onto Li Yunjing at the same time.

"Essence blood?"

Li Yunjing frowned slightly.

This requirement seems simple, but it actually contains hidden complexities.

With the skills of a demon expert, it is entirely possible to cast a curse or track someone using their blood essence.

This is not a good thing!
"What? You don't even have this much sincerity?"

The white-bearded old man sneered, "Or is it that your 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' was planning to back out afterward?"

"can."

Li Yunjing's mind raced, and he suddenly smiled and said, "However, I have a condition! That is the principle of equality. I need the blood essence of one of you seven. We will exchange them equally!"

All the demon kings were taken aback upon hearing this.

This counter-argument greatly displeased the demon kings.

Li Yunjing was afraid of being cursed or plotted against, and weren't they the same?

These demon kings held a deep fear of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

"I was just joking!"

The emaciated demon king pondered for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Let's cooperate! We just need to sign an ancient contract!"

"Not bad!"

The other demon kings all nodded in agreement, sharing the same thought.

Seeing that the demon kings' attitudes were softening, Li Yunjing took the opportunity to take out an ancient scroll that shone with golden light from his bosom: "This is the 'Primordial Blood Pact' treasured by my sect. With the Heavenly Dao as witness, it is the fairest of all."

The moment the scroll was unfurled, a vast and ancient aura filled the hall.

The scroll is covered with dense ancient inscriptions, each character seemingly containing the ultimate truths of the universe.

"It's actually a genuine ancient blood pact!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King's pupils shrank slightly: "Your 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' is indeed profound in its foundation."

"In that case, let's sign the contract."

A drop of essence blood condensed at Li Yunjing's fingertip. "I, Li Yunjing, on behalf of the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect,' swear..."

"Wait a minute!"

The Nine-Tailed Demoness suddenly interrupted, "The terms of the contract still need to be agreed upon."

After another round of heated debate, the two sides finally reached an agreement:
The first rule is that the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" is responsible for lifting the seal on "Zhenmo Valley".

Once the first condition is met, the demon race must immediately send troops to the East Sea front line, obey the orders of the "East Sea Alliance," and contain the "Tianluo Dao Sect," especially in dealing with the "Shanhe Sheji Tu" (Map of Mountains and Rivers)!
The two sides argued about this issue for a long time.

Ultimately, with Li Yunjing refusing to budge an inch, the many experts of the demon race reluctantly agreed.

To deal with the "Map of Mountains and Rivers", we need to unleash our true strength!

The Shenxiao Dao Sect was unwilling to mobilize its resources for the East Sea, and the demon race was equally unwilling!
That's our most prized possession, the foundation upon which we rely for survival!

There's no way around it now; the price offered by the Shenxiao Dao Sect is too high.

They had no choice but to agree.

As for the subsequent discussion about a 100-year period of non-aggression between the two sides, that's just a buffer period.

Neither side ever considered lasting peace.

A hundred years later, everyone felt that their power had grown too great, so naturally they began to fight again.

As for the others, such as the removal of the four markets surrounding the "Youlan Mountains," those are minor matters.

Li Yunjing designated 30,000 li of the East China Sea as a temporary territory for the demon race. This territory did not come from the "East China Sea Alliance," but from the territory occupied by the "Tianluo Dao Sect."

If they want to gain territory, then the demon race must fight for it themselves!

There's no such thing as a free lunch!
Li Yunjing would not give away his "territory" to the demon race for nothing.

Apart from these five points, the rest were minor details, and both parties quickly reached a consensus and decided to sign the contract.

As the final blood-red pattern took shape on the contract, the entire scroll suddenly transformed into two beams of golden light, which entered the foreheads of Li Yunjing and the demon kings respectively.

"The contract is complete. See you at 'Demon Suppression Valley' in three days."

The Golden-Winged Roc King rose to see the guest off.

"Alright! I'll take this opportunity to visit the surrounding towns and markets to arrange the evacuation!"

Li Yun nodded and strode out of the hall.

"This is interesting." He looked up towards the direction of "Demon Suppression Valley" and saw dark clouds covering the area, with faint flashes of blood-red lightning.

After leaving the "Youlan Mountains", Li Yunjing immediately transformed into a bolt of lightning and headed straight for the nearest "Youlan Market".

Suddenly, the warning bell in the center of the market rang out, and the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" cultivators stationed there flew out in unison.

"Vice Sect Leader Li!"

The white-haired, golden-elixir-wielding elder at the head of the group looked surprised. "What brings you here?"

"Issue my decree!"

Li Yunjing immediately issued the "Divine Firmament Decree," ordering, "Activate the evacuation plan immediately, and all personnel must return to the sect within three days!"

"Yes!"

The old man dared not ask any more questions and had no choice but to agree.

After all, Li Yunjing was holding the sect leader's token!
This is equivalent to an imperial edict!

Must agree!

Even if Li Yunjing falsely conveyed the imperial edict, he had to agree.

This is a matter of principle.

Li Yunjing made a mistake, which was dealt with by the Sect Leader and a group of Supreme Elders.

If he disobeys Li Yunjing's orders, he will be sentenced to death immediately!
As elders, we are very clear about the principles behind this.

Li Yunjing waved his sleeve and ordered, "The other three markets should also be evacuated. Go and inform them to return to the sect as well!"

"Yes!"

The elder responded again before going to relay the order.

Soon, the cultivators in the market were busy.

The first step is to dismantle the teleportation array.

This is something that ordinary people can't do, so naturally Li Yunjing has to do it himself.

The others dealt with other matters, dismantling and taking away everything belonging to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

As for the four market districts?

They remained where they were, and the choice of which the cultivators living in the market should make was their own business.

In any case, Li Yunjing had already ordered the release of a notice stating that negotiations with the demon race would lead to the abolition of the four major markets and the complete withdrawal of all personnel from the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

As for how others choose to act, that's up to them. The "Shenxiao Daozong" will no longer provide security guarantees or levy taxes.

On the third day at dusk, above the last "Li Huo Market".

Li Yunjing watched the last group of sect disciples leave and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

On the morning of the fourth day, Li Yunjing stood alone at the entrance of "Demon Suppression Valley".

A cold wind howled through the valley, and lightning danced across the cliff face, casting his shadow long and short.

The original Bagua Platform is now reduced to just the bottom "Thunder Stone" used to suppress it.

"Fellow Daoist Li is indeed punctual."

The voice of the Golden-Winged Roc King came from behind.

The seven demon kings had somehow formed a fan shape around him, each with a meaningful expression on their face.

"Esteemed seniors, may we begin?"

Li Yunjing looked around, and finally his gaze fell on the Golden-Winged Roc King.

"let's start!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King nodded and said in a deep voice.

The demon kings simultaneously formed hand seals, and seven streams of demonic power were sent into the valley, dispersing the rolling lightning to one side.

"Please, Fellow Daoist Li."

The Nine-Tailed Demoness smiled alluringly, "Didn't you come here before? You should be quite familiar with it."

"Senior is joking."

Li Yunjing's pupils contracted slightly, but his expression remained unchanged: "I have never been here before!"

He slowly walked into the valley, and streaks of lightning fell on him, yet felt as if he were bathed in a spring breeze.

It didn't cause Li Yunjing any pain; on the contrary, it made him feel even more comfortable.

As Li Yunjing ventured deeper into the valley, the raging lightning converged on him like rivers flowing into the sea.

His "Thunder God Body" activated automatically, forming a purple lightning ring around his body, isolating the seven demon kings from the outside.

"This...this is the aura of a top-grade lightning spirit root!"

The white-bearded old man suddenly cried out.

"Sure enough!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King's three golden eyes contracted simultaneously: "No wonder it was able to trigger the strange changes in the valley back then! If it were an ordinary cultivator, they would have been struck dead by lightning long ago."

Li Yunjing had no time to explain, because he noticed that the "Thunderstone" beneath his feet was trembling violently.

The seemingly chaotic patterns on the stone surface resonated with the lightning spiritual power within his body.

"The 'Thunderstone' here isn't just one piece! It's like a small mountain overturned in the valley!"

Previously, Li Yunjing's cultivation level was too low, and he did not understand the situation here. Now that he has come here again, he immediately knows that his judgment back then was wrong.

The true trump card of "Demon Suppression Valley" is buried underground.

It's not just about the surface-level Bagua diagram!
Li Yunjing took a deep breath, formed hand seals, and unleashed the full power of thunder within his body.

Streaks of purple lightning spread from his palm, burrowing into the ground like serpents.

"Summoning the Spirit from the Nine Heavens!"

With a soft shout, the entire valley suddenly trembled violently.

The ground cracked open with countless fissures, and dazzling lightning bolts shot out from the cracks.

The seven demon kings had no choice but to retreat to the outer edge of the valley, each of them showing expressions of horror.

"What is he doing?"

The Nine-Tailed Demoness shrieked, "This is not a way to break the seal at all!"

"He's collecting 'Thunderstones'!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King's three pupils shone with golden light: "No! It's not a 'Heavenly Thunder Stone,' it's a 'Mountain of Heavenly Thunder Stones'!"

"such a pity!"

"Such a treasure has been obtained by Li Yunjing."

"Ugh……"

The other five demon kings also sighed.

"Thunderstone" is a good thing, a top-grade material. They naturally felt bad that Li Yunjing got it for so little.

As for whether this is a treasure of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"?

These demon kings didn't care about that at all!

On their territory, it's them!
This is the mindset of a cultivator.

The contract had just been signed, and they couldn't kill and steal the treasure, which would cause them great distress.

At this moment, Li Yunjing held up his hands, and a small mountain of "Heavenly Thunder Stone" with a purplish-black body slowly rose from the ground.

"I see!"

Lightning flashed in Li Yunjing's eyes, "This is the true secret of 'Demon Suppression Valley'!"

As the "Thunderstone" hill rose, a dense demonic aura erupted from deep underground!
There, beams of demonic energy shot into the sky, displaying a dazzling array of colors.

The terrifying power almost tore the sky apart and burst out of "Tianlan Star"!
"Photography!"

Li Yunjing smiled slightly and released his "Purple Gold Gourd". The small mountain shrank at a visible speed, eventually transforming into a purplish-black lightning seal, which disappeared into his spatial magic treasure.

As the last piece of "Heavenly Thunder Stone Mountain" was collected into the "Purple Gold Gourd," the entire "Youlan Mountain Range" suddenly trembled violently.

From the depths of the earth, a roar like a dragon's cry resounded, and countless beams of spiritual energy burst forth from the mountains!

"Boom!"

A massive wave of spiritual energy, hundreds of feet in diameter, surged into the sky, transforming into auspicious seven-colored clouds.

The concentration of spiritual energy within a radius of ten thousand miles instantly increased tenfold, and the withered ancient trees sprouted new buds at a speed visible to the naked eye, while the dried-up spiritual springs gushed forth again.

"This...this is the real 'Youlan Mountains'!"

The Golden-Winged Roc King roared to the sky, and tears of blood streamed from its three golden eyes.

The seven demon kings revealed their true forms, frolicking and rolling in the waves of spiritual energy.

At this momentous revival of spiritual energy, Li Yunjing keenly sensed something amiss.

What surges deep within the earth's veins is not only spiritual energy, but also a faint, almost imperceptible aura of chaos!

"Something's wrong!"

He suddenly made a hand seal, and the "Purple Gold Gourd" trembled violently. "This 'Heavenly Thunder Stone Mountain' is probably suppressing more than just spiritual veins..."

Before he finished speaking, a bottomless ravine suddenly split open in the entire mountain range.

A gigantic, pitch-black claw covered in eerie runes emerged, its tip wreathed in suffocating chaotic demonic energy!
"This is... the claw of the ancient ferocious beast Taotie?!"

The white-bearded old man's tortoise shell was flashing wildly with the Eight Trigrams, shouting, "Retreat!"

"boom……"

The heaven and earth trembled!

"So the royal family of your 'Youlan Mountains' originated from the Taotie!"

Amidst the interplay of lightning and demonic energy, Li Yunjing laughed heartily, looking up at the sky: "I wonder which generation of Taotie this is!"

Li Yunjing has met many experts, including several at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, and even a cultivator at the Divine Transformation Realm!
Through the aura of the Taotie clan below, Li Yunjing sensed seven or eight Nascent Soul Realm auras, but there were no Divine Transformation Realm beings among them!

This put his mind at ease!
Without a Nascent Soul Realm Demon Emperor, everything is still under control.

(End of this chapter)