I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Chapter 308 Battle against a Level 10 Demon Cultivator: The Ascension Sect Launches War Against the Extraterrestrial Sea Demon Race!

"This is----"

In the south, in the country of Dongyu, in the depths of the Shengxian Sect's cave on Shengxian Peak.

Zhou Yuan, who was immersed in his cultivation insights, was suddenly startled awake from that profound state by a sudden thought.

He could clearly feel that the half of the "mother-child sensing talisman" that he kept close to his body and that corresponded to the sub-talisman of Biling Island was now emitting clear and rapid spiritual energy fluctuations and spatial resonances!

This is because Lei Zhen injected a large amount of magic power into the sub-talisman on Biling Island, triggering a remote connection between the two talismans!

"Something's happened on Biling Island!"

A glint flashed in Zhou Yuan's eyes as he instantly assessed the situation.

He instructed Lei Zhen to stay behind, and only when they encountered a powerful enemy they could not handle, threatening the very foundation of Biling Island, could this talisman be used as a warning.

The unusual movement of the sensing talisman at this moment indicates that Lei Zhen has encountered at least several enemies at the Nascent Soul level. It is very likely that the demon race has discovered the truth about the fall of Mo Ying and other demons and launched a large-scale invasion!

"It's time to let them know something—"

Zhou Yuan's mind raced.

If the demon race were to come in full force, their lineup would certainly not be underestimated.

Although he was confident in his own strength and the defenses of Biling Island, having a few more powerful helpers would undoubtedly give him a better chance of success and allow him to resolve the trouble more quickly, avoiding any unforeseen complications.

He decided to bring along Tianhen Old Monster, Nanlong Marquis, and Linghu Old Ancestor.

These three are now the core members of the Ascension Sect, all possessing strength at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. After their journey through the Fallen Demon Valley, they have established mutual trust and cooperation. It's time to let them access and participate in the secrets of Azure Spirit Island.

After all, the immense profits of a high-level spirit stone mine require sufficient strength to protect them together.

Zhou Yuan's figure flickered, and he was already gone from the meditation room. He did not disturb Yuan Yao and the others who were cultivating. Instead, he sent out three communication talismans, which flew to the mountain peaks where Tian Hen, Nan Long, and Linghu were located.

A moment later, the three of them gathered at the main hall of Shengxian Peak.

"Senior brother, what urgent matter has summoned you so hastily?" Old Monster Tianhen asked first, followed by Marquis Nanlong and Ancestor Linghu. They saw that although Zhou Yuan's expression was calm, there was a hint of solemnity in his eyes, and they knew that something important must have happened.

"My three junior brothers, come with me to a place to handle an important matter. I'll explain in detail on the way."

Zhou Yuan didn't explain further and simply stated his position.

The three exchanged glances. Although curious, they had absolute trust in Zhou Yuan and nodded in unison without hesitation, "We will obey Senior Brother's orders!"

Zhou Yuan said no more and led the three away from the main hall. Instead of heading to the entrance of his usual secluded cave, they went to a quiet passage behind the main hall, hidden by an array.

This passage was specially opened by him, leading directly to the quiet room where the teleportation array is located deep in the cave. It is protected by restrictions along the way to prevent divine sense from probing and to ensure that outsiders will not easily discover such a core secret as the Spirit Eye Spring.

Although Tianhen and the other two felt the passage was hidden, seeing that Zhou Yuan's expression was normal, they assumed it was some kind of special design of the sect leader's cave and did not ask any further questions.

After passing through the passage and entering the quiet room with multiple spatial restrictions, the three of them, including Tianhen Old Monster, were truly shocked when they saw the huge teleportation array with flowing spiritual light, complex runes, and stable spatial fluctuations.

"A teleportation array?! Where does this lead?"

Marquis Nanlong couldn't help but ask.

The materials and array-building skills required to set up such a stable and sizable long-range teleportation array are extraordinary.

"The Chaotic Star Sea, a secret stronghold I established years ago." Zhou Yuan explained succinctly as he walked towards the center of the teleportation array, "A high-grade spirit stone vein has been discovered there. It seems to be being targeted by the demon race and some human forces in the Chaotic Star Sea. The person left behind has sent an urgent message. I need your help to repel the invading enemy and secure the stronghold."

"High-grade spirit stone mine?!"

"Chaos Sea of ​​Stars?!"

Upon hearing this, Tianhen and the other two's pupils shrank sharply, and a huge wave of emotions surged in their hearts!

The sect leader had quietly acquired a high-grade spirit stone mine in a distant place.

This news is absolutely shocking!

They knew all too well the value of high-grade spirit stone mines; they were treasures that could drive any power mad!

The fact that the sect leader was willing to share such secrets and take them along filled the three with a sense of both heaviness and a surge of pride and responsibility.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother! Anyone who dares to covet the treasures of my Ascension Sect will be ensured a swift and complete demise!"

A fierce glint flashed in Tianhen Old Monster's eyes as he spoke in a deep voice. Nanlong Marquis and Linghu Ancestor also nodded solemnly.

They understood that this trip was not only about helping, but also a test and opportunity to truly integrate into the sect leader's core circle.

If they can hold onto this mine, the cultivation resources of the Ascension Sect and even their own individuals will no longer be a concern.

"Alright! Let's not delay, let's go!"

Zhou Yuan said no more, waved his hand and shot out several mid-grade spirit stones to activate the teleportation array.

"Buzz—!!!"

A blinding silver-white light shot into the sky, completely engulfing the four figures.

After the violent spatial fluctuations, the quiet room returned to calm, with only the teleportation array humming softly and its spiritual light fading away.

Biling Island, above the forbidden mountain peak.

"A level ten demon cultivator?!"

Within the barrier of light, Lei Zhen felt the terrifying pressure emanating from the green light, like that of a primordial beast. His face instantly turned deathly pale, and his heart pounded wildly.

Level 10 demon cultivator!

That's a terrifying existence equivalent to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in humans!

He is one of the true beings standing at the pinnacle of this realm! Such an old monster rarely shows himself, possesses a lifespan of tens of thousands of years, and has great supernatural powers, far surpassing this level eight demon beast.

The handsome young man in the emerald green robe hovered in the air, his gaze sweeping indifferently over the human cultivators and the forbidden mountain peaks below, who seemed to regard no one as a threat.

He casually raised one hand and gently swiped it across the layers of restrictive light screen in front of him.

"laugh--!"

-

A curved wind blade, only a few feet long but extremely refined, with its edges shimmering with a cold, eerie green light, appeared out of thin air and silently slashed towards the restriction in front of it.

However, just as the wind blade was about to touch the outermost illusion array, a sudden change occurred!

The seemingly gentle and harmless clouds and mist instantly churned and boiled, and the wind blades seemed to have plunged into a sticky swamp, their speed decreasing drastically.

Immediately afterwards, the clouds and spiritual light within a radius of several feet around the wind blade were instantly "cleared" by an invisible force, revealing a more solid defensive light shield with flowing runes behind it!

The wind blade struck the light shield, producing a piercing friction sound and intense fluctuations of spiritual light, which actually weakened the restrictive spiritual light in that small area by nearly 30%!

The innermost layer of the formation structure was revealed!

"This—" Lei Zhen was horrified. The power of this demon cultivator surnamed Bi's casual strike was terrifying! If it weren't for the reinforced complex formation by his master, it would have torn a considerable gap in the formation!

"what?"

The demon cultivator surnamed Bi let out a soft exclamation, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Although he didn't use his full strength in this attack, it was enough to easily injure or even kill an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Breaking through a typical Nascent Soul-level formation should also not be difficult for him.

Unexpectedly, this restriction could so effectively disperse and weaken his attack, and it seemed that there was an even stronger defense hidden inside.

Undeterred, he unleashed several more powerful wind blades, some slashing, some cutting, some spinning and strangling, with slightly different attack points. But the results were largely the same.

The outer illusion array and trapping array were peeled away and weakened layer by layer, but once they touched the core defensive restrictions of the inner circle, the speed of destruction suddenly slowed down.

Those core restrictions are exceptionally tough and can automatically absorb the spiritual energy of the earth's veins and the energy of the embedded high-level spirit stones for rapid repair and replenishment.

After attacking continuously for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the demon cultivator surnamed Bi's face gradually darkened.

Although he was able to continuously deplete and destroy the outer restrictions with his powerful cultivation, his progress was slow in the face of the complex defenses in the core area.

At this rate, it would probably take more than ten days of non-stop attacking to completely break through this tortoise shell!

This was completely unexpected.

"I never expected that a level ten demon cultivator would personally take action! Have they forgotten the agreement made between the powerful humans and the demon race back then?!"

In the distance, within the Star Palace camp, the white-robed elder's face was grim as he whispered to his companion.

The agreement he mentioned was an unspoken rule established countless years ago by several Nascent Soul cultivators of the Star Sea Human Race and several True Spirit descendants of the Demon Race who were above level ten: In order to avoid a full-scale war between the two races and the devastation of life, demon cultivators of level ten and above should not personally attack large-scale human settlements or important strongholds unless absolutely necessary, and human Nascent Soul cultivators should also restrain themselves.

This agreement largely maintained the superficial balance between the human race and the demon race in the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Fellow Daoist Bi, the murder of Fellow Daoist Mo Ying in your clan, as well as the fall of three other sea clan fellow Daoists, is undoubtedly committed by the master of this restriction!"

The Blue Flood Dragon King stepped forward and respectfully addressed the demon cultivator surnamed Bi, while coldly glancing at the human cultivator in the distance.

"As for these humans, they seem to have smelled the stench and come here because of the possible presence of 'high-grade spirit stone mines' in this area."

"Oh? A high-grade spirit stone mine?"

Upon hearing this, the demon cultivator surnamed Bi's eyes flickered slightly as he glanced at the restricted mountain peak again, his greed growing even stronger.

He originally came here mainly to avenge Mo Ying, but now that he heard there might be high-grade spirit stone mines here, his interest has naturally grown even stronger.

He then looked at the people from the Reverse Star Alliance and the Star Palace, his tone indifferent: "You, too, came for this reason?"

The black-robed elder from the Reverse Star Alliance suppressed his apprehension towards the level ten demon cultivator and forced a smile, saying, "That's right! Senior, this place was originally unclaimed land. Since a high-grade spirit stone mine has been discovered, it's natural that everyone who finds it should have a share. If you are willing to cooperate, we can work together to break through this formation, and the resources inside can be distributed as we see fit."

He tried to win over this terrifying demon cultivator, after all, the other party was the strongest.

"Cooperate? You're not worthy!" The demon cultivator surnamed Bi curled his lips into an undisguised sneer, and the terrifying pressure of a level ten demon cultivator once again spread mercilessly, pressing down on the two human cultivators like a mountain.

"Why should I cooperate with ants like you? If you don't want to die, get out of here now, or—stay here obediently and help me break this restriction! Otherwise, I don't mind getting rid of you eyesores first!"

Before he finished speaking, the twelve transformed demons who had arrived one after another behind him had already tacitly dispersed, forming a siege against the twenty-odd people from the Star Palace and the Reverse Star Alliance! Their demonic aura merged into one, exuding a chilling killing intent.

"You—you disregard the agreement made between the powerful humans and the demon race back then?!" The white-robed elder from the Star Palace was both shocked and furious, demanding an explanation in a stern voice. Surrounded by a group of demonic beasts, including a level ten being, no one could remain calm.

"An agreement? Hahaha!"

The demon cultivator surnamed Bi seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world, his laughter filled with disdain and mockery. "An agreement is based on equal strength! Your human race hasn't produced a new Nascent Soul cultivator for thousands of years, has it? That old codger in the Star Palace probably doesn't have much time left. But my demon race has long lifespans and produces many powerful figures. Why should we abide by that outdated agreement? Besides—"

His voice suddenly turned cold, and his eyes revealed murderous intent: "The human cultivators here dared to kill my Feather Clan's elite Mo Ying. If this grudge is not avenged, how can my Feather Clan maintain its reputation? Today, whether it's for revenge or for this spirit stone mine, none of you will leave here alive!"

He had made up his mind to take over this place and kill all the human cultivators who knew about it! He could obtain the treasure and intimidate the human race at the same time, killing two birds with one stone.

"So what if I killed him? What are you going to do about it?"

Just as the demon cultivator surnamed Bi was at the height of his killing intent and the atmosphere between the two sides was extremely tense, a calm, indifferent voice, yet carrying a strange penetrating power, suddenly came from the depths of the forbidden mountain peak, clearly resounding in the consciousness of every person and every demon.

The voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to carry a certain earth-shattering power, causing the tense atmosphere in the arena to momentarily pause.

Immediately afterwards, under the astonished gazes of everyone, the layers of restrictions that had been so solid that even the attacks from the demon cultivator surnamed Bi could not break through quickly suddenly seemed to come alive, automatically surging and separating to both sides, revealing a straight cloud passage leading into the interior, only wide enough for a few people to pass through.

Four figures walked out of the passage at a leisurely pace.

The leader, dressed in a black robe, had a young face and a calm expression; it was Zhou Yuan.

Behind him followed Tianhen Old Monster, Nanlong Marquis, and Linghu Old Ancestor.

The four of them completely concealed their auras, but the profound spiritual pressure and calm demeanor unique to mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators could not be hidden no matter what.

"Four?! All of them are in the mid-Nascent Soul stage?!"

The cultivators from the Star Palace and the Reverse Star Alliance were once again taken aback when they saw who it was!

They originally thought that the owner of this place might be only one person, or at most two, but unexpectedly, four Nascent Soul stage cultivators walked out at once!

Moreover, judging from their positions and demeanor, the black-robed youth was clearly the leader.

Such a force, even in the Chaotic Star Sea, would be enough to establish a sect and become a regional overlord! It should not be underestimated!

"Interesting—they actually dared to step out of this tortoise shell."

The demon cultivator surnamed Bi looked at Zhou Yuan and his group of four who walked out calmly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, which then turned into a stronger killing intent and a sense of being offended.

How many years has it been since he encountered a human cultivator who dared to speak to him so calmly? Today, he must use the most cruel methods to torture and kill these people in order to vent his hatred and restore the prestige of the Feather Clan!

"My fellow disciples,"

Zhou Yuan transmitted his voice to the three people behind him, speaking very quickly, "You can handle those transformed demon cultivators. I'll deal with this hairy beast. Remember, focus on entanglement, delaying, and self-preservation; don't fight head-on. I'll come back to help you after I've dealt with the leader."

"Don't worry, senior brother!"

The three, including Tianhen the Old Monster, responded in unison, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

They had just arrived via the teleportation array, and Zhou Yuan had already briefly informed them of Biling Island and the current situation on the way.

Upon learning that their sect leader possessed such a treasure island and was coveted by both demons and humans, the three were shocked, but their determination to protect the sect's assets only grew stronger.

This battle concerns the future foundation of the Ascension Sect and cannot be lost!

Zhou Yuan said no more and patted the two spirit beast pouches at his waist.

"Roar!" "Awooo!"

The Gale Beast and the Heavenly Demon Corpse appeared simultaneously, guarding Zhou Yuan on the left and right. The Gale Beast's demonic aura soared to the sky, while the Heavenly Demon Corpse exuded a menacing aura. The addition of these two powerful auras, no weaker than those of the early Nascent Soul stage, immediately boosted the momentum of Zhou Yuan's side by three points.

"A transformed spirit beast, a Nascent Soul level refined corpse—this person's methods are quite impressive." The white-robed elder from the Star Palace in the distance narrowed his eyes, and his evaluation of Zhou Yuan rose even higher.

"Let's do it!"

Zhou Yuan let out a low shout and moved first! The Wind and Thunder Wings on his back flashed with blue light, and fine silver lightning jumped around.

"Crackling sound—!"

With a thunderous roar, Zhou Yuan's figure vanished from his original spot as if by teleportation, and in the next moment he appeared hundreds of feet in the sky, facing the demon cultivator surnamed Bi! His speed was so fast that even the demon cultivator surnamed Bi turned his head slightly.

"Not bad speed, no wonder that piece of trash Mo Ying couldn't escape."

The demonic cultivator surnamed Bi sneered, his killing intent intensifying. "However, you are destined to die today!"

Before he finished speaking, the pair of magnificent emerald green wings on his back suddenly flapped!

"Whoosh—!"

His figure also transformed into a streak of emerald light, moving at an extreme speed, and he actually arrived first despite being behind, instantly closing the distance with Zhou Yuan!

A claw covered in fine, emerald-green feathers, with five hooked fingers and gleaming with a metallic glint, tore through the air with a piercing shriek, aiming straight for Zhou Yuan's face!

The claws were fierce and powerful, as if they could crush mountains!

The demon race, especially the avian demon race, is naturally strong in body and incredibly fast, and close combat is their advantage.

The moment this demon cultivator surnamed Bi made his move, he unleashed his most proficient killing technique, aiming to end the battle instantly with absolute speed and power.

However, Zhou Yuan was prepared. The Wind and Thunder Wings flashed with lightning again, and in the nick of time, he retreated dozens of feet, narrowly avoiding the fierce grab.

The claw-like wind swept past, tearing five clear white marks into the air where he had been standing, which lingered for a long time.

"Hmm?" The demon cultivator surnamed Bi missed his attack, and his surprise deepened. He was confident that his speed was unmatched among those of the same level, but he did not expect that this human cultivator could dodge so easily.

"You hairy beast, is that all the speed you've got?"

Zhou Yuan spoke calmly, his tone laced with sarcasm; he was deliberately provoking the other party!

"You're courting death!" The demon cultivator surnamed Bi was indeed enraged, letting out a fierce roar and no longer holding back.

With its wings flapping wildly behind it, countless massive, condensed, deep blue wind blades swept towards Zhou Yuan like a storm!

At the same time, he swung his claws repeatedly, and claw shadows that tore through the void were hidden in the wind blades, attacking Zhou Yuan's vital points from tricky angles.

Zhou Yuan's expression remained unchanged, but his mind raced.

"Great Geng Sword Formation, activate!"

"Clang clang clang—!"

Seventy-two Azure Bamboo Bee Cloud Swords were instantly drawn, radiating golden light and flashing with lightning, instantly forming the complete Great Geng Sword Formation, firmly protecting the hundred-zhang space around Zhou Yuan.

Within the sword formation, countless condensed golden sword lights diverged out, some forming a sword net for defense, others transforming into sword threads for counterattacks, fiercely colliding and annihilating the countless wind blades and claw shadows!

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Hiss hiss hiss—!"

High in the sky, golden and azure light flashed wildly, sword energy and demonic power collided violently, explosions and cutting sounds were deafening, spiritual pressure surged, and the wind and clouds changed color!

The battle reached a fever pitch from the very beginning!

On the ground battlefield, Tianhen Laoguai and his two companions had already engaged in combat with the demon army.

Tianhen the Old Monster faced off against the Blue Flood Dragon King. Knowing the power of the Flood Dragons, he dared not be careless and attacked with all his might.

The "Heavenly Fiend Golden Wheel" transformed into a massive golden wheel of light, its sharp edges spinning rapidly, accompanied by a chilling whistling sound as it slashed fiercely towards the Blue Flood Dragon King! At the same time, his withered hands struck out repeatedly, unleashing a series of sinister and ruthless palm winds that attacked the Blue Flood Dragon King's vital points.

The Blue Dragon King snorted coldly, his figure swayed, and fine blue dragon scales appeared on his body. He threw a punch, and a dragon's roar could be faintly heard. The force of his punch was fierce and unparalleled, and he clashed head-on with the Heavenly Fiend Golden Wheel!

"clang--!"

The deafening clang of metal clashing was deafening. The Heavenly Fiend Golden Wheel was sent flying backward, its spiritual light flashing wildly. The Blue Flood Dragon King also swayed slightly, and several white marks appeared on the dragon scales of his fist.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. This human elder's magic weapon was incredibly powerful, able to withstand a direct clash with his body, which was reinforced with dragon scales, without being destroyed? Moreover, the palm strike was insidious and poisonous, able to penetrate the dragon scales and cause a slight stagnation in his blood and qi.

"Old man, you've got some skills!"

The Blue Flood Dragon King roared, and a surge of water vapor erupted from his body, transforming into ferocious water dragons. These dragons, combined with his fists and claws, clashed with the Heavenly Hatred Old Monster.

The two were evenly matched in cultivation. Tianhen Old Monster was experienced and had exquisite magic weapons, while Blue Flood Dragon King had a strong physical body and strange innate supernatural abilities. For a time, they fought to a standstill. Judging from the situation, Tianhen Old Monster, with his rich experience in combat and ruthless methods, was showing signs of suppressing Blue Flood Dragon King!

On the other side, Marquis Nanlong unleashed his natal magic weapon, the "Golden Dragon Sword," which transformed into a golden dragon, engaging in battle with a peak-level eighth-grade "Mystic Turtle" demon cultivator and a mid-level eighth-grade "Sea Lion" demon cultivator.

His swordsmanship was fierce, and the Golden Dragon Sword was an ancient treasure with considerable power. Although he was at a disadvantage against two opponents, he defended himself well and was not defeated in a short time.

Linghu Laozu, in cooperation with Tianjue Demon Corpse, faced off against the other three level-eight demon cultivators.

After Linghu Laozu's lifespan greatly increased, he became invigorated, and his magical treasures and spells came out one after another. His Heavenly Demon Corpse was even more fearless, with a strong physical body and a deadly corpse poison.

The human and the corpse worked together seamlessly, managing to fight the three demons to a standstill, neither gaining the upper hand.

The Gale Beast single-handedly entangled an eighth-level bird demon, with wind blades clashing against wind blades and demonic energy against demonic energy, resulting in an exceptionally fierce battle.

In an instant, battles raged across the entire sky above Biling Island, with flashes of spiritual light, soaring demonic energy, and constant roars.

Zhou Yuan and his three companions, along with two Nascent Soul level warriors, actually managed to withstand the attack of thirteen transformed demons, led by the Bi surname demon cultivator and including the Blue Flood Dragon King, thanks to their exquisite teamwork and formidable individual strength!

Although the overall situation is still at a disadvantage, it is by no means a one-sided defeat.

"These four—they're incredibly strong! Add to that the Nascent Soul level corpse and the transformed spirit beast, and they actually managed to hold off this group of demon cultivators!"

The white-robed elder from the Star Palace, watching the fierce battle in the sky from afar, was filled with shock. He wondered if the Star Palace would have to pay a considerable price to defeat the same force.

These four people who suddenly appeared were definitely among the top in the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Elder, should we help? After all, we are all human—"

A Core Formation cultivator from the Star Palace asked in a low voice, feeling a sense of shared hatred as he watched the human cultivators fight the demon race to the death.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of struggle crossed the old man's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by reason and greed.

He slowly shook his head and said in a low voice, "Let's wait and see! The outcome of this battle is uncertain. That black-robed youth can contend with a powerful demon cultivator of the thousand-level, so his strength is probably not much weaker than the Palace Master's. And that Azure Feathered Roc is no pushover either. Let's observe first—"

On the other side of the Reverse Star Alliance, the black-robed elder and his group had the same idea.

They were hoping that Zhou Yuan would fight the demon race to the death, ideally resulting in mutual destruction.

They want to reap the benefits without lifting a finger.

Thus, the twenty-odd cultivators from the Star Palace and the Reverse Star Alliance hovered far away at the edge of the battlefield, watching coldly from the sidelines.

Like a bald man waiting for his prey to fall.

The entire Biling Island is engulfed in a bloody melee amidst a delicate balance of power among four factions, and an even greater storm seems to be brewing.

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