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

Chapter 311 The Golden Dragon King! The Suanni King! Worries on a Snowy Night!

Chaotic Star Sea, deep in the outer sea.

Tens of millions of miles away from Biling Island lies a sea area completely controlled by the demon race.

The seawater here has a deep indigo blue color, the sky is shrouded in a light mist all year round, and islands are scattered across the sea, most of which are covered by primeval jungle, exuding a wild and untamed atmosphere.

One of the islands is a huge island that stretches for four thousand miles from east to west. The island has undulating terrain with towering mountains and steep ridges, especially the majestic mountain range in the center, which is the most precipitous.

The island is covered with towering trees, many of which are hundreds of feet tall, their canopies so large they block out the sun. And the most common creatures in this forest are various birds with colorful plumage and different body sizes.

Eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures, cranes—and many other exotic birds rarely seen elsewhere—can all be found here, making it a veritable "island of birds."

This is an important settlement of the "Winged Clan," a group of sea monsters in the Chaotic Star Sea, known for their speed, agility, and attack power.

Deep within the island, atop the highest mountain range, lies not bare rock, but a strange, unimaginably enormous ancient tree.

The tree is a deep, pure emerald green, with a thick trunk that is too thick for ten people to encircle. It soars into the clouds and its canopy spreads out, covering almost half of the mountain.

What's most peculiar is that its branches and leaves are not ordinary green leaves, but rather narrow, elongated leaves shaped like carved jade with sharp edges. They shimmer with a cold, hard metallic luster in the sunlight and exude a faint aura of woody spirit and metallic sharpness.

This is actually a rare spiritual root of heaven and earth—"Jade Ironwood"!

At this moment, on the main trunk of this "Jade Ironwood" tree, hundreds of feet above the ground, in a huge tree cavity cleverly concealed by naturally formed burls and aerial roots, yet unusually wide and dry inside, the light is dim and the atmosphere is solemn.

In the center of the tree hollow, there was a soft blanket woven from the softest down of an unknown bird.

The demon cultivator surnamed Bi, who is also the leader of the Feather Clan in this area, is a level ten demon beast named "Azure Feather Spirit Roc" sitting cross-legged on it.

He still looked like the handsome, effeminate young man dressed in emerald green feather robes, but his complexion was noticeably paler than it had been a few months ago. A lingering gloom and weakness clung to his brows, and his breathing was slightly unsteady. Clearly, the aftereffects of being severely injured by Zhou Yuan's divine sense and having to use the substitution technique were far from fully healed.

Around him, there were eight figures, some standing and some sitting.

These figures have all transformed into human form, but they all retain more or less distinct avian features: some have fine, colorful feathers growing on both sides of their cheeks; some have strange vertical pupils or compound eye structures in their eyes; some have sharp, curved fingernails that gleam with a cold light.

Furthermore, one of them had a pair of gray wings folded behind him—the demonic aura they exuded was all at the eighth level, the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, making them the elite force of the Feather Clan in this area.

"Clan Chief! This is an irreconcilable feud! That human cultivator dared to severely injure the Clan Chief and kill my Feather Clan's elite Ink Eagle. If this grudge is not avenged, how can my Feather Clan have any face to stand in the Chaotic Star Sea?!"

A demon cultivator with fiery red feathers on his cheeks and a violent temperament spoke first, his voice filled with indignation and his eyes blazing with killing intent.

"Excellent! Blood must be paid for! Clan leader, please give the order to gather our men, raze that Azure Spirit Island to the ground, and extract that man's soul to appease the spirit of Brother Mo Ying in heaven!"

Another demon cultivator with a hooked nose and sharp eyes also spoke up sternly.

The other demon cultivators echoed their sentiments, filling the tree hollow with a shared sense of anger and murderous intent.

Mo Ying held a high position in the Feather Clan and possessed great talent; his fall shocked the entire clan.

Now, even the clan chief himself suffered a great loss and returned defeated, which is an even greater disgrace! If revenge is not taken, the prestige of the Feather Clan will be completely destroyed.

Bi Yu Ling Peng listened quietly to his subordinates' request to fight. His handsome face was expressionless, but a trace of trepidation and lingering fear occasionally flashed in the depths of his narrow eyes.

He wanted revenge more than anyone else, wishing he could devour Zhou Yuansheng alive right then and there.

That battle on Biling Island was the closest he had ever come to death since advancing to level ten!

The sharpness of Zhou Yuan's golden flying sword, the eerie speed of the Wind and Thunder Wings, and especially the terrifying divine sense attack that was invisible and intangible and directly damaged his soul—every time he recalled it, it sent chills down his spine.

If he hadn't had a fortuitous encounter in his early years, obtaining a piece of "Substitute Soul Wood," and using his own blood essence and a wisp of his soul to refine it for thousands of years, creating a "Substitute Puppet" that could be considered a second life, which blocked the three fatal swords and the subsequent power of divine consciousness annihilation for him at the critical moment, he would already be a cold corpse, or even have his soul scattered!

The materials for creating that substitute puppet had long since disappeared, and the refining process was extremely arduous. It was his most important trump card for survival, but now it was destroyed on Biling Island.

How could this grudge not be avenged?

But he was, after all, an ancient demon who had lived for tens of thousands of years, and he knew that anger and impulsiveness would not solve the problem. He had personally experienced Zhou Yuan's strength and knew that he was no easy opponent.

He was accompanied by several mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators of considerable strength, as well as powerful array formations and restrictions.

Even if the Feathered Clan wins with their own strength, it will likely be a Pyrrhic victory.

The Feathered Clan cannot afford this price.

"Don't be impatient."

The Azure Feathered Roc raised its hand and gently pressed it down. Its voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority, instantly silencing the commotion inside the tree hollow.

He glanced around, his gaze sweeping over every angry face, and slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of cold calculation: "Revenge, of course, is necessary. But it must not be done recklessly. That human cultivator is powerful, his formation is troublesome, and he has allies. Even if we manage to take Biling Island alone, our losses will be heavy, and we might even allow other forces to reap the benefits."

"So—what does the clan chief mean?"

The fiery red-feathered demon cultivator asked.

A glint of light flashed in the Azure Feathered Roc's eyes, and a cold smile curled at the corner of its lips: "After I returned from my serious injuries, I began to make plans. I have personally sent messages to the 'Male King' of the Sea King Clan and the Golden Dragon King of the Flood Dragon Clan."

""

"The Suanni King? The Golden Dragon King?!"

Upon hearing this, all the demon cultivators were moved.

The Sea King Clan and the Flood Dragon Clan are the two most powerful clans among the Chaotic Star Sea Demon Clan, forming a triumvirate with the Feather Clan.

"The Lion King and the Golden Flood Dragon King are beings of the same level as the Azure Feather Spirit Roc. Both are level ten great demons with formidable strength, profound foundation, and extremely high prestige among the demon race."

"The clan chief actually managed to persuade those two?"

A demon cultivator exclaimed in delight.

If these two were to intervene, along with the clan leader, there would be three level-ten great demons!

With the assistance of these level eight and nine demon cultivators, they could easily launch a medium-sized beast tide!

Flattening Biling Island would be an absolute breeze!

"good."

The Azure Feathered Roc nodded, its tone tinged with confidence. "Beneath Azure Spirit Island, there is a suspected large, high-grade spirit stone vein. Such resources would be of great use to our demon race's cultivation. I have already informed those two of this, promising that after conquering Azure Spirit Island, our Feathered Clan will only take 30% of the spirit stone vein's profits, with the remaining 70% to be equally divided between the Sea King Clan and the Flood Dragon Clan. Furthermore, they will have priority in choosing the treasures and cultivation techniques possessed by the human cultivator. With such conditions, plus the prestige of our Feathered Clan, those two—are already tempted and have agreed to personally intervene."

"Thirty percent? Clan leader, this—"

Some demon cultivators felt that the price seemed too high.

The Azure Feathered Roc sneered, "You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub. As long as we can kill Zhou Yuan, restore the honor of our Feather Clan, and occupy that treasure land, what are a few spirit stones? Besides, Zhou Yuan probably has even greater secrets. To be able to exert combat power close to the late stage with only a mid-Nascent Soul cultivation level, his cultivation techniques, magic weapons, and even that strange golden lightning are all extraordinary. The value of these things may not be less than that of the spirit stone mine. Let those two fight over it first, and we'll wait for our opportunity. We might still reap some rewards."

He paused, his eyes flashing with murderous intent: "At that time, the three level ten warriors will join forces, supported by the elites of each race, to launch a beast tide to weaken them first. No matter how powerful Zhou Yuan is, even if he has three heads and six arms, and his formation is strong, he will have no chance of survival! I will make him pay the price of annihilation, body and soul, for injuring me!"

Inside the tree hollow, upon hearing this, the demon cultivators' eyes blazed with renewed battle lust, and they roared in unison, "We obey our clan leader's command! We swear to kill Zhou Yuan and raze Biling Island to the ground!"

Biling Island.

Zhou Yuan was completely unaware of the plan by the Azure Feather Spirit Roc to secretly join forces with the Swift-Looking King and the Golden Flood Dragon King to launch a thunderous revenge.

But he never relaxed his vigilance.

He had a premonition that the next storm was not far off, and that its ferocity would far surpass the last one.

Having suffered such a great loss, the demon race would never swallow their anger.

Next time, it will probably be more than just the Azure Feather Spirit Roc and a dozen or so transformed demon cultivators.

"We must prepare for the worst."

Zhou Yuan stood atop the main peak, gazing intently at the churning clouds where the sea met the sky in the distance. His mind was clear. He had already made his decision.

"Junior Brother Tianhen, I would like to trouble you to take my token and go to the outskirts of Fallen Demon Valley to summon back those three guys who are still mining the Gangyin Sand."

Zhou Yuan gave instructions to the old monster Tianhen beside him.

He was referring to the three transformed demonic beasts—the Earth-Splitting Turtle, the Shadow Demon, and the Sea Rhinoceros Beast—who had previously stayed in the Shady Silver Sand Mine of Fallen Demon Valley to be responsible for mining and refining it.

"Senior brother, should we recall them now? That Gangyin Sand mine—" Old Monster Tianhen hesitated slightly. Gangyin Sand is a precious material for refining top-grade flying swords and magical treasures; it would be a pity to abandon its mining.

"The mine is there, it can't be moved. Right now, the safety of Biling Island is the top priority."

Zhou Yuan shook his head, his tone firm. "The next time the demon race attacks, their forces will likely be far greater than last time. We must concentrate all available resources and make thorough preparations. Only by inflicting a crushing defeat on the demon race, making them pay an unbearable price, can Biling Island achieve true and lasting peace. Otherwise, there will never be peace."

Upon hearing this, Old Monster Tianhen's expression turned solemn, and he nodded, saying, "What Senior Brother says is absolutely right. I'll go right away."

"Thank you for your trouble, Junior Brother. Be careful on the road and come back quickly." Zhou Yuan handed a specially made communication talisman and a simple route map to Old Monster Tianhen.

Tianhen the Old Monster accepted it, said no more, and transformed into a gray streak of light, speeding towards the direction of Fallen Demon Valley.

Several days later, the old monster Tianhen returned safely, followed by three dusty but powerful figures, namely the three demons: the Earth-Splitting Turtle, the Shadow Python, and the Sea Rhinoceros Beast.

They brought back a considerable amount of pre-refined Gangyin Sand. More importantly, all three demons possessed level eight combat power, and their return further strengthened the defensive capabilities of Biling Island.

Zhou Yuan temporarily settled the three demons, ordering them to familiarize themselves with the newly set up early warning array around the island, along with Lei Zhen and Lie Feng Beast, and to be responsible for daily patrols and guard duties.

In the days that followed, Zhou Yuan stayed at the main peak, spending his time not only cultivating but also constantly checking, fine-tuning, and strengthening the various formations and restrictions on the island, especially the core complex formation. He selected suitable materials from the materials he had seized from the Reverse Star Alliance, Star Palace cultivators, and some demonic beasts, integrating them into the formations to further enhance their power and versatility.

At the same time, he also began to refine some powerful talismans and one-time-use magic weapons as a reserve of consumables.

The entire Biling Island, like a sophisticated and efficient war machine, was quietly operating under Zhou Yuan's command, accumulating power and waiting for the arrival of an unknown storm.

On this day, Zhou Yuan, along with Tianhen Old Monster, Nanlong Marquis, and Linghu Ancestor, were sitting around a cold jade table in the living room of the main peak cave. They were enjoying "Qingxin Tea," which Zhou Yuan had personally brewed and which had a calming and soothing effect, and exchanging cultivation experiences. The atmosphere was unusually relaxed.

"Senior Brother Zhou's spiritual tea is truly extraordinary. Drinking it is like bathing in a spring breeze, clearing the mind and spirit. It has a remarkable effect on stabilizing cultivation and calming inner demons."

Linghu Laozu savored it carefully and exclaimed in admiration.

After his lifespan increased significantly, his mindset became more peaceful, and he developed a particular fondness for spiritual objects that nourish the soul.

"If Junior Brother Linghu likes it, take some with you when you leave," Zhou Yuan said with a smile. He was now quite wealthy, so this little bit of spiritual tea was nothing to him.

Marquis Nanlong, on the other hand, asked Zhou Yuan about his insights into the crafting of the Wind and Thunder Wings and the Thunder Escape Technique. His own cultivation method also had a slight wind attribute, so he was quite interested in it.

Zhou Yuan didn't hold back, sharing some non-core insights and points to note, which made the Marquis of Nanlong nod repeatedly, benefiting greatly from the conversation.

Just as the four were chatting happily, a deep voice came from outside the cave: "Master, your subordinate has discovered the tracks of two human cultivators at the edge of the early warning array about six hundred miles away in the southwest of the island."

They seem to be searching for a path to the island's core, but haven't forced their way in; their actions are somewhat suspicious. Should we capture them or drive them away?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected it.

His powerful divine sense had already detected the two approaching auras before the Gale Beast even reported back. Those auras—were quite familiar.

"It's alright."

Zhou Yuan transmitted his voice to the Gale Beast, "I already know. They are my friends. Go and politely invite them both into the island, and bring them directly to this cave. Remember, don't be impolite."

"Yes, Master!"

The Gale Beast was somewhat puzzled: Why was its master's friend coming to the island at this critical juncture?

But he dared not ask any more questions and accepted the order to leave.

"Senior Brother Zhou, do we have guests?"

The old monster Tianhen asked.

Those who are called "friends" by Zhou Yuan during this sensitive period and who are trusted to be invited into the core cave must be extraordinary individuals.

"Two old friends, from the Star Palace."

Zhou Yuan gave a brief explanation, a faint smile on his face, "Perhaps, it can bring some news from the outside world."

About half an hour later, the cave's restrictions were lifted, and the Gale Beast entered first, followed by two slender white figures.

The leader was dressed in white, with an exceptionally beautiful face and a cool, aloof demeanor, like a handful of snow on an iceberg. It was a snowy night.

The woman beside him was also dressed in a white outfit, with a tall and straight figure, an extremely beautiful face with a vigorous and heroic spirit, and a bright and lively look in her eyes. She was none other than Ling Yuling, the young master of the Star Palace.

"Master Zhou Dan!"

Upon seeing Zhou Yuan in the main seat on a snowy night, a complex mix of surprise and joy instantly welled up in her usually cool eyes, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke first.

After decades apart, her old friend was even more charming than before. The profound, ocean-like aura beneath his calm face made her feel both familiar and somewhat strange.

"Senior Zhou!"

Ling Yuling also bowed and saluted, her beautiful eyes curiously examining Zhou Yuan, then glancing at the three people beside Zhou Yuan—the three old monsters Tianhen, whose auras were heavy and whose abilities were clearly not easy to deal with—and she felt a chill in her heart.

These three are probably the powerful companions Elder Zhao mentioned.

"Palace Master Xueye, Young Palace Master Ling, how have you been?" Zhou Yuan stood up, a gentle smile on his face, and gestured for them to sit down. "You two have come from afar, please take a seat. Liefeng, serve tea."

"yes!"

The Gale Beast quickly served the two women spiritual tea, then respectfully stepped aside to stand in attendance.

As Xue Ye and Ling Yuling sat down, their eyes were drawn to the fragrant tea on the table. With a gentle sniff, they felt refreshed and secretly praised the tea for its extraordinary qualities.

"Sister Xue, Senior Zhou, you two really kept this from me for so long!"

Ling Yuling, with her lively personality, was the first to break the slightly melancholic and solemn atmosphere. She feigned reproach and laughed, her gaze shifting between Zhou Yuan and Xue Ye, "When we first met Senior Zhou in Tianxing City, you only displayed mid-stage Core Formation cultivation. When the three of us ventured into the ancient cultivator's ruins together, facing the Ghost Cultivator Xuan Gu Shangren, the composure Senior Zhou displayed, and the combat power he actually unleashed, were far beyond what a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator could achieve!"

"Now that I think about it, Senior Zhou was probably already a Nascent Soul cultivator back then, right? Otherwise, how could he have earned the trust and respect of Sister Xue, who was already in the late Core Formation stage at the time?"

She spoke of the past in a relaxed tone, yet also pointed out some of the doubts from back then.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and did not deny it: "Isn't Fellow Daoist Ling the same? He is clearly the esteemed young master of the Star Palace, yet he kept it a secret from me and befriended me as an ordinary inner palace disciple."

Ling Yuling, caught off guard, wasn't annoyed. She chuckled, "I was on a mission! But compared to Senior Zhou's skill in deceiving everyone, I'm far inferior. Later, rumors spread throughout the Star Sea that the Extreme Yin Ancestor obtained the supreme treasure, the Void Heaven Cauldron, from the Void Heaven Palace and was causing trouble in the outer sea, killing many Nascent Soul cultivators from the Reverse Star Alliance—now that I think about it, it was probably all done by Senior Zhou impersonating the Extreme Yin Ancestor, wasn't it? I truly admire your courage and methods to the core!"

Her words were half a joke, half a test, and she also wanted to hear Zhou Yuan admit it himself.

Zhou Yuan put down his teacup, his expression calm: "That's right. Ji Yin and I have some old grudges, and he deserved to die. Using his identity will just make things easier."

Upon confirmation, Ling Yuling and Xue Ye exchanged a glance. Although they had suspected it beforehand, they were still shocked to hear it with their own ears.

To be able to single-handedly manipulate the Reverse Star Alliance and even make the entire Chaotic Star Sea mistakenly believe that the Extreme Yin Ancestor had obtained the Void Heaven Cauldron and greatly increased his strength is truly terrifying.

A relaxed chat eased the slight awkwardness and somber atmosphere of the long-awaited reunion.

After chatting for a while, Ling Yuling's expression turned serious, and she looked at Zhou Yuan with her beautiful eyes, her tone becoming more earnest: "Senior Zhou, my sister Xue and I have come here for two reasons. First, we are reunited after a long separation and have come to pay our respects. Second, Yuling has a favor to ask."

Zhou Yuan understood and guessed what she wanted to say, but remained calm on the surface: "Young Palace Master Ling, please speak freely."

Ling Yuling took a deep breath, looked directly at Zhou Yuan, and said sincerely, "I wonder if Senior Zhou is currently interested in—"

She had barely begun to speak when Zhou Yuan gently raised his hand to interrupt her, his face bearing a gentle yet undeniable smile: "I appreciate Fellow Daoist Ling's kindness. However, I'm used to a leisurely life and can't stand too many constraints. Besides—"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Tianhen, Nanlong, and Linghu beside him. His tone was calm yet carried a hint of arrogance: "I, Zhou, have now established my own sect, the Ascension Sect, based in Tiannan. These three are my fellow disciples. Independent sects, free and unrestrained, suit me much better."

Although she had expected this outcome, Ling Yuling's eyes still flashed with an undisguised disappointment when she heard Zhou Yuan's decisive refusal.

She understood that, given Zhou Yuan's current strength and influence, there was no need for him to, and no possibility for him to, remain subordinate to someone else and join the Star Palace.

Recruiting is no longer an option.

She quickly adjusted her mindset, and a bright smile returned to her face: "So Senior Zhou has already founded his own sect and become its leader! Congratulations! I was being presumptuous. Since Senior Zhou has no intention of doing so, let's not bring this up again."

She then changed the subject, saying, "However, even if we cannot serve as ministers in the same court, the Star Palace, Senior Zhou, and the Ascension Sect are by no means enemies. My parents, who are the two palace masters of the Star Palace, have long admired Senior Zhou and have heard of his deeds."

They specifically asked Yu Ling to convey their greetings to Senior Zhou if they had the opportunity to meet him, and to sincerely invite him to visit Tianxing City at his convenience. The two Palace Masters greatly wish to exchange ideas and discuss the Dao with Senior Zhou in person.

This time, she extended a formal invitation in the name of the young master of the Star Palace and on behalf of the two saints.

This is both a gesture of goodwill and a declaration of goodwill.

Zhou Yuan hesitated for a moment, neither agreeing immediately nor refusing outright, but simply smiled and said, "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the two Palace Masters. However, I am currently preoccupied with worldly affairs and need to remain here, so I am afraid I will be unable to make the trip in the short term. But if the opportunity arises in the future, I will definitely visit Tianxing City to pay my respects to the two Palace Masters. Perhaps—within a few decades."

Decades may seem like a long time to mortals, but for a Nascent Soul cultivator, it is merely a slightly longer period of seclusion or travel.

This reply both gave Xinggong face and left enough room for maneuver.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yuling's smile widened: "Very well! Then Yuling will await Senior Zhou's arrival in Tianxing City! Several decades will pass in the blink of an eye. I believe that Senior and my parents will have a very pleasant conversation then."

The matter of the invitation was thus dropped. At this moment, Xueye, who had been quietly sipping her tea with her gaze mostly fixed on Zhou Yuan, gently put down her teacup. A trace of obvious worry appeared on her exquisite face, and her clear, cold voice rang out: "Master Zhou, there is something I must remind you of. Last time on Biling Island, you not only repelled the demon race but also killed four Nascent Soul cultivators and more than ten Core Formation elites from the Reverse Star Alliance. Given the Reverse Star Alliance's vengeful nature and the domineering nature of Wan Sangu and the Six Paths Supreme Saint, they will never let this matter rest. Retaliation is probably only a matter of time, and once it comes, it will be as powerful as a thunderbolt."

She paused, glancing at the faintly visible spiritual light emanating from the protective barrier outside the cave, her worry deepening: "Moreover, this place is, after all, the outer sea, within the traditional sphere of influence of the demon race. Last time, the Feathered Clan's Azure Feather Spirit Roc suffered a great loss at your hands; the demon race's retaliation next time will certainly not be as mild as last time." She feared—it would be more than just a dozen or so transformed demon cultivators.

"If they unite with other major demon tribes, or even—launch a beast tide."

"Under the beast tide, countless demons surge forth. Low-level demons may not pose much of a threat, but if a large number of high-level demons are mixed in, or even driven by transformed great demons, forming an organized attack—even the strongest array and restrictions will be difficult to guarantee safety. Alchemist Zhou, you—you must make plans early and not be careless."