On the blue-hued desert plateau, hidden within the cliffside, concealing inside an ancient treasure known as the Sacred Jade Room.
Inside the sacred Jade Room were the trio of Xue Hui, Chen Linlin, and her father, Chen Zhenlong.
The latter had just been stirred from his meditation by the two children.
"Lord Patriarch, it's time to continue our journey."
Hearing Xue Hui's voice, Chen Zhenlong lifted his eyelids and saw Xue Hui and Chen Linlin standing in front of him.
Both were already geared up, prepared to resume their journey toward the Blood Moon Marsh.
Seeing that it was time to depart, Chen Zhenlong rose to his feet, walked toward the Fuzhuang Box, as his daughter hopped inside, carefully securing her before slinging the box over his back.
It had been three days since Xue Hui gave him the Realm Breaker Soul Ascendant Pill, and Chen Zhenlong could already feel his cultivation was at the very threshold of breaking through to the Legend Rank realm, which greatly excited him.
Unlike Chen Linlin, who looked slightly disappointed.
She had imagined her father would ascend directly to the Legendary Rank the moment he took the realm breaker soul ascendant pill and was disheartened when she did not witness such a dramatic breakthrough.
Even so, both Chen Zhenlong and Xue Hui were deeply satisfied with the tremendous increase of their battle prowess.
Chen Zhenlong's aura had grown far denser and more imposing than before.
Despite the pill's rich medicinal effects, the Realm Breaker Soul Ascendant Pill was not something that could be fully absorbed overnight.
It both required time and focus, to completely absorb its efficacy, something Chen Zhenlong couldn't afford to invest in, as they were still in the middle of their mission.
Even so, under the lingering effects of the pill, Chen Zhenlong was completely confident that within a year of seclusive cultivation, he could make a breakthrough to legend rank.
What kind of concept was that?
For someone who had been stuck at the pinnacle of the Black Gold Rank for many years, unable to take even a small step forward, such certainty was nothing short of miraculous.
Chen Zhenlong had long understood that stepping into the Legend Rank was never a matter of when.
It was always a matter of if.
If the heavens allowed it.
If fate called for it.
If luck stood on his side.
If he was truly destined for it.
Chen Zhenlong understood this concept better than most.
Legend Rank realm was not something everyone could step into, so for Chen Zhenlong to be able to step into the very edge is nothing but incredible.
If every Black Gold Rank Demon Spiritualist in Glory City heard such a thing, they would turn purple in envy.
This journey had already granted them heaven-defying benefits.
First, his daughter had been fully healed of her poison.
Then there were the treasures Xue Hui had obtained like the Ten Whiskers Water Attribute Needles and the Sacred Jade Room.
And now, he himself had been given a direct road toward Legend Rank.
Chen Zhenlong could hardly wait to return home and break this news to his wives.
'Only the Glaze Blood remains, and they can all return.' Chen Zhenlong thought this as he stood patiently, while Xue Hui was peering outside, checking the surroundings to see whether it was safe for them to move out.
As they continued their journey, heading toward the direction of the Blood Moon Marsh.
Leading the way, Xue Hui guided Chen Zhenlong to the least dangerous routes. Holding the Demon Detection Compass, they were able to determine whether any powerful demon beasts lurked ahead on their path.
Thanks to the Demon Detection Compass, they were able to avoid engaging in grueling fights.
After all, their goal was to obtain the Ten Whiskers Water Attribute Needles and the Glaze Blood as quickly as possible.
Chen Zhenlong fully shared this sentiment, The farther they are from Glory City, the more the outside world becomes more unpredictable and dangerous.
Time passed, and they finally reached the end of Blue Hue Desert and entered a new territory, a lush, dense misty forest.
Walking under the shade of trees, Xue Hui and Chen Zhenlong both let out a sigh of relief.
It was understandable. The sandy plains had been a treacherous route to cross. With extreme heat and little to no places to hide, they were left completely exposed to demon beasts.
The journey alone had pushed both their physical and mental strength to exhaustion.
Now that they were surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, and while being embraced by a chill refreshing breeze, both Chen Zhenlong and Xue Hui had relaxed.
As they ventured deeper into the forest in search of a place to camp for the night.
Strolling, Chen Zhenlong quietly admired the shade overhead and the gentle rustling of leaves. Before long, he spotted what seemed like the perfect location to burrow the Sacred Jade Room, a sturdy earthen slope reinforced by thick roots and natural rock.
With night approaching, Chen Zhenlong concluded that it was a perfect place to camp.
as he was about to say something, he was tackled on his side.
Caught completely off guard, Chen Zhenlong found himself crashing onto the forest floor. At that exact moment, a white blur streaked past at lightning speed, slicing through the air where he had been standing earlier.
CRASH!
Crack!
BOOM!
Trees splintered. The ground shook.
"What was that?!" Chen Zhenlong frantically asked, turning toward Xue Hui, who was lying beside him.
Whatever it was, it had shot straight toward them, with a clear intent to crash into them.
lying beside him.
Whatever it was, it had shot straight toward them, with a clear intent to crash into them.
Fortunately, Xue Hui had sensed the incoming threat, tackled him to the ground, seconds before the attacker hit them.
Seeing that a huge part of the forest had been obliterated by the attack, Chen Zhenlong immediately stood up, pupils constricted as he searched for the enemy.
What had once been a thriving stretch of forest was completely erased. In its place lay a massive crater the size of a small lake.
Instead of answering his question, Xue Hui sprang into action.
A surge of soul force erupted from his body, revealing the aura of a Three-Star Bronze Rank Demon Spiritualist.
At the same time, Xue Hui lit the Demon Concealing Lamp. Thick smoke oozes out, wrapping around his small frame, concealing him from the perception of demon beasts.
Following Xue Hui, Chen Zhenlong unleashed His soul Force, his frame morphs as he summoned his demon spirit, transforming him into the Wind Dragon Blood Buffalo. His body swelled, muscles bulging beneath hardened skin, demonic horns curving forward with terrifying force.
He planted his hooves firmly into the ground, rooting himself like an unshakable mountain. His sharp eyes tracked the silver blur as it ricocheted across the forest at lightning speed, bouncing off trees and rock faces before suddenly changing direction,
right Straight toward him.
Crossing his massive demonic arms, shielding himself, Chen Zhenlong braced for the incoming collision.
But before the white blur could crash into him, Xue Hui jumped in front of him.
Veiled by the concealment smoke of the Demon Concealing Lamp, the boy thrust his small arm forward, placing his palm directly to the path of the incoming blur.
"BANG!"
A resounding crash echoed throughout the entire forest, the unmistakable sound of something slamming violently into a solid surface reverberated to the surrounding.
Xue Hui remained still, arm stretched forward. In front of him is the Sacred Jade Room, summoned at roughly a third of its original size, its jade surface trembling from the tremendous impact it had just endured.
"Lord Patriarch, quick! Hold that demon beast down!" Xue Hui shouted urgently.
Without hesitation, Chen Zhenlong lunged forward and pinned down the...
…Donkey?
Collapsed on the ground before the Sacred Jade Room was a white-furred, average-sized, seemingly ordinary looking donkey.
For a brief moment, confusion flashed across Chen Zhenlong's face.
But he did not question it.
He immediately dropped the Fuzhuang Box from his back and threw himself on top of the fallen creature, pressing it firmly against the ground.
Donkey or not, this creature is fully capable of changing the landscape with its strength alone.
Meanwhile, Xue Hui swiftly rehung the Fuzhuang Box onto his back and took out a vial of inscription ink, crafted from the blood of the fallen Leather Arm Ape.
Squatting beside the donkey's head, Xue Hui began inscribing an intricate inscription pattern along its neck. The ink seeped into the creature's fur, changing its color from white to metallic silver.
The donkey's body shook violently, its limbs twitching as though an immense power was surging within it.
Once the inscription pattern was completed, a faint silver glow shone around the pattern.
"Okay, now we ju—ack!" THUD!
Before Xue Hui could finish his words, the demon beast donkey abruptly exploded with strength and sent Xue Hui flying like a rag doll.
"Xiao Hui!"
Before Chen Zhenlong could check on Xue Hui, he felt his body being lifted upward. Despite the donkey's much smaller frame, he was dragged along with it, as it ran all over the place.
gripping tightly to the creature, Chen Zhenlong tried to anchor his feet to the ground, an attempt to halt its momentum.
Undeterred, the donkey bolted forward, dragging Chen Zhenlong, smashing him into the objects around them.
Trees uprooted, boulders exploded, terrain changes.
He was being tossed around like a rag doll.
A moment later Chen Zhenlong heard Xue Hui's voice, talking to him directly within his mind.
"LORD PATRIARCH! YOU HAVE TO BITE ONTO THE INSCRIPTION PATTERN I DREW ON ITS NECK, AT LEAST HARD ENOUGH TO DRAW BLOOD!"
For a moment, Chen Zhenlong thought he had heard wrong, but remembering it was a Soul communication technique, hearing it wrong was unlikely.
"XIAO HUI! I'M NOT BITING THIS THING'S NECK!, ARE YOU CRAZY!?"
'Was the boy losing his mind?' Chen Zhenlong's thought, even if he were desperate, he would never sink his teeth into any demon beast like some wild animal.
"Lord Patriarch, that would be a waste of an opportunity!" Xue Hui's voice was both urgent and oddly sheepish. "I've already inscribed a Submission Seal on it. With just one bite, the beast will fall under your command!"
Hearing Xue Hui's explanation, Chen Zhenlong nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.
Why did he have to be the one doing this sort of thing?
If Xue Hui had drawn the seal, couldn't he be the one doing this?.
"Lord Patriarch, that demon beast's physique rivals a Legend Rank, and it's extremely vindictive. Letting it go will only bring trouble in the future!" Xue Hui urged. "If you don't want to bite it, just make—"
Before Xue Hui could finish his words, the connection between them abruptly severed.
The Communication Soul Technique had been cut off.
This meant the distance between them had already exceeded the technique's maximum range—which was no small distance to begin with.
Still being dragged at terrifying speed, Chen Zhenlong's heart sank, swallowing his grievance, he sucked a mouthful of air and roared at the top of his lungs.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!"
He bared his fangs at the demon beast and sank them straight into the demon donkey's neck—right where the Submission Seal had been inscribed.
"GRRRAAAAARGH!"
Like a tiger subduing its prey, Chen Zhenlong clamped down harder, tightening his jaws while using his weight to slow the beast's momentum.
"GGGGRRRAAAAARRRGH!"
With one final surge of strength, his fangs pierced through the creature's unnaturally tough hide.
A metallic taste flooded his mouth.
Blood.
Chen Zhenlong nearly gagged, fighting down the overwhelming urge to vomit.
At that exact moment, the area where the Submission Seal had been drawn began to grow warm. A faint but distinct silver glow radiated from the pattern, spreading outward along the demon donkey's neck like flowing veins of light.
Following this, the demon donkey's entire body began to tremble as it lost all its strength before collapsing violently on the ground
Man and beast rolled across the forest floor in a chaotic tumble, tearing through soil and snapping trees in their wake.
Before Chen Zhenlong could pull his teeth free from its neck, the donkey threw its head back and let out a loud, shaky howl.
"RAAAUUULLLL—LL!"
"What the fuck?!" Chen Zhenlong blurted out, utterly baffled.
---
Back in the devastated stretch of forest, atop the Sacred Jade Room, Xue Hui stood, staring in the direction where Chen Zhenlong and the demon beast donkey ran to.
A grimace expression was clearly etched across his small face.
"Hui-hui… do you think Father will be okay?"
Standing beside him, tightly clutching his arm was Chen Linlin.
The two of them had climbed onto the top of the Sacred Jade Room the moment Xue Hui lost his connection to Chen Zhenlong.
"He's safe, Linlin. Lord Patriarch is already on his way back." Though his words were reassuring, there was a faint but unmistakable tension woven into his tone, which something the perceptive little girl immediately noticed.
It confused her.
'Father isn't in danger anymore and will return soon… so why does Hui-hui sound so nervous?' Chen Linlin wondered.
If only she knew what transpired between Xue Hui and her father during their talk, she would understand the source of her friend's unease.
hour passed.
The sky darkened, as the night slowly blanketed the forest.
in the distance, two silhouettes emerged from the shadows, moving toward them through the dimly lit trees.
It was Chen Zhenlong, beside him, matching his pace, was the demon beast donkey, obediently following its new master.
Though Chen Zhenlong's expression didn't hide his subtle irritation, Xue Hui could practically feel the silent fury simmering beneath that composed exterior.
And it certainly did not help that Chen Zhenlong's eyes were locked directly onto him.
"C-Congratulations, Lord Patriarch!" Xue Hui stammered, smiling awkwardly as he praise Chen Zhenlong,"You have acquired a Black Gold Rank demon beast companion! Furthermore, it's actually a Holy Cloud White Dash Donkey. Its speed and physical toughness are not the least bit inferior to a Legend Rank demon beast. Its strength will greatly increase our chances of success, Lord Patriarch!"
Like a shrewd merchant closing a profitable deal, Xue Hui wasted no time praising both Chen Zhenlong and his newly obtained demon beast, desperately attempting to gloss over the… unconventional method used to secure it.
"RA~UL."
Xue Hui nearly choked on his own saliva.
The demon donkey had spoken.
What in the world was that voice?
It was deep, smooth, and refined, it reminded him of a strikingly handsome and impeccably mannered gentleman.
"Xiao Hui," Chen Zhenlong said flatly, his face utterly expressionless, "was that truly the only method you could think of?"
Xue Hui could feel his back starting to be drenched in sweat. "There was no other way?" Chen Zhenlong added, his eyes flashed with a dangerous glint.
Chen Zhenlong did not withdraw his cold, soul-piercing gaze. As he bore a hole at Xue Hui's head, clearly waiting to hear whether that… humiliating method had truly been necessary.
Xue Hui grimaced at the subtle sharpness in his tone.
'Well… no escaping this one.' Xue Hui thought, Deciding that he might as well rip off the bandage in one go, Xue Hui let out a sheepish smile.
Scratching the back of his head, Xue Hui explained, "Well, Lord Patriarch… the other method required you to use both of your hands." His hands arms sway awkwardly "Which means you would have had to let go of your hold—"
Before Xue Hui could finish his words, a head-sized fruit came hurtling straight toward his face.
Xue Hui twisted his body and narrowly dodged it.
The fruit exploded against a tree behind him with a loud splat.
"RAA~UL!"
The demon donkey nod approvingly, its deep, refined tone almost sounding as though it were praising its new master's well-executed throw.
Chen Zhenlong's expression remained blank, feeling wronged by Xue Hui.
End of Chapter 23