Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1040 - 725: Half Moon Lake, the Stubborn Moon Python

Within the Taihang Mountain Range, the Earth Dragon Valley was a place of unrest. Freed from the Demon King's control, the Great Demons and their Tier One and Tier Two beast companions were increasingly volatile, leading to frequent, intense battles that shook the sprawling valley. Yet, as one approached the Earth Dragon Hall, these conflicts became noticeably rarer.

At one of the valley entrances, a cultivator stood guard, his eyes sharp with spiritual light, employing a magical pupil technique. This skill allowed him to perceive distant events and annihilate any incoming teleportation array on sight. In addition to his illusionary capabilities, he had strategically placed several Shadow Wood Puppets. These weren't ordinary constructs; they were crafted from the recently acquired Shadow Wood Seeds from the Ye Family. The preciousness of these seeds meant the puppets were exceptionally valuable, deployed only at vital points within Earth Dragon Valley to ensure immediate responses to potential threats.

During this period, Ye Jinghong maintained a heightened state of vigilance. Normally, guarding the teleportation array required cultivators in the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment. However, the Ye Family's Late Stage experts were either occupied with breakthrough attempts or immersed in urgent affairs within the Desert Sea. Consequently, Ye Jinghong, endowed with the Lark Spiritual Eye, was assigned this crucial post.

He was not entirely alone, though. Within the nearby cave dwelling resided Array Master Ye Xingshui. Ye Xingshui, having formed a contract with a Golden Rhinoceros, had made substantial progress in his cultivation, now reaching the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment. Combined with his mastery of array formations, he possessed a defensive prowess comparable to Late Stage cultivators in this secluded valley.

As the teleportation array began to glow, both Ye Xingshui and Ye Jinghong tensed with caution. Their recent memories included the Ye Family dispatching magical artifacts and spirit materials, making an early activation of the teleportation array highly improbable. Their surprise intensified upon seeing Ye Jingcheng emerge, especially considering he had recently become a father to two sons.

"Uncle Xingshui, Jinghong, it is I!" Ye Jingcheng's voice called out urgently. He was well-acquainted with Ye Xingshui, who, after Jingyu's departure, stood as the foremost expert in array techniques at the Ye Family's Lingyun Peak. Furthermore, Ye Xingshui's Golden Rhinoceros had undergone two advancements.

Noticing their lingering apprehension, Ye Jingcheng casually rolled up his sleeve, revealing the Beast Communication Pattern. Ye Jinghong and Ye Xingshui promptly reciprocated, displaying their own patterns. With the Beast Communication Pattern visibly confirmed, all doubts vanished, allowing Ye Jinghong and Ye Xingshui to finally relax.

"Jingcheng, Feng'Er and Nian'Er are still very young; what pressing matter brings you out at this time?" Ye Xingshui inquired with concern.

"Indeed, a significant matter requires my attention, Uncle Xingshui. Please proceed with separating the teleportation array using the Spirit-Slaying Sword!" Ye Jingcheng stated directly. The faster the teleportation array was dismantled, the greater the security. Lingering any longer invited unnecessary risks.

Hearing this, Ye Xingshui nodded in agreement without hesitation. Ye Jingcheng then released the Three-eyed Demon King, the Thunder Roc Demon King, and the Mammoth Demon King.

"The three of you Demon Kings may return to your respective territories, maintaining the existing arrangements," Ye Jingcheng declared, choosing not to keep the three powerful beings with him. His current strength, bolstered by the Jade Qilin Flood Dragon and the Red Flame Fox, made him more than a match for any average True Master or Demon King. Against a Demon Emperor or a True Monarch, however, retaining these Demon Kings would prove utterly useless. It was far more prudent to let them manage their domains peacefully.

"Remember, you three must remain ready to incite a beast tide at a moment's notice!" Ye Jingcheng added as a final instruction. The Three-eyed Demon King cast a questioning glance at Ye Jingcheng, recalling the previous beast tide and the fate of the Cloud Lion Demon King, but ultimately acquiesced with a nod. As the Three-eyed Demon King nodded, the other two demon kings followed suit and departed.

While the three demon kings made their exit, Ye Xingshui executed the Spirit-Slaying Swordsmanship, striking and disabling the teleportation array. Ye Jingcheng then promptly secured it within his grotto-heaven.

"Uncle Xingshui, Jinghong, I invite you both to enter my grotto-heaven for your safety as well!" Ye Jingcheng proposed. This Earth Dragon Valley was no longer a safe place to linger. Ye Jingcheng's ultimate destination was the territory formerly governed by the Silver Moon Demon King: Silver Moon Lake.

However, his objective was not the heart of Silver Moon Lake but the more secluded Half Moon Lake on its periphery. This lake earned its name from its crescent moon shape, winding and encircling. At its core lay a small island, perfect for concealment. Its sole drawback was its deep location within the Taihang Mountain Range, nearing One Green Lizard Creek, the domain of a newly established Demon King. For Ye Jingcheng, this very flaw translated into enhanced safety for Half Moon Lake.

With his strategy set, Ye Jingcheng retrieved the Spirit Diagram from the Ye Family archives, oriented himself, and then left with great haste.

...

The moonlight cast a gentle glow, painting shimmering emerald patterns on the lake's surface.

Several fish meandered near the water's edge, seemingly at ease.

Before long, a colossal Blood Moon Python emerged, engulfing them in a single, swift gulp, consuming the fish along with a considerable amount of lake water.

At this precise moment, the Blood Moon Python sensed a swift spiritual shadow flit by overhead.

It surfaced from the water, bewildered, only to find nothing amiss.

The island situated in the lake's center remained blanketed in overgrown shrubs and dense foliage, silhouetted against a moonlit sky dotted with scattered clouds.

The Blood Moon Python lowered its head, focusing on better circulating its internal energy to digest its meal, before sinking back beneath the waves.

Meanwhile, a cultivator materialized among the island's undergrowth.

Clad in a Shadowless Daoist Robe, he was actively employing a spell to mask his presence.

This individual was none other than Ye Jingcheng, hailing from Earth Dragon Valley.

To ensure absolute discretion, Ye Jingcheng made minimal disturbance to Half Moon Lake.

His objective was to forge a Blood Contract with the Silver Moon Python Great Demon residing within the lake's depths.

According to his senses, this particular Silver Moon Python was less potent than those encountered in Wangyue Lake previously; it had only reached the initial stage of the third rank.

It had merely managed to break through recently.

"It appears the Silver Moon Demon King was indeed wary of the Earth Dragon Demon King!" Ye Jingcheng remarked with a chuckle.

The early stage of the third rank presented no challenge to him whatsoever.

The Silver Moon Python was not lurking at the lake's bottom but had made its lair on the island itself.

At the island's heart lay a cavernous snake den.

Ye Jingcheng meticulously suppressed his aura and promptly entered the snake cave. To his astonishment, the cave walls were embedded with a unique type of Cloud Moon Stone crystal ore. This ore ranked as Tier Two Top-Grade Spiritual Material, commonly utilized in the refinement of Magic Robes imbued with Water and Wood attributes, and could also be employed in crafting Spirit Bead Magical Artifacts of the Water attribute.

Its value was exceptionally high.

Ye Jingcheng had never anticipated that his random selection of a Spirit Lake would yield such a fortunate discovery.

Restraining his elation, Ye Jingcheng proceeded deeper into the cave and soon reached a vast, open area.

Beneath this expansive space, a hidden pond was revealed.

This pond was interconnected with the Spirit Lake, and within it, a Silver Moon Python was partially submerged, its eyes gently closed, seemingly engaged in its breathing exercises.

Directly before the python, to Ye Jingcheng's profound surprise, lay a Tier Three Purple Jade Vine.

The vine still bore a green-purple hue, not yet having ripened to a full purple.

This coloration indicated that the Purple Jade Vine required a significant amount of time before it could yield any produce.

A smile unexpectedly spread across Ye Jingcheng's face; this unforeseen bonus was tremendously valuable given the considerable number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Ye Family, many of whom would undoubtedly ascend to the Purple Mansion stage in the future, thereby creating a substantial demand for Purple Mansion Jade Liquid.

The acquisition of additional Purple Jade Vines would, therefore, be highly beneficial.

"Engage!" Ensuring no detail had been overlooked, Ye Jingcheng directly summoned forth the Void Profound Bottle.

He then directed its energies towards the Silver Moon Python.

The instant the Void Profound Bottle materialized, the Silver Moon Python reacted.

Nevertheless, despite its swift response, its fate was sealed; it was inevitably drawn into the Void Profound Bottle.

Had it not been imperative to maintain a low profile at Half Moon Lake, with his Golden Glaze Sword, this Silver Moon Python would have been vanquished in less than a single breath.

After successfully trapping the Silver Moon Python within the Void Profound Bottle, Ye Jingcheng commenced the process of establishing a Blood Contract, attempting to subdue it.

However, this Silver Moon Python exhibited extreme pride; even when faced with impending demise, it resolutely refused the Blood Contract.

Ye Jingcheng, naturally, had no intention of yielding to its defiance. Forcefully dripping his Essence Blood, he pressed forward with the Blood Contract procedure.

After a duration of half a day, the Blood Contract was finally concluded, though the Silver Moon Python was left in a severely weakened state, nearly lifeless.

"Such fierce defiance!" Ye Jingcheng couldn't help but feel a pang of exasperation.

Even after the Soul Contract was established, the Silver Moon Python Great Demon still harbored intentions of self-destruction.

Ultimately, Ye Jingcheng refused to indulge its will and decisively ended the Silver Moon Python's existence.

Following the slaying of the Silver Moon Python and ensuring absolute silence within the cave, Ye Jingcheng released the Jade Qilin Flood Dragon.

Its immense form could barely be contained within the chamber.

Ye Jingcheng directly guided it into the lake.

"Be sure to restrain the full extent of your aura!" Ye Jingcheng instructed repeatedly.

The Jade Qilin Flood Dragon, if it were to unleash its complete aura, while undeniably more imposing, would very easily provoke the ire of the Silver Moon Demon Emperor and the Green Lizard Demon Emperor.

The Jade Qilin Flood Dragon nodded in understanding. After its nod, its large draconic eyes conveyed a silent query: could it partake in the fish within the lake?

Upon seeing Ye Jingcheng's nod, the question arose whether the pythons inhabiting this area were edible.

Ye Jingcheng found himself momentarily speechless, unsure how to answer.

"Refrain from consuming too much; it might draw unwanted attention!" Ye Jingcheng cautioned once more.

The Jade Qilin Flood Dragon acknowledged this with a happy nod before swiftly disappearing back into the lake.

With the Jade Qilin Flood Dragon safely settled, Ye Jingcheng turned his attention to erecting the Array that Ye Xuefan had provided.

Possessing an Array Disc simplified the process considerably. The main tasks involved placing the Array Banner and Array Foundation at their designated spots.

In a relatively short period, the Array was completely established, its Spirit Shield extending to encompass a significant portion of Half Moon Island.

A sigh of relief escaped Ye Jingcheng as he then released Ye Jinghong and Ye Xingshui, and brought out the Teleportation Array.

"Uncle Xingshui and Jinghong, I entrust this crucial task to you!" Ye Jingcheng declared.

To ensure a viable escape route should the need arise, Ye Jingcheng was determined to set up the Teleportation Array.

Should any cultivators in the Nascent Soul stage decide to brazenly enter the Taihang Mountain Range in pursuit of him,

he would then possess a means of swift evasion.

After all, in the event the Flying Puppet Technique faltered and his Divine Soul became fragmented, it was plausible that certain Nascent Soul cultivators might pinpoint the location of Ye Jingcheng's main body!

"Understood!" Ye Jinghong and Ye Xingshui responded in unison.

While the pair diligently worked on repairing the Teleportation Array, Ye Jingcheng placed a Jade Talisman against his brow.

This was, in fact, the Jade Talisman associated with the Flying Puppet Technique.

This potent Flying Puppet Technique is executed in two distinct phases: the initial stage involves Soul Split, followed by the second stage, Puppet Attachment.

The Soul Split demands the cultivator's own Divine Soul, whereas the Puppet Attachment requires specific Spiritual Materials to construct the puppet.

Scanning his surroundings, Ye Jingcheng identified the humanoid Tier Four puppet, which he had obtained from Zhang Yuling and Zhang Yuxue, as the most suitable candidate for Puppet Attachment among the four Golden Core Spirit Puppets at his disposal.

Having confirmed this suitability, he commenced his solitary cultivation.

Three full days elapsed before Ye Jingcheng finally opened his eyes.

He had successfully and thoroughly deciphered the entirety of the Flying Puppet Technique.

With absolute certainty that there were no lingering issues, he proceeded to open a nearby stone chamber, preparing to initiate the Soul Split process.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, the Teleportation Array had been fully assembled, and Ye Xingshui was conducting preliminary tests.

It emanated a brilliant Spiritual Light; however, the Concealing Array performed flawlessly, betraying no trace of Spiritual Aura.

A sense of complete relaxation washed over Ye Jingcheng.

Facing the prepared puppet, he executed a series of Spirit Technique gestures. Soon after, a small fragment of his own Divine Soul detached and coursed towards the puppet.

Moments later, the eyes of the Tier Four Spirit Puppet flickered with what appeared to be Spiritual Light, and it rose to its feet, mirroring Ye Jingcheng's own posture.

Ye Jingcheng experienced a peculiar sensation, as if he now possessed two distinct bodies – a truly wondrous and uncanny feeling.

He left his primary physical form within the cave to continue its quiet cultivation.

The avatar manifested by the Flying Puppet began to transform with remarkable speed, quickly assuming the likeness of Ye Jingcheng.

While most Flying Puppets capable of possession allowed for alteration of appearance, they possessed a limitation: an inability to withstand probing Divine Sense. Nevertheless, this was deemed sufficient for Ye Jingcheng to attend to certain matters.

He donned the Shadowless Daoist Robe along with the Spirit-Blocking Robe.

As he exited the chamber, Ye Xingshui and Ye Jinghong greeted him, completely oblivious to the fact that the figure standing before them was merely a Spirit Puppet.

A profound sense of satisfaction spread through Ye Jingcheng.

"Uncle Xingshui, I am heading to Lingyun Peak now!" Ye Jingcheng announced.

However, Ye Jingcheng also observed that the puppet's vocalizations were notably stiff and lacked natural fluency. It was apparent that the Flying Puppet Technique came with its own set of considerable limitations.