Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1055 - 736: True Monarchs’ Summit, Moon Lake Seizes the Array
Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
Cyan Crow Islands, the city of Cyan Crow.
This is the largest island situated near the Celestial Horse Sea Domain within the Cyan Crow Islands chain.
Presently, the island is fortified with city walls soaring a hundred feet high, punctuated by innumerable beacon towers.
A Fifth Tier Array envelops the entire island, establishing it as the sea domain's secondary defense, directly confronting the Celestial Horse Pass across the vast expanse of water.
Upon the city ramparts, the cultivators who once stood guard at the Celestial Horse Pass have been replaced.
They still possess a semblance of passion, their gazes often drifting towards the sea domain with lingering longing. However, a closer examination reveals a subtle difference in some cultivators' expressions.
Observing their eyes intently unveils a complete absence of the will to fight anew; these are the battle-weary survivors from the recent beast tide.
Years of enduring the onslaught of beast tides have transformed their initial eagerness for spirit beast corpses and inner cores into a profound numbness.
For them, merely escaping with their lives is considered a stroke of good fortune.
After all, cultivators dedicate themselves to their path in pursuit of longevity, and facing Flood Dragons is a truly life-threatening ordeal.
In light of this, a cautious approach seems wiser; ordinary qi cultivators can anticipate reaching 120 years of age, while those in the Foundation Establishment stage can aspire to live up to 250 years.
Consequently, their sole hope is that the Four Great Sects refrain from stirring further conflict and that the Flood Dragons will eventually recede.
Xu Changqing arrived from a distance, his trajectory aimed towards the grand hall situated atop the city walls.
His present demeanor, marked by palpable eagerness, naturally piqued the curiosity of the city's cultivators.
Such a degree of urgency is indeed a rare sight within Cyan Crow City.
"Which True Monarch is on duty today?" Xu Changqing directly inquired of the Late Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator positioned in the center.
"Elder Xu, this month, the rotational duty falls to True Monarch Celestial Water of the Celestial Water Sect!" These Foundation Establishment cultivators, understandingly, did not dare to defy Xu Changqing; even those with significant backing tended to maintain a low profile before elders of superior cultivation.
"Excellent!" Xu Changqing gave a nod of approval. Currently, within Cyan Jade City, a minimum of two Nascent Soul True Monarchs are assigned to duty, ostensibly to guard against potential incursions and territorial reclamation by the Flood Dragon Race.
While these beast tides are not always directed at specific locations, they view humans as valuable elixirs, particularly body cultivators who are highly coveted by Flood Dragons and Chenjing alike.
This intense desire has led to body cultivators adopting the practice of wearing Spirit-Blocking Robes during beast tide engagements, refraining from venturing too deep into the fray.
Xu Changqing swiftly entered the great hall, his destination the meeting chamber of True Monarch Celestial Water.
However, to his surprise, all four True Monarchs were present: True Monarch Celestial Water from the Celestial Water Sect, True Monarch Chi Shan from Haoyang Daoist Temple, True Monarch Xuri from the East Heaven Sect, and True Monarch Wanshui from the Sea-controlling Sect.
Among this distinguished group, True Monarch Wanshui stands out as a rare Flood Dragon True Monarch, possessing a Flood Dragon under his command that has achieved the status of Demon King.
Consequently, True Monarch Wanshui commands considerable renown throughout the eastern sea region.
Moreover, he serves as a figure of admiration and emulation for a multitude of cultivators.
Standing before the four True Monarchs was also Yu Xiaoqi, a representative from the Jade Cloud Yu Family.
"Are you here to report on the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea?" The inquiry originated from True Monarch Celestial Water.
Xu Changqing affirmed with a nod, a sense of foreboding washing over him that any initial discoveries might have already been claimed.
"Is it true that a Secret Treasure has materialized within the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea?" True Monarch Celestial Water pressed further.
This question immediately left Xu Changqing in a state of disbelief.
"Oh..."
"Reporting to True Monarch, that is not the case. This time, it concerns the emergence of a Demon Saint within the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea!" Xu Changqing sensed an opportune moment presenting itself.
He recognized that Yu Xiaoqi's report, however significant, could not possibly match the impact of his own.
With newfound resolve, he commenced his vivid account.
"Oh!" At this precise moment, not only True Monarch Celestial Water but also the other three True Monarchs exhibited heightened interest.
Were it merely a Secret Treasure, they might harbor desires for it, but would hesitate to risk breaching the Celestial Horse Pass.
However, the prospect of an Evil Flood Dragon from the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea ascending to the rank of Demon Saint presented a far graver situation.
In such a scenario, it would be imperative to alert the Penglai Immortal Sect, as their intervention would likely lead to the breaching of the Celestial Horse Pass in mere moments.
"Reporting to True Monarch, this news was conveyed by two cultivators from Celestial Cloud Islands. They were situated in the Secret Realm where my junior family member Xu Xiuyuan is. Previously, they had been concealed near the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea Realm. However, when their secret realm was discovered, they managed to flee and subsequently witnessed the immense phenomenon unfolding over the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea, a sight where even pythons could only linger at the periphery!" Xu Changqing elaborated.
The four True Monarchs acknowledged his report with nods.
"The cultivators affiliated with Yu Xiaoqi’s faction observed a multitude of cultivators converging towards the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea, which hints at the potential presence of a Secret Treasure. This aligns with our findings, though there might be slight temporal discrepancies!"
"From this, it is plausible that the Celestial Flood Dragon Sea is on the verge of achieving Demon Saint level. I shall present this critical matter to the Penglai Immortal Sect. Xuri Daoist, you are hereby tasked with summoning all Nascent Soul cultivators from the Eastern Domain for a counter-offensive. You will oversee this operation. In the interim, announce a Tier Five Auction to be conducted at Celestial Horse Pass in six months!"
"This event is sure to draw a significant number of cultivators from the East Sea!"
"The Celestial Flood Dragon Sea stands apart from other Demon Races; should they desire to descend upon the continent, they possess the capability to do so. Consequently, this situation demands the utmost attention from our Four Sects!" stated True Monarch Wanshui.
"Friends Xu and Yu, your contributions have been noted. Once this matter is satisfactorily resolved, our Four Sects will lend our aid in reinstating the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain!" added Celestial Water True Monarch.
Upon hearing these assurances, Xu Changqing and Yu Xiaoqi were filled with elation.
After all, if the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain were to be restored, they harbored doubts that their families could maintain their standing among the island powers.
With such a substantial investment of Nascent Soul powers in the East Sea, the future Cyan Cloud Sea Domain would inevitably find itself subordinate to these influential forces.
Securing the pledge from the Four Great Sects represented a highly advantageous outcome!
...
Within the Yin Shark Abyss, inside the Scroll Space.
At this very moment, Ye Xingliu, Ye Xingmu, and An Yuhuai had all returned to this location.
Accompanying them were approximately forty to fifty cultivators.
Among this group were individuals like Xu Xiuyuan from the Xu Family, alongside other cultivators, while the remaining group comprised members from a smaller faction of the Yu family.
Within the Yu family contingent, a team was led by Ye Xingfen, another cultivator from the Ye Family who had reached the Hidden Peak Foundation Establishment Peak.
Furthermore, their expedition yielded considerable spoils. This remnant contingent of the Yu family originated from an ore vein. They had been ambushed by demon beasts during a beast tide and subsequently sought refuge within a Tier One and Two Secret Realm.
"According to the latest intelligence received, the Four Sects have reacted with considerable force!" Ye Xingliu announced.
He was in possession of the Ten Thousand Miles Jade; at that moment, Xu Changqing of the Xu Family was continuously dispatching messages to him.
Desperate to acquire further information.
Ye Xingliu surmised that the other party had already inferred that an incident had befallen the Xu Family.
However, it appeared that the other party intended to leverage this information to secure additional advantages, showing no concern for the survival of Xu Xiuyuan.
"Indeed, our next course of action should be to relocate. We must proceed towards the Chiyun Islands, and it would be most prudent to find refuge within a Mini World!"
"Subsequently, we shall utilize the identities of these fifty individuals to depart. By that time, the business association associated with the Yu Family will have made arrangements to receive us!!" Ye Xuecang declared.
They could no longer afford to wait for the Tai Cang Turtle and Ye Jingcheng to arrive for their retrieval, necessitating their independent passage through Celestial Horse Pass.
Once their strategy was finalized, the assembled group of cultivators set off with great haste.
...
Deep within the Taihang Mountain Range, beside Half Moon Lake.
At this precise moment, a Thunder Roc descended, circling above the lake's surface. After completing three passes, it rapidly plummeted towards the Spirit Fish inhabiting the water.
Before long, it successfully captured a sizable Moon Scale Fish.
This particular species of Moon Scale Fish holds a notable reputation within the Cultivation Realm. While it may not rival the esteemed Black Mushroom Fish, its flavor is exceptionally delectable. Regular consumption not only replenishes a Body Cultivator's Blood Qi but also offers significant benefits for the cultivation of those with Water attribute affinities.
Having secured its catch, the Thunder Roc ascended and flew towards a distant mountain peak.
Ultimately, it alighted upon a tree situated on a secluded mountainside.
The Thunder Roc, being merely a Tier Two Peak specimen, commenced its meal with obvious relish.
After a considerable duration of nearly half an hour, the Thunder Roc emitted a contented burp, yet it was evident that it had not consumed its fill.
It then redirected its flight back towards Half Moon Lake.
It undertook three separate journeys. The initial excursion took it to the periphery of Half Moon Lake, the second to an island located at the lake's center, and the final trip saw it land near the remnants of a Teleportation Array.
On each occasion, it retrieved three Spirit Fish before returning to the desolate mountain.
Only after these repeated trips did it depart for a more distant destination.
As twilight began to descend, a beast tide surged into the Taihang Commandery, causing the Taihang Mountain Range to fall into an unusual silence.
Perched atop a mountain peak, Ye Jing Hu held a Spirit Disc, its surface reflecting the image of the colossal tree on the desolate mountain.
Nearby this ancient tree stood a Shadow Wood Puppet, which he intently monitored to confirm he wasn't being followed after leaving the Thunder Roc.
Considering that the majority of his clan was currently situated in the Desert Sea, any misstep was a luxury he could not afford.
His objective was to utilize the Spirit-Slaying Sword Secret Technique to reclaim the Teleportation Array.
He harbored a conviction that once the array was recovered and the family's latest directive was fulfilled, his state of mind would achieve a greater degree of perfection.
This critical undertaking naturally filled him with intense apprehension, leaving absolutely no room for error.
He also harbored concerns that the Teleportation Array might have sustained severe damage.
And he worried about the possibility of not being able to effect repairs in a timely manner.
Casting a glance at the setting sun, he deliberately delayed his departure, continuing to employ the Supreme Turtle Concealing Qi Technique.
He understood that maintaining composure was paramount at this juncture.
Time was not a pressing issue; in the ensuing days, the Thunder Roc was scheduled to visit Half Moon Lake every other day.
This was made possible because the Tier Three Great Demon that had once dominated Half Moon Lake had been vanquished by Ye Jingcheng. Even with a lingering presence of Silver Moon Pythons and Blood Moon Pythons, they served merely as sustenance for the Thunder Roc.
They offered, at best, a greater variety of prey.
After all, Ye Jing Hu's Thunder Roc had already undergone two significant advancements.
Distinct Lightning Spirit Patterns adorned its forehead, and it showed a nascent ability to gradually master a Breathing Technique.
This period of observation and preparation extended for more than half a month.
Finally, Ye Jing Hu deployed an Incarnation Puppet.
This was a Tier Two Spirit Puppet, and it positioned itself atop the Thunder Roc, embarking on another reconnaissance mission.
Once he received confirmation that all was clear, Ye Jing Hu silently made his way to Half Moon Lake under the cover of a moonless night.
He drew a deep breath before approaching the very spot from which Ye Jingcheng had departed using the Teleportation Array on that fateful day.
The Teleportation Array was in a state of severe disrepair.
Shocking claw marks marred its surface.
Fortunately, the most vital component, the Spatial Jade, remained undamaged.
It was evident that the Demon Saint had only intended to destroy the Teleportation Array and had not impaired the Spatial Jade.
Ye Jing Hu began to meticulously employ the Spirit-Slaying Sword.
Upon successfully collecting the Teleportation Array, a measure of relief washed over him.
Yet, he dared not linger, quickly making his escape towards the Taihang Mountain Range.
However, his destination was not the periphery but rather the Chixia Ridge, territory of the Three-eyed Demon King.
The Taihang Commandery teemed with dangerous Demon Beasts, and despite his respectable strength, he was not so audacious as to believe he could face every threat alone.
Nevertheless, within the domain of the Three-eyed Demon King, he could find sanctuary within the Blood Flame Crystal Ore.
Even the Divine Sense of a Demon Emperor could not penetrate the ore veins in that location.
His safety was assured, unless the Three-eyed Demon King chose to betray him, which would precipitate a crisis.
But given the existence of the Soul Contract, as long as Ye Jingcheng remained alive, betrayal was an impossibility.