Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1071 - 751: Celestial Crow Ancient Tree, Bai and Qing’s Secret Plot

In the vast expanse of the Desert Sea, within the Black Crow Forbidden Land, ancient trees pierced the desolate landscape. Their leaves, as black as iron umbrellas, cast broad shadows, emitting a dense, dark light. These towering giants were known throughout the Cultivation Realm as Celestial Crow Ancient Trees, famed for their immense stature and the distinctive black light they radiated, appearing like dark mountains visible for countless miles. These trees were also identified as Tier Three Fire Attribute Spirit Wood.

High among their canopies, several colossal nests blazed with thick, black flames—home to the Black Crows. Amidst the sunlight, a Tier Four Spirit Puppet descended rapidly towards this forbidden territory.

This advanced Flying Puppet was under the control of Ye Jingcheng, who had ventured to the Black Crow Forbidden Land after departing the Shuize World. His objectives were twofold: to ascertain the existence of a teleportation array within the Black Crow Forbidden Land and to gauge the formidable strength of the local Black Crows.

Naturally, deploying his true form presented significant risks, making the use of a Flying Puppet Skill a far more prudent strategy. Furthermore, this skill could be augmented with Divine Sense, ensuring a considerable range of perception, nearly on par with his own senses. The only substantial concern was the potential destruction of the Tier Four Flying Puppet.

After over a fortnight of meticulous observation, Ye Jingcheng finally identified an opportune moment. He noticed that the Black Crows periodically migrated from the desert into the remote mountains in search of sustenance. He seized this window of opportunity to infiltrate the area.

The Flying Puppet, moving with fluid grace, entered the forbidden zone, which proved to be considerably less volatile than the Forbidden Land of Fallen Souls. It soon landed without incident beneath the imposing Celestial Crow Ancient Trees.

These ancient trees were truly colossal, far grander than their distant appearance suggested. It would require approximately twenty to thirty individuals to circle merely one of these trees, whose bark was intricately etched with luminous, black Spirit Patterns.

Ye Jingcheng extended his Divine Sense, first surveying the immediate vicinity of the forbidden zone for any sign of a teleportation array. Finding none, he then directed his focus towards the nests nestled within the crowns of the Celestial Crow Ancient Trees. However, before he could probe the interior of a nest to search for young Black Crows, he detected a sudden, menacing shift.

Countless black branches transformed into gleaming golden spears, hurtling directly toward the Flying Puppet. "A Tier Four Wood Demon!" Ye Jingcheng exclaimed, a wave of surprise washing over him. In an instant, he grasped the reason behind the Black Crow Forbidden Land's notorious reputation. It was not merely the Black Crow Demon Kings that posed a threat, but also the presence of the Celestial Crow Ancient Wood Demon King. This surprising combination of Demon Beast Demon Kings and Wood Demon Kings was an encounter entirely new to Ye Jingcheng.

He realized that even a seasoned Golden Core Cultivator could potentially meet their demise within this perilous Black Crow Forbidden Land. The Flying Puppet, through a series of rapid and evasive maneuvers, narrowly escaped the onslaught. It immediately retreated from the confines of the forbidden zone.

Seizing the moment, Ye Jingcheng hardened his resolve and directed his Divine Sense into the nest with renewed intensity. Having been discovered, he saw no further need for excessive caution. As his Divine Sense permeated the nest, Ye Jingcheng finally gained sight of its interior.

The nest was cavernous, resembling a cultivator's mansion, and even surpassed such a dwelling in scale. Its construction was a masterful interweaving of Spirit Wood and Spirit Mud. Within its expanse, numerous beast bones were artfully incorporated, forming the integral skeletal structure of the nest. However, upon penetrating its depths, no Black Crow Eggs were found, nor were there any teleportation devices or spiritual treasures.

Unexpectedly, nestled within the black flames, lay rows of what resembled black gem-like cloud ears. These were not consumed by the fire but instead grew even more radiant under its intense heat. It became evident that the Black Flame served a dual purpose: not only to ward off other demon beast cultivators but also to nurture these precious cloud ears.

Shortly thereafter, a name surfaced in Ye Jingcheng's mind: Black Crow Flame Ear. This remarkable substance offered profound benefits to Fire Attribute Spirit Beasts and cultivators alike, functioning as a supreme restorative, comparable even to high-grade Spirit Fruit when consumed. The lowest quality of Black Crow Flame Ear was classified as a Tier Three High-Grade Spiritual Material.

The collection before him appeared considerably larger than any he had previously encountered, suggesting a significantly higher quality of Flame Ear present in this location. A quick assessment revealed hundreds of clusters, among which were six or seven clusters distinguished as Tier Four Giant Black Crow Flame Ear. It was now clear why these Black Crows remained so steadfastly in this location; they were actively utilizing the Spirit Mud and the Celestial Crow Ancient Trees to cultivate the Black Crow Flame Ears.

As Ye Jingcheng continued his careful examination, distant croaking sounds began to echo. The Celestial Crow Ancient Trees themselves seemed to stir with agitation as the Black Crow Demon Kings commenced their swift return. Gazing into the distance, he could discern a colossal dark cloud mass rapidly advancing towards their position. The four Celestial Crow Ancient Wood Demon Kings, meanwhile, grew increasingly apprehensive.

Afraid of being blamed by the Black Crow Demon Kings, they frantically attacked Ye Jingcheng’s Flying Puppet.

Their colossal forms granted them formidable roots and powerful vines.

The Wooden Spears they unleashed were heavy, swift, and numerous, like a dark downpour of immense power!

Yet, the Flying Puppet’s core strength lay in its sturdy build; with Ye Jingcheng enhancing it with a Spirit Armor Daoist Robe, its aggression became even more audacious!

It was fiercely making its way toward the edge of the forbidden zone, appearing capable of shattering the Wood Demons’ blockade.

Ye Jingcheng had no intention of lingering in this forbidden zone; his initial reconnaissance revealed the presence of five Demon Kings.

One amongst them was a Late Stage Fourth Tier Demon King, with two more at the Mid-stage Fourth Tier.

And there were two Early Stage Fourth Tier Demon Kings.

Additionally, seven or eight Tier Three Great Demons were present.

At this juncture, Ye Jingcheng was no match for them. Should he become entangled with these Wood Demons, escape would be improbable, and at the very least, the Flying Puppet would be lost.

The absence of the Zhang and Jia families previously was likely due to the overwhelming numbers and formidable combat power of these Demon Kings and Wood Demon Kings.

Furthermore, despite the Flying Puppet’s current valiant efforts, the profusion of roots gradually ensnared it, transforming it into a sizable trap!

Fortunately, from a distance, two brilliant golden beams pierced through, severing a multitude of roots instantly!

With countless vines scattering in the air, the Flying Puppet immediately surged forward, disappearing from the fringes of the Forbidden Land!

These two golden beams were, in fact, the Golden Glaze Sword and the Beheading Saber, unleashed by Ye Jingcheng. The former was a Tier Four Lower-Grade Magical Treasure, while the latter was a Tier Four Middle-Grade Magical Treasure.

Both were plundered from the Golden Core cultivators of the Zhang and Jia families.

Even though the Wood Demons harbored a desire to pursue, they were powerless once their quarry exited the Forbidden Land.

The Black Crow Demon Kings, each one, were also consumed by fury.

However, they too refrained from departing the Black Crow Forbidden Land.

They merely patrolled its perimeter, circling endlessly.

The outskirts immediately adjacent to the Forbidden Land erupted in Black Flame, causing the ambient temperature to surge once more.

...

Far off, concealed beneath a sand dune, Ye Jingcheng and the Flying Puppet rested opposite each other.

They were awaiting the retrieval of the Flying Puppet’s memories.

Ye Jingcheng released a prolonged sigh.

The absence of any teleportation array within the Forbidden Land was welcome news for the Ye Family.

His hurried exploration of the Forbidden Land earlier stemmed from a concern that teleportation arrays to the Central Domain or Eastern Domain might exist within the four Forbidden Lands. Such arrays would undoubtedly benefit the Ye Family.

However, they presented a double-edged sword, particularly when the Ye Family’s strength was still insufficient. A single misstep could be catastrophic.

At present, even a peak Golden Core cultivator arriving in the Desert Sea would be sufficient to plunge the Ye Family into immense difficulty.

Until the Ye Family’s Earth Dragon Demon King achieved its breakthrough, not a single mistake could be afforded!

Once the Earth Dragon successfully broke through, these Black Crow Demon Kings would inevitably submit, or face annihilation.

Consequently, the Black Crow Flame Ears would, in due course, become the property of the Ye Family.

Thus, Ye Jingcheng felt no urgency regarding those Flame Ears. Although they could significantly bolster the Red Flame Fox’s power at this moment, he was in no haste.

Moreover, if these Black Crows were somehow brought under contract, the Ye Family could then delve into researching the cultivation techniques for the Black Crow Flame Ear.

The Black Crow’s prolonged existence in this area, coupled with the abundance of Flame Ears, strongly suggested their ability to cultivate them.

At that point, the Ye Family might even refine the cultivation methods, thereby increasing the yield of Black Crow Flame Ear!

This would transform it into a long-term resource for the Ye Family, potentially yielding Tier Three and even Tier Four Spiritual Medicine.

Currently, the Ye Family possessed the Water Spirit Bead as its water-attribute treasure. If it also acquired the Black Crow Flame Ear for the fire attribute, future development would undoubtedly proceed more smoothly!

This reasoning explained why Ye Jingcheng, despite the possibility of seizing some Flame Ears now, had refrained from taking action.

He was wary of alerting the enemy prematurely.

Naturally, if the opportunity arose, Ye Jingcheng would also be inclined to introduce some Demon-enticing Grass into this Black Crow Forbidden Land.

The ideal outcome would be for these Black Crows to produce one or two Black Crow Eggs. This way, when the Ye Family ultimately harvested them, the yield would be considerably greater!

After careful consideration of all factors, Ye Jingcheng dissolved into the distant desert.

He was now proceeding directly towards the next Forbidden Land.

...

In the East Sea, within the Celestial Horse Sea Domain.

Unbroken waves relentlessly crashed upon the shore.

A multitude of Spiritual Ships and Spirit Shuttles are also making their way toward Celestial Horse Island. A significant portion of these cultivators consists of Loose Cultivators and those from smaller clans, all drawn by news of the auction and the major counteroffensive launched by the human race! With the backing of the Penglai Immortal Sect, everyone now believes that Celestial Horse Pass is a region abundant with opportunities. Beyond the auction, they also anticipate the chance to venture directly into the Outer Sea for Demon Hunting. Biyu Island serves as the sole passage between Celestial Horse Island and the Cyan Crow Islands. While not extensive in size, the entire island, when viewed from above, resembles a Jade-colored Spirit Fish. At the heart of the island, Biyu Mountain stands tall. Currently, four cultivators are gathered on the mountain's summit. They hold Spirit Discs in their hands, keenly observing their surroundings. Should Ye Xuecang be present, he would recognize these individuals as Master Xuanhu from the Cyan Spirit Trading Association and Bai Changsheng from the Bai Family. "Daoist Bai, by remaining here, do we truly expect to intercept the wicked from the Yun Family?" "Indeed, not only can we anticipate the Yun Family, but Master Huangquan of the Jade Return Sect is also likely to be hidden amongst the arriving crowds!" "Consequently, our focus should be solely on the Golden Core cultivators. They possess the ginseng roots, which is the condition your Elder Qing pledged to our Bai Family patriarch. Surely, Daoist, you do not fear a mere Master Huangquan?" Bai Changsheng couldn't resist a lighthearted tease. "Naturally not, it's simply that over the years in the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain, due to the absence of Nascent Soul cultivators, a considerable number of Golden Cores have been secretly nurtured. If some are lying in wait and become provoked, they might unite. I merely believe it would be more prudent to have our two families' patriarchs present at Celestial Horse Pass!" Master Xuanhu couldn't help but retort with a cold snort. "Celestial Horse Pass is unsuitable; it would alert the enemy. Only this location is appropriate. Besides, it involves merely the minor Jade and Xu Families; could they possibly dare to voice any objections?" Bai Changsheng gestured dismissively, clearly unconcerned. Upon acquiring the ginseng root, it would represent a significant merit. The fate of one or two individuals held no importance to him. Furthermore, if the Bai Family were to successfully cultivate the Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng in the future, he too might share in the considerable profits.