Jiang Han awakens to find herself and Wen Ling saved by Jue Mingzi, who is revealed to be Chen Nan. Jiang Han, embarrassed by her previous state, tries to hide her injuries, but Chen Nan assures her she will recover. Upon hearing about an impending war against the Demon Sect, Chen Nan decides to return. He then refines powerful healing pills and discovers that Demon Spirit Pills made from ape-type demons significantly speed up his cultivation of the "Demon Ape Form."
"To think I squandered so much time earlier!" Chen Nan's heart was filled with immense regret. Had he realized sooner that utilizing Demon Spirit Pills crafted from the same kind of beings could drastically enhance the Demon Clan aspect's cultivation speed, he would have acted upon it much earlier.
"However, discovering this now is not too late. When the impending war between the Righteous Path and the Demon Sect erupts, I must make my return." He possessed knowledge of the conflict's true nature; it was fundamentally a stratagem against the Demon Clan, and the Demon Spirit Pills derived from their fallen bodies proved exceptionally potent. The demise of more members of the Ape Clan would only be more advantageous.
Chen Nan promptly dedicated himself to cultivation. Days blurred into nights, and in what felt like an instant, a full month had elapsed. On this particular day, he found himself in his chamber, practicing the "Demon Ape Form." His body contorted into an unusual posture, stretching as if made of pliable dough. His countenance displayed signs of discomfort, perspiration beading on his skin as he maintained the peculiar pose for an extended duration before gradually shifting and retracting. At that precise moment, the "Demon Ape Form" manifested with innate ease, propelling him directly into the Minor Achievement Realm.
Chen Nan could distinctly feel every cell within his being erupting with jubilant energy; his physical form had undergone further strengthening. This enhanced physique offered him increased leverage as he prepared to engage in the forthcoming conflict between the righteous and demonic forces.
Having been in secluded cultivation for such an extended period, Chen Nan felt an urge to venture outside. Yet, upon opening his door, he was greeted by the sight of two female cultivators standing guard at the entrance. "Hmm?" he mused, wondering if his eyes deceived him. He closed the door and opened it once more; the two female cultivators remained in place, their gazes fixed upon him with an expression of profound reverence.
"Uh..." Chen Nan paused, then inquired, "Do you require something?" "Benefactor, we merely wished to ensure no one disturbed your cultivation," one woman promptly explained. The other, seemingly vying for his attention, added, "Indeed, Benefactor. Cultivation must be arduous, correct? Please wait here; we have prepared a gift for you." They gently guided Chen Nan into the courtyard, and one of them hurried away. Soon after, several women arrived, bearing meticulously prepared dishes into the courtyard. The food appeared exceptionally appetizing, its tantalizing aroma filling the air, a testament to the effort invested.
Had Chen Nan not firmly refused, they would have insisted on feeding him directly. This level of deference, akin to that shown to a rural emperor, left Chen Nan feeling rather helpless. "There is truly no need for such measures. Saving you previously was a simple act, and your well-being is more than enough repayment," he stated.
"Benefactor saved our lives; therefore, our lives are yours. Are you perhaps slighting us, Benefactor?" one woman asked, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes and streamed down her face. Chen Nan waved his hands repeatedly, exclaiming, "I did not imply that!" The woman's spirits instantly lifted. "Then, Benefactor, please savor the dishes we have prepared. We have been making these preparations since the day you returned." Chen Nan couldn't help but lick his lips, quickly sampling the food, which was, as expected, extraordinarily delicious.
Although cultivators do not strictly require sustenance, indulging in exquisite cuisine now and then offers a delightful sensory experience. Amidst the women's cheerful chatter and laughter, Chen Nan relished the delectable meal, finally anticipating the arrival of his disciple, Zhong Ling, to extricate him from the situation.
"Master!" "My good disciple, I sensed you had something important to discuss. Let us converse elsewhere," Chen Nan said, promptly rising. He offered a polite, apologetic smile to the female cultivators before quickly departing with Zhong Ling to a more secluded location.
The female cultivators began to whisper amongst themselves, "Did we perhaps overwhelm Benefactor?" "Mm, we should exercise greater gentleness in the future." Even after they had walked a considerable distance, Chen Nan could still faintly hear their voices, nearly causing him to stumble. It seemed Golden Sun Island might not be a frequent destination for him going forward; such overwhelming adoration could potentially disrupt his Dao Heart.
Zhong Ling covered her mouth discreetly, suppressing a giggle. "Master, it appears you are quite popular." "How dare you tease me? I see you are seeking a scolding," Chen Nan retorted, adopting a stern expression. "On a more serious note, what brings you here?"
Zhong Ling then remembered the critical matter at hand and quickly replied, "Master, it concerns the righteous-demonic war." "Before your seclusion, you instructed us to monitor this matter closely. We have confirmed that the Righteous Alliance has already declared war on the Demon Sect!" Chen Nan's eyebrows immediately shot up in surprise. "So soon? Excellent, it appears I must make an appearance."
Zhong Ling inquired with concern, "Master, Master Canglan is currently seeking you. Would returning not be akin to walking directly into a trap?" "Worry not, fortune favors the bold. If I truly find myself ensnared, I shall simply find a place to lie low; there will be no need for cultivation," Chen Nan declared, his eyes gleaming with a bright spark that Zhong Ling keenly observed.
She swiftly committed his words to memory.
"While I’m away, you must work hard to cultivate. Only with strong cultivation can you ensure safety, understand?"
Chen Nan provided Zhong Ling with numerous resources, a vast majority comprising talismans, spiritual artifacts, and elixir pills that he himself could no longer utilize.
Zhong Ling accepted his provisions without hesitation, well aware of the significant resource demands inherent in their sect's cultivation methods. She simply nodded to Chen Nan, assuring him, "Master, have no worries, I will cultivate diligently."
"Master, please take care of yourself. I will await your return to take me away."
"Alright."
One night, after bidding farewell to Jiang Han and Wen Ling, Chen Nan departed from Golden Sun Island. Concurrently, he employed the abilities of the Mountain and Sea Spirit Casting Record to drastically alter his appearance and physique.
Adopting a Daoist robe, he transformed into a somewhat portly Daoist, adopting the self-proclaimed title of "Divine Calculator."
This transformation was undertaken because he was assuming the appearance of the Divine Calculator.
"Brother Daoist, I beg your pardon."
Chen Nan swaggered towards a workshop situated far from Golden Sun Island, intending to gather intelligence. There, he learned that the Righteous Alliance was on the precipice of engaging in warfare with the Demon Sect and had already begun extending invitations to Righteous Alliance cultivators to join the fray.
Perceiving this as the most opportune moment to return to the Righteous Alliance, he decisively enrolled his name.
Within a mere span of a few days, an envoy from the Righteous Alliance arrived at the workshop. The envoy then escorted Chen Nan and other registered cultivators towards the battlefield.
Within the confines of the Flying Boat's cabin, Chen Nan was engaged in his cultivation. Suddenly, he perceived a subtle sensation and retrieved his Communication Jade Talisman, an item intended for communication with Tu Susu.
Extending his Divine Sense into the Jade Talisman, he established a connection, enabling discourse with Tu Susu across the void.
From Tu Susu, he received news of a profoundly shocking nature.
"The disciples under Master Canglan have all defected, joining the ranks of the enemy?"
It transpired that Yi Mingzi's demise at Chen Nan's hands had ignited resentment within Master Canglan. His disciples, seeking retribution but unable to locate Chen Nan, grew increasingly disillusioned. They felt the Righteous Alliance had treated them unjustly, believing their devoted service to the alliance had culminated in unfair circumstances.
Consequently, in a fit of rage, led by Master Canglan's foremost disciple, Guo Yun, the remaining six disciples secretly initiated contact with the Demon Sect. Their plan was to betray the Righteous Alliance during the impending righteous-demonic conflict.
Upon acquiring this crucial information, Tu Susu swiftly alerted Chen Nan, earnestly advising him to exercise extreme caution.
"Defected and sided with the enemy? How incredibly petty," Chen Nan remarked with a wry smile, shaking his head.
"However, this truly presents a perfect opportunity to eliminate them all!"
