System's Super Sect Chapter 991 925: Wen Ping Returns to Demon Emperor Lake
Previously on System's Super Sect...
Huaikong prepared to re-enter the aerial fray, aiming to aid the Sword Demon against the encroaching fire serpent. Yet, as the impulse struck, the serpent's abdomen was violently rent open by the Holy Light Blade Intent.
The tide of battle shifted once more!
Emerging without a blemish, the Sword Demon unleashed a torrent of Sword Qi, effectively neutralizing the descending Fire Rain.
Observing from a distance, Huaikong couldn't suppress his astonishment. "The Sword Demon wielded the Holy Light Blade Intent; within the Earth Unrestricted Upper Realm, he could contend with a Half-Step Celestial Unrestricted. That single strike could have flayed me alive, yet Elder Sword Demon broke free completely unharmed!"
After voicing his awe, Huaikong's gaze fell upon the three powerhouses from the Heaven-Gazing Tower, all of whom were in the Earth Unrestricted Upper Realm. They were now converging on his position!
An immediate thought formed in Huaikong's mind—to absorb them, thereby pushing his own cultivation to even greater heights.
Despite the escalating strength of his adversaries, his own rate of advancement was still insufficient.
He absolutely had to continue his consumption!
With a fierce roar, Huaikong surged towards the trio, akin to a famished man charging into a lavish feast.
Meanwhile, Celestial Traveler, witnessing the ineffectiveness of his assault, felt a surge of indignation mixed with bewilderment. Logically, his attack should not have been so feeble. Even if it weren't a killing blow, it ought to have at least subdued an opponent from the Upper Realm, shouldn't it?
If his attack wasn't inherently weak, then only one other explanation remained viable.
The Sword Demon possessed immense strength!
And his power was practically on par with a Half-Step Celestial Unrestricted!
This realization struck Celestial Traveler with surprise, for the existence of individuals like the Sword Demon was exceedingly rare. Within the entirety of Heaven-Gazing Gorge, perhaps only a handful could attain such a level.
"Intriguing," Celestial Traveler mused, now viewing the Sword Demon not merely as an opponent, but as a truly formidable adversary.
...
Demon Emperor Lake.
Having departed from Fa Yuan Valley, Wen Ping swiftly transported the Demon Pill to the Teleportation Array situated at Demon Emperor Lake.
The Wood Dragon had been recently stationed to guard the Nuwa Statue in the vicinity, engaging in cultivation alongside the Golden Dragon. Although the Golden Dragon's raw power lagged behind the Wood Dragon's, its bloodline was demonstrably superior.
Consequently, the Golden Dragon exhibited a more profound mastery of the Dragon Race's divine techniques compared to the Wood Dragon.
In pursuit of greater strength.
The Wood Dragon was prepared to set aside its pride and seek guidance!
Naturally, Wen Ping's visit to Demon Emperor Lake was not merely to deliver Demon Pills to the Wood Dragon and Huaikong; such an errand would not necessitate a journey to this specific location.
Wen Ping's primary objective was to identify and select candidates for dispatch to the Final Forbidden Area, for which he had already allocated specific openings.
A total of 100 slots were provisionally designated.
This action alone depleted 10,000 prestige points in an instant.
However, this was merely the prelude.
What Wen Ping truly intended to cultivate were those demons capable of enduring the trials of the Final Forbidden Area; they represented his core focus.
As for the likelihood of any of the 100 surviving the ordeal.
Wen Ping could not yet ascertain.
Nevertheless, should they emerge victorious and subsequently undergo Wen Ping's rigorous cultivation regimen, they would undoubtedly ascend to become incredibly potent Demon Gods.
Upon Wen Ping's arrival before the Nuwa Statue, both the Wood Dragon and the Golden Dragon abruptly ceased their cultivation states.
As the two dragons offered their greetings, Wen Ping took a moment to assess the Wood Dragon. Not bad. Having absorbed a substantial number of Demon Pills, its cultivation age now exceeded five centuries; further advancement would elevate it to the status of a quasi-Demon Ancestor.
"Sect Leader."
The Wood Dragon bowed with evident respect.
Wen Ping posed the question, "I present you with an opportunity; do you possess the courage to seize it?"
"Do you dare?"
The Wood Dragon's emerald brows knitted together in contemplation.
"Should you succeed, this can facilitate your return to the Demon Ancestor Realm, potentially even propelling you to the Demon Immortal level. However, a significant risk of failure accompanies it."
Wen Ping indicated his respect for the Wood Dragon's ultimate decision.
Should the Wood Dragon choose to embrace the peril, he would bestow upon it the Demon Immortal's Demon Pill. If the Wood Dragon declined the offer.
He would retain it for himself.
Wen Ping observed with satisfaction as the Wood Dragon seemed to disregard the latter clause detailing the risks, focusing instead on the potential rewards.
The Wood Dragon, utterring a delighted murmur, expressed its profound gratitude. "To return to the Demon Ancestor Realm, and even reach the Demon Immortal level… Thank you, Sect Leader!"
Wen Ping offered a nod of affirmation before retrieving the immense, crimson-golden Demon Pill from his Storage Ring, placing it deliberately before the Nuwa Statue.
An overwhelming wave of potent and pure Demon Power instantly permeated the surroundings.
The Golden Dragon, Ao Li, found its expression frozen in place. The Wood Dragon's countenance likewise became rigid.
"Such a colossal Demon Pill, and possessing a crimson-golden hue! I can sense its cultivation is at least five to six hundred years old. If I manage to fully refine it, I am certain I can ascend to the Demon Immortal level."
The Wood Dragon's features radiated sheer jubilation.
Wen Ping nodded and continued, "This Demon Pill originates from a Demon Immortal, and it contains the cultivation, will, and aura of such a being. By consuming it, your body will absorb these aspects of a Demon Immortal. Consequently, when the 600-year Thunder Tribulation manifests, the presence of this Demon Immortal will and aura within you will transform it, making it not merely a standard Thunder Tribulation, but the formidable Demon Immortal Thunder Tribulation equivalent to the 900-year mark!"
The Wood Dragon remained frozen, a sudden understanding dawning upon him.
He now grasped why the Sect Leader had posed the question of his courage.
Observing the Wood Dragon's silence, Wen Ping pressed on, "Even if you manage to survive the initial tribulation, another even more terrifying trial awaits you at the 900-year milestone. Ponder this carefully."
After delivering his counsel, Wen Ping put away the Demon Pill and watched as the Wood Dragon suddenly bowed with resolute determination.
"Sect Leader, I accept the pill!"
An opportunity presented by a Demon Immortal.
A chance too valuable to let slip away.
Despite the inherent dangers, its allure was undeniably potent.
"If you have made your decision, then consume it," Wen Ping stated, retrieving the Demon Pill once more.
The Wood Dragon promptly shifted into his dragon form, swallowed the pill in a single gulp, and then reverted to his human guise before Wen Ping.
"Continue your cultivation," Wen Ping instructed.
Since the Wood Dragon had committed to his path, Wen Ping had no further words to offer.
The outcome now rested on the Wood Dragon's own fortune.
The system had indicated a certain probability of the Wood Dragon successfully enduring the Thunder Tribulation, alleviating Wen Ping's immediate concerns.
Should the moment arrive when the Wood Dragon faltered, the Sect's grand formation could still be employed to aid him in withstanding the trial.
"Thank you, Sect Leader," the Wood Dragon offered another respectful bow.
Wen Ping then turned to Ao Li, issuing an instruction: "Ao Li, relay a message to all Demon Race demon kings who are not currently engaged in the Heaven and Earth Lake battle. Specifically, those whose power matches that of the Upper Realm of Mountain Suppression should assemble here."
Based on the data Wen Ping had reviewed, the Demon Race currently commanded a force exceeding 30,000 demon kings.
This represented more than a tenfold increase compared to their previous numbers.
Excluding those involved in the conflict within the Heaven and Earth Lake, there were at least five to six hundred demon kings residing in the Upper Realm of Mountain Suppression.
Within half a day, these five to six hundred demon kings had converged at the Nuwa Statue.
They regarded Wen Ping's summons as a divine edict,
daring not to exhibit even the slightest hint of negligence.
To them, the transcendent Sect Leader was akin to a deity of the Demon Race, held in the highest esteem.
At this juncture, Wen Ping surveyed the assembled five to six hundred demon kings and declared, "Those whom I have summoned, please step forward."
This time, Wen Ping did not solicit their opinions to determine their assignment to the Final Forbidden Area.
In Wen Ping's judgment, this was a necessary price for the Demon Race to pay.
Should the Demon Race aspire to greater strength, they were obligated to accept such costs.
A life of comfortable cultivation would only lead to regret and a stark realization of their inadequacy when confronted by formidable adversaries in the future."