Become a true immortal by emulating all demons.

Chapter 107 No Demons Arrive to Offer Congratulations

Yongzhou Pass, City Lord's Mansion.

Inside the high-walled compound, the silence was unsettling.

At this moment, the other two veteran captains, Zheng Qiao and Zheng Yu, who had led the captains and new recruits to explore the Demon Mountain, were ordered to return.

They sent men to guard the mansion at all costs.

Six courtyards were cleared out, with many empty rooms.

Then they herded the thirty-odd new recruits who had fled back in a sorry state inside.

"call."

Zheng Qiao came out of the house and immediately stepped into the next room.

Beside the courtyard wall, many demon-slaying officers stood silently, their expressions showing a hint of worry.

The situation had become so dire that even the new recruits had to be separated from each other and interrogated individually.

After a long while.

The Zheng brothers finally emerged from the courtyard and said coldly, "Keep a close watch. Don't allow anyone to step out of the house. Prevent any collusion!"

After leaving their instructions, the two hurried to the front hall.

Yu Duchuan sat in the main seat, with many disciples to his lower left and Xu Zhonglin, a lieutenant general, at the head of the table to his right.

"Reporting back to the lieutenant, all thirty-four men have been interrogated, and their testimonies are largely consistent, so they should be true."

"Gong Yue did not follow your instructions to gradually investigate the outer perimeter. Instead, he planned to use that newcomer named Chang Yi to lure out the little demon. Therefore, he severely injured him and hung him on a treetop, and then scattered the newcomer's blood essence throughout the valley..."

At this point, Zheng Qiao explained, "This newcomer has a relative who was once a disciple of the Chen family but fell into demonhood. He was at the early stage of Foundation Establishment and fled towards the border two months ago, and there has been no news of him since."

"..."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of many disciples became quite strange.

Even Yu Duchuan looked at him with a slightly strange expression.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with this method; after all, the more effort the Demon Slayer Division put in, the greater his chances of advancement.

The problem is, Yongzhou is so vast, what good is a message from two months ago?

That little demon may have died outside long ago, or it may have been lucky enough to escape the border and go to Da Shun.

Even if it were to remain within this demon mountain, it, being merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, would most likely flee at the mere sight of the Demon Slayer Division upon hearing of their arrival.

Which demon doesn't have a few relatives in the mortal world?

The moment it was reduced to a demon, even its closest relatives wanted to take it to the Demon Slayer Bureau for a reward.

Those cold-hearted demons wouldn't believe in so-called family ties.

Gong Yue, driven by a mere sliver of a chance, ruthlessly attacked his subordinates, clearly driven mad by his desire for promotion.

"Gong Yue really just wanted to give it a try, so he also arranged for the other newcomers to go searching for demons in the mountains as usual."

Zheng Qiao gave a wry smile and quickly recounted what happened next: "They rashly ventured into the deep mountains, alarming the Moon-Eating Demon General. That demon not only killed all the captains but also left their corpses hanging on the new recruits, along with a letter."

As he spoke, he stepped forward and handed the blood-stained envelope to the lieutenant.

Xu Zhonglin exuded a chilling aura, his expression devoid of joy or sorrow. He reached out, took the envelope, unfolded it, and coldly examined it.

"Keep the rotten fish and shrimp for yourself."

"Give me something substantial, I'm starving!"

The handwriting was smeared with the captain's blood. It consisted of only two short sentences, but it was filled with undisguised contempt!

Veins bulged on Xu Zhonglin's forehead instantly, and a mocking, arrogant face almost appeared in his mind.

"What is it? Let me see it too." Yu Duchuan glanced at it curiously.

"This is just the nonsense of an ignorant beast; do not sully the eyes of the mountain god."

The lieutenant slowly crushed the letter, his eyelids drooping as he tried his best to suppress the raging fury in his eyes.

Since joining the Demon Slayer Division, he has risen to the position of Lieutenant General. Every demon who sees him loses its soul in fear.

When had Xu Zhonglin ever been treated like this?

Moreover, it's one thing that Gong Yue died, but that Xuan Turtle Armor was borrowed from the Demon Slayer Division.

The original plan was to wait until he had accumulated enough merits and returned to Yongzhou so that he could naturally exchange them for this item, and no one would care about the issue of misappropriation in advance.

Now this superior magical artifact has been lost.

Xu Zhonglin was already extremely anxious, and this monster dared to come and provoke him so recklessly that his anger surged in his chest!

But at this moment.

He could only swallow his anger.

Without gathering enough information, recklessly venturing into the vast demon mountain will only lead to the same fate as that fool Gong Yue.

"There's one more thing."

Zheng Qiao hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and said softly, "When I was interrogating them just now, I found that their morale was somewhat low."

Gong Yue's actions were not really a big problem.

Because within the Demon Slayer Division, there are multiple ways to control subordinates, and it is not necessary for subordinates to be completely loyal.

You can lure them with benefits, or intimidate them with fear, but only…

You can't appear stupid in front of your subordinates!

If Gong Yue manages to capture the demon.

Even if it has nothing to do with Chang Yi, it can still leave the new recruits with the impression of being confident and in control of everything.

It's enough to let people know that following him means they can eat meat.

But he was killed by the demon, so his previous behavior towards Chang Yi can only be described as extremely foolish!

These dozens of new recruits were nothing to the Demon Slayer Division, but they were all part of General Xu's future team.

Moreover, if this matter were to reach Yongzhou, it would affect the image of the lieutenant general in the eyes of the other new recruits.

"Uniting hearts and minds, a resounding victory is enough."

Xu Zhonglin slowly stood up: "You all go and investigate again. That demon is so arrogant, it must have left traces where it left off."

He turned around and said fiercely, "Let this Moon-devouring beast be the greatest contributor to our demon-slaying mission!"

"Heh."

Upon hearing this, a strange expression crossed Zheng Qiao's face, and he slowly took out a jade gourd: "That new recruit Chang Yi has the same idea as you."

During the interrogation, when this matter was mentioned, the other newcomers all looked on with envy and jealousy, thinking that this kid had stepped in dog poop.

But the other party had just suffered such treatment and was encountering a demon attack for the first time. Yet he was still able to remain calm and remember the experience passed down by his predecessors. It cannot be simply attributed to good luck.

"However, this boy is still too young. He was holding up this gourd and excitedly shouting to the crowd that he was going to be promoted to captain."

Zheng Qiao smiled helplessly.

Whether there are rewards or promotions is up to the lieutenant.

How could you announce it so early? It would inevitably give your superiors the feeling that you were trying to take credit for something.

"..."

Xu Zhonglin stared at the demonic aura emanating from the gourd, a sinister glint gradually appearing on his lips.

He recalled the provocation on the letter he had just received.

His five fingers slowly clenched together, as if he wanted to crush the arrogant head in his mind.

"Why not? With my magnanimity, can I not even tolerate the naive words of a junior?"

The lieutenant narrowed his eyes, taking the opportunity to distance himself from what Gong Yue had done: "This boy has made meritorious contributions in finding demons. I will not only promote him to captain, but also bestow upon him ten bottles of Foundation Establishment Elixir and a low-grade magic weapon."

"No need for pretense, just pass the order down so all the new recruits see it, and use it to motivate them!"

After saying that, Xu Zhonglin reached out and took the Qi-inducing gourd.

He felt the coldness in his palms, a mocking glint in his eyes.

You beast, your tail is finally showing!

……

Vast mountains, with the azure peak on the left.

There was no luxurious mansion, only a dozen or so thatched huts.

Lin Shu leaned wearily against a towering rock, enjoying the mountain breeze and gazing into the distance.

Holding two hundred and thirty taels of evil silver not only replenished the Filthy Moon Wolf Lord's energy reserves, but also made his magical power even more powerful, steadily climbing towards the mid-stage of Core Formation.

As the giant wolf devoured the black light...

He returned to that desolate place where the crimson moon and black flames intertwined.

[Eighth Grade of Core Formation. Taiyin Blood Illumination: Perfected]

The proficiency of this immortal technique rapidly soared from beginner to mastery.

The quality standards are also beginning to loosen.

He broke through from the eighth rank to the seventh rank, and then began to strive for the middle third rank.

"Even within the lowest three ranks, is it really necessary to spend a hundred taels of silver to pass a single hurdle?"

"That probably isn't enough."

[Seventh Grade Core Formation. Taiyin Blood Illumination: Perfected]

Lin Shu processed the information in her mind and stopped feeding it in.

Aside from this immortal technique, due to the rapid advancement of Yu Sheng's foundation, the Body Tempering Technique is also gradually receiving feedback, and has already stepped into a new realm from its original ninth-grade mastery.

[Eighth Grade Core Formation. Mad Lion Blood Burning Technique: Perfected]

Looking at the remaining eighty-odd taels of silver, Lin Shu simply summoned the wisp of snake-like black energy again.

Even if it doesn't improve the quality, it can at least improve proficiency.

[Eighth Grade Core Formation. Netherworld Cold Miasma Thunder: Beginner Level]

Another forty taels of silver were thrown down, and the message changed.

[Eighth Grade Core Formation. Netherworld Cold Miasma Thunder: Perfected]

These three immortal techniques involve the soul, the Dao, and body tempering, respectively, covering a very wide range.

These are all extremely powerful techniques used in the early stages of Core Formation.

In addition, they can borrow the magic power of the Filthy Moon Wolf Lord and the terrifying speed brought by riding the wind to patrol the mountains.

Lin Shu felt that even if he faced a proper mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, he should have a good chance of winning if the opponent didn't have many tricks up their sleeve.

"It's not safe enough."

He turned his gaze back to the forty taels of silver in front of him, and suddenly remembered something else.

Now that we are in the Demon Mountain, there is no need to hide many things anymore.

In an instant, two streaks of light appeared in front of him.

A dark sword bracelet, and an ancient tortoise shell.

These two high-grade magic artifacts were the most valuable things he possessed.

Lin Shu turned her gaze to the former.

When I left Blackwater City, I sensed that this object was faintly developing a spiritual nature and showed signs of becoming a magical artifact.

It had absorbed the malevolent energy of Blackwater City for ten years, and was only one breath away from truly overcoming it.

However, at that time, he was short of money and his own cultivation level was too low to truly control this thing.

Now that I have the support of the Filthy Moon Wolf Lord's magic and happen to have some spare money, I might as well give it a try.

"Come!"

Lin Shu slightly extended her palm and grasped it in her hand.

In this way, the breath-concealing effect of the "Celestial Root" can also be slightly shared with it.

As a dense black light was injected into it.

The sword bracelet suddenly began to buzz violently.

It is inherently a violent thing, which fits the nature of bad money, and the two complement each other.

Roar!

Amidst the deep roar of the dragon, the two jet-black gems on the bracelet, representing the eyes, gradually lit up.

It seemed to come alive; it was clearly an object, yet it gradually acquired a spirit.

At the same time, a rich and unique aroma began to spread in all directions.

When treasures appear in the world, they will naturally attract covetousness!

Fortunately, Lin Shu held the sword bracelet in her hand, and although some of its energy was still leaking out, it was only a very small amount.

"..."

At the foot of Qingming Right Peak.

Beside the scorching furnace, many laborers were enthusiastically hammering refined iron.

It's the same physically demanding work, but they are clearly much more motivated right now.

Being used as a consumable to exchange for Blood Spirit Stones is completely different from personally participating in the creation of a mid-grade magic weapon.

If this magical artifact is completed, they can at least be called artifact-making masters.

"Lord Qingming, it's become a piece again!"

"You've worked hard. Go and rest. There's a feast in the mountains today, so you can take this opportunity to nourish yourselves."

The beautiful woman did not turn around. She rolled up her sleeves and focused intently on hammering the cold iron.

The slender waist paired with the heavy iron hammer creates a strange and inexplicable beauty.

The fact that the lesser demons of Qingming Mountain have such a complete set of magical artifacts is all thanks to her handcrafting.

"real?"

The laborers were pleasantly surprised. Although the Demon Mountain was beautiful, it was still poor in resources.

They did miss the braised pork knuckle from Manager Lin's restaurant.

As everyone left in an orderly fashion.

"Um?"

The Azure Demon General's arm suddenly froze, and the heavy iron hammer hung in mid-air.

She reached up to wipe the sweat from her forehead and looked around blankly.

Immediately afterwards, surprise gradually appeared in those watery eyes.

She actually smelled a trace of a magical artifact!

As a demon general in the late stage of Core Formation, she wouldn't be so easily flustered by a low-grade magic weapon.

Although this item is precious, she had once received one from the Demon Lord for self-defense.

What truly shocked the Azure Nether Demon General was that this aura had just been born!

Someone is trying to forge magical artifacts!

She stared intently at the sky, holding her breath, as if she were the one refining the weapon.

But as time passed, that aura gradually faded away, and it no longer shone with a dazzling light that illuminated the mountains.

"Did it fail?"

The beautiful woman was slightly disappointed.

But soon, she licked her lips, still feeling a strong urge to lick them.

Such a faint scent must have come from a great distance.

Unfortunately, I have important business to attend to today, otherwise I would have personally gone to seek out that unknown demon general and ask him for advice.

"Never mind, he's probably not in a good mood right now. Let's try to find out again in a few days."

The Azure Nether Demon General summoned several lesser demons: "Go to the left peak and invite the Moon Devouring Demon General. I have already informed the Demon Mountain that I would like all the demons to come and offer their congratulations."

When a new demon takes the lead, he must inform the other demon generals.

Only by working together could the demons manage to carve out a barely usable place in this wicked world.

"Yes, sir!"

The little demons turned around, their expressions somewhat complicated.

They had thought that the Moon Devouring Demon General, with his arrogant demeanor, might be able to draw the attention of the Demon Slayer Division, thus reducing the pressure on Lord Qingming.

But to my surprise, the demons moved into my own mountain.

Of course, this can't be blamed on them, since it was Lord Qingming who took the initiative to invite them.

But no matter what, after what happened last night, Qingming Mountain has now become a thorn in the side of the Demon Slayer Division, and even the first target that needs to be eliminated.

How can we not worry about them?

I just hope that the Moon-Eating Demon General can rest for a while and not provoke those fierce gods of the Demon-Slaying Division again.

……

It was noon.

The surrounding dozens of villages were bustling with activity, with banquets filling the open spaces.

Although there weren't any fancy dishes, at least there was plenty of wine and meat.

Meanwhile, in the tranquil cave halfway up the main peak.

Several wide tables were set up.

All the dishes were simple, rustic fare, and the wine jars were fragrant.

Rather than a grand banquet, it was more like a small get-together with friends and family.

However, the atmosphere inside the cave was somewhat awkward at this moment.

Xie Yutang sat down with the group of little demons, but no one touched their chopsticks; they all remained silent in their seats.

The monkey reluctantly picked up the wine glass, thought for a moment, then lowered its head and put it down again.

There were only two people sitting at the main table.

The Azure Nether Demon General served food to the young man: "Perhaps the situation is too tense lately, and they dare not make any rash moves. Let's not wait any longer."

These words were clearly meant to save face for Lin Shu.

Even Lu Yun, who had just stepped into the Demon Mountain, knew about it.

Even if the Demon Slayer Division were watching from the sidelines, if these infamous demon generals didn't even have the guts to come to the banquet, they might as well just disperse and stop fighting over this demon mountain.

"..."

Lin Shu was focused on picking out the braised meat.

The master and apprentice had a similar habit.

Eat properly and don't mix in too many other things.

Moreover, the Ink Dragon Sword Bracelet had successfully been upgraded to a magic weapon, greatly increasing its power. He was in a great mood at the moment and would not bother with a group of people he had never even met.

In the border region.

Face is something earned through hard work, not through clinking glasses.

"Oops, I'm late!"

Just then, a bald figure as tall and strong as a bear squeezed into the secluded cave.

He sat down at the main table, taking up almost half of it.

"I, Jin Xiong, first offer this jar of congratulations to the Moon-Devouring Demon General!"

After saying that, the burly man picked up the wine jar and started gulping it down.

"Another jar of congratulations!"

Jin Xiong let out a burp, reached for another jar of wine, and gulped it down.

"Congratulations again..."

He reached for the jar again, but was helplessly pushed away by the Azure Nether Demon General with a wave of his sleeve: "I see you're empty-handed, it doesn't look like you've come to offer congratulations, it looks like you've come specifically to ruin my spirit wine."

"hey-hey."

Jin Xiong chuckled twice, then looked around.

His gaze fell on the young man's face, his expression becoming slightly more serious, and he said slowly, "Don't blame me. After all, you are different from us. They all bear the lives of many on their shoulders. This world is too dangerous, and we dare not relax."

It's true that you can also get a discount on drinks.

But the Golden Bear did indeed deliver a message on behalf of the demon generals.

The reason no demons came to offer their congratulations today was not to intimidate Shiyue, but because they did not trust him.

"..."

Xie Yutang slowly raised her head and finally understood the reason for this.

Even though Lord Lin carried the flag, he was still a cultivator at heart and had no demonic energy in his body, so he had no natural reason to fight against the immortals.

With the Demon Slayer Division leading the way, who can guarantee that those constables weren't deliberately sacrificing a Core Formation Captain and then using the opportunity to send in a spy, intending to wipe out all the mountain demons in one fell swoop?

That's the logic.

but.

Lord Lin has already taken action against the Immortal Descendants and the Demon Slaying Division. If he fails to please both sides, wouldn't he be in an even more precarious situation than the demons themselves?

All the lesser demons stood up, wanting to speak in their defense.

Just then.

Lin Shu finally put down her chopsticks, casually picked up a jar of spirit wine, and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Shall we offer our congratulations again?"

Upon hearing this, the Golden Bear Demon General was stunned for a moment.

There was no sign of frustration or anger on the young man's face.

The other party did not speak vehemently or seem eager to prove themselves.

The young man didn't seem to care whether the demons believed him or not, and casually opened the mud seal.

It's fine if you don't come, but if you do come, we can have a drink together.

Such magnanimity truly makes it feel inferior.

"Of course we should congratulate them!"

The bald, burly man suddenly burst into hearty laughter: "Brother, you are so generous. No matter what others think, I, Jin Xiong, acknowledge you as my demon general. If you have time in the future, please come and visit my Wanxiong Mountain."

"..."

The Azure Nether Demon General sat quietly to the side, glancing at the handsome young man with a hint of surprise.

Lin Shu is young and has just entered the Demon Mountain, yet she is able to act so calmly and confidently, completely unaffected by external factors.

That's a bit too sophisticated.

My previous worries now seem somewhat unnecessary.

"call."

Lin Shu put down the wine jar and wiped her lips.

In her mind, she heard Yu Sheng's curious voice: "Lin Shu, that dark-skinned guy you asked me to keep an eye on seems to have gotten a promotion! He's so proud of himself!"

He let out a long sigh and slowly stood up.

"Let's go, it's time to get things done."

The young man straightened his clothes and strolled out of the cave.

Upon hearing this, the little demons, who hadn't touched a single bite of food, quickly got up and followed.

Only the two demon generals, Qingming and Jinxiong, remained, their expressions slightly blank, watching the demons depart.

work……

The enemy just killed so many captains last night.

At such a tense moment.

What else can be done?