Demon Sword Sect's Undercover-Chapter 535 - 534: Chu Sect Entourage

Hou Niao carried the little winged person on his back, running faster and faster, a pace incomparable to when he had previously burrowed through the earth.

During this process, it was also his best opportunity to come into contact with and sense the Earth Spirit Pearl.

The Five Elements were also his main cultivation technique. Considering the limitations of his realm, the knowledge he could acquire and his own exploration both required an exceptionally lengthy process.

Appropriate treasures would expedite this process, and in the Cultivation World of Jinxiu Continent, there was no treasure more fitting with the Five Elements Great Dao than the Earth Spirit Pearl; this was also why everyone coveted it so desperately.

He was lucky to have the chance to be in close contact for a while, but he did not know if, since fate had started this way, it might also bestow upon him the Golden Spirit Pearl, Wood Spirit Orb, Water Spirit Pearl, Fire Spirit Pearl, or even a Thunder Spirit Ball?

As his understanding deepened, his interaction with the Earth Spirit Pearl became increasingly intimate, to the point that he could even slightly use his own mana to fly, albeit reluctantly; however, he did not fly. It was better to keep some benefits to himself; showing off would only provoke envy and cause unnecessary complications, adding uncertainty to the fragile tacit understanding between them.

Without resting, just three days later, they arrived at the winged tribe’s camp, and the little winged person was finally safe.

He didn’t have to worry too much about the Earth Spirit Pearl being stolen. Along the way, the cultivators had come to understand that whoever sought it, owned it. Stealing was futile—they couldn’t carry it away or bear its weight; the levels of treasures from outer space were not something the cultivators of Jinxiu could fully understand.

The cultivators were not allowed to enter the camp, as that was the rule. Except for two traitors and one betrayed, they would stay here to help the winged people familiarize themselves with the applications of the Earth Spirit Pearl. It might be a monotonous task, but it could also be an opportunity, a chance, depending on one’s perceptiveness.

Xing Huan came over to say goodbye, "Uncle Niao, won’t you come in for a drink of our winged people’s unique Snow Dew beverage?"

Hou Niao looked at the radiant little winged person, "Not this time. I fear they might become jealous. Keep our secret safe, and surely there will come a day for our reunion."

Watching the four people head towards the camp, one winged person cheerful, the Daoist and the Sword Cultivator unhesitant, the monk reluctantly looking back every three steps...

The remaining four bade each other farewell. The mission was not completely successful, but it was still acceptable to them and had forged some personal connections. For everyone involved, making more capable friends was always beneficial.

...Hou Niao chose a rather remote route and set off at a brisk pace, yet he still couldn’t escape the interception of someone with intention.

"Why are you running? Have you done something guilty?" Tan Xiao appeared before him. It had been decades since the last Shanyin Ghost Festival, and this fellow had now transformed into a True Disciple of the Chu Sect, making quite a good life for himself.

Hou Niao was carefree, "I want to, I just feel unlucky seeing you!"

Tan Xiao led the way, "Then let’s go, it’s time for you to fulfill your promise."

Hou Niao sighed. There was no escape; having promised, he had to face it eventually.

"Your master is also peculiar. Couldn’t he convey whatever it is through you? Must he make me run this errand and waste my time?"

Tan Xiao scoffed, "If you tell me, it will inevitably be half-truths and half-lies. But you probably wouldn’t dare in front of my master. It’s just going a bit out of the way. How much time can it really delay?"

The two flew out of the Yaoguang Mountain Range and hurried along their journey. It was the third time they walked side by side, which was quite a fateful encounter in the Cultivation World. The first time had been at the Lizhi Sea, where both were playing the fool to deceive the tiger; the second time was between Yin and Yang. Now, they were soaring over the Continent, no longer the inexperienced cultivators they once were, each having established a certain status within their respective Daoist lineages.

Walking side by side, a disciple of the Daoist Sect and a follower of the Demon Sect looked somewhat peculiar together, yet this phenomenon was not that rare. Just as the Demon Sect spared no mercy in practicing the Heartless Dao, the Daoist Sect was far from uniform, divided between mainstream and non-mainstream factions. The Chu Sect, representing the latter, had always been a leader among the non-mainstream Daoist factions, symbolizing different ideals.

Ten days later, upon entering the Southeast region, the scenery changed dramatically. Gone was the vast expanse of the Northern lands, replaced by a thriving, lushly vibrant landscape. The Southeast was a treasure trove, undoubtedly the heart of the Jinxiu Continent’s Cultivation World.

The Southeast comprised four major Upper Countries: Qi, Zhou, Chu, Guo, and dozens of minor countries and small Daoist Sects. There was no foothold for the Demon Sect here, not even the Buddhist Sect. Describing it as solely dominated by the Daoist Sect would not be an exaggeration.

"Let’s not pass through Qi Country, especially Jianye. If something happens, you’ll have to ensure my safety," one said.

Tan Xiao responded indifferently, "It’s always you who causes trouble wherever you go. Qi Country is off-limits, and I guess Lian Country is also a no-go? Oh right, and Wu Country too. Keep this up, and someday, there won’t be a spot on this vast continent that welcomes you. Maybe you should leave Jinxiu Continent and head to the Universe,"

Hou Niao just chuckled, "Taking your blessing, why don’t you guys from the Chu Sect arrange a True Inheritor position for me?"

"Dream on, we barely have enough spots for ourselves, let alone a spare one for you. No wonder Shan Sect won’t give you the true transmission. With your attitude, no decent Daoist lineage would take you! But well..."

Tan Xiao looked at him meaningfully, "Though I do have a little suggestion for you, if you’re interested?"

Hou Niao burst out laughing, "My True Inheritance doesn’t need others’ charity. Just wait and see. One day, Hou Lord will have his share in the Spiritual Green beyond!"

The two did not delve further into the subject. Everyone has their pride, and unless absolutely necessary, no one wants to take shortcuts.

The Chu Sect was not located in a city. Due to its unique geographical advantages, the surroundings of Chu Country were enveloped by Dao Countries. The area was saturated with Cultivation energy, densely populated with cultivators and consequently, had scarce space for demons to thrive. The rare occurrences of demons posed no significant threat.

No type of demon longed to settle in places heavily imbued with Cultivation energy of humans.

Danyang Mountain was home to Chu Sect’s Mountain Gate. The entire gentle mountain arose following the terrain, tiered and irregular, perfectly showcasing the prosperity of a strong Daoist gate.

Like all Sword Cultivators, Hou Niao never cared where a sect was established. However, upon seeing the grandeur of Chu Sect this time, he felt a rare stir of emotion.

Hovering far above, he gazed down for a long time before sighing, "If one day I were to lead Shan Sect, I must find a perilous mountain to establish the Mountain Gate, to truly reflect the spirit of a Sword Cultivator."

Tan Xiao snorted from the side, "Such arrogance! Do you realize even with the wealth of the Southeast, how much Chu Country spent to build a Mountain Gate of this scale? Shan Sect is so poor it clangs. Using the same sword for a lifetime...

And you talk about leading Shan Sect, aren’t you afraid Sword Cultivators will become the laughingstock of the continent?"

Hou Niao shot him a sidelong glance, "What can sparrows understand of a swan’s ambitions? No money, then I’ll just dismantle your Chu Sect’s Mountain Gate and relocate it to my mountain!"

The two were used to bickering this way; it was their form of camaraderie.