Chapter 2081: Magic Cultivation

The land of Central Continent was vast and boundless, ample enough to accommodate the Human, Demon, and Witch tribes. For the time being, the tribes did not need to contend for territory. They recuperated within their own clearly defined domains.

The Demon Sea tribe's territory was near the Western Wasteland, on the shores of the Southern Sea. Teams of demon soldiers soared through the clouds, patrolling back and forth, forming a tight defensive line, creating an atmosphere of grim austerity.

On a certain stretch of sea, shortly after a team of demon soldiers flew past, the water suddenly surged. With a splash, spray flew everywhere as an adult shark-mermaid surfaced, opening its maw to reveal a mouth full of fangs.

From the shark-mermaid's mouth, a jet of water shot out, and within it was a whale, even smaller than a typical young whale.

After expelling the whale, the shark-mermaid's body stiffened, its eyes quickly clouded over with a white film. It then flipped onto its belly and drifted away with the current, already dead.

The small whale swam into the sea, its tail swaying. Its eyes were bright and sparkled with intelligence, clearly not an ordinary beast.

The surrounding demon soldiers detected no anomaly. The small whale oriented itself, swam silently for a while, and then arrived beside a sea island. It poked its head out of the water, and a ball of green light floated from its mouth. Faintly visible in its throat was a round bead.

The green light, having left its body, shimmered and transformed into a mass of clear water. The small whale immediately closed its mouth, flicked its tail, and sank to the seabed.

The mass of clear water wriggled in mid-air, first growing limbs and a head, then hands, feet, and facial features. It transformed into a water person identical in appearance to the Dragon Whale Saint King, though slightly shorter than the original body.

As the water person fully materialized, its eyes blinked, instantly coming to life. Its aura immediately shifted, exhibiting a similar pressure to that of the Dragon Whale Saint King. It abruptly looked up toward the top of the island, its gaze like two sharp swords meeting another pair of eyes in mid-air.

At the summit of the island, wild grass surrounded a massive boulder. Standing on the boulder was a burly man dressed in a dragon robe, exuding a valiant aura – it was the Flood Dragon King.

The Flood Dragon King had observed the preceding transformation. Seeing the Dragon Whale Saint King's Water Spirit Avatar looking at him, he nodded slightly and offered a benevolent smile.

The Water Spirit Avatar took a step forward, and in the next moment, appeared at the edge of the boulder.

"What brings you here, Fellow Daoist?"

The Water Spirit Avatar spoke with the Dragon Whale Saint King's voice, though it sounded slightly muffled.

The Flood Dragon King covertly assessed the avatar. It was his first encounter with the Water Spirit Avatar, and he wondered if the Dragon Whale Saint King was directly controlling it from the East Sea, conversing with him across such a distance.

"When the Golden Toad King returned, he mentioned that Fellow Daoist Dragon Whale's cultivation has greatly advanced and that you are soon expected to attempt a breakthrough to the late Soul Transformation stage?" the Flood Dragon King asked with curiosity.

"This Water Spirit Avatar can only last for a hundred breaths," the Water Spirit Avatar said blandly, avoiding the question.

This was a subtle hint to the Flood Dragon King to get to the point.

The Flood Dragon King did not take offense and continued, "I heard the Golden Toad King speak of the Azure Ram Monastery's mountain-protecting formation. I made sure to investigate before the Azure Ram Monastery sealed its gates, and the Golden Toad King's words were not exaggerated."

The Water Spirit Avatar grunted in acknowledgment.

The Flood Dragon King did not elaborate further on this topic. Changing his tone, he asked in a deep voice, "Once you break through to the late Soul Transformation stage, Fellow Daoist, what are your plans?"

The Water Spirit Avatar stared at the Flood Dragon King, remaining silent.

The Flood Dragon King smiled, his expression turning grim.

"Over the years, our tribe has suffered countless casualties fighting the Changyou tribe. Our contributions are no less than those of the Human tribe, yet we have always been suppressed by them.

"The Human tribe harbors ulterior motives; they only draw us in to fight external enemies. But every time, the distribution of Azure Spirit Qi depends on their whims. Fortunately, our tribe is exceptionally talented, otherwise, even after driving out the Changyou tribe, we would still be oppressed by the Humans, never to rise again.

"Before, our tribe was weak, forced to lie low and endure. But once both you and I achieve the late Soul Transformation stage, the balance of power will shift. It will be time for a monumental change. Will you, Fellow Daoist, continue to tolerate this?"

His tone carried a hint of temptation as he watched the Water Spirit Avatar, but unfortunately, the avatar's expression remained unchanged.

The Flood Dragon King's lips curved into a sneer. "Are you, Fellow Daoist, reluctant to overthrow that 'Ice Beauty'? Her paramour drained my Dragon Transformation Pool, otherwise, I wouldn't have been gravely injured and nearly died under the heavenly tribulation. If you can take her for yourself, it would also help me get some revenge. But don't tell me you've fallen under her spell, haha..."

The taunt had no effect on the Dragon Whale Saint King. The Water Spirit Avatar calmly stated, "The Changyou tribe also has a few capable individuals."

The Flood Dragon King ceased his laughter, discerning the Dragon Whale Saint King's unspoken meaning.

The Human tribe was gradually weakening due to a lack of heritage, while the Changyou tribe possessed both heritage and divine abilities. In the previous battle, several individuals had displayed impressive cultivation.

Not only was their own strength improving, but their enemies were also growing stronger.

The Changyou tribe might also produce one or even several late Soul Transformation stage masters. Their breakthroughs would not change the situation in the Storm Realm. Now was not the time for internal strife.

"I do not intend to annihilate the Human tribe. When our tribe becomes stronger, the Storm Realm should naturally be led by us, and we should be the ones to distribute the Azure Spirit Qi. Of course, it would be most beneficial to our tribe if the 'Ice Beauty' and the Changyou tribe leader were to suffer mutual destruction."

The Flood Dragon King deliberately paused. Seeing no reaction from the Dragon Whale Saint King, he continued, "Those not of our kind are sure to have different intentions! Even if we subdue the Changyou tribe, the three tribes cannot coexist peacefully. We are both demon species, far more trustworthy than other races. Why don't the East Sea and the Demon Sea join forces?"

The Dragon Whale Saint King remained noncommittal, asking, "Have you consulted King Yu, Fellow Daoist?"

The Flood Dragon King sneered. "That fellow established some Spirit Control Sect and is seemingly quite content cozying up to the Human tribe. However, his cultivation ground is in the heart of the Northern Sea, right next to the Profound Heaven Palace and the ancestral hall of Azure Ram Monastery. His true intentions might not be as they appear. I will devise some tests."

The Water Spirit Avatar nodded, finally giving a direct response. "I have not yet broken through. It is too early to consider these matters now."

This was not the answer the Flood Dragon King desired. He frowned slightly. "Why don't you first hear my plan, Fellow Daoist? I also have a like-minded friend; would you care to meet them?"

"There's no need! If you have nothing further to discuss, Fellow Daoist, I shall take my leave."

The Water Spirit Avatar flatly refused. Its body began to melt like a candle, on the verge of turning into a puddle of water in an instant.

The Flood Dragon King's expression shifted slightly, and he hastily said, "I am not forcing you to make an immediate statement, Fellow Daoist. However, you must at least promise me neutrality."

"I need to enter seclusion for my breakthrough..."

The Water Spirit Avatar left that one sentence and completely melted away.

The Flood Dragon King's brow relaxed slightly. "The Azure Ram Monastery speaks with such lofty words, yet they dare demand everyone's cooperation merely to re-establish their sect! Since they are disregarding the bigger picture first, at the next tripartite council, I intend to demand that the Human tribe assist our tribe in reclaiming our ancestral lands. I hope, Fellow Daoist, you can offer some support."

There was no response, only a damp stain left on the boulder.

Just then, an eerie green will-o'-the-wisp floated out from the grass beside the boulder. It drifted above the boulder, its flame flickering, and from it emerged a translucent human figure.

The figure was ghostly, surrounded by spectral fire, with a pale, lifeless face. Even under the blazing sun, it exuded an oppressive chill.

The specter glanced at the water stain on the ground and asked worriedly, "The Dragon Whale Saint King refused?"

"He didn't agree, but he didn't refuse either."

The Flood Dragon King sneered, "That fellow will only side with the victor. As long as we gain the upper hand, he will naturally come over to us."

Hearing this, the specter's expression softened somewhat, but lingering doubts remained in his heart. He had originally thought that since this was a conflict between two tribes, the Great Saint Dragon Whale would surely agree to join forces with the Flood Dragon King.

He wondered what the Great Saint Dragon Whale was truly thinking!

If all demon tribes launched a united offensive, the Human tribe, to avoid internal division, would inevitably have to make significant concessions.

With only the Demon Sea tribe, their strength would be greatly diminished, and their plan might encounter unforeseen variables.

In truth, the Flood Dragon King was not as relaxed as he sounded. Beneath the Great Saint Dragon Whale's rough demeanor and domineering actions lay an incredibly profound mind, inscrutable until the final moment.

However, overthrowing the Human tribe would benefit all demon tribes, and the Flood Dragon King could not conceive of a reason for the Great Saint Dragon Whale to betray them.

He lifted his gaze, looked at the specter, and said, "The rest is up to you, Fellow Daoist Hong."

The specter bowed slightly. "Rest assured, King Flood Dragon, I will not fail your trust."

The Flood Dragon King stared into the specter's eyes and gave a chilling smile. "I naturally trust you, Fellow Daoist Hong. However, I have not had much contact with the others under your command. I wonder if their origins are truly clean, and if they can all be ruthless enough?"

The specter's expression became stern. "I understand the gravity of the matter, and I have personally overseen everything. I have thoroughly investigated the background of every fellow Daoist; they are absolutely clean. As for whether they can be ruthless enough, King Flood Dragon, you need not worry at all. These fellow Daoists were all once grand masters of the demonic path, having slaughtered countless people, just like me. Their hearts are solely devoted to the Great Dao; even if billions died before their eyes, they would not bat an eyelid. They are willing to do anything that benefits their path!"

"That's good then."

The Flood Dragon King, with his hands clasped behind his back, gazed at the Central Continent. "Fellow Daoist Hong should know that once we begin, there will be no turning back for us, and even less so for you!"

"Hmph! Though we are demonic cultivators, we too can kill enemies and earn merit! Yet, when they distribute Azure Spirit Qi, they exclude us."

A look of hatred appeared on the specter's face. "Fortunately, Heaven has eyes, allowing me to reach the Soul Transformation realm. If they are unjust, then blame me not for being disloyal!"

Demonic cultivators also had various ranks. Some cultivated demonic arts, some simply disdained rules and regulations, and there were also truly evil individuals with no shred of kindness in their hearts.

Among them, the most notorious were the lawless ones who had no qualms or attachments whatsoever, yet cultivated the most malevolent demonic arts, frequently performing blood sacrifices.

These demonic cultivators were utterly uncontrollable. They would do anything if they believed it benefited them. Even demonic sects like Tianhao Tower were unwilling to associate with them. Yet, it was precisely this approach that allowed them to seize the greatest gains, stand out, and grow into demonic overlords.

If these demonic cultivators gained power, one could forget about them protecting the Storm Realm; they would be the first to flee if the situation became critical.

The Storm Realm had not yet reached a point where it was dangerous enough to compromise with such individuals. It was impossible to allocate Azure Spirit Qi to them, and a purge had even been carried out specifically to prevent them from causing disruption during a major battle at the front.

These demonic cultivators could only hide and endure in secret, not daring to cause trouble.

However, with the resurgence of world vitality, whether through extraordinary talent or incredible fortuitous encounters, there were always individuals who managed to advance to the Soul Transformation stage independently.

The widespread casualties and rivers of blood resulting from the great war between the two sides were also something certain demonic cultivators welcomed.

The specter was one such individual, and he had gathered a group of demonic cultivators who felt unfairly treated, forming a considerable force.

The allure of Azure Spirit Qi was too great; they were unwilling to live perpetually in the shadows.

They had also considered defecting to the enemy, fully siding with the Changyou tribe. However, under a toppled nest, no eggs remain unbroken. The Changyou tribe's attitude was one of complete extermination; once the Storm Realm fell, they would lose their utility. Thus, they had never made up their minds.

Nevertheless, they soon made contact with the Flood Dragon King and, recruited by him, decided to pledge their allegiance.

"Azure Spirit Qi, you say?"

The Flood Dragon King abruptly asked, "Fellow Daoist Hong, are you not afraid that I too might turn hostile and disown you?"

The specter's expression remained unchanged. "As long as the Human tribe is not annihilated, King Flood Dragon will have a use for us. Should King Flood Dragon one day unleash his might and successively wipe out the Changyou tribe, the Human tribe, and the Demon tribe, and if we were to ask for some Azure Spirit Qi and then depart, surely King Flood Dragon, ruling the world alone, would not begrudge us such a small amount?"

"Haha..."

The Flood Dragon King burst into laughter, his eyes flashing with sharp light. "The Dragon Whale Saint King was right; it's too early to think about these things now. Fellow Daoist Hong, you may return and prepare. Await my good news!"

The specter bowed deeply. "I shall take my leave!"

With that, the specter flickered and vanished into the will-o'-the-wisp. With a 'snap,' the will-o'-the-wisp flared brightly and disappeared without a trace.

The Flood Dragon King remained there for a long time before finally departing.

The sea breeze dried the water stain on the boulder, and the island once again returned to its quiet solitude.

### Azure Ram Monastery

With the plan tailored for Azure Ram Monastery by Qin Sang, the establishment of the sect went smoothly.

With the concerted effort of everyone at Azure Ram Monastery, the landscape had undergone a major transformation. Several mountain peaks and even large rivers had been relocated entirely. The scenic grandeur already showed glimpses of a future grand sect.

Hidden underground, Azure Ram Monastery channeled spiritual veins, converging them towards the chosen main peak, gradually creating an impression of all rivers flowing into the sea.

Seeing the sect improving little by little in their hands, the disciples of Azure Ram Monastery felt a great sense of pride.

If anyone were to enter at this time, they might glimpse a secret of the mountain-protecting formation. Therefore, Li Yufu recently announced the sealing of the mountain, refusing outside visitors, and other sects also wisely stopped disturbing them.

Having previously hosted too many people, Li Yufu was mentally and physically exhausted, worried about revealing flaws in front of them. He finally had some peace for a while, yet he couldn't relax, as all matters of Azure Ram Monastery required his personal arrangement.

"Senior Brother."

Shen Chen's voice came from outside the palace.

Li Yufu opened the door and let Shen Chen in. "Junior Brother, another batch of spirit flags has been refined?"

Shen Chen nodded and placed down a mustard seed pouch. "All the spirit flags are here. We can select a group of disciples to begin refining them."

Seeing Li Yufu's grave expression, he asked, "What are you worried about, Senior Brother? Are you afraid they might object? Or has the Changyou tribe made another move?"

The date for the tripartite council was approaching, and Li Yufu had already spread word that this matter would be decided at the upcoming gathering.

Li Yufu's brows relaxed. "I'm not worried about that, Senior Brother. We are actively reducing our influence; they could only wish for such a thing, so why would they object? However, these individuals are all shrewd and cunning, so I must be careful with every word and action, rehearsing them several times in my mind beforehand."