Chapter 842: Mixed-World Demon King Mu Xiaogong

Inner Perimeter.

Chong Yuan was stunned. He had just unearthed a peculiar fire-attribute crystal, brimming with elemental principles, and was in the process of confirming whether it was indeed the legendary Principle Source Stone. The message from his trial jade pendant, however, instantly shattered his composure.

“Why?” he wondered, immediately opening his map. Sure enough, a conspicuous red coordinate had appeared at the top of his trial map. The coordinates pinpointed his exact location.

“They’re setting me up, aren’t they?!” Chong Yuan’s lips twitched slightly. He was at the top of the points leaderboard, but his points were accumulated by searching cloud disks and slaying cloud beasts. In terms of actual combat strength, he probably couldn’t compare to the heirs of the Grand Void and Half-Saint families from the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains. Yet, at this critical moment, his coordinates had been exposed on the map.

“What should I do?”

The fire-attribute source stone felt like a hot potato. While certainly valuable, holding onto it meant that he, Chong Yuan, would be relentlessly hunted by every fire-attribute Spirit Refiner in the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains.

“I have a million points, but I’m gold-attribute,” he mused. “If this source stone were gold-attribute, I could maintain my lead on the leaderboard for a long time. I could temporarily stop accumulating points, escape with the source stone, and focus on comprehending its power. Perhaps I could even instigate conflicts everywhere and benefit from the ensuing chaos. But…” Chong Yuan looked at the fire-attribute source stone in his hand, greatly troubled. “But why are you fire-attribute? You’re completely useless to me!”

Being a genius, he was quick-witted. Soon, Chong Yuan made a decision. “Instead of holding onto this thing and being forced to abandon my point-grinding journey, I might as well let it go and let them fight to the death over it. Who knows, this struggle for the source stone might even derail the trials of several Grand Void and Half-Saint heirs. After all, even if they aren’t fire-attribute themselves, their clans surely have fire-attribute members who need this. As for me…”

Chong Yuan gazed into the distance, his eyes regaining their composure. He calmly muttered to himself, “My goal is the Sacred Palace!” Great achievers don’t fuss over minor details. And just like that, he let go!

Chong Yuan immediately fired dozens of shots, pulverizing an entire hilltop. He buried the fire-attribute source stone deep underground, then used his spiritual energy to manipulate the rocks, reforming them into a high valley. As he departed, he cast a few longing, wistful glances back. There was a hint of melancholy. “What a pity,” he thought. “If only I were a Spirit Array Master, I could use this source stone as a catalyst to set up a devastating killing array. With the right timing and terrain, I could seize the initiative and slay every single person who came, be it one or ten thousand!”

But he wasn't. So, he gave up on the idea and headed towards the Nine Dragon Veins. “Charge!” he thought. “So, being first comes with this kind of reward. If I’m the first to reach the Nine Dragon Veins area again, will I also get a million points and another gold-attribute source stone?” With countless thoughts swirling in his mind, Chong Yuan quickly left the area.

At the same time, in the outer regions of the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains, everyone went wild. This time, no one cared about cloud pearls or cloud beasts. For a single fire-attribute source stone, and for the promise of more Principle Source Stones in the inner perimeter, everyone dropped what they were doing and rushed straight towards the inner perimeter. The only landmark they needed to verify their route was the conspicuous location of the fire-attribute source stone.

In the Eastern Region, Xu Xiaoshou burst into laughter upon seeing the notification on his trial jade pendant. “Heaven helps me!” A single fire-attribute source stone wasn't enough to stir him. The key was that he could already foresee the kind of battle this fire-attribute source stone would incite!

In less than a day, Chong Yuan, holding the fire-attribute source stone, would undoubtedly attract a large number of Spirit Refiners. In such chaotic battles, what an impressive feat it would be if he, Xu Xiaoshou, could single-handedly suppress everyone? And most importantly—passive points! They were all passive points! If this wave attracted thousands of people, it would mean that by suppressing all Spirit Refiners just once, he would gain nearly ten thousand passive points!

The members of the Xu Gang around him watched Young Master Xu laugh maniacally in the air, completely unaware that he was already envisioning a scene of him fighting ten thousand. They simply assumed Young Master Xu was interested in the fire-attribute source stone as well.

“Congratulations, Young Master Xu!” Zhao Xiu was the first to scurry over, fawningly asking, “Young Master Xu, although you are space-attribute, you also cultivate the path of alchemy, so I’m sure a fire-attribute source stone would be very beneficial to you. Should we go for it this time?”

The other members of the Five Tiger Generals, including Rong Dahao, the acting commander of the Sixth Squad, and all the Xu Gang members, looked on eagerly. Everyone knew Young Master Xu’s combat prowess. Everyone anticipated a scene of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood in the inner perimeter. But no one was afraid. On the contrary, with Young Master Xu leading them, they had a great chance of acquiring the fire-attribute source stone. And according to Young Master Xu’s previous statements, while he was only interested in the source stone, what about the points of other trial participants? With a casual swing of Young Master Xu’s sword, the Xu Gang members could become incredibly wealthy! Who wouldn’t want a piece of that action?

Rong Dahao and the many new Grandmasters who had joined the Xu Gang now also realized the advantages of having Young Master Xu as their leader. After all, within the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains, even if Young Master Xu wasn't the absolute peak of combat strength, he was certainly among the top few. And with so many people under his command now, surrounded by them like stars around the moon, there was no doubt they could secure the fire-attribute source stone, along with the points of other trial participants.

“Of course, we’re going!” Xu Xiaoshou decided instantly, without the slightest hesitation. He turned to face the Five Tiger Generals and other commanders, asking, “Does anyone know Chong Yuan’s combat strength?”

Tai Xing replied, “The Chong family has only produced one genius like him, but their foundation is ultimately inferior to the Grand Void families. Chong Yuan can’t beat Young Master Xu.”

“Mhm,” Rong Dahao also nodded. He had only heard some of Chong Yuan’s reputation. But as a Grand Void heir, he knew how vast the gap in foundation was between ordinary families and Grand Void families. Not to mention, the one he’d be fighting this time was Young Master Xu, a Half-Saint heir!

Xu Xiaoshou asked again, “What’s his attribute?”

“Gold-attribute,” Mo Beibei said, then paused, as if realizing something.

“Gold-attribute, excellent…” Xu Xiaoshou immediately smiled and looked at everyone, asking, “If you had a million points, felt you couldn’t fight ten thousand on your own, and the source stone you acquired didn’t match your own attribute, what would you choose to do?”

Everyone was taken aback. Rong Dahao’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Give it up!”

Xu Xiaoshou looked at the others. Zhu Dong’s eyes showed hesitation. “I might genuinely be reluctant to give it up, but I’d probably choose to abandon it, just like Brother Rong.”

“Give up!”“Me too!”“That thing is a hot potato!”

Without exception, everyone gave the same answer.

Xu Xiaoshou held his trial jade pendant and said with a smile, “Then take a look. Has Chong Yuan’s coordinate moved since the news came out?”

“It hasn’t moved,” Zhu Dong said, startled.

“Huh, that’s strange, he’s not running?” Zhao Xiu scratched his head.

“Fools, he must have thrown away the source stone, chosen to keep his points, and intends to continue leading the leaderboard,” Xi Guanghan sneered.

Xu Xiaoshou nodded, saying, “Exactly. Chong Yuan must have abandoned the fire-attribute source stone and fled. That guy… really knows how to adapt to circumstances!” He felt a bit emotional. Not everyone could remain so calm and level-headed when acquiring a rare treasure. It truly made sense that Chong Yuan could consistently lead the points leaderboard.

“But, since he’s abandoned the fire-attribute source stone, now is our opportunity!” Xu Xiaoshou declared.

Rong Dahao tentatively asked, “Young Master Xu, we are still some distance from the inner perimeter, and the fire-attribute source stone isn’t near our eastern location. I’m afraid by the time we get there, the source stone might already be taken.”

“That’s precisely what I wanted to discuss.” Xu Xiaoshou knew time was of the essence. He said seriously, “Bringing all the Xu Gang members is too slow, and our target would be too large. My two guardians and I will go ahead, and you all can follow.”

“What?” The Five Tiger Generals were startled. The Xu Gang was formed relying on Young Master Xu. How could they manage without a leader? Moreover, what if Young Master Xu left, and Rong Dahao led the Grandmasters of the former Sixth Squad in a rebellion? What then?

Xu Xiaoshou smiled and waved his hand, silencing the several individuals who seemed on the verge of speaking. “Don’t worry, the Xu Gang has grown to be among the strongest forces, if not the strongest, in the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains. Even if you encounter other large groups, I believe they won’t choose to fight you now, because the outcome would undoubtedly be both sides being exploited by others. In such circumstances, the Xu Gang’s advance will be like having no natural enemies. You all can focus on accumulating points. I’ll go ahead and clear the path for you!”

The Five Tiger Generals were somewhat moved, but concern still lingered in their eyes. Xu Xiaoshou was too clever; how could he not see what these people wanted to say? He looked directly at Rong Dahao: “While I’m away, you will be the chief leader, wielding the power of life and death. But I can trust you, can’t I?”

Rong Dahao was touched. To be honest, he hadn't even considered a rebellion. Only by fighting Young Master Xu could one truly understand how terrifying he was. However, as soon as the atmosphere felt off, he knew those beside him harbored suspicions about him. Now that Young Master Xu had directly addressed it, Rong Dahao felt somewhat relieved and sincerely stated, “Don’t worry, Young Master Xu. When you left, the Xu Gang had nine hundred members. When we meet again, there will only be more, not fewer!”

“I don’t need a large crowd,” Xu Xiaoshou shook his head and smiled. “I want all of you to arrive alive at the location of the fire-attribute source stone and meet me! And incidentally, I hope that by then, each of you will have earned a fortune, calmly handing me ten thousand points to regain your freedom.”

Rong Dahao nodded solemnly. “Absolutely!”

Xu Xiaoshou looked at the Five Tiger Generals. He subscribed to the principle of not doubting those he used, and not using those he doubted. Moreover, in the Cloud-Swallowing Mountains, he feared no betrayal.

“Absolutely!” The Five Tiger Generals also chorused.

Xu Xiaoshou immediately transformed into a streak of light and departed with his two guardians. Watching Young Master Xu leave, Rong Dahao’s imposing aura suddenly swelled, as if the oppressive clouds above him had finally dispersed, allowing his Grand Void heir's presence to fully blossom. He turned around. Rong Dahao’s aura was awe-inspiring as he declared, “Xu Gang members, did you all hear what Young Master Xu just said? Our mission is for each of you to calmly hand Young Master Xu ten thousand points by the time we reach the inner perimeter. Next, there’s only one thing we need to do…”

Just as Rong Dahao raised his arm, about to passionately shout the words “accumulate points,” a streak of light returned from afar. Xu Xiaoshou was back, instantly appearing right in front of him with a soft pop.

“Ugh!” Rong Dahao’s momentum choked. With Young Master Xu’s return, it was as if his borrowed authority had been immediately suppressed, his aura plummeting to rock bottom. His arm remained raised, his shout unspoken, nearly choking him to the point of spitting blood. Even though he managed to suppress it, his face couldn't help but turn pale.

“Young Master Xu?” Rong Dahao asked, suppressing the urge to strike, his face distorted, gritting his back teeth in confusion.

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled, scratching his head. “I forgot to tell you, if you encounter anyone from the Heavenly Grand Pavilion on your way, absolutely do not engage in conflict. Since none of you know my people, if you’re going to fight, you must first confirm their identity,” he stated emphatically, as if it were a matter of utmost importance.

Rong Dahao and the Five Tiger Generals were dumbfounded. “That’s it?” For this, he had directly interrupted the Xu Gang’s fervent momentum.

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled wryly to himself. *I’m doing this because I’m afraid you’ll cause trouble and harm our own! If they provoked people like Mu Zixi or Mo Mo, their abilities alone could single-handedly decimate the entire Xu Gang!*

“That’s all. I’m leaving now.” Xu Xiaoshou didn't wait for more questions. After a few words, he vanished again.

Rong Dahao stood dumbfounded with his arm still raised. After a long moment, he raised his arm again, his momentum finally recovered. “Did you hear that!” he roared. “Before you kill anyone, first ask, ‘Are you from the Heavenly Grand Pavilion?’”

And so, as the Xu Gang’s main force advanced, a strange phenomenon began to occur. Hundreds of people would suddenly leap out from a hilltop, surround a few weak ‘lambs,’ and then loudly chorus: “Are you from the Heavenly Grand Pavilion?!”

“No…”

“Charge!”

Driven by habit, no one reacted quickly enough. Everyone was in a frenzy of killing, and asking the question had become a routine, done without any thought. After the opponent answered, without any further consideration, ninety-nine percent of them had already drawn their weapons and charged. As soon as the other party answered no, an overwhelming barrage of elemental attacks would directly knock them unconscious.

Following that, “Alright, they’re unconscious… Stop, stop, quickly! Any more hits and they’ll be pulverized!”“Looting begins! I’m first!”“I’m second!”“I’m third!”

According to their damage output, the group, one by one, mercilessly plundered all the points from the trial jade pendants, then immediately ‘sent them on their way’ (implying removal from the trial). This cycle repeated.

Until much later, in a dense, overgrown valley, the group was besieging a petite, delicate-looking girl with twin pigtails. “Up there, you’ve already been surrounded by me! Come out, don’t hide!” the girl preempted them!

The Xu Gang members were all stunned. The original Rong family team vaguely felt these words were familiar, as if they had heard them somewhere before, but couldn't recall where. The Xu Gang members, following their usual routine, shouted in unison: “Are you from the Heavenly Grand Pavilion?!”

The little girl froze. “Huh, how did you know?”

“Charge!”

Driven by habit, no one reacted quickly enough. Everyone was in a frenzy of killing, and asking the question had become a routine, done without any thought. After the opponent answered, without any further consideration, ninety-nine percent of them had already drawn their weapons and charged.

By the time the Five Tiger Generals and Rong Dahao realized something was wrong, the entire dense forest was already wildly distorting. The little girl just clapped her small hands, making soft pat-pat sounds. Hundreds of Xu Gang members, in the instant they launched themselves into the air, were impaled and suspended by countless vines, covered in wounds.

Rong Dahao’s scalp tingled. He cried out in horror, “We’re allies! We are Young Master Xu’s people! May I ask who you are?” At this moment, he finally understood what Young Master Xu had meant. *So it seems anyone from the Heavenly Grand Pavilion casually walking out really has the power to fight a thousand on their own?*

“My name is Mu Xiaogong. Are you people brought by Young Master Xu?” Mu Zixi asked curiously. Within the dense forest, she was like a favored daughter of the gods, possessing extraordinary advantages. Her Grandmaster Heavenly Elephant Realm cultivation allowed her to exert an effect akin to a Throne's domain in this place, slaying gods if they blocked her path, and Buddhas if they obstructed her. Of course, her greatest trump card was still the Divine Demon Eyes. But these innate little fellows weren't even worth activating them for. With the primordial power of the White Cave World, she could lock onto each of them and consume them entirely.

Rong Dahao nodded blankly. “Yes, we are Young Master Xu’s people.”

After leaving Xu Xiaoshou and venturing out alone, Mu Zixi was like a great havoc-wreaking demon king. Upon hearing this, she stopped draining everyone's life force and released the severely weakened Xu Gang members.

“Interesting…” Her eyes immediately lit up. She pointed at Rong Dahao and declared loudly, “Alright, from now on, you all belong to me, Mu Xiaogong!”