Chapter 85: Training in Demonic Arts

Exactly!

This was no joke. He had come with a yearning for demonic energy. As for whether there was a difference in demonic energy between different people, he couldn't be absolutely sure, as he had only experienced Fengchi's demonic energy and his understanding of it was quite superficial. Still, he presumed it wouldn't pose an issue based on a normal understanding. To be certain, he would have to try it.

However, Sun Shigang then thought of another question: "What makes you say I'm a demonic cultivator?"

Shi Chun replied, "Alright, alright, you're not a demonic cultivator. I was mistaken. Quick, just release some demonic energy for me to test."

Wu Jinliang split into a wide grin, chuckling. He loved it when the Boss was sometimes so reasonable.

Sun Shigang was speechless, but stubbornly insisted, "I'm not a demonic cultivator. Where would I get demonic energy for you?"

Shi Chun pointed at him and said, "I'm telling you one last time: either you give me demonic energy now, or I'll go get it from Xiang Lan'er. Choose one, right now."

How was he supposed to choose? Sun Shigang felt helpless. This was a first for him; he'd heard of robbing wealth and women, but never demonic energy. He wanted to be firm, but the problem was, the other party wasn't even asking sensitive questions. Was there any need to be firm? Being firm depended on what he'd have to sacrifice, and crucially, giving up some demonic energy wouldn't really cause him any loss. There was absolutely no need to be tormented and killed over something so trivial. But he could give some demonic energy and see how things developed. It could be a way to probe the other party's bottom line.

He could only concede, "How do I know you'll let me go afterward?"

Shi Chun replied, "If you don't believe me, my promise won't convince you anyway. In short, if you're willing to help me, I'll abide by the Three Veins Alliance Pact. If you're unwilling to help each other, then we're not on the same path. It's that simple. Choose now: give or not give?"

"Ugh." Sun Shigang sighed, then angrily added, "The moment you attacked, you severed the tendons in all my limbs!"

Shi Chun said, "That's not a big deal in the cultivation world. As long as you're alive, you'll recover. It looks like you don't want to give it, do you?" As he spoke, he flipped his hand and pulled out a Grade Three Immobilization Talisman, looking as if he was about to use it to restrain the other party.

He didn't dare directly approach and touch the chains. With the opponent's cultivation, even if the chains didn't kill him as a medium, they could severely wound him. Why did he deliberately hang the man in mid-air? It was because he had seen Fengchi injure Wu Futong; Fengchi could use the ground to exert force and harm people. By hanging someone up, with iron chains, stone beams, and cave walls, there were more indirect elements, making it harder to inflict harm.

Seeing the other party display the Immobilization Talisman again, Sun Shigang cursed inwardly. In reality, he was a fish on a chopping block, forced to face the truth. Moreover, the other party hadn't done anything that truly crossed his line, so he could only quietly activate his cultivation and cast the spell.

Soon, a faint black mist began to emanate from the tower-like chains, gradually growing denser. As the black mist enveloped him, the moment it touched his skin, Shi Chun felt a joyous exhilaration within his body. His cultivation technique automatically began to circulate and absorb it. He closed his eyes, inhaled a deep breath of the demonic energy, and showed a look of profound enjoyment.

Sun Shigang glanced through the mist, thinking to himself, *Indeed, he is one of us demonic cultivators.*

Seeing Shi Chun enjoy it so much, Wu Jinliang grew curious. As the mist approached, he twitched his nostrils and tried to take a breath. But just that tiny bit nearly made his eyeballs pop out. He gasped, "Kaka!" non-stop, as if a fishbone was stuck in his throat. His windpipe and lungs felt like they were filled with scalding hot oil, making it impossible to breathe, and he suffocated instantly. Immediately, snot and tears streamed out, and his eyeballs were bloodshot. The sensation was too intense. How could he dare stay in the mist? He grabbed his own neck, turned his head, and stumbled away. As soon as he leaned against the wall and left the inner chamber, his legs went weak and he fell to his knees. He hastily used his magic to dispel the pain within his body.

When others saw demonic energy, they would use spells to hold their breath, not daring to let it invade their bodies. But he, on the other hand, actively inhaled it into his lungs. Wasn't that just seeking trouble?

Turning back, he saw demonic energy surging out and quickly struggled to crawl towards the cave entrance. Then he felt his body lighten; someone had lifted him up. He didn't need to look to know who it was. Outside, it was already broad daylight. He was thrown onto the ground, and his large saber was thrown beside him. Then a hand pressed against his chest, and a surge of heat entered his lungs, directly drawing out the demonic energy that had been tormenting him. Instantly relieved, Wu Jinliang lay on the ground, gasping for air.

Meanwhile, Shi Chun, half-crouching beside him, looked at his own palm. A thought occurred to him: if he could draw out the demonic energy from Wu Jinliang's body, could he also draw it from Sun Shigang's?

Having recovered his breath, Wu Jinliang groaned like a dead dog, "I say, Spring, how can you inhale something so agonizing into your body? And with such a damn look of enjoyment! You really messed me up!"

Shi Chun smiled wryly. From Wu Jinliang's reaction, he finally understood why Fengchi had initially identified him as a demonic cultivator. There was no need to explain this matter. He instructed, "Once I go back in, bury the cave entrance, just leave some air holes. Don't let the demonic energy leak out and be discovered. And don't kill those four people yet; you'd best dig a pit for them too..."

Wu Jinliang tugged his sleeve and whispered, "Are you really poisoned?"

Shi Chun whispered back, "I need to cultivate demonic arts. Demonic energy aids my cultivation."

Wu Jinliang's eyes widened. "No wonder you insisted on finding an excuse to capture Sun. Was it really necessary to beat around the bush? Couldn't you have just said so directly?"

Shi Chun said apologetically, "How about this: Uncle Eight taught me demonic cultivation. Is that explanation enough?"

Wu Jinliang grimaced as if in pain. "No wonder we couldn't learn it. Turns out our nature is too pure; you need to be naturally inclined towards demonic arts. Anyway, how long will we be staying here?"

Shi Chun replied, "I don't know. Sharpening the saber can't hurt. I'll leave the outside to you for protection."

Wu Jinliang said, "Alright, go ahead. I'll alert you immediately if I notice anything unusual."

Shi Chun said nothing more. He checked his cultivation pills, then went back and modified the cave entrance, leaving a small opening just big enough for him to slip through. After taking his pills, he had Sun Shigang continue to release demonic energy for his healing. He himself sat cross-legged in a deeper part of the cave, separated from Sun Shigang by a thick stone wall, as an extra layer of protection. As the demonic energy spread, Shi Chun unleashed his cultivation technique to absorb it. The feeling of comfort and pleasure was exquisite, like a fish returning to water after a long drought.

Outside, Wu Jinliang soon noticed demonic energy seeping out from the small opening. Alarmed, he quickly scrambled up, grabbed his tools, and continued to narrow the opening until no more demonic energy could be seen escaping. After checking on the four men again, he took out a pill, swallowed it, and sat down to meditate, figuring he'd restore himself first...

It was dawn at the West Pole Arena, but night in the Royal Capital of Shenzhou. Thus, the training grounds were quite lively that evening. After the banquet, Miao Dingyi and his family of three, who happened to be passing by, made a detour to come along, at the suggestion of his wife and daughter. Although Miao Dingyi knew there wouldn't be much to see initially, Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan still wanted to take a look. It was their first time seeing Shi Chun in such a sickly state, and they were slightly worried. Miao Dingyi, who rarely got to spend time with his wife and daughter, did not object, considering it a way to accompany and indulge them during their holiday.

They didn't go to crowd the training grounds themselves, instead heading to the hillside overlooking the grounds that Young Master Nan had reserved. In the evening, the pavilions and towers were almost deserted. The noble guests were all gone, leaving only a lone figure standing by the railing, drinking wine. It was none other than Young Master Nan.

The family of three exchanged glances, all a little surprised. This young master was known for his carefree lifestyle. When did he develop a fondness for such solitary pastimes? They immediately walked over to greet him. Hearing footsteps, Young Master Nan looked back and forced a smile. "Brother Miao, Sister-in-law, you've come." He nodded slightly in greeting to Miao Yilan.

"What's wrong? Something on your mind?" Miao Dingyi asked, walking up alongside him.

Young Master Nan replied casually, "Nothing."

When he said nothing, Miao Dingyi didn't press further, turning his gaze to the images on the light screen. Most of the scenes featured the handsome young men and beautiful women of the Su Yuan Sect, with occasional glimpses of other individuals. After watching for a while, Miao Dingyi's lips slowly curved into a smile. He seemed to understand why the usually carefree Young Master Nan was feeling down here. He turned and asked, "Are there many bets on the Su Yuan Sect?"

That hit the mark. Young Master Nan sighed, "The wealthy ones are more rational; it's ten-to-one odds. The large bets aren't the main issue. It's the sheer number of small-time individual bettors that's terrifying. To be honest, Brother Miao, those small bettors alone are enough to completely ruin me. I'm afraid I'll lose even my underwear this time."

"I didn't realize so many people were gambling," Miao Dingyi said, a wry smile twitching at the corner of his mouth. "It won't be that bad. You, Young Master Nan, are rich and powerful; you can certainly afford this amount."

Young Master Nan sighed again, "Brother Miao, you manage the Bowang Tower; you understand some things. If there's a profit from manipulating this, it's not just for me. The problem is, some people are only allowed to profit, never to lose."

Lan Qiaoyan, standing by, asked in confusion, "Didn't Young Master Nan say before that finding things relied not just on martial prowess? It's only just begun, so how do you already feel certain you're going to lose?"

Miao Dingyi smiled again, lifting his chin towards the light screen. "Human calculations have their limits; it's normal for things to turn out unexpectedly. Haven't you noticed, comparing the images of the Su Yuan Sect with other sects? The Su Yuan Sect seems to have gathered a large contingent of people, and they appear to be in a commanding position. If I'm not mistaken, all the sects in their Xuanzhou are following the Su Yuan Sect's lead. However, the situation in other prefectures is different. At most, they can only gather small groups of people. The problem is that few sects have the absolute power to dominate others, and those with some strength in each prefecture are unwilling to admit inferiority to other sects; they all want to contend for first place in their respective prefectures. On one hand, the Su Yuan Sect already possesses the strength to lead, and coupled with the concerted efforts of everyone in Xuanzhou, the final outcome should no longer have major surprises. Brother Nan, even with ten-to-one odds, you'll likely lose a significant amount, hence your melancholy."

Young Master Nan's forced smile was uglier than a grimace. He cupped his hands towards Miao Dingyi, silently begging him to stop.

"I see!" Lan Qiaoyan suddenly understood, her eyes filled with sympathy as she looked at Young Master Nan. Miao Yilan quickly calculated the projected losses and secretly stuck out her tongue.