Chapter 1251: Golden Crow True Person

The Black Crow Mountain Range is located in the southern part of the Northern Cultivation World. Spanning one hundred thousand li, its mountains are dark, earning the range its name from the large population of Blackflame Crows that inhabit it.

Black Crow Valley is situated on the outskirts of the Black Crow Mountain Range and boasts numerous shops. Its favorable geographical location, coupled with several large metal mines in the mountain range, attracts many merchants and travelers for trade.

The Treasure Appraisal Convention is a grand event hosted by Black Crow Valley. Primarily attended by Core Formation cultivators, participants showcase and exchange various cultivation resources such as magical artifacts, elixirs, and talismans. In essence, the convention serves as a large-scale exchange and networking event.

During the convention, various competitions are held, attracting numerous cultivators with the promise of rewards for achieving renown.

True Man Golden Crow, whose given name is Li Zhen, began his journey as a rogue cultivator. In his early years, he participated in the Treasure Appraisal Convention, where he entered the beast battles and secured a spot in the top five. This performance caught the attention of an elder from the Nine Nether Sect, leading to Li Zhen's admission into the sect and his apprenticeship under a Core Formation stage elder. From then on, his career soared.

The Nine Nether Sect opens its gates to new disciples every twenty years. Additionally, it hosts various celebrations that draw a large number of cultivators, from whom the most exceptional are selected to join the sect. The Treasure Appraisal Convention is one such method for the Nine Nether Sect to attract fresh talent.

The Nine Nether Sect's ability to maintain its status as the foremost sect in the Northern Cultivation World is largely attributed to its unique disciple recruitment system, in addition to having multiple Nascent Soul cultivators within its ranks.

The Nine Nether Sect's recruitment process disregards character, aptitude, and age; anyone with a specialized skill can join after passing an assessment. While it's easy to enter the Nine Nether Sect, it's not easy to leave. Among the ten major sects in the Northern Cultivation World, the Nine Nether Sect has the most lenient entry requirements but also the most stringent rules and regulations.

A colossal golden crow appeared on the horizon, swiftly flying towards Black Crow Valley.

Dozens of cultivators were seated on the golden crow's back. Leading them were a golden-robed man with a prominent nose and a fair-skinned, beautiful middle-aged Daoist nun. The golden-robed elder was, of course, Li Zhen.

They were tasked with presiding over the Treasure Appraisal Convention, recruiting new disciples, and simultaneously expanding their own influence.

Not long after, the golden crow landed outside Black Crow Valley. Li Zhen and the middle-aged Daoist nun dismounted, followed by the other Nine Nether Sect disciples.

Li Zhen retrieved the golden crow and strode towards Black Crow Valley, with the others following closely behind.

Soon, they found themselves on a bustling street, where crowds flowed like a river, and the constant sounds of shouts and bargaining created a lively atmosphere.

"Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Sun, long time no see!""Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Sun."Along the way, they encountered acquaintances who greeted Li Zhen, and he responded with a smile.

Half an hour later, Li Zhen and the middle-aged Daoist nun arrived at Black Crow Tower, where three executive disciples were reporting to them.

"Uncle-Master Li, Uncle-Master Sun, a Core Formation stage Spirit Controller has arrived. This individual is skilled in controlling insects and beasts and has defeated several seniors."

Hearing this, Li Zhen immediately grew interested. He cultivated beast control techniques and was somewhat renowned in the Northern Cultivation World for his skills.

"Aren't the participants in the beast battles typically Foundation Establishment cultivators? Why is there a Core Formation cultivator now? Have the rules changed?" Li Zhen asked curiously.

"Not at all. This senior's disciple lost a beast battle to one of our sect's disciples, which infuriated her. She then personally entered the arena and engaged in beast battles with other Core Formation cultivators. Currently, no one has been able to defeat her."

The middle-aged Daoist nun frowned and said, "What is this person's background? A Core Formation cultivator skilled in controlling insects and beasts should be known to us."

"She claims to be from the Central Plains Cultivation World. We only know her surname is Li; nothing else is known."

Li Zhen smiled and instructed, "How interesting. It's rare to encounter a Core Formation stage Spirit Controller. Nephew Zhao, contact this person immediately. I wish to engage in a beast battle with her."

"Yes, Uncle-Master Li."

In a charming courtyard, where red spirit bamboo grew, a tall young man in a blue shirt and an alluring young woman in a blue dress sat in a green stone pavilion. They were Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan, disguised.

The Treasure Appraisal Convention had been ongoing for nearly half a month, but True Man Golden Crow had yet to make an appearance.

The stone pavilion was situated in the center of an inner lake, where the Kylin Turtle playfully swam, occasionally diving to the bottom and then resurfacing.

Wang Ruyan was intently playing the guqin, while Wang Changsheng sat beside her, engrossed in an ancient book. A gentle breeze swept through, tousling both their hair.

Wang Changsheng suddenly put down his ancient book, took out a communication disk, and cast a spell. Wang Qingling's voice instantly sounded: "Ninth Uncle, the fish has bitten."

"Proceed with caution, and prioritize your safety above all else."

After putting away the communication disk, Wang Changsheng picked up his ancient book and continued reading, while Wang Ruyan resumed her focused playing. Both behaved as if nothing had happened.

At a vast red stone plaza, thousands of cultivators had gathered.

On a colossal red arena, several hundred zhang wide, Li Zhen gazed at the young woman in a green dress opposite him, her features unremarkable, his face alight with excitement.

The young woman in the green dress was Wang Qingling, who had used a Spirit Transformation Pearl to alter her appearance.

"I hear Lady Li is skilled in controlling insects and beasts. I've specifically come to seek your guidance, and I kindly request your instruction." Li Zhen said enthusiastically. He particularly enjoyed engaging in beast battles with other Core Formation cultivators, rarely losing. Encountering such a formidable opponent was rare, and he naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity.

"It's my pleasure. I've heard Fellow Daoist Li is proficient in the art of controlling insects and beasts, and I kindly request your instruction as well." Wang Qingling readily agreed, an excited expression on her face.

The two exchanged glances and each released a spirit beast.

Li Zhen released a red alligator, three zhang long, with wrinkled skin and pale golden eyes. Wang Qingling summoned her Cloud-Treading Elephant.

Both cultivators jumped off the arena, and a light red barrier of light materialized, enveloping the entire platform.

They each maneuvered their spirit beasts to attack the opponent's.

The red alligator opened its gaping maw, revealing a row of sharp teeth, and spewed forth torrents of raging flames towards the Cloud-Treading Elephant.

The Cloud-Treading Elephant swung its thick, long trunk with immense force, creating a loud whistling sound. The trunk suddenly elongated, smashing the raging flames to pieces and scattering them.

The Cloud-Treading Elephant let out a strange roar and charged towards its opponent. With every step it took, the arena trembled slightly.

The red alligator's tail suddenly swept out, but as it neared the Cloud-Treading Elephant, it was blocked by the thick, long trunk. The extensive trunk swung left and right, striking the red alligator and causing it to emit a miserable shriek.

The Cloud-Treading Elephant's tough hide and thick flesh made it invulnerable to the red alligator's fire breath or close-range biting. Before long, the Cloud-Treading Elephant seized an opening in the red alligator's defenses and slammed its massive trunk down forcefully. The red alligator was immediately sent flying backward, its skin torn and flesh exposed.

"Stop! Lady Li, your Cloud-Treading Elephant's strength is quite impressive. Shall we switch to spirit birds? How about a spirit bird battle?"

Wang Qingling smiled faintly and agreed.