Chapter 1367: Selecting Elite Forces

A secret room on Green Lotus Island.

Wang Changsheng sat cross-legged on a futon, his entire body enveloped in a layer of dark, foul-smelling substance. A blue glow encased him.

After a moment, Wang Changsheng opened his eyes, which gleamed with golden light.

With a thought, countless blue lights suddenly appeared in the air, forming a mass of clear water that cleansed the black substance from his body.

Wang Changsheng raised a hand, and a golden light shot forth, transforming into a dazzling golden humanoid puppet.

As soon as the humanoid puppet appeared, its right hand glowed with a dazzling golden light and swung towards Wang Changsheng. Even before the fist connected, a powerful gust of wind rushed at him.

Wang Changsheng’s right fist flared with a dazzling blue light as he met the blow.

With a muffled ‘thud,’ the humanoid puppet was sent flying backward, slamming heavily into the stone wall and causing the entire stone chamber to shake violently.

Wang Changsheng felt the immense power surging within him and smiled with delight. His physical body was now significantly stronger than before; the tempering effects of the Dragon Yuan Spirit Liquid were excellent.

He released the Sea Suppressing Ape and ordered it to attack him with brute force.

After letting out a strange roar, the Sea Suppressing Ape’s right fist surged with blue electrical arcs as it struck towards Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng’s right fist flared with an intensified blue light, meeting the blow.

Wang Changsheng’s fist was minuscule compared to the Sea Suppressing Ape’s. When the two fists collided, Wang Changsheng stumbled back two steps, while the Sea Suppressing Ape remained completely still.

The Sea Suppressing Ape possessed the bloodline of the Mountain Giant Ape, and its immense strength far surpassed that of ordinary fourth-tier demonic beasts. To be frank, throughout the entire Dongli Realm, in terms of raw power, there were likely fewer than ten fourth-tier demonic beasts stronger than the Sea Suppressing Ape. While the Dragon clan also possessed formidable physical bodies, their strength primarily lay in defense.

Different demonic beasts specialize in different innate abilities.

“Exhilarating! Again!”

Wang Changsheng donned a pair of golden gauntlets. With four Sea-Stabilizing Pearls clutched in his right hand, he charged at the Sea Suppressing Ape amidst a rush of wind.

The small fist collided with the large one; the Sea Suppressing Ape stumbled back a step, while Wang Changsheng remained completely still.

Wang Changsheng’s expression was tinged with excitement. If this had been another fourth-tier demonic beast, it wouldn’t have been as simple as just a single step back.

Other fourth-tier demonic beasts would likely be dead or crippled after taking a punch like that from him.

The Sea Suppressing Ape, looking surprised, patted its chest with both hands before swinging its fist at Wang Changsheng once more.

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly. His right fist blazed with blue light as he gripped nine Sea-Stabilizing Pearls and struck towards the Sea Suppressing Ape.

“Thud!”

The small fist once again collided with the large one, unleashing a powerful wave of air. The space distorted, as if about to rip apart, and the entire stone chamber shook violently.

The Sea Suppressing Ape stumbled back three steps, a hint of fear in its eyes.

Demonic beasts possess powerful physical bodies and long lifespans, yet they develop intelligence relatively late and lack systematic cultivation methods. In contrast, human physical bodies are generally weaker and their lifespans shorter, but they develop intelligence earlier and have access to systematic cultivation techniques. Each species has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses.

It let out a whining sound, scratched its head, and gazed enviously at the golden gauntlets on Wang Changsheng’s hands.

Through these two sparring sessions, it realized its own shortcomings: with an amplifying magical treasure, its strength would significantly improve.

Wang Changsheng removed the golden gauntlets, tossed them to the Sea Suppressing Ape, and said, “You can use these Spirit-Breaking Gauntlets from now on! I can refine a new pair.”

The Spirit-Breaking Gauntlets were made from ordinary materials, so Wang Changsheng intended to gather superior materials to refine a better pair of gauntlet-type magical treasures.

The Sea Suppressing Ape caught the golden gauntlets and let out strange squeals, seemingly very pleased with Wang Changsheng’s gift.

Wang Changsheng suddenly sensed something. He took out a palm-sized green spiritual disk, imbued it with an incantation, and Wang Qingshan’s somewhat excited voice immediately rang out: “Ninth Uncle, Hua Xun has reported that the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda has appeared in the Five Dragon Sea Territory, right at the border. Do you think we should send people?”

Wang Qingshan had entered the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda years ago. Its reappearance in the Five Dragon Sea Territory after so many years presented a perfect opportunity for the Wang family.

It was important to note that the Wang family now boasted a significant number of Core Formation cultivators, including several masters at the eighth level of Core Formation.

“The Immortal Suppressing Pagoda has appeared? Tell Meng Fen and the others to come to the council hall. I have something to discuss.”

“I called them to the council hall immediately; we’re just waiting for you, Ninth Uncle.”

Entering the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda was extremely perilous, essentially a battle against one’s own greed. A wise challenger, knowing their limits, would simply clear a certain level, claim their treasures, and depart. However, most challengers were overly confident, and throughout history, many young talents had perished within the pagoda precisely because their excessive confidence led to excessive greed.

Guangdong Ren had also attempted the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda in the past. He was supremely confident, and had it not been for a secret talisman, he would have perished inside.

Wang Changsheng put away the puppet and the Sea Suppressing Ape, then left his dwelling.

Shortly after, Wang Changsheng arrived at the council hall, where Wang Qingjing and the others had been waiting for some time. Their expressions varied: Wang Qingling seemed eager to try, Wang Rongxiang was full of envy, and Wang Qingqi, with his limited combat experience, would only waste an Immortal Suppressing Token by attempting the pagoda.

The Wang family now possessed seven Immortal Suppressing Tokens, allowing them to send seven Core Formation cultivators to challenge the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda.

“Whoever wishes to challenge the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda, please stand up. The Immortal Suppressing Pagoda is quite dangerous; it presents both an opportunity and a formidable challenge.”

Wang Changsheng said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over the family members present.

Wang Qingjing was the first to stand up. She could now simultaneously control four third-tier puppets. While she wasn't certain about clearing the thirty-sixth level, she was confident she could pass the thirtieth.

Ye Haitang was proficient in formations, and she too was confident in clearing the thirtieth level. As for higher levels, it was difficult to predict.

The Ice Wind Flood Dragon was a mid-grade third-tier beast, and both the Earth Dragon Worm and Black Sparrow had also advanced to mid-grade third-tier. With their assistance, Wang Qingling was confident she could clear past the thirtieth level.

Wang Qingling, Ye Haitang, Wang Qingjun, Wang Qiuming, Wang Qiuxin, Ouyang Mingyue, Wang Youwei, Wang Changjie, Wang Jiyun, Wang Mengbin, and Wang Hua Xun all rose to their feet. Among them, Ye Haitang was individually the strongest, possessing a Nascent Soul stage ghost. However, one could not use Nascent Soul stage ghosts when challenging the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda; previous attempts had failed, as the pagoda’s spirit would offer no quarter, expelling the user immediately.

Wang Changsheng deliberated carefully and decided to send Wang Qingjing, Wang Qingling, Ye Haitang, Wang Qingjun, Wang Qiuming, Wang Mengbin, and Wang Hua Xun to challenge the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda. The reason was simple: it would be relatively easier for them to reach higher levels. Wang Changsheng particularly favored Wang Qingling and Ye Haitang, followed by Wang Qingjing. Wang Qingjun’s strength, however, was comparatively weaker among the seven.

Truth be told, Wang Qingjun’s strength was far from weak; he had fought his way through countless bloody battles. However, Wang Qingshan’s brilliance was so dazzling that it made Wang Qingjun seem unremarkable by comparison. He had only recently achieved Core Formation, and then the Wang family saw the emergence of Wang Mengbin and Wang Hua Xun. Wang Qingjun’s inclusion in the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda challenge was largely due to his seniority within the family, his individual strength being a secondary consideration.

If there were only six Immortal Suppressing Tokens, Wang Qingjun likely wouldn’t have been chosen. After all, Wang Qiuming had also matured, and his performance during the journey to the Central Plains Cultivation World had been commendable.

“Qingshan, come with me on this trip! Since the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda has appeared at the border, there’s no guarantee the demonic beasts won’t also send their people inside.”

Wang Changsheng pondered for a moment before speaking to Wang Qingshan. The seven cultivators, including Wang Qingjing, represented the Wang family’s elite force and its future. They could not afford any mishaps. If they were to perish within the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda, it would simply be unfortunate luck. However, if they were to fall into the hands of the demonic beasts, that would be an entirely different and unacceptable matter.

Wang Qingshan readily agreed; even if Wang Changsheng hadn’t said anything, he had intended to go along anyway.

After bidding farewell to Fairy Ziyue, Wang Changsheng summoned the Green Lotus Dharma Seat, carrying them away from Green Lotus Island.