Chapter 1408: Little Ones Sparring

These five high-grade third-tier puppet beasts are equivalent to cultivators at the seventh layer of the Core Formation stage. As a set, they can collaboratively deploy the Five Elements Slaying Light Formation. Their drawback is the immense amount of spiritual consciousness they consume. It is extremely difficult for a single Core Formation cultivator to control all five puppet beasts simultaneously; two Core Formation cultivators are much better, as they can unleash the full power of this set of puppet beasts.

Wang Qingjing smiled faintly and said, "Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. We possess cultivation techniques that can enhance spiritual consciousness, so Yinghao and I can control these puppet beasts. Other Core Formation cultivators might not be able to handle this set of Five Elements puppet beasts."

"Indeed! The power of a complete set of puppet beasts is truly immense. If we had nine high-grade third-tier puppet beasts, even an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would likely have to avoid their might."

Wang Yinghao said with a hint of pride, as this set of Five Elements puppet beasts had been jointly refined by the three of them, making their power naturally considerable.

"A difference of an entire major cultivation realm cannot be compensated for by just a few third-tier puppet beasts. The divine abilities of Nascent Soul cultivators are far more profound than you can imagine. Yinghao, you must remember, whether they are puppet beasts or magic treasures, they are all external objects. What you can truly rely on are your own divine abilities and cultivation."

Wang Changsheng's expression was solemn. Wang Yinghao had enjoyed a smooth journey in his cultivation. He was Wang Qingjing's favorite descendant and possessed quite high puppet crafting skills. However, he stood on the shoulders of his predecessors, starting from a higher point than they did. Yet, he also had a flaw: he relied too much on puppet beasts and had become somewhat conceited.

"Yinghao, remember your ancestor's words; this is all for your own good. Puppet beasts have their advantages, but also numerous flaws. You must not rely on them excessively."

Wang Qingjing patiently instructed him. She was naturally pleased that the family lineage had a successor, but Wang Yinghao's excessive reliance on puppet beasts was not a positive development.

"Yes, grandson will bear it in mind."

Wang Yinghao repeatedly agreed, though whether he truly took it to heart was known only to him.

Wang Mengfen flew over from a distance, his expression solemn.

"Ancestor, we have news regarding Zhou Sihong."

Currently, the entire South Sea region is in a state of panic, fearing that Zhou Sihong might open a spatial passage to the Demon Realm. The Ten Major Sects of the South Sea are frantically gathering masters to encircle and annihilate Zhou Sihong.

Wang Changsheng's expression tightened, and he quickly asked, "What's the situation? Is he dead?"

Wang Mengfen shook his head and replied, "No, he's not dead. He self-destructed a spirit treasure and a demonic artifact, using the Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure, the Blood Demon Blade, to break through the encirclement. However, he didn't escape unscathed; it's a blessing if he's left with half a life. The Ten Major Sects of the South Sea have raised the bounty to 100 million spirit stones for Zhou Sihong's capture. Any individual who reports Zhou Sihong's whereabouts, regardless of gender, age, or cultivation level, may join one of the Ten Major Sects of the South Sea. Those who know but fail to report will be executed without mercy."

"With such a major commotion, aren't the Spirit Transformation cultivators taking action?"

Wang Qingjing asked curiously, "Since there are Spirit Transformation cultivators in the Eastern Wilderness, there must certainly be some in the South Sea."

"I'm not sure. It's likely that the Spirit Transformation cultivators couldn't pinpoint Zhou Sihong's location, or perhaps he escaped before they could arrive. Even if not for the sake of the South Sea's common people, Spirit Transformation cultivators would surely take action for the sake of the Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure, the Blood Demon Blade."

"He escaped? He probably won't be able to escape for long; with Spirit Transformation cultivators involved, he is certain to die."

Wang Changsheng sighed, a long sigh of relief escaping him. As long as Zhou Sihong remained alive, the Ten Major Sects of the South Sea would not dare to relax. Their full attention would be on Zhou Sihong, leaving them no time to attend to other matters.

"You may go. Keep an eye out for any news about Zhou Sihong and report it to me immediately. Oh, and by the way, has anyone been discussing the ruins recently?"

"No. Currently, there are rumors that several major forces, such as the Cold Flame Sect and Whale Gate, have been exposed for helping Zhou Sihong hide. There are even whispers that the Lu family obtained a Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure. Right now, rumors are flying everywhere, and reliable information is scarce."

Hearing this answer, Wang Changsheng's expression remained normal, and a wave of relief washed over him.

Most of these false rumors had been discreetly spread by the Wang family, making it impossible for anyone to trace them back. This tactic effectively muddied the waters and, to a certain extent, dispelled some people's suspicions that the Wang family controlled the ruins of a major cultivation sect. Even if some still believed the Wang family controlled such ruins, they would not dare to proactively cause trouble.

At present, the South Sea could at any moment become the main battlefield for an inter-realm war. All major forces were busy preparing for conflict, and the Ten Major Sects of the South Sea would not permit any internal conflicts at this time. Anyone who dared to cause trouble now would become the public enemy of the South Sea cultivation world.

Wang Changsheng gave a few instructions, then dismissed Wang Mengfen.

"Let's rest for a while, then continue refining third-tier puppet beasts. As long as Zhou Sihong is alive, we cannot relax for a single day. Qingjing, Yinghao, you two have been working hard."

Wang Changsheng looked at Wang Qingjing and Wang Yinghao, his expression solemn.

"Father, this is our duty. You are too kind."

"That's right! Ancestor, this is our duty. We'll refine puppet beasts together and learn from each other."

Wang Changsheng nodded and said, "You two go back and rest for now. We'll continue refining third-tier puppet beasts after some time."

Wang Qingjing and Wang Yinghao repeatedly affirmed, then returned to their respective residences.

Northern Frontier, Phoenix Cry Mountain Range.

The Phoenix Cry Mountain Range is located in the northwestern part of the Northern Frontier, spanning millions of miles. It is composed of tens of thousands of volcanoes of varying sizes, with dozens erupting each year. The sky above is perpetually crimson, resembling a burning red cloud, as red clouds constantly float over the mountain range. Fire spiritual energy is exceptionally abundant here, supporting a large population of fire-attribute demonic beasts.

Deep within the Phoenix Cry Mountain Range, a ten-thousand-zhang-tall red giant peak stands entirely crimson, encircled by eighteen equally sized black peaks. Numerous buildings are constructed at the foot of the mountain, where a large number of cultivators can be seen.

On a red brick plaza spanning over a hundred mu, Wang Mengbin stood with a serene expression. Silver electric arcs flickered around his body, making him resemble a god of thunder.

A hundred zhang away, opposite him, stood a young girl dressed in a red ruqun. The girl was exquisitely beautiful with fair skin, like a porcelain doll, and wisps of crimson flames emanated from her body.

Wang Qingshan and Wu Chang stood in the distance. Wu Chang's face showed an eager expression, while Wang Qingshan's expression remained calm.

The Immortal Couple Qianyang had personally traveled to the South Sea to attend Wang Qingshan's Nascent Soul formation ceremony. Therefore, as Wang Qingshan was in the Northern Frontier this time, he naturally had to visit Wu Chang.

Upon seeing Wang Qingshan, Wu Chang suggested they spar. Wang Qingshan repeatedly declined, so Wu Chang proposed that their juniors spar instead, to observe the divine abilities of the two families' younger generations. Wang Qingshan found it difficult to refuse and agreed.

Wang Mengbin raised his hands high, as if embracing something. A deafening roar echoed from above, and a fierce gust of wind suddenly swept through. An enormous dark cloud appeared directly over his head, with lightning flashing, thunder rumbling, and bolts of lightning dancing wildly.

The flames on the red-skirted girl's body flared dramatically. Points of red light emerged in the sky, suddenly transforming into a crimson fire phoenix over thirty zhang in size. With a flap of its wings, it charged towards Wang Mengbin, unleashing an overwhelming wave of heat.