Chapter 2015: Fifty Years, Fifth-Rank Puppet Beast, Golden Thunder Eagle

Golden Butterfly Valley was the ancestral home of the Deng family, a lineage that had endured for over ten millennia. Once considered among the foremost immortal cultivation families in the Qinghuan Realm, the Deng family had gradually declined over the ages, though their foundational strength persisted.

Several years prior, the Deng family saw the emergence of another Spirit Transformation cultivator, significantly boosting their influence.

Perched atop a steep, towering peak was a vast bluestone plaza spanning ten thousand mu. At its heart lay an enormous magic array, ten thousand zhang in size, with flickering runes and a massive Golden Ring Divine Crystal embedded within. Surrounding the array were seventy-two massive white jade pillars, intricately carved with arcane runes that pulsed with powerful restrictive energy.

A streak of light soared from the distant horizon, abruptly landing on the bluestone plaza. It was Deng Tianxin.

His brows were tightly furrowed, and he wore a deeply troubled expression. He had been tasked with finding the Heavenly Void Jade Tome, but his mission had been unsuccessful.

Deng Tianxin sighed deeply. After much deliberation, he realized he could only seek help from his ancestor. Wang Mengbin was highly proficient in Lightning Escape Arts, and Deng Tianxin knew he couldn't defeat him alone. However, the Heavenly Void Jade Tome was too crucial to abandon, so he hoped for an ancestor from the Spirit Realm to descend.

He retrieved a shimmering blue array disc, cast several incantations into it, and the disc suddenly flared with light.

The next moment, the runes on all seventy-two stone pillars erupted with blinding spiritual light, and the entire grand array began to tremble as if in an earthquake. All the array patterns on the magic array illuminated, and countless runes surged forth, hovering above the array to form a clear, smooth magic mirror over ten zhang in size.

The mirror surface blurred, and then a graceful young woman in a blue dress appeared on it. The young woman in the blue dress had picturesque features and skin as white as snow. A teardrop mark adorned her brow, seemingly symbolizing something profound.

"Your grandson greets the ancestor!"

Deng Tianxin quickly bowed, his expression one of deep respect.

"Well, have you recovered the Heavenly Void Jade Tome?" the young woman in the blue dress asked, her tone somewhat cold.

In immortal cultivation families, relationships tended to become distant after more than three generations.

"Ancestor," Deng Tianxin said carefully, "that person has already advanced to the Spirit Transformation stage and is proficient in lightning arts. I simply couldn't defeat him. Your grandson engaged him under the pretense of a spar and was wounded."

"Didn't Azure Cloud Palace provide you with several spirit treasures? And you still couldn't defeat him?" the young woman's tone was indifferent.

"Your grandson is incompetent, please punish me, ancestor," Deng Tianxin said, "I didn't have absolute certainty and dared not deliver a fatal blow. If you could bestow a Sky-Reaching Spirit Treasure, your grandson would surely be able to capture him."

Deng Tianxin's expression was tense, his gaze tinged with a hint of expectation.

"Hmph, do you think I have the power to send a Sky-Reaching Spirit Treasure to the lower realm? Even Integration cultivators might not possess that capability. If I could, I would have done so long ago," the young woman in the blue dress scolded him with a cold face.

Deng Tianxin's expression became awkward. Indeed, without external assistance, he genuinely lacked the confidence to defeat Wang Mengbin on his own.

"You've only just advanced to the Spirit Transformation stage, so it's understandable that eliminating a cultivator of the same rank would be difficult for you," she continued. "Go into seclusion first, cultivate, and enhance your strength. I'll speak with Old Ghost Lin and see if Azure Cloud Palace can lend a hand."

Deng Tianxin repeatedly assented and agreed.

"Remember, without my explicit instructions, you absolutely must not reveal the whereabouts of the Heavenly Void Jade Tome. Oh, and show me a portrait of that fellow. Just in case he somehow ascends to the Spirit Realm, I'll be able to apprehend him there," the young woman instructed.

Deng Tianxin readily agreed and retrieved a blue scroll. He unrolled it, revealing an image of Wang Mengbin.

"Alright, I understand. That's all for now. If there's nothing urgent, do not contact me. The energy of the Golden Ring Divine Crystal diminishes with each use, and once it's depleted, you won't be able to reach me. Many forces in the lower realms have already exhausted their Golden Ring Divine Crystals and can no longer contact their patrons in the Spirit Realm," the young woman instructed.

"Yes, ancestor."

Deng Tianxin repeatedly assented. The magic mirror's spiritual light dimmed and then abruptly vanished.

Deng Tianxin let out a long sigh of relief. He took out a blue communication disc, cast an incantation into it, and instructed: "Send people to keep a close eye on the Zhong family, especially that guest elder named Wang. Be careful not to be discovered by him."

"Yes, Seventh Uncle-Grandfather."

Putting away the communication disc, Deng Tianxin's face took on a thoughtful expression.

"The Heavenly Void Jade Tome," Deng Tianxin murmured to himself, "who exactly tore it in half?" He muttered to himself, his face filled with confusion.

In the Xuanyang Realm, fifty years passed quickly, as spring turned to autumn countless times.

Xuanling Continent, Xuanfeng Sea Region.

Black Eagle Island, a vast estate.

In a secret chamber, Wang Changsheng sat cross-legged on a blue futon, surrounded by various artifact refining materials. Before him stood a shimmering golden colossal ape puppet beast, its body covered in abstruse spiritual patterns, emitting astonishing spiritual energy fluctuations.

"Finally, success," Wang Changsheng murmured to himself. This was the third fifth-tier puppet beast he had refined. Excluding the shark puppet beast, he now possessed two more fifth-tier puppet beasts, and the colossal ape before him was one of them. Over these years, he had dedicated himself to studying the art of puppetry and refining fifth-tier puppet beasts. He had successfully created two more fifth-tier puppet beasts, considerably elevating his puppetry skills.

With this new fifth-tier puppet beast, he had an additional asset for treasure hunting. With Wang Changsheng's current divine sense, controlling three fifth-tier puppet beasts simultaneously posed no issue, a feat owed to the "Grand Void Divine Forging Art" and the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada.

Jiang Qingfeng, concerned for Jiang Yulin's safety, would periodically find excuses to visit Wang Changsheng. Wang Changsheng had tasked him with collecting demonic beast souls and artifact refining materials, and Jiang Qingfeng, motivated by his daughter's life, had been very diligent in his efforts.

Wang Changsheng gazed at the colossal ape puppet beast, his eyes brimming with joy.

Sensing something, he took out a light blue spiritual shell, cast an incantation, and Jiang Qingfeng's voice suddenly echoed: "Senior, we've found a fifth-tier demonic beast. What are your thoughts?"

The Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada had little interest in low-tier beast souls but favored the spirits of fifth-tier demonic beasts, so Wang Changsheng had instructed Jiang Qingfeng to watch for their whereabouts.

Wang Changsheng put away the puppet beast and stepped outside. Once outside, he lifted the barrier, and Jiang Qingfeng entered. He bowed to Wang Changsheng and reported the situation.

"A fifth-tier demonic bird? And lightning-attributed?" Wang Changsheng was slightly surprised, his eyes narrowing.

"That's right," Jiang Qingfeng said cautiously. "That Golden Lightning Vulture is proficient in both wind and lightning arts and is not easy to deal with. Perhaps due to an impure bloodline, it hasn't been able to transform into human form."

"Aren't you unable to leave Black Eagle Island? How do you know the whereabouts of that Golden Lightning Vulture?" Wang Changsheng pressed him.

"Fellow Daoist Ying discovered it," Jiang Qingfeng replied, "I don't know the full details." Jiang Qingfeng dared not conceal anything. He was, in fact, attempting to "kill with a borrowed knife." The "Fellow Daoist Ying" he mentioned was a half-demon who constantly opposed him and had often brutalized human cultivators.

"Bring him here to me," Wang Changsheng instructed, "and tell him I have something to ask him."

Jiang Qingfeng assented and departed to carry out the order.

Not long after, Jiang Qingfeng returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man with green feathered wings on his back.

"This junior, Ying Tianheng, greets Senior Jiao," the middle-aged man asked cautiously, his expression uneasy. "May I ask what instructions Senior Jiao has?"

Before Feng Yao entered seclusion, he had instructed them to fulfill Wang Changsheng's requests as much as possible, and no one dared to take his words lightly.

"Don't be nervous," Wang Changsheng said. "Tell me about the Golden Lightning Vulture. The more details, the better."

Ying Tianheng pondered for a moment before replying: "This junior recently went to Xuanfeng Market City to purchase cultivation resources. On the way back, I encountered a sky-wind, so I took a detour. It was then that I unexpectedly witnessed a fifth-tier Golden Lightning Vulture battling a Spirit Transformation senior. The senior was no match and was devoured by the Golden Lightning Vulture. From afar, I saw the demon fly into a small island, but as for the specific situation on the island, this junior is unclear."

He was fortunate enough to return alive; he wouldn't dare explore the island's conditions. He thoroughly resented Jiang Qingfeng. He had boasted and accidentally let the information slip, and Jiang Qingfeng had actually reported it to the Merman race.

"I see," Wang Changsheng said. "You may both leave. I'm going out." Wang Changsheng instructed, not intending to bring Ying Tianheng along; it would be troublesome if his divine abilities were revealed. With his current strength and three fifth-tier puppet beasts, eliminating that Golden Lightning Vulture should not be difficult. Moreover, a lightning-attributed demonic core would be a great tonic for the Qilin Turtle.

Ying Tianheng let out a long sigh of relief, his anxious heart finally settling. He assented and turned to leave.

Jiang Qingfeng was somewhat disappointed; he had originally hoped to "kill with a borrowed knife" by having Ying Tianheng accompany them to the fifth-tier Golden Lightning Vulture's lair.

"Wait, Jiang Qingfeng, stay," Wang Changsheng said. "I have something to ask you." Wang Changsheng noticed the subtle shift in both men's expressions, his gaze flickered, and he motioned for Jiang Qingfeng to remain.

Jiang Qingfeng was slightly startled but agreed.

"Does Ying Tianheng often go to purchase cultivation resources?" Wang Changsheng asked casually.

"Not often, but occasionally, I suppose," Jiang Qingfeng replied truthfully. "Mainly to purchase high-grade spiritual herbs or gather information."

Wang Changsheng asked a few more questions about Ying Tianheng, and Jiang Qingfeng answered truthfully. From his replies, Wang Changsheng could discern that Jiang Qingfeng and Ying Tianheng were not on good terms.

"Alright, you can leave now," Wang Changsheng said. "Call Ying Tianheng here and have him accompany me on a trip."

Jiang Qingfeng was instantly overjoyed and agreed.

A moment later, Ying Tianheng appeared before Wang Changsheng, his expression uneasy.

"Little Friend Jiang said you are familiar with this area," Wang Changsheng stated. "Come with me for this trip. If we eliminate the Golden Lightning Vulture, you will certainly be rewarded."

He was deliberately exacerbating the conflict between Jiang Qingfeng and Ying Tianheng. This way, Jiang Qingfeng would gravitate towards Wang Changsheng and be more willing to answer his questions. Being in a foreign land among a different race, he dared not be careless.

Hearing this, Ying Tianheng's brows furrowed, and he cursed inwardly, "Jiang, you'll pay for this."

"What? Are you unwilling?" Wang Changsheng's expression turned cold, and a hint of killing intent flickered across his face.

Ying Tianheng shivered and quickly nodded. "This junior is willing. I was just considering whether to report to Lord Feng. Relying solely on senior's strength, it might be difficult to eliminate this demon."

"No need," Wang Changsheng said, his tone leaving no room for refusal. "It's just a fifth-tier demonic bird; I have plenty of ways to deal with it. Lead the way immediately! Let's go and return quickly."

Ying Tianheng repeatedly assented and agreed.

They transformed into two streaks of light, departed Black Eagle Island, and ascended into the sky.

Along the way, Wang Changsheng inquired about the Xuanfeng Sea Region. He deliberately mentioned to Ying Tianheng beforehand that Jiang Qingfeng had already provided some answers. Unsure of how much Jiang Qingfeng truly knew, Ying Tianheng could only respond truthfully to avoid angering Wang Changsheng. Ying Tianheng had spent years running errands for Feng Yao and was exceptionally familiar with the Xuanfeng Sea Region. Through his detailed descriptions, Wang Changsheng gained a deeper understanding of the area.

Two months later, in a vast azure sea, the sky was cloudless for thousands of miles, and the waters were calm and tranquil. Two streaks of light streaked across the sky, then flashed, stopping high above. The light subsided, revealing Wang Changsheng and Ying Tianheng.

"Senior Jiao," Ying Tianheng said, pointing ahead, "that Golden Lightning Vulture is on the island directly in front of us. This demon has incredible escape speed, and its Lightning Escape Arts are formidable."

Looking in the direction he pointed, Wang Changsheng saw an island five hundred li in circumference. Its terrain sloped from higher in the south to lower in the north, and the island was lush with dense vegetation.

Wang Changsheng's divine sense expanded widely, sweeping rapidly over the entire island. He detected a powerful aura, which he presumed belonged to the Golden Lightning Vulture.

"Alright, you can go back now," Wang Changsheng said. "If you wish to stay and assist, that's fine too."

Ying Tianheng wouldn't dare stay and help. He repeatedly expressed his thanks, transformed into a streak of light, and swiftly flew back the way they came, disappearing into the horizon. Seeing Ying Tianheng's good sense, Wang Changsheng said nothing further.

He tapped his right foot in the void, transforming into a blue rainbow that soared towards the small island.

Not long after, Wang Changsheng appeared above a lush mountain range. Below, a vast valley lay surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a massive cave entrance at its far end. Wang Changsheng flicked his sleeve, sending forth a shimmering golden metal sphere. He cast an incantation into it, and after a mechanical whir, the sphere burst with spiritual light, abruptly transforming into a golden colossal ape over ten zhang tall.

The golden colossal ape had thick limbs, its body covered in golden spiritual patterns, and it exuded powerful spiritual pressure.

"Go."

A blue light shot from Wang Changsheng's glabella, disappearing into the golden colossal ape's head. The golden colossal ape's eyes flickered, and it strode towards the cave.

Wang Changsheng flipped his right hand, and a blue light flashed, revealing a shimmering blue orb—the Azure Chi Pearl—in his palm. He landed on the ground and infused the Azure Chi Pearl with his magic power. The Azure Chi Pearl immediately emitted a dazzling blue light, enveloping Wang Changsheng's body. A moment later, the blue light dissipated, and Wang Changsheng vanished.

Using the Azure Chi Pearl to become invisible, Wang Changsheng followed into the cave. On the ground were some brownish bloodstains and scattered beast bones.

After walking for over a hundred zhang, the path suddenly opened up, revealing a cavern spanning ten mu directly before Wang Changsheng. A pit several zhang wide was at the top of the cavern, through which sunlight streamed in. In a corner, dozens of small golden grasses grew, each barely a foot tall, shimmering with golden electrical arcs.

"Golden Lightning Grass!" Wang Changsheng recognized the golden grasses. This type of spiritual herb typically grew in areas prone to frequent thunderstorms.

No wonder there was a fifth-tier Golden Lightning Vulture here; it must have been drawn by the Golden Lightning Grass. Strangely, he didn't see any trace of the Golden Lightning Vulture itself. Had the Golden Lightning Vulture gone out to forage? No, that didn't seem right. Wang Changsheng had previously detected a very powerful aura with his divine sense.

Just then, a huge clap of thunder suddenly echoed. Behind the golden colossal ape, a golden lightning bolt flared, revealing a massive golden vulture with a wingspan of over ten zhang. Its claws and eyes were golden, unmistakably a fifth-tier mid-grade demonic bird.