Chapter 400: Desire Great Law, Alchemy Transaction Negotiated

As I was reading, my demonic cultivation journey began with a depleted spiritual root.

“How was it peculiar?”

Perhaps it was because he was a human cultivator, and his inheritance wasn't some ancient beast god scripture, but rather something called the “Human Desire Method!” A title like that instantly sparked the imagination.

Before I could delve into the specifics, the beast god’s lingering spirit vanished, ending all communication.

Recalling the beast god’s final words:

The beast god shouldn't be dead, should it? Yet, the divine soul fragment was clearly a remnant left after death, and it mentioned being “abandoned after being used,” which seemed quite peculiar.

“If we meet someday…”

Wang Yu shook his head, dismissing idle thoughts. The beast god's cultivation level was still far beyond his own, so dwelling on it was pointless.

As the celestial vision faded, Wang Yu reappeared on Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain. The bronze statue remained, but it now bore numerous rust marks, indicating that the transmission of inheritance was not without limits.

“Human Desire Method…”

Finding a clean spot to sit, Wang Yu began to study the contents. This inheritance was both a cultivation technique and a secret art. The path of human desire was particularly suited for practitioners of the Joyful Union sect. In other words, it was a dual cultivation method.

Peculiar.

It allowed one to release desires through Yin-Yang union. If he cultivated it, it could accelerate the growth of his demonic energy and had the miraculous effect of strengthening his physical body. For the demon race, the cultivation effect was even more extraordinary; it could purify their bloodline, allowing them to revert to their ancestral origins. However, it wasn't without limitations. For those with peak bloodlines, the effect was virtually negligible.

For instance, if a demon possessed a peak Earth-grade bloodline, cultivating the Human Desire Method wouldn't help them ascend to Heaven-grade. Instead, it would only help them uncover more ancient inherited techniques from within their bloodline. However, if a demon with a lower Earth-grade bloodline cultivated it, they could gradually enhance their bloodline quality until it reached the peak Earth-grade status—this was the process of purification. While it couldn't break through grade tiers, for demons with innate deficiencies, it was an incredibly effective method for bloodline enhancement.

Wang Yu couldn't fathom why it was called the “Human Desire Method.” As his thoughts drifted, he couldn't help but think of Xueyu. Could the beast god have somehow seen that he had a female fox as a pet? The issue was Xueyu was only at the third tier and couldn't transform into human form yet.

“—Cough cough!”

One simply couldn't—or at least shouldn't.

He had no immediate intention of emulating the legendary Emperor Beifeng; that idea was far too abstract. The true potential of the Human Desire Method remained unclear; perhaps it even affected the fabled Heaven-grade bloodlines? After all, judging by the beast god's tone, even Void Refinement stage cultivators were mere trifles in its eyes. Perhaps the beast god itself was a mighty demon of the Body Fusion or even Mahayana stage. It might even possess a true spirit bloodline.

The beast god's inheritance was a peculiar one, its value both immense and ambiguous, heavily dependent on the user. If one lacked notions of etiquette or shame—if widely propagated among the Northern Demon Race, it could foster many geniuses with peak Earth-grade bloodlines. This was based on the demon race's system of equating bloodline quality with innate talent and potential. A peak Earth-grade bloodline, after all, signified a fourth-tier peak demon king.

Its value was indeed significant!

Soon, having committed the Human Desire Method to memory, Wang Yu decided not to use his placement slot for now. Once the Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain affair concluded, he intended to retreat to the Demon Cat Clan territory for a period of isolated cultivation. He also planned to refine some pills and accumulate resources for the Nascent Soul stage. The demon race possessed abundant resources, but they were largely unrefined due to a lack of proper processing techniques. Since he mastered advanced monetization methods, he could naturally accrue substantial profits from them.

Furthermore, he was determined to acquire the Dragon Python Clan's Heavenly Enlightenment Platform.

Descend the mountain!

Heart Beast Tower.

This time, it wasn't just Third Master; almost all the venerable demon elders residing in Heart Beast Tower were pacing anxiously at the entrance, eagerly awaiting his return. As Wang Yu suppressed his escape light, they immediately swarmed around him. With fiery eyes, they exclaimed:

“How was it? How was it!”

“Young friend, did you obtain the beast god’s inheritance? Quickly, present it so us old-timers can examine it!”

“Of course.”

Having signed the contract, Wang Yu naturally wouldn't renege. Besides, he had indeed gained numerous benefits and astounding secrets from Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain, so sharing the ancestor's inheritance was only proper. He transcribed the Human Desire Method onto a blank spiritual jade slip. After some thought, he also included “Concealing the Six Senses” as an ancillary secret technique within the inheritance before presenting it to the elders.

The elders immediately began to pore over the slip. In short order, they exchanged uneasy glances, looking from one to another, some tugging at their beards, others picking at their fingernails in contemplation.

“This… young friend, is this the entirety of the inheritance?”

“Naturally. Having signed the contract, I couldn’t conceal anything even if I wished to.”

“Yes, yes, that’s not what we meant at all.”

It was just that the Human Desire Method seemed excessively peculiar, a world apart from any inheritances they had received previously. While its bloodline-enhancing effect was indeed remarkable, it only worked through genuine Yin-Yang union, and the other party *had* to be human. If word of this spread, many demons would undoubtedly take human consorts. Some might even specifically seek human cultivators as dual cultivation partners. The implications for improving and strengthening relations between the two races were too significant, and it didn't quite align with the “political correctness” of the Northern Demon Race. The Five-Colored Sacred Master and others sought to secure their place at the table, with resolving the issue of living space being their top priority, which inevitably meant conflict with humans. Furthermore, they were unsure of the secret art's true limits. They instinctively assumed it was intended for demons with lower Earth-grade bloodlines. While its value was extraordinary, promoting it would be troublesome.

As the elders deliberated indecisively, Wang Yu, having no patience to wait for their decision, took his leave. Significant business matters awaited his decision back at the Demon Cat Clan’s territory. There was no need to delay further.

Thus.

Another ten days passed. At the Demon Cat Clan's territory, within the newly constructed palace, all nine demon kings had gathered, along with numerous fourth-tier representatives sent by various second-rate clans for discussions. The Five-Colored Sacred Master, constrained by his new status and the pressing matters of his recent ascension, was unable to attend. Thus, the Heaven-Peng King, from one of the four dominant clans, came to preside at the invitation of the Two-Tailed Shadow Cat. The Thunder-Kirin King and Fire Crow King both sent their most trusted representatives.

The Heaven-Peng King felt pleased as he relaxed and enjoyed the dance of the cat-girls in the hall. As he was presiding over the proceedings to ensure fairness, he had no doubt that the Heaven-Peng Clan would secure their rightful share. He was certain to claim the lion’s share. Gazing at the orange-haired beauty dancing gracefully in the hall, a familiar warmth stirred in his lower abdomen. He knew this was a Nascent Soul Demon Cat, and for her to dance for them was already a great honor. He therefore suppressed any thoughts of engaging in a “Heaven-Peng grappling with a dragon” display.

It had been over two months. Could Alchemist Wang truly have reached the summit of Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain? He recalled his own youthful attempt, which had only reached the sixteenth level.

Speak of the devil!

Wang Yu, whose aura had subtly improved, transformed into a streak of blue light and swiftly descended into the center of the palace. He nodded towards the orange cat instructor, who was clad in thin gauze and swaying her hips. He then looked toward the Heaven-Peng King seated at the head of the hall, bowing respectfully.

“My apologies for making you all wait for over two months, my friends.”

“Hahahaha, no trouble.”

“Indeed, indeed. Alchemist Wang, are you satisfied with your gains from the Divine Mountain? Many human cultivators have challenged it in the past with less than ideal results, so don’t be discouraged if it wasn’t fruitful. Your true talent, after all, lies in alchemy.”

“Heh.”

Wang Yu chuckled softly and offered no further reply.

“Since everyone is assembled, let us discuss the spirit pills directly. According to the rules of alchemists, you will be responsible for providing all formulas and spiritual herbs. I will only be responsible for the refining process; success or failure will be at your own risk. As for my compensation, I will charge one fourth-tier spiritual material for each furnace I open. What are your thoughts on this?”

Having arrived so far in advance, they weren't there for nothing. They had already learned from the Demon Cat Clan that Wang Yu's alchemy process never resulted in a furnace explosion! This implied a guaranteed minimum output of spirit pills; even if they were low-grade, the loss wouldn't be significant. At the very least, pills were produced, indicating Wang Yu's alchemy mastery was undoubtedly high. Under such conditions, a higher remuneration was perfectly acceptable. After all, fourth-tier spiritual items were something they had in abundance.

“So, Daoist Wang, are your requirements the same as they were at the treasure exchange fair?”

“Indeed.”

“My preference remains for Yin and Ice-attributed spiritual materials. Following that, I seek rare treasures or pill formulas that can permanently enhance comprehension, or artifacts like the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform that offer long-term effects.”

As his words settled, the Heaven-Peng King, seated at the head of the hall, spoke.

“This King possesses nine liang of enlightenment tea leaves. Alchemist Wang, for how many furnaces do you deem this sufficient?”

Wang Yu thought for a moment.

“Twelve furnaces.”

“Hahahaha, excellent! This King shall shamelessly claim the first slot then. Here is the formula for the Azure Heaven Divine Wind Pill. How soon can you begin refining it?”

Wang Yu’s brow furrowed this time.

“Conservatively speaking, it will take at least three years of diligent study before I can begin refining. Furthermore, my demon friends, it would be best if you limited the spirit pills you wish to have refined to no more than three types. I am proficient in refining the Heaven Demon Divine Origin Pill and the Saint Abyss Demon Origin Pill—two fourth-tier cultivation spirit pills well-suited for the demon race. I trust their effects require no further explanation. If you desire these two types of spirit pills, I can begin refining immediately. However, if you require a special category of spirit pill, you will inevitably have to wait a while.”

At this, the Heaven-Peng King was visibly taken aback. He then asked:

“How long will Alchemist Wang be staying with the Demon Cat Clan?”

“Around twenty years, give or take.”

The Heaven-Peng King’s eyes darted as he considered.

“Then perhaps you might consider temporarily residing in the Heaven-Peng Clan territory? This land is under my direct rule, and I assure you Alchemist Wang will receive the finest treatment and environment.”

“There’s no need, Demon King. I find myself more at ease and productive in a familiar environment.”

The fourth-tier representative of the Dragon Python Clan interjected.

“Our clan possesses a damaged Heavenly Enlightenment Platform. If we were to lend it to you, Daoist, would it shorten the time required to comprehend pill formulas?”

Wang Yu’s eyes lit up; this was precisely what he had been waiting for.

“—Absolutely! I could begin refining new spirit pills within a few months at most, though the quality might be slightly compromised. However, if you are willing to wait for a full year, I guarantee at least one high-grade pill from each furnace.”

At the mention of the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform, the demons exchanged glances. Understanding that the Dragon Python Clan would likely move to the front of the queue, they all began to state their individual requirements. Those who were able offered a small treasure that could aid in comprehension, and their place in the queue would be adjusted forward by Wang Yu. Those lacking such resources could only choose between the two cultivation spirit pills Wang Yu already knew how to refine. If they opted for neither and also failed to provide a small enlightenment treasure, they would simply have to join the very end of the queue with their new pill formulas.

The demands of these hundred or so demon king clans might not even be fulfilled within a twenty-year cycle. Moreover, Wang Yu had his own priorities and couldn't possibly dedicate all his energy to alchemy. As a means to acquire resources, Wang Yu's role was always clear to him.

“Then it’s settled for now.”

“No problem.”

“It should be so.”

With the discussions concluded, everyone dispersed to prepare. Some even began constructing temporary residences on the outskirts of the Demon Cat Clan territory, clearly intending to settle there for the long term. Even the Heaven-Peng King harbored similar thoughts. The Azure Heaven Divine Wind Pill held immense significance, so he felt it essential to dispatch trusted confidantes to guard it. Wang Yu's safety during the refining process was also a paramount concern. He didn't trust other demons with such a task; only the mighty Heaven-Peng Clan was capable of handling it! Given that his own spirit pill was first in line, he was even more invested. He also needed to return briefly to inquire about the Five-Colored Sacred Master's desired spirit pill. Then, cutting in line again wouldn't be much of an issue. Additionally, regarding treasures that enhance comprehension, he planned to check the clan's treasury; perhaps they possessed a damaged ancient artifact akin to the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform.

With the discussions temporarily concluded, Wang Yu had no immediate concerns about his safety until the pills were refined. Meanwhile, he engaged in a private conversation with Brother Hei. Firstly, he arranged to refine a few more batches of spirit pills for the Demon Cat Clan, allowing them to cut ahead in the queue, even before the Heaven-Peng King's order. This was typical of him: power unused was power wasted, and demonic cultivators were inherently capricious. This was also testament to the Northern Demon Race’s considerable wealth. Had he proposed charging a fourth-tier spiritual material as a refining fee within the Rebellious Spirit Blood Sect, he would have been lucky not to be crippled. Such an act, severely disrupting market prices, would have certainly drawn the ire of the Alchemy Hall. The demon kings readily agreed to Wang Yu’s terms, perhaps because they were so accustomed to being exploited by Chiyuan and Taihu that Wang Yu’s quoted prices seemed almost reasonable by comparison. Otherwise, there would have been considerable haggling, not such immediate acceptance.

“They’re all black-hearted maggots!”

Wang Yu cursed them internally with righteous indignation, then naturally accepted Brother Hei's gratitude, and entrusted him with another task. He asked the orange cat instructor to run errands for him, regularly collecting intelligence from Fengzhou that his “nails” (spies) would transmit. Although he was currently in the Northern Demon Race territory, his primary focus remained on the Rebellious Spirit Blood Sect, Fengzhou, and the ongoing Righteous-Demonic War. His initial involvement stemmed from a desire to collect top-grade spirit stones by leveraging the conflict. To satisfy the cultivation needs of Nascent Soul cultivators, more resources were always better, as war inherently revolved around the redistribution of resources. And now, he was thriving within the demon race. He even harbored intentions of utilizing the power of the demon kings to eliminate the lurking threat of the Nine Evil Sword Lord. This, however, would necessitate more intelligence support and even friendlier relations.

“Killing two birds with one stone,” “killing three birds with one arrow,” and similar phrases aptly described his current endeavors. Each time he thought about it, he couldn’t help but make a note in his small ledger: that old fiend Nine Evil was utterly despicable to scheme against and ambush him, a promising newcomer! It was simply outrageous! If he didn’t find a way to exact revenge, he wouldn’t be Wang Yu. The Demonic Luo collective could also serve as an intelligence channel for him, and Brother Hei already considered Wang Yu a benefactor to the Demon Cat Clan, so handling a few errands was something he would naturally not refuse.

After their thorough discussion, the small spiritual mountain Wang Yu had used for his secluded cultivation was directly gifted to him, symbolizing their enduring friendship.

And so, a month later, the Heaven-Peng Clan representative was the first to return, bringing numerous spiritual materials and enlightenment tea leaves. After the exchange was completed, he patiently waited outside. Next was the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform, delivered by the Dragon Python Clan. The pills they wished to have refined were similar to the Flood Dragon Heart Reversion Blood Pill that Old Man Yu had once asked him to concoct—both were spirit pills designed for bloodline transformation. For any demon with dragon lineage, the ultimate dream was to transform into a dragon, making them easier to manage than ordinary demon cultivators. His proficiency in blood pill alchemy was also considerable. Producing finished pills presented no significant challenge, and with the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform now available for twenty years of continuous use, it meant he was about to enter a new period of accelerated progress.