Chapter 540: Respecting a Toast but Drinking the Punishment Wine, Vajra Subdues Demon

The ability to contain the Heavenly Demon infant would also affect him, meaning he was bound to retrace the path the Demonic Heart Venerable had once taken.

Fortunately, he hadn't handed the Demon Skull Container over to Master Longchan.

As a result, capturing the Heavenly Demon infant would be another difficult challenge for him. This brought to mind the purpose of the Six Desires Heavenly Demon Scroll.

It now seemed that this spiritual treasure had to be refined.

The three main fifth-tier materials—Nether Silkworm Silk, Tears of Seven Emotions and Six Desires, and Ten Thousand Demon Hide—should also be gradually collected when the opportunity arises, so he wouldn't be without them when they were truly needed.

At the same time, his artifact refining skills also needed to be rapidly improved to a higher level.

In this regard, he could rely on the Placement Slot to do the work. The ancient art of demon refining in his possession was divided into four volumes: alchemy, artifact forging, talismans, and formations. Among them, the alchemy and artifact forging volumes were already complete.

The demon-refining formation volume was too damaged; even the Placement Slot couldn't fully restore it. The demon-refining talisman volume could also be completed and studied when time permitted. The path of a cultivator does not discourage mastering multiple arts.

No... it should be said, for high-level cultivators.

While other cultivation arts might be ignored, alchemy, artifact forging, talismans, and formations were generally studied. Especially at higher realms, with the benefit of an elevated perspective, it was easy to master low- and mid-tier cultivation techniques.

For a Soul Transformation cultivator, specializing in two arts to a fourth-tier standard and using the other two as support would easily allow them to reach a third-tier standard.

They might not need to be masters, but they couldn't be ignorant.

During their long lives, high-level cultivators naturally tended to develop towards being all-rounders; this was an inevitable rule.

Therefore, Wang Yu placed the demon-refining artifact forging volume into Placement Slot number eight, intending to use its effect to deduce and upgrade it. As long as it reached the peak of the fourth tier, he would be able to refine the Six Desires Heavenly Demon Scroll.

This item was, to some extent, considered a flesh-and-blood demonic artifact.

After his conversation with Jin Miaoshan, Wang Yu continued to organize his next steps. Visiting the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect naturally took priority, followed by the issue of material collection.

"It seems I'll have to return to the Joyful Demonic Sect for the Tears of Seven Emotions and Six Desires... and also to settle the grudges with the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect."

Especially with the existing grievances with the leaders of the Demonic Path, if he wanted to acquire the Nether Silkworm Silk from them, he would need to have sufficient leverage.

Wang Yu was temporarily at a loss.

Unless he could capture a Soul Transformation Venerable alive, such as… Chitian! Direct extortion would be simpler than devising any scheme.

Amidst his brainstorming, Wang Yu departed from Purple Bamboo Island.

Transforming into a mysterious aurora, he sped across the ocean, passing numerous islands and then through the coastal province of the Yellow Spring Temple. The journey alone took a full month.

The ocean's expanse was far vaster than the land's, and it was more difficult to navigate. Even at Wang Yu's speed, it took him longer than anticipated to finally glimpse the gates of the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect.

The sect's entrance floated above a colossal vortex, a typical floating island. A fifth-tier grand formation was set up beneath the water to guard the gates. If Wang Yu were to rashly intrude, he might not be able to withstand it.

The advantage of the formation lay in its strategic location. Coupled with the sect master Longpan and Longchan, two Soul Transformation cultivators, a direct conflict would make it extremely difficult to retreat unscathed.

Considering Longchan's covetousness for the Demon Skull Container, before entering, he had to prepare backup plans and be ready for a fight.

As he pondered, Wang Yu retrieved the Thunder Corpse, which he hadn't used in a long time, from the Thunder Fiend Coffin. The corpse had been cultivated since his seclusion with the Northern Demon Clan.

Its realm had long since reached the late fourth tier. After all, following Wang Yu meant it had access to high-quality essence blood and flesh, enough to be satiated. Coupled with the nourishment from magical treasures, its strength increasing to this extent was entirely normal.

Moreover, this Thunder Corpse already had the rudimentary form of a Thunder Hou.

With its Pure Yang Thunder Gana divine ability, it wasn't afraid of the methods that ordinary zombies feared. After taking it out, Wang Yu extracted some power from his bloodline true artifact, the Fiendish Demon Dragon Armor.

He condensed it into a talisman and affixed it to the Sun-Piercing Demonic Bow.

His Nascent Soul split off several strands of spiritual sense and combined them with the talisman. This allowed it to activate Wang Yu's unparalleled divine power at any moment, enabling the Thunder Corpse to draw the Sun-Piercing Demonic Bow.

It could unleash an arrow equivalent to Wang Yu's full power, as if he had personally drawn the bow.

This kind of operation was actually a common technique among high-level cultivators, usually a life-saving trump card prepared for their descendants. Using it in this situation was also suitable.

However, the condensed talisman consumed some of the Fiendish Demon Dragon Armor's origin power, causing a certain degree of wear and tear to the true artifact, which would require a longer time to recover.

But, compared to its protective effect, a slight loss was nothing; it could be easily compensated by consuming some good resources.

He then cast the 'Return to the Void Hidden Heaven Charm,' concealing the Thunder Corpse in a spatial rift. Wang Yu unleashed his aura without reservation, instantly arriving before the gates of the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect.

He declared loudly, "I, Wang Yu of the Scarlet Kite, have come specifically to visit Sect Master Longpan."

His terrifying Soul Transformation aura altered the very heavens; dark clouds gathered in the sky, and the howling cold winds could even freeze rapidly flowing seawater.

The mere release of his aura exerted immense pressure on lower-level cultivators, like a brilliant sun that was difficult to look at directly.

"—He's here!"

In the main hall atop the floating island, Sect Master Longpan was just finishing listening to Longchan's account of the Gui Ming Ruins. Still pondering the implications, he heard the voice of Wang Yu, the man in question, announcing his visit.

He couldn't help but turn to Longchan.

"Senior Brother, what do you say?"

A dark glint flashed in Longchan's eyes, and a hint of demonic energy emanated from his bright pupils.

"A prey that delivers himself to our doorstep shouldn't be refused. I'll go prepare the formation; you stall him for a while."

"...Very well!"

Longpan hesitated slightly but still nodded in agreement.

Information about Wang Yu was surprisingly easy to uncover, or rather, his actions had always caused significant commotion, rarely going unnoticed by the world.

Thus, his growth trajectory was very clear.

As long as it wasn't someone from the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect, Sect Master Longpan felt no psychological pressure in offending them. Wang Yu merely hailed from the Rebel Spirit Blood Sect; even if something happened, the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect could withstand it.

"Use the Vajra Demon Subjugation Grand Formation; don't give him a chance to escape."

"Don't worry, I want him dead more than you do."

Longchan swept his sleeve and departed after speaking.

Outside, Wang Yu waited for less than half a cup of tea's time before a cultivator flew out to guide him to the sect master's main hall atop the floating mountain.

"Esteemed guest, this way please."

Wang Yu subtly activated his Lunar Nether Eyes; their unique moon-gazing perspective revealed an entirely different world. After a quick glance around, he spotted a place that was likely the Sutra Depository.

He quietly noted its location and made no other moves.

Until he entered the main hall.

"I am Wang Yu; greetings, Sect Master Longpan."

"No need for formalities."

Longpan appeared significantly younger than Longchan. His black and white beard cascaded to his chest, and his bald head gleamed brightly.

At first glance, he seemed somewhat comical.

However, the golden lotus pattern adorning his brow added a touch of holiness and nobility to his aura. From his appearance, he still exuded the majesty of a sect master.

"Fellow Daoist Wang Yu, I've long admired your reputation!"

"You're too kind. I, too, have long heard of your esteemed name, Sect Master."

"Hahahah, please, have a seat."

Sect Master Longpan laughed heartily as he gestured for Wang Yu to sit. Although the reception didn't match the standard of demonic sects, his politeness far exceeded Wang Yu's expectations. He probed,

"My visit this time is because I heard that the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect is a successor of ancient Buddhist sects. I wonder if there are any relevant inheritances that could be exchanged?"

Sect Master Longpan paused, as if hearing this for the first time.

He stroked his beard and said, "Of course, there are inheritances. However, Fellow Daoist cultivates demonic arts, which conflict with Buddhist inheritances. Even if you obtained them, you wouldn't be able to cultivate them."

These words were identical to what Longchan had said.

Wang Yu, however, had a bad premonition. Although he had arrived quickly, given Longchan's spatial escape technique of 'Close at Hand, Yet Worlds Apart,' he wouldn't believe it even if he was beaten to death if the two hadn't exchanged information beforehand.

Yet Longpan still used the same pretense to respond.

This feeling... it was like he was stalling for time. Wang Yu immediately frowned and said, "I only want a fifth-tier Buddhist body-refining cultivation method. You, Sect Master, can name your terms. As long as the price is right, whatever it is, I can procure it."

"What are you saying, Fellow Daoist? A visitor is a guest. There's no rush for transactions at the moment. It's not too late to discuss once our sect has organized what you're looking for."

"No need..."

Wang Yu's expression turned cold.

"You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. I've been discussing this politely with you, but if this is your attitude, there's no need to talk further. Let Longchan come out; he won't be able to ambush me!"

Longpan was instantly taken aback, asking in confusion, "What are you saying, Fellow Daoist? Are you suggesting you would resort to violence against our sect here at the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect? Demonic cultivators are indeed a bit too overbearing."

"Resort to violence? I'll flay you alive!!"

Since pleasantries were useless, Wang Yu decided to show him what a fist the size of a sandbag truly represented.

"Third Tier of the Ice Prison Demonic Seal: Ice Prison Suppresses the Cosmos!"

Since his breakthrough, the Ice Prison Demonic Seal was Wang Yu's first five-tier divine ability to reach mastery. A frozen hell, seemingly a real world, descended from the sky.

Its terrifyingly extreme cold aura could even freeze space itself.

The incredibly dreadful power of suppression and lockdown erupted instantly. Even though Sect Master Longpan was prepared, he was still startled by Wang Yu's sudden burst of strength.

This time, it wasn't an act. He cried out in utter horror, "A perfected fifth-tier divine ability? How is this possible... How old are you? Even if you started comprehending it from your mother's womb, you wouldn't have mastered a perfected Soul Transformation divine ability..."

Wang Yu raised an eyebrow.

"How do you think I earned the title of 'Extreme Law'?"

"Ice Prison Demonic Seal — go!"

Space froze, and hundred-meter-tall ice spikes shot up from the ground. The entire palace crumbled, and the top of the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect's floating mountain became like an ice-blue sea urchin.

The extreme cold diffused downwards, rapidly spreading across the floating mountain. Sect Master Longpan was not an untalented good-for-nothing in combat.

Facing the invasion of extreme cold, he conjured a golden lotus platform, at the center of which coiled a golden dragon-shaped flame. With the infusion of his spiritual power, the flames surged.

The scorching high temperature actually melted the spatial freezing.

"Heavenly Dragon Golden Lotus Flame?"

This was a special Buddhist flame, said to grant the most perfect Golden Core Relic to those who survived its scorching. It was once a supreme cultivation treasure of ancient Buddhist sects.

Its grade was also as high as the fifth tier. Wang Yu hadn't expected it to be in the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect's possession; it seemed they had indeed inherited a considerable amount of Buddhist legacy.

With the Ice Prison Demonic Seal dissolved, Wang Yu showed no panic.

With a light stomp of his right foot, the grand divine ability of Heaven and Earth Manifestation, unique to Soul Transformation cultivators, was activated. The Lunar Demonic Dragon Avatar appeared before the world for the first time, displaying its might.

A giant, with demonic jiaos entwined around its arms, stood atop the floating mountain. The power of the Yellow Spring and Asura concepts erupted simultaneously to their peak, within a turbid current woven from blood and yellow.

With the infusion of Wang Yu's demonic essence, it instantly materialized from void to reality.

It presented a true scene of the Heavenly River pouring down, but this 'Heavenly River water' not only possessed the Yellow Spring's domineering corrosive effect but also the endless Asura killing intent that invaded the mind.

Any cultivator below the Soul Transformation realm would be unable to escape the fate of having their bones corroded and souls dissolved by the demonic sea. This was clearly aimed at annihilating the entire Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect!

"Impudent beast, how dare you!!!"

Sect Master Longpan naturally wouldn't allow this to happen. With a low roar, he too activated his avatar divine ability. A six-armed, fierce-faced giant, entirely golden, radiated ten thousand beams of golden light.

Wherever the golden light shone, the Yellow Spring Asura Sea was halted in mid-air, unable to advance. Wang Yu seized the opportunity; the Yellow Spring Demonic Jiao on his right fist transformed into a black and yellow demonic spear.

It instantly pierced through the heart of the Vajra Avatar.

—Yellow Spring World-Ending Spear!

An even more turbulent Yellow Spring turbid current erupted from the spear tip. Its extreme corrosive power made the Vajra Avatar's chest almost disappear. By instinct, it began absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth to repair the damage to its avatar.

However, Wang Yu merely glared at it, and it instantly fell into a moon illusion. Transformation secret arts like the Lunar Nether Eyes grow in effect with the user's cultivation realm.

Used during the Foundation Establishment stage, it would only be a second-tier illusion.

Used during the Soul Transformation stage, it was a fifth-tier illusion. Its immense power perfectly suited Wang Yu, and with the blessing of Lunar Star power, Sect Master Longpan's consciousness was trapped within the illusory moon realm.

The Vajra Avatar could only instinctively absorb spiritual energy to recover, but it simply couldn't compete with Wang Yu. This indirectly broke the avatar's undying and indestructible ability.

In his full power state, Wang Yu was terrifyingly strong.

Back when he was only at the late Nascent Soul stage, he already considered Soul Transformation cultivators as hypothetical enemies, devising several combos and strategies. Now that his cultivation had broken through, his foundation was on par with theirs.

And in some aspects, he far surpassed them. Using his enemy-breaking strategies again, with Sect Master Longpan's mere third-level Soul Transformation cultivation, he was no match for Wang Yu.

Just as he intended to further press his advantage and directly shatter the Vajra Avatar, a sinister voice suddenly rang out.

—Vajra Demon Subjugation!

Golden threads lit up in the void, rapidly enveloping Wang Yu. The spiderweb-like golden threads formed a giant figure with the enraged eyes of a Ming King.

Coincidentally, the golden threads encasing Wang Yu solidified into the Ming King's palm, completely clenching him. Terrifying pressure emanated from all directions.

This caused Wang Yu's entire body to creak with the sound of bones and tendons grinding. This raw power was no less than that of an ordinary fifth-tier body refiner.

"Longchan?"

Wang Yu's blood surged, causing his cheeks to flush red.

Though seemingly in a sorry state, the actual damage dealt to him was minimal. The mere effect of his Immortal Physique made his physical body far beyond what ordinary means could destroy.

As spatial ripples spread, Longchan stepped out from within them.

He stared at Wang Yu and said, "Hand over that head, and you'll have a chance to live. Otherwise, don't blame me for not showing face to the Blood Demon Hall Master."

—Hmph!

"The thought makes me laugh. With mere tactics like these?"

Wang Yu jolted suddenly, and behind his previously suppressed Lunar Demonic Dragon Avatar, an even larger frost moon rose. As moonlight poured down, a white light flashed in his eyes.

He had actually forcibly broken through the restraints of the formation.

Using the Empty Moon Pupil Art, he teleported behind Longpan. The Asura Demonic Jiao on the avatar's left arm transformed into a hundred-zhang demonic sword, and he unleashed a divine ability—Blood Slaughtering Heart Sword.

Its target was none other than Longpan, who was trapped by the illusion!