Chapter 664: Demon Clan (Part 2)

Li Zhouwei paused for a moment, carefully considering the fox demon's words.

The demon cave of Mount Dali had always been on good terms with his clan, and there were many rumors beneficial to his family. Though their veracity was unknown, Bai Rong's friendship with Li Tongya clearly held significant weight in Bai Rong's heart.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder. Your friendship with my ancestor was profound, and we, as your juniors, naturally defer to you. Since you have spoken, you would certainly not harm me, and I shall obey."

This statement clearly pleased Bai Rong, who showed a nostalgic expression. Li Zhouwei paused, feigning confusion, and said:

"Although my talent is not bad, my family has declined. It is natural for the Dragon Son of Dingjiao to befriend you, Elder, but why would he seek to befriend me in such a manner…?"

Bai Rong's tail swept beneath his robe. He popped a fruit into his mouth, pointed at Li Zhouwei, and whispered:

"You are a White Kirin."

He then turned and gestured to himself, saying softly:

"I am a White Fox."

Seeing Li Zhouwei nod, he said decisively:

"Dingjiao is also a White Flood Dragon, isn't he?"

Li Zhouwei looked thoughtful, while Bai Rong chuckled:

"Dragon-kin are just like that—arrogant, with a monarch's heart. It's been like this for a thousand years… befriending various demons and extending great help to those in decline…"

"You must understand, dragon-kin have always dreamed of becoming true dragons. What kind of existence is a true dragon? They are incredibly ambitious, seeing themselves as demon emperors, believing all beings of their color are their subjects. It naturally benefits him to have a White Kirin under his command."

He paused at this point, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face, and murmured:

"Years ago, I seem to recall a True Person mentioning that Guo Shentong… also received significant help from the dragon-kin."

Li Zhouwei paused, nodded in acknowledgment, but remained somewhat puzzled. He could only tentatively agree. After a moment of silence, he finally exhaled and said gravely:

"But I am human."

Bai Rong grunted, his smile slowly fading. His tone became very solemn as he said softly:

"White Kirin, there is no difference."

His voice echoed through the cave. The old ape looked up at him. Bai Rong's voice became slightly softer:

"You possess the Purple Mansion. This is merely a physical body… Ordinary Purple Mansion cultivators can abandon their physical bodies at will, becoming male or female as they please. If you don't wish to be human, there's no problem shaping yourself into a bird or beast… In the path of divine transformation, whether beast or human, it is still me. What difference does it make?"

After saying this, he scrutinized the young man before him, and spoke softly:

"You are even more unusual. You carry the Wei-Li bloodline, which is to say, you are a descendant of a True Monarch. When you complete your cultivation, you will become a White Kirin, endowed with divine abilities. With but a thought, you can instantly transform into a true White Kirin."

"How can a human body compare to that of a White Kirin? The Wei-Li imperial clan of old were all like this; they often walked the world in their demon forms, only transforming into human shape when it was inconvenient not to."

His fox eyes blinked. He took a sip of fruit wine and said:

"The distinction between humans and beasts is inherently small, not to mention that you are a descendant of a Golden Core cultivator, a True Monarch!"

"True Monarchs hold a position of heaven and earth, transcending both humans and beasts. The moment they achieve True Monarch status, they are no longer merely human! As their descendant, you naturally bear their form!"

The demon fox chuckled twice, pointed upwards, and said:

"Take True Monarch Lushui, for instance… With a single thought, he becomes the Lushui of heaven and earth. With a blink, he sweeps clear the Azure Pools of north and south. Does he truly consider himself human? He is both Lushui and Azure Pool, both Cavern Spring and Calamity Dew… even Winged Serpents and Azure Dragons, talismans and spells. His several hundred years of human cultivation are as fleeting as a single drop of clear water in a pond."

Li Zhouwei listened quietly. After Bai Rong finished speaking, he said softly:

"There's no need to dwell on this. All cultivation ultimately converges on 'essence and destiny.' If one day you can attain the Golden Nature, you will truly grasp its profound mysteries."

"I am enlightened, Elder."

Li Zhouwei quietly acknowledged, a thoughtful expression on his face. Bai Rong nodded, his solemn demeanor instantly vanishing, and he chuckled, replying:

"My master said it exactly like that. I listened closely by his side, so I'm simply sharing some of his wisdom with you."

"Then please convey my thanks to your master…"

Li Zhouwei thanked him, and Bai Rong chuckled:

"Well then, let's not delay. We can go to the Flood Dragon Palace together. The Azure Water Scaled Beast is very fast, saving us the trouble of flying ourselves."

Li Zhouwei replied:

"Please allow me to arrange some family matters. I will be there shortly."

Bai Rong, however, was eager. He quickly stood up, flicked his greenish-blue robe, and merely said:

"No matter, I'll go with you. I can visit that old man while we're at it."

The East Sea surged.

Two streaks of lightning, one silver and one purple, flashed across the sky. The silver-robed youth looked up, seemingly admiring the unique beauty of the East Sea, and chuckled:

"Elder, I've heard there's a Miao family in the South Sea whose lightning techniques are particularly unique. Do you know of them?"

Li Qinghong, having a significant connection with the Miao family, said softly:

"I've exchanged blows with them twice. Their strength is not to be underestimated. I was less experienced back then and suffered a few minor setbacks. Perhaps we'll encounter them again in the Grotto-heaven."

"This family is quite peculiar, cultivating demonic arts, truly unique in the world."

Li Qinghong and Xi Zikang traveled for over half a year, flying all the way until they reached the territory of Eastern Sulfur Island. The land was stained red and black. The pervasive smoke and dust had largely settled, and most of the islands had already been conquered.

The islands were scorched black, with hardly any mortals to be seen. Several dilapidated grand formations were now controlled by cultivators, and the ground was littered with ruins and fragments.

The main island of Eastern Sulfur Island was still relatively stable. Despite being besieged for five or six years, its brilliance was severely dimmed, yet it hadn't reached the point of collapse. The circle of cultivators surrounding it seemed in no hurry, taking turns to slowly wear down the grand formation.

After all, the inner seas were once strongholds of the righteous path, where such attacks were typically swift. It was rare for conflicts to drag on for several years. However, the East Sea lacked the same reputation and constraints, so these individuals, prioritizing profit, naturally found it more suitable to grind down their opponents slowly.

Li Qinghong and the other person flew to the edge of the main island without being noticed. The Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed there were indeed not very skilled, typical "lucky" individuals who had pushed themselves to their limits through sheer bloodlust and arduous cultivation, often leading to their demise. They also hadn't practiced any eye techniques, so they naturally couldn't detect the two.

Xi Zikang watched with her for a while, then chuckled:

"Elder, do you intend to intervene? My cultivation is quite decent; I could assist a little."

"Just a group of rogue cultivators… no need to bother."

Li Qinghong wasn't bothered by this group of people. The cultivators besieging the Han family were clearly a loose alliance of several surrounding factions, unified in appearance but disparate in goals, and their strength was lacking. Otherwise, the Han family wouldn't have been able to hold out for so long.

She pondered the best way to resolve the situation, ideally without resorting to direct conflict. Xi Zikang, however, had already perceived her hesitation and chuckled:

"That's not difficult at all. I'll drive them all away, and then Elder, you can release the people."