Chapter 1208: Fearless

"Six-eared, you cannot just make wild accusations and slander others without any evidence. Otherwise, my clan is not to be trifled with, and we will demand an explanation!" the Nine-Headed Bird said coldly. He was strikingly handsome, truly a fine figure of a man, very heroic, with long red hair, sword-like eyebrows that extended to his temples, and a chiseled, well-defined face.

The Six-eared Macaque sneered, retorting sharply, "Do you think I was born yesterday? Others may fear your Nine-Headed Bird clan, but my clan does not. We are also direct descendants of gods and demons from the Genesis Era; we do not fear you! You claim your clan is benevolent? What a joke! You've barely done anything decent! Don't you know your own origins? You are evil spirits that emerged from the Eleventh Forbidden Land in the world. Whose interests do you represent? Ordinary people don't know your true roots, but don't pretend to be ignorant in front of an evolutionary noble family like ours!"

The Nine-Headed Bird's features were sharply defined, as if sculpted. His crimson hair stirred without a breeze, and his pupils, like sword edges, gazed chillingly at Mitian. "Monkey, that's slander," he said. "The Nine-Headed Bird clan has always been a powerful force in the Yang Realm. Although we once cultivated in a certain forbidden land for a period, that doesn't invalidate us! Watch your words; you could easily provoke a conflict between our two clans. If a war breaks out because of this, the consequences will be far beyond what you can bear!"

His tone was icy. The fact that he dared to warn even the Six-Eared Macaque clan, showing willingness to fight, demonstrated the immense power and astonishing origins of his clan.

In this Yang Realm, how many clans dared to threaten the Six-Eared Macaque clan, a primordial divine demon born from chaos?!

Mitian's golden pupils narrowed coldly. "Hmph," he scoffed, "there are some things we prefer not to elaborate on, but if you insist on me revealing them, then I won't hold back."

The monkey truly dared to speak his mind about anything. There were matters that even elder powerhouses and even Heavenly Venerates were reluctant to touch, yet he dared to bring them up, exposing the bloody history of the past.

According to him, the Nine-Headed Bird lineage had very unclean origins, being an alien race that emerged from a forbidden zone, representing the interests of the Eleventh Forbidden Zone in the Yang Realm!

Furthermore, their ancestors were very likely core disciples or direct descendants from within the forbidden zone, who then secretly began to spread their influence throughout the Yang Realm.

Back when the Eleventh Forbidden Zone caused chaos, it provoked widespread wrath and resentment. Corpses piled up like mountains in the Yang Realm, blood flowed like rivers, and countless masters perished.

That crimson land was completely filled with the flesh and blood of Yang Realm masters. Finally, a blood sacrifice was performed, and prayers were offered to the heavens. Only then, by borrowing energy seemingly from other evolutionary civilizations, was the chaos quelled and peace restored to the area.

Chu Feng listened, momentarily lost in thought, a chill running down his spine. It seemed the forbidden lands in the Yang Realm were each more sinister than the last, and none should be provoked.

Peng Wanli, standing nearby, added that these places were called forbidden lands precisely because they were truly not to be angered; they were too terrifying, having once threatened the safety of the entire Yang Realm.

This sent a shiver through Chu Feng's heart. What secrets lay deep within the forbidden lands? Some were evil spirits, some were monstrous evil spirits, and there were others besides.

"Just eliminate them!" Chu Feng secretly transmitted.

Given his personality, such a brutal race daring to openly spread its influence should be directly eradicated by the combined might of the Yang Realm's powerful clans.

"People are not united," Xiao Yao explained. "Furthermore, some believe this is an indication that creatures from the forbidden lands are sending some of their bloodline to integrate into the Yang Realm. They see it as a great fusion, an opportunity that might ultimately resolve future troubles permanently."

Xiao Yao spoke, noting that even the venerable elders of the Dao Clan held this view, which made it clear what other clans thought.

Even the Dao Clan, ranked among the top five, held such a wary attitude, filled with apprehension. Naturally, other noble families dared not act rashly.

"The main reason is also that if the Nine-Headed Bird clan were to be jointly annihilated, an ultimate creature in the Eleventh Forbidden Land would certainly awaken, leading to disaster and a bloody cleansing of the lands," Xiao Yao informed.

At the same time, other forbidden lands would likely stir. This is because more than one forbidden land has sent out disciples to spread their influence, and they might develop a shared enmity as a result.

Hearing this, Chu Feng's expression grew somewhat numb. He felt an invisible, chilling atmosphere in the Yang Realm; the situation was too complex, presenting a crisis where one action could affect the whole.

"Furthermore, formidable races like the Nine-Headed Birds are exceptionally difficult to exterminate," Peng Wanli secretly informed. "They can obtain talismans that allow them to reincarnate with their memories more easily than others, making them incredibly hard to wipe out. A Nine-Headed Bird returning from reincarnation is even more terrifying."

Peng Wanli's secret revelation made Chu Feng's heart clench with profound dread.

Can all forbidden lands produce such talismans from their depths?

What is the reason for this? Do the forbidden lands guard some kind of portal?

Unfortunately, even the venerable elders of the Six-Eared Macaque clan and the Dao Clan did not clearly explain such matters to their descendants, keeping them shrouded in mystery. Clearly, there was a terrifying great secret involved.

At this point, the monkey and the Nine-Headed Bird began to quarrel, with the monkey enumerating the clan's misdeeds. Anyone or any evolutionary sect that had dealings or exchanged benefits with them ultimately met a tragic end. People died, lineages vanished, and nothing was left.

For instance, a Heavenly Venerate murdered by the Nine-Headed Bird clan had even his bones taken for artifact refining, without a single bit wasted. It was truly bone-grinding exploitation, bleeding them dry until the last drop.

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng felt a chill. He found the Nine-Headed Bird clan too malicious, best not to befriend or approach them lightly.

The Nine-Headed Bird snorted coldly, "Monkey, I have no desire to speak further with you. Let all the slander and even eternal infamy be borne by my clan for now. The truth will eventually come to light."

Then, he turned to Chu Feng and said, "Brother Cao, hearing all this must be a headache for you too. I'll just state my conditions directly, to see if they're beneficial enough for you!"

The Nine-Headed Bird was quite straightforward. He ignored the monkey and began to lay out conditions for Chu Feng, proposing a deal.

First, he guaranteed to help Chu Feng secure the opportunity to absorb the Essence of Path-Integrating Grass, presenting this as his sincerity.

"You must understand that by seizing this opportunity, your potential will be infinitely elevated," he explained. "If you possess the talent of a Divine King, you can attain the Heavenly Venerate fruit position. If you have the aptitude of a Heavenly Venerate, you can achieve the Dao fruit of a Great Being. And if you possess the potential of a Great Being, then it becomes even more terrifying..."

He clearly explained the stakes, detailing the importance of the Path-Integrating Grass, an opportunity that would drive any evolutionist to madness.

Otherwise, why would the Six-Eared Macaque and the Dao Clan's successor defy death to challenge a Sub-Saint in the Golden Body realm? They were fighting for a future with their lives!

"What are your conditions?" Chu Feng asked, equally direct.

He was determined to seize this opportunity. After fighting tooth and nail, defeating Jin Lin, the Streaking Light Snail, and others, it would be utterly infuriating if someone else ultimately reaped the rewards or if he were blocked and disqualified like Chi Lingkong. To have this chance at future enlightenment stolen would surely make one vomit blood.

"I ask Brother Cao to assist my Nine-Headed Bird clan for a hundred years!"

Upon hearing this, the monkey's expression immediately changed. He refused on Chu Feng's behalf, saying, "Are you joking? You call it assistance, but it's clearly selling one's self for a hundred years! You're really trying to pull a fast one!"

"No, we would never do that. We won't have excessive demands, merely asking Brother Cao for his help when needed. If he's unwilling, we'll never force him to fight. The reason we propose this is because we value his potential; he has infinite possibilities in the future."

The Nine-Headed Bird seemed quite open about it. He explicitly stated that in the future Saint and Divine realms, the opening of several great opportunities in the Yang Realm would definitely require assistance from someone like Cao De.

The expressions of the monkey and others changed. There were several special places in the Yang Realm, such as the Tower of Time, the Tathagata Hall, and the Lake of Origin, all very strange and requiring specific evolutionists.

For instance, the Tower of Time, imbued with temporal power, could regress an individual to a certain historical period, restoring them to their youthful state.

If that were truly the case, then at that point, the competition would no longer be about cultivation realms but rather about one's attack power at that corresponding level.

If someone was renowned as having the greatest attack power in a certain field for ten thousand years, they would undoubtedly become a huge winner.

If they became one of the few historically significant figures at that corresponding level, it would be even more terrifying; they would certainly crush numerous competitors.

Of course, relying on just one person in the Tower of Time wouldn't work. If the power were to push someone into an elderly state, reversing time to correspond to the Heavenly Venerate level, then individuals of that realm would be in danger.

In that scenario, a young person like Chu Feng would pose no threat, as even if he were forced into an elderly state, he wouldn't possess the corresponding Heavenly Venerate power.

At this moment, after hearing the Nine-Headed Bird's words, the monkey's expression grew somewhat grim. It was evident that the clan was already plotting for those great opportunities.

If the treasure anchoring the Tower of Time were truly retrieved, Heaven only knew how powerful the Nine-Headed Bird clan would become!

Because anything related to time is priceless and can truly make one invincible.

As for other places like the Lake of Origin and the Marsh of Ten Thousand Spirits' Order, they were similarly terrifying locations and, of course, also heaven-defying opportunities.

For example, the prehistoric mastermind Li rose rapidly after entering one such place. While still young, he dared to challenge opponents everywhere, beating martial maniacs, ambushing terrifying creatures that occasionally wandered to the edges of forbidden zones, and hunting individuals and artifacts related to reincarnation.

In short, once he rose to power in such places, he could traverse the world unimpeded, pulling strings and plotting everywhere with omnipotence!

After secretly asking Peng Wanli and Xiao Yao, Chu Feng learned these hidden details. He was truly enchanted and couldn't help but feel a bit dazed, genuinely looking forward to that day arriving soon.

"So, I'm being very frank with Brother Cao. I'm telling you everything. When the time comes, you'll be in a cooperative relationship with us. We won't make things difficult for you; if there's an opportunity, we'll seize it together. And for these hundred years, we will support you. Whatever cultivation resources you need, we will provide them for you!"

The Nine-Headed Bird spoke forcefully, his words resonating. Chu Feng's heart immediately stirred. These were truly astonishing terms for cooperation: providing whatever he needed? Where else could he find such an evolutionary sect?

However, he sighed inwardly. He dared not join. If he entered such a clan, his secrets would likely be exposed; nothing would remain hidden.

If that truly happened, to whom would his stone box and his three seeds belong? They would likely all become treasures of the Nine-Headed Bird clan.

"These conditions indeed appeal to me," Chu Feng probed. "Are there any restrictions? I can freely move about outside and not enter your clan, right?"

Mi Qing's beautiful eyes flickered as she secretly transmitted, "Brother Cao, you'd best not get involved with them. Otherwise, you'll be endlessly entangled. That clan devours people whole; even seemingly broad conditions will prove fatal in the end."

At this moment, the Nine-Headed Bird smiled and said, "We won't impose many restrictions on Brother Cao; occasional gatherings will suffice. Otherwise, if Brother Cao never appears, we'd worry you might leave and never return."

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng wasn't impressed by his "frankness." This *was* a restriction. If they truly set their sights on him, he predicted trouble in the future.

Moreover, even if he cooperated with them and obtained marvelous items from the Tower of Time and other locations, he probably wouldn't benefit in the end. Given the clan's reputation, they would certainly discard him once he was no longer useful.

"Brother Cao, please consider it. We can offer you even more. Just name what you need, and we'll do our best to satisfy it!" The Nine-Headed Bird's face was full of smiles, appearing very sincere.

However, the monkey, Mi Qing, and Xiao Yao were displeased. They had fought alongside Cao De, risking their lives, and now the Nine-Headed Bird was swooping in to claim the prize. Why?

Peng Wanli stated, "My clan can provide all that you've mentioned for Cao De!"

Mi Qing, with her bright eyes, white teeth, and ethereal aura, also spoke, "Furthermore, on what grounds do you come here to negotiate terms? You claim that if Cao De accepts your conditions, your clan will guarantee his absorption of the Path-Integrating Grass essence. But this is something he rightfully earned! Don't you find it ridiculous to bargain with him using what's already his?"

At this moment, the Twelve-Winged Silver Dragon took a few steps forward. His silver hair gleamed brightly, and his voice was unhurried yet forceful. "Heh, I'm not trying to be rude, but do you truly believe Cao De can get onto that list this time? Go ask the old folks in your clans if they are genuinely willing to fall out with other clans for Brother Cao."

"Our ancestors will certainly do everything in their power!" the monkey declared, raising his voice.

"Heh..." the Nine-Headed Bird chuckled softly. "Monkey, you can't be naive enough to think your ancestors will enthusiastically help to the end, can you? Since you yourselves are already on that list, how could they possibly pay a huge price to assist Cao De? After all, at their level, owing favors is the most terrifying thing, almost impossible to repay. I'm confident they won't stand up for Brother Cao and might even turn around and sell him out!"

"What do you mean?!" the monkey roared, his face contorted with fury.

The Nine-Headed Bird replied, "You and I are still young; we have a sense of righteousness and believe in justice in this world. But consider the ancestors of each family. Having lived to such an old age, would they still be that kind of person? I can assure you, as long as the benefits are enticing enough, they might not only sell out Brother Cao De but even personally eliminate him. The most ruthless are the strongest clans; otherwise, how could they prosper endlessly? It's because they are sufficiently cold-blooded and cruel. The merciful ones are all dead!"

"You're full of hot air!" The monkey raged, grabbing his dark-gold great staff, ready to chase him away, unwilling to speak further.

"Let's go!" The Nine-Headed Bird said simply, then turned and left with his people.

As he exited the tent-like dwelling, he suddenly looked back at Chu Feng and said, "Brother Cao, you need to be more vigilant. If things go wrong, leave quickly. Otherwise, if you trust others, you'll fight tooth and nail only to suffer in vain and be harmed by them!"

He departed, vanishing instantly.

"Don't listen to him, that bastard is just trying to sow discord!" Peng Wanli said.

"I'll kill him myself sooner or later. He's crossed me more than once or twice; he always resorts to dirty tricks!" The monkey was even more incensed.

"I'm tired. I'll go back and rest first." Chi Lingkong bade farewell, allowing others to carry his sickbed away. He felt a mix of loneliness and unwillingness.

At this moment, Chu Feng's heart was unsettled. He couldn't help but overthink; if he were truly sold out, he'd have nowhere to turn.

Although the monkey and the others had sworn blood oaths to keep him safe and sound, even prehistoric blood oaths weren't necessarily unbreakable.

"Cao De, don't overthink it. I guarantee you'll get what's rightfully yours!" the monkey said, his eyes red and very agitated, pounding his chest and insisting they weren't the type to abandon someone after crossing the river.

Chu Feng nodded. After drinking, he wandered around the Golden Body encampment, pondering his escape route.

He had a Sky Escape Talisman given by Old Gu, so he figured escaping wouldn't be an issue. With such a fallback plan, he felt a bit unwilling to just let things happen. If someone really tried to sabotage his opportunity or steal his prize midway, he would cause a huge scene. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to vent his anger, and he wanted to eliminate the instigators!

Not long after, his heart tightened as he saw a man with a blade on his back approach. The man's face was expressionless, but an invisible blade intent emanated from his body, seemingly capable of slicing through the sky. This extremely formidable individual entered through the south gate of the Golden Body encampment, blocking the way.

Behind him was a group of followers, all Saints!

Kunlong!

Chu Feng immediately realized this had to be him, the foremost Saint highly regarded by Jin Lin!

At the same time, a tall, slender man emerged from the west gate. His golden hair was dazzling, and his entire body glowed with golden radiance, as if the Sun God had descended.

He was enveloped and covered by a layer of golden halo, like the illuminating light of a Buddha, making him appear sacred and powerful!

This man's face was pale and handsome, and he gazed at Chu Feng with an expression of indifference.

Behind him also followed a group of people, all in the Divine realm!

This was Jin Lin's elder brother, Jin Lie, the third-ranked Divine-level powerhouse in the Yong Province faction!

Chu Feng's heart sank. These people had come knocking again, blocking his path. What were they planning?

"Brother Cao, this way!" At that moment, the Nine-Headed Bird appeared, looking dust-stained. He swooped down like a lightning bolt, spreading his wings, and called out to Chu Feng, urging him to leave quickly.

"Why?" Chu Feng's pupils constricted.

"Some powerful clans have compromised with each other and made a final decision," the Nine-Headed Bird revealed. "This time, your attack on a Sub-Saint and unprovoked killing broke the rules. They're going to use you as a scapegoat!"

The Nine-Headed Bird's news sent a chill from Chu Feng's head to his toes. He felt an urge to curse, his chest filled with rage, and his ears buzzed. This outcome was truly stifling and utterly disgusting!

They could actually do something like this?

"Nine-Headed Bird, get out of the way!" At this point, Kunlong spoke, pressing forward with a long blade on his back.

Jin Lin's elder brother, Jin Lie, a heaven-defying Divine-level powerhouse of the Jin family, also strode forward, his eyes gleaming with divine light and boundless killing intent, advancing menacingly.

The Nine-Headed Bird showed a surprised expression. "Kunlong, Brother Jin Lie, your information is quite sharp. The old folks just made their decision, and you already know about it?"

Then, he urgently transmitted to Chu Feng, "Quick, come with me! I have a divine talisman. As soon as we're out of the encampment and free from its restrictions, we can instantly escape using the talisman. Brother Cao, do you see my sincerity? In this critical moment, I'm risking my life to get you out and delivering this news in advance. Everything is for our future cooperation. I hope that in the future, we can safely fight enemies back-to-back!"

"Trying to leave? Impossible. A discarded person is destined to be held accountable. We'll handle this directly!" Kunlong spoke, his voice icy.

Jin Lie also pressed closer, his golden hair fluttering like a rising sun, dazzling with light.

"Come with me," the Nine-Headed Bird secretly transmitted. "Don't worry, I have a way to get people to stop Kunlong and Jin Lie. We'll escape first!"

Chu Feng's expression was cold, flames burning in his eyes. He felt as if his lungs were about to explode. If he were to truly escape like this today, it would truly allow some people to snatch his gains with glee.

His eyes were sharp and cold; he decided to make a big move!

He possessed a Sky Escape Talisman, so no one could stop him; the encampment's restrictions were useless against him, and he could escape at any time. However, he was unwilling. He wanted to eliminate certain individuals who dared to strip him of his qualification for that list, steal his destined fortune, and even try to kill him. This was truly intolerable!

He came to the Three-Party Battlefield to temper himself, not to endure insults. At worst, he'd cause a huge ruckus, walk away, and assume a new identity!

He had more than half a square of Reincarnation Earth, plus that chopstick-length black wooden spear, which had previously slain a Half-Step Heavenly Venerate. Today, he wanted to kill someone "even bigger" here!

If he could steal the Path-Integrating Grass, that would be even more wonderful!

The barefoot don't fear those with shoes; at this moment, he was fearless, the suppressed rage in his chest threatening to incinerate the heavens, wanting to tear through the sky.

I heard yesterday's chapter was short, so here's a long one today.

I'm going to write the second chapter next.