The entire camp erupted in a frenzy.
Upon hearing the news of raiding for a celestial artifact, everyone was as excited as a bachelor who had been celibate for thirty years and was finally going to a pleasure house, letting out whoops of joy.
Chen Qian also offered to join, but Wu Qian refused.
While the mission was nominally to help Lang Jing reclaim the celestial artifact, in reality, Wu Qian intended to seize it for himself. If Lang Jing was sensible and willingly offered the artifact, that would be that. If he proved stubborn, Wu Qian would send him to his demise.
Therefore, bringing Chen Qian was out of the question. Wu Qian, always the picture of propriety, would not allow outsiders to witness his sordid side.
Aside from Chen Qian and a dozen or so cultivators left to guard the camp, almost everyone else was mobilized.
In truth, Wu Qian believed he could handle the task alone. However, due to frequent clashes with the Ning clan's powerful cultivators guarding the seal, and having engaged in several fierce battles recently, for safety's sake, and to prevent any unforeseen complications from Ning clan experts, a full mobilization was deemed more prudent.
Hundreds of experts, led by Lang Jing, advanced mightily towards the basin.
"Haha, Charcoal Head, I'll see how you die later."
Lang Jing was exceedingly smug, intending to capture Ji Mo alive, tear him to shreds, and devour him piece by piece.
As for the beauties Ning Wenjing and Yu Xiaohuan, they would be perfect for Wu Qian and himself to each have one, a truly delightful prospect!
The more Lang Jing thought about it, the more excited he became, unaware that Wu Qian beside him was regarding him with the look one reserves for an idiot, a cruel, cold smile playing on his lips.
...
By the edge of the large pit.
Ji Mo stood quietly, his fingertip tapping lightly. The tiger tally in his hand flashed with light, its inscriptions flickering in and out of existence.
Beside him, Ning Wenjing's face was still etched with shock, her mind replaying the astonishing scenes from moments ago.
Ji Mo had done it. He had actually succeeded in controlling the Heavenly Poison Demonic Ant swarm.
It was utterly unbelievable!
From ancient times to the present, no human had ever truly controlled a beast tribe. Ji Mo had blazed a new trail.
This was an unprecedented feat, one that would surely shock the world if it were to spread.
Ning Wenjing gazed at Ji Mo's refined profile, her clear pupils faintly reflecting hearts.
She increasingly felt Ji Mo to be a treasure trove of a boy; the more she interacted with him, the more captivated she became!
In the distance, Yu Xiaohuan and the dozen or so human cultivators looked towards them.
The dozen cultivators were filled with fervor. Not long ago, they had personally witnessed the bloody and terrifying Heavenly Poison Demonic Ants behaving like docile kittens, completely at Ji Mo's beck and call.
These demonic creatures, feared by all, actually obeyed Ji Mo's commands and were utterly subservient to him.
"As expected of our most admired idol, Mr. Ji's methods are simply heaven-defying."
"Even more terrifying is Mr. Ji's extraordinary courage. After controlling the Heavenly Poison Demonic Ants, he was still not satisfied and actually intended to target the unknown entity underground. His boldness is unparalleled in the world!"
"I wonder if he will succeed. If he does, it will be truly formidable, proving that Mr. Ji possesses a terrifying power that can make even demons submit!"
The cultivators chattered amongst themselves, their gazes filled with reverence as they looked at Ji Mo.
It was their first time seeing such a powerful and formidable man. Had they not already pledged allegiance to the Yu family, they would gladly have followed Ji Mo for life, at his beck and call.
Yu Xiaohuan had never paid much attention to Ji Mo before, but her perception had completely shifted.
Furthermore, upon learning from her subordinates that Ji Mo was the "Ji Charcoal Head" from Seal Demon City and possessed a large quantity of ninth-grade spirit pills, making him potentially a remarkable alchemist, she became even more excited, looking at Ji Mo as if he were a precious gem.
No wonder Jing Jing had reminded her that if she wanted longevity pills, she could seek Ji Mo's help. She assumed he would be capable of refining top-grade longevity pills, and it was laughable that she hadn't believed it.
"Alas, I wonder how I can impress Mr. Ji to refine a batch of top-grade longevity pills for my mother."
Yu Xiaohuan sighed, her face lost in thought.
The status of alchemists was extremely high, and the more skilled they were, the harder they were to persuade.
Mr. Ji casually gave away handfuls of ninth-grade spirit pills, a gesture of such extravagance proving he was certainly not short of money. Therefore, he wouldn't act for mere wealth. So, how could she possibly persuade him?
Although the Yu family was immensely wealthy, it seemed they truly had nothing of significant value to offer.
The burly cultivator spoke, "Miss, last night I had the honor of sharing a pillow with Mr. Ji. In our casual conversation, I heard Mr. Ji mention that if Miss were to wear a maid outfit, coupled with black stockings, and sweetly call him 'Master,' few men in this world could resist. I suspect Mr. Ji is fond of this particular taste. If Miss is willing to humble herself and fawn over him in this manner, I believe Mr. Ji will surely agree to Miss's conditions."
The surrounding cultivators chuckled inwardly. Indeed, Mr. Ji was a true man. Given Miss's looks and figure, if she were willing to call someone else "Master," no man could maintain his composure.
"There's no need for humbling myself. I am willing to wear a maid outfit and call him Master. But, what are black stockings?"
Yu Xiaohuan said earnestly. To save her mother, she was even willing to marry that disgusting Lang Jing, so there was nothing she wouldn't compromise on.
However, she had never heard of black stockings and had no idea what they were.
The people around them exchanged glances. They were all well-traveled individuals, but after racking their brains, they truly hadn't heard of black stockings.
The burly cultivator continued, "I also specifically asked Mr. Ji what black stockings were. Mr. Ji said they are a wondrous item with magical power, indescribably marvelous. Those who understand, understand. Those who don't, cannot explain it clearly."
Everyone became even more bewildered. Mr. Ji was indeed a senior expert; his words were obscure and difficult to comprehend, yet they evoked a sense of awe. These black stockings must be an extraordinary treasure. They vowed to try and wear them someday.
"Maid outfit, black stockings, calling him Master. Mr. Ji, I will surely fulfill your wish."
Yu Xiaohuan secretly resolved to satisfy Ji Mo.
Boom!
The ground suddenly trembled.
The source of the tremor was from underground, clearly indicating that the unknown entity was acting up again.
Ji Mo showed a hint of delight. It seemed the tiger tally and the entity underground had established a connection.
Perhaps there was a chance he could control it after all.
Controlling a swarm of poisonous ants held little appeal for Ji Mo. If he were to control something, it should be a behemoth, an ancient and exotic species.
Since he couldn't sense spiritual energy, he feared he would never be able to cultivate in this lifetime. However, with the treasure in his hand, he might have a chance to become a summoner.
This was why Ji Mo dared to be so bold and set his sights on the unknown entity underground.
He had three heaven-defying disciples. As their teacher, it would be embarrassing to have no skills of his own. Therefore, Ji Mo intended to forge an unconventional path, finding an alternative route.
"Did it succeed?"
Ning Wenjing was even more excited than Ji Mo. But suddenly, her pupils contracted, and she stared into the distance, gritting her teeth as she said, "Shihu Village."
Lang Jing had arrived, leading Wu Qian and his entourage.
Wu Qian's gaze immediately fell upon Ji Mo's hand. Staring at the resplendent tiger tally, his eyes widened with greed.
Then, seeing Ning Wenjing and Yu Xiaohuan, his eyes began to gleam with desire, and he chuckled ecstatically, "The celestial artifact and the beautiful maidens, I want them all!"