Chapter 289: Chapter 335 Give me, Dai Zong, some face! [2nd Update!]
"Peach Blossom Seven Evil Soul-destroying Net?"
"Not good!"
Little Tornado had followed his father and encountered the Fuling Demon King a few times before. Naturally, he was no stranger to his uncle’s signature magical treasure. As soon as he saw the net carrying a lethal aura, his face turned pale. Unable to evade in time, he was caught within the net. He struggled desperately to escape, but for the moment, he could no longer care about the Tornado Demon King.
"Come!"
"Let’s fight!"
With Little Tornado no longer interfering, Chen Jichuan was delighted. One hand pressed onto the Sword Map, the other summoned the Five Thunders, appearing as though he were a deity or demon, engaging the Tornado Demon King in fierce battle.
The Tornado Demon King had earned his notable reputation in the surrounding regions, so he was certainly no easy opponent.
First, his movement technique was exceptional, enabling swift and agile maneuvers.
Second, his swordsmanship was incisive; the ’Golden Wind Seventeen Swords’ grew stronger with each strike. Wherever his blade reached, Sword Qi and lightning dissipated entirely.
Fortunately, Chen Jichuan was no softer a character than his opponent.
The Seven-star Sword Diagram and Five Thunders True Skill displayed their dominance, while the Wind Thunder Wings manifested, giving him speed that surpassed even the Tornado Demon King. No matter how nimble his techniques were, he could not evade Chen Jichuan.
"This—"
"Such incredible movement technique; no wonder not even the Fuling Demon King could escape him!"
"This is troubling! If I ever have to face him in the future, wouldn’t it mean certain death?"
...
Outside Wuling Mountain, the faces of the observing demon kings changed drastically.
Initially, when they saw the Seven-star Sword Diagram and Five Thunders True Skill, though their power was remarkable, these demon kings didn’t take it too seriously.
Their thought was, if they couldn’t win, they could simply flee.
Some even harbored intentions to wait it out. If the new master of Wuling Mountain had only this level of skill, someone might step in to assist the Tornado Demon King, thus currying favor with both Father and Son Tornado.
But now—
"Even if we can’t defeat him, this man is sure to escape. Luckily, we didn’t act; otherwise, if he fled and retaliated later in secret, how would we stand against him?"
The demon kings shook their heads, filled with regret. Fearful of the consequences, they abandoned any thoughts of intervening and focused instead on observing the fight.
On the battlefield.
Golden light flickered on Chen Jichuan’s body; the Three-in-One Indestructible Golden Light Body Protection Technique enveloped him, showcasing its mysterious elegance. The Golden Wind Seventeen Swords could slay flesh and disrupt mana. Chen Jichuan used his corporeal Qi-Blood Gang Strength to form the Golden Bell Shield and combined his mana and Sword Qi into the Undying Sword Shield.
Occasionally, when the sharp edges of Sword Qi struck his body, they were neutralized by the multiple layers of the Golden Bell Shield and Undying Sword Shield.
The two went at each other fiercely.
The battlefield entered a brief stalemate.
Chen Jichuan, intending to establish his authority through this battle, naturally wouldn’t let it end so easily. Under his feet, the previously drawn Innate One Qi Demon-locking Bone-shrinking Great Method had already formed and was suddenly activated.
"Open!"
In an instant—
Sword Qi filled the heavens.
The Five Thunders Celestial Generals descended.
Golden light spread throughout.
Heaven and earth came entirely under Chen Jichuan’s control. The Tornado Demon King was trapped, showing signs of defeat.
...
"Such underhanded tricks!"
The Tornado Demon King realized the dire straits he was in and tried to disrupt the situation, but for the moment, he couldn’t find a way out.
With Little Tornado no longer pulling his attention, it became far more difficult for him to break the Seven-star Sword Diagram. Not to mention that heaven’s lightning and the golden light underfoot were causing constant interference.
Thinking of Little Tornado.
The Tornado Demon King suddenly realized something in shock as he turned to look, and his eyes nearly burst from their sockets—
"How dare you?!"
He roared furiously, teetering on the edge of losing control.
"Powerless shouting."
Chen Jichuan sneered indifferently. With ample composure, he waved his hand, retracting the Peach Blossom Seven Evil Soul-destroying Net that had ensnared Little Tornado.
Little Tornado, caught in the net, curled into a ball, his face contorted in agony, utterly incapable of moving.
Given three more moments, he would likely melt into a puddle of pus, perishing both body and soul.
"The Fuling Demon King spent many years refining this treasure—it truly proves useful."
Chen Jichuan greatly admired the net.
Meanwhile.
The Tornado Demon King saw this unfold and erupted in both rage and shock. Sword in hand, Sword Qi surged wildly as he let out a long howl: "Green-eyed and Wind-Riding brethren, if not now, then when?!"
With a resounding shout.
Two figures leapt forth from the western and northeastern directions, heading straight toward Wuling Mountain.
"Green-eyed Demon King!"
"Wind-Riding Demon King!"
Someone recognized the two demon kings, their heart trembling and expectation rising.
The Tornado Demon King was already immensely powerful but stood defeated by Chen Jichuan. Now, with two reputable demon kings joining, there was hope the tide might turn.
Expectations heightened.
But then, the green-armored Green-eyed Demon King and white-robed Wind-Riding Demon King descended onto the clouds, refraining from taking action. Instead, with awkward expressions flashing across their faces, they cupped their fists toward Chen Jichuan and addressed him politely: "We hold no intention of violating Wuling Mountain; we humbly request that you spare our nephew Little Tornado."
The two demon kings dared not engage but cursed inwardly.
They had received news of Wuling Mountain changing hands and coordinated with the Tornado Demon King to confront the new master, intending to divide Wuling Mountain afterward.
But who could have foreseen that Chen Jichuan would possess such formidable strength, outmatching even the Tornado Demon King?
Even with their added assistance, the best they could hope for was to force a stalemate. Yet, Chen Jichuan’s unmatched maneuverability meant they could never successfully block him. If a battle occurred and Chen Jichuan escaped, the future repercussions would undoubtedly be catastrophic.
Offending the Tornado Demon King was undesirable.
Offending Chen Jichuan—
That would be fatal!
The two demon kings lamented internally, forcing themselves into a peacekeeping role.
"Spare him?"
Chen Jichuan’s face remained cold, expressionless. Without hesitation, he kicked the netted Little Tornado off the clouds, sending him plummeting toward the South Peak.
Boom!
Golden light erupted from the South Peak, instantly suppressing this newly risen demon king.
"This–"
The Green-eyed and Wind-Riding Demon Kings looked on, a deep sense of helplessness washing over them.
"Fine, fine, fine!"
The Tornado Demon King was enraged beyond words, furious at both Chen Jichuan’s audacity and his betraying allies.
In his insanity, his attacks grew increasingly ferocious.
Just as the crowd thought the Tornado Demon King was planning to fight to the death, he transformed suddenly into a golden eagle. With wings slicing the air like swords, he broke through the Sword Map and thunderous storm, shattered the golden light, and vanished into the void.
He fled?!
...
"What Tornado Demon King—but a cowardly rat all the same."
Chen Jichuan was slightly surprised.
But with many demon kings watching, and the Tornado Demon King having escaped, he dared not recklessly pursue. Letting it be, he accepted the day’s victory. Capturing Little Tornado and defeating the Tornado Demon King had perfectly established his authority. He didn’t require anything more.
He withdrew his divine techniques.
Glancing at the uneasy Green-eyed and Wind-Riding Demon Kings, who neither dared leave nor stay, and surveying the surroundings of Wuling Mountain, his face revealed a faint smile. Cordially, he said, "You two have traveled far—why not visit the mountain for a bit? Dai Zong here may provide you with some hospitality."
He spoke.
Before the two demon kings could reject, Chen Jichuan called out toward the surroundings, his voice booming: "Dai Zong of Wuling Mountain invites the esteemed demon kings present for a discussion in the mountain. Refusing would be dishonoring me!"
Riding high on the momentum of his victory, the timing for such intimidation could not have been better.
His threat, undisguised and direct.
Among the observing demon kings, some felt fear, some were alarmed, and some harbored anger. But all wore bitter expressions. None of them dared to disobey and had no choice but to step forward and agree collectively.
In their hearts, they could only pray: "With so many demon kings present, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble openly. Let’s use this opportunity to learn what he’s plotting!"
The Green-eyed and Wind-Riding Demon Kings, hesitant to enter the mountain initially, also sighed in relief at this turn. Seeing the situation, they agreed to join.
...
Wuling Mountain, Central Peak, Fuling Cave.
Fuling Demon King’s cavern was expansive, easily accommodating over a thousand individuals—room enough for seventeen or eighteen demon kings, no trouble at all.
"Dai Zong is new here and unfamiliar with everyone. I would appreciate it if Wind-Riding Demon King could introduce us all."
Chen Jichuan sat prominently at the head, gesturing for the demon kings to take their seats before turning to the Wind-Riding Demon King.
The Wind-Riding Demon King dared not refuse and could only introduce everyone, one by one, to Chen Jichuan.
As one of the elder demon kings, there was no one here he didn’t know. The introductions proceeded smoothly.
Black Water Pond’s ’Zi Han Demon King.’
Scorpion Mountain’s ’Yinbo Demon King.’
Fire Crow Mountain’s ’Fire Crow Demon King.’
Three Extremes Lake’s ’Green-eyed Demon King.’
Flying Dragon Mountain’s ’Wind-Riding Demon King.’
Lingguang Cliff’s ’Silver Robed Demon King.’
...
"Eighteen demon kings."
"The farthest is Lingguang Cliff’s ’Silver Robed Demon King,’ whose domain lies nearly three thousand miles from Wuling Mountain. He is a silver-furred rat demon, mediocre in combat but adept at burrowing, sneaking about, and theft."
As Chen Jichuan listened to the introductions, he compared them to intel he had previously gathered.
The Wind-Riding Demon King naturally spoke with flattery, maintaining neutrality and offending no one. Meanwhile, Chen Jichuan’s privately gathered information was far more straightforward and incisive.
After the introductions.
Chen Jichuan had formed a preliminary impression of the demon kings present.
A quick glance showed that the strongest among them had a cultivation of Soul Refining Second Layer, with seven still at Soul Refining First Realm.
No wonder they were so timid.
The cultivation levels of these demon kings were inferior even to the Fuling Demon King, making them naturally reluctant to provoke Chen Jichuan.
Only the Tornado Demon King, backed by his father-and-son pair and allied with the Green-eyed and Wind-Riding Demon Kings, had dared probe Chen Jichuan’s abilities.
But unfortunately for him, Chen Jichuan was far too powerful. This trial cost the Tornado Demon King his reputation and even his son.
It was certain that he wouldn’t let the matter rest and would regroup for vengeance someday.
Chen Jichuan, however, aimed to capitalize on his triumph and intimidate the demon kings present, forcing them to unite under his command. A trifling Three-layered Heaven Demon King was of little concern to him.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
"I, Dai Zong, have always cherished peace and harmony, unlike the Tornado Demon King, who provokes fellow beings and storms others’ domains without reason."
Chen Jichuan’s initial words served to pacify the gathered demon kings. He then sighed, continuing, "But while humans may lack intent to harm tigers, tigers often harbor intent to harm humans. In the future, it’s hard to guarantee there won’t be others seeking trouble—whether targeting Wuling Mountain, Zi Han Demon King’s Black Water Pond, or Yinbo Demon King’s Scorpion Mountain. Rather than internal strife, why not unite as one, focus our strength, and advance or retreat together? Wouldn’t that be splendid?"
As Chen Jichuan spoke, he closely observed the expressions and reactions of the demon kings around him.
Since entering Wuling Mountain nearly a month ago, and delving into the Earth Cave for several months, he had been formulating plans for his future governance.
First subduing the Fuling Demon King.
Then defeating the Tornado Demon King.
His reputation in the area had already reached its zenith. Though he might not command universal admiration, he was undoubtedly feared by all present. If he could leverage this fear to unite the demon kings into a cohesive force under his control, obeying his commands without question, future development of the Earth Cave would become far easier.
...