Longevity Chronicles-Chapter 265 - 197: Lingmu Holy Embryo, Ten Thousand Treasures Immortal Cliff
Somewhere in the Penglai Sea, a heavy demon light burst open, and two figures fell out.
One, of course, was Master Tao, and the other was an ugly but adorable Demon, its external form resembling a green-skinned little Evil Ghost, with a green face and tusks, a single horn growing on its forehead, dressed in impressive and imposing armor, with command flags inserted at its back, and its large crimson eyes desperately trying to exude an air of dignity, almost like a little general rather than an Outer Realm Demon.
Unfortunately, it indeed was a Demon, not only rare but also of a high ranking.
In the "Ten Thousand Demon List," it ranked higher than the Substitute Demon, Illusion Demon, and Star Zha Demon Tao Qian had previously summoned with great effort.
With Tao Qian's current cultivation level, actually, he could summon Outer Realm Demons like the Power Demon, Eye Demon, Death Demon, among others, all of which have no small uses.
Take, for example, the Power Demon, with infinite strength, a few could be used to open mountains and dig mines, but because of the Power Demon's wild and untamable nature, fierce and brutal, it could easily tear the summoner apart to drink their blood and eat their flesh at any given movement. Lan Qing'er, the female Evil Cultivator, had a hard time summoning a few and even had to offer up her own fair flesh to please and barely control them.
If Tao Qian were to take action himself, it would, of course, be effortless.
First, summon them over, then a hit with the Secret Demon Seal Hammer to make them behave, followed by feeding them some Heavenly Demon Blood Transformation Pills with added ingredients—a procedure he was already well-versed in, with zero chance of failure.
However, Tao Qian deemed the Power Demon too common and last night, after sifting through the list, he finally chose a very rare one.
This Demon, named Decree!
It was extremely fast, akin to lightning dashing across the sky, but Tao Qian, who had just experienced it, made the assessment: Whether it's speed or comfort, it couldn't compare to Star Zha.
However, Subterranean Evasion Speed was only one of the unimpressive abilities of Decree Demon. In the past, Cultivators from the Secret Demon Sect who had the luck to tame one would never use it to manipulate Evasion Light; that would be akin to a grievous wastage.
Decree Demon had two main uses.
First, it could change the inherent cognition of other Life forms, equivalent to issuing a new law or decree in someone's mind. Although the effectiveness varied depending on factors such as the number of beings, the presence of cultivation, and so on, if the target was merely Mortals, then Tao Qian controlling this Demon would be enough to command tens of thousands of people.
For instance, back in Seeking Immortal County, Tao Qian could let this Demon infiltrate the hearts of the populace, announcing decrees like "Tao Qian is the Emperor," and upon awakening, the people would truly believe him to be the Emperor.
As long as Tao Qian was willing to provide the Mana to maintain it, the effect of the Decree could continue indefinitely.
Of course, it would be a different matter with Cultivators, especially High-level cultivators; the effect was extremely weak, almost non-existent.
The second use was as a medium for substitution. Whether it was Daoist, Demon, Buddha, or Devil, or those from some noble clans, Side Doors and Heterodox paths, they all have something akin to 'Summoning God' Divine Skills, it's just that the mediums and methods used by each path differ. If they found themselves without the necessary spiritual materials for use, the Decree Demon could come in handy.
If Tao Qian wanted to use the Spirit Treasure Summoning God Method to call upon ancestors, immortals, Divine Generals, and the like, but found himself without talismans or Spiritual Artifacts, Decree Demon could temporarily suffice, and the effect was not bad, although after a single use, the Decree Demon would weaken a bit. After several uses, it would dissipate.
"What a good Demon, truly as rare as they say."
"But for Escape Skill, we still need to rely on Star Zha."
Tao Qian muttered to himself inwardly.
Then he took out the Demon Gourd, gave it a shake, and summoned the Star Zha child.
Upon seeing each other, the two little Demons exchanged looks and saw in each other's eyes intense criticism.
Being Outer Realm Demons, they could directly perceive each other's Demon Thoughts without speaking.
"It's your turn, Little Qingtong, this damn Human Clan Cultivator thinks I'm too crude, but if Thunder Escape Technique isn't crude, how can it be fast? So unreasonable."
"Get used to it, Master here only talks sense when he's desperately in need of our help, promising one or two unadulterated Heavenly Demon Blood Transformation Pills... It's just unfortunate that those moments are also extremely dangerous for us, and even if we get the promise, we might not survive to enjoy it, many brothers have already died because of it, sadly."
"That bad? Isn't Master a Spirit Treasure Cultivator? Why does it sound like he's constantly beset with disasters?"
"Sigh, disasters are ominous, Master here is even more ominous. Who told us to be driven by greed back then, to have eaten his Heavenly Demon Blood Transformation Pills, it's too late for regrets."
"Little Qingtong, you better be careful, after all, this place is Spirit Treasure Mountain Gate, extremely perilous for us Demons."
"I came here before you and know all this. It's also unbelievably strange, Master here uses the Secret Demon Sect's Method so openly within the Mountain Gate; are those Spirit Treasure Immortals all blind, can't they see the suspicion that he's a Secret Demon Dark Child?"
Watching the two little Demons still exchanging glances and Demon Thoughts murmuring,
Tao Qian could guess, these little ones were communicating their thoughts about the unscrupulous Master.
His face darkened, the Demon Gourd shook again, and the cute little general-like Decree Demon was put away. Then he shot a sideways glance at the Star Zha child.
He had captured many Star Zha Demons, but the one before him was the most sincere, and Tao Qian also liked to command him the most.
A mere eight hundred miles, Tao Qian could actually reach quickly using his own Auspicious Cloud Skill.
But ever since he got the Nine Toad Bead, he had become a little bit lazier.
A moment later, a streak of starlight swept over the sea, heading straight for a majestic Immortal Island, passing over serene and secluded scenery, rugged Immortal Mountains, and numerous layers of Immortal Palaces and Jade Halls.
As the light faded, Tao Qian's figure reappeared deep within the Golden Radiance Arena, in the Observatory Hall.
Ahead, on the main seat of the Observatory Hall, the disheveled Duobao Daoist was lying in an undignified half-sprawled position.
"Disciple pays respects to Master!"
Just as Tao Qian stepped forward to greet him, before he could stand up again, a burst of radiance shot towards him.
Stopping in front, it quickly revealed itself to be an outside dusty-looking, with straps, and pear-shaped cloth bag.
A strong throb immediately assailed him.
Before Tao Qian could do anything, the voice of Duobao Daoist from the upper seat came:
"I have refined this treasure for you. Don't be deceived by its plain appearance, as the Spiritual Objects themselves are quite concealed."
"It can hold living beings, and can also contain dead matter."
"You possess low mana for now, but once you reach the Cavernous Mystery Realm, and re-nurture and coerce the birth of this treasure's artifact spirit, its full power can be unleashed," he explained. "You could throw in eight or ten cities, and it would still have room for hundreds of thousands of mortals. Moreover, once they're inside the bag, they would become limp and dazed within moments, unable to resist."
"And this treasure can give birth to strange persons, but due to an innate flaw, the strange persons it produces are also flawed... This function actually goes against nature and the heavens and comes at great cost. I fear that you can't afford it, which is why I've sealed it."
"However, should you have karma, you may visit the Infant Sect. Though it practices heterodoxy, its power isn't weak. There exists within the sect an Exotic Treasure that can repair this bag's flaw... Speaking of which, you sly one, you seem to have some karmic ties with a female fairy of the Infant Sect who has cultivated the Infant Mother Technique. Tsk, tsk, it seems you're in luck."
With these words, a wistful look appeared on Duobao Daoist's face.
After pondering for a moment, he added:
"Your fate truly is extraordinary. My junior sister, Lingmu, refined a Transcendent Dao Body above the common fray, a pity she perished in dire straits. In the end, it benefits you."
"But that's also good, it can be viewed as junior sister Lingmu continuing her existence in this world in another form."
"This treasure has yet to be named; you may choose the name yourself."
As Duobao finished speaking, Tao Qian, after offering a salute, took the clearly Exotic Treasure cloth bag into his hands.
Immediately, a Record flashed through his mind, echoing Duobao's description without discrepancy.
After considering, Tao Qian bowed with his hands clasped and said, "This treasure shall be named 'Lingmu Holy Embryo Bag.'"
Hearing the name, Duobao immediately cracked a grin, and then his expression turned to one of approval, as if to say, "Well taught!"
After seeing Tao Qian stow away the Holy Embryo Bag, Duobao Daoist continued:
"Your journey to the Absolute Immortal Sea must have been fruitful. You now know what needs to be known and have experienced what needs to be experienced."
"The transmission of the Ancestor Master's Teachings is near, and you should choose a Refining Dao Foundation Technique."
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"There are three methods. The Low Grade refines through materials from this endless world of wonders, of course I wouldn't make you find them yourself. I have an Outer Realm Strange Object called 'Ten Thousand Treasure Cliff' which is perfect for you to use to transcend mortality."
"The Middle Grade refines through celestial signs and wonders, this method is generally quite difficult, but you've come at an auspicious time. The Sect's upcoming 'Ten Thousand Immortals' event will have the Sect Master and the Second Generation Ancestors summon the Ancestor Master's divine image. You practice the Cultivating Spirit Treasure Skill, have an Innate Dao Seed, and a Taishang No Leaking Body... Using the celestial signs present at the Ancestor Master's arrival to transcend mortality would be most fitting."
After explaining these two methods, Duobao paused before revealing the third.
Instead, he pondered for a bit, then spoke again, "Whether you choose the Lower or Middle Methods, the necessary treasures and techniques have already been prepared by your master. Whichever you select, your Dao Foundation can be refined quickly, perfectly advancing you to the Realm of Transcend Mortality, not only enhancing your mana tremendously but also granting you one or two rare Divine Skills."
To be honest, the two methods Duobao offered were superb.
Especially the first method, although Duobao hadn't said it outright.
But Tao Qian knew that this 'Ten Thousand Treasure Cliff' was a treasure Duobao Daoist highly valued.
His willingness to use it for Tao Qian's transcendence indicated, to a certain extent, that he was nurturing Tao Qian as his successor.
If he chose this method, he simply had to cultivate steadily.
After many years, he, Tao Da, would be the new True Monarch, the new head of the Duobao lineage.
It would stand to reason that Tao Qian should be very excited. Yet strangely enough,
When he heard it, Tao Qian's heart and inspiration did not stir at all.
Tao Qian furrowed his brow and directly said,
"Master, please tell me about the third method. In the Absolute Immortal Sea, I met Uncle Li Changle."
"He said that you and Aunt Yunhua must have prepared for me the top-grade Refining Dao Foundation Technique. I am very curious about this top grade."
Tao Qian had thought that Duobao would have long accounted for these things, yet upon hearing this, an angry look immediately flashed across his bearded face.
With a smack, he hit his thigh forcefully and bellowed:
"I knew there was a moment of stagnation when calculating for you previously. It turns out that old... was playing tricks."
"Don't listen to that boozer's nonsense. Although the three methods are graded, in reality, they are just different paths. Only the method that fits oneself the best can be considered the best."
"The third method, also deemed top-grade, refines through everything under heaven and earth."
"It might sound profound, yet it's quite mundane and even more troublesome."
"If you choose this method, you can't stay at the Mountain Gate. You must go into the world."
"Moreover, once you enter the Mortal World, you will be wrapped in tribulation energy. Before you achieve Transcend Mortality, endless troubles and disasters beyond your imagination will entangle you."
"At that time, you will become a veritable 'star of calamity,' unable to find peace wherever you go."
As he heard this, Tao Qian's expression turned odd.
His mind couldn't help but retort directly: "What kind of third method is this? It's clearly a constant barrage of Three Calamities. If I choose this, it means without Transcend Mortality, calamities will never end. Isn't this scheme too malicious?"
While he pondered, suddenly Duobao Daoist's tone shifted, and he uttered words that surprised Tao Qian.
"The third method is indeed nasty and troublesome."
"But the advantages are indeed the most plentiful; aside from the Great Divine Power and great magical power you'll obtain when you transcend mortality,"
"There's an invisible, great benefit – your chances of breaking through to the Daoist Transformation Realm in the future will be higher than other cultivators."
...
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