Gu Yao and Chi Changye disguised themselves and went out to gather further information before roughly guessing how events had unfolded. There was no need to say that this was certainly inseparable from Yin Hua's actions. This put their minds at ease.
The coordinated actions of the three forces on the Qianhao Continent caused quite a stir, especially their devastating blows against demons and heretics. It made every cultivator applaud and cheer, also spurring more cultivators to join in. The previously rampant activities of demonic dao and heretical cultivators were greatly reduced as they consolidated and reinforced their spheres of influence instead of relentlessly expanding like before.
Moreover, a demonic dao elder put forth an offer to sit down and talk with righteous cultivators. They were willing to coexist harmoniously with the righteous forces and specified wanting to negotiate with Tang cultivator, not trusting other cultivators from major sects.
After this offer from a demonic dao elder spread, it sparked much discussion among cultivators. Some felt this was an opportunity to make peace while others felt demonic dao figures could not be trusted and they might tear up any agreement and backstab the righteous path at any time since their cultivation methods were ultimately incompatible.
"Events have truly progressed swiftly. I really thought decades had passed, at least 10 years or more." When Gu Yao first heard the outside news, he was genuinely shocked while also feeling it was impossible for him to have been in seclusion that long.
Chi Changye praised, "It can be said this made use of the situation and psychology of some cultivators, giving them a nudge from behind to bring about the current circumstances. Bi Jingsheng is more familiar with the Qianhao Continent's situation compared to us."
With just him and Gu Yao, they would not have been able to achieve this scale and would have required more time to produce an effect.
Gu Yao agreed with Chi Changye's words and asked, "Elder Brother Ye, do you think the righteous path will sit down to negotiate peace with the demonic path? Previously, I didn't even consider the demonic path on the continent being hidden so deeply. They did not reveal themselves before, but looking now, this force doesn't seem weak at all."
Chi Changye thought for a bit before saying, "I'm inclined to think they will sit down to talk. After all, the demonic path is now an open enemy. The people behind the scenes are the most difficult to deal with. If their actions are exposed, it would greatly damage the reputation of the righteous path. By then, I'm afraid none of those major sects would be able to escape and the righteous path on the Qianhao Continent would fall into chaos. The biggest beneficiaries might end up being that group of demonic cultivators."
"I think Tang cultivator and the others' plans and goals have long since leaked out. There were many people and it's hard to ensure no one among them was from the organization behind the scenes or a demonic path spy. The demonic path also has Yuan Ying cultivators who similarly wish to ascend to higher continents for cultivation. Compared to such prospects, expanding territories and influence seems less important."
Chi Changye laughed again. "Moreover, the demonic path actually holds handles over the righteous path too, handles that were handed to them by the organization behind the scenes. The demonic path can be considered bold and confident. I believe Tang cultivator and the other righteous cultivators will definitely cooperate with them."
Gu Yao smacked his lips. It was all too complicated. Rather than get entangled in these complex machinations, he was better off focusing on alchemy.
He could not clearly differentiate what was righteous and what was demonic. Because he had seen righteous cultivators commit the most wicked deeds while he was not very familiar with demonic cultivators and blanket judging them as purely evil would be overgeneralizing.
On the way back, Gu Yao asked, "Then what about Changxian Sect? After everything, can Changxian Sect still stand tall and untouched?"
Chi Changye smiled faintly, "That would depend on the negotiation results between both sides I guess. It will be difficult for Changxian Sect to emerge completely unscathed. With so many tragic deaths among loose cultivators, some main culprit has to pay the price."
If the outcome was like this, Gu Yao felt somewhat reassured. Whether it was the Huo father and son or that witch doctor, in Gu Yao's eyes they were existences even more evil than demons and not destroying them would go against heavenly principles.
He also understood that in this cruel world of cultivation where the strong prey on the weak, a harmonious utopia was impossible to achieve. His goal was merely to free Tianlin Continent from Changxian Sect's control rather than trap all cultivators there to their deaths, just like what the Yuan Ying cultivators on Qianhao Continent were doing now.
The external circumstances also allowed Gu Yao and Chi Changye to cultivate at ease here. Both of their progress during this seclusion was quite substantial. Chi Changye's cultivation base had reached the pinnacle of Golden Core stage so he slowed down his cultivation pace. He exited seclusion before Gu Yao to peruse the books and jade slips Yin Hua had gathered in the cave residence, tempering his state of mind. Perhaps at some point, breaking through to Yuan Ying would come naturally.
Gu Yao's cultivation base had also reached the late Golden Core stage. Moreover, with Mo Yu's assistance now as well as his own divine sense cultivation, his actual combat strength was not much weaker compared to peak Golden Core stage.
The developments in the external circumstances also gave him ideas. It was time for him to concoct a batch of pills to establish a firm foothold on this continent. His alchemy skills still needed to do the talking.
Not long after returning from seclusion, the two received a transmission from Luo Huaijing and Tian Feirong informing them that Yin Hua had other arrangements for them. They were putting great effort into cultivating and improving themselves, feeling this was good.
After reading the transmission, surprise first flashed in Chi Changye's eyes before turning into realization. "Yan Yuanging formed his Yuan Ying and became a Yuan Ying cultivator. This is within expectations. His original cultivation base was higher than mine and his foundations were very solid. Although he was punished with confinement in recent years, for Yan Yuanging, it was perhaps the best outcome to calm his heart and focus on cultivation. Now, he has succeeded in breaking through as expected. Though the timing is a bit subtle. I wonder what choice he will make."
Chi Changye spoke with some anticipation. It was hard to definitively label Yan Yuanging as righteous or demonic. He just had his own adherence and principles in his heart. If his principles were to protect the sect, I'm afraid they would eventually end up opposing each other in the end.
As for Yan Yuanging breaking through to Yuan Ying ahead of him, their ten-year agreement was not far off. Chi Changye was not too worried about that upcoming battle. Steady progress was the most important.
Therefore, this news did not cause huge ripples in Chi Changye's heart.
"What did Daoist Chi say?" Ying Muqing asked Luo Huaijing worriedly. The news of Yan Yuanging breaking through to Yuan Ying had reached their ears and they immediately transmitted it to Chi Changye.
Luo Huaijing smiled. "It should be nothing to worry about. Daoist Chi told us to focus on our cultivation. He must not see himself losing without a fight if they meet. I just didn't expect Eldest Senior Brother to take this step so quickly. No, I can't call him Eldest Senior Brother anymore, it should be Uncle Master now."
Ying Muying rolled his eyes inwardly. They couldn't even return to Changxian Sect now, so what difference did Eldest Senior Brother or Uncle Master make? If they met again, perhaps they should address each other as predecessor.
"Senior brother, what do you think Uncle Master's view is regarding the sect's matters?"
Luo Huaijing shook his head. "I don't know either. But back then, Uncle Master and Daoist Chi seemed to appreciate each other, otherwise Uncle Master wouldn't have agreed to Daoist Chi's challenge disregarding the sect's interests."
But at the same time, he also knew that Uncle Master was like an enforcer nurtured by the sect. At times like these, would the sect not dispatch Uncle Master to wherever he was most needed?
The sea islands in Guimu Sea.
Three late Yuan Ying stage experts landed on the island, each accompanied by a Yuan Ying adept.
"Fellow Daoist Tang, what important matter did you call us here for?" the Silver Tribe Patriarch asked first.
The Alliance Master of the Business Alliance was also a late Yuan Ying stage powerhouse surnamed Meng. The person accompanying him was Zhang Qianfeng. Alliance Master Meng cupped his fists at the two and said he must have called them here regarding the matter with the old Spider Demon. That old fellow had also sent Alliance Master Meng a message.
The old Spider Demon was the leading figure on the demonic path's side. Alliance Master Meng actually had some private dealings with him in the past. At their level, adherence to so-called righteousness or demonic path mattered less.
Fellow Daoist Tang smiled. "Indeed. The old Spider Demon's appearance has actually relieved us this time. Otherwise, facing the urging of Sect Master Huo and Alchemist Wu, I was at a loss. But as you know, if we agree to the old Spider Demon's terms, the righteous path will no longer be able to suppress the demonic path. The demonic path will surely have a place on this continent."
The Silver Tribe Patriarch listened to their discussion with his hands behind his back without offering much opinion. In truth, it was the human righteous path that would suffer the greatest impact if the demonic path rose. The demonic and monstrous clan would be secondary. Historically, the thorough suppression of the demonic path was also partly due to the efforts of the demonic and monstrous clan. It was the human righteous path joining hands with them that led to the current understanding between the righteous path and demonic clans, largely avoiding human-monster conflicts on the surface.
If the righteous and demonic path truly let go of past grudges, it would actually be most detrimental to the demonic and monstrous faction. The alliance between humans and monsters was fragile to begin with. Who knows when the human cultivators would turn their spears against the monsters? But the current circumstances did not allow them to turn a blind eye to the demonic path either. If the old Spider Demon was not accommodated, once they left, wouldn't they be allowing the old Spider Demon to take revenge against their forces?
Alliance Master Meng said, "If we don't agree to the old Spider Demon, we're afraid it would truly unite him with those behind the scenes, leading to even more severe consequences. While the demonic path acted unscrupulously before, the old Spider Demon did not make a real move himself. I heard he has reached another level in cultivation now."
Fellow Daoist Tang pondered, "Then it depends on whether the old Spider Demon is willing to make concessions. I think we can negotiate. What do you think, Patriarch?"
The Silver Tribe Patriarch shrugged. "I have no objections. Since you've decided, might as well notify the old Spider Demon to come early."
Fellow Daoist Tang nodded. "Alright, this matter needs to be handled swiftly."
The six of them remained on the island while the other Yuan Ying cultivators continued searching for suspicious islands, determined to uproot those strongholds completely to prevent renewed trouble in the future.
Half a day later, unrestrained laughter sounded from the sky. The six looked up to see a cultivator riding an enormous spider approaching. It was none other than the old Spider Demon. He was especially troublesome because the giant spider named Heavenly Spider beside him also had Yuan Ying level strength. Individually, the three late Yuan Ying stage experts present might not even be a match for the old Spider Demon.
The Heavenly Spider seemed to crawl in the air, its claws moving rapidly, arriving above the island in the blink of an eye. The laughter still rang in their ears as the old demon above cupped his fists and said, "Fellow Daoists, long time no see. Have you missed this old demon?"
As he spoke, the demon floated down to the island. He dismounted from the back of the Heavenly Spider. The spider's back was a dark red color, looking as if quality agate was embedded into its back. The old demon patted the spider's claws and it quickly crawled to the side.
Though called an old demon, he looked quite young, only in his twenties. His complexion was pale and his figure somewhat thin and frail, like a malnourished person. But his eyes occasionally flashed the same blood red as the Heavenly Spider's back, causing one's heart to tighten. This old demon had been dormant for many years. He would surely be even harder to deal with now.
When the old Spider Demon smiled, he seemed somewhat sinister and effeminate. But not even the Silver Tribe Patriarch would look down on him because of this. Fellow Daoist Tang helplessly said:
"Since the old demon is here, we should talk business."
The old Spider Demon had an "you're all so boring" expression as he walked to the side and waved his hand, conjuring a wide chair that seemed to be made of beast bones. He sat down looking weak and spineless without a proper form. Seeing this, Fellow Daoist Tang and the others could only wave their hands to conjure stone stools and sit down. Otherwise, would they stand while talking to the seated demon? That would make them seem like the demon's subordinates. Who would willingly place themselves in an inferior position?
Resting his chin in his hand, the demon asked, "Can you really construct a passage to leave? That place is called the Great Luo Continent? There are quite a few Nascent Soul cultivators there?"
"Indeed," Fellow Daoist Tang nodded with raised brows. "Moreover, there is more than just the Great Luo Continent there. Above the Great Luo Continent is the Spirit Realm. That is the place we cultivators must reach, where we can truly fulfill our dreams of ascension and becoming immortals."
The demon's eyes were full of interest. "It seems you didn't lie to this old demon. Then let's cooperate. But I have one condition - this old demon has taken quite a liking to that little alchemist."
Several people's expressions sank. The old Spider Demon actually had designs on Gu Yue? Was he really here to discuss cooperation?
The Silver Tribe Patriarch, who had been silent, now spoke up. "Is the old Spider Demon trying to play both sides? It's true you expressed interest in that alchemist, but surely you wouldn't value him enough to use him as a bargaining chip. Regardless of what others think, it's absolutely unacceptable to me! He once saved my son."
Zhang Qianfeng shook his head slightly at Alliance Master Meng, signaling not to agree. Alliance Master Meng said, "It won't work for me either. That junior isn't even a demonic cultivator. Even if you fancy him, old demon, it's impossible for him to switch to the demonic path. Also, the cultivator beside him is a lightning sword cultivator, the nemesis of the demonic path."
Fellow Daoist Tang spread his hands helplessly. "You see, old demon? You came with a condition that puts us all in a difficult spot. We can't continue this cooperation." He looked at the demon earnestly and said, "Why not speak frankly, old demon? You want that alchemist because of Alchemist Wu? But I think that junior's talent and potential may not necessarily be inferior to Alchemist Wu. In the future, he may surpass Alchemist Wu and go further."
The old demon leaned back lazily in his chair and said sinisterly, "I haven't even seen that little alchemist. Why don't you bring him over for this old demon to take a few more looks? Maybe then I can make a judgment."
Fellow Daoist Tang said helplessly, "The 'little alchemist' you speak of is key to constructing the passage. Do you really want to send him over to Alchemist Wu's side as a favor?"