[Golden Cicada Transformation]
Initially, he thought he had fully mastered this transformation, but after his cultivation broke through to the late stage of Human Immortal, new changes unexpectedly emerged.
On the transformation rune stele, a gold cicada relief seemed so lifelike that from its back began to extend golden pathways: gold cicada → black-winged cicada → tortoise-shell cicada → scoop-net cicada…
The extensions and transformations continued, amounting to more than two thousand varieties. Sun Wukong felt he had encompassed all cicada species, and as his consciousness deepened in understanding, the transformation rune began its second change.
The two thousand cicada reliefs started to merge sequentially, layer upon layer from back to front, until they finally reached the position of the great gold cicada.
The great gold cicada seemed alive, its body moving fluidly. It approached the relief in front of it, and countless golden threads spun out, absorbing it into its body.
Boom…
In an instant, all sorts of insights about the gold cicada filled Sun Wukong's mind—its breath, speed, strength, and other enhancements began to appear, until at this moment, the transformation of the gold cicada was perfected.
Not until then did Sun Wukong truly master this transformation rune.
Humming…
And just as Sun Wukong fully mastered the Golden Cicada Transformation, the rune on the stele hummed and trembled, beginning to evolve a second transformation rune. It filled him with overwhelming joy, as he hoped it would turn into a kind of bird or beast.
"If a bird or beast transformation appears, my plans could proceed even more smoothly," he said.
Unfortunately, the rune did not fulfill his wishes, revealing only a single golden thread before the transformation halted.
Sun Wukong sensed that it hadn't actually stopped; rather, there was an insufficient supply of spiritual charm within him, leaving him powerless to continue. The transformation continued at a glacial pace, with merely a trickle that seemed to bring no growth.
"As long as it hasn't stopped, it's good. If spiritual charm is lacking, then I'll continue cultivating. Right now, there happens to be a herd of wild boars, with their exceptional Demon Cores, offering a shortcut to rapidly increase spiritual charm."
"Still, there seems to be a problem with my body. I don't have a Demon Core—where could the spiritual charm be stored? I must quickly discover it, or there might be big trouble later on."
"One troublesome matter after another gives me so little time!"
In fact, Sun Wukong had considered this point while consuming Demon Cores, but he was distracted by the white ape's misguided arrangements.
During the day, he encountered Purple Leaf Fruit Land and went to negotiate terms with Yin Hu, and he had put off this investigation until now.
Finally undisturbed, Sun Wukong calmed his mind and began to absorb and search for the route the spiritual charm took within his body.
As he absorbed and perceived, whiffs of spiritual energy seeped into Sun Wukong's body through his pores—it was like the cool air from an air conditioner on a scorching summer's day, permeating through his pores, infiltrating his limbs and bones, then coursing through his meridians. After making one full circuit, it gathered into a surge that arrived at the spiritual platform, flowing freely and directly into the Black Monkey Rune Seal.
"So it was you causing the mischief!"
"Could this be my Demon Core?" he wondered.
His mind moved closer, and inexplicably, he let his entire consciousness be submerged in it.
Information about the Black Monkey Rune Seal emerged, and Sun Wukong then understood that it was derived from the Chaotic Demon Technique, a manifestation of the process of cultivating a demonic body.
However, this demonic body was barely at the entry level; it wasn't even the fur. There was still a long road ahead.
"Truly. Just fur, not even one ten-thousandth of it. This is only the first layer; the challenges ahead must be even greater."
"Yet, this Chaotic Demonic Body is powerful indeed, perfectly compensating for my lack of strength and defense. Now, I can execute some techniques."
Sun Wukong carefully perceived that the Chaotic Demonic Body's enhanced layers increased strength and defense, like laying a foundation. After refining the demonic body to a certain level, a new tier would emerge. Although he couldn't yet reach it, Sun Wukong sensed it would be an extremely powerful transformation, likely not weaker than any of the Rhythmic Charm Divine Abilities he currently mastered.
Of course, that was just speculation. The strength of the Chaotic Demon Technique still required step-by-step verification.
Intending to delve deeper, Sun Wukong's consciousness remained immersed within the Black Monkey Rune Seal, unaware that the originally golden spiritual platform suddenly dimmed significantly, as if losing its color, imparting a somber sense of deathly stillness.
However, this transformation lasted only for a few breaths before disappearing, so Sun Wukong didn't notice when his consciousness left the Black Monkey Rune Seal, as the spiritual platform had already returned to its original state.
"All laws return to their origins. The Chaotic Demonic Body also requires an uplift in spiritual charm, just like the second transformation. It needs a substantial influx of energy," he mused.
"Moreover, the speed at which I'm absorbing spiritual rhymes is too slow. When will I ever perfect the second transformation and my demon body? It seems that I have no choice but to kill that group of wild boars."
Progress in cultivation was slow. If this were before, Sun Wukong might not be in such a hurry. There was plenty of time to gradually improve.
But now, that was impossible. With crises lurking all around the western high ridges, the leader of the Saber Wolf Sect and many of the turtle and tiger beasts watched greedily. The monkey troop was in danger, walking on thin ice; even a slight misstep could lead to complete ruin. How could he not be anxious?
"I can't delay any longer. Everything is in need. The most important thing is to quickly enhance my strength."
Awakening from his cultivation state, Sun Wukong had made up his mind. He then stepped out of the cave, gave some instructions to the white ape, and set off towards the Purple Leaf Fruit Land.
It was already night by this time, a moonless one, with darkness filling the sight.
The high ridge was somewhat quiet, only the mountain breeze was slightly warm, carrying with it the unique rank scent of wild boars.
As a late-stage Human Immortal, Sun Wukong could see in the dark as if it were day, outright disregarding the night and purposefully entering the Purple Leaf Fruit Land.
As he had concealed his presence, his arrival did not startle the wild boar herd. They were still rummaging in the pits or engaging in shameless acts, and a few vigilant large wild boars kept watch.
However, the most eye-catching of all was the largest wild boar in the group, which, at a glance, resembled a giant elephant lying on its side.
Observing its fur and tusks, it seemed even more powerful than the former Wild Boar King and was close to reaching the level of a Human Immortal. Sun Wukong believed that given a little more time, it would achieve a complete breakthrough.
"This wild boar wasn't here before. Its sudden appearance is likely the doing of Yin Hu."
"Of course, it's also possible that the boar king was killed, leading to competition within the herd, and this one emerged as the ultimate victor, its strength enhanced in the fight."
"But this is good for me too. I need a stronger Demon Core for cultivation. It will be this one."
Sun Wukong began to conceal his aura, moving deeper into the Purple Leaf Fruit Land.
The newly crowned Wild Boar King was completely unaware of the impending danger, joyfully imagining the good life after claiming kingship.
Suddenly, a faint and unfamiliar presence drifted in from outside the territory, weak but that of an animal that had already condensed its spiritual rhymes.
"Humph humph..."
The Wild Boar King issued a warning grunt, but it found that the intruder continued to advance, about to step into the boar herd's territory.
This act was undoubtedly a provocation to its authority, and the Wild Boar King could not tolerate it. It immediately rose and charged over.
In the darkness of the night.
The sound of hooves was dense, and a gigantic boar was seen galloping towards Sun Wukong with great speed.
The Wild Boar King's eyes glinted fiercely, charging at him with its sharp tusks.
It was as menacing as a speeding freight truck.
"This is a perfect chance to test the power of the Chaotic Demon Body!"
Sun Wukong didn't use his iron staff but decided to test the power of the Chaotic Demon Body with his bare hands.
So, he shifted his left foot back, twisted his waist, and coiled power into his right arm before throwing a straight punch.
Bang!
The collision resulted in a thunderous dull sound.
The clash of pure demon bodies created a different kind of rhythmic wave pattern.
"Aow~"
At this moment, the Wild Boar King's eyes turned blood red, and it furiously dug with its limbs, charging directly. Sun Wukong's feet swept backward, sliding towards a large rock behind him.