Chapter 257 - Request for You to Serve as the Chief of Triumph Mountain Branch Sect

Within Chen Xia's divine consciousness.　　A crimson-eyed, malevolent "Chen Xia"sneered disdainfully, holding the remaining half of the fleshy statue's divine soul in his hand, casually kneading it. Nearby, a half Immortal Sword emitted a faint hum, seemingly craving the divine soul.　　The crimson-eyed "Chen Xia"tossed the divine soul carelessly towards the half Immortal Sword. The sword swiftly turned, its tip piercing into the divine soul and absorbing it vigorously, like water flowing into the sword.　　The sword light on the Immortal Sword flashed, its blade seeming to brighten, filled with excitement. For the half Immortal Sword, this remnant divine soul was an excellent nourishment.　　The crimson-eyed "Chen Xia" closed his eyes, sinking back into the divine consciousness until he gradually vanished. He was Chen Xia's heart demon, still unformed and unable to directly influence the main body. He remained dormant within the divine soul unless something significant occurred, like the entry of the fleshy statue into Chen Xia's divine consciousness.　　Heart demons have personalities that oppose their host's but are not inherently evil, as they share the same origin. However, for cultivators, heart demons are detrimental because cultivation requires undivided focus to comprehend the Dao. The presence of a heart demon can affect a cultivator's mindset, hindering progress or even deviating from the original path. Thus, cutting off the heart demon is a necessary step for all Heaven Mending realm cultivators.　　Unaware of what transpired inside him, Chen Xia only felt a brief daze. Though puzzled, he couldn't pinpoint the cause and decided not to dwell on it.　　Qin Ji, watching from afar, frowned deeply. He noticed no signs of possession on Chen Xia and could no longer contact the fleshy statue. What happened?　　He sensed something amiss, his brow furrowing tightly, fearing the worst.　　In the secret chamber of Kai Xuan Mountain, the fleshy statue continued trembling. Losing half its divine soul was a significant blow, though its life was spared. It needed to reconsider its strategy carefully. Chen Xia's body was indeed top-tier, harboring many terrifying entities, akin to nurturing various terrors. This was good news.　　However, the bad news was that this body was too top-tier, even unreachable for a Lord of the Forbidden Zone. First, there was the Immortal Sword, likely a Great Emperor's weapon. Then came the Cosmic Heavenly Dragon, extremely rare even in the entire universe. The fleshy statue had only heard legends about it, never seen one. According to ancient tales, during the far ancient era, Cosmic Heavenly Dragons once dominated the universe, with the strongest rivaling the Supreme Ancestor Dragons, even surpassing them. One such dragon devoured an entire star domain and five Great Emperors' remains, becoming the highest combat power of its time.　　Facing these two entities, the fleshy statue felt suffocated, almost developing a psychological shadow, losing any desire to possess the body. Ignoring Chen Xia would mean he'd grow unstoppable, potentially unmatched in the entire boundary domain.　　Having discovered Chen Xia's terrifying potential, the fleshy statue decided to act. Its plan was simple: curry favor.　　If you can't beat them, join them!　　———　　Zhen Hu was saved, but the Starry Sky Dan Sect no longer existed. Chen Xia only cared about saving people, not reviving the sect. That wasn't his responsibility.　　Kai Xuan Mountain might have ambitions, but as long as they didn't touch Chen Xia, he wouldn't interfere, even if they unified the entire boundary domain.　　Zhen Hu and Bai Jie felt immense gratitude, following Chen Xia to the lower layer of the boundary domain, finding a place to recuperate.　　Chen Xia also needed rest. Battling Qin Jia had used up many of his trump cards, and the Blood Ignition Soul Extinguishing Technique had severely drained him. He needed time to recover.　　Wearing his tattered green robe, he shook his head and walked into the hut. It was just another challenge; he had faced many such battles in the Heavenly Sword Sea, often fighting frequently.　　His reputation was built through such fights.　　News of Chen Xia defeating the fifth-level Ocean Reversing realm Qin Jia spread quickly. Most cultivators initially doubted it. Wasn't Chen Xia a master alchemist? How did he suddenly defeat Qin Jia?　　Do you even practice alchemy?　　They were perplexed.　　As the news spread and Kai Xuan Mountain remained silent, middle-layer cultivators began to believe it. They couldn't help but be incredulous.　　Previously, rumors said Chen Xia was a master alchemist but only at the Ocean Reversing realm, far from the Heaven Mending realm. Now he had defeated a fifth-level Heaven Mending realm cultivator.　　Rumors were unreliable.　　To middle-layer cultivators, Chen Xia had become a top-tier powerhouse, both in alchemy and combat. Even in the upper layer, he might hold a significant position.　　Regarding the destroyed Starry Sky Dan Sect, cultivators weren't surprised. Sect destruction was uncommon but not unheard of, especially with Kai Xuan Mountain involved.　　Months later, a new branch of Kai Xuan Mountain was established on the ruins of the Starry Sky Dan Sect, with the recovering Qin Jia as deputy patriarch. On the same day, Qin Jia visited Chen Xia in the lower layer, bowing respectfully.　　"Kai Xuan Mountain has established a new branch here. Recalling our past offenses against you, we wish to invite you to serve as the patriarch of this branch."　　Chen Xia, hoe in hand, straw hat on head, pant legs rolled up, frowned.　　"Is being the patriarch of your branch more important than farming?"　　"Ah... this..." Qin Jia was at a loss, never having heard anyone compare farming to being a patriarch of Kai Xuan Mountain.　　Was this respectful?　　But Qin Ji instructed him to be polite and respectful.　　Moreover, Qin Ji had said something profound to Qin Jia.　　"In five thousand years, Chen Xia will surely be a top figure in the entire boundary domain."　　Including the upper layer and possibly comparing to the twelve Lords of the Forbidden Zones. Qin Ji's tone was certain, meaning Chen Xia would definitely become a top-tier powerhouse given enough time.　　Thus, Qin Jia remained respectful.　　"The role of patriarch doesn't require much effort from you. You'll retain power and benefits while continuing to farm."　　"Farming demands full dedication," Chen Xia raised an eyebrow, adding, "And I truly dislike Kai Xuan Mountain."　　Qin Jia hurriedly replied, "We've reflected deeply on our actions. Please forgive us!"　　"There's nothing to forgive. Dislike is dislike," Chen Xia waved, closing the door, unwilling to argue further.　　"Sir!" Qin Jia cried out, kneeling despite his status as a Heaven Mending realm cultivator, pleading,　　"Please give Kai Xuan Mountain another chance!"　　The door slammed shut.　　Qin Jia remained kneeling outside.　　The sky grew dark, and drizzling rain soaked him.　　Perhaps this was the feeling of defeat—full of resentment, regret, yet striving for another opportunity.　　If summarized in one sentence:　　Loyal dogs are truly impressive.