Ji Xia took a deep breath upon hearing that Pei Heng had finally revealed his intentions.
He glanced at the slate in his hand, still finding it utterly unbelievable.
This slate was a supreme treasure!
The slate itself, like jade slips produced by the Grand Runes, was merely a medium for recording information.
But now, with thirty thousand restrictions inscribed upon it, the slate had been transformed into an unparalleled artifact.
A cursory examination revealed numerous annotations indicating the terrifying power of the restrictions and spirit arrays recorded within.
Compared to the mundane rune techniques recorded on Grand Runes, this slate was a world apart!
Ji Xia had no doubt that if such a treasure were to make its way into the boundless wilderness, it would undoubtedly incite a blood-soaked storm.
"Brother Pei Heng, what kind of divine restriction are you trying to break?
Even after studying so many manuals on restrictions, you still can't crack it?"
Doubts filled Ji Xia's heart. In the space within the slate, nearly every restriction that flashed before his eyes was accompanied by meticulous annotations.
Judging by this, Pei Heng's attainments in the art of restrictions must have reached astonishing heights.
Yet even he couldn't solve this divine restriction—just how complex was it?
And who had laid this restriction?
What lay concealed within it?
All of this remained a mystery, making Ji Xia hesitate.
"This divine restriction was laid by an extremely powerful individual.
Even though the seven of us have tirelessly studied the Dao of restrictions for six hundred years, we still cannot break it."
Pei Heng looked at Ji Xia and said, "As for further secrets, we absolutely cannot disclose them to you right now.
All you need to know is that we will not reveal your existence to anyone. Your task is solely to focus on studying restrictions.
When you have acquired the ability to break the divine restriction, we will naturally come for you."
"Moreover, you must have already realized the value of this slate.
If you agree, all thirty thousand restriction manuals on the slate will be yours!
And should the task be completed, there will be an extraordinary opportunity awaiting you."
Pei Heng's conditions were highly enticing, and he seemed far from finished.
He continued, "Since you are the one we have chosen, I will also grant you some initial benefits.
Once we leave, the tens of thousands of beasts in the Southern Forbidden Forest will follow your command.
Though the forest is young and lacks powerful demon clans, it will still be an immense boon for Tai Cang.
"Additionally, we will present Tai Cang with a gift."
The numerous promised benefits left Ji Xia feeling surreal.
Although it appeared to be a simple transaction, Ji Xia felt like an overwhelming fortune was being thrown at him for no reason.
Since when did his luck become this absurd?
Was it because he had broken through to Divine Powers in just six months?
Was it because this great demon guessed he had exceptional comprehension?
He was deeply puzzled, his expression somewhat hesitant.
It wasn't that he wasn't tempted by these benefits; the slate alone could solve his most pressing problems.
But he understood that benefits gained without effort often came with heavy consequences.
Pei Heng seemed to see through Ji Xia's thoughts. After a moment of silence, he finally said,
"Since the Lord of Tai Cang still hesitates, I will not withhold the reasons behind our choice of you."
Ji Xia nodded, and Pei Heng continued, "Your comprehension and your extraordinary cultivation are only part of the reason.
The other reason is that a few nights ago, we sensed a profound aura akin to our own erupting in the royal court."
"We traced this aura and saw a three-legged divine bird coiled around your finger.
The bird's aura was ancient and vast, stirring our bloodlines to a boil!"
"Thus, we concluded that you must have inherited the legacy of that three-legged divine bird!
For its inheritance to resonate with our bloodlines, it must be extraordinarily powerful. That is why we are willing to bet on you!"
Pei Heng's explanation immediately put Ji Xia at ease.
He was referring to the scene in the royal court a few days ago, when Ji Xia used the Golden Crow Flame Finger to deal with Du Sang.
The three-legged bird was merely a shadow of the Golden Crow!
The Golden Crow, a mythical embodiment of the sun and offspring of the Demon Emperor, possessed the most exalted bloodline.
It was understandable that it could stir Pei Heng's bloodline.
Pei Heng must have believed that Ji Xia had inherited an ancient demon bloodline, which is why he placed his trust in him.
In other words, Pei Heng trusted the Golden Crow's legacy, not Ji Xia himself.
Rather than feeling annoyed at being overlooked, Ji Xia found relief.
Sudden and unearned benefits would only make him suspicious.
Now that he understood the reasoning, he felt much more at peace.
Looking down at the restriction-inscribed slate in his hands, Ji Xia thought to himself,
"With such an opportunity and clear assurances, hesitating further would be overly cautious.
The path of cultivation requires careful planning, but it cannot be marred by indecision!"
Resolving himself, Ji Xia respectfully saluted Pei Heng and said,
"Rest assured, Brother Daoist. With such a fortuitous opportunity in hand,
I promise that if I succeed in my studies, I will aid you in breaking that restriction!"
A faint smile finally appeared on Pei Heng's solemn face. Without delay, he raised his hand, revealing a glowing projection in the void.
In the image, tens of thousands of demon beasts were neatly arrayed in a forest, countless and awe-inspiring.
Among the myriad creatures, three species were particularly numerous.
Pei Heng declared, "I shall depart for distant lands.
From this day forward, the Southern Forbidden Forest will recognize Lord Ji Xia of Tai Cang as its master.
Any beast that disobeys will betray the grace of my enlightenment and face devouring punishment by Wenye, Fubi, or Wujing!"
Three fearsome demons rose into the air: a leopard with wings and sharp fangs,
a two-headed green serpent, and a massive crow.
They all bowed in respect and shouted, "The demon clans of the Southern Forbidden Forest greet Lord Ji Xia!"
A deafening roar resounded from countless demons, their voices shaking heaven and earth.
The entire Tai Cang Kingdom heard the terrifying cries from the Southern Forbidden Forest!
Before Ji Xia could respond, Pei Heng raised his hand again, and the light projection shifted to reveal another scene.
"This," said Pei Heng, "is the gift we offer Tai Cang!"
Ji Xia looked into the projection and saw an image of Tai Cang's grain fields.
The view descended, sinking three hundred feet below the fields behind Tai Cang City.
There, a massive insect lay in a deep slumber.
The insect was terrifying, resembling a scarab beetle with fine hairs covering its body.
Its six legs were smooth like polished stone, and its curved mandibles gleamed coldly.
On its head, two long antennae emitted flickering blue light.
Countless blue lines extended from the insect's antennae, connecting to the grain fields above.
"This creature is called the Spirit-Devouring Worm," Pei Heng explained.
"It excels at absorbing spirit energy. This particular worm is still in its juvenile form,
lurking in the nutrient-rich soil and devouring the essence of the fields.
"As it grows stronger, it will consume the spirit energy of its surroundings on a greater scale.
"Legend has it that in distant lands, a divine court was destroyed when a fully matured Spirit-Devouring Worm
drained all its spirit energy. The court crumbled, its rank fell, and its fate was sealed."
Ji Xia's face twitched upon hearing this.
"So the culprit behind this year's poor harvest was this worm!"