“Demonfall City sounds dangerous. We can't participate in any of the cultivation world's major operations. These kinds of things are often a one-way trip unless you have formidable strength and deep-seated luck.”
Chen Changsheng lay on his chair, enjoying Li Linyu's massage and Miao Miao's tea. He closed his eyes to rest, imparting his survival philosophy to the two women.
A long-lived individual isn't afraid of trouble, but doesn't seek it out either. They pursue freedom but act within their means, avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Any event you actively participate in must have a full certainty of success before acting.
Wu Yingmei had divined that there were at least three Void Refinement stage demons and heretical cultivators stationed in Demonfall City. In this situation, no matter how strong one's background is, it's best not to get involved.
Unless you also have Void Refinement cultivation.
“So, it's not that your young master is a coward, but that he understands the times. Staying away from trouble is the way to achieve longevity!”
No matter how chaotic the outside world becomes, he only needs to live in the present. The road ahead is still very long…
Time passed, and dusk fell.
Taiping City lit up with thousands of lights, the city bustling with prosperity, and the people living in peace and contentment.
Chen Changsheng took the two women to stroll through the city's streets, enjoying the lanterns, watching performances, eating delicacies, and having a great time. This was in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of the cultivation world, as if they were in a paradise.
Not only them, but everyone in the city was like this.
In this perilous Nine Dragon Domain, Taiping City was a paradise, and also an important reason why cultivators actively moved into Taiping City.
The three of them strolled from the First District to the Fourth District. The scenery in each district was different. Although they were in the same city, the districts were far apart, and people's living habits also changed.
For example, the atmosphere in the First District was more simple and honest. Most of the residents were the good people from the original small town, and the prosperous area was mainly commercial.
The Second District was more extravagant, filled with wealthy cultivators with deep backgrounds. Commerce and residence were mixed together, and the nightlife here was extremely rich. Teahouses, restaurants, and brothels were booming, and everyone was indulging in pleasure, only knowing how to live in a drunken dream.
Most of the residents in the Third District were cultivators who joined after Taiping City became famous.
This area had the most residential areas, so this area was quieter at night, and many cultivators were in seclusion at home, cultivating.
The Fourth District was more of a mixed bag. Many sects and factions were stationed here, and a large number of rogue cultivators were mixed in. There were also large areas that had not been developed by Taiping City, hiding unseen dangers.
Boom!
Zeng Xiushan threw the corpse of a tiger-shaped demon beast on the ground, causing a burst of exclamations and praises from the surrounding people.
“I admire you! Even a late-stage Golden Core tiger demon was killed by Fellow Daoist Zeng. I'll buy this demon beast at the market price!”
A merchant cupped his hands and bowed, his face full of smiles.
Zeng Xiushan patted his disheveled clothes and said in a loud voice, “No problem. Old Liu's price is trustworthy. You can take this demon beast. I'll go to the forest to see if I can find more, to clear all the demons and evil from the vicinity for everyone.”
The eyes of several companions beside him lit up with enthusiasm, and the smiles on their faces were simple and honest, as if they were deeply proud of their dedication.
“Good! Fellow Daoist Zeng is truly a righteous person. In the future, if Fellow Daoist Zeng wants to buy pills, our Heavenly Pill Pavilion will give you a 20% discount!”
“With the help of Fellow Daoist Zeng and others in the Fourth District, the future of Taiping City is promising.”
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zeng. Recently, I've been hearing strange noises, causing me to have sleepless nights. Fortunately, Fellow Daoist Zeng's appearance has given us peace of mind.”
“……”
The surrounding cultivators and commoners expressed their heartfelt gratitude, praising Zeng Xiushan's small group.
There were also several cultivators who were moved by their chivalrous actions. In a moment of impulsiveness, they decided to enter the forest with Zeng Xiushan to cleanse the demons.
Zeng Xiushan appeared quite enthusiastic and heroic, leading several people full of fighting spirit into the mountains.
One could vaguely hear the cultivators and commoners behind them cheering them on.
“Fellow Daoist Zeng, there doesn't seem to be anything here. Should we change direction?”
Several cultivators who followed Zeng Xiushan noticed that the surroundings were becoming more and more quiet and dark, but they had not detected any signs of demons or evil. They couldn't help but ask.
“It's just ahead. I've already sensed the aura of demon beasts. Everyone, please follow me with confidence.”
Zeng Xiushan rushed to the front, as excited as a child seeing candy. The companions beside him were all the same, clearing the way in the front row.
Seeing this, the cultivators didn't say much and continued to follow behind them.
However, the deeper they went, the more strange they felt. They had completely left the crowded area of the Fourth District, and an ominous premonition arose in their hearts.
A cultivator's premonition is often accurate. One of them couldn't help but say, “I'm sorry, everyone. I suddenly remembered that I have urgent business to attend to. I'll take my leave.”
Another person immediately said, “I also remembered that I have urgent matters to deal with. I don't have time to continue searching for demon beasts. Let's part ways here.”
Zeng Xiushan immediately turned around and said, “It's just ahead. Fellow Daoists, don't worry. If there are any unexpected situations, we will protect everyone.”
The cultivators were obviously not stupid. They had already noticed that something was wrong. The others also spoke up one after another, determined to leave.
Zeng Xiushan, who had always been gentle, suddenly turned cold when he heard this.
The companions beside him suddenly flashed behind the others, blocking their retreat.
The cultivators were immediately shocked: “Fellow Daoist Zeng, what is the meaning of this?”
“I originally wanted to give you a chance to live, but unfortunately, you don't know how to appreciate it. Then, become our blood food.”
Zeng Xiushan suddenly grinned, the corners of his mouth rising to the corners of his eyes at a strange angle, revealing two rows of sharp, blood-stained fangs. He didn't look like a human at all.
The companions who blocked their retreat were even more terrifying, making a strange cry.
Some had black-brown wings growing from their backs, some had their legs turned into eagle claws, some had blood-red blisters on their skin, and some exuded a scarlet demonic aura…
The aura of demons and evil instantly filled the dark forest, and the plants and trees within a dozen miles withered at an alarming rate, turning into a pool of black liquid!
The cultivators were horrified. They didn't have time to scream or think. Relying on their years of fighting experience, they threw out talismans and fled as quickly as possible.
Puchi!
Zeng Xiushan's palm turned into a sharp bone spur, instantly breaking through the talisman's defense and piercing one of them's heart fiercely, his face with a hideous and terrifying smile.
Screams and cries for help echoed in the mountains, but no one knew in this wilderness…