Chapter 343: Rhino King
In the past, Long Chen had relied on himself to fight for almost everything he owned, including killing his own high-tier beasts to use Blood Transmutation on. Now, under the wing of one of the most powerful masters in the Cangyang Kingdom, everything was different.
With the Heavenly Demon Lord’s mentorship, Long Chen imagined that he would soon be able to take his revenge.
"Although I don’t know why you want beast carcasses, I’m afraid the strongest beast within a hundred and fifty kilometers of Demon Emperor Mountain is this Category Seven Earth-tier Rhino King,” said Zhao Qingyun as he led Long Chen hurriedly to the beast.
Is this place really that pitiful?
Long Chen was immersed in the joy of having a master to help him slay demonic beasts. This was an unexpected outcome. Though it looked like his dream of using Blood Transmutation to grow quickly would not come true.
However, using Blood Transmutation too often was not the best way to grow. Long Chen now understood this concept, so he was not feeling dejected.
"But there is a tunnel in Demon Emperor Mountain that leads to the Pyro Passageways, where there are many Ember Beasts. However, the passages have been closed and I can’t open them just for you... There will be a training session there soon, though only the top ten disciples are qualified to enter.”
Pyro Passageways? Ember Beast?
Long Chen privately memorized these names. If Xiaolang could wake up, the Pyro Passageways would be heaven to him.
"This demonic wolf is as extraordinary as you are. I believe myself to be a well-traveled person, and yet I have not seen this demonic beast before. Could this be a mutation of the Moon Devouring Wolf? The Moon Devouring Wolf has a silver moon on its forehead, while this beast has a golden sun. How interesting. But I think he’s injured. How do you plan to save him?” Zhao Qingyun asked when he saw that Long Chen was looking rather sadly at Xiaolang.
Long Chen looked up and asked directly, “Master, do you have any fire elemental treasures?” Now that he had a master, he would be an idiot if he did not capitalize on this resource.
"Fire elemental treasures? Let me think...”
It was obvious that Zhao Qingyun liked his newly recruited disciple. Long Chen had already made two consecutive requests, but he had not even furrowed his brows.
"I do have a few Fire Essences, but they’re not with me now. I’ll get you some when I return to the Heavenly Demon Palace,” said Zhao Qingyun after some thought.
"You have Fire Essences too? I’m being pursued right now because I killed the Ninth Prince. He has nine Fire Essences on his sword!”
"Fire Essences are produced in the Heavenly Demon Palace’s Pyro Passageways. The Sword Emperor probably took them from our disciples. Although there aren’t any large-scale wars between the imperial family and the Heavenly Demon Palace, there are many hidden scuffles. Not long ago, a Seventh River Stage elder from the Heavenly Demon Palace died outside the Imperial Capital. He died because he attempted to kill the Ninth Prince. Since you killed the Ninth Prince, you have indirectly avenged him,” Zhao Qingyun said sorrowfully.
As the Heavenly Demon Lord, he obviously did not want any clan members to die, especially not in the hands of the imperial family.
"You killed the six commanders of the royal guards, then annihilated the whole dwarf tribe. You’ve got some guts. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to kill off the dwarves, but I never got the chance because the imperial family has always protected them.” Zhao Qingyun gave a look of disgust when he spoke of the dwarves.
"Those were just appetizers,” Long Chen said mildly.
Zhao Qingyun heard the determination in his statement.
"Kid, you’re ambitious. If you can kill off the imperial family, the Demon Emperor Sword will be yours. You can even leave with it,” said Zhao Qingyun with a smile. If Long Chen could grow to that level, he would naturally choose to leave the Cangyang Kingdom.
But that was not going to be easy.
"Then I shall receive the Demon Emperor Sword gratefully,” Long Chen said very boldly.
There was a burning passion beneath his great confidence.
"And I will be waiting with great anticipation.”
The two of them had almost arrived at their destination by the end of the conversation. There was a vast field ahead littered with weeds as well as murky streams. The ground rumbled and shook as there were many beasts, especially demonic beasts, living here. A violent aura emanated from the deepest parts of the wilderness. The source had to be the Category Seven Earth-tier Rhino King.
Long Chen followed Zhao Qingyun through the fields and finally spotted the Rhino King. It was a huge beast, slightly larger than the Nine Heavens Fire Beast. It had gray skin stronger than steel and solid knots of protruding, rock-like muscles.
The most outstanding part of its body was the thick, sharp, four-meter-long horn on its head. It looked intimidating and was a weapon of nature!
But these features were as unimportant as clouds to Zhao Qingyun. He gently thrust his palm onto its body, and the mighty Category Seven Earth-tier demonic beast’s internal organs shattered from the vibrations. The gigantic Rhino King squealed in pain, then crashed into the ground, throwing up a plume of smoke. Then it never moved again.
Zhao Qingyun turned to ask Long Chen smugly, “Someone as strong as me is more than fit to be your master, right?”
"Of course!”
Long Chen was about to receive a huge piece of treasure with zero effort, so why wouldn’t he praise Zhao Qingyun? However, he was genuinely impressed because even Ninth River Stage cultivators could not kill a Category Seven Earth-tier Rhino King this effortlessly.
There was no question about Zhao Qingyun being beyond the Ninth River Stage.
Long Chen had rough knowledge about the realm beyond the Heavenly River Realm. It was known as the Heavenly Passage Realm. The name of this realm was easy to understand, and it was like passing through to heavens to achieve a level that Ninth River Stage cultivators could not compare.
The Draconic, Divine Core, Heavenly River, and Heavenly Passage Realms were known as the four foundational realms of cultivation. They were only fundamentals, and there were more layers above these four foundational realms. The masters from Ling Xi’s hometown were mostly in those further realms, but not many people in the Cangyang Kingdom were aware of them. Naturally, Long Chen was no exception.
Combat techniques, divine weapons, spiritual medicines, and demonic beasts were all divided into four main tiers, in reflection of the four foundational realms. However, just like cultivation, there were tiers beyond these four too, though they did not exist in the Cangyang Kingdom.
But these were matters for the future.
Long Chen was only able to store the Rhino King’s carcass using his largest Universe Pouch.
"Now that you have accepted the welcome gift, Long Chen, we shall return to the Heavenly Demon Palace if there are no other matters to discuss. I will call all the high-level clan members to a meeting to announce my ninth direct disciple. When that happens, you’ll have to kneel and formally acknowledge me as your master in order to complete the initiation. Are you willing?” Zhao Qingyun asked solemnly.
"If you’re genuinely going to treat me as a disciple, and are kind to me, why would I have a problem with it? Plus, you gave me this Rhino King as a gift; it’s only right for me to show some form of respect, right?” Long Chen did not mind. It was very common for people to kneel before their master as a formal initiation ritual. If there was not enough respect and formality in the ritual, why would a mighty master want to pass his knowledge to someone?
"Then let’s head out. However, let me give you a reminder. You’re only at the Fourth River Stage right now. If other people try to provoke you, ignoring them is definitely an option. Self-control prevents future problems. When you are strong enough, all the chattering clowns will naturally shut their mouths,” Zhao Qingyun said.
"A true man picks his battles. Don’t worry, I’m not an idiot. I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where other people can bully me,” Long Chen said honestly. However, Zhao Qingyun’s words made him understand that his days at the Heavenly Demon Palace would probably not be easy.
Xiao Xi, Xiaolang! You two will witness my extraordinary growth at the Heavenly Demon Palace! In three months’ time, I will storm the Biyang Imperial Capital with the Demon Emperor Sword!
With that silent declaration in his heart, Long Chen followed Zhao Qingyun and started to head towards the Heavenly Demon Palace.
Demon Emperor Mountain was huge, and its peak pierced through the clouds. The Heavenly Demon Palace was built on a vast, flat platform on the slope of the mountain. The platform was completely flat, as if someone had carved it with a sword!
When Long Chen arrived on the platform, he touched the ground. Although there were many scratches, the platform was still clearly manmade.
"You’re shocked, aren’t you?” Zhao Qingyun looked like he had expected this reaction.
"I am.”
"This platform was built by the founder of the Heavenly Demon Palace, Tian Mozi. He carved it with the Demon Emperor Sword! I’m not strong enough to replicate that feat right now. It seems that every generation has been weaker than the last,” Zhao Qingyun said with some regret.
The legendary Tian Mozi must have been much more terrifying than Zhao Qingyun to be able to carve this place out with a sword. Cultivators of the Heavenly Passage Realm were powerful indeed.
After appreciating Tian Mozi’s might, Long Chen finally looked up at the Heavenly Demon Palace. Although there was the word “demon” in its name, the cluster of buildings looked like a paradise nestled within the mountains. Long Chen could not relate the structures in front to the rumored violent, psychotic clan he had heard about.
"A little surprised, aren’t you?” Zhao Qingyun had expected this. “Why ‘demon?’ From my perspective, ‘demon’ does not mean violence. ‘Demon’ means to not be restricted by worldly problems. ‘Demon’ means freedom and doing whatever you want to. It means achieving extraordinary cultivation levels. That is the core value of the Heavenly Demon Palace. If we’re talking about massacres and violence, then the imperials are the demons.”
Long Chen was shaken by his words.
Based on this explanation, Long Chen was a demon too. The demon of demons.
"Alright. I shall call for everyone to gather. Get yourself prepared.”