Chapter 1017: World in Chaos

Niu Batian and Lu Shanjun had explored demon dens and devil caves together, faced crises, confronted powerful enemies, and weathered decades of challenges. Niu Batian never expected that Lu Shanjun, this seemingly straightforward fellow, had been hiding such an important secret from him: he was actually Mr. Ji's disciple?

"You've been hiding this from me for so long?"

Lu Shanjun looked at the old ox, a rare expression of apology appearing on his tiger-human face, the true form of Lu Wu.

"Brother Niu, I didn't mean to, but I am indeed my master's personal disciple."

By this time, the two demons had flown into Mount Heng. Niu Batian, despite radiating a terrifying aura and possessing a formidable appearance, made a gesture of annoyance, slapping his forehead.

"Oh, old Niu should have realized it sooner. You always cultivate faster than me, even increasingly faster. There had to be something going on. By all accounts, I, Niu Batian, am exceptionally gifted. How could I lose to a tiger demon?"

"Hahahahaha..."

Lu Shanjun burst into laughter. The fact that the old ox could say that indicated he held no grudge whatsoever. In fact, given his incredibly intelligent mind, it was possible he had already guessed some of it before but had never pointed it out.

As the old ox and Lu Shanjun had just flown into the mountains, the mountain god naturally heard their conversation. At this moment, the entire long mountain range of Mount Heng was shaking, and the god spoke up to interrupt them.

"Mr. Ji's esteemed disciples are indeed extraordinary. However, the demonic forces ahead are vast, and even I find it difficult to control the situation. It's not easy for you two to have cultivated to such a realm, but with so few people, your strength is limited. Do not sacrifice your lives in vain, otherwise, if I ever get to see Mr. Ji again, I wouldn't know what to tell him."

"Lord Mountain God, you don't need to worry about us. We are not weaklings. Since we dared to come to help, we naturally have the capability! Besides, we may not be few in number or lacking in strength!"

Lu Shanjun and the old ox had already flown to the front lines of Mount Heng facing the Southern Wilds, beyond which lay complete darkness. At this moment, Lu Shanjun stretched out his demon body, his true form as Lu Wu growing ever larger, with phantom tails unfurling behind him.

"Come out, all of you—"

After letting out a slightly hoarse roar, Lu Shanjun's mouth suddenly spewed forth wisps of mist with faint white light. These luminous mists continuously emerged, growing in number, scattering and spreading in all directions.

Large and small, beast-shaped and human-shaped, male and female…

Diverse figures materialized from the streaks of white light, forming vivid images. Some emanated terrifying demonic energy, others appeared enchanting, and among them was Lian Ping'er.

Moreover, the white light continued, ceaselessly transforming into impressive figures. The vast majority were shapeshifting demons or higher beings, and there were quite a few even more formidable ones.

"These are… Tiger-ghosts?"

The Mount Heng mountain god's voice conveyed surprise. Not only were these tiger-ghosts numerous, but even more astonishing, while their auras seemed somewhat ethereal, almost every one of them possessed considerable power. Such beings should not have been able to become tiger-ghosts after death, unless each was painstakingly refined through demonic arts, which seemed highly improbable.

"Now is a time of great tribulation for the heavens and earth. If you can give your full effort and help us through this calamity, I, Lu, will ask my master, Mr. Ji, to grant each of you a chance for reincarnation, allowing you to be reborn and start anew!"

Regardless of the promise, the tiger-ghosts could not defy Lu Shanjun's commands. However, with this promise, and upon learning that Lu Shanjun's master was Mr. Ji, almost all the tiger-ghosts became exhilarated.

Many of these tiger-ghosts had long since fallen into cultivation bottlenecks and deviated paths. Even if they had not died, their chances of breakthrough in this life were slim. But if they could truly be reborn, it would be a completely new opportunity—a chance to start entirely fresh and on the right path from the very beginning.

"By the Mountain Lord's command!" "Understood!"

"To gamble a future with a tiger-ghost's life—it's worth it!"

"Roar—"

The spiritual energy of Mount Heng and various elemental energies of heaven and earth surged forth like a tide. The tiger-ghosts' auras became increasingly solidified. Seeing this, the Mount Heng mountain god lent a hand, mobilizing the endless spiritual energy from across the mountain range.

As the dark clouds and demonic aura swept over, an equally formidable and terrifying aura rose within Mount Heng itself, also covering the sky with dark clouds and filled with roars and howls. Lu Shanjun and the old ox stood at the center, their demonic energies dominating, calm yet astonishingly powerful, like the eye of a storm.

The true form of Lu Wu, suspended in the sky, slowly rose. Together with the old ox, he charged first towards the Southern Wilds' demons. Their demonic energies were like two heavy hammers, smashing fiercely into the demonic aura. Numerous tiger-ghosts followed close behind, surging forward.

"Brother Niu, Master once taught me a piece called 'Carefree Wandering'. During this great battle, I'll recite it for you!"

Lu Shanjun's telepathic message reached the old ox's ear. The two great demons, while tearing apart demonic flesh, could still communicate. The old ox replied with a chuckle.

"Just from the name, I can tell it's extraordinary. Aren't you afraid Mr. Ji will be angry if you secretly pass on cultivation methods to me?"

"Hahahahaha… If Master blames me, I, Lu, will bear the full responsibility myself. Brother Niu is worth it! Now listen carefully, I'll only say it once…"

The formidable power of Lu Shanjun and Niu Batian reassured the Mount Heng mountain god. The two demons' strength had broken through a critical point; in their rampage, they could often sweep away entire groups of ordinary demons with a single strike. Even stranger were the tiger-ghosts: even if they sustained injuries that would be almost fatal to regular demons, they could absorb the spiritual energy gathered from Mount Heng to recover. Some tiger-ghosts were even torn limb from limb, yet with a single puff of white breath from Lu Shanjun, they could regenerate after absorbing the elemental energies of heaven and earth or the energies of the slain demons. While not an absolute certainty, it seemed that as long as Lu Wu survived, the tiger-ghosts would endure.

"Hahahahaha… If you want to pass Mount Heng, you'll have to ask if old Niu and old Lu agree!"

Hearing "Carefree Wandering," Niu Batian's heart also seemed to find a sense of liberation. The more demons he slaughtered while laughing, the more open-minded he felt. His demonic body was supremely rigid and strong, enveloped in black mist. Aside from a pair of sharp ox horns, his eyes glowed crimson within the darkness.

Watching an imposing demonic aura rapidly approach from beyond Mount Heng in the distance, the old ox actually stomped his foot so hard that a mountain peak trembled. He then suddenly lunged forward, charging headfirst out of Mount Heng's boundaries.

"You abominations, prepare to die—"

The old ox's demonic body was a colossal humanoid form with a face resembling a fierce, snarling ox and long, sharp horns. His charge was tremendously powerful, imbued with astonishing magical energy. Along his path, all demons were either directly crushed by his body or casually swatted away.

"Boom…"

"Roar…"

With a slight lowering of his massive head, the old ox's horns pierced straight through a demon king, then with a casual flick, he sent the demon king, who hadn't even had time to revert to its true form, flying into the sky.

"Ugh, cough…"

Demonic blood gushed from the demon king's body as he stared at the old ox with wide, horrified eyes, then at the terrifying "tiger form" in the direction of Mount Heng and the myriad demons and monsters standing on the opposing side.

"Ox Demon King, Lu Wu? Why are you…"

"Hahahahaha, because I don't like the sight of you—"

"Rumble—"

Niu Batian's mountain-sized demonic body shuddered. Like swatting a fly, he brought his hands together, delivering a crushing blow to the demon king, rupturing its internal organs and shattering its vital energy. Yet, its demonic aura had not yet dissipated.

"As expected of a demon king, hehehe…"

The old ox grabbed the demon king with both hands, his massive arms surging with power.

"Crrrrunch… Splat…"

Like wringing out clothes, this demon king, who was by no means weak, was directly twisted and torn apart by the old ox, its bones and sinews snapped.

"Who dares to cross this line?"

Niu Batian's roar echoed far and wide. At this moment, the fierce aura of the old ox alone even overshadowed the hordes of demons and devils ahead. His terrifying and arrogant presence surged in all directions, stirring up a storm…

"Awooo—"

An equally terrifying roar echoed back. Not to be outdone, Lu Shanjun roared to the sky, his true form as Lu Wu growing larger and larger. Black smoke billowed from his tiger claws, and amidst his roar, it felt as though he had clutched the very hearts of the demons, causing many to lose their composure for a moment, giving the tiger-ghosts an opportunity to attack and the old ox, who never missed a chance, to crush them.

"Hahahahaha, truly worthy of Mr. Ji's teaching! Good, very good, hahahahaha…"

The Mount Heng mountain god laughed heartily. With Lu Wu and the Ox Demon King present, he didn't need to worry about every single detail. He could focus on slaying the demon kings with terrifying auras and securing the extending corners of Mount Heng.

"Rumble, rumble, rumble…"

The entire Mount Heng seemed to erupt in a massive earthquake. A network of underground mountain ranges burst forth from the earth like colossal whips, transforming into earthen dragons that surged and collided everywhere.

Powerful mountain spirits, pixies, and demons, one after another, all emerged from the mountains.

"Lord Mountain God!" "Lord Mountain God…"

"We have arrived…"

While fierce fighting raged on Mount Heng's side, battles were also intense in the wider area covered by the Heavenly Mechanism Grotto-heaven. Especially led by Changjian Mountain, infinite sword qi sliced through the cosmos, dismembering countless demons and monsters. Even if powerful greater demons and demon kings appeared, they simply could not withstand the True Sword Immortals, who were considered supreme in their destructive power.

It could be said that both the Immortal Dao side and Mount Heng's side simultaneously erupted into terrifyingly fierce battles between good and evil.

In the mountains outside the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven, Tu Yi sat with closed eyes on a rock, a long sword leaning against it.

At one point, Tu Yi opened his eyes and looked towards a mountain path. Among the trees there, a shimmering gate slowly opened, and three figures emerged. Upon seeing Tu Yi, the three seemed slightly surprised.

Tu Yi grasped his long sword and stood up, gazing coldly in the direction of the three. His eyes not only fixed on them but also swept past them to glimpse some figures within the Grotto-heaven behind them.

"If the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven is to act, it should stand on the side of righteousness. Did you forget when Mr. Ji, with a single sword stroke in his dream, slew Tu Siyan? Tu Miao, Tu Tong?"

Tu Xin stepped forward with a cold smile.

"Brother Tu Yi, we are all Nine-Tailed Heavenly Foxes, having lived together in the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven for so many years. Now, a great opportunity lies before us. I advise you not to miss this chance. Not even Heaven and Earth have this opportunity, let alone the righteous path of this world."

When Tu Miao heard Mr. Ji's name, his pupils visibly constricted. He knew that beings like Mr. Ji transcended them, yet he still opened his mouth to speak.

"Mr. Ji is indeed remarkable, but there is only one Mr. Ji in the world. And at this moment, the world is in chaos with demons running rampant; there are many who can deal with him. Tu Yi, the future of the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven cannot be missed."

"Hahahahahaha… You truly make me laugh! Hehehe hahahahaha…"

Tu Yi burst into laughter, glancing at Tu Tong, who remained silent. Too lazy to argue further, he simply let out a low roar towards the Grotto-heaven.

"Fox clan of the Grotto-heaven, none of you are to come out without my command!"

"As for you, don't call yourselves Heavenly Foxes anymore. Change your titles; call yourselves abominations! We have coexisted and cultivated in this Grotto-heaven for nearly a thousand years without truly fighting. Today, I'll experience your grand schemes!"

The three demons opposite looked at Tu Yi in surprise. Tu Tong licked her lips and spoke.

"Tu Yi, why are you like this? Wouldn't it be wonderful to use this capable body to enjoy some pleasures with me?"

Tu Yi snorted coldly. After muttering "shameless hussy," he directly drew his sword.

"Clang—"

"Die!"

Tu Yi attacked abruptly, his speed and momentum catching the three foxes off guard. His sword strikes were like a rainbow, his swordsmanship illusory, as if he had transformed into a thousand figures, continuously appearing before the three demons to strike.

Even the three Nine-Tailed Fox demons were in a sorry state, surprisingly preempted and suppressed by Tu Yi.

"Swish…" "Swish…" "Swish…"

"Rumble, rumble, rumble…"

Amidst the crisscrossing sword light, the surrounding mountains split and collapsed, and smoke billowed through the peaks. Subsequently, an endless burst of demonic energy erupted, tearing up vegetation and even the ground within mountains spanning dozens of miles.

"Ah, my face… You're courting death—" "Don't ruin things, I'll hold him back, you two go first! Tu Yi, let me be your opponent! Roar—"

Tu Miao's voice drowned out Tu Tong's shriek. He directly revealed his true form, transforming into a colossal Nine-Tailed Fox. With a single claw strike, light and shadows filled the sky, dissolving Tu Yi's sword light and illusions, and forcing the latter to appear in the sky.

"Overestimating yourself, Tu Miao. You're not worthy."

"Not enough to kill you, but more than enough to hold you back!"

The two great Nine-Tailed Foxes fought in earnest. At this moment, the gate of the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven stood wide open, and countless wisps of demonic energy, accompanied by sharp screeches and excited cries, flew out.

"Those who create their own evil will not live, alas!"

"Hahahaha, Tu Yi, focus on yourself first. Right and wrong are determined by the victor; we'll see who prevails soon enough!"

"Hmph!"

Tu Yi's figure flickered abruptly. He brandished his sword in mid-air, unleashing endless sword light across the sky, directly slaying countless fox demons with a single strike. Screams continuously erupted from the dispersing demonic energy, though many more were utterly annihilated before they could even cry out.

"Tu Yi, are you insane—" "You're courting death—"

"Ah, die for me—"

"Rather than letting them go out and cause havoc, I'd rather deal with them myself!"

Tu Yi's ruthlessness was like a bucket of ice water splashed over the fox demons inside the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven, driving the other Nine-Tailed Foxes into a frenzy. Only Tu Xin, with a frown, actively flew into the Jade Fox Grotto-heaven, then used her own demonic power to envelop countless fox demons before flying out of the Grotto-heaven once more.

Although Tu Yi's cultivation was high, he was still under immense pressure and could only sigh inwardly.