Chapter 375: Perhaps Something Was Missed

Niubatian had grand ideas, but Lushan Jun was no pushover.

One or two hundred taels was already an exorbitant price for a small manor outside Luoqing City. As for the old ox's so-called centuries-old cauldron, whether genuine or not, the iron pot was remarkably sturdy and durable and remained undamaged.

Consequently, the final compensation naturally left the old ox very dissatisfied, but Lushan Jun had worn him down.

That evening, citing the damage to the manor, Lushan Jun suggested that everyone stay at an inn in the city, conveniently located right next to Luoqing's pleasure district.

If not for Jiyuan's presence, which kept Niubatian in check, the old ox would likely have suggested staying directly in the pleasure district, since there were inns there too.

By evening, after a sumptuous dinner, Niubatian, who had fought fiercely with Lushan Jun during the day, had long forgotten his daytime pains. He happily used the flimsy excuse of 'going for a stroll' and turned into the pleasure district to enjoy himself.

Thus, only Jiyuan, Lushan Jun, and Yan Fei remained in the inn. Jiyuan rested in his room, while a short while later, Lushan Jun and Yan Fei coincidentally found themselves outside Jiyuan's door.

Lushan Jun saw Yan Fei, who was also preparing to visit their master, and clasped his hands in greeting. Yan Fei returned the gesture, and the two stood outside the door while Lushan Jun gently knocked.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

"Come in."

The two pushed the door open and saw Jiyuan sitting at a table, gazing at a blank scroll of sword intent. Without raising his head, he simply said, "Sit."

Yan Fei glanced at Lushan Jun, then closed the door before they both walked to the table and sat down.

Although Jiyuan's gaze wasn't on them, he still noticed that Lushan Jun's left arm was somewhat stiff when he sat down.

"Quite a serious injury?"

In front of Jiyuan, Lushan Jun naturally made no attempt to conceal anything.

"Very serious. If he hadn't held back that instant, my left arm would have been pierced, leaving my chest wide open. That brute told me to go back and cultivate for another few centuries, which was an arrogant taunt, but his cultivation is indeed much deeper than mine."

Such a matter might be kept secret by the old ox due to pride, but Lushan Jun didn't care, especially when speaking frankly before Jiyuan.

Yan Fei listened from the side, recalling the daytime battle. He suddenly realized that while the demon fight had been fierce, it was actually quite similar to a martial artist's duel, testing not only strength but also combat strategy and psychological resilience.

Previously, in Yan Fei's perception, except for the first half, the old ox seemed to be at a disadvantage, even on the verge of defeat. But now, hearing Lushan Jun's account, the actual situation might have been the opposite, much like how many martial artists can overcome stronger opponents.

Jiyuan wasn't surprised. He nodded, pondered for a moment, then spoke.

"That brute's demonic physique is indeed remarkable. Though it consumes a great deal, it significantly enhances his physical strength and power, and his cultivation potential is immense. Even with all your tactics and skill, you couldn't break his physique. However, this brute's physique was once broken by another demon."

Lushan Jun was Jiyuan's favored disciple, destined to play a significant role. Now that his Nine Heroes pact was largely concluded, it was time to reveal some truths to him.

Hearing Jiyuan mention that the old ox's physique had been broken, Lushan Jun, who had fought him, was naturally very curious.

"When did this happen, and who was responsible?"

Jiyuan said calmly.

"If my conjecture is correct, it should be a demon from the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven on Qiancang Mountain in Lanzhou, Western Regions. Most likely, a fox demon."

"A fox demon?"

Lushan Jun frowned. Before they matured, a few large dogs could chase such demons away, but once they gained power, especially after cultivating multiple tails, they became quite formidable.

"Indeed, a fox demon. That brute's biggest weakness is his lustfulness. The fox demon exploited this, but that wasn't her only trick. Remember, if you ever encounter a fox demon from the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, be extra careful, especially a female demon named Tu Siyan. She seems to know a lot about certain matters."

Lushan Jun pondered carefully for a moment before speaking.

"Understood! Master, do you have any instructions for me?"

"Mm."

Jiyuan glanced at Yan Fei, not bothering to avoid him. A divine light swirled in Jiyuan's calm, pale eyes, and Yan Fei immediately felt dizzy. After rubbing his forehead, he slumped onto the table and fell asleep.

Once Yan Fei was asleep, Jiyuan continued.

"Shanjun, although I possess a complete cultivation method for immortal beasts, I haven't directly taught it to you. Instead, I've guided and advised you, letting you comprehend and cultivate on your own. Besides not wanting to stifle your potential, there's another reason."

Lushan Jun sat upright, listening attentively. He had often wondered how to repay his master's kindness and show his filial piety, and now it seemed an opportunity had arisen.

"The world is vast and impossible to fully grasp. All realms and domains are expansive, and there are numerous hidden grotto-heavens. The demon race is an extremely powerful force. Although they are often scattered, many factions are so formidable that even immortal sects cannot easily tread upon their territories, such as the Black Dream Spirit Continent, commonly known as Black Desolation."

At this point, a contemplative expression crossed Jiyuan's face, and his voice lowered slightly.

"While many immortal sects, cultivators, and divine practitioners hold prejudice against demons, it must be said that few demons who have gained power are truly innocent. Especially in certain places, they have legacies and clear objectives..."

Looking at his attentively listening disciple, Jiyuan recalled past events. He extended his right hand, and a faint light flew from his sleeve, transforming into a dark wooden token in his palm.

"Look at this."

This wooden token should have long lost its ability to transmit spiritual information, but Jiyuan had sealed the spiritual energy and magic within it. Now that he had unsealed it, Lushan Jun could perceive its contents.

After taking the wooden token from Jiyuan's hand, Lushan Jun concentrated for a while before regaining his composure.

In Yunzhou, there were demons, immortals, ghosts, and gods, but the truly dominant force was the seemingly vulnerable human race.

Though varied in character, the powerful human race mostly prioritized enlightenment and order. They had long enjoyed peace, protected by the divine path evolved from their collective will. Most humans had never seen true gods or spirits, and even if they knew of immortals, demons, gods, and devils, they largely held them in awe.

However, many demons and devils in Black Desolation were different. Taking the 'Human-Livestock Nation' as an example, they no longer simply sought to fill their stomachs or occasionally gain an advantage in cultivation. Their delight in hearing screams and wails, their research into bizarre and cruel ways of consumption, and their manipulation of human hearts—all struck Lushan Jun as utterly 'perverted.'

Lushan Jun once heard Jiyuan say on the Moon Platform that pure 'evil' was rare in the world. But at this moment, putting aside the already extreme devils, Lushan Jun felt that the demons of Black Desolation had evolved into pure evil.

Seeing the shock on Lushan Jun's face, Jiyuan's expression grew slightly serious.

"The demon race is an extremely complex group. You, Lushan Jun, are not truly a demon anymore, but you are the only Luwu in the world. Who would know you are an ancient divine beast?"

Lushan Jun frowned then relaxed, looking intently at Jiyuan, awaiting his next words.

"I hope that, as a demon, you will one day make a name for yourself among the demon race and be able to assist me when I need you."

Lushan Jun took a deep breath, stood up, and performed a solemn deep bow.

"Master's command, Lushan Jun shall not disobey!"

Jiyuan extended his hand, supporting Lushan Jun's bowing arm, and shook his head, raising him up.

"This is my hope, not a command. As a master, I naturally wish for my disciples to thrive and be safe, but those who enter my lineage must possess some spirit and, more importantly, a sense of mission..."

Jiyuan paused.

"If it were merely the matters of Black Desolation, or simply the world's chaos, or just the conflicts between races, or merely the struggle between good and evil... if only it were that simple..."

Jiyuan's thoughts broadened. He was beginning to realize that the challenges they faced were more complex than even Yanqi had known. Particularly the encounter in the East Sea with the sitting whale, that elusive mystery, had indirectly inspired Jiyuan to consider that perhaps matters were not confined to this world alone.

"What if the fundamental premise of my previous deductions was flawed? Who benefits most from all this worldly chaos and entanglement..."

Jiyuan did not continue, nor could he.

Lushan Jun stood upright, looking up. For the first time, he felt a pressure emanating from his master, a pressure that seemed to weary even him. A sense of awe settled in Lushan Jun's heart.

"Lushan Jun will respectfully obey Master's teachings!"

"Mm, let us all do what we can. As long as you have no regrets, it will suffice. Sit down."

Lushan Jun sat down with a complex mix of emotions, while Jiyuan touched Yan Fei, who gradually stirred awake.

Yan Fei yawned, looking around with a puzzled expression. He knew he hadn't fallen asleep naturally but was sensible enough not to ask why.

Only when Jiyuan addressed him did Yan Fei inquire about some martial arts doubts. Jiyuan, in turn, held nothing back, explaining his understanding over the years, casting a wide net of knowledge.

When Niubatian returned the next morning, humming a tune, he discovered Jiyuan had already left. After much thought, realizing something was amiss, he finally exclaimed, "My Immortal's Guidance!"