CHAPTER 364: The Secret Art Of Possession

Inside the Cemetery of Death, the dark dragon Gilbert was still evolving. Further inside, the Mystical Demon Cave had long since ceased to function. Inside the Mystical Demon's Grimace, there were twelve bloody-red agate-like blood pearls. The blood pearls rolled around the Mystical Demon Cave like droplets, following a special path.

Han Shuo arrived at the Mystical Demon Cave and waved. A lump of blood light shot out, piercing the twelve drops of bloody-red agate-like blood pearls.

Crack...

The crunching sounds of twelve eggs cracking floated through the air. The twelve blood pearls shattered, each blood pearl emitting a clump of blood mist. The blood mist gradually coalesced into something larger, forming fierce ghostly figures. The twelve mystical demons were different in shape, but they were exactly the same. When the twelve mystical demons were all floating in front of Han Shuo, they each swallowed their respective fragmented blood pearl into their abdomens before throwing their heads back and hissing towards the sky.

Han Shuo released the remaining Yin Demon from his body. One of the mystical demons leapt forward and devoured the released Yin Demon, chewing it thoroughly before swallowing it.

With a single thought, the twelve mystical demons fluttered towards Han Shuo like ghosts, transforming into twelve drops of blood and wrapping themselves around Han Shuo's demon infant, absorbing the energy the demon infant was emitting.

The mystical demons were of a higher level than the yin demons. With the existence of the mystical demons, the yin demon was no longer useful. It would be captured and eaten by the mystical demons even if it hid inside the body. Han Shuo also knew that a low-level demon leader like the Yin Demon had no way to survive inside its body. Therefore, it was better to just let him be eaten by the mystical demons so that he would not continue to absorb the energy in his body.

In the Sperate Demon Realm, the energy that Han Shuo's demon infant was able to release was incredibly rich. The mystical demons linked to Han Shuo's blood only needed to absorb a small portion of the energy in his body to be of infinite use to Han Shuo. Compared to the lower level Primordial Demons and Yin Demons, the Mystical Demons were able to separate from Han Shuo for longer distances. If a mystical demon could possess another person's brain, it could separate from Han Shuo without any obstacles.

Once a mystical demon possessed a person's brain, it would feed on that person's brain on a daily basis, not needing to be replenished by Han Shuo's internal energy. In the beginning, by feeding on the person's brain, the mystical demons could gradually alter the person's thoughts and affect their judgement.

As time passed and the person's brain was completely consumed by the Mystical Demon, the Mystical Demon would become their replacement, becoming a Mystical Demon in that person's body, free for Han Shuo to use. This was tantamount to the most brilliant art of puppetry. The end result was a puppet body for the mystical demon to use, only lacking the original person's soul.

As soon as a mystical demon began its possession, Han Shuo, as the owner of the mystical demon, could already control the person's thoughts and easily obtain the target's secrets. Even if the person hadn't died yet, Han Shuo could still use the mystical demon to alter their decisions, causing them to inadvertently follow Han Shuo's instructions.

With these twelve mystical demons, as long as Han Shuo could get them to latch onto the minds of the seven grand dukes, Han Shuo could completely rely on six mystical demons to control six dukes. He would be able to influence their judgement and decision-making right from the start. In the end, when the mystical demons had consumed their brains, Han Shuo would be able to control them completely.

On the other hand, even outside of possession, the Mystic Demons had a variety of uses. Omnidirectional, trackless scouting was the innate ability of the demon skulls. Similar to the Yin Demons, the Mystical Demons could also easily take on Han Shuo's appearance and even speak, essentially becoming another Han Shuo.

Of course, the Mystical Demon's strength was incomparable to Han Shuo himself. However, in critical situations, it could become Han Shuo's replacement. This was like giving Han Shuo twelve extra lives. Although the Mystical Demon was weaker than Han Shuo, it still had an advantage over ordinary experts in that it could switch between corporeal and formless forms. In battle, they could attack in a swarm, fast enough to leave only a trail of bloody light. They were very difficult for ordinary humans to deal with.

With the twelve mystical demons nestled within his body, Han Shuo now felt more confident. Seeing that the dark dragon Gilbert had not awoken, Han Shuo took out the skeleton staff to open the enchantment surrounding the Cemetery of Death and headed towards the Valley of Sunshine.

Inside the Valley of Sunshine, the water zombie that Han Shuo had left at the place of extreme water had sent a message. The Elite Water Zombie was ready to emerge.

Flying the distance from the Dark Forest to the Valley of Sunshine, Han Shuo did not openly enter the front gate as he did not know the current situation in the Valley of Sunshine. Instead, he descended from the sky into a secluded corner and then sneaked directly into the place where he was refining the elite water zombie.

This shop was Han Shuo's personal property. The Soul Destroyer mercenaries did not station anyone here, but sent people to clean the place from time to time. When Han Shuo entered the shop, he noticed that the place was clean, with no cobwebs anywhere in the building.

This haunted and cursed shop was quite famous in the Valley of Sunshine. After many people had mysteriously died within its walls, ordinary people would take a detour whenever they reached the area. No one dared to pass this place. Originally, blood water demons had taken up residence in the shop, but they had been quickly destroyed by Han Shuo. However, he had then laid down the Asura Illusion Formation, which was just as dangerous.

Han Shuo easily entered the underground place of extreme water. Han Shuo already had the experience of dealing with the earth, wood, and fire elite zombies. Therefore, he didn't waste much time in extracting them from the extreme water place. Compared to the other three elite zombies, the water zombie looked quite normal. Apart from the additional amber-coloured armour on its body, it had no other distinctive features.

Han Shuo had some ideas about the abilities of the Water Elite Zombies, and he wasn't in a hurry to have it show him its abilities. After placing a 'Dark Seal' on the water zombie, Han Shuo summoned the little skeleton and handed the water zombie to him. Shortly after, he sent them both back to the other dimension.

With the water zombie taken care of, Han Shuo didn't stay in the Valley of Sunshine any longer, lest he be seen and give a bad impression to the Cairo mercenary band. The Valley of Sunshine was currently still under their control. Han Shuo's action of sneaking in was already mocked by the rulers.

Han Shuo wasn't aware of the current relationship between the Soul Destroyer Mercenary Band and the Cairo Mercenary Band. However, there was no need to get into an unnecessary conflict with the Cairo Mercenary Band. Therefore, after the matter of the water zombie was settled, Han Shuo silently left the Valley of Sunshine and headed towards the Soul Destroyer mercenaries' hidden location.

Every time he went there, Han Shuo would discover that the Soul Destroyer mercenary band had changed significantly. This time, it was even more so. Unknowingly, the Soul Destroyer Mercenary Band had already become a large mercenary band of thousands. Recently, recruitment must have spread like wildfire. With Han Shuo's financial support and Trunks' own abilities, it's no wonder that the Soul Destroyer mercenary group had the strength to fight for the Valley of Sunshine.

This time, Trunks wasn't at the secret grounds. Han Shuo found out from Grant that Trunks had gone to meet the bandit Janet and would be back soon. Ever since Trunks had found his long lost younger sister Annie with the female bandit Janet, he had often found excuses to look for Janet. On the one hand, he could see Annie, and on the other, he could negotiate with Janet about when they would help Annie get her revenge.

The female bandit, Janet, was also a bold, straightforward yet strange woman, and was quite comfortable with Trunks. As time went on, the two became more and more familiar. One was from a mercenary band in the Valley of Sunshine, the other from a large bandit group outside the Valley of Sunshine. The two leaders even unknowingly formed a good friendship.

Han Shuo was also surprised when Grant said that. No one expected Trunks to actually get along with that tomboy. This Janet was like a man. Her words were devoid of feminine softness, and she even used foul language from time to time. Add that to her fondness for women and you could say that she was an exception among women. Who would have thought that Trunks would still be able to form a friendship with her. It seemed that Annie played an important role in the friendship between Trunks and Janet.

Han Shuo waited half a day. Halfway through the day, Odysseus' group returned and had a few drinks with Han Shuo, whom they hadn't seen for a few months. Everyone was in high spirits.

Trunks definitely did not treat Odysseus' group shabbily after they joined. Since the members of Odysseus' group were quite strong, they were gradually gaining prestige in the Soul Destroyer mercenary group. They had formed a tacit understanding and mutual trust. As a result, they were usually able to complete the more difficult missions and were very popular among the Soul Destroyer mercenaries.

While Han Shuo, Odysseus and the others were drinking and chatting, Trunks returned and laughingly joined the army of people who were eating and drinking. These battle-hardened mercenaries were all very outspoken and were generally men who had large bowls of alcohol and meat. They believed in true masters and had an attitude of enjoying life.

The newer members of the Soul Destroyer mercenary group didn't know Han Shuo's identity at first. However, when a few veteran mercenaries revealed Han Shuo's identity, the newcomers all showed adoring gazes. Some of the young mercenaries couldn't stay calm, and even excitedly proposed a toast to Han Shuo.

Although Han Shuo didn't visit the Valley of Sunshine often, he had left behind deeds worthy of stories each time he came. He'd defeated both the current leader of the Rainbow Sickle mercenaries, Florida, and Adam Menlo, the head of the House of Menlo. Especially during the battle in the valley, Han Shuo had suddenly appeared and allied himself with the leader of the Cairo mercenaries, Laureton, and helped him lead the Cairo mercenaries out of the valley. His hand in killing the Grand Magus of the Church of Light, Ferguson, was even more widespread in the Valley of Sunshine.

Even when Han Shuo wasn't physically in the Valley of Sunshine, stories about Han Shuo continued to spread throughout the Valley of Sunshine. Han Shuo's reputation played a large part in attracting young mercenaries to the Soul Destroyer mercenary band. Trunks had really benefited from Han Shuo by attracting so many young mercenary experts who had potential and yet were willing to do their utmost to join the mercenary gang.

"What's the current situation?" After the loud drinking in the square, Trunks and Han Shuo went alone to a secret room inside the mountain.

Trunks laughed wryly before saying, "The Soul Destroyers have a good momentum right now, but that's also why the other four major mercenary bands have started to raise their guard. Even the previously friendly Cairo Mercenaries have become less friendly towards us. It's been a delicate balancing act, and there's always the fear that the four mercenary groups will unite against our Soul Destroyer mercenary group. In any case, there's a strong undercurrent in the Valley of Sunshine. Like a powder keg, all it needs is a single spark.

Han Shuo nodded and replied, "This was inevitable from the start; everyone wants a piece of the rich pickings known as the Valley of Sunshine. With its ideal location in the middle of three countries, control of the Valley of Sunshine would yield large amounts of gold coins and some hidden benefits. For mercenary bands looking to expand rapidly, control of the Valley of Sunshine is the fastest route to growth.

"I agree. Anyway, the current situation is a bit chaotic. Our Soul Destroyer mercenary group has temporarily refrained from any activities that could lead to our seizing power. It is precisely because I have shown no interest in maintaining order in the Valley of Sunshine that the other mercenary groups have not acted against us for so long. Instead, I've been secretly plotting with Janet to get revenge for Annie.

"However, our enemies include Florida, Butcher Gustav and the much harder to deal with Bradley of the Kasi Empire. Bradley Pillon? Pillon is the biological brother of the Emperor of the Kasi Empire. I'm afraid I have no way of dealing with him at the moment. At the moment, Janet and I are discussing a plan to kill Butcher Gustav first.

"Butcher Gustav and Florida have been involved in shady business dealings for a long time. Killing Gustav will also deal a blow to Florida's power. In this way, I will slowly bleed Florida to death. After I've gained enough strength, I'll deal with Bradley Pillon of the Kasi Empire. I want to leave him for last. Trunks spoke, his words dripping with hatred.

"How about I help you get rid of Gustav and Florida first, since I'm already here in the Valley of Sunshine. Even though they're quite strong, they're no threat to me. If I want to kill them, they definitely won't be able to escape." Han Shuo pondered for a moment before suggesting a course of action to Trunks.

Trunks shook his head firmly as he replied, "I appreciate your good intentions. However, I want to take my revenge on these three in person, in the most agonising way possible. Annie is like a biological sister to me. For her to have suffered such a great loss, I must make these bastards pay their debt in blood!"

Han Shuo sighed slightly when he saw Trunks' stubbornness and nodded as he replied, "Since that's the case, I'll stay out of it. Oh, Gilbert is with me right now. He's at a crucial stage of his second evolution, so it's unlikely he'll be able to help you. Be more careful when you are alone.

"Understood, be at ease and go deal with your own affairs. Leave the Valley of Sunshine to me. I will contact you if there really is no other solution. Hahaha, I heard that you even got rid of the Redbud Knights of the Brut Merchant Alliance. It seems that you're getting stronger and stronger!" Trunks sighed in admiration.

The distance between the Dark Forest and the Valley of Sunshine wasn't very far. Since mercenaries were all people who travelled a lot, news was always fast and plentiful. Han Shuo wasn't at all surprised that Trunks knew about his exploits.

"Hehehe, that was all Celt's own bad luck. Mm, you know where Dark Mantle has people in this place. If there's anything particularly important, you can contact me through them. Of course, you can also leave a message at the address I gave you. I believe that with you in the Valley of Sunshine, sooner or later the entire valley will belong to our Soul Destroyer mercenary band. I'll be on my way then," Han Shuo laughed as he spoke.

Trunks replied to Han Shuo's statement, "Don't worry, I've eaten one of your pills and am now a Great Swordsmaster. Who else in the entire Valley of Sunshine is my equal but that violent berserker Laureton? Besides, we are different from the berserkers. We have an unlimited number of ways to break through. I believe that in time, my strength will surpass Laureton's. He can only become a berserker three times. I've never heard of a berserker who can be four times berserk!"

Han Shuo didn't say much when he saw Trunk's confidence. With Trunk's reminder, Han Shuo had also remembered his promise with the ancient lizard king Dagassi. He would have to make a trip to the Dwarf Valley to collect the forged weapons and deliver them to the lizardmen in the underground world.

Using the art of the demonic Ninth Heaven, Han Shuo made his way to the Dwarf Valley. From the Dwarf Valley, he collected more than a thousand freshly forged sharp weapons. These weapons all contained a tiny amount of black iron ore, making their sharpness far superior to ordinary weapons.

The well-travelled Han Shuo didn't stay long in the dwarf valley, but quickly flew to the entrance of the underground world. He then shuttled through the intricate and complicated tunnels of the underground world, heading straight for the area where the lizardmen lived.

Han Shuo didn't know the specific instructions that the ancient lizard king Dagassi had given to the lizard leader when he had introduced Han Shuo earlier. However, thanks to Dagassi's instructions, the lizard leader had shown Han Shuo an unparalleled amount of respect. This made Han Shuo feel a sense of responsibility towards them, similar to how he treated the forest trolls.

Han Shuo's brain worked continuously as he walked towards the lizardmen's territory, silently thinking. Apart from the forest trolls and the dwarven valley above ground, he now had the completely docile lizardmen underground. If he added the nearby mercenary band of Soul Destroyers in the Valley of Sunshine, it was a formidable force.

If he could harmonise these forces, it would be an exceptionally large force in the Dark Forest. Perhaps he could even change the situation in the Dark Forest?