Chapter 531-535: Turning the Immortal City into a Cave Mansion (6.5k+ words)

"I won't go so far as to buy the resources you withheld from me." Li Fan remained calm, sipped his tea, and looked at Zhou Kebao. "Although I am relatively wealthy, my contributions are not a windfall. Besides building the Immortal City, these resources seem to have no other purpose."

Zhou Kebao quickly shook his head, "How can you be so ungrateful?"

Carefully looking at Li Fan, he humbly said, "In fact, I came to find a friend with the intention of harmony."

Suddenly, Li Fan slammed the tea cup down with a loud bang, startling Zhou Kebao and straightening his body.

Li Fan's expression turned stern, and a hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes. "Harmony? It seems that wasn't your intention before."

"Withholding so many resources, and all this happened under the premise of my military order. It seems like you wanted to force me, Li Fan, into a dead end."

Zhou Kebao repeatedly waved his hands, trembling as he explained, "Absolutely not! Absolutely not! From start to finish, we were only seeking wealth..."

Li Fan neither confirmed nor denied, saying calmly, "Since it has come to this, I won't argue with you anymore."

Hearing this, Zhou Kebao wore an expression of disbelief.

Before he could catch his breath, Li Fan continued, "However, after the formal completion of the Cloud Immortal City, you must report everything to the higher-ups. We must not miss a thing."

"Being able to complete the construction of the Immortal City without wasting any resources is a testament to my strength, isn't it?"

"It is necessary to announce to the world, to let everyone know. If all the city lords in the world were like me, wouldn't the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance merging with the Five Elders be just around the corner?"

"What do you think, Friend Zhou?" Li Fan boldly declared.

"Hehe, Friend, you are joking." Zhou Kebao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, understanding the implied threat in Li Fan's words.

"Friend, whatever you request, just say it. We will definitely fulfill it. Please don't escalate the matter."

Zhou Kebao assured, patting his chest.

"Don't look at what I want, but at what you have." Li Fan approached, patted Zhou Kebao's shoulder.

"Contribution points? Do I lack those? In my eyes, contribution points are just a string of numbers."

Zhou Kebao's body trembled at Li Fan's words.

"Moreover, after the completion of the Cloud Immortal City, the corresponding rewards from above will certainly not be few. By then, as a high-ranking figure, my corresponding authority level will also skyrocket."

"With contribution points and authority, what in this world can I not get my hands on?"

"What do you have that can impress me?"

Li Fan's eyes were piercing, fixed on Zhou Kebao.

Feeling pressured by Li Fan's gaze, Zhou Kebao struggled to come up with a suitable answer.

"After you've thought it over, come find me. I have official matters to attend to, and I won't accompany you!" Li Fan coldly issued the dismissal order.

Zhou Kebao, wearing a troubled expression, retreated.

Li Fan's meaning was clear.

They could let go of their obstruction, but they needed to offer sufficient compensation.

"No demands are the hardest demands to handle." Zhou Kebao sighed lightly.

He looked back at the room where Li Fan was.

In such a short time since he left, seven or eight different cultivators with restrained faces had entered and left.

"The momentum is already established, and I can't afford to be enemies with him."

"If that's the case, why not take advantage of this opportunity to turn an enemy into a friend? From my observation, this person is not someone who holds grudges. As long as there are enough chips, there's no worry about not being able to move him."

Zhou Kebao's thoughts turned rapidly, and in an instant, he had made up his mind.

He hurried back to discuss with his associates.

Chapter 531: Immortal City turned into a Cave Mansion

Five days later, Zhou Kebao appeared before Li Fan again, brimming with confidence.

"Friend, take a look at this." He pointed into the air, and a miniature image of a suspended city appeared.

"What does this mean?" Li Fan looked for a moment but couldn't figure it out.

Calmly, he inquired.

Seeing Li Fan's reaction, Zhou Kebao became even more confident, revealing a mysterious smile.

"It's a Cave Mansion, similar to the suspended Immortal City of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, or even better..."

"I wonder if Friend is interested?" Zhou Kebao asked in a low voice.

"Hmm?" Li Fan's gaze condensed, and he carefully examined the miniature scene in the air.

His thoughts raced, and he couldn't help but take a sharp breath.

"The resources you withheld are actually more than double what you gave me? Isn't that a bit audacious?"

Zhou Kebao quickly said, "Hehe, Friend, you've misunderstood."

"Although we did reduce a lot for our calculations against you, it's far from enough to build a complete suspended city."

"In fact, these resources are the leftovers we accumulated from repairing and renovating various state Immortal Cities in the past."

"Friend Li, you know that the resources allocated by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for projects have to consider various unexpected situations, so the budget is relatively sufficient. Being seasoned in this line of work, our actual consumption is minimal."

"So, there's always a surplus of resources. Naturally, the excess falls into our pockets."

Zhou Kebao smiled slightly, letting the words hang in the air.

"Over the years, we have accumulated these materials. Instead of letting them gather dust in the warehouse, it's better to make good use of them and dispel the misunderstanding with you, Friend."

"Public resources used for private purposes, turning the Immortal City into a Cave Mansion. Hehe, I can guarantee that even in our Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, such a thing is not common."

Li Fan stared at the rotating image of the Immortal City, clearly intrigued.

Seeing this, Zhou Kebao energetically continued his sales pitch.

"This Cave Mansion, apart from not being able to connect with the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, has various facilities that are no different from ordinary Immortal Cities."

"Of course, if Friend finds it too conspicuous, we can also provide a hidden function. Buildings like the Ministry of Rites and the Martial Hall can remain concealed most of the time and be summoned when needed."

"In the Cave Mansion, we will leave enough space for later modifications."

"In the future, if Friend wants to strengthen protective arrays, restrictions, it's no problem."

"Of course, if Friend can contribute some points, we can also do the work for you."

"If Friend is generous enough, long-distance teleportation arrays, and even virtual mustard seed shrinking arrays, these can all be discussed."

"A Cave Mansion that can be carried with you, with its own teleportation function, versatile in offense and defense..."

"Is Friend satisfied?"

Zhou Kebao asked, trying to entice Li Fan.

Li Fan burst into hearty laughter in response.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 532: Willing to Southern Darkness

"Those who know me, Friend Zhou!" Li Fan, in contrast to his previous solemn expression, became extremely friendly.

"All these fancy things you modern cultivators play with, I'm a bit old-fashioned."

He patted Zhou Kebao's shoulder, showering him with praise.

"If you guys can really pull this off, all past grievances will be wiped clean!"

"Even in the future, we can delve into cooperation, it's not impossible."

"You guys have a deep background, and I, Li Fan, am not lacking either."

Li Fan showed a proud look and began painting a rosy picture for Zhou Kebao.

Zhou Kebao couldn't help but believe it to be true. To gather so many strategic resources in such a short time was not something an ordinary cultivator could achieve.

As a beneficiary of power and interests, Zhou Kebao knew very well that in the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, background and connections were sometimes more important than cultivation level.

"Come, let's talk more about the details." Li Fan pulled Zhou Kebao, clearly very interested in this mobile Immortal City Cave Mansion.

Seeing that the negotiation was going so smoothly, Zhou Kebao was also pleasantly surprised.

He didn't dare to slack off and pointed to the image in the air.

He enlarged each part, explaining the details one by one.

After a while, Zhou Kebao was already talking until his throat was dry.

Li Fan finally nodded in satisfaction.

"If it's discovered, will there be consequences from above?" After a moment of silence, Li Fan asked again.

"Hehe, Friend Li, rest assured. Where there's no prohibition, there's freedom. In the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, there's no rule that prohibits cultivators from building a Cave Mansion imitating the structure of an Immortal City." Zhou Kebao assured.

"As long as Friend keeps a low profile, don't flaunt it everywhere. Who has time to bother you?"

"Of course, if it is really reported, and it gets out of control, we can simply destroy it. After the storm passes, we can rebuild it for Friend."

Zhou Kebao's face was full of triumphant arrogance.

"Very good! I increasingly feel that Friend Zhou, you and I are on the same path!" Li Fan showed a slight smile.

Taking out a blank jade slip, Li Fan held it in his hand.

After a while, he handed it to Zhou Kebao, "These are my additional requirements for the Immortal City Cave Mansion. Go back and calculate, provide me with a quote as soon as possible."

"If there are no major issues, this matter is settled."

"Of course, if you still think of me, Li Fan, as someone easy to bully, then it might turn into a fight to the death." A hint of fierceness flashed in Li Fan's eyes.

"Friend Li, rest assured, we won't dare!" Zhou Kebao showed a happy expression, took the jade slip, and glanced at it hastily.

Then he hurriedly said his farewells and left.

"They are really a bunch of parasites..."

Watching Zhou Kebao's departing figure, Li Fan coldly snorted and muttered.

"But, what does it have to do with me?"

"I should thank them. Without these parasites, how could I benefit from this strictly regulated Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance?"

After a sneer, Li Fan lightly pointed forward.

The miniature image of the Immortal City Cave Mansion appeared again in an instant.

It was a perfect replication of what Li Fan had just witnessed, combined with the real scene in the current Congyun Immortal City.

"A floating city of my own..."

"This is a good thing. And it comes effortlessly."

Li Fan squinted his eyes, continuously marking the miniature image of the suspended city according to his thoughts.

Time passed quickly.

Three days later, Zhou Kebao came again with a prepared quotation.

"Eighteen million six hundred and thirty thousand contribution points..."

Li Fan pondered.

As if afraid that Li Fan would find it expensive, Zhou Kebao hurriedly explained, "This only includes the cost for Friend's additional requirements and some labor costs."

"All the materials needed to build the Immortal City are provided by us for free."

"To reconcile with you, we spared no effort and spent a considerable sum this time," Zhou Kebao said.

Li Fan dismissed it, saying, "Don't say such things in front of me. In the entire Immortal Alliance, who else dares to use the Immortal City as a cave mansion, apart from me, Li Fan?"

"If I don't take action, these materials of yours are just inventory in the warehouse," Li Fan continued. "But now, they can be directly converted into contribution points..."

Zhou Kebao didn't dare to argue and reluctantly agreed.

"Eighteen million six hundred and thirty thousand is a bit expensive," Li Fan remarked. "Let's make it fifteen million."

"Deal or no deal, treat it as if I never mentioned this. Let's end it here!" Li Fan added.

Zhou Kebao's expression changed dramatically. After various changes in his facial expression, he finally gritted his teeth and agreed.

He then took out a golden commercial contract, made some modifications, and handed it over. Li Fan, after carefully checking that Zhou Kebao's name was on it, along with others like Gou Zihao and Qu Dailong, signed his name on it.

With two golden lights separately flying into their bodies, Zhou Kebao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As per the agreement, Li Fan transferred five million contribution points first.

"When will the Immortal City Cave Mansion be completed?" Li Fan asked as he looked at Zhou Kebao, who couldn't hide his joy.

"It will be finished on the day Congyun Immortal City is completed," Zhou Kebao assured.

"So fast?" Now it was Li Fan's turn to be surprised.

He had gathered all the available cultivators in the Congyun Sea, working day and night to barely meet the deadline set by the first ordinance.

And now, there were less than two months left until the completion of Congyun Immortal City.

To complete the construction of the cave mansion in such a short time, and Zhou Kebao still seemed relaxed about it.

Their efficiency was probably more than twice that of Li Fan's makeshift team.

Seeing Li Fan's rare expression of surprise, Zhou Kebao felt quite pleased and smiled without saying a word.

"Good, I'll be waiting for the day of double happiness."

"You may leave now!"

Li Fan once again issued the dismissal order, and Zhou Kebao bowed and left.

Time passed, and days went by.

The official completion date of Congyun Immortal City was getting closer and closer.

On the faces of all the busy cultivators, a look of anticipation began to appear.

They worked so hard because what they hoped for was the reconstruction of Congyun City, rewards and promotions from Li Fan, and various positions being assigned.

Li Fan also did not forget the commission from the first ordinance. He seamlessly integrated the formation diagram of the Xuantian Locking Mystic Formation into the foundation of the Immortal City.

Without attracting anyone's attention.

Approaching the grand foundation ceremony of the Immortal City, one day, Li Fan, alone in a secret room, suddenly felt a connection.

It turned out that the Immortal Realm, which had not been entered for a long time, could finally be entered again.

"Fusheng Xuanhuang Tianzun!"

Li Fan performed the ritual and returned to the Immortal Realm.

The plot continued from last time. He and Xu Ke, entrusted by Lu Ya, went to the Southern Darkness Demon Mountain.

"Xiao Hei, why do you think Senior Brother Lu Ya would entrust such an important matter to me?"

"This Southern Darkness Demon Mountain is not a good place. According to other Senior Brothers, it gathers many terrifying demonic beasts..."

"If it were other cultivators with higher strength, maybe they would have a greater chance of success?"

Xu Ke tilted his head, his big eyes filled with doubts.

Li Fan didn't hold back and scratched him with a claw.

"Can you be quiet? This is the tenth time you've asked this question on the way."

"I really don't understand. Why don't you just go and ask your Senior Brother Lu Ya? Why bother me?"

Xu Ke felt a bit wronged. "You're talking nonsense; it's only the ninth time..."

The two were bantering when a loud dragon roar suddenly came from the distant sky, interrupting them.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 533: Strong Winds and Barbaric Beasts

Looking into the distance, the sea and sky merged into one, difficult to distinguish.

A thunderous dragon roar, as if it came from the clouds in the sky.

Through the gaps in the clouds, one could vaguely see the exposed claws of the azure dragon.

The dragon's body extended endlessly, seeming to stretch to the ends of the sky.

The inadvertently revealed dragon tail, seen by the two, was like the size of a mountain.

Xu Ke stared in amazement, looking up, and his body swayed a bit. "Why is this dragon so big?"

"I've seen azure dragons in the sect. But compared to the one in front of us..."

"That can't even be called a dragon. It's more like a little loach!"

Xu Ke wasn't foolish. He knew that Southern Darkness was the territory of demonic beasts and quietly whispered to Li Fan.

"The divine dragon hides its head and tail..." Li Fan didn't pay attention to him.

Instead, he stared at the azure dragon in the sky, examining the memories originating from the bloodline of the Vermilion Bird.

The existence of this azure dragon could almost be compared to the God of Longevity, Emperor Sanmang, in terms of years.

Unlike Emperor Sanmang, who acted as the group's prophet and led the demonic beast race forward, this Azure Divine Dragon never interfered in the internal affairs of the demonic beast race.

It played more of a role as a "protector" and usually did not appear in the world.

Only in critical moments when the demonic beast race faced extinction would it lend a helping hand.

"Azure Divine Dragons generally remain hidden, concealed in the waves and clouds. I don't know why it suddenly made such a dragon roar today."

"It seems that something significant might have happened in Southern Darkness."

"Coming here coincidentally, you truly deserve to be the one chosen by fate."

While Li Fan silently contemplated, he gave Xu Ke a claw.

Xu Ke felt a bit inexplicable, wanting to resist.

But he was ruthlessly suppressed by Li Fan.

The Qingluan bird beneath Xu Ke seemed to let out a helpless sigh.

Their speed did not diminish as they continued to dash towards the south.

The Southern Darkness Sea was vast and boundless.

As far as the eye could see, besides the sky overhead, there was endless blue seawater.

Flying continuously for more than ten days, the scenery remained unchanged.

Not to mention the demonic beast mountain; they hadn't even seen the silhouette of an ordinary demonic beast.

Instead, groups of strange fish could occasionally be seen in the sea, joyfully leaping out of the water.

Some even chased the shadows cast by Xu Ke and the others on the sea surface, following along.

However, these fish, with undeveloped intelligence, acted solely on instinct and were evidently not demonic beasts.

"Little Black, where is that demonic mountain? I haven't seen it yet," Xu Ke said, propping up his chin with both hands, looking listless.

"Senior Brother Lu Ya didn't explain clearly. He just told me to head south," Xu Ke continued in a whisper.

"I really believed him. It's really frustrating."

Li Fan was about to respond when his expression suddenly changed.

He felt a surge of killing intent accompanied by a strong scent of blood suddenly rushing from behind.

Immediately turning his head, he spat out a black light from his mouth, colliding head-on with this killing intent.

"Eh?" A voice of doubt came from the other side.

"Boom!"

Amidst the explosion, the Qingluan bird finally reacted.

Issuing an angry cry, it spread its wings, protecting Xu Ke behind it.

As for Li Fan, he flew into the air, looking from a distance at the assailant who had launched a sudden attack.

It was a two-headed strange bird.

Its entire body was snowy white, with one head staring wide-eyed, constantly scanning the area where Xu Ke and the others were.

The other head seemed to be in a deep sleep, eyes tightly closed, appearing quite comical.

"So, it turns out to be a member of the Vermilion Bird family. Why haven't I seen you in so many years, and you've become like this."

"It's really so ugly that I can't look directly at it."

The two-headed strange bird mocked in a sharp voice.

"Maman..." Li Fan suddenly recognized the origin of this two-headed bird.

Speaking of it, it has some distant relationship with the Vermilion Bird family of destiny.

Named "Barbaric," although the name doesn't sound good, its background is quite impressive.

The left head is said to be able to see the cause and effect of all things in the world, while the right head is perpetually asleep.

Once it senses approaching disaster, it will inexplicably wake up.

However, Barbaric Birds are generally blue with a touch of red, and an entirely snowy-white one like this is extremely rare.

No wonder it finds Li Fan ugly; it's a stark contrast to Li Fan, who is entirely black.

Although according to the hierarchy in the demonic beast race, the other party is likely Li Fan's "senior," facing the sudden attack and ridicule from this white Barbaric Bird, Li Fan certainly won't show a good expression.

"Weird, why does it seem like I hear ducks quacking somewhere?"

"Quack, it's really ugly and annoying."

Li Fan, seemingly unaware of the Barbaric Bird, looked around with a puzzled expression, a bit disdainfully asking Xu Ke below.

Xu Ke was initially stunned, then clapped his hands and chuckled, "That's right, I heard it too."

"Everyone says that Southern Darkness Demonic Beast Mountain is the sacred land of demonic beasts. How did an uncourteous duck manage to sneak in? Strange, strange!"

Listening to the two of them mocking in unison, the Barbaric Bird was suddenly furious.

"You two little things, who are you calling ducks?"

"This lord is the extremely noble Barbaric Bird! It's also a rare pure white variant in a thousand years. You guys..."

However, no matter how it spoke, Li Fan and Xu Ke continued to shake their heads, wearing disdainful expressions.

Jumping into a rage, the white Barbaric Bird was about to attack again.

But for some reason, it suddenly held back on the spot.

"Vermilion Bird family, I remember you!"

It glared at Li Fan fiercely, flapping its wings, and flew forward.

Li Fan and Xu Ke exchanged glances, then hurriedly urged the Little Qing to follow.

Not long after, the Barbaric Bird noticed that they had been following behind.

"Why are you always following me? Do you really think I'm easy to bully?"

Li Fan showed a disdainful expression. "It's really strange, the sky is vast, and all beasts can roam freely."

"Do you guys, Barbaric Birds, think that where you've flown, other beasts aren't allowed to go?"

"Aren't you being too overbearing?"

Before the white Barbaric Bird could speak, a strange laughter suddenly came from the horizon and arrived in an instant.

"Hahaha!"

"Right, this kid speaks very reasonably! I think your Barbaric Bird family has had too many good days and is getting more and more unruly!"

The white Barbaric Bird's eyes showed a fierce light, and murderous intent overflowed.

However, when it saw the incoming creature clearly, it instantly wilted.

Although the newcomer was a bird, it looked like a dog with a human face.

During its flight, it was accompanied by the sound of whistling wind.

It was none other than the famous "Great Wind" family.

"Hahaha!"

After the Great Wind Bird stabilized, it burst into hearty laughter.

Then its gaze lingered on Li Fan for a moment, finally landing on Xu Ke.

A hint of strangeness flashed in its eyes.

"You, a human kid, how did you come to our demonic beast territory?"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 534: Southern Darkness Emperor, a Beast

"Could it be that you also came to participate in the Ten Thousand Demons Grand Assembly?" The Great Wind, ignoring the Barbaric Bird beside it, asked in a friendly tone.

"What Ten Thousand Demons Grand Assembly? I don't know."

"I am entrusted by Senior Brother Luya to deliver a wooden box to you." Xu Ke's big eyes turned around, staring at the Great Wind Bird for a while, pretending to be innocent.

"Luya?" The Great Wind Bird tilted its head, thought for a moment, and seemed unable to find a corresponding name in its mind. "Sounds familiar..."

"What wooden box, let this lord take a look..." It said casually.

"Sure!" Xu Ke, seemingly without any precautions, took out a crimson wooden box.

An ancient and vicissitudinous aura emerged from it in an instant.

"This is!" The Great Wind Bird's body trembled for a moment, almost losing balance and falling into the sea.

The white Barbaric Bird, at first, didn't recognize it, but after carefully staring at the wooden box, it let out a sharp cry after a while.

Its feathers stood upright, seemingly greatly stimulated.

About to say something, it was stopped by the quick and skillful action of the Great Wind Bird, who fanned out a gust of wind.

"Hehe, it turns out to be from that person..."

"Kid, quickly put it away. If you attract others, it won't be good."

Without asking about the contents of the box, the Great Wind Bird awkwardly coughed and repeatedly urged.

"Okay!" Xu Ke obediently put away the wooden box.

"This senior, we are about to go to the Southern Darkness Demonic Beast Mountain but can't find the way. I wonder if you can take us there." He then widened his eyes, touched the back of his head, and said somewhat embarrassed.

"Cough cough, little guy, before you go out, didn't the elders at home instruct you? What Southern Darkness Demonic Beast Mountain, it sounds so unpleasant. It should be called the Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain!" The Great Wind admonished with emphasis.

"Being disrespectful to the Sacred Beast Mountain, it's fortunate that you encountered me, who has a good temper. If you encounter those tyrants, I'm afraid you'll be caught on the spot, and your intestines will be opened, and your heart will be eaten!" The Great Wind threatened.

Xu Ke tilted his head, thought for a moment, and asked with some confusion, "But Grandpa San said that when you arrive here, don't be nervous. It's just like returning home. I've heard everyone at home say that!"

"Grandpa San..." The Great Wind suddenly choked, hesitated, and stopped talking.

The seemingly arrogant Barbaric Bird also hid its head, pretending not to have heard anything.

"Hehe, as long as you're happy, kid." In the end, the Great Wind Bird smiled bitterly and stopped talking.

The group continued to move towards the extreme south together.

Along the way, Xu Ke naturally didn't stop talking, constantly prying information from the Great Wind Bird.

"Senior, what you just mentioned about the Ten Thousand Demons Grand Assembly, what exactly is it?"

The Great Wind Bird didn't want to answer, but couldn't resist Xu Ke's persistence.

So it could only helplessly say in a low voice, "Not long ago, Emperor One declared to the world that he would convene the Ten Thousand Demons Grand Assembly."

"All the demonic beast groups in the world must send representatives to come to the Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain to participate."

"It is said to be related to the life and death of the demonic beast groups in the future. Moreover, this is another grand assembly called by Emperor One in hundreds of years, very important."

"Even the usually elusive figures like the Azure Divine Dragon, Crimson Nine-Headed, Purple Headless, and other adults have come."

"The last time there was such a large lineup was when the Demon Emperor Three was publicly tried by the Ten Thousand Beasts..."

The Great Wind said halfway, suddenly changed its expression, immediately stopped.

Li Fan and Xu Ke looked at each other, understanding in their hearts.

It seems that even with the status of Emperor Three Marmot, when he had overly intense contact with the human population, the consequences were severe.

No wonder both the Barbaric Bird and the Great Wind show a deep aversion to Emperor Three Marmot.

But obviously, the public trial did not succeed in judging Emperor Three Marmot.

Otherwise, when Xu Ke took out the sealed wooden box with Emperor Three Marmot on it, the Great Wind and others would not have shown such a hesitant and fearful attitude.

Avoiding this topic, Xu Ke continued to pester the Great Wind Bird, asking many questions about the demonic beast groups.

Including where they usually reside, how they interact with humans, their future plans, and their views on the Beast Control Sect.

After the slip of the tongue earlier, the Great Wind Bird became much more cautious. It only disclosed some irrelevant topics to Xu Ke.

And so, more than ten days passed.

Finally, the legendary Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain was looming in the distance.

From afar, at the junction of the blue sea and sky, a towering, cone-shaped mountain appeared out of nowhere.

Standing above the sea like a mirage, it was incredible.

At the top of the mountain, like wearing a crown, there was a thick layer of pure white snow.

On the snow-covered mountaintop, you could vaguely see the appearance of a magnificent city.

Li Fan, with sharp eyes, even saw that the location where the Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain was situated had become the boundary line of the entire Southern Darkness Sea.

It was a strange and indescribable sight.

The boundless sea seemed to abruptly stop when it reached this point.

Beyond that, it was a pitch-black scene like an abyss.

The Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain, like a boundary between light and darkness, reality and illusion, separated the two.

Looking at Xu Ke, who was stunned and speechless by the splendid scene in front of him, the Great Wind couldn't help but feel a bit proud.

"How about it, have you never seen such a wonderful sight?"

"The so-called Edge of Heaven, Corner of the Sea, the border of the world, the origin of life, is our Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain."

The Great Wind also sighed with emotion.

"It is said that the earliest demonic beasts in the world appeared from here and then spread throughout the world."

"This is the sacred place that cannot be desecrated in the hearts of all demonic beasts. Although you were sent by that adult, your human identity may not allow you to enter."

"Hehe, what Senior Great Wind said is correct. Including you, little black bird, although you also have the identity of a demonic beast, you have been tamed by humans and become a companion spirit beast of humans, so you don't have the qualifications to enter the Sacred Beast Mountain." The Barbaric Bird, who had been silent, suddenly became spirited.

It made strange cries, not waiting for Xu Ke to respond, flapped its wings, turned into a white stream of light, and flew straight towards the distant mountaintop.

Xu Ke, however, was indifferent, shaking the jade pendant hanging on his chest.

"It's okay. Before I left, Senior Brother Luya told me that as long as I encounter trouble, showing this pendant is enough."

"Senior Brother Luya won't harm me."

"Xiao Qing, catch up!"

Just as the Great Wind Bird was about to persuade again, it suddenly remembered something, and the shocked expression in its eyes surpassed the one it had when it sensed Emperor Three Marmot's aura just now.

Because it clearly saw on the jade pendant that flashed before its eyes, there was a "One" character engraved that only demonic beasts could understand.

The Great Wind Bird finally remembered where it had heard the name Luya.

It was more than ten years ago when a person, alone and with a human body, entered the Sacred Beast Mountain and then left unscathed.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 535: Red Snake Coils Around the White City

At that time, this matter caused a sensation, creating huge waves throughout the entire demonic beast world.

No demonic beast was willing to believe that a human could move freely in the Sacred Beast Mountain.

But the fact was just that.

A cultivator named Luya not only walked through the Sacred Mountain but also took away a junior from the Tianwu tribe with the purest bloodline.

What made the demonic beasts even more unacceptable was that at that time, Luya only had the cultivation of the early Yuanying stage.

This made the whole incident seem absurd.

Not to mention the early Yuanying stage, even if it was the complete Yuanying stage, any random fully-grown demonic beast on the Sacred Beast Mountain could easily crush him with a casual move.

How could such a human cultivator be so arrogant?

Although there were rumors later that Luya could freely enter and leave the Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain because he had the tacit approval of Emperor One, it still didn't ease the minds of the demonic beasts.

Emperor One, as the nominal master of the entire demonic beast community, had an extremely revered status. Many young demonic beasts with pure bloodlines and exceptional talents couldn't even catch Emperor One's attention.

So, why should such a mere human cultivator?

Therefore, the storm caused by this incident gradually subsided after more than ten years.

The name Luya had completely stayed in the hearts of many demonic beasts.

Although the Great Wind Bird was naturally forgetful, when "Luya" and the Emperor One jade pendant appeared at the same time, it instantly remembered the past.

"It seems that the rumors are indeed true. Luya does have a deep relationship with Emperor One..." The Great Wind Bird made a strange laugh, flapping its wings, and followed Xu Ke into the Sacred Mountain.

In this Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain, there seemed to be a special energy extremely beneficial to demonic beasts.

The closer they got, Li Fan felt more and more energetic.

Deep inside his body, there seemed to be something joyfully jumping, making him feel his blood boiling, with an inexhaustible strength.

The same was true for the Blue Phoenix under Xu Ke.

She let out a loud and clear chirp, a hint of undisguised joy in her voice, and her flying speed suddenly increased.

In an instant, they arrived.

Xu Ke's group had entered the range of the Sacred Beast Mountain. At this moment, Xiao Qing suddenly, without warning, stiffened in the air, stopping all movements.

At the same time, Li Fan felt a deadly crisis rushing to his heart.

On the other hand, Xu Ke, seemingly unaware of the danger, still shouted excitedly, "Xiao Hei, look, what is that!"

Li Fan's body was petrified, unable to move, only able to turn his eyeballs reluctantly, looking in the direction pointed out by Xu Ke.

In his line of sight, there was a huge snake coiling around the Sacred Beast Mountain.

It was completely red, eye-catching, and extremely eerie.

The red snake's body was extremely large, coiling around the Sacred Beast Mountain, and it seemed like only a part of its endlessly long body was visible.

The majority of it was hidden in the blue South Darkness Sea.

It was terrifying to look at.

This world-class ferocious beast had entered the Southern Darkness Sacred Beast Mountain, but no one had detected its presence.

It was as if it had appeared out of thin air.

The red snake, with a single eye, was staring at the Blue Phoenix and the human intruders on her.

The immense pressure made Li Fan unconsciously follow his instinct and close his eyes.

However, Xu Ke was fearless, feeling no trace of horror from the opponent, widening his eyes, staring at the red snake.

After a moment of deadlock, a faint light radiated from the jade pendant in Xu Ke's arms.

The gaze of the red snake slightly shifted, and it closed its single eye.

In an instant, the Blue Phoenix regained her ability to move.

Li Fan also felt the pressure on his body suddenly disappear, couldn't help but sigh with relief.

When he looked again, the huge red snake, larger than a mountain, had disappeared without a trace.

It was as if the spine-chilling scene just now was just an illusion for everyone.

But Li Fan knew that the one-eyed red snake was still coiled on the Sacred Beast Mountain.

It was just that they couldn't see it.

"If it weren't for that Emperor One jade pendant, even if we had the combined cultivation base, coming here would have meant death or severe injury," Li Fan thought to himself.

Xu Ke, oblivious to everything, urged the Blue Phoenix to land in the mountain.

"Ah! It feels so comfortable here," Xu Ke deeply inhaled after standing on the ground, sighing.

He knew that staying on the Sacred Beast Mountain had inexplicable benefits for demonic beasts. So, this time, he didn't put Xiao Qing away; he just let her transform into a small size and set up a temporary nest next to Li Fan.

Li Fan glanced at him, and suddenly, the image of the present-day Qing Shengshi in the real world appeared in his mind.

He smiled faintly and didn't bother with her.

Xiao Qing seemed a bit afraid of Li Fan, the Heavenly Fate Mystic Bird. Occasionally, when she looked at him, there was a hint of fear in her eyes. She actively maintained a distance, not daring to get too close.

Xu Ke temporarily placed the two birds on his head to the side and ran towards the magnificent giant city on the mountaintop along the mountain road.

Along the way, they saw many strange and bizarre demonic beasts: horse-bodied with bird wings, human-faced with snake tails; tiger-shaped, barking like dogs; crow-shaped with three heads and six tails; deer-shaped with a white tail, horse legs, human hands, and four horns...

Some demonic beasts were even spirits formed by flowers, trees, grass, and plants. They lacked the aura of demonic beasts, appearing ethereal and extremely sacred.

However, regardless of how fierce and domineering these demonic beasts looked, they all walked very cautiously and carefully along the mountain path.

They dared not be overly presumptuous.

Therefore, Xu Ke's running behavior was particularly conspicuous.

Some demonic beasts showed a murderous intent, wanting to teach Xu Ke, this little brat, a lesson.

But it seemed that they sensed the aura of "Emperor One" on him, so none of the demonic beasts took any action in the end.

Thus, Xu Ke was allowed to run all the way to the foot of the city on the mountaintop.

The city on this sacred mountain was made of an unknown material, entirely snow-white, appearing pure and solemn in the sunlight.

Outside the white city, there was originally just a high wall without any gates.

But when the demonic beasts approached, a face suddenly appeared.

Opening a big mouth, it revealed a pitch-black passage.

Xu Ke stopped immediately.

He stretched his neck and peered into the passage.

But he couldn't see anything.

Just as he was muttering to himself, an exotic beast beside him, with a mocking expression, walked straight in.

Xu Ke pursed his lips, not afraid at all.

He followed and walked into the white city on the Sacred Mountain.

The light disappeared and lit up again.

"Follow me!"

A childish voice suddenly sounded in Li Fan's ear.

In front, a child who looked only five or six years old, cute and delicate, with an indistinguishable gender, stood with hands on hips, talking to Xu Ke.

(End of this chapter)