The yin aura in the valley was enchanting. Han Shuo felt a shiver run down his spine as he approached the area. Clouds and mist swirled around the valley like a very slow cyclone. Coupled with the flourishing flora, the valley was dreamlike.
Rose liked the place at first sight. She exclaimed quietly, "I could get used to this. Fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Romon and Zovic were too shy to express their opinions as they were still new to serving Han Shuo. After taking a good look around, they found the region to be mostly identical to most places in the Fringe, nothing unique about it. Furthermore, this region was rather remote and the intensity of the elemental energies was nothing out of the ordinary.
Han Mu entered the lush forest and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and felt the trees, bushes and grass around him. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes and grinned, "Wonderful! I really like it here!"
Han Jin, Han Huo and Han Shui also looked around and gave their opinions. Han Jin discovered rare ore deposits in the depths of the valley, while Han Shui found waterfalls and bodies of water nearby. They were also pleased with the area.
Han Huo, however, seemed rather upset after making a circle. "This area is all wet and damp. There isn't a single dry spot. If I stay here, my energy will never flourish. It would be great if there was a volcano nearby."
Han Shuo couldn't help but laugh. He knew that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to find a place that could satisfy the needs of all five elite zombies. Han Shuo released his demon generals and had them circle around to see if anyone lived in the area.
"Romon, Zovic, you two have lived in the fringe area. Tell me, do you know if anyone is occupying this region?" Han Shuo did not want to cause friction with the Five Sovereigns for the time being. He wanted to avoid unnecessary conflicts as much as possible.
"Sorry Master, I do not know. Before serving you, I rarely left that swamp," Romon replied.
"Well, I am well aware of the situation here," Zovic said smiling. When Han Shuo's gaze turned to him, Zovic continued, "You have nothing to worry about. This place is considered remote in the Fringe. None of the Sovereign's followers would occupy this region. Besides, there aren't any particularly powerful forces in this region. If you want to set up your base here, I don't think it will be a problem.
Although Zovic was willing to serve Han Shuo, since he had yet to witness Han Shuo's overwhelming power, his mind was not completely convinced. Therefore, Zovic did not address Han Shuo as 'Master' like Romon did.
Han Shuo noticed this, but he did not mind, nor did he demand that Zovic address him properly. In fact, he didn't want to mention it at all. This was because Han Shuo was confident that he could impress Zovic in time and make Zovic accept him as his master from the bottom of his heart.
". "Very well then. Seclusion does have its advantages," Han Shuo remarked.
He began to consider whether he should immediately begin the mega construction project he had in mind. "Sorry, Master, but I cannot understand why you chose this place." And there's nothing special about this terrain. The valley is too accessible. It will be easy for our enemy to attack. Most importantly, the elemental energy around the valley is weak. We will have to invest a lot of time and effort in this place. Will it be worth it?"
Zovic was also puzzled by Han Shuo's decision. He also looked at Han Shuo doubtfully.
However, Rose, who had been around Han Shuo for such a long time, knew that Han Shuo was capable of all sorts of great things. Instead of worrying that Han Shuo might have made a mistake, she was guessing what kind of transformation he would bring to the valley.
"An average person wouldn't know how to take advantage of the terrain and geography found here, so they wouldn't know that this place is a jewel hidden in plain sight. Oh, don't worry about that. When I'm done with this place, you'll find out why I chose this valley," Han Shuo said confidently. The centre of the valley was actually a naturally formed Yin Gathering Formation, but it was incomplete. Once Han Shuo made the necessary adjustments and the formation was complete, the elemental energies would automatically converge on the valley.
Han Shuo could use the core of the Yin Gathering Formation as a power source. With enough materials and the power of the Five Elite Zombies, he could build a large number of demonic formations in and around the valley.
With enough time, energy and resources, Han Shuo could turn the valley into an impenetrable fortress. It would be even more deadly and formidable than Salas' Empyrean Peak!
Although Romon was still puzzled, after seeing Han Shuo's confidence, he did not ask any further questions. Zovic also did not say a thing but it was clear from his eyes that he was still skeptical. He thought, <i >This is a wasteland. I'd be impressed if you could turn it into anything but that.
"Little Gold, go to the mountain ranges nearby and get some basic ores for building. Bring the two along. Rose, there's a waterfall and pond right behind there. You may bath there if you want to." Romon, Rose, and Zovic couldn't help Han Shuo with deploying demonic formations, therefore he asked them to help with the menial tasks or to rest.
"Romon, come with me. You are most suited for moving things!" Han Jin knew that Romon's body was filled with rare metals. Not only was he incredibly strong, but he was also able to differentiate many rare ores. Not only was he incredibly strong, but he was also able to differentiate many rare ores.
In Han Jin's mind, Romon was now one of the workers of his Goldstone Enterprise.
Zovic was very curious and wanted to watch Han Shuo's transformation. However, he knew that it was usually taboo to do so, so he followed Han Jin and Romon without further objections.
"I'll take a look around," Rose said before flying off in the direction Han Shuo had indicated.
Han Shuo had placed at least one demon general for every mile in the area, so he could immediately tell if Rose, Zovic or the others were in trouble. Han Shuo hardly had to worry about their safety.
"It's a shame Little Earth isn't here. Well, I guess most of the underground projects will have to be postponed until Little Earth returns," Han Shuo lamented after the others had left. He then began to instruct Han Mu and Han Huo to help him with the initial construction.
Han Shuo wanted to focus his future growth on the Fringe, as this land was not tied to any of the Twelve Overgods' dominions. Although the competition was incredibly fierce, he was able to enjoy absolute freedom. Knowing that he would be in the game for the long haul, Han Shuo wanted to make sure that his hideout was well thought out and built to the highest standards.
As Han Shuo's strength grew, he became more adept at using demonic formations while his understanding of them improved. With the help of the Cauldron of the Myriad Demon , Han Shuo was able to create all sorts of complex and cryptic formations, provided he could obtain the necessary materials.
For the next few days and nights, Han Shuo flew back and forth across the valley. With the help of the Cauldron of the Myriad Demon and the four elite zombies, Han Shuo began to build his demonic dungeon and reconstruct the valley.
The lush trees and vegetation covering the valley began to grow rapidly, becoming abnormally oversized as if they had been injected with steroids. The trees grew as tall as mountains and the dense foliage blocked out the sun like massive dark clouds.
Not only had the trees grown taller, but their positions had changed. They were repositioned to form an abstruse but harmonious design.
Meanwhile, the shrubs growing on the ground had thickened and hardened, giving them a whole new shredding ability. If you fell into the bushes, you would be crushed and effectively pulverised.
Monumental stones of various qualities were placed throughout the valley. They were carved with evil shapes or hieroglyphic runes. In addition, they were all colourful and glowed with diabolical radiance.
The yin aura in the valley grew even thicker, and a cold wind blew out of nowhere. Any ordinary person who entered the valley would feel uncomfortable and inexplicably frightened.
The valley had a new life!
Romon, Zovic and Rose saw the changes in the valley. However, this only made them more confused, as they had no idea what purpose these transformations would serve.
One day, Han Shuo asked the Metal, Wood, Fire and Water Elite Zombies to stop working with the demonic formations and gathered them all together, including Rose, Romon and Zovic. He happily announced, "I haven't finished everything yet, as one of my sons is not here and we don't have enough materials. At the moment, the valley is only a fifth complete."
Han Shuo paused for a moment before continuing, "I have gathered everyone together so that you can have a look at our work so far. What you are about to see is only a fifth of the final result, but the changes will still be considerable."
Romon, Rose and Zovic looked forward to seeing the results. Aside from the major changes to the facade, they wondered what other wondrous changes Han Shuo's magic would bring to the valley.
Under their watchful eyes, the Cauldron of the Myriad Demon flew out of Han Shuo's body and immediately began to swirl around the valley. Bursts of light shot out from the Cauldron and landed at the centre of the demonic formations all around the valley, activating them.
After forming a ring around the valley, the Cauldron finally flew to the monolith at the centre. Several streaks of brilliant lightning shot out of the Cauldron and travelled along the surface of the stone. Cracking sounds came from the monolith being carved before their eyes. Soon, an outline of the Cauldron could be seen on the monolith.
A demon general made of a Highgod's soul roared as it flew into the inscription on the monolith. The engraved Cauldron immediately began to glow, as if something had been awakened. A rumbling sound echoed from beneath the valley, as if some colossal machine was working, and the monolith was the key to that machine.
Then, unexpectedly, the elemental energies between heaven and earth began to flow and gather towards the valley. The elemental energies became denser and denser...
"How, how is that possible?" Zovic's face was filled with disbelief and he could not be more horrified.
"No, not even the Five Sovereigns have the power to alter the operation the natural forces. Which of the Twelve Overgods are you?"