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Chapter 714: Watching the Winds of Change with a Smile

Chapter 714: Watching the Winds of Change with a Smile

In Fang Xi's view, the little Black Tortoise's rapid advancement to the sixth stage was primarily due to the strength of its bloodline.

Born as a fourth-stage great demon, its origins were extraordinary, saving it an unimaginable amount of cultivation time.

Of course, the large quantity of 'True Blood Pills' he supplied after it reached the fifth stage was undoubtedly a major reason for its rapid increase in cultivation!

“Such a spirit pet will inevitably attract covetous eyes. . . ”

Fang Xi made the little Black Tortoise shrink to palm size, easily holding it in his hand and tapping its shell.

In the past, the little Black Tortoise had used its Turtle Breath Secret Art to conceal the extraordinary nature of its bloodline.

But now, having advanced from Soul Transformation to Return to Void in just a few centuries, if the outside world knew, everyone would realize it was no ordinary creature.

“Better to go outside the city, find a deserted place to advance. . . ”

If the Wang Family had another Return to Void Black Tortoise, it would likely stir up some greedy desires and much apprehension among many people. . .

After all, the lifespan of tortoise-type demon beasts is extraordinarily long. . .

Tens of thousands of years later, there might even emerge a sect more terrifying than the Dragon Taming Sect!

While Fang Xi wasn't afraid, he was too lazy to deal with the hassle.

Immediately, he changed his appearance, transforming into an aged demonic cultivator with a head full of white hair, stuffed the little Black Tortoise into his spirit beast pouch, and quietly left Moonlight Immortal City.

The Starry Sky Domain was vast, with untamed wild beasts still roaming the wilderness.

Fang Xi unrolled the map he had obtained as a guest elder of Moonlight Immortal City and located the city's position on it.

"Moonlight Immortal City, geographically speaking, is located in the heart of the Starry Sky Domain, making transportation quite convenient. . . Unfortunately, the super teleportation array is still controlled by the Starry Sky Sect, and there's no Void Amalgamation cultivator garrisoned here. . . The true core of the Starry Sky Domain remains the Starry Sky Sect in the north!"

He glanced at the map again, then headed west.

Whoosh!

A streak of demonic light streaked across the sky, covering thousands of miles in a blink.

Only after flying for several days did Fang Xi stop above a swamp.

"Hmm. . . Spring Dawn Marsh. . . This place has no human habitation for a million miles, perfect for undergoing tribulation. . . And the water and earth spiritual qi are abundant, suitable for the Black Tortoise."

After surveying the area with his divine consciousness, he was quite satisfied. He took the little Black Tortoise out of the spirit beast pouch in his sleeve and casually tossed it into the swamp.

"Ang! Ang!"

The little Black Tortoise let out a roar, sounding like a mix of dragon and elephant, even before it hit the ground. Its body instantly swelled from palm size to the size of a house, and it continued to grow!

Complex, interwoven patterns emerged on its back, with streaks of azure-blue lines appearing, directly drawing in water and earth spiritual energy from the heavens and earth towards its location!

Beyond the azure and earthy-yellow auras, streaks of crimson fire spiritual energy, emerald wood spiritual energy, and pure white metal spiritual energy also manifested. . .

"It actually unified all elements? That makes sense. . . cultivating the demon race's cultivation methods passed down through its bloodline, there must be detailed instructions on how to break through to Return to Void. . ."

Fang Xi was not surprised.

Ang!

Amidst a great roar, the little Black Tortoise's head suddenly became grotesque, resembling a dragon's head, with two small horns growing, exuding an air of majesty.

"I've already given you the two tribulation-passing treasures; you can refine them yourself. . ."

"Whenever you sense the tribulation approaching, undergo it directly, do not hesitate!"

Fang Xi instructed, then waved his sleeve.

A bronze war chariot appeared, its interior seemingly spacious.

He directly sat cross-legged upon it, closing his eyes to rest. . .

Several days later.

The demonic aura on the little Black Tortoise intensified, and it suddenly stood up.

Splash!

From its tortoise shell, glowing orbs emerged, inside which were jade bottles, mostly containing 'True Blood Pills'.

In addition, there were some Heaven and Earth spiritual medicines, and even unknown azure minerals. . .

Fang Xi observed this scene with a touch of surprise.

Without him noticing, this little tortoise had secretly accumulated quite a fortune!

Crack! Crack!

At this moment, the little Black Tortoise opened its dragon-like maw and sucked fiercely.

A stream of air appeared, forming a tornado in the void, sucking numerous pills, spiritual items, and minerals into its mouth. . .

It chewed heartily, even directly crushing the minerals, not to mention the jade bottles containing the pills.

Having consumed so many wondrous pills and spiritual medicines in one go, the little Black Tortoise's demonic aura, which had already reached the peak of the fifth stage, surged once more!

Suddenly, it broke through a certain boundary!

The Black Tortoise roared, its body swelling violently again, the patterns on its back becoming even more intricate and mysterious, faintly resembling a giant python totem. . .

Infinite Heaven and Earth origin qi descended, forming dark green 'Heavenly Demon Qi' within the Black Tortoise's body!

Once this qi formed, a hint of wild defiance even flickered in the little Black Tortoise's eyes.

"It broke through to the sixth stage!"

Seeing this, Fang Xi couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

Throughout his journey, he had acquired many spirit pets, but the first one to advance to the sixth stage was the little Black Tortoise, who joined him later.

The importance of aptitude and talent was evident from this!

As he continued his path, more and more people and spirit pets would inevitably fall behind. . .

After all, not every spirit beast had heaven-defying opportunities and bloodlines.

Jingle! Jingle!

A golden bell was sacrificed by the Black Tortoise, radiating countless golden Sanskrit characters.

As the Buddhist chants descended, the fierce glint in the Black Tortoise's eyes quickly faded. . .

For the outside world, the Heart Demon Tribulation was but an instant!

At this moment, the sky above was covered by dense dark clouds for thousands of miles, with streaks of golden lightning flashing.

Boom!

A golden lightning bolt struck down.

The little Black Tortoise roared, its Heavenly Demon Qi erupting violently, forming layers of dark green armor in the void.

Countless transparent and illusory tortoise shells gathered, like a shield!

The golden lightning struck the tortoise shell shield, shattering it into pieces, its own power weakening by several tenths before continuing to strike the little Black Tortoise.

At this time, the little Black Tortoise still obediently retreated into its shell, letting the golden lightning explode upon its carapace, countless electric arcs jumping around. . . eventually vanishing without a trace.

"This little Black Tortoise. . . it can't be trying to replicate the scene of passing its Soul Transformation thunder tribulation, can it?"

Fang Xi's mouth twitched slightly at the sight.

Back then, when the little Black Tortoise underwent its Soul Transformation thunder tribulation, it simply lay flat, letting the Origin Qi Tribulation and heavenly lightning strike, yet its shell remained unharmed.

Boom!

Boom!

The heavenly lightning struck in quick succession, eventually transforming into ball lightning, with countless runes flashing within.

After enduring seven lightning bolts, the little Black Tortoise finally couldn't help but cry out: "It hurts! Boo-hoo-hoo. . ."

It looked at its own shell, which was now scorched black, feeling so wronged that it almost burst into tears, like a huge child weighing a billion tons.

"Rise!"

Only then did it seem to remember that Fang Xi had given it a lightning-dissipating treasure, and it hastily summoned the 'Hunyuan Heavenly Luo Umbrella'.

Although the umbrella was damaged before, Fang Xi had continuously repaired it with Immortal Origin Qi, restoring it to its former glory.

Now, the umbrella's surface shimmered with five colors, transforming into a primordial qi that directly met the lightning in the sky!

"It seems the little Black Tortoise's lightning tribulation will pass safely; I finally have a Return to Void subordinate. . ."

Fang Xi sighed with emotion, then his divine consciousness suddenly stirred.

A cold glint flashed across his face, and he transformed into a streak of demonic light, arriving several hundred miles away in an instant.

Several streaks of light were approaching this spot, revealing a few Soul Transformation cultivators.

A purple-robed man had a determined expression, his voice tinged with excitement: "It's a Return to Void tribulation. . . Brothers, if the other party fails the tribulation, we'll collect their abandoned treasures. If they succeed. . ."

"How terrifying is the Great Heavenly Tribulation? Even if they succeed, they'll surely be heavily injured. . . We'll just watch from afar, then turn around and leave," another effeminate-looking cultivator said through gritted teeth.

"That's right, wealth comes from danger. Without a heaven-sent opportunity, our cultivation will likely never progress a single inch in our entire lives. . . " Another burly man in beast hide snorted.

"So that's how it is. In that case, there's nothing wrong with killing you."

Just then, an aged voice suddenly sounded.

The purple-robed man stared at the void ahead, seeing an old man with white hair, his body radiating a fearsome demonic aura, looking their way. He was startled: "It's a Return to Void Demonic Cultivator!"

Human Demonic Cultivators also cultivated True Demonic Qi, possessing violent temperaments, and like demon cultivators, while not discriminated against, they were generally avoided by others.

At this moment, meeting a Return to Void Demonic Cultivator in the wilderness, the three Soul Transformation cultivators were terrified out of their wits.

Fang Xi sneered, his body swaying.

A sixth-stage Chaos-Brand Serpent appeared, its body spanning a thousand zhang, with a large amount of miasma overflowing around it. . .

In the past century, after confirming Shen Suanzi's departure, his External Avatar had already found an opportunity to descend to the lower realm and assimilate itself.

Therefore, Fang Xi now possessed not only the seventh-stage Void Amalgamation Heavenly Phoenix feather, but also the transformations of the Chaos-Brand Serpent and the Triangular Origin Rhino.

Hiss! Hiss!

The grayish-white mist instantly enveloped a thousand miles. The purple-robed man inwardly cursed, then waved his hand, conjuring a talisman.

But this talisman was rapidly corroded within the grayish-white mist, completely failing before it could even unleash half its power!

Seeing this, a look of despair appeared on the faces of the three Soul Transformation cultivators. . .

A moment later.

Fang Xi emotionlessly collected the three storage pouches, incinerated the three men's corpses to ashes, and tossed them into the Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm to fertilize the fields.

By now, mere fifth-stage flesh and blood, or even Nascent Souls, were no longer worth noting to the Ancestral Demonic Tree.

According to Fang Xi's sensing, if he could feed the Ancestral Demonic Tree a large amount of sixth-stage flesh and blood, or even Nascent Souls, demon cores, and souls. . . it could cause the Demonic Tree to grow rapidly again!

The Demonic Tree was the foundation of the Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm; if the Demonic Tree grew, it would undoubtedly trigger a new round of expansion for the Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm!

In this way, the Myriad Wood Mother Qi would surge, and Fang Xi's cultivation would also advance by leaps and bounds.

"Unfortunately, it's not very realistic. . ."

"The amount of flesh and blood the Ancestral Demonic Tree needs isn't something one or two Ancient Primeval Beasts can provide. . ."

"Unless there's a great war among the three races, I can only rely on my External Avatar to acquire some in Celestial Brahma City. . ."

Fang Xi shook his head, pulling his thoughts back.

At this moment, the nine lightning bolts had passed, and the thunderclouds in the sky dispersed, revealing a rainbow.

A large amount of heavenly nectar, mixed with lightning essence, rained down.

On the ground.

A sixth-stage Black Tortoise, completely scorched black, excitedly raised its head, manipulating the Heaven and Earth origin qi, not letting even a single raindrop escape, gathering all of it around its body.

After bathing in the heavenly nectar, its scorched black skin rapidly peeled off, revealing a dark green shell. . .

"Mas. . . Master!"

Its eyes were brimming with the desire for praise, making Fang Xi chuckle slightly.

After sizing it up, he stroked the little Black Tortoise's shell: "Can you transform into human form?"

"Eh?"

The little Black Tortoise widened its tortoise eyes, seemingly trying to recall something, then replied dejectedly: "No. . . But I've learned many things from my bloodline memory. . . The 'Profound Tortoise Secret Tome' I cultivated before has a continuation, and there are many other demon race secret arts and cultivation methods. . . There's even some strange content. . . The Five Elements Lin Clan's meat isn't tasty, but the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's eggs are delicious. . ."

'It seems that even among the demon race's kings, they aren't a united front. . . Perhaps they even harbor deep-seated hatred, to the point of specifically including such content in their bloodline inheritance. . . '

Fang Xi glanced at the little Black Tortoise, feeling that this tortoise was secretly harboring some ill intentions, practically screaming "I want to eat Heavenly Phoenix eggs" on its forehead.

"We'll discuss this later. . ."

He waved his hand, unceremoniously interrupting the little Black Tortoise's rambling: "Make a copy of all the demon race cultivation methods and secret arts from your bloodline memory that can be externally transmitted for me!"

This was an expected duty of a spirit pet; the little Black Tortoise had done it before when it broke through to the fifth stage.

In the Black Tortoise's inheritance, apart from the fundamental cultivation method which was restricted and couldn't be deciphered by the little Black Tortoise itself until a certain realm, the rest was unrestricted.

The little Black Tortoise had no psychological burden at this point, and diligently began carving jade slips, one after another. . .

...

Moonlight Immortal City.

Fang Xi quietly returned to his cave abode on the lake island, continuing to let the little Black Tortoise roam freely in the lake.

At this moment, it employed the Turtle Breath Secret Art, continuing to disguise itself as an ordinary fifth-stage Black Tortoise. Even if a Void Amalgamation cultivator arrived, they might not be able to discern any flaws.

Inside the meditation chamber, Fang Xi calmly and serenely browsed the jade slips, one by one.

Suddenly!

Holding a jade slip, a hint of joy appeared on his face: "'Celestial Demon Extermination Manual'. . . as expected, it has a Return to Void chapter!"

Although this demon race cultivation method was a secret transmission of the demon race, it had a somewhat "public cultivation method" nature, not limited to specific bloodlines or races.

The inheritance Fang Xi had previously obtained in the Human World only went up to the early Return to Void stage, and now he faced the awkward situation of having his cultivation method cut off.

However, he had made preparations long ago, and his initial plan was to acquire one at Three Realms Mountain after reaching Return to Void.

He never expected that the little Black Tortoise's bloodline inheritance would contain it, saving him a sum of Immortal Jade. . .

Fang Xi rarely visited Moonlight Immortal City.

Besides helping the little Black Tortoise undergo tribulation, he also summoned members of the Wang Family, announcing to the outside world that the Wang Family Ancestor was still hale and hearty.

At the same time, he began visiting friends and acquaintances, calling upon the various idle Return to Void cultivators in Moonlight Immortal City.

Through these interactions, Fang Xi noticed that the Return to Void cultivators within Moonlight Immortal City were much more active than usual.

At Chi Songzi's cave abode.

"Fellow Daoist has been in seclusion, I presume you are unaware. . ."

Chi Songzi chuckled as he refilled Fang Xi's spiritual tea, then said: "That Overseas Immortal Abode. . . while we Return to Void cultivators are wary of its formations, many Core Formation disciples do not have such concerns and have been developing and exploring it. . ."

Fang Xi took a sip of spiritual tea.

He naturally knew about this. The Overseas Immortal Abode contained restrictive formations that only targeted cultivators above Core Formation, reducing their cultivation, and even weakening their physiques.

There was once a sect that, with great ingenuity, spent a huge price to find many Core Formation cultivators who had reached the fourth stage of Body Cultivation to enter the mystic realm for exploration. However, they found that their cultivation was also weakened to the third stage of Body Cultivation.

This made Fang Xi even more interested in the formations within the Overseas Immortal Abode.

He had also made arrangements, sending Wang Lingying to rebuild the Wang Family in Xuanming Abyss and subjugate some forces, occasionally sending them into the Overseas Immortal Abode for adventure.

Over the years, he had accumulated a little something here and there.

Fang Xi sipped his tea unhurriedly, awaiting Chi Songzi's next words.

Seeing Fang Xi's composure, Chi Songzi couldn't help but look helpless: "Fellow Daoist Wang's self-control, this old man truly admires. . . Alas, ever since many Core Formation cultivators entered to explore, they must have triggered some mechanism or crucial area, which has caused signs of the immortal abode's formations weakening ahead of schedule. Now, I fear the critical moment is at hand!"

He finally couldn't hold back and divulged the matter.

In reality, it wouldn't be long before this news spread widely, so it wasn't considered a leak.

"The formations are failing, and the time is approaching?"

Fang Xi murmured, slightly lost in thought.

After all, Xuanming Abyss was where he first established himself upon arriving in the Earthly Immortal World, so it was impossible not to have some attachment.

The Overseas Immortal Abode was located deep within Xuanming Abyss. In the past, it was protected by the Immortal Abode's grand array, even trapping and killing Return to Void cultivators.

Later, a Void Amalgamation mighty figure from the Starry Sky Sect took action, using a secret treasure to shake the immortal abode, creating a flaw, and prophesying that after three hundred and sixty-five years, the immortal abode's grand array would show flaws and lose its effectiveness. . .

Now it seemed that the influx of a large number of cultivators had fulfilled a certain trigger, causing this day to arrive early!

"Fellow Daoist Wang. . . about the matter this old man mentioned earlier, I wonder if you have given it any thought?"

Chi Songzi asked with a smile.

"I am very interested in the Overseas Immortal Abode, but unfortunately, a certain secret art I am cultivating has reached a critical stage, making it truly difficult for me to leave my abode. . ."

Fang Xi sighed, setting down his cup.

All he wanted to do now was cultivate honestly, and he had no desire to get involved in external affairs.

No matter how great the opportunities in the Overseas Immortal Abode were, if they weren't suitable for him, they were useless!

"Alas. . . In that case, this old man can only form a team with Fellow Daoist Guang, Zi Feng Lingjun, and others. . ."

Chi Songzi looked somewhat regretful. . .

...

'This person has invited me repeatedly. . . Is it genuine, or is there a hidden ploy? '

After leaving Chi Songzi's cave abode, Fang Xi flew back to his own, maintaining his vigilance.

Offering unsolicited kindness meant either a trick or theft!

Moreover, he was a weak, pitiful, and helpless cultivator who had just advanced to Return to Void.

If he encountered any difficulties during an exploration, wouldn't he be the first to perish?

Even if it was just a serious injury, certain things might become complicated.

'However, no matter what intentions the other party harbors, I will simply neutralize them. . . I'll remain a tiger in its lair, refusing to leave Moonlight Immortal City. Under the watchful eyes of the many Return to Void Daoists, a fragile balance can be maintained. . . No one would dare defy public opinion and ignite a Return to Void battle within the Immortal City. . . '

Fang Xi returned to his cave abode on the lake island and continued his seclusion, declining all visitors.

As expected.

Several months later, as news of the Overseas Immortal Abode spread, the entire high-level cultivator community of Moonlight Immortal City was abuzz.

Not just Return to Void cultivators, but even Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators had thoughts of trying their luck.

After all, it was an immortal abode opportunity!

Seeing how Long Qingzi soared after obtaining an immortal abode opportunity, one could understand how heaven-defying and precious it was.

Even without immortal cultivation methods or Immortal Abode Rare Treasures, just some Immortal Jade would be a colossal fortune capable of changing the destiny of Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators!

Therefore, Moonlight Immortal City surged with hidden currents, and the prices of powerful artifacts and talismans in some shops soared. . .

The numerous cultivators of the Wang Family, however, did not have their minds stirred. Instead, at Fang Xi's hint, they stockpiled resources in advance, managing to profit handsomely from this surge.

And as many high-level cultivators left Moonlight Immortal City, heading towards Xuanming Abyss, the immortal city inexplicably became much quieter than before.

Whoosh!

In the high sky, a spirit boat transformed into a golden light, heading towards Moonlight Immortal City.

Compared to the numerous streaks of spiritual light rushing towards Xuanming Abyss, it looked like a solitary brave soul swimming against the current.

"Patriarch. . ."

Li Rulin stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

Thanks to the Wang Family's support, he now possessed late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, ranking among the strongest in the affiliated families.

"Don't mind these things. . ."

Wang Lingying stood at the bow of the golden flying boat, his tone calm.

He knew the dangers of the Overseas Immortal Abode even better than those in the Immortal City!

This trip was to pay respects to the Ancestor and to seek guidance on how to deal with the immortal abode situation.

...

Lake Island Cave Abode.

"Greetings, Ancestor!"

Wang Lingying arrived inside the cave abode and saw the Wang Family Ancestor dressed in a simple hemp robe, with a wooden hairpin casually stuck in his hair, looking unrestrained and free, lying in a rocking chair.

Behind the chair, a black tortoise the size of a washbasin was diligently rocking it.

Beside Fang Xi was a female cultivator with a cold and elegant demeanor, holding a small fan.

The aura of this woman seemed not to be that of a living person, making Wang Lingying glance at her a few more times.

"It's Lingying. . ."

Fang Xi slightly opened his eyes and saw Li Rulin following behind Wang Lingying.

Being brought to meet the family's Ancestor was enough to show that Li Rulin was doing well in the Wang Family, like a fish in water.

However, how many low-level cultivators of the Li family had died for this was another matter entirely. . .

"Li Rulin pays his respects to Ancestor."

Li Rulin immediately bowed respectfully when he saw Fang Xi's gaze fall upon him.

"Hmm, young man, you're doing well. Keep up the good work, my Wang Family will not treat you unfairly. . ."

Fang Xi encouraged him, then saw Wang Lingying holding a tray: "Ancestor, this is what our family has gained from decades of expansion. . . I offer it to Ancestor now, as resources for your cultivation!"

On the tray, eight pieces of Immortal Jade were neatly arranged.

Undoubtedly, each piece of this Immortal Jade was stained with the blood of countless low-level cultivators!

Fang Xi glanced at them, then lightly swept his sleeve, collecting them.

Although he had already seized over a thousand pieces of Immortal Jade from the late Return to Void Commander Tang, he couldn't drop his persona.

"Such important items, it's rare that you personally escorted them here. You are truly considerate."

Fang Xi praised him.

"Serving Ancestor is only natural," Wang Lingying replied respectfully, then asked: "Now that the Overseas Immortal Abode is about to open, how does Ancestor plan to proceed?"

Fang Xi sipped a mouthful of spirit tea, then lay back down, saying leisurely, "Our family has probably suffered heavy casualties recently. This time, with the immortal abode opening, my Wang family has chosen to give up. . . However, for matters like observing the grand array and copying its patterns, you all must apply yourselves diligently!"

For him, within the overseas immortal abode, only that grand array capable of suppressing cultivation could still pique Fang Xi's interest.

But to fight to the death just for the sake of one grand array? That was absolutely something he wouldn't do.

Faced with this opening of the immortal abode, Fang Xi chose to remain aloof on his fishing platform, watching the winds of change with a smile.