Free Web NovelChapter 44: Chapter 44: Peacock Mountain
"Little mouse, I see your cultivation has reached the Qi Refining Third Layer.
"If you continue to refine and build up your foundation for a while longer, you can start preparing to break through to the Mid-stage of Qi Refining!"
"Yes, and I have Miss Yu to thank for it. With the help of a Tier-Breaking Elixir, I should have a chance to challenge the Qi Refining Fourth Layer within three years."
Xu Chang’an said humbly.
"What’s this ’Miss Yu’? Did you not hear a word I just said?"
"Alright, Ruyan."
The two demons conversed harmoniously, their exchange of ideas proving to be uniquely interesting.
At this, Xu Chang’an couldn’t help but marvel at the innate charm of the Fox Demon Race.
It wasn’t just about allure; more than that, she made him feel comfortable.
Yu Ruyan was at times captivating, at times an attentive listener, sometimes nodding in agreement, and other times cutting straight to the heart of the matter...
During their conversation, the Striped Tiger Demon was also mentioned.
In earlier years, the White Jade Fox and the Striped Tiger Demon were not far apart in strength.
The Striped Tiger Demon would even come by from time to time to show his goodwill, his intentions plain to see. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
But as Yu Ruyan’s Demon King Bloodline awakened, the gap between them widened, and the Striped Tiger Demon never again revealed his feelings.
However, they still maintained some contact.
It just wasn’t as frequent as before.
"Back on Cyan Mountain, the Striped Tiger Demon was the king of all beasts. When he became a demon, he had a Middle-grade Bloodline Talent and always thought highly of himself.
"After coming here to Red Cloud Mountain, I’m afraid he’s suffered quite a few blows."
Yu Ruyan remarked with a slight sigh.
The Striped Tiger’s Qi Refining Fifth Layer cultivation had already been matched by Xiong Da.
On Langlang Mountain, the Qi Refining Fifth Layer would make one a Standard-Bearer.
But here on Red Cloud Mountain, it was only slightly better than an ordinary Little Demon!
Especially seeing Yu Ruyan’s situation, the difference was truly immense.
Besides the Striped Tiger Demon, there were the other demons with Middle-class Bloodlines who had joined Red Cloud Mountain back then.
All of them had faded into the crowd of demons, with none managing to stand out.
This was the norm!
The very concept of bloodline talent implied a shackle placed on one’s future achievements.
To break through such a shackle, how difficult it must be!
Even Yu Ruyan was only able to stand out because she had awakened a Demon King Bloodline!
After talking for a long time, Yu Ruyan finally brought up her reason for inviting Xu Chang’an over.
"Little mouse, I invited you for a little gathering today. But actually, Ruyan has a favor to ask.
"Considering you’re a part of Langlang Mountain, I didn’t state it clearly in the letter."
Seeing that she was getting to the main point, Xu Chang’an’s expression sharpened, and he looked ready to listen intently.
"Please, speak freely."
"I’d like to invite Fellow Daoist to join Red Cloud Mountain!"
Now that she was talking business, Yu Ruyan dropped the playful "little mouse" and formally addressed him as "Fellow Daoist."
"Invite me to join Red Cloud Mountain!?"
Xu Chang’an was slightly taken aback.
On the surface, he was just an ordinary Grey Rat whose bloodline talent wasn’t even worth grading.
’With a mere Qi Refining Third Layer Cultivation, why does Yu Ruyan think so highly of me?’
"Fellow Daoist, your Dao Heart is firm, the likes of which I have never seen in my life.
"If you can join Red Cloud Mountain, with my help, your future will be limitless!"
’A firm Dao Heart!’
’The likes of which she’s never seen!’
"You must be joking, Fellow Daoist. I’m just an ordinary Mouse Demon, how could I have a firm Dao Heart?"
Xu Chang’an repeatedly denied it.
"Ruyan is never wrong about these things."
A strange light glinted in Yu Ruyan’s beautiful eyes as she stared directly at Xu Chang’an.
’Could it be some kind of Talent Divine Technique!?’
Xu Chang’an guessed inwardly.
"If Fellow Daoist is worried about Langlang Mountain, there’s no need. Ruyan will personally mediate.
"Since you’re already here on Red Cloud Mountain, there’s no need to go back. How about you join Red Cloud Mountain directly!?
"With my guarantee, Fellow Daoist can enter the Mountain Gate directly and become a Little Demon.
"Once my cultivation progresses further, I will find a way for you to become a disciple of a Foundation Establishment Great Demon and join the Direct Lineage of Red Cloud Mountain!"
Then, Yu Ruyan laid out a series of benefits that came with being part of Red Cloud Mountain.
After listening, Xu Chang’an fell silent.
Yu Ruyan didn’t press him, simply waiting quietly.
The scene instantly fell silent.
After a long while, Xu Chang’an finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"I understand your intentions, Fellow Daoist.
"However, Langlang Mountain was the one to recognize my worth. I cannot abandon it simply for better treatment at Red Cloud Mountain.
"That would go against my principles!
"Please, do not take offense, Fellow Daoist."
Yu Ruyan’s radiant smile slowly faded, replaced by a layer of frost as her beautiful eyes fixed on Xu Chang’an.
Xu Chang’an’s expression did not change as he faced her calmly.
After a long moment, the ice on Yu Ruyan’s face melted, and she suddenly laughed out loud.
"And you still say your Dao Heart isn’t firm!
"Ruyan offered you great benefits, yet was unable to sway your heart.
"See? You’ve exposed yourself!"
Yu Ruyan pursed her lips and smiled, showing no trace of her earlier cold demeanor.
For a moment, Xu Chang’an couldn’t tell if Yu Ruyan’s actions were a test of his Dao Heart...
...or a sincere invitation to join Red Cloud Mountain.
The atmosphere between them gradually became harmonious again.
"By the way, are there any relatively large-scale Marketplaces in the Red Cloud Mountain Range?"
Xu Chang’an asked.
"Relatively large-scale...
"Marketplaces like the nearby Cyan Spirit Mountain Marketplace and Shimo Marketplace are not small.
"But if you’re talking about something even larger, then you’re not looking for a Marketplace, but a Demon City!"
Yu Ruyan said thoughtfully.
"I would like to hear more."
Xu Chang’an’s expression brightened.
As their conversation continued, the sky gradually darkened.
Yu Ruyan possessed a Demon King Bloodline and was currently single; who knew how many demons had their eyes on her.
As a mere little Mouse Demon, it was naturally inappropriate for him to stay the night.
Taking the opportunity, Xu Chang’an indicated his intention to leave.
Yu Ruyan didn’t try to make him stay and personally saw Xu Chang’an down the mountain.
At their parting, Yu Ruyan, with utmost grace, gave Xu Chang’an a gentle bow.
"Take care, Fellow Daoist. We shall meet again!"
Xu Chang’an mimicked a human gesture, clasping his hands and bowing in a respectful return gesture.
"Fellow Daoist Yu, we shall meet again!"
He then turned and left, striding forward.
Yu Ruyan watched Xu Chang’an’s departing figure, lost in thought, her mind a mystery.
The Guardian Demons at the side looked at Yu Ruyan, their eyes full of admiration.
The more perceptive demons were all guessing about the identity of that Mouse Demon.
’To think he could make Senior Sister Yu watch him leave with such reluctance.’
...
After leaving the Red Cloud Mountain area, Xu Chang’an took out the Jade Pendant Yu Ruyan had given him.
It was a small gift she had given him upon his departure.
For a demon who could make use of it, this gift was anything but small!
The Jade Pendant recorded the distribution of all the major and minor powers within the Red Cloud Mountain Range.
Any power presided over by a Foundation Establishment Great Demon was recorded in the pendant.
Powers with a Demon King in residence, such as Lion’s Mane Cave, Sleeping Ox Mountain, Peacock Mountain, Ivory Mountain, Leopard Ridge, and Snake and Scorpion Cave, were all specially marked.
Inside the Jade Pendant, Xu Chang’an also found the location of Langlang Mountain.
It was a small black dot not far from Red Cloud Mountain, appearing minuscule in comparison to the aforementioned powers.
This trip out had two purposes. The first was the small gathering at Red Cloud Mountain.
The second was to clear out his inventory of resources and scheme for a Top-grade Magical Artifact.
Right now, he still had plenty of time.
Naturally, Xu Chang’an was going to make a plan to acquire a Top-grade Magical Artifact.
Top-grade Magical Artifacts were even rarer and more precious than Middle-grade Magical Artifacts.
They were practically impossible to find in ordinary Marketplaces.
Take Master Tie, the Master Forger in the White Maple Mountain Marketplace, for example. The reason he was so famous...
...was because he had once successfully forged a Top-grade Magical Artifact.
But having forged one before didn’t mean he could succeed every time.
Not to mention the amount of Demon Stones and effort required just to hire Master Tie.
Even if he were willing to take on the task of forging it...
...the success rate of forging a Top-grade Magical Artifact wasn’t a gamble Xu Chang’an was willing to take.
Thus, if he wanted to obtain a Top-grade Magical Artifact as quickly as possible...
...ordinary Marketplaces were out of the question.
Therefore, the destination for Xu Chang’an’s trip was...
Peacock Mountain!
The Peacock Demon City!
