Section 28: Eight-Tailed Sky Fox
By Gu Zhenren, February 9, 2013
Natural Demonic Crystals, also known as ownerless demonic crystals, are primarily formed when Tribulation Demons fail their tribulation during a Demonic Tribulation and perish. These crystals contain the essence of the demonic creature and can be absorbed by any entity.
“With a Tribulation Demon Crystal like this, I can advance Yi Tian Jing to the Spirit Monster level!” Yi Yan, being intelligent, understood Chu Yun’s intention without him needing to explain.
Combat-oriented demonic creatures usually find it easy to increase their cultivation if they possess one or two powerful Cultivation Methods. However, others, such as those used for Pill Refining, or special demonic creatures like the Moon Rabbit, have characteristics that make their cultivation difficult to advance.
Yi Tian Jing and the River Luo Diagram are Yi Yan’s primary Abacus Master demonic soldiers. Lacking significant offensive power, their cultivation levels have been stagnant. This has resulted in the River Luo Diagram reaching the Spirit Monster level while Yi Tian Jing remains at the Great Demon level.
Chu Yun calculated that after utilizing this Tribulation Demon Crystal, there would be some residual fragments left. He decided to leverage this unusable wealth to gain a favor from Yi Yan. Moreover, her Rouge Gate sect was poised to become Shu Family’s representative force in the wanderer community, necessitating a deepening of their cooperation.
Hua Mei understood Chu Yun’s intention. He wanted Yi Yan to undergo a Spirit Demon Tribulation and use the Tribulation Cloud to counterattack enemies, establishing an advantage.
“That’s not advisable,” Hua Mei immediately cautioned. “Demonic Tribulations are unpredictable. While Young Island Master Chu possesses five Dao Manifestation Cultivation Methods that can address heavenly tribulations, no one can guarantee what kind of tribulation it will be. Mishandled, it might backfire.”
“That’s not a problem. When a demonic creature undergoes tribulation, its Tribulation Cloud is always related to its attributes. For instance, my Lishan Dragon Eye Flower Branch’s tribulation is the Hundred Dragon Tribulation, and the Hurricane Bow’s is the Wind Howl Sky-Cutting Tribulation. There will always be a connection. We can infer the attribute of your Yi Tian Jing based on this,” Chu Yun waved his hand.
The current situation was quite delicate. With Chu Yun and Hua Mei working together, they could contain the combination of Elder Yin and Dream-Sovereign. However, variables still existed. For example, Bei Guangguang, who had been predicted, had yet to appear. It was possible there were other skilled wanderers who hadn’t shown themselves. In such circumstances, augmenting their own strength was paramount. Supporting the Rouge Gate would be highly beneficial for Chu Yun’s future explorations.
“My Yi Tian Jing is wood-attributed, and the River Luo Diagram is water-attributed. Together, as a single unit of demonic soldiers, the water and wood attributes produce each other, greatly amplifying their power,” Yi Yan stated, her eyes gleaming.
“Wood attribute…” Chu Yun frowned slightly and sighed. “I don’t have a wood attribute Dao Manifestation Cultivation Method.” Without a wood attribute Dao Manifestation Cultivation Method, he couldn’t specifically counter a wood-attributed Demonic Tribulation.
Chu Yun’s blood was filled with a spirit of adventure, but that didn’t mean he acted recklessly without considering consequences. Although he had repeatedly used Demonic Tribulations against powerful enemies, he remained cautious with such methods. He had the Lesser Demon-level Moon Rabbit, but he never intended to use its Demonic Tribulation against enemies. This was because the Moon Rabbit’s time attribute would likely trigger a uniquely difficult-to-resist heavenly tribulation. It was highly probable that it would be unusable and instead harm him, turning into a joke.
The more outstanding the aptitude and unique the characteristics of a demonic creature, the harder its heavenly tribulation becomes to resist, and thus, the rarer they are. This is the balancing law of the World: the strong are always a minority, and the weak constitute the vast majority.
“Even if Young Master Chu Yun had a wood attribute Dao Manifestation Cultivation Method, after careful consideration, I still don’t think forcing a Demonic Tribulation is wise,” Yi Yan’s gaze suddenly sharpened, and she sighed softly.
Chu Yun looked at her questioningly.
Yi Yan continued with envy, “It’s because I don’t have a Destiny Demonic Treasure. Demonic Tribulations arise randomly. Encountering an easy-to-pass heavenly tribulation is the greatest fortune for a Monster Tamer. It’s entirely dependent on luck. Young Master Chu Yun likely possesses a Destiny Demonic Treasure from the Sea Dragon King. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have repeatedly encountered heavenly tribulations that just happened to turn disaster into fortune…”
As an Abacus Master, the most adept in the Monster Tamer profession at discerning fate, she spoke, illuminating Chu Yun’s understanding. “So that’s how it is!” He had repeatedly used heavenly tribulations as a trump card against enemies, and his own Destiny Demonic Treasure had played a crucial role, always randomly triggering favorable tribulations.
Chu Yun suddenly remembered something and asked directly, “Right, I’ve had a lingering question in my heart that I haven’t been able to resolve. Yi Yan, you know my Yi Master is different from ordinary Abacus Masters. This time, I truly need your guidance.” He frankly confessed the news of obtaining the Dragon Wish Tree in the Star Sea Dragon Palace to Yi Yan.
“Dragon Wish Tree?” Yi Yan’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she shook her head. “I’m not very clear about that either. In fact, Destiny Demonic Treasures are the only type of treasure one can never have too many of. Each Destiny Demonic Treasure is unique in the World. Almost everyone who obtains one keeps it a secret, fearing trouble from powerful enemies. Even King level powerhouses meticulously conceal their Destiny Demonic Treasures to avoid being targeted.”
She paused, then continued, “However, my Abacus Master skills are only self-taught. Have you heard of ‘Oracle Immortal’? He is the Grandmaster of the Oracle Immortal school, one of the three major schools of Abacus Masters: Star Calculation, Dream Speaking, and Oracle Immortal divination. He might know the secrets of the Dragon Wish Tree, or if not, he should be able to deduce them. But he is a free spirit, living without a fixed abode, wandering the world. Finding him won’t be easy.”
“Oracle Immortal…” Chu Yun nodded. He had heard of this person but wasn’t very familiar with him.
“We cannot linger here. Prolonged stay might reveal the weaknesses of the Terrifying Scythe Grass. In that case, Sky Fox.” He tossed the natural collected Tribulation Demon Crystal to the Sky Fox maiden beside him. “Consume it, strengthen yourself, and we’ll break through,” Chu Yun instructed.
“Yes, Master!” The Sky Fox maiden cupped the Tribulation Demon Crystal in her hands, her face beaming. No demonic beast dislikes improving its cultivation. It’s a primitive survival instinct ingrained in their bloodline. Higher cultivation and greater power equate to a higher chance of survival. However, the Sky Fox maiden knew her master had his plans, and despite her eagerness, she didn’t dare to ask. Now, receiving the Tribulation Demon Crystal, she was overjoyed. She immediately opened her small cherry mouth and began to inhale. The demonic crystal visibly shrank at an astonishing rate, transforming into a stream of blue and green vital energy that the maiden fully absorbed. Although much of the essence from this Tribulation Demon Crystal had already been consumed by various demonic creatures to enhance their cultivation, its immense reserve meant a substantial portion remained for the Sky Fox.
“Not good! It’s a Tribulation Demon Crystal! He’s enhancing the Sky Fox’s cultivation!” Elder Yin, who had been observing Chu Yun from below the grass mound, widened his eyes in shock.
“Where did this brat get a Tribulation Demon Crystal! He actually has a natural Tribulation Demon Crystal!” Dream-Sovereign was initially puzzled when Chu Yun produced the crystal. Upon recognizing it as a Tribulation Demon Crystal, he felt as if he were dreaming. Natural Tribulation Demon Crystals can only form when a entity dies under the power of Heaven and Earth. Furthermore, demonic crystals are notoriously difficult to preserve, disappearing into thin air within two to three days. Consequently, they are extremely rare. The Tribulation Demon Crystal Chu Yun possessed was extraordinarily potent, a treasure that would cause a bidding war at any auction.
“This brat’s luck is too good! Not only did he obtain the Ten Thousand Beasts King’s treasure, but he also found a demonic crystal!”
“Attack! Attack! We absolutely cannot let his Sky Fox’s cultivation increase further!” Elder Yin and Dream-Sovereign could no longer bear it and felt compelled to act.
Most of the wanderers hesitated, looking at the grass mound before them with great apprehension. The terrifying power of the Terrifying Scythe Grass had been deeply imprinted in their minds.
“Don’t be afraid! This is the Terrifying Scythe Grass; it only attacks those who feel fear.”
“Charge forward bravely! For every person killed, you’ll receive one hundred Tiangang Stone Coins! Kill two, and the reward doubles! Kill three, and you’ll be promoted to Elite Captain!” Incited by Elder Yin and Dream-Sovereign, countless desperate individuals, with bloodshot eyes and wielding various weapons, surged forward like a fierce tidal wave, charging towards Chu Yun and the others on the hilltop once more.
“Be careful! These are elites from the Heavenly Fiend and Dream-Reversal Pavilion!” Yi Yan and the others looked grave.
In contrast, Chu Yun and Hua Mei’s eyes lit up. “The strongest point is also the weakest point. This is an opportunity!”
“We can’t just defend! We can break out!” In military strategy, surprise is key. With the enemy launching a fierce assault, they certainly wouldn’t expect the Rouge Gate to choose this moment to break out.
“Wait a moment longer. Follow my command, and we’ll charge forward together!” Hua Mei’s beautiful eyes sparkled with light, and her transcendent beauty seemed to be enveloped in a radiant glow. She remained composed and unafraid in the face of danger, instilling a strong sense of security in the women around her.
The Sky Fox’s cultivation was soaring! One thousand years, two thousand years, three thousand years… Thousand-year Spirit Monsters, ten-thousand-year Tribulation Demons. The Tribulation Demon Crystal of a Tribulation Demon contains the essence of its entire life, accumulating at least ten thousand years of cultivation. Although there is some waste during the absorption process, due to the sheer volume, this waste becomes insignificant.
“Quick, quick, quick!”
“Attack!” Watching the Tribulation Demon Crystal in the Sky Fox maiden’s hand shrink to the size of a fist in a matter of moments, Elder Yin and Dream-Sovereign were on the verge of jumping in frustration. They knew the Sky Fox’s terrifying power from their previous battle with Chu Yun. A large part of that ‘River of Dao Techniques’ offensive was due to the Sky Fox.
“Hah.” The Sky Fox maiden exhaled a gentle breath, and the Tribulation Demon Crystal in her hand vanished without a trace. At this moment, her entire body radiated with brilliance, her eyes sparkling like jewels!
“Too late!” Elder Yin and Dream-Sovereign felt a heavy sinking in their hearts.
“Master, I’ve grown two new tails!” The Sky Fox maiden reported happily, her eyes curved into two crescent moons, as if seeking praise.
“Good,” Chu Yun nodded. This was within his expectations.
Unexpectedly, the Sky Fox maiden added, “I’ve also learned a Supreme grade lightning-attribute Dao Technique from the demonic crystal.”
(Striving for three chapters today, this is the first. Thank you all for your understanding and support! (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
