Nine Evolutions of the True Spirit
chapter-463

Looking at the distant Huang Li Island, which was tightly guarded by a bowl-shaped formation array, and observing the horde of Monsters swarming towards it, Lu Da-Gui regretfully patted his own head and murmured, “Next time, I need to master a traveling skill! No matter how hard I try, I won’t be able to inform the people on the island about the imminent attack in time. If I were to send a message now, the Monster cultivators would most likely discover my existence."

While Lu Da-Gui was feeling lost and helpless, a mocking voice echoed, "Look who’s here! Isn’t this our beloved Master Turtle? Weren't you boasting about breaking through Huang Li Island's defense earlier? Why are you acting like a coward now? Ha. I know! You’ve only recently advanced into the Core Forging Realm. You clearly haven't consolidated your cultivation yet. I bet that once you step onto the battlefield, you’ll be so consumed with fear that you’ll regress to your previous level!”

Laughter filled the air as a group of Monsters ridiculed Lu Da-Gui. He turned around expressionless, looking at the few young Monster cultivators behind him. These individuals had crossed paths with Lu Da-Gui when he passed through the Deep Sea Demon Clan's passage. They had come to besiege Huang Li Island, seeking to make a name for themselves. Similar to Lu Da-Gui, they were Monster cultivators who had recently achieved the ability to metamorphose.

Throughout the journey, Lu Da-Gui remained silent and unresponsive, enduring the mockery from these Monster cultivators. Due to his heavy responsibilities, he didn't want to cause unnecessary conflicts and thus ignored their sarcastic remarks, which only fueled their arrogance.

Lu Da-Gui knew that among these Monster cultivators, several were young talents with notable backgrounds. He was certain that some of the leading Monster cultivators hailed from the Primordial Crocodilian Clan.

Observing Lu Da-Gui's stoic expression, devoid of liveliness or joy, one of the Monster cultivators leading the group couldn’t help but be bored by his uninteresting reaction. He remarked, “No wonder you’re a turtle. What a coward! The Turtle Prime of the Heaven Cleaving Seven Primes was known to be perpetually in slumber in the South Ocean. He was so obsessed with sleeping that he almost forgot to pass down a legacy of his own. Hmmm… It seems that every descendant of his inherited nothing but his art of sleeping and cowardice!”

Another cultivator chimed in, "What's the point of being a turtle if you can't endure?"

Laughter erupted again as they noisily proceeded towards Huang Li Island. “Tear down the island’s defense and capture Lu Ping alive!”

Ever since the island’s expansion and his significant contributions to its establishment, especially after repeatedly thwarting the Monsters’ plans and attacks, Lu Ping had gained a soaring reputation. The Monsters respected and valued strength, and Lu Ping had proven himself a worthy foe by slaying several Monster cultivators. While earning acknowledgment from the Monsters, he also painted a target on his back for the younger Monster cultivators. They were all eager to face him in a battle and defeat him.

Thus, many young Monster cultivators seized the opportunity to join the war against Huang Li Island. They hoped to reclaim the island and capture Lu Ping alive, aspiring to rise as prominent figures among the younger generation of Monsters.

Staring at the departing silhouettes of the Monsters, fury, and anger blazed in Lu Da-Gui’s eyes before he broke into a mocking grin. After pondering for a moment, a plan suddenly formed in his mind. He leaped into the ocean and quietly followed behind the group of Monster cultivators.

At the same time, approximately twenty Core Forging Realm Monster cultivators hovered in the skies above the island. The three leading cultivators were all in the late-Core Forging Realm, and Lu Ping would recognize two of them if he were present: Mo Wei and Lue Hai.

Mo Wei had suffered continuous defeat at the hands of Mo Xuan-Cheng, and Lue Hai had almost met his demise at the hands of Lu Ping. Now, he returned with confidence, having finally advanced to the late-Core Forging Realm after several years of arduous cultivation. While he hadn’t reached the peak of the late-Core Forging Realm, his progress marked a significant gap between the mid and late-Core Foring Realm. Lue Hai could now perceive the stark difference between the two levels, which bolstered his confidence in participating in the siege of the island.

On the other hand, Mo Wei was known as a perpetually losing general among the Monster cultivators. In the last battle, he had nearly breached Huang Li Island’s line of defense with the help of a spy hidden on the island, only to have his plans thwarted by Lu Ping, who had just advanced to the mid-Core Forging Realm. Upon emerging from his secluded cultivation, Lu Ping unleashed a massacre amongst the Monsters and defeated Mo Wei.

This time, similar to Lue Hai, Mo Wei returned after pushing his cultivation to the next level. He was eager to redeem himself, but unexpectedly, another late-Core Forging Realm Monster cultivator was sent to the front line by Ao-Chuang, and Mo Wei was ordered to assist him.

Mo Wei glanced at Ao-Lie, the Monster from the Primordial Crocodilian Clan, and couldn’t help but shake his head. He had heard that Ao-Lie was a blood relative of Ao-Chuang and was sent here solely to steal part of the credit for reclaiming the island. Yet, there was nothing Mo Wei could do but yield. After all, the Primordial Crocodilian Clan was one of the strongest clans among the Monsters, and its might and wrath were beyond what Mo Wei’s clan could withstand. As a mere leader of a small tribe, he lacked the backing to defy the will of a Monster Lord.

Ultimately, Mo Wei blamed his own inadequate strength. If he could rise to become a Monster Lord, he would gain the power and influence to command respect among the Monsters in the North Ocean. By then, even members of the Primordial Crocodilian Clan would have to respect his words and will, and no one would be able to steal the credit belonging to him.

As Mo Wei's thoughts were swirling in his mind, he heard a commotion coming from below, enraging him. Unity of command was crucial in the siege of a well-established establishment, especially of the likes of Huang Li Island. Any disorders were widely undesirable as not only would these disorders disrupt the siege’s pace, but they would also provide exploitable openings to the opponents.

With his burrows furrowed, Mo Wei locked his eyes on the dozens of young Monster cultivators swarming toward the island’s protective formation. These young talents who had newly achieved metamorphosis started hurling their weapon and skills toward the formation. The barrage had the formation trembling violently, and waves of laughter echoed amidst the battlefield. The arrogance and contemptuous laughter appeared oddly out of place on the battlefield, filled with sheer killing intent.

These young Monster cultivators were all the heirs or those next in line of the many powerful Monster tribes in the North Ocean. They were all talented, but at the same time, they, too, were arrogant and overbearing individuals accustomed to exerting their dominance within the Monster ranks due to their backgrounds.

Turning toward Ao-Lie, who remained indifferent about the ruckus caused by the young ones, Mo Wei said, “Lord Ao, shall we reprimand and ask them to return to our ranks? Their foolish actions may give the human cultivators an opportunity.”

Ao-Lie, who was shorter and much stockier compared to the towering Ao-Chuang, burst out laughing. “Why are you so worried? Just let them be. We Monsters should act just like them. We must have a fearless mindset like the little ones! Our ranks are far greater and stronger than those humans guarding the island. Besides, the Zhen Ling Sect is too occupied by the Xuan Ling Sect. They won’t have the time to deal with us. Now is the perfect opportunity for us to rip the island’s defense into pieces and achieve a legendary achievement!”

Mo Wei's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he quickly said, "Lord Ao, we must not be so careless. These young disciples are the hope of the Monsters. If they suffer any injuries, their elders will likely hold us accountable."

Ao-Lie chuckled, pointing at several leading monster cultivators below, and said, "I, as a member of the Primordial Crocodilian Clan, will lead by example, and that will render the others speechless. Mo Wei, it seems that you have lost all your ambitions and courage due to the previous setbacks. Do you not even have a shred of your former glory and ambitions left in you anymore?”

Mo Wei seethed with anger internally, but he was too afraid to show his negative emotions. Just as he was about to talk Ao-Lie into agreement patiently, Ao-Lie waved a dismissive hand and said, “You don’t need to worry about this matter anymore. Qu Xuan-Cheng is probably somewhere around, and I need you to assist me in repelling him if he attacks. Keep him occupied and buy Lue Hai the time he needs to command the forces in taking down the island. The credit of reclaiming the island is within our grasp!”

At that. Mo Wei cursed silently, “Of course, the credit would be all yours! However, if these young fools suffered any harm during the siege, the elders of their tribes will come looking for trouble from Lue Hai and me instead of you!”

Turning toward Mo Wei, who remained silent, Ao-Lie pondered for a moment and said, “I need your aid in reclaiming the island. Once we successfully reclaimed the island, I will report back to my elder brother and see to it that you receive the appropriate rewards and credits you deserve.”

Mo Wei maintained a stoic expression as he murmured a word of thanks. It was then he suddenly caught a glimpse of a golden light flashing across the battlefield amidst the barrage of attacks. Mo Wei’s eyes widened in shock as he effortlessly recognized what the golden light actually was. “It’s a message! Someone’s sending a message to the humans on the island! It’s a spy! There’s a pet Monster hidden among us!”

At the same time, Mo Wei unleashed and covered the area with his divine revelation, only to find nothing.

“Huh?” Lue Hai murmured in confusion.

“What is it? What did you find?” Mo Wei turned around.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just noticed quite an interesting Monster Turtle cultivator. I once met him long ago and made him a temporary ride for me because I find him quite obedient and honest. He also took part in the siege of the island back then, and I lost news about him after the counter-attack launched by the Zhen Ling Sect. I thought he was dead and never expected to see him again. Now, it seemed like he had actually gotten lucky. I could tell that he had achieved the Golden Core and managed to metamorphose.”

Mo Wei’s heart thumped quickly as if he noticed something, He hurriedly looked toward the direction Lue Hai pointed, where he found a Monster cultivator putting on a dull expression, silently attacking the formation alongside the young Monster cultivators.

Meanwhile, after sending a message to the island amidst the chaotic situation, Lu Da-Gui immediately felt an overwhelming pressure crashing onto him. Fear consumed Lu Da-Gui in that instant, for he thought his identity as Lu Ping’s pet Monster was exposed. Just as he was considering fleeing from the scene, the protective formation before him collapsed under the barrage of the attacks.

As soon as the formation crumbled, the many Mosnter cultivators cheered and clamored before they charged straight into the island, only to be stopped by a rumbling voice.

“No! Fall back!”

Yet, the warning was unheeded as the Monsters were now driven by their desire and eagerness for the lust, imminent profit, and gain awaiting them on the island. They couldn’t be bothered anymore and swarmed straight toward the entrance.

As a matter of fact, it was Mo Wei who tried to stop the eager young Monster cultivators from charging into the formation after noticing that it was still intact. In that instant, he noticed that only part of the formation crumbled, he immediately sensed grave danger, but it was already too late.

A wave of crimson flame came charging out from the breach in the protective formation, engulfing the Monster cultivators rushing toward the breach.

“Ambush!”

"Retreat, retreat quickly!"

"Get out of my way, fool!”

"Someone save me, I'm from the Nautilus Clan..."

"Damn it, save me first! I’m the son of Ao-Di!”

After a series of wailing and howling, the Monster cultivators leading the way perished on the spot. Those lucky enough to escape the grasp of death started fleeing, only to crash into the ranks of the Monster cultivators charging forward from behind. In a split second, chaos descended, and the lives-devouring crimson flame started overwhelming the cultivators.

"Qu Xuan-Cheng! How dare you!”

An angry shout resounded through the battlefield, and Mo Wei, taking the lead, rushed toward the surging flames. He opened his mouth and spurted out jet-black water that turned into an overwhelming black mist. As the black mist and the crimson flame came in contact, hissing noise filled the air while smoke started spreading around quickly, obscuring the visibility of the surrounding.

Mo Wei’s face paled in an instant, for he realized that Qu Xuan-Cheng had already achieved a top-level Golden Core and was already partially in the Law Avatar Realm. Realizing that he was no match for Qu Xuan-Cheng alone, Mo Wei turned around quickly and shouted, “Lord Ao-Lie, I need your assistance!”

Meanwhile, Ao-Lie remained stunned on the spot after witnessing the death of the Monster cultivators. He finally came back to his senses after being reminded by Mo Wei. He hurriedly summoned a serrated blade and charged straight into the crimson flame.

At the same time, seven figures came bolting out from the flame. Two of them charging at the front were in the mid-Core Forging Realm. Alongside the other five, who were also in the Core Forging Realm, the seven of them crashed straight into the ranks of the young Monster cultivators. With a strike delivered, the two young cultivators charging at the front slewed a foe each and continued rampaging among the Monster cultivators together mercilessly.

“How dare you!” Lue Hai finally arrived.

Yet, the seven Human cultivators were as slippery as an eel. Upon noticing Lue Hai’s arrival, they hurriedly retreated back into the crimson flame, which surged once more and drove Mo Wei and Ao-Lie back. When the smoke hindering the vision dispersed, the breach in the protective formation was no more.

The scene had Ao-Lie trembling in anger. Standing beside him, Mo Wei spread his divine revelation around and to his disappointment, he found no traces of the Monster Turtle among the survivors. At that, Mo Wei remained calm and silently stood beside Ao-Lie.

At the same time, the battle centering Heaven Forge Mountain continued, unaffected by the appearance of Yuan-Guang from the Crystal Palace.

Yuan-Gang looked up into the skies with a dissatisfied expression on his face, seemingly unhappy that his entrance did not achieve the shocking effect he anticipated. When he was questioned by Guo Xuan-Shan, he couldn’t help but feel enraged. After all, as the elder of the Crystal Palace and a mid-Law Avatar Realm cultivator, he was well respected and feared by the many elders of the other sects, with Dao-Sheng being the only exception as he, too, acknowledged Dao-Sheng’s formidable strength. Yet, here he was, being questioned by a cultivator that was merely a foot into the Law Avatar Realm. Feeling underestimated after not receiving the attention and respect he deserved, the enraged Yuan-Guang immediately launched an attack on the protective formation.

Realizing that Yuan-Guang arrived not as a friend but as an enemy, Guo Xuan-Shan immediately acted. Though he was still intimidated by Yuan-Guang’s elderly identity and position in the Crystal Palace, Guo Xuan-Shan did not pull his punches. “Counter attack!”

Seeing the countermeasure launched by the Zhen Ling Sect’s cultivator, Yuan-Guang did not hesitate to make another move. With a slam, he attacked the protective formation again, trembling it vigorously and emitting a thunderous crashing noise. The protective formation was pushed backward greatly for a second under the impact, but it held its ground firmly, bouncing back to its original position after nullifying the impact, shattering the attack launched by Yuan-Guang. On the other side, Yuan-Guang, who was blindly confident in his strength, did not see it coming. The force returning back to him caught him off guard, and despite his mid-Law Avatar Realm strength, he stumbled backward for a couple of steps and found his palm wholly numbed.

Whatever happened Yuan-Guang did not find it well. He took it as a disgrace and embarrassment. At that, he pointed toward the protective formation and started groaning, “Good! Good! You imbecile fools! Now, let me see the power of a twisted sect that sides with the Monsters!”

At this point, it was as clear as broad daylight that Yuan-Guang had decided to meddle with the affairs between the Xuan Ling and Zhen Ling Sect. Though the elders of the Zhen Ling Seng had the upper hand, they would quickly lose it if Yuan-Guang, the mid-Law Avtar Realm cultivator, decided to interfere and lose the battle because of this.

Just as Yuan-Guang darted toward Jiang Tian-Lin and Liu Tian-Ling, a sigh sounded deep from Heaven Forge Mountain, echoing throughout the area. Suddenly, the source of the voice changed, as if there was an actual person standing right in front of Yuan-Guang. “Yuan-Guang, my friend. This is a fight between the sects in the North Ocean. You, a cultivator from a more remarkable sect in the East Ocean, will not benefit from meddling with our tinier sects’ affairs.”

“Who are you? I didn’t expect such a powerful mid-Law Avatar Realm cultivator residing in the Zhen Ling Sect. This sect is really full of surprises.” Yuan-Guang halted his track and looked toward the void in front of him.

As soon as Yuan-Guang’s voice faded, the void started twisting, and after glancing at it once more, Yuan-Guang snorted before turning his vision to the area in front of him.

A few meters away from him, the ground started bulging. The mud and soil twisted and started merging with one another. In the end, the mixture of mud and soil turned into a middle-aged man who looked somewhat older than his actual age.

“Earth Embodiment!” Yuan-Guang’s expression darkened a little at this point. He stared at the approaching man and said, “Such impressive earth-elemental technique and cultivation level. A powerful cultivator like you is highly unlikely a nobody, so please enlighten me. Why have I not heard of you at all?”

“Haha. It’s been decades since I last showed myself in the North Ocean. It is safe to assume that many that know of me, Tian-Kang, think that I’m already dead. I wonder if you’ve heard this name before.”

“It’s you! Aren’t you clinging to the last of your life through Longevity Pills? H-how are you still… Bah! The Zhen Ling Sect is truly calculative and cunning! You have a total of four mid-Law Avatar Realm cultivators in your sect! You had everyone in the North Ocean fooled!”