Chapter 255: Demonic Capital Tribulation

The steel behemoths of Great Xia and the Divine Illumination State faced off from a distance, the whole sea area filled with uneasy elements, the seawater turned extremely dark, even the sea birds sensed the invisible gunpowder here and avoided this area.

After hearing the Divine Illumination State's accusation, Great Xia's officials stared at each other; those who knew realized it was the enemy's supreme commander, while those who didn't thought it was just some ruffian swearing in the street.

As the overall commander of the two countries' sea areas, maintaining an impassive demeanor is the most basic quality; Great Xia's side often dealt with the opposition, completely a smooth operator, speaking without giving anyone any fault to find.

What's going on now? The gunpowder smell is overwhelming, not to mention, and he repeatedly mentioned the turtle—what the hell is that thing?

Great Xia's sea area officers stared at each other, their expressions somewhat bewildered.

Could it be that our superiors really have some secret operation that sabotaged the Divine Illumination State's military exercise?

What is a turtle weapon? I've never heard of such a thing.

Looking at the Divine Illumination State's appearance, it doesn't seem like they're faking it.

Hearing the surrounding officers' whispered gossip, the head regional commander's eyelids twitched slightly.

As a top secret, the higher-ups have sealed it well; these people lack the clearance, so they don't know the reason, but he knows about the matter of the Longyuan Mountain monster.

From the Divine Illumination State's words, this turtle's various behaviors match perfectly; aside from the Longyuan Mountain monster, he really can't think of anyone else possessing such power.

After all, not long ago, the golden eagle that came out of Longyuan Mountain was still fighting with the Tsar's side in the Changbai Mountains; now this turtle great demon clashing with the Divine Illumination State at sea is not surprising either.

But he couldn't say that in public; after suppressing his emotions for a moment, he let out a cold snort.

Nonsense! If there were such a turtle weapon, we would have sunk them all; how could they be so arrogant?

Don't bother with him; it's pure nonsense, just refute him and be done.

Hearing this, the person in charge of the call below immediately replied: 'Your arguments are completely illogical, all just one-sided claims; leave quickly, otherwise you'll bear the consequences!'

The Divine Illumination State's military exercise commander, already angry, was now fuming, his face flushed red; no matter how he questioned, Great Xia's attitude was extremely firm.

Not only did they give no explanation, they even slowly gathered more warships, moving toward them.

The black gun muzzles gradually aimed at them, invisibly emitting threat; it was clear that if the Divine Illumination State dared to advance a step, they would dare to fire directly.

Damn it!

Great Xia is too shameless!

Despicable villain!

The Divine Illumination State's military exercise general headquarters, that senior officer's eyes were bloodshot, reaching for the red button nearby, almost issuing the order to fire.

Calm down!

Seeing this scene, the other officers' eyes nearly burst with anger, they hurried to stop his action.

Although the loss of several warships is not small, it can be borne; but if fighting really broke out at the edge of the sea area, that would amount to open war.

No matter the outcome, they absolutely cannot escape here, after all, Great Xia's national strength is not something to be taken lightly.

Damn it! …

The senior officer also knew full well; looking at the distant Great Xia warships, he couldn't help but burst into curses, aside from impotent rage, he could do nothing.

I will truthfully report today's events to the Emperor!

This matter will definitely not just be left alone; you guys wait for me!

After dropping those harsh words, the Divine Illumination State's warships then gradually left the nearby sea area, but he did not therefore give up; since open means won't work, he will act covertly instead.

Quickly dispatch agents, must find out what this turtle-type weapon is all about.

The Divine Illumination State's side came back empty-handed, not to mention, they were seething with anger.

As the chief culprit, the great turtle slipped away unnoticed; its luck was good, this time it didn't get lost but successfully reached Penglai Island.

Due to getting lost and the Divine Illumination State incident, the great turtle's progress among the monsters that came out of the mountain is the slowest.

Other monsters had already begun preparations, even their underlings have been developed.

On another front, the military exercise incident at sea in the Divine Illumination State caused a huge uproar domestically; the higher-ups were furious, the Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation, this matter absolutely cannot be let go.

The Divine Illumination State's top-level agents were dispatched, with the senior agent Yoshida Shōichi leading the team, sent to investigate related clues; they had just arrived when they were shocked by various matters in Great Xia.

Mutant animals and purple mist, as well as the bloody light of the Changbai Mountains, can be said to be endless; under their investigation, all kinds of clues are intricately linked to Longyuan Mountain.

This is also an important clue provided by the information broker.

Although Great Xia's blockade is tight, there is no impenetrable wall under heaven; whenever these things happen, they leave some trace.

Yoshida Shōichi does not believe there are monsters in this world, suspecting it is a biological weapon secretly researched by Great Xia, related to mutant gene animals.

The towering peaks, reflected against the distant blue sky, resemble a soaring eagle; layered verdant ridges, deep valleys, appearing tranquil and peaceful, like an otherworldly utopia.

As monsters continually emerged from the mountains, the originally lively mountains gradually became desolate; those formerly noisy monsters dwindled to only a few.

Whether lively or peaceful, to Ye Qin there is no difference; he has long been as calm as still water.

After several previous rounds of secluded cultivation and breakthroughs, he is now at the late Nascent Soul realm, on the verge of Great Completion, but that breakthrough's critical point remains elusive.

It seems as if an invisible wall blocks his front; Ye Qin knows he has hit a bottleneck, and continuing secluded cultivation would yield no progress.

Staying in the mountains for so long, it's also time to go out for a walk.

Upon hearing this news, the remaining monsters were somewhat incredulous, but they quickly reacted; after all, Ye Qin's such behavior is not surprising, as he often went out before to seek opportunities and wander through fragments of time.

The hyena demon curiously asked, 'Master, where do you plan to go?'

The weasel stroked his chin, 'Now the Monkey King's Mount Hua is already quite formidable, and the golden eagle's Changbai Mountains are not bad either; Master, you can go to those two places for a turn.'

Since the Cave Heaven Bliss Land was completed, monsters can not only cultivate in the secret realm but also exchange information, hardly any different from when they were at Longyuan Mountain.

Since the Great Sage Monkey King and the golden eagle were the first to go out, they are also the monsters that have fared the best among all monsters.

Who would have thought Ye Qin shook his head, 'I don't plan to go to either of those two places.'

As his realm and cultivation level deepened, Ye Qin's connection with heaven and earth also became increasingly close.

Ye Qin's gaze fell into the distance; the mountains reflected in his verdant pupils, carrying a sense of unfathomable depth, 'Master once divined for me; this time my opportunity lies in the Demonic Capital, the most suitable place to undergo tribulation.'

The weasel showed an understanding expression, 'So Master already had a plan.'

Regarding Ye Qin's strength, the monsters know full well, no need to worry; however, hearing his later words, their hearts were all lifted to their throats.

'Master, this tribulation crossing will likely be extremely perilous.'

In fact, Ye Qin almost always faces a near-death experience each time he crosses a tribulation; heavenly tribulations are not that easy to get through.

The monsters' faces all changed at once, and some anxiously said, 'What should we do, Master? Why don't we accompany you? That way we can also help guard the Dharma.'

Ye Qin shook his head, 'Going through such a great tribulation would be useless for you, and you'd easily be caught up in it.'

Under the shadow of the heavenly tribulation, all cultivators will be seen as targets.

His current cultivation level is what it is, so the tribulation is naturally extraordinary; if these monsters went, they'd likely be struck by several bolts, and even if they didn't die they'd be seriously injured—far beyond what they could bear.

Moreover, this time it's a great tribulation that transcends the Primordial Spirit, which is no small matter.

"Don't worry, although it's a great tribulation, I as your master have my own grasp and measure."

Ye Qin is no longer the little green snake he once was; although each tribulation is perilous, the Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Derivation forty-nine, and there is always a sliver of life left.

"This time I cross the tribulation, I'm afraid I won't be back for a while; during this period you should focus on your cultivation."

Although the monsters were worried, hearing Ye Qin say that left them with no choice, after all, if they went they'd just cause trouble.

Just then, a small voice sounded, 'Master, since you won't let us follow you, scouting the path for you would be fine, wouldn't it?'

The speaker was a little fox, snow-white all over, like a glutinous rice ball, no different from an ordinary fox except that it actually has five tails!

Its fluffy tail swayed like white clouds behind it, looking soft and inviting, making one want to reach out and touch it.

Perhaps it is because the spiritual energy on Longyuan Mountain has become ever more abundant that many monsters have undergone various mutations, including this fox, which actually grew five tails; however, its cultivation is still shallow, and its cultivation level is not outstanding among the monsters of Longyuan Mountain.

Hearing this, the other monsters' eyes lit up. 'Yeah, we can't go with him, but helping Ye Qin scout the path also counts as doing our bit.'

Master, we'll go scout for you!

Let me go, I'm the strongest!

With your pitiful cultivation level, you have the nerve to claim you're strong; logically, it should be me who goes.

Calls rose and fell throughout the forest, everyone eager to help.

Seeing the enthusiasm of the surrounding monsters, Ye Qin felt both amused and exasperated, his gaze sweeping around.

The little fox that first suggested the idea blinked its big eyes, quietly watching him, making it hard to refuse.

Alright then, if that's the case, let the little fox go.

The little fox quickly lifted its head, its beastly eyes flashing with excitement and joy, bouncing up like a ball of cotton.

No one expected this slot to fall on this little guy; the other monsters couldn't help but say, 'Master, perhaps you should change it—this little fox is too weak.'

Hearing this, the little fox's fur stood on end, even the tails behind it swaying; it puffed angrily and said, 'I'm not weak!'

Master has already chosen me; are you not going to listen to Master's words?

The little fox bared its teeth in a threat, but its childish voice, fluffy appearance, and puffed fur made it utterly non-threatening.

The other monsters wanted to say more, but Ye Qin cut them off: 'Since it was the one who suggested it, let it go.'

However, little fox, remember: this is only scouting; prioritize your own safety. If you encounter danger, don't get involved—just run.

The little fox's cultivation level is low, so it has never been able to leave the mountain, only able to wistfully watch the outside world; this scouting trip also counts as training for it.

Ye Qin gave careful instructions; the little fox listened attentively, its snowy little head nodding repeatedly as it patted its chest firmly.

Master, rest assured, I will definitely not disappoint you.

A flash of green light passed through Ye Qin's pupils, then attached to the little fox: 'This is a bit of Spiritual Power from your master; it will keep you safe.'

With this Spiritual Power protecting it, even if the little fox's cultivation level is low, it should face no danger.

Feeling a warm current flow into its body, the little fox was overjoyed; its fluffy big tail rubbed against Ye Qin, saying, 'Thank you, Master.'

The matter was settled; the other monsters had nothing more to say.

Fearing Ye Qin might change his mind, the little fox immediately prepared to go down the mountain: 'Master, I'm going now.'

It waved its little paws, bidding farewell to the monsters.

Go, be careful.

The snowy white shadow quickly vanished into the dense forest, then turned into a tiny black dot and disappeared.

Watching its retreating back, the other monsters looked worried; the little fox was the youngest among them, having never left since birth.

Although the monsters of Longyuan Mountain often squabbled, their feelings for each other were very good.

Seeming to sense their mood, Ye Qin said, 'A fledgling hawk, once grown, must fly alone; ultimately it needs tempering.'

'The little fox has grown up now; letting it go out for some experience is good, and we can't protect it forever.'

The monsters nodded; even with myriad worries in their hearts, they could only withdraw their gaze.

At the same time, the monsters outside also received the news that Ye Qin was about to go to the Magic Capital to undergo his tribulation, with the little fox scouting ahead.

The Monkey King, Golden Eagle, Northeastern Tiger, Great Turtle, Hyena, Brown Bear, and other Great Demons all intended to go to the vicinity of the Magic Capital.

Although Ye Qin didn't need their Dharma protection, they also wanted to help him scout the path like the little fox, and clear away obstacles along the way.

These Great Demons possess heaven-reaching abilities, so they naturally won't let people easily discover their traces.

However, the little fox had just left its mountain home, unaware of the wickedness of human hearts, and lacking experience; not long after leaving Longyuan Mountain, it was targeted by someone with ulterior motives.

It was precisely a faction entrusted by Shenzhao Country; under their vast intelligence network, they knew the source of these mutations likely came from Longyuan Mountain.

Thus they had been secretly monitoring the nearby developments; they never expected to actually discover a strange creature.

Only after expending the strength of nine oxen and two tigers did they manage to catch the little fox.

'Hurry back to headquarters, contact the boss and Yoshida; the mutant creature they're looking for might very well be the one we've caught.'

Upon hearing the news, Yoshida Seiichi immediately rushed over.

Seeing the unconscious little fox inside the safe, and the five large tails behind it, his eyes lit up.

The superiors had told him to find that turtle; although he didn't find it, bringing this back would still be satisfactory.

'Heaven above, could this be the genetically mutated creature that Daxia is secretly researching?'

Whether it was the earlier turtle or the fox now with five tails, nobody thought of monsters; they assumed it was a secret weapon researched by Daxia.

The person in charge of this case was a middle-aged man, unlike the usual pot-bellied businessman; he was tall and slender, looking very shrewd.

Merchants chase profit; whoever pays is the boss.

"I don't know if it's a genetic mutation, but this creature is not simple; although small in size, it has five full tails, extremely ferocious—we spent a lot of effort to catch this animal."

Ji Tian Zhengyi understood the implication of his words and said, "What do you mean?"

"The price you offered is not enough; you need to add more money."

Watching the video of the little fox's capture, Ji Tian Zhengyi noticed that the little fox also had shimmering light on its body.

As an agent, he had naturally seen that scene of the Divine Illumination sea battle.

When the green turtle acted, similar light also lit up on its body; what was previously just speculation can now be confirmed—there is definitely some connection between these two creatures!

As long as we bring this little fox back for dissection and study, we will surely obtain many useful clues, and perhaps even crack the mutant animal gene code of Great Xia.

Ji Tian Zhengyi did not hesitate and said, "One hundred million dollars! This is the highest price I can offer."

"Mr. Ji, how generous! Then this little fox is yours—if there's more business like this in the future, don't forget me."

Both parties were fairly satisfied with this.

At this moment, the unconscious little fox didn't know it was about to board a plane to Divine Illumination Country, far off from its original destination, the Magic Capital, by a hundred thousand eighty-seven li. (End of chapter)