Chapter 285

Gusts surged, the leaves of the towering trees around shook nonstop; for a moment wind and sand blinded the eyes, as if heaven and earth suddenly darkened, even the ancient vines nearby were blown into a clattering sound, twisting into strange shapes.

A huge shadow fell from the heavens without any sign, an ineffable pressure spreading everywhere, making it hard for people to breathe.

Seeing that shadow, several figures in the thicket froze in place, not daring to breathe, the air seemed to hit pause, and everyone showed a look of surprise.

It was a huge bird, pitch black except for gold feathers!

Its body was slender; if its wings were fully spread, it would be over ten meters long!

The feathers on its wings seemed forged of steel, clinking, with faint rays of light leaping in midair, as if its whole body glittered with flowing light.

The giant bird's sharp eyes swept over the troop, like a high deity looking down on ants.

A suffocating feeling surged into their hearts, as if their blood had turned to ice.

Its appearance was utterly sudden; no one had anticipated any of this.

One moment they were discussing matters of the Longyuan Mountain Range, the next a domineering great demon descended before them.

Even those eloquent elders who held their own against foreign diplomats were struck mute, their pupils shrinking to pinpoints, their faces turning grim.

The ferocious bird's aura was so terrifying that everyone stood frozen.

Seeing these people as motionless as wood, the hunter falcon flashed a hint of impatience: "Why are you here again?"

The ancient hunter falcon spoke in human words: "Another new great demon has appeared, unrecorded in any files—Longyuan Mountain truly hides tigers and dragons."

Though this fierce bird resembles the golden eagle from Changbai Mountain, anyone can tell the species differ, yet their aura and pressure are extraordinary.

Even with preparations made, seeing a new great demon still inevitably brings some shock and awe.

Feeling the hunter falcon's dreadful aura, everyone got goosebumps, but years of diplomatic poise and experience let them hold their breath and regain composure.

"Great Demon, we came to Longyuan Mountain not to intrude intentionally but to discuss in detail the follow‑up to the earlier Mountain City talks."

Hearing this, the hunter falcon frowned slightly; though it had not personally attended the talks, it knew of them, and Ye Qin also valued them greatly.

The hunter falcon's attitude eased a little, it relaxed its aura, no longer oppressive, and asked, "What do you want to tell the Master?"

Seeing a chance, everyone's hearts leapt with joy, they hurriedly stated their purpose: "After our investigation we found the Demon Master's words were not false; we came hoping to"

After hearing their words, the hunter falcon's beastly eyes widened slightly, and its fierce aura dissipated considerably.

Wait, did it hear wrong?!

Build a training hall?

Ask for the most basic cultivation techniques, formations, elixirs, and such.

Invite many great demons to come down from the mountains to teach?

And agree to all demands?!

The hunter falcon's expression grew strange; although many demons dwell in the deep mountains, under Ye Qin's teaching they also know the outside world.

Greater Xia is vast and resource‑rich, with a huge population; for such a country to say it can meet all of Longyuan Mountain's demands shows its sincerity.

Even the hunter falcon had to be cautious: "You wait here; I will report to the Master."

The hunter falcon spread its wings and rose; winds surged again between heaven and earth, and soon its huge form became a tiny black dot, vanishing from sight.

Watching the hunter falcon's retreating shadow, everyone's eyes were filled with apprehension and unease.

An elder in the party whispered: "Will those great demons of Longyuan Mountain agree to our terms?"

No one could answer that; all they could do now was wait.

Mountain winds brushed past, pine waves rose and fell; unlike the outside turmoil, Longyuan Mountain was like a secluded paradise, peaceful and tranquil.

Several great demons gathered together, with Ye Qin at the center, existing like stars surrounding the moon.

The hunter falcon bowed respectfully and said, "People outside have already believed what the Master said, and now they come seeking help."

After hearing the hunter falcon's report, Ye Qin's expression unchanged; everything was as he expected, only Greater Xia's actions were faster than he imagined.

It was confirmed this quickly—no wonder it's the nation's capability.

He guessed Greater Xia would come again, since he had only given a basic cultivation manual; if a heavenly catastrophe truly arrived, it would be utterly insufficient.

Regarding those requests, Ye Qin had also predicted that the Greater Xia high officials would prepare nothing, hoping to rely on their own strength to survive this calamity—fundamentally impossible.

Only by joining forces with Longyuan Mountain and using the demons' divine abilities could it be humanity's best choice.

A heavenly catastrophe would be an unprecedented disaster for both humans and demons, but these matters are too shocking; Ye Qin did not expect that a few words from him would make the Greater Xia high leadership believe.

Originally he planned to continue contact later, hoping to reach an agreement with the authorities; even if this group hadn't come, Ye Qin would still seek out humans to talk.

"Expected, yet beyond expectation—I originally thought they'd come only after a while."

During this period Ye Qin was in retreat, paying little heed to outside news.

The Northeast Tiger at his side spoke slowly: "I've heard some rumors about this; it seems related to the recent exam."

Hearing that, Ye Qin showed interest: "Where does this come from?"

"To test whether the Master's cultivation method works, the Greater Xia high officials blended it into the college entrance exam; after the exam, a few students reportedly showed abnormal behavior, the authorities suppressed the news, claiming it was just stress, but I think they actually grasped it."

The Northeast Tiger's information is the most reliable, and with many demons occasionally wandering outside, knowing this is no trouble.

Ye Qin showed an expression of understanding: "So that's it."

He said the officials' speed came from putting it in the entrance exam to test it; though risky, it was still a sound plan.

After all, the cultivation manual he gave has an age limit; the youngest large group now are none other than the exam takers.

"It's thanks to the Greater Xia High Officials being able to come up with this method in such a short time; I don't know whose idea it was, but it's truly innovative."

Ye Qin couldn't help but feel moved, and his expression also revealed a hint of appreciation.

In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are naturally called for.

The High Officials' decisive and swift actions left Ye Qin quite satisfied.

After all, humans and demons will join forces in the future, and he also hopes his teammates will be clear-headed, not merely relying on the demons and becoming a burden.

"What are your thoughts?"

Faced with Ye Qin's inquiry, the many Great Demons exchanged glances.

Since humanity here sincerely seeks the Dao, and even speaks of sparing no expense, it shows they come with sincerity; in that case, us coming down the mountain to help is not out of the question.

Although they are not of our kind, their hearts must differ.

But when heaven and earth face catastrophe, we all care for earthly beings, and we live together in Great Xia, breathing the same air; we ought to help each other and survive the disaster together.

Earlier, Ye Qin had already analyzed the pros and cons for them.

Thus the Great Demons all understand the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold'; helping humans helps the demon race, after all, many humans mean great strength, and many ants can still bite down an elephant.

The cultivation civilization is ancient; relying solely on the demon race's strength cannot match them head-on. Though humanity is weak, its numbers are large, and if humans join, the odds of victory will surely increase.

The Great Demons need not worry about any human tricks; before their overwhelming strength, all schemes are mere clouds. Now, with their cultivation level, humans cannot shake them at all.

Even if we teach a batch of human cultivators, what then? The innate gap stands here, and we need not fear that teaching apprentices will starve the master.

Moreover, with a great calamity approaching, if humans still indulge in internal strife, without them lifting a finger, this group is digging its own grave.

Ye Qin nodded in satisfaction, 'You can have such a broad perspective; as your teacher, I am truly gratified, it seems I have not taught you in vain.'

'Mutual benefit and coexistence, reciprocal gain—this is the best strategy.'

'Even so, summon all the Great Demons; I have an important announcement to make.'

At Longyuan Mountain, many Great Demons reside; it's impossible for all monsters to descend the mountain. Some want to go out, some do not, so we naturally need to discuss it properly.

'Roar!'

The Northeast Tiger let out a roar, instantly shaking the earth and mountains; the Great Demons who had been in secluded cultivation received the signal and rushed out of their dens.

Soon, the surrounding open ground was completely filled with Great Demons, all looking toward Ye Qin, unaware of what had happened.

'Great Xia has come to visit, requesting the Great Demons descend the mountain to teach; what do you think?'

Many monsters' eyes lit up; after all, cultivation is dull, many Great Demons want to go out for experience, and they immediately volunteered, 'Master, I want to go.'

Hearing this, the yellow weasel beside him wore a scornful expression, 'Forget it; when you listened to the master's lecture, you were half-asleep, yet you want to go out and teach others—don't mislead the disciples. If anyone should go, it should be me!'

The jackal immediately retorted, 'What can you teach the yellow weasel? How to steal chickens?'

The fox shook its head beside them, 'You're all poor students; big brother, don't laugh at second brother. I think this matter should be taught by me.'

'You're all incapable; I should be the one to go!'

The many Great Demons argued until their faces flushed and ears red; having been students for so long, they also wanted to taste being teachers.

There were also those who disliked the bustle, preferring solitary cultivation, quietly watching them argue.

Ye Qin felt somewhat helpless; in the end he stepped forward, selecting disciples with exceptionally strong cultivation and relatively steady temperaments to send down the mountain, and besides that, he conducted a series of discussions on the details.

The elixirs and formations that Great Xia seeks can naturally be given, but it's impossible to hand them all over at once; the monsters will surely keep some trump cards hidden.

In the Longyuan Mountain Range, Ye Qin was still discussing the details with the many Great Demons, while in the outer region, Wang Xuehao and the other personnel waited anxiously.

One of the elders waiting was so anxious he couldn't stay still, pacing back and forth; his companion couldn't help but say, 'I tell you, Old Chen, stop wandering about aimlessly—you're making my eyes dizzy.'

The person called Old Chen gazed into the distance, his expression full of worry, 'I'm not just worried; it's been so long, why is there still no news?'

Watching the sun gradually set, he let out a heavy sigh, 'Could it be that they intend to refuse us?'

'They are among the earliest batch of Great Xia's diplomatic veterans; can't they stay calm?'

Beside him, the elder stared fixedly at the direction the falcon had departed, not blinking an eye.

Old Chen saw his appearance and couldn't help but roll his eyes, 'You still have the nerve to say I'm not calm? Take a look at yourself first.'

Actually, the falcon's departure was only an hour or so, but to them it felt like a century had passed, each second exceptionally agonizing.

As individuals capable of being top-tier diplomatic members, their psychological resilience needs no elaboration; everyone had long gone without experiencing such emotion.

Now everyone feels anxious and uneasy, after all, this matter concerns the future of all of Great Xia and the fate of over a billion people.

Yet they have no confidence or certainty in this matter, holding no trump cards; the monsters are resourceful and inscrutable—what could Great Xia possibly have that they would find appealing?

If Longyuan Mountain's existence refuses them, they truly do not know how to return and face the higher leadership.

Recalling the earnest expectations of the former leaders, everyone's heart felt as if pressed by a boulder, unable to breathe.

As the sun set and darkness fell, everyone had not yet received word; they feared the Great Demons couldn't find the spot and dared not move, so they simply camped where they were.

All night passed without a word, still no news; as dawn rose, everyone continued waiting, and even those who were normally composed now had their expressions replaced by anxiety.

After a day of waiting with no word, the group's atmosphere grew ever more silent; though some had spoken earlier, encouraging each other, eventually only a deathlike silence spread, like stagnant water.

When night fell again, many of the elderly could no longer endure.

After days of arduous travel, plus this waiting, the environment and conditions were poor; their spirits were intensely tense, their bodies utterly exhausted, causing these elderly people to collapse.

All they could do was begin taking turns to rest.

But even during rest, any rustle of wind or grass would startle them, prompting them to hastily lift their heads and look around.

Every time a bird flew by or an animal inadvertently passed, all they gained was endless disappointment, until even their bodies developed a conditioned reflex.

But that enormous vicious bird never appeared again, as if it had merely been a dream they had.

On the fourth night, finally someone could no longer contain themselves.

'You say, did that earlier Great Demon actually send word, or could it be they're just playing with us?'

A voiceless silence spread, and no one could make it out.

Old Chen drew a deep breath, trembling as he took up his walking stick, his eyes bloodshot, veins filling his pupils, 'No, waiting like this isn't an option; I must go see the situation!'

Seeing this, the others hurried to dissuade him, 'Old Chen, calm down; your body can't take much more, so don't act further.'

'Yeah, you really can't find a way out; if something happens to you, wouldn't that make us worry?'

Old Chen strained to break free, 'Don't stop me, let me go! You don't know what this mission means for Great Xia?! Four days have passed with no word, I can't wait here any longer!'

'Now four days have passed; those outside waiting for our reply are probably going mad!'

'I want to go to Longyuan Mountain to find those Great Demons; even if I die on the road, it's better than waiting here idle!'

As he said that, many people's eyes reddened, their hearts deeply moved.

'Old Chen is right; waiting here isn't a solution, even if we die on the road it's worthwhile—bring me along!'

'Me too, I'll go with you to look for them!'

If I had known it would turn out like this, we shouldn't have been waiting here aimlessly from the start.

Seeing that Lao Chen couldn't be dissuaded, quite a few people in the team were instead led astray by him, clamoring to enter the jungle.

If it were just the beginning, that would be fine, but now they've spent too much time and energy; their physical condition simply won't allow them to continue a long trek, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.

Wang Xuehao urged them strongly, "Everyone calm down; why don't we go out first, recover our strength, then talk—continuing to go deeper like this is really too dangerous!"

I can understand how you feel, but you are rare talents of our Great Xia; the superiors have warned that there must be no mishap whatsoever, otherwise I won't be able to answer for it.

Just wait a bit longer; maybe a miracle will appear.

It's a pity that nobody listened to the advice; waiting these few days has exhausted all their patience.

"Team Leader Wang, I know you mean well, but we've made up our minds, so please stop saying that."

Just as everyone was arguing in a tangled mass, a doubtful voice suddenly rang out.

"What are you guys doing?"

This voice was a bit rough and not pleasant to hear, yet to everyone it sounded like heavenly music.

Could it be...?!

Everyone shuddered, hurriedly looking toward the source of the sound, but all they saw was sand and wind filling the sky, accompanied by the rustling of leaves, endless gusts surging upward—nothing like a huge creature.

The dim sky suddenly flashed with a streak of light, followed immediately by metallic-looking feathers appearing in their view.

Lao Chen, who had been holding a walking stick, threw it aside in his excitement.

Looking at the descending ferocious raptor, it still appeared immensely imposing, yet to them it seemed kind and approachable, so much that they wished to step forward for close contact.

Everyone stared for a moment, then burst into wild joy.

They've come!

They've finally come!

(End of chapter)