Chapter 190

A full month later.

Translation: "After a full month."

Inside a certain cave dwelling on Tianzhu Mountain.

Translation: "Inside a certain cave dwelling on Mount Tianzhu."

Boom!

Translation: "Boom—"

A deep, muffled sound like thunder echoed, causing a slight tremor in the cave dwelling, but thanks to the sealing barrier, it had little effect on the outside world.

Translation: "A deep, muffled sound like thunderclap caused a slight tremor in the cave dwelling, but fortunately the formation blocked it, so it had little effect on the outside world."

Yunhe slowly opened his eyes, a hint of excitement showing in his gaze.

Translation: "Yunhe slowly opened his eyes, a hint of excitement showing in his gaze."

He lightly clenched his fists, and his whole body emitted a crisp crackling sound like frying beans.

Translation: "He lightly clenched his fists, and his whole body emitted a crisp crackling sound like frying beans."

His bodily strength is comparable to that of a late-stage second-rank demon beast.

Translation: "Equivalent to the physical strength of a late-stage second‑rank demon beast."

After the auction ended, he did not immediately set out for Nanxiu Island to seek the 'Golden Ear Grass'; instead, he first swallowed the 'Shaping Blood Pill' he had obtained.

Translation: "After the auction ended, he did not immediately set out for Nan Su Island to seek the Golden Ear Grass; instead, he first swallowed the Shaping Blood Pill he had obtained at the auction."

After enduring a grueling physical ordeal, his body finally broke through its limits, reaching the level of a late-stage second-rank demon beast.

Translation: "After enduring a bout of bodily torment, his physique finally broke through its shackles, reaching the level of a late‑stage second‑rank demon beast."

This is still different from that of a body-refining cultivator.

Translation: "This is still different from that of a body‑refinement cultivator."

Like Fan Sanjin's body cultivator, though called a body cultivator, it is not purely body refinement but rather a dharma-body.

Translation: "Like Fan Sanjin, who is called a body cultivator but is not actually a pure body refiner; he is a magic body cultivator."

He tempers his flesh with magical power, supplemented by various body-refining materials.

Translation: "He forges his flesh with magical power, supplemented by various body‑refinement materials."

True body-refining cultivators are still rare in the present cultivation world.

Translation: "True body‑refinement cultivators are still rare in the present cultivation world."

Because the resources required are simply too vast.

Translation: "Because the resources required are simply too vast."

If we truly compare pure physical strength, Fan Sanjin is actually inferior to Yunhe.

Translation: "If we were to compare pure physical strength, Fan Sanjin is actually inferior to Yunhe."

Simply put, a dharma-body like Fan Sanjin's essentially means treating the body as a spiritual artifact or magic treasure and refining it through sacrifice; deep practice naturally strengthens the physique, but in most cases it is actually hard to train the body to the level of a magic treasure, let alone a spiritual artifact.

Translation: "Put simply, a magic body like Fan Sanjin's is essentially treating the body as a spiritual artifact or magic treasure to be refined; training deeply can naturally strengthen the physique, but in most cases it is actually difficult to forge the body to the level of a magic treasure, and even to that of a spiritual artifact is rare."

His strength lies in explosive bodily power for attack, not overall strength.

Translation: "His strength lies in explosive bodily power for attack, not overall strength."

But Yunhe forcibly strengthened his body using the 'Nine Turns Gourd,' employing the spiritual liquid refined from demon beast flesh, achieving an all-around enhancement.

Translation: "But Yunhe, by forcibly using the Nine Curves Gourd, strengthened his body with the spiritual liquid refined from demon beast flesh, achieving an all‑around enhancement."

Thus, Yunhe's body cultivation realm is not merely a superficial title; it means his body can now rival a spiritual artifact and is comparable to an ordinary late-stage second-rank demon beast.

Translation: "Therefore, Yunhe's body‑cultivation level is not merely a superficial title; it means his body can now rival a spiritual artifact and is comparable to an ordinary late‑stage second‑rank demon beast."

Whether some ordinary spiritual artifacts can even harm him is perhaps questionable.

Translation: "Whether some ordinary spiritual artifacts can even harm him is perhaps a question."

However, his strength lies solely in his body; he cannot, like Fan Sanjin, also master the many techniques, spells, and secret arts that dharma-body cultivators typically combine.

Translation: "However, his strength is only in the body; he cannot, like Fan Sanjin, also master many techniques, spells, and secret arts that magic‑body cultivators combine."

Of course, if Yunhe later finds a body-refining technique and cultivates it to the same level, he will surely surpass Fan Sanjin by a considerable margin.

Translation: "Of course, if Yunhe later finds a body‑refinement method and cultivates to the same level, he will surely be much stronger than Fan Sanjin."

But he is extremely satisfied with his current physical condition.

Translation: "But he is already extremely satisfied with his current physical condition."

A walking spiritual artifact—even enemies of a Golden Core cultivator would surely find it a headache.

Translation: "A walking spiritual artifact—even an enemy Golden Core cultivator would probably find it a headache."

"Now the Nine Turns Gourd should be usable again."

Translation: "\"Now, the Nine Curves Gourd should be usable again. \""

He took out a red-jade colored gourd, gave it a gentle shake; inside, the flesh of a third-rank demon beast had already been refined.

Translation: "He took out a red‑jade gourd, gave it a light shake; inside, the flesh and blood of a third‑rank demon beast had already been refined."

He had previously tried drinking its spiritual liquid, but the strength of the refined third-rank demon beast flesh was exaggerated; even a single sip made his whole body feel scorching and unbearable, with his meridians and muscles tearing with pain, clearly because his then-current physique could not withstand such energy.

Translation: "He had previously tried drinking its spiritual liquid, but the strength of the third‑rank demon beast's refined flesh was simply too great; merely sipping a mouthful made his whole body feel scorching and unbearable, with his meridians and muscles transmitting tearing pain, clearly because his then‑current physique could not withstand such energy."

But now, he took another small sip.

Translation: "But now, he took another small sip."

Although he still felt a burning sensation all over, the tearing-like pain had greatly subsided and was now fully within his tolerance.

Translation: "Although he still felt a burning sensation all over, the tearing‑like pain had greatly subsided and was now fully within his tolerance."

The blood and flesh refined in the Nine Turns Gourd are quite different from simply eating demon beast meat.

Translation: "The flesh and blood refined by the Nine Curves Gourd are still quite different from simply eating demon beast meat."

"Tsk."

Translation: "\"Tsk. \""

Yunhe couldn't help but smack his lips, looking at the gourd in his hand and sighing:

Translation: "Yunhe couldn't help smacking his lips, looking at the gourd in his hand he sighed:"

"It's clearly meant as a demonic artifact for demon bodies, yet even the spiritual liquid refined from third-rank demon beast flesh helps demon bodies hardly at all, instead benefiting cultivators."

Translation: "\"It should obviously be a demonic artifact prepared for the demon beast body, yet even the spiritual liquid refined from third‑rank demon beast flesh helps the demon beast body hardly at all—instead it benefits the cultivator body. \""

After all, the physical strength of a demon body and that of a cultivator are on entirely different levels; Yunhe reckons even whether an ordinary late-stage third-rank demon beast's body can compare to a demon body is questionable.

Translation: "After all, the physical strength of a demon beast body and that of a cultivator body are not on the same level; Yunhe reckons that even whether an ordinary late‑stage third‑rank demon beast's body can compare to a demon beast body is questionable."

The hardships he endured in the 'Demon Washing Pool' those years were not for nothing.

Translation: "The hardships he endured in the \"Demon‑Washing Pool\" those years were not for nothing."

Nevertheless, Yunhe still did not rise.

Translation: "Nevertheless, Yunhe still did not rise."

One reason is that he needs to familiarize himself with the changes in his physique; the other is that the 'Sever Immortal Strategy' on the demon body side is finally about to be completed!

Translation: "One reason is that he needs to familiarize himself with the changes in his flesh; the other is that the \"Sever Immortal Strategy\" on the demon beast side is finally about to be completed!"

The demon beast world.

Translation: "Demon Beast World."

Inside the cave dwelling.

Translation: "Inside the cave dwelling."

"Hiss!"

Translation: "\"Hiss—\""

Within a cluster of black demonic flame, a strategy book emitting a bright white fluorescence continuously leapt about in the fire.

Translation: "Within a cluster of black demonic flame, a booklet glowing with bright white fluorescence leapt about constantly in the fire."

At times it unfurled like a blank scroll; at other times it contracted to the size of a palm.

Translation: "At times it unfurled like a blank scroll, at times it contracted to the size of a palm‑sized booklet."

"Success!"

Translation: "\"Done! \""

When the 'Black Demon Purifying Fire' could no longer alter the book strategy, Yunhe's claw lightly scratched the tip of his claw scales, sending a thread of faint blood essence flying toward the strategy.

Translation: "After the Mysterious Demon Purifying Fire could no longer affect the booklet, Yunhe's claw lightly scratched the tip of his claw's scale, and a thread of feeble essence‑blood flew toward the booklet."

Whoosh—

Translation: "Rattle—"

The dark fire retracted, and the strategy, like a dried sponge, absorbed that strand of blood essence completely.

Translation: "The mysterious fire retracted inward, and the booklet, like a dried sponge, absorbed that thread of essence‑blood completely."

In an instant, a peculiar aura rose from the strategy; the originally snow-white strategy was completely dyed black in the blink of an eye.

Translation: "In an instant, a peculiar aura rose from the booklet, and the originally snow‑white booklet was completely dyed black in the blink of an eye."

Furthermore, on the cover of the strategy, a phantom of a black tortoise almost identical to Yunhe appeared, imprinted upon it.

Translation: "Furthermore, on the cover of the booklet appeared a phantom of a Mysterious Tortoise almost identical to Yunhe, imprinted upon it."

"Roar—"

Translation: "\"Roar—\""

From the strategy, a faint, ethereal roar of the black tortoise could be heard.

Translation: "From the booklet came a faint, distant roar of the Mysterious Tortoise."

The next moment.

Translation: "The next moment."

Yunhe slightly opened his mouth; the strategy, as if summoned, flew toward his mouth and instantly appeared in his qi sea dantian.

Translation: "Yunhe slightly opened his mouth; the booklet, as if summoned, flew toward his mouth and instantly appeared in his Qi Sea Dantian."

After a brief hesitation, it plunged into a core pellet.

Translation: "After a brief hesitation, it plunged headfirst into a inner pill."

At the same time.

Translation: "At the same time."

Yunhe finally felt the stagnant demonic power within his body begin to circulate along the cultivation path of the 'Black Demon Sever Immortal Strategy'.

Translation: "Yunhe finally felt the stagnant demonic power within his body begin to circulate along the cultivation path of the Mysterious Demon Sever Immortal Strategy."

And before completing a single circuit, he could already sense his demonic power becoming purer and more substantial.

Translation: "And before completing even a single circuit, he could already sense his demonic power becoming purer and more solid."

Although not very obvious, his demonic awareness could clearly perceive it.

Translation: "Although not very obvious, his demon sense could clearly perceive it."

The 'Camel Mountain Secret' is a technique emphasizing the body over demonic power, whereas the 'Black Demon Sever Immortal Strategy' is a method wholly focused on demonic power.

Translation: "\"The Tuo Mountain Secret\" is a technique that emphasizes the body over demonic power, whereas the \"Mysterious Demon Sever Immortal Strategy\" is a method that focuses entirely on demonic power."

And what made Yunhe most delighted was that he could actually cultivate both techniques simultaneously!

Translation: "And what made Yunhe happiest was that he could actually cultivate both techniques simultaneously!"

No need to switch cultivation at all!

As soon as his thought moves, the demonic power originally operating according to the Camel Mountain Secret method can instantly switch to the operating method of the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique.

They are completely non-conflicting.

This also means that, if he has a suitable cultivation method, he can fully cultivate another one.

Just the secret techniques and means that accompany the cultivation method will make him stronger than demon beasts cultivating the same demon clan method.

But for now this is just a thought, as there is no suitable cultivation method.

But this Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique is enough for him to squander on for now.

As the Intercept Immortal Strategy is infused into his inner elixir, he can formally cultivate the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique.

Profound Demon Illusory Form!

He lightly patted his two claws, and immediately his appearance changed.

One moment he took the form of a black tortoise, the next a dragon tortoise, and then he transformed into the likeness of the great Ao that carries Mount Tai.

This is a secret technique of the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique.

Actually, just like the Profound Demon Purifying Fire, it can be used even without the Intercept Immortal Strategy.

However, when used it merely creates an illusion, with no substantive effect.

No, it cannot be said to be purely an illusion, because it also has substance, and the transformed likeness is enough to be indistinguishable from the real thing.

But after all, it can only confuse the line of sight, lacking any corresponding ability.

However, this secret technique is one of the most important secret techniques of the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique.

Only by combining it with the Intercept Immortal Strategy can its maximum effect be exerted.

Accurately speaking, it is the Intercept Immortal Strategy after taking the demon beast's essence blood.

"It seems that on the island only Qingyao's essence blood can meet the requirement. The little fox should also barely suffice, but three tails is a bit lacking; breaking through to the Third Stage should be about right."

But Qingyao is still just a little azure bird now; although its cultivation base rises not slowly, asking it for essence blood now is indeed somewhat difficult for it.

Then Yunhe somewhat embarrassedly discovered that, it seems, even if he has the Intercept Immortal Strategy, he cannot truly perform the Profound Demon Illusory Form.

Actually, he could also settle for second best; for example, that previous Thunder-Horn Mystic Crystal Crocodile is not an ordinary demon beast, possessing its own peculiarities; if its essence blood were collected into the Intercept Immortal Strategy to extract its ability, it could also exert some effect.

But

To be frank, Yunhe really doesn't think highly of the Thunder-Horn Mystic Crystal Crocodile; although it has its merits, in many aspects, whether its lightning ability or scale armor defense, there is a certain overlap with Yunhe's own abilities.

Moreover, the Intercept Immortal Strategy can only accommodate a limited number of demon beast essence bloods, at most nine types.

Giving a slot to the Thunder-Horn Mystic Crystal Crocodile, which overlaps with many of his own abilities, is really not necessary.

However, even if he cannot truly use the Profound Demon Illusory Form, he can still cultivate the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique, which includes many powerful arts and secret techniques to study, as well as many demonic artifacts that can be refined.

"The essence blood of a true spirit is undoubtedly the best, but it is hard to come by; requirements can be appropriately lowered."

"The Intercept Immortal Strategy requires demon beast essence blood; if in the future we can smoothly find the missing part of the Great Longevity Great Five Elements True Scripture, condensing a Five Elements Spirit Body, or even a Great Five Elements Spirit Body, also requires demon beast essence blood."

"Feeling like we're up against demon beast essence blood."

Yunhe silently complained.

The Yunshang Realm, the cave dwelling on Tianzhu Mountain.

Profound Demon Illusory Form!

Yunhe formed hand seals, and the domineering mana circulated inside his body via an extremely peculiar method of operation; at the same time he felt a faint pain transmitting from his meridians and body.

However, as this secret technique was deployed, his appearance quickly changed, becoming virtually identical to the Tiandu Gu Corpse beside him!

"Even my body, comparable to a late Second Stage demon beast, feels uncomfortable; no wonder it's a demon clan secret technique."

Yunhe twitched the corner of his mouth and dispelled the transformation technique.

For a Cultivator Body lacking the Intercept Immortal Strategy and unable to cultivate the Profound Demon Intercept Immortal Technique, this secret technique is merely a transformation illusion technique.

At most, it is just a bit harder to see through than other illusion-body techniques.

"If we could obtain a wisp of a cultivator's essence blood and mana, the Profound Demon Illusory Form should be able to disguise itself more convincingly."

Yunhe shook his head and did not take it too much to heart.

After all, it is a secret technique mastered by the Demon Beast Body; once he becomes somewhat familiar and accustomed to it, he can use it—many skills do not burden the body, and there may be times when it proves useful.

He rose.

He walked toward the gu chamber.

After several months of devouring and digestion, the Corpse Soul Gu has finally undergone metamorphosis to a great extent.

In such a large gu chamber, finally only a single Corpse Soul Gu remained.

Its appearance hasn't changed much; if anything, the tiny insect's head now has two more slender antennae, drooping, whose function is temporarily unknown.

Originally grayish-white in appearance, its color has now deepened somewhat.

Besides that, there seems to be no significant change.

Because the accidental birth of the Corpse Soul Gu was due to Yunhe's distracted mind merging into it, the gu bears no hostility toward Yunhe; on the contrary, it shows affection.

"Huh?"

Yunhe was somewhat surprised.

Because he discovered that the aura of this Corpse Soul Gu seems to reveal the aura of the beast soul it previously devoured.

"Does it have the ability to disguise itself after devouring a divine soul?"

Yunhe gently rubbed his chin, then placed it alone into a gu bag and fed it some food.

Gu worms like the Corpse Soul Gu need to reach a certain number before they can display their true abilities; there's no need to rush development and exploration.

Afterward he went to the spirit worm chamber, simply checked the condition of the Crimson Shadow Golden-Winged Bees, and then collected them all into the spirit worm bag.

All matters being settled, it's time to go find Gold Ear Grass to refine the Spirit Ear Pill.

Since breaking through to Golden Core, due to the weakening of the spirit body's effect, plus the sacrifice refinement of his natal magic treasure, his cultivation base's increase speed is truly worrying even to Yunhe himself.

Even if he has a long lifespan, he still hopes his cultivation base can rise as quickly as possible.

He finished tidying the cave dwelling.

Yunhe directly left Cloud Palace City, heading south to South Lodging Island.

(End of chapter)