Qiu Zu: From an apprentice in a medicine shop to an immortal ancestor.

Chapter 187: The Qiu Family Has a Great Demon! Red Dragon Mountain Lord

Changle Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, the back courtyard of the yamen.

That night, the small courtyard was brightly lit.

A general wearing black armor rushed into the small courtyard.

The book boy heard the movement and came out to greet him from afar.

"Brother Yuan, Gongzi is waiting for you in the study."

"En!"

Wei Yuan nodded and greeted the book boy, then went straight into the study.

"Greetings, Gongzi."

"Brother Yuan, have a seat!"

Wei Tanzhi was very familiar with the visitor.

Both surnamed "Wei", the two had a deep connection, both from the Kyoto Wei Family, they were family, knew each other since childhood, and were very close.

However, Wei Tanzhi was from the main lineage, while Wei Yuan was from a branch lineage of the Kyoto Wei Family.

Wei Yuan was six or seven years older than Wei Tanzhi, over forty years old, and his Martial Arts cultivation had reached the "Innate Inner Scenery Realm", with the potential to break through to the Martial Arts Grandmaster realm. He was considered a young talent, a prominent figure from the Kyoto Wei Family, and was also training in the Demon Suppression Division.

A few days ago, Wei Tanzhi's Martial Arts broke through, reaching the "Heaven and Man Communion" realm, becoming a half-step Grandmaster. Coupled with the great功 he had achieved in the "Immortal Trace Secret Realm" battle by killing a large number of Cultivators, the imperial court was not stingy with rewards. He was promoted one rank, reaching the fourth rank, and a batch of Congenital experts were transferred to the Changle Prefecture Demon Suppression Division to strengthen the imperial court's prestige.

Wei Yuan was one of the Congenital experts transferred to the Demon Suppression Division.

Furthermore, the Kyoto Wei Family had assigned Wei Yuan to Changle Prefecture to assist Wei Tanzhi.

Currently, Wei Yuan was transferred to the position of Deputy Commander of the Changle Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, a fifth-rank official, second only to Wei Tanzhi, and was the true second-in-command of the Demon Suppression Division.

"Brother Yuan, today, was there any movement in Qiu Family Village?"

"Yes, the Demon King did send a demon over."

Wei Yuan was thin, with a wasp waist and ape arms, and a pair of tiger eyes. Unlike Wei Tanzhi, who had large, yellow eyes, his eyes were like those of an eagle, sharp and piercing. At this moment, his gaze was distant, and his expression was complex:

"However, there was no movement. We only saw the demon go in, but none came out. There was no movement all afternoon."

Wei Tanzhi was originally leisurely sipping tea, looking like he was watching a good show. Upon hearing this, he was slightly surprised:

"No movement all afternoon?"

Others might not know, but Wei Tanzhi knew that his cousin had cultivated the Heavenly Eye Divine Power, one of the "Five Divine Powers". He could see clearly from several miles away, even ten miles, and see through illusions. The movements in Qiu Family Village would definitely not escape his divine eye.

"That's right, the back mountain of Qiu Family Village is shrouded in clouds and mist. Even I cannot see clearly. Apart from the initial burst of fire that seemed to indicate a fierce battle, I have no idea what happened afterward."

After speaking, Wei Yuan thought of something and added:

"The two demons who went with it suddenly fled in panic in the afternoon. The demon who entered Qiu Family Village is likely in grave danger."

Wei Tanzhi remained calm and asked:

"What was the strength of the demon that entered Qiu Family Village?"

Wei Yuan's expression was solemn: "It was a Fire Hawk demon, with the strength of a Great Demon Generals."

"There was such a thing."

Wei Tanzhi was slightly startled in his heart, and the playful look of watching the excitement on his face disappeared completely.

Fire Hawk were strong local demon race, always considered one of the most troublesome demons in the eyes of local Martial Masters. They were born with the divine ability to control demonic fire and could fly and move as fast as the wind, making them extremely difficult to deal with.

Many times, human Martial Masters could only passively take hits when facing Fire Hawk demons, finding it difficult to fight back.

Ordinary Fire Hawk little demons were extremely difficult to deal with, let alone a Great Demon Generals comparable to the "Innate Inner Scenery Realm".

Honestly, if he hadn't comprehended the "Heaven and Man Communion" and didn't have the flying divine armor bestowed by his clan, he probably wouldn't have gained any advantage in front of a Great Demon Generals Fire Hawk demon.

Such a powerful demon, after entering Qiu Family Village, died silently...

Wei Tanzhi frowned:

"This afternoon, I was ordered by General Xu to visit Pharmacist An at the An Residence."

Wei Yuan's eagle-like eyes became even sharper:

"Gongzi, this Qiu Zhen is not simple."

Wei Tanzhi nodded slightly, equally shocked in his heart.

To be able to silently and easily kill a Great Demon Generals of the Fire Hawk race, one would need at least a half-step Grandmaster in the "Heaven and Man Communion" realm to barely possess this ability.

Is Qiu Zhen a half-step Grandmaster?

Wei Tanzhi shook his head, dispelling this absurd thought.

Two months ago, when he saw Qiu Zhen possessing the [Xiantian Zhengang] cultivation in Guangling City market, although he was inexplicably surprised, he thought that with his fate and deep fortune, having such cultivation, while astonishing, was still within the normal range.

After one or two months, for Qiu Zhen to first advance to Congenital Inner Scenery, and then leap to become a "half-step Grandmaster", that would be a complete fantasy, absolutely impossible.

"It seems we underestimated him. Behind him, besides An Jishi, there is probably another Martial Arts Grandmaster or Great Demon protecting him."

After speaking, Wei Tanzhi said leisurely:

"With a Martial Arts Grandmaster and Great Demon protecting him, Qiu Zhen is either the reincarnation of the Dragon Lord or has a great background and possesses an extraordinary fate."

"What Gongzi said coincides with what I thought."

Wei Yuan nodded, agreeing with Wei Tanzhi's judgment. However, at this moment, he, who was usually decisive, hesitated slightly.

Whether it was the "reincarnated body of the Dragon Lord" or another background, possibly involving "Martial Arts Grandmaster" and "Great Demon", these were all matters of great consequence, affecting the whole situation. They were not things that the Changle Prefecture Demon Suppression Division could casually handle.

"Gongzi, the follow-up to this matter..."

"We don't need to intervene in the follow-up. After getting the news, the Demon King in the mountain will probably react more strongly than us."

A faint smile appeared on Wei Tanzhi's face, very satisfied with his tactic of "driving wolves to devour tigers". After thinking for a moment, he pointed to the scroll and said:

"Liang Yin is just a small fry, her father Liang Wei is the big fish. General Xu has ordered a full investigation into Liang Wei, and we must get our hands on the [Dragon Lord Dan Shu]. This matter is of great importance, reaching the ears of the heavens, and the official family in Kyoto is paying close attention. There must be no mistakes. You should also focus your efforts on this matter from now on. There are already some clues."

There are clues about Liang Wei?

Upon hearing "reaching the ears of the heavens" and that the Son of Heaven was paying close attention, Wei Yuan immediately straightened his posture:

"Gongzi, is the rumor true?"

Wei Tanzhi's expression was distant:

"Who knows..."

—

Qiu Zhen Valley, the small courtyard at the foot of the mountain.

"I want to become a Great Demon! A world-shaking Great Demon."

"Awoo awoo awoo awoo awoo!"

Under the moonlight, Bai Shu removed his illusionary technique and reverted to his white fox form, howling at the moon, venting his inner ambition.

While venting, he inhaled the moonlight, causing Spiritual Light to surge around Bai Shu's body, his eyes filled with anticipation:

"Gongzi, I have finished adjusting my breath, and my entire aura has reached peak condition."

"Excellent!"

Qiu Zhen nodded slightly, very satisfied.

Bai Shu was always motivated.

Back then, when he accidentally encountered him cultivating immortal methods in the mountain, if it were an ordinary demon, it would either sneak attack in secret, hoping for a big gain from a small investment, or play it safe and flee.

Bai Shu, however, was completely different from other demons. Contrary to common sense, it kowtowed and sought the Dao.

Facts proved that Bai Shu's choice was not wrong. It leaped from an ordinary Wind Fox to a Wind Thunder Spirit Fox, possessing the strength of a Congenital Demon Generals, a leap in strength and bloodline.

And now, Bai Shu chose to take a gamble again, daring to swallow the inner elixir of the Fire Hawk Great Demon Generals to stimulate its bloodline power, in pursuit of a leap in life level.

As the essence of a demon's life, swallowing the inner elixir of others to improve oneself was common among the demon race.

Survival of the fittest, the law of nature.

This was Bai Shu's first time swallowing a demon's inner elixir, and he was full of anticipation and eagerness:

"Gongzi, where is the demon core?"

"Fussy and impatient, haste makes waste."

Qiu Zhen shook his head.

In the wild mountains, most demons were not very particular. After obtaining a demon core, they would find a hidden place or have their kin protect them, and then they would swallow the inner elixir raw and forcefully refine it, using crude methods.

This was certainly feasible.

However, the demon core is the life essence of another demon, containing turbid evil qi and the demon's obsession. It may seem harmless for a while, but it hides potential dangers. When reaching a high realm, it may turn into a difficult bottleneck, causing one to waste time and make no progress.

This is like processing medicinal herbs.

A processed demon core is more suitable for consumption.

Qiu Zhen had learned the [Guo Wenju Beast Taming Immortal Method] and was well-versed in this. Naturally, he would not let Bai Shu casually swallow the demon core.

He spent the entire afternoon personally refining the demon core with the golden essence of his original spirit, removing impurities and refining the demon's obsession.

While speaking, Qiu Zhen extended his hand, and a demon core emitting a fiery red light appeared in his hand.

Unlike before, the demonic light on the demon core had completely disappeared, replaced by an orange-red, scorching light.

Qiu Zhen sat cross-legged, holding the "demon core" in his hand, and used his divine sense to transfer it through the air.

Bai Shu jumped three feet high, disregarding the heat emanating from the demon core, and swallowed it in one gulp.

"Gulp!"

"Ah ah ah ah~"

Bai Shu, who was smiling just a moment before swallowing the demon core, immediately changed his expression upon the demon core entering his mouth, revealing a look of pain.

His eyes were bloodshot, his face contorted,

With a "thump".

Bai Shu fell to the ground, rolling around continuously and kicking his legs wildly, looking incredibly pained.

"Awoo awoo awoo awoo~"

Immediately afterward, Bai Shu's heartbreaking howls echoed through the valley.

If it weren't for Qiu Zhen's formation concealing it, it would probably disturb Qiu Qing and Liang Yin, who were also resting in the valley.

"Go... Gongzi, is Boss Bai Shu alright..."

Xiao Zaozi looked at Bai Shu's pained appearance, his face full of worry.

"It's alright, this is the price that must be paid for swallowing a demon core."

Qiu Zhen's expression was calm, and he did not intervene out of pity for Bai Shu.

If one cannot even endure a little pain, how can they refine a demon core?

Moreover, this demon core had been refined by him, without turbid evil qi and the demon's obsession. The "medicinal power" of the inner elixir was relatively gentle, so the pain Bai Shu suffered was much less than others.

"Oh oh."

Xiao Zaozi nodded obediently, then said with certainty:

"Gongzi, I won't eat demon cores. I'll honestly eat Spiritual Energy Essence and small immortal beast pills to improve my cultivation."

"You don't need to."

Qiu Zhen couldn't help but laugh.

Xiao Zaozi's true form was the辟邪雷击木, a top-tier divine wood in the world. Ordinary wood essence and tree hearts couldn't help him improve further.

Furthermore, he didn't need to be overly aggressive.

Xiao Zaozi's cultivation talent was much better than Bai Shu's, not just by a little bit.

With the same cultivation resources, or even fewer resources (Bai Shu's "coaxing and deceiving" treasure absorbing method), and not as diligent in cultivation as Bai Shu, his cultivation was far superior to Bai Shu's.

The path of cultivation is just that mysterious.

Fast is slow, and slow is also fast.

Great foolishness is great wisdom, and great wisdom is also great foolishness.

Xiao Zaozi was foolish and dull, carefree, but he just cultivated quickly.

After becoming the [Heart Lord Precious Seal], perhaps due to the blessing of destiny in the unseen, Xiao Zaozi's cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.

According to Qiu Zhen's estimation, with the recent supply of large amounts of Spiritual Energy Essence and small immortal beast pills, Xiao Zaozi would soon become a "High-Grade Demon Generals", comparable to a Xiantian Zhengang Martial Master.

Perhaps, this was also the reason why Bai Shu was so determined to refine the demon core — he was stimulated by Xiao Zaozi.

"Awoo awoo awoo~"

Bai Shu rolled around frantically on the ground, tossing and turning, looking like quite a scene. However, Qiu Zhen could tell that after the demon core entered his mouth, there were no signs of rejection or cultivation deviation, indicating a normal refining process.

No one could help with the pain and tempering involved.

Qiu Zhen observed for a moment and saw that Bai Shu's condition was stable. He didn't keep staring but took out the [Mi Luo Palace] from his sleeve.

His divine sense sank in.

A divine sense message surged into his heart.

"Qingwei, I was in seclusion during the day and didn't notice your divine sense message. You said a demon came to your door to cause trouble? And an identity token?"

"That's right, the token has the three ancient demon characters [Eagle Vanguard] written on it. Do you know the origin of the other party?"

After obtaining the waist token, Qiu Zhen already had a faint guess.

This Fire Hawk Great Demon was not a "lone wolf" by himself, but was backed by a large force, a subordinate of a certain Great Demon or even a Demon King in the mountain.

Logically speaking, it would be most convenient to ask Bai Shu to inquire about the affairs in the mountain at the Shui Hui Cave.

These days, Bai Shu and Hui Great King got along well and had a good relationship, making it easy to inquire about information.

However, this move could easily expose his identity. After some consideration, he still decided to ask the knowledgeable Fairy Yun Rou.

"I naturally know this."

Fairy Yun Rou's tone was certain:

"Fire Hawk are local demons of our Yulong Mountain. There are many Fire Hawk demons who have reached a certain level of cultivation. However, if it has an identity token with ancient demon characters, then its identity is clear at a glance. He is the Eagle Vanguard under the Red Dragon Mountain Lord."

Red Dragon Mountain Lord?

Qiu Zhen suddenly understood.

The so-called "Red Dragon Mountain Lord" was the self-proclaimed title of the Flood Dragon King in the mountain, who was rumored to have obtained the Dragon Lord's dragon soul from Yulong Mountain. He reigned as king in the Dragon Palace in the mountain, proclaimed himself Mountain Lord, and commanded the mountains. He was the most powerful force in the great mountain today, claiming to be orthodox.

"Qingwei, you are protecting Liang Yin, and now you are indeed in trouble, having been targeted by the Red Dragon Mountain Lord. I'm afraid there will be some trouble in the future."

While speaking, Fairy Yun Rou quickly realized something and said belatedly:

"Wait, you killed the Eagle Vanguard? The vanguards under the Red Dragon Mountain Lord are all Great Demon Generals strength!"

"Heh heh~"

Qiu Zhen smiled:

"On my territory, I naturally have some reliance."

"It's good that you have trump cards."

Fairy Yun Rou had confidence in Qiu Zhen's abilities and didn't ask further at the moment. Instead, she said:

"Then it doesn't matter. The imperial court and the Demon King and Great Demon in the mountain have an alliance. Without definite information, they will not easily come out of the mountain to deal with you."

"That's for the best!"

"Relax, they don't have time to trouble you right now."

"Oh? How do you say that?"

"There are clues about Liang Wei's whereabouts. I just found out. How about it, Qingwei, do you want to make a move and intercept him?"

"If there are clues and I have free time, just let me know, and I'll join in the fun."

"This is rare. Fellow Daoist Qingwei, this is the first time you have accepted an invitation to seek immortal destiny. Could it be that you are determined to get the Dragon Lord Dan Shu, or do you truly possess the fate of a mountain god?"

"The talk of fate is baseless, purely a banner I raised to conceal my identity. As for the Dragon Lord Dan Shu, my Master is engrossed in Outer Elixir Immortal Arts, and I am helping Master seek an opportunity..."

"Fellow Daoist is so filial..."

—

"It was a demon sent by the Red Dragon Mountain Lord..."

Qiu Zhen muttered to himself, feeling very speechless.

He didn't have any mountain god fate, nor was he the reincarnation of the Dragon Lord or a Dragon Lord candidate. However, unknowingly, he seemed to have entered the game.

Even if he wanted to get out, others probably wouldn't believe him.

Once involved, it was impossible to shake off.

Moreover, he was not completely unrelated to the Dragon Lord. He had the [Jade Dragon Treasure Seal] in his hand, subtly connecting him with the Dragon Lord.

Instead of drifting with the current and being passively drawn in, he preferred to actively enter the game and become a player, not a piece.

It was precisely for this reason that he immediately accepted Fairy Yun Rou's invitation, intending to participate in the immortal destiny of the [Dragon Lord Dan Shu].

Just as Qiu Zhen was pondering, he heard Xiao Zaozi's exclamation.

"Gongzi, this is bad, Boss Bai Shu has suffered a cultivation deviation."