Devour

Chapter 465 Glimpsing the Grand Plan

Cheng Bai quietly asked the Inheritance Cube in his sea of ​​consciousness: "Li Tong, do you have any staff techniques or rod methods that are more profound than the 'Qiu Niu Staff Technique'?"

Li Tong answered fluently: "There are no better records of its inheritance at the moment."

Cheng Bai had to admit: "Mastery of staff-based martial arts has always been rare. Although the Qiuniu Staff Technique has far exceeded the limits of martial arts, it is still seven ranks lower than the Hundred Dragon Spear Technique."

Li Tong advised, "The number of cultivators skilled in staff techniques is far fewer than those skilled in swords and spears, which is why high-level manuals that have survived to this day are extremely rare. The Prisoner Bull Staff Technique is sufficient for a long time; you might as well take your time to find something better, or..."

Cheng Bai rarely saw it keep people in suspense, so he patiently urged, "Go on, don't beat around the bush."

Li Tong made a startling statement: "Each of the imperial princes possesses extraordinary talent and comprehension. If they truly master the Prison Bull Staff Technique and combine it with their past insights, they might have the confidence to innovate and create a completely new staff technique. In comparison, considering these things is not the most urgent matter. You should first solve the problem of upgrading your Xuanbing Treasure Blade."

Cheng Bai was about to respond when his movements suddenly froze.

Having been tempered by the power of the phoenix, his senses were far sharper than those of other cultivators of the same level. Suddenly, he felt a thorn in his back: a cold, probing gaze was being cast from some hidden place.

On the rooftop of the inn, the three of them blended into the shadows, gazing into the distance side by side. Cai Youling sat at the center, flanked by Wu Qiubai and the Insect God, standing solemnly in protective order.

The moment Cheng Bai looked up, all three of them felt a slight chill and their expressions varied.

Wu Qiubai frowned slightly, his eyes flashing with a deep, spiritual light, which he then quickly concealed.

The Insect God gave a soft snort, its sharp wings flapping gently behind it, exuding a strong sense of threat.

Cai Youling, however, appeared calm and composed, with a leisurely smile on his face, waving his hand gracefully, his demeanor as casual as if it were a chance encounter.

Then, without any hesitation, he turned around and led his men into the elegant room, closing the doors and windows behind them.

Wu Qiubai moved with practiced ease, casually setting up the "Silent Array," a first-tier, top-grade array commonly used to prevent eavesdropping. Several runes intertwined to form a shielding layer, completely enveloping the entire room.

"I've finally witnessed the legendary 'reversal of fortune'! It truly becomes stronger when facing stronger opponents, with remarkable effects that are truly admirable!"

As soon as Cai Youling sat down, he sent a secret telepathic message, his excitement barely concealed: "Wen Jia only has about 30% of my power before I obtained the 'Nine Heavens Mystic Fire'. This test is exactly what I wanted."

With the Silent Array in place, the Insect God did not transmit his voice, but instead encouraged her directly: "Now that we have figured out her strengths and weaknesses, and know that her foundation is shallow and her cultivation is about the same as Wen Jia's, it is the perfect time to eliminate this threat before she becomes a threat!"

"Don't be hasty!" Wu Qiubai's mind raced as he weighed the pros and cons, and he hurriedly spoke up to dissuade him, "This is not only the Five Continents, but also the territory of Taowu Academy. Master Li's sudden announcement of going out is too abnormal, and he may be deliberately setting a trap! Even if Master Li is not here, the experts present should not be underestimated."

He counted on his fingers: "Golden Lotus, the leader of the Wandering Knights Association, is close to the mid-stage of the Nirvana Realm. She has been renowned throughout the Five Continents for a hundred years and remains unparalleled among the younger generation. The newly arrived female demon cultivator, known as Elder Bei, is at least at the early stage of the Nirvana Realm. If these two join forces, I will have a hard time dealing with them! And there is the young man beside the Condensing Emperor who calls himself the 'White Emperor.' His aura is as deep as the sea, and I cannot fathom his true strength."

The Insect God's face showed displeasure, and his voice trembled slightly like the chirping of insects: "You act timidly! Which of the enemy's myriad powers can surpass yours? Besides, with the Lord's immortal artifact assisting us, if we don't seize the opportunity to kill the enemy and gain spoils, when will we ever get another chance!"

Wu Qiubai smiled bitterly, "How does the Insect Consort know that the other party is not carrying a celestial artifact? The Devouring Heaven Sect has risen incredibly fast. If there is no hidden force supporting them behind the scenes, this old minister finds it hard to believe them. We are far away in a foreign land. If we act rashly and blindly, we may be ambushed and killed for no reason!"

The Insect God sneered, "Cowardly and afraid of trouble."

"My two ministers need not argue," Cai Youling said calmly, waving his hand to signal them to sit down quietly. "What Marquis Wu said is not without reason. This matter should not be rushed. Our power and strength need to be cultivated and strengthened gradually!"

Cai Youling spoke in a stern and authoritative tone, reassuring his subordinates: “I know you all care about the prosperity and stability of the dynasty and hope to soon display the emperor’s power to awe the world. But what kind of person is the Master? You should be cautious under his watchful eye and not act rashly.”

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Wu Qiubai said, "Your Highness is wise! After much negotiation by this old minister, the Palace of Ten Thousand Beasts is willing to form an alliance with our dynasty, and the Five Continents will finally have the opportunity to open up a new situation. After the Immortal Gathering, Lady Gou and King Guanyi will go to the Jade Dragon Spirit Boat together to discuss important matters."

Cai Youling's eyes flashed with a sharp light as she cautiously transmitted her voice: "Gou Changniang's ability to obtain the title of 'Ming Wang' indicates that the Ten Thousand Beasts Palace must be one of the Dharma Protectors of the World Honored One's Sect. Why is she not supporting the Rakshasa Clan's Prince Yong, but instead coming to rely on me? I fear there is a trap!"

The Insect God said sternly, "Perhaps they've come to spy on us. Those bald monks of the World Honored One's sect, seemingly compassionate, are a den of filthy bastards inside."

Wu Qiubai carefully considered his words and said, "They might be trying to have their cake and eat it too. The Beast Palace is located in a dangerous area in the eastern part of Ximangtuo Continent, surrounded by various forces. To survive, they need to be able to play both sides. At that time, we should first set up full protection on the Jade Dragon Spirit Boat to ensure our safety, and then have a secret talk with them."

"Lord Wu has considered everything thoroughly." Cai Youling pondered for a moment, then transmitted his instructions, "As for tonight, I will first consume the Dragon Soul Bloodline brought by Wen Jia to further enhance my magical power."

As Cai Youling spoke, he took out a Soul-Binding Box, his face filled with wild joy, and muttered to himself, "From now on, no genius will be able to catch up with my cultivation speed! The position of Emperor Star Lord is none other than mine!"

The insect god spread its wings and prostrated itself on the ground: "My lord is wise and mighty, with lofty ambitions! This humble general is willing to be the vanguard and serve you with utmost loyalty."

Wu Qiubai also bowed and said, "This old minister is willing to follow Your Highness and point his sword at the world!"

Although they thought their secret conversation was well-hidden, Cheng Bai, with his current Phoenix Power, easily penetrated the mere first-order formation and clearly heard Wu Qiubai and the Insect God's words.

Since he had not heard any key information about the "Dragon Soul Bloodline," Cheng Bai could only deduce from the existing information, and the conclusion he drew was inevitably incomplete: "Cai Youling is a cautious person. He uses the Silent Speech Array to supplement the sound transmission, setting up a double barrier, which should be watertight. On the other hand, Wu Qiubai and the Insect God, although their cultivation is high, speak frankly and without restraint when they talk."

On Tinghetai Square, the academy's servants were already repairing the damaged ground.

As Cheng Bai and Ning Xiang strolled along, a new idea flashed into his mind: "If we use Condensed Yuan Steel to forge new weapons, their combat performance will far surpass that of Li Huo You Jin, and they will definitely be more suitable for you."

Ningxiang smiled and said, "Okay, but you can't just brush me off."

Jinlian laughed from the side, "Condensed Yuan Steel is a fourth-grade premium material, even rarer than Demon Silver! It must be refined with three-element true gold mixed with mountain copper."

Cheng Bai pondered to himself, "The piece of ore I kept is suitable as the main ingredient. But suitable pill spirits are hard to find, and high-quality ones are even more rare... Wait, I have a direction!"

Ningxiang and her party did not stay at the post station; instead, their Sky-Patrolling Spirit Boat was moored at Tinghetai, which was spacious, comfortable, and had many rooms.

Cheng Bai followed the group through the carved and jade-inlaid corridors of the ship's cabins and onto the bridge. The dome was adorned with moonstones that shimmered like stars, and the decorations were luxurious, the furnishings exquisite, and the atmosphere pleasant.

He thought to himself, "They have used the wealth I gave them very well, and their household is becoming increasingly distinguished."

Jinlian turned around and smiled, saying, "This Sky-Patrolling Spirit Ship is exquisitely crafted and made with the finest materials. Its island is perched high, offering a much wider view than the inn's upper floors. From the observation deck, we can gaze in all directions and enjoy a panoramic view of most of the academy's beauty. Wouldn't that be more carefree and pleasant than the Cai family's imperial son?"

Shen Ya gently stroked the tiger and wolf relief patterns on the pillars and chimed in, "This ship has a wide and sturdy deck, which is enough to practice martial arts in our spare time."

Min Wushuang laughed heartily, "Brother Shen is exceptionally talented. If he dedicates himself to cultivation, given time, his achievements will surely rival mine."

Seeing that the ship was huge but sparsely populated, Cheng Bai asked, "Besides the female crew members, are there only five of you here?"

Ningxiang responded softly, "The Slaughtering Society and the Wandering Knights Society each have a dozen or so elite female disciples stationed on the Spirit Ship. All the members of each department are burdened with heavy responsibilities, so we are the most relaxed. Besides, Master, you have extended an invitation, and we only have five people who meet the requirements."

Cheng Bai pondered to himself, "Master Li has invited talents from all over the world, and from Ningxiang alone, I have already secured six seats. It is evident that the potential under her command is truly extraordinary!"