40: Mingxi

The Clam Maiden looked at him, the words “Fellow Daoist Green Snake” stuck in her throat. She curtsied slightly: “This Clam Maiden greets Great King Green Snake. Congratulations, Great King, on advancing your cultivation to the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining. You can now establish your own power.”

Gu Yuchuan still had a good impression of the Clam Maiden. When his cultivation was low and he first arrived, the Clam Maiden’s attitude towards them was very kind. Although this was partly due to Bai Li’s Face, he would not forget the kindness he received from the Clam Maiden back then. So now, he would not show her any displeasure.

“Thank you. I see your cultivation is not far from the Qi Refining Fourth Layer. Congratulations in advance. Your status will be different then.”

Once he reached the Qi Refining Fourth Layer, he would only be slightly lower than the Crab General was back then, and no longer considered a low-level Cultivator. He would naturally hold an official position and no longer have to do such menial tasks.

“Thank you, Great King Green Snake. Great King, have you come to see our Great King?”

Gu Yuchuan nodded. The Clam Maiden immediately waved her hand and called a maid: “You, come here. Entertain Great King Green Snake, serve some good spirit tea and fruits. Great King Green Snake, I will go inform him for you. Please wait a moment.”

Soon, the Clam Maiden returned. Now that he was here, unless Great King Hui She truly had an urgent matter, it was impossible for him not to be seen. He familiarized himself with the path and arrived at the other party’s Immortal Cave.

Facing the Serpent, he still felt immense pressure. The Serpent’s Earthly Fiend Qi had already entered its body, and it could Foundation Establishment at any time. Naturally, he could not compare. He lowered his head as the Serpent continuously scrutinized him.

“Truly formidable young talent. How much time has passed, and you already possess such cultivation? It seems our Dragon Transformation lineage of snake Yao Beasts is indeed different from other Yao Beasts. Have you come this time for your territory?”

Gu Yuchuan gently nodded his head: “Nothing can be hidden from Great King. Indeed, ever since my promotion, I’ve felt myself starting to contend with Great King for Spiritual Qi. This is not good for either of us. Therefore, I wish to quickly claim my own territory and also open up a river, making the outer reaches of our Cloud Sea Marsh even stronger.”

What he said was not wrong. The outer reaches of the Cloud Sea Marsh were so vast, and many rivers were masterless. Although those rivers had Spiritual Qi, without anyone managing them, they were all wasted. Only with management could they develop sustainably. This was also why a Ninth Layer of Qi Refining Yao Beast could establish its own lineage.

However, the Serpent suddenly changed the subject: “Actually, there’s another solution, Green Snake. I’ll make one last attempt to win you over. I am currently working on my promotion. Once I promote, my territory will expand, and you won’t have to worry about Spiritual Qi. I will cultivate you well. Your loyalty is all that’s needed.”

Looking at the Serpent like this, he also felt uneasy. It was time for him to find subordinates as well. A capable and potential subordinate was so precious. The Serpent offered so much, yet he would not agree. Where should he look? After all, those with potential and combat strength in cultivation all had ambitions. Those with ambition would not willingly submit. Forget it, let’s deal with the current matter first.

“Great King, it’s not that I have any objections to you. Both you and I are on the path of Dragon Transformation. You also know that the Yao Beasts of our lineage inherently desire to become Dragon Kings; we are all arrogant. Accepting a nominal allegiance to the Black Tortoise Demon General is still acceptable, but truly submitting to someone else would cause problems for our Dao Heart. Therefore, I can only refuse Great King again. Please don’t overthink it.”

Great King Hui She actually knew that the answer would most likely be a refusal, but he was unwilling to give up and wanted to ask. The truth was, he had no capable subordinates on his side, and had to do everything himself. This was already a very unhealthy state. He could only search for Yao Beasts who might pledge allegiance to him, while also supporting the Shrimp Soldier, hoping he could soon advance to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer and stand on his own.

“Alright, since you’ve already made up your mind, I won’t say anything more. I’ve chosen Bright Stream as your territory. There’s a Spiritual Spring there, and the Spiritual Qi is good. The aquatic plants are also decent, and many animals live there, so there’s a chance for Yao Beasts to be born. Manage it well, and it will surely be formidable in the future. However, you need to come with me to see the Black Tortoise Demon General. After all, only he can grant the enfeoffment; what you and I say doesn’t count. If you have nothing else, let’s go now.”

He naturally had nothing else: “Thank you so much, Great King, for troubling you to make this trip with me for my matters.”

Politeness always pays off. Although Gu Yuchuan had just refused the Serpent, his attitude was to hold the other party in high esteem, so the other party would not harbor any ill feelings towards him.

“Alright, no need for such formalities. We will form an alliance in the future and advance and retreat together.”

Gu Yuchuan smiled, making his attitude appear even more sincere: “Then I would be taking advantage. Great King, you are about to become a Foundation Establishment Stage Demon General. I am merely a Qi Refining Stage Cultivator. Forming an alliance with you would be an immense blessing for me.”

The Serpent had schemed for many years and finally obtained a wisp of Earthly Fiend Qi, preparing to Foundation Establishment. This was the most satisfying and joyful thing for him right now. Gu Yuchuan’s words truly hit the mark in flattery.

“Your Aptitude is also good; Foundation Establishment won’t be difficult for you. Just remember one thing: Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Qi and Purple Mansion Qi are fundamentally different. If you can wait, then wait. I once saw a Human Race Prodigy who achieved Earthly Fiend Foundation Establishment, killing Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators in the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment. That scene was so brilliant. Don’t have regrets later; you should still try to find Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Qi.”

Although his words carried a hint of showing off, they were also heartfelt. Gu Yuchuan did not continue the conversation. No one knew that he already possessed Earthly Fiend Qi, and it was a high-ranking type called Sheng Guang, which was very practical. He only needed his cultivation to be sufficient and his accumulation to be enough to advance.

“Alright, let’s set off. Things have been quite busy lately, so settling your Bright Stream territory is the most important matter. At that time, your status will be different.”

Both of them were extremely fast. In half a day, they arrived in front of a magnificent palace. Indeed, Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators were different; their Immortal Caves were extraordinary. The Spiritual Qi concentration made the river water appear with a hazy white color. Cultivating here, the speed would be exceptional.

The Serpent was a frequent visitor here. As soon as they arrived, a maid went in to announce them. They waited for the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn before being led into the palace. The Black Tortoise Demon General was waiting for them in the main hall.