85: Zhang Sanyao discussed

As the two were drinking, a booming voice rang out from outside the door: "You two called me here to drink and discuss matters, yet you've started drinking on your own. I'm not that late, am I?"

The speaker was, naturally, the Serpent. Upon entering, he was clearly taken aback for a moment. He usually maintained his snake form out of habit, but seeing them maintaining their Dao bodies, he also transformed into a human form. He appeared to be around thirty years old, considerably older than Gu Yuchuan, with a more weathered countenance, resembling a general who had spent years on the battlefield. Just standing there, he exuded an endless Aura.

Gu Yuchuan felt a sense of Bloodline suppression from him, something he hadn't felt before. He must have taken that step and become a High-Grade Spirit Beast, a Horned Dragon. Previously, they were both just Serpents and could only be considered Dragon Kin. Reaching the stage of a Horned Dragon meant one truly possessed some of the Dragon Clan Bloodline. This Horned Dragon was also called a False Dragon; though it had the word "false" in its name, it was indeed a true Dragon.

Gu Yuchuan immediately stood up. "Congratulations, big brother, on successfully becoming a High-Grade Spirit Beast. With such a Bloodline, you should be number one in the outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh."

The Black Tortoise Demon General was not of the Dragon Kin, so his perception of the Bloodline was not as nuanced. "Oh? You actually succeeded in your promotion? That is truly fantastic news. You can remove the word 'should'; I can tell you with full responsibility that you are the Yao Beast with the highest Bloodline Rank in these outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh. Especially you Dragon Kin, who are already the cream of the crop at the same Rank. Truly impressive, Xiao Song."

This Xiao Song was the Serpent; his full name was Song Yuqing. With his promotion, the title of Serpent Demon General was no longer appropriate. After some discussion, they changed it to Ink Scale Demon General. This name sounded closely related to the Azure Scale Demon General. The three of them shared a tacit understanding; from this moment on, they were a community of interests, banding together to secure better status and resources in the outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh to pursue the Yao King Realm.

The Black Tortoise Demon General stood up and raised his wine cup. "Today, I raise my glass to the two of you. These are my sincere words: I am very happy to have two prodigies like you as my brothers. I know that both of you wish to establish your own sects. Rest assured, I will provide you with the maximum convenience and assistance possible. I hope that one day, the three of us can all become Yao Kings. When that time comes, we shall continue to stand together in the inner regions of the Cloud Sea Marsh."

He truly lived up to being a Yao seasoned in the field of power; his words were spoken beautifully. At the very least, Gu Yuchuan was very pleased to hear them. He didn't treat the two as subordinates, but rather as partners. The friendship between the three of them became even more harmonious.

They downed the cup of wine together and began to laugh simultaneously. Their laughter was unrestrained as they set aside their status. At this moment, it was as if they had no other identities; they were simply three good friends having a simple gathering.

The banquet continued. After three rounds of wine, they finally began to discuss serious business. It was the Black Tortoise Demon General who spoke first.

"Regarding your future paths, we've already settled on Xiao Song's route: he is to be cultivated into a generation's God of War. This war is a process of 'creating a god.' The Lord Yao King above has already agreed. However, as for how Xiao Gu should develop in the future, I am indeed still contemplating."

He let out a sigh. "Logically, with talent like yours, you should also be cultivated as a God of War. However, while there is no 'first' in literature, there is no 'second' in martial arts. If you both follow the same path, you will inevitably compete, which would thin out the resources available to each of you. That's not good news. It's just that for the moment, I can't figure out how to Cultivate you."

This was a question Gu Yuchuan had actually considered himself. If he could avoid staying on the front lines, he would be happy to do so. "Big brother, I actually have an idea about this. Don't forget, I am a very excellent Artifact Refiner. Given time, I will soon become a Second-Grade Artifact Refiner. When that happens, I will be the only Second-Grade Artifact Refiner in the outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh. I'll just need you two brothers to help look after my Linlang Pavilion."

Once he made this suggestion, the others began to ponder. It was simply perfect. One in politics, one in the military, and one in business—they would help each other without restricting one another. It was a perfect cycle, and all three were very satisfied.

The Black Tortoise Demon General immediately spoke up again. "This idea is excellent. How about this: I'll handle the arrangements for you. In about a few days, you can head back. Once you're back, don't be in a hurry to open for business. Dealing in small-time Magical Artifacts doesn't bring much benefit. Wait until you have Spiritual Artifacts before opening. Also, a Great Master must have the demeanor of a Great Master. You should use this identity less when you go out in the future. Only by maintaining a sense of mystery will others respect you."

He thought about it and realized it made sense, so he nodded in agreement. The issue of their future paths had been resolved so simply; it was truly a good thing.

Next was purely drinking for pleasure. Since transmigrating, Gu Yuchuan had never enjoyed himself so happily. Firstly, it was because he had been at the bottom and couldn't afford to enjoy himself; secondly, he had been harboring a sense of frustration. He believed that as a transmigrator with a cheat, he was destined to be a man above others. Now, having achieved an Earthly Fiend Dao Foundation and possessing the Golden Light Incantation, he finally had the capital to rise. That pent-up frustration in his heart was finally released.

They drank heartily and even brought in a group of Human Race women to perform songs and dances. The three Yao were very happy watching, as the Yao Race lacked such things. However, they could only watch, for they were still in a semi-transformed state and were truly powerless to do anything more.

Pleasant times are always brief, and the banquet finally came to an end. They were so intoxicated that it was difficult to return, so the Black Tortoise Demon General arranged for them to rest in his manor.

Early the next morning, Gu Yuchuan woke up. The first thing he did was Cultivate the Golden Light Incantation, followed by self-reflection. He told himself to engage in such debauchery less often; although it was indeed enjoyable, once one indulges, it becomes difficult to maintain a state of cultivation. He should do it less.

He pushed open the door, and a maid came forward to ask if he wanted breakfast. He shook his head and declined, preparing to see the Black Tortoise Demon General before leaving. However, the maid informed him that the Demon General had gone out to attend to business and had already said that if they woke up, they could simply leave on their own. This was even better, as it saved him the trouble of formalities. He left immediately.

This time, upon his return, he wanted to run a Simulation. After all, it had been a long time since his last one, and he wanted to see what changes would occur. He also wanted to see if he could improve his Artifact Refining abilities within the Simulation; otherwise, even with his Artifact Refining Master talent, reaching the level of a Second-Grade Artifact Refiner would still take a considerable amount of time and a significant amount of resources.