Chapter 52: Improvement and Arrival

After all, he was a first-class Golden Immortal in the primordial world. Even though this was merely a wisp of consciousness, it still contained boundless profundity. At first, Hongyun hadn’t given much thought to such matters, but the uncertainty of what would become of this world after his departure made him resolute. He decided to devote himself wholeheartedly to deducing a method he had in mind.

Though there were countless principles in heaven and earth, almost all revolved around the pursuit of immortality and strength. By referencing the myriad dharmas of the primordial ages, he swiftly devised the essentials of a new cultivation technique. Yet, with no one at hand to test his creation, he could only refine and perfect it little by little, hoping that Chai Xiaoyue might one day be able to use it.

Thus, he sat in meditation for two nights and three days. During this time, Chai Xiaoyue occasionally emerged from her wooden chest to practice, surprised by the presence of the two demon crows. But her shallow cultivation prevented her from perceiving their depth, so she simply ate quietly, careful not to make a sound. Without anyone watching over her, she would sometimes sneak a glance at Hongyun, her eyes full of curiosity: to this day, she had yet to figure out exactly what her “Uncle Yun” was doing.

Body and mind united, thoughts flowing freely—a thought transformed into a seal, branded upon the soul. The seal formed into a Kui Bull, thunder patterns appearing on its body, cloud markings entwining it, all manner of profound mysteries...

When Hongyun finally finished integrating the methods he knew into a cohesive whole, he had compiled the outline of the technique he desired. He let out a soft sigh. Raising his eyes, he happened to meet Chai Xiaoyue’s inquisitive gaze. Under his scrutiny, she squeaked in surprise and shrank back into her chest.

As for the two Nirvana-stage crow demons, there was little need for instruction. They had already set the flying vessel in motion with their own demonic energy, traveling an unknown distance without pause. When Hongyun’s gaze swept over them, both demons tensed: though they had never truly witnessed his abilities, their instinctive fear of him had only grown with their imagination.

With a wave of his hand, Hongyun summoned the flying vessel he had previously acquired. After refining it in his palm for a moment, he gained complete control over it. Gently urging the spiritual mechanisms within, he restored it to its original state, then subtly altered its exterior so that no one would recognize it.

“This flying vessel is now yours to command. Until we reach our destination, you two shall take turns piloting it.”

He replaced the vessel beneath his feet, then, seeing the two crows nervously awaiting orders, lightly flicked a small stone against the wooden chest.

When Chai Xiaoyue poked her head out, Hongyun’s face softened into a smile.

“Come here, girl.”

Xiaoyue hesitated for a moment, then hopped out of the chest and looked at him curiously, as if playing a game.

“What is it... Uncle Yun?”

“I have gained some insight and will now teach you a new technique.”

He reached out and tapped her forehead. Once he imparted the method he had just deduced, he found himself a bit expectant.

“Try running this technique and see how it feels. If it doesn’t work, we’ll find another way...”

Chai Xiaoyue, a little confused, accepted everything without resistance. Hongyun sent forth a strand of divine thought, which settled on the outskirts of her spiritual sea and gradually unfolded, revealing a vague figure. This figure slowly transformed into an archaic, mysterious seal, atop which lay a Kui Bull, its body adorned with flowing cloud patterns, brimming with endless marvels.

“What I just demonstrated is the cultivation method for this technique. Though it cannot be used for direct attack, it will protect your soul from harm. Practice this well and you’ll always have it to rely upon.”

Seeing a flicker of puzzlement in her eyes and noting that her aura had grown even stronger under his gaze, Hongyun couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Just as she was about to sit down and enter meditation, he remembered something and patted his forehead with a laugh.

“Almost forgot—the name of this technique is ‘Kuiyun Demon-Suppressing Seal.’”

Kuiyun Demon-Suppressing Seal?

The two Nirvana-stage crow demons shuddered when they heard the words “demon-suppressing” in the name. All their feathers nearly stood on end. They had never heard of this particular technique, but the term “demon-suppressing” was taboo in the demon world.

They didn’t know this man’s origins, but having witnessed some of his methods, they dared not harbor any ill intentions—only a deeper sense of fear.

“You two, take turns on the journey. Do not slack off.”

Hongyun could clearly see the shift in their expressions when he uttered the name. This method, in truth, was a bit of a clever trick. His true self in the primordial realm had just encountered a Golden Immortal Kui Bull in the Kunlun Celestial Realm, so he had seized a trace of its divine essence, intending to use it to subdue future demon followers in this world.

Not only that, but he had left a mark of his own incarnation—a secret cloud-patterned technique—on the Kui Bull’s form. Should any real trouble arise, he would instantly become aware of it and unravel the situation thread by thread.

In fact, as he was creating this technique, a great seal had already formed within his own spiritual sea. He hadn’t yet tried it himself, only because there were too few demon cultivators before him—he had no desire to recruit the half-baked kind.

As for these two crows... their strength was too lacking. Though they possessed the cultivation of the Nirvana stage, they might not even be a match for peak cultivators of the Treasure Body realm. How could he possibly be satisfied with such underwhelming subordinates?

Once Xiaoyue mastered the technique, he would simply give the two crow demons to her as gifts.

With this thought, the corners of Hongyun’s lips curled upward: not only that, he planned to search for stronger demon cultivators among those who roamed the land and swam the waters to serve as her attendants.

...

So, it turned out that he could not go directly to the desired Half-Demon Kingdom. He would first need to reach the border of the Blazing Fire Demon King’s domain and pass through the boundary array before entering.

Sitting in a tavern, Hongyun listened to the innkeeper prattling on before him, gently stroking his chin. He had already left the domain of the Azurewater Demon King; after days and nights of relentless travel, the two crow demons had finally completed their tasks and were now helping him scout for worthy demon candidates.

After all, he wished to try cultivating the Kuiyun Demon-Suppressing Seal himself, and if the demons were too weak, he could defeat ten of them at once—there would be little point.

Moreover, judging by the requirements for entering the Half-Demon Kingdom, it seemed it would be difficult for him to get in. The boundary array at the edge of the demon domain included a mirror for verifying identity. Only half-demons could freely enter.