His Darkstar Quintessential Essence caused the battlefield to explode. Over half of the mortal demons and second Firmament demon monarchs were killed. Since some were close enough to the World Entrance, many demons managed to flee back to the Demon Realm.
“This…” Fan Cheng, Liu Qiyue, and the other Godfiends were astounded.
With his strength alone, Marquis Heavenstar crushed the demon army. It was no wonder a medium-sized city pass became impregnable with a Marquis Godfiend guarding it.
They are really careful. They only sent five elite demon monarchs. Marquis Heavenstar looked down and shook his head slightly. If they were 35 third Firmament elite demon monarchs cooperating with each other, even he would have to spend some effort to kill them. When that happened, the second Firmament demon monarchs and ordinary demons would be fended off by Fan Cheng, Liu Qiyue, and the other Godfiends.
However, this demon army had been too weak.
…
On the other side of North River Pass’s World Entrance.
The Demon Realm.
An old turtle demon with a walking stick stood waiting. Around him were elite demon monarchs such as the spider demoness. Over ten elite demon monarchs possessed divine powers.
The demons—that had fled successfully—knelt down in horror.
“There were flaming arrows, a lot of flaming arrows. The third Firmament demon monarchs died in the blink of an eye.”
“All the attacks came from the sky. We couldn’t see which Godfiend it was.”
“Any slower and we would have died.”
The second Firmament demon monarchs—that managed to escape—were terrified out of their wits.
“Uncle Yun, an invisible Godfiend’s attacks rained down from above. It should be a Marquis Godfiend,” said a nine-headed lion demon. The spider demoness and the other demon monarchs stood behind the nine-headed lion demon.
“They didn’t give us a chance despite the mass migration,” said the old turtle demon with a smile as he held his walking stick. “Continue waiting. When the Marquis Godfiend leaves, you will enter the human world in batches.”
“Yes,” the nine-headed lion demon and the other demon monarchs replied respectfully.
The demons had long guessed that the mass migration meant that the humans were abandoning the small and medium-sized city passes.
They didn’t want the humans to turtle up, but the demons would naturally send their armies into the human world since the humans had done so. The human world was very dangerous for demons! Only a few would enter if they were given a choice. Therefore, various demon sages sent their descendants to lead the invasion. Smaller factions would send their own forces.
They would enter the human world on a large scale. The demons wanted to win as soon as possible because any delay might spell trouble for them.
…
In an ordinary tycoon’s manor in Jiang State Capital.
Meng Chuan, Zhang Yunfeng, and Yang Fang—Jiang State Capital’s three strongest Godfiends—read through the latest intelligence dossier.
“27th February. All small and medium-sized city passes have begun relocating their citizens.” The white-haired Zhang Yunfeng read the dossier and said, “Every small and medium-sized city pass has been attacked by demons. The attacks aren’t very strong, but they have forced the Marquis Godfiends to reveal themselves. Some medium-sized city passes didn’t have any Marquis Godfiends and were forced to use their defensive treasures.”
“The demons must know that almost all Marquis Godfiends in the world are guarding the city passes,” Meng Chuan said softly. “They should know that the state capitals are void of any strong Godfiends.”
“Yes.” Zhang Yunfeng and Yang Fang were solemn as well.
Although the states and prefectures still had Godfiends, they were much weaker than Marquis Godfiends.
“According to Archean Mountain’s estimates, the demons will soon attack prefecture cities and state capitals,” said Zhang Yunfeng. “However, the demons are still too weak in our human world. Most are ordinary demons and second Firmament demon monarchs. There are very few third Firmament demon monarchs. They’ll probably rely on the Skydemon Sect.”
“Thankfully, there are much fewer fourth Firmament Skydemons than Marquis Godfiends,” said Meng Chuan.
Archean Mountain had already given him detailed information on the Skydemon Sect. The Skydemon Sect had 2 fifth Firmament Skydemons and 11 fourth Firmament Skydemons. According to their judgment, fifth Firmament Skydemons cherished their lives. They would not risk their lives when cooperating with demons.
If the Skydemon Sect was pressured by the demons, they might send fourth Firmament Skydemons.
Meng Chuan had read the detailed dossiers regarding all 11 fourth Firmament Skydemons. They were typically weaker than fourth Firmament demon monarchs, making them much weaker than Marquis Godfiends.
“We need to be careful. The demons and Skydemon Sect can attack the prefecture cities and state capitals at any moment,” said Zhang Yunfeng. “Jiang State Capital is a large city. With a population of seven million, the demons definitely won’t ignore it.”
“Yes.” Meng Chuan and Yang Fang nodded slightly.
Although they had a few backup plans—as the strongest Godfiends at Jiang State Capital—they were under immense pressure.
Chapter 167 - Traces of the Skydemon Sect
2nd March, morning.
Jiang State Capital.
Meng Chuan—looking like an ordinary saber user—began patrolling the city as usual. He held a few piping-hot meat buns in his hands as he ate. He didn’t look very special, but he was constantly scanning his surroundings with his perception domain.
Ever since the Great Relocation Plan had begun in earnest, Meng Chuan would patrol the city five times a day. Thrice when the sun was up, and twice at night! Be it the three supreme sects or Godfiends like Meng Chuan; they believed that the demon monarchs didn’t care about the number of demons that had died at the city passes over the years! Now that they knew the state capitals and prefecture cities were empty, it was impossible for them to remain unmoved by the rare opportunity.
The humans were out in the light, while the demons lurked in the dark! Meng Chuan dared not slack off.
“Oh?” Meng Chuan suddenly paused. He had picked up on two weak demonic auras—roughly a kilometer away.
After patrolling for so many days, I’ve finally discovered Skydemon Sect disciples. Meng Chuan finished his current meat bun in two bites. After stepping into an alley, he vanished into thin air. He was already on a roof a kilometer away from his original position.
…
The door to an ordinary residence was tightly shut.
A couple sat inside.
“Our sect’s records noted that Marquis Godfiends are extremely powerful. Even if we suppress our demonic auras, Marquis Godfiends will sense us from a few kilometers away.” The yellow-robed woman grunted. “We usually hide on the island and send people from the Chamber of Commerce to investigate Jiang State Capital. However, they’ve ordered us disciples to enter Jiang State Capital to investigate the situation. If a Marquis Godfiend were to discover us, we’ll die.”
“The higher-ups said that there aren’t any Marquis Godfiends in Jiang State Capital,” said the thin man.
“Humph! There are so many Archean Mountain Godfiends. Where are the Godfiends hiding? Do you think our Skydemon Sect can investigate them all? What’s true is false; what’s false is true. Marquis Godfiends might be hiding in Jiang State Capital,” said the yellow-robed woman.
“So what? Can we disobey orders?” asked the thin man.
“Humph. They are sending us to our deaths. Those old fogies naturally don’t care.” The yellow-robed woman’s eyes were cold.
“Hurry up and take action. The higher-ups said that we must report back in three days,” said the thin man. “Without sufficient intelligence to satisfy them, we will all suffer.”
The yellow-robed woman
panicked when she heard that.
Skydemon Sect’s punishments were extremely cruel.
…
Meng Chuan stood on the roof. He could clearly hear the conversation between the two Skydemon disciples since he was within 200 hundred feet. He wasn’t in a hurry to capture them since he was eavesdropping on their conversation.
An entire batch of disciples have entered Jiang State Capital? It looks like it’s far more than the two of them! They have to report in three days?
Creak.
Just as the two Skydemon Sect disciples opened the door and were about to leave the house, invisible Quintessential Essence swept past them. The duo instantly fainted.
Meng Chuan appeared beside them.
Controlling two mortals was extremely easy for a Godfiend.
Time to go. He grabbed each person with one hand and left silently. He carried the duo as he traversed the rooftops. Since they were traveling at supersonic speeds, he used the Heaven and Earth powers to prevent any sonic booms from being generated. Mortals couldn’t see him when he was moving at such terrifying speeds even if they widened their eyes.
Five seconds later, Meng Chuan returned to the manor.
“Junior Brother Meng.” Yang Fang and Zhang Yunfeng stood up and glanced at the two Skydemon Sect disciples that Meng Chuan carried.
“Skydemon Sect disciples?” Zhang Yunfeng was surprised. He had also condensed an Essence Soul, meaning he could sense their auras.
It was difficult for Great Solar Godfiends to condense an Essence Soul when they were still “young.” The Essence Soul requirement stopped many from becoming Marquis Godfiends. However, if their lifeforce didn’t decline as they aged, a bunch of older Great Solar Godfiends would’ve condensed Essence Souls and become Marquis Godfiends. Since they had cultivated for longer periods, their technique realms were sometimes higher than newly-advanced Marquis Godfiends! Over a dozen of these older Great Solar Godfiends had condensed an Essence Soul. However, compared to Archean Mountain’s total number of disciples, very few condensed an Essence Soul.
“Yes, I just discovered two Skydemon Sect disciples,” said Meng Chuan. “I heard from them that a group of Skydemon Sect disciples have entered Jiang State Capital. They have to obtain sufficient information in three days before reporting to their higher-ups.”
“They have to report in three days?” Zhang Yunfeng’s eyes lit up. “Don’t capture all of the Skydemon Sect’s spies. Leave two or three free so that we can track them secretly. Let’s see if we can find more.”
“Okay.” Meng Chuan nodded. “Senior Brother Zhang, find someone who’s skilled in illusions and interrogate them.”
In fact, with a second-stage Essence Soul, he could also use a few Essence Soul mystic techniques. An Enchantment Spell could easily control these two mortals. However, he still needed to capture spies and didn’t have time to interrogate them slowly.
“Leave it to me. I know a few illusion spells,” said Zhang Yunfeng with a smile. He was a shrewd, old man and naturally had a few additional tricks up his sleeves.
“I’ll continue investigating.” Meng Chuan disappeared with a whoosh.
“He’s fast!” Yang Fang exclaimed. “Furthermore, he’s good at reconnaissance. I wonder if he has condensed an Essence Soul or some special mystic technique.”
“Most importantly, he’s young,” said Zhang Yunfeng wistfully. “Godfiends like Junior Brother Meng are Archean Mountain and our human world’s hope. Old fellows like us are not far off from a coffin.”
Yang Fang nodded slightly.
Both of them were peak Great Solar Godfiends, but their bodies had aged too much. It was impossible for them to become Marquis Godfiends. That was all to their lives. In contrast, Meng Chuan was like the rising sun.
“If we encounter danger, we have to protect Junior Brother Meng’s life even if we die,” said Zhang Yunfeng.
“Don’t worry. As long as we stall for time, with Junior Brother Meng’s speed, he will naturally be able to protect himself,” said Yang Fang.
Zhang Yunfeng nodded before walking to a side hall. The two Skydemon Sect disciples floated up into the side hall.
…
Meng Chuan increased his speed. He traveled over a kilometer each time, increasing his patrolling speed.
After all, there were many spies in the city, so it was naturally better if he moved faster. An ordinary pedestrian was walking on the streets and suddenly vanished when a gust of wind blew over.
Two guests in a tea shop were eating breakfast in a private room when suddenly, the window opened silently. The two guests were puzzled. Following that, a gust of wind blew over, and the two guests disappeared! Only their breakfast remained on the table.
“Sorry for the wait! Shredded dried tofu and steamed dumplings are here!” a waiter shouted loudly. He pushed open the door to the private room. A plate of shredded dried tofu and a bowl of steamed dumplings laid on the waiter’s wooden tray. The waiter looked at the empty room in shock. “People dine-and-dash for breakfast?” The waiter immediately rushed downstairs to report this matter to his manager.
…
Meng Chuan’s efficiency was very high. With his perception domain, he constantly caught spies. Whoever he caught was sent back to the manor.
This continued until he returned to the manor for the fifth time.
“This is the ninth Skydemon Sect disciple.” Meng Chuan threw a renowned courtesan to the side.
“Junior Brother Meng, I’ve already interrogated five Skydemon Sect disciples,” said Zhang Yunfeng. “This is a direct order from the Skydemon Sect Master. None of them dare violate it. They sent 17 mortal disciples into the city to investigate. As for the upper echelons, they didn’t take the risk of entering.”
“The Skydemon Sect Master personally gave the order?” Meng Chuan was astonished. “I heard that the Skydemon Sect is split into seven factions. It’s rare for the Skydemon Sect Master to give orders personally.”
Chapter 168 - Sect Message
“The Skydemon cultivation system was created by the demons for human traitors. There are all sorts of flaws,” said Zhang Yunfeng. “According to the different cultivation styles, there are seven factions in the Skydemon Sect. Typically, the seven factions are independent and manage their own territories. However, the Skydemon Sect Master has personally given an order. This doesn’t just involve a single faction but all seven. The Skydemon Sect is conducting investigations throughout the world.”
Meng Chuan nodded. “I’ll continue searching.”
“I’ll report what we’ve discovered from the interrogations after we’ve captured more spies.” Zhang Yunfeng nodded.
Archean Mountain needed information from various places to make more accurate judgments.
Swoosh.
With a flash, Meng Chuan vanished.
…
Meng Chuan roamed the city with astonishing speed and found 11 Skydemon Sect disciples in total.
I’ll search the important areas next. Meng Chuan looked at the area in front of him—several kilometers of land occupied by Jiang State’s largest institution, an Archean Mountain Branch.
Archean Mountain’s outer sect disciples cultivated in various states’ branch schools. If outer sect disciples wanted to inherit Godfiend Legacies or use credit to exchange for treasures, they would usually head to an Archean Mountain Branch Institution. After all, it wasn’t easy to get to Archean Mountain. Archean Mountain couldn’t arrange for flying mountains to escort every outer sect disciple.
Jiang State’s Archean Mountain Branch Institution had Godfiends to guide outer sect disciples. These Godfiends resided here all year round.
Whoosh.
Meng Chuan explored Jiang State’s Archean Mountain Branch Institution three times before he finished with the area. He discovered two Skydemon Sect disciples that had sneaked in. One was disguised as a delivery man, while the other was a servant that was responsible for cleaning.
…
; There are still four Skydemon Sect disciples I haven’t found yet. Meng Chuan also searched the imperial government’s office and the Godfiend family residences.
Xiao family.
Meng Chuan looked at the ancient mansion in front of him.
The Jiang State’s strongest Godfiend family clan—the Xiao family—is a Regis Godfiend family clan. Their younger generation is talented. Senior Sister Xiao Yunyue is part of the Xiao family. Such an ancient family clan typically has Godfiends guarding it.
Whoosh.
With a flash, Meng Chuan arrived atop a roof. He could scan the entire Xiao family’s residence from this position. There were only two Godfiends present in the Xiao family. One was a Great Solar Godfiend, and the other was an Indestructible Godfiend.
There really is a spy. Meng Chuan discovered a demonic aura.
In one of the Xiao Family’s gardens, a young girl was watching a flower bloom. In March, Jiang State enjoyed flowers blooming everywhere. The garden was filled with all sorts of colors.
Seven maids were serving the young girl.
“Look, the peach tree’s leaves are like drops of blood and ink in midair,” said the young girl excitedly to the maidservant behind her. “Hurry up and prepare some ink. I want to paint it.”
Swoosh.
A gust of wind blew past, and Miss Xiao was shocked to discover that one of her maids had vanished into thin air.
“Green Willow,” she exclaimed.
“Who is it?”
“Who dares barge into our Xiao family?” The surrounding crowd immediately roared.
Meng Chuan held the maidservant in one hand, but he was already half a kilometer away. He frowned slightly as he looked behind him. He sensed the Xiao family’s Great Solar Godfiend chasing after him, so he stopped.
“You are?” The middle-aged Godfiend rushed over and looked at Meng Chuan in puzzlement. Due to the change in his appearance, the Godfiend failed to recognize him.
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