This kind of counterforce… was simply too overwhelming.
The qi and blood of a body cultivator were immensely vigorous—pure yang essence that warded off all evils. Yet, to demons and monsters, body cultivators were the perfect blood delicacy. Devouring their essence didn't just boost cultivation; it often came with astonishing benefits. To them, body cultivators were the ultimate tonic.
In other words, body cultivators were like Tang Monk meat.
If one wasn't careful, they'd be hunted down by demons and thrown into a hotpot, ending up as nourishment in their guts.
But just moments ago, Granny Tree Demon had unmistakably sensed a terrifying aura of death—a power so lethal, so dreadfully oppressive, that even hidden in the shadows of the forest, she felt far from safe.
"A body cultivator? What monstrous being is this? His blood essence is incredibly potent. How could a mere body cultivator reach such a level?"
Yan Chixia, who had been worried before, was now utterly stunned. Not only had the incoming roots been severed mid-air, but even the demons lurking in the shadows now hesitated to make a move.
What shocked him more was that these people dared to cut off the Tree Demon's roots, and then even had the nerve to ask her for one of her maidservants. Under the Tree Demon's command were numerous female ghosts—how bold must they be to treat them as handmaidens?
This situation had spiraled completely out of Yan Chixia's expectations.
"Weren't we here to slay demons? Why are they negotiating now?Is the world changing too fast, or am I just dreaming?"He muttered in disbelief, dumbfounded by what was unfolding before him.
"Fine, since that's the case, I'll show you some goodwill.If you want a maidservant, pick one yourself. Whichever you choose, she shall be yours."Granny Tree Demon finally spoke after a brief pause.
Her tone was laced with a clear sense of wariness.
All negotiations rest on the foundation of strength. Without power, she wouldn't even think about handing over one of her ghostly maids. That would be laughable.
"Good. Call out your ghost maidens. We'll pick one ourselves. Something pleasing to the eye,"Cai Yan nodded in approval.
"Come forth. Let these Daoists take a look.If one of you is chosen, it's a great blessing for your current life."Granny Tree Demon's voice echoed through the woods—half male, half female—grating and eerie to the ears.
"Yes, Granny,"replied several crisp female voices from within the trees.
The wind howled, and soon, a series of alluring female figures appeared before Yi Tianxing and the others. Draped in translucent veils and emanating a seductive charm, they varied in body type—slim or curvy—like a vision from a kingdom of women. Any normal man would be dazzled by the scene.
Each one was a beauty of the highest grade—peerless maidens who had been celebrated for their looks in life.
Now gathered all at once, they seemed to blur the senses, making it hard to choose.
Among them, one stood out unmistakably: Nie Xiaoqian.
Her aura was different. In a crowd of seductive ghosts radiating resentment or lust, she was a lotus untouched by mud, a pure presence among corruption. Her chaste energy stood in sharp contrast.
"Indeed, untainted by filth."Yi Tianxing nodded inwardly.
Compared to the others, who had lost their virgin yin essence and likely led dissolute lives even before death, Nie Xiaoqian's restraint made her all the more rare and precious.
"I choose her. Tree Demon, hand her over to me, and we'll be on our way."Yao Yue didn't hesitate, pointing directly at Nie Xiaoqian.
"Xiaoqian? No, not her. She's not up for selection."Granny Tree Demon's expression stiffened before quickly refusing.
Clearly, she had no intention of letting Xiaoqian go.
"Pick someone else. I can give you any of the others, but not Xiaoqian. She's already been promised to someone,"Granny Tree Demon insisted.
"Hmph. Those painted harlots hold no interest to me. I want Xiaoqian as my handmaiden.Refuse, and don't blame us for turning this place into a bloodbath."Yao Yue responded coldly, directly rejecting the Tree Demon's offer.
This was no joke. They came here specifically for Nie Xiaoqian. Otherwise, they would've long attacked instead of wasting so many words.
"Indeed. Whether this ends in peace or bloodshed is up to you."Yi Tianxing added, his words heavy with undisguised threat.
Yes, it was a blatant threat.
So what if it was? Whether she handed over the ghost or not, they would take her.
"You…"Granny Tree Demon's fury boiled within her. If not for her fear of their strength, she would've killed them and turned them into nourishment on the spot.
"Fine. You can have Xiaoqian, but you must leave immediately, and never return to Lanruo Temple."After a long pause, Granny Tree Demon relented.
She had just escaped from a seal and didn't want to risk fighting powerful enemies right away. The grudge could always be settled later.
"Xiaoqian, go. Serve these Daoists well, or Granny won't be pleased."Granny Tree Demon instructed.
"Yes, Granny."Nie Xiaoqian was secretly overjoyed, though she kept her expression composed.
She walked over to Yi Tianxing's group, her posture respectful—like a proper maid.
Seeing this, the other ghost maidens showed open envy. To them, even serving as a maid was preferable to remaining under Granny's control.
"Since we're taking her, you should also hand over her soul lamp.Otherwise, how can we say she belongs to us and not to you?"Cai Yan said with a light laugh.
Granny Tree Demon fell silent again. She had hoped to use the soul lamp to maintain control over Nie Xiaoqian even after letting her go. But handing it over would sever that tie completely.
"Fine, take it."Granny Tree Demon finally gave in.
A pitch-black soul lamp soared from deep within the forest. Yi Tianxing caught it, and Nie Xiaoqian smiled faintly—she could feel the connection. It was indeed hers, tied to her very soul.
Yi Tianxing stored it away and looked toward the forest.
"Tree Demon, do you know who I am?"he asked, a cold smile on his lips.
"I was just about to ask, Daoist friend, who might you be?"Granny Tree Demon replied with suspicion.
"I am Yi Tianxing, ruler of the Great Yi Dynasty."He stated coldly."You dared to kill citizens of my dynasty and consume their blood and essence.According to the laws of Great Yi—whoever harms our people, no matter how far, shall be executed!Your crime warrants execution!"
Execution!
As the last word left his mouth, Yi Tianxing suddenly struck with his palm. A golden seal emerged beneath his hand and flew forward, rapidly targeting the Tree Demon's hidden body.
His Heavenly Eye of Innate Yin-Yang had long seen through her hiding place.
⚔️ Body Technique – Hell Suppression Seal (镇狱印) ⚔️A golden Dragon-Elephant surged forth with terrifying might.The seal connected heaven and earth, locking all matter in place.Four giant pillars sealed the four corners.
Now at the third level of body cultivation, Yi Tianxing's physical power exceeded three million jin. Three twinkling stars adorned the ancient seal, flooding it with dazzling light.
The seal didn't just carry his qi and blood—it was also infused with overwhelming true essence, enhancing its might severalfold.
"Bastard! You broke your word! What is this technique? Why is space itself locked?!"Granny Tree Demon roared in fury.
"My husband struck, not I."Yao Yue replied calmly."And who in their right mind bargains with a demon?"
"You scoundrels! To hell with it—Extreme Demon Domain!!"Granny Tree Demon shrieked in rage.
Endless black demonic light erupted, enveloping her entire form. Within that blackness, the power of a domain could be felt—a hallmark ability of those in the Law Manifestation Realm.
"Again."Yi Tianxing sneered and slammed his palm down once more.
⚔️ Body Technique – Overturning Earth Seal (覆地印) ⚔️A mystic yellow seal emerged, shooting into the sky before crashing down.
With a rumble, the earth trembled. Powerful shockwaves surged forth.
Granny Tree Demon felt her roots being shattered beneath the earth—pulverized into dust.An invisible force pressed down from all directions.