Once the Elder Demon Cultivators walked out from the great hall, their faces were markedly more somber...
This time, they had practically staked their lives on the guarantee that if they failed to kill Xu Sheng and his two companions, even if they managed to escape back to their residences by luck, it would be difficult to ensure their own survival!
Because, having served as Elders in the sect for hundreds to thousands of years, they were all too aware of the Sect Master's character; once he spoke, he would never take his words back.
Then, the injured Elder Demon Cultivator seemed to have thought of something, and spoke with a heavy tone, "Right, when we were preparing to take action, two of the women were attempting a breakthrough. I fear they must have broken through to the Saint Realm by now!"
As expected, upon hearing this, the faces of the other Demon Cultivators took on a contemplative look...
They immediately shelved the idea of taking action at once...
One of the Elders propped his chin and said, "So you're telling me, they now have three people at the Saint Realm and one at the Immortal Monarch Realm? It seems it's necessary to prepare meticulously!"
Another Elder nodded in agreement, "Exactly, we indeed need to prepare thoroughly. However, before we take action ourselves, perhaps we can give those folks a little surprise!"
The rest of the Demon Cultivators showed puzzled looks on their faces, asking in unison, "Surprise? What kind of surprise?"
The former's mouth curved into a cruel smile, "This surprise, naturally, is to put a hefty bounty on the heads of those three! After all, what our Tian Yin Sect doesn't lack, are treasures!"
As long as the bounty reward is enticing enough, there will definitely be a number of Demon Cultivators from Central State willing to attempt the assassination!
Hearing this explanation, the other Demon Cultivators also revealed sinister smiles...
Indeed, before they took action themselves, it was a fine idea to let these fellows give the trio a good thrashing!
To offend the Tian Yin Sect meant there would be no peaceful days ahead for them!
...
The next day, using the influence of Tian Yin Sect, the bounty for Xu Sheng and his companions was instantly posted in various places!
Countless Demon Cultivators gathered around the designated bounty posters, and upon seeing the first spot belonged to a bounty target from Tian Yin Sect, they cried out in shock, "Look, look! The posted bounty actually bears the signature of Tian Yin Sect! Someone has caught their eye!"
"Is this not the first bounty Tian Yin Sect has issued in many years?!"
"My God! To put a bounty on three at the Saint Realm and one at the Immortal Monarch Realm, they're willing to offer such generous treasures, could it be a trick?"
"Guben Pills, Immortal Rank Martial Arts, High-Grade Spiritual Weapons, and even eligibility to join the Tian Yin Sect! Holy shit, are we dreaming?"
"It looks like Tian Yin Sect is going all out, without limiting the number of participants! Why don't we all join forces and hunt down these bounty targets?"
"Right, right! If we all go after these four together, we can split the rewards, and maybe all qualify to join Tian Yin Sect!!"
In no time at all, Demon Cultivators of all Cultivation Levels had, under the influence of potential gains, decided to band together to hunt down Xu Sheng and his companions!
...
On the other side, Duanmu Shuo, who was gradually waking up, rubbed his heart as his first instinct and pondered, "Hmm? Why do I have this ominous premonition?"
Zhou Qingruo, observing this scene, narrowed her beautiful eyes and asked, "Lian, do you feel it too?"
Duanmu Lian initially paused, then nodded, "Hmm! I feel like something bad is about to happen. Xu Sheng, can you sense it too?"
Xu Sheng responded with a light laugh, "No need to worry, it's just some small fry who couldn't resist the temptation!"
Had it not been for his Divine Power Perception, he wouldn't have imagined that Tian Yin Sect would resort to using a bounty to trouble them!
Duanmu Lian and Zhou Qingruo immediately showed looks of realization, surprised, "Small fry? Xu Sheng, you mean..."
Xu Sheng didn't answer them but calmly said, "Look, haven't they already arrived?"
True to his words, just as he finished speaking, a buzz of dense discussions could be heard nearby...
"Hmph! Those few guys must be around here, everyone search carefully! If we manage to slaughter them, we'll strike it rich!"
"Three from the Saint Realm, one from the Immortal Monarch Realm, though they are strong, it's impossible for them to be a match for so many of us!"
"These four have been quite elusive, haven't they? It wouldn't be because they found out they have bounties on their heads and are now hiding, would it?"
"Stop the chatter, everyone search quickly! Otherwise, if others get there first, all our efforts will be in vain!"
Duanmu Lian lowered her voice and said, "Xu Sheng, Qingruo, are these guys talking about us?"
Three from the Saint Realm, one from the Immortal Monarch Realm, wasn't that precisely their current situation?
However, she didn't remember when they had offended so many demon cultivators. Just by the fluctuation of spiritual force, there seemed to be at least hundreds of them, with cultivation levels all over the place!
Zhou Qingruo's beautiful eyes turned even colder as she said in a chilly voice, "Most probably! I'm afraid we've already been put up for a bounty by the sect of the demon cultivators who attacked us earlier! How else could there be so many demon cultivators coming after us?"
Xu Sheng nodded, "Yes! It's just as Qingruo said."
But the number of these demon cultivators is indeed a bit too much; it's better to leave for the time being!
Just then, one of the demon cultivators suddenly saw Xu Sheng's face clearly and shouted loudly, "Over here, I found them!!!"
With that shout, countless gazes from the demon cultivators immediately turned in Xu Sheng and the others' direction, recognizing them as their targets for the trip...
In an instant, a terrifying surge of spiritual power exploded as they rushed over, fearing that the prey in their mouths might escape!
Not only that, but many demon cultivators also stood on their personal swords, encircling Xu Sheng and the others from the air...
Therefore, they shouted one after another, "You're already surrounded by us, there's no way you can escape! Just accept your deaths quietly!"
"I thought the people with bounties from the Tian Yin Sect would be strong, but this is it? They're no match for us at all!"
"If we kill them, we'll have everything we want!"
Looking at the terrifying atmosphere, the Cloud Devouring Beast couldn't help shivering and said, "We're done for, being surrounded by so many, I don't want to die before my time!"
Xu Sheng's face showed no change as he smiled lightly and said, "Little fellow, here's another chance for you to show your prowess. Hold these guys off!"
They could certainly kill off these demon cultivators here, but... there was absolutely no need to!
After all, if word got out, a lot of fun would be lost!
The eyes of the Cloud Devouring Beast lit up, "Are you... are you serious??"
Xu Sheng nodded, "I am, do you have confidence?"
Upon hearing this affirmative answer, the Cloud Devouring Beast patted its chest confidently and said, "Of course, women, just watch! The following is when the true strength of yours truly will shine!"
Duanmu Lian and Zhou Qingruo's faces were full of black lines; this creature sure knew how to show off the moment it had an advantage!
Then, as Xu Sheng's mind moved, Divine Power once again emerged out of thin air and quietly infiltrated the thin body of the Cloud Devouring Beast...
...
...