Chapter 197: Devour, Transform, Explode

Chapter 197: Devour, Transform, Explode

An hour later.

Beside the blood-colored star transformed by Chu Xiu's Dao Seed, the nearby satellite shifted from dark red to light red.

Then, there was the blood cocoon. It began to vibrate uncontrollably and cracks appeared on its surface. With a loud crack, the blood cocoon shattered, and a chicken demon tumbled out, landing with a snap on the ground.

The Dao Seed Blood Star vanished, merging into Chu Xiu's body.

After a while, the chicken demon opened his eyes and woke up. Chu Xiu stood before him, hands clasped behind his back, observing intently.

The chicken demon raised his head, his emerald green eyes fixed on Chu Xiu, his expression devoid of the earlier fear, replaced by soul-deep awe and loyalty. He moved closer to Chu Xiu, leaned over, and kissed his instep.

"Your Excellency, I am your most loyal servant," he said with piety. "Thank you for giving me a new life."

A gleam flashed in Chu Xiu's eyes, and a smile curled the corners of his mouth. "Ai Kun, can you feel any changes in yourself?"

Ai Kun, the name Chu Xiu knew from reading the demon's memories, nodded without hesitation. He closed his eyes to inspect his internal condition.

His expression transformed with excitement. "Your Excellency, thanks to you, the demon phoenix blood within me has been elevated several levels. The defects of the heavenly grade magical seed have been rectified, reaching the level of immortal grade. My strength has increased at least threefold, and both my qualifications and cultivation speed have greatly improved. Once we leave this secret realm, I can foresee becoming a minor saint, and perhaps even a great saint will be within reach."

He repeatedly kowtowed in gratitude.

Chu Xiu touched his chin, reflecting on the experiment's outcome. He now understood the current functions of the Guidao Seed:

One: Devour—Consume the cultivators of races other than human and convert them into a blood-colored energy, stored in the blood-colored satellite next to the Dao Seed Star.

Two: Transform—Upon realizing this, Chu Xiu's smile brightened. He had known this capability through Ai Kun's memories.

"Old Demon Chu," he mused aloud, "possesses a divine seed of magical power, a heavenly demon body, a peerless demon unseen for hundreds of thousands of years, the heir of Emperor Xueqing... If I could transform him into my subordinate, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

A trace of blood flickered in Ai Kun's green eyes. He bowed slightly and smiled. "It would be his honor."

"I wish your majesty success in advance in subduing this man," Ai Kun said.

Chu Xiu hummed lightly and patted Ai Kun's wing. "I have a task for you."

Ai Kun immediately tensed, "Your Majesty's command is my wish, even unto death."

"You find a way to seduce more demons," Chu Xiu instructed after outlining his plan.

Ai Kun knelt, bowed deeply, then stood and hurried to the cave entrance. As he emerged, surprise flickered in the eyes of the Saint of Yao Chi. She knew Chu Xiu's reputation well—never one to spare his enemies. Yet today, he had changed.

"Don't stop him, let him go," Chu Xiu's distant voice commanded.

Though puzzled, the Saint of Yao Chi obeyed. Ai Kun nodded to her, transformed into a colorful streamer, and flew away.

In the cave, Chu Xiu sensed a new connection. Within dozens of miles, he could communicate with Ai Kun at any time, more effectively than any talisman. But beyond that range, the link faded, leaving only the knowledge that Ai Kun remained alive.

Chu Xiu inhaled deeply, then opened his eyes and frowned in thought. "After transforming Ai Kun, I sensed an addition to the Dao Palace, something indescribable at my current level... It's as if some deficiencies were corrected."

"Don't overthink it," he muttered to himself. "When your cultivation reaches a higher level, many things will become clear."

At that moment, the Saint of Yao Chi entered. She noticed Chu Xiu's contemplative pose.

Half a minute later, Chu Xiu asked, "Feng Yao, why don't you ask me why I let the chicken demon go?"

The Saint shook her head. "You would tell me if you wanted to. Why should I ask?"

"Very sensible," Chu Xiu nodded, his deep gaze fixed on her. "Some things are better left unknown, don't you think?"

The two exchanged a knowing look, and the Saint of Yao Chi nodded slightly, her lips parting slightly. "I sense a hint of murderous intent from you, just for a moment. You wanted to kill me... It seems something terrible happened earlier in the cave, stirring your emotions."

Chu Xiu didn't deny it. "Do you think I am unkind and cold-blooded?"

The Saint was calm. "I understand... We've only known each other a short time. It's normal to be cautious."

"Don't worry, I have no intention of prying into your secrets," she added.

"Ha, you're too formal," Chu Xiu's mood shifted rapidly as he stood and approached her, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. "You are my wings, and I trust you."

She leaned into his embrace, her hand resting on his chest. "Is your retreat over? Shall we continue our journey?"

"No hurry, we have one more wave to ride," Chu Xiu said, breathing in deeply. A wicked smile played across his lips, his eyes gleaming scarlet like a demon's.