Chapter 54: " Blood and Roar "

As Ramiris tossed the pills to Liu Ying and Jiang Cheng, they looked at each other and smiled.

At the same time, Jiang Cheng did not forget his friends in the planting area. He quickly sent them a message, warning them to leave town soon—there would be a beast tide approaching. After ensuring they received his warning, he set everything aside.

With that done, both Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying sat cross-legged on the ground, adjusting their breathing. They each took a pill, immediately sensing the boundless energy contained within. Since this was their first time consuming such a pill, they knew they were bound to break through a realm. Excitement flickered in their eyes as they swallowed the pills and closed their eyes, entering a meditative state to refine the energy.

Power surged through their meridians like a raging tide, battering against their cultivation limits. Sweat beaded on their brows as they fought to steady the violent force. Jiang Cheng's fists tightened, veins throbbing with energy, while Liu Ying's silver hair stirred, her aura sharpening with each breath.

As Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying absorbed the potent spirit power surging through their bodies, they could feel their cultivation rapidly rising. Extracting the essence of the pill and converting it into their own energy, they couldn't help but feel a surge of delight.

Ramiris looked at them and was quite pleased to see their dedication. Watching them work hard, she decided to seal off the cave with her power, isolating it completely from the outside world.

After ensuring their safety, she turned her gaze toward the Endless Monster Mountains, thousands of miles away. A deep sigh escaped her lips. It seems a great calamity is approaching.

Days passed, one after another.

Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying continued practicing peacefully, completely oblivious to the passage of time.

Meanwhile, in Puchan Town, the air was thick with tension. The monks inside the caves felt a vague sense of unease, as if something was amiss, yet they couldn't pinpoint the source. The sky, stretching from the Endless Monster Mountains to the surrounding mortal kingdoms, was shrouded in an eerie gloom—an ominous sign of the disaster that was drawing near.

Casual cultivators, sensing the impending disaster, rushed to stock up on essential supplies. The once stable market quickly turned chaotic, and prices soared overnight.

At shops and Pavilions, the price of talismans skyrocketed.

Low-level talismans, which usually sold for 5 to 7 spirit stones, were now priced at 10 to 14 spirit stones each.

Middle-grade talismans, previously costing 20 to 25 spirit stones, had doubled, now going for 35 spirit stones or more.

High-grade talismans, once valued at 100 to 120 spirit stones, had become a luxury few could afford, with some shops demanding 250 spirit stones

The same pattern repeated across all necessities. Healing Pills, Spirit Rice, spiritual herbs, and even basic weapons saw a drastic price hike. A simple Qi Recovery Pill, usually worth 6 spirit stones, now sold for 12 or more.

Desperate cultivators scoured the town, some arguing with shopkeepers, while others, unwilling to waste time haggling, paid the inflated prices without hesitation. Those who had stocked up in advance now found themselves in an enviable position, able to sell their excess goods at a premium.

As the oppressive atmosphere settled over Puchan Town, rumors spread like wildfire among the cultivators. The streets buzzed with speculation, each theory wilder than the last.

 "A beast tide? Hah! It's probably just a minor disturbance from some low-level beasts. Maybe a pack of Ironback Wolves got restless." Some scoffed, dismissing the warnings as fearmongering by paranoid cultivators. 

 "What's there to be afraid of? There's a Foundation Building elder from the Qinglin Sect stationed here. Even if something happens, he'll handle it. At most, it's just some low-level monsters like always. No need to panic over nothing."

 "You idiots don't understand! My cousin's master's junior brother has a sworn brother who once met a wandering Daoist. That Daoist had a friend who worked as a servant for a Golden Core elder, and that elder once overheard two rogue cultivators whispering about it in a black market! Deep within the Endless Monster Mountains, an ancient treasure has surfaced—an immortal-grade artifact that grants eternal life! That's why the beasts are going crazy. They're not attacking; they're protecting it!" whispered a hooded man in a tavern, his voice trembling with excitement. 

Some cultivators scoffed at the ridiculous tale, while others exchanged uneasy glances, wondering if there might be a sliver of truth buried in the nonsense.

"No, no, you've got it wrong," another interrupted. "A rogue Ancestor Nascent Soul cultivator tried to refine a forbidden technique there and failed, turning himself into a demonic monster. Now, he's summoning the beasts to wage war against humanity!"

Elsewhere, a drunken old man waved his jug of wine and cackled. "Bah! You're all blind! The sky turned gloomy because an ancient demon is awakening! The heavens themselves are warning us!"

Some took the rumors lightly, rolling their eyes at the absurdity, while others panicked, buying up supplies as if the apocalypse was imminent. A few greedy cultivators, believing the treasure rumor, set off toward the mountains, convinced they would strike fortune amidst the chaos.

Regardless of what the truth was, one thing was clear—Puchan Town had become a cauldron of fear, greed, and confusion.

...

At this moment, twenty thousand miles away from the town, in the deep of the Endless Mountains 

Strands of mist coiled into the air, and the mountainous scenery began to distort as if it was put in state of chaos, suddenly, the cries of the Beasts stopped, and a deathly silence loomed over. 

A huge Silhouette emerged, curling around the dense mist. Its body wasn't visible, but its terrifying Aura trembled the heavens and Earth. The ravines and mountains shook, and all the birds and beasts trembled on the floor as they paid their respects. 

It held up the heavens while standing firm on the earth.

Its height was immeasurable, its massive figure piercing through the clouds. Only its enormous eyes were visible, glowing with an eerie green light—like two vast lakes suspended in the sky. Each eye spanned tens of meters in diameter, and the murderous aura it radiated sent tremors through the heavens.

Its true form was beyond comprehension. The sheer scale of its body remained unknown. If news of its existence spread to the outside world, the entire land would be thrown into chaos.

Each breath it took rumbled like a storm, and with every exhale, the mist swirled violently, as if the sky itself was suffocating under its presence

"This divine object is mine!" it bellowed, its deep voice crashing through the air like a thunderclap. The mountains shook violently, nearly collapsing under the force of its roar. Even the birds and beasts in the distant peaks trembled, unable to resist the overwhelming pressure.

Dong!

What it got in response was a massive iron rod—so thick that it seemed like a pillar supporting the heavens. As it swept across the sky, violet winds howled in its wake. Mountain rocks were sent flying, and dense fog surged up, rolling like tidal waves. This strike carried the force to shatter the world and pierce the heavens!

A demonic roar erupted, shaking the nine heavens. The Colossal silhouette extended an earth-shattering claw—so immense that it could crush an entire mountain ridge with a single grasp. A chilling light flickered along its incomparably sharp edges, gleaming like blades forged from pure destruction.

Boom!

The massive claw collided with the iron rod high above the clouds, and for a moment, it seemed as if the sky itself was being torn apart. Thunderous shockwaves rippled outward as the collision sent tremors through the heavens. The clouds shattered and dispersed, while countless streaks of multicolored light burst forth, illuminating the chaotic sky like divine tribulation descending upon the world.

Pff, pff...

Strange materials rained down from the sky, each one more bizarre than the last. Some had the scarlet hue of blood diamonds, others were as pitch-black as ink. Immortal jade Dao patterns shimmered alongside starlight essence, and various precious bones, glowing with ethereal light, fell like celestial treasures.

If experts from outside the mountains saw this, their eyes would undoubtedly turn red with greed. These were the bones of ancient beasts—more than ten pieces in total. Such a treasure was enough to drive any cultivator mad with desire.

The bones were inscribed with various formation patterns, and as they fell, they settled across the vast mountain range, embedding themselves deep within the valleys. With an ear-splitting rumble, a massive formation sprang to life, sealing and suppressing the area.

Astral winds from the heavens descended once again, but even their powerful force couldn't shake the great mountain. The massive body of the creature, towering between heaven and earth, surpassed the clouds. Its ghastly green eyes, as large as lakes, glowed coldly as it opened its icy mouth and muttered, "Too soft-hearted."

Shiiiing

It exhaled terrifying rays of light, engulfing both heaven and earth. The precious bones from earlier had suppressed the boundless mountains, but this new attack was a devastating force that threatened to push everything into ruin. The light shook the clouds loose, and with a single, resplendent divine strike, the heavens themselves seemed to quiver. This was its strongest technique—a precious, divine light.

Once again, the only response it received was a massive iron rod. The rod cleaved through the divine light, exploding with a deafening sound that reverberated through the air. An ancient, primal symbol flickered into existence, and with a Clunk sound, the rod emitted an immeasurable burst of dense light. The divine might of the rod surged, growing even stronger with the added light.

The rod and the divine light clashed in a burst of energy that split the very fabric of space, causing the heavens to tremble. For a moment, time seemed to stretch as the two forces locked in a brutal contest of will.

This was a fierce battle. Two unimaginable existences laid down their primitive symbols within the mountain valleys, locked in a life-or-death struggle.

Every strike echoed through the mountains, shaking the very foundations of the earth. The air was thick with the scent of blood, and the once peaceful valleys had become a battlefield, where only one could emerge victorious

"You and that little scarlet griffin both suffered from the previous fight. Retreat is your only option!" Its green eyes glowed with a terrifying, ghastly cold light, radiating an endless killing intent.

The great battle raged on!

Boom!

Suddenly, from the heart of the mountain range, a blazing light shot into the heavens. A little red griffin appeared, engaging in a world-shaking battle with another frightening creature.

"I never thought you'd still be alive in this world."

Roar!!

Altogether, there were four supreme creatures at the peak of the Fourth Level (Peak of Nascent Soul Realm in the human cultivation system), their terrifying might surpassing all imagination as they fought.

The ground trembled with each clash, and the sky was alight with flames and crackling energy as the griffin and the other beast fought with a ferocity that shook the heavens. 

Countless third-level creatures within a radius of tens of thousands of miles were terrified and trembling, hiding in the distance without a trace of movement.

The monks in Puchan Town were shocked when they heard the noises coming from the depths of the Endless Mountain range. They gazed in that direction and saw chaotic mist swirling around, with over ten pieces of beast bones suppressing the mountain range, but no one could see exactly what was happening.

"What happened? Could it be that an Immortal treasure has actually appeared, and they are currently fighting a final decisive battle over it?"

Just as they spoke, a divine light broke through the skies within the boundless mountains, and the chaotic mist surged violently. Even though over ten precious bones were suppressing the valleys, the mountain range still trembled violently.

A peerless magical power was being activated, and the heavens and earth quaked in fear. Everyone was scared and overwhelmed. At that moment, their souls began to throb, and many of them kneeled to the ground.

Everyone's bodies shook and shivered. This was the most powerful pressure they had ever felt, and it made them involuntarily kowtow and worship.

How frightening were these creatures? Everyone was cold from head to toe. A few casual cultivators thought back to when they still had thoughts of searching for the mountain treasure; those truly were thoughts belonging to those who were tired of living! It was fortunate that they backed off!

Run!

This was what everyone thought in their hearts. In this desolate land, staying still for even a moment could increase the dangers tenfold. If they messed up by even a small bit, they would cease to exist.

The Foundation Building elder Jin Lang Zhenren, who was guarding the place in Puchan Town, had already packed his small bags, preparing to flee. He felt that this place was no longer a place where people could stay. His best choice was to turn back and escape as quickly as possible. As for punishment from the Sect, he scoffed at it—whoever wanted this ghostly place could have it.

Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying stood in silence as they absorbed the energy from the pills. Both of them could feel the intense power surging through their bodies, pushing them to the brink of a breakthrough. However, the atmosphere felt strangely tense, and they both couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental was unfolding.

"Do you feel that?" Liu Ying's silver hair fluttered, her eyes narrowing as she sensed the disturbance far beyond the cave. 

Jiang Cheng's face was also set in concentration, but his mind raced. He could feel it too—the air itself seemed to grow heavier, like an impending storm was about to break. He knew the beast tide was near, but this felt different—much more dangerous. 

"Focus," Ramiris' cold voice cut him Off. Standing near the cave entrance, her gaze distant and detached, she said, "Finish refining the energy. What's outside doesn't concern us right now."

Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows. "But—"

"No buts," she interrupted sharply. "Complete your breakthrough, or you'll waste the chance. The outside world will still be there when you're done."

But..." Liu Ying began, her voice softening as her hands tightened . "What about the people in the town? Shouldn't we...

Ramiris turned her icy eyes on Liu Ying, her gaze ruthlessly piercing. "What have the lives and deaths of others have to do with us?" Her voice was devoid of warmth, each word slicing through the air like a blade. "Your focus should be on yourself and your cultivation. Nothing else matters at this moment."

Liu Ying hesitated for a moment, the conflict between her compassion and Ramiris' cold logic playing out in her mind. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with frustration, "But... you can save them."

the temperature in the cave suddenly dropped sharply, The air itself seemed to freeze, suffocating their breath. A palpable coldness surrounded them, a heavy pressure that weighed on their chests. Jiang Cheng couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine. He cursed inwardly. This naive girl...

Ramiris turned her gaze fully on Liu Ying. Her eyes narrowed in disdain, and her voice rang out, colder than the ice around them. "And why should I? Do I owe someone something?" Her words were sharp, a cutting reprimand. 

 " So Shut up and continue cultivating. Don't make me disappointed in you."

She turned away, leaving the air heavy with tension, her back to both of them.

Liu Ying stood frozen for a moment, frustration boiling inside her. She turned to Jiang Cheng, searching for some form of support or understanding, but he remained unmoved.

His expression was as steady as an ancient stone,like an old dog who had seen it all before. There was no hint of anger, no signs of empathy, just an unwavering calm that spoke volumes.

Liu Ying opened her mouth to speak again but thought better of it. She clenched her fists, silently seething, before closing her eyes and resigning herself to the task at hand. It was clear that there would be no debate, no discussion. Ramiris had spoken, and they were bound to follow.

Jiang Cheng, however, didn't react. His mind was already back on his own cultivation. 

 If the sky outside were to fall, there would always be someone taller to hold it up... 

Jiang Cheng couldn't help but sneer inwardly at the thought. What a joke. Why should he care about the lives and deaths of others? He shook his head, his expression remaining unchanging. 

If I had the strength and ability to save the situation without getting hurt or provoking someone I couldn't afford to offend. I wouldn't mind lending a hand. But to step in right now, to try and tell Ramiris what to do, or preach to others to act like this naive fool did—

Jiang Cheng's lips curled into a cold smile as he looked at Liu Ying, the irritation bubbling up but never quite showing on his face. What a joke. How could a mere ant like him tell an Ancestor, someone of Ramiris' caliber, what she should or shouldn't do?

His mind turned back to the real matter at hand—the next steps in his cultivation. The situation outside, the dangers, the turmoil—it was all irrelevant. Until he had the power to command the heavens, he would focus on what mattered: himself and his path. Anyone else's fate? That wasn't his concern.

....

Boom!

Suddenly, in the middle of the boundless mountain range, a world-shaking sound erupted. Rubble penetrated the sky as it burst in mid-air. A chaotic mist began to spread, covering the entire mountain range.

An immortal light rushed toward the heavens, and auspicious vapors surged up as they rose into the open skies. It was as if the most valuable treasure since the creation of the world was being born. It floated and sank there, shaking the entire area of hundreds of thousands of miles.

"The mountain treasure has entered the world!"

At this moment, no one needed to say anything. Everyone knew that the divine object emitting that light had appeared.

The air crackled with energy, and the ground trembled beneath the force of the battle. Lightning flashed, and the sky itself seemed to break apart as the four combatants clashed with the fury of gods.

With a rumbling sound, the far side of the mountain range began to boil, and the battle intensified. The four incomprehensibly powerful beings were fighting life and death for the mountain treasure that had just appeared.