C18 What a Good Death!

How exactly was he going to distract Pitfall Mountain? Surely he couldn't stir up trouble on their turf, could he? Did he really want to make his presence as the Yan Kingdom's Prince Regent so obvious that Pitfall Mountain would feel compelled to dispatch troops against his nation?

To shift Pitfall Mountain's focus, one must first ascertain their primary concern. But that was easier said than done. Unless he was an insider of Pitfall Mountain's Demon Clan, blending in would be impossible. Their demonic aura was unmistakable. If he were there, he'd stick out like a sore thumb, or more accurately, like a light bulb in the darkness.

Then it hit him. Wasn't he capable of mastering any cultivation technique? If he could practice the Demon Clan's methods, might he be able to generate his own demonic Qi?

With this thought, Chen Ming bid the Sect Master goodbye and made his way to the Scripture Pavilion of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect to check for any Demon Clan techniques.

The Sect Master watched Chen Ming's departing figure and murmured, "Should I inform him? Yet with a Demon King stationed at Pitfall Mountain, I doubt he'd rashly venture there to meet his end."

Chen Ming navigated to the Scripture Pavilion with ease. The Elder guarding the pavilion recognized him and didn't bother to request the Sect Master's token. It was common knowledge that Chen Ming was the heir apparent, and the Elder had no intention of seeking unnecessary trouble.

Inside the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Ming ascended directly to the top floor, a privilege reserved for the Sect Master, and began his search for demonic cultivation methods. This sacred space was off-limits to most, but his status granted him access.

After some rummaging, he stumbled upon a demonic cultivation scroll titled "Blood Devil Blade," potent enough to cultivate a Dao Seed at its pinnacle. Chen Ming pondered briefly before tucking the scroll away. It might prove useful someday.

On the top floor, his eyes caught sight of a beast skin scroll depicting a three-legged golden crow. The "Fire Crow Spell," with its nine levels, was a technique of equal caliber to his own Dragon Elephant Power.

To prevent the Scripture Pavilion elders from detecting his demonic Qi, Chen Ming gestured with his hand, creating a mana barrier to conceal any leakage of aura.

Internally, Chen Ming resolved, "I'll comprehend the first level of the Fire Crow Spell."

A notification chimed in his mind, "Comprehending the first level of the Fire Crow Spell requires 5 points of Teacher's Virtue. Proceed with comprehension?"

"Comprehend it, right away!"

Suddenly, Chen Ming felt a warmth spread through his body, as if a spark of fire had ignited within him. In his mind's eye, a massive fire crow emerged, its wings beating flames as it soared skyward!

He marveled at the stark contrast between demonic and human cultivation techniques.

Upon inspecting his Dao Palace once more, Chen Ming discovered a fourth chamber, pulsating with intense demonic Qi!

He had indeed managed to cultivate demonic energy!

Yet, upon self-examination, the aura he exuded remained that of the Dragon Elephant Power, not demonic Qi.

Chen Ming scrutinized his four Dao Palaces and noted the Dragon Elephant Power's chamber at the forefront. With a mere thought, he shifted the Fire Crow Spell's chamber to the front, and his aura subtly shifted to a faint trace of demonic energy.

To any demon, Chen Ming would now appear as a formidable demon in disguise!

Conversely, to the Righteous Dao, he would be met with swords drawn and cries of, "Die, demon!"

It seemed entirely feasible!

Chen Ming had gleaned insights from his missions; reputation was about engaging in events, altering their course, and elevating one's status. Essentially, it was about stirring the pot. But such actions shouldn't be taken on home ground, to avoid harming the flora. To truly make waves, one must venture into demon territory, and the Hundred Thousand Mountains seemed an ideal venue for such endeavors.

Reverting his aura back to the Dragon Elephant Power, Chen Ming, with the beast skin scroll in hand, exited the Scripture Pavilion. The competition for entry-level disciples was about to commence.

Back at Prince Su Mountain, he was joined by Zhuo Qingyao. The pair strolled down the mountain at a leisurely pace. Along the way, Zhuo Qingyao turned to Chen Ming and inquired, "Master, are you testing the heart of your disciple once more?"

Zhuo Qingyao was clearly puzzled as to why Chen Ming didn't fly with his sword, and Chen Ming, with an awkward smile, responded, "It seems you still lack a certain steadiness. So, I'm going to establish a new rule for all disciples to follow: no one is to fly on their swords unless in battle."

Zhuo Qingyao took this as a hint from Chen Ming to cultivate a more serene disposition and mentally logged the directive.

Upon their arrival at the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's competition grounds, they found the place teeming with people. Elders were busy urging their disciples to secure high ranks, which would lead to more resources and superior training from the sect.

The disciples were surprised to see Zhuo Qingyao there. "What's happening? Wasn't Zhuo Qingyao not going to participate?"

"Who can say? But what difference does it make if she does? Just a month ago, she was nothing but a first-level Dao Enlightening Stage reject!"

"They say Zhuo Qingyao's meridians are severed, making cultivation impossible for her!"

"It looks like Elder Chen, despite his youth and remarkable swordsmanship, has quite the poor eye for talent!"

"Has Elder Chen lost his mind from too much training?"

A flicker of anger crossed Zhuo Qingyao's face. Chen Ming observed the gossiping disciples and mused on their audacity. To think that cultivators merely at the second or third level of the Dao Enlightening Stage dared to mock Zhuo Qingyao!

Chen Ming, however, was unfazed. He took his seat in the stands, his interest waning as he turned his attention to the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's Mountain Protecting Great Array, immersing himself in its study.

Before long, Lee Changgeng arrived with Wang Ping, who cast a look of jealousy and thick scorn at Zhuo Qingyao.

Lee Changgeng had barely settled in when Wang Ping addressed Zhuo Qingyao, "You really shouldn't bother with the entrance disciple competition."

"Why not?" Zhuo Qingyao inquired.

With a smug grin, Wang Ping replied, "If you can't outshine even the unmentored novices, you'll only embarrass Elder Chen."

Zhuo Qingyao, clearly not one to be underestimated, replied coolly, "We'll see about that."

Lee Changgeng watched the two juniors bicker, with no intention of using his seniority to intimidate them. His gaze shifted to Chen Ming, the longstanding golden boy of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and the Yan Kingdom. This could be his chance to outshine Chen Ming. "If Wang Ping has the misfortune of facing Qingyao, hahahahaha, well, I'll have Wang Ping go easy on her!"

Chen Ming, unfazed, bowed slightly and responded, "I appreciate that, Elder Lee."

Elder Lee's face broke into a smug grin. "Hahahaha, it's all good. Just remember, Wang Ping, don't overdo it. We wouldn't want to embarrass Elder Chen!"

Wang Ping bowed in acknowledgment, "I understand. However, should Zhuo Qingyao prove to be unyielding, I'll have no choice but to set her straight!"

Truly, a masterful checkmate!