Chapter 34: The Great Demon Appears
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Zhou Jin Yue, Zhang Jun, and Yu Zhao exchanged anxious glances, their faces etched with concern. They were taken aback by the unexpected question posed by the approaching strangers. None of them wore the distinctive emblems of the Five Elements Sect, making their identification by these newcomers even more puzzling.
With a mix of caution and curiosity, Zhou Jin Yue stepped forward. “Before we discuss who we might be, perhaps you could introduce yourselves?” she suggested diplomatically.
“Of course, our apologies for the oversight,” came the cordial response.
The group of five, comprising three men and two women, closed the distance. They were about the same age as Zhou Jin Yue and her companions, and carried themselves with a confidence that was hard to miss. A subtle herbal aroma filled the air, piquing Yu Zhao’s interest further.
One of the women, clad in a green robe and exuding calm authority, answered, “We’re disciples from the Green Wood Sect. We encountered other members of your sect earlier in the forest, which led us to guess your affiliations. Please forgive our forwardness.”
She extended a token emblematic of the Green Wood Sect towards Zhou Jin Yue, her eyes earnest and her stance humble.
The Five Elements Sect and the Green Wood Sect were renowned powerhouses in the cultivation world. Though they didn’t share close ties, their interactions were generally marked by mutual respect, particularly because the Green Wood Sect was famed for its prowess in alchemy, a highly esteemed discipline.
Realizing the identity of their conversers softened Zhou Jin Yue’s initial wariness. “I see you are from the Green Wood Sect. My apologies for the earlier caution. My name is Zhou Jin Yue, and these are my junior brother Zhang Jun and junior sister Yu Zhao.”
Recognition lit up the green-robed woman’s face. “Oh, Senior Sister Jin Yue!” she exclaimed, clearly pleased. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Zhou Jin Yue, as the head disciple of the Five Elements Sect leader, was well-known for her formidable abilities and exemplary character, enhancing her reputation across sects.
After the initial introductions, the two groups exchanged more details. The green-robed woman introduced herself as Mu Ye, a late Foundation Establishment stage alchemist from the Green Wood Sect.
The Green Wood Sect was structured around three main divisions: the Alchemy Hall, the Herbal Hall, and the Martial Hall. Each had its own unique focus and hierarchy. The Alchemy Hall, where Mu Ye belonged, was reserved for those with exceptional alchemical talent and held the highest prestige within the sect. Its members were few but greatly respected.
Below them was the Herbal Hall, dedicated to disciples adept with herbs and possessing wood spiritual roots. These disciples were tasked with the cultivation and management of spiritual herbs, vital to the sect’s operations.
The Martial Hall catered to disciples who lacked the specific talents required by the other halls. Although they received less favorable treatment, these disciples were numerous and played a crucial role by undertaking various sect missions. The sect’s policy allowed these warriors to trade points earned from missions for rare resources, including coveted fourth-grade spiritual pills, making positions in the Martial Hall highly sought after despite the tougher conditions.
This intricate hierarchy underscored the complex and competitive nature of life within the Green Wood Sect, much like in the Five Elements Sect, where Zhou Jin Yue, Zhang Jun, and Yu Zhao belonged. The meeting between these disciples from different sects promised new insights and potential alliances in the unpredictable world of cultivation.
Among Mu Ye’s entourage, she alone was from the Alchemy Hall. The others—Dai Xia, Chen Qing An, Tian Han, and Guo Ming En—were all Martial Hall members, in the early stages of the Golden Core phase, assigned to protect her.
As they exchanged formal introductions, the atmosphere grew friendlier.
Mu Ye posed a question to Zhou Jin Yue, “Senior Sister Jin Yue, you’ve been in Dragon Roar Valley two days ahead of us. Have you seen any signs of the Seven-Colored Stag?”
Zhou Jin Yue shook her head, her expression tinged with disappointment. “Not even a hint. I’m starting to believe the Seven-Colored Stag is nothing more than a myth.”
Mu Ye shared her sentiment with a sigh. The existence of the Seven-Colored Stag was turning out to be more elusive than expected, raising doubts among the cultivators about its very reality.
Driven by the hope of finding this mythical creature, Mu Ye had even spent her valuable pills to secure the services of four protectors from the Martial Hall. The prospect of returning empty-handed, having wasted her resources, weighed heavily on her.
However, her disappointment was fleeting as she soon recovered her spirits. Forming a connection with Zhou Jin Yue and her companions offered some solace, even if their primary mission had proved fruitless.
Just as she was considering whether to retreat, the earth trembled violently underfoot, causing small stones to leap as if alive. Birds erupted from the trees in panic, and the distant sound of beasts roaring filled the air.
A sinister mist began to enshroud the sky, casting an ominous glow.
Yu Zhao’s eyes narrowed, and she issued a sharp warning, “Everyone, be cautious—a Great Demon is near!”
In the realm of cultivation, the term ‘Great Demon’ was reserved for those rare creatures at the Nascent Soul stage or beyond, whose presence alone could alter the sky and incite minor beast stampedes.
“A Great Demon?!” The words struck fear into everyone’s hearts.
Zhou Jin Yue, who had merely anticipated a routine training excursion, now faced a terrifying reality. Her heart raced as the gravity of their situation set in.
Mu Ye, recognizing Zhou Jin Yue’s superior experience and authority, quickly suggested, “Senior Sister Jin Yue, we should escape while we can!”
But Zhou Jin Yue stood firm, her voice resolute. “No, we can’t leave yet. My junior brothers and sisters are still out there. I can’t just abandon them!”
She turned to her companions. “Zhang Jun, Yu Zhao, quickly get in touch with the others and arrange a rendezvous point.”
Then, facing Mu Ye, she added, “Mu Ye, you should escape now if possible. If not, I, Zhou Jin Yue, vow to protect you with my life.”
In moments of crisis, Zhou Jin Yue’s demeanor shifted from amiable to commanding, reflecting her role as the head disciple.
Mu Ye looked to her own team members, finding only anxiety in their eyes. In stark contrast, Zhang Jun and Yu Zhao were already busy coordinating with their sect mates, implementing Zhou Jin Yue’s plan.
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
The difference in response was telling.
After a moment of contemplation, Mu Ye declared, “Senior Sister Jin Yue, I will stay by your side!”
Her decision to stay wasn’t based on blind trust in Zhou Jin Yue’s leadership, which seemed more reliable than that of her own sect members.
If she had to trust her life with someone, Zhou Jin Yue was her choice, even though they had only just met. Such was the influence and respect Zhou Jin Yue commanded through her reputation.
With the crisis escalating and every moment crucial, Zhou Jin Yue wasted no time. Once Zhang Jun and Yu Zhao pinpointed a safe location, she led the group swiftly to it.
With her Dao heart as witness, Zhou Jin Yue pledged to ensure the safe retreat of all disciples from Dragon Roar Valley, regardless of the personal cost.