Checking in for 100,000 Years

Chapter 196: Chapter 196: Monsters Gather, Each with Their Own Motives

Despite his harsh words, when the Big Black Cat landed with Kitten on a huge rock overlooking the valley, he did not make any reckless moves.

Hundreds of Demon Clan members had gathered around.

The demons stared at the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass in the valley with an indescribable fervor in their eyes.

No one had ever seen an Eternal Life Immortal Grass with nine leaves.

Five-leaf and six-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grasses were commonly seen.

But everyone knew that in the Nine Soul Underground Palace, each additional leaf on an Eternal Life Immortal Grass brought unimaginable improvements.

The valley floor was carpeted with Ghost Lice, dense and seemingly innumerable. They tightly guarded the Eternal Life Immortal Grass, and for a while, nobody dared to move.

Everyone just stared intently at the Eternal Life Immortal Grass, covertly drooling.

Ghost Lice were an extremely frightening type of creature in the Nine Soul Underground Palace.

Along the way, many had died under the razor-sharp maws of the Ghost Lice.

”There are just too many Ghost Lice...”

Standing on the rock, the Big Black Cat looked at the dark, swarming mass of Ghost Lice, and his fair face instantly turned grim.

Although he had Teleportation Boots that could allow him to grab the Eternal Life Immortal Grass in the blink of an eye, and he could even use the Black Shield to block the Ghost Lice’s attacks, the sheer number of Ghost Lice was overwhelming. If they managed to land on him from any direction, he would be instantly drained into a dry corpse.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Several beams of light descended from afar, landing on the high ground around the valley.

More and more demons were gathering.

Everyone adopted a wait-and-see approach; no one acted rashly.

The number of Ghost Lice in the valley far exceeded those in the tunnels of the Nine Soul Underground Palace.

”Are there any Heaven-Destined Great Demon seniors... who can take the lead?” a male demon suddenly shouted.

”If you want to go, then go! With so many Ghost Lice guarding the Eternal Life Immortal Grass down there, whoever dares to charge in first will definitely die!” a man with a dark complexion retorted irritably.

The crowd deeply agreed.

Although they seemed numerous, no Heaven-Destined Great Demon capable of charging through enemy lines had yet appeared.

So-called Heaven-Destined Great Demons were those at the Destiny Realm, whose cultivation bases were suppressed to the Tenth Layer of the Divine Bridge Realm upon entering the Nine Soul Underground Palace.

Such Great Demons not only possessed high cultivation bases but also formidable physical bodies. If they were to lead the charge, they might be able to withstand the frenzied assault of these Ghost Lice.

The demons discussed animatedly amongst themselves, and the atmosphere was indeed lively.

Fortunately, the Ghost Lice were only guarding the Eternal Life Immortal Grass and had not taken the initiative to attack those on the mountaintop.

The Big Black Cat remained calm, as he too was waiting for an opportunity.

He had already obtained four stalks of Eternal Life Immortal Grass. As long as he acquired one more, he would complete his basic task.

Any Eternal Life Immortal Grass he obtained in the future, he could consume freely to temper his own body and increase his lifespan.

”Big Brother, do you think that Dragon Lord will also come here?” Kitten asked in a hushed voice, looking around.

”Don’t jinx it!”

The Big Black Cat frowned and glared at her, displeased.

That Dragon Lord fellow was freakishly strong. If he came, there would be one more major competitor for the Eternal Life Immortal Grass. Although he had gotten lucky last time using the Sky Exterminating Phantom Eye, who knew if the Sky Exterminating Phantom Eye would be as effective next time? Besides, the Dragon Lord had already been tricked once; the Big Black Cat didn’t believe he would fall for it again.

At this moment, two more figures swiftly landed at the edge of the valley.

When Kitten saw these two individuals, her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in shock.

”Big Brother, this is bad! That Iron Hunk and the Nine-tailed Fox Demon are together!”

Kitten immediately hid behind the Big Black Cat, her voice trembling with fear.

The Big Black Cat’s heart also jolted.

He quickly turned his head, his gaze passing over the shoulders of the hundreds of Demon Clan members, and saw two figures standing there.

It was the Nine-tailed Fox Demon and Iron Hunk.

Adversaries are destined to meet again, it seems! These two pests just won’t give up... The Big Black Cat clenched his teeth, his expression darkening.

He was extremely reluctant to leave just like this. But if the Nine-tailed Fox Demon and Iron Hunk joined forces, aside from having a slight advantage in fleeing, he truly wouldn’t be their match.

For a moment, the Big Black Cat’s spirits sank.

The Nine-tailed Fox Demon also spotted the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass, a fervent glint sparking in her beautiful eyes.

The same went for the Golden Striped Black Tiger.

Both great demons were captivated by the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass and had yet to notice the Big Black Cat and Kitten.

The Big Black Cat, pulling Kitten’s arm, quickly jumped off the large rock and blended into the crowd.

He needed to maintain a low profile and stay hidden for as long as possible. Who knew what might happen next? Perhaps someone would be unable to resist rushing into the valley first, igniting the contest for the Eternal Life Immortal Grass.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Figures streaked through the air from a distance, landing around the valley.

More and more Demon Clan members continued to arrive.

Among these demons, many were Heaven-Destined Great Demons whose realms had been suppressed to the Tenth Layer of the Divine Bridge Realm.

Upon arriving and seeing the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass, the eyes of these Heaven-Destined Great Demons turned red.

Nine is the ultimate number. A Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass must be the best kind, right?

These Heaven-Destined Great Demons also wanted to contend for it.

At this moment, the Nine-tailed Fox Demon shifted her gaze from the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass. Her beautiful eyes began to scan the surrounding crowd.

Suddenly, her pupils contracted sharply.

In the distant crowd, she actually saw the Nine-tailed Spirit Cat and the Sky Spirit Cat.

What a despicable pair, to think they were hiding here! The moment the Nine-tailed Fox Demon saw the Nine-tailed Spirit Cat, she was reminded of the searing pain on her rump.

Her wound on her rump had actually healed long ago. The Nine-tailed Fox Demon had also acquired two or three stalks of Eternal Life Immortal Grass; after consuming one, her injuries had completely vanished.

”Hmph, Tiger, look who’s over there,” the Nine-tailed Fox Demon said, annoyed.

”Huh?” The Golden Striped Black Tiger glanced in that direction, and his eyes nearly bulged out.

Two familiar figures stood there.

One was his fiancée, and the other was that shameless Nine-tailed Spirit Cat who had run off with his fiancée.

Fury ignited in his heart. The Golden Striped Black Tiger immediately drew his saber, preparing to charge.

But the Nine-tailed Fox Demon grabbed his arm.

”Right now, our priority is this Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass. As for those two, there’s no rush...” the Nine-tailed Fox Demon whispered.

The Golden Striped Black Tiger was taken aback, then quickly nodded.

The Nine-tailed Fox Demon had shown great kindness to their Golden Striped Black Tiger clan.

Moreover, the Nine-tailed Fox Demon’s status and cultivation base were higher than his; he was more than willing to listen to her.

Seeing the Golden Striped Black Tiger’s anger subside, the Nine-tailed Fox Demon patted his massive shoulder with satisfaction.

”Rest assured, I’ll help you get your revenge. With the two of us, both Heaven-Destined Great Demons, do you think we still need to fear those two?” the Nine-tailed Fox Demon said with a light chuckle.

”You’re right, Seventh Princess!” The Golden Striped Black Tiger grinned foolishly.

Another figure descended from the sky. The light faded, revealing a man in golden robes.

As the man landed on the mountaintop, many Demon Clan members quickly retreated, clearing an open space.

”The Dragon Lord is here!”

Many Demon Clan members cheered excitedly.

The Dragon Lord of the Ten Thousand Dragon Ridge possessed the bloodline of a Divine Dragon. His strength was world-shaking; perhaps he could be the one to take the lead.

The Dragon Lord’s expression was cold and indifferent. With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed at the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass in the valley, a fervent look in his eyes.

This was also his first time seeing a nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass.

Therefore, at this moment, he resolved to claim this plant for himself.

He quickly scanned the surroundings and noticed other Heaven-Destined Great Demons among the crowd. However, there were only about a dozen whose cultivation bases were close to his own.

Seeing so many Demon Clan members gathered on the mountaintop yet taking no action, a look of sudden realization crossed the Dragon Lord’s face. It seems... everyone is waiting for a powerful individual to break the deadlock. After all, the Ghost Lice in the valley are far too numerous; no one dares to be the first to charge.

A cold sneer touched the Dragon Lord’s lips. Charging in first is certainly highly risky, but it also offers the greatest opportunity. His mind began to turn.

However, as his gaze swept over a certain spot, it suddenly froze. He saw the black-robed young man who had ambushed him before.

Two clusters of furious flames instantly blazed in the Dragon Lord’s eyes. That detestable fellow! Later, I must capture him and tear him into a thousand pieces to appease the hatred in my heart!

Damn it, that old geezer Dragon Lord is here too! Dejection filled the Big Black Cat’s face, and he was ready to activate his Teleportation Boots to flee at any moment.

That Dragon Lord fellow is too strong. I’m definitely not his match. As for my Sky Exterminating Phantom Eye, it’s unreliable; I can’t pin all my hopes on it.

Kitten’s face also turned quite pale at this moment.

The Nine-tailed Fox Demon, Iron Hunk, and the Dragon Lord—all three of their major adversaries were present. She truly didn’t know how this would end.

However, when Kitten saw that the Dragon Lord only glanced at them before turning his attention back to the Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass in the valley, she felt somewhat relieved.

It seemed everyone’s attention was currently focused on the Eternal Life Immortal Grass, and personal grudges were being temporarily set aside.

”Big Brother, should we leave this place first? There are Eternal Life Immortal Grasses elsewhere; maybe we can even find another nine-leaf one!” Kitten said, tugging on the Big Black Cat’s sleeve.

”Are Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grasses that common?” The Big Black Cat frowned, gritting his teeth. ”Since they haven’t attacked us, we don’t need to rush to escape. Let’s observe the situation first. In any case, I have no intention of giving up on this Eternal Life Immortal Grass!”

”Alright then!” Seeing the Nine-tailed Spirit Cat so determined, Kitten reluctantly nodded.

After all, her little life depended on the Nine-tailed Spirit Cat.

Although in Kitten’s eyes, the Nine-tailed Spirit Cat’s combat strength wasn’t very impressive, his escape skills were unparalleled. To have escaped from Iron Hunk, the Nine-tailed Fox Demon, and the Dragon Lord successively—that wasn’t something an ordinary Demon Clan member could achieve.

The Big Black Cat’s expression kept changing. His gaze darted between the Eternal Life Immortal Grass, the Dragon Lord, the Nine-tailed Fox Demon, and Iron Hunk, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

This time, he would truly have to snatch food from the tiger’s mouth. To defeat those Heaven-Destined Great Demons among an army of over a thousand Demon Clan members and evade the terrifying Ghost Lice—the difficulty was simply too immense. However, the thought of the astonishing rewards if he succeeded still made the Big Black Cat’s heart race with excitement. Success or failure would be decided in this one attempt.

BOOM! RUMBLE!

A rumbling sound, like muffled thunder, suddenly came from the valley below.

Surprised expressions appeared on the faces of all the Demon Clan members.

”What’s that?”

”How come more flowers are growing in the valley?”

”Those aren’t flowers! Those are Giant Demon Yam Flowers, bizarre creatures from the Nine Soul Underground Palace!”

The crowd discussed animatedly, looking at the numerous white plants that had suddenly appeared in the valley below, their faces filled with utter shock.

Those white plants burst from the earth and rapidly grew, forming enormous flowers. They were indeed Giant Demon Yam Flowers.

Within the vast valley, hundreds of Giant Demon Yam Flowers had suddenly sprouted.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

The Giant Demon Yam Flowers bloomed, and black mist billowed out from their openings, instantly shrouding the entire valley.

Everyone gasped.

Those terrifying Ghost Lice were already extremely difficult to deal with.

Now, hundreds of Giant Demon Yam Flowers had also grown.

These horrifying flowers spewed black mist, completely sealing off the valley.

This made acquiring the Eternal Life Immortal Grass even more difficult.

The obstructing fog would hinder their line of sight.

Moreover, the Giant Demon Yam Flowers possessed extremely strong combat capabilities; their slender tendrils and corrosive liquids were the nightmare of many Demon Clan members.

”This place... it’s truly becoming more and more terrifying...” the Golden Striped Black Tiger said, looking towards the valley with a grave expression.

”These strange creatures are guarding the Eternal Life Immortal Grass. From a certain perspective, this Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass is indeed worth risking one’s life for...”

The Nine-tailed Fox Demon extended her pink tongue, gently licking her sensual red lips, yet the light in her eyes burned even hotter.

A Nine-leaf Eternal Life Immortal Grass is definitely extraordinary.

The ever-domineering Dragon Lord now had an extremely grim expression.

He stared intently at the valley, secretly calculating. He now somewhat regretted not acting sooner; if he had, he wouldn’t have encountered these Giant Demon Yam Flowers. But it was too late now. The sudden appearance of the Giant Demon Yam Flowers had sealed the valley, greatly increasing the difficulty of seizing the Eternal Life Immortal Grass.

”What was that?” The Dragon Lord’s pupils constricted slightly as he suddenly saw a golden figure flash past in the mist.

The Dragon Lord’s expression immediately became solemn. Since entering the Nine Soul Underground Palace, he had encountered several bizarre creatures, but he had never met the legendary, most terrifying golden humanoid creature. To think that a golden humanoid creature was also present in this mist!

It wasn’t just the Dragon Lord; almost every Demon Clan member saw it.

The realization that the most terrifying golden humanoid creature of the Nine Soul Underground Palace was also lurking in the valley made everyone’s breathing quicken.

The golden humanoid terror was too famous; its ferocity ranked among the top three most dangerous entities in the Nine Soul Underground Palace.

Besides the Ghost Lice, Giant Demon Yam Flowers, Nine Soul Earth Pythons, and the golden humanoid terror, there were several other extremely rare and terrifyingly bizarre creatures in the Nine Soul Underground Palace.

However, very few knew of their existence.

Around them, people’s breathing grew heavy. Everyone stared intently at the valley, their minds racing as they calculated their options.

Some of the Demon Clan members with weaker cultivation bases were already considering retreat.