Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

”Mountain Master, what should we do now?”

Xiao Bailin, the Great Elder of Demons Mountain, is probably the one most aware of the progression of this matter. Over the past half year, in addition to handling some major affairs in the mountain, most of his time has been spent here.

Whether it’s the Snow Stepping Flying Horse or Xu Hongzhuang, Xiao Bailin knows they are of great importance to Demons Mountain. If there is any damage, he cannot explain to the Mountain Master.

Fortunately, the Mountain Master finally returned a few days ago, and Xiao Bailin felt as if he had found a backbone. With the trust he had in Hou Tianlie, like Ge Wanli, he believed that once the Mountain Master returned, all problems would no longer be problems.

But who would have thought that within these few days, the Mountain Master had exhausted all means, even utilizing the most formidable Beast Vein technique of Demons Mountain, the ”Myriad Beasts Technique,” yet that person and horse showed no sign of reaction.

This result left the Elders present in Demons Mountain undoubtedly feeling a deep sense of despair.

As Xiao Bailin asked softly, everyone’s gaze focused on Hou Tianlie; he was their last hope. Otherwise, from the looks of that person and horse, they were unlikely to hold on for much longer.

Xu Hongzhuang was another matter; these ordinary Elders did not have much association with her. But the Snow Stepping Flying Horse was different, not only a long-standing symbol but also possibly combat power capable of breaking through to the Heavenly Demon Rank.

Through the years, Demons Mountain and Spirit Fighting Commerce remained in conflict. However, in terms of top-tier battle power, Demons Mountain was always outmatched. The demon pet path was the only way they managed not to fall too far behind.

If the Snow Stepping Flying Horse could be saved and break through to the Heavenly Demon level, Demons Mountain’s high-level battle strength would undoubtedly surge, and they wouldn’t have to fear Spirit Fighting Commerce’s provocations anymore.

”There is a way, but...”

Under the gaze of so many eyes, a hint of severity flashed in Hou Tianlie’s eyes. He paused slightly, seemingly hesitant, but shortly after, he was resolute.

”No matter, saving lives is the priority!”

Feeling Xu Hongzhuang’s aura weaken to the point where she might not hold on the next moment, Hou Tianlie gritted his teeth. Subsequently, a somewhat familiar aura erupted from him, recognizable to the Elders.

”This is... Soul Transference Technique? Mountain Master, absolutely not!”

Xiao Bailin was the first to realize, his face changing drastically as he rushed to block Hou Tianlie, instantly reminding the other Elders, all imitating him as if facing a significant event.

”Mountain Master, you are the pillar of Demons Mountain. Should anything go wrong, Demons Mountain will be in jeopardy!”

Xiao Bailin’s figure was trembling, but he stood firm, knowing the consequences of the Soul Transference Technique. Even the Mountain Master might get involved and be unable to extricate himself if mishandled.

The Soul Transference Technique temporarily borrows one’s cultivation power to another cultivator, a secret passed down in Demons Mountain, rarely used.

Not to mention Hou Tianlie’s own cultivation, whether Xu Hongzhuang and the Snow Stepping Flying Horse can endure it; the aftereffects of employing the Soul Transference Technique are unacceptable to the Elders of Demons Mountain.

The Snow Stepping Flying Horse is indeed important, but not more important than the dignified Mountain Master of Demons Mountain. Even if successful, if it forced the Mountain Master to lower his cultivation for the breakthrough to Heavenly Demon levels, it would not be worth the gain.

Unfortunately, the Soul Transference Technique is transmitted through one lineage; only past Mountain Masters can learn and perform it. Despite their willingness to take the risk, Xiao Bailin and the other Elders have no alternative but to persuade earnestly.

”You don’t need to say more. I cannot watch Hongzhuang die in front of me!”

Unlike these ordinary Elders of Demons Mountain, Hou Tianlie is more concerned with Xu Hongzhuang, who, though only a disciple for two years, he regards like his own child, especially as he has no children.

”Rest assured, I know where I stand!”

Seeing Xiao Bailin and others eager to persuade him further, Hou Tianlie waved his hand impatiently, saying in a deep voice, ”I won’t die, move aside!”

With signs of anger from the Mountain Master, Xiao Bailin instinctively stepped aside, his eyes showing reluctance. He then saw Hou Tianlie stride forward, his aura intense to the extreme.

Boom!

Hou Tianlie placed his right hand on Xu Hongzhuang’s right shoulder; a powerful force exploded outwards. Her seated form trembled fiercely, a vast flow of Meridian Qi surged in, almost exploding her body.

The Mountain Master of Demons Mountain has already reached the Heavenly Rank Cloud Realm, while Xu Hongzhuang barely reached the Origin Seeking Realm Late Stage; such unmatched force collision, the fact she isn’t burst open on the spot is considered a significant stroke of fortune.

All the Elders in Demons Mountain stared, unsure of what to do.

They were worried about the immense damage the Mountain Master might incur upon using the Soul Transference Technique and feared Xu Hongzhuang might not survive the impact. Their feelings were an intricate mix of concern and worry.

However, what no one noticed was that as time passed, Xu Hongzhuang did indeed gradually calm down. But the energy that was infused into her body underwent a mysterious transformation and was subtly transferred underground, devoured by some mysterious power.

In fact, the Meridian Qi Energy from Hou Tianlie only circled within Xu Hongzhuang’s body before being swallowed into the ground, providing not the slightest bit of help to the young girl.

And Xu Hongzhuang was in such a special state that she was powerless to stop it, eventually leading Hou Tianlie to believe that his power had been absorbed by the Snow Stepping Flying Horse.

Because Xu Hongzhuang’s palm remained on the horse’s forehead, Hou Tianlie deduced that perhaps it was due to the horse’s sharing of the burden that his violent energy did not cause Xu Hongzhuang to explode and die.

Time quickly passed by an hour, and during this hour, due to the continuous use of the Soul Transference Technique, Hou Tianlie’s face became increasingly pale.

Though the Soul Transference Technique was being applied, he saw no signs of Xu Hongzhuang and the Snow Stepping Flying Horse escaping, causing his mind to ripple and the Meridian Qi he transmitted to become disordered.

”Elder Ge, pull that old man away!”

However, just as Xiao Bailin and the other Elders of Demons Mountain were at a loss, a slightly youthful voice suddenly came from behind, causing them to freeze in unison. When they turned their heads to see where a rough-clothed young man was pointing, they couldn’t help but flare up in anger.

For this unfamiliar, wooden-sword-bearing young man looked no older than twenty, and at this moment, the place he pointed to was precisely where the Mountain Master of Demons Mountain, Hou Tianlie, stood.

Thus, it was evident whom he referred to as ”that old man.”

This person was the esteemed Mountain Master of Demons Mountain, an unsurpassed figure within the headquarters of Demons Mountain. Even across the entire Tenglong Continent, he was considered one of the most powerful figures, ranked seventh on the Heavenly List, revered by countless people.

Yet, this young fellow who appeared from nowhere dared to call the Mountain Master of Demons Mountain ”old man” in front of so many Elders of Demons Mountain. This was utterly intolerable.

”Young rascal, Demons Mountain is no place for you to act reckless!”

The Third Elder of Demons Mountain, a formidable figure at the Peak of the Earth Bending Realm, had the most explosive temper and was the first to be unable to hold back. If not for Ge Wanli standing beside him, he would likely have already thrown the brazen young man out.

”Elder Ge, what kind of people have you brought to the sacred ground of Demons Mountain?”

The Great Elder, Xiao Bailin, also frowned. He was already in a foul mood due to matters elsewhere, and now this incident had occurred, causing even his good-natured demeanor to feel a bit frustrated.

”Yun Xiao?!”

After these two Elders spoke, a slightly hesitant exclamation came from somewhere. When everyone turned to look, they saw it was Meng Liyang, an Elder ranked lower.

Besides Ge Wanli, the only person at the scene who had seen Yun Xiao might be Meng Liyang, who had just recently broken through to the Middle Stage of the Earth Bending Realm.

However, the current Yun Xiao, compared to his appearance at the Countries Hidden Dragon Conference, had changed significantly in both form and aura, making Meng Liyang unsure for a moment.

”Elder Liyang, long time no see!”

The newcomer was indeed Yun Xiao. He completely ignored the angry words of the two Elders of Demons Mountain, cupped his hands towards Meng Liyang, and then turned his head towards Ge Wanli beside him.

”Elder Ge, quickly pull that old man away, it will be too late soon!”

Seemingly dissatisfied with Ge Wanli’s slow actions, when the second ”old man” came out of his mouth, even Meng Liyang couldn’t help but show a trace of embarrassment on his face. After all these years, this guy’s courage was still as big as ever.

”Yun Xiao, that person is our Mountain Master of Demons Mountain!”

Ge Wanli’s expression was also somewhat unnatural. He didn’t move his feet but pointed to the red-faced, long-bearded elder to introduce him, hoping that this unconventional, rough-clothed young man would show some respect.

”Oh, if you don’t want your Mountain Master dead, then quickly pull him away!”

Yun Xiao nodded, no longer using the term ”old man” to refer to Hou Tianlie. However, his next sentence caused the faces of many Elders of Demons Mountain to change simultaneously.

”You brat know nothing; don’t talk nonsense if you don’t understand!”

The hot-tempered Third Elder had taken a dislike to Yun Xiao because of earlier events. He naturally didn’t believe this kid’s words, thinking he just wanted to grandstand and sow panic.

”Isn’t it just a low-tier Soul Transference Technique? Hey, if you don’t pull him away soon, I won’t be able to save him!”

As he spoke, Yun Xiao cast a faint gaze at the Third Elder of Demons Mountain. His words startled everyone present and simultaneously shifted their attention to Ge Wanli, wondering if he had leaked the information earlier.