Looking at this avatar shimmering with a faint golden light, Long Shi and the others were all amazed. These dozens of people were all top figures in the cultivation world, so standing with the demon avatar, they immediately felt an extremely powerful pressure.
Although no one said it aloud, most people knew in their hearts that the cultivation level of this avatar was so high that they probably couldn't handle it.
Their eyes, as they looked at Xiao Wenbing, were filled with even more doubt and a hint of admiration. This demon was someone they had captured on the first planet they entered the Demon Realm. At that time, although he was also at the Tribulation Transcending stage, he was merely comparable to an ordinary Tribulation Transcending stage expert in the cultivation world.
After being refined into an external avatar by Xiao Wenbing, it seemed to have improved several levels in a single day, making even the super experts in the cultivation world feel inferior.
Long Shi and Feng Hua exchanged a glance, becoming even more convinced that Xiao Wenbing's strange technique must have been inherited from the Treasure God. Apart from this deity, there was definitely no one else with such great supernatural power.
"Stop," Xiao Wenbing said softly.
Upon receiving the command, the golden light surging within the demonic avatar suddenly rushed into its body. In just a moment, it all vanished.
Dark Infant's control ability is indeed extraordinary. After all the divine power was withdrawn, what remained was the aura of this demon's true form.
Everyone was taken aback again. It was already extremely rare to be able to create an avatar with such power. But to be able to control the avatar so at will was even more incredible to them.
If this incarnation had been with him for decades, then no one would be surprised. But the fact that it could achieve such a near-perfect compatibility in just a few days left them completely baffled.
"Excellent, Fellow Daoist Xiao is brilliant. This time, we'll definitely get away with it." Long Shi clapped his hands, pleased with himself. Regardless of how Xiao Wenbing managed it, it was entirely beneficial to their trip.
Perhaps because they are from different realms, cultivators in the cultivation world and cultivators in the demon world have completely different auras. Once they meet, and both are cultivators at or above the Nascent Soul stage, they cannot hide it from each other.
Fortunately, the Starry Illusion Realm in Butterfly Fairy's possession was the treasure of her clan, possessing countless wonders. This allowed them to conceal their forms and auras. Otherwise, they wouldn't have even made it past the first planet before being discovered.
However, hiding greatly slowed down their progress. But once Xiao Wenbing's demonic avatar appeared, all the problems were immediately solved.
Sure enough, after concealing their presence with the Starry Sky Illusion, they followed the demon avatar and swaggered into the teleportation array.
Seeing a senior at the Tribulation Transcending stage using a teleportation array, the guarding demons didn't dare utter a sound. They simply bowed and respectfully saw him off.
It makes sense. Asking these Nascent Soul cultivators to question a top-tier Tribulation Transcending expert would likely result in them being skinned alive before they could even utter two words. And if someone were to steal their Nascent Souls for medicinal purposes or weapon crafting, their fate would be even more tragic.
Therefore, with the demon avatar leading the way, their speed increased by more than ten times.
Guided by Long Shi's keen sense of smell, after dozens of teleportations, they finally arrived at an extra-large teleportation array.
"This is it."
Suddenly, Xiao Wenbing heard Long Shi's soft whisper in his ear. He turned around and looked at him questioningly.
Long Shi nodded and said in an extremely soft voice, "The aura of the Qiankun Ring ends here. This must be the last stop for the teleportation." The old dragon was being overly cautious. Even though there were no Tribulation Transcending Realm experts near the teleportation array, he still tried to keep his voice down.
With a slight nod, Xiao Wenbing's mind raced, and his demonic avatar immediately flicked its sleeve, head held high, and walked out of the formation.
Upon exiting the teleportation array, everyone was taken aback.
Unlike the teleportation arrays before, this one is not only the largest and best equipped, but also guarded by extraordinary personnel.
Outside the teleportation array, there were as many as ten people, and their cultivation levels were incredibly high, with one of them even reaching the early stage of the Tribulation Transcending Realm.
Xiao Wenbing and the others exchanged glances. No one spoke in unison, but almost everyone subconsciously concealed their auras. The Tribulation Transcending Stage was no joke. After all, Butterfly Fairy's cultivation was not deep. If she were careless and someone noticed, it would be truly unjust.
Upon seeing the demon avatar emerge from the teleportation array, the group was filled with surprise. However, the demon...
After being tempered by the Mirror God, the incarnation not only possessed divine power, but its cultivation level also rose to a new level, reaching the highest realm of the Tribulation Transcending stage.
Both the cultivation world and the demon realm are clearly worlds where the strong are respected. Therefore, although the group was extremely surprised to see a top expert who looked like he was about to face a heavenly tribulation, they did not dare to act rashly.
Under Xiao Wenbing's command, the demon avatar glanced at them expressionlessly before flying off into the distance.
His cold expression was quite befitting of his status as a powerful figure, as if he didn't care about the people in front of him.
However, just as he was about to leave, he heard someone call out from behind, "Senior, wait!"
Xiao Wenbing and the others were startled. Under the control of their divine senses, the demon avatar turned around and coldly looked at the early-stage Tribulation Transcending Demon who had spoken.
Perhaps influenced by Xiao Wenbing's mood, the eyes of the avatar flashed with intense killing intent, revealing the innate violent killing aura of the Dark Infant.
The demon shivered, a chill running down his spine. Fear gripped his heart, but he forced a smile and asked, "May I ask if you are on your way to the Holy Temple for pilgrimage, senior?"
Xiao Wenbing was greatly surprised; what kind of place was this holy temple? However, now that he had been given a way out, he naturally decided to accept the offer.
The murderous intent in the eyes of the avatar gradually subsided, and it nodded slightly in front of him.
Seemingly relieved, the man continued, "Senior, this must be your first time visiting Holy Star. Would you like me to show you the way?"
You're asking me to lead the way? You're kidding... If a demon in the Tribulation Transcending stage suddenly appears on this journey, how can we feel at ease?
Therefore, almost without hesitation, Xiao Wenbing immediately instructed his avatar to resolutely refuse.
"No need."
His cold voice, coupled with his cool expression, conveyed one message: this top-tier demon who had transcended tribulation was difficult to deal with.
The man gave an awkward smile and said, "Yes, yes, but..." He flipped his wrist and pulled out a secret scroll. He presented it with both hands, saying, "This scroll contains a rough map of the Holy Star. Please accept it, senior."
Xiao Wenbing's eyes lit up. "Hmm, this is a good thing."
With a casual movement, the avatar slipped the secret scroll into its pocket, nodded slightly to the person, and strode away.
The reason they weren't moving quickly was to take care of Butterfly Fairy. After all, Butterfly Fairy's cultivation was only at the Nascent Soul stage, and she also had to be responsible for concealing the whereabouts of so many people. It would be a miracle if she could move quickly.
Watching his avatar depart, the demon let out a long sigh.
One of the people beside him stepped forward and whispered, "Master, this person is really arrogant. Even after arriving at the Holy Star, he is still so unruly. He simply doesn't take the Venerables seriously."
The demon turned around and glared at him, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about? What level of cultivation do they have? Do they need to be polite to you? Hmph, when you reach that level of cultivation, you'll have the same qualifications."
"Yes." The disciple readily agreed, never expecting that his attempt to flatter had backfired.
"Alas, this person's cultivation is extremely high, and he will probably be undergoing tribulation soon. Since he is willing to come to the Holy Temple to pay homage, he will most likely return to the Holy Temple after successfully undergoing tribulation."
"Then won't we have another Venerable One?" the disciple exclaimed, his face immediately lighting up with delight.
He shook his head slightly, his voice seemingly tinged with unspeakable bitterness: "I don't know, but I hope he can come back safely."
Far away from the teleportation array, Xiao Wenbing took the jade slip from his avatar and scanned it with his divine sense. Inside the jade slip, there was indeed a map, and it was drawn in great detail.
Memorizing the map's contents is quite remarkable; it must be said, there are indeed talented individuals among the demons. Now, simply closing his eyes, the general terrain of this planet appears clearly in his mind, even more clearly than a globe.
"How is it?" Long Shi suddenly asked from the side.
"Hmm." Xiao Wenbing responded, tossing the jade slip to him and saying, "It should be correct, it's a topographical map of this planet."
Long Shi held the jade slip, chuckled, and said, "Truly, Heaven is helping me..."
The jade slip circulated among everyone, and everyone memorized the terrain within.
Xiao Wenbing gestured a few times in the air, and a lifelike 3D image appeared before everyone. He had learned this skill from the Mirror God.
Pointing to one of the higher peaks, Xiao Wenbing said, "I have a feeling that this might be the Demon Clan's stronghold. If we encounter enemies... and get separated, how about we meet up here?"
The group nodded solemnly. They all understood what Xiao Wenbing meant: the so-called separation actually referred to the defeat of both sides in the battle, forcing them to flee. If such a situation truly occurred, it was feared that nine out of ten people here would never return.
However, just in case, it's advisable to meet at a pre-arranged location. After all, their aura is different from that of the demons; if they suffer a defeat, their only option is to conceal their presence and flee silently. If they were to unleash their aura, they might attract the enemy before even summoning their companions.
Volume 4, The Divine Artifacts, Chapter 289: Destination
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Led by Long Shi, they searched along the path the Qiankun Ring had taken.
The group dared not fly too high. Since this was the Demon Realm's stronghold, who knew if there were any super experts present? If they flew too high and were accidentally discovered, it would be a loss.
After walking for another hour, Xiao Wenbing suddenly waved his hand and said, "Wait a moment."
Everyone immediately stopped, and the Dragon and Phoenix Venerables automatically dispersed, remaining cautious and on guard. Normally, this kind of work shouldn't be done by experts of their status, but now, they had no choice but to condescend and do it themselves.
"What's wrong?" Long Shi asked in surprise, having found nothing amiss when he expanded his divine sense.
Xiao Wenbing closed his eyes in deep thought. Seeing his solemn expression, no one dared to disturb him. After a moment, as if he had figured something out, Xiao Wenbing asked, "Senior Long, are you sure the route we took is correct?"
Long Shi twitched his big nose and said with certainty, "I swear in the name of the Dragon God, there is absolutely no mistake."
“Okay.” Xiao Wenbing nodded, relieved. “If your itinerary is correct, then I think I know where my destination is.”
"Really? Where is it?" As soon as he said this, not only Long Shi, but everyone's attention was drawn to him.
With a casual wave of his hand, light flashed in the space, and another 3D image appeared suspended in mid-air. Xiao Wenbing pointed to one of the towering mountains and said, "It's here..."
All eyes were focused on that mountain, which was not only very prominent in the 3D image, but also surprisingly unique in color.
Of all the mountain ranges in the Holy Star, this mountain may not be the tallest, but it is certainly the most majestic, exuding an awe-inspiring and supreme aura.
Feng Hua nodded slightly in agreement and asked, "Where is this place?"
"The holy land of the demons." Xiao Wenbing sneered and said, "Yaqi must be here."
"The Temple?" Long Shi exclaimed in surprise, recalling the demon's words from when they arrived.
“That’s right, it is indeed the Demon God’s Holy Temple,” Xiao Wenbing said with certainty.
How did you know?
“The path we’ve taken.” Xiao Wenbing pointed, and a red ray of light appeared in the 3D image. The ray meandered and twisted, but anyone could see that its ultimate destination was that towering mountain peak.
“This is where we started.” Xiao Wenbing pointed to one end of the red line, followed the line to the mountain peak, and said, “Our final destination must be here.”
A long silence followed in the group. Seeing the expression on the demon's face when he mentioned the Holy Temple, they knew that in the hearts of all demons, the Holy Temple was a supreme being. Perhaps in the cultivation world, it was equivalent to the status of the three holy lands in the eyes of ordinary cultivators.
Such a place would naturally be guarded with extraordinary skill. Although they possessed the Starry Sky Illusion Realm, it would be virtually impossible for them to infiltrate undetected.
"Are you going to make your move?" A sharp killing intent flashed in Long Shi's eyes. He said coldly. Now that they had arrived at their destination, it was time to take action. They didn't believe that they could bring Zhang Yaqi back safely just by reasoning with her.
Xiao Wenbing pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "I don't know why, but I seem to sense a trace of death."
"What?" Long Shi was utterly bewildered. Why did Xiao Wenbing suddenly utter such ominous words just as he was about to make his move? Although he wasn't superstitious, hearing these words still made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
“That’s right, it’s the aura of impending death,” a Divine Tree Venerable interjected.
Long Shi and the others were taken aback. What kind of riddle were they talking about?
“Do you remember when we first arrived in the Demon Realm?” Xiao Wenbing said softly, “Back then, I felt the same aura. Venerable Shenmu once said that this was a sign that the planet was heading towards death.”
"So what?" Long Shi asked, though for some reason, a chill suddenly rose in his heart.
"At the time, we thought it was because the three thunderbolts combined, and the powerful chaotic force caused that planet to gradually die. But..."
"But what?"