[Traits Granted!]
[The Scorpion Demon's Iron Shell (Blue) and Iron Skin (Blue) traits are compatible. Merge and upgrade?]
[The Scorpion Demon's Brute Strength (Blue) and Hardened Bones (Blue) traits are compatible. Merge and upgrade?]
[The Scorpion Demon's Scorpion Venom (Red) and Corpse Poison (Blue) traits are similar. Merge?]
"So, traits that are similar can merge!"
King Yellow Wind was delighted. This was his first time granting traits to a lesser demon.
Going forward, this ability could serve as the cornerstone for building his power base—a core piece of "technology."
"Scorpion Venom and Corpse Poison can't upgrade? Is it because the Corpse Poison's rank isn't high enough? Still, merging might make it stronger!"
"Merge them all!"
[Iron Shell (Blue) and Iron Skin (Blue) merged and upgraded. The Scorpion Demon has gained a new trait: Crystal Carapace (Red)!]
[Brute Strength (Blue) and Hardened Bones (Blue) merged and upgraded. The Scorpion Demon has gained a new trait: Steel Bones and Strong Muscles (Red)!]
[Scorpion Venom (Red) and Corpse Poison (Blue) merged. The Scorpion Demon has gained a new trait: Mutated Scorpion Venom (Red)!]
Buzzing vibrations filled the air as the three red traits brought profound changes to the Scorpion Demon. Spiritual energy and malefic auras surged, transforming its bones and carapace.
The demon's dark-purple shell began to crystallize, taking on the smooth, gleaming appearance of polished amethyst.
Its internal muscles and bones grew denser and more resilient. Its body enlarged to the size of an elephant. Its pincers became massive and razor-sharp, while its eight legs could now pierce through solid rock with ease.
The stinger at the end of its tail darkened to a menacing red, radiating an aura of lethal danger.
The transformation lasted an entire day.
The Scorpion Demon, baptized by spiritual energy, malefic aura, and yin energy, formed a demonic core in its abdomen—a significant evolution. It had begun to harmonize with the corrupted environment of the cave.
[Species: Demon · Ghost Scorpion]
[Realm: Refining Qi · Demon Core]
[Traits: Mutated Scorpion Venom (Red), Crystal Carapace (Red), Steel Bones and Strong Muscles (Red), Basic Hammer Technique (White), Minor Fortune (White)]
When the Scorpion Demon awakened and sensed the changes within itself, it was ecstatic. Without external help, it might have taken centuries to reach this realm. Now, it bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
During this time, King Yellow Wind had been instructing the shadow demon to tidy up items he wanted to relocate. There weren't many, just a few hundred books.
"I'll give you a name—Du Di (Poison Enemy)!"
The Scorpion Demon was thrilled. "Thank you, my king, for granting me a name!"
Noticing the envious look on the shadow demon's face, King Yellow Wind added, "Assist Du Di in guarding this cave. Serve me loyally, and I won't be stingy with rewards."
The shadow demon's face lit up as it bowed. "Thank you, my king!"
It was clear that following this new king offered much greater prospects.
The demon's eyes darted about before it spoke. "My king, I know a place suitable for cultivating the Nether Soul Grass."
"This grass can be consumed to strengthen the soul or refined into pills that enhance the spirit."
"Oh?"
King Yellow Wind's gaze sharpened as he assessed the demon.
[Species: Ghost · Shadow Demon]
[Realm: Refining Qi · Shaping Form]
[Traits: Dreamwalking (Blue), Cultivation Talent (Blue), Yin Wind (Blue), Herb Identification (White), Basic Whip Technique (White), Cunning (White)]
The shadow demon continued, "The corpse king had a stash of Nether Soul Grass seeds. I am willing to cultivate them for you."
King Yellow Wind's interest was piqued.
Nether Soul Grass?
He had read about it in the books at Square Inch Mountain. The grass could nourish the soul and primordial spirit, and pills made from it could repair and fortify spiritual consciousness.
This little ghost was a natural farmer?
Searching through the corpse king's belongings, he indeed found a small black pouch containing the seeds.
"Well, aren't you a crafty little devil," King Yellow Wind thought with amusement. Clearly, the shadow demon was motivated by its own interests, or it wouldn't have spoken up.
He didn't mind.
Just as people came in all types, so did demons and ghosts. As long as they were useful, even the slyest could have their place.
"What reward do you want?"
"My king, serving you is reward enough…"
"Good! Then that's settled!"
The shadow demon froze momentarily before awkwardly continuing, "Actually, my king, I'd like the corpse king's demonic core."
"Heh!"
King Yellow Wind sneered, his iron spear humming as it grazed the shadow demon's body, making it stand stiffly in fear.
"Don't try to play mind games with me again, or else!"
With a flick of the spear, the corpse king's remains were shattered into dust.
The shadow demon trembled and knelt to apologize.
Leaving Du Di and the shadow demon to guard the cave, King Yellow Wind packed up his belongings and exited.
Outside, he conjured a cloud beneath his feet. With a whoosh, he soared into the air.
Wind and clouds followed his ascent, creating a display so awe-inspiring that the lesser demons of the mountain groveled in submission.
It was reminiscent of the time ten years ago when the Golden-Winged Roc had flown over. Back then, King Yellow Wind hadn't even dared to move.
Now, from high above, he observed the terrain.
The ridge divided the land into yin and yang.
The north side, home to Mouse Hole Cave and the Flowing Sands Kingdom, was shadowed by deathly energy—yin and malefic forces dominated.
The south side, in stark contrast, was a vibrant land of verdant hills and azure waters. Life flourished where yang energy reigned.
The more he studied the landscape, the more amazed he became.
"A dual balance of yin and yang… This is practically a natural formation that harmonizes the two. Remarkable!"
"Was this innate, or was it arranged?"
"Could the Golden-Winged Roc have done this? That bird holds the Yin-Yang Bottle, a spiritual treasure. Perhaps it's related to this formation!"
He detected no immediate danger but reminded himself, "My rodent instincts keep me cautious. But even I can't afford to be overly timid."
Descending on a cloud, he landed in the heart of the picturesque southern region. White cranes flew in pairs, deer roamed in herds, and fish darted in crystal-clear waters.
The towering mountain rose 9,000 feet. Its northern cliffs and western ridges contrasted with deep eastern ravines, while its southern face bathed in sunlight.
A silver waterfall cascaded from the clouds.
"What a fine mountain! I'll name it Wuzhen Mountain after my dharma name."
Finding a suitable spot, he planted the spiritual sapling he had brought, covering its roots with soil and water.
The sapling took root, beginning to absorb spiritual energy.
However, it appeared wilted, its leaves drooping pitifully.
"Grow well, or I'll eat you as a ginseng root," he muttered.
The sapling visibly shuddered. Its leaves straightened immediately, exuding a radiant glow. Mist enveloped it, and a protective illusion re-formed around it.
"Cheeky thing."
King Yellow Wind scoffed and buried the spirit peach and plum pits he had brought from Square Inch Mountain on another slope, awaiting the rain to sprout them.
Standing midway up the mountain, he gazed outward.
The lake stretched ten miles wide, its depth unfathomable. Nine tributaries flowed in from the east, merging into a great stream to the west that fed into the Flowing Sands River.
The calm waters mirrored the surrounding peaks, serene and pristine. Schools of fish played, while animals rested by the shore.
"What a splendid lake! I'll name it Moon-Swallowing Lake after my bloodline."
As soon as he spoke, massive waves erupted across the lake. A dark shadow rose from the depths, sending fish scattering and animals fleeing in terror.
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