Chapter One Hundred Forty-Eight: Departure

The martial contest for marriage at Thunder Accumulation Mountain had become the hottest topic across the demon realm. The mountain was renowned for its wealth; becoming a son-in-law there meant never having to worry about cultivation resources.

As invitations from Thunder Accumulation Mountain spread far and wide, nearly everyone in the demon world knew about it, and even many cultivators in the human realm had heard of the contest.

At that moment, Fire Cloud Cave was filled with numerous human children, all brought there by Duoyuan, each possessing decent potential.

“Old man, are you only bringing this few?” someone asked.

“The other children have poor aptitude. Even if they start the path of cultivation, they won’t get far. It’s better for them to live as ordinary mortals. As for the adults, they have missed their prime time for cultivation; their progress is even slower than those children with low aptitude,” Duoyuan explained.

“However, I have set a rule in the village: anyone who successfully refines the Human Flower can come to train at Fire Cloud Cave. This not only deepens their reverence for the cave but also brings in children with strong willpower. Even if their talent is lacking, perseverance can lead to great progress. Cultivation depends not only on talent but also on determination.”

Duoyuan’s approach mirrored the human sect tradition of disciple recruitment, and Yuan Wuji fully agreed with it. Letting Fire Cloud Cave become a revered cultivation sanctuary for the villagers would surely deepen their respect for Yuan Wuji—a win-win situation.

“Indeed, it’s a good strategy,” Hu San sighed, admiring the human way of recruiting disciples. Unfortunately, most demons remain ignorant in their youth, which is a primary reason why they lag behind humans.

Dozens of children sat cross-legged on the clearing outside Fire Cloud Cave, diligently practicing the cultivation methods Duoyuan taught, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

“Should we give them a helping hand?” Hu San asked from the side.

“No. If they need assistance just to get started, they might as well go home. Cultivation is a harsh path; kindness now would only become cruelty later,” Duoyuan replied sternly.

Duoyuan was strict in cultivation, tolerating no laziness; even the slightest slack would bring his sharp reprimands.

Suddenly, a child emitted a surge of aura as the spiritual energy of the world entered his body first, awakening many others.

“The first to succeed in cultivation!” someone exclaimed.

“His talent must be the best among all the children,” Duoyuan said with a faint smile upon seeing someone finally succeed.

“Everyone else, continue cultivating.”

The children, playful by nature, wanted to rush over but obediently returned to their seats at Duoyuan’s sharp command. Seeing Duoyuan’s sternness, Hu San almost laughed but quickly suppressed it. Truly, strict Duoyuan was quite intimidating.

Duoyuan approached the successful child carefully and asked, “How do you feel?”

“My whole body feels warm, and I seem stronger than before,” the child replied.

“Good, keep cultivating,” Duoyuan said without much elaboration but then adjusted the child’s energy flow. Since the child’s aura was still unstable, Duoyuan placed his palm on the child’s back, gently using his own energy to smooth his body’s internal pathways.

“All right, continue your training.”

“Thank you, Master,” the child said.

As the child was about to sit down and continue, Hu San stopped him.

“What did you just call him?”

“Master Daoist! Great Fox, did I say it wrong?” the child asked nervously.

“He’s teaching you cultivation. Don’t call him ‘Master Daoist.’ Call him ‘Teacher.’ Understand?”

“Yes, Teacher!” the child responded excitedly, also casting a grateful look at Hu San. Being accepted as Duoyuan’s disciple had always been their dream; now that Hu San had given them the opportunity, they would cherish it.

“From now on, for the first five to successfully enter cultivation, the Master Daoist will be their teacher,” Hu San declared.

His words acted like a stimulant, motivating the children to work even harder. Though they feared Duoyuan’s strictness, their respect for him was even greater. Being Duoyuan’s disciple was something they had never dared dream of, and now, with Hu San’s chance, they would seize it.

Duoyuan did not interfere with Hu San’s decision; after all, he was old. Perhaps finding a few successors among these children would be a wise choice.

In the following days, Fire Cloud Cave was mostly occupied with instructing the children in cultivation. Nearly all the children who came up the mountain had begun their training. The first disciple Duoyuan accepted—the earliest to begin cultivation—had now earned the qualification to condense the Human Flower. This achievement owed much to Duoyuan’s assistance, but it also spoke highly of the child’s innate talent.

“Your Majesty, we should prepare to depart,” Hu San said softly behind Yuan Wuji’s back.

“Hm. Kui Yi has not yet emerged from seclusion. We should ask Duoyuan to keep a close eye on him.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will inform Duoyuan at once.”

Hu San withdrew from Fire Cloud Cave, leaving Yuan Wuji alone.

“Participating in the martial contest for marriage gives me a sense of guilt,” Yuan Wuji murmured, unable to shake thoughts of Xiao Yu, who was still in the Heavenly Court, causing his resolve to waver.

“The preparations are nearly complete. It’s time to head to Thunder Accumulation Mountain. I expect many demon lords will be there,” he said, looking at the mysterious spiritual ring in his hand, hopeful for a fruitful journey.

Three days later, Yuan Wuji and Hu San set off toward Thunder Accumulation Mountain. Yuan Wuji entrusted all affairs at Fire Cloud Cave to Duoyuan and explained Kui Yi’s situation, asking him to keep watch.

Yuan Wuji flew ahead, Hu San closely following. Although Yuan Wuji led, he frequently glanced back to ensure Hu San kept pace, causing some awkwardness on Hu San’s part.

Upon leaving the Houshan territory, Yuan Wuji sensed numerous presences nearby—likely all drawn by the martial contest at Thunder Accumulation Mountain.

Some demons came merely to watch, while others harbored hopes of catching the eye of the Jade-Faced Princess. Even if not chosen as her consort, serving her would be a great privilege in their eyes, bringing considerable benefits.

Moreover, a trip to Thunder Accumulation Mountain itself was a badge of honor among demons. Such a place was not accessible to just any demon; only those of a certain stature, at least regional overlords, had the privilege to go.