At the cliff's edge outside the Hidden Dragon Cave Mansion, crimson firelight descended like a meteor, causing the surrounding cloud sea to tremble slightly from the heat waves it stirred up.

Chen Yuquan dissipated the flames around him, dressed in crimson battle armor, the flame mark on his forehead not yet fully faded. Despite the wind and frost on his heroic face, it could not hide the sharp gleam in his eyes.

He respectfully clasped his hands towards the entrance of the cave mansion, his voice as clear as jade striking:

"Greetings, Father."

"Come in."

Inside the cave mansion, Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on a Cold Jade Meditation Mat, with an Ice Pattern Tea Set placed on the stone table in front of him.

Waiting as Chen Yuquan entered.

His gaze fell on his son, a hint of comfort stirring in his calm eyes.

Although Chen Yuquan was now over eighty years old, due to his dual cultivation of body and spirit and mastery in preserving his appearance, he looked only around twenty, with a presence as steady as an abyss, and an air of sharpness.

Chen Sheng gestured with his hand, a slight movement of spiritual power at his fingertips, causing the teapot on the table to lift automatically, its spout tilted, pouring steaming spiritual spring water into the teacup, with a faint orchid fragrance in the rising steam.

"Father, let me do it."

Chen Yuquan stepped forward naturally, taking over the teapot, filling two cups of spirit tea with a fluid motion as though he had practiced it hundreds of times, respectfully serving the tea.

Chen Sheng picked up a teacup, his face blurred by the swirling heat:

"Have you visited your mother?"

Chen Yuquan pushed the other cup of tea in front of his father, speaking with a hint of a smile:

"Yes, elder brother has already gone to Mother. After I pay my respects to Father, we will exchange places."

The elder brother he mentioned was Wu Guang. The two were born of the same mother and supported each other on the battlefield for more than twenty years, their bond far surpassing that of other brothers.

Chen Sheng nodded lightly, his hand gripping the warm cup's edge, casually inquiring about the battlefield:

"Coming back this time from the demon race's front lines, what differences do you feel there are between the human race and the demon race in magical combat?"

"Speaking of the same realm, the demon race cultivators are indeed slightly inferior."

Chen Yuquan pondered, his long fingers unconsciously tapping on the table:

"Though they have begun to refine demon artifacts, most are crude and simplistic, far from the intricacy and variability of human magical artifacts."

"Some great demons often rely only on raw physical power, clumsily wielding demon power, whereas we cultivators can use spells to draw upon the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, achieving much more varied changes."

He paused, his tone turning grave:

"But when it comes to the level of Demon Kings, the situation is entirely different."

"Those old Demon Kings who have lived over a thousand years have enough time to hone their skills, and their strange methods are not inferior to human cultivators of the same realm in the slightest."

"What is more frightening is their bloodline divine techniques—like the Golden-Haired Hou King, whose roar alone can shatter the divine soul of a cultivator. Such innate divine techniques are beyond the reach of even the most diligent human cultivation."

Chen Sheng nodded at these words.

Within the demon race, tribes stood many, with the law of the jungle forcing the lower-level demons to cultivate by instinct alone; even their techniques for absorbing spiritual qi were crude, let alone the refining of magical artifacts.

But once one becomes a Demon King, the experience accumulated over a long lifespan is enough to make up for any deficiencies in cultivation techniques. Coupled with their inherent bloodline advantages, they are indeed formidable opponents.

Not to mention that many Demon Kings originate from major clans, with legacies no weaker than those of major human sects.

Both father and son practiced dual cultivation of body and spirit, and the topic quickly turned to cultivation.

From the changes in fire Daoist skills, to the secrets of the Sixth Level of Body Refining: Blood Gang Condensation.

In the past, Chen Yuquan had mainly asked questions while Chen Sheng often provided guidance.

Now, Chen Yuquan instead expounded on his insights, and Chen Sheng listened quietly, finding himself quite enriched.

Watching his son steadily catch up to his footsteps, he felt gratification yet also a curious sense of emotion.

Amidst deep conversation, Chen Sheng suddenly took out a Purple Sandalwood Box from his storage pouch, carved with intricate fire patterns.

He pushed the wooden box towards Chen Yuquan:

"Open it and see."

Following directions, Chen Yuquan opened the box to reveal a pigeon egg-sized inner core, entirely crimson, with faint flames of spirit light entwined on its surface—a Tier Three Fire-attribute Demon King's Core.

Perfectly matched with the cultivation technique attribute of Chen Yuquan's practice.

"Father, this is..."

Chen Sheng spoke with a flat tone:

"This is what your father secured for you from the sect."

"Over the years you've achieved many military merits, and by right, you should be rewarded with this. Your father has reserved it for you in advance, to be used when your cultivation reaches Foundation Establishment perfection."

Chen Yuquan hesitated for a moment, but then pushed the wooden box back, looking up at Chen Sheng with clear and resolute eyes:

"Father, please pass this core on to Mother for me."

"The Fake Pill is not what I seek. Upon returning this time, I have decided to bid farewell to you and mother, traverse the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, and seek the true opportunity for a Golden Core."

The cave mansion fell silent instantly, with only the faint sound of the Spirit Tea steaming.

Chen Sheng looked at his son in front of him and, for a moment, seemed to see the shadow of his master, Dragon Void Daoist—back then, his master also resolutely left with the two children, Red and White, in order to pursue the path of the Great Dao.

Chen Yuquan is even younger than Dragon Void Daoist was back then, and now not even a century old, his Dao Heart is already so firm.

He was silent for a moment, not immediately dissuading him, but simply asked:

"Have you really made up your mind? The path to the Golden Core is unusually perilous. You only have a High Grade Spiritual Root, and compared to Wu Guang's Earth Grade Spiritual Root, your talent is quite inferior."

Chen Yuquan straightened his back, his tone resolute:

"Though talents differ, the Dao Heart knows no hierarchy."

"Though a Fake Pill can increase lifespan and strengthen mana, ultimately it severs the path of cultivation, which is not my desire."

"If I cannot cultivate a true Golden Core and seek higher realms, what meaning is there in living for a thousand years?"

Hearing this, Chen Sheng suddenly laughed.

In this life, it seems he is always destined to be associated with "True Dao Seeds"—Tang Xichen was like this in a past life, and so is Chen Yuquan in this one.

In fact, the reason is nothing but Chen Sheng's daily diligent cultivation, setting an example, and subtly influencing them.

They just do not have Chen Sheng's luck of a hundred generations of reincarnation; they can only pursue in a single lifetime, unrepentant even until death!

Chen Sheng raised his hand to push the wooden box back:

"Since your mind is made up, I won't stop you. You should still take this Demon Pill as a backup plan. If your lifespan is near its end, refining this pill into a Fake Pill can still save your life."

He paused, adding:

"As for your mother, I have my own arrangements, so you do not need to worry about this Demon Pill."

"Properly bid farewell to your mother. What she worries about most is you. Rest assured, she is a sensible person. Explain earnestly, and she will understand your heart of seeking the Dao."

Chen Yuquan gazed at the understanding and support in his father's eyes, feeling a slight warmth in his eyes.

He hesitated for a moment before finally accepting the wooden box with both hands, bowing solemnly:

"Thank you, Father."

"Go."

Chen Sheng waved his hand, with a trace of imperceptible wistfulness in his tone:

"Though the Chu Country has its vast lands and rivers, it is ultimately too small. Your ambitions are high, and for you, this place is but a shallow pond.

"Before you leave, let me offer you a piece of advice—though the Great Dao is solitary, you must also take care of yourself."

"I will remember your teachings, Father!"

Chen Yuquan bowed again before rising, turning to transform into a crimson rainbow light, breaking through the spirit light barrier of the cave mansion and flying towards the Qinghua Villa.

Before long, footsteps were heard outside the cave mansion.

Wu Guang and Li Yang walked in shoulder to shoulder, both wearing the Qinghua Sect's standard battle armor, exuding a mighty aura.

"Father."

The two saluted in unison, Wu Guang's voice hoarse from years of battles, while Li Yang's was more steady.

Chen Sheng gestured for them to sit down, noting the wear and tear on their brows, understanding in his heart.

He slowly spoke:

"Your achievements have all been registered by the sect."

"Once the sect's grand celebration takes place next month, the Tier Three Demon Pill will be bestowed upon you, and you can then begin preparations to challenge the Fake Pill."

Upon hearing this, Wu Guang's dark face instantly relaxed, revealing a smile:

"Relying entirely upon the arrangements of Father and the sect. To obtain such an opportunity is all thanks to Father and the sect's blessing."

Li Yang also nodded in agreement, his eyes full of anticipation—they, unlike Chen Yuquan, are not fixated on the Golden Core and are quite satisfied with the Fake Pill.

Chen Sheng nodded slightly.

The sect was indeed generous in rewarding war achievements this time. Besides Wu Guang and Li Yang, two other senior "old true inheritors" will also obtain Tier Three Demon Pills.

Most of these Demon Pills came from exchanging battle results with the Li Xiao Sect, extracting many treasures from the main peak's treasure vault for the exchange.

Hua Taixuan did not hesitate at all—during this time of confrontation between righteous and demonic forces, having a few more Fake Pill-tier combatants means a little more confidence.

Chen Sheng looked at his two sons, earnestly instructing:

"Remember to proceed steadily when challenging the Fake Pill; do not rush for success. I will prepare the necessary auxiliary Elixir Pills for you in advance."

"Thank you, Father!"

Wu Guang and Li Yang stood up and saluted once more, their eyes full of gratitude.

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