Crow Immortal: I Can Duplicate Infinite Resources

Chapter 224: A Lifetime Lived in Vain

“How utterly unreasonable! They’ve set their sights on us and refuse to let go!”

Back in the main hall of the central peak, Elder Wen couldn’t help but voice his frustration as Sect Leader Qi and Han Yu briefed the elders on the situation.

Han Yu’s latest intelligence confirmed several crucial points: The nine major sects of the Central Heaven Domain were scouring the lands for geniuses, desperate to identify the “Demon Stars.” Wanchun Valley’s primary threats were the Myriad Phenomena Sect, the Demonic Sect, and the Joyous Union Sect. The Little Sky Net Sect, having strength roughly on par with the Valley, had been relegated to a secondary concern.

On the other hand, there were new discoveries.

The seven bright stars Han Yu observed through the Star Luo Traction Technique were not visible to every disciple of the Myriad Phenomena Sect. It appeared to be a secret art reserved for the elite. Initially, their fixation on Wanchun Valley had been unexplained, but now it was clear: they were using these seven stars to triangulate the positions of the Demon Stars.

The star corresponding to the Southern Region was the bright one positioned near the central region but not yet inside it.

This meant the Southern Demon Star should currently be located within the three border nations: the Great Desert Dynasty, the East Sea Kingdom, or the Boyi Kingdom. If the star truly represented someone from Wanchun Valley, the only candidate fitting that location would be the abducted Lu Yun. Unfortunately, no one present knew if Lu Yun was still in the Southern Region or had been taken into the Central Heaven Domain.

What angered the elders most, however, was the twisted logic of the Myriad Phenomena Sect disciples.

Han Yu had not gone to the border. By their own criteria, this proved he was not the Demon Star. Yet, their reaction was maddening: either Han Yu was the Demon Star and had used some trick to deceive them, or someone else in Wanchun Valley was the Demon Star.

In short, Wanchun Valley must have a Demon Star. Innocence was not an option.

“I will slowly gather more intelligence from our captive. I hope to learn his identity and secure his tokens,” Han Yu told the assembly. “They might prove useful if I encounter disciples from the Central Heaven Domain in the future.”

Sect Leader Qi nodded. He was about to speak when he sensed a vibration in his sleeve. He flicked his wrist, producing a small, sword-shaped artifact that radiated a faint warmth. It was a communication tool left by Supreme Elder Yin Hong of the Spirit Sword Sect; Qi possessed a similar one to contact them.

A voice resonated from the artifact: “Greetings to the Fellow Daoists of Wanchun Valley. In ten days, Sect Leader Ye of the Spirit Sword Sect will visit to discuss matters concerning the Central Heaven Domain.”

The voice faded into silence.

Sect Leader Qi and the elders exchanged knowing smiles. Qi put away the sword and retrieved a disk-shaped artifact engraved with a giant tree.

“We respectfully await the arrival of Sect Leader Ye.”

After sending the reply, Sect Leader Qi turned to Han Yu with a serious expression. “In ten days, you should take a trip to the Green Grain Market. Go relax and clear your mind.”

The implication was clear. Han Yu’s Spirit Blood Technique was, at its core, a Demonic Cultivation art.

Ye Guxing’s hatred for Demonic Cultivators was legendary and absolute. It was a risk they could not afford to take.

When Ye Guxing had previously visited to purge spies, he had only inspected those on the main peak. Han Yu, working in the Spirit Field Department at the time, had been overlooked. Now, however, Han Yu’s reputation as a genius had spread. If Ye Guxing came, he would almost certainly demand to see Han Yu, likely asking for a spar with Li Tonghai or a personal inspection.

If Ye Guxing detected even a whiff of the blood art, he would strike. And if that happened, not even the combined might of Wanchun Valley could save Han Yu from his sword.

Han Yu understood the danger. He pondered for a moment before replying, “Sect Leader, I intend to finish my preparations and leave the mountain within a few days regardless. There is no need to worry about Sect Leader Ye.”

“A few days?” Elder Lü waved his hand dismissively. “Absolutely not. You have only just reached Foundation Establishment. You need at least half a year of guidance to familiarize yourself with the combat methods of this new realm. Leaving now would be reckless.”

“Otherwise, you would have Spiritual Energy but no skill to wield it. How is that different from seeking death?”

Sect Leader Qi nodded in agreement. “Your master is right. At the very least, give us peace of mind before you go.”

“Furthermore, since you are not the Demon Star, we must ensure the world knows it.”

“We cannot have you leaving the sect only to bear the brunt of everyone’s malice, being hunted and cornered at every turn.”

Han Yu frowned. “If we do that, I might be safe, but what of the Sect? You will become the target.”

Sect Leader Qi laughed heartily. “The Myriad Phenomena Sect is determined to manufacture a Demon Star in our valley. Let them twist themselves into knots searching for one! We’ve seen how cautious they’ve become after dealing with the Giant Demon Star. They won’t dare act rashly against us until they are certain.”

“Between myself and the elders, we have lived nearly 2,000 years combined. Do we really need a child not yet 16 to shield us from the world’s malice?”

“If we did, we would have truly lived our lives in vain!”

Han Yu looked around the room. Elder Lü’s eyes were filled with paternal concern. Elders Yan, Mu, Bai, and Mou all nodded in agreement, smiling warmly.

Elder Wen tucked a loose strand of white hair behind his ear and winked playfully. “If my lazy disciple is still alive, the Demon Star is probably him.”

“Han Yu, I should be thanking you on his behalf for carrying this black pot for so long.”

Han Yu felt a surge of emotion. He took a deep breath, his resolve hardening.

If anyone dares to harm Wanchun Valley, I will make them pay a hundredfold.

Suppressing the fierce thought, Han Yu bowed to Elder Wen. “We are all fellow disciples. If it wasn’t Lu Yun, it would be me. There is no need to draw distinctions.”

He turned to address the group earnestly. “If I can serve the Sect, this disciple is willing to bear the title of Demon Star.”

Sect Leader Qi waved his hand. “Say no more.”

“Even if we have no Demon Star, if the world says we do, then we do.”

“Better to keep the waters muddy. Let them waste time guessing. It buys Wanchun Valley precious time to prepare.”

The consensus was clear: Han Yu would not leave immediately. The elders wanted him fully prepared.

Seeing their unwavering support, Han Yu acquiesced. Staying would allow him to replicate more resources and solidify his foundation. It was the wiser path.

With the matter settled, Han Yu expected the meeting to adjourn. Instead, Elder Wen beckoned him over.

He produced two bottles of pills. “Foundation Establishment pills are far rarer than those for Qi Refining. There are two main types for increasing Spiritual Energy: the Gathering Essence Pill and the Returning Essence Pill.”

“I am giving you a bottle of each. Cultivate well.”

Han Yu opened his mouth to decline, but Elder Lü cut him off. “Disciple, accept them. It is the heart of your elders.”

Han Yu bowed deeply and accepted the gifts.

Immediately, the others followed suit. Elder Yan presented a mid-grade defensive artifact. Elder Mu offered a stack of offensive and defensive talismans.

Elder Bai gifted a suit of armor tailored for early Foundation Establishment, while Elder Mou provided bottles of Body Protection Pills and Spirit Spring Pills.

After Han Yu had thanked each of them, Sect Leader Qi smiled and retrieved two jade boxes.

“Here. These are from me.”