"Alright," Long Chen said with resignation. Since the Sect had this rule, it was unavoidable.
"Long Chen, for someone as talented as you, it would be a real shame not to participate in the Demon Pursuit Conference," Chen Yao said, seeming to have read his mind. "If you perform well at the Demon Pursuit Conference and earn the favor of the elders from the World King Palace, you’ll get the chance to cultivate inside the World King Palace."
"That’s a fantastic place for cultivation. Many people would fight tooth and nail for a chance to get in and still fail."
"I understand," Long Chen nodded. "Where will this Demon Pursuit Conference be held?"
"The Nine Demons Mountain Range," Chen Yao replied. "At that time, our Martial Ancestor and the Sword Ancestor will proceed to the Nine Demons Mountain Range to ambush the Heavenly Demon Sect!"
"The Nine Demons Mountain Range?" Long Chen murmured. Isn’t that where Xia Duoduo’s true body is trapped?
"That’s right. The Demon Pursuit Conference is in half a month. You should use the time before then to prepare well and strive for an outstanding performance." Chen Yao patted Long Chen’s shoulder. "I have high hopes for you!"
"Oh, and there’s one more thing you’ll definitely be interested in."
"What is it?" Long Chen asked curiously.
"The higher-ups have decreed that any disciple who performs well at the Demon Pursuit Conference will not only have the opportunity to cultivate inside the World King Palace but will also be eligible for an extraordinary promotion from Second-class Disciple to First-class Disciple," Chen Yao said with a smile.
"Really?" Long Chen asked, surprised.
"Of course it’s true. Why would I lie to you about something like this?" Chen Yao said.
"I’ll strive for it," Long Chen said with a faint smile. It seemed he would have to perform exceptionally well at this Demon Pursuit Conference.
After bidding farewell to Chen Yao, Long Chen immediately asked Xia Duoduo, "Where exactly is your true body in the Nine Demons Mountain Range?"
"Young Master, it’s deep within the Nine Demons Mountain Range," Xia Duoduo said. "That place is also the stronghold of the Heavenly Demon Sect."
Long Chen nodded. "Alright. I’ll use this opportunity during the Demon Pursuit Conference to see if I can rescue your true body at the same time."
"Young Master, it’s very dangerous there—"
Before Xia Duoduo could finish, Long Chen cut her off. "No matter how dangerous it is, I will find a way to get you out of there!"
Seeing Long Chen’s resolve, Xia Duoduo fell silent. She was just a mere servant, completely unworthy of such concern from him. Yet, even with so many important matters on his mind and his own great vendettas unavenged, he still kept her plight in his heart. This alone was enough to move her deeply.
Soon after returning to his residence, he saw two Human Institute Disciples arrive, carrying a pile of items.
"Senior Brother, we’ve brought your rewards for making it onto the Spirit List."
Gazing at the huge pile of Miraculous Elixirs and Medicines, Long Chen’s eyes lit up. "Thanks for your trouble. Please place them on the table for me," he said.
"Of course." The two Human Institute Disciples immediately did as they were told.
"Senior Brother, we won’t disturb you any further." After setting down the items, the two were about to leave but were stopped by Long Chen.
They turned back and asked, "Senior Brother, do you have any other instructions?"
Long Chen picked up a few Elixir Pills that aided cultivation. "These are for you. Use them well in your future cultivation."
Hearing this, the two Human Institute Disciples’ eyes lit up. They excitedly accepted the pills and said gratefully, "Thank you, Senior Brother! We won’t let you down."
Long Chen gave a slight nod, then gestured for them to leave.
"Young Master, with these Miraculous Elixirs and Medicines, your Cultivation will greatly benefit," Xia Duoduo said with excitement. "I didn’t expect the Martial Ancestor to have so many precious medicinal ingredients."
"You can extract the essence from the valuable ingredients to create a medicinal liquid. Soaking in it will promote the absorption and flow of your Battle qi, further strengthening your Constitution."
"Alright," Long Chen nodded. "I’ll use this half-month to properly solidify my Realm and prepare for the Demon Pursuit Conference!"
And so, Long Chen consumed all the Elixir Pills that could enhance his Cultivation, storing the healing ones in his Storage Ring. He also extracted the essence from most of the rare medicinal ingredients to create a medicinal liquid to soak his body in.
The days passed in the blink of an eye. For half a month, Long Chen was completely devoted to his cultivation. He finally stopped his training one day before the Demon Pursuit Conference was set to begin and let out a long breath. Soaking in the precious medicinal liquid had left him feeling utterly refreshed.
This period of intense cultivation had brought him numerous benefits. Not only had he solidified the Realm he had so rapidly advanced through, but he had also broken through two more Levels. His current strength had reached the War Maniac Realm Seventh Level.
「The day of the Demon Pursuit Conference arrived.」
All the First-class and Second-class Disciples of the Martial Ancestor gathered in the square.
"Everyone, today is the day of the Demon Pursuit Conference," the Managing Elder announced solemnly. "The higher-ups at the World King Palace are taking this very seriously. I expect every single one of you to give it your all, not only for the sake of our Sect but also to eradicate the Heavenly Demon Sect!"
"There is another matter. Aside from destroying the Heavenly Demon Sect, you must also be wary of the people from the Sword Ancestor."
"This Demon Pursuit Conference is, in fact, a three-way battle. Do you understand?"
"Understood!"
A deafening roar erupted from the crowd as all the First-class and Second-class Disciples of the Martial Ancestor answered in unison.
The Managing Elder then commanded, "In that case, board the ship and prepare to depart for Nine Demons Mountain!"