Chapter 25: Bestowing Fortune

Pushing aside the myriad thoughts in his mind, Yu Qiye prepared to begin his cultivation as he always did.

He had already ascended to the rank of Demon King. According to the terminology of immortals and Buddhas, he would be classified as a True Immortal. Above that, there were still the Mysterious Immortal and Golden Immortal realms. However, these were merely levels of cultivation, not measures of actual combat prowess. In terms of raw combat power, the demon race was born with formidable physical bodies, making them a tier stronger than the average immortal or Buddha. Furthermore, as an elite among demons, even without transforming into a Golden Crow, few of his peers could contend with him. Thus, his true combat strength was difficult to gauge.

"I wonder if an ordinary Mysterious Immortal could do anything to me?" Yu Qiye mused. He wasn't certain. Although he had a hunch that he might be capable of challenging a Mysterious Immortal, he was unwilling—and even dared not—to test it. One only had one life as a demon; there was no need to take unnecessary risks. It was better to remain steady and advance one step at a time.

...

The next day, a sliver of sunlight quietly crept into the great mountains, gently brushing away the silence of the night as all things seemed to awaken in that moment. Dewdrops shimmered on the tips of tender green leaves like stars fallen from the night sky, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of flowers and earth.

"We pay our respects to the Sky Crow King."
"We pay our respects to the Sky Crow King."

In an open clearing on Sky Green Mountain, the synchronized shouts shook the clouds. Looking toward the source, one could see hundreds of demons of all sizes, kneeling on one knee and prostrating themselves before Yu Qiye. These were the demons of Sky Crow Cave. Qingqiu Xue, the Divine Mastiff, and the Scorpion Spirit, acting as the senior leaders, stood at the very front. In the rows behind them were the seven famous great demons of the cave: the wolf demon, the fox demon, the leopard spirit, the eagle demon, the deer demon, and so on.

However, among them, one figure caught Yu Qiye’s attention. It was a jade-green mantis the height of a man. Its arms were like blades, and its expression was chillingly cold. It was also one of the seven great demons of Sky Crow Cave. Yet, it stood alone, giving off a "keep away" aura so intense that the surrounding demons dared not approach.

Seeming to notice Yu Qiye's gaze, Qingqiu Xue explained, "Great King, this is the Twin-Blade Mantis. He is quite warlike; the only reason he joined our Sky Crow Cave is that he lost to us."

"I see." With a soft chuckle, Yu Qiye sat high upon his throne, silently looking down.

"So you are the Sky Crow King," the Twin-Blade Mantis suddenly spoke.

"Indeed," Yu Qiye nodded slightly.

"May I challenge you?" The mantis’s eyes burned with fervor.

"Audacious!" Before Yu Qiye could respond, the Divine Mastiff’s expression changed drastically. He roared, a terrifying aura surging directly toward the mantis.

"Stand down, Divine Mastiff." Hearing Yu Qiye’s command, the Divine Mastiff retreated immediately. However, he continued to glare at the mantis. Possessing the "Loyal and Devoted" trait, he was incredibly faithful to Yu Qiye. To him, the mantis’s public challenge was an act of gross disrespect. If not for Yu Qiye’s order, he would have torn the mantis to shreds.

"I will give you a chance." Yu Qiye smiled, plucked a black feather from behind him, and blew gently upon it. Then, to the astonishment of the gathered demons, the black feather transformed into another Sky Crow King.

This was the "Body Outside the Body" technique, the most prized art of the future Junior Brother Wukong. Among the Eight-Nine Profound Arts that Yu Qiye studied, this technique was included. However, everyone has their own strengths, and demons are no exception. This was not a technique Yu Qiye was particularly adept at. He could only manifest a few clones at most. It was useful, but limited. Compared to the future Junior Brother Wukong, who could create thousands of clones with a single breath, it was far inferior.

Yet, Wukong was different. He was born from a spiritual stone, possessing infinite mana accumulated within his body. One must realize that in the future, Wukong never suffered from exhaustion or depleted mana during combat. The "Body Outside the Body" technique was a method of partitioning one's own mana. Yu Qiye had limited mana, so dividing it weakened him. But Wukong had endless stores of power; even after manifesting countless monkey kin, he still had enough mana to sustain the battle. That was his unique advantage—one that others could not replicate.

It is worth noting, however, that Yu Qiye did have techniques he excelled at. For instance, the Wind Manipulation Art. In this, Yu Qiye dared not say he had reached the pinnacle, but he had attained a level beyond the reach of ordinary beings.

...

The battle finally began. Amidst the highly expectant gazes of the demons, the Twin-Blade Mantis turned into a streak of green light and charged toward Yu Qiye’s clone. However, the next moment, the mantis returned just as quickly as it had departed.

It was a crushing defeat. A complete, utter suppression. The mantis had no power to resist.

"The benefit of having a single clone is that combat power remains guaranteed," Yu Qiye mused to himself.

"So this is the Great King? How terrifying! A single clone crushed Brother Mantis," the demons exclaimed, shocked to their cores.

Even the proud and arrogant Twin-Blade Mantis was convinced. He knelt on one knee, bowing with the utmost respect. "This subordinate, Twin-Blade Mantis, pays respects to the Great King."

"Mm." Nodding slightly, Yu Qiye began to read the mantis’s trait panel.

[Race: Mantis Tribe.]
[Rank: Peak Great Demon.]
[Traits: Arms Like Blades (Red), Bullet Speed (Red), Agility (Purple)...]

This mantis demon had a very good trait panel. However, Yu Qiye’s luck was not great; after defeating the mantis, he only plundered one trait: Diligent (White).

[Diligent (White) — You are more hardworking and diligent than the average demon.]

"This fellow has potential," Yu Qiye observed. He was a good seed born for battle. If nurtured well, he might one day provide a surprise. Therefore, Yu Qiye decided to cultivate him.

"This trait suits him well." Browsing through his trait library, Yu Qiye’s eyebrows suddenly lifted.

[Blade Mastery Minor Achievement (Purple) — Exceptional insight into blade techniques...]

This was a trait Yu Qiye had plundered from another demon who excelled in blade combat. However, since he specialized in claw arts and did not practice with blades, he had not integrated it. Now, it seemed perfect to bestow upon the Twin-Blade Mantis.

"Come here," Yu Qiye said, looking at the mantis.

"Yes, Great King." Though puzzled, the mantis stepped forward.

The next moment, Yu Qiye placed his right hand on the mantis’s brow.

*Boom!*

Under the confused gazes of the onlookers, a brilliant light erupted from the mantis’s forehead. In an instant, the mantis’s mind trembled. Countless insights regarding blade techniques flooded his consciousness. His arms began to tremble uncontrollably. A sensation as if he had been practicing with blades for many years surged into his heart—familiar yet strange, yet so incredibly real.

Time flowed slowly, and in the blink of an eye, several minutes passed. The Twin-Blade Mantis finally awakened from his trance. Upon waking, his gaze toward Yu Qiye was filled with intense fervor.

"I am grateful for the Great King's bestowal of fortune. This subordinate swears eternal loyalty." His cold voice was laced with indescribable excitement.

At this moment, the observant great demons noticed that the Twin-Blade Mantis had changed. Yes, he had changed. He was now like a long blade drawn from its sheath, sharp and exposed. Even his eyes shimmered with a piercing, keen edge.