462: Chapter 58: The Demon Star is Inescapable—Then Do Not Avoid It_2 462: Chapter 58: The Demon Star is Inescapable—Then Do Not Avoid It_2 Xiao Jie’s eyes suddenly popped up with a selection bar.

Option 1: I want this “Dragon Roar Technique” (Rare Techniques), please bestow it to me, True Man.

Option 2: I want this “Longevity Technique” (Rare Techniques), please bestow it to me, True Man.

Option 3: I want this “Illusion Demon Mind Method” (Rare Techniques), please bestow it to me, True Man.

Option 4: I think I should consider it more…

Xiao Jie scanned the three secret books and had to admit, all three were quite impressive.

Placed in an auction, they would each fetch at least hundreds of taels of silver.

The problem was, after all the trouble he had gone through, expending massive amounts of Spiritual Energy, was it really worth it just for a Rare Technique?

It felt like a loss.

Better to think it through carefully.

He resolutely chose 4.

“True Man, I think I should consider it more.”

“As you wish.

Let me know when you’ve made your decision.

If it’s convenient, I can grant it to you, but if it’s not, it’s useless even if you take it—by the way, I want to see the results of that torture examination.

Would you care to join me?”

“Certainly.”

Xiao Jie definitely wanted to see the results; who knows, he might trigger some special task or something.

At the very least, getting some game information would be good.

Master Xiao Yue glanced once more at Ying Baiyu, “You need not come; go report to your general.”

Ying Baiyu acknowledged the order and exited.

Following Master Xiao Yue into the inner hall, Xiao Jie saw the Crow Taoist employing the Soul Searching secret technique on the severed head in the pitch-dark great hall.

More than ten dark green Spirit Crows were circling in the air, occasionally diving to peck fiercely at the soul of the Human-faced Zhe.

It seemed that these Spirit Crows were some kind of ghost curse spell capable of directly damaging souls, looking quite formidable.

With each peck, they tore off wispy veil-like substances from the residual soul, scattered them in the air, and they formed into three-dimensional images.

It seemed to be various past memories.

Xiao Jie thought to himself that it seemed the Crow Messenger’s innate abilities were indeed class magic related to ghost curses, which seemed quite suitable.

The soul of the Human-faced Zhe, undergoing interrogation, screamed miserably.

Unlike normal demons or humans, its soul was not in a regular shape but rather like a billowing cloud of black smoke, constantly changing shape, sometimes like a human, sometimes like a huge bat, twisted and writhing.

Master Xiao Yue, with a look of disgust, explained, “The monsters from the Demon Star Tower are all such creatures that even in death, they don’t resemble people.

What do you think, military advisor, any results?”

“Rest assured, True Man.

Under my spell, it will be utterly obedient.

Even if it does not speak, I can extract some memories and piece together the answer.” As he spoke, he waved his magic wand, and several shadow crows dived down, tearing and pecking at the residual soul again, causing it to cry out in pain.

“Stop pecking, stop pecking, I’ll talk, I’ll talk.”

“Speak then.

What is the Demon Star Tower’s reason for sending you here?

Make it clear, and I’ll give you a swift end.

If not, we will continue to peel the answer from your soul.”

The shattered residual soul coalesced into a human face, twisting into a grotesque smile.

“Master Xiao Yue, I’m fortunate to meet you.

Listen well, the Demon Star Tower sent me here to coordinate with the rebelling Demon Kings scattered around, from the inside and outside, to breach Canglin State.”

“Oh, what exactly is your method?”

“I’ve gathered various demons to build a ‘Stealing Heaven Array’.

Using the secret Time Swapping technique of the Demon Star Tower, we will open a portal to the Demon Star Tower.

Once opened, the vast army of the Demon Star will pour into Canglin State through the portal, and the southern wall defenses will fall without a fight.

Hahaha, now you know, are you satisfied?”

“Where is the Stealing Heaven Array located?”

“In the Netherflame Abyss.”

“So it’s in that ghastly place.

How many Monster Leaders have you recruited in total?”

“Twelve, and hundreds of Great Demons, thousands of Little Demons, all gathered at the Netherflame Abyss.

The Stealing Heaven Array will be completed in less than a month, and then you shall all be slaughtered to the last, hahaha.

Master Xiao Yue, why persist in delusion?

Why not join the Demon Star Tower?

Our Demon Race should ascend to rule the Nine States and dominate the world.

You are a demon yourself, why defend this inevitable tide for humans?

The Fourth Calamity has already descended, and this is…”

“Enough babble!”

Master Xiao Yue abruptly waved his hand, slashing out a piercingly cold light, causing the cloud of black mist to emit a dreadful scream, instantly vanishing soul and spirit.

The Crow Taoist was momentarily speechless, “True Man, he may be deceiving you.

Why not let me question him further?”

Xiao Jie also said from the side, “This guy gave it away so easily, could there be some kind of plot?”

This Human-faced Zhe surrendered far too easily, it hadn’t even been ten minutes of resistance, and it always felt like a non-human creature like the Human-faced Zhe wouldn’t surrender so easily.

His final admission of the truth was clearly with some purpose in mind.

“No, what he said is true,” Master Xiao Yue said with a very grave expression.

“I’ve received plenty of intelligence before.

In addition to monsters attacking villages and towns everywhere with much bluster, many Monster Leaders have also disappeared without a trace.

The Netherflame Abyss…

not long ago, a group of Returning Villagers found some signs there…”

“Hmph, there might not be a conspiracy, but there sure is an overt plan.”

Xiao Jie asked in confusion, “What do you mean, Master?”

“That Netherflame Abyss has gathered thousands of monsters.

Ordinary local garrisons are useless; we must dispatch a large army to eradicate them.

But now, the armies of Canglin State are all deployed on the southern front, struggling to resist the assault of the Demon Star Tower.

If I were to divert troops, there would inevitably be gaps in the defense.

Should the Demon Star Tower’s army take advantage of this, and a breach occur in the southern wall, Canglin State will be in danger.”

“Why not deploy the forces from Jumu City?”

“Hehe, what forces are left in Jumu City?

There’s barely a few hundred men just scraping by.

Otherwise, why would I be so troubled by the monsters and bandits everywhere?

It’s really beyond my ability to cope.”

Xiao Jie felt anxious for Master Xiao Yue as well.

Hearing her say this, it seemed like the situation in Canglin State was fraught with crisis and desperately strained.

“So what should we do?”

Master Xiao Yue’s face took on a solemn look, “This matter can only be dealt with by me personally, in a swift and decisive battle.

As long as I’m quick enough and resolve the monster issue in the Netherflame Abyss within half a day, this crisis will naturally be resolved.”

“Master Xiao Yue wants to solo Nether Spirit Peak?”

Xiao Jie thought to himself, do you have to be so fierce?

Even if you’re level 59, fighting against thousands of monsters alone seems too far-fetched.

After all, they’re led by Monster Leaders too, and from the Human-faced Zhe’s words, there are twelve BOSS-level monsters.

This was precisely why Xiao Jie himself didn’t dare to volunteer; how many people would it take to win such a battle?

Master Xiao Yue, however, smiled faintly, “Hehe, of course I won’t be so reckless.

This time, I’m afraid I’ll need to ask others for help.

Strategist, send out the Crow Messenger, and send a message to a few of my old friends.”

Having said this, she looked towards Xiao Jie.

“This time I will seek the help of a few experts.

Young man, you are also privy to this affair.

The saying goes, ‘Without secrecy, there is no success; without trust, there is no basis for governance.’ Before this crisis is dealt with, I’m afraid you cannot leave.

It’s not that I don’t trust you, but the matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly.

Would you prefer to stay here and wait for my return, or would you embark on this venture with me?”

A dialogue box suddenly popped up before him.

Option 1: I’d better stay and wait for Master Xiao Yue to return to the palace.

Option 2: I’m willing to accompany Master Xiao Yue (Accept mission: Braving the Netherflame Abyss).

Xiao Jie pondered for a moment and said, “Master, I’m also willing to help.”

Now it was Master Xiao Yue’s turn to be surprised, “Are you sure?

The Netherflame Abyss is teeming with dangerous monsters, and with your skills, I’m afraid you won’t be much help.”

Xiao Jie boldly said, “Even if my contribution is modest, it can still be of some use.

The conspiracy of the Demon Star Tower may be aimed at Canglin State, but if they succeed, the whole Nine States will be endangered.

In my life, I’ve committed to demon-suppressing, to return this world to peace and order.

Facing such a situation, how could I stand idly by?

Even if it means laying down my life and shedding my blood, I must join in.

If it really comes to it, I will naturally think of a way to escape.”

Xiao Jie naturally had his reasons for going.

In such a grand scene, how many Monster Inner Cores would drop?

Picking up even a few would make the trip worthwhile.

Considering his own strength, direct combat was certainly going to be challenging, but merely ensuring his own safety shouldn’t be a problem, and if things really got out of hand, he could still use an Escape Light Talisman to flee.

Of course, there was another reason, which was due to the prophecy left by the Mad Taoist.

The Demon Star is unavoidable, do not force it…

Now thinking about it, could the Demon Star be referring to the Demon Star Tower?

Otherwise, how could his quest end up facing the Demon Star Tower.

Since it was unavoidable, he might as well rise to the challenge; there might be unexpected gains.

Master Xiao Yue, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but show a look of admiration, “I did not expect to find such a hero among the returnees…

very well, then join me on this journey.”

System notification: Quest accepted [Braving the Netherflame Abyss], Master Xiao Yue’s favorability towards you has increased by 10 points.