Inside the Azure Yang Grand Hall, a seagull and a flood dragon stared intently at the pill covered in golden cloud patterns. A fierce desire rose from deep within. They did not know what it was or why they desired it, only that they absolutely had to have it. It was as though the pill were the key to moving further down their path!

Luo Chen's calm voice sounded beside them. "This is a low-grade fourth-tier Transformation Pill I refined. If you consume it, you can transform into a humanoid form early. You can reshape your meridians and channels, and you can practice human techniques while you're still at the third tier. It will greatly speed up your cultivation."

When they heard those words, the hearts of the two demons began to pound.

Demonic beasts were originally ordinary animals that gradually awakened sentience and then proper intelligence after being bathed in spirit energy. The key point was the "being bathed" part—not "bathing." In truth, most demonic beasts began their cultivation in a passive manner, absorbing the spirit energy from a source that happened to match their constitution. Essentially, this was what shaped their path of cultivation. Even after becoming intelligent, they continued to rely on crude cultivation methods. Yet even with these crude methods, they could still evolve to become Titan Beasts.

These Titan Beasts used to be extremely powerful. Though they were nothing but legends now, they had indeed roamed the Mountains and Seas Realm since its primeval era. Their formidable physiques later allowed them to contend with human Ascendants and even gain the upper hand!

Of course, such strength was not acquired overnight. They could only absorb spirit energy passively; the more they cultivated, the larger they became, and the larger they were, the slower their cultivation. As a result, it took an ordinary animal an incredibly long time to advance into a demonic beast and from there into a Titan Beast.

Cultivators often spoke of the hardship of spending centuries upon centuries to reach the Divine Transformation Realm. Yet compared to the millennia required by demonic beasts, it was rather insignificant. Even so, Titan Beasts ruled the Mountains and Seas Realm for ages untold; only very late did human cultivators rise to take over the world.

In ancient times, fierce battles were constant. Ascendants and Sages paid a heavy price to slay, suppress, or drive away the powerful Titan Beasts. Step by step, they seized the richest spirit vein lands. Only then did the powerful figures among the demonic beast races realize the true flaw of their cultivation methods: Once top experts vanished, later generations had no chance of replacing them in time. They could not possibly keep up with the cultivation speed of humans.

Thus, even before the war ended, powerful demonic beasts in the Mountain and Sea Realm began to study methods of Transformation. Once they assumed human form, they could cultivate at the same speed as human cultivators. In the end, their research succeeded. Perhaps because demonic beasts were the earliest life in this world, heaven left them a path to survive.

Their massive bodies could store vast amounts of demonic energy. Because of this, low-tier demonic beasts could condense an inner core as early as the second tier. In this respect, they were already similar to human Adepts. By the third tier, they could begin preparing for their transformation, refine their transverse bone to speak the human tongue, and cultivate their souls, becoming truly equivalent to Adepts. At the fourth tier, they borrowed the power of heavenly lightning to take the final step. Once the transformation was complete, a Demon Emperor stood on equal footing with a Sage and would no longer be called a demonic beast but a demon cultivator.

Better still, if their ancestors carried the bloodline of an ancient Titan Beast, they could even awaken an atavism—a unique ability passed down through bloodline inheritance. And these abilities were often on par with the best abilities of human cultivators!

All in all, or demonic beasts, the Transformation Stage was a shortcut that led toward the Great Dao. Yet even this shortcut remained difficult; just reaching the third tier took countless years even for the most gifted of them.

Now, two Demon Kings had just heard there was a pill that could allow them to transform early. How could they not feel excited?

But then, Black King asked with a trembling voice, "Master... is there only one?"

Luo Chen nodded slightly. He truly only had this single pill. He had obtained it with great difficulty, and he would likely never refine another batch. Even assuming he was willing to do it, capturing a Sage alive and extracting their blood essence for alchemy was not something he, or indeed most cultivators, could even dream of. That Azure Frost had been able to do it was testament to her incredible abilities; among Demon Emperors and Sages alike, she was nearly invincible.

Hearing this disappointing answer, Black King and Heavenjade exchanged a glance and both fell silent.

Luo Chen continued, "I'll be traveling soon, and the place I'm going is rather crowded. Your huge bodies would be far too conspicuous. My life-bound treasure can barely hold one of you, and ordinary spirit beast pouches won't fit either of you. So one of you needs to take human form. It'll make traveling easier and help me deal with various matters along the way. At the same time, it's a reward for you. You've both done a lot for me over the years. But it wouldn't be fair for me to choose, so the decision of who takes it will be left to you guys."

As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Black King for a moment. He was substantially larger than his companion, and with things as they stood, he could not shrink to a suitable size. This would make travel especially inconvenient. But Luo Chen had already said it: The two demons would decide the matter between themselves. That way, neither would feel it unfair and grow resentful while serving him.

The beast enslavement method recorded in the Myriad Beast Sutra was just mediocre. After all, it was just a second-tier art. Luo Chen's control over the two demons had never been absolute. Thus, over the years, aside from suppressing them with his divine soul, he had also occasionally granted them rewards to win their loyalty. These favors had clearly worked. At the very least, there had been no incidents like the Explosive Ape escaping with its offspring.

Heavenjade stood in the hall with her neck raised, yet her mood was somewhat gloomy. She could guess that the pill probably would not be hers. Luo Chen's favor toward Black King was plain to see. Whether in the share of Imperial Nectar or the scraps of demonic beast materials from alchemy work, the difference could be seen. Luo Chen had even granted Black King the corpse of that Cliff Serpent. Under such circumstances, even if she tried to contend for it, the outcome was likely set in stone.

Just as disappointment crept into her heart, a voice suddenly sounded. "Give it to Heavenjade!"

"Hm?" Luo Chen hummed in surprise before Heavenjade could respond.

Seeing Luo Chen's surprised gaze and the seagull's confusion, Black King chuckled. "Master, you might not know, but the essence in that Cliff Serpent corpse was really abundant. I slept for over three years and I still haven't fully digested it. If I take the Transformation Pill now, the human form I end up with might turn out... a little strange."

Luo Chen wanted to say that wouldn't happen. After all, he had refined the pill himself. But then an image flashed through his mind—a human body with the head of a crow. Nether Spring had taken this very pill and failed her transformation, hadn't she?

"I do want to take the pill. But if we wait until I finish digesting the Cliff Serpent essence, it'll probably take another six or seven years. You're about to leave and you can't wait that long. Besides..."

At this point, Black King paused. A trace of hesitation and confusion flashed through his eyes. "I have a feeling... Maybe it'll be better for my cultivation if I don't take the transformation path, and just stick to the path of the Titan Beast."

Luo Chen frowned. Before he could say anything, Heavenjade asked, "How's that possible? Everybody knows that once we take human form, we cultivate faster. Your body is so big. If you just keep tempering it as it is, how long will it take before you reach the fourth tier?"

Those questions were exactly what Luo Chen had been thinking, so he just waited for a reply.

Black King shifted his obsidian-scaled body restlessly and slowly replied, "I'm... not sure either.... But my instincts tell me so."

Luo Chen's heart stirred. Instinct? Could it be tied to his bloodline inheritance?

Black King was no true dragon; he was a mixed beast among mixed beasts, unexceptional in talent and of uncertain origin. He had become a flood dragon somehow, but even that transformation was incomplete, due to being triggered forcefully. Yet after Luo Chen granted him several portions of supreme-grade Imperial Nectar, his bloodline seemed to purify further. He had even awakened a demonic ability, and a truly remarkable one at that.

Luo Chen had personally studied it before. It resembled the Withering-Flourishing True Fire's method of refining life force for one's own use, and in some respects it was even more comprehensive. He had even tried to see if he could imitate that ability. However, his research ultimately failed. The ability relied on Black King's terrifying stomach; unless Luo Chen also transformed his stomach into something similar... Of course, he did not even dare attempt such a thing. He could not be certain that altering his body would not harm his already decent cultivation speed.

If his devouring ability and the inherited knowledge within his bloodline can make up for how difficult the Titan Beast path is, then maybe Black King's cultivation won't be that slow. And if it still is... I can always refine more Imperial Nectar for him later and find more resources for him.

Since a decision had been made and he had the means to make things work, Luo Chen no longer dwelled on the matter. "Alright then. Let's do it like this."

With a wave of his hand, the Transformation Pill floated toward Heavenjade. She accepted it in a daze and listened vaguely as Luo Chen explained the precautions for taking the pill. Then, the two demons took their leave.

After leaving the hall, the two demons strolled along until they stopped at the shore of the lake. At such times in the past, Black King would slip into the lake while the seagull soared into the sky. This time, however, Heavenjade called out to Black King first. Though they were natural enemies and she was usually the more assertive one, she now appeared somewhat awkward before him.

Black King seemed to sense her thoughts and grinned widely. "No need to thank me. Whoever transforms will end up running errands for the master anyway. Just thinking about it is troublesome. You can do it."

A complicated expression flickered on the seagull's face. Running errands actually had its advantages. Had Black King not won Luo Chen's favor precisely because he hunted demonic crabs for him every day? Meanwhile, if she transformed, her cultivation would progress faster, and if she served Luo Chen properly, she was bound to be rewarded as well.

"Alright, we're about to leave soon. I should get some more sleep."

With a foul-smelling yawn, the giant flood dragon splashed into the calm lake.

Heavenjade remained silent for a long moment as she watched the ripples spread across the lake. In the end, she softly said, "Thank you."

Then she spread her wings and flew toward the solitary Sea-Gazing Cliff.

Beneath the lake's surface, Black King quietly watched her graceful figure fade into the distance. At last he curled his lips. "You saved me once, so I'll let you win this time."

Deep in his heart, he thought that birds were meant to soar through the sky. How could they live like him, trapped inside a gray cauldron and passing days in gloom without ever seeing the light of heaven?

***

On Black Swan Island, a tall woman stood in the courtyard scattering feed. Black Swans stretched their slender necks and gathered in the pond at her feet to scramble for the fresh feed. The woman suddenly raised her head and looked toward the sky. A majestic bird flew toward a solitary cliff not far away. When she saw that figure, the hesitation on her face deepened.

The Devil Lord is really leaving. Even the spirit beasts have been summoned back. He is clearly making his final preparations. Should I go with him?

Cheng Haixin knew that if she remained by Azure Yang's side, there would certainly be many benefits in the future. After serving Azure Yang for so many years, she understood clearly that the so-called "Devil Lord" was hardly a devil. He only appeared devilish or strict in matters related to his own cultivation, and even there, he was simply persistent.

As long as no one crossed his line, Azure Yang was actually quite easy to serve. In fact, he often granted small favors to those around him. Toward cultivation families that schemed behind the scenes, he usually turned a blind eye, and those that served him loyally knew that they would be rewarded when the time arose. If she was fortunate enough to become his Dao companion, she might even have a chance in the Golden Core Great Dao!

She could tell that Luo Chen was not indifferent to women. When he occasionally looked at her face and figure, his gaze held a trace of interest. Yet he seemed to have other concerns on his mind, or perhaps his Dao heart was firm enough to restrain him and suppress that impulse.

"But if I leave, what will happen to the family?"

Cheng Haixin released her spirit consciousness and slowly spread it across ten li around her. She saw her clansmen carefully tending the spirit fields, flocks of cackling Black Swans, and juniors learning spells under the guidance of Cheng Haichang. She also saw an elderly man with white hair and a face worn by years sitting in the family council hall. When he sensed her spirit consciousness, he raised his head and looked over with confusion.

Uncle Ji is really getting old. I'm afraid he doesn't have many years left. Brother Haichang's cultivation isn't bad, but he's only good at fighting. When it comes to managing the family, he's just not suited. And because Brother Cheng Dou helped gather resources for the Devil Lord in the past, he offended quite a few people. While the Devil Lord is still here, no one dares to trouble our family. But if he leaves... Things might be fine for a while, but after some time, who knows what might happen....

After a long time, the woman bit her lip and slowly shook her head. She had made her decision.

***

The news that Luo Chen intended to leave had somehow spread among the upper ranks of the various families in the Flying Swallow Archipelago. Perhaps someone had spoken carelessly, or perhaps an observant retainer had pieced it together from scattered clues. Whatever the case, the Devil Lord's departure was already certain.

More importantly, it was obvious that once he left, he would most likely not return. Wu Qi of Divine Witch Island had come personally, and later Sage Blood Nightmare had also paid a visit. Both visits could only be for one reason: The top-level force that was Devil's Snare had extended an invitation to Azure Yang.

Compared with the abundant resources of such great forces, the Flying Swallow Archipelago was far too barren. Once someone left for such a place, they would have no reason whatsoever to come back. And when that happened, the archipelago would once again become leaderless.

For a time, unrest began to stir among the various cultivation families. Even without paying close attention, Luo Chen noticed the growing tension. Although the Cheng family appeared calm, they were quietly preparing for battle. That alone revealed where the tension was bound to lash.

As he sat inside the Azure Yang Grand Hall, Luo Chen let out a quiet sigh. The Cheng family had served him faithfully for nearly twenty years. If his departure brought them catastrophic disaster, that would truly be unjust.

"It seems I must settle a few matters before leaving. In any case, it is only a small effort."

A few moments later, he sent out a divine consciousness transmission that caused Cheng Haixin's eyes to widen in shock. The shock then turned to excitement as she hurried toward Moon-Inviting Island.

She was not the only one. At that moment, late-stage Initiates and the family heads of the various families across the archipelago all received the same transmission. Whether they were occupied or in seclusion, and regardless of the thoughts surging through their minds, when the Devil Lord summoned them, none dared be late. One after another, they set out for Moon-Inviting Island.

By the time they arrived, a young man with a reddish face, dressed in white robes, already sat in the high seat, waiting for them. His posture was upright, and his eyes burned like torches. He did not speak and simply watched them quietly.

The restless mood in the hall slowly faded. Some who harbored ulterior motives began to sweat. Their eyes drifted away, and they did not dare meet the man's gaze.

The oppressive silence dragged on for who knew how long. Just as everyone started to feel each passing moment stretch like years, a voice suddenly rang out. "In three months, I'll be leaving. Before I go, there are three things I need to make clear. All of you must follow them. If you don't, then... don't blame me for being ruthless. Now, number one. From now on, the Cheng family will temporarily act as the ruling family of the Flying Swallow Archipelago. They'll manage the formation tokens controlling entry to Moon-Inviting Island until the first native Adept appears. Secondly..."