"Going to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest..."
Chen Yu fell into contemplation.
Ordinarily, this invitation clearly harbors ill intentions, and he should refuse immediately.
But suddenly, Chen Yu thought of something that made him hesitate.
The second level of the "Four Symbols Divine Body," the White Tiger Sky Splitting Claw, is about to be perfected. He has been considering what to cultivate for the third level, and he is quite interested in the Vermilion Bird Burning Sky Wings.
Cultivating the Vermilion Bird Burning Sky Wings undoubtedly requires many precious fire-attribute materials, and he also needs to start comprehending the profound meaning of fire from scratch.
If he went to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, it would better resolve these two aspects, and the cultivation of the Vermilion Bird Burning Sky Wings would proceed very smoothly.
The Sky Martial Sect Master was a bit curious. He initially thought Chen Yu would refuse immediately, but his disciple unexpectedly fell into contemplation.
There is a thirty-year limit on Ye Luofeng’s Eternal Curse, so the remaining time is still ample.
"Tell me, what reward would you like?"
The Sky Martial Sect Master asked again.
"Essence Stones."
Chen Yu thought for a moment before answering.
He wanted many things, like the Soul Cleansing Liquid, Heavenly Crystal Gold, and some precious materials for cultivating the Vermilion Bird Burning Sky Wings, which were quite varied.
However, the Essence Stone is a universal currency, making it convenient to buy whatever he desires.
"How about this, even though there’s no fear for your life when you go to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, they will definitely make things difficult for you and hinder your cultivation. I will apply for a reward of four million top-grade yuan stones for you."
The Sky Martial Sect Master said after thinking for a moment.
"Thank you, Master."
Four million top-grade yuan stones! That is an astronomical figure.
Chen Yu had spent three years in the Qianyuan Realm, collecting numerous spoils and even serving as a Saint General, resulting in a total value of at most two million top-grade yuan stones.
Now, by participating in an event, he has received such a generous reward. How can he not be pleased?
Of course, the main reason is that the Sky Martial Sect Master is his master, granting Chen Yu special care.
If Chen Yu had not joined the sect and had no backing, he certainly would not have received such benefits.
"I don’t advise you to go to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, but it is your choice. I won’t interfere, but remember the goal I set for you: to reach the top twenty on the Heavenly Martial List within ten years."
"Counting the time, when you return, the deadline will be near. I hope you won’t slack off at the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest. Upon your return, I will evaluate your cultivation results."
The Sky Martial Sect Master gave a final reminder.
"Understood."
Chen Yu nodded.
This indeed presents a formidable challenge.
After he left, Hong Xiuyuan asked, "Master, based on Little Junior Brother’s abilities, it seems challenging to meet your requirements within ten years, doesn’t it?"
"The goal was something I casually mentioned. If he achieves it, great; if not, it’s no big deal. After all, the bigger the goal, the more motivation, right?"
The Sky Martial Sect Master explained calmly.
"Casually mentioned..."
Hong Xiuyuan was momentarily stunned.
In other words, Chen Yu and Qin Wentian failing to meet the standard is within the Sky Martial Sect Master’s expectations, and they won’t face any punishment.
Shortly after, the list of disciples from the Sky Martial Sect heading to the Demon Race’s forces was published.
Most of the names were of disciples who performed averagely or had some standout qualities, as the Sky Martial Sect wouldn’t trustingly send their top talents to the Demon Race.
However, one name on this list caused a stir.
"Chen Yu? Am I mistaken? Is it the newly promoted disciple Chen Yu?"
"Even though I’m not fond of him, his strength and talent are undeniable, counting him among the prodigies of the Human Race. Why would the sect hand him over to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest?"
It was clear to those aware that the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest harbored some hostility toward Chen Yu. Going there was akin to knowingly walking into danger.
However, this matter didn’t concern most people, who were just momentarily surprised and didn’t give it much thought.
The disciples of the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, and even those of the Azure Dragon Divine Wood, were overjoyed upon receiving this news.
"Chen Yu, oh Chen Yu, in the Human Race territory, this young master couldn’t defeat you. But once you arrive at the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, this young master will surely entertain you well."
Inside the grand hall, Zhu Cangyan wore a cold, amused smile.
"Still, Brother Cang Yan has the talent, persuading the Heavenly Martial Sect to hand over Chen Yu obediently."
Shi Yao flattered earnestly from the side.
Zhu Cangyan’s identity wasn’t ordinary. His grandfather was a demigod of the Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan and a real power elder of the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest.
If Zhu Cangyan hadn’t instigated the situation, and his grandfather hadn’t stepped in, this matter would be difficult to achieve.
"Indeed."
Zhu Cangyan smiled proudly.
Yet, he still harbored doubts: if Chen Yu insisted on avoiding the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, even his grandfather couldn’t force Chen Yu into compliance.
Confused, Zhu Cangyan ceased to ponder, eager to return to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest to properly "reward" Chen Yu.
Simultaneously, it was his chance to keep Chen Yu and Lin Yuxuan apart for years, possibly weakening their bond.
Chen Yu was already prepared, merely waiting for the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest to take him along.
That day, Lin Yuxuan came to visit.
"I heard about the exchange activities among the four major forces. You won first place for the Heavenly Martial Sect, but why go to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest?"
Lin Yuxuan asked bluntly.
"The Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest extended a gracious invitation; it would be impolite to refuse."
Chen Yu joked lightly.
"You know fully well that going to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest won’t guarantee you a good time. Why still go?"
Lin Yuxuan expressed disbelief, questioning again.
Smart as she was, Lin Yuxuan knew Chen Yu couldn’t appear on that list if he didn’t want to.
Chen Yu sighed internally; Lin Yuxuan’s curiosity was excessive, yet it was apparent she cared.
"There’s something there I need to attend to; nothing major, I’ll return in a few years."
Chen Yu stated calmly.
Lin Yuxuan refrained from further inquiry, quietly stood up and departed after a brief silence.
"Don’t forget you need to come with me to the Lin Family to resolve the engagement matter."
She suddenly halted.
"Hmm, I haven’t forgotten."
Lin Yuxuan gave Chen Yu a glance before leaving the grand hall.
Learning that Chen Yu was going to the Demon Race, and hearing his calm response, for some reason, she felt uneasy.
Half a month passed.
That day, the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, Azure Dragon Divine Wood, and Wanxiang Sect bid farewell.
The current situation was that the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest and the Heavenly Martial Sect exchanged some disciples, and Wanxiang Sect and Azure Dragon Divine Wood exchanged disciples.
"This journey has been worthwhile, goodbye."
The red-bearded elder from the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest remarked.
Whoosh whoosh...
A group of people leaped onto a crimson ship. This vessel had a unique design, an avian head shape on top, and huge wings on the sides.
Boom!
The crimson ship powered up and departed Martial God Mountain with the group aboard.
"Brother Chen, I didn’t expect you to accompany us to the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest."
Kong Qiuye beamed.
Among the batch of disciples exchanged by the Heavenly Martial Sect were her and Kong Xiaomu, two mediocre disciples.
Chen Yu smiled, realizing this journey wouldn’t be too lonely with familiar faces around.
"Brother Chen, please look after us along the way."
The other Heavenly Martial Sect disciples greeted Chen Yu, understanding that this journey would be challenging, and Chen Yu was their leader.
The journey to the Demon Race’s Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest was long. Even with the Transmission Array, it took over half a year.
Chen Yu secluded himself in his room, seldom going out, and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest refrained from troubling him.
Usually, he either practiced the "Nine Revolutions Bright Star Technique" and "Four Symbols Divine Body" or erased the soul imprint within the [Ten Thousand Dragon Crown].
He sensed the soul imprint of the Yellow Dragon Clan’s Dragon Emperor within the [Ten Thousand Dragon Crown], estimating, "With three Soul Cleansing Liquid left, it should be erased within half a year."
Once he refined this treasure, Chen Yu would have a powerful ace up his sleeve, greatly enhancing his survival and self-preservation.
The White Tiger Sky Splitting Claw of "Four Symbols Divine Body" reached its second layer, steadily advancing toward perfection.
Half a year later, Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest!
Chen Yu stood on the stern of the crimson ship, gazing into the distance.
"Have we arrived?"
He observed the distant scene, feeling a slight tremor inside.
There seemed to be a gigantic circular bird’s nest afar, entirely crimson, exuding majestic sacredness even from tens of miles away.
As the ship neared, Chen Yu discerned it wasn’t a bird’s nest but numerous buildings piled layer upon layer into an enormous palace complex, resembling a giant bird’s nest from a distance.
Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest had twenty layers of buildings, constituting an independent space.
Around the heavenly nest were ten circular passageways, resembling ten sky-reaching pillars supporting the nest in mid-air.
"We’ve arrived."
The red-bearded elder called out, leading everyone off the ship to a passageway exterior.
"This is the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest, a super force established jointly by the Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan alongside powerful Demon Race clans."
An elder looked at the Heavenly Martial Sect disciples, smiling and introducing.
"The entire ’Heavenly Nest’ is a separate space, with only these ten ’Heavenly Gates’ as the means to enter the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest."
The elder added smugly.
"Finally back."
Among the crowd, Zhu Cangyan had a broad smile, occasionally glancing at Chen Yu, internally laughing, "This is my home turf; let’s see how you fight me."