Chapter 365

Chapter 365: Casting a Net to Catch Birds

According to the sect rules, before Fang Lie officially took over the Benevolence Token, the old bird could only offer some information, and treasures could not be given out freely.

However, this time, the old bird unhesitatingly offered an entire set of formation flags. Although these were low-priced formations from an unconventional source, they still held great value, and even a usual Purple Palace Master might not readily part with them.

Such an unusual action certainly puzzled Fang Lie.

So he asked about it, and the old bird’s answer left him stunned. The reason the old bird decided to take action was that he found East Kunlun and the Great Thunder Sound Temple displeasing.

Of course, there was another reason: Fang Lie’s actions held significant importance for Mo Sect.

If they could bring back thousands of Flower Demons, they would increase Mo Sect’s spirit pill production by more than thirty percent.

It’s important to note that while Mo Sect was not the best at growing spirit pills, they still had a vast number of Spiritual Fields, yielding an astonishing amount of spirit pills each year. Otherwise, they could not support a million disciples.

If the spirit pill production of Mo Sect increased by thirty percent, it would provide tremendous help to Mo Sect.

Moreover, most importantly, with Fang Lie’s successful experience, in the future, Flower Demons would likely choose Mo Sect as their dwelling place first. Over time, the number of Flower Demons at Mo Sect would grow massively, and the spirit pill yield would become incredibly impressive.

If this continued, one day, Mo Sect could avoid large-scale purchases of spirit pills and achieve self-sufficiency, even selling them externally.

This was why the old bird made an exception to help Fang Lie. As the Mo Sect’s Benevolence Token, even without a master, it constantly thought about the interests of Mo Sect.

Of course, the old bird’s dislike for East Kunlun and the Great Thunder Sound Temple was also genuine.

At the very least, Fang Lie could tell that the old bird harbored no fondness for these two righteous sects; otherwise, it wouldn’t have allowed Fang Lie to oppose East Kunlun repeatedly.

When Fang Lie asked about the specific grievances, the old bird changed the subject, indicating that it did not want to share that information with Fang Lie just yet.

Gui Dang worked quickly; in just over an hour, he set up the Eight Gates Heavenly Lock Formation.

Once the formation was complete, a radius of several hundred miles was instantly shrouded. On the surface, everything in this area seemed similar to before, just with a bit more Fog. However, once a battle broke out inside, participants would face invisible restrictions from the laws.

Power below the Golden Pool could be freely utilized, but any power exceeding the Golden Pool tier could not be activated.

This included Divine Lightning, divine symbols, or other disposable treasures.

Of course, since the formation was only at the third rank, the limitation had its bounds; only cultivators below the Purple Palace would be restrained. If a Nascent Soul or a Wind Tribulation Immortal entered, the formation would be rendered a joke, completely ineffective.

Fortunately, the individuals entering were mostly Golden Pool-level cultivators. Aside from the impersonating Jie Yan Chan Master, Fang Lie figured that no skilled person would casually send a Junior to infiltrate here.

During the time Gui Dang was arranging the formation, while no cultivators showed up, many Flower Demons actively sought them out, including Little Yellow.

Upon their reunion, Little Yellow was filled with gratitude, excitedly leaping into Fang Lie’s arms and crying loudly.

It was no surprise; Fang Lie’s actions not only fulfilled his promise but also showed the Flower Demons his true nature.

Facing a strong enemy, he actively sacrificed himself to hold them off while allowing the Flower Demons to retreat first, demonstrating selflessness, which silenced any doubters of Fang Lie.

At least after this incident, Fang Lie had become an immensely glorious and towering figure in the hearts of the Flower Demons.

Some Flower Demons initially hesitated, fearing Fang Lie might be a con artist, but now they all came to this place.

This was not only out of longing for the outside world and a thirst for power but also due to their trust in Fang Lie.

Fang Lie certainly did not neglect them; after their long separation and miraculous escape, he was very happy. For every Flower Demon he met, he gifted a Wood Element Essence Pill as a reunion gift.

As for Little Yellow, Fang Lie secretly slipped several pills into his hands, making the little fellow overjoyed.

The arrival of the Flower Demons not only made the place livelier but also brought about some trouble: their safety.

Although Fang Lie was confident he could wipe out all the skilled entrants, weapons are blind, and with numerous opponents, plus the tendency of these little ones to run around, it resulted in a significant headache for Fang Lie.

If even a few were injured during the chaos, or worse, if any were to die, it could damage Fang Lie’s image and lead the Flower Demons to doubt him.

Before Fang Lie could bring these scoundrels into the Mo Sect, he couldn’t risk letting anything happen to them.

Luckily, though clueless himself, Fang Lie could consult the old bird.

As the item spirit of a Ninth-Rank Treasure, the old bird possessed boundless wisdom. Problems that stumped Fang Lie became trivial under its guidance.

The old bird provided Fang Lie with a Dao magic tailored for Flower Demons.

The little demons rejoiced upon receiving it, itching to begin cultivation at once.

Fang Lie seized this moment to promote the Herb Garden’s advantages, ushering them all inside.

The Herb Garden allowed spirit pills to grow while serving as their temporary cultivation ground. Prolonged stays would harm their spirit, but for now, it offered perfect shelter where they could practice Dao magic undisturbed.

Outside, battles made the earth quake—cultivation would be impossible without risking madness.

To entice them, Fang Lie spent lavishly, gifting each 100 wood-element high-grade spirit stones to boost their cultivation.

Pressed by both benefits and danger, the little demons swiftly agreed, transferring their true forms into the Herb Garden.

Gui Dang witnessed the entire spectacle. Watching Fang Lie toss around high-grade spirit stones like they were nothing left him both shocked and envious.

Despite having reached the Golden Pool realm, Gui Dang himself lacked even a hundred high-grade spirit stones. Yet this mere Qi Sea cultivator treated them like pebbles—making this senior’s face burn with shame.

This moment revealed Fang Lie’s true stature: casually distributing Purple Palace Pills, flinging high-grade stones, holding the title of Honorary Elder, and destined to become the Benevolence Token Lord—all showcasing his terrifying potential.

Gui Dang resolved to impress Fang Lie. Clinging to this mighty ally might grant him crumbs enough for a lifetime.

As Fang Lie finished securing the demons, new arrivals appeared—a Blood Sea Sect demonic sect cultivator looking wretched, his blistered face hairless as if flame-scorched.

Originally, the Lost Forest’s six major sects (three righteous, three demonic) maintained balance. But demonic cultivators dominated combat—only East Kunlun’s sword cultivators could rival them. Typically, righteous sects suffered heavy casualties while demonic factions prospered, with Mo Sect disciples sometimes being wiped out entirely.

But this year reversed fortunes. Fang Lie had slaughtered every White Bone Sect member beforehand. Now righteous cultivators outnumbered demonic ones 300 to 200—a decisive advantage.

For days, demonic cultivators had been hunted relentlessly. Many resorted to disposable treasures, only to perish from triggered Heavenly Tribulations.

This Blood Sea Sect disciple survived but bore severe Injuries. His crimson robe hung torn as he crept forward, clutching a white ginseng in one hand and gripping something invisible in the other.

"Little one, you told me this was a gathering spot for Flower Demons! Where are they? Are you lying? Listen, I’m hurt and desperate. Push me, and I’ll devour you right now!"

The terrified little demon stuttered incoherently.

Suddenly Fang Lie materialized before him like a ghost.

"Fang Lie?!" The disciple froze. This was the legend who’d annihilated the White Bone Sect—a godlike figure blocking his path.

"Many demons dwell here," Fang Lie grinned, "but they’re mine now. Hand over your captive, and I’ll let you leave unharmed. Or… we could spar? Fair warning—I don’t hold back."

The disciple’s eyes brightened. Tossing the spirit to Fang Lie, he declared, "I trust the Fang Family’s honor!"

"Wise choice." Fang Lie vanished with the demon.

"Whew!" The disciple slumped. "Met Fang Lie himself! Madman keeps his word—my skin’s saved!"

Suddenly the world shifted. Crushing Spiritual Pressure flattened him like a mountain’s weight.