Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar

Ever since the Avatar of the Ice Armor Python successfully condensed into a human-like Taoist form, Demon Beast Hong Yuan had been summoned by the Black Dragon Demon Saint, Xuan Qi, to the Black Dragon Palace for instruction in Demon Skills.

Xuan Qi's actions gave Hong Yuan the distinct impression that Xuan Qi was even more eager to see his human-like Taoist form in its complete state than Hong Yuan himself was.

At this moment, after Xuan Qi finished imparting the Demon Skills to Hong Yuan, he stopped Hong Yuan from leaving.

Xuan Qi said, "Guangqiao, you are now a Taoist Zhenyi of the Black Dragon Palace and, moreover, my adopted son. Within the Zero Desolate Sea Area, you represent more than just yourself."

Seeing Demon Beast Hong Yuan still looking at him in confusion, Xuan Qi sighed softly to himself. Guangqiao has exceptional talent, but he's as naive as his younger brother. He's not like Hunge Da, who understands the complexities of demon affairs.

"Your handling of the Spirit Fox Island matter was unsatisfactory..."

Xuan Qi pulled Hong Yuan closer. He patiently explained the Spirit Fox Island affair and taught Hong Yuan how to apply both kindness and authority. Xuan Qi assured him that within the Zero Desolate Sea Area, he need not worry about minor issues, as he had Xuan Qi's full support.

Listening to the Flood Dragon Demon Saint's admonishments, Hong Yuan wore an attentive expression, but inwardly, his heart remained undisturbed.

My handling of the Spirit Fox Island incident was indeed a bit childish. To outsiders, I probably seemed to possess only minor cunning, not knowing how to leverage the broader situation to my advantage. But wasn't this precisely what I intended? What did Spirit Fox Island matter? The entire Zero Desolate Sea Area deferred to the Black Dragon Demon Saint! By handling things this way, I intentionally set a low baseline for Xuan Qi's expectations of me. Later, as I gradually show improvement, my position in the Black Dragon Martial Saint's eyes will become increasingly secure.

The psychology of low expectations and the sunk cost fallacy are truly effective. No wonder so many people, even when they know they're dealing with a scoundrel, can't help but continue to trust them, Hong Yuan mused.

After leaving the Black Dragon Palace, Demon Beast Hong Yuan immediately returned to the Ice Armor Python's cave to cultivate. He aimed to complete his transformation as soon as possible and then use the Transformation Party to gather heavenly materials and earthly treasures from all the factions in the Zero Desolate Sea Area. It was just like how influential people collected valuable gifts during celebrations.

As things stand, I hold a status akin to a Dao Child of the Black Dragon Palace. Which faction in the Zero Desolate Sea Area would dare to disrespect me? I might not remember everyone who comes, but anyone who doesn't... hmph, I'll remember them very clearly. A smile touched Demon Beast Hong Yuan's lips.

On the Phoenix Heron Flying Boat, Hong Yuan browsed the internal marketplace, consciously looking for and buying items that a little girl might like. Although he had already prepared a visiting gift back at the Sect, bringing more wouldn't hurt.

Hong Yuan picked up a finely crafted rattle-drum from a stall. I wonder if my little niece Yue'er would like this? he thought, hesitating.

His Fifth Senior Brother Mo Jiuyou had a daughter named Mo Yue'er, a three-year-old child. After Senior Brother Mo successfully secured Pengcheng, his sister-in-law had brought Mo Yue'er to Pengcheng to reunite with him. Both Senior Brother Mo and his wife cherished Yue'er dearly, treating her as the apple of their eye. His Master and other senior brothers also adored Yue'er, so Hong Yuan naturally understood his little niece's importance.

"Brother," the stall owner recommended enthusiastically, "this rattle-drum was made by a disciple of the Tianji Pavilion and contains a first-order Energy Array! It's only five hundred Energy Stones—a real bargain. Any child who gets it will be delighted all day long."

CLACK. Hong Yuan set down the rattle-drum and left without looking back.

Comparing items of the same rank, an Energy Array is much more expensive than a Talisman. However, a mere first-order Energy Array should be worth one hundred Energy Stones at most, not more.

"Brother, Brother, don't go! The price is negotiable," the female stall owner exclaimed, quickly getting up and grabbing the hem of Hong Yuan's blue robe.

"This little rattle-drum is well-crafted, but that's its only merit. One glance tells you it couldn't possibly be from a Tianji Pavilion disciple. And this first-order Energy Array is just a common sound Formation, isn't it? Probably just a simple firecracker sound? Considering the craftsmanship, fifty Energy Stones."

Hong Yuan squatted down, scrutinizing the small rattle-drum, and directly slashed the price from five hundred to fifty.

"Senior Brother, we're running a small business here," the female stall owner said, looking troubled. "How about four hundred? Just look at how thin this little one is."

The female stall owner pulled a frail, petite female disciple from behind her, presenting her to Hong Yuan.

Seeing the scratches on the disciple's small, pale hands, Hong Yuan instantly understood the origin of the rattle-drum's exquisite craftsmanship.

Even among fellow cultivating disciples of the Phoenix Creek Sect, destinies vary wildly—some thrive while others perish. Luckily, I wasn't afraid of hard work back then and threw myself into the Refining Equipment Hall, becoming Lin Daoyan's disciple. At that moment, Hong Yuan felt fortunate.

After some haggling, Hong Yuan bought the rattle-drum for one hundred Energy Stones. In addition, he spent another four hundred Energy Stones there on several other trinkets that little girls would like.

Two days later, the Phoenix Heron Flying Boat entered Nanyang Government, stopping at various cities along the way to let disciples disembark. By noon, the flying boat reached Pengcheng and began its descent. Hong Yuan stood on the deck, gazing at the city below.

"Senior Brother Hong," Guan Lan said softly, "once we part today, I'm afraid it will be a year before we meet again. It's a real pity I didn't get to spar with you. Truly regrettable." Alwaysreadatthesource—MV@LEMP@YR.

"Heh." Hong Yuan responded, his face expressionless.

If not for my recent improvement in Formation theory, allowing me to crudely fashion a makeshift sound-dampening Formation, I might have already given in to the urge to thrash Guan Lan. He knocked on my door once every day, making the other disciples suspect I owed him Energy Stones. Words didn't work, and fighting him wasn't appropriate. This kind of person was incredibly annoying.

RUMBLE!

Just as Guan Lan spoke, the flying boat began to descend onto a flat expanse of ground. The people of Pengcheng were quite astonished by the flying boat's arrival. Patrons in taverns craned their necks out of windows, merchants in the marketplaces stood on tiptoe, and officials emerged from the government office...

「The General's Mansion of Pengcheng.」

In his study, Mo Jiuyou looked out the window toward the loud rumbling, his gaze fixed on the distance.

"Daddy, is Uncle coming?" Mo Yue'er asked curiously.

Mo Yue'er was cradled in Mo Jiuyou's arms, looking up at him. Hearing his precious daughter's question, Mo Jiuyou smiled and gently stroked her small twin braids.

"Yes, your Uncle is coming," Mo Jiuyou said softly.

Mo Jiuyou had been quite taken aback when he learned Hong Yuan was being sent out for experiential training. In less than a year, his junior brother, Hong Yuan, had broken through to become a second-tier Martial Artist and had earned the deep trust of their Master and senior brothers.

That was incredibly fast! Back when he and his Fourth Senior Brother Bai Ge were sent out by their Master, they had undergone two years of testing.

Amidst the commotion, the flying boat landed safely. Several Phoenix Creek Sect disciples assigned to train in Pengcheng disembarked, heading to their respective destinations under the guidance of the stewards.

"Goodbye, Senior Brother Hong! Goodbye!" Guan Lan waved enthusiastically.

Hong Yuan quickened his pace without looking back.

After disembarking, an external sect steward helped Hong Yuan into a modest and unassuming carriage, which then headed for Pengcheng's General's Mansion.