Dozens of Golden Armor King Worms dug tunnels at an extremely fast pace. In a short time, they had already reached a depth of tens of meters.

Whether they could dig through was an unknown factor.

The first step was to confirm the existence of any underground rivers.

One more escape route would give him an added sense of security.

Just as Jia Ren was about to leave the Insect Breeding Room, something suddenly occurred to him.

Insect Control Scripture, Insect External Incarnation.

When he first cultivated the Thousand Threads of Myriad Souls Technique, he did so with the intention of practicing the Insect External Incarnation.

Should danger arise, the Insect External Incarnation could take the forefront and share the risks for him.

If the original body died, one could still survive by relying on the Insect External Incarnation.

Although the Insect External Incarnation Secret Art was impressive, its flaw was obvious; without a refined version, the side effects were severe.

Had he not obtained the cultivation notes from Thousand Beasts Mountain and learned that strengthening soul force could mitigate the side effects, he would have never considered cultivating it.

This weakness already had a solution.

Once a spell's Proficiency Level reached its limit, Skill Breaking Points could elevate it to a higher level and also optimize the secret technique itself.

As the Proficiency Level of the Insect External Incarnation rose, Skill Breaking Points could perfect the inherently hazardous Insect External Incarnation.

In this way, the Insect External Incarnation could become a new method of saving one's life.

The choice of Spirit Insect for the Insect External Incarnation should be made with caution, ideally using Spirit Insects like the Black Demon Insect which have strong life-saving abilities.

"There's more and more to cultivate; it feels like there's not enough time."

Jia Ren sighed inwardly and returned to the Talisman Crafting Room to continue making Banishing Evil Talismans.

Grandmaster Level Banishing Evil Talismans were not enough; he needed at least Great Grandmaster Level, and those of Extraordinary Saint Level to feel truly at ease.

Anything related to Bizarre Demons and life-saving methods always received the highest priority.

While he was engrossed in talisman crafting, a Sound Transmission Talisman fell into the midst of the Yun Luo Illusion Array.

Zhang Pengpeng's voice followed, "Junior Brother, Senior Liu from the Yuding Sect is looking to discuss an urgent matter with you."

Jia Ren stopped drawing the tail of a talisman and put away his Talisman Brush, extracting himself from his immersed state.

What does he want with me?

Could it be related to the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre?

The Utensil Sect had been wiped out, and he knew he had to be prepared to flee should the repercussions affect Jade Cauldron Market and the Yuding Sect.

Jia Ren gathered the scattered Banishing Evil Talismans in the Talisman Crafting Room, placing over two thousand Evil Warding Talismans into a Storage Bag.

With a large number of Banishing Evil Talismans on hand, a sense of inexplicable security welled up within him.

He passed through the Yun Luo Illusion Array and arrived at the reception hall to see the Foundation Establishment Cultivator surnamed Liu tasting a cup of Spiritual Tea from afar.

"Daoist friend, you've emerged from seclusion! The rich scent of Spirit Ink about you is remarkable. A master of the Path of Charms and an Alchemy Master—you are truly an extraordinary talent, inspiring admiration."

The abilities Jia Ren displayed were exceptional. However, it was his talent for alchemy that the Yuding Sect valued most.

Being a master of the Path of Charms was also impressive. The problem, however, was the scarcity of talismans effective against Bizarre Demons. The most common Evil Warding Talisman was too low-grade to be useful against the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre.

"Brother Liu, you wouldn't have come especially to enjoy tea. What can I do for you?"

The two sat down opposite each other and exchanged pleasantries over tea.

"I'm here to invite you to join the Yuding Sect. Lately, Bizarre Demons are numerous, and you have a good talent for alchemy. In addition to the agreed rewards, there are also Alchemy Recipes to combat Bizarre Demons."

"The recipe for the Superior Grade, First Order Spirit Pill, Purging Evil Pill, and the recipe for the Lower Grade, Second Order Spirit Pill, Tribulation Evasion Pill."

Two Alchemy Recipes for combating Bizarre Demons?

Jia Ren didn't have any elixirs to fight against Bizarre Demons in his acquired Alchemy; this was indeed a significant regret.

Unable to find the Phoenix Tail Flame Fish and having created the Banishing Evil Talisman himself, he found it hard to resist the temptation of the two recipes.

But even if he acquired two new Alchemy Recipes, how could he improve his Proficiency Level without a regular supply of alchemy materials?

"The Purging Evil Pill can purify evil qi and toxins within the body. Once ingested, one is immune to all evil for an hour."

"The Tribulation Evasion Pill is a very special Spirit Pill. Consuming it temporarily imbues one's Spiritual Power with an additional Tribulation Evasion Force, enabling spells to harm Bizarre Demons. Its value is immeasurable."

The Purging Evil Pill sounded manageable, like a strengthened version of the Evil Warding Talisman, with the crucial effect of neutralizing evil toxins.

The Tribulation Evasion Pill was much more precious. Spiritual Power gaining an extra Tribulation Evasion Force, enabling spells to harm Bizarre Demons? This is a treasure!

"I can give you the recipe for the Superior Grade, First Order Purging Evil Pill right away. However, the recipe for the Tribulation Evasion Pill will only be given after you join the Sect and complete the missions assigned by the Sect."

The situation was far worse than he had expected; Yuding Sect was likely facing the threat of annihilation.

Otherwise, why would the Yuding Sect increase the benefits for recruitment?

No matter how good the offer, one needed to be alive to enjoy it. Joining the Yuding Sect was not an appealing prospect...

With the Yuding Sect declining like a setting sun, he did not wish to go down with the sinking ship.

"I've grown accustomed to being a Loose Cultivator. Allow me a few days to consider."

The Yuding Sect would not push too hard; in the Barren Extreme Land, they were not the sole dominant power.

Pressing too hard might just allow other Sects to gain an advantage.

Coaxing was the best way to win someone over.

"Daoist Shi, it doesn't matter if you aren't willing to join the Yuding Sect. We plan to set up a Demon Sealing Formation in Jade Cauldron Market. There are thousands of Cultivators here, and the Yuding Sect must take responsibility for their lives."

"The Market lacks Array Masters, so the Yuding Sect will send reinforcement Array Masters. Please do not be hesitant in lending your help."

"As long as you are willing to help, the Yuding Sect will surely reward you generously."

"Once the task is completed, we'll present you with the Purging Evil Pill recipe. If you can help defend the Market until the cultivators from Heavenly Feather Gate arrive, acquiring the Tribulation Evasion Pill recipe will also not be a problem."

The Foundation Establishment Cultivator Liu spoke with genuine earnestness, his tone carrying a hint of a plea.

Setting up formations could increase Proficiency Level, not to mention rare evil-warding type formations.

The Purging Evil Pill recipe and the dangled Tribulation Evasion Pill recipe are too tempting.

No, the rewards were simply too generous…

If they were asking him to perform alchemy, such generous rewards from an Alchemy Master would be understandable.

In the Formation Path, he hadn't displayed much talent or strength, certainly not comparable to his demonstrated talent in alchemy.

With his current level, how could he possibly deserve such generous terms?

There must be a demon at work here!

Jia Ren was not blinded by the benefits, sensing something unusual.

"When will the Nascent Soul Cultivator from Heavenly Feather Gate arrive?"

This was crucial, as it would determine whether the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre could be resolved.

"At the earliest, in one day; at the latest, in two or three days."

"The market will set up a Demon Sealing Formation that can offer protection for three to five days without a problem. We can certainly wait for the cultivators from Heavenly Feather Gate."

"Heavenly Feather Gate will send Nascent Soul Cultivators to help. Since it was sealed once, it can surely be sealed a second time. Besides, the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre has not recovered to its peak. This is the best chance to deal with it."

"Only by sealing the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre can we put an end to future troubles for good."

Jia Ren's expression was dark and unsettled, but he did not refuse.

Allowing the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre to grow into a monster comparable to the Nascent Soul Stage was not a good thing; sealing it was the best choice.

"Daoist friend, go to the Night Patrol Division. Someone there will seek your assistance in setting up the Thousand Extremes Demon Trapping Formation."

Jia Ren seemed to think of something and asked, "I've only encountered the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre once and know very little about its peculiar abilities. I hope you can enlighten me."

The Foundation Establishment Cultivator surnamed Liu wore a peculiar expression. If he truly doesn't know the abilities of the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre, why does it harbor such a deep-seated hatred for him? The Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre despises him to its very core...

"It doesn't hurt to tell you."

"This Bizarre Demon has existed for over a thousand years, usually manifesting as black gas that takes shape, disperses formlessly, and changes unpredictably. Ancient records list four abilities: Heart Demon Parasitism, Myriad Illusions, Heart Demon Incarnation, and Heart Guile Puppet."

"Heart Demon Parasitism involves parasitic and lurking methods, which are difficult to detect."

"Myriad Illusions is a unique ability of the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre that allows it to change into any known Bizarre Demon in the world and possess some of their corresponding abilities."

"Heart Demon Incarnation is one of the most unique abilities of the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre. It parasitizes cultivators, causing the cultivator's heart demon illusion to manifest in the real world, with its power depending on the cultivator's Heart Demon."

"Finally, there is the Heart Guile Puppet. Those affected by the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre will be transformed into Heart Guile Puppets, subject to its command. The stronger the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre, the more Heart Guile Puppets it can control. At its peak, the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre controlled tens of thousands of Heart Guile Puppets and established its own Realm of Bizarre."

The Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre is much harder to deal with than I imagined...

However, Liu, the Foundation Establishment Cultivator, had lied.

The Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre's abilities extended far beyond that; there was at least one more: the Heart Demon Illusion!

When cultivators entered the Heart Demon Illusion, if they died within it, they would also die in the same way in the real world.

He had witnessed this method firsthand.

Such crucial information couldn't possibly have been omitted, could it?

"Daoist friend, please don't forget to go to the Night Patrol Division tomorrow."

After providing the information, Liu, the Foundation Establishment Cultivator, hurried away.

After departing, he did not go far before quickly turning back.

He silently employed a secret technique to conceal himself, observing every movement at Jia Ren's residence from the shadows.

Further away, another Foundation Establishment Cultivator materialized, also watching Jia Ren's residence intently.

A soundproof barrier was set up, and the two of them whispered to each other.

"Is he willing to join the Yuding Sect?"

"Though he did not agree, he is willing to help set up the formation."

Upon hearing this news, the other Foundation Establishment Cultivator breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good. We absolutely cannot let him slip away. This concerns whether our sect can successfully escape the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre."

Initially, the Yuding Sect had entertained the idea of resisting the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre. However, upon learning of Heavenly Feather Gate's annihilation and their inability to contact the powerful sects of the Western Wasteland Domain, they abandoned any thought of direct confrontation.

The situation had deteriorated further; Tian Fu Sect had also been annihilated...

They were wiped out even faster than the Utensil Sect.

The Heart Demon Bizarre's strength was recovering much faster than expected. Without support from Heavenly Feather Gate, the Yuding Sect could not possibly confront the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre.

To hold on would mean an end not much different from that of Tian Fu Sect or the Utensil Sect.

To prevent the sect's annihilation, the Yuding Sect decided to flee en masse, abandoning the Barren Extreme Land.

Jade Cauldron Market could only be painfully abandoned—a sacrifice for survival.

Whether the plan would succeed hinged upon Jia Ren.

The Yuding Sect had accidentally learned that the Heart Guile Puppets dispatched by the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre were searching everywhere for Jia Ren, hating him to the core.

This person was the best bait to attract the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre's attention.

As long as Jia Ren remained in the market, he would draw the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre's attention, diverting it from the Yuding Sect and facilitating their escape.

Setting up the formation, promising benefits, and dangling the prospect of assistance from a Heavenly Feather Gate Nascent Soul Cultivator were merely measures to keep him stable. Their goal was to ensure he remained in Jade Cauldron Market.

Heavenly Feather Gate had been annihilated; how could they possibly send a Nascent Soul Cultivator?

"It's time to flee!"

Jia Ren had no intention of protecting the market and the formation; he smelled something out of the ordinary.

His unease grew stronger.

I must leave Jade Cauldron Market immediately, the sooner the better!

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