This statement made the faces of the two Nascent Soul cultivators quickly turn ugly.
The greatest threat to them wasn't the person in front of them, but the demon beast army outside.
Especially since this person also knew formations and had already secretly controlled a portion; if chaos ensues, the demon beast army might seize the opportunity to invade.
Noticing that powerful demon beasts were already paying attention, the sect leader of the Celestial Travel Sect pulled Hongshan aside and said gravely to Shen Wang, "What exactly do you want to do?"
"I'm not doing anything, I'm just retrieving my own people."
Shen Wang controlled the formation with one hand and gathered mana with the other, saying, "This won't affect you much."
"I absolutely can't let you all leave for nothing."
The sect leader said coldly, "Is it really necessary to mobilize such a grand operation for the sake of those two?"
"A grand operation was on your part, right?" Shen Wang said speechlessly, "If you hadn't captured them, why would I need to come and rescue them?"
"Sect leader, if it really doesn't work, we'll mobilize the entire sect's strength to take him down first!"
Hongshan said, as several Nascent Soul cultivators were already gathering around.
"You can take action, but if the formation is breached at that time, don't blame me."
Shen Wang's finger moved slightly, and the formation behind him began to vibrate violently. He could open an entry point quickly if he desired.
The opening didn't need to be large, just big enough to allow the demon beasts to enter immediately.
"I believe the demon beasts, despite their prolonged unsuccessful assaults outside, won't waste this chance."
Shen Wang sneered, as one opening would be enough to pain these people, likely causing the Celestial Travel Sect's entire defense to collapse.
"You've won. Take those two people with you!"
The Celestial Travel Sect leader said with a livid face.
The two demons were just additional assets to them, not essential, and they had already researched them quite thoroughly. It wasn't worth causing themselves bigger trouble.
"You forgot one person."
Shen Wang shook his head.
"He, Shen Wang, was my sect's disciple originally. We won't harm him; he can leave whenever he wants."
The Celestial Travel Sect leader waved his hand, stopping the approaching Nascent Soul cultivators. His eyes moved as he said, "At this critical moment, we shouldn't fight but should cooperate."
"The sect leader indeed has a broad perspective."
Shen Wang lowered his hand, and the distorted formation began to return to normal.
"Joining forces benefits both, while defeating brings harm to both. Even if you leave with them now and we don't take action, those demon emperors will still target you; escaping won't be that easy."
The sect leader earnestly said, "Our Celestial Travel Sect would like to invite you to become an honored guest elder of our sect. As long as you are willing to contribute, we can offer any price."
Shen Wang couldn't help but reveal a look of admiration, "You, as the sect leader, indeed have courage."
He truly hadn't intended to leave forcibly because once he revealed himself, his whereabouts were exposed and targeted by the demon emperor level outside, making a silent departure impossible.
If he left, those demon beasts might indeed consider capturing him to break the formation.
Thus, cooperating with the Celestial Travel Sect while gaining some benefits was the best outcome at this moment.
In short, what he did today wasn't without cost, he couldn't just pat his hands and return home.
"Perhaps you are a cultivator from another region and don't have to worry about the demon beasts here for now, but sooner or later, you'll encounter them. Killing them now is better than at your doorstep later."
The sect leader advised patiently.
"Alright, I was originally traveling, cultivating is the same everywhere."
Shen Wang withdrew his hands. His home wasn't far from here, and holding the demon beasts here was also beneficial to him.
He said, "I'll be living nearby from now on, helping you deal with some demon beasts. Don't think about trying to seize the control of the nearby formations back; I must ensure my own safety first."
"Of course, no problem. We have a common enemy; the Celestial Travel Sect will not take action against you again."
The sect leader promised.
"No need to say so much; I know what to do."
Shen Wang couldn't believe the other's promises, knowing that they had the audacity to utilize demonic qi, indicating they lacked principles and might not keep their word.
Faced with Shen Wang, who was fine and even turned the tables to threaten them, Hongshan and the others felt somewhat aggrieved.
Under normal circumstances, how could they let this guy be so rampant here?
But they also knew they had to swallow the loss now, or else things could turn disastrous for them.
"May I ask how to address you, sir? I am the sect leader of the Celestial Travel Sect, nicknamed Celestial Cloud True Monarch."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch smiled, showing a very good attitude, typical of someone who could adapt to circumstances.
"You can call me Five Elements True Monarch."
Shen Wang casually made up a title for himself.
"It seems Daoist friend is probably a loose cultivator, seldom revealing yourself. I haven't heard of you."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch laughed, showing none of the tension from their earlier confrontation.
"Ninggu Continent is so vast, with countless cultivators. I'm not based in the Sun and Moon Dynasty; I just passed by this area in recent years."
Shen Wang shook his head, not admitting he was a loose cultivator, choosing to pretend to have some background.
"So, Fellow Daoist must be a wanderer. Indeed, your abilities are extraordinary; otherwise, you wouldn't dare roam the continent."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch chuckled.
Cyan Leaf curiously asked, "Who exactly is that Shen Wang to you, sir?"
"He's the last disciple I accepted."
Shen Wang said calmly, "He no longer counts as your sect's disciple. Let him come over now."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch turned and opened the Celestial Palace, while Shen Wang pretended to walk out, saluting his own body.
Shen Wang also put on an act, saying, "Since we're going to cooperate now, continue with what you were doing before."
"Okay, Master." Shen Wang nodded.
"Fellow Daoist Wu Xing, shall we build a Suspended Palace here for you?"
Celestial Cloud True Monarch asked politely.
"Then I'll trouble you."
Shen Wang didn't hesitate, "Next, if you need me to take action, just offer compensation, I have no good impression of these demon beasts."
"That, of course, is necessary. We'll see what you need when the time comes."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch nodded, grateful for this person's willingness to help them.
This way, the crisis was resolved, and they even turned this person into an ally. Though it might feel a bit begrudging, overall it was positive, adding a Nascent Soul-level powerhouse to their side.
"I also have quite a few things here. You have been besieged for a long time and might be lacking in common resources. You can trade what I need with me."
Shen Wang said.
He also had an entire treasury from the sixth prince, which he could utilize, converting them to what he needed.
"Oh, it seems you are quite wealthy."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch said, surprised.
"Yes, I'm not only well-stocked. If you need anything in alchemy or artifact refining, you can come to me. As for demonic qi, forget it; I can't utilize that stuff."
Shen Wang said bluntly. Given his current strength, he could reveal some of his abilities to gain more resources.
"Then we should have a good exchange."
Celestial Cloud True Monarch was quite curious about what skills Shen Wang actually possessed.
Outside,
The spying demon beasts looked on with regret.
They knew the opportunity was gone for now.
...
ps: Answering a reader's question, Han Wan'er is no longer important. The main character just returned to resolve any lingering feelings; the two of them are impossible.
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.