He had already comprehended all the Nine Heavens Divine Techniques within the Sacred Tomb; what he lacked now was only refinement and experience. With the Mad Lion, a powerhouse equivalent to the third level of the Transcendent Realm, serving as his sparring partner, Yang Kai was practically overjoyed.
During the battle, the Nine Heavens Divine Techniques shone with astonishing brilliance. The more Yang Kai fought, the more proficient he became.
The demon race powerhouses perched on the tree trunk all saw something was wrong. The Mad Lion was no match for him at all!
"Sister Cai Die, this human is so interesting! How can he use so many different tricks when fighting?" The cat-eared girl's eyes sparkled, as if she had seen something novel, and she praised him repeatedly.
Cai Die nodded gently, explaining patiently, "Humans lack the inner core and naturally robust physique of our demon race, so they develop techniques called martial arts to skillfully manipulate the True Yuan within their bodies. Many human martial arts are even modeled after our demon race's abilities. If you ever fight a human in the future, don't underestimate these things, or you'll suffer greatly."
"Mm, I'll remember." The cat-eared girl nodded vigorously. Suddenly, she asked with renewed enthusiasm, "Sister Cai Die, can you capture this human for me to play with? Since he can use so many tricks, it must be really fun!"
Cai Die was taken aback. She rubbed her forehead and smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid that's not possible."
"Why?"
"Because..." Before Cai Die could finish, her expression turned solemn. She looked upward toward the top of Thunderwood Manor, as if receiving an order. She nodded seriously, "Yes!"
As she spoke, she rose gracefully, her cold gaze falling upon the fierce battle below. She called out sharply, "Enough!"
With her command, the Mad Lion immediately retreated from Yang Kai's side, staring at him with a peculiar expression, shaking his head as he spoke. "You're really something! Good thing I didn't rashly attack you a few days ago, or I might have suffered a nasty defeat!"
"Brother Kuang flatters me. You're not bad yourself!" Yang Kai chuckled.
"That's right..." The Mad Lion instantly looked proud. However, upon sensing Cai Die's icy gaze fixed upon him, his expression immediately turned sheepish. He bolted away, and his voice drifted back from afar. "I'm going on patrol! The dense forest hasn't been peaceful lately!"
After he left, Yang Kai finally looked up at Cai Die and smiled. "I suppose I've passed your test?"
"You think too highly of yourself!" Disdain filled Cai Die's eyes. She said coldly, "Follow me. The Great Venerable wishes to see you!"
As she spoke, she flapped the wings on her back and flew upward.
Yang Kai nodded and quickly followed behind her. The demon race powerhouses on the tree trunk watched him disappear, their faces showing a hint of lingering interest, as if the earlier fight not being concluded left them somewhat unsatisfied.
The cat-eared girl simply pouted, gazing reluctantly at Yang Kai.
They flew higher and higher. This ancient tree truly pierced the clouds, its branches vast and dense. As Cai Die flew upward, Yang Kai also saw many demons carving tree hollows into the trunk to make their homes, or building treehouses upon it.
The entire ancient tree was like one large family, with the figures of demon beasts visible everywhere.
Yang Kai inexplicably felt a unique sense of cohesion in this place!
Throughout the world, demon beasts were numerous, but those with awakened intelligence—the demon race—were scarce. Therefore, they were more united than the human or demon tribes. Under the Great Venerable, everyone was like brothers and sisters.
Though the Mad Lion seemed terrified upon seeing Cai Die, there were no excessive formalities. Among the demon race, anything unrelated to survival and strength was unnecessary.
Demon race powerhouses who had achieved humanoid transformation were even rarer. Most still maintained their beast forms. Since entering the Beast Sea Dense Forest, Yang Kai had seen fewer than ten transformed powerhouses.
Every one of them was an expert.
The higher they flew, the denser the spiritual energy became. Moreover, Yang Kai keenly sensed that the trunk of this ancient tree contained a significant amount of lightning essence.
It was likely that by constantly channeling the power of the Nine Heavens Thunderbolts over countless years, this ten-thousand-year-old Thunderstrike Wood had absorbed the aura of lightning.
After a long time, Yang Kai felt that he and Cai Die had stepped into the clouds. Clusters of fluffy white clouds flowed around them, within arm's reach and extraordinarily beautiful. Among these clouds, a exquisitely crafted wooden house stood upon a large branch extending diagonally from the ancient tree.
A profound and ancient aura emanated from within the house, an aura that Yang Kai had to take seriously.
He inwardly felt a sense of awe.
"Go on inside. The Great Venerable is waiting for you there!" Cai Die stopped before the wooden house and instructed Yang Kai.
"Thank you!" Yang Kai gave her a slight nod and stepped inside.