The demon beast clan weren't skilled in pill refinement or artifact forging, but they didn't lack materials. Those spirit herbs and medicinal plants were devoured whole by the demon beasts, and those rare ores were ignored by them. If these things could be utilized properly, they would be more than enough to significantly boost their strength.
Although the demon beast Great Venerable had initially shown a firm attitude, declaring he wouldn't interfere in human affairs, Yang Kai could still sense something interesting between his lines.
He wanted his clansmen to go to the Nine Peaks and cultivate there, drawing on the dense spiritual energy. It was just that the conditions Yang Kai had proposed weren't enough to sway him!
In other words, this fellow was someone who wouldn't commit without seeing the rabbit. As long as the benefits were sufficient, his persistence would hold no value whatsoever.
That was why Yang Kai had seized the opportunity to suggest leaving the pill refiners and artifact forgers from the Holy Land behind.
Sure enough, the Great Venerable was visibly tempted, though he still hesitated.
Yang Kai chuckled. "Within the Nine Peaks, there is a crystal vein. Before we return, you can mine it to your heart's content. Whatever crystals you extract are yours to keep."
The Great Venerable immediately raised his eyebrows, looking at Yang Kai with interest. "All these suggestions you're making are entirely from the perspective of benefiting my demon beast clan. Why is that? It can't be as simple as just wanting us to guard the place for you."
"Mainly because there is a certain place I want the Great Venerable to protect carefully!" Yang Kai was silent for a moment before suddenly speaking. "Because if the Nine Peaks fall into their hands, they might destroy that place... which is not something I wish to see."
"That place must be very important to you."
"Somewhat, yes. But for the Great Venerable and the other demon beast powerhouses, it holds no value." Yang Kai nodded.
"You're so certain that after my clan occupies it, we will return the Nine Peaks to you once you come back?" The Great Venerable gazed at Yang Kai with a playful smile, his eyes filled with a teasing glint. "Perhaps we'll settle there permanently and make it our own territory!"
"Since I dare ask for the Great Venerable's help in guarding it, I naturally have the confidence to reclaim the Nine Peaks upon my return." Yang Kai's expression was resolute. "Moreover, maintaining good relations with the Holy Land benefits you too, doesn't it? In the future, we can still trade with each other as before."
"I'd like to see how you plan to take the Nine Peaks from me then!" The Great Venerable grinned wickedly. "If you still don't qualify for my recognition by then, forget the Nine Peaks—I'll even take your life!"
"So, the Great Venerable agrees?" Yang Kai grinned.
"Happy cooperation!" The demon beast Great Venerable gave a slight nod. The various benefits Yang Kai described were essentially being handed over for free. How could the Great Venerable refuse?
While entering human territory carried some risk, the Nine Heavens Holy Land was on the outskirts of human domains. With a powerhouse of his stature stationed there, it was unlikely anyone reckless would try to surround and exterminate them. They only needed to develop peacefully within the Nine Peaks.
In his mind, for Yang Kai to reclaim the Nine Peaks, he would at minimum need to possess strength equal to his own.
That was probably many years away.
Perhaps several hundred years! The Great Venerable had no intention of believing Yang Kai's bold claim that he could match him in just twenty or thirty years.
Over several hundred years, his clansmen could achieve unimaginable growth, and the crystal vein within the Nine Peaks could be completely mined.
They could even have the pill refiners and artifact forgers from the Nine Heavens Holy Land teach their clansmen the knowledge of refinement. Then they wouldn't need to rely on outsiders anymore.
Various wonderful possibilities flashed through the Great Venerable's mind, making him instantly feel this deal was not a loss at all!
Of course, before they could enter the Nine Peaks, they still needed to help the Nine Heavens Holy Land drive out that batch of enemies—a point the Great Venerable was fully aware of.
Just then, Cai Die, who had been waiting outside, walked in with a grave expression. Without even glancing at Yang Kai, she said in a low voice, "Great Venerable, there's an emergency at the Transformation Pool!"
The Great Venerable's expression darkened, and he immediately stood up, heading briskly outside. Cai Die quickly followed.
It seemed they had completely forgotten about Yang Kai.
Before long, Yang Kai heard the sounds of figures moving rapidly through the ancient trees. The demon beast powerhouses were all rushing downward.
Yang Kai waited for a moment with a peculiar look on his face, then stood up as well. Following the direction the powerhouses had gone, he leaped and flew downward.
He had always been curious about the demon beast clan's unique Transformation Pool, wondering what mysterious power it contained that allowed demon beasts to take human form.
Although rashly approaching a critical demon beast site might anger those powerhouses, Yang Kai decided to go and see.
Such opportunities to broaden one's horizons were rare.
The Transformation Pool wasn't far from the Thunderwood Manor, only about ten miles away. Within a mountain hollow, shocking energy fluctuations were erupting at this very moment. Looking up, even the sky above had taken on shifting, kaleidoscopic colors.
Pained roars of beasts were continuously transmitted from that direction, making one's blood boil and chest feel oppressed upon hearing them.
When Yang Kai arrived near the Transformation Pool, countless demon beasts and demon beast powerhouses had already gathered there.
Every one of them gazed toward the mountain hollow with extremely worried eyes, secretly holding their breath, tense with anxiety.
Even as a human arriving at the scene, Yang Kai drew no attention.