Dual Spirit Demons and Single Spirit Demons

Ding Xuanming had already fainted from the shock. At this moment, Ding Desheng turned to those around him and shouted, “This second-grade Golden Core can't be refined any further—it's about to explode! Everyone, back away quickly!”

At his call, everyone reluctantly abandoned Xie Wuji and hurried to retreat.

But Dongmen Yong was unwilling to let go. “You all go,” he declared. “I will make one last effort. So what if a second-grade Golden Core explodes? At worst, my cultivation will suffer a setback. But this is a living life before us, a promising seedling!”

“You’re mad, Dongmen Yong! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Ding Desheng replied. He then called to the other elders, “Come on, let’s fall back first!”

With that, Ding Desheng shouldered Ding Xuanming, believing Xie Wuji’s inner energy was in disarray and that he had failed completely.

Yet, the mirror Xie Wuji carried enveloped him, protecting his Golden Core.

Gradually, a Vermilion Bird began to manifest in Xie Wuji’s mind. At this moment, all seven elders, fearful of being caught in the explosion, had already withdrawn. Only Dongmen Yong witnessed this scene.

He was astonished. The Vermilion Bird demon spirit he had been searching for all along was right here, within this young man.

Just then, the Vermilion Bird spread its wings, and Xie Wuji opened his eyes. Two golden rays shot forth from his gaze, and with delight, he realized he had successfully broken through—he had reached the first-grade Golden Core!

At the Golden Core stage, one could manifest their demon spirit, meaning it could temporarily take physical form and fight alongside its master.

Xie Wuji looked at his body in joy, discovering it was sturdier than ever. He could now clearly sense the flow of spiritual energy from heaven and earth.

“Well, Xie Wuji, you’ve deceived me thoroughly!” Dongmen Yong cursed with a laugh.

Startled, Xie Wuji finally noticed Dongmen Yong standing before him.

Instantly, his face turned deathly pale. A chill ran through his heart. How could his secret have been exposed, and to someone as powerful as Dongmen Yong?

Seeing Xie Wuji’s expression, Dongmen Yong was satisfied; it showed the young man was deeply wary of him.

“Never mind,” Dongmen Yong said. “Considering that possessing the Vermilion Bird demon spirit is a unique secret, and revealing it would bring certain disaster, I won’t pursue the matter. Xie Wuji, I only want to ask: what is your purpose in joining the Scarlet Cloud Sect? A first-grade Golden Core, and the Vermilion Bird demon spirit.”

Dongmen Yong’s tone was grave.

Xie Wuji thought to himself that if Dongmen Yong wished to kill him, he would have no chance of escape. Gritting his teeth, he replied, “Master, I mean no offense. In truth, I acquired the Vermilion Bird’s demon spirit purely by coincidence…”

“But your secret regarding fire-attribute spiritual energy has already been discovered by others. Anyone with a bit of intelligence, seeing your closeness with the Fire-Tailed Chicken, could deduce your connection to the Vermilion Bird,” Dongmen Yong replied.

Xie Wuji’s face turned ashen. “I know. That’s why I must leave.”

“No, you don’t need to leave,” Dongmen Yong said. “A third-grade Golden Core and above can host dual demon spirits. If you use a fire-attribute demon spirit to distract the seven elders, you can keep your real secret safe.”

“This…”

Dongmen Yong extended his hand, revealing a spherical demon spirit in his palm. “This is the demon spirit of a Fire Ape, which I hunted not long ago. It’s of the Earth rank, middle grade, and among demon spirits, it’s noted for its formidable attack power. Take it and absorb it. If you later acquire a better demon spirit, you can replace the Fire Ape. Only Heaven-rank demon spirits possess intelligence; the Fire Ape is known for its brute strength.”

Xie Wuji accepted the demon spirit with a complicated expression. “Master, why are you helping me so much?”

Dongmen Yong stood, hands clasped behind his back. “First, I had some acquaintance with the late patriarch of the Undying Longevity Sect. We were not brothers, but we were friends. He was upright, though a bit of a philanderer, and in the end, he died at the hands of a woman—a true tragedy.”

“And the second reason?”

“If anything happens to you, my precious daughter will cry and make a scene. Now that someone’s finally here to keep her in line, I couldn’t be more pleased. If you come to harm, she’ll never let it go.” Dongmen Yong chuckled.

He paused, then continued, “I’ve already guessed your connection to the Undying Longevity Sect. But as you know, the people of the Myriad Demons Hall are hunting down the sect’s survivors everywhere, so your situation is extremely dangerous. Your wings are not yet fully grown. For now, staying in the Scarlet Cloud Sect is your best protection. Shall we make a deal?”

“Master, you saved my life and now bestow such a precious gift upon me. Please, speak your mind!” Xie Wuji said, deeply respectful toward this kindly middle-aged man.

Dongmen Yong was quite pleased with his attitude. “Until the Undying Longevity Sect rises again, you shall remain in the Scarlet Cloud Sect and cultivate diligently. Now that you’ve advanced to the Golden Core stage, you’re considered an inner disciple. Soon, there will be a grand tournament among the top ten sects. I want you to win some glory for our sect.”

He sighed. “Every time, we’re among the bottom three. The only disciples with good spiritual roots are Bai Li Qingyan and my son. They both have third-grade Golden Cores, and though their cultivation isn’t slow, the other sects have disciples with second-grade Golden Cores.”

Xie Wuji smiled. “Don’t worry. Now that I’m here, this sect is my home.”

“Good. Now, absorb this demon spirit. The Fire Ape’s ability is the Fiery Fist. In public, reveal only the Fire Ape—this will divert suspicion from the Vermilion Bird. Also, when people ask which grade of Golden Core you’ve formed, what should you say?” Dongmen Yong looked at him.

Xie Wuji’s eyes shifted. “Fourth-grade Golden Core. I’ll suppress my aura a bit. Since only first, second, and third-grade Golden Cores can host dual demon spirits, if I claim a fourth-grade Golden Core, I keep my dignity while making it clear I only have the Fire Ape.”

Dongmen Yong nodded in satisfaction. “Remember, until you’re strong enough, keep a low profile. ‘The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled!’”

“Yes!” Xie Wuji replied, bowing.

After Dongmen Yong helped Xie Wuji absorb the Fire Ape demon spirit, a giant bird as tall as a man flew on Xie Wuji’s left, while a dazed, flame-covered ape walked on his right.

With a wave, Xie Wuji concealed the Vermilion Bird. Then Dongmen Yong led him outside, where Ding Desheng and the others were astonished to see Xie Wuji unharmed.

Ding Xuanming had also awakened. He stared intently at Xie Wuji, as though trying to discern something, but could find no flaws.

Dongmen Yong sighed and explained, “Just now, Wuji suffered a backlash, and his second-grade Golden Core began to fracture. I personally protected him and managed to halt the disaster, but his core was downgraded from second-grade to fourth-grade.”

“A fourth-grade Golden Core is already exceptionally rare and powerful,” the Third Elder said.

“Powerful? Hmph! A third-grade Golden Core can host dual demon spirits, but with a fourth-grade core, he can only have one. That’s a huge difference!” Ding Desheng retorted. “Boy, I sense fire-attribute spiritual energy on you. Do you already possess a demon spirit?”

At this, all eyes turned to Xie Wuji.

He bowed respectfully and replied, “Elder, your perception is keen. Indeed, I have obtained a demon spirit.”

Ding Xuanming exchanged a glance with Ding Desheng; both nodded slightly in secret.

“Then show us,” Ding Desheng demanded. “Let us all see for ourselves.”

Xie Wuji thought, as expected, this old fox covets the Vermilion Bird demon spirit. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the Fire Ape, which swayed beside him.

Ding Xuanming frowned. “This isn’t right. It shouldn’t be a Fire Ape…”

“It’s correct. A fourth-grade single demon spirit, and it’s the Fire Ape—so it’s the Fire Ape. Wuji, you’re lucky indeed. An Earth-rank Fire Ape is an impressive catch. Now that you’ve advanced, serve well as an inner disciple,” Ding Desheng said, his tone relaxing.

Ding Xuanming remained suspicious but could not refute the evidence. None of them realized that Xie Wuji actually possessed the Vermilion Bird demon spirit and a first-grade Golden Core.