Early the next morning, a piece of news spread throughout Langlang Mountain.
Last night, the Demon Army of Black Crow Mountain launched a sneak attack on the demons of Langlang Mountain under the cover of darkness.
The Elders of Langlang Mountain had slain seven Mid-stage Qi Refining Demons!
In an instant, the demons were in an uproar, their morale soaring.
"Black Crow Mountain dared to sneak-attack our Langlang Mountain? They must have a death wish."
"Exactly. Langlang Mountain's strength isn't something they can afford to provoke."
"Hahaha, satisfying, so satisfying! Losing seven of their demon leaders in a row—Black Crow Mountain must be scared out of their wits."
"How could we let other demons profane the great name of Langlang Mountain?"
"..."
The news only mentioned Black Crow Mountain's losses, saying nothing of Langlang Mountain's.
At this moment, one of the parties involved in last night's sneak attack, Xu Chang'an, was on his way to Elder Peak.
Langlang Mountain, Elder Peak
"Dashan, I fear this attack from Black Crow Mountain was not as simple as just killing some newly recruited Little Demons."
Third Elder said to Jin Dashan, sitting atop a stone meditation cushion.
"Indeed, Third Elder.
For them to take such a great risk, coming into our sphere of influence on Langlang Mountain to carry out an ambush... I'm afraid..."
The Magical Combat last night had taken a great toll.
Although Jin Dashan had taken some recovery elixirs, he had not yet fully recovered.
His face was currently a little pale.
"They want to probe the King!"
"Hmph!"
The Fifth Elder, who was off to the side in the hall, slammed his hand on a stone surface and roared furiously.
"Those clowns from Black Crow Mountain! The King suffered some injuries in the battle at Red Cloud, and now they dare to bully us like this! In my opinion, we should just declare war!"
"Indeed! Black Crow Mountain truly deserves to be annihilated! To war!"
Seventh Elder chimed in.
"That may be so, but...
The King's injuries have yet to heal. It is not advisable to go to war with Black Crow Mountain right now."
Sixth Elder said, shaking his head.
"Wouldn't such an action just show Langlang Mountain's weakness and let Black Crow Mountain walk all over us?"
Fifth Elder's face was filled with Evil Qi, and he looked extremely incensed.
"Everyone, calm yourselves. The King is in seclusion and has not emerged. The Grand Elder and Second Elder are both out seeking opportunities for a Great Demon breakthrough and have not yet returned.
In terms of combat strength alone, we are weaker than Black Crow Mountain. We cannot fall into their trap.
This matter requires long-term planning."
Third Elder tried to smooth things over.
"In last night's pursuit, we killed seven of Black Crow Mountain's Middle Stage demons in a row. That can be considered a minor punishment.
Furthermore, send orders throughout the mountain to raise our guard and prevent similar incidents from happening again."
"Third Elder is right."
Fourth Elder, Sixth Elder, and the other Elders all agreed.
"By the way, has the Mountain Patrol Little Demon who reported the news last night arrived?"
"Third Elder, he has arrived. He is currently waiting outside for an audience."
Jin Dashan replied.
"He faced a sudden encounter with commendable courage and temperament, acted with quick-wittedness to raise the alarm in time, and thus prevented greater losses for Langlang Mountain.
He should be handsomely rewarded!"
"Reward him with one Low-grade Magical Artifact, twenty Demon Stones, five bottles of Qi Nourishing Pills, and one bottle of Healing Pills. In addition...
He is to be earmarked for important future roles and prioritized for training!
This matter, along with the rewards, should be announced to the entire mountain to set an example and encourage the other demons.
What do you all think?"
"Agreed."
The Elders all agreed in unison.
This move by the Third Elder was brilliant. It wasn't just about the incident itself, but about setting an example and giving a heavy reward to inspire the other demons to follow suit.
This was how they would unite the hearts of Langlang Mountain's demons and gather their strength!
This was the case with Xu Chang'an.
And back then, it had been the same with Xiong Da!
...
Leaving Elder Peak, Xu Chang'an was in an excellent mood.
His risky venture hadn't been in vain. What's more, by changing his low-key ways and stepping into the limelight, he'd reaped great rewards.
The returns he received were indeed substantial.
Fortunately, his Concealment Spell was proficient, so he wasn't afraid of his true Cultivation being exposed.
Just now, the Third Elder and the other Elders had offered him a great deal of encouragement.
He, Xu Chang'an, had managed to leave an impression on the Elders.
It was worth several years of his stipend!
He had earned it all by performing a single meritorious deed.
It was undoubtedly a heavy reward!
Twenty Demon Stones, five bottles of Qi Nourishing Pills, one bottle of Healing Pills...
Although he didn't need the Qi Nourishing Pills and Healing Elixirs right now, they were excellent for either trading or keeping as spares.
The Sixth Elder of the Merit Hall had even directly brought out three Magical Artifacts for him to choose from.
One for attack, one for defense, and one for escape.
In the end, Xu Chang'an chose the Defensive Magical Artifact.
There was no other reason; comparing the Magical Artifacts, the defensive one offered the best value.
It was a Magical Artifact that looked like an ordinary copper coin, named the Money Shield.
Right now, it was hanging around his neck.
He just needed to find the time to refine it, and it would become his.
Beyond that, what was even more important...
...was that when the Elders encouraged him, they stated their intention to earmark him for important future roles and prioritize his training.
Xu Chang'an seized the opportunity to express his desire to join Hundred Arts Peak and become an Alchemy Apprentice.
As the Grand Elder was away and had not yet returned, the Fourth Elder was temporarily in charge of the various affairs of Hundred Arts Peak.
The Fourth Elder immediately said he could arrange for Xu Chang'an to take the assessment.
If his aptitude for Alchemy was decent, he could directly become an Alchemy Apprentice.
If his aptitude was average, they could still consider it on a case-by-case basis.
...
Through a fortunate coincidence, a not-so-small adventure...
...had allowed Xu Chang'an to reap benefits that an ordinary Little Demon could hardly imagine.
Three days later, led by a Little Demon, Xu Chang'an entered the Alchemy Hall on Hundred Arts Peak.
The one assessing him was a Mountain Goat Spirit at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.
He was an Alchemist with a great reputation in the Alchemy Hall.
He was capable of Refining Tier One Middle-grade Elixirs.
It was clear that Elder Peak regarded Xu Chang'an with considerable importance.
They hadn't just assigned some random Alchemist to give him a perfunctory assessment.
After a brief display of his abilities, the Mountain Goat Spirit in charge of the assessment was extremely satisfied with Xu Chang'an, believing him to be a talent worth nurturing.
He immediately requested that Xu Chang'an be transferred to the Alchemy Hall on Hundred Arts Peak as soon as possible.
The Mountain Patrol Little Demons of the Mountain Patrol Hall had a strict quota, with numerical requirements for the day and night shifts.
On top of that, many of the newly joined Little Demons had been killed by Black Crow Mountain.
Xu Chang'an had originally thought it would take a lot of hassle and a long wait before he could successfully transfer to Hundred Arts Peak.
Who would have thought that in just two days, Xu Chang'an would successfully exchange his Demon Token and transfer from the Mountain Patrol Hall to the Alchemy Hall on Hundred Arts Peak.
'As expected of a matter personally requested by Elder Peak. Things sure get done quickly!'
Who says the Demon Race doesn't understand the ways of the world?
If not for this, how could the Demon Race gain a foothold in this golden age of cultivation dominated by the Human Race?
Cultivation isn't just about fighting and killing.
The hardships of the Demon Path cannot be summed up in just a few words.
And so, Xu Chang'an became an Alchemy Little Demon in the Alchemy Hall of Hundred Arts Peak.
Servant, gatekeeper, patrolman, artisan.
He now stood at the pinnacle of the four types of Little Demons on Langlang Mountain!
Hundred Arts Peak was higher than the Mountain Patrol Hall, closer to the summit, and also closer to Golden Yuan Cave.
Xu Chang'an stood before the Alchemy Hall on Hundred Arts Peak, gazing into the distance.
'This is by no means my final destination!'
To be fortunate enough to be reborn in this golden age of cultivation, even as a Mouse Demon—shouldn't he pursue something greater?
Time is ruthless. The story of Xu Chang'an's lucky break, of his great deed and heavy reward, would eventually fade with the passing of the years.
Spring turned to autumn, and another three years passed.