Chapter 29: Ambush
Ankang Alley, returning home.
Fu Shaoguang was not in a hurry to check the wooden box.
Instead, he took out a Bamboo Slip and a Carving Knife to record the insights gained from observing Headmaster Ji Mo Undergoing Tribulation.
The ancient texts stated that the Yao are Yin and Humans are Yang, but isolated Yin cannot be born, and isolated Yang cannot grow. When the Yao undergo the Transformation Tribulation, they also intend to use the Yang Qi from the Lightning Tribulation to counteract the excessive erosion of Earth Yin when breaking through to the Dharma Realm.
Time passed bit by bit.
Fu Shaoguang slowly reviewed and recorded, occasionally pausing for a moment of contemplation before continuing to write.
It took the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to finish.
Putting away the Bamboo Slip, drinking a cup of spirit honey, and resting briefly, Fu Shaoguang finally took out the wooden box. All six legs moved simultaneously, wings vibrating, and he lifted the box with great anticipation.
Upon opening it, his gaze instantly turned blank.
So many... Bamboo Slips!
Just as expected!
He shouldn't have held too many expectations for Headmaster Ji Mo.
It wasn't that the Bamboo Slips were bad—writing conveys the Dao, and the content of the Bamboo Slips gifted by the Headmaster must be extraordinary.
It was just that he wanted to achieve financial freedom sooner.
After the disappointment, Fu Shaoguang cheered up and carefully put away the Bamboo Slips one by one. Thankfully, they were two-inch miniature Bamboo Slips, which he could lift.
Immediately, his eyes lit up.
He instantly flapped his wings and rushed into the box.
At the bottom, there were three thin pieces of paper: a land deed for Anle Alley, a construction contract, and a three-mu field deed.
“I'm rich! I'm rich! May the Headmaster have eternal fortune and longevity!”
This sudden turn of events made Fu Shaoguang ecstatic; this was much more valuable than mere gold and silver.
Land in Anle Alley is worth its weight in gold; a small courtyard is worth a hundred taels. Coupled with the three mu of farmland, he understood the Headmaster's intention.
Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.
By purchasing property, he could now focus on cultivation and study with peace of mind.
“A scholarly Yao truly has a meticulous mind.”
Now, he was truly settled in the Demon Market, and thinking that his lifespan extension was within reach, Fu Shaoguang became even more joyful.
His good mood lasted until nightfall.
Even his absorption of Moonlight Essence was twice as effective.
Early the next morning.
Fu Shaoguang first made a trip to Anle Alley. The location specified in the deed was central, the environment was quiet and secluded, and it was relatively cool and shaded.
It was the kind of environment a Mayfly prefers.
A Spiritual Aperture was sealed.
It would be unsealed once the Immortal Cave was established.
Yes, an Immortal Cave!
Although the Demon race has learned from the Human Race to congregate, build towns, and establish markets over the past thousand years, many Demon race traditions have been passed down. Residential compounds with Spiritual Apertures in Anle Alley and the dwellings of Great Demons are collectively referred to as Immortal Caves.
After circling his residential plot, Fu Shaoguang headed straight for 【Nesting】, an establishment run by the Demon Administration Office.
Any construction in the Demon Market requires obtaining a building permit here. Because Headmaster Ji Mo had already made arrangements, Fu Shaoguang's process went quickly, and he received the permit shortly after arriving.
However, construction didn't start immediately.
After communicating with a Cat Demon skilled in drawing and spending several days finalizing the design blueprints, he brought the construction team, composed of Beaver Demons and Termite Demons, to Anle Alley to begin building his new home.
Most Yao are simple-minded and honest.
Furthermore, they were acting under the orders of Headmaster Ji Mo.
Fu Shaoguang wasn't worried about them cutting corners.
After a round of inspection, Fu Shaoguang called Gongyang Yang and Zhu Yun, landing on their heads, and they went together to check the farmland.
It was the third month of spring, the grass was lush, and the fields were bustling with Yao performing spring plowing, a scene full of vitality.
Perched on the pig's head, he pointed the way.
The Three Demons soon arrived in front of a stretch of farmland.
Although the farmland given by Headmaster Ji Mo was not Spirit Field, it was still top-grade fertile land. A family of Ox Demons was busy working in the field.
Knowing that the new landlord had arrived, the Ox Demons were extremely fearful, afraid that they would lose the right to farm the land or that the rent would be raised.
Fu Shaoguang did not make things difficult for the Yao. Seeing that the fertile land was managed meticulously by the Ox Demons and the crops were thriving, he asked a few questions, promised the Ox Demon family that things would remain the same if they farmed honestly, and then left.
Along the way, Gongyang Yang and Zhu Yun were both happy for Fu Shaoguang, and Fu Shaoguang was infected by the joyful atmosphere. However, when he heard Zhu Yun ask him to treat them to a meal, his heart immediately sank.
“Hmph hmph, Fu Bug, you've struck it rich. Shouldn't we find a place and have a proper feast?”
“Baa, Zhu Yun is right. We should celebrate.”
...Fu Shaoguang didn't refuse.
He really should treat his friends to a meal.
Calculating his remaining silver, considering future expenses, and remembering that the caravan wouldn't return for another two months, Fu Shaoguang still decided to treat the two demons to—
—more street noodles!!!
Delicious, inexpensive, and affordable.
This time, Zhu Yun did not save Fu Shaoguang any money.
She ate her fill, savoring even the two-cash bowl of Plain Noodles.
Even Gongyang Yang ate two extra bowls.
When it was time to pay the bill, Fu Shaoguang reluctantly paid over a hundred cash. On the way home, he kept looking at Zhu Yun's belly, which wasn't bulging... Bah! He meant her belly, which wasn't sticking out.
He heard that the higher a Pig Demon's cultivation, the larger its appetite.
It seemed that in the future, if Zhu Yun was present for a meal, they would have to stick to noodles—filling, satisfying, and economical.
Gathering Qi, cultivating techniques, practicing the zither, resting.
Studying at the Demon Academy, researching health preservation, resting.
Fu Shaoguang's days passed one after another.
Occasionally, he would flip through the Bamboo Slips gifted by Headmaster Ji Mo, such as the *Records of Strange Objects* and the *Dream Guiding Art*.
His magic power deepened, and his spells became more refined.
However, the resources required after breaking through a realm gradually increased. Watching his savings dwindle, he grew anxious and finally decided to leave the Demon Market to try his luck.
At the same time, he wanted to clear his mind. After being cooped up in the Demon Market for several months, it was time to go out for a walk. If worst came to worst, he could always sell the fifty-year-old Pseudoginseng he had at home.
Early the next morning.
Fu Shaoguang arrived at an exit.
There were many Yao leaving to relax and gather materials.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, he cast the Flowing Light Technique, concealing himself within the light.
Leaving the Demon Market, Fu Shaoguang flew along the river. If he encountered danger, the abundant water vapor would make it easier for him to cast spells.
After traveling a distance, he found a hidden safe spot, deactivated the Flowing Light Technique, and recovered his magic power.
In spring, all things revived; the mountains and forests were vibrant, flowers were red, willows were green, streams gurgled, and the air was fresh.
Fu Shaoguang opened the pores on his body wall, gathering Spiritual Qi while breathing the fresh air, making his insect body comfortable.
After recovering his magic power, he flew and stopped intermittently, avoiding natural predators while secretly searching, and returned to the market in the evening.
For several consecutive days, Fu Shaoguang's harvest was meager.
He only collected some common poisonous herbs, a few insect shells, and animal droppings: Moon-Gazing Sand, Five Spirit Fat, Night-Shining Sand, etc. He sold some to the Five Poisons Shop and kept the rest for personal use.
On this day, shortly after Fu Shaoguang left the Demon Market, the stiff hairs all over his body suddenly stood up, and he quickly dodged to one side.
*Swoosh!*
A Wind Blade missed, leaving a two-inch deep mark on the tree as it whistled past. Fu Shaoguang didn't have time to feel relieved when another Wind Blade struck, this time from his back, terrifying him into continuing to dodge.
Relying on his sharp five senses, he avoided the fatal strike. In a flash, he extracted the useful information:
At least two Yao were hiding in the dark.
They were small in size, making it easy for them to hide in the dense forest.
Wind-element spells, meaning they likely specialized in speed.
Most importantly, he was hidden within the light, yet he had been targeted twice, indicating that the Flowing Light Technique was ineffective.
Either the opponents possessed the Ability to See Through Illusions, or there was something strange about him, such as having picked up a scent.
Compared to the former possibility, Fu Shaoguang was more willing to believe the latter. After all, his Flowing Light Technique was extraordinary. If the powerful enemies had such an ability, why would they hide in the dark and wait for an opportunity to ambush him?
Thinking of this, he flapped his wings and swooped down.
*Swoosh swoosh!*
Wind Blades attacked again from two directions.
Fu Shaoguang revealed his wings, which glowed with fluorescence, and activated Inch of Time Lengthening. The Wind Blades slowed down for an instant. When they returned to normal speed, they either missed or collided with each other.
He escaped the danger instantly and quickly entered the water.
At the same time, several Water Arrows shot toward the direction from which the Wind Blades had attacked.
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