Urban Immortal Cultivation Supreme

"Is this… one of the Nine Sword Techniques?" Looking at the content of the Jade Token, Zhu Bufan's complexion suddenly changed. The Nine Sword Technique had always been one of Zhu Bufan's major inner turmoils. Although the Purple Cloud from the Nine Sword Technique was powerful, due to it being an incomplete version, the level of the mental method was too low, which meant that the condensation of Primordial Qi was far from matching those of Earth Rank mental methods like Huo Ling's.

To increase the rank of the Nine Sword Technique's mental method, he would have to find the remaining eight techniques. But in the vast Divine Demon Continent, how easy could it be to find eight mental methods? For reasons unknown, Zhu Bufan never considered switching to another mental method, so while he never outwardly showed it, he was secretly filled with impatience towards the Nine Sword Technique.

But today, the Demon King had laid one of the Nine Sword Techniques right before his eyes, leaving Zhu Bufan shocked, not knowing what to say. After a long while, Zhu Bufan took a deep breath, safely stored the Jade Token in the Storage Ring, and said, "Thank you."

Seeing Zhu Bufan candidly accept the token, the Demon King appeared quite pleased. Indeed, Zhu Bufan simply couldn't resist the allure of the Nine Sword Technique. Not to mention it was a gift from the Demon King, even if it wasn't, Zhu Bufan would have likely done everything in his power to obtain it had he known the Demon King possessed one of them.

"Successor of the Martial King Pattern, do you know the true origin of the Nine Sword Techniques?" Turning to look at the crystal column that emitted a red radiance, the Demon King suddenly asked Zhu Bufan.

"Emperor Yan once mentioned it to me, saying the Nine Sword Techniques were created by a powerful individual known as the 'Sword Demon,' but I'm not very clear on the details…"

"You're not wrong; the Nine Sword Techniques indeed belong to the Sword Demon, but to say they were 'created' by him isn't quite accurate."

At this point, the Demon King paused and continued, "The so-called Nine Sword Techniques were originally the Suppressing Clan Heart Method of the nine major clans of the Jiuli. The mental methods of the nine major clans of the Jiuli had their own especial function, yet also contained subtle similarities, and this 'Sword Demon' took advantage of the fact that these mental methods were different yet vaguely interconnected. He used these nine mental methods as a foundation to create this Cultivation Technique, so even if you practice just one part of it, you can freely wield it, and if multiple parts are cultivated together, they can complement and enhance each other."

"Demon King, do you… know this Sword Demon?" Hearing some oddities in the Demon King's tone, Zhu Bufan tentatively asked.

After pondering for a while, the Demon King sighed and said, "Indeed, this King has had some interactions with that Sword Demon, but they were just a few fleeting encounters. That man's talent can be described as diabolical, with sword techniques that no one could withstand."

Listening to the Demon King's tone of nostalgia, Zhu Bufan did not rashly interject. These were tales from who knows how many years ago; naturally, he could not comprehend the powerhouses of that era. However, seeing the Demon King's nostalgic demeanor, it seemed that his relationship with the Sword Demon was probably more than just a few encounters, but since the Demon King did not wish to speak more about it, Zhu Bufan naturally refrained from pressing further.

"Successor of the Martial King Pattern, when you deployed the Purple Cloud earlier, this King saw that you have recovered the Sword Spirit, and this is indeed the real reason why this King has deemed you as having passed. However, with your current strength, it is still too early for you to leave the Demon Tower. I believe you have also heard the prophecy of the Rain Master Clan's Grand Priest. Leaving the Demon Tower now means a bumpy and difficult road ahead."

"Demon King, I've always been puzzled; we had never even met before, and I've never considered myself to be particularly outstanding or eye-catching. Why has the Demon King helped me time and time again? Whether it's instructing Master Wu to Refine the Supreme Body for me, or giving me the Emperor's Hatred mental method, or even willing to help us get through the Ninth Layer to the Tenth Layer…"

"This King has already told you, this King is merely returning items that have been entrusted to this King long ago to their rightful owner. You should not find it strange; as for why this King is doing this, you will eventually know. It's just that this King doesn't know whether, once you learn the whole truth, you will continue to thank this King or hate this King instead. Ha ha"

The Demon King's words still left Zhu Bufan feeling perplexed, and he understood that the Demon King actually knew many things but simply did not wish to explain. What bewildered Zhu Bufan most was the fact that he, being a mere survivor of a slaughtered mountain village, seemed to have some connection to these Jiuli matters, which agitated him.

"Oh yes, this King has also heard from Kou that you are an Artifact Refiner and an Alchemist, practicing both arts?" With the Demon King's words, Zhu Bufan's attention was brought back, and hearing the Demon King's inquiry, Zhu Bufan nodded to acknowledge.

The Demon King reached into the void and Zhu Bufan felt the force of a power ripping away the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing from his body. By the time Zhu Bufan returned to his senses, he found that the spherical form of the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing had already landed in the hands of the Demon King.

"The craftsmanship is quite acceptable; it was not something you could have refined. However, it's a pity that due to limitations of cultivation and materials, the grade is not high." The Demon King looked indifferently at the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing in hand and then, with a flip of his wrist, took out a large amount of materials and ores. Following that, pure golden flames appeared in the Demon King's hand, enveloping both the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing and those materials.

The vigorous golden flames burned continuously, but not even a hint of heat was emitted. In less than a minute, the Demon King abruptly drew back the golden flames, and as he did, the large amount of material ores had vanished, leaving behind a golden liquid metal sphere that originally was the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing.

"Take this." With a flick of his finger, the golden liquid ball landed in Zhu Bufan's hands. Then, much like when wearing the Water Mysterious Silver Clothing, the liquid metal surged rapidly into Zhu Bufan's clothes, enveloping his body. Once the golden metallic liquid covered Zhu Bufan's body from the neck down, it gradually became transparent and disappeared to the eye, as if nothing was worn. However, the tangible feeling told Zhu Bufan that he was indeed wearing something.

"This is the 'Golden Silk Robe,' which can arguably be considered a Low Grade Earth Rank artifact. With this Golden Silk Robe, your chances of preserving your life are greatly increased. Plus, I've placed an illusion charm on it that can deceive others about your cultivation level. Unless someone with cultivation parallel to mine observes, it would be difficult for them to discern your true cultivation. Once worn, your current Body Tempering Ninth Layer Heaven cultivation will appear to others to be around Third Layer Heaven."

"Also, take this." Before Zhu Bufan could recover from the surprise of the Demon King actually being able to refine artifacts, the Demon King flicked his finger again, and a golden light shot directly towards Zhu Bufan. With a sweep of his hand, Zhu Bufan found that he now held a small golden Medicine Tripod.

"This was something I obtained from a Human Clan Alchemist who didn't know his own limits. I've forgotten its name, but it's been something of a nuisance to me, so I might as well give it to you as well," the Demon King continued as Zhu Bufan stared dumbly at the golden Medicine Tripod in his hand.

"This..." Repeatedly accepting gifts from the Demon King, Zhu Bufan truly didn't know what to say for a moment. Meeting for the first time, the Demon King kept stuffing items into his arms, all of which Zhu Bufan couldn't refuse. However, he had no prior acquaintance with the Demon King, who always excused his actions with 'I was just holding them for someone else, now they're returned to their rightful owner.' In the end, Zhu Bufan couldn't be bothered why it was happening and just unconditionally accepted whatever the Demon King sent.

"Fleabird! This lad is under my protection. What's with all the giving? Are you trying to outdo me?" Without a reply from Zhu Bufan, Emperor Yan found it hard to watch. Although she realized that everything Zhu Bufan received was of great benefit to him, such a blatant act of 'undercutting' in her presence still annoyed Emperor Yan.

However, annoyance aside, Emperor Yan no longer bore any enmity towards the Demon King. The attitudes he had repeatedly shown were not adversarial to others nor exceptionally difficult; his manner was abrupt and blunt but exactly that made her feel at ease.

"Ha ha, Empress Yan, originally I thought all those with the 'Emperor' in their titles held a disdainful attitude towards all living beings, treating lives as lowly as ants. But after today, I must change my view. It seems that Emperors can be just like ordinary people. No! In fact, they can be far more interesting."

"Damned fleabird! Are you actually defaming me again?" Emperor Yan's brows knitted tightly as she was about to charge and clash with the Demon King. Fortunately, Zhu Bufan, who had just regained his composure from the unexpected 'windfall,' quickly held back this fiery little girl. Otherwise, there's no telling what trouble she would stir up.

"Alright, enough with the talk," the Demon King said, his expression turning serious after watching Zhu Bufan and Emperor Yan's playful scuffle. "I've already said that it's too difficult for you to proceed to the Tenth Layer at this moment. Moreover, I need some time to prepare for that Six-Tailed affair, so from today on, you'll stay here alone to cultivate."

"Stay here alone?" Looking around at this place filled with peculiar stone steles and wall carvings, where Fire Element Spiritual Energy was exceptionally abundant, Zhu Bufan asked in surprise.

"That's right. Stay here and cultivate well on your own. Once everything is ready, I will naturally take you out," the Demon King paused before continuing, "This place has ample Spiritual Energy and no one to disturb you, making it an ideal place for cultivation. Stay here and take your time. Also, it would be good to consider the new Nine Sword Technique you've acquired. To be honest, seeing the Nine Sword Technique in your hands being used just like an ordinary weapon pains me. When you have time, think about how to truly unleash the power of the Nine Sword Technique."

After speaking, the Demon King's figure began to fade. Before Zhu Bufan could object, the Demon King had already left the spot, leaving only Zhu Bufan and Emperor Yan in the cave.