Chapter 4177 - Chapter 4180 Join Their Fight Against The Sky Slasher Sect
“Those of you on Medicine God Island are also Demonic Cultivators, so why wouldn’t the Sky Slasher Sect spare you, since you walk the same path?” John curiously asked, his brows furrowed as he tried to unravel this complex relationship.
Upon hearing this, Sue’s face instantly took on a displeased look. He glared fiercely, raising his voice to retort, “You label us as Demonic Cultivators, but can you detect even the slightest hint of demonic aura from us?”
His voice echoed through the air, laden with profound anger and dissatisfaction.
John was taken aback for a moment, then immediately released his spiritual sense, meticulously examining both Sue and the nearby Candle.
However, what surprised him was that there was not a trace of demonic aura on either of them! This struck John as very odd, and he couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.
John had heard that the alchemists on Medicine God were banished there because they practiced demonic techniques and became Demonic Cultivators. That was why they were left to fend for themselves.
However, there wasn’t a trace of demonic aura on Sue and his son, indicating that they hadn’t practiced any demonic techniques at all.
“Why don’t you carry any demonic aura?” John asked, his gaze filled with bewilderment and confusion.
“We were never Demonic Cultivators to begin with, so how could we possibly possess demonic aura? What you’ve heard about the alchemists on Medicine God Island being Demonic Cultivators are just rumors from way back then.”
Sue’s expression was stony, his voice filled with despair and indignation as he continued, “Many of us were ostracized and forced to Medicine God Island, but not because we were practicing demonic techniques! They pushed us out to that island, left us to fend for ourselves, and even fabricated lies to tarnish our reputation!”
It was only then John discovered that all the rumors about Medicine God Island were false, nothing more than defamatory words passed down from the past!
He felt a wave of guilt, chastising himself for his previous misunderstandings.
“Mr. Laurent, why didn’t you explain the situation to everyone? We could have united to help Medicine God Island fend off the enemy. Moreover, the power of your Medicine God Island is not to be underestimated. It wouldn’t be easy for the Sky Slasher Sect to take over,” John said.
Upon hearing John’s words, Sue let out a soft sigh. “Ah, you have no idea. Despite its seemingly strong facade, many people on Medicine God Island are actually refugees seeking shelter or those in search of medical help. Should danger befall Medicine God Island, these individuals wouldn’t hesitate to abandon it. They wouldn’t risk their lives for the sake of the island. Most cultivators in the Ethereal Realm are inherently selfish. This is an inevitable result of the grand backdrop of the Ethereal Realm itself, and there’s nothing that can be done about it!”
His gaze revealed profound helplessness and disappointment.
“If the Sky Slasher Sect truly were to attack, we, the numerous disciples and descendants of the Laurent family, are the only ones capable of resisting. That’s why I didn’t allow the Laurent family members to enter Cauldron Peak – to prepare our defenses and be ready to counter the Sky Slasher Sect’s assault at any moment! Moreover, those from the Sky Slasher Sect are all well-versed in magecraft, far beyond what we alchemists can handle. We barely understand any magecraft, so we can only resist passively. I’m not sure how long we can hold out, so you all only have three days. What you can gain during this time depends on your own fortune, so hurry up and enter Cauldron Peak. Time is precious!”
Sue’s face was filled with sincerity, and it was clear that he was quite discontent with the selfish and self-serving attitude prevalent in the Ethereal Realm.
Observing Sue, John didn’t believe he was lying. Thus, he spoke up. “Mr. Laurent, I could lend you a hand. I happen to know some cultivators skilled in magecraft. They could assist!”
John’s gaze was unwavering as he made up his mind to step forward and help Medicine God Island overcome this crisis.
“Really?” Upon hearing John mention that there were skilled magecraft cultivators willing to lend a hand, Sue’s spirits immediately lifted. It was as though he had spotted a glimmer of hope in the darkness. “That’s wonderful! With your help, there might still be a glimmer of hope for our Medicine God Island!”
“Of course. I’m just not sure if they can make it here in three days. I’ll get them here as soon as possible!” After John finished speaking, he didn’t delay any further but directly contacted Carlos.
John reached out to Carlos through a communication device. “Carlos, Medicine God Island will be under attack from the Sky Slasher Sect. Bring men from the Duad Formation Sect for support as quickly as possible. You can use the Alchemist Fair’s Teleportation Array. Make sure to hurry!”
Upon receiving John’s orders, Carlos promptly led the members of the Duad Formation Sect toward Medicine God Island without a moment’s delay.
After exchanging a few words with Sue, John, along with Vienna and Sigmund, entered Cauldron Peak.
For the next three days, John had to make every minute and second count!
Cauldron Peak, shrouded in mystery and antiquity, was permeated with rich spiritual energy.
Upon entering the mountain, John discovered an abundance of mystical herbs around the area, all of high quality. These herbs, under the sunlight, shimmered with an unusual glow, as if to show off their preciousness and mystique.
“Wow, there’s so many mystical herbs!” Sigmund exclaimed with excitement. His eyes were filled with both greed and delight.
Vienna too, was captivated by the scene before her. She couldn’t help but comment, “This truly is a haven for mystical herbs!”
With that, Sigmund and Vienna began to gather the herbs enthusiastically.
Quite a number of cultivators, entranced by the mystical herbs before them, had also halted their steps to pick them.
In doing so, it would result in a significant delay.
Hence, some of the cultivators merely took a glance and didn’t linger, heading further upward. They were well aware that the depths of the mountain may conceal even more precious treasures and perhaps even the legacy.
“All right, no more picking. We must hurry!” John said to Vienna and Sigmund.
He was well aware that his purpose for venturing into Cauldron Peak was to seek the legacy of the Medicine God, not just for these few clumps of mystical herbs.
“Okay!” Although filled with reluctance, Vienna and Sigmund obeyed John’s words and ceased their picking.
Just as Sigmund spotted one last mystical herb and planned to pick it, the earth suddenly trembled!
Following that, the furious roar of a demon beast rang out before a massive black demon serpent burst forth from the ground. With its jaws wide open, it lunged straight at Sigmund!
The demon serpent was massive, its black scales shimmering with a chilling gleam. Its eyes radiated a ferocious and savage aura.
John was quick to react. He swiftly grabbed Sigmund and Vienna before using Blazing Stride to dodge the demon serpent’s attack.
However, there were still several cultivators enthusiastically picking the mystical herbs, so the sudden appearance of the demon serpent caught them completely off guard.
A cultivator was swiftly devoured by the demon serpent. He didn’t even have time to let out a cry of despair before he disappeared into the creature’s maw.
“Why are there demon beasts here?” The horrified cultivators retreated in fear, their faces pale and legs trembling.
“Before we entered Cauldron Peak, Mr. Laurent had already warned us. He said that alchemists of lesser skill should not venture into the mountain due to its dangers. Yet, no one heeded his advice,” said a seasoned cultivator, his face filled with helplessness and regret.
“It seems that there are quite a few demon beasts on this mountain. It truly is dangerous for someone less capable!” Another cultivator spoke up, his voice filled with fear and regret.
The remaining cultivators all wore expressions of embarrassment. Those who were tempted by the mystical herbs and halted their steps were indeed mostly the weaker alchemists!
Initially, they didn’t believe a word Sue had said. However, the sudden appearance of the demon serpent struck fear into their hearts, with some even contemplating retreat.
“What are we going to do? Are we going to die here?” a timid cultivator asked, his voice trembling.
“Everyone, stay calm. Let’s tackle this demon serpent together!” John raised his voice, attempting to calm the crowd down.
However, the monstrous serpent didn’t give them a catch to catch their breath, launching another attack. Its tail swept across, stirring up a wild gust of wind.
With a swift movement, John dodged the demon serpent’s attack. At the same time, he conjured a ball of flame in his hand and hurled it toward the serpent.
The monstrous serpent was hit by a blast of fire, letting out a painful roar. However, it didn’t back down. Instead, it attacked the group with an increased ferocity.
Ultimately, when the timing was right, John thrust his sword into the monstrous serpent’s vital spot. The creature fell with a thunderous crash and transformed into a puff of black smoke, disappearing without a trace.
“Finally, it’s resolved.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
However, after this incident, everyone realized that the treasures within Cauldron Peak were not so easy to obtain. One wrong move could cost them their lives.
“The dangers of Cauldron Peak are numerous. If you feel your strength isn’t up to par, it might be best to withdraw, lest your life be put in jeopardy.”
John tried to persuade a few alchemists out of good intentions.
After a bout of internal struggle, several alchemists contemplated backing off. Having thanked John, they turned around and left Cauldron Peak.
John, along with Vienna and Sigmund, continued their journey deeper into the heart of Cauldron Peak.
At that moment, a man and a woman, who were among the cultivators, rapidly approached John.
“Mr. White, wait a moment…” A man called out to John.
John turned his head to look at the man and woman, a hint of confusion in his voice. “Can I help you with something?”
“Mr. White, we’re also alchemists from the Central Region and members of the Alchemist Guild. I noticed you seem to have a good relationship with our leader, President White. I was wondering if we might be able to join you?” The male cultivator turned to John and asked.
“Join me?” John’s brow furrowed slightly.
Seeing the situation, the female cultivator quickly spoke up. “We’re not trying to share in your spoils. Everything we obtain from Cauldron Peak will go to you. All we wish for is to follow Mr. White and receive some guidance from you. That alone will be greatly beneficial for us.”
“Absolutely, not only are you young and talented, but you also cured Prince Cedric’s strange illness. We’re inspired to learn from your exceptional medical skills,” the man hurriedly exclaimed.
John remained silent, his brow still deeply furrowed.
John knew that the more people he brought along, the greater the pressure he would face. After all, these two alchemists were not particularly strong. Hence, he would need to protect them.
“If you’re uncomfortable with this, Mr. White, we won’t bother you any further.”
Seeing the situation, the man felt a bit despondent and spoke.
“President White has told us that we should learn as much as we can from you, Mr. White. After all, we are all members of the Central Alchemist Guild. As our abilities grow, so too does the strength of our Guild,” said the woman.
John was at a loss for words, feeling as though he had been guilt tripped.
Indeed, John had agreed to join the Central Alchemist Guild. Besides, Garret had agreed to let both Vienna and Sigmund join as well without any hesitation.
These two individuals’ sudden appear rice left John at a loss for what to do.
After a moment of contemplation, John finally said, “All right, you two can join me. However, you’re well aware of the perils of Cauldron Peak. If anything unexpected happens, I won’t be held responsible.”
“No problem.” Both of them nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
Left with no other choice, John reluctantly set off on the journey with the two individuals.
Vienna and Sigmund had no objections, after all, they were both from the Central Alchemist Guild.
Throughout their journey, Vienna and Sigmund engaged in conversation with two alchemists. As the dialogue unfolded, it was revealed that the alchemists, named Felipe and Freya, were in fact siblings.
They were all Seventh Level Tribulators, their powers considered powerful in the circle of cultivators.
“Mr. White…”
As John and his companions continued their journey deeper into Cauldron Peak, they were abruptly halted by a shout.
When John looked over, he realized it was Fourier and Holly.
It seemed as though the two had been waiting for him.
“Mr. Zaire, why haven’t you ascended the mountain yet?” John asked in confusion.
“Mr. White, my father wishes to speak with you. Both Aunt Winona and Mr. Werner are present too,” Holly said to John.
She probably feared that John wouldn’t go, so she brought up Winona and Jaeger.
After all, John came specifically for Winona, he should give her some face.
Upon hearing that both Winona and Jaeger were present as well, he simply nodded and followed Holly and the others.
Vienna and Sigmund, along with the newly joined siblings, Felipe and Freya, also tagged along.
Dylan, along with Sawyer and the others, was waiting just ahead in a small grove.
Upon seeing John arrive, Dylan approached him and said, “Mr. White, my friend, what took you so long? You should know, the early climber always reaps the benefits.”
“I got held up with some matters, why are you looking for me, Mr. Weaver?” John asked.
“Mr. White, I’ve come to you seeking a favor. I’m aware of your good relationship with President White of the Central Alchemist Guild. Our two families hope to form an alliance with the guild. Like this, if anything were to happen on Cauldron Peak, we could at least have each other’s backs…” Dylan stated.
John was slightly taken aback. He looked at Dylan and said, “Mr. Weaver, is something going to happen at Cauldron Peak? Otherwise, with the combined strength of the Weaver and Rider families, there’s no need to underestimate yourselves. Why would you need to join forces with the Central Alchemist Guild? Moreover, the Azurean Alchemist Guild was also involved, right? If there was an alliance, it should have been with the Azurean Alchemist Guild, shouldn’t it?”
John knew there was something Dylan was withholding. After all, nobody wanted to form alliances at this juncture. The more people there were, the smaller portion of the magical items each person would get.
“Mr. White, to be honest, the reason we allied ourselves with the Central Alchemist Guild is to deal with Mark and his group. We received word that Mark has joined forces with the Dupont and Boucher families of Sparta.
They’re planning to make a move against us at Cauldron Peak. Our combined strength is not enough to face them, which is why we hope to form an alliance with the Central Alchemist Guild through you, Mr. White. You can assure President White that we will never shortchange him.
Of the treasures obtained from Cauldron Peak, the Central Alchemist Guild can take half. And when we returned to Sparta, both our families will present you with gifts.”
Dylan understood that without offering some substantial benefits, nobody would ally with them.
Upon hearing this, John’s brows slightly furrowed. If internal conflict were to occur among the numerous alchemists on Cauldron Peak, it would significantly weaken their collective strength.
If the day ever came when the Sky Slasher Sect truly attacked Medicine God Island, how could they possibly resist?
“Mr. Weaver, is what you’re saying really true? How can you be certain that Mark will come for you?” John asked.
“Of course it’s true. Mark had a clandestine meeting with the heads of the Boucher and Dupont families. It’s clear they’re conspiring against us. The four major families, including ours, are never on good terms to begin with. Conflict is inevitable,” Dylan said.
“Mr. Weaver, can’t you make peace with them? Even if that’s not an option, at least refrain from causing conflicts during our time on Medicine God Island,” John said with a very displeased look on his face.
“Why?” Dylan asked in confusion.
John sighed gently, then relayed to Dylan everything Sue had told him.
Upon hearing the mention of the Sky Slasher Sect, everyone’s expression changed instantly.
“The Sky Slasher Sect actually planned to seize Medicine God Island? I knew something was up when Sue suddenly moved the Alchemist Fair to Medicine God Island.”
“Well, that’s just great. They’re planning to rope in all of our ethereal realm’s alchemists, tying them to Medicine God Island, and having them join their fight against the Sky Slasher Sect.” Sawyer voiced his dissatisfaction.
