Can a Scholar Be Called a Villain

Chapter 108: The depths of the Demonic Beast Forest

Deep within the heart of the Demonic Beast Forest, nestled amidst the towering trees and tangled underbrush, lay a serene and pristine lake.

This body of water was so remarkably deep that its bottom remained shrouded in mystery, hidden beneath its clear, emerald surface. The lake exuded an aura of profound spiritual power, so potent that even the weeds lining its banks possessed an extraordinary Yellow grade quality.

In the vicinity of this mystical lake, a diverse array of demonic beasts, varying greatly in size and form, reclined. Each one radiated an aura that exceeded the Sky Reaching realm in power.

The mightiest among them was a wolf, his entire coat adorned in a regal shade of deep purple. He bore a fierce countenance, and he strength, residing at the ninth layer of the Sky Reaching realm, surged like a tempestuous wave from his very being.

At his side, a fat mountain boar inquired, “Brother, why has the ancestor not emerged yet?”

Demonic beasts, upon attaining the Sky Reaching realm, gained the ability to speak. Only after advancing to the Abhijñā realm, following the Cognizance realm, would they possess the power of human transformation.

However, most demonic beasts lacked intelligence. Even when they reached the Sky Reaching realm, they did not acquire the gift of speech.

For instance, the small green snake, coiled around the purple wolf’s ear, resided at the first layer of the Sky Reaching realm but had yet to grasp the gift of language. Its intellect remained rather low, and it survived in the cutthroat Demonic Beast Forest by paying homage to the purple wolf as its master.

The ancestor referred to by mountain boar was the Cognizance realm entity that had resided within the Demonic Beast Forest for centuries.

Purple wolf bared its fangs as he spoke, “The ancestor hasn’t inquired about external matters for several years now. The only directive left to us was to avoid acting impulsively.

Our relations with the outside world have been relatively peaceful during this time. However, who could have anticipated that Chu would be audacious enough to directly besiege our territory?”

While there was no formal contract between humans and demonic beasts, an unspoken understanding prevailed. Humans were permitted to venture into the outer regions of the Demonic Beast Forest for their training, while the inner parts were considered the domain of the demonic beasts.

Even the mightiest individuals, such as those from the Ridge Fir Alliance, adhered to this unspoken rule.

However, no one had foreseen Chu’s actions.

“But poor old cow, with his terrible temper, he crossed paths with those from Chu, and not even his remains were left behind after his tragic end.” Added a spider-like demonic beast by the wolf’s side, its massive body resembling a house.

“Little cow is dead?”

Suddenly, an ancient voice resounded in their ears, prompting all the present demonic beasts to bow respectfully as they greeted, “We welcome the ancestor.”

As the ripples on the lake intensified, waves began to surface. From the depths of the lake emerged a colossal figure, exuding an aura of the Cognizance realm.

The colossal figure that emerged from the lake took the form of an immense python. Despite being referred to as a python, it possessed a tiger’s head, its fur replaced by glistening scales. Its entire body was sheathed in pristine white scales, upon which water from the lake effortlessly slid off.

This creature was none other than the forest’s ancestor, an entity that had reached the Cognizance realm—the Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python.

The python’s gaze held the profound depth of countless lifetimes, brimming with wisdom and experience.

He listened patiently as the dozens of surrounding demonic beasts recounted the details of Chu’s siege on the Demonic Beast Forest, visibly composed.

Once all had spoken, he posed a question that left the gathered demonic beasts momentarily perplexed, “Have any of you investigated the situation of Chu beyond our forest?”

The gathered demonic beasts exchanged puzzled glances, none of them daring to speak up in response to this unexpected question.

The assembled demonic beasts were accustomed to cultivating within their own territories, and it was exceedingly rare for any of them to venture into human domains for investigations, much less within the country of Chu.

At this moment, the Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python directed his words toward a concealed presence within the forest, “Isn’t it time for you to reveal yourself, my hidden friend?”

Tension visibly gripped the assembly of demonic beasts, and mountain boar even roared in fury, “A human? You dare to enter the depths of the Demonic Beast Forest? Are you seeking death?”

Purple wolf observed Murong Lin carefully, only relaxing when he noted that he possessed a cultivation level two tiers lower than his own.

However, he remained ready to strike should the ancestor command it.

Murong Lin immediately raised his arms to demonstrate that he harboured no hostile intentions, focusing on the Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python.

He approached as he spoke sincerely, “This humble one has ventured into the depths of the Demonic Beast Forest out of sheer necessity.

I fear all of you may be unaware that Chu not only dispatched forces to besiege the Demonic Beast Forest but also sent three armies to attack their neighbouring countries in three different directions.

I am a citizen of the country, Yan, one of their three targets. As of now, fifteen of our counties have already fallen.

My purpose in coming here is not to challenge any of you but to humbly request your aid and cooperation.”

Murong Lin’s words sent shockwaves through the assembly of demonic beasts, sparking immediate discussions among them.

Even mountain boar appeared visibly stunned.

“I never expected the ruler of Chu to be so audacious. How dare he launch simultaneous attacks in all four directions?”

“Does he truly believe that the strength of a single nation can conquer three other countries along with our Demonic Beast Forest?”

“He must have lost his mind. Is he not afraid of incurring the wrath of the Ridge Fir Alliance?”

The Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python, too, was taken aback for a moment. Eventually, he relaxed and commented, “Well, that explains it. I hadn’t anticipated the ruler of Chu to possess such audacity. It’s no wonder they targeted our Demonic Beast Forest.”

Purple wolf swiftly interjected with a roar, “Ancestor! We cannot permit Chu’s soldiers to continue their siege of the Demonic Beast Forest! Allowing this only emboldens others while tarnishing our own prestige!”

Mountain boar echoed his sentiment with his own resounding roar, “Exactly! Their act of humiliation against us must be met with a swift and decisive counterattack!”

The Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python turned his indifferent gaze toward Murong Lin, who stood before them. He spoke calmly, “Why don’t we hear what this young human brother has to say? After all, he likely possesses a deeper understanding of humans.”

Silence fell over the gathered demonic beasts immediately. They understood that the wisdom and experience of their ancestor far surpassed their own, making his judgment the most valuable in the entire Demonic Beast Forest.

Thus, it was customary for any significant situation to be handed over to the ancestor for resolution.

Murong Lin was keenly aware of the cunning nature of this ancestor, the Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python.

From Sheng Yi’s memories, he knew that this creature had ascended to the Abhijñā realm within the next few decades, eventually evolving into a dragon, and was eventually accepted into a strong influential force within the sea.

Understanding the delicacy of the situation, Murong Lin couldn’t simply suggest that the demonic beasts attack the country of Chu. Such a proposition might be misconstrued as his attempt to weaken their strengths or even incite a direct conflict between them and Chu.

After some consideration, Murong Lin presented a more measured plan, “I beseech all the Sky Reaching realm experts to sow chaos within the borders of Chu. You need not use your full strength; simply instilling some fear will suffice. As for the Chu army, this humble one will personally deal with it.”

The gathered demonic beasts turned their attention to their ancestor, who deliberated for a moment. The Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python believed that Murong Lin’s suggestion wouldn’t directly incite conflict between the country of Chu and the Demonic Beast Forest, nor would it harm the strength of their forest.

Thus, he nodded in agreement. “Very well. Little wolf, heed his words and do not place yourself in unnecessary danger.”

On the side, Murong Lin wore a smile as he shared with the demonic beasts the vulnerabilities within Chu’s defences, pinpointing locations where weaker armies were stationed.

The demonic beasts readily agreed to his plan, pledging to disrupt the humans’ activities during this period while entrusting the issue of Chu’s army to Murong Lin.

The Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python regarded Murong Lin with a hint of solemnity in his deep-set eyes before returning to the lake to continue his cultivation.

He sensed no deceit in Murong Lin’s gaze, instead, it seemed as though he genuinely had the best interests of the demonic beasts in mind.

As an ancient demon who had witnessed centuries pass, he understood that individuals like Murong Lin were exceedingly rare.

Humans were typically selfish and arrogant, but they often concealed their true nature behind a facade of morality.

Therefore, the ancient demon was curious about the scope of Murong Lin’s schemes.

Unbeknownst to him, as he immersed himself in the river, he failed to notice the final glance Murong Lin cast toward the lake’s surface—a gaze brimming with unspoken greed.

Translator’s note

The amount of times I had to type out the words, ‘Tiger-faced Verdant Dragon Python’ during this arc gave me a stroke.

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