415 - Senior Sister Is on Top
Feng Kai wanted to speak but hesitated. He intended to ask about the timing of the investigation, but seeing the deity lounging comfortably, he decided to hold his tongue. Accepting the divine artifact, he bowed and took his leave. The Qian-Kun Bagua, known as the king of formations, allows anyone wielding it to effortlessly break through the White Tiger Confinement even if they are not skilled in formations. Feng Kai, who had been imprisoned for several months, thought that even someone as powerful as Xunyi would have struggled. But when he opened the confinement, he found the latter sitting cross-legged, enjoying a drink. This was not captivity but a vacation. "General Feng, we meet again." Xunyi was not at all surprised by Feng Kai's arrival. He even patted the seat across from him, smiling, "Care to join me for a drink?" The place was dusty, and Feng Kai found it somewhat repulsive, but remembering the edict, he reluctantly stepped inside. "The Great Elder anticipated my arrival," he said, casting a dust-removal spell that cleaned the surroundings immaculately before sitting down. Xunyi stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Of course. They foolishly believe that by sidelining me, they could rest easy and control the Eastern Territory. They are like frogs at the bottom of a well, ignorant of the vast sky above. Without my influence, they can't stir up any trouble." Although there was an element of arrogance, his words were not entirely without reason. When the Eastern Demon King was alive, Xunyi wielded the greatest power in the Eastern Territory. His control over the military and land far surpassed that of the Azure Dragon Royal Family. After the demon king's death, Xunyi had no rival, almost reigning supreme. Instead of allying with him, they foolishly feared him, losing half their chance of success. But even if they had tried to align with him, Xunyi would not have agreed. His only desire was to unify the demon realm, and as long as the ruler was not an outsider, he didn't care who it was. Since the heavens had decreed a divine emperor, his objective would eventually be fulfilled. Therefore, he instructed his subordinates to stay away from court affairs. When the divine emperor attacked the Eastern Territory, his men did not obstruct. Feng Kai could not understand him, unsure why he suddenly conceded. He took a sip of his drink and placed an edict in front of Xunyi, "The divine emperor recognizes your merits in safeguarding the divine artifact and cleansing the ghostly menace, and bestows upon you the title of Eastern Demon King. Henceforth, you are second only to the emperor." Xunyi narrowed his eyes, "What if I refuse and choose to roam the world as a humble villager?" Feng Kai scoffed, "Death." This wasn't the divine emperor's decision but Feng Kai's and Wen Dai’s own intent. The title of Demon King was meant to pacify Xunyi's forces. Without him in authority, ensuring his subordinates’ compliance would be difficult, and eliminating dissenters would be necessary to maintain stability in the demon realm. Perhaps it was the smoothness of the drink that made Feng Kai continue, “Great Elder, you need to understand that the Eastern Territory requires a symbol, much like Wen Dai. Moreover, with the Ghost Emperor and Demon Emperor plotting, our clan remains in crisis. You are essential in this time of need.” Xunyi laughed upon hearing, “So, the world needs a traitor.” “Very well. As survival depends on it, indeed, I shall be this Demon King,” Xunyi said, refilling his cup. Feng Kai, feeling the weight of the moment, also raised his cup. They toasted each other, downing their drinks with a unified tilt of their heads. “Is the divine emperor still here? I’ll visit him later.” “He resides in the Azure Dragon Palace. Feel free to go.” Chapter 237 “Greetings, Your Highness, the Eastern Demon King requests an audience.” A palace maid hurried inside, immediately kneeling and speaking with respect. Tang Muxi was startled at the title, “Eastern Demon King? Where did an Eastern Demon King come from?” As she spoke, her head received a gentle but reprimanding tap. “Have you forgotten? A few days ago, when General Feng came to request the divine artifact, didn’t you personally draft and issue the decree, bestowing the title of Eastern Demon King upon Xunyi?” Jiang Yin reminded her. Only then did Tang Muxi recall, scratching her nose in embarrassment, “I must have momentarily forgotten.” She then turned to the palace maid, “Announce his presence...wait, let him wait for a moment longer.” The maid, puzzled by the instruction, wondered what the extra moment would accomplish. Despite her confusion, she accepted the order respectfully and withdrew. What can be done in a moment? At the very least, it allows for dressing and freshening up. With Feng Kai and Wen Dai frequently visiting to report, Tang Muxi had grown accustomed to a life of leisure due to the lessening of official duties. Her only work disappearing entirely, she lived a relaxed, lazy life. She slept early, rose late, and could wallow in bed for twelve hours straight if not for her cultivation that eliminated the need for sustenance. Even now, in the afternoon, it was hard to believe the revered divine emperor was still in bed, not having eaten. Fortunately, they no longer needed food to survive. Tang Muxi, about to meet this influential “Demon King” for the first time, felt a bit nervous. After quickly dressing and refreshing herself, she even begged Jiang Yin to apply a proper, solemn light makeup. Jiang Yin, finding it troublesome, knew that no matter how much her sister disguised herself, it would be pointless. She casually dusted a bit of rouge and eyebrow pencil on her. “Why does it seem like nothing’s changed?” Tang Muxi examined herself in the mirror, finding no discernible difference. Jiang Yin cleared his throat, “Sister, your noble status and divine power, coupled with your striking eyes and white hair, give you a natural dignity. Overdoing it would be counterproductive.” His words, though cleverly phrased, were only partly true. Her sister’s nobility was not imposing but charmingly gentle. Despite not being able to conceal her eye and hair color, she resembled an elegant princess rather than an imposing ruler. Tang Muxi, unaware of being humored, thought it over and found the reasoning sound. She stopped worrying and went to sit formally in the outer hall, maintaining a serious demeanor. Jiang Yin stood by, unable to suppress a chuckle.