109.1 - All Eyes Are On The Peasant Family’ Adorable Baby Girl

Chapter 109: The Demon King "The esteemed leader, the Grand Elder requests your presence at Mirror Lake. All the major demon kings are waiting for you there." Shen Su had just stepped out of the fox's den when she bumped into Hu Si Lian. Hu Si Lian had hurried over, with his clothes slightly stained with some dark black liquid, which emitted a strange odor. He noticed the unpleasant smell and frowned, but did not pay it any further attention. He looked at Shen Su, wanting to say something but hesitated, his expression growing solemn. Seeing Hu Si Lian's troubled face, Shen Su asked, "Has something happened?" Unlike Hu San Bai, Hu Si Lian was an honest fox. Once Shen Su inquired, he couldn't keep anything from her and spilled everything he knew. It wasn't really that something had gone wrong, but some demons were skeptical about Shen Su's identity. To be precise, while they weren't necessarily disbelieving, as Hu San Bai guessed, they were reluctant to accept a new master for Mirror Lake and thus denied Shen Su's identity outright. Shen Su had anticipated that things wouldn't go smoothly. Yan Bi Mountain was vast, and there were too many demons with differing thoughts; even if they sought her help, it would be difficult for them to reach a consensus immediately. Shen Su asked calmly, "Do they not want the water from Mirror Lake?" Hu Si Lian frowned and replied, "The Grand Elder said they might be trying to make things difficult for you, to test you or even intimidate you. If you become fearful, they won't obey you even if you become the leader in the future. They are willing to bestow blessings, but only if you make them swear an oath, so each clan owes you a favor. They are not too keen on that." Shen Su understood. Hu San Bai had guessed the demons' intentions for her. Helping the fox clan deal with the Fox Jade sisters had not been in vain. But understanding the demons' calculations made Shen Su find it slightly amusing. "Scare me? Do I look that easy to intimidate?" Hu Si Lian lowered his gaze, wiping some nervous sweat, and responded, "My lady, you do look rather young." Shen Su touched her still youthful face and the smile on her lips grew more ambiguous. "Chief Hu, let's head over then. On the way, tell me which major demons are most strongly against my proposal." Hu Si Lian didn’t hesitate and began to lead the way. After a few steps, he remembered to turn back and ask Shen Su, "Given that it's for the blessings for that lady, shouldn’t you bring her along?" Wei Nan Yi? The journey was dangerous. Although confident in her bloodline, Shen Su dared not take Wei Nan Yi into such dangers. Besides, Wei Nan Yi's identity was special, and it would be troublesome if the demons recognized her. Shen Su had just offended Wei Nan Yi; it was better to finish the matter, apologize properly to Wei Nan Yi afterwards, and then take her to receive the blessings. With this decision in her heart, Shen Su said, "No need, I'll go alone." Just as she intended to follow Hu Si Lian outside, a soft, plaintive voice called out from behind, "Xiao Su." Shen Su stiffened and turned slowly to see Wei Nan Yi, veiled lightly, looking at her with ink-stained eyes filled with grievance. "Are you leaving me alone again?" Unsure if Wei Nan Yi had lingering fears from the events at the Valley of Immortality, Shen Su was now going for a negotiation, not a mortal mission. Yet, Wei Nan Yi acted as if it were a matter of life and death. If Shen Su stepped out now, she feared Wei Nan Yi would see her as heartless. Though they were not truly lovers. Feeling a bit exasperated, Shen Su stretched out her hand toward Wei Nan Yi. "Lady, you’re not angry with me anymore?" Wei Nan Yi placed her hand in Shen Su’s palm, casting a sidelong, light glance at her, voice still tinged with grievance. "Can you promise not to have such thoughts again?" She was pleading with Shen Su, but Shen Su couldn't make such a promise. If her heart were controllable, her emotions wouldn't have spiraled out of control so tragically. Mirror Lake lay deep within Yan Bi Mountain. To hasten the journey, Hu Si Lian transformed into his fox form, a golden-furred fox, to carry them deeper into the mountain. Along the way, Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi learned about the current situation from Hu Si Lian. There were eight major demon kings in Yan Bi Mountain, each representing a powerful clan and typically serving as the clan leader, protecting the clan’s cultivation resources. If a demon king's position was usurped, it meant that the clan’s resources would significantly shrink, so those who fought for the position were often the clan’s most ruthless fighters, regardless of their cultivation level. The clan elders held significant influence second only to the clan leaders, often wise and experienced seniors providing counsel. The ones arranging the meeting with Shen Su were the clan leaders and elders, so Hu Si Lian would only escort Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi up to Mirror Lake and wouldn’t participate in the negotiations. Even though he was in the Transcendence stage, his opinions were beyond his purview, as only the most influential members of each clan could attend. The former demon king of the Fox Clan was Hu Cai, known for her strength and decisiveness. During her reign, Hu San Bai only needed to support her, a period marking the peak of the Fox Clan, placing them in the top three in Yan Bi Mountain. After Hu Cai’s disappearance, Hu San Bai requested the aged former clan leader to reclaim the demon king's position, but he lacked the same fierceness, causing the Fox Clan to fall from the top three. Currently, the top three powers in Yan Bi Mountain were the Bear, Tiger, and Wolf Clans. The strongest opposition to Shen Su’s proposal came from these three clans. The Tiger Clan’s current demon king and clan leader, Yu Jing, once descended the mountain with Hu Cai to assassinate Jiang Xu. Having coveted Jiang Xu's bloodline then, he likely wouldn’t dismiss Shen Su now. The Tiger Clan’s elder, Su Su, was Yu Jing’s father, staunchly supporting whatever his son decided. The Wolf Clan’s king and leader, Ye Huan, had a great relationship with Yu Jing, akin to brothers in bond, naturally siding with Yu Jing. The Wolf Clan’s elder, Jiu Cui, was Ye Huan’s aunt, also likely to share his stance. The Bear Clan had always been the most powerful force in Yan Bi Mountain, innately skilled in slaughter. Despite their small numbers, they recruited many smaller demons, making them the largest clan. Their demon king and clan leader, Cen Yin, hadn’t explicitly opposed Shen Su’s proposal, but their elder, Suo Li, reacted fiercely. Suo Li held a personal grudge against Jiang Xu, now dead, but he seemingly transferred this grudge to Shen Su and, with the Bear Clan's violent nature, wasn't willing to serve under anyone. Hence, Suo Li believed Yan Bi Mountain needed only eight clans, not a leader. Suo Li was Cen Yin’s uncle, and Cen Yin deeply respected Suo Li’s decisions. The remaining five clans included the Fox, Water, Sheep, Bird, and Insect Clans. The Fox Clan, familiar to Shen Su, was currently leaderless with the former demon king being Hu Jin Jin, who speculated the next leader would be Hu Rou’s child, with Hu San Bai currently calling the shots as the Grand Elder. The Sheep Clan, as mentioned before, had their elder Gui Cang declare the drying of Mirror Lake due to the new lord's disapproval of Yan Bi Mountain’s demons. Gui Cang was unique in Yan Bi Mountain, with a relatively low cultivation level, yet highly respected by the demon kings for his ability to foresee destiny. Their current leader was Zhu Xian Er, the weakest among the demon kings, but the Sheep Clan wasn’t the weakest clan, thanks to Gui Cang. Zhu Xian Er was Gui Cang’s granddaughter, sharing his beliefs. When Gui Cang foresaw a new lord for Mirror Lake, they advocated submission to destiny and recognized Shen Su, being willing to make a deal with her. The last three clans didn’t share a unified bloodline and were quite eccentric. The Water Clan’s demon king and leader was Duo Que, an octopus fond of spraying black ink and mischievously dirtying others. His stance on the issue was vague. Their elder, Duo Wo, a large-headed fish with two brains, wasn’t particularly intelligent. The Bird Clan’s demon king and leader, Wu Xiu, a crow, had the ability to curse, often resulting in her saying little to avoid accidentally casting misfortune. Their elder, Heng Ran, a white peacock, deeply believed in destiny and thus supported Gui Cang’s words, favoring Shen Su’s recognition as the new lord. The Demon King and Clan Leader of the Insect Clan, Le Xian, was a bloodthirsty, arrogant spider who particularly loved eating humans, making him unsuitable for close association. The Grand Elder, Yan Xiao, was a butterfly, and due to the opposing nature of their positions in the food chain, the Clan Leader and Grand Elder of the Insect Clan did not have a good relationship. If one supported Shen Su, the other would certainly oppose her. After hearing Hu Si Lian’s detailed account of the complicated dynamics within Yan Bi Mountain, Shen Su realized that her breakthrough point should be Cen Yin from the Bear Clan. Though Suo Li held a grudge against Jing Qin, he ultimately wasn’t the clan leader. The person whose word truly mattered was Cen Yin. Cen Yin respected her uncle Suo Li deeply, which put her at odds with Shen Su. However, Cen Yin personally had no animosity toward Shen Su and likely did not covet Shen Su’s bloodline due to her own formidable strength. But that was uncertain too. Recalling the black bear demon in the forbidden area, Shen Su felt the situation would need careful consideration. If none of the three strongest factions in Yan Bi Mountain supported her, Shen Su would face significant difficulties. She rubbed her palms together, pushing down the subtle anxiety rising within her. Wei Nan Yi, standing beside Shen Su, whispered, "Xiao Su, Jiu Cui probably doesn't share the sentiments of her nephew. She doesn’t like him." Shen Su blinked curiously, "Does the lady know her?" "We’ve dealt with each other." The light and casual response puzzled Hu Si Lian. In his eyes, Wei Nan Yi was just a Qi Condensation stage cultivator, veiled so that her beauty remained unseen, let alone her identity recognized. He thought such a lowly cultivator couldn’t possibly have interacted with Jiu Cui. Before he could voice his doubts, they arrived at Mirror Lake. A barrier had been set outside Mirror Lake, with the clans' guardian elders standing by. Upon seeing Shen Su, they laughed heartily, "Si Lian, is this our new master? She looks pretty, but seems rather weak. Unlike the mighty Jing Qin!" Shen Su ignored their mocking voices, holding Wei Nan Yi's hand while her nerves heightened at the sight of the barrier. Recalling the items stored in her finger-ring, she calculated the chances of escaping with Wei Nan Yi through the barrier. Overwhelmed by a moment's confusion, even her courage faltered. It was Wei Nan Yi who held onto her and guided them through the path Hu Si Lian opened into the barrier. As they entered, Shen Su saw a huge dry lake basin, devoid of a single drop of water and lifeless. There was no sign of life in the area. The pit was surrounded by many individuals, who displayed various expressions upon seeing Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi. They did not approach Shen Su, and she reciprocated their indifference while assessing them. The only familiar face to Shen Su was Hu San Bai. Beside Hu San Bai stood an elderly white-haired fox, hunched over with a slight gaze at Shen Su, and a light cough. That must be the current Fox Clan demon king, Hu Jin Jin. Upon hearing Hu Jin Jin's cough, a middle-aged man beside him hooked his shoulder, laughed lowly, eyes full of mockery, "Old fox, what's the point of this? Even if you manage to live another hundred or thousand years, your Fox Clan won’t have another with both stealth and berserk abilities. If you can't hold out any longer, why not die and spare us? I wouldn’t mind helping you out. I could eat you, which would at least make your death useful for my breakthrough and I might show some mercy to your fox offspring." With a "king" character glowing on his forehead and amber eyes glittering, the man was clearly someone dangerous. Another, younger man beside him stared fixedly at Shen Su since her arrival, licking his fangs menacingly whenever she looked his way. These two must be Su Su and Yu Jing from the Tiger Clan. Neither seemed like good people. Shen Su grew concerned about Hu Jin Jin's wellbeing. In just a blink, Hu Jin Jin disappeared from Su Su’s grasp and reappeared beside Shen Su, raising an arm to block a burly figure that had somehow gotten close. With white hair fluttering in the wind, Hu Jin Jin coldly regarded the man, "Suo Li, what do you intend to do?" Suo Li sneered, licking his teeth, "Old fox, afraid I might eat you?" Being from the Bear Clan, he was naturally more fearsome, towering over Hu Jin Jin with a presence far more intimidating, his sharp, blackened teeth looking menacing. If not for Hu Jin Jin’s intervention, Shen Su could have been bitten through the neck. Hu Jin Jin let out a soft cough, standing firm before Suo Li, "I fear your niece, not you." Suo Li’s face darkened as he glanced towards a dark-skinned but strikingly beautiful woman in black standing by the pit. She noticed his gaze and shrugged helplessly, "Uncle, I indeed can best the old fox, but even I can’t catch him. You know their inherent stealth abilities. Even an immortal might not detect an old fox at his level. If he resorts to guerrilla tactics, I would have a hard time. Uncle, let’s not fight. If he takes the bloodline of Master Jing Qin and escapes, what then?" Cen Yin, with her sumptuous looks and pleasant demeanor, was an unlikely candidate for the strongest among the eight demon kings. Hu Jin Jin, unwavering, turned gentle eyes towards Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi, "I've been briefed by San Bai about the clan matters. If negotiations fail, I'll take you away. I can’t defeat them all, but they can’t stop me." Seeing Hu Jin Jin herself made Shen Su understand why Hu San Bai was so desperate for a child. Bloodline indeed provided great confidence. The stronger the cultivation, the stronger the innate abilities. If Hu Rou could traverse the forbidden area at the Nascent Soul stage, Hu Jin Jin’s capabilities were unthinkable. Stealth and rage were survival pillars for the Fox Clan. Suo Li huffed in displeasure and withdrew to Cen Yin's side. Just as Shen Su anticipated, no matter how aggressive or resentful Suo Li was, Cen Yin was the decision-maker. Su Su, who had been threatening Hu Jin Jin, retracted his empty hand and cynically remarked, "Old fox, you won’t live forever. Your fox offspring might not fare well once you’re gone." Hu Jin Jin lowered his hand, his aged bones cradling beneath the sleeve, slightly curled, "So I need to keep living." The life expectancy of demon cultivators differed from human cultivators. Their aging process would continue until their life essence was exhausted, unlike humans who could halt aging at certain stages with longevity pills. Given Hu Jin Jin’s cultivation and condition, he might be far older than they realized. Hu San Bai stood by Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi, smiling, "Our Fox Clan affairs are beyond your concern. Even if we fall by your hands, that's for the future." It seemed Hu San Bai had concealed Hu Rou's return to the Fox Clan. Understandable, given her current vulnerable state, making her an easy target for these demons. With Hu Jin Jin as backup, Shen Su felt slightly reassured. Though Su Su and Yu Jing were overtly hostile, not every demon shared that animosity towards Shen Su. "Esteemed leader," a young girl in a blue dress called out, running towards Shen Su. Her braided hair, decorated with silver bells, jingled softly as she moved. Hu Jin Jin did not stop the girl as she ran to Shen Su. Her neck adorned with soft sheep wool revealed her identity. She was Zhu Xian Er, the youngest of the demon kings and clan leader of the Sheep Clan. Zhu Xian Er raised her snow-white wrist and touched her forehead, "Esteemed leader, our Sheep Clan is willing to swear an oath and bless you. However, why do you need the blessing? Do understand that receiving our blessing will dilute your bloodline." Clearly, Hu San Bai hadn’t fully informed these demon kings. The blessing was intended for Wei Nan Yi. Zhu Xian Er’s bright eyes sparkled like stars, her face radiant like spring flowers, showing no ill intentions. Hu Si Lian had already mentioned the Sheep Clan's support. Shen Su smiled back, "The blessing is for the lady." Zhu Xian'er and her companions had heard Hu San Bai describe Shen Su’s appearance. Upon Shen Su's arrival, they had focused on examining her. It was only when Shen Su mentioned Wei Nan Yi that they divided their attention. Curious, Zhu Xian'er blinked her odd-colored eyes. "But she clearly is human." "Xian'er." An elderly, raspy voice spoke up. Zhu Xian'er immediately covered her ears. "I know, I know, Xian'er knows to follow the mandate of heaven, to not ask what shouldn’t be asked, and to especially not inquire about what the leader doesn’t want to reveal." Shen Su turned to the elderly man who had spoken. He wasn’t as aged as Hu Jin Jin, but his long white beard, which he lightly stroked, gave him an air of profound wisdom. He seemed satisfied with Zhu Xian'er’s understanding and smiled at Shen Su. "Esteemed Leader, our Sheep Clan is willing to recognize you as our new lord." Suo Li's brows furrowed, rage hinting in his eyes. "Old goat, who said she was our leader?" Gui Cang rarely engaged in arguments, but he was very stubborn. Twisting his beard, his voice was calm, "Heaven’s will cannot be wrong." Upon hearing the term "Heaven’s will," a beauty standing closest to Gui Cang giggled softly and, upon turning to Shen Su, her gaze held newfound respect. "Grandfather Goat says so, then our Bird Clan will support the new lord." Her eyelids were white, and as they fluttered, they left white shadows, giving her a unique beauty. A woman in a black robe standing beside her, seemingly about to voice her opposition, was promptly silenced as the white-lashed beauty pounced on her, covering her mouth with a smile. "I know, the clan leader shares my thoughts. But it's best if you remain silent." The black-robed woman shook her head repeatedly, but her mouth was firmly covered, unable to make a sound. Recognizing the duo, Shen Su realized the white-lashed beauty was the Bird Clan’s Grand Elder, Bai Kongque Heng Ran, and the black-robed woman, the Bird Clan’s leader, the black crow Wu Xiu. Everything was as Hu Si Lian described: Heng Ran believed in fate and thus aligned with Gui Cang. Wu Xiu might not be naturally taciturn, but Heng Ran simply didn’t allow her to speak. Su Su’s harsh gaze swept over Heng Ran, and he provocatively said, "Wu Xiu, who’s the real leader in your clan? Have you no authority to speak anymore?" Heng Ran’s white eyelashes fluttered lightly, a hint of menace in her eyes. "Fine, I'll let her speak. But bear the consequences, Su Su." Yu Jing, who had been eyeing Shen Su, suddenly snapped his focus toward the exchanging voices, his bloodthirsty gaze settling on Heng Ran. "How dare you disrespect my father?" Transforming into a white blur, Yu Jing disappeared and reappeared behind Heng Ran in a blink. His broad palm became a tiger’s claw, and he swiped it fiercely towards her. With a loud "bang," the tiger's claw struck not Heng Ran but collided with a black wing. Wu Xiu, at some undetermined point, had spread her wings wide, shielding Heng Ran and herself. Her black eyes emitted a faint gray light, her voice emerging with a unique solemnity. "Yu Jing, she’s over three thousand years older than you, a senior. Don’t fear retribution?" Wu Xiu's voice carried an eerie solemnity, reminiscent of a distant shaman's prayer. At her words, Yu Jing flinched, instinctively raising his arm to shield his head. "Boom!" Even within the barrier, a lightning bolt struck Yu Jing, lifting a layer of burnt skin from his arm, revealing charred flesh. He was literally struck by lightning. Stunned by the scene, Shen Su involuntarily glanced at Wu Xiu's lips. She hadn’t even seen it, but another demon laughed, "Foolish tiger." Zhu Xian'er, the weakest among the eight demon kings, openly laughed, unafraid of angering Yu Jing. Her uninhibited smile provoked him, and he abandoned his conflict with the Crow’s Curse to pounce on her. Yet, as he reached her, her body dissipated into smoke before reappearing beside Heng Ran. She pouted, hands on hips, "Elder Heng Ran, pretty as you are, you're just three days younger than my grandfather. How can you call him Grandfather Goat?" Heng Ran arrogantly lifted her chin, "He looks old, and I look young." Infuriated, Zhu Xian'er moved to scratch Heng Ran's pretty face, but Yu Jing shifted the moment she lunged. Zhu Xian'er sighed, again dissipating into smoke, leaving Yu Jing grasping at thin air, met only by Heng Ran's teasing gaze. "Yu Jing, being strong means little if you can’t catch a sheep." This time, Zhu Xian'er reappeared behind Gui Cang, shrinking back pitifully. "Grandfather, he's bullying me." For all Yu Jing’s efforts, he hadn’t touched her, making her claim of being bullied all the more absurd. Seeing Yu Jing on the verge of rage, Gui Cang intervened, "Yu Jing, we’re here to discuss matters with the Leader, not for you to quarrel." Yu Jing wanted to lash out but was halted by a young man who hooked an arm around his shoulder. "Let it go, Brother Bai Hu. Zhu Xian’er's ability lets her appear anywhere she’s left her aura on a living being. To kill her, you’d have to destroy all living things here, plants included—which would be pointless. She's just a little girl, laughing at you." The young man's nape bore fine, wolfish fur. He was Yu Jing’s good friend, the Wolf Clan’s demon king and leader, Ye Huan. Shen Su understood. In Yan Bi Mountain, the eight demon kings were ranked by their prowess in slaughter, but the lower-ranked kings couldn’t be easily killed by the higher-ranked. Each king had unique abilities to ensure survival against the strongest, allowing the eight to coexist. Hence, Jing Qin's power must significantly suppressed Hu Cai’s bloodline, ensuring survival even while injured. Following Ye Huan was his aunt, Jiu Cui, whose gaze wasn't on Shen Su but on Wei Nan Yi, full of interest. In a flash, Jiu Cui materialized before Wei Nan Yi, moving so fast that even Hu Jin Jin couldn’t stop her. Fortunately, Shen Su’s quick reaction propelled her bloodline to emit an overwhelming power as the markings of Jing Qin appeared on her, deflecting Jiu Cui’s hand that had reached for Wei Nan Yi’s veil. "I think I've seen you before," Jiu Cui smiled, her hand landing gently on Wei Nan Yi’s shoulder. Upon contact, myriad tiny lightning snakes penetrated Jiu Cui’s palm, causing her to retract it in pain. As she pulled back, the lightning snakes within her hand exploded, leaving her hand a bloody mess. Surprised, Jiu Cui glanced at her injured hand, lost in contemplation. Shen Su, equally shocked, couldn’t fathom Wei Nan Yi’s sudden power. Seeing her confusion, Wei Nan Yi explained, "When I arrived, Xiao Tong gave me the bead. She suppressed its consciousness, so it wouldn't attack me but would strike anyone intending to harm us." Ruan Tong’s innate ability of absolute perception had detected Hu Si Lian’s approach as Shen Su spoke, indicating it wasn’t just Wei Nan Yi eavesdropping but their whole group. Ruan Tong and the others wanted to come but were deterred by the power of the Yan Bi Mountain demon kings. Rather than insisting on following, they entrusted Wei Nan Yi with the thunder bead. Had Ah Ling managed the ice bead as well, Wei Nan Yi could have brought both. Now spotting the thin string around Wei Nan Yi’s neck, Shen Su inferred it held the thunder bead. She marveled at Ruan Tong’s ability to suppress the bead’s consciousness. It truly belonged to her, behaving far better in her hands than those of the male protagonist. The sudden twist made every demon present warier. Ye Huan’s hand trembled, releasing his grip on Yu Jing, dashing to Jiu Cui’s side. "Aunt, are you alright?" Jiu Cui’s palm healed at a visible pace, and she responded coolly, "Looks like her eyes, but too ruthless." This unexpected turn left Shen Su and all other demons in a contemplative silence. Shen Su realized that Jiu Cui probably recognized Wei Nan Yi but doubted her identity since the thunder bead had injured her instantly. The Wei Nan Yi she knew was a lofty goddess, soft-hearted and certainly not one to carry such an offensive spiritual artifact, let alone act aggressively without a word. Yet, the current Wei Nan Yi would. Jiu Cui’s hesitation was good news. Wei Nan Yi had no shortage of enemies in Yan Bi Mountain; Yu Jing, who once assassinated Jing Qin and was beaten into retreat by Wei Nan Yi, surely bore a grudge. If Wei Nan Yi’s identity were exposed, obtaining the blessing would become much more difficult. Looking at Yu Jing, Shen Su suddenly took off the Full Star Jade she wore around her neck and discreetly placed it around Wei Nan Yi’s neck. She did not want the demons to see Wei Nan Yi’s power surge unpredictably. Just after Shen Su finished placing the jade, Hu San Bai, acting as peacekeeper, interjected, "Everyone, shouldn’t we get to business?" He pointed at the empty lake pit, and even Yu Jing and his father’s expressions changed. "Esteemed Leader, perhaps you should restore the water in Mirror Lake." This time, it was the Water Clan’s Grand Elder, Duo Wo, with his two heads on a single body, making him easily recognizable, who spoke. With a subtle turn of her fingertip, Shen Su produced a small water column from her index finger and lightly shook her head, "You need to first give me what I want: the blessing and the oath. After all, you are all powerful demon kings, and I am just a small cultivator at the Golden Core stage. Without your oath, how can I trust that once I restore the water, you will keep your promise?" Duo Wo opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the Water Clan’s leader, the octopus Duo Que, chimed in, "It’s easy for you to demand blessings and oaths. What if you break your promise afterward?" Puffing his cheeks, he spat a mouthful of black ink at Shen Su’s clean white clothes. "Damned octopus," Hu San Bai cursed under his breath, his tail emerging to slap the ink back. Duo Que remained calm, with a mere touch spreading the ink around, splattering black droplets equally among all the demons present, eliciting numerous irritated curses. Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi also got some black ink on them. Frowning, Shen Su swirled her palm, washing the ink off Wei Nan Yi and herself with streams of clean water, even eliminating the odor. Hu San Bai, trying to curry favor, extended his ink-stained fox tail with a few flattering laughs. He detested the ink-spitting octopus. While cleaning Hu San Bai’s tail, Shen Su addressed the demons with a cool tone, "I am weak, with minimal innate ability, only capable of small tasks like this. Killing me is easy for you. I don’t have the power to break promises, so you can be assured." The air filled with a fragrant aroma of spiritual water. The droplets cleansing Hu San Bai’s tail were unmistakably from Mirror Lake. Washing a tail with Mirror Lake water was a rare luxury, stirring envy in the eyes of the demon kings. "Esteemed Leader, rest assured, I will make the oath and give the blessing immediately." Hu San Bai was eager to bless Shen Su in front of the other demon kings. Without hesitation, he and Hu Jin Jin exchanged a look, simultaneously extending their hands towards Wei Nan Yi, saying, "With my blessing, I wish you safety." After blessing her, they also swore an oath, pledging a favor to Shen Su on behalf of the Fox Clan. With the Fox Clan setting an example, Gui Cang naturally approached next. Before he reached Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi, Yu Jing’s eerily calm voice sounded, "You are unlike Jing Qin. You lack her backbone. Don’t you feel embarrassed to be so weak, carrying her bloodline?" Shen Su, who had cultivated to the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage in twenty years and was on the verge of breaking through, didn’t let this get to her. While inwardly grumbling, Shen Su didn’t intend to respond. However, at that moment, her blood surged, as if it wanted to burst from her body. Her bloodline screamed, howled, and longed to use Yu Jing’s life to atone for the deceased. It was Jing Qin’s lingering obsession in her bloodline. With a heavy heart, Shen Su forced a faint smile, showing no hatred, "I indeed am not as strong as my ancestor." Her airy tone thwarted Yu Jing’s provocation. Lazily stretching, Cen Yin at the lake pit's edge, her dark, supple skin peeking from her sleeves, smiled and said, "Blessing, is it? I’ll start." Striding to Shen Su, Cen Yin didn't immediately approach Wei Nan Yi but looked at Shen Su with a smile. As Shen Su pondered her intent, Cen Yin’s voice echoed in her mind. "You’ve been to the forbidden area, haven't you? There’s no need to deny. I smell my father's demonic core on you. You killed him and consumed his core?" Shen Su’s heart pounded, the pressure building. What could she say? She never expected that black bear demon to be Cen Yin’s father. Yet, Cen Yin wasn’t here for revenge. "He was a traitor to our clan. He escaped to the forbidden area but died by your hands. You probably owe your survival to Shen Yiwen and Jiang Rui Ping’s connection, confirming the rumors of Jiang Rui Ping’s portal in the Valley of Isolation. I am curious how you, with your cultivation, survived the ordeal. Did Jiang Rui Ping accompany you?" Each of Cen Yin’s guesses tightened Shen Su’s nerves, but Cen Yin, true to her word, declared, "You killed him, so I owe you. This blessing is your due." She spoke her thoughts aloud, emitting a breath, and reached out to Wei Nan Yi. With more than half the demon kings bestowing blessings, Duo Que impatiently said, "Then it’s enough now." Shen Su looked at Duo Que, who prematurely urged her without offering his blessing. "From the start, I asked for every clan above the Golden Core stage’s blessing." "You’re demanding too much!" Duo Que protested, but Hu San Bai, mockingly smug, raised his tail before Shen Su. "Our Fox Clan’s Golden Core cultivators await outside the barrier." Despite seeming coerced, the fox maintained a proud demeanor. Duo Que sneered, "Bootlicker." With the Sheep Clan sending for their Golden Core cultivators and the Bird Clan leader silenced by her Grand Elder, they too began their inventory of Golden Core cultivators, and Cen Yin ultimately acquiesced, "Very well." As Cen Yin agreed to the excessive demand, even Suo Li couldn’t hold back, "Cen Yin," "Uncle, follow heaven's will," replied Cen Yin, her gaze cold. When Suo Li didn’t budge, her lips pressed together in a stern line. "Will you defy me?" Her words carried a mix of challenge and threat, causing Suo Li’s defiant aura to falter. "I’ll arrange for our Golden Core cultivators to be counted." With Yan Bi Mountain's strongest clans compliant, the Insect Clan, initially silent, also began their count. Jiu Cui, squinting slightly, placed her healed hand on Ye Huan’s shoulder. "You also count our Golden Core cultivators." Ye Huan asked cluelessly, "Aunt, are we following heaven's will too?" "Fate, huh," Jiu Cui chuckled, glancing at Cen Yin. "Just going with the flow." Cultivation is about flowing with the strong. Finally, the Water Clan sent for their Golden Core cultivators, leaving only the isolated Tiger Clan duo. Ye Huan patted Yu Jing’s shoulder, "Brother Bai Hu, go with the flow." "Understood," Yu Jing coolly replied, his cold eyes flitting to Cen Yin. If not for this woman’s last-minute betrayal, Shen Su's negotiation wouldn’t have succeeded. Shen Su recognized Cen Yin’s pivotal role in her successful negotiation. As the blessings continued, Shen Su gradually got pushed away from Wei Nan Yi’s side. With her bloodline, receiving the powerful blessings could taint it. As the sounds of blessings echoed through the barrier, Shen Su approached Cen Yin, offering a solemn thanks, "Thank you." Cen Yin smiled, her expression unreadable, leaving Shen Su pondering her motivations. Then, pulling away from the gathering crowd, Shen Su prepared herself for the next stages of this intricate power play. Cen Yin glanced at Shen Su, her eyes revealing a hint of surprise. "You really are different from Jing Qin." But soon, the sigh at her lips turned into a series of laughs, bitter and self-deprecating. "I should be thanking you. You killed my inner demon. Personally, I owe you a favor as well. If you need anything from me, just ask." Secret realms, beads... The sudden realization caused a pause in Shen Su’s thoughts. She remembered that in the original novel, Cen Yin was also one of the male protagonist's confidants. Not only Cen Yin, but Zhu Xian'er as well. Although their parts were minor and the emotional connection developed much later and somewhat hastily, they were all ultimately killed by Jiang Xu in the final chapters. Shen Su hadn't considered this aspect until now. She certainly couldn’t ask the protagonist’s confidants within the demon factions to assist her in seizing his treasures. Seeing Shen Su fall silent, Cen Yin grew curious. "You must have something to ask of me. Why hold back now?" "I do, but I’m not sure if the Clan Leader can help." Cen Yin smiled, glancing towards Gui Cang. "Never say never. Old Goat often says that destiny and fate are tied to causality. You killed my inner demon; perhaps one day, you’ll need me to kill yours." She had many inner demons, stemming from all the pain inflicted on Wei Nan Yi. Wei Nan Yi was too good, too easily wounded. Shen Su couldn't help but harbor grudges against those who hurt her, occasionally to a point of obsession. Shen Su looked over at the demons surrounding Wei Nan Yi. With each additional blessing, the veil covering her face fitted more snugly, as if a layer of protection. Wei Nan Yi’s eyes were slightly open, facing towards Shen Su. Her ink-black pupils were flecked with golden mist, imbuing her gaze with softness and compassion. It was as if she had reverted. Back to the loving goddess who cherished all beings. After today, Wei Nan Yi would no longer need Shen Su’s protection. --- All novels on this site are independently uploaded by members. If there is any infringement on your rights, please contact us, and we will remove the content as soon as possible. Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter 筆迷讀 | All Rights Reserved | Site Map