NOVPUB……
"Ah, it's you, you shameless old man!" The Qinghuang Demon Emperor recognized Long Chang, and anger flared in his sharp phoenix eyes. "You dared to extract a top-grade spiritual vein near our Ten Thousand Saints Kingdom's territory, and after I stopped you, you still had the nerve to speak rudely. Who else should I hit if not you?"
Shameless old man? Speaking rudely?
Wang Shouzhe and the Chaoyang King both cast suspicious glances at Emperor Longchang. Could it be that this old fellow was flirting with the Qinghuang Demon Emperor because she was pretty?
Given His Majesty's shameless character, it wouldn't be surprising if he actually did it.
As far as Shouzhe knew, when he was young, he even peeked at the Empress bathing and shamelessly denied it when caught.
"Hey, hey! What's with those looks?" Emperor Longchang protested with a dark face. "I've been an emperor for thousands of years. What kind of beautiful woman haven't I seen? Is it necessary?"
That was true.
Wang Shouzhe's expression softened, and he cupped his hands in apology to Longchang, "I misunderstood Your Majesty this time."
"Forget it, forget it. I'm used to being misunderstood by you, so I can't be bothered to argue." Emperor Longchang waved his hand with authority. "I did notice the Qinghuang Demon Emperor's pure bloodline. If we brought her back as a concubine for Shouzhe, she might produce descendants with even more outstanding wood-type talents, contributing to the improvement of the human bloodline."
"Who would have thought that when I casually mentioned it, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor not only didn't appreciate it but even attacked me! Hmph, it's lucky I didn't have my Canglong Sword with me, or I'd have taught that ungrateful demoness a lesson. Shouzhe, I was doing this for your own good, and for the future of humanity."
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness~~
Wang Shouzhe broke out in a cold sweat.
No wonder the Qinghuang Demon Emperor wanted to hit someone. If it weren't for the fact that he couldn't beat Longchang, even he would want to give this old man a thrashing. Why don't you contribute to humanity's future yourself?
However, the Chaoyang King seemed intrigued by the idea and nodded, "Longchang's words aren't without reason. Although I don't fully understand how powerful Shouzhe's bloodline is, the fact that he can heal my injuries is unique. If there's a chance to cultivate excellent wood-type phoenix bloodline descendants, or even a whole clan, it would greatly benefit the entire human race."
Human-demon hybrids have never been uncommon throughout history. Even now, humans like Ji Yue'er, who exhibit atavistic traits, appear from time to time, and people are no longer surprised.
As they spoke, the Chaoyang King began to appraise the Qinghuang Demon Emperor with a peculiar gleam in her eyes, as if ready to capture, no, capture the phoenix at any moment.
Wang Shouzhe was sweating bullets and hadn't had time to object when he heard the Qinghuang Demon Emperor's furious roar, "To think this demon emperor would submit to this human Great Demon King is pure delusion. I'd rather die than comply."
As she spoke, a majestic aura surged from the Qinghuang Demon Emperor, and wood-type spiritual energy erupted, enveloping the two chubby birds, Leaving Fire and Yuanshui, along with Cui'er beside her.
At the same time, she raised her hand, and a phantom claw flashed, creating a dark spatial rift behind her.
In the next instant, with a flash of green, her figure vanished into the spatial rift.
"Trying to escape in front of me?!" The Chaoyang King's eyes shone brightly, and with a wave of her sleeve, a spatial rift tore open beside her. Her figure flickered and she was the first to chase after, "Yuangang, Longchang, Zhencang, help me catch a concubine for Shouzhe."
"Let's go, Shouzhe, let's go together." Emperor Longchang, as if invigorated, grabbed Wang Shouzhe's arm and tore open space to follow closely.
The reason why Void Realm experts are revered is inseparable from their ability to teleport through space. With this skill, they can strike or retreat on the battlefield, making it impossible to guard against.
However, when another Void Realm expert is watching, escaping with just spatial teleportation is not easy. Tearing space inevitably creates intense spatial fluctuations, and a Void Realm expert can easily follow the teleportation trajectory.
What followed was a relentless pursuit and blockade of the Qinghuang Demon Emperor by the four Void Realm experts.
One must admit, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor dared to venture deep into human territory because of her unique skills. In terms of cultivation, she had already reached the peak of the eleventh tier and was proficient in various escape techniques. Moreover, as a bird, her flight speed far surpassed that of ordinary Void Realm cultivators.
But even though she was formidable, her opponents were four Void Realm experts, one of whom was the renowned female war god of the human race, the Chaoyang King. Her strength was at the seventh level of the Void Realm, placing her among the top human experts.
Throughout her life, she had experienced countless battles, and the number of Void Realm outer region demon kings who had died by her hand was more than a few. Her combat experience far surpassed Jiang Zhencang and Emperor Longchang, who rarely engaged in combat.
Additionally, the Chaoyang King's husband, Yao Yuangang, was no ordinary man. He had spent his life supporting the Chaoyang King, becoming the man behind her, understanding her intentions and working seamlessly with her, making it easy to block the demon.
As a result, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor found herself in a dire situation.
Several times, she was cornered by the four, suffering numerous attacks, and many of her feathers were broken. But she was, after all, a demon emperor with many trump cards, and she managed to escape several times using various secret techniques and powerful moves.
Unknowingly, she had fled far away, eventually reaching the main mountain range of the Six Flat Mountains.
The Six Flat Mountains, a famous transverse mountain range in the southern wilderness, had a majestic and imposing main ridge with countless treacherous peaks, the highest of which was said to be a hundred miles above sea level.
Its branches spread throughout the southern wilderness, even extending into the territory of the Great Qian. The mountain range that ran across the An River, where the Wang's Clan main residence was located, was a branch of the Six Flat Mountains. Ping'an Town got its name from this.
In a nondescript hollow cave beneath the towering mountains.
The Qinghuang Demon Emperor, who had previously transformed into her Qinghuang form to escape, had reverted to her human form, resting against the cave wall with a pale face. The relentless pursuit had nearly drained her energy, and the battles had left her with significant injuries.
"Ancestor! It's all Cui'er's fault. Not only did I fail to help you, but I also dragged you down." Cui'er tearfully wiped the dirt off her face.
It was the first time in her life she felt so helpless.
In the battles between Void Realm experts, she couldn't intervene at all, only able to watch helplessly while holding the two chubby birds, feeling utterly useless.
"It's not your fault; it's those humans who are too ruthless and cunning." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor rested for a moment, her energy slightly recovered, and her complexion improved a bit. "We've already escaped into the main ridge of the Six Flat Mountains. The complex environment here makes it easy to hide and difficult to search, a good place for rest and concealment."
As she spoke, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor cast a caring glance at the two chubby Sky Sparrows. They were huddled in a corner deep in the cave, clearly very nervous and scared.
"Don't be afraid. We're not far from our home, the Ten Thousand Saints Kingdom." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor comforted them gently. "Those humans searching for us won't find us. After a while, I'll take you home."
"Chirp chirp~ chirp chirp." The two chubby birds protested weakly.
Though they were also birds, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor's noble bloodline naturally intimidated them, creating a sense of closeness. However, they had lived with the Wang's Clan people since birth and considered themselves part of the Wang's Clan, having no sense of belonging to the Myriad Demon Nation.
Moreover, they were happily courting by the lake when they were suddenly and inexplicably taken away, which felt like a kidnapping to them!
The Wang's Clan was great~ They lived comfortably there, not needing to hunt for food, just waiting to be fed. Especially the direct descendants' children, who had plenty of delicious treats. Sometimes, just for a petting session, they'd even offer top-grade spiritual grains.
The only downside was the Clan School. The teachers were strict, and if they didn't learn well, they'd get scolded. Once, a teacher even wrote a complaint to their master, Miss Liyao, saying they were unteachable and should be taken to the Holy Land for education.
Fortunately, Huahua was there to take the brunt, so they weren't scolded the most.
"Have you two been spoiled by humans?" Cui'er went over and gave them a flick on the head. "Haven't you heard of human farming? They fatten you up, drink your blood, eat your meat, and make your feathers into clothes and fans!"
"Chirp chirp chirp chirp."
The Leaving Fire Sky Sparrow, with its fiery temper, glared back at Cui'er and chirped in protest.
You're the one who's dumb~ Although we haven't graduated from the elementary Clan School, we're definitely smarter than you, you dumb bird. Ever heard of geometry and algebra? Basic physics, basic chemistry? Poetry appreciation, ancient text recitation, philosophy—do you know any of them?
He, the Leaving Fire Sky Sparrow, was personally hatched by Miss Liyao and even had his bloodline purified, giving him a seventh-tier potential.
Of course, the two Sky Sparrows knew that with their seventh-tier potential, they couldn't keep up with Miss Liyao, who was aiming for True Immortal.
But they could follow other young masters and mistresses in the family. There were so many of them, and they wouldn't lack food.
At worst, they could collect tributes in the elementary Clan School, enough to live comfortably. After all, they were a fifth-tier and a fourth-tier, and in the elementary Clan School, full of Qi Refining Realm kids, they could walk sideways. Many little human brats would eagerly come to hug their legs.
Cui'er couldn't understand what Leaving Fire was chirping, but from its attitude, she knew it wasn't anything good.
She was so angry that her eyebrows furrowed, and her long green hair seemed about to explode. "You two don't know what's good for you. Our ancestor paid a high price to save you. If you keep this attitude, I'll send you back to the human den."
Chirp chirp!
Go ahead, send us back quickly!
The two chubby birds were full of anticipation.
"Cui'er, don't argue with them." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor advised, "They're still young and haven't experienced the harshness of the world. They don't understand how ruthless and terrifying humans can be. Once they return to their clan, their elders will teach them."
"Damn humans, so evil and fierce." Cui'er muttered indignantly, "Especially that Great Demon King Wang Shouzhe, full of wickedness, shamelessly wanting to take our ancestor as a concubine. Hmph, does he deserve it?!"
"Cui'er, silence." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor suddenly became alert. "A divine sense just swept past, probably from that powerful human woman. But don't worry, there are many fierce beasts here, and the chaotic energy will hide us if we conceal our aura well..."
Unfortunately, before she could finish, the two chubby birds suddenly moved.
They flapped their wings, their plump bodies stumbling toward the cave entrance, chirping loudly, "Chirp chirp chirp~~~~ chirp chirp~ chirp chirp chirp~~"
Their cries were as pitiful as could be. Anyone unaware might think they were being horribly mistreated.
"Not good!"
The Qinghuang Demon Emperor's face turned pale.
It was too late to stop them. With such a commotion, how could that powerful human woman not notice?
"You traitors!"
Cui'er was also furious, smoke practically coming out of her ears, and she rushed to grab them back, but the Qinghuang Demon Emperor stopped her.
Sure enough.
Almost instantly, the Chaoyang King's cheerful laughter echoed from the sky, "Qinghuang, you're quite good at hiding. If not for these little ones, you almost fooled me."
Simultaneously, several figures quickly converged from various search lines, and the encirclement was about to close in again.
"Cui'er, take this last Thousand Mile Instant Travel Talisman." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor's expression was extremely serious. "When the fight starts, I'll hold them off as long as I can. Once you teleport away, find a way to return to the Ten Thousand Saints Kingdom and inform Sister Nine Tails and Elder Di Xiu."
"No, Ancestor, let me hold them off, and you escape first." Cui'er was frantic.
"It's useless. Their target is me... Only if I stay will they not put much effort into capturing you." The Qinghuang Demon Emperor said sternly, "Remember, only if you escape alive do I have a chance of being rescued."
"Yes, Ancestor, I understand." Cui'er took the Thousand Mile Instant Travel Talisman with tears in her eyes, no longer hesitating.
As they spoke, the Void Realm experts in the sky each took a position to prevent the Qinghuang Demon Emperor from breaking through.
Void Realm experts usually live long lives, with deep foundations and numerous methods. Even when pushed to the brink, they might pull off a desperate counterattack. Therefore, even if the opponent was at the end of her rope, they couldn't be careless.
"Miss Qinghuang, I advise you to surrender obediently." Emperor Longchang laughed heartily. "Our Shouzhe is handsome, wealthy, and has an excellent bloodline. Becoming his concubine is your fortune."
"Your Majesty..." Wang Shouzhe, sitting on the Kun, followed behind them, speechless, "Can you not sound like a villain? I didn't..."
"Shouzhe, you ungrateful brat, I'm doing this for you!" Emperor Longchang glared at him, interrupting, then continued, "But I'll forgive you this time since you're my creditor. Just stay aside and watch the show. Leave everything to me. You're just a little Purple Mansion Realm; don't get hurt by the aftermath of the big shots' battle."
With that, Emperor Longchang began rubbing his hands excitedly.
He used to enjoy fighting alone, but after spending time with Wang Shouzhe, he increasingly appreciated the joy of outnumbering the opponent.
Little Purple Mansion Realm!?
Wang Shouzhe glanced at him, annoyed.
He thought to himself that if he really used all his means against His Majesty, he could make him suffer.
A dignified Void Realm expert without even a single Dao weapon, with cultivation barely at the peak of the first level—if this were a game, it would be no different from running around naked.
In a daze, another fierce battle began.
During the fight, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor once again revealed her true form.
It was a powerful and beautiful phoenix, with azure-green feathers like carved jade, shimmering in the sunlight. Her massive talons seemed forged from gold and iron, clearly capable of immense destruction.
In battle, her enormous wings blotted out the sky, casually stirring up terrifying energy storms, incredibly fierce.
In comparison, although they had four Void Realm experts, three were in the early stages, and none could match Qinghuang in a one-on-one fight. The Chaoyang King, though in the late stage, couldn't go all out due to her injuries.
Of course, the most important thing was that their side had victory in hand, with no need to risk their lives. They only needed to work together to exhaust the Qinghuang Demon Emperor.
At this moment, a spatial ripple suddenly emanated from the cave, indicating that Cui'er had used the Thousand Mile Instant Travel Talisman to escape.
The Chaoyang King immediately stabilized the situation, "Our target is the Qinghuang Demon Emperor. Don't worry about that little girl who ran away. Even if she returns to the Myriad Demon Nation, it won't matter. The Myriad Demon Nation can't stir up any trouble. If the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor and Di Xiu Demon Emperor dare to act recklessly, I'll personally send a message to the Immortal Dynasty to suppress them."
Truly worthy of being a formidable king of the Immortal Dynasty, her words were domineering. But it was indeed so. Without such confidence, how could they dare to capture the Qinghuang Demon Emperor as a concubine for Wang Shouzhe?
Her words instantly reassured Longchang and Jiang Zhencang.
Then, under the Chaoyang King's command, the four resumed their siege. The Qinghuang Demon Emperor played several more trump cards, but the four old hands neutralized them one by one, and she couldn't stir up any trouble.
That's how battles are. With an absolute advantage and a steady, cautious mindset, it's nearly impossible for the side at a severe disadvantage to turn the tables.
After several struggles, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor was ultimately captured alive.
Afterward, the Chaoyang King skillfully took out a set of high-level soul locks specifically for Void Realm experts, as well as Void Shackles, and even fed the Qinghuang Demon Emperor a Dispersing Essence Sacred Pill, which would scatter her energy for a long time, preventing her from recovering her spiritual energy.
With this comprehensive set of measures, no matter how capable the Qinghuang Demon Emperor was, she couldn't stir up any trouble.
At this point, she had gone from a high and mighty empress to a pitiful and miserable female prisoner.
"Your Highness, you have quite a collection of high-end restraints," Emperor Longchang swallowed with a bit of awe.
"I often roam the outer region battlefield; how could I lack methods for capturing enemies? Capturing a living Void Realm demon king is a great achievement." The Chaoyang King said calmly, "If you like, I can give you a set too."
"No, no." Emperor Longchang's face twitched, quickly changing the subject to Wang Shouzhe, "Shouzhe, to avoid complications and to prevent Rulan from causing trouble when she finds out, why not consummate the marriage tonight and make it a done deal?"
"Your Majesty." Wang Shouzhe was both amused and exasperated, "What do you take me for? Even if I were to take a concubine, I wouldn't do it by force. As the clan leader, if I set a bad example, what will happen when the clan members follow suit?"
"Aren't you doing this for humanity..." Emperor Longchang urged repeatedly.
"Shouzhe makes a good point." The Chaoyang King interrupted, "We're the righteous path of the Immortal Dynasty, not some evil sect of the Demon Dynasty. How about this, Shouzhe, you and Qinghuang have a chat and try to develop some feelings. A marriage without a foundation of feelings isn't stable."
Develop some feelings?
Wang Shouzhe was even more speechless.
You've beaten her to this state, and you want me to chat with her about feelings? How?
Seeing Wang Zongkun looking at him with wide, innocent eyes, as if wanting to ask something, Wang Shouzhe quickly waved two balls of profound energy to block his ears.
Honestly, talking nonsense in front of children, aren't you afraid of setting a bad example?
"Esteemed seniors." Wang Shouzhe sighed inwardly and cupped his hands, "I do have some plans for the Myriad Demon Nation, but I didn't expect them to start so soon. Forget it, let me first have a private conversation with the Qinghuang Demon Emperor to clear up some misunderstandings."
With that, Wang Shouzhe ignored the impulsive and free-spirited Void Realm experts.
If he let them continue, they wouldn't say anything serious.
With a wave of his sleeve, Wang Shouzhe dismounted the Kun, wrapped up the Qinghuang Demon Emperor, and walked into the cave.
The Chaoyang King, like a kind empress dowager, grabbed Wang Zongkun, who was trying to sneak in, with a 'children shouldn't meddle' expression, and thoughtfully set up a barrier at the cave entrance to prevent Longchang, that shameless old fellow, from causing trouble.
Emperor Longchang looked regretful.
Ah~ The Chaoyang King is indeed not cute at all, not leaving him any chance.
Meanwhile.
Inside the cave.
The cave, lacking lighting, was dimly lit, with only strands of light filtering through the barrier at the entrance, casting colorful, bizarre patterns, creating an inexplicably ambiguous atmosphere.
With a wave of his hand, Wang Shouzhe flattened a large blue stone, then placed the Qinghuang Demon Emperor on it, letting her sit as he prepared to talk.
However.
Before he could speak, the Qinghuang Demon Emperor spat at him, glaring with angry phoenix eyes, "Pah! You despicable Great Demon King, even if you get my body, you'll never have my soul!"
……
