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……
The meeting ended.
After everyone dispersed, Liu Ruolan "enthusiastically" invited Immortal Emperor Mu Yun to stay for a meal, even affectionately linking arms with her.
"Ruolan..." Wang Shouzhe sensed something was amiss and tried to help decline, "Your Majesty, this time you descended as a projection, so perhaps you should skip the meal."
"Young Master Shouzhe, you might not be aware," the Immortal Emperor, not sensing any impending crisis, confidently said, "Although my immortal body projection is an energy construct, it simulates the body perfectly, allowing me to eat, digest, and replenish energy. It's said that Ruolan's culinary skills are exceptional, and only those close to her get to enjoy it. Today, I'm in for a treat."
"Husband, you chat with His Majesty Mu Yun. I'll be right back." Liu Ruolan floated into the private kitchen of the small courtyard.
This scene gave Wang Shouzhe a chill, and he whispered, "Your Majesty, are you really planning to stay for dinner?"
"Why not stay?" The Immortal Emperor smiled with arched eyebrows, "I'm fortunate to taste Ruolan's culinary skills, something I've longed for."
Wang Shouzhe's mouth twitched. As long as Your Majesty enjoys it.Half an hour later, under Wang Shouzhe's subtly sympathetic gaze, the Immortal Emperor tasted Liu Ruolan's "carefully prepared" "delicacies." Unexpectedly, the Immortal Emperor ate with great delight, praising non-stop, "Ruolan's culinary skills are indeed unique, full of imagination, leaving me with endless aftertaste."
During this time, Wang Shouzhe wanted to "try" a bite but was stopped by Liu Ruolan, who said it was specially prepared for Immortal Emperor Mu Yun and secretly gave him a look.
After dinner, the Immortal Emperor left contentedly.
Leaving Wang Shouzhe and his wife looking at each other, not understanding what had just happened.
Wang Shouzhe secretly admired the Immortal Emperor's tolerance and appetite. It was the first time eating Ruolan's cooking, yet he managed to endure without losing his temper and maintained his demeanor.
"Husband, do you think Mu Yun has a problem?" Liu Ruolan was even more puzzled, "I deliberately made it taste bad to punish her for coveting my husband, yet she said it was delicious?"
Is that so?
Wang Shouzhe silently walked into the private kitchen, tasted the leftover dishes, and came out with a complex expression, looking at Liu Ruolan, speechless for a while. Finally, he sighed and returned to the room.
"Husband, what's with that expression of disdain? Do you think I'm not virtuous enough for not keeping Mu Yun to stay?" Liu Ruolan followed him in.
"I didn't mean that. I was going to say, could you cook with that flavor from now on?" Wang Shouzhe said with a hint of expectation, finally revealing the truth.
"Ah, I knew you and Mu Yun had something going on. Now even your taste in food has changed."
"....." "What kind of logic is that?"
"The last time you went to the Immortal Palace to meet Mu Yun privately, you even played games with the young master and maid. Don't think I don't know. This time, you two were flirting in private, don't think I didn't see it."
"How did you know? No, I mean, there's nothing between me and Her Majesty."
"Kun'er already confessed everything to me."
"Wang Zongkun! That brat, clearly he's the one who's no good... I need to go teach him a lesson."
"You did something wrong, don't blame Kun'er. My Kun'er is quite good, filial, and knows how to make girls happy. I won't let you hit him."
Then, not long after.
In the sky, the sound of thunderous clashes echoed continuously.
Heavenly Dao laws flashed and twisted in the sky, the immense sound waves and terrifying explosive force made people think it was two Void Realm cultivators fighting.
Yet the entire Wang's Clan main residence remained extremely quiet, as if it was a common occurrence. The fights between the clan leader couple were a form of affection, and after a while, both would disappear together.
Anyone who dared to intervene would only bring bad luck upon themselves.
Only Ancestor Long Yan, who had returned to Long Yan's Abode, looked up at the sky with a slight frown and muttered, these two kids, married for over two hundred years, still love to fight.
Forget it, can't control them, Ancestor Long Yan chose to ignore it.
A few days later.
Wang Shouzhe visited Long Yan's Abode to see the ancestor. Under Ancestor Long Yan's slightly puzzled gaze, he took her to the underground Netherworld Secret Hall.
Here, Nether Fiend energy gathered like mist, and there was a pool of Netherworld True Water, with a Netherworld Gold Lotus growing in it.
After decades of catalysis by Wang Shouzhe, this Netherworld Gold Lotus had fully matured, and even a hint of purple could be seen on the golden lotus, clearly indicating it was evolving towards the Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus.
"Shouzhe, this is!?"
Ancestor Long Yan's eyes were filled with astonishment.
"Ancestor, please stay at home for a while. Cultivating here will be beneficial for you," Wang Shouzhe said, looking at the mature Netherworld Gold Lotus, "As for this Netherworld Gold Lotus, once it evolves into the Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus, it will be of great use to you."
Back then, the Nether Fiend Young Master was attracted by the news of a Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus, leading to a series of events. It shows how beneficial the Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus would be to the Nether Fiend Young Master, and naturally, it would also greatly assist Ancestor Long Yan.
Ancestor Long Yan's bloodline is too high, and her cultivation has reached the Divine Realm. A simple Netherworld Gold Lotus would have very limited effect on her, so it's better to wait.
"Shouzhe, you're thoughtful." Ancestor Long Yan's eyes flashed with warmth. Watching over and helping each other, thinking of each other when there are benefits, that's what it means to be family by blood. She couldn't help but curiously ask, "Shouzhe, now that you've reached the ninth level of the Enlightenment True Body bloodline, how does your catalysis technique compare to before?"
"Ancestor, please watch." Wang Shouzhe pointed at the Netherworld Gold Lotus, and a vast amount of life essence energy poured into it. In an instant, the lotus bloomed with brilliant light, as if life was burning.
However, it was already mature, so there wasn't much change in its form, only the leaves became thicker, and the lotus root slightly larger.
After all the light dissipated, it faintly had a bit more purple, moving closer to the Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus.
Ancestor Long Yan praised in amazement, "Shouzhe, no matter how many times I see you use the catalysis divine ability, it's always incredible. Life is indeed full of endless mysteries."
"Yes, the universe and the essence of life are so profound and majestic." Wang Shouzhe also sighed, "After reaching the Divine Realm, it feels like I've just touched the threshold of the universe's mysteries, yet the other shore is still extremely far away."
"Indeed, I believe as long as we persevere, one day we can uncover the ultimate essence of life. Shouzhe, I, Long Yan, will protect you and the family for my entire life~"
……
While the Wang family was enjoying their harmonious time.
Frontier Continent.
Southern Wilderness.
In recent years, as interactions between the Myriad Demon Nation and the Wang's Clan increased, more human structures gradually appeared on the Southern Wilderness land.
Most of these buildings were constructed around the Ten Thousand Saints Valley, mainly as bases for merchant associations and some training institutions, specifically for teaching demons human language, writing, cultural knowledge, and basic skills needed for living in human society.
Nowadays, some human merchant associations, having tasted the benefits, even come to these training institutions to recruit demons, just to secure better quality demon resources.
As various buildings increased, with the Ten Thousand Saints Valley as the core, there was even a faint semblance of a city forming.
And with the increasing frequency of human activities, a winding trade route from Shouzhe Pass to the Myriad Demon Valley began to take shape, attracting more merchants willing to take risks to seek fortune here.
As the trade route formed, the danger of exploring the outer regions also decreased significantly, leading to more cultivators willing to accumulate wealth through exploration and complete their initial accumulation.
However, this also resulted in the gradual reduction of true no-man's lands in the Southern Wilderness outer regions, making it increasingly difficult to find a completely undiscovered location.
At this moment.
Near the Southern Desolate Swamp, in a foggy, extremely remote valley, someone had already occupied it at some unknown time, and a massive maze formation was set up at the entrance.
The formation was extremely well-hidden and sophisticated, so much so that without a cultivator with high formation skills carefully observing, it would be impossible to detect its presence.
At the valley entrance.
Two Divine Realm cultivators in black robes were guarding the mountain stream near the entrance, one on each side.
This was the formation's hub and the only way into the valley. As long as this place was guarded, the entire valley was secure.
Of course, a Void Realm expert could tear through space, and the maze formation wouldn't stop them. But the maze formation wasn't meant to guard against the Void Realm; it was to intercept those scattered throughout the Southern Wilderness outer regions, adventurers who occasionally appeared.
Sure enough, at this moment, an adventurer accidentally entered the valley and got trapped in the maze formation.
After controlling the maze formation to eject the adventurer from the valley, one of the Divine Realm cultivators couldn't help but complain, "Why are there so many people in the Southern Wilderness outer regions? How many is this already? Isn't it said that Eastern Gan has a short history of nation-building, and with the Myriad Demon Nation nearby, the Southern Wilderness is still underdeveloped?"
"Who knows~" The other Divine Realm cultivator didn't care much, "Anyway, they're all low-level cultivators, not worth worrying about. We'll be gone from here soon, just hold on for a few more days."
As they spoke, layers of spatial ripples suddenly appeared in the void ahead.
A graceful female figure tore through space, descending from the sky.
The woman was dressed in green, with a serene and elegant demeanor, but the pressure around her was as vast as the sea, carrying an intimidating force.
"Elder Yun."
The two Divine Realm cultivators were startled and quickly stepped forward to salute.
"Was everything in the valley alright while I was away?" Chao Qingyun nodded slightly, casually asking.
"Everything in the valley is fine. The Master and the various Demon Lords and Ancestors are waiting for your return~" the two Divine Realm guards replied respectfully.
"That's good."
Chao Qingyun didn't waste words, her figure flickered, and she turned into a streak of light, swiftly heading into the valley.
This valley was very secluded, with a stream flowing through it, creating a serene atmosphere. Further in, it even gathered into a small, clear lake.
In the blink of an eye, she arrived above the small lake deep in the valley.
The lake was very clear, with shimmering water, and mist rising, making the lake appear like a fairyland.
And beneath this mist, a silver-black metal flying boat was quietly suspended in the air.
This flying boat, resembling a Domain-Crossing Shuttle, had an ancient design with a distinct Shenwu Royal Dynasty style. Its surface was sleek and shiny, exuding a metallic luster, clearly well-maintained.
However, it was much smaller than the common small Domain-Crossing Flying Boats, almost like a miniature Domain-Crossing Shuttle.
With the misty water vapor as a backdrop, this mini shuttle seemed to have a touch of ethereal charm.
This mini shuttle, named the "Heavenly Void Cloud Boat," was one of the Demon Sovereign's vehicles, and the most unique among them.
This was because the "Heavenly Void Cloud Boat" was obtained by the Demon Sovereign from a Shenwu Royal Dynasty relic, a type of Domain-Crossing Shuttle capable of traversing the void. It was also one of the rare private vehicles among Domain-Crossing Flying Boats.
Its biggest difference from common Domain-Crossing Flying Boats was its more comfortable and spacious interior design, making living inside more enjoyable, unlike the usual Domain-Crossing Flying Boats designed for carrying more goods and people, which often felt uncomfortable for long-term habitation.
As soon as Chao Qingyun appeared outside the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat, a deep, resonant male voice came from inside the boat.
"Come in."
Clearly, the Demon Sovereign inside the boat had sensed her return.
"Yes, Master."
Chao Qingyun bowed in acknowledgment, then entered the boat through the open hatch of the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat.
The interior of the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat had evidently undergone systematic modifications, appearing very spacious, in stark contrast to the narrow, cramped corridors of Domain-Crossing Flying Boats.
Passing through the wide corridor and turning a corner, she entered a rather spacious lounge area.
The lighting equipment at the top of the lounge was very exquisite, simulating natural light through special means, providing a soft and bright illumination, making it feel very comfortable.
The edges of the lounge even had several flower beds, planted with various spiritual flowers and exotic grasses, and even a few small trees, giving it a vibrant and extraordinary spiritual aura.
This place looked nothing like the interior of a Domain-Crossing Flying Boat, but rather like a carefully maintained private garden.
Chao Qingyun had been here many times before, and many of the arrangements in the lounge were her handiwork, so she was naturally accustomed to it.
Skillfully bypassing the greenery at the edge of the lounge, she arrived at the center of the lounge.
At this moment, in the central booth of the lounge, the imposing Demon Sovereign was seated in the main seat, evidently waiting for her.
On both sides, several Void Realm Demon Lords were seated, exuding powerful auras.
These Void Realm Demon Lords varied greatly in height, build, appearance, and age, but they were all trusted subordinates of the Demon Sovereign, including core elders of the Chao Clan and Demon Lords of the True Demon Hall, totaling eight in number.
Although they didn't deliberately release their pressure, the gazes they cast and the faintly connected Void Realm pressure still exerted enormous psychological pressure.
In the presence of these eight Demon Lords, the Demon Sovereign seated at the head appeared even more unfathomable and imposing.
If an ordinary Divine Realm cultivator, or even someone with lower strength like a Purple Mansion or Celestial Realm cultivator, were to enter at this moment, they would likely be so frightened they couldn't speak.
Even Chao Qingyun, whose strength had reached the Void Realm, couldn't help but adopt a solemn expression, bowing respectfully to the Master and the others.
"Qingyun greets the Master. Greetings to the First Ancestor, Third Ancestor, Fifth Ancestor, Sixth Ancestor, Tenth Ancestor. Greetings to the Taishan Demon Lord, White Bone Demon Lord, Chiyou Demon Lord."
"Enough with the formalities," the Demon Sovereign waved his hand, "Let's get to business. What's the situation on all fronts?"
Without Suya, his intelligence organization and stations had to undergo significant adjustments, abandoning many intelligence stations, but their overall strength remained formidable.
Qingyun's departure was to gather intelligence.
"Reporting to the Master, it's confirmed that the Demon Emperor and the Immortal Sovereign, both True Immortal and True Demon Realm powerhouses, are in the outer demon realm. With a new Demon God appearing in the outer regions, the Immortal Dynasty's defense zone is in crisis. Even the Immortal Emperor's true body went to the outer regions recently and clashed with the Yincha Demon God. I've verified the information through the intelligence network, and it's absolutely true."
Upon hearing this, while the Demon Sovereign remained composed, a white-haired elder seated to his left was so excited he slammed the table.
"Good! Excellent! Everything is indeed as the Ancestor predicted."
This elder was the Chao Clan's First Ancestor, named Chao Wujiao, and was the strongest among those present, aside from the Demon Sovereign, with his cultivation reaching the late Void Realm.
Besides him, the other Void Realm powerhouses present couldn't help but show relaxed expressions.
The Third Ancestor, Chao Yiming, sitting opposite Chao Wujiao, also smiled, "It seems even the heavens are helping us. We were worried that if the Immortal Emperor was at the Wang's Clan, it would be troublesome. Now, we don't even have to worry about that."
"Indeed. Being in the outer demon realm, even for True Immortal and True Demon Realm powerhouses, by the time they realize something is wrong and rush to the Wang's Clan, it will be too late for rescue."
The Demon Sovereign's expression relaxed slightly, but he noticed Chao Qingyun seemed hesitant to speak, prompting him to ask, "What is it? Is there more news?"
"Reporting to the Master, it's like this." Chao Qingyun hesitated before speaking, "Young Master Qianxue sent several letters, saying he has overachieved the tasks you assigned and that you should give him the promised super-grade pills."
"......"
Upon hearing this, not only the Demon Sovereign but even the other eight Void Realm powerhouses present showed expressions of speechlessness.
"Ancestor, just ignore him~" Chao Wujiao rubbed his forehead in frustration, trying to cover for his unruly descendant, "The timing is right, and we must focus on the main task. His matter can wait until we return."
"No problem." The Demon Sovereign didn't mind, casually instructing Chao Qingyun, "Tell Chao Qianxue that I keep my word, and he won't miss out on what's due to him. However, I always carry the super-grade pills with me. Once I annihilate the Wang's Clan and return to the Demon Dynasty, I'll give him the pills."
"Yes, Master."
"Alright~ Let's set aside these trivial matters for now. Notify everyone, the time has come, board the boat, and follow me."
With the Demon Sovereign's command, everyone quickly took their positions.
The dozens of Divine Realm powerhouses accompanying them all gathered on the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat, even the two guarding the valley entrance withdrew the maze formation and returned to the boat.
Moments later, the surface of the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat shimmered with flowing light, slowly activating.
A terrifying aura of demonic energy swept across, suddenly tearing open a massive spatial rift in the sky.
The rift was dark and deep, with surging spatial power emanating from it, its formidable aura distorting the surrounding space.
The Heavenly Void Cloud Boat, however, showed no fear. Its body glowed brightly, accelerating and plunging into the rift, disappearing without a trace.
In its place, only the massive spatial rift remained, slowly closing under the self-healing power of space, eventually disappearing completely, as if nothing had happened.
Time passed slightly.
Night.
Above the Wang's Clan main residence.
Amidst swirling clouds, the Demon Sovereign's vehicle, the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat, loomed faintly, like a fierce bird staring intently at the Wang's Clan main residence below.
Inside the cloud boat.
Seated at the head, the Demon Sovereign, with unfathomable eyes sweeping the room, coldly waved his hand, "Begin, leave no one alive."
With the Demon Sovereign's command, everyone responded in unison.
One by one, Divine Realm cultivators descended like meteors, silently landing near the ring-shaped mountains around "Xin'an Town" and near the An River, concealing their presence and blending with the night, surrounding the Wang's Clan main residence.
These dozens of Divine Realm cultivators were meant to intercept escapees and conduct the latter part of the cleanup operation.
Meanwhile, the nine Void Realm elders also flew out of the Heavenly Void Cloud Boat, mostly with a casual and relaxed attitude, as if this was a very easy operation.
Among them, the Chiyou Demon Lord, who practiced the Chiyou Demon Body, cracked his bones and said leisurely, "Master, this time, you're really using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. For a mere third-grade family, deploying such a force. Even if we were to raid the Shentu Clan's main residence, this lineup would be about right."
"Chiyou Demon Lord," Elder Yun frowned slightly, "This operation is of great importance, don't be careless, that Wang's Clan is not simple."
"Got it, got it." Chiyou Demon Lord said lazily, "I understand the Master. Since the Master doesn't want any mistakes, we'll go all out."
"Hehehe~" The White Bone Demon Lord also sneered, "The Wang's Clan has repeatedly provoked the True Demon Hall and the Master. This grudge, I will definitely settle with them today."
It seemed none of the Void Realm cultivators believed that a mere third-grade family in a remote small country, even if hiding its strength, could withstand their lineup.
"Don't let down our ancestor's expectations, let's go." The strongest among the Void Realm elders, Chao Wujiao, said seriously, and was the first to tear open space, teleporting towards the Wang's Clan main residence. The other Void Realm elders followed suit, tearing open space to launch a strong assault on the Wang's Clan.
Meanwhile.
Inside Shouzhe's Small Courtyard.
Prince An, in a luxurious robe, was sipping spiritual tea, enthusiastically playing chess with Wang Shouzhe, "Shouzhe, playing chess with you is truly the happiest thing in life."
"?" Wang Shouzhe glanced at him irritably, "Your Highness, don't you have anything better to do? There's fighting everywhere, shouldn't you be more concerned?"
"Fighting? What kind of lousy battles are those? It's all just a show. Everything is running smoothly with the departments, they can handle it." Prince An said dismissively, "This time, Shizhao said he wanted to take a leave to protect the family, so I had to come to see the excitement and witness history."
"Alright, I'll have to give you more responsibilities later." Wang Shouzhe sipped his spiritual tea, dissatisfied, "So that Your Highness isn't too idle, running to the Wang's Clan all the time."
Suddenly!
Unusual spatial fluctuations formed within the Wang's Clan main residence.
Wang Shouzhe's eyebrows twitched slightly, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He picked up a chess piece and placed it with a "snap," saying, "Your Highness, you've lost."
……
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