Demon Lord Descends

Knowing something was impossible yet doing it anyway was not Moon Worshipper’s style.

In that situation just now, he clearly could not defeat Chu Yang. Forcing himself to pursue him might even create unforeseen complications.

Leaving was the wisest course of action.

However, because of the strength Chu Yang had displayed, he now had to place the transaction proposed by the Evil Sword Immortal above all else.

The cooperation between the two sides might have to become even closer than before.

After Moon Worshipper left, Chu Yang emerged from Divine Tree Forest. What had happened earlier was merely a diversion; he had concealed his aura and waited for Moon Worshipper to leave.

The Wind Spirit Orb might still be somewhere in this forest. If Moon Worshipper suddenly decided to wander around inside, things could turn disastrous.

The Golden-Winged Phoenix was unconscious due to her severe injuries, so Chu Yang had no choice but to feed her several Blood Bodhi.

As expected of a divine beast bloodline, the healing effects of the Blood Bodhi were greatly reduced. Chu Yang had to send some of his life force into her as well.

Half a day later, the Golden-Winged Phoenix stirred and slowly awoke.

"Thank you, young hero, for saving me."

The Golden-Winged Phoenix’s attitude had taken a complete one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn. She no longer regarded Chu Yang as an enemy, and her tone was respectful and courteous.

Chu Yang waved his hand. "No need for thanks. I came here to seek the Wind Spirit Orb for the Descendant of Nüwa and stop Moon Worshipper from destroying the world…"

The Golden-Winged Phoenix froze for a moment. "May I ask where you heard that? The Wind Spirit Orb is not with me."

Chu Yang frowned slightly and asked again, "Then is the Fire Spirit Orb in Kirin Elder’s possession?"

The Golden-Winged Phoenix shook her head. "It is not. Both the Wind Spirit Orb and Fire Spirit Orb have been missing for many years. Several generations of Descendants of Nüwa failed to find them. I believe the two Spirit Orbs may not be in the human realm."

Having prepared himself mentally long ago, Chu Yang was not too disappointed. At least he had eliminated two wrong answers.

"Why are all my choices wrong?"

A bitter smile tugged at Chu Yang’s lips. Since when had he become so unlucky?

"Young hero, although I do not have the Wind Spirit Orb, I can offer other treasures to repay your life-saving grace."

Golden light flashed in the Golden-Winged Phoenix’s hand, and a shattered eggshell and a golden Gu worm appeared.

"This Golden Silkworm Gu is a sacred relic of Miao Territory. It can greatly increase one’s cultivation."

"I possess the Phoenix Bloodline, which clashes with Gu worms and poisons. Forcibly consuming the Golden Silkworm Gu would damage my cultivation. I would rather give it to you, young hero. I hope you can rid the human realm of a Demon Person like Moon Worshipper."

"As for the other item, it is an eggshell left behind when I laid my child. It has gathered the essence of heaven and earth and can be used in medicine. I see that you wear Daoist robes, so you must be a disciple of some immortal mountain. Perhaps an elder of your sect is skilled in alchemy…"

Who would have thought that he had fought Moon Worshipper, the BOSS, but it was the Golden-Winged Phoenix who dropped the loot? Chu Yang pleasantly accepted the Golden Silkworm Gu and the phoenix egg.

Good deeds really did bring good rewards. He had unexpectedly obtained the Golden Silkworm Gu he had longed for. Later, he would bring it into the Soul Palace and see whether it could be replicated.

However.

Since so many good things had already dropped, there was no harm in asking for one more. With that thought, Chu Yang clasped his hands and said, "I must also trouble you, Senior, for some blood essence. The Descendant of Nüwa is pregnant and needs some spiritual objects of extreme yang."

The Golden-Winged Phoenix agreed without hesitation. Her injuries were nearly healed, and giving up some blood essence would not harm her vitality.

After obtaining the phoenix blood essence, Chu Yang took his leave.

Since the Golden-Winged Phoenix said Kirin Elder did not have the Fire Spirit Orb, there was no need for him to make the trip in vain. He immediately flew on his sword toward Lei Zhou.

After flying through the night, Chu Yang reached the borders of Lei Zhou and witnessed a strange sight.

The skies above Lei Zhou seemed to be shrouded in dark clouds year-round. The gloom was so thick that the sun could not be seen. Though it was daytime, every household had lamps lit.

Demons were also gathering outside the city. Chu Yang looked over coldly, and sword light swept across them. A great number of demons immediately fell dead.

The demons were too weak for even the Demon Devouring Gu to bother parasitizing. It was better to kill them outright.

Chu Yang landed in the city and searched everywhere for Xu Changqing and the others. Finally, he heard their voices outside a spacious residence.

Yun Estate.

"Young Master Yun, removing the Thunder Spirit Orb will not harm you in any way."

"How can I trust you based on your word alone?"

"Young Master Yun, I am a disciple of Shu Mountain. I will never break my word."

"Shu Mountain? If it were not for that tower of yours from Shu Mountain nearly collapsing, so many demons would not have suddenly appeared around Lei Zhou. If I had not used the power of lightning to kill demons, Lei Zhou would have long become their playground."

"Young Master Yun, this was indeed Shu Mountain’s fault. We have now sent every disciple down the mountain to eliminate demons. Before long, peace will be restored to the mortal world!"

"Hmph! Easy for you to say!"

Xu Changqing and Yun Ting argued without end, each with his own position. Yun Ting was not greedy for the Thunder Spirit Orb’s power; he was worried about the safety of the people in his hometown.

But in the end, as long as the Demon Imprisonment Tower remained unrestored, tragedies would continue. Perhaps when demons attacked next time, even Yun Ting, who possessed the Thunder Spirit Orb, would be unable to stop them.

Tang Xuejian could not stand their meaningless argument any longer. She stamped her foot in irritation. "Oh, you two are so annoying! Daoist Changqing, why don’t we kill all the demons outside the city first, then come back and ask him for the Thunder Spirit Orb?"

Yun Ting burst into laughter. "If you can truly kill all those demons, I, Yun Ting, will offer the Thunder Spirit Orb with both hands!"

"I hope Young Master Yun keeps his word." Chu Yang walked in from outside with a faint smile on his face.

"Junior Brother!" Xu Changqing cried out in delight. Though they had only been apart for a few days, it had felt as long as years.

Especially these past days spent caught between Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru, as well as Tang Xuejian and Jing Tian—it had truly felt like every day lasted a year.

"Senior Brother, it has only been a few days. Why do you look so haggard?" Chu Yang looked at Xu Changqing in surprise. He looked as if a succubus had drained all his energy, with dark circles as black as Panda’s.

"It is hard to put into words, Junior Brother…" Xu Changqing shot Li Xiaoyao and the others an indignant glance, tears welling in his eyes. "In any case, it is good that you are here."

Li Xiaoyao walked over with a grin. "Big Brother Chu, Young Master Yun wants us to get rid of the demons outside the city. What do you think?"

"Of course." Chu Yang smiled and nodded. "But there is no need to trouble everyone. On my way here, I casually killed that group of demons planning to attack the city."

Everyone was startled.

Yun Ting sneered. "What brazen boasting. Even I must rely on the city walls’ strength to kill only a few each day. What gives you the right?"

"Naturally, the sword in my hand. Must I rely on a sharp tongue like yours?"

"Instead of wasting time arguing with me, why not go to the city wall and see for yourself?"

Chu Yang found a chair, sat down, picked up the teapot on the table, and poured himself a drink.

Seeing his confidence, Yun Ting said nothing more and left, half believing and half doubting.

After Yun Ting left, everyone immediately gathered around Chu Yang and asked where he had been these past few days.

Jing Tian silently watched Chu Yang from within the crowd, his heart full of curiosity. Why exactly had this Daoist insisted on bringing him into this group?

A moment later, Yun Ting returned, the shock still lingering on his face.

Could someone truly eliminate so many demons alone?

Yun Ting walked up to Chu Yang and bowed deeply. "I offended you earlier, Daoist. I hope you will not take offense."

Chu Yang reached out and helped him up, smiling lightly. "Young Master Yun has a righteous heart and worries for the safety of Lei Zhou’s people. How could I speak of blame?"

"I merely wished to prove to you that Shu Mountain still possesses the strength to eliminate demons and uphold justice. There is no need to worry about Lei Zhou’s future after losing the Thunder Spirit Orb."

"Moreover, Lei Zhou has not seen daylight for over ten years because of the Thunder Spirit Orb. It is time for that to change."

Yun Ting finally revealed a relieved smile. Carrying the Thunder Spirit Orb’s power—was that not also carrying a heavy curse?

After all, the woman he loved had died beneath that very power.

Listening to the two speak, Tang Xuejian looked at Chu Yang in shock. She had thought this Daoist was merely trying to fool Yun Ting and had been terribly worried.

Their group had come to Lei Zhou by water. Earlier, they had been blocked outside the city and unable to enter. Only after Xu Changqing and Li Xiaoyao lured the demons away did they have a chance to get inside.

There had been so many demons that even Xu Changqing, Shu Mountain’s foremost disciple, had been helpless. How could this "Junior Brother" Xu Changqing spoke of kill every last one of them?

Tang Xuejian was both shocked and curious.

Jing Tian wore much the same expression beside her.

Only Xu Changqing remained deeply worried, afraid that Chu Yang might stray onto the wrong path in order to save all living beings.

Li Xiaoyao quietly compared himself to Chu Yang and could not help sighing. "Big Brother Chu’s cultivation has grown stronger again. As expected of Shu Mountain Sect’s genius."

Lin Yueru snorted. "Isn’t that obvious? Do you think everyone is like you, loafing around all day? He is one of the finest among Shu Mountain Sect’s younger generation."

Li Xiaoyao retorted anxiously, "Who are you calling a loafer? I am going to join Shu Mountain Sect and become a great hero someday too!"

Lin Yueru looked at him disdainfully. "Tsk, tsk. With you like this, you will not enter Shu Mountain Sect even in your next life!"

The two argued fiercely.

Xu Changqing was like Monkey wearing the Golden Fillet, clutching his head in agony. In the end, he could only look at Chu Yang with a hopeful expression.

Junior Brother! They have been like this the entire journey! Hurry and save your senior brother!

The corners of Chu Yang’s lips lifted slightly. He gave a dry cough and said, "The more a man and woman of similar age like to argue, the deeper their karmic entanglement. The more likely they are to become lovers in the future."

The moment those words came out, Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru immediately fell silent and moved away from each other as quickly as possible.

Both wore looks of utter disgust.

The hall became quiet again.

Xu Changqing widened his eyes in disbelief and muttered, "As expected, it still has to be Junior Brother!"

Jing Tian silently looked at Tang Xuejian. She had scolded him frequently these past days. Could it be possible that…

Tang Xuejian’s gaze happened to meet Jing Tian’s. Her face instantly reddened, and she planted her hands on her hips in embarrassed anger. "Jing Tian, you idiot! What are you looking at? I am the esteemed young lady of the Tang Family, while you are just a pawnshop clerk. What are you thinking?!"

Jing Tian hurriedly waved his hands. "I was not thinking anything! You are the one overthinking it!"

Tang Xuejian glared, ready to curse him out, but she suddenly remembered what Chu Yang had said. She could only swallow her words in a huff and glare viciously at Jing Tian.

Her stare made Jing Tian’s scalp tingle. He silently turned around, walked toward Chu Yang, and clasped his hands. "I heard that it was Daoist who specifically asked for me to search for the Five Spirit Orbs. Jing Tian is merely an ordinary mortal. May I ask what deeper meaning Daoist has in doing this?"

Everyone turned their eyes toward Chu Yang. Xu Changqing was also very curious, but the situation had been urgent at the time, leaving no chance to explain.

After pondering for a moment, Chu Yang said, "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Reincarnation?

A new life?

Everyone fell silent. Jing Tian frowned, a strange feeling rising in his heart.

Tang Xuejian asked timidly, "Daoist Chu, do you mean Jing Tian’s past life was extraordinary?"

Chu Yang smiled. "To be precise, it was the life before his past life."

Jing Tian was left confused by the twisting explanation. "So was it my past life, or the life before that…?"

Chu Yang slowly said, "The story begins with the conflict between the God Realm and the demon realm."

"The Demon Lord Chonglou who destroyed the Demon Imprisonment Tower possesses strength that overlooks the Six Realms, with few rivals. Yet a thousand years ago, he had an opponent who could be called his lifelong rival: Fei Peng, a general of the God Realm."

"As conflict between the God Realm and demon realm became increasingly frequent, the two accidentally discovered the New Immortal Realm, which was not among the Seventy-Two Immortal Mountains. Later, they secretly dueled over ownership of that place."

"Fei Peng and Chonglou fought time and again, yet neither could gain the upper hand. They gradually came to admire each other. But the God Realm’s rules were strict. Fei Peng had fought the Demon Lord privately without the Heavenly Emperor’s permission, which was effectively a violation of heavenly law."

"In the end, the God Realm sent people to interfere in their duel. Fei Peng lost because he was distracted, and even his sword was knocked down into the human realm. Chonglou felt that his victory was unfair and had always remained dissatisfied, wishing to duel Fei Peng again."

"Demon Lord Chonglou believed the God Realm had too many rules, like a prison without freedom. He did not wish to see a hero like Fei Peng trap himself in a cocoon, so he even urged Fei Peng to join the demon realm."

"Fei Peng refused, willingly returned to the God Realm to accept punishment, and was ultimately cast into reincarnation by the Heavenly Emperor, becoming a mortal."

"That was how the story began."

Hearing this story, everyone could not help feeling regret for Fei Peng, the God Realm’s general. From Chu Yang’s words, they could also sense the God Realm’s cold-hearted indifference.

No one felt that General Fei Peng had done anything wrong. His fight with Demon Lord Chonglou had only been born of loyalty to the God Realm, because he wanted to claim that ownerless New Immortal Realm.

Could it be that so-called heavenly law was merely an excuse the Heavenly Emperor found because he felt Fei Peng had offended his authority?

Tang Xuejian secretly glanced at Jing Tian several times and shook her head inwardly. How could she believe that this fool before her was General Fei Peng of the God Realm?

Xu Changqing frowned deeply. "So that is why Demon Lord Chonglou said those strange things to Brother Jing. He already knew Brother Jing was General Fei Peng’s reincarnation!"

"Just to complete that duel he felt was unfair, he destroyed the Demon Imprisonment Tower without hesitation and plunged all living beings into misery?!"

"He truly is a demon lord, impossible to judge by ordinary reasoning!"

Jing Tian looked at the Demon Sword beside him, his expression turning bitter. So Shu Mountain’s disaster was directly connected to him.

For a moment, he felt that he himself was the source of all this suffering.

Seeing how distracted he was, Chu Yang reached out and patted his head, smiling. "Fei Peng is Fei Peng, and you are you. The two cannot be confused. The meaning of reincarnation is that all past events are but passing clouds."

"The one he seeks is Fei Peng, but you are Jing Tian. The bonds of the past have nothing to do with you. The bonds of this life are what you should cherish."

"Though Demon Lord Chonglou can overpower the Six Realms, he has ultimately been blinded by obsession and failed to see this."

The moment his words fell.

A terrifying pressure suddenly descended upon Lei Zhou. A crimson figure stood high in the heavens, lowering his head to look down upon the mortal realm.

"You say I cannot see through obsession?"

"Who gave you the nerve to speak such nonsense!"

His voice exploded beside everyone’s ears like rolling thunder.

The Demon Lord had descended!