Kaguya Otsutsuki’s End! The God Tree in the Soul Palace! 8k, Please Vote Monthly

"Lingsha, what does ‘heretical evil path’ mean?"

The simple-minded Yun Tianhe silently stepped beside Han Lingsha and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Can you shut your mouth first?!"

Han Lingsha was about to explode with anger. Saying that he was unfamiliar with the ways of the world was already a compliment; to put it bluntly, he was an idiot.

"Oh… but Lingsha, are we about to fight?"

Yun Tianhe sensed a trace of tension, just like when he was hunting wild piglets in the mountains and suddenly got stared down by a huge boar.

"So annoying, so annoying!"

Han Lingsha covered her ears and squatted down, unwilling to hear Yun Tianhe’s voice any longer.

Their little commotion eased the atmosphere somewhat. Murong Ziying stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Sect Leader Chu, Shu Mountain is a renowned great sect and a standard-bearer of the righteous path. As its Sect Leader, every word and action of yours represents Shu Mountain. I hope you will refrain from speaking recklessly."

"Though disciples of the Qionghua Sect do not enter the world as frequently as Shu Mountain disciples, we have also traveled everywhere to slay demons and eliminate evil. How can demons be divided into good and bad? One must eliminate evil completely. What Sect Leader Chu said, on the other hand, does not sound like the righteous path."

Murong Ziying’s calm and unyielding bearing made even Qing Wei and the other Supreme Elders nod inwardly.

"Eliminate evil completely?" Chu Yang smiled meaningfully. "In your eyes, is everyone not of your kind evil?"

Murong Ziying frowned. "Demons are evil by nature. Could they possibly harbor good intentions?"

Chu Yang asked again, "What harm have young demons ever done to people? Are they evil too?"

Murong Ziying said flatly, "Even if they are young and ignorant, they will still harm people when they grow up. A country may change, but one’s nature is hard to alter."

The Qionghua Sect disciples echoed Murong Ziying’s words. Such extreme thinking made even disciples from other cultivation sects feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Under normal circumstances, as long as demons did not harm people, they would turn a blind eye. Shu Mountain did the same.

Even Xu Changqing, the most rigid of them all, knew how to be flexible.

But in Murong Ziying’s eyes, and in the eyes of most Qionghua Sect disciples, demons were born to be killed. That was also why, nineteen years ago, when the Qionghua Sect attacked the Illusory Netherworld, only a small number of people believed that war had been wrong.

After hearing Murong Ziying’s words, Chu Yang sighed. "No wonder the Qionghua Sect suffered this calamity. When disaster comes upon you one day, do not forget what you said today."

Murong Ziying said coldly, "There is no need for Sect Leader Chu to concern himself with the Qionghua Sect’s affairs. Since you are unwilling to lend us the Water Spirit Orb, you should at least let us leave."

Chu Yang did not answer him. He merely stared at Suyao and warned her, "Your plan to have the entire sect ascend will ultimately be nothing more than drawing water with a bamboo basket. Cultivation is about cultivating oneself. You seek immortality through such opportunistic methods, and in the end, you will only incur divine wrath."

"Take care of yourselves."

Most of the disciples, including Murong Ziying, did not understand what Chu Yang meant and wore bewildered expressions. However, Suyao, as Sect Leader, went pale and cried out in panic, "How do you know about that?"

Chu Yang smiled and said meaningfully, "I enjoy making friends. I have many friends across the Six Realms, and from time to time, I hear some interesting things from them."

"Do not think that if you fly the entire Qionghua Sect to the Kunlun Heavenly Light, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady will happily guide all of you into immortality."

At the mention of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, everyone from the Qionghua Sect was shocked. After all, the Qionghua Sect’s teachings had been passed down by the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady. Calling her the Qionghua Sect’s true founding ancestor would not be an exaggeration.

If she had heard those words from anyone else, Suyao would have dismissed them as nonsense. But Chu Yang was different. For someone who could strike up a friendship with the Demon Lord, knowing the Heavenly Emperor’s foremost goddess did not seem too far-fetched.

Suyao asked excitedly, "Has the Mysterious Lady bestowed any divine revelation?"

But Chu Yang said no more. With an indifferent expression, he had Xu Changqing "escort" the Qionghua Sect people out. Suyao was unwilling, but she could only leave in disgrace with her disciples.

After the Qionghua Sect left, Qing Wei and the Sword Saint approached Chu Yang and asked about the whole story.

Chu Yang then told everyone what had happened nineteen years ago.

Binding the demon realm in a net and having the entire sect ascend—the Qionghua Sect’s ambition was truly shocking, enough to make the various Sect Leaders break out in cold sweat.

Shang Fengzi sighed. "To cultivate immortality to this point is truly to fall into the demonic path. How could they possibly become immortals by acting this way?"

Qing Wei shook his head. "Unfortunately, those involved cannot see clearly while bystanders can. A Yang had put it so bluntly just now, yet Sect Leader Suyao still did not come to her senses. It seems the Qionghua Sect intends to persist in its course."

The Sword Saint said coldly, "Since they have done it, whether it brings fortune or disaster is for the Qionghua Sect to bear themselves."

Master Puhong of Tianyin Temple wore a compassionate expression and said softly, "I do not think those young disciples necessarily know what their Sect Leader intends to do. If this disaster falls upon them, they would be somewhat innocent…"

Dao Xuan Zhenren nodded. "That is what I think as well."

"If the sky falls, the Qionghua Sect can hold it up themselves. We should focus on the ferry matter!" Yun Yilan had never cared about the Qionghua Sect’s fate and directly cut off the discussion, bringing everyone’s attention back to the main matter.

After the ferry plan was proposed, the Sect Leaders discussed it and decided to hold a grand competition between the various sects once all the ferry docks and facilities were complete. That would be much more convenient.

The three sects had not brought many core disciples with them for this visit to Shu Mountain. Since they were going to hold it, they ought to make full preparations. Thus, the three sects remained on Shu Mountain for another three days. Only after Dao Xuan and the others had settled all the arrangements did they depart.

Lin Tiannan was the last to leave. Since Lin Yueru would be staying on Shu Mountain for a long time, he had her return home with him to visit her mother’s grave.

Shang Fengzi and the disciples of Penglai Imperial Sword Hall decided to remain on Shu Mountain for the time being. The disciples of the two sects exchanged pointers and learned from one another in preparation for the upcoming competition.

On Shu Mountain’s side, with Chu Yang succeeding as Sect Leader, Xu Changqing, the senior disciple, and Chang Yin, who ranked among the top disciples, had both been promoted to elders. It was impossible for them to participate in the competition.

Therefore, this responsibility could only fall upon Li Xiaoyao and the others.

However, given Li Xiaoyao’s talent, it would probably be difficult to find anyone in the other sects who could rival him, including Zhang Xiaofan, the protagonist of Zhu Xian.

The two were not even on the same level.

Before formally beginning his cultivation, Li Xiaoyao also had to leave Shu Mountain for a while to bring his aunt in Yu Hang Town, as well as the reclusive Grandma, to the Nanzhao Kingdom.

With the grand ceremony for the merger of the two sects concluded, Shu Mountain returned to its usual tranquility. The Seven Saints Palace was undergoing major construction, while the disciples cultivated or descended the mountain as they normally did.

Chu Yang, who should have been managing the sect’s affairs, suddenly announced that he was entering seclusion and had Xu Changqing manage the Shu Mountain Sect in his stead.

Inside the Soul Palace.

Xianxia Chu Yang was synchronizing his recent memories with the other Chu Yangs. After learning about his ferry plan, everyone began working intently on designing the ferry’s appearance.

Copying Pluton outright was certainly not feasible. It was, after all, a warship designed primarily for combat, while the ferry would be used to transport people. Although it might encounter battles, its defensive capabilities should take greater priority.

After discussing it for a long time, they decided to use formations and barriers to strengthen the ferry’s defenses. With the latest energy engine supplying power, there was no need to worry about formations and barriers failing, and their strength would be guaranteed to a certain extent.

Just as everyone was chatting enthusiastically, Marvel Chu Yang, whom they had not seen in a long time, suddenly appeared and showed everyone his latest mecha equipped with infinite energy.

Compared to the previous mecha, this new one was designed more like the Hulkbuster Armor and was enormous in size. According to Marvel Chu Yang, its primary function was short-range travel through space.

Roughly the distance between Earth and the Moon.

To put it plainly, it was a small interstellar spacecraft, except it could only carry one person. Chu Yang called it the Wanderer Mecha.

Marvel Chu Yang had designed this mecha to prepare for the future. Hydra and S.H.I.E.L.D. were now both under his control, and Earth no longer faced any major threats.

As long as certain people and organizations did not court death, Earth would remain very stable until Thanos arrived.

After the Wanderer Mecha was unveiled, Hokage Chu Yang grew excited and said that he needed it badly.

The Ten-Tails’ cultivation was nearing its end, but it could not be awakened directly because he needed to find a suitable place to plant the God Tree.

Planting it directly on Earth was definitely impossible. The God Tree would absorb the life force of the entire planet in an instant. Therefore, Hokage Chu Yang planned to plant the Divine Tree Fruit on the Moon.

But he had never had a suitable way to reach the Moon. Now, the Wanderer Mecha solved that problem.

There, Hokage Chu Yang could freely lift Kaguya Otsutsuki’s seal and could even turn her into a sacrifice for the God Tree.

After hearing the plan, Marvel Chu Yang handed the Wanderer Mecha to Hokage Chu Yang and explained some details about its use.

After obtaining the Wanderer Mecha, Hokage Chu Yang returned to the Naruto world.

Konoha.

Chu Yang appeared in the Death Forest. Under the pretext of training, he temporarily resigned from his job at the academy. Tobirama Senju, who had high hopes for him, did not say much about it.

With ample time on his hands, Chu Yang began spending every day in the laboratory there. While cultivating the Ten-Tails’ Chakra, he also tried to further refine his Otsutsuki Bloodline.

But the concentration of his bloodline seemed to be shackled by some limitation. Once it reached a certain point, it would no longer increase. This made Chu Yang realize that if he wanted a perfect Otsutsuki Bloodline, he would have to start with the Otsutsuki clan.

Kaguya Otsutsuki, or Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, who had descended upon Earth alongside her.

Ōtsutsuki Isshiki’s whereabouts were unknown. For now, the only option was to lift the seal and bring Kaguya Otsutsuki back into the world, collect her blood, and then make her a sacrifice for the Ten-Tails.

Chu Yang took the Ten-Tails’ Chakra from the laboratory, then his figure instantly vanished. He arrived in a remote place and waited until nightfall before taking out the Wanderer Mecha.

Three hours later, Chu Yang’s feet landed on the Moon. Using the Summoning Technique, he summoned the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path—the Ten-Tails’ shell—and then infused it with the Ten-Tails’ Chakra.

After obtaining the Chakra, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path’s body twisted violently. Before it could go berserk, Chu Yang sealed it and rendered it unable to move.

Afterward, Chu Yang used the power of the Six Paths to try to lift Kaguya Otsutsuki’s seal.

Kaguya Otsutsuki had been sealed by her two sons using Planetary Devastation. Her body was inside the Moon beneath his feet, so lifting the seal here would yield twice the result with half the effort.

Moments later, the entire Moon began to tremble violently.

A thunderous rumble erupted from where Chu Yang stood.

The next second, the ground split apart at a terrifying speed.

In the blink of an eye, it had become a massive abyss comparable to a great rift valley.

From beneath the abyss, a powerful Chakra surged upward, crashing against Chu Yang wave after wave like an ocean tide.

There were descendants of Hamura Otsutsuki on the Moon as well, but Chu Yang had no time to deal with them.

Kaguya slowly rose from the bottom of the abyss, her burning eyes fixed on Chu Yang.

She sensed the density of Otsutsuki Bloodline within him. It was simply more terrifying than her own.

Kaguya instinctively took Chu Yang for one of her clansmen and could not help growing flustered. Back when she planted the God Tree, she should have allowed herself to be devoured by the Ten-Tails. Instead, she had played a trick and ambushed Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, who had traveled with her.

For the Ten-Tails to grow into the God Tree, it first had to devour a living member of the Otsutsuki clan. Only then would it absorb the life force of the entire planet and bear fruit.

Upon seeing his target, Chu Yang entered his Source Martial True Body state and charged at her.

Kaguya did not dare underestimate him. Her first move was a killing technique.

"All-Killing Ash Bones!"

All-Killing Ash Bones was like an upgraded version of Kimimaro’s Kekkei Genkai. It could likewise use the wielder’s own bones, altering their structure and turning them into weapons.

Anyone pierced by the bones would gradually crumble apart like one revived through Impure World Reincarnation.

In terms of destructive power alone, this was among the top three Ninjutsu in Kaguya’s arsenal. She had absolute confidence in the killing power of All-Killing Ash Bones.

But the next second.

Kaguya witnessed something she could not comprehend—

Chu Yang neither dodged nor evaded. He directly caught the All-Killing Ash Bones with his hand and crushed them to pieces.

Kaguya’s pupils suddenly contracted.

He had actually caught the All-Killing Ash Bones with his bare hand?

For a moment, Kaguya’s mind completely froze.

Chu Yang continued flying toward Kaguya.

"Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack!"

A transcendent Taijutsu that only Kaguya could unleash. She concentrated Chakra in her palms, and a sky-full of fist shadows shot forth with her strikes!

Chu Yang swung both fists and traded blows with Kaguya. Taijutsu was what he excelled at most. Not even the Heavenly Emperor himself could defeat him in that regard, much less Kaguya, who had only just awakened from her seal.

As the two exchanged blows, the entire Moon trembled.

But no matter how powerful Kaguya was, she could not possibly be Chu Yang’s opponent.

Only a few seconds passed before Kaguya had been beaten bloody all over. She hurriedly took several deep breaths and tried to regain her stance.

However, Chu Yang gave her no chance at all. With nothing but his fists, he beat Kaguya unconscious. He first drew enough blood to ensure he could meet his experimental needs, then brought her before the Ten-Tails and threw her to it.

The Ten-Tails was not intelligent. Seeing something fly toward it, instinct drove it to swallow her whole in a single gulp.

It struggled violently, its body twisting without end, before finally transforming into a towering ancient tree.

Kaguya, who had consumed a Divine Tree Fruit, could herself replace a vast amount of life force. After feeding her to the Ten-Tails, the God Tree’s fruit grew at an astonishing rate.

Before long, a fruit appeared in Chu Yang’s hand.

The God Tree that had borne the fruit quickly withered and ultimately turned to dust. However, as long as Chu Yang wished it, he could create another God Tree.

The best fertilizer was the Otsutsuki clan. It was far more cost-effective than absorbing an entire planet. In any case, those people would come here sooner or later. Chu Yang would wait for them—one would come, one would be buried.

From beneath the fissures caused by the broken seal, one frightened head after another poked out. They were all Hamura’s descendants, left behind on the Moon to guard the seal.

They had witnessed the battle from start to finish. The absolute crushing power Chu Yang displayed filled them with fear. As the clan that guarded the seal, they knew better than anyone how terrifying Kaguya Otsutsuki was.

Yet such a legendary figure had been utterly helpless before Chu Yang, as fragile as a chicken or dog.

Chu Yang looked down at them. His cold expression was like that of a demon god, frightening the group until they trembled.

How should he deal with Hamura’s descendants?

Chu Yang had already treated the Moon as his private garden for growing God Trees. Their presence here was somewhat of an eyesore.

Before Chu Yang could make a move, a very elderly descendant of Hamura suddenly fell to his knees. The others followed suit, kneeling one after another and worshipping Chu Yang as a God.

"They know how to read the situation…"

"But you are mistaken. I have no intention of harming you. I only want you to move somewhere else."

Before coming here, Chu Yang had already left a Flying Thunder God coordinate on the ground, allowing him to easily establish a passage back. The coordinate was not in Konoha, however, but somewhere much more remote.

"My lord, this is the homeland where we have lived our entire lives. We hope you will show mercy and allow us to remain here."

More and more people begged Chu Yang to let them stay.

Chu Yang frowned. "The Moon lacks resources and has little vitality. Would it not be better to return to your original planet?"

Someone from the crowd answered, "We have lived here for too long. Both our bodies and our hearts are more suited to this place."

"If we remain here, we can assist you, my lord. If you need anything, please command us freely."

On second thought, Chu Yang really did have use for Hamura’s descendants. The Death Forest was too small; it was no longer sufficient as an experimental base. He could not exactly hollow out the entire forest underground.

The Lineage Factor experiments could not be made public either. In the eyes of outsiders, they were not much better than Orochimaru’s experiments.

Taking everything into consideration, there was indeed a need to move the experimental base to the Moon. Besides, he truly needed helpers for many miscellaneous tasks.

Chu Yang established a Flying Thunder God passage and teleported back to Konoha. Taking advantage of the dead of night, he began moving with Shadow Clones, only finishing when dawn was beginning to break.

Only after doing all that did Chu Yang have time to swallow the Divine Tree Fruit in one bite. The enormous energy instantly erupted inside his body.

The Divine Tree Fruit possessed not only an immense amount of Chakra, but also all the genetic information of every being used as "nourishment."

Members of the Otsutsuki clan cultivated God Trees and ate their Divine Tree Fruits to gain the power of evolution.

The strongest member of the Otsutsuki clan—Shibai Otsutsuki—had continuously evolved by devouring fruits. In the end, he became a God-like existence, voluntarily discarded his physical body, transcended the concept of life and death, and entered another dimension.

From a xianxia perspective, it was roughly equivalent to ascending into immortality.

Compared to slowly cultivating one planet after another through such an inefficient method, Chu Yang preferred going straight to the source and using the Otsutsuki clan as fertilizer.

The immense Chakra gradually became absorbed by Chu Yang. Every power within his Ninjutsu system, including the Six Paths Sage Mode, received an epic enhancement.

Soul Palace.

Another new throne lit up.

Along with it appeared a strange tree resembling the God Tree of the Naruto world, rooted in the center of the palace.

This development startled everyone. By comparison, another throne lighting up seemed almost insignificant.

"Why is there suddenly a huge tree too?"

"This version update is really strange."

"The design does look a little familiar…"

"Come to think of it, which world’s boss got wrecked again?"

As soon as those words fell, Hokage Chu Yang appeared in the Soul Palace, bringing news of how he had eliminated Kaguya.

Everyone gathered around the great tree, examining it curiously and wondering what it was for. So far, nothing that had appeared in the Soul Palace had been useless.

Hokage Chu Yang tried channeling Chakra into the God Tree to see how it would react, but it was as though there was a wall inside the tree blocking the Chakra from entering, rejecting that power.

Afterward, everyone tried using other forms of power. Without exception, none of them could produce any reaction from the God Tree.

"There should be some other condition to trigger it. Stop experimenting blindly, everyone. We don’t want to damage the tree."

Magic Chu Yang called a halt to their attempts.

Apart from a few people who remained in the Soul Palace, everyone else returned to their respective worlds.

Xianxia World.

Mingzhou City.

It was not far from Yu Hang Town. Thanks to its waterways extending in all directions, Mingzhou City’s trade flourished tremendously. As the city’s dominant force, the Xiahou Family practically controlled its most profitable industries.

Even the local authorities sometimes had to act according to the Xiahou Family’s wishes.

Fortunately, as one of the leading righteous families, the Xiahou Family was humble and courteous, never using its influence to oppress others. Instead, it often performed charitable deeds. Whether during famine or sudden disasters, they were always the first to step forward and help resolve the problems. They had an excellent reputation among the common people.

Almost the moment they entered the city, many citizens voluntarily came forward to greet Xiahou Zhang at the head of the group. There was not the slightest falsehood in their words of concern.

"Uncle Xiahou is as beloved by the people as ever," Jiang Cheng said with feeling from the crowd.

"Isn’t Uncle Ouyang the same? Speaking of a hero’s bearing, Uncle Ouyang deserves to be called the finest," Xiahou Jinxuan responded courteously.

"Enough, you two. Is it interesting, praising each other like that? Aren’t you nervous at all? We’re about to meet that person. What if we can’t reach an agreement?"

For some reason, the closer they got to Mingzhou City, the more uneasy Xia became, and the worse her mood grew.

Ever since learning the truth, Mo Yi’s figure had lingered in Xia’s mind, impossible to drive away.

By chance, that man had given her a second life, but his intentions had been utterly sinister.

She did not even know whether she should thank him…

Seeming to notice something was wrong with Xia, Xiahou Jinxuan and Jiang Cheng did not blame her for her poor attitude. Mu Changlan even put an arm around Xia’s shoulders and softly comforted her.

Only Xie Cangxing burst into laughter and said carelessly, "Girl, don’t be so nervous. If we can’t handle it, my Sect Leader senior brother isn’t just sitting around collecting a salary. As the saying goes, even when beating a dog, you have to consider its owner…"

Xiahou Jinxuan immediately stopped him from continuing. "Brother Xie, it should be, ‘If not for the monk’s sake, then for the Buddha’s.’"

Xia put her hands on her hips. "Who’s your Sect Leader senior brother? What are you trying to claim kinship for? Call him Sect Leader properly!"

Jiang Cheng could not help shaking his head. "Brother Xie, it is very inappropriate to describe Sect Leader Chu as someone who sits around collecting a salary. You should watch your words after returning to Shu Mountain…"

Mu Changlan said coldly, "What an uncultured brute."

Xie Cangxing grew anxious. "Hey, hey, hey! Why is everyone coming at me? I’m innocent here…"

Teasing Xie Cangxing seemed to have become an unspoken pastime for everyone. Still, to be honest, it was quite stress-relieving. At the very least, Xia was no longer as nervous as before, so the effect was obvious.

The noisy voices reached Xiahou Zhang at the front. He turned back to look at the young people, shook his head, and sighed. "Making such a racket without a shred of decorum. What a disgrace."

The accompanying steward said cheerfully, "Master, they’re young people. It’s perfectly understandable. Weren’t we the same at their age? The young master is usually far too mature. He carries himself with the weariness of old age despite being so young. That isn’t a good thing."

Xiahou Zhang said irritably, "You and my second brother have spoiled him since childhood. He refused to learn martial arts and insisted on studying some spellcraft instead. Now he’s grown up without any proper sense of conduct. Who knows what will become of him in the future? Sigh…"

The steward repeatedly apologized, though his eyes were full of amusement. He had served the Xiahou Family for many years and had long been regarded by Xiahou Zhang and the others as family, which was why he could speak to the family head this way.

Xiahou Mansion stood at the highest point in all of Mingzhou City, and they still had to climb a long flight of stairs to reach it. As the group ascended step by step, the physically weakest among them, Xiahou Jinxuan, complained without pause.

"Every time I come home, I have to walk up from here. I really want to move out."

"Young Master, don’t fail to appreciate your blessings. Go ask the beggars on the street whether they would mind climbing stairs if they could live in Xiahou Mansion."

"Mm… Miss Xia’s lesson is well taken."

"Hahaha, why does the young master get scolded every day?"

"I’d like to know why too."

"What else could it be? Your cursed mouth! Anything you say is bound to turn out badly."

After being scolded again, Xiahou Jinxuan chose to keep quiet.

Upon returning to Xiahou Mansion, the servants brought news that the Second Master had fallen gravely ill and was bedridden. Xiahou Zhang was so alarmed that he hurried over to visit him.

Jiang Cheng and the others exchanged looks. They knew Xiahou Tao’s true identity. How could a puppet suffer from so many illnesses? He really knew how to put on an act.

Xiahou Jinxuan wore a complicated expression. After standing there silently for a long while, he suddenly said, "Please wait for me a moment. I want to go in and see my second uncle."

Xia immediately cried anxiously, "Are you crazy?"

There was an indescribable sorrow in Xiahou Jinxuan’s eyes as he slowly said, "For more than ten years, I’ve lived with him day and night. He taught me to read and write, taught me how to conduct myself, and even taught me spellcraft for self-defense. How can people be without feelings? Before we have completely torn off all pretenses, I can still call him Second Uncle. Once the truth is fully revealed, there will be no going back to how things were…"

Xia wanted to say more, but Jiang Cheng stopped her. He shook his head at her and said, "Miss Xia, everyone understands how he feels. Let him go."

Mu Changlan also said softly, "Sister Xia, the young master is the one suffering most right now."

Xie Cangxing took a swig of wine. "Girl, don’t worry about the young master’s safety. That person still doesn’t know anything."

Xia turned away and said no more. She truly was worried about Xiahou Jinxuan’s safety, but she also understood the pain of losing a loved one. To Xiahou Jinxuan, his second uncle would completely die the moment the truth was exposed.

After receiving everyone’s understanding and consent, Xiahou Jinxuan hurried into the rear courtyard and, familiar with the route, found Xiahou Tao’s room.

At that moment, the door was open. As soon as Xiahou Jinxuan entered, he saw Xiahou Tao lying in bed, as well as his father keeping watch by the bedside.

When the pale-faced Xiahou Tao saw Xiahou Jinxuan, he revealed a gentle and loving expression, smiling faintly as he said, "Jinxuan is back. You must have seen many interesting things on the journey. Tell your second uncle about them."

"Of course, Second Uncle." A trace of sorrow flashed through Xiahou Jinxuan’s eyes. He walked to Xiahou Tao’s bedside and began telling him about the interesting things he had seen while attending the grand ceremony.

He concealed nothing about what had happened on Shu Mountain. When Xiahou Tao heard that Demon Lord Chonglou had appeared and congratulated Chu Yang on assuming the position of Sect Leader, his expression instantly turned strange.

"As the ruler of the demon realm, he actually has the leisure to come to the human realm and join the festivities. Could it be that the demon realm is presently filled with singing and dancing, requiring no governance whatsoever?"

The resentment in his tone was impossible to conceal, but Xiahou Tao quickly controlled his emotions and did not let Xiahou Zhang notice anything unusual. Xiahou Jinxuan, who had been watching him all along, lowered his head as his entire body trembled slightly.

If he had still held even the faintest unrealistic hope before entering the room, Xiahou Tao’s attitude at that moment completely shattered his last trace of wishful thinking.

They talked about Shu Mountain for an unknown length of time before Xiahou Tao finally showed signs of fatigue. Wanting him to recover quickly, Xiahou Zhang did not dare disturb his rest and directly led Jinxuan out of the room.

After the two left, Xiahou Tao swept away his previously sickly appearance. He abruptly sat up in bed, his expression turning fierce.

"The nations of the demon realm are fighting each other desperately over water. As the ruler of the demon realm, not only do you refuse to mediate, you also make no effort to restore the water veins, even calling it survival of the fittest."

"Chonglou, you should never have become the ruler of the demon realm!"

While Xiahou Tao—or rather, Mo Yi—was furiously cursing Chonglou, Xiahou Zhang had already led everyone to the side hall for a meal. After enduring wind and rough lodging along the way, they had long been starving. Without another word, they began stuffing themselves as though their lives depended on it.

Xiahou Jinxuan was in low spirits and had no appetite, so he returned to his room early to rest. Xia, who had been feeling somewhat unwell earlier, ate with the greatest ferocity instead.

With her five senses restored to normal, she was experiencing the deliciousness of fine food and delicacies for the first time since birth. Even when she had spare money in the past, she would not buy tasty food because she could not taste it.

The little girl ate while crying, making it look as though a refugee had entered the country. Xiahou Zhang’s mouth twitched as he watched, thinking that whoever married this girl would need a very solid family fortune.

Hadn’t this child already entered Shu Mountain? Why did she still act like someone who had never seen the world?

Wasn’t it a little excessive to cry just because the food was delicious?

Xiahou Zhang sighed inwardly that he did not understand the world of young people, then left the table early and let Jiang Cheng and the others eat and drink as they pleased.

In the end, Xie Cangxing had to forcibly drag Xia away. Otherwise, she really might have kept eating from that night until the next morning.

It was already late at night. The four first returned to their guest rooms separately, only sneaking out after everyone had fallen asleep and heading straight for Xiahou Jinxuan’s room.

After everyone gathered, Xiahou Jinxuan led them to Xiahou Tao’s room.

At that moment, a dim glow shone from within the room, accompanied by the faint sound of people speaking.

"Your Majesty, have you found the exact location of the Shennong Cauldron in the Divine Land?"

"I have some leads, but others here are also searching for the Shennong Cauldron. One of them has yin-yang pupils and is quite formidable. I suffered no small loss at his hands."

"Your Majesty, please take care of your royal health. The Yaksa Kingdom cannot bear the blow of losing you."

"Haha, with the Grand Elder around, even if I were to suddenly die in battle one day, it would not matter. I believe you would handle everything well."

"Your Majesty, please do not make such jokes…"

There was some veiled sparring in their exchange. Even though Mo Yi was his own maternal uncle, Long Ming still remained wary of the ambitious Mo Yi.

Just as Mo Yi was about to continue, his expression suddenly changed. The next moment, the door was pushed open, and Xiahou Jinxuan slowly walked in.

"Should I call you Second Uncle, or Ku Mu, or perhaps… the Grand Elder of the Yaksa Kingdom, Mo Yi?"