“Gu Baiying?” Zanxing was taken aback and quickly turned to Bu Jiang, asking urgently, “Is this true?”
Two years ago, Gu Baiying had helped her escape from the life-threatening trap set by Gui Yansheng, despite being the son of Fairy Qinghua and a direct disciple of Shaoyang Zhenren. Given his background, it seemed improbable that such a significant act would simply be brushed aside.
However, there had been no news of disciplinary action against him from the sect since then. The lack of news, in a way, was good news, indicating that Gu Baiying’s life was at least safe.
Still, Zanxing couldn’t relax. If she didn’t need to fully merge with the Qinchong seed, she would have flown to Gufeng Mountain immediately to rescue Gu Baiying.
Now that she finally heard news of Gu Baiying again, she was shocked to learn that he had become the leader of the demon extermination army. The demon extermination army was composed of selected individuals from several sects, and it was hard to believe that even the Daoist Lingxin of Chihua Sect would agree to this.
Bu Jiang’s voice brought Zanxing’s wandering thoughts back to the present. “The Xiao Yuan Pearl is a treasure of the demon realm. Whether it can be refined or not, it is nurtured by the spiritual energy of the demon realm. If it remains in Gui Yansheng’s hands and is eventually refined by him, the entire demon realm will face the wrath of a tyrannical and capricious ruler. The sects might not even need to intervene—within a few years, this madman could destroy every demon in the realm. Therefore, the Xiao Yuan Pearl cannot stay with him.”
“Of course, the Xiao Yuan Pearl also cannot fall into the hands of the sects.”
“If the sect’s cultivators refine it, they might turn it against us demons, which would be harmful to our kind. So, Zanxing,” Bu Jiang said, “we must retrieve the Xiao Yuan Pearl.”
“But the Xiao Yuan Pearl is in Gui Yansheng’s possession.” Zanxing frowned slightly. “You want me to face Gui Yansheng and reclaim the Xiao Yuan Pearl?” To be honest, she wasn’t confident. Gui Yansheng’s Asura Umbrella could instantly capture souls, making him a formidable opponent. Moreover, he had possessed the pearl for two years now, and Zanxing had experienced firsthand the pearl’s ability to greatly enhance one’s cultivation. Gui Yansheng was likely even more difficult to deal with now than he was two years ago. Zanxing alone didn’t have the confidence to defeat him.
“Direct confrontation is, of course, uncertain. However, the madman recently went on a rampage, attacking sects everywhere. The sects are already at their limit. With the expedition to the Yue Mountains, the demon extermination army and Gui Yansheng are bound to engage in a fierce battle. If you wait until they are fully engaged, wouldn’t that make you a beneficiary?”
Zanxing responded, “An ambush?” Although it was practical advice, it sounded rather… underhanded?
Bu Jiang glanced at her and said with a smirk, “You’ve been at Taiyan Sect for too long, you’ve picked up their upright and proper ways. Remember, we are demons. No matter how righteous you act, your reputation will be what it is. People will say we’re crooked and evil anyway, so we might as well act without reservations. As long as we don’t care about our reputation, nothing can constrain us.”
“…”
Such a let-it-all-go attitude.
Bu Jiang looked at Zanxing and sighed softly, “Actually, I planned to go myself. After all, if something happened to you, the demon realm would truly be leaderless. However, now that you’re seen as the future hope of the demon race in Heishi City, once the Gui Yansheng situation is resolved, you will be the next Demon King.”
“You have lived in the Capital for many years, and now returning to the demon race, while some will support you, there will inevitably be dissenters. You need to win a decisive battle to prove yourself and to lay a foundation for your ascension to the Demon Lord position.”
“The battle at Yue Mountain is a must for you.”
The rain fell like willow strands, gently cascading on the blue paper umbrella, creating swirling mist around the ink-wash flowers and birds.
Zanxing remained silent.
“If your father had not tried to refine the Xiao Yuan Pearl, with his cultivation level, he could have dominated the Capital. After his fall, if I left the demon realm, I could have found a place to live out my years in peace without worrying about the demon race. But your father chose to refine the Xiao Yuan Pearl for the sake of the demon realm’s spiritual veins. I, too, have used my demonic power to maintain the spiritual energy of the realm to prevent its complete extinction.” Bu Jiang turned, her figure in men’s robes, with her long, black hair styled high, and her face, exquisitely beautiful. She smiled at Zanxing, “In life, there are many things that must be done. When you hold a certain position, you must bear the responsibility for that role.”
“You have not yet enjoyed the respect due to the Demon King’s daughter. Now, with the demon race in decline, it’s unfair for you to lead the charge for Heishi City’s future. So, Zanxing, you have the power to choose.” Bu Jiang’s gaze shifted to the rain-drenched Heishi City, her voice softening, “If you are unwilling to go, I won’t force you. I’ll take people into Yue Mountain to seize the Xiao Yuan Pearl. You stay in Heishi City and wait for my news.”
“What will it be?”
Zanxing looked down at the mountain, where countless streams of dawn-colored water gently enveloped the black stone mountain, flowing over a desolate landscape. The black city in the rain seemed to take on a strange, romantic beauty.
She pulled her gaze back and, after a moment’s pause, replied, “Give me some time to think.”
*
By the time Zanxing returned to the Chaos Palace, the night was deep.
Lantern Ghost was waiting at the palace entrance with a blue-green ghost fire in hand. Seeing Zanxing return, he eagerly approached and greeted, “The Young Princess has returned.”
Zanxing nodded, “Why are you still up?”
“I’ve kept the lantern on for the Little Princess,” the young man said with a hint of reproach. Before he could finish his sentence, a frail young man, coughing, came over and discreetly nudged Lantern Ghost aside. He handed Zanxing a bowl of hot soup, “It’s raining heavily outside. I’ve made some ganoderma ginger soup for the Young Princess. Drink it while it’s hot. Cough, cough…”
Zanxing took the soup and looked at him, hesitating before finally saying, “…You should go rest.”
The sickly young man’s face immediately showed a hint of grievance, with teary eyes he said, “Is the Young Princess unhappy with me because of my poor health?”
Lantern Ghost rolled his eyes silently, while Shun Nu walked over with a smile, draping a coat over Zanxing and taking out a comb to brush Zanxing’s long hair. She said softly, “Your hair is wet. Young Princess, come inside and warm up.”
Such minor rivalries and jealousies were a daily occurrence. Zanxing usually balanced everyone’s needs, but today her mind was occupied. She said, “You all go rest. I’m a bit tired.”
Water Lord gave a signal, and the group quickly withdrew, leaving only Zanxing alone in the Chaos Palace. Mimi, sneaking out from the shadows, jumped onto Zanxing’s long couch and found a comfortable spot beside her.
As Zanxing petted Mimi’s head, she pondered over what Bu Jiang had said earlier.