The three of them felt a fetal breath growing and strengthening simultaneously; its nourishment came from the icy shards left behind by the shattered Water Spirit.
"Turandot! You are bold!"
The Little Dragon King was consumed by rage, having finally been drawn in by the red light emitted by Hua Ling. "I have treated you well and provided much support to your Merfolk Clan. Why would you stab me in the back?"
It was unexpected, utterly shocking. At that moment, Turandot heard nothing of the world around her, her mind filled entirely with the rhythmic pulsing of the fetal breath.
*How could this be?*
*Only once. I am a demon, he is human; our paths are different. He was merely at the Spirit Movement Realm. How is this possible?*
For all spirits, one must reach a certain level of cultivation to take human form, gain a Daoist body, and only then, by forming a union, can they conceive. The fetus in her womb had come at the worst possible time. Though she held her hands high, her inner energy had already gathered near the fetus. If she truly willed it, a single movement would ensure the child could not survive.
*Heaven, what kind of joke are you playing on me?*
Having attained human form and sapience through the sacrifices and worship of the Merfolk Clan, Turandot had set out on the path of cultivation. She felt lost, unsure if she was a demon, a god, or a water spirit.
*How could there be a child?*
She felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness, quickly followed by a surge of immense joy.
*I will give birth to him. I will live!*
A decision was made in a single thought, though her expression of shock remained.
"How can this be?"
Shock, panic, bewilderment.
"How can this be?" she asked again, reaching out to grab the nearby Hua Ling. But Hua Ling flashed behind the Little Dragon King, and Feng Ling stood beside her sister, brows furrowed.
"I sensed something just now—it seemed like a flicker of spiritual essence. I initially thought it was the Water Spirit taking form, but could it be..."
She did not voice her theory; Feng Ling dared not lead the Little Dragon King to a conclusion and could only let him judge for himself.
At this moment, no one paid any mind to the increasingly frantic Turandot. She was left to ask her questions in a fit of madness, and no one could answer her. If she did not know how the child came to be, who else could?
Compared to the loss of a valuable item, the Little Dragon King was more concerned about Feng Ling’s intuition. At such a critical juncture, he could forgo unexpected gains, but he had to eliminate all danger. Unfortunately, no matter what spells he cast, he could find nothing amiss.
His expression softened, and he withdrew his power. Only then did Feng Ling continue: "Could it be that the fetus is newly formed and its blood essence pulsed first, and I was merely mistaken?"
She was asking herself, while also offering the Little Dragon King a direction for his thoughts.
With a single flick of her hand, the water of the Qinghua Pool surged into the air. In the space left behind, Turandot barely managed to cover herself, enduring the Little Dragon King’s scrutinizing gaze.
"Hmph, you slut!"
A slap print appeared on her face, and Turandot collapsed to the ground. Yet, her primary concern was the child in her womb; having forgotten her own cultivation, her first instinct was to cradle her abdomen.
She looked dazed and wretched. After striking her, the Little Dragon King turned and walked away with his hands behind his back. Wild, manic fury danced in his eyes, yet he had not dealt a killing blow.
"Keep her confined here. Serve her well and feed her the finest treasures; she is tainted now, but that fetal essence is a primordial treasure," Hua Ling said, her alluring lips curling into a cold remark. She glanced at Turandot with disgust, afraid of being cursed by her presence, and hurried away.
"Degrading yourself—and what is the result?" Feng Ling threw this parting shot.
*Degrading myself? Isn't that what you all dream of? Isn't it?*
The most dangerous hurdle had passed. Turandot leaned against the edge of the pool and stood up.
The female attendants from outside had already arrived. A group of maids cast spells in unison, and the magnificent wonders of the Qinghua Pool were hidden away; all light vanished from the spot.
Outside, a waterfall plummeted from the heavens. The Little Dragon King walked slowly from the tunnel within the mountain toward the exit, his fists clenched, the roaring sound of water growing louder.
The Twin Beauties hurried to follow him. On the Lingxiu Terrace halfway up the mountain, the Little Dragon King’s fists repeatedly opened and closed, revealing that his emotions were not as calm as they seemed.
"Father!"
"Dad!"
The two caught up, hesitant to speak. Hua Ling was more unrestrained, her tone and manner more intimate.
"Father, that slut really doesn't know what's good for her!"
Facing them, the Little Dragon King finally suppressed the killing intent and anger in his heart. Watching the waterfall crash down, his expression softened.
"Enough. If she is unwilling, so be it. I never intended to rely on outsiders for the path to immortality. It is just that her self-degradation is truly infuriating."
His words were cryptic, but both understood. It touched upon a secret.
"Dad, most of the guests are near the mountain gates. The Qinghua Pool is sealed; keeping her alive might still be useful for the Dragon Gate Assembly!" Feng Ling said, her tone gentle and steady as she pondered.
"Hmph, born of the Demon Race, she shall die as such. Of course, someone is bound to come and investigate. It is a pity that whether Shen Xuanyue died or not, no one present that day can be certain."
The cry of a spirit bird pierced the heavens!
Clouds and mist, auspicious signs, and five-colored radiance! The Little Dragon Pool was a magnificent sight that brought peace to the heart.
Watching the distance, Hua Ling’s resentment immediately vanished, drawn in by the Little Dragon King’s words.
"Father, is that Shen Xuanyue very powerful?" She raised her fists in a defiant challenge and continued, "Shen Xuanyue? Choosing such a grandiose name—is she not afraid her fate isn't hard enough to carry it?" She giggled and clenched her fists tightly. "It would be best if she were crushed to death!"
When it came to outsiders, she didn't care who they were; destroying anyone who displeased her was the best solution.
"Do not be careless. This person’s background is unknown and mysterious. According to information from the human race, Zhao Wuji has a close relationship with her, and Zhao Wuji is..."
Mentioning that name caused a sense of powerlessness to rise in the three of them—a feeling of inadequacy.
"Zhao Wuji..."
It was hard to imagine that the Little Dragon King, who appeared transcendent before others, would privately harbor such resignation and begrudging respect.
"Not even forty, and rumors say he is about to break through to the Immortal Realm. His blood must taste delicious!" Hua Ling licked her lips, her eyes cruel.
"Do not be careless. In this Dragon Gate Assembly, he is the one I fear most, followed by the old bull. Once I pass the Dragon Gate, the Demon Race will no longer be ruled by the old bull alone!"
Thinking of the benefits of the Little Dragon Pool’s rising status, the two sisters were filled with anticipation. Just then, a celestial figure descended from outside the mountain, and the welcoming bells rang out.
"The Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect from the Tianxing Continent, accompanied by his disciples, has arrived!"
The Little Dragon King’s face lit up with joy, surprised that the first to arrive at the Little Dragon Pool was a heavyweight of the Demon Race.
"Come, follow me to the mountain gate to welcome them at once!"
With a wave of his hand, the majestic mountain and the waterfall vanished. The three appeared in a shaded pavilion; on one of the pillars hung a painting of the very same peaks and waterfall.
While Turandot was imprisoned in the Qinghua Pool, Lin Feng, on the other side, felt an unexpected joy in his heart.
He had been admiring the Azure Water Beast at close range, showering it with constant verbal praise. This sudden joy made him pause, and he stretched comfortably.
"Junior brother, you practice a unique technique. Why not find a mount to make your travels easier? It would be much more convenient to roam the world."
*Find a mount? I’d be lucky if it didn't kill me instead.*
Knowing his own situation, Lin Feng shook his head with grace.
"No, thank you. The human body is naturally attuned to the Dao. We who have taken form through cultivation should remain close to the Great Dao, following the rhythms of the four seasons in our daily lives. Even if I were to seek a mount, it would only be a common beast. I prefer to measure these mountains and rivers with my own feet, as if in a hazy dream."
If a normal person had said that a cultivator should experience the life of a mortal, Tianchi might have taken it as a quaint anecdote. But Lin Feng’s identity was special. He was unsure of his origins, but he would neither look down on him nor reveal his true thoughts. If Lin Feng were truly a genius of the Demon Race, exchanging ideas would be a beneficial way to cultivate.
"Oh? Your words seem to carry a deeper meaning, brother. I would love to hear them!"
Lin Feng had no idea what "meaning" he could possibly have, so he quickly ransacked his memories and pretended to be deep in thought.
"May I ask, brother, since the human race appeared in this world after our Demon Race, why were they able to rise so rapidly and become the masters of the world?"
Seeing him take it seriously, Tianchi was also inclined to discuss it.
"The human body is fragile, yet they are skilled at learning from all races. On this point alone, all our clans are left in the dust."
"True. The human body is naturally suited for learning. But brother, who said the human body is inherently attuned to the Dao? And who defined the 'natural' and 'acquired' Dao?"
For a typical cultivator, these two questions could lead to a long discussion citing ancient texts to provide a satisfying answer. But Tianchi was different. His experiences and knowledge prevented him from making rash judgments on such questions. He was at a stage of self-exploration—his cultivation was not very high, but by no means low.
In ordinary times, the Heavenly Demon King would not easily discuss such theories of "Dao to no-Dao" with him, and given his own level, Tianchi would not dare explore them lightly. But Lin Feng was a peer with the courage to question. He felt moved, and secretly marveled at Lin Feng’s wild, imaginative ideas.
Everyone cultivated according to the Dao, but how many dared to ask who defined the Dao? Perhaps even those at the highest levels of cultivation dared not answer that.
Lin Feng had said it casually, but the more Tianchi thought about it, the more profound it seemed, and he dared not respond lightly.
*Heh, trying to test me? Let’s see if I don’t scare you.*
Lin Feng felt triumphant. With a smile, he turned back, lingeringly stroking the Azure Water Beast—he truly loved the blood-red patterns on its skin.
"Isn't that right, little guy?"
The beast nodded repeatedly. It was so buttered up by Lin Feng that it believed whatever he said. It looked at its master with anxiety, terrified that he would disagree.
This question was truly too deep for Tianchi. He felt a mouthful of words stuck in his throat, unable to find the right way to respond.
*Yo, a genius is a genius! I was just spouting nonsense; he didn't actually gain some enlightenment, did he? Great Human Emperors, forgive me—I was just trying to fool him! Shameful, truly shameful!*
"Ahem, brother, sister, just like a woman’s beauty—if no one in this world defined it, who would know what is beautiful and what is ugly?"
*I can't stop this act of being an expert.* Lin Feng was terrified that a single question of his would lead Tianchi to a great realization. Such monsters were so talented that a fart from someone else might sound profound to them. He wanted to change the subject.
Though young, Fuqu was already on the verge of breaking through to the Taixu Realm. Seeing her lost in thought, Lin Feng was scared and used the example of beauty as a distraction.
"Hehe, junior brother, don't be mischievous. Whether things are beautiful or ugly, a cultivator has their own judgment within—this is what we call the Dao. The humans have a saying: 'Justice resides in the hearts of the people.' In some ways, that captures the true essence of the Dao; sometimes, the Dao doesn't need a specific explanation."
*Whoa, a monster! Truly a monster!*
Lin Feng was moved by Fuqu’s few words. He was not stupid; he could see that Fuqu had her own thoughts, but since she couldn't explain them immediately, she used this "boomerang" to address the question of beauty without leaving a trace. And it made perfect sense!
Unlike her, Tianchi was truly lost in it. Before Lin Feng could deny her statement, Tianchi shook his head slowly and reached out to pull her close, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Junior sister, that is not what our brother meant!"
*No way. Did this demon actually realize something?*
Lin Feng followed the wind and also shook his head with an air of profundity.
At this, the Azure Water Beast widened its eyes, spinning them around in confusion. It was baffled. Fuqu bowed her head at Tianchi’s side, smiling without a word.
"Well played, junior brother. My knowledge is shallow; I couldn't answer for a moment. When my cultivation improves, I will definitely find the answer."
In just two sentences, Tianchi’s mindset shifted from serious admission to confidence, without a hint of concealment or embarrassment. He didn't feel ashamed for being unable to answer. Such a mindset was the prerequisite for becoming a true powerhouse. Lin Feng finally dared not underestimate this pair.
Some things must be acknowledged when encountered, regardless of one's stance.
"This is something I have wrestled with in my dreams every day, unable to grasp. Brother, I was merely speaking nonsense!" Lin Feng cupped his fists in apology. "But if I can figure it out, I will surely soar to the skies!"
As soon as he lowered his fists, Lin Feng suddenly radiated such spirit and self-confidence.
*What is youthful ambition? This is it.*
Seeing his vibrant demeanor, Tianchi felt a sudden, encroaching sense of age.
Fuqu looked up, her gentle eyes filled with infinite trust. Tianchi gave a simple, honest smile and gripped her hand tighter.
Unknowingly, Lin Feng had used his inner joy to suppress Tianchi’s spirit, while Fuqu’s gentleness had dissolved that negative influence into nothingness. If they were strangers meeting on the road, such an impact on their states of mind could have led to a life-or-death confrontation.
Lin Feng was unaware of the danger, but Tianchi had the true bearing of a superior.
With his beautiful companion trusting him so, how could he fear the high and distant?
A thick, powerful aura—far more exaggerated than Lin Feng’s ambition—erupted from Tianchi like an endless, roaring river. It was not a violent explosion, but one of immense, enduring depth. In a daze, Lin Feng felt as if he were staring at the Qingniu in person.
"Brother, you are no less than the Demon Emperor. After today, the Demon Immortal Realm is within sight. Congratulations, brother!"
Congratulating him was one thing, but Lin Feng’s words were sacrilegious. The Demon Emperor Qingniu was the sky of the Demon Race; to speak this way was truly brazen.
Fuqu’s expression changed, and she glanced around, but Tianchi gently patted the back of her hand, signaling her to be at ease.
The spirit he exuded continued to grow. Tianchi’s expression became impassioned, as if he were talking to himself or seeking verification from Lin Feng.
"You mean to break the Dao first, and then establish it? I have gained much. Thank you, fellow Daoist!"
The term "fellow Daoist" carried far more weight than "junior brother." Tianchi looked at him with gratitude. There were no strange phenomena in the sky, but Lin Feng was inwardly stunned.
*Heaven, did I just harm others and myself?*
He had never expected that simply talking nonsense to hide his identity would allow this monster to gain so much. He gritted his teeth and gave the Azure Water Beast a heavy pat, scaring it back to its senses.
*Damn him. How many such monsters are there in the Demon Race?*
However, this self-consolation couldn't convince him. Lamenting that he had done more harm than good, Lin Feng grew angry. *You had better not succeed, or I will have to kill you, my dear brother!*
The forms of address between him and Tianchi had shifted several times, each marking a progression in their relationship. Lin Feng had a headache. If all demons were monsters like this, the human race truly had no chance.
His anger could stir no waves, and he dared not reveal it. He could only watch as Tianchi withdrew his focus, refreshed, while Fuqu looked on with joy.
"Hahaha, this trip to Taixu has been fruitful. The breakthrough is at hand. Junior brother, I fear we cannot travel together anymore. Ling-er will take you to the Little Dragon Pool. If you encounter enemies, just use your divine soul to trigger this object. You may travel the Three Continents without worry, brother."
As soon as he regained his composure, Tianchi tossed a small golden sword to Lin Feng. It was vibrant with sword energy; even someone like Lin Feng, who was not a swordsman, found the sight piercingly painful.
"I have already severed the bond of ownership. Use this treasure, brother, no need to return it."
Afraid that Lin Feng wouldn't know how to use it, Tianchi controlled it, and the moment it reached Lin Feng’s hand, it pricked his skin, forcing a blood-binding.
Now, Lin Feng knew everything.
With a thought, the three-foot-long sword rang out brilliantly. Lin Feng reached out, then recoiled—he dared not take it.
"Brother, this treasure is too valuable!" He forced a bitter smile and tried to push it back.
"Eh, no need for formalities, brother. After such a discussion, I fear this gift is not enough. Take it."
Once a simple, honest man became generous, he gave Lin Feng no chance to refuse.
The sword vibrated violently in his hand, and Lin Feng almost lost his grip.
"Brother, this!"
"It’s fine, it just has a sword spirit. Feed it your essence blood for a few days, and it will soon be in tune with your heart."
Lin Feng was stunned. He had never expected the flying sword to possess a spirit.
"Brother, we cannot delay any longer!" Tianchi was still instructing Lin Feng when Fuqu spoke up, then turned her gaze to him. "Apologies, brother, you must proceed alone."
In truth, Tianchi’s willingness to say the breakthrough was at hand was a sign of immense trust in Lin Feng.
The sword in his hand was disobedient, but Lin Feng was a sensible man. Knowing he couldn't refuse, he held it with a backhand grip, bid them farewell, and left the time to Tianchi, who needed it most.
"Ling-er, let's go!"
Fuqu called out. The Azure Water Beast puffed bubbles and soared into the sky. Lin Feng could no longer control the sword.
*Clang!*
The sword erupted with golden light, and sword energy overflowed. Lin Feng’s skin tore, and even the beast beneath him suffered. This was someone else’s mount; Lin Feng panicked, shouting questions. The beast roared and manifested a massive barrier, but it was useless—the sword energy was omnipresent. It clamped its mouth shut, using all its cultivation to withstand the onslaught alongside Lin Feng.
*What are you afraid of?*
Lin Feng was not yet familiar with treasure appraisal, but from its appearance alone, he knew this sword was extraordinary. Just as he asked this, he slapped his forehead—there was a fierce weapon within his own body, too!
Looking at this reaction, the "payment" for those two questions was far too precious.
*But what if it is precious?*
Looking at the sword, his eyes flickered. For the first time, Lin Feng had the urge to borrow external power, even though he didn't know how. This reward was likely Tianchi’s final test for him.
How could a flying sword with a spirit be easily claimed? To keep it, he would have to subdue it decisively.
He stretched his arms and raised his hands.
Unexpectedly, yet fulfilling his expectations, Shen Xuanyue’s flying sword appeared in his hand. Once he touched the hilt, he thought he could pull it out easily, but as he exerted force, he realized the pain he would endure if he relied only on himself.
It was as if he were pulling himself up—his divine soul felt like it was floating. He forcibly pulled the flying sword from his spine. A mist of blood exploded from him, forming dark red armor over his skin. The patterns on the armor perfectly complemented those on the Azure Water Beast.