Shen Xuanyue, you wouldn’t die that easily, would you? You chose me, and I’m not that easy to kill either, right?
With these questions in his heart, Lin Feng remained silent and drew his long sword.
*Hum!*
A circle of brilliant, bloody pressure surged across the landscape. The Azure Water Beast’s limbs went weak, and it tumbled down toward the mountain forest below.
*Hum!*
As a powerful gust of wind swept through the vegetation, the scarlet radiance of Shen Xuanyue’s personal flying sword bloomed, engulfing the blade completely.
A dull, thumping vibration echoed. Lin Feng felt his temples throb, as if a pair of pincers were squeezing his head from the inside.
Terrified, the Azure Water Beast lost control of its bladder and buried its head in the soil, not daring to listen to the chaos outside. Enduring the pain, Lin Feng mustered his strength and slammed the two long swords together.
*Clang!*
The sound of the broken blade was crisp but carried a long, lingering echo. The Sword Qi contained within the flying sword erupted wildly from the fracture, only to be devoured by the red light.
Caught in the middle of it, Lin Feng could almost hear the sound of the blade feasting on flesh and blood.
His skin crawled, yet he felt little fear. Discarding the broken sword without a second thought, Lin Feng gripped a streak of golden light between his blood-stained fingers.
"Little one, either you submit to me, or you vanish into smoke. You’ve seen it—she is far more vicious than you."
A sword spirit is merely a sword spirit. Stripped of the protection of the blade and unable to resist the red light, it twisted slightly and burrowed directly into the pad of Lin Feng’s middle finger, leaving behind only a tiny, bloodless puncture wound.
*That’s a good baby!*
Lin Feng was overjoyed; he hadn’t expected both of them to be so obedient.
For a spirit-imbued flying sword, no matter how precious the material of the blade was, it could never compare to the value of the sword spirit. Not even sparing a glance at the broken blade, Lin Feng mimicked the memory of how it was done and gestured as if sheathing Shen Xuanyue’s flying sword against his back.
It vanished!
Lin Feng looked inward, but could sense nothing. If not for the blood covering his body, he would have thought it was all an illusion!
Everything had been completed in a matter of seconds. Shaking the blood off his clothes, he walked over and slapped the Azure Water Beast on the rump.
"Our little friend didn’t see anything at all, did you?"
His tone was intimate, and the armor on Lin Feng’s body began to fade away.
Without the pressure of the Sword Qi, the beast suddenly grew quiet, rapidly shrinking until it was the size of a kitten. It leaped into Lin Feng’s arms, holding on tight, refusing to let go.
"What a cute little thing. Come on, let’s go on foot!"
Like a frightened kitten, it refused to budge. Lin Feng dared not investigate further or even glance around. He made his way through the forest, choosing the path of least resistance.
The mountain forest was eerie and deep; he was tense to the point of breaking.
He had gambled that Shen Xuanyue would not abandon him, and that Tianchi would not investigate immediately. He had won those bets. But eventually, Tianchi would surely come to search based on the clues left by the flying sword and the Azure Water Beast. If there were any inconsistencies, Lin Feng’s life would likely be forfeit.
In the Demon Race’s territory, there was never a shortage of rivers. He shoved at the beast, and it burrowed further into his arms. With no other choice, he waded into the water with it.
Every trace of their passage was washed away.
As he had expected, Fuqu followed the guidance of a bamboo dragonfly and landed where Lin Feng had discarded the broken blade.
"Him? This?"
The two halves of the blade lay on the ground. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
The sword spirit had been extracted, but was he so ignorant of the value of such a precious flying sword, or was he pretending?
If he truly carried the Heavenly Demon Seal, Lin Feng should have been able to recognize the rarity of the blade's material. They had believed he possessed that kind of discernment, but he clearly didn't.
The sword spirit was gone, and the blade lay shattered here—it would take more than ordinary force to snap such a treasure. Fuqu smiled and looked around, her brows suddenly furrowing.
The bamboo dragonfly had fallen to the ground!
She had no idea where the Azure Water Beast had gone. Picking up the dragonfly, she set off in search of Tianchi.
After repeating the process several times and crossing more rivers, Lin Feng wasn't sure if it was working. The Azure Water Beast looked completely traumatized, leaving him helpless. Days had already passed; if the beast didn't recover soon, he might not make it to the Little Dragon Pool for the Dragon Gate Assembly.
Anxious, he could only suppress his worries.
"Who are you?"
A person appeared abruptly in front of him, asking point-blank.
"Who am I?"
Lin Feng looked around and pointed at himself. He didn't recognize the man, and he found the stranger's bluntness quite strange.
"I saw you at the Heavenly Demon Altar. I’ve been following you for a long time. Who exactly are you!"
His hair stood on end; Lin Feng was rattled by the statement.
"What is the fellow daoist talking about? I don't understand."
"Hmph. You’re clearly not of the Demon Race. So, you must be of the Human Race!"
The conviction in the man's tone made Lin Feng feel as though the momentum of the situation had been seized by his interlocutor.
"And who are you? How rude!"
The figure flickered, transforming into a flower with seven green leaves and one red bloom.
Most flower spirits cultivated into a female form upon taking human shape. Why was this one a man?
He quickly returned to human form, the blood mist trailing him making Lin Feng narrow his eyes. Since arriving in the Demon Race's territory, he had seen far too many people cultivating Blood Spirit arts or blood-path techniques.
*"The seal of the Blood Spirit art is your guarantee of safe passage through the Demon Race."*
Recalling this, Lin Feng quickly calmed down. Stroking the Azure Water Beast, he spoke calmly.
"You make quite a handsome man. With wind and rain battering the world, dangers are everywhere. Now that you’ve shown your true form, what is your instruction?"
Lin Feng’s rapid composure made the man nod in satisfaction.
"For a mortal, your reaction is acceptable. My name is Yizhihua!"
The name was as literal as his true form. Lin Feng shrugged but said nothing.
"Like you, I was required to infiltrate the Heavenly Demon Palace. However, I don't want to die!"
The moment those words left his lips, Lin Feng felt a genuine urge to kill. Such a secret—if it were to leak...
Suddenly, he remembered the men in black bringing people to the Heavenly Demon Altar that day.
"Did you also enter the altar? Did you see the illusions?"
"Naturally. If you hadn't come out so quickly, you wouldn't have caught my attention."
Yizhihua appeared to be only in the Spirit Movement Realm, yet he possessed an extraordinary air.
"I revealed myself to meet you because I want to cooperate—to plot a way to survive together!"
Bewildered, Lin Feng just let out an "Oh."
Not bothered by the fact that Lin Feng held the initiative, Yizhihua generously turned his back to him.
"You don’t actually think the people who ordered us to carry out this mission are just Human Race masters, do you?"
What did he mean?
Still silent, Lin Feng slowly backed away.
***
"Of course, you could treat them as Human Race masters, but this world does not only consist of demons, devils, humans, and immortals. Above the myriad races, there are other beings!"
"Have you lost your mind? Why are you spouting such nonsense?"
The man remained resolute and calm, as if stating a fact. Lin Feng mocked him while retreating, terrified to his core.
In that moment, he finally understood why he had been so obedient when those people told him to steal the latest Demon Emperor Sutra from the Heavenly Demon Palace. If such beings truly existed, what could they not do? Why would they need a mere mortal like him?
No, that wasn't right. Why bother recruiting low-level practitioners from various races when they could just seize what they wanted by force?
Lin Feng was deeply confused, but he knew that regardless of whether it was true, just the fact that Yizhihua said these things meant he couldn't get too close to him. Otherwise, he might die without even knowing how.
A crushing sense of crisis bore down on him. After only a few steps, his back hit a tree trunk.
"I suppose you’re right. You and I are nothing but ants. Telling you this is indeed a fantasy. Take care. Farewell!"
Seeing Lin Feng so terrified and unwilling to believe him, Yizhihua stopped wasting his breath. He left, looking deeply disappointed, not even afraid that Lin Feng would leak the information.
What on earth did he mean?
Since the man knew so much, how dared he say such things in front of an Azure Water Beast that had already awakened its intelligence?
His heart hammered like a drum. Only then did Lin Feng notice that the Azure Water Beast in his arms was growing heavier. It dropped to the ground, shook its body, and returned to its majestic, imposing form.
Standing there in a daze, a voice in Lin Feng’s heart told him that what Yizhihua said was likely true. Yet, even as he felt a deep sense of conviction, he was plagued by doubt.
Were there really gods in this world?
No, perhaps it was that mysterious senior playing tricks, testing to see if his infiltration was genuine. Or perhaps Tianchi had seen through his state of mind and sent this person to scare him. Or maybe this guy was just a fanatic, and this was some kind of warning.
His cultivation was too low. He could only spiral through every possibility, his mind in total chaos.
He slowly looked up at the sky, remembering the images from the Heavenly Demon Altar. They remained vivid, impossible to forget.
*Duoduo, are you truly acting on the instructions of a god?*
A god—a name that stood high above, pressing down on Lin Feng until he couldn't breathe.
He knew that high-level practitioners could use their own Dao Rhyme or mental illusions to influence others. But Yizhihua not only knew about the Heavenly Demon Altar, he had even spoken of secrets buried in the depths of Lin Feng's heart. It forced him to believe, filling him with an indescribable, haunting dread.
*Pfft! Pfft!*
The Azure Water Beast exhaled through its large nostrils. After its intelligent eyes flickered with confusion, they returned to normal, and it bowed its head to gently nuzzle Lin Feng.
At this moment, Lin Feng felt an urgent need to fly to Little Dragon Pool and ask Turandot the truth—whether she really had some connection to the gods.
The ignorant are fearless; he was terrified of the truth, yet he longed for it with all his being.
Lin Feng couldn't recall what mountain scenery he had passed on his journey. By the time the Azure Water Beast landed before the gates of Little Dragon Pool, the area was already teeming with people.
"Senior Brother!"
"Wait a moment, Senior Brother!"
The disciples welcoming guests didn't recognize Lin Feng, but they recognized the Azure Water Beast. Everyone knew it was the mount of the Palace’s Inspector General.
Seeing the beast acting submissively toward Lin Feng, they assumed Tianchi must be nearby. One disciple called out to Lin Feng, while the others kept peering behind him.
"Junior Brother, is this the gate of Little Dragon Pool?"
As he asked, Lin Feng finally looked up, noticing the diverse array of demon cultivators nearby. On the towering archway, the words "Little Dragon Pool" were written in bold, sweeping calligraphy.
Taking one look at the Azure Water Beast, the welcoming disciple reconsidered Lin Feng, not daring to be negligent, and bowed hastily.
"Senior... Senior Brother, seeing you arrive on the Inspector General's mount truly surprises us. Please state your name so we can report it, prepare lodging for you, and ensure you are properly received. Please forgive our lack of hospitality."
This was an Azure Water Beast! Rumor had it that it would soon reach the Divine Wandering Realm; one swipe of its claw could send them flying. The disciple was anxious, terrified of offending a VIP. The disciples who had been peering behind him landed and shook their heads from afar.
"It is no matter. Have Junior Brother Mu Qingfeng come out to see me. Or, if you can find the Blood Fiend Twin Beauties, tell them an old friend has come to visit!"
At the mention of Mu Qingfeng, the disciple had a flash of realization. But when Lin Feng named the sisters, the disciple was scared so badly he sat down on the ground, his eyes filled with fear and resentment, before scrambling to his feet in a panic.
"Sen... Senior Brother, do you truly know the two Senior Sisters?"
*Senior Sisters?*
It seemed Little Dragon Pool was much like the Human Race’s sects.
"Yes. You didn't recognize me, so there is no offense taken. Go now, I shall wait here."
With a reasonable air, Lin Feng began to survey his surroundings. His approachable yet distant manner piqued the interest of the nearby demon cultivators.
After signaling his companions, the welcoming disciple rushed off to deliver the message.
In his peripheral vision, several other disciples approached. Lin Feng pretended not to notice and strolled toward a small pool nearby.
The water was clear, with fish and shrimp playing—perhaps sensing that a big day for Little Dragon Pool was near, they were quite lively.
The Azure Water Beast was born to love the water. At the sight of the fish, it began to drool uncontrollably. It took two eager steps forward, slammed on the brakes, and turned back to look at Lin Feng with pleading eyes.
"This isn't our own cave, so just look. No eating!"
The ferocious beast instantly became as docile as a large dog, crouching down to sprawl on the bank and watch the fish with Lin Feng.
The nearby demon cultivators fell silent, not daring to disturb them, while the other disciples stood frozen, unsure whether to approach or leave.
"The Great Master Kuanghou of Lingyun Mountain, arrives!"
From another direction, a disciple announced. Lin Feng turned, looking up at the sky.
A fiery-red tiger was striding through the air, carrying a heavy Dao Rhyme that distorted the void around it. On its back sat a tall, bare-chested man dressed in fiery-red attire, his skin and face covered in arcane flame-patterned tattoos.
"Roar!"
The giant tiger in the sky spotted the dog-like Azure Water Beast, hesitated for a moment, and then decided to play a prank, breathing a jet of flame in a surprise attack.
The Azure Water Beast, crouching on the ground, sensed it. Its eyes rolled around, but it continued to stare at the pool as if it hadn't noticed, drooling all over the ground.
*Oh?*
Kuanghou saw Lin Feng turn his head and was surprised that it wasn't Tianchi.
"Yun'er, stop!"
The colorful giant tiger didn't care. Instead of stopping, it leaped forward excitedly, pouncing toward the Azure Water Beast.
It was still far away, but Lin Feng could already feel the violent heat. The scorching air hit his face, and he looked calmly at the man on the tiger’s back, nodding with a slight smile.
His gesture caused a commotion among the demon cultivators and gave the Great Master Kuanghou pause.
*Who is this person, that he could make Brother Tianchi lend him Ling'er for transport? Does he not know who I am?*
Kuanghou was deeply curious about Lin Feng’s identity. The flames from the tiger had already streaked across the sky, reaching Lin Feng.
He couldn't move—he was completely locked down. Lin Feng could only try his best to shift slightly. A cool breeze brushed behind him, and suddenly his ability to act returned.
***
Between life and death, he dodged the tiger’s attack by the skin of his teeth. The flames plunged into the pool!
*Sizzle!*
It was like boiling a pool of quicklime. White waves rolled, and the fish and shrimp within were cooked instantly. The Azure Water Beast glanced toward the gates of Little Dragon Pool, hesitated for a split second, then tilted its head back and opened its mouth, using its innate water-control powers to gulp down the cooked fish in one bite.
"What?"
"It actually ate the Demon King's spirit fish?"
"This?"
The demon cultivators’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Only then did they notice Lin Feng, who had dodged the attack with such "grace."
The Azure Water Beast had high intelligence. It used a trace of its aura to hold Lin Feng steady, then hung its tongue out, bowing its head to admit its mistake with a pitiful look.
"Hahaha, Kuanghou, come in and talk!"
A joyful voice rang out from the mountain. The Great Master Kuanghou nodded and smiled at Lin Feng, tapped the giant tiger lightly, and flew into the mountain.
The giant tiger changed into a small, fiery-red girl in the wind, lively and cute, and landed directly in front of Lin Feng.
"Hey, you! Why didn't you greet me when you saw me?"
*Eh?*
Lin Feng looked confused, glancing in the direction she was pointing to confirm she wasn't talking to someone else.
Even her scolding was cute. Ling Yun'er frowned and began circling the Azure Water Beast.
"Eh? That’s not right. Don't tell me you haven't taken human form yet?"
Her round little head seemed to be filled with ten thousand whys. She looked at Lin Feng.
"You really are something. Out in the wilderness, there’s plenty of good food and drink, so why did you keep restricting Brother Ling'er the whole way here?"
*How did this get dragged back to me?*
It was hard to connect the giant tiger from a moment ago to the little girl in front of him. Lin Feng tried his best to squeeze out a smile he hoped looked gentle and squatted down.
"Little sister, I didn't restrict him at all!"
"Hmph, ghosts believe you!"
Ling Yun'er turned away, unsatisfied, and began counting on her fingers.
"Look, I told you to come to Lingyun Mountain to cultivate with me, but you had to follow that ignorant Tianchi. Now you haven't even transformed, and he even lent you to someone else as a mount!"
"I’m so mad! Next time I see him, I’m definitely going to give him a piece of my mind!"
Stomping her feet to vent, she turned back with her hands on her hips.
"Hey! What’s your name?"
The surrounding area suddenly went silent. The curiosity of the other demons was almost unbearable.
This time, Lin Feng was certain she was talking to him.
This little one had quite a temper and gave no face, speaking in a mix of interrogation and commands. Lin Feng kept his smile and calmly spat out two words.
"Fu Yao!"
"Fu Yao?"
Everyone around them said the name at the same time as Ling Yun'er. Some struggled to stifle their laughter with strange expressions, while others widened their eyes.
"Cackle! Fu Yao, you’re killing me! How can anyone have a name like that? Why aren't you Po Yao?"
Laughing until her stomach hurt, Ling Yun'er clapped her hands.
"It’s not Fu Yao, it’s Fu Yao!"
Looking very serious, Lin Feng repeated it.
The name didn't have any deep meaning—it simply meant to suppress the Heavenly Demon!
"Hahaha, isn't that still Fu Yao!"
Overjoyed, Ling Yun'er continued to laugh uncontrollably!
"Roar!"
The Azure Water Beast couldn't take it anymore and roared at her.
Both were mounts for demon beasts, and many of the demon cultivators nearby had cultivation levels far below theirs.
"They’re going to fight!"
"A good show!"
The crowd went silent again. Ling Yun'er turned back to look at the Azure Water Beast in disbelief.
"You’re growling at me?"
"You’re growling at me for the sake of an outsider?"
"Waaaaah..."
She began to wail, tears flowing like a small waterfall. The Azure Water Beast was stunned and hid behind Lin Feng, feeling guilty.
*My, my.* This guy wasn't as dull as his owner!
The two little ones were adorable. Just as Lin Feng was about to speak, Qing Lianzi arrived with a group, calling out from afar.
"Senior Brother Fu Yao has arrived! Qing Lianzi failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me!"
*Who are you, and do I know you?*
Lin Feng searched his memory for a long while but couldn't recall who Qing Lianzi was. However, since the man had introduced himself, he had to maintain the aura of an expert.
"Fu Yao, greetings, Senior Brother Qing Lianzi!" He merely nodded in a bow, exactly the same way he had greeted the Great Master Kuanghou.
"Damn, who is this guy? He seems to have quite a background!"
"Pfft, you were refined from stone, where would you get a 'damn'?"
"Hahaha, but this guy is really bold, daring to use that name!"
"Didn't you see him just nod at the Great Master Kuanghou? Why would he fear this?"
"So arrogant. I like it!"
The gathered demon cultivators, regardless of gender, whispered among themselves.
Lin Feng calling Qing Lianzi "Senior Brother" only served to elevate the man, and Qing Lianzi beamed.
"Hahaha, Junior Brother Mu Qingfeng had some personal business to attend to in the city, but the two Senior Sisters are inside. Senior Brother Fu Yao, please, follow me!"
Qing Lianzi’s words undoubtedly proved that Lin Feng’s status was extraordinary, leaving the nearby demon cultivators curious but too afraid to ask.