Throughout the long years of his imprisonment, Zhongsu had meticulously plotted his path to freedom. Deep down, he calculated that the moment Shendu released him, he would move with lightning speed to eliminate his three stumbling blocks: Uncle (the wizard), Jackie Chan (the protagonist), and Jade (the Saint Warrior). From there, he could proceed with his ambitious plan to conquer the world. Immersed in such fantasies, a triumphant smile inevitably crept across Zhongsu's face. He was utterly convinced that the world would ultimately be in the palm of his hand.
[You ask? Why doesn't Zhongsu the transmigrator play the good guy?]
[Please!]
[After years in the Netherworld, even a saint would be driven mad.]
[Just like the Joker drove Harley Quinn mad and made her obsessed with him.]
[I've gone dark, and I've grown stronger.]
As time passed, the day Zhongsu had yearned for day and night finally arrived. When that Demon Portal, symbolizing freedom, appeared once more in the Netherworld, Zhongsu felt a surge of immense power rush into his heart. He had finally waited for this moment! His long wait was about to come to an end!
At that very same moment, the other demons in the Netherworld also noticed the sudden appearance of the Demon Portal. However, they made no attempt to fight for it, knowing full well that this door opened only for Zhongsu. Aside from Zhongsu, no one had the ability to pass through it. Of course, apart from Shendu's long-empty portal, which both demons and humans could traverse freely.
"Zhongsu! Congratulations, you're finally leaving this awful place!" A voice rang out beside him. It was Hsi Wu, the Wind Demon, the most reliable and honest of the Eight Demons.
Zhongsu glanced at Hsi Wu and smiled slightly. "Hsi Wu, see you later."
Just then, however, a harsh voice shattered the warm farewell atmosphere. "Hmph! So what if you get out? Anyway, as long as that old man is still alive, Zhongsu will be back to keep us company in no time."
Zhongsu turned his head away in displeasure and glared at Pong Kong, but he didn't retort. After all, Pong Kong had always been like this, and since she had already been released once before, logically she should have lost her freedom. Therefore, seeing another demon about to gain freedom naturally stirred up feelings of unhappiness and jealousy within her. Zhongsu knew Pong Kong's personality all too well and understood her feelings at the moment. Despite his dissatisfaction with her words, he had no desire to argue or get into a conflict with her. Instead, he chose to remain silent, simply smiling and nodding at Hsi Wu and the other demons to acknowledge their blessings.
"Pong Kong, your mouth is as foul as ever," Xiao Feng said coldly.
"Hmph, don't get too full of yourself, Zhongsu. Do you really think you can just do as you please once you get out?" Pong Kong glared furiously.
"Still better than you staying here," Zhongsu retorted without yielding an inch.
"You—" Pong Kong was so angry she was left speechless.
The next second, Zhongsu cast a cold glance at Pong Kong, his eyes flashing with disdain and contempt. At that moment, Hsi Wu interjected, "All right, stop arguing. Zhongsu managed to get out against all odds; everyone should be happy for him."
Pong Kong let out a cold snort. Though still resentful, she knew there was no point in arguing further and fell silent. Zhongsu gave Hsi Wu a grateful look, then turned and walked toward the Demon Portal leading to freedom. His stride was firm and powerful, as though he could hardly wait to leave the place that had imprisoned him for years.
"Zhongsu, be careful out there," Hsi Wu called out from behind him.
"Got it," Zhongsu replied simply, his voice low and steady.
Zhongsu slowly picked up speed, charging toward the Portal to the Netherworld. His figure was like a shooting star cutting through the dark night sky, carrying endless hope and longing.
At the same time, a dazzling bolt of lightning suddenly flashed above Pong Kong's head, lunging at her like a ferocious dragon baring its teeth and claws, and struck her directly.
BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!
Amidst a flash of lightning, Pong Kong was instantly lit up by the strike. Though such damage was trivial to her and incapable of causing any substantial harm, minor damage did not mean minor humiliation.
"Ah! Damn you, Zhongsu! How dare you strike me with lightning?!"
Pong Kong was instantly consumed by rage. Her eyes widened, burning with angry flames. She shifted her massive body, preparing to settle the score with Zhongsu.
A mocking grin hung on the corner of Zhongsu's mouth as his gaze pierced Pong Kong like an icicle. His voice was filled with contempt and derision: "Pong Kong, you actually thought I'd be as utterly foolish as you, easily trapped by you lot? You're delusional!"
He raised his head and said firmly, "The moment I step out of here, I will never set foot in this place again. I will rebuild my glorious empire in the mortal world and make everyone stand in awe of me. As for you, Pong Kong, keep wandering on the edge of the Netherworld forever, never breaking free from your shackles."
Standing at the doorway, Zhongsu looked back, the corners of his mouth curving slightly upward in a defiant smile. "Just a little parting gift," he sneered. "Enjoy it, Pong Kong!"
With that, Zhongsu resolutely stepped through the Demon Portal, his figure vanishing into the darkness.
Brimming with rage, Pong Kong roared, her voice deafening. "Just you wait, Zhongsu! I won't let you get away with this!"
"You'll be back to keep me company soon enough." Zhongsu's figure quickly vanished inside the portal, leaving only Pong Kong's furious roar echoing in the air.
However, the Demon Portal had already closed, and Zhongsu had successfully escaped his confinement. No matter how hard Pong Kong tried, she could not stop him from leaving. Seeing this, the surrounding demons wore gloating expressions. They secretly rejoiced; who told Pong Kong to always speak without thinking? Now she was reaping what she sowed.
As the darkness gradually receded, a bright beam of light fell upon Zhongsu's face. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth brought by that light. This was something he had not felt in thousands of years—the taste of freedom.
After endless restraint, Zhongsu had finally broken his shackles and embraced freedom once again. He breathed in deeply, letting the fresh air fill his chest. At this moment, he experienced unprecedented joy and excitement. The crispness of the air filled his heart with delight.
"How fortunate that you are still safe, Shendu." Zhongsu called out loudly to Shendu ahead, his voice brimming with a longing for reunion and gratitude for his freedom.
[I'd love to roast you to a crisp right now!]
Shendu's figure appeared exceptionally firm in the distance, a trace of imperceptible worry lurking in his eyes.
"Zhongsu! Leave this place immediately." His voice carried an urgent warning, as if some danger were imminent.
Zhongsu's heart tightened; he knew Shendu wouldn't issue such a warning without reason. He quickly glanced around, trying to spot a potential threat. But apart from ruins and desolation, there was nothing around.
"Why, Shendu? It looks safe here." Zhongsu asked in puzzlement, though his steps had already begun to move toward Shendu.
Shendu's brows knitted tightly, his voice low and powerful: "This is not the time to ask, Zhongsu. Trust me, we must leave at once."