Eastward the river flows for thirty years, westward for another thirty...

Returning to the cave, Hong Yuan silently mused. He lay back on the ice, turned over, and closed his eyes to rest. This battle had hardly cost him any effort; if he hadn’t intended to subdue Li Jianqiu, it would have ended even quicker. Unknowingly, his Demonic Body had already thoroughly become an exceptional Heavenly Talent, one without the slightest dilution.

「Elsewhere.」

On the battered battlefield, the demons’ thoughts began to stir. They sent out detailed accounts of the battle, and a storm began to brew.

During the time Hong Yuan rested with his eyes closed, Turtle Prime Minister Gui Qu became busy once again. More and more powers started to ally with Hong Yuan, with several sea areas joining forces. The alliance of the Zero Desolate Sea Area, the Nine Poison Sea Area, and the Red Luck Sea Area formed an astonishing force, strong enough to shake the competitive landscape of the Ten Thousand Domains. This was not to mention that within this coalition, there was a Tao Species, and even a monarch more powerful than a Tao Species.

"Prime Minister Gui, we are the Snow Mastiff Demon Clan from the Four Crimson Sea Area..."

"Prime Minister Gui, we are the Ink Feather Falcon Demon Clan from the Three Ink Sea Area..."

"..."

More and more powers began to go all-in, entrusting their clan’s demonic fate to Hong Yuan. This peculiar change, reflected in Hong Yuan, meant his Luck Tao of all beings grew even stronger, reaching an astoundingly extraordinary extent. Luck Tao is broadly divided into three schools: the Heaven and Earth Movement, the Luck Tao of all beings, and One’s Own Luck Tao. One’s Own Luck Tao purely benefits oneself, the Luck Tao of all beings benefits oneself at the expense of others’ lives, and the Heaven and Earth Movement benefits oneself at the expense of heaven and earth. The essence of Luck Tao is to usurp the authority of heaven and earth.

Riding the strong tailwind of his burgeoning Luck Tao of all beings, Hong Yuan prepared to replicate the Deputy Water Order of Huangqu River. If he could successfully refine the Deputy Water Order of Huangqu River, it would prove that Hong Yuan could also refine the Water Orders for most sea areas. At that point, his mastery of Water Tao would reach an exceptionally profound level. This would be a significant boon to his Original Body!

GURGLE, GURGLE.

Within the great cauldron, the water boiled fiercely as Hong Yuan tossed in various precious materials. Not only that, but he also employed Luck Tao techniques to sever segments of the Luck Tao of all beings, refining them together. Destiny and fortune were originally intangible and formless, but in Hong Yuan’s hands, they manifested vivid, lifelike forms: a small white Snow Mastiff, a ferocious black Ink Feather Falcon, a delicate red Three-tailed Carp...

If any segment of this Luck Tao of all beings were obtained by an outsider, it would enhance their fortune and brighten their future prospects. These were immeasurably precious treasures, with absolutely no side effects. Yet, in Hong Yuan’s hands, they were treated like common items, casually refined and molded by him.

I wonder if it’s feasible to transform the Luck Tao of all beings into the Heaven and Earth Movement, Hong Yuan pondered.

Inside the cauldron, rainbow flames shimmered, casting the reflection of Hong Yuan’s handsome face onto the cave walls. Despite his striking appearance, there was, for some reason, an undercurrent of sinister madness to him.

「Above the Green Heaven.」

Several Demon Saints conversed with ease, the atmosphere relaxed. Yet upon closer inspection, one could discern that the Red Luck Demon Saint, Star Mountain Demon Saint, and Poison Chapter Demon Saint had discreetly united. Their purpose was to probe the Black Dragon Demon Saint about Hong Yuan’s background.

"Truly, heroes emerge from the young. Today, I’ve learned that there are demons beyond demons, and heavens beyond heavens. Though Tao Species are strong, there are still those stronger. Young friend Guangqiao is indeed extraordinary," Star Mountain Demon Saint casually reflected, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding sea of green citron qi.

The Black Dragon Demon Saint’s eyelids twitched slightly. Before he could offer an explanation, the Poison Chapter Demon Saint immediately pressed, "Young friend Guangqiao is truly remarkable. Ever since Zhang Fan was defeated by him, Zhang Fan has been utterly convinced and sincerely admires him. Especially that shapeshifting technique of his—it’s absolutely sublime, the pinnacle of mastery. To think that the Flood Gathering War Banner Tao Species could be wielded by him to such an effect; even the Great Moon Saint, in his prime, probably could not have done better."

Inevitably, the Black Dragon Demon Saint’s brows knitted slightly. Their words clashed sharply. He truly hadn’t expected to encounter such duplicity—sweet words masking sharp barbs—from these seniors. Just as the Black Dragon Demon Saint was organizing his thoughts, the Red Luck Demon Saint spoke again, "Rumor has it that the Great Moon Saint left his legacy in the Heavenly Scenic Tower Demon Realm for those fated to receive it. Others praise Jianqiu for his incredible luck, but in my eyes, young friend Guangqiao surpasses him. Although the identity of the Tribulation-Responding Demon has not been fully clarified, I have a strong feeling it is very likely young friend Guangqiao."

"..."

The Demon Saints spoke one after another, pressing him with every word. Though no blades were drawn, the Black Dragon Demon Saint found it unbearable. Listening to these seniors’ increasingly outlandish speculations, a strange expression appeared on the Black Dragon Demon Saint’s face. He wanted to laugh but couldn’t.

Guangqiao’s Creation? I’d like to know myself where he obtained a portion of the Great Moon Saint’s legacy. You ask me, but who am I supposed to ask? he thought.

But facing these seniors, who were brimming with curiosity, the Black Dragon Demon Saint understood that if he didn’t provide an answer, they would likely not let the matter rest. An open attack is easy to dodge, but a hidden arrow is hard to defend against. After a moment’s thought, the Black Dragon Demon Saint decided to respond as absurdly as possible. He cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to himself.

"In recent ancient times, Le Tu Buddha stumbled into the Blissful Pure Land in his youth and received the true Buddha’s legacy. Coincidentally, while Guangqiao was dreaming, he received the favor of the Great Moon Saint..."

The more he spoke, the more confident the Black Dragon Demon Saint became, his tone turning resolute. The other Demon Saints, however, looked at him with puzzled expressions. Is this youngster trying to fool us like children? they seemed to think, as questioning looks appeared on the faces of the Red Luck Demon Saint and the others.

But the Black Dragon Demon Saint paid them no mind. He grew more and more enthusiastic, his fabrications attributing the achievements of several Human Race Great Emperors and Demon Clan Great Emperors to Hong Yuan. The tales were heading in an incredibly exaggerated direction.

"Heh, I have something to attend to. You all continue chatting," Star Mountain Demon Saint said with a wave of his long sleeve, then turned and departed.

"Within my sea domain, I also have to lead the Demon Clans, and it’s crucial to ensure they don’t cause chaos. I’ll take my leave first," Poison Chapter Demon Saint said, cupping his hands in a salute. He then dissolved into a purple mist and vanished.

"I will make the necessary preparations and ensure that the many Demon Clans within the Red Luck Sea Area do not cause trouble," Red Luck Demon Saint remarked, giving the Black Dragon Demon Saint a deep look before slowly departing.

Temporary victories or defeats mean nothing. Even if Li Jianqiu failed, that would be fine. It would allow him to better operate from behind the scenes, quietly honing his strength. The struggle for supremacy in the Ten Thousand Domains is not so simple. Only the one who stands at the very end can be considered the true winner!

"Whew~ Those old undyings are finally gone," the Black Dragon Demon Saint breathed out in relief.

At this moment, he was the only demon left in the sky above the Zero Desolate Sea Area. All around was tranquil, with only the sea of green citron qi continuously circulating, emitting a fresh fragrance. Gazing into the distance at the sea of green citron qi, the Black Dragon Demon Saint lapsed into a rare silence. In truth, he too wanted to know where his adopted son had obtained his legacy. But he understood that if he were to ask his adopted son, an unavoidable rift would form between them, one that would be incredibly difficult to mend.

If Guangqiao truly is the Tribulation-Responding Demon, would I become Guangqiao’s Protector?

Hmph, what does being a Protector matter? Only the Cold Spear in my hand is my true reliance.

Guangqiao has his own Creation, and I, Xuan Qi, also have my own unique Sky-reaching Road!

Xuan Qi, the Black Dragon Demon Saint, waved his voluminous black-robed sleeve. Mist rose beneath him, and golden lotuses sprouted from thin air, their buds blooming forth.

His path lay beneath his feet!