Zhang Fan’s original body was that of a poisonous creature—a Nine Poison Octopus—with tremendous potential. Recognized and appointed by the Poison Chapter Demon Saint as the Master of the Nine Poison Sea Area, Zhang Fan’s performance was actually not that bad.

There was a time when he could be compared to Li Jianqiu, both considered Heavenly Talents.

However, after encountering Hong Yuan, he was utterly defeated and dwelt beneath Hong Yuan’s radiance.

But that didn’t mean Zhang Fan lacked strength. It simply meant that near the dazzling sun, the light emitted by a morning star can hardly be discerned.

BOOM!

A blasting sound resounded as Zhang Fan revealed his Nine Poison Octopus original body. Utilizing the purple mist, he stirred up waves and sped away like a violent gale.

The purple mist spread like the sea, plunging the world into an abyss of purple light.

Once Zhang Fan unleashed his Innate Divine Ability, it devoured the Essence Qi of heaven and earth, causing warships to crumble and demon formations to turn to dust, quieting the sea.

"Tsk tsk, you think you can cross my line of defense? Keep dreaming your grand dreams!" Zhang Fan laughed disdainfully.

He transformed his claws into spears, their sharpness fully revealed, as he ferociously struck at Luo Qisen.

The tremendous poisonous aura surged as if several poison dragons were awakening and roaring, the air thick with corruption, seemingly potent enough to decay his foe.

Luo Qisen’s heart turned cold. Without hesitation, he revealed his Forest Green Lion Conch original body and employed the Green Thorn Demon Skill.

Yet after just one confrontation, Luo Qisen was easily defeated by Zhang Fan.

Zhang Fan’s six clawed tentacles pierced through Luo Qisen’s original body, causing blood to pour uncontrollably as the light in his eyes gradually faded.

HISS!

Sharp intakes of breath suddenly rose from the sidelines.

Those demon spectators who remained distant from the battlefield widened their eyes, watching Zhang Fan in utter disbelief.

If it weren’t for their fear of the legions under Hong Yuan that had yet to be deployed, these battlefield onlookers would surely have drawn closer to verify if the duel between the great generals was indeed proceeding without error.

"Zhang Fan is actually this powerful!?" Outside the blood-colored sea, a young great demon employed pupil techniques to observe; it was none other than Shuang Yuesheng, the Monarch of the Frost Moon Sea Area.

"Above Zhang Fan, there is Li Jianqiu, and above Li Jianqiu, there is Xuan Guangqiao. If the Bridge-Claiming Army doesn’t arrive soon, the consequences will be unimaginable," lamented Zhang Daoliu of Gale Qilin, feeling a metaphorical toothache.

Even with Zhang Fan’s overbearing demon might, Zhang Daoliu had not forgotten Xuan Guangqiao’s existence.

One-on-one, he could not confidently claim victory over Zhang Fan, let alone face Li Jianqiu and Xuan Guangqiao.

Suddenly, Zhang Daoliu entertained the idea of defecting to Hong Yuan.

But a moment later, he decisively discarded the thought.

Among the conditions for Zhang Fan to serve under Xuan Guangqiao, there will definitely be one stipulating that I won’t be accepted. Going there would be like walking into a trap, Zhang Daoliu sighed to himself.

He had backstabbed Zhang Fan that day, causing him to lose the chance to become a disciple of Dragon God Sacred Land. Zhang Fan could only wait for the next Heart-questioning Trial to begin. Zhang Daoliu had thus greatly hindered Zhang Fan’s path to becoming a Demon Saint.

Obstructing someone’s path to enlightenment is akin to murdering their parents; how could such enmity be resolved?

"Xuan Guangqiao, Xuan Guangqiao, who exactly are you?"

Zhang Daoliu sighed helplessly, turned his flying vessel, and left, preparing to reinforce the defenses of his own Sea Area.

He had considered the idea of "exchanging bases" with Hong Yuan, but what right did he have to make such a transaction?

...

「The boundary line of the Screw Eel Sea Region.」

Crowds of Zero Desolate Demon Soldiers brandished the Sub-banners of the Flood Gathering War Banner, clearing the battlefield.

Since Luo Qisen’s fall to Zhang Fan, the situation on the battlefield had become one-sided. The Zero Desolate Demon Soldiers transformed into ferocious demon-devouring wolves and tigers, their combat strength greatly increased.

Compared to the time spent cleaning up after the battle, the actual combat had been much shorter.

The Black Dragon Warrior troops, following Hong Yuan’s command, remained stationary, firmly guarding the Monarch’s main camp.

「Inside the Monarch’s main camp.」

Hong Yuan, seated in the principal seat, looked with interest at Shuang Yuesheng, who was prostrated on the ground. The surrounding Black Dragon Warriors silently concentrated, on guard against any assassination attempt on Hong Yuan by Shuang Yuesheng.

"Shuang Yuesheng, you are the Monarch of the Frost Moon Sea Area. Do you truly wish to submit? And harbor no dissent?" Gui Qu narrowed his eyes and asked.

As one of the rare Wisdom Tao great demons in the Zero Desolate Army, Gui Qu was well-versed in historical texts and even had some understanding of the Human Race’s military tactics. He was confident that no demon could deceive his shrewd eyes.

"Before Lord Xuan, how dare this humble one call himself a Monarch..." Shuang Yuesheng flattered in response.

Shuang Yuesheng’s original body was a snow mountain that had not melted for many years, deeply embodying the essence of clarity. He was acutely aware of the capabilities of his own Sea Area, and the intensity of the recent battle had truly frightened him.

The strength of the Zero Desolate Army far exceeded his imagination. Rather than being defeated by them, it was better to pledge allegiance early.

Both your Zero Desolate Army and those Seventy-two Bridge Conqueror Armies are not forces to be trifled with. Since your Zero Desolate Army arrived first, I have no choice but to join you first. I need to ensure my immediate days are well spent before considering anything else... Shuang Yuesheng thought helplessly to himself.

Wisdom Tao Demon Skill—Seven Star Beads!

In the face of Shuang Yuesheng’s capitulation, Hong Yuan immediately acted to secure his position and activated his Wisdom Tao Demon Skill.

The radiance of wisdom shone once again from the back of Hong Yuan’s head, allowing reason to take the upper hand.

Is Shuang Yuesheng sincerely pledging his allegiance? How can I seize control of the forces in Shuang Yuesheng’s hands? Thoughts flashed rapidly through Hong Yuan’s mind.

Hong Yuan quickly found a corresponding strategy from historical precedents. He clamped his lips shut, not saying a word, silently observing Gui Qu’s next move.

He was a Monarch; he couldn’t do everything himself and had to appropriately delegate some responsibilities to his subordinates. Sometimes, responsibility is power!

"My king, your servant believes we can accept him, but we must agree upon the following key points one by one," Gui Qu said, bowing respectfully with cupped hands to Hong Yuan.

"Hmm, that is permissible." Hong Yuan nodded lightly. He then turned and looked solemnly at Shuang Yuesheng, bellowing, "Shuang Yuesheng!"

"Your servant... your servant is here."

"I accept your pledge of loyalty, but you need to show me your sincerity. First, cooperate well with Minister Gui!"

"Yes, yes, my king."

Shuang Yuesheng’s body shook as he trembled slightly in response.

Even though Hong Yuan had not displayed his aura or sharpness, Shuang Yuesheng could sense Hong Yuan’s terrifying power, which made it impossible for him to maintain his composure.

...

Wherever the Zero Desolate Army went, the surrounding Sea Areas were either bulldozed or forced to bow their heads and join the forces under Hong Yuan’s command. In just two short days, the forces under Hong Yuan had ballooned to eight Sea Area divisions.

Capturing opponents to augment one’s forces in a short time is a major taboo in military strategy, fraught with serious hidden dangers. Yet, thanks to the communication demonic artifact—the Sub-banner of the Flood Gathering War Banner—these risks were miraculously dispelled.

The Zero Desolate Army became even more fearsome, striking terror into all who heard of them.

For a time, every Sea Area Monarch with intentions of taking control of the Green Dragon Demon Territory Tower could not help but take notice. Now, the Zero Desolate Army had already stationed troops on the border of the Gale Sea Area, Zhang Daoliu’s territory, poised and ready to strike.

...

"WHAT!?"

"You say that Xuan Guangqiao has led the Zero Desolate Army to topple more than twenty Sea Areas and subjugate multiple Sea Area armies in just two short days?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!!!"

Tao Species Lang Fanyun was utterly incredulous, thinking he had misheard the intelligence report from his strategist, Bei Buzi.

Bei Buzi appeared gloomy, completely lacking the composure and ease of the previous day.

Just yesterday, this pair of ruler and minister had thought Hong Yuan insignificant, a mere buffoon. Now, it seemed if they didn’t take Hong Yuan seriously, they themselves would become the clowns.

"My king, I suggest we hasten our march and prioritize dealing with Xuan Guangqiao before discussing other matters."

"That fellow’s expansion of power is too shocking. It clearly defies the principles of military strategy. Who knows by what means he has managed to eliminate potential repercussions."

"If we don’t deal with Xuan Guangqiao now, I fear it will no longer be the Seventy-two Sea Territories against eight Sea Area divisions." Bei Buzi spoke with a fierce expression.

Upon hearing these words, Lang Fanyun clenched his fists, feeling a pounding headache. It is said that those who collude in villainy are the most cunning, but now it seemed they were probably no match for even an Evil Python.