Beneath the moon’s gaze, Lu Ximing, her steps upon a carpet of scattered blossoms, arrived from the west. The supreme existences of three realms—the Divine Fragrance Flower Sea, the Purple Wu Hills, and the Tian Xi Wasteland—now converged upon a single point.

All within the confines of Mo Yun City.

Heaven and earth quieted abruptly for their sake, as different principles began to weave their presence. Chan Fayuan and Ji Xingkong, as if by unspoken agreement, simultaneously lessened the intensity of their struggle, gradually smoothing the ripples of their conflict.

With the Shen Xiao Secret Vault fully revealed, a colossal aperture remained, a gap vast enough for even the most peak of cultivators to approach. At this moment, the grand spectacle of this night, perhaps, was just truly beginning to unfold!

“Indeed, tonight is particularly lively!” Hu Taisui’s gaze flickered, amber eyes concealing a sea of flowers. “Sister Lu, for what purpose have you graced us with your presence?”

Lu Ximing smiled, though the expression held no warmth. Her beautiful brows were sharp, like willow-leaf blades. “For what purpose do you come, for what purpose do I come.”

Hu Taisui spoke. “The Shen Xiao King, that year, reached what height? It remains undetermined even now. I desire to trace the past, to seek the Dao in the depths of time. Would Sister Lu care to join me?”

Lu Ximing’s tone was relaxed. “But you do not seem to be welcomed.”

Hu Taisui cast a glance towards the direction from which Zhu Xian had fled. “I am thinking of a way.”

Lu Ximing smiled but remained silent.

They conversed and laughed so breezily, as if no other demons were present.

Zhu Yi, however, could no longer endure. Her gaze, fixed upon these two peak powerhouses, was filled with icy intent. “It seems tonight cannot end well. The strong preying upon the weak is the natural order of things; one is to blame for their own lack of caution if injured. But do not forget, the wounds upon my body were suffered for the demon race. It was in resisting the human cultivators that I became so weakened. Even the human race understands the principle of joining hands against outsiders, yet are we demons not even as good? I bled and battled for the race on the battlefield, risking life and death, and now I am to suffer for it instead?”

Hu Taisui furrowed his brow. “Among the Sky Demons present, which one has not bled and battled countless times? Which one has not risked their life for the Demon Realm?”

Even Ancient Nan Shan’s bald head is stained with no small amount of blood, eh? Speaking these fragmented words and idle chatter is merely to ask who should yield, is it not?

He said in a cold voice, “This realm secret, this seat has long schemed for. I must seek the Dao of the Shen Xiao King. Whether you are injured or not, I am determined to proceed. How has your injury become your protective armor in reverse? You are injured, and this gives you the qualification to influence my decision? How can you be so naive! Zhu Yi, I will say this for you to hear: if you retreat now, I will not pursue. Do not obstruct me, or do not blame me for being heartless!”

His determination was unconcealed, his coldness known to all the world.

This was his final ultimatum.

It was the last opportunity he offered.

Zhu Yi, as a Sky Demon injured on the battlefield for the race, could retreat freely and seek a place of seclusion to recover.

But what of Zhu Xian?

What of Zhu Lanruo and Zhu Yong, still within the Shen Xiao locale?

If she were to leave now, her descendants would instantly be flayed and dismembered.

While it is true that the concept of blood relatives is not as heavily regarded among the demon race as it is among the human race, blood descendants are sometimes merely more trusted subordinates.

Just as Hu Taisui did not feel that killing a few of Zhu family’s descendants was a significant matter, nor did he feel that Zhu Yi had any reason to risk blocking him.

Although it is said that Sky Demon powerhouses should not have anything they hold dear outside of themselves…

Specific individuals, however, hold different emotions.

Those were, after all, her descendants.

Demons are not mere grass and wood; who can be without emotion?

Zhu Yi looked at Hu Taisui, looked at Lu Ximing, then looked at Chan Fayuan, who seemed to have heard nothing, and Ji Xingkong, hidden in the night… and suddenly laughed.

In this chilly night, she laughed gracefully, a self-deprecating sound. Then she spoke. “When Yuan Xianting left, he left me a sentence. I wonder if it is necessary for you all to hear it.”

Lu Ximing watched the scene with interest.

“Ha!” Hu Taisui also laughed. “Do you have no understanding of your own state, or do you not understand me enough? You want both face and advantage, and you still want to use Yuan Xianting to pressure me?”

That one, arrogant and free-roaming the world, how easily could he be moved?

Zhu Yi, however, spoke no further. She merely plucked a golden hair, and lightly blew it towards her red lips.

The golden hair floated lightly, falling lonesomely in the night sky.

A figure, clad in armor and with a red cloak tied behind him, then landed on the highest point of the city—the roof of Feiyun Tower, precisely on the eaves that spread like an eagle’s wings.

He sat upon the eaves, facing the vast sky.

The blood moon, behind him, unfolded in the wind like his red cloak.

“Listening.” His eyes were slightly closed, still bearing a hint of unfinished slumber. “I do not know who wishes to come, or who is fortunate enough to see this old man’s face. But, listen!”

“Zhu Yi fought shoulder to shoulder with this old man not long ago. Normally, I wouldn’t care, but now that she is injured…”

He opened those scarlet eyes, slow to focus, and looked towards the battlefield where swords were drawn and bows were strung. He bared his teeth casually. “Who dares to touch Zhu Yi? This old man will kill his whole family!”

His voice was not fierce, but his damaged armor and the color of his cloak spoke volumes.

Hu Taisui did not speak.

Chan Fayuan did not speak.

Ji Xingkong did not speak.

Finally, Lu Ximing spoke softly. “To me, why must we draw swords and string bows? It is a vain injury to our harmony, and we lose our dignity. The Shen Xiao secret is good, the possibility of surpassing the absolute peak is also good, but they exist and do not exist in equal measure, very illusory. What is it worth? This seat…”

Indeed, after the great war between the races, killing an injured Zhu Yi on the battlefield would be very difficult to explain on the side of the Tai Gu Imperial City.

Therefore, driving her away was always the primary goal.

“Everyone, do not all of you have juniors present? Opportunity is originally determined by heaven, then it is for the young ones themselves to strive. How about everyone observes?”

Before appearing in Mo Yun City, Hu Taisui had indeed not thought that Zhu Yi would be hiding in this city recuperating from her injuries. His bringing Lu Ximing together to seek the Dao in the past was already his last attempt.

At this moment, with Yuan Xianting so strongly protecting the way, and Lu Ximing immediately showing such an attitude, it was no longer possible for him to forcefully assault the Shen Xiao locale and have so many Sky Demon seeds accompany him in the risk.

“Good, good, good.” Hu Taisui consecutively said three ‘goods,’ then spoke a sentence. “Then let the young ones strive. But everyone should be prepared, for in the secret realm, contention is inevitable, and life and death are determined by fate. Who lives and who dies, there is no blame.”

He had confidence in Xiong Sansi, both in strength and in cunning. This tattooed-faced demon was a top choice, otherwise, he would not have risen to fame so quickly in the Purple Wu Hills and soared when given the opportunity.

The only worry was that the relationship between Xiong Sansi and him was not as intimate as that between other Sky Demons and their Sky Demon seeds.

Xiong Sansi’s scheming for the Shen Xiao secret was a private matter, of which he was not informed.

He was merely guarding the landing point of the Shen Xiao locale, and he did not inform Xiong Sansi either.

Letting the young ones strive for themselves, even with the possibility of their own private schemes, was still better than a futile fight ending in utter ruin.

Chan Fayuan must also have full confidence in Yang Yu, and happily said, “This poor monk has no opinion. As we were saying…”

“Pah! Rat generation! Stay away from my Ancient Nan Shan Treasure Bell!”

Compared to these few who verbally expressed full confidence in their juniors, Ji Xingkong’s actions were more direct.

He did not continue speaking, silently expressing tacit agreement, and then went back to touching the Zhi Wen Bell.

It was truly a posture of ‘flowers blooming in two, each showing its branch.’ Chan Fayuan stopped, and he withdrew his hand.

Speaking of which, from the moment that wisp of golden hair floated down and Yuan Xianting suspended himself upon the eaves…

Within the great house of the Yuan family, the Demon King Yuan Jia Zheng immediately left his seat and kowtowed, his respect immense.

Instead, Yuan Meng Ji remained muddled, sitting on a stone stool, looking up at that legendary distant relative. He was somewhat unsure if he was in a drunken state or dreaming. Although he claimed not to care, seeing all the talented individuals in the city heading to the Shen Xiao locale, while he himself was just getting beaten at home, felt somewhat unpalatable.

After Yuan Xianting’s complete deterrence, he no longer looked at the other Sky Demons. Instead, he cast his gaze downwards, seeing the small demon of the Yuan race sitting in a daze in the courtyard, and casually asked, “All the other small demons in this city went to the Shen Xiao locale. Why did you not go?”

“I…” Suddenly seeing the legendary Great Demon and having a conversation with him, Yuan Meng Ji, who considered himself very cunning, stammered for a moment. “This small demon is born… naturally indifferent! I do not care about those things, too lazy to follow them and snatch.”

After he finished speaking, he even raised his neck, a very proud appearance, evidently believing himself.

“Just go and play once, ba.” Yuan Xianting finished speaking, and regardless of whether this little fellow was willing or not, he casually grabbed and placed him…

He then lifted Yuan Meng Ji from the courtyard, like placing a small building block, and put him into the Shen Xiao secret room!

Yuan Jia Zheng remained prostrate, his wine intoxication turning into streams of old tears.

What blood relationship did they have with Yuan Xianting?

It was merely that year on the battlefield, due to the relationship of being of the same clan, they fought under Yuan Xianting’s command. The so-called fighting was merely Yuan Xianting rushing in front, and they rushing behind.

Words were not even exchanged.

Instead, he had always claimed to be a distant relative and old subordinate of Yuan Xianting, merely leveraging this fame. How many storms had the Mo Yun Yuan family weathered because of it.

He had not expected that an existence known for his ferocity like Yuan Xianting would, upon seeing his family, who had merely used his fame, not harbor any calculations, but instead give Yuan Meng Ji an opportunity!

Even this opportunity was merely due to his casual words today. Afterwards, even if he clarified that he had no relationship with Yuan Xianting, other demons would not dare to believe it. From now on, the Mo Yun Yuan family would truly have a foundation.

One could say that his efforts of more than half a lifetime were not as effective as a few casual words from this peerless Sky Demon.

How could this not make him weep with gratitude?

Just as the several powerful existences were speaking, the ethereal shadow representing the true secret of Shen Xiao finally disappeared.

It seemed to have fallen into the depths of the earth, entering another realm beyond control, no longer leaving any trace in Mo Yun City.

Even the Zhi Wen Bell no longer manifested anything.

Only the dilapidated Chai family old house remained, the old shrine, the wooden bed, the bare walls, quietly silent.

It was still Hu Taisui who spoke. “Why did the Shen Xiao locale land in this old house, one must ask? And that dog demon from just now, what is his ancestral background?”

In order to achieve ‘concealment,’ he had temporarily entered a state of muddle with the honor of a Sky Demon, residing in an ordinary skin, only awakening at the crucial moment.

In this muddled state, he had no insight into his surroundings.

This state was also a quite dangerous period for himself. Facing sudden situations, it was very easy to react too late.

It was also because Zhu Yi was heavily injured, and he had lost control over the Tian Xi Wasteland, making it difficult to advance and capture, that he was willing to take the risk.

What was so special about this old house?

And the extremely accurate landing point he had calculated was, in the end, forcibly separated by a street alley. This involuntarily caused him to have many doubts.

Who was targeting him in the dark?

Who was contending with him?

Ancient heavenly will is difficult to fathom, its heart hard to understand. In the long river of time, how many wills are hidden, and how many pieces are there, who can say clearly?

Although it is said that they already stand at the absolute peak of the world, who does not want to go further? Even in a time they have already cut, they still strive hard, still take risks, of course, their hearts have desires.

The extraordinary mountain has already been climbed to the top, that soul-stirring sight above the absolute peak!

Yuan Xianting protected Zhu Yi once, and he was willing to retreat.

If Yuan Xianting wanted to contend with him, if he saw an opportunity, even if this opportunity was very illusory, he would also have to fight desperately.

Now, the contention between the several Sky Demons has temporarily ended, waiting only to see what can be explored within the Shen Xiao locale.

As peak powerhouses standing at the absolute height, existences who have the qualification to openly sit and share, the first thing, of course, is to clear hidden dangers.

Any doubts must be resolved; no shadow chess players can be allowed to exist.

Lu Ximing also turned her gaze to Zhu Yi. This was the Tian Xi Wasteland; the intelligence of this place naturally had to be asked of the Zhu family. Zhu Yi said in a light voice, “Zhu Xian, please resolve the doubts for several noble guests.”

Not long after, the true demon Zhu Xian flew back to the field, subconsciously maintaining a distance from Hu Taisui, who had almost torn her apart raw. She spoke without emotion. “This house has been passed down for many years. The current owner is a dog clan demon named Chai Asi. He is now the incense master of the Fruit Society under the Yuan family’s control. Not long ago, he fought in the Jin Yang Tai martial competition, entering the top twenty-four of Mo Yun City and having the opportunity to impact the top ten.”

He and his grandfather were originally members of the Mo Yun Dog family. Later, for some unknown reason, they were expelled, and his grandfather also died at the hands of the Dog family.

He is considered an orphan, and his personality has always appeared quite timid, often bullied without resisting. He made a living by gathering herbs.

He suddenly underwent a transformation not long ago.

According to rumor, he was bullied relentlessly. The original incense master extorted him and smashed his grandfather’s spirit tablet, which he found unbearable.

This then revealed his abilities. Later, he proactively joined the Fruit Society, step by step built his influence, gained a foothold, and made a name for himself, proving that he actually has a very sharp mind. His sword art and body refinement are both decent, his movement technique is eye-catching, and his fighting talent is very good.

“This small demon has a problem,” Lu Ximing said very calmly.

She offered no explanation, no specifics, but it had already become a fact.

Zhu Xian glanced at Zhu Yi, and immediately announced:

“Dog Shou Zeng, come to report!”

His voice echoed far into the long night.

The master of the Mo Yun Dog family immediately crawled out, tumbling from his mansion.

Before the crowd of Sky Demons, he did not even dare to lift his head, and had no courage to speak directly, only looking down at his boots. “What matter in the city requires my summoning?”

Zhu Xian pointed to the Chai family old house. “A small demon lives here, originally a member of your Dog family. His grandfather was run over by your Dog family’s carriage. Now we feel he has a problem on his body. You must tell me, what is his problem?”

Dog Shou Zeng was slightly stunned. “I will investigate immediately. Before dawn, no, within half an hour, I must have a result!”

Seeing that the several Sky Demons had no opinion, Zhu Xian waved his hand. “Go, ba.”

Dog Shou Zeng flew away without stopping for breath.

Hu Taisui furrowed his brow again. “Is this the bloodline of Dog Yingyang of Zhao Yun Peak? Even if he has some secret, a mere Demon King, what could he know? Forget it, I will make a trip and bring Dog Yingyang here to ask.”

“Then how could I trouble you alone?” Lu Ximing said in a light voice. “I will go with you to ask.”

It was now determined that the Chai family old house was not simple, and Chai Asi had a problem. Perhaps there was some secret with Dog Yingyang. She herself could not allow Hu Taisui to enjoy it exclusively.

As for Mo Yun City, the Shen Xiao locale was already hidden, and they only needed to wait for news; there was no need to guard it for a while.

“Idling is also idling.” Chan Fayuan of Ancient Nan Shan laughed. “This poor monk will also accompany the two donors.”

“Sky Demons go to bully a True Demon?” Ji Xingkong loudly condemned from the darkness. “This seat is determined to go and supervise you. Or you do not…”

“After Hidden Light As Come left, Ancient Nan Shan indeed has declined with each generation. Even the Buddha nature is lost! Colluding with so many…”

“Take away the Zhi Wen Bell, this seat will stay to help you watch.”

“Why so troublesome?” Zhu Yi furrowed her brow. These Sky Demons were free to come and go as they pleased, but she could not easily move.

So she said, “I will transmit a letter seal and have Dog Yingyang immediately come over to be questioned. Whatever the problem, everyone can face it together. No one can hide anything from anyone.”

Zhao Yun Peak’s Dog Yingyang, however you say it, was a regional overlord. Earlier, he had come to Mo Yun City regarding the disappearance of Dog Xizai, and even had some unpleasantness with Zhu Xian. But before these Sky Demons, he was an existence to be summoned and dismissed at will. The so-called heaven-born myriad things are originally common to all, sometimes cruelly clear.

In this wave after wave of restless night…

Beneath the red moon, the crowd of demons stood together.

Only, who knows when, that wisp of golden hair had already disappeared. They all said Yuan Xianting was barbaric and overbearing, fierce and arrogant.

Truly like this night! Who knows my heart?