At that moment, Ye Xingchen sat comfortably in the lakeside pavilion, looking thoroughly pleased with himself as he recalled Luo Qingshan's alluring, bashful appearance the night before.
Remembering that he had yet to sign in today, he said to the system:
"System, begin today's sign-in!"
Ding! Sign-in in progress. Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, you have received a reward-one bottle of the Divine Spring of Life.
The Divine Spring of Life had formed from the first drop of divine water before heaven and earth came into being. Consuming it could return one to one's origin, heal severe injuries, and extend one's lifespan. A single drop could extend life by fifty years and instantly heal severe internal injuries. It could be used without limit, making it an exceedingly rare, supreme divine treasure.
Ding! Sign-in in progress. Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, you have received a reward-one million supreme-grade immortal stones. They have been deposited in your system space. Ding! Sign-in in progress. Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, you have received a reward-one million bottles of supreme-grade divine wine. They have been deposited in your system space.
Listening to the string of pleasant, melodious notifications from the system, Ye Xingchen felt immensely excited.
The Divine Spring of Life the system had rewarded him with was particularly impressive. A single drop could extend life by fifty years and heal severe internal injuries, and it could be used without limit. It was simply too overpowered! As expected of something produced by the system. Ye Xingchen could not help saying:
"System, you're so wonderful! This host simply loves you to death!"
No sooner had Ye Xingchen finished speaking than the system's voice rang out:
Please remain calm, host. As the only system across the myriad worlds, this system is destined to help you reach the pinnacle and sweep aside all opposition throughout the ages!
Hearing the system's voice, that bold idea in Ye Xingchen's heart grew stronger and stronger.
Now that he had been reborn, possessed formidable strength, and had the system, all of this gave him confidence.
Perhaps it's time to go out and have a look around, Ye Xingchen thought as he gazed at the tranquil lake.
Taking the bottle of the Divine Spring of Life out of the system space, Ye Xingchen held it in his hand and examined it carefully.
The bottle was pale gold, made of some unknown material, and carried an ancient air. Ye Xingchen suspected that this golden bottle was far from ordinary, too.
When he opened the bottle, an exceptionally rich surge of life force instantly poured out.
To his surprise, Ye Xingchen discovered that the pale golden bottle truly was no ordinary object. It actually contained a world within, hiding Mount Sumeru in a mustard seed. It was an exceedingly rare divine bottle.
Sweeping it with his divine sense, Ye Xingchen was shocked to discover that the amount of the Divine Spring of Life inside nearly equaled the water in the natural lake before him. The discovery instantly made him jump to his feet.
He nearly spilled the Divine Spring of Life from the bottle. With so much of it, Ye Xingchen could do a great many things.
Looking at the green Divine Spring of Life inside the bottle, the corners of Ye Xingchen's mouth curled upward of their own accord.
Meanwhile, as he felt the exceptionally rich life force continuously spilling out of the bottle, Ye Xingchen discovered that the plants along the lakeshore around the pavilion had actually grown much taller at a frenzied pace.
Even the budding lotus on the lake had bloomed in that brief time, giving off a faint fragrance.
Ye Xingchen immediately capped the bottle and carefully put the Divine Spring of Life into the system space, humming a little tune with a contented expression.
The scene shifted to the Empress Palace.
Luo Qingshan's brows were tightly knitted. The grand elder, who had returned once again and stood below her, had brought news that enraged her.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, all of Divine Desolation now knows that the Imperial Consort is a member of the Human Race in the Innate Realm. Countless factions have been mocking him endlessly behind our backs."
"What's hateful is that the Supreme Purity Palace has announced that it will no longer refine Life-Extending Pills for our Demon Race. Even more infuriating, they want Your Majesty to visit them in person to seek reconciliation and hand over the three pill formulas and the Demon Race's alchemists!"
Hearing the grand elder's furious words from below, Luo Qingshan's eyes shot out heaven-shaking killing intent. The space around her trembled continuously, and her formidable presence filled the entire Empress Palace.
Several elders below hurriedly called out:
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty!"
Hearing the voices of the elders below, Luo Qingshan's terrifying killing intent slowly faded, and her formidable presence receded into her body. At this moment, she was truly the peerless empress who had united the Demon Race.
Slowly regaining her composure, Luo Qingshan looked at the Demon Race elders below and said:
"This matter is of great importance and has far-reaching implications. Huangfu Bubai's move is vicious indeed. How do you all think we should resolve it?"
Hearing the empress's question, the Demon Race elders below also knitted their brows tightly.
Just as Luo Qingshan had said, Huangfu Bubai's move was far too vicious. If they mishandled it, the consequences might be more than even the Demon Race could bear.
Suddenly, a voice filled with wisdom and severity rang out:
"As the ruler of the Demon Race, since when have you become so unable to keep your composure, Your Majesty? The angrier and more agitated you are, the more you must calm yourself. Do not forget that a single word from you can decide the Demon Race's life or death!"
Hearing the sudden voice, Luo Qingshan lowered her head in shame. When she had heard the grand elder's words earlier, because the matter concerned Ye Xingchen, she had truly become enraged and had failed to control her emotions.
The only person in the entire Demon Race who could speak to the empress this way was its sole remaining sage-Lu Wanchuan.
Only then, after hearing Lu Wanchuan's words, did Luo Qingshan rise and bow to him, saying:
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Lu. I recognize my mistake!"
Hearing Luo Qingshan's words, Lu Wanchuan nodded with a smile and said:
"In truth, Your Majesty and the elders are caught in the midst of things, your concern throwing you into confusion. This matter is easily resolved."
"That Huangfu Bubai's so-called confidence rests on nothing more than possessing Life-Extending Pills. Everyone, look at this old man. Don't you think you've forgotten something?!"
Hearing Lu Wanchuan's words, Luo Qingshan's eyes instantly lit up, and she said excitedly:
"Thank you for the reminder, Elder Lu. To think I even forgot about this! Someone, invite the Imperial Consort to the Empress Palace. I have an important matter to discuss with him!"
With Lu Wanchuan's reminder, the other Demon Race elders also instantly realized it. Wasn't the rejuvenated sage of the Demon Race before them the perfect example?
The Imperial Consort was the only ninth-grade alchemist on the Divine Desolation Continent, capable of refining an Indestructible Golden Pill that extended life by a hundred thousand years. Why would they fear the Supreme Purity Palace's Life-Extending Pills, which extended life by only five years?!
Huangfu Bubai's scheme would probably come to nothing this time.
At that moment, upon hearing Luo Qingshan's words, a figure appeared. It was none other than Wei Donglai, the captain of the guards. He bowed to Luo Qingshan and vanished.
A short while later, Ye Xingchen leisurely arrived at the Empress Palace. This was the first time Luo Qingshan had sent someone to invite him there.
Seeing Ye Xingchen arrive, the Demon Race elders and their sage, Lu Wanchuan, all bowed to him.
Smiling cheerfully, Ye Xingchen hurriedly told everyone to rise, displaying none of the majesty an Imperial Consort ought to possess.
Seeing Ye Xingchen's manner, all the Demon Race elders and Lu Wanchuan smiled, their eyes filled with immense respect. Who could dislike such an approachable Imperial Consort?
Watching her husband, Luo Qingshan wore a smile at the corners of her mouth, her face full of tenderness. She watched as Ye Xingchen sat beside her and winked at her with a mischievous grin.
Already sharing an unspoken understanding with Ye Xingchen, how could Luo Qingshan fail to understand the meaning in her husband's eyes? Her lovely face flushed slightly, and she shot him a fierce look.
Remembering how this rascal had teased her last night, Luo Qingshan grew bashful, yet her heart brimmed with tenderness.
Then she said softly to Ye Xingchen:
"I invited you here because I have something to discuss with you, husband!"
Seeing Luo Qingshan's bashful expression, Ye Xingchen knew she had understood what he was thinking. He smiled faintly and said gently:
"Wife, what's this about discussing things? If there's anything you need, just give the word. My wife has the final say in our family!"
Hearing Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan's stunning face grew even more bashful. She glanced at everyone below and found every member of the Demon Race smiling, their heads lowered as they pretended not to hear.
Luo Qingshan's face reddened further. She gave Ye Xingchen a reproachful look before telling him what had happened today.
Hearing Luo Qingshan's words, Ye Xingchen's expression instantly darkened, and a terrifying presence surged from his body.
Compared to his smiling, approachable manner a moment earlier, Ye Xingchen now resembled a demonic god, imperious and peerlessly domineering.
He actually struck fear into the hearts of everyone in the Empress Palace!
"Husband!" At that soft call, the terrifying presence around Ye Xingchen instantly vanished, as though it had never appeared.
Looking at Luo Qingshan, whose eyes were filled with worry, Ye Xingchen turned and gently took her hand. With a faint smile, he uttered a sentence that shocked everyone.