The Dao Domain receded like a tide, the laws that had been forcibly confined to this world returned to obscurity, and the raging energy storm subsided.
The world returned to a state of clarity and tranquility.
But the land was ravaged, the mountains were shattered, and the air still carried the lingering scent of destruction.
It still silently tells the story of how thrilling and overwhelming that brief but devastating battle was.
The Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King, two Mighty Figure demon race figures renowned Eastern Wasteland and whose mere presence could shake the Southern Region, had now bowed their heads in submission and given up resistance.
The undisguised shock on their faces, and the churning Dao injuries and demonic energy within their bodies that were difficult to heal quickly.
All of this clearly demonstrates the immense pressure they had just endured.
They gazed at the figure in blue robes standing with his hands behind his back, their expressions incredibly complex, as if a jumble of emotions had been spilled.
Deep within those eyes was a profound awe of absolute power, of the power that was almost akin to the "Dao" itself—an instinctive tremor stemming from the difference in their levels of existence.
There was also a hint of indescribable bitterness and dejection.
They came with the determination to protect the imperial lineage and eliminate foreign enemies, but they not only failed to "protect the emperor," but also...
Instead, they were utterly crushed by this "outsider" in front of the very people they wanted to protect.
This was nothing short of a silent mockery, severely damaging their pride as peerless demon kings.
Li Qingshan stood with his hands behind his back in the Void, his robes fluttering gently in the breeze, his expression calm and undisturbed, seemingly oblivious to the complex emotions churning within the two demon kings.
The reason he didn't deliberately erase all traces of himself when he left was that he even left a very faint trace in the complex aura.
The subtle pull that a Mighty Figure expert on the Immortal Platform Second Layer could easily detect with careful examination.
The intention was to lure these two Mighty Figure demon clan members, who were extremely interested in the Azure Emperor's bloodline, here.
At this moment, he was carefully sensing the ever-surging and restless immense power within his body, like a dormant primordial beast.
This power was accumulated because he traversed the long river of time and returned from a realm of reverse.
Furthermore, the completion of the " Eight-Nine Profound Art," a profound technique that directly points to the supreme Dao, has triggered the blessing of the creator's destiny, causing it to boil over.
They surged and roared throughout his limbs and various secret realms, impacting the seal laid down by the " Heaven-Deceiving Array Patterns " that was outlined with divine thought and flashing runes around his body.
The array patterns shimmered and flickered, barely reaching their maximum capacity.
Li Qingshan knew perfectly well that the Heavenly Tribulation was imminent!
Moreover, this tribulation is far more severe than the tribulations of the forty-nine or sixty-nine that ordinary cultivators experience.
This is a " Heaven-Defying Great Tribulation " brought about by returning from a realm beyond, superimposed with the " Law-Creation Tribulation " triggered by creating the heaven-defying " Eight-Nine Profound Art ".
The intertwined calamities will likely unleash unimaginable power upon the heavens and earth, and the duration will certainly not be easily overcome in just a few days.
Before the devastating lightning punishment fully descends, he must arrange all matters in the Southern Region properly.
Yan Ruyu's lineage, as direct descendants of the Azure Emperor, possesses a noble bloodline, but this also makes them the target of public criticism.
Since he had accepted their offer of dependence, he stepped in to resolve the Ji Family's troubles.
This is equivalent to forging a positive connection with the "future Azure Emperor," and the Cause and Effect is now established.
Naturally, he could not leave this isolated and widowed lineage in danger after his departure; otherwise, everything he had done before would have been meaningless.
Although the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King before them came due to a misunderstanding, their deep-seated desire to protect the Azure Emperor's bloodline was genuine.
His cultivation level is among the top in the Eastern Wasteland demon race, making him a suitable candidate to temporarily entrust the Yan Ruyu lineage.
Of course, there are methods to entrusting tasks to others.
If the tone were pleading or deliberating, it would inevitably weaken the overall momentum and might even cause these two proud demon kings to have ulterior motives.
Only by overwhelming them with absolute strength, completely shattering their arrogance and wishful thinking as King, and making them realize the insurmountable gap between them;
Then explain the reasons and point out the pros and cons.
Only by combining kindness and strictness can we get them to put aside all their ulterior motives and wholeheartedly and diligently accept this responsibility.
Li Qingshan's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, each with their own distinct expressions and thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice resonating deep within their minds:
Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, let's leave the past behind for the time being and not mention it again.
His words were calm, and he casually brushed aside all the previous conflicts and unpleasantness.
Immediately, his gaze fell on the two demon kings, whose auras were still somewhat weak, and he called out by name:
" The Peacock King, the Azure Flood Dragon King."
Both the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King felt a chill run down their spines when they were stared at by that calm gaze.
They immediately composed themselves and replied:
"Does Fellow Daoist Li have any suitable instructions?"
"The inheritance of the Azure Emperor's bloodline is of paramount importance and cannot be lost."
I have urgent business to attend to and need to leave temporarily.
He paused briefly, his gaze, sharp as a physical object, landing on the two of them:
"Before my return, the safety of Yan Ruyu and her people will be temporarily entrusted to you two. You must ensure that they are safe and sound and not disturbed by foreign enemies."
Is it possible to do that?
Upon hearing this, the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King exchanged a glance instinctively.
Although they were defeated, utterly defeated, the pride of the demon race and their reverence for His Majesty the Azure Emperor remained.
Protecting the imperial bloodline is a responsibility and honor they deeply believe in and cannot shirk.
Moreover, Yan Ruyu had just stated that it was Li Qingshan who intervened to stop the Ji Family, which was tantamount to saving the lives of their entire clan. (Easily access Cola Novels and read thousands of other great books such as " Shrouding the Heavens: Yuanshi of the Myriad Heavens ".)
Both morally and logically, they could not and were ashamed to refuse this request.
The Peacock King answered first, his voice clear and firm:
"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Li! As long as I have a breath left, I will do everything in my power to protect the imperial descendants."
We will never allow the princess and her people to suffer even the slightest harm!
His words were firm and resounding.
Despite the lingering pain from his injuries, the Azure Flood Dragon King straightened his majestic, mountain-like body.
He responded in a deep voice, his words rough yet revealing the fierce courage and sincerity of the dragon lineage:
" The Azure Flood Dragon hereby swears! It will ensure the princess's safety!"
Even if those ignorant holy lands and Desolate Ancient Family dare to invade my Laozi, I will definitely break a few of their teeth.
Let them know that the demon race is not to be trifled with!
Yan Ruyu stood to the side, listening to the resounding words of the two demon King, and the heavy weight that had been hanging over her heart finally slowly lifted.
With the explicit statements and vows of protection from the two top-tier Mighty Figure, the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King, coupled with Li Qingshan's goodwill, this small and weak branch of the Azure Emperor's descendants was able to...
The situation in the Eastern Wasteland will undergo a dramatic change, at least in terms of safety, which will be greatly guaranteed.
She raised her head and looked at Li Qingshan's calm profile, but the expression in her beautiful eyes revealed her inner turmoil.
Li Qingshan nodded slightly at the two demon kings' statements, his expression not changing much; this was exactly what he had expected.
His gaze shifted, landing on Ye Fan and Pang Bo beside him, as well as on the Black Emperor, whose eyes were darting around, seemingly plotting something again.
" Ye Fan, Pang Bo."
Upon being called upon, Ye Fan and Pang Bo immediately straightened their backs, their expressions becoming serious, and respectfully replied:
" Teacher Li!" "Teacher!"
Having witnessed firsthand the divine Feng Cai that had just overwhelmed the two Mighty Figure demons,
Their awe and worship of Li Qingshan had reached an unprecedented peak.
Upon hearing the summons, they were completely focused and dared not be negligent in the slightest.
The path of spiritual cultivation is long and arduous, but ultimately, it lies within oneself.
Li Qingshan looked at Ye Fan with a deep gaze, his words containing a hint of guidance.
External things and opportunities can be used to accelerate the process, but they should not be relied upon or indulged in.
True Dao Fruit requires one's own will, sweat, and even blood and fire to forge it.
Your path, your destiny, lie beneath your feet; you must walk it yourself, strive for it, and experience it for yourself.
He paused slightly, giving Ye Fan time to process his words, before continuing:
"Stay in the Southern Region, cultivate diligently, refine the foundation of the Sea of Bitterness and the Dao Palace Secret Realm to perfection, and solidify your Dao foundation."
"If the time is right a year from now, you may come to Jade Pool to find me."
He then looked at Pang Bo, a burly man with a hint of demonic aura, and instructed him:
"Your soul has just begun to resonate with this demonic body. Although you have gained an opportunity, you still need to calm your mind and cultivate diligently to consolidate your foundation."
Thoroughly digest and absorb the mental and physical tempering effects of this ordeal, and do not waste this opportunity.
Upon hearing this, Ye Fan and Pang Bo both nodded emphatically, making sure to remember these words.
They knew that Li Qingshan was pointing out the way forward for them, not wanting them to develop a dependency on him, but rather to forge their own path.
"Woof woof! Old Li, what about me? Don't forget about me!"
Black Emperor couldn't wait to stand up on its hind legs and dart to Li Qingshan's feet, its bald tail wagging rapidly.
A dog's face was plastered with a fawning smile, its expression brimming with a desperate plea for arrangements.
Li Qingshan glanced at it indifferently, fully aware of the little schemes this thing was up to:
"You? Follow them and protect them. If the opportunity arises, you will have a share."
However, if one dares to rely on a few superficial array patterns to cause trouble, ambushe others, or delay proper cultivation,
Before he could finish speaking, Black Emperor hurriedly raised a paw and swore an oath:
"No, no, absolutely not! Old Li, you can rest assured!"
From this day forward, I, the young emperor, will surely turn over a new leaf, work diligently, and be Ye Fan and Pang Bo's most reliable partner and protector!
We'll make sure they eat and drink well, have a smooth and successful cultivation journey, and their cultivation level rises rapidly!
Anyone who dares to lay a finger on them will have to step over my Ye Fan body first!
Ye Fan and Pang Bo couldn't help but chuckle, feeling helpless against this clown.
Li Qingshan ignored the clowning black dog, but a slight ripple stirred within him.
He had considered other methods before heading to the world of " Divine Tomb ".
He could exchange some of the Mother Qi of All Things Source that had been surviving his Bitter Sea with Ye Fan, who possessed great fortune.
After all, those are supreme immortal materials for refining "artifacts," extremely rare throughout the ages, even tempting the Great Emperor.
This item was a special opportunity arranged for Ye Fan by the Ruthless Great Emperor; no one else could possibly take it.
Even if he hadn't been chased and mistakenly entered the Bronze Immortal Palace with Ji Ziyue, Ye Fan would likely have obtained this item through other coincidences under the unseen arrangement of the Ruthless Great Emperor.
However, in a strange place in that Divine Tomb World, he himself obtained a Xuanhuang Mother Qi Root of extremely high quality and in considerable quantity.
Its essence is the same as the Mother Qi of All Things Source. It is a primordial object born at the beginning of the Heaven-Opening, which is enough for him to refine two protective weapons that accompany him as he grows.
Therefore, the idea of exchanging for the Mother Qi of All Things Source was temporarily shelved and abandoned.