Chapter 403: Pulling a Stunt

A treasure that threatens the balance of heaven and earth?

Deep in a valley blooming with peach flowers, Lu Ya Dao Ren repeatedly examined the message on the transmission jade talisman in his hand, his brows furrowing deeper as he stood up and paced back and forth.

At this moment, Lu Ya was not in his usual scholarly appearance but rather that of a handsome and spirited young demon king.

This was actually the second identity that Lu Ya Dao Ren often used when hiding and disguising himself—a minor demon king from the neutral faction of the demon clan.

Today, he suddenly received a message from a demon expert about the Heavenly Court issuing an edict to hunt him down, which did not surprise Lu Ya.

It was no secret that the Heavenly Court intended to use the demon clan to establish its authority, and somehow, Jade Emperor already knew about Lu Ya's origins.

Otherwise, he would not have to hide here, enduring immense psychological torment every day, mingling with the demon women and pretending to live a life of indulgence and excess.

Such a decadent, dull, and unrestrained life was truly... too painful for the ambitious crown prince!

But this time, the reason given by the Heavenly Court for pursuing Lu Ya was that he possessed a treasure threatening the balance of heaven and earth, which left him somewhat baffled.

His secret treasure, the Ding Tou Qi Jian Shu, could affect the balance of heaven and earth?

Obviously not.

Never mind the many restrictions of the Ding Tou Qi Jian Shu—it damaged one's merits and destiny, and even in ancient times, when this technique was used as a secret means to punish guilty demons in the demon court, it had not disrupted the balance...

Although his Zhan Xian Fei Dao had recently neared completion, it was merely a weapon for slaughter—how could it impact the balance of heaven and earth?

Moreover, the phrase "balance of heaven and earth" was truly puzzling to the demons.

Now, with the human clan as the protagonists of heaven and earth and the Heavenly Court as the nominal ruler of the three realms, and no opposition between heaven and earth, what was this talk of "balance"?

The term "balance of heaven and earth" was more common during the ancient Witch-Demon War, in the periods when the two clans were at truce...

"Could it be that they are trying to lure me out?"

Lu Ya's sword-like brows lightly furrowed, a flash of golden light passing through his starry eyes, his expression turning somewhat gloomy.

Just then, the bronze mirror in the corner trembled slightly.

Lu Ya glanced at the two peach flower demons kneeling beside the screen, waved his hand impatiently, and the two attendants rose and withdrew, their graceful figures carrying away a faint fragrance...

Soon, Lu Ya activated the various arrays in the warm chamber.

He walked to the bronze mirror and infused a wisp of immortal light into it, causing the image of an old Daoist to slowly emerge within...

This old Daoist wore a gray robe, with deer ears and antlers. Upon seeing Lu Ya, he bowed in salute, and his warm voice came from the mirror:

"Your Highness, more than ten veteran marshals have already come to ask me about this matter. I truly do not know how to respond.

If Your Highness... truly has a treasure to deal with the Heavenly Court...

Why not be open and honest with the demon kings who have always supported you? Otherwise, it will only chill the hearts of us old ministers."

Lu Ya frowned and said: "If I had such a treasure, would Lu Gong not know about it?"

The deer demon old Daoist frowned in thought and continued: "Your Highness, if that is the case, things may become troublesome.

The Heavenly Court is currently under the control of Dong Mu Gong and the Heavenly Court Water God, while Jade Emperor and Queen Mother are undergoing tribulations in the mortal world... Hiss! Could it be that the Heavenly Court Water God is using a scheme to force our master to appear? We must not take this lightly."

Dong Mu Gong felt somewhat offended.

"Humph! This is obvious!

This Water God kills our clan members and bullies the demon clan in its weakened state, and now he resorts to such schemes!"

Lu Ya gritted his teeth and cursed, then waved his sleeve, transforming into his usual old Daoist appearance for traveling.

The old deer demon in the bronze mirror hurriedly said:

"Your Highness, please endure for now and do not fall into the Water God's trap! We should observe the situation quietly and see what tricks he is playing!"

"Observe the situation? How can we observe now?"

Lu Ya suppressed his anger and replied helplessly:

"If I avoid showing myself, the morale of our clan will surely decline;

If I appear openly, the Heavenly Court will have the pretext to wage war against us.

This Water God has put me on the hot seat!

Moreover, by publicizing my origins through this edict, he ensures I can no longer scheme from the shadows.

This edict seems to bolster our clan's prestige, but it's actually a bloodless strategy to eliminate me!

Lu Gong, please explain the truth of this to the elders and our clan's dignitaries. I must take action now to resolve this disaster!"

"Your Highness... you are truly wise!"

Lu Gong exclaimed, then suddenly felt sentimental, lifting his sleeve to wipe the corner of his eye as he sighed:

"If the late emperor could see Your Highness's current composure and strategy, he would be immensely gratified. I am ashamed that I cannot alleviate your burdens and must let you face such situations alone!"

"Lu Gong, say no more."

Lu Ya suppressed his anger once again, swallowing the rebuke that had reached his lips, and tried to maintain a pleasant expression.

He encouraged the deer demon king a few more words before wiping away the Daoist rhymes on the bronze mirror.

"Humph!"

These old ministers ran faster than anyone when the demon court fell, and cried louder than anyone when trouble arose!

They never came up with any brilliant strategies or decisions to impress him!

Back in the day, when the demon clan gathered ten thousand spirits, their power was overwhelming; in the later stages of the Witch-Demon War, they even gained the absolute upper hand due to internal conflicts among the ancestral witches and their mutual strife!

Yet, it was these incompetent officials in high positions, who provided no help to the demon court, that dragged down the entire operation and allowed the human clan to seize the opportunity!

The most ironic part was that the ones who survived the Witch-Demon War were these old schemers...

Lu Ya cursed inwardly for a while, then swept away his resentment.

He knew full well that now, he had to rely on these old ministers to give the demon court a chance to rise again...

He slung the Zhan Xian Fei Dao on his back, took out the cloth bundle from his embrace to examine it for a moment, and carefully put it away.

Lu Ya took a deep breath, his figure turning into a wisp of green smoke that vanished in the peach flower valley.

Finally, he could temporarily leave this painful place.

He had been recuperating here ever since being seriously injured by the Water God's great spirit explosion at Yao Sheng Mountain.

It was thanks to a lotus seed from the Western Religion that he had replenished his depleted vital energy and even made a breakthrough in his realm...

'Water God, do not push me further.'

At the same time, on Jin Ao Island.

Ao Yi, who had not returned to the island for cultivation in a long time, was currently soaking in the treasure pool within his cave residence on Jin Ao Island.

Ao Yi had transformed into a dragon body over ten zhang long, leisurely stretching in the pool water;

Incidentally, following his elder brother's instructions, he observed the lively gathering of immortals and gods in the distance, noting the situation to report back later.

Jin Ao Island was quite bustling today, all because a black-skinned leopard spirit with modest cultivation had arrived.

The black leopard was initially blocked from landing by the patrolling immortals on the island and almost struck down with a sword;

But he shouted out the Daoist titles of dozens of Heavenly Immortals and Golden Immortals on the island, and excitedly revealed his past name 'Yuan Ze', shocking the immortals and quickly drawing a crowd.

The Jie Jiao had developed to this point, with Tong Tian Jiao Zhu's formidable reputation and the fierce fame of the Zhu Xian Four Swords; any Qi refiners who could enter dojos like Jin Ao Island or Penglai Island for practice were rarely killed by outsiders;

Even if most did not cultivate to become Golden Immortals of longevity, they could still live out their lives in peace.

Yuan Ze the old Daoist was one of the rare exceptions from the Jie Jiao's 'ten thousand immortals gathering' era...

Back then, Yuan Ze was controlled by some unknown demon and led a group of demons to attack the Ren Jiao's Xian Men Du Xian Gate, intending to disrupt the Three Teachings Origin Assembly, only to be slain on the spot by Du E Zhen Ren's cold hum.

Later, Yuan Ze's primordial spirit was sent to the underworld by Jie Jiao immortals, who used their influence to arrange a favorable reincarnation for him...

Unfortunately, because Yuan Ze said before reincarnation that he was at ease, and walked straight from the Nai He Bridge to the Wheel of Reincarnation, he jinxed his good fortune and was mistakenly sent to the animal path, born as a black leopard, with little achievement in cultivation since.

Today, the black leopard came to Jin Ao Island to visit old friends, alarming most of the Jie Jiao immortals, who rushed over to watch—or rather, to express concern.

After observing for half a shichen, Ao Yi slowly retracted his dragon head from the pool edge and sank his dragon body to the bottom;

Then, he used his divine idol to send a communication invitation to Li Chang Shou's main divine idol.

Soon, the two met in a dream.

Ao Yi described in detail the lively events on Jin Ao Island, and Li Chang Shou listened carefully, soon feeling a sense of emotion...

The Jie Jiao was indeed quite united!

Although the Jie Jiao immortals had sealed the black leopard's mouth as soon as he landed, they piled various treasures, pills, spirit stones, and techniques into his arms...

Those with close ties to the black leopard in the past even dragged the speechless leopard to various banquets.

They sealed his mouth, loaded him with gifts, and brought him to tears.

"Gege," Ao Yi asked curiously, "why are we watching this black leopard?"

"Do not underestimate him," Li Chang Shou said with his hands behind his back and a smile. "This fellow is now part of the demon clan and has connections with Jie Jiao. In the future, he might become a significant figure.

You continue to keep an eye on him on Jin Ao Island. Once he leaves, arrange for a dragon clan elder..."

And so on, in this manner.

After giving his instructions, Ao Yi nodded repeatedly.

Soon, this dragon prince, whose cultivation had been progressing rapidly, exited the dream and secretly summoned a dragon clan expert to wait near Jin Ao Island, setting the stage for a small drama.

Jin Ao Island was lively for several shichen, and then a white cloud arrived from the north—it was Han Zhi, who had rushed from San Xian Island upon hearing the news.

Seeing the black leopard spirit, Han Zhi's eyes reddened, and she called out to her master.

But the black leopard spirit quickly dodged, turning sideways to Han Zhi and sighing:

"Reincarnation has made me a different person. I dare not respond much. Seeing that you are safe, immortal, brings peace to my heart. I shall return to my cultivation."

Han Zhi could not help but purse her lips and sigh softly, and the Jie Jiao immortals immediately tried to retain the black leopard, inviting him to cultivate on the island and rejoin Jie Jiao.

But the black leopard missed his wife and felt his cultivation was too weak to stay on the island with pride, so he stubbornly bid farewell and firmly refused the immortals' offers to escort him back to his cave.

These reactions from the black leopard were all within Li Chang Shou's predictions.

Han Zhi was extremely reluctant and followed the black leopard off Jin Ao Island, seeing him off for dozens of li until he stopped her three times, and she finally halted.

"Mas... Daoist friend, if you encounter any difficulties, come to the island or go to San Xian Island to find me..."

"Go back, go back! I have noble patrons assisting me now, and my cultivation is unobstructed!"

The black leopard waved his hand repeatedly, dove into the sea, and used his decent escape technique to head north.

The Jie Jiao immortals' immortal senses followed the black leopard for a while, watching him depart, with many sighing; but for Jin Ao Island, this was just a minor curiosity.

Once the black leopard was out of Jin Ao Island's range, Ao Yi left the treasure pool and flew toward the East Sea Dragon Palace, "coincidentally" meeting a dragon clan expert above the black leopard.

That dragon clan expert shouted:

"Second Highness! Second Highness! I have finally found you!

The Heavenly Court just issued an order to the Dragon Palace, commanding you to immediately mobilize troops to track the demon court remnant Lu Ya Dao Ren!"

The black leopard hiding in the sea water trembled, his thoughts in disarray:

Lu Ya Dao Ren! My benefactor!?

"Is that so?"

Ao Yi said indifferently, "I was just returning to Jin Ao Island to visit my master and was planning to go back for a couple of days with Si Si, but now this comes up.

Serving the Heavenly Court is no easy task...

Who exactly is this Lu Ya?"

"He is the Golden Crow of the sun, the demon clan's crown prince, seen as their leader for revival," the dragon clan expert answered loudly. "Earlier, the demon clan tried to refine the Extermination Sword using witch clan souls, all for his sake."

"Humph! This Lu Ya defies heaven's will!

I will return to the Heavenly Court to lead the troops. Please deliver a message for me back to the Crystal Palace..."

The two dragons' conversation faded into the distance, and the black leopard in the sea, now shocked, surfaced slightly, wanting to follow but not daring to move.

Alas, may my benefactor Lu Ya safely overcome this danger and enjoy great fortune...

The black leopard slapped himself hard and frowned at his reflection in the sea water.

What... what should I do now!?

In the underworld, outside the eastern pass of Feng Du City.

A faint buzzing sound accompanied a cool breeze, and Wen Jing Dao Ren, hiding in the shadows, gazed from afar at the heavy restrictions here.

She was just passing through, on her way to the Blood Sea for an assignment.

Having heard that the man and the Water God, along with seven token Daoist experts, had helped Da De Hou Tu overcome a crisis a few days ago, Wen Jing Dao Ren thought to come and take a look...

Or perhaps catch a whiff of that man's scent.

Unfortunately, she did not dare enter Feng Du City and could only glance from afar.

As she turned to leave, Wen Jing Dao Ren let out a soft exclamation, drawn by the scene at the end of the narrow pass...

What... are they doing?

Isn't the underworld just for guiding souls? Why are there coffins prepared?

At the end of the narrow pass, a group of pure-blooded witches with decent combat strength were beating drums and gongs, seemingly rehearsing some performance.

A rough stone coffin lay on the ground, easily lifted by six burly witches and carried on their shoulders; the six followed behind the two lead witches in headgear, swaying as they walked forward.

After just over ten zhang, Niu Tou shouted to stop.

"Be joyful! Be happy!

You all look so stern, as if you've really lost family members. It's hard for this marshal to lead you in serving the Water God, moo!"

"Follow the drum rhythm," Ma Mian said warmly, arms folded. "We are sending coffins to the demon clan to provoke them, so we can go to war..."

Thus, the group of witches began another round of rehearsal.

"Perk up! Keep practicing!

We must ensure everything is flawless, with no mistakes, so we can go to the battlefield in a few days to support the Water God!"

Niu Tou suddenly chuckled:

"Ma, should we put up a memorial tablet for Lu Ya Dao Ren on the stone coffin?"

Ma Mian pondered and rejected the idea, as offering incense to a tablet would only benefit the demon clan's crown prince.

In the distance, Wen Jing Dao Ren could not help but cover her forehead.

This...

Somehow, serving the Water God alongside them felt a bit embarrassing...

Shaking her head, Wen Jing Dao Ren quickly turned and left.

The buzzing resumed as she headed to a hidden place deep in the Blood Sea, familiarly finding a ruins of broken walls and pillars.

Wen Jing Dao Ren transformed into her usual alluring form, draped in a blood-red gauze dress, and approached the palace ruins with a few giggles.

She swayed gracefully, her smile enchanting and her beauty radiant, though the fierce aura she exuded made many creatures in the hall tremble slightly.

Striding to a stone pillar, Wen Jing Dao Ren leaned against it in a lazy pose and let out two captivating laughs:

"How about it? Did not expect me to be the one sent to help you?"

A voice came from the corner of the hall:

"Wen Jing, you are also a Blood Sea creature and received guidance from the old ancestor. I hope you remember that favor."

"Heh," Wen Jing Dao Ren narrowed her eyes and smiled softly. "I will not forget that favor. After all, the old ancestor once killed ninety percent of my children."

The sound of chains rattling echoed from the corner, and various auras locked onto Wen Jing Dao Ren.

Yet, she seemed oblivious, gazing at her slender fingers and saying casually:

"Times have changed. The old ancestor is dead, and I now have my own backer.

You do not really think I spare you because I fear your divine powers and vast abilities, do you?

Forget it; there's no point talking to you. Where is the Rakshasa girl you selected?"

A weary, aged voice came from the corner:

"We hope Ling Shan keeps its promise and returns the Yuan Tu Sword to our clan, to be wielded by our princess."

As the voice faded, a slender figure emerged from the corner, clad in a silver cloak and exuding a faint aura of serenity that clashed with the surroundings.

Wen Jing saw this and chuckled mockingly:

"You are really going all out, even sending out the remnants of your old ancestor's bloodline."

The cloaked girl removed her hood, revealing a beautiful face and silver-white long hair...

She bowed to Wen Jing and said softly: "Tie Shan greets the senior."