While Zhang Ruochen was still pondering how to respond appropriately, a hoarse yet resounding voice suddenly echoed from outside the Demon Hall, “Prajna, the Goddess of the Destiny Temple, has arrived.”
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
The new goddess had a graceful and refined appearance, her demeanor elegant. Though her cultivation wasn’t particularly profound, a mysterious radiance enveloped her, making it difficult even for Supreme Realm great saints to see through her.
This was the blessing of the twelve divine venerables, transformed into a protective divine aura.
Accompanying her was a black-robed man who seemed almost nonexistent. Only great saints could sense his presence, and only those above the Thousand Questions Realm could see his form.
He was Que, the most mysterious figure of this generation in the Destiny Temple.
After paying respects to Yan Yu and the Demon Clan Emperor, Prajna and Que took their seats.
They sat directly opposite Zhang Ruochen and Yan Yu.
The atmosphere suddenly became quiet and strange.
Yan Yu, calm and composed, reminded Zhang Ruochen in a low voice, “Ruochen, you haven’t answered my earlier question.”
Zhang Ruochen withdrew his gaze, filled a cup with wine, and said, “Miss Zhexian is a woman of true character.”
“That’s it?” Yan Yu asked.
Zhang Ruochen replied, “I haven’t interacted much with Miss Zhexian, so I dare not judge lightly. That was my honest opinion.”
A look of skepticism flashed in Yan Zhexian’s eyes. True character could be a virtue or a flaw.
Was he praising her or subtly criticizing her?
Yan Yu pondered for a moment, filled his own cup, and smiled, “A woman of true character may suffer losses in conflicts with enemies, but as a friend or wife, she is an excellent choice.”
Wasn’t that too direct?
Zhang Ruochen only smiled and drank, not daring to respond.
Yan Yu continued, “Since you haven’t interacted much, spend more time together. Discuss cultivation insights, visit famous sites.”
“Absolutely, absolutely,” Zhang Ruochen agreed.
Yan Yu was quite satisfied with Zhang Ruochen’s response.
Had Zhang Ruochen praised Yan Zhexian’s beauty or talent, Yan Yu would have been displeased.
Other cultivators could praise a woman’s appearance, but Zhang Ruochen, with his reputation, would seem like a lecher if he did so.
Other cultivators could praise Yan Zhexian’s talent, but Zhang Ruochen, with his own exceptional talent, would sound insincere.
Zhang Ruochen understood Yan Yu’s intentions, so he neither praised nor criticized Yan Zhexian. His “true character” response, by chance, perfectly aligned with what Yan Yu wanted to hear.
Yan Yu sighed with a hint of melancholy, “Xian’er’s father was my elder brother, more talented than I, with the potential to be a Yuan epoch genius. Alas…”
“Don’t be saddened, Second Uncle. The path of cultivation is fraught with peril. We cultivators must always be prepared to perish,” Zhang Ruochen said.
He had researched Yan Zhexian’s background and knew her father, Yan Yucheng, the foremost of the Yan Clan’s five prodigies. A century ago, facing a divine-realm enemy, he was forced to attempt breaking into divinity during battle, only to fail and perish entirely.
Of course, the divine-realm enemy was later suppressed by an ancient Yama Clan god, still enduring hellish torment in their custody.
To deter the world, that god’s clan was also exterminated.
First the Destiny Temple’s Yuqiu Godson, then Yan Yucheng—on the path to divinity, all must tread carefully.
Yan Yu regained his composure, saying, “Ruochen, I have some honest words for you. A tree that stands out in the forest faces great danger. You’re in even greater peril than my brother was.”
How could Zhang Ruochen not know?
Despite Yan Yucheng’s formidable background, he still met a tragic end.
Zhang Ruochen’s talent surpassed Yan Yucheng’s, but his background was inferior, making his future path even more treacherous.
Yan Yu’s hint was clear: though Yan Yucheng died, the god who forced his death paid a heavy price. Which god would dare act against a Yama Clan prodigy without fear?
Yan Yucheng had only one daughter, Yan Zhexian. If Zhang Ruochen married her, that deterrence would protect him too.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Second Uncle, I understand your meaning, but this isn’t something I can decide alone.”
Yan Yu patted Zhang Ruochen’s shoulder, smiling elegantly, “Your words are enough. If you’re willing, take the initiative, build a connection. If it doesn’t work out, I won’t force you.”
What Zhang Ruochen needed was the Yama Clan’s support and deterrence.
The Yama Clan wanted Yan Zhexian to marry Zhang Ruochen for several reasons. First, it was widely known she carried his child. If they didn’t unite, the Yama Clan would lose face, and Yan Zhexian’s reputation would suffer. Second, Zhang Ruochen’s brilliance suggested limitless future achievements. Third, the Blood Absolute Family was rising, with Blood Absolute War God already renowned, and both Nether King and Blood Empress being rare potential gods of a Yuan epoch. Marrying Zhang Ruochen would secure the entire Blood Absolute Family.
This was a hard-to-calculate investment.
However, the Yama Clan clearly valued Yan Zhexian’s feelings, or they would have made the decision for her. Yan Yu wouldn’t have needed to personally explain so much to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen knew he and Yan Zhexian had no intimate relationship, though her child carried his bloodline. He didn’t dislike her and could accept a union.
But taking the initiative? That was impossible.
He had never actively pursued any woman.
Let it be left to fate.
The holy banquet began.
Enchantresses in alluring dance attire performed gracefully.
Holy realm maids from various clans played instruments from different worlds.
…
The unpleasantness from the clash with the Death God Hall faded. Zhang Ruochen’s mind became serene, free of stray thoughts, immersed in the music and dance.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhang Ruochen felt a slight buzz.
The “Red Dust” wine lived up to its fame, its potency affecting even great saints, tempting them to join the beautiful enchantresses in dance.
Zhang Ruochen, of course, maintained his composure, but Cang Jie, red-faced and drunk, rushed in, arm around an enchantress, laughing incessantly.
No one mocked him; a Saint King succumbing to the wine’s strength was normal.
But when Da Sikong rushed forward, many great saints were stunned.
A Buddhist Bodhisattva with such little restraint?
Zhang Ruochen quickly had Er Sikong drag him back.
As the performance ended, the enchantresses withdrew, escorting the unconscious Cang Jie away.
Suddenly, Da Sikong stood, chasing after them, “You vixens, try taking this poor monk too.”
Er Sikong, embarrassed by his senior brother, struck hard this time, landing a “Six Desires Palm” on Da Sikong’s wrinkled head, knocking him out cold.
Er Sikong dragged Da Sikong’s hefty frame back, saying, “Uncle Master, Senior Brother’s too fond of drink. He’s lost in the Red Dust. What should we do?”
Zhang Ruochen, masking his embarrassment, said, “No matter. This wine can enhance a cultivator’s mental strength and holy soul. A trip through the Red Dust is a good thing.”
The Demon Clan Emperor, seated at the head, glanced at Yan Yu, his lips moving slightly, whispering something.
Yan Yu looked at Zhang Ruochen, seeming to realize something, and shook his head with a smile.
The Demon Clan Emperor spoke loudly, “Today’s banquet is not only to honor our esteemed guests but also to discuss a major matter. Let Second Young Master Yan explain.”
Yan Yu, seated cross-legged, didn’t rise, saying, “You all likely know that three bursts of Origin Light appeared in the Hundred Clans’ Royal City. Each time, the Origin’s power was pure and potent, suggesting the Origin Temple may soon emerge.”
The Demon Clan great saints in the hall were shocked.
They hadn’t known about the Origin Temple’s emergence, though they suspected something major was afoot in the city. They hadn’t expected such staggering news.
The Yama Clan, needing the Demon Clan’s support in the city, had to share the truth.
Yan Yu added, “The Origin Light emanated from the Yasha Clan’s holy land, Night Rain Sea.”
Prajna said, “Second Master, speak plainly. You’re not suggesting we attack the Yasha Clan, are you?”
“Of course not. The Yasha Clan isn’t a minor clan, enduring for eons. With the gods at Yuhuang Realm, we can’t start such a large-scale conflict in the Hell Realm.”
Yan Yu continued, “Many forces know the Origin Divine Crystal is about to emerge, but they act selfishly, never considering the Hell Realm’s interests. Only the Yama Clan and Destiny Temple can rise above these forces and act before the Origin Temple emerges.”
Prajna said, “I understand. Second Master means to first expel Heaven’s cultivators?”
“Not expel, but eradicate entirely. If we’re strong enough, the ten dark forces can be cleared out too,” Yan Yu’s eyes sharpened, like an unsheathed sword.
The Demon Clan Emperor said, “After the three bursts of Origin Light, Heaven did send many cultivators to investigate. If the Destiny Temple issues a decree, the clans can act together to root them out.”
“But the ten dark forces are trickier. They’re deeply entrenched in the Hell Realm’s frontier and the Hundred Clans’ Royal City, feared by all clans. Some clans are even controlled by these dark forces.”
Yan Yu said, “If so, we’ll first deal with Heaven’s cultivators. What does the Goddess think?”
“I have no objections,” Prajna said.
“Good. Xuan Disha, draft a decree. The Goddess and I will affix the seals of the Yama Clan and Destiny Temple, to be sent to the clan emperors in the city, ordering them to act,” Yan Yu declared, exuding the authority of a demigod, addressing even the Demon Clan Emperor by name.
He then asked, “How many holy armies has the Destiny Temple deployed to the city?”
Prajna, reluctant to reveal much, said, “Second Master needn’t ask. No matter how strong Heaven’s experts are, the Destiny Temple can crush them.”
With the Yama Clan, a supreme clan, and the Destiny Temple, which could command the entire Hell Realm, discussing major matters, Zhang Ruochen stayed silent, focusing on his wine.
After their discussion, he asked Yan Yu, “Is Klafirin dead?”
He had meant to ask about Master Kailuo but changed his question.
Yan Yu, assuming Zhang Ruochen sought revenge for the arrow, sighed, “Heaven sent five experts to cause trouble on Ice King Star. I killed two demigods, but Master Kailuo and Klafirin escaped.”
“Where to?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
“They’re hiding in the Demon Wolf Clan’s holy land in the city. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have escaped,” Yan Yu said.
“Is the Demon Wolf Clan controlled by Heaven?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Yan Yu shook his head, “Not necessarily. The Demon Wolf Clan has a deep feud with Heaven, nearly exterminated by the Light Temple once. With many clan members in their holy land, it’s normal for a few to be under Heaven’s control. Investigating is the tricky part.”
“Since Second Uncle understands this, why announce the Origin Temple’s emergence to all the Demon Clan great saints?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Yan Yu looked at him.
Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile.
Suddenly, Yan Yu asked, “How did Fei Zhong die?”
Zhang Ruochen’s smile stiffened slightly.
Yan Yu laughed, “No need to be nervous. I’m not suspecting you, just curious. Since Fei Zhong’s puppet body is with you, you should know how he died.”
“Ji Fanchen killed him,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Hearing this, Er Sikong, seated nearby, trembled, his eyes widening. He told himself to stay calm, not to betray his uncle master.
Realizing his reaction was too intense, he clasped his hands and shouted, “He deserved it.”
Yan Yu glanced at Er Sikong, then looked away, saying, “Was it also her who erased Huangtu and Xian’er’s memories?”
Zhang Ruochen knew he couldn’t hide much from someone like Yan Yu, so he nodded, saying with difficulty, “If their memories weren’t erased, they’d have died. That’s all I could do.”
“Ji Fanchen’s cultivation is formidable. She’s not one to compromise easily. You must have paid a steep price to save them,” Yan Yu said, watching Zhang Ruochen’s eyes.
“It’s not worth mentioning. Regardless, Xian’er carries my child. How could I watch her die?” Zhang Ruochen said.
“I’ll pass that on to Xian’er,” Yan Yu said, smiling, asking no more.
How much he believed Zhang Ruochen, only he knew.
Xuan Zehai approached, inviting Zhang Ruochen to stay as a guest in the Demon Clan. Zhang Ruochen didn’t refuse, as Peach Blossom was in the city, possibly waiting to strike.
Staying in a clan’s holy land was relatively safer.
After the banquet, Zhang Ruochen, with Er Sikong carrying Da Sikong and the five Death God Hall great saints, stepped out of the Demon Hall. Behind him, Que’s voice called, “Zhang Ruochen, can we talk?”
