The next morning, Yichen woke with a pounding headache, most likely from all the wine he had indulged in during his and his brother's wedding celebration the night before. He groaned softly, reluctant to open his eyes, but when he did, he saw Zhu Yan resting peacefully by his side—just as he had for the past month. Yet, this time felt different. His cheeks burned as flashes of their wedding night played vividly in his mind, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. They were married now, bound together under the blessing of the heavens themselves.
A playful voice broke through his reverie. "Why is my husband blushing first thing in the morning? Baobei, you're absolutely adorable," Zhu Yan teased, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
Refusing to let himself be cornered by the teasing, Yichen pulled him closer and pressed a gentle kiss to Zhu Yan's lips. After they parted, he murmured softly, "Zhu Yan... we're married now. That kind of teasing won't work on me anymore."
Zhu Yan's smile only grew wider. "Oh? Not even with your entire unit openly watching us? Then perhaps I should kiss you deeper now that you claim you don't mind..." The weight of those words dawned on Yichen, and his face turned crimson as he registered the faint rustling and stifled laughter nearby. Mortified, he shoved Zhu Yan aside under his unit's amused stares, while Zhu Yan chuckled in pure delight.
"I think he's still drunk," Ying Lei observed.
"Probably. He drank the most last night, which isn't surprising given how important the occasion was. But we need to focus now," Wen Xiao replied with a hint of amusement. "Xiao Zhuo, are you ready to keep traveling?" She added teasingly, while Yichen looked like he was about to roll his eyes.
"Of course I am. Just because I may have had a bit too much wine doesn't mean I've forgotten everything we discussed after the celebration last night," Xiao Zhuo replied firmly.
"Come on, Wen Xiao, let him be. The plan is quite simply. We have already been briefed on the types of attacks the remaining demons can unleash, so we know how to exploit their weaknesses and launch effective counterattacks. They are powerhouses on their own, but so are we," Yun Guang said, and Ying Lei assented in agreement.
"Indeed, we have two powerful great demons, a golden dragon and a baby dragon..." Siheng added fire to the wood.
"Hey! I'm not a baby dragon." Yichen protested against Siheng's statement.
"You can deny it as much as you want, but in fact, you are considered one by every single demon you cross paths with," Li Lun mocked.
"You..." Yichen stared at Li Lun, who smirked quite amusedly with his young brother-in-law, because he was indeed too easy to tease.
"Baobei, you are so cute when you are sulking. Regardless, we have a plan now. Huan Jing will be handled by Yu She and Du Wu when the time comes. If we need to split, which is likely their strategy, you all know who to stay with. Yixuan, Bai Jiu, Pei Sijing, and Wen Xiao will remain close to Li Lun. Meanwhile, Yichen, Pei Siheng, Ying Lei, and Yun Guang will stay near me. We will keep our mental connection open as before, and if there are any changes of plans, Wen Xiao will let us know as she perceives things while in battle. Once we deal with the demons, we will continue our journey to the Crystal Valley. And when Qiongqi appears, we will confront him together," Zhu Yan articulated.
"Very well, you both will truly deal with Huan Jing, correct? No betrayals lurking in the shadows, right?" Siheng turned to Yu She and Du Wu, his voice laced with caution. Yu She met his gaze, a fire igniting in his eyes.
"We demons might not hold much honor in your human perspective, yet we possess enough pride to assure you that regardless of the circumstances, we will join forces with your group this time. However, let's make something clear right now. You may deal with the other demons as you wish; we hold no loyalty or sympathy for them. But when it comes to Huan Jing... he is not yours to take. He enslaved us, used us, and drained us for centuries. The vengeance we seek against him is ours alone. After that, we will part ways, and you can continue on your path." Yu She declared with unwavering conviction.
"That's a fair point," Zhu Yan began, his voice steady yet laced with authority. "However, let me point out something very clearly too. You are forbidden from crossing the gate into the human world. I swear on my father's name that if you do, I will hunt you down relentlessly. And when I find you, you will plead for death, for the suffering I shall inflict will be devoid of even a sliver of mercy." Zhu Yan's words were sharp and final, his latent power erupting momentarily, washing over them all like a formidable wave. The pressure wasn't crushing, but it carried an unspoken promise of what he was truly capable of—a bone-chilling reminder even felt by Li Lun.
"We have no intention of stepping foot into the human world," Du Wu responded earnestly, though the weight of Zhu Yan's aura affected him more than he wanted to admit. "It's not like either of us has fond memories of that place," he added, his voice steady despite the lingering tension in the air.
Yu She exhaled, clearly exasperated but compliant. "Let me assure you again—crossing a god for no good reason is the last thing on our minds. You can rest easy; your precious human world is not at risk from us. But as for other demons? That's out of our hands."
Wen Xiao, her gaze playfully mischievous, chimed in at this moment. "Then how about this? Just for a short while—not forever! The two of you could watch over the gate from Li Lun's lair. It's stunningly beautiful there, and honestly, you make such a lovely couple. Think of it as a well-deserved retreat after all the chaos. Relax, enjoy that breathtaking view—maybe steal a few moments together—and simply check on the gate every now and then. Surely it wouldn't hurt... right?" She blinked innocently, her words dripping with sweetness.
Li Lun groaned inwardly, rolling his eyes as if unwilling to dignify her suggestion with a proper reaction. "As if that would actually work..." he muttered under his breath.
"Deal," Du Wu interjected quickly before Yu She could protest further, flashing a satisfied grin. "Li Lun, we're grateful for your hospitality and the chance to stay at your lair for a while. Rest assured, we'll treat your home with respect." Despite Yu She's muffled sigh of exasperation, it was clear from Du Wu's expression that he had no intention of passing up the opportunity.
Li Lun stood momentarily speechless, his thoughts racing, before he leaned closer to Yixuan and whispered, "Are you certain she's human? She carries herself like a high-level demon, brimming with enchanting magic. She can pass as a fox demon anytime." A smile danced across Yixuan's lips.
"She is completely human, and her charm is her greatest weapon. They agree, don't they?" he replied softly.
"Very well," Li Lun conceded, while Wen Xiao beamed with delight, savoring what she considered one of her finest victories.
"Let's get moving. We shouldn't keep our supposed hunters waiting," Yun Guang urged. "The sooner we wrap this up, the better." With that, they departed the house and glided across the farthest end of the lake in an even more magnificent longboat Zhu Yan created.
Zhu Yan's longboat resembled a floating house, making their journey across the lake far more enjoyable than traveling for hours on foot while facing whatever challenges arose along the way. That stretch of their journey brought a sense of calm and relaxation. Mostly because Zhu Yan kept altering Yichen's appearance to conceal his human form, as he bore such a striking resemblance to Bing Yi. The numerous stunning transformations entertained them all, much to Yichen's chagrin.
However, the tranquility vanished once they reached the shore and ventured into the dense forest, where an ambush most likely awaited them. As they ventured deeper into the forest, an unsettling dread settled over them, sending goosebumps crawling across their human skin. The air, chillingly cold, pulsed with a malicious energy that felt almost suffocating. In response, Zhu Yan use a spell to repel the malicious energy away from the group.
They moved in disciplined silence, weapons ready, attuning their senses to the world around them—the rustling trees, the damp earth, the fragrant flowers, and even the whispering wind. The tension hung heavily in the air, a palpable weight that pressed down on their shoulders.
Wen Xiao scanned the landscape with her keen golden eyes, searching for any signs of danger or hidden traps. Before, she had enjoyed a privileged wide view of the terrain, but now she found herself on even ground with her companions. So far, no signs of demons had emerged, and this lack of insight gnawed at her. A creeping sense of vulnerability enveloped her, as if an unseen presence silently observed her every move.
"Are we still in your territory, Li Lun?" Bai Jiu asked, his tension mounting as he braced for an attack that had yet to arrive.
"No. The lake stretches vast and long, and I have no need for a full body of water. This area lies beyond my territory, more into open lands. This world is far larger than you realize," Li Lun explained, keeping his guard up.
"Then how did you come and go from the Crystal Valley in less than a day?" Bai Jiu pressed again.
"Simple. A demon leaf can ride the wind at frightening speed, covering thousands of miles in a short time. When I fly over the land, nothing obstructs my path, and no one holds me back," Li Lun teased as he looked back at the kid, earning a roll of the eyes from Bai Jiu.
"Yeah, yeah... sorry for making you walk all the way there." Bai Jiu sulked as Ying Lei gently squeezed his arms, offering silent comfort amidst the tension.
"It's not a big deal. Demons have the stamina to walk very long distances without feeling tired," Zhu Yan said casually, while Bai Jiu to sulk even more.
"So unfair... they have so many advantages over us." He muttered under his breath.
"Don't let him get to you, Xiao Jiu. He just likes to show off." Yichen directed a glare at his husband.
"Baobei, your blood is awakening. Soon, even long journeys like this will feel like nothing to you as well," Zhu Yan promised reassuringly. His words made Yichen light up with both surprise and delight while standing by his side.
"Xiao Zhuo Ge," Bai Jiu asked with hopeful admiration in his eyes, "if you get stronger, will you carry me on your back when I'm too tired?"
Three responses came all at once.
"Of course," Yichen replied without hesitation.
"I can carry you too..." Ying Lei offered earnestly.
"Absolutely not," Zhu Yan declared bluntly.
Bai Jiu, choosing to ignore Zhu Yan's refusal entirely, moved closer to Yichen with a mischievous grin. He reached out and toyed with the bell chains dangling from Yichen's hair, something he hadn't done in quite a while.
"I swear that brat has reverted to being an infuriating little..." Zhu Yan began, but a sharp glare from Yichen silenced him. Meanwhile, Bai Jiu beamed behind Yichen, delighted that Yichen still cherished him like a little brother.
Li Lun leaned in closer to Zhu Yan and murmured, their tone laced with caution, "I told you, their entire race holds onto grudges, and even the children can be fierce when their hero is taken from them."
Zhu Yan gave a knowing smirk before replying in a low voice, "True..."
Before they could continue, a sudden flash of golden lightning tore through the air, aimed directly at Yichen. He instinctively raised his hand to deflect it, but Yun Guang was quicker. With an effortless motion, he intercepted and redirected the powerful strike back into the forest without so much as flinching.
"Just because I can't reveal my true form without risking recognition doesn't mean I won't protect my Didi," Yun Guang said firmly to Yichen, though the reassurance was wholly unnecessary. One because he could defend himself without a sword now and second, because Zhu Yan already had his fingers on his mouth, ready to command a counterattack.
In response, dozens of earth spikes hurtled toward them, but Li Lun's vines and Siheng's threads swiftly shattered each one long before they could reach their targets. Suddenly, a wave of scarlet demonic blasts surged from behind, while a deep black blast approached from the front, accompanied by a set of rock spikes and foxfire from the others flanking their sides, all racing toward them with terrifying speed.
Instinctively, the group formed a tight circle around Yichen, including Da Wu and Yu She, who knew how important he was to Zhu Yan. Bai Jiu summoned his sacred vines, weaving a protective shield around them, while Zhu Yan silently conjured a spell that expanded a dome barrier in all directions. It met the four blasts head-on, pushing back a shockwave that caused an explosion that made the earth under their feet tremble like an earthquake.
Drawing upon the earth boundless energy, Ying Lei unleashed the power of his Kunlun's sword, driving it deep into the ground. From the fissures it created emerged majestic, mythical creatures sculpted from earth itself, leaving the group awestruck.
These nine extraordinary beasts defied imagination—a blend of celestial protectors and temple guardians, embodying a fusion of form and essence. All were strong horses bearing the head of a lion, with forest-green eyes glinting in fierce wisdom. Their manes blazed like molten fires, emitting plumes of smoke that turned into wings unfurled from their sides, while their tails ended in flames the color of glowing lava. Every step melted the terrain beneath its hooves.
"Go!" Ying Lei commanded, his voice cutting through the awe of his companions as his Kunlun-inspired Díshòu guardians sprang into motion.
Their movements followed an intricate formation rooted in the earth's energy, amplifying vibrations to extend his sensory perception. Within moments, Ying Lei's eyes gleamed with emerald light as his mind received a vivid, dynamic map of their surroundings. It revealed not only the terrain but also the precise positions of the four demons working to lure them into a trap with a formation already set in motion.
With a quiet confidence, Ying Lei tightened his grip around Kunlun's sword and allowed a faint smirk to surface. If the demons sought to ensnare them with clever tricks, he had an answer of his own.
Spotting a vast plane of open land without forests around several miles away on his mental map, he let out a sharp whistle. Instantly, his Díshòu guardians charged into action, sending molten spheres into all the demons' directions while they circled them. Their earth-shattering hooves transforming the terrain, with their own molting array. Activating a star-aligned formation bound to the blade, Ying Lei teleported his entire group to safety—far beyond the reach of the demons and their intricate ploys.
Ying Lei had never wielded his Kunlun sword before entering the demon world, but that didn't mean he lacked knowledge about its potential. He understood the power imbued in the weapon of the god of the mountains, as well as the wisdom passed down from the Kunlun Mountains' ancient temples.
Once they reappeared somewhere else, the humans landed awkwardly on the ground, while Du Wu, Yu She, Yun Guang, and Zhu Yan stood tall. Li Lun also remained upright, firmly grasping Yixuan, as Zhu Yan did with Yichen too, landing on their knees instead.
Immediately after their teleportation, Zhu Yan helped Yichen to his feet and pulled him close, asking him if he was alright. Yichen smiled at him, giving him a feathery kiss in response. His monkey worried too much, but that was how he loved him.
"What was that?" Bai Jiu gaped at Ying Lei, who responded with a pleased smile.
"A new trick," Ying Lei explained. "I saw they set a trap for us, so I read the earth and teleported us outside their range. This area is open on all sides, giving us a better chance to fight. What I did is a powerful skill, but it drains me significantly... so I need to cultivate for a bit..." He whispered the last words, straining under the weight of his effort and coughed some blood.
Instantly, Bai Jiu rushed to his side, switching to worry sick healer mode, scolding his boyfriend for being reckless, although awesome. He offered Ying Lei one of his miracle elixirs and infused him with some of his own energy, after gently wiping the blood from his lips.
"That shouldn't be possible for a human..." Du Wu exclaimed, his shock evident as he gazed at the blond human.
"They are all descendants of gods, which brings them closer in power to us," Yu She explained.
"Indeed, but now that we have the upper hand for a while, let's use it wisely and prepare some nasty surprises in return. Ying Long is definitely on our side..." Yun Guang observed, casting a glance at Ying Lei, who was cultivating the earth energy that gathered around him on its own accord.
"Congratulations, Ying Lei, you have grown immensely," Pei Sijing commended him, which made Ying Lei grin for a moment on his cultivation. Wen Xiao, however, found herself puzzled by the lack of insight this time. Had the demons created the formation to block her ability?
"They know..." Zhu Yan remarked, already sensing her thoughts.
If they truly understood her insight, then they indeed needed to rethink their strategy. She smiled...
AN: Ah Wen Xiao, you mischievous woman, what are you plotting with that smile? 😂 The team seems to agree on no demons bullying recently wed Yichen. Until next time, please take care.