"No, no, no, we wouldn't dare harbor the slightest thought of longing for the Demon Sovereign!"
Several demon clan disciples hurriedly denied it, terrified Yao Ranran might misunderstand.
They had seen with their own eyes that even the founding ancestor of Piao Miao Sect fell into her hands. That Nine Lotus Ring had already claimed countless lives. Who among them dared to remember Li Luoqi with nostalgia?
"Then why are you still hesitating? Is tracking him down so difficult for you?" Yao Ranran frowned in confusion.
"Master, you are right. Tracking Li Luoqi is indeed difficult for them. It was my oversight!"
Lu Ziqian suddenly remembered that the entire Western Sea had once been Li Luoqi's domain. He immediately stepped forward to explain.
"The demon clan has been rooted in the Western Sea for generations. Every Demon Sovereign is familiar with the intricate network of secret tunnels there, and such knowledge is kept far from common demon soldiers. Expecting them to find Li Luoqi is not so easy!"
When he finished, several demons cast him looks full of gratitude and awe. This demon general was far more approachable than the Demon Sovereign ever had been.
Yao Ranran, now understanding the situation, tapped her forehead lightly. "Then where would Li Luoqi and Pei Xianqiao likely flee to?"
Lu Ziqian thought for a moment before looking up. "Master, I suspect he might head to the forbidden ground of the Western Sea—the Demon Abyss!"
"Demon Abyss?" Yao Ranran's pupils widened, and her gaze toward Lu Ziqian grew complex.
Lu Ziqian rubbed his face in puzzlement. "Master, why do you look at your disciple like that? Did Mu Xin crawl out again?"
Yao Ranran drew back her gaze, shaking her head. "No. I only wonder why you think he would go to a place like the Demon Abyss."
"Because Vice General Ming Tian once mentioned to me during idle chats that deep beneath the Western Sea's forbidden ground lies a mysterious demonic aura. Legend says only a Demon Sovereign with ancient demonic blood has the right to obtain that aura, which could help them break through quickly and raise their cultivation!"
He answered honestly.
Yao Ranran frowned slightly. "Strange, I don't recall ever reading this part in the book..."
"Master, what book are you speaking of? Do you want me to find it?" Lu Ziqian asked with genuine concern, secretly thinking that with so many demon soldiers in the Western Sea, they could retrieve a single book within a day if needed.
She came back to herself and shook her head.
"That book... I've nearly forgotten it. I only skimmed through it at the time, three lines at a glance, never reaching the end. Now when I try to recall, I can't remember much at all..."
"Then perhaps if Master tells me the general content, this disciple can send out demon soldiers at once to retrieve it for you."
"You two... are seriously discussing a book right now?"
Inside the prison cell, Li Guiyi was dumbfounded.
After surrendering, they ignored her completely. They didn't even bother to release her, which was one thing, but now, with the Demon Sovereign nearly under their noses, these two were still talking about some half-forgotten book?
They really did not take Li Luoqi seriously at all!
She recalled the transmission talisman from Miaoyun Sect. The sect master had repeatedly warned her to stay far from Li Luoqi, even saying that if necessary, she could abandon the three great demon sects and feign allegiance to the demon clan...
But judging from the current situation, it seemed all she needed to do was cling tightly to this peerless Fairy, and she would have nothing to fear.
"Every word Master speaks is of utmost importance. If she seeks this book, it means this book may determine the Demon Sovereign's very life and death."
Lu Ziqian spoke calmly and firmly, his words directed at Li Guiyi.
She stared blankly at him, then at Yao Ranran.
What kind of power must one possess to so casually look down on everything in this world?
Yao Ranran herself was stunned.
For a moment, she almost thought Lu Ziqian had seen through her deepest secret.
Fortunately, no—he was merely boasting about her as usual!
"Ahem, what my little disciple says makes sense. But I've already remembered most of the book. As for how to deal with Li Luoqi, I have a plan in mind."
"Fairy, Demon General, I too am willing to offer my strength!"
Li Guiyi, seeing Yao Ranran so composed, quickly offered her eagerness.
Lu Ziqian shook his head. "Sect Master Li, your presence won't be of use."
"Saying so means Demon General has not yet witnessed my strength. I have led Piao Miao Sect for many years. Though I could not kill Hei Yangjiu, I could always stand undefeated against him!"
Her face flushed red. This was the first time she had been so belittled.
Lu Ziqian explained patiently. "Sect Master Li, it's not that I doubt your strength. But with Master present, you simply won't have the chance to act."
Li Guiyi instantly fell silent, the flush draining from her face.
"But having one more person is having one more layer of protection. Demon Abyss is Li Luoqi's home ground. He is cunning, and though he may not defeat Fairy, he could seize the chance to flee. At that time, I could help block his path."
Yao Ranran nodded slightly. Li Guiyi's reasoning made sense. Bringing her along might indeed be wise. It was always better to be cautious.
"No need. If Master cannot kill him, then you won't be able to stop him either."
Lu Ziqian's refusal was resolute. He then turned his head toward Yao Ranran.
"Master, I will withdraw all demon soldiers patrolling the Western Sea's forbidden ground. When the Demon Sovereign enters the Abyss, you can strike freely without worrying about witnesses."
"Do you mean... not a single one left alive?" Li Guiyi gasped.
Lu Ziqian replied calmly, "Master will resolve everything. Those left behind would only become her burden. There is no need for unnecessary sacrifices."
Yao Ranran: "..."
"Good disciple, you certainly know how to talk me up in public."
Around them, demons and Li Guiyi all drew sharp breaths.
Just how terrifying was this Fairy's strength?
Surrounded by awe and reverence, Yao Ranran sighed inwardly.
"So this is what it feels like to show off..."
But then her heart sank.
"If Li Luoqi really enters the Demon Abyss, wouldn't Pei Xianqiao follow as well?"
"..."
The Demon Abyss—that was the very place where the original Yao Ranran had perished.
Yet no one could hear the true thoughts in her heart.
Lu Ziqian acted swiftly. Soon, he had ordered all demon soldiers out of the Demon Abyss. Li Guiyi, however, remained confined within the prison.
Thus, another night in the Western Sea passed in haste.
Meanwhile, in Central Domain.
Qingsu Hall.
"So this is the white spiritual power you obtained from Disciple Pei?"
Han Huijun gazed at the crimson liquid within the glazed vial, his brows knitted tightly.
Yue Qingsu smiled faintly.
"Qiao Qiao hasn't returned yet, and you were eager to verify her ability, weren't you?"
"What I've brought is the essence blood Qiao Qiao left me before she last departed the sect. It contains her spiritual power. She once saved me with this very blood essence. If the sect master delivers it to Dan Peak for refining, I believe she will be able to cure those afflicted with the miasma."
Han Huijun accepted the vial solemnly. "I hope for peace in the Central Domain. If she truly has this power, the entire Domain will forever remember her kindness."
"Qiao Qiao is a good child. I believe she would want to save them." Yue Qingsu gazed wistfully at the vial, a trace of relief softening his eyes.