At Peng Demon Cliff, by the stone table in the courtyard, two figures sat facing each other.
The woman on the left wore a peacock blue dress with intricate peacock feather patterns embroidered on the hem. A jade hairpin adorned her hair, and her face was cold yet graceful, with a hint of warmth in her brow. She was none other than Chen Sheng's mother, the Peacock Emperor.
The man on the right was dressed in a golden Peng Robe, with a tall and robust stature and a resolute face. A faint golden glow surrounded him; he was Chen Sheng's father, the Peng Demon Emperor.
Both of them held tea cups and occasionally glanced toward the path at the edge of the cliff, clearly waiting for something.
"By the time calculation, Huan'Er should also be arriving."
The Peacock Emperor gently blew on the tea in her cup, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation:
"Since he went to Yin Yang Grotto Heaven to train in seclusion, the times we've met as mother and son can be counted on one hand."
The Peng Demon Emperor put down his tea cup, a trace of gratification flashing in his eyes:
"The child has grown up and has his own path to follow. Being valued by his grandfather and entrusted with Yin Yang Grotto Heaven is his opportunity."
However, his gaze also unconsciously drifted to the end of the path, evidently longing for his son's return too.
At that moment, a golden stream of light flew from the distant sky, landing in the courtyard like a meteor.
As the light dispersed, Chen Sheng appeared, dressed in a golden robe.
"Father, Mother."
Chen Sheng quickly walked forward, cupping his hands in respect to his parents.
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The Peacock Emperor suddenly stood up, quickly walking to Chen Sheng's side and taking his hand, her eyes filled with joy:
"My son has grown taller and stronger! His cultivation has surpassed even mine."
She could clearly feel the immense mana within her son, far exceeding her own, her eyes nearly overflowing with pride and relief.
"Mother has also worked hard over these years, with considerable advances in cultivation."
At this moment, the mana fluctuations surrounding the Peacock Emperor had also reached the peak of Nascent Soul Early-stage. As long as she gained enough Void comprehension, she could break through.
This speed was not fast but normal. The bloodline physique and lifespan of the Demon Race mostly exceeded that of Human Race cultivators. Correspondingly, the cultivation progress of the Demon Race tended to be much slower.
If Chen Sheng did not have the "Swallowing Heaven and Earth" innate Divine Technique, even without the bottleneck of Void Power, it would take him a thousand years to regain his previous life's realm.
The Peng Demon Emperor also walked forward, his body emanating the aura of Mid-stage Nascent Soul, clearly having perceived the changes in the void and successfully breaking through years ago.
He patted Chen Sheng on the shoulder, the strength steady yet with warmth:
"Good boy! I heard from the Peng Shan Elders that you have already grasped the Void Domain. At this rate, it won't be long before you ascend to become a Great Demon Emperor, becoming the youngest Great Demon Emperor in the entire Demon Court!"
Speaking of this, the Peng Demon Emperor's tone was full of pride.
...
Before long, the family of three sat around the stone table. The Peacock Emperor personally poured a cup of tea for Chen Sheng and brought out several exquisite spirit fruits.
There was the "Fire Spirit Fruit," with red flesh, and the "Water Cloud Fruit," shimmering with a faint blue light, both excellent for nourishing the Divine Soul.
The Peng Demon Emperor smiled: "Try it. These are grown by your mother herself. Over the years, she's almost become a Spirit Plant Grandmaster."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng felt warmth in his heart and quickly picked up a Fire Spirit Fruit. As the sweet flesh entered his mouth, it transformed into a warm stream flowing into his body, nourishing his weary Divine Soul.
While eating the spirit fruit, he chatted with his parents about his daily cultivation practices in Yin Yang Grotto Heaven, the conversation full of warmth.
After about a half-hour, Chen Sheng put down the spirit fruit in his hand, his expression slightly serious, finally bringing up the important matter of this visit:
"Father, Mother, besides visiting you this time, there's another matter I wish to discuss with you. Recently, Great Grandfather mentioned selecting an Imperial Consort for me. This matter involves the family and the race, and I need Mother's help."
Upon hearing this, the Peacock Emperor's eyes lit up initially but soon furrowed, a tinge of hesitation on her face as she put down her tea cup:
"Choosing an Imperial Consort is a good thing, but... Huan'Er, your situation is special."
She looked at Chen Sheng, her tone carrying a hint of concern:
"Your Half-Saint bloodline made you Peak of Tier Three at birth. In just twenty years of cultivation, you've become a Tier Four Demon Emperor. Now, at less than two hundred years old, becoming a Great Demon Emperor is almost within reach."
"With such talent, it's difficult to find a suitable Dao Partner within the entire Great Wilderness Demon Court. Those Female Demon Emperors—just the first digits of their ages exceed yours. In terms of bloodline and potential, none can compare."
Upon hearing his wife's concern, the Peng Demon Emperor suddenly laughed heartily, his laughter robust, causing the phoenix tree leaves in the courtyard to tremble slightly:
"You think too much! By your logic, Great Grandfather would have been a loner, and we wouldn't exist!"
He looked at Chen Sheng, eyes considering:
"My son's bloodline is extraordinary, so it's naturally harder to produce heirs. In my opinion, it's better to marry several Imperial Consorts—ideally under a hundred years old. Their cultivation needn't be too high; Tier Three will do."
"What's important are pure bloodlines and upright character. It would be best if they are direct descendants from major Demon Court families, ensuring strong offspring while strengthening your position in the Demon Court."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng nodded lightly and took out a Jade Scroll from his Storage Ring, handing it to his mother:
"Father's suggestion aligns with Great Grandfather's. Great Grandfather also said not to be confined to one Imperial Consort but consider multiple direct female descendants from major Demon Court clans for alliances."
"This Jade Scroll contains some suitable clans listed by Great Grandfather for Mother to consider."
The Peacock Emperor accepted the Jade Scroll, mana probing into it, seeing the clan names listed—Cyan Simurgh Race, Celestial Wolf Race, Peacock Race—all powerful clans with suitable female descendants.
Enlightened, her earlier hesitation dissipated, replaced by a full smile:
"I was overthinking! Huan'Er, you were raised among the Demon Race and are in charge of Yin Yang Grotto Heaven, essentially trained towards becoming a ruler of the Demon Court."
"Forming alliances with various clans, embracing all factions, is not just for producing heirs but also for consolidating power, laying a foundation for establishing a foothold in the Demon Court."
She put down the Jade Scroll, holding Chen Sheng's hands, her voice firm:
"Leave this matter to Mother! Don't worry, Mother is well-connected with many Female Demon Emperors in the Demon Court. In terms of intelligence, few in the Demon Court can match me."
"I will surely choose for you women with pure bloodlines, gentle character, who can help solidify your standing, and will not let you down!"
Seeing his mother's confident demeanor, Chen Sheng chuckled:
"Then I'll trouble Mother. With you taking care of this matter, your child can focus on cultivation and breaking through to become a Great Demon Emperor sooner."
The Peng Demon Emperor watched the mother and son, a satisfied smile on his face, raising his tea cup towards Chen Sheng:
"Good! With your mother here, this matter is assured. Now, accompany your father for a cup as we discuss your insights into Void Domain cultivation..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng quickly nodded, subtly guiding his parents through their understanding of the Path of Void.
The light gate of the Yin Yang Grotto Heaven slowly closed. Chen Sheng's figure had just landed on the cultivation land when he raised his hand to summon back the Grotto Heaven Gate suspended in midair.
The matter of the Imperial Consort has been entrusted to my parents, and what's more important now is the task mentioned by my ancestor concerning the Turtle and Snake Races.
He turned and walked toward the Council Pavilion deep within the Grotto Heaven. As he proceeded, spiritual mist enveloped the path, and countless spirit plants thrived under the nourishment of spiritual qi. Occasionally, patrol cultivators from his clan would respectfully salute upon seeing him.
Before long, Chen Sheng arrived in front of the Council Pavilion, a building entirely constructed of white jade. Outside the pavilion stood an elder dressed in a cyan robe—none other than Elder Pengshan, responsible for handling external affairs of the Grotto Heaven.
"Elder Pengshan, thank you for coming."
Chen Sheng spoke, his voice gentle yet imbued with the steadiness of an authority figure.
Elder Pengshan hurriedly stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Greetings, Great Roc Emperor. For what purpose have you summoned this old man?"
His hair and beard were white, his entire being exuding the aura of mid-stage Nascent Soul. His eyes were filled with respect—over the years, Chen Sheng's growth in the Grotto Heaven had already won the Elders' admiration.
Chen Sheng led him into the Council Pavilion, and after taking his seat, got straight to the point:
"I've heard recently that the Turtle and Snake Races have been involved in a conflict in the Southeast Sea Region. Can you explain the specifics? Please provide detailed information, Elder."
Upon hearing this, Elder Pengshan took out a jade scroll that recorded the information and handed it to Chen Sheng:
"In response to the Great Roc Emperor, this matter originated from a newly discovered Tier Four High Grade 'Deep Sea Spirit Crystal Vein'. The Turtle Race discovered the ore vein first but failed to lay down restrictions in time. The Snake Race arrived soon after and claimed that the ore vein was at the boundary of both races and should be jointly mined."
"Negotiations between both sides have failed, and the conflict has intensified. Presently, more than ten demon kings have been injured in skirmishes."
Chen Sheng's divine sense penetrated the jade scroll, revealing the position of the ore vein, its reserves, and the details of the dispute between the two races. He nodded slightly, understanding the situation:
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"A Tier Four High Grade Spirit Crystal Vein, and it's of considerable size, enough to sustain a clan's cultivators for centuries. No wonder both races are so concerned."
"However, such disputes over interests are the hardest to mediate, as no one ever feels they're getting the short end of the stick."
Chen Sheng shook his head, then put away the jade scroll, saying to Elder Pengshan:
"Please continue to monitor this situation and report any new developments promptly."
After Elder Pengshan withdrew, Chen Sheng's figure flickered and transformed into a golden streak, flying toward the exit of the Yin Yang Grotto Heaven. He needed to personally venture to the Southeast Sea Region to investigate further.
...
To the southeast of the Demon Court lies a vast sea region known as the Lan Sea.
The sea surface roiled with immense waves of dark blue water, surging and creating billowing waves that slammed into the reefs, producing a thunderous roar.
In the distance, the sea horizon connected with the sky, occasionally with seabirds darting by, emitting sharp cries.
Deep beneath the sea, the faint blue spirit light emitted by the spirit crystal vein was faintly visible, like stars beneath the sea, drawing the attention of various powers.
At this moment, on a massive reef in the center of the Lan Sea, four demon emperors stood in a standoff.
On the left were two demon emperors of the Turtle Race—the leading figure wore dark green battle armor, was burly in stature, and carried a massive turtle shell on his back, marked with complex patterns. This was the "Profound Armor Emperor" of the Turtle Race, exuding the aura at the peak of Nascent Soul Early-stage.
Next to him was his clan brother "Emperor Tuo Yue," dressed in a black robe and holding a scepter inlaid with a Deep Sea Pearl, his aura slightly weaker.
On the right were two demon emperors of the Snake Race—the leader, "Chi Lian Emperor," wore a red dress with layers like snake scales, her appearance stunning and her aura matched that of the Profound Armor Emperor.
Beside her, "Black Python Emperor," clad in black attire, was slender and tall with eyes as cold as a snake's, holding a black short blade and also at the peak of Nascent Soul Early-stage.
"Chi Lian, this Deep Sea Spirit Crystal Vein was clearly discovered first by my Turtle Race. Why should your Snake Race share in it?"
The Profound Armor Emperor spoke first, patting the turtle shell on his back, his voice filled with dissatisfaction:
"Our clan's cultivators had already marked the area around the ore vein days ago. If your clan hadn't forcefully broken them, there wouldn't be today's dispute."
Chi Lian Emperor, upon hearing this, curled her lips with a hint of mockery, and the red whip in her hand swayed gently, its venomous barbs glinting coldly:
"Profound Armor Emperor, you shouldn't speak recklessly. The Lan Sea is indeed the boundary between our two clans. The ore vein, located in the sea's center, belongs neither to your Turtle Race's territory nor to my Snake Race's domain. Why should only your clan monopolize it?"
Her gaze turned icy:
"Moreover, the markings your clan laid were too crude. If our clan's cultivators hadn't discovered the spirit crystals spilling out, you probably wouldn't even know it's a Tier Four High Grade Ore Vein, would you?"
"You're talking nonsense!"
Emperor Tuo Yue couldn't hold back his anger, pointing his scepter at Chi Lian Emperor:
"Our clan's cultivators surveyed the ore vein, and your clan's cultivators were secretly watching. Now you're reversing the credit, truly shameless!"
Black Python Emperor's eyes flashed fiercely, his short blade emitting black toxic mist:
"Emperor Tuo Yue, mind what you say! If your clan's cultivators hadn't stepped in injury, our clan wouldn't be confronting you now."
"In my view, the ore vein should be jointly mined by both clans, with the spirit crystals equally divided, ensuring fairness and avoiding conflict. Isn't that better?"
"Equal division? In your dreams!"
The Profound Armor Emperor snorted coldly, and the turtle shell on his back suddenly lit up with a faint green spirit light:
"This ore vein was discovered first by my Turtle Race, and should be led by my clan for mining. At most, I'll give you two-tenths of the spirit crystals; otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"
His entire body's aura surged, dark green spiritual power condensed in his palm, forming a massive Turtle Shell Shield, clearly ready for action.
Chi Lian Emperor's face darkened, and the red whip in her hand instantly tightened, the barbs on it emitting red poison mist, enveloping the area in front of her:
"Two-tenths? Profound Armor Emperor, you're too greedy!"
The Black Python Emperor beside her also gripped his short blade tightly. The black poison mist merged with Chi Lian Emperor's poison mist, forming a poisonous domain, with the sharp smell of blood filling the air.
The anger between both sides grew heavier, and the air currents generated by their spiritual power collisions caused the surrounding seawater to start boiling.
When the Profound Armor Emperor saw that the Snake Race refused to give in, he roared in anger:
"Since we can't agree, let's speak with strength! Profound Armor Sea Guardian!"
He threw the Turtle Shell Shield in his palm, and it expanded rapidly in the air to a size of a zhang, carrying the weight to suppress everything, and hurled it toward Chi Lian Emperor.
In Chi Lian Emperor's eyes, a fierce light flashed, and the red whip in her hand moved like a revived venomous snake, coiling toward the Turtle Shell Shield:
"Red Chain Throat Lock!"
The red whip instantly entwined the shield, its barbs piercing into the turtle shell, attempting to inject toxins into it.
With a loud "boom," the shield and the long whip collided, dark green spiritual power and red poison mist exploded, forming a powerful shockwave that blew the surrounding sea waves higher.
Emperor Tuo Yue and Black Python Emperor instantly moved—Emperor Tuo Yue waved his scepter, sending countless pale blue water arrows rising from the sea's surface, shooting at Black Python Emperor.
Black Python Emperor's figure flickered, transforming into a gigantic black python, opening its bloodthirsty maw to pounce on Emperor Tuo Yue, spewing black poison mist as it advanced, turning the seawater black wherever it passed.
The battle between the four demon emperors erupted instantly, the booming collisions of spiritual power echoing over the Lan Sea, as spirit lights of faint green, red, blue, and black intertwined, rendering the sea surface brilliant and colorful.
The soft blue light emitted by the ore vein became intermittently bright and dim in the wake of the battle's impact, as if about to be engulfed at any moment.
Seabirds took flight in fright from the booming sounds, while sea beasts in the distance dived into the deep sea, not daring to approach this treacherous sea area.