Chapter 114

Chapter 114: The Demon Emperor Visits Heaven’s Secret Pavilion

"Elder."

"Senior."

Yang Xuanzhan and Ning Wudao returned to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, each bowing deeply.

"It has only been a few months since we parted, yet you’ve advanced from the Divine Catastrophe stage to the early God King realm. Truly, the Celestial Demon bloodline is extraordinary," Ye Xu remarked with a satisfied smile.

"All is thanks to the senior’s guidance," Ning Wudao half-knelt on the ground. "Without you, this junior would have long been devoured by this adoptive father and never achieved what I have today."

Ning Wudao saw clearly: Demon Sage Fire Phoenix was merely his nominal master, while the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion was his true benefactor and backing.

"With such insight, my efforts on your behalf are not in vain," Ye Xu smiled.

"I summoned Yang Xuanzhan to bring you back this time because I must inform you of the Celestial Demon treasure roll’s second volume’s whereabouts."

"You know the location of the second volume?"

Ning Wudao’s expression shifted. The Celestial Demon Extermination Technique he cultivated was only the first volume of the treasure roll—followed by second, third, and fourth volumes. These four volumes documented the supreme mysteries of demonic cultivation. For Ning Wudao’s Celestial Demon form, the treasure roll seemed crafted specifically for him.

The first volume’s technique could only elevate him to the Saint realm. Now an early God King, and with Ye Xu’s aid, he could likely reach Sainthood within a year or two.

Ye Xu’s gaze turned profound.

A great change loomed. He had to swiftly elevate the cultivation of Ning Wudao, Ye Xian’er, Yang Xuanzhan, and others so they might gain a foothold in this new era. The first two held particular importance to him.

"Naturally."

Ye Xu nodded. "The second volume of the Celestial Demon treasure roll now resides within the Green Lotus Demon Emperor’s tomb."

"Green Lotus Demon Emperor?" Ning Wudao trembled. "The founding Demon Emperor of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom?"

"Correct."

Ning Wudao drew a sharp breath, his face twisting into a bitter smile. "Senior, you overestimate me. How could a mere God King like me breach the tomb of a Demon Emperor?"

An emperor’s tomb brimmed with countless traps and lethal dangers; even the residual shockwave of an immortal technique or wisp of its aura could decimate him entirely.

"Daoist friend, our elder possesses remarkable wisdom. If he tasks you with retrieving the scripture, he would not send you to certain death," Yang Xuanzhan interjected, a trace of envy in his eyes. Despite his loyalty, he knew himself to be but a servant—whereas Ning Wudao felt more like a disciple Ye Xu nurtured.

"Lian Jiuyou pays his respects to the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

Abruptly, a voice called from outside.

"Lian Jiuyou? Who is that?"

Both Yang Xuanzhan and Ning Wudao wondered silently.

Ye Xu’s eyes flickered with recognition—through Ao Bing and others’ past encounters, he knew this figure.

"Enter."

As the voice faded, Lian Jiuyou strode into Heaven’s Secret Pavilion with an androgynous appearance and peach-like eyes radiating startling allure. He glanced at Yang Xuanzhan with a faint smile.

Then, Lian Jiuyou’s gaze settled on Ye Xu, inquiring, "Master, are you the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?"

"It is I."

"I am the current ruler of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, the sole offspring of the Green Lotus Demon Emperor. Hearing of your vast divine abilities, I’ve come to seek your guidance and enlightenment." Lian Jiuyou’s tone was reverent.

"Rumor suggests the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain’s emergence traces back to you—is this true?" he ventured cautiously.

Ye Xu nodded.

"Lin Qianmo and Yue Ruyi departed just yesterday. That you dare show yourself implies you’ve learned of Xiang Liu’s demise at the Taihao Heavenly Sect."

"I shall address all your queries at once."

"The emergence of the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain was my doing."

"Xiang Liu’s death was also my doing." Ye Xu stated lightly.

Lian Jiuyou’s pupils contracted sharply.

He knew precisely how formidable the Nine-headed Great Emperor was; even a single avatar could overpower four foes and slay the weakest among them, the Golden Crow King. Thus, upon hearing of Xiang Liu’s fall, Lian Jiuyou had been awed by the terror of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"That Xiang Liu was an invader who tyrannized others with his Emperor-tier power. By executing him, Master eliminated a scourge for the realm—truly a righteous deed!" Lian Jiuyou flattered profusely.

Ning Wudao’s mind trembled.

To witness the mighty demon emperor of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom bowing so humbly before Ye Xu delivered an immense shock.

"Let’s focus on the business at hand."

Ye Xu dismissed pleasantries, driving straight to the heart of the matter.

"Master is indeed astute."

Lian Jiuyou offered an enchanting, utterly alluring smile before solemnly declaring, "Father has been missing for a million years without a trace, likely already fallen. Therefore, I beseech Master to investigate his whereabouts."

Yang Xuanzhan and Ning Wudao’s hearts stirred.

Lian Jiuyou’s father—was that not the Green Lotus Demon Emperor?

After all, the second volume of the Celestial Demon treasure roll lay within the Green Lotus Demon Emperor’s tomb. Since an imperial tomb existed, the demon emperor had surely perished.

"He is dead."

Ye Xu’s tone remained indifferent—not because he knew of the tomb’s existence, but because during Lin Qianmo’s first visit, though unable to fully unveil her origins, he’d glimpsed the Green Lotus Demon Emperor’s demise from her memories.

A death that occurred within the Return to the Ruins!

"So it was true…" A flicker of sorrow crossed Lian Jiuyou’s face, instantly suppressed. With chilling resolve, he asked, "Master, do you know where his remains lie?"

"As the saying goes, ‘Falling leaves return to their roots.’ As his son, I yearn to bring Father’s bones home."

"Demon Emperor Lian," Ye Xu’s gaze sharpened, "I presume you’ve done your homework before venturing here."

Ye Xu said, "This Heaven’s Secret Pavilion of mine may be a small place, but we conduct business with utmost fairness. I’ve just answered one of your questions for free, but for this next one, I’ll need to charge a fee."

"This senior shows great righteousness; it was presumptuous of this junior," Lian Jiuyou replied, his expression solemn. He had long heard the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion was renowned for insatiable greed and making exorbitant demands. Those who had done business with him all experienced bitterness before a sweetness. Yet that initial bitterness was said to be exceptionally hard to bear.

Lian Jiuyou braced himself. Even if it meant emptying his coffers, he was determined to obtain news about his imperial father.

"This piece of information… I don’t intend to charge money for it," Ye Xu chuckled. "But it comes with a price."

"Senior, please speak freely," Lian Jiuyou said.

"I have a minor disagreement with the True Martial God Sect. You should be aware of this," Ye Xu stated.

Lian Jiuyou’s eyes sharpened. The incident where the Sword Servant attacked the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion had caused a huge stir in the Southern Wilderness, Eastern Region, and Western Region. Ultimately, the Sword Servant died, while the True Martial God Sect remained silent to calm the situation. Back then, some had predicted that the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion wouldn’t simply let the matter rest.

Now, it seemed they were right.

Yang Xuanzhan’s eyes flickered with a trace of elation. He had assumed Ye Xu wouldn’t pursue accounts with the True Martial God Sect, but since it was being brought up again now, a resolution was surely coming.

"Having the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom make a move is indeed a solution," Yang Xuanzhan thought to himself. The Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom was stronger than the True Martial God Sect and needed something from Ye Xu. Getting the demon emperor to eradicate the True Martial God Sect would be no problem.

"Is Senior implying you wish this junior to take action to eliminate the True Martial God Sect?" Lian Jiuyou asked, frowning.

"All of this trouble stems from Bai Yuehong," Ye Xu said lightly. "Annihilate the True Martial God Sect, and I will tell you the location of the Green Lotus Demon Emperor’s tomb."

"The imperial tomb?" At these words, Lian Jiuyou’s heart raced.

Since his imperial father had left an imperial tomb behind, there must be something significant inside. Such a tomb absolutely could not be discovered by outsiders.

"This junior has one point of confusion," Lian Jiuyou voiced his doubt. "With Senior’s level of power, crushing Bai Yuehong and the True Martial God Sect should be effortless for you? Why go through this junior?"

"If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you," Ye Xu responded, his tone indifferent.

If he had the ability to wipe out the True Martial God Sect himself, he would have done so back on the day Saint Ziyang made his move. But alas, his invincibility was confined within the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion; it did not extend throughout the mortal realm.

"This junior is willing!" Lian Jiuyou broke into a cold sweat and bowed deeply in apology. "That junior spoke out of turn; please do not take offense, Senior."

"You may go," Ye Xu said gently. "Five days from now, I expect you back at the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. I won’t wait beyond that time."

"Yes," Lian Jiuyou responded, his spirit rigid. He swiftly walked out of the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Breathing in the fresh air, Lian Jiuyou felt the immense pressure gradually fade. Being inside the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion was like an ant standing before a dragon, utterly void of any initiative. The slightest displeasure from Ye Xu required immediate groveling.

Lian Jiuyou let out a bitter laugh. Here he was, a revered demon emperor, forced to suffer such humiliation. After living so many years, this was truly a first.

"Bai Yuehong… for the sake of my imperial father, the True Martial God Sect will simply have to… endure the hardship." Lian Jiuyou was a man of deep composure and profound cunning. Within a few breaths, he had already steadied his mind. He soared back towards the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom to gather his forces for an assault on the True Martial God Sect.

As soon as Lian Jiuyou left, Yang Xuanzhan exhaled heavily, like a man finally able to raise his head proudly after holding his breath. "The Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom rules the Western Region and outmatches the True Martial God Sect. The True Martial God Sect has repeatedly provoked the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion; we can finally get revenge."

Honestly, Yang Xuanzhan harbored similar doubts to Lian Jiuyou. If Ye Xu possessed such transcendent power, why not act himself? But since Ye Xu didn’t volunteer an explanation, he dared not ask.

"Ning Wudao," Ye Xu called.

"Here."

"Since your destination aligns with Lian Jiuyou’s, wait a few more days. When the time comes, I’ll have him take you with him into the Green Lotus Demon Emperor’s tomb."

"And the Celestial Demon treasure roll…"

"Rest easy," Ye Xu solemnly said. "That’s just a matter of me uttering a single word."