Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 1014 Returning home
The Pavilion Master of Tianji Pavilion remained expressionless, showing no reaction to the demon's alluring words. He simply said coldly, "I have not come to terms with this, nor do I intend to unite with you. I have come here today merely to make some preparations for what may happen in the future."

He walked to the edge of the binding array, and through the flickering spiritual light, met the demon's pure black eyes: "If the time comes, I will need your help. In exchange, I can provide you with some... the 'nourishment' you need."

Upon hearing this, the demon's eyes gleamed with even greater excitement. It twisted its chain-bound body, letting out a sinister, cacophony of laughter: "Good! Good! Whenever you need power, you can come to me anytime! I'll be waiting for that day! Hehehe..."

It agreed with unusual ease, as if it had long anticipated this day would come.

The Pavilion Master of Tianji Pavilion said no more, but gave the demon a deep look, as if he wanted to etch the twisted figure into his mind.

Then he turned around and walked up the steps he had come up from.

Only when the heavy bookshelves closed again, completely isolating the suffocating atmosphere of the underground chamber, did the Pavilion Master of Tianji Pavilion slowly exhale a breath of stale air, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

To make a deal with that demon is tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin.

But given this increasingly bizarre situation, he had to prepare some unconventional contingency plans for himself and for the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.

Even though this backup plan itself contains enormous risks.

Shortly after he left, in the underground chamber, the imprisoned fallen spirit suddenly burst into an even more violent and maniacal laugh.

The laughter, filled with smugness and greed, echoed and crashed wildly in the narrow, enclosed stone chamber, causing the runes on the walls to flicker unpredictably, as if even this sturdy confinement could hardly restrain its raging inferno.

"Hehehe... Hahaha... Finally... Finally, the opportunity has come..."

Meanwhile, deep within the palace, in a secluded and heavily guarded palace.

The lights were bright, and the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Qingyao, the envoy from the Demon Capital, sat upright, listening to the story told by the woman opposite him, who was called "Lady Shanyan".

Lady Shanyan was dressed in palace attire, with a beautiful face and a dignified and noble demeanor, but deep in her eyes lurked a coldness and sharpness that was different from that of humans.

She gently stirred the teacup in her hand, her voice soft yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"The 'Buddha-Demon Realm' is not a true realm division," she said slowly, her gaze falling on Qing Yao's handsome yet somewhat indifferent face. "It's more like... a path of cultivation, a comprehension and sublimation of the essence of one's own power. The strength of us demons can naturally be continuously improved through devouring and cultivation, reaching a level similar to, or even stronger than, a human 'Six Souls Realm' expert. But the strength of power is not equivalent to the achievement of a realm."

She paused, observing Qingyao's reaction, and continued to explain: "Most demons, in their entire lives, may never be able to touch the threshold of 'Buddha Demon,' and even cultivating a 'Buddha Finger' containing Buddha-nature is extremely difficult. This requires not only the accumulation of power, but also comprehension, talent, aptitude, and even a sliver of ethereal opportunity."

Qingyao frowned slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in her blue eyes.

He has always been extremely confident in his own talent and is well aware of the importance of power levels.

What Lord Shanyan said was largely consistent with the information he had previously gathered.

"Lord Blue Feather Crane," Qingyao spoke, her voice steady, "promised me that she would bestow upon me the cultivation methods of a Buddha-demon to aid my cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Lord Shanyan's lips curled into a faint smile, carrying a hint of sarcasm: "But you haven't obtained it yet, have you?"

She put down her teacup, leaned forward slightly, and brought with her a faint, cool fragrance. "Moreover, Young Master Lan, in the end, is still human. Even if he has a special identity and is on good terms with us, how can a human truly understand the most fundamental and profound cultivation methods of our demon race? Some key points are difficult for those who are not of our race to fully explain."

Her voice was full of allure: "And now, such an opportunity is right in front of you. Your 'kin' in the capital, after seeing you and understanding your aptitude, are very interested in you. They are willing to extend an olive branch to you, and what they can offer is the most orthodox and complete 'Buddha-Demon' cultivation method!"

Lord Shan Yan looked directly into Qing Yao's eyes, his tone becoming serious: "If you are interested, I can act as a go-between for you. However... from now on, your stance will no longer be entirely aligned with the Demon Capital. You should think this through carefully."

Although both the demon circles in the Demon Capital and the capital city belong to the same group of demons, they have long since formed different factions and stances due to their different environments, historical origins, and interests. Switching to serve the demons in the capital city would mean, to some extent, deviating from the established policies of the Demon Capital, which is not what Qing Yao wants.

For Qingyao, her relationship with her fellow clansmen in the capital was more one of exploitation and trade than one of belonging.

Moreover, on Lan Yuhe's side, everyone knows each other well, and although there is a hierarchy, the foundation of trust is even stronger.

If the demons in the capital harbor evil intentions and set traps, he will be in a very passive position, being alone here.

Qingyao's silence was clearly within Lady Shanyan's expectations. She rose gently, moved gracefully to Qingyao's side, and the fragrance became even more pronounced.

"I know what you're worried about." Her voice was low, like a whisper from a sympathetic soul, yet every word struck Qingyao's heart. "Young Master Lan is currently far away, and even if he wanted to help you, it would be too late. And soon, a major upheaval is about to occur in the capital, and you, burdened with a mission, will inevitably be drawn into it. If you don't seize this opportunity to improve your strength as soon as possible..."

Her tone suddenly shifted, striking at the most sensitive corner of Qingyao's heart: "...If something goes wrong because of insufficient strength, or if some unforeseen event occurs and you can't spare enough energy to protect your... well, the little friend you care about so much, you'll regret it immensely if something happens to him."

This statement acted like a switch, instantly throwing a boulder into Qingyao's calm heart.

For the first time, a noticeable change appeared on his usually expressionless face.

Fang Yu's image appeared in my mind.

Protecting Fang Yu was his most important personal obsession after arriving in the capital, aside from his mission in the Demon Capital.

Lord Shanyan accurately captured his momentary hesitation, said nothing more, and simply stood there quietly, waiting for the prey's final decision.

Qingyao's hands, hanging at her sides, unconsciously clenched.

On one hand, there are potential risks and shifts in stance; on the other hand, there is an urgent need to rapidly enhance capabilities to cope with changes and better protect those we want to protect.

The scales are swinging violently.

……

"Ah!"

Walking down the quiet street, Fang Yu suddenly sneezed loudly. He rubbed his slightly itchy nose and muttered, "Who's thinking about me? We're already at the Ouyang residence."

He raised his head and looked at the outline of the mansion in front of him, which appeared particularly solemn and massive in the night. The plaque of the Ouyang family was faintly visible in the light of the lanterns at the entrance.

The moonlight, like a ribbon, quietly spilled over the upturned eaves of the Ouyang residence, paving the bluestone path with a cool and serene atmosphere.

Gao Meng's scrutinizing and knowing face, like a ghost, kept appearing in Fang Yu's mind, impossible to shake off.

Failed.

He thought he could investigate secretly and gradually, taking advantage of the unfamiliar face, but he underestimated the woman's vigilance and was discovered by her first.

This made all his previous assumptions a joke.

A trace of annoyance, like a vine, coiled around my heart, tightening its grip.

If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have shown up so early. I should have been more patient, or perhaps I should have chosen a more roundabout path from the beginning.

"Our covert investigation of this route has failed," Fang Yu coldly declared in his mind. Having been exposed, further investigation would be futile, like burying one's head in the sand; it might not only be ineffective but could also alert Gao Meng, forcing her to take more extreme measures or completely destroy the clues.

We must replace him with someone new, someone Gao Meng has never seen before.

But who is the right candidate?
Gao Meng's caution is evident in her ability to instantly see through one's own disguise.

Ordinary spies would probably not even be able to get close to her before being detected by her keen senses.

The people in the mansion... Fang Yu's thoughts raced through his mind like a revolving lantern.

Linghu Xiang?
She is diligent in her cultivation and has sufficient strength, but her temperament is too fierce, like a drawn sword, too sharp and unseen, making her unsuitable for covert investigation.

Zuo Lü and Hei Ao were still recovering from their injuries and had no time to take care of themselves.

Zhuge Shi... This woman's mind is entirely focused on Ding Hui, and she spends all her time hovering around Ding Hui. It's unclear whether she's willing to help.

Moreover, he had no close relationship with this woman. Although he felt no guilt in using her, her motives were unclear and her loyalty was questionable. If she turned against him at a crucial moment, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After much thought, it seems there is no one I can use.

An invisible pressure weighed heavily on his shoulders. The night breeze carried the rich scent of night-blooming jasmine from the courtyard, but it couldn't dispel the solemnity between his brows.

"Does Lord Diao have any troubles?"

Song Zhenrong's voice suddenly emerged from the shadows of the pillars, carrying a hint of probing.

Fang Yu was slightly taken aback. He composed himself and looked up. He saw Song Zhenrong walking out slowly, with his usual slightly reserved smile on his face.

"Captain Song?" Fang Yu glanced at the deep night and asked calmly, "Still not resting at this late hour?"

Song Zhenrong took a few steps closer, cupped his hands, and said, "I have recently seen that everyone in the manor is diligently cultivating, and I feel ashamed. I dare not slack off in the slightest, so I am still diligently cultivating late at night. I happened to see you sitting here alone, with a furrowed brow, so I came to ask you something." His words were sincere, but his eyes were secretly observing Fang Yu's expression.

Diligent in cultivation? Fang Yu chuckled inwardly.

Besides Linghu Xiang, who else is cultivating?

Zuo Lü and Hei Ao lay in bed, Zhuge Shi... she was afraid that Ding Hui was the only thing on her mind.

Shaking his head, Fang Yu said calmly, "It's just a trivial matter, no need for Captain Song to worry about it."

He intended to politely decline, but Song Zhenrong insisted, saying earnestly, "Lord Diao has been very kind to us. If you encounter any difficulties, I am willing to do my utmost to help you." The fervor in his eyes almost made Fang Yu think that he was a truly grateful and righteous man.

Just then, another clear, cold voice interjected: "Indeed, if you have difficulties, feel free to speak frankly."

Under the moonlight, Linghu Xiang had arrived unnoticed. Her tight-fitting clothes accentuated her agile figure, and her sharp eyes, like an eagle's, stared directly at Fang Yu. She seemed to have just finished her cultivation, as a lingering aura of sharpness still surrounded her.

Looking at the man and woman in front of him, one with an eager smile and the other with burning eyes, Fang Yu couldn't help but feel a strange sensation.

When did these two become so inseparable and so enthusiastic about public welfare?
He shook his head again, his tone carrying an undeniable denial: "I have a problem. I need to investigate a woman in secret, but my identity has already been exposed, so it's inconvenient for me to continue tracking her. But you are not suitable candidates for this task either."

The reason is simple: Song Zhenrong and Linghu Xiang are both relatively prominent figures around Fang Yu.

Moreover, it is inappropriate to send people out again now after just rescuing them from the underworld.

The atmosphere was a little stagnant for a while.

A barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed across Song Zhenrong's face, while Linghu Xiang pursed her lips and her eyes dimmed slightly.

"Then let me do it."

A crisp sound broke the silence.

Like a nimble cat in the night, Diao Xiaohui emerged silently from behind a thicket of purple bamboo, her face showing an eager expression.

Fang Yu's gaze sharpened and fell on Diao Xiaohui.

Her? That's an unexpected choice.

Slightly lower strength is the biggest weakness. Facing someone like Gao Meng, once exposed, they would be almost powerless to resist.

But her advantages are equally obvious: she is inconspicuous enough, and... she is unprepared.

An idea quickly took shape in his mind.

A lack of strength can be compensated for.

Ding Hui has a plethora of strange pills, formations, and even body modifications at her disposal. If she were to take action and tailor-make some methods for Diao Xiaohui to conceal, sneak, and escape, it might greatly enhance her survival and reconnaissance capabilities.

"You're going?" Song Zhenrong spoke first, his brows furrowed, his tone filled with unease. "This matter is of utmost importance..."

Diao Xiaohui waved her hand dismissively, interrupting him, "Don't worry! It's just a clandestine investigation to gather intelligence; we won't be fighting anyone. I'm smart enough to make sure no one finds out!"

As she spoke, she patted her chest forcefully, trying to increase her persuasiveness, but her somewhat thin figure made it difficult to inspire enough confidence.

Song Zhenrong ignored her assurances and instead turned his probing gaze to Fang Yu, awaiting his decision.

Fang Yu pondered for a moment, then unconsciously slapped his thigh with his fingertips once more.

Gao Meng, a blood demon with 400,000 blood... He has killed opponents of this level before.

If it really comes to the point of no return, tearing off the mask and killing them with swift and decisive action is not an impossible option.

The risks are manageable.

Fang Yu drew a conclusion.

At least, Diao Xiaohui's safety is within his ability to intervene.

Thinking of this, he met Song Zhenrong's gaze and nodded slightly.

“In that case… I’ll have to trouble you.” Fang Yu finally spoke, making a final decision. “However, some preparations need to be made before we take action.”

(End of this chapter)