Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 935 Secret Contact
Surprisingly, the two guards at the door, who were deep in thought and had their eyes fixed straight ahead, completely ignored the fat man who had suddenly barged in, as if he were nothing more than a harmless wisp of air.

"Huff...huff...this, this must be the Azure Demon Envoy from the Demon Capital, right?"

The pot-bellied man wiped the cold sweat pouring from his forehead with his sleeve while forcing a fawning smile.

Qingyao keenly noticed that his hand, which was wiping away sweat, was trembling slightly. Clearly, venturing into such a core forbidden area of ​​the palace was a huge psychological burden for him, and he was under unimaginable pressure.

"Who is this?" Qingyao asked Shanyan with a puzzled look.

"Someone who can help you temporarily 'escape' this gilded cage."

Shan Yan said with a smile, her tone as relaxed as if she were talking about the weather.

She paused, her smile fading slightly, and her tone carrying a hint of warning.

"However, Lord Azure Demon Envoy, I must remind you that this 'refreshment' period is limited, so you can't leave for too long. And—"

She emphasized, "If this matter is exposed, I can't protect you. At that point, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Young Master Lan to come to the capital in person to save your life. Do you understand the risks involved?"

Qingyao's gaze did not waver in the slightest; on the contrary, it became even more resolute.

Faced with the life and death of another person, he had already disregarded his own risks!
If he hadn't been unable to break through the palace's numerous restrictions on his own, he would have been willing to temporarily disregard Lan Yuhe's arrangements and force his way out.

He's in danger!

How can I be at ease staying here!

He looked directly at Shan Yan and nodded firmly: "I understand. Please lend me your help, Lord Shan Yan!"

Shan Yan shrugged and turned her gaze to the fat man next to her who was still wiping his sweat: "Well then, let's begin."

"Yes Yes……"

The pot-bellied man quickly responded, his voice trembling. He cautiously approached the Azure Demon and extended his chubby, somewhat greasy hand: "Please, please, Azure Demon Envoy, extend your hand... extend your hand to me."

Qingyao frowned slightly. Although she had some doubts, she still extended her hand as instructed.

The moment their palms touched, something unexpected happened!
The skin on the pot-bellied man's palms seemed to come alive, rapidly wriggling and rolling over!
The sight was incredibly eerie, as if his skin was made up of countless tiny, living scales.

These "scales" were being replicated and covered at an astonishing speed. The skin color, texture, and even the fine wrinkles and scars of the Green Demon's palm were all "imprinted" onto the big-bellied man's hand in the blink of an eye!
This skin-rolling change spread rapidly throughout the pot-bellied man's body like ripples.

In just a few breaths, standing in front of Qingyao was a "copy" that was exactly the same as his current appearance, figure, and clothing!
but……

"Lord Qingyao Envoy, you...you must return as soon as possible! Ideally...ideally you should return before midnight tonight! Otherwise, I...I'm really worried...if we're exposed, my whole family's lives will be in danger..."

Wearing the appearance of a "copy" of the Green Demon, his face showed an expression that was about to cry, his voice trembled, his eyes darted around, and he was filled with fear and pleading.

That timid and cowardly demeanor was completely different from Qing Yao's usual cold, calm, and slightly eerie aura!
Anyone familiar with Qingyao would probably spot the huge flaw at a glance.

“Before tonight…” Qingyao’s brows furrowed even more.

He couldn't guarantee that after dealing with Fang Yu's matter, he would be able to return to this deep palace prison on time and smoothly.

If it weren't for Lan Yuhe's strict order for him to wait here for further arrangements, he would have decided to leave long ago.

Now, for Fang Yu's sake, he must take the risk.

"The flaws are so obvious, is this really appropriate?" Qingyao ignored the substitute's pleas and instead cast a doubtful glance at Shanyan.

Shan Yan chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes: "Lord Qing Yaoshi, what do you think... is he a human? Or a demon?"

Qingyao was taken aback, not expecting Shanyan to ask this question.

Witnessing the other party's bizarre shapeshifting ability, he subconsciously categorized it as some kind of demon with special talent.

But since Shan Yan has asked this question...

"Is he...human?" Qingyao asked with some uncertainty.

"Yes!"

Shan Yan squinted and smiled like a fox that had just stolen some fish.

"A genuine human! But their family is no ordinary one; they have deep roots in the capital. Otherwise, they wouldn't have the qualifications and ability to move freely within the palace. As for the flaw you mentioned..."

As Shan Yan spoke, she gracefully raised her hand, parted her red lips slightly, and gently exhaled a breath carrying a strange fragrance towards the uneasy "Azure Demon Substitute".

The aura, like a pale purple mist, instantly enveloped the entire stand-in.

The stand-in stared in horror, instinctively waving his arms to try and disperse the smoke, but to no avail.

The smoke quickly merged into his body and disappeared.

He looked himself up and down, then touched his face, seemingly not feeling anything unusual.

Qingyao also focused her attention and looked closely, but she also found no change in the appearance of the substitute. She looked at Shanyan with a puzzled expression.

Shan Yan then extended her slender finger and gently tapped her temple, asking with a smile, "What do you think we rely on to identify a person, Lord Qing Yaoshi?"

"Memory?" Qingyao answered hesitantly.

"Memory is somewhat related. But to be more accurate, it's 'cognition'."

Shan Yan walked up to Qing Yao, her voice carrying a peculiar rhythm.

"When caught off guard, human perception is actually very easily guided and distorted. You might not understand this easily, but just know that with my little tricks, at least for the next half day or so, as long as we don't encounter those old monsters deliberately probing us, this place is safe. And after that..."

She winked playfully.

"It will take a bit of luck. As you know, there's not much in this palace, except for a lot of old monsters who are hiding their true strength. And the little trick we're playing today will cause quite a stir."

Quick victory!

Qingyao immediately understood Shanyan's subtext. This was exactly what he wanted!
He needed to get out of there as soon as possible, find Diao Deyi, help him resolve his current troubles, and then... he also wanted to avoid delaying Lan Yuhe's important plans as much as possible!

“I know.” Qingyao nodded solemnly.

Under Shan Yan's arrangement, the stand-in who wore the appearance of Qing Yao but was trembling with fear was left in this "prison cell".

Shan Yan straightened her robes, her expression calm and composed, and led Qing Yao out of the room with an air of nonchalance, as if she were taking a younger relative out for a stroll.

The moment Qingyao stepped out of the room, an extremely subtle feeling enveloped him!

It was as if countless invisible, cold and sharp "gazes," like a scanning net, suddenly converged from all directions, trying to completely penetrate him from the inside out!

However, before this massive probing force could even touch his body, it seemed to be pulled by some powerful force, instantly shifting its direction and focusing entirely on the stand-in in the room who was sweating with nervousness!

This is……? !

Qingyao's heart trembled violently. He couldn't help but turn back and take a deep look at the closed door and the seemingly calm but actually turbulent "prison" behind it. The palace's restrictions were far more bizarre and powerful than he had imagined!

"Don't be surprised."

Shan Yan's voice carried a hint of self-righteous arrogance: "Without some hidden skills and a powerful background, you're not qualified to 'cooperate' with us."

Her tone revealed a hint of appreciation for Qingyao's ability to detect the restriction scan.

Qingyao nodded silently, but her heart was in turmoil.

The waters of the capital were far deeper than he had imagined!
This place is full of hidden talents, and the relationship between humans and demons is not as clear-cut and irreconcilable as he imagined. Instead, it presents a more complex and even somewhat distorted symbiotic state.

This complexity was something he hadn't anticipated before coming to the capital.

Following Shan Yan, they boarded an inconspicuous black carriage parked in a corner of the palace garden.

The interior of the carriage was simply decorated and not very spacious.

Qingyao had assumed that the carriage would take them straight to the palace gates, where they would regain their freedom.

However, after traveling some distance along the quiet palace road, the carriage stopped at a secluded corner of a corridor.

Qingyao looked at Shanyan with a puzzled expression.

Shan Yan simply made a small gesture to him to "be patient," with a mysterious smile on her face as if she were watching a good show.

The next instant, the heavy curtain was suddenly ripped open by a large hand covered with cold metal arm guards!

A burly man, dressed in a full set of heavy purple-gold armor, stood like an iron tower blocking the car door like a gatekeeper.

His eyes, hidden behind his mask, were like two cold searchlights, sharply and indifferently scanning the interior of the carriage.

His gaze lingered briefly on Qingyao and Shanyan, a strange glint seemingly flashing in his eyes, but it quickly returned to its usual empty indifference.

Immediately afterwards, his massive body squeezed into the carriage and unceremoniously plopped down next to Qingyao. The heavy armor emitted a dull metallic scraping sound, and the entire carriage slumped slightly.

Qingyao was startled, and all the muscles in her body tensed up instantly!

He subconsciously glanced at Lord Shan Yan, who stood as steady as a mountain beside him, and then warily looked at the armored giant beside him who exuded an aura of iron and blood, his mind racing.

Could it be that Lord Shanyan used some kind of profound illusion or concealment technique to make this person unable to see us?
We need to use this person's identity or access privileges to successfully sneak out of the palace.

Before Qingyao could finish her thought, the carriage started again, its wheels rumbling over the bluestone of the palace road.

Just then, something unexpected happened!

The burly man in purple-gold armor sitting next to Qingyao, with a deep and composed aura, suddenly turned towards the direction where Shan Yan was sitting and spoke in a tone that was completely different from his rugged appearance, with obvious respect and awe.

"This humble demon in purple-gold armor pays respects to Lord Shan Yan! Thank you, Lord Shan Yan, for creating this precious opportunity for us to meet!"

His voice came through the mask, sounding somewhat muffled, but the respect he conveyed was utterly genuine.

The green demon was stunned.

Because the attitude that Shan Yan showed when facing this person was completely different from the easygoing, lively, and even somewhat cynical demeanor she usually displayed in front of him!

At this moment, Lord Shan Yan appeared unusually indifferent and distant towards this armored demon, even carrying a hint of condescending majesty.

She merely nodded indifferently and almost imperceptibly, as if she had no interest in even speaking, but instead turned her gaze to Qing Yao with great interest, seemingly anticipating his reaction.

The demon in purple and gold armor then turned to the green demon, his posture still respectful, but his tone now carried a hint of warmth towards a fellow cultivator.

"Demon in purple-gold armor, greetings to the Demon Envoy of the Demon Capital! We demons of the capital have long admired the Demon Capital's reputation and yearned to visit it! However, we are trapped in this prison of the capital, facing many inconveniences, and have never been able to visit the Demon Capital in person. Today, to finally see the esteemed face of the Demon Envoy of the Demon Capital, we have finally fulfilled one of our wishes!"

He paused briefly before continuing, "We heard that the Demon Envoy wished to go out for some fresh air and to clear his mind. Coincidentally, we also have important matters to discuss with the Demon Envoy in person, which is why we humbly requested Lord Shan Yan to mediate and facilitate this meeting. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our hasty arrival and hope the Demon Envoy will forgive us."

The armored demon spoke clearly and politely, to an excessive degree, giving the green demon the illusion that he was dealing with cunning human officials, a stark contrast to the rugged demons he had imagined.

"You guys?" Qingyao keenly grasped the key words in the other party's words.

"Yes, besides myself, there are some fellow clansmen in the capital who all hope to meet with the Demon Capital Envoy and hear news from the Demon Capital."

The armored demon explained, "However, considering that the Demon Capital Envoy is located deep within the palace and has difficulty moving around, for the sake of safety and convenience, I was sent as his representative to discuss important matters with him."

Qingyao frowned slightly, her doubts deepening.

Why would these demons in the capital go to such lengths to find a "Demon Envoy" who is under house arrest deep within the palace, practically a prisoner?
Before Qingyao could ask, the armored demon had already posed the core question, his tone becoming serious: "Your Excellency, in your opinion, what is the current situation of us, our kin who have been lying low in the capital for many years?"

After a moment's thought, Qingyao chose a relatively neutral answer: "From what I see, you all seem to have a cooperative relationship with the high-ranking humans in the capital, and have lived peacefully for many years, presumably quite comfortably. My appearance is unlikely to have much impact on your current situation, nor will it change the established pattern of human-demon relations in the capital. However..."

He then changed the subject, stating his position: "...Our Demon Capital always welcomes any of our kind who wish to 'return home.' If the time is right, and you are willing to come with me to live in the Demon Capital, we will naturally welcome you wholeheartedly. After all, the Demon Capital is the true town that belongs to us demons, and life there may be more in line with the nature of our demon race."

Upon hearing the Azure Demon's reply, the Armored Demon nodded repeatedly, responding, "Of course, of course! The Demon Capital is our clan's sacred land, naturally it is something to aspire to..."

(End of this chapter)