The immortal is beside me

Chapter 58 The Demon King Sweeps the World

"Phoenix?"

The name really surprised Qin Jiajia: "Is there really such a species?"

"Of course it's not the kind of fairy creatures you see in novels and TV shows."

Cheng Xiaomeng said, "It's actually just like those 'immortal legends' about cultivators. Dragons and phoenixes are essentially powerful demons that have achieved great success in cultivation. It's just that as their realms rise, the demons themselves evolve and develop some unusual characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary animals."

"So that's how it is." Qin Jiajia scratched her head. "I used to think that monsters would transform into human form after their training."

"There are demons that have transformed into humans, but they don't make up a large portion of the demon community. Most demons that have achieved success in cultivation will choose to change their original appearance."

"For example, the Classic of Mountains and Seas records a species called the "頃鱼." It's said to be shaped like a fish, with wings on its back, and to cry like a mandarin duck. Wherever it appears, floods occur. This is a fish demon that evolved from contact with the pure energy of heaven, developing bird wings—this kind of transformation is the main trend of the demon clan."

After Cheng Xiaomeng finished speaking, she looked at Qin Jiajia's expression and couldn't help laughing.

"How is it? Does it feel different from the stereotype?"

She continued, "Having said that, don't think the demon race is just a group of simple beasts just because of these appearances."

"Perhaps those low-level demons are not much different from ordinary beasts, but any demon that has achieved success in cultivation possesses a mind that is no less intelligent than a human. This is most evident in the Demon King Phoenix."

"According to historical records, even up until the Ming Dynasty, there were still several demon kings within the Central Plains, with their tribes scattered across the land. But after the Phoenix took action, all the demon kings were subdued by it. It can be said that the demon tribes in the Central Plains were unified by it."

"After that, Phoenix cleared out the Qishan territory and gathered demons from all over. Over the course of several hundred years, the number of demons that gathered in Qishan increased, and it truly formed an independent nation, hence the name Qishan Demon Nation."

"Unlike the previous great demons, Phoenix did not follow the usual barbaric ways of the demon race. Instead, he established a true demon kingdom, bringing millions of demons under his command and educating them, forming an independent demon kingdom culture and order."

"For example, the simplest one is this: any citizen of the Demon Realm who wishes to enter or leave human society must obtain the approval of the Demon Emperor. It's also because of this that, for hundreds of years since the Ming Dynasty, there have been very few large-scale demon invasions of human territory in the Central Plains."

Qin Jiajia's mouth dropped open slightly. This sounded like the demonic version of Emperor Qin's conquest of the world. No wonder the phoenix was given the title of "Emperor."

"If that's the case, then your exploration trip to the Demon Country isn't diplomacy?"

"That's not wrong. Throughout history, there have actually been many cases of transvestite exchanges."

Cheng Xiaomeng nodded. "Let's not talk about anything else. Mount Qishan, where this demon country is located, has been the habitat of bird demons since ancient times. As early as the establishment of the Western Zhou Dynasty, there was a legend of 'Phoenix Singing in Mount Qishan'."

"The "Guoyu" records that 'during the rise of the Zhou Dynasty, the phoenix cried on Mount Qi.' The phoenix is ​​a young phoenix, implying that the rise of the Western Zhou Dynasty was due to the phoenix's cry. From today's perspective, it seems that the Western Zhou Dynasty reached some kind of agreement with the Qishan demon tribe at the time, gaining their power while also adopting the phoenix as the national totem. This is probably the earliest record of human-demon interaction."

"To this day, the Qishan Demon Country also has a similar legend, but in a sense, it is the opposite version."

Cheng Xiaomeng coughed twice at this point. She had spoken almost without pause, clearly having done considerable research; her mouth was a little dry from now on.

She turned around and got a glass of water, took a sip to moisten her throat, and then continued speaking.

"I've already mentioned that the Demon Nation has its own unique culture, including its own unique festivals."

"Every year on the 24th day of the ninth lunar month, the Demon Country holds a flower viewing event, inviting all citizens and foreign guests to celebrate. It's like the Demon Country's National Day. We're going there this time to attend this event."

"There's a legend about this flower viewing event," Cheng Xiaomeng said, taking another sip of water. "It's said that during the Tang Dynasty in the human world, the Demon King Phoenix received guidance from an immortal. He traveled with the immortal for a thousand years, witnessing the sights of the human world and learning human wisdom and thinking. It was because of this that he was able to single-handedly establish order in the Demon Kingdom."

"According to legend, the day the Demon King and the Immortal met was September 24th."

"Of course, the truth of this legend remains to be discussed. However, the Phoenix has indeed designated this day as the most important festival in the Demon Nation. Only on this day can one possibly see it in person. In the past, it would be difficult for outsiders like us, even the people of the Demon Nation, to see it."

She was talking eloquently here. Not only Qin Jiajia, but also several researchers in the group nearby were listening with great interest.

Blessing from immortals, destiny, sweeping across the world, founding a country, these elements put together form a complete template for an emperor. Even if the protagonist is not human, it still makes people feel excited when listening to it.

"Sister Cheng's knowledge is so detailed that she's even thoroughly researched the legends of that demon country."

"Well, I just crammed all of this over the past few days." Cheng Xiaomeng waved her hand. "This is a rare opportunity after all. I don't know if it will be my turn again in the future, so I must learn more."

"From what I hear, this Demon King's deeds are even more impressive than most cultivators." Another person sighed, "If it weren't a demon but a human cultivator, it would have been rated strategic level long ago."

"It's not impossible even if he's not human." Zou Peng on the side interjected, "If it's the Demon King who's being evaluated at the strategic level this time, I'll definitely lead the charge and rush to the front lines of the investigation."

"So the thing you just mentioned is a strategic-level assessment?" Cheng Xiaomeng turned around when she heard this. "Who is the powerful one this time?"

"I haven't looked at the specific information in detail, but I know his name is Zhou Qing. Both the Environmental Sanitation Bureau and Tianjiyuan have mentioned him."

Qin Jiajia, who was standing next to her, suddenly raised her head.

"Huh? It's him. I think I heard about this name from the Environmental Sanitation Bureau a few days ago. They said he's very powerful. I didn't expect that Tianji Academy would nominate him. It seems that he is really something."

Cheng Xiaomeng thought for a moment and said, "Then keep going! Strategic-level assessment is such a great job. If you get one, you'll have enough credit to last you for ten years."

"What a good job?" Zou Peng rolled his eyes. "Are you so sure you can pass this assessment?"

"You always have to have dreams, just in case they come true." Cheng Xiaomeng said, "If this person is really a new strategic-level person, you, who are following the investigation, will probably be promoted directly to director. Then you will have to take my position as the project leader."

"That sounds great. Since you think this job is so good, how about we switch places? I'll go explore the Monster Country for you, and you'll investigate this Zhou Qing for me?"

"Forget it then." Cheng Xiaomeng waved her hand awkwardly. "It's getting late. I have to go pack my things for the business trip. See you later!"

The sound of footsteps disappeared outside the door. Zou Peng watched the impetuous team leader disappear outside the door, sighed helplessly, and looked at the back with an unconcealable envy in his eyes.

Qin Jiajia, who was next to Team Leader Zou, spoke up at the right moment, "Can I participate in the investigation of Zhou Qing that you mentioned?"

"You want to participate?" Zou Peng glanced at her in surprise. "This kind of investigation can only be done by people with more than ten years of experience. Besides, you're not from the Transcendental Research Institute system, so you definitely can't do it."

"." Qin Jiajia pursed her lips.

"Compared to this, you should be returning to the Environmental Sanitation Bureau after a while, right? While you have nothing to do these few days, you should focus on your cultivation. This is what's most important to you."

".All right."

P.S. My thoughts have been a little off these past two days. I wasn't very satisfied with the second update so I deleted it all. I'm currently reorganizing my thoughts. Don't wait, I'll definitely make up for it on the 25th orz
(End of this chapter)