The First Sage of Military Strategists

His aura dropped significantly, and his breath became weak and listless. He looked like he had lost most of his energy, but his eyes became brighter and he no longer exuded demonic energy.

"Dad, how are you?" A look of worry flashed in Chi Yan's eyes. He felt that his father seemed to have aged more than ten years.

King Shennong coughed a few times: "Yan'er, don't worry, I'm fine now. It's just that I was accidentally possessed by the Gluttonous Demon Seed before, and almost fell into the demonic path. However, a few hours ago, the demon seed in my body suddenly collapsed and dissipated. I don't know what happened."

Chi Yan didn't reply, hesitating whether to tell his father that it was Han Qing who eliminated the Gluttonous Demon.

As he was pondering this, suddenly, Han Qing transformed into a streak of light and flew down to the ground, having changed from a strand of hair into a normal human form.

"I have already killed the Gluttonous Demon's clone. However, I see that your aura is weak and your blood and qi are too depleted. If you trust me, I can help you restore your peak strength," Han Qing said slowly.

The Shennong King immediately stood up, his face respectful: "You must be Young Master Han Qing. Thanks to your help, otherwise, I would have been completely transformed into a demon in just two or three days after being possessed by the demon seed. Please do your best. Although I have never met you before, I know your character and you are not a cunning or treacherous person. Besides, my Shennong Kingdom has nothing that you value."

Indeed, at Han Qing's level, ordinary magical treasures and herbs had completely lost their effectiveness, and there were no treasures in the vast Shennong Kingdom that could catch his eye.

Han Qing didn't hesitate. In a flash, he appeared beside the Shennong King, raised his hand, and placed it on the king's shoulder. The source of blood and qi transformed from the Heavenly Demon Pill within his body was constantly generating rich blood and qi. At this moment, it flowed into the Shennong King's body through his palm. The latter immediately felt a surge of new blood and qi within his body. Before long, his pale face turned rosy, and his aura increased dramatically.

Han Qingsong released his hand, and the King of Shennong looked grateful: "Thank you very much, Young Master Han. My Shennong Kingdom has no way to repay you. If Young Master Han takes a fancy to any treasures or spiritual seeds, you may take them. If you need any help from my Shennong Kingdom in the future, please just give the order. At that time, my Shennong Kingdom will definitely do its best to help you!"

Han Qing smiled and said, "I have heard that King Shennong is a wise ruler. Under your rule, the people of Shennong live a prosperous and happy life. A person like you should not die at the hands of the Gluttonous Demon. Besides, Chi Yan is my friend. When he encounters difficulties, I will naturally lend a helping hand without asking for anything in return."

"Young Master Han is truly a man of great righteousness!" exclaimed the King of Shennong Kingdom.

"During this period, Shennong Kingdom has become a place where hidden talents and powerful figures from all walks of life have gathered. I will stay here for a while until things are completely calmed down," Han Qing added. He felt that he should help people to the end. Seeing that everyone in Shennong Kingdom had smiles on their faces, he felt that this was a rare pure land, and it would be a real pity if it were destroyed by these messy people.

Moreover, his adoptive parents are still living in an anonymous place in a small county in Shu, and he has always wanted them to move to a different place. Shennong Kingdom is the most suitable place for them.

"Thank you, Young Master Han. I will immediately send someone to find you a fine pavilion or house in the palace," said King Shennong.

"No need. I have long since transcended worldly pleasures. I have no need for luxurious houses. Living in the Chi Yan Mansion is fine," Han Qing said calmly.

"Then do as Young Master Han says. Yan'er, you must treat him well. You don't know any manners, so don't act recklessly," King Shennong said sternly.

"Dad, Brother Han is a carefree person and doesn't care about those tedious formalities, so you can rest assured," Chi Yan said with a smile.

...

Night fell. Han Qing had returned to Chi Yan's residence. With a flash, he entered the space inside the Boundless Stele. He decided to study the Primordial Ancient Stele carefully and find a way to refine it.

With a thought, strands of magical energy surged from between his brows, completely enveloping the stone tablet, attempting to penetrate it and merge with the vast magical energy contained within. However, they were blocked by a magic array contained within the stone tablet, and a thin film of golden light condensed, completely isolating the magical energy from the outside.

Han Qing continued to pour more and more spiritual energy into the practice, but still could not break through this thin membrane.

He frowned slightly, activated his Dharma Eye, and carefully observed the stone tablet. He saw that the stone tablet was surrounded by flowing light, with intricate array patterns interwoven to form a complex and mysterious array.

This was the most complex and powerful magic array he had ever seen; it possessed such immense power even without anyone controlling it.

"Elder Ming, do you know how to break this magic array?" Han Qing asked.

"Master, this magic array must have been left by the Primordial Emperor. It is complex and powerful, and I do not know how to break it. However, no matter how powerful a magic array is, it always has its limits. If you cannot see through its flaws, you can break it by force. As long as the destructive power can reach the limit of the array's tolerance for a moment, you will have a chance to destroy its array patterns and make the array ineffective," said Elder Ming.

"If we do that, the magic array will be damaged, and wouldn't the power of this Primordial Ancient Stele decrease?" Han Qing asked.

“Master, there’s no need to worry. A supreme treasure like the Primordial Ancient Stele can completely repair itself as long as it’s not completely destroyed,” said Elder Ming.

Han Qing shook his head, still feeling uneasy. If the magic array suddenly failed, wouldn't the Gluttonous Demon be released? He wasn't sure if he had the ability to subdue this demon. If he couldn't, then he would be bringing a catastrophe and disaster to the whole world. In any case, he couldn't do that.

“This method should not be used unless absolutely necessary. The risk is too great. Every formation has its own rules. As long as we can grasp the rules, we can definitely break it,” Han Qing said in a deep voice.

Suddenly, a sharp, piercing sound came from the ancient stele.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself. This is a magic array set up by that old thief Yuanshi. How could a junior like you possibly understand it? You'd better give up now!"

The speaker was none other than the Gluttonous Demon sealed within. Although its avatar was destroyed and it could no longer exert influence on the outside world beyond the stone tablet array, it could still easily do something as trivial as speaking.

Han Qing listened without paying any attention to these words, and simply laughed: "Gluttonous Demon, don't worry, no matter whether I can completely control this Primordial Ancient Stele or not, you will never be able to escape!"

"Han Qing, why bother? We have no enmity or grudge against each other. Why not make a deal? I will bestow upon you the supreme demonic path to break the sealing formation and help you find the other Primordial Ancient Steles. In return, you release me. We will be united against a common enemy and will have nothing to fear no matter what enemies we encounter in the future," the Gluttonous Demon King said loudly again.

"You treacherous and cunning demon, born to destroy everything. Even if I, Han Qing, were to give up this priceless treasure, I would never conspire with you. You should give up on that idea." Han Qing sneered.

"What a stubborn fool you are, Han Qing! I was born with heaven and earth, immortal and indestructible. One day I will escape this cage, even without your help. One day, you will regret it!" the Gluttonous Demon mocked. (End of Chapter)