Become a true immortal by emulating all demons.

Yongzhou, Longjizhang.

The border remains majestic, like a crouching beast, with three enormous demon flags fluttering in the wind atop the towering mountain ridge.

This marked the first time that the demons had seized territory in Yongzhou.

Moreover, it has not yet been taken back by the immortal sects.

Let alone the rock-solid Liang Kingdom, even in the Great Shun Dynasty, where the demon race was powerful and the situation was even more chaotic, this was a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.

Incredibly, the task was accomplished by two demon lords at the early stage of the Golden Core realm.

Even though their cultivation levels improved rapidly after they finished digesting the spoils of war, they had only just entered the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

"Why does this spot feel like my butt is getting hotter and hotter?"

"And you?"

In the end, Hong Ling was nothing more than a newly promoted demon lord.

Even though he was more quick-witted than the average person, he was still like a greenhorn in front of those older generation demon lords.

As time passed, more and more powerful demons came upon hearing the news.

This group of ferocious demons from Da Shun numbered more than ten and were highly experienced. Among them was a demon lord named Jin Tang, who was a top expert in the late Golden Core stage.

Regardless of their attitude, Hongling had been following the story of this great demon since she first fell into the demonic path.

Now that she has become the ruler of Dragon Ridge, the other party has become her subordinate.

Even though this pass was indeed reclaimed by the three of them at the cost of their lives, she still felt a little apprehensive.

Thinking of this, Hongling patted her chest: "Luckily, Qian Yiru is here."

"..."

Yunlong Demon Lord closed his eyes and regulated his breathing. After his demonic power was replenished, he said slowly, "My opinion is that he should come back and rest for a while."

The reason why the demons of Da Shun recognized the status of the three leaders was entirely due to the merits accumulated by the Yu family's leader, who had personally amassed one sword after another.

To defend against the Zhao family's offensive, we also need to rely on Qian Yiru's sharp sword.

It can be said that both external defense and internal stability depended on one person.

Nowadays, when people mention the Moon Devouring Demon Banner in Dragon Ridge, the first thing that comes to mind is not the long-lost Moon Devouring Demon Lord, but the head of the Yu family.

Even Yunlong and Hongling sometimes sighed with emotion.

What enormous benefits did Lin Shu promise Qian Yiru to make him so devoted to the Dragon Ridge?

The corpses of those immortal descendants alone probably aren't enough, are they?

Moreover, he had already consumed all that supplies, and the other demon lords could not exert any restraint on him.

Even if we assume he's just doing things for money, there's no need for him to continue carrying the Moon Devouring Demon Banner. Qian Yiru is perfectly capable of establishing his own power base and building his own reputation.

That's really strange!

Hongling turned her head in surprise: "Let him come back?"

Yunlong Demon Lord opened his eyes, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and said in a low voice, "When I visited him last time, I found that although he looked normal, his aura was disordered, as if he had a hidden ailment left by forcibly mobilizing his demonic power."

"Is that so..."

Hong Ling's eyelids twitched, and she suddenly remembered that Qian Yiru should have just fallen into the demonic path, and the time it took for the spiritual power in his body to be transformed was not long.

It should have been a time to stabilize his cultivation, but instead he was busy running around at the border.

"Moreover, the more often he took action, the stronger the reaction from the Zhao family seemed to become."

Yunlong Demon Lord continued, a deep worry welling up in his eyes.

Qian Yiru possesses the cultivation level of the late Golden Core stage and has mastered the top immortal techniques of the Yu family. He is already a first-class expert in the Golden Core stage. If he has enough resources to support him, he may even be able to rival the most outstanding talents in the future.

But you should know that the opponent is the entire Zhao Family Immortal Sect.

The Zhao family is also a family of immortals for half a lifetime, and like the Yu family, they also have a mountain god guarding their clan.

Admittedly, the Zhao family couldn't possibly focus all their attention on the barren border region of Liang, but as the Yu family's old rivals, they would never tolerate their immortal descendants being suppressed by the Azure Phoenix Sword Technique.

"I'm afraid that if this continues, it will attract the Zhao family's prodigy." Yunlong slowly stood up.

"What should we do then?"

Hongling couldn't help but complain, "That's not what you said back then."

The reason she chose to leave Da Shun and come to Longji Zhang to seize the pass was because she received the Demon King's order.

In her mind, this was a trial in which the Demon King Su Xin planned to select and train capable subordinates.

Once they successfully seize the pass, they will at most guard it for a period of time to demonstrate that they are indeed capable of taking charge of this place. Then the Demon King will appear and take over this Dragon Spine Ridge.

And so they naturally became the confidantes of the Demon King Suxin.

But now it seems that this is not the case.

"Surely Lady Suxin doesn't really expect us few rotten onions to withstand the siege of three half-life immortals at the same time. What's the difference between that and an ant trying to shake a tree?"

Even with Zhao Zhiyue included, their struggle to seize the pass was extremely difficult.

Fortunately, Lin Shu stepped forward unexpectedly, which prevented most of the losses from being incurred.

The later addition of Qian Yiru was also an unexpected variable.

If we disregard all these things, Dragon Ridge wouldn't be as relaxed as it is now. What exactly is Lady Suxin thinking? Does she still intend to use this stronghold to counterattack the Nine Prefectures and avenge her father?

"..."

Yunlong's expression was somewhat complicated.

He had recently guessed something, but he didn't know how to tell the young girl in front of him.

Perhaps Lady Suxin never intended to seek revenge.

Dragon Ridge is not a stronghold at all. Perhaps it is just that the Demon King Suxin is taking advantage of the ambitions of the demons of Da Shun to temporarily open up an escape route for the demons of Yongzhou.

If that's really the case, then Hong Ling must be devastated.

It's important to know that she didn't just do it herself; she also excitedly called over her closest friends and in-laws.

"Forget it, let's not think about these things for now. Even the Demon King isn't a god; unexpected things can happen."

Hong Ling waved her hand and laughed, "Isn't there a problem on the Immortal Sect's side as well? I heard from the people who went to inquire a few days ago that the Qi and Yu families sent their sect leaders a long time ago, but they haven't come yet because they forced out the great demon who had been hiding in Yongzhou for a long time."

"It seems to be called the Little Demon King... That's hilarious."

She grinned from ear to ear: "They wanted to catch us little shrimps, but they ended up frying up a big fish instead. They deserved to die a few more times."

Because they wanted to find Lin Shu, they continued to send people into Yongzhou to gather information, no matter how difficult the border was.

Although it was slow and extremely dangerous, it was still better than being completely in the dark.

As she spoke, Hongling actually comforted Yunlong instead: "In that case, there's no need to worry. We only need to deal with the Zhao family now, so the pressure is much less than before."

"Moreover, on the bright side, maybe that little demon king has surpassed the prodigy of Yongzhou and can come and help us. At worst, we can abolish the three chief administrators and let him manage it all by himself."

"Alright." Yunlong smiled with a slightly complicated expression and stepped out of the cave.

"Where are you going?" Hongling asked curiously.

"You've finished your meditation. Go and bring Yiru back," Yunlong explained simply.

"What a joke, you're not qualified to take his place."

Hongling rolled her eyes and said sarcastically without any mercy, "Even the two of us combined aren't qualified. Let's go together."

But before the two could even leave the cave...

Thunder Sound Demon Lord rushed in and said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid it's too late to get it back. I just received news that Zhao Hexi, along with the younger members of his clan and his disciples, has set up a ritual platform outside the border for seven days."

"The abbot? He's doing this again, damn it!"

Hong Ling grew up in the Great Shun Dynasty and knew the Zhao family's ways all too well.

This group of golden-striped black tigers, along with their disciples, all liked to use this seemingly fair method, boasting that they could dominate their peers with the power of a king.

In reality, from the oldest to the youngest, none of them truly follow the rules.

"Let's go take a look."

Whenever Qian Yiru is away, Hong Ling acts like a big sister.

She rushed straight out of the cave.

A moment later, she suddenly froze, then belatedly turned around and asked, "Who? Zhao Hexi?"

"..."

Yunlong stood with his hands at his sides, glancing at Leiyin beside him.

Unlike the two of them, the other party had never been to Da Shun, so they had no concrete understanding of the name.

Let's just say that.

This person's status in the Zhao family should not be lower than that of the Jingzhe Immortal in the Yu family.

That was a being that commanded respect throughout the nine provinces and suppressed all demons.

Take Qian Yiru, the strongest fighter in Yongzhou Pass, as an example. Before he became a demon, this recognized sword immortal would not only be able to fight against Yu Jingzhe, but he would also have to respectfully call Xue Chan, that person's disciple, "senior sister".

There's a huge difference in quality between them.

But after only a moment of hesitation, Yunlong still stepped out of the cave.

No matter how terrifying the opponent is, we can't let Qian Yiru, the strongman who came to help, face them alone.

"Hey! Wait for me!"

"I'm not afraid of her at all. At worst, I'll just give her my skull to use as a toilet."

Hongling snapped out of her daze and quickly transformed into a rainbow to follow.

……

The beacon towers stand in a continuous line.

Since the three leaders took over the border, they have built many camps behind the beacon towers, taking turns guarding the area outside the pass day and night.

If any unexpected situation arises, it will be convenient to gather the most manpower and rush there immediately.

In the past, let alone immortal descendants, even cultivator disciples would not have been able to endure such hardship.

But for the demons, the environment here is much better than that of deep mountains and forests; it's nothing at all.

Moreover, in the eyes of the Celestials, Dragonspine Ridge was merely a trial ground for earning resources.

But to the demons, this was their hard-won homeland, and behind them were their relatives and friends.

What's so hard about guarding your own home?

Inside the large tent closest to Stone Lake City.

Qian Yiru was sitting cross-legged on a futon, trying his best to regulate his breathing.

The tent was spacious and housed a large number of people.

Among them are many familiar faces, such as Xie Yutang and Baldy, who are mainly responsible for following Qian Yiru to handle some miscellaneous tasks and carrying the banner of Devouring the Moon together.

There were also demon generals like Qingming and Jinxiong who came to help.

Of course, there were also quite a few unfamiliar faces, four or five in total. These were all demon lords from the Great Shun Dynasty who had come after hearing the news.

Others were one thing, but the figure closest to Qian Yiru was none other than the Crimson Fighting Demon Lord, whose left hand had been severed by Qian Yiru's sword earlier.

If an injury is caused by a Golden Core cultivator's technique, it is usually not easy to heal.

Moreover, it's the Yu family sword technique, known for its brutality and killing.

He was able to recover his left hand thanks to Qian Yiru's mercy.

Then, after the other party saved the demons on several occasions, this complex gratitude quickly turned into deep respect.

The Great Shun Dynasty was quite chaotic.

Therefore, they are more likely to accept the principle that the strong are respected.

"..."

A robust, middle-aged man dressed in a pale yellow cloak stood at the tent entrance, gazing into the distance beyond the pass.

Right outside the beacon tower, on the desolate land, stood a vast white jade altar.

Behind the altar, there were several luxurious temporary palaces.

Each palace represents a renowned and powerful member of the Zhao family.

The most magnificent of them all belonged to the Zhao family's prodigy, Immortal Hexi.

Seeing the three long streaks of light rapidly approaching, they swept directly into the tent.

The middle-aged man, wearing a pale yellow cloak, lowered the curtain.

"It's been displayed for seven days now, why haven't they sent us a single message?"

Hong Ling appeared hastily, and before anyone could answer, she realized what was happening herself, scratching her head awkwardly: "That seems to be true."

If even Qian Yiru can't solve this problem.

Telling yourself and the others doesn't seem to do much good.

"She's toying with you."

The middle-aged man turned around and looked at Qian Yiru on the prayer mat.

The fact that he could speak to this Yu family sword immortal in such a tone could only mean that he was also an existence of the same level.

This person is the Golden Hall Demon Lord, who has only recently arrived at Dragon Ridge, and is the senior who made Hong Ling feel that her position was burning hot.

"I know."

Qian Yiru did not open his eyes, because that would waste his already extremely short time for meditation.

He remained expressionless and gave a calm response.

With the strength of that Zhao family prodigy on the other side, killing a sect leader disciple wouldn't be a difficult task.

However, this would seem like bullying the weak and would not achieve the goal of saving face.

Therefore, Zhao Hexi chose to set up the execution platform.

With her watching over him, even if Qian Yiru wins, he won't be able to truly harm the Zhao family.

Opposite the altar, every palace housed someone who could rival Qian Yiru.

However, in this tent, he was the only one qualified to step onto the altar.

With this kind of grueling, attrition-based approach, the Zhao family should soon be able to regain what they call "face."

"Since you know that, then come back to Da Shun with me."

The Demon Lord of Jintang didn't beat around the bush, and said succinctly, "I haven't been here long, but I've been observing carefully. As it stands, Dragon Ridge is far from having the strength to occupy a whole area."

"You are a promising talent with the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage; you shouldn't be wasted in a place like this."

"..."

This powerful demon actually dared to openly undermine Dragon Spine Ridge right in front of the two leaders.

Hongling instinctively wanted to get angry.

But after taking a step, he felt like a wilted eggplant.

It wasn't out of fear of the Golden Hall Demon Lord's strength.

Instead, she suddenly realized that she and the others seemed to be holding Qian Yiru's morality and integrity hostage.

"Don't get me wrong, I don't just want to take him away."

The Demon Lord of the Golden Hall calmly looked at the two so-called "masters": "I would also like to advise you two to make a clean break when necessary. It's time to leave."

Zhao Hexi still harbors a desire to play games and doesn't take this matter too seriously at all.

That's why the demons of Dragon Ridge had the chance to scatter and escape.

If this drags on any longer, until Qian Yiru is tortured to death, then it will be completely over.

"call……"

Yunlong let out a long breath, unsure of what to say.

The Demon King Su Xin's plan might temporarily deceive himself and Hong Ling, but it could not possibly fool these truly veteran demons.

Just as silence fell over the room.

Qian Yiru spoke again: "I am under orders to guard this place and have not received any news of evacuation."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room turned to look.

Even Xie Yutang clenched her sleeves tightly.

The most powerless thing in the world is being willing to risk your life to uphold something.

However, he discovered that his life was worthless.

They weren't even qualified to offer the slightest help.

"Whose orders are you acting on?" the Golden Hall Demon Lord asked, feigning ignorance.

"Lord Moon Eater."

"Where is he?" Jin Tang sneered.

From Su Xin to this Shi Yue, they really are cut from the same mold.

Faced with this question, those closest to Lin Shu were unable to offer any response.

Because they genuinely did not know the whereabouts of the Moon-Devouring Demon Lord.

"Lord Devouring Moon has his own things to do, which are not my business, so I just need to do my own job."

Qian Yiru slowly stood up, carrying an ordinary magic sword.

Under normal circumstances, he doesn't need to rely on magic weapons.

If faced with a formidable enemy, then the strongest immortal sword will surely be unleashed.

There's no way this limbo-in-the-moment situation could ever occur.

However, his magic sword had already been broken on the altar yesterday, so he was forced to borrow one from Xie Yutang.

Based on this minute detail, the Golden Hall Demon Lord could tell that his condition was like a candle flickering in the wind, and that he lacked the confidence to maintain his undefeated record on the execution platform today.

"..."

The Demon Lord of the Golden Hall watched in silence as the young man walked out of the tent.

A few breaths later, he casually raised his arm to block the other's path. Under the puzzled look in his eyes, he said in a deep voice without expression, "I'll fight for you. Win or lose, I'll go back to Da Shun after the fight."

Thank you.

Qian Yiru smiled, looked away, and continued walking forward: "But there's no need."

During these seven days of relentless combat, his swordsmanship had been honed to its limit.

At the very least, we can still win one more game.

The next moment, a dazzling sword rainbow streaked across the sky and fell straight into the vast white jade altar.

The man has an upright back and broad shoulders.

The scabbard fell off, and the sword, which was only a mid-grade magic weapon, burst forth with an insurmountable sword light.

Qian Yiru intends to repay Lin Shu's previous trust with these eight battles.

After that, he was truly powerless.

"hiss!"

The demons quickly transformed into rainbows and followed.

With the surge of sword light.

In several palaces, figures sitting cross-legged were simultaneously suspended.

They stared indifferently at the figure on the execution platform, their eyes filled with cold mockery, as if they were looking at a mindless beast driven to the brink of despair.

These figures appeared so noble in the presence of the demons.

At the very top, there was a young woman dressed in a black and white Taoist robe, her hair tied up with a jade hairpin. She had no aura fluctuations, yet she naturally attracted everyone's attention.

She looked down at the altar, her voice as still as a deep well.

They were like high-ranking gods, on a completely different level from everyone else.

"They're really interested in you today."

As if to verify her words, the figures on the palace gradually showed excitement on their faces.

For the Zhao family, Shihu City in Longjizhang is a very special place.

From the very beginning, rumors circulated that this place was difficult to conquer, but even after they took action, they still failed to take it down.

Thus, first, Lin Shu, the chief trial disciple, became famous, and then Qian Yiru, the traitor of the Yu family, enjoyed unparalleled glory.

The two, one small and one large, both became famous throughout Da Shun.

Being able to slay such a monster would definitely be an extremely impressive achievement in one's resume.

"I am torn between these two choices."

"Or... I'll give you a chance, you can choose one yourself?"

A cool smile appeared on Zhao Hexi's lips.

Everyone could hear the mockery in her voice.

In this woman's eyes, Qian Yiru, who was fighting so hard, was nothing more than an object that she could manipulate at will.

No matter how much the other party insisted, she would not give this beast the slightest respect.

"..."

Upon seeing this, even the Golden Hall Demon Lord's eyes flashed with fury.

Hongling looked around at the lofty figures.

She never expected that such a big thing would happen outside Shihu City while she was guarding other places.

Qian Yiru was fighting alone under such immense pressure.

Even now, she had a thought that Jin Tang was right, and that the former head of the Yu family should really leave.

But now, it's clearly too late.

The newly occupied Dragon Ridge, without the presence of the Demon King Su Xin, could hardly provide Qian Yiru with support comparable to that of the Half-Life Immortal Sect.

This is not the other party's backer; on the contrary, he is the one who supports Longjizhang.

"Why should we listen to her? What's the point of fighting on the platform? Let's just fight them head-on. It's not a loss to lose one of them!" Hong Ling roared and soared into the air.

But as soon as her feet left the ground, the Demon Lord of the Golden Hall pressed her back down.

"How to fight is up to her now."

"If she's willing, you can't replace any of them."

Jin Tang's words, though harsh, were true.

Since there was no one on Dragon Ridge who could match Zhao Hexi, they could only endure it and try to figure out how to escape.

If Qian Yiru wins today, he will gain a lot more time.

"Heh."

Xie Yutang stood there, watching Qian Shixiong's solitary figure.

She always believed that Lord Lin would definitely return one day.

But even with Senior Brother Qian's desperate help, it seems that we ourselves don't have the ability to hold out until then.

Her thoughts drifted, and a slight sense of disorientation appeared in her pupils.

Whether it was a misperception or not, Xie Yutang's vision suddenly turned dark red, as if a sea of ​​blood was surging and swallowing up the world.

Is it...is it a cloud?

She looked up blankly.

The others also noticed the change and all looked up at the same time.

"..."

Qian Yiru stood alone on the altar, facing seven or eight other cultivators of the same realm who were eyeing him menacingly, as well as the Zhao family prodigy who was difficult to defeat.

It appeared so weak and vulnerable.

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, when suddenly he heard a whooshing sound beside his ear, and turned around in surprise.

The entire sky was transformed into a crimson sunset.

The thick clouds, seemingly weighing a ton, moved slowly and steadily, completely enveloping the sky.

Before those excited immortal descendants could even process what was happening, their skin suddenly tensed up.

This stems from their ingrained instincts and their fear of evil spirits.

The dense, almost suffocating demonic aura instantly awakened their instincts, causing the muscles in their bodies to tremble uncontrollably.

A horde of demons is approaching! And they're powerful demons!

The immortals, no longer as relaxed as before, all stood up and stared at the sky in horror.

Some people, lacking composure, couldn't help but shout out loud.

"The prodigy of the Zhao family, the Immortal He Xi, is here!"

"What kind of demon dares to be so insolent! State your name!"

"..."

The demons all paled, their faces filled with bewilderment.

Until the sea of ​​clouds rolled in, revealing figures standing calmly atop the clouds.

They stood in the eight directions of the sky, calmly looking down below.

Not only were their numbers nearly double those of the Zhao family's immortal descendants, but almost every one of them exuded the powerful aura of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

The woman had a cold and aloof expression, and her aura was a whole level higher than that of the others!

They appeared with such imposing momentum, their presence, like a sky full of demonic clouds, becoming Qian Yiru's backing.

Among them was one with demonic wings on his back, a distinctive feature that even the Zhao family could roughly guess. He was likely the Stone Winged Demon Lord, a former subordinate of Yuan Yuan, known for his terrifying reputation.

Normally, as long as the name of Immortal Hexi is mentioned, it will be fine.

The demons must have collapsed on their own without a fight, scattering in panic.

After all, for demons below the level of demon king, geniuses are an insurmountable mountain.

However, none of the demons in the sky showed the slightest surprise.

The Stone Wing Demon Lord couldn't help but sneer, and actually cast a rude glance at Zhao Hexi, as if he had no fear of a prodigy whatsoever.

This is extremely unusual!

"Whose subordinates are you?"

Zhao Hexi was somewhat uncomfortable with such a gaze, and her expression gradually turned cold.

As Shi Yi coldly uttered the words.

Only then did everyone notice that above the sea of ​​clouds hung a magnificent jade chariot.

Riding on a blue phoenix, the mountain god's precious chariot.

A handsome young man clad in ferocious demonic armor leaned lazily against the throne, his chin resting on one hand.

The shimmering beaded curtain made his eyes appear somewhat unreal and uncertain.

His indifferent gaze fell upon the palace on the ground, devoid of sorrow or joy, as if he were looking down upon lowly ants.

"Yongzhou, Little Demon King."

Shi Yi's cold voice echoed between heaven and earth, announcing the king's return.