Chapter 403 “Working”

　　A Dharma treasure that threatens the balance of the world?

　　In the depths of a valley filled with peach blossoms, Daoist Lu Ya repeatedly read the message on the jade token in his hand. His frown deepened as he stood up and paced back and forth.

　　At that moment, Lu Ya did not look like an old Daoist priest. Instead, he looked like a handsome, energetic young demon king. That was actually the second identity that Daoist Lu Ya often used when he was hiding. It was the Little Demon King of a demon neutral faction.

　　Today, he suddenly received a message from an expert of the demon race. He was not surprised that the Heavenly Courts had issued an order to pursue him.

　　It was no longer a secret that the Heavenly Courts wanted to use the demon race to establish their might. For some reason, the Jade Emperor of the Heavenly Courts had long known about Lu Ya’s background. Otherwise, he would not have to hide there and endure the immense mental torture every day. He would have to hang out with the demonesses and pretend to be promiscuous.

　　Such a decadent, boring, and unrestrained life was really… It was too painful! However, the Heavenly Courts had given him a reason to pursue Lu Ya. They had given him a Dharma treasure that threatened the balance of the world. That left Lu Ya a little confused.

　　Could his secret Dharma treasure, the Seven Arrows Book, affect the balance of the world?

　　Clearly not. Putting aside the many restrictions of the Seven Arrows Book, it would damage one’s merit and luck. In ancient times, this technique was used as a method to secretly punish the sinful demons in the Demon Court. The balance of the world was not affected…

　　Although his Immortal-Slaying Flying Saber was close to perfection recently, it was only a killing treasure. How could it affect the balance of the world? Moreover, the words ‘balance of the world’ were really unfathomable. Now, the human race was the protagonist of the world, and the Heavenly Courts was the nominal ruler of the Three Realms.

　　The Heaven and Earth were not opposed to each other. What kind of balance was there? The words ‘balance of the world’ often appeared during the ancient Great Magi-Demon War, when the two races were in a ceasefire… “Could it be that he’s tricking me to appear?” Lu Ya frowned slightly. Two golden rays flashed across his eyes, but his expression was gloomy.

　　At that moment, a bronze mirror in the corner vibrated.

　　Lu Ya looked at the two peach blossom demons kneeling on both sides of the screen and waved his hand impatiently. The two maidservants stood up and left. Their graceful figures carried away a faint fragrance…

　　Soon, Lu Ya activated the array formations in the warm pavilion. Lu Ya walked to the bronze mirror and put a wisp of immortal light into the mirror. An old Daoist priest slowly appeared…

　　The old Daoist priest was dressed in a gray robe. He had deer ears and antlers. When he saw Lu Ya, he bowed and said with a gentle voice from the bronze mirror, “Your Highness, more than ten old marshals have come to ask me. I really don’t know how to respond. If Your Highness… really has a Dharma treasure that can deal with the Heavenly Courts…

　　Why don’t we be honest with the Demon Kings who have always supported you? That way, they won’t be disappointed. Lu Ya frowned and said, “If I have such a treasure, how can you not know?” The old Daoist priest frowned and pondered. He said, “Your Highness, if that’s the case, I’m afraid things will be troublesome. The Heavenly Courts is now ruled by General Dongmu and the Heavenly Courts’ Water God. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother are experiencing the tribulation in the mortal world…

　　Hiss! Could it be that the Heavenly Courts’ Water God has used a scheme to force Master to appear? We can’t be careless about this.”

　　General Dongmu felt offended. “Hmph! It’s obvious! The water god killed my clansmen and bullied my demons. Now, he has such thoughts and schemes!”

　　Lu Ya gritted his teeth and cursed. With a wave of his sleeve, he transformed into an old Daoist priest, which was an appearance that he usually used. The old deer demon in the bronze mirror hurriedly said, “Your Highness, please bear with it for now. Don’t fall for the Water God’s trick! We should wait and see what he’s up to!”

　　“Wait and see? Can we still wait and see?”

　　Lu Zhou suppressed his anger and replied helplessly, “If I can’t escape, the morale of my race will definitely decline.

　　If I take the initiative to appear, the Heavenly Courts will find a reason to officially start a war with us. The Water God has already carried me to the fire! He even announced my background to the public through this matter, making it impossible for me to continue hiding in the dark and plotting in the future. This declaration seems to be to strengthen the prestige of my race, but it is actually a scheme to kill me! Duke Lu, please explain the truth to the seniors and the legendary figures of my race. I have to do something to resolve this calamity!”

　　“Your Highness… you’re wise!”

　　General Lu shouted and suddenly felt a little sad. He raised his sleeve to wipe the corners of his eyes and sighed. “If the former Emperor could see how composed and scheming His Highness is now, he would definitely be extremely gratified. I’m ashamed to not be able to resolve the troubles for His Highness and have to face such a situation!”

　　“Don’t say anymore.”

　　Lu Ya suppressed his anger again and swallowed the admonishments that were about to come out of his mouth. He tried his best to maintain a pleasant expression. He gave the deer demon a few more words of encouragement before he erased the Dao runes on the bronze mirror.

　　“Hmph!”

　　Those old officials ran faster than anyone when the Demon Court was destroyed. Now that they’ve encountered trouble, they’re crying terribly!

　　He had never seen any schemes or decisions that could make his eyes light up! Back then, the demons had gathered all the living beings and were extremely powerful. During the late stages of the Great Magi-Demon War, they had an absolute advantage because of the internal injuries of the Ancestral Magi and the battle between fire and water!

　　However, it was those mediocre officials who occupied high positions but were of no help to the Demon Court that dragged down the operation of the entire Demon Court and allowed the human race to take advantage of them!

　　The most ironic thing was that the ones who survived the Great Magi-Demon War were those wily old foxes…

　　Lu Ya cursed in his heart and swept away the resentment.

　　He naturally knew that he had to rely on these old officials to give the Demon Court a chance to rise again… He carried the Immortal-Slaying Flying Saber and took out the cloth bag in his arms. After looking at it for a while, he carefully put it away.

　　Lu Ya took a deep breath and turned into a wisp of green smoke before disappearing into the peach blossom valley.

　　Finally, he could leave this painful place temporarily. Previously, he had been seriously injured by the Water God’s Spirit Explosion in the Demon Ascension Mountain and had been recuperating there. It was also thanks to a lotus seed taught by the Western Sect that he was able to replenish the lost Primordial Energy and help him break through to another realm…

　　Water God, don’t force me.

　　At the same time, on Golden Ao Island, Ao Yi, who had not returned to the island to cultivate for a long time, was currently in his Cave Abode on Golden Ao Island—the Treasure Pool.

　　Ao Yi transformed into a hundred-feet-long dragon and leisurely stretched his body in the pond water.

　　At the same time, he followed his Brother Sect Master’s instructions and observed the lively Immortal Gods’ gathering in the distance. He recorded the situation there and reported it to his Brother Sect Master later.

　　Today, it was rather lively on Golden Ao Island because a black-skinned leopard demon with a low cultivation level had arrived. The black leopard was about to reach the island when it was stopped by the immortals patrolling the island. It was almost slashed by a sword.

　　However, the moment the black leopard opened his mouth, he shouted out the Dao names of the dozens of Heaven Immortals and Golden Immortals on the island. He even excitedly reported the name ‘Yuan Ze’, which was used in his previous life.

　　The immortals on the island were shocked and quickly gathered. Since Jie School had developed until now, due to the illustrious reputation of the Grandmaster of Heaven, the four Immortal Vanquishing Swords were famous. Very few Qi Refinement cultivators who could enter Golden Ao Island and Penglai Island to cultivate would be killed by outsiders.

　　Even if most of them could not become Golden Immortals, they could die of old age and live a carefree life.

　　The old Daoist priest, Yuan Ze, was considered a rare accident in the era of the immortals from Jie School…

　　Back then, the old Daoist priest Yuan Ze’s mind was controlled by demons of unknown origins. He brought a large number of demons to attack the Immortal Du Sect of Ren School and attempted to destroy the Three Sects’ Meet.

　　In the end, he was killed on the spot by Perfected Dule, who kept his mouth shut. After that, Yuan Ze’s essence soul was sent to the Netherworld by the immortals of Jie School. Using the power of Jie School, he made use of his connections to lead a good life after he reincarnated…

　　Unfortunately, the old Daoist priest Yuan Ze had said before he reincarnated, “Don’t worry, what problems can there be if I walk from the Bridge of Helplessness to the Reincarnation Disc?” He had forcefully lost his good life. In the end, he had accidentally walked into the path of an animal and became a black leopard. There was nothing special about his cultivation.

　　Today, the black leopard went to Golden Ao Island to visit his old friends. Most of the immortals on the island were alarmed and rushed over to watch, cough, and express their concern. After observing for an hour, Ao Yi slowly retracted his dragon head that was beside the pool. His dragon body sank to the bottom of the pool.

　　Then, he used the statue to release his spiritual will and sent an invitation to Li Changshou’s main statue.

　　Soon, the man and the dragon met in the dream.

　　Ao Yi explained the lively situation on Golden Ao Island in detail. Li Changshou listened carefully and soon felt emotional…

　　The entire Jie School is indeed united! Although the immortals of Jie School had sealed the black leopard’s mouth with Dao techniques when it first arrived on the island, they had piled all kinds of treasures, pills, Spirit Stones, and Dharma spells into the black leopard’s arms…

　　The Qi Refinement cultivators who had a good relationship with the black leopard in the past even dragged the silent black leopard to various places for the banquet.

　　They watched his mouth get sealed and watched him receive benefits while crying.

　　“Brother Sect Master.” Ao Yi was puzzled. “Why are we staring at this black leopard?”

　　“Don’t underestimate him.” Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back and smiled. “This fellow is now a demon and is related to Jie School. He might become a powerful figure in the future. Continue to keep an eye on Golden Ao Island. Once he leaves the island, arrange for a dragon elder…”

　　Yada-yada. Li Changshou reminded him for a while. Ao Yi kept nodding

　　Soon, the dragon prince, who had recently advanced at lightning speed, left the dream and secretly sent a dragon expert to wait near Golden Ao Island. There would be a small show later.

　　Golden Ao Island was lively for a few hours. A white cloud came from the north. Han Zhi received the news and rushed over from the Three Immortals Island.

　　Han Zhi’s eyes turned red when she saw the black leopard spirit. She hurriedly called him master.

　　However, the black leopard immediately dodged and looked at Han Zhi. “I’m no longer the person who reincarnated. I don’t dare to respond. Seeing that you’re fine, I’m relieved. I’ll go back and cultivate.”

　　Han Zhi could not help but purse her lips and sigh softly. The immortals of the Jie School immediately asked the black leopard to stay and let him cultivate on the island before entering Jie School. However, the black leopard was concerned about his wife and felt that his cultivation level was too weak.

　　He did not have the cheek to stay on the island to cultivate. Hence, he stubbornly bade farewell and left. He firmly rejected the good intentions of the immortals to send him back to his Cave Abode.

　　Li Changshou had predicted the black leopard’s reaction. Han Zhi was extremely reluctant. She followed the black leopard out of Golden Ao Island and sent it dozens of kilometers away. She only stopped after the black leopard stopped her three times.

　　“Fellow… Fellow Daoist, if you encounter any difficulties, come to the island or the Three-Immortal Island to look for me…”

　　“Go back, go back! I have the help of a benefactor now. My cultivation is fine!”

　　The black leopard waved his hand and lowered his head to enter the seawater. He used a decent escape technique and headed north. The immortals of Jie School followed the black leopard for a while and watched him leave. Many immortals sighed.

　　However, to Golden Ao Island, that was just a small matter. When the black leopard escaped out of the range of Golden Ao Island, Ao Yi also left the treasure pool and flew towards the East Ocean Dragon Palace. He “coincidentally” met a dragon expert on the black leopard’s head. The dragon expert shouted, “Your Highness! Your Highness! I’ve finally welcomed you!

　　The Heavenly Courts have just sent an order to the Dragon Palace. They want you to immediately deploy troops to track Daoist Lu Ya’s whereabouts!”

　　The black leopard, who was hiding in the seawater, shivered and thought, ‘Daoist Lu Ya! Benefactor!?!’

　　“Really?” Ao Yi said calmly, “When I returned to Golden Ao Island to visit Master previously, I was thinking of reuniting with Sisi for two days. I didn’t expect something like that to happen again.

　　It was not easy for the Heavenly Courts… Who is this Lu Ya?”

　　“He is the Sun Golden Crow and the prince of the demon race. He is now regarded as the master of the revival of the demon race,” the dragon race expert replied in a clear voice. “Previously, the demon race wanted to use the souls of the Magi to refine the Man-Exterminating Sword for him.”

　　“Hmph! Thisn Lu Ya doesn’t know any better! I’ll return to the Heavenly Courts to lead the troops. Help me send a message back to the Crystal Palace…”

　　The conversation between the two dragons gradually drifted away. The black leopard in the seawater was shocked. It appeared on the surface of the sea and wanted to chase after them, but it did not dare to move.

　　Benefactor Lu Ya is in trouble!

　　“Ah, I hope that you will be able to survive this danger safely. It’s a blessing…”

　　Crack!

　　The black leopard raised his hand and slapped himself hard. He frowned and looked at his reflection in the seawater.

　　What… What should I do!?!

　　In the Netherworld, outside the eastern border of Fengdu City, a thin mosquito sound flew past with a cool breeze. Daoist Wen Jing, who was hiding in the dark, sized up the layers of restrictions in the place from afar.

　　She was just passing by. Today, she was going to the Blood Sea for a “business trip”. He heard that a few days ago, that man, Lord Water God, and seven other experts of the Dao Sect had helped the Lady of Earth survive a crisis. Daoist Wen Jing wanted to come and take a look..

　　. She thought that perhaps, she could smell that man. Unfortunately, she did not dare to step into Fengdu City. She could only take a look from afar. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, Daoist Wen Jing exclaimed softly.

　　She was attracted by the scene at the end of the impregnable pass…

　　What… is he doing? Doesn’t the Netherworld only reap souls? Why is there a coffin? At the end of the sky, there was a group of pure-blooded Magi with good combat power. They were beating gongs and drums, as if they were rehearsing some show. A rough stone coffin landed on the ground. The six burly Magi easily lifted it up and carried it on their shoulders.

　　The six Magi followed behind the two Battle Magi in front, swaying and walking forward. After walking for less than a hundred feet, Ox-head shouted for them to stop. “Be happy! Be happy! With that straight face of yours, it’s as if your family and friends have really died. It’s very difficult for me to bring you to work for Water God! Moo!”

　　“Everyone, follow the rhythm of the drums.” Horse-face hugged his arms and gently guided them. “We are sending coffins to the demons to anger them. Only then can we achieve the effect of fighting them…”

　　Hence, the Magi began another round of rehearsals. “Cheer up! Continue practicing! You have to be absolutely safe and not make any mistakes. In a few days, you can go in front of the two armies and cheer for Lord Water God!” Then, Ox-head suddenly chuckled. “Horse, do you think we should get Daoist Lu Ya’s memorial tablet on the stone coffin?”

　　Horse-face pondered for a while and rejected that idea. After all, wouldn’t they be letting the prince of the demon race take advantage of them if they offered incense to the memorial tablets?

　　In the distance, Daoist Wen Jing could not help but raise her hand to her forehead.

　　This…

　　For some reason, he felt a little ashamed to serve the Water God with them…

　　Shaking her head, Daoist Wen Jing turned around and left hurriedly. The mosquito sounded again. She went to a secret place deep in the sea of blood and found a broken wall. Daoist Wen Jing transformed into her usual enchanting figure. She was dressed in a blood-colored dress and walked towards the ruins of the palace with a few chuckles. Her steps were light, and her smile was charming. She was beautiful, but the ferocious aura she emitted made many living beings in the hall tremble.

　　She walked straight to a stone pillar. Daoist Wen Jing leaned against the stone pillar and stood lazily. She let out two alluring chuckles.

　　“Why? I didn’t expect that the person sent to help you would be me” A voice sounded from the corner of the hall. “Wen Jing, you are also a living being of the Blood Sea. Back then, you received guidance from the Patriarch. I hope you will remember this favor.”

　　“Heh.” Daoist Wen Jing squinted and chuckled. She said gently, “I will not forget this kindness. After all, you killed 90% of my children back then.”

　　The sound of chains being pulled could be heard from the corner of the hall. A wave of aura surged and locked onto Daoist Wen Jing. Daoist Wen Jing was oblivious to it. She stared at her slender fingers and said calmly, “Things are different now. The Patriarch is dead. I now have a backer. Do you really think that I did not kill you because I was afraid of your extraordinary powers? Forget it. I have nothing to say to you. Where is the Demoness that you chose?”

　　A tired old voice sounded from the corner.

　　“I hope that the Spirit Mountain will keep its promise and return the Primordial Slaughter Sword to my race. It will be controlled by the princess of my race.” As soon as she finished speaking, a graceful figure emerged from the corner. She was dressed in a silver cloak and emitted a faint auspicious aura. She did not seem to fit in with the atmosphere.

　　Wen Jing chuckled and mocked, “You guys are really willing to put in a lot of effort. You actually gave away the line of succession of your ancestor.” The young girl in the cloak took off her cloak and hat, revealing a beautiful face and long silver-white hair…

　　She lowered her head and bowed to Wen Jing. She said softly, “Greetings, Senior.”