Throughout the years, whenever great changes occurred in the Immortal Realm, the mortal world would experience strange phenomena.

People pushed open their windows, pointing at the unusual sky from streets and alleyways, speculating about what might have happened.

The storyteller who had been released by Yan Chaosheng squinted at the horizon, tapped his folding fan, and said, “I remember when the eldest son of the Bai family from the Kung Sang Immortal Generals died, snow fell in the mortal world for three days and three nights.”

“Master Hong, what about these nine heavenly thunderclaps?” someone asked.

The world was restless—sometimes immortal wars, sometimes demons roaming the lower realms. Mortals didn’t seek protection from immortals; they only wished to live peacefully.

The storyteller shook his robes, his eyes revealing a grave expression, and said, “A cataclysm across the Eight Wildernesses.”

The spring breeze had turned the earth green in one breath. Everything should have been reviving, yet today’s heavenly thunder filled everyone with dread.

Mortals couldn’t perceive what was happening. Looking at the transformed sky, their hearts trembled with fear. Meanwhile, all life in Kung Sang withered. The gates to the immortal realm had been destroyed, and the ground appeared as if it had been scorched.

In a single day, the Kung Sang Immortal Realm was invaded by Feng Fuming’s celestial army.

Ji Xianghan stood in the hall, looking at Chi Shui Chong and Lady Zi. With her status as an envoy, she urged Chi Shui Chong to surrender.

Though she was of a younger generation than Chi Shui Chong, she wasn’t much younger in years. Among the younger realm lords, she had been the first to take power and the first to submit to Feng Fuming.

Ji Xianghan knew no fewer secrets than any of them. Having lived long, she had been planning for today’s situation since Shao You’s mother fled.

Several thousand years ago, Ji Xianghan was just a young girl visiting Kun Lun when she accidentally overheard a secret.

Emperor Xiangchou once had two great generals: one was Night Demon Luo, and the other was Xi Chuan. Night Demon Luo was imprisoned, but Xi Chuan managed to escape with a fragment of his soul through his abilities.

Afterward, he wandered the world for years, changing countless faces and identities. He even seduced Shao You’s mother, Lan Ji, growing up as her “childhood sweetheart.” After Lan Ji married the Kun Lun Realm Lord, she believed Xi Chuan’s words that the spiritual vein eye sealed in Kun Lun’s forbidden ground was an evil thing, and gave it to him.

Later, Lan Ji learned that without the spiritual vein eye, the spiritual veins would begin to wither, allowing the Xiangchou royal clan to be reborn into the world. Xi Chuan had intended to deceive her, but had grown genuine feelings. In grief and anger, he went to the Ghost Domain, searching daily for Lan Ji’s remaining soul.

This incident became the Kun Lun Realm Lord’s heart demon, causing him to fail his tribulation. Ji Xianghan was also among the first to know that Yan Chaosheng would be born. Few in the Eight Wildernesses knew that the Xiangchou clan had left two failsafes: one was Yan Chaosheng, and the other was the spiritual vein eye. The spiritual vein eye was like a key that unlocked everything. Fate began to change from that moment. Shao You’s desperate search for his mother was also about finding the spiritual vein eye to stop the spiritual veins from withering.

At that time, Ji Xianghan lacked the power to prevent it. All she could do was lead her clan to safety, preparing for the coming disaster.

Back then, these powerful beings each had their ambitions. None would have believed Ji Xianghan. Now, all she could do was analyze the advantages and disadvantages for them.

Ji Xianghan said, “I’m not asking Uncle Chi Shui to endure humiliation to preserve his life. Rather, in the current situation, even if the three great immortal realms united, they would be no match for Feng Fuming. Feng Fuming possesses the skill and ruthlessness to absorb spiritual veins for cultivation, which none of us have. This destined that one day he would threaten the three great immortal realms.”

Her words shocked everyone.

Chi Shui Chong also frowned: “You mean his rapid progress is because he absorbs spiritual veins for cultivation?”

Isn’t this accelerating the decline of spiritual veins, disregarding the lives of his clansmen? Lady Zi asked, “Spiritual veins are fused with the foundations of the immortal realms, not spiritual energy. They cannot be transferred into an immortal body. How does Feng Fuming accomplish this?”

“When he was born, auspicious signs descended, and dragon roars were unceasing. After years of investigation, I discovered he has the power to convert spiritual energy.” At this point, Ji Xianghan had nothing to hide. She revealed what she had investigated for years—that the old Heaven Lord not only borrowed Feng Fuming’s spiritual power but also converted Feng Fuming’s lifespan. The room fell silent.

“Give him the spiritual vein,” Ji Xianghan said, losing her usual flippancy with a sigh. “Uncle Chi Shui, since childhood, I’ve heard of your benevolence. Surrendering the spiritual vein will at least temporarily save the lives of your Kung Sang clansmen. Ji Mo Shao You did fight back, but what was the result? The peach blossoms of Kun Lun may not bloom again for thousands of years, with blood soaking the entire immortal realm.”

Chi Shui Chong closed his eyes. In the past, he would never have respected someone like Ji Xianghan, who led her entire clan to submit to Feng Fuming. Now, anxiously recalling past events, he realized his Kung Sang had lost countless disciples, and even Feng Fuming’s forces had suffered heavy casualties. Only Ji Xianghan’s clan remained stable.

The day Liu Shuang led the immortal army to aid Shao You, Chi Shui Chong had already abandoned his ambitions born from the fifth spiritual vein.

Among the four realm lords of the past, Kung Sang’s Young Lord Chi Shui Chong had the most prestige and strongest spiritual power. Because the Kung Sang Young Lord was frail, Chi Shui Chong not only had to protect his daughter as a father but also hoped that one day Kung Sang could hold its head high among the four great immortal realms.

Day after day, at that time, Liu Shuang had not yet taken away the demon bone purification stone. Chi Shui Chong also used the purification stone to cleanse his distracting thoughts. Unexpectedly, his ambition gradually became a heart demon, nearly taking away his benevolence and leading to grave mistakes.

Now he finally repented, understanding Liu Shuang’s words from back then, and realizing that Ji Xianghan before him was acting out of good intentions.

If the Ji clan’s Young Lord had truly intended to watch from the sidelines, Feng Fuming, who now possessed four spiritual veins, could break in within moments. Chi Shui Chong looked at the old ministers of Kung Sang, his eyes showing grief.

Lady Zi understood his decision and consoled him: “Go ahead. We don’t blame you, Realm Lord.”

Chi Shui Chong patted his wife’s hand, feeling some warmth in his heart. Outside, wailing continued unabated. Chi Shui Chong hesitated before handing over the soil formed from the spiritual vein to Ji Xianghan.

“Young Lord, do you know what will happen if the five spiritual veins merge?” he asked.

Ji Xianghan held the last spiritual vein and smiled: “Uncle Chi Shui, excessive rigidity breaks easily. Without destruction, there can be no establishment. The Eight Wildernesses’ immortal clan is already declining. Why not take a gamble?”

Looking at the confidence and composure in her expression, the bold determination, Chi Shui Chong remained silent.

He, too, had once been brilliant and spirited. Now he had truly grown old, but these children had all grown up.

Dragon’s chant and tiger’s roar echoed across every inch of the Eight Wildernesses.

Shao You and Liu Shuang were still on their way when they saw flowers that had just budded wither in an instant.

Wo Jiang said, “The five spiritual veins have merged!”

Liu Shuang pressed her lips together. She feared something would happen to Kung Sang. Feng Fuming was cold-hearted and ruthless. In the past, she had only worried about Yan Chaosheng destroying Kung Sang. Never did she imagine that Kung Sang would be ruined by Feng Fuming.

“Don’t worry, Liu Shuang. Perhaps Uncle Chi Shui has come to understand.” What they and Ji Xianghan could figure out, Chi Shui Chong surely would not remain stubborn about.

Liu Shuang was deeply concerned.

The sight of Kung Sang’s scorched earth triggered her most feared memories from her previous life. Her whole body turned cold, and she wanted nothing more than to rush into Kung Sang to see if her father and mother were safe.

Wo Jiang held her back: “Don’t be rash, girl.”

Shao You also said: “The Kung Sang clansmen are all fine, look.”

They blended in with Feng Fuming’s celestial army. Today, Feng Fuming had brought his entire army. With the three of them at their current spiritual power, disguised as ordinary immortal soldiers, there was no worry about being discovered.

Liu Shuang looked up to see Chi Shui Chong leading Lady Zi and numerous Kung Sang immortals, all walking out to bow to the “Heaven Lord.”

On Feng Fuming’s forehead, demonic markings had somehow appeared. The five spiritual veins had finally converged into a spotlessly clean demon bone pearl without a trace of impurity.

“Hahaha—” Feng Fuming looked at the crystal-clear demon bone pearl in his hand and laughed loudly. “Everyone says the Eight Wildernesses should remain separate for lasting peace. I refuse to believe it. Now all five spiritual veins are in my hands. Who dares not bow and serve me? What Xiangchou royal clan? My Feng clan is the only royal clan in the world.”

All immortals looked up at him, their eyes showing fear. By now, who didn’t understand? What Heaven Lord, what generation of rulers—Feng Fuming had never cared for any of them. What he wanted to become was the Demon God who had long disappeared from the world!

The consequence of the five spiritual veins merging was the formation of a demon bone pearl!

No, it should be said that it was originally the power of the Demon God, protected by the Xiangchou royal clan, appearing in the form of spiritual veins. Until the Xiangchou royal clan was slaughtered and the ancient emperor died, the spiritual veins were scattered, and few people knew this secret anymore.

After tens of thousands of years, the immortal clan finally realized that the Xiangchou clan, which had been overthrown due to ambition and accused of countless crimes, was the guardian of the demon bone pearl.

The Xiangchou royal clan had protected the world’s peace, while the other immortal clans, for their selfish interests, had plotted to slaughter them completely! How foolish, how regrettable. However, now no one could stop Feng Fuming.

Mi Chu, who had gone through countless hardships to return to Feng Fuming’s side, saw this scene and cried out in dismay: “How… how could this be…”

She had set her heart on marrying the most noble man in the Eight Wildernesses, but the Feng Fuming before her was only one step away from becoming a demon.

She murmured, “Demon God, he wants to become the Demon God!”

Her dream was shattered inexplicably, and she even began to fear the man above the azure sky. A Demon God would be heartless and loveless—how could he love and protect her? He would only kill her!

At this moment, she finally understood her father’s painstaking efforts, understood Lou Xinzhu’s painstaking efforts.

Mi Chu was terrified and instinctively thought of the man her father had described as unfathomable. What was his name? Yan Chaosheng! Yes, her father had said that perhaps the demon race was the world’s last hope for returning to peace.

She finally regretted remembering that day when Yan Chaosheng had destroyed the illusion pearl in her body. She had gone to great lengths to deceive her father, going to report to Feng Fuming that Yan Chaosheng had survived, and that she could help him attack Kung Sang. Having grown up in Kung Sang, she was familiar with every corner of the immortal realm. Feng Fuming had smiled mysteriously but kept her around.

Just moments ago, Mi Chu had been jealous of Ji Xianghan, resenting her for taking the initiative to persuade Chi Shui Chong to surrender, appearing more useful than herself. Now Mi Chu only wanted to retreat, wishing she had never come, preferring to return to her father’s side and be locked up honestly for life.

The next moment, she was drawn into someone’s palm. Feng Fuming gripped her neck and smiled: “Where do you think you’re going, my Heavenly Consort?”

Mi Chu’s lips turned deathly pale. Ji Xianghan also looked at her, smiling faintly. Compared to herself, she had known long ago what would happen. She’s insane, Mi Chu thought, doesn’t this woman fear the “Demon God”?

Feng Fuming narrowed his eyes: “Fool, I despise betrayal the most.”

Mi Chu forced a smile: “No, Heaven… Heaven Lord misunderstands.”

“Wrong,” Feng Fuming said, displeased. “It’s Demon God.”

Mi Chu no longer had any value to Feng Fuming. He disliked betrayers and cowards. Mi Chu had betrayed Kung Sang to come to his side, escaping from Lou Xinzhu to follow him. Feng Fuming had only considered it an amusing show.

Now her retreating steps had displeased Feng Fuming. Just as he was about to kill Mi Chu, a figure’s long sword thrust toward him.

Seeing this, Liu Shuang frowned. Shao You held her back, shaking his head.

Feng Fuming smiled coldly: “You dare raise your hand against me?”

He tossed Mi Chu aside and sent a flash of light from his palm. The young man was struck from the sky, coughing up blood.

Only then did Mi Chu see it was Bai Yuxiao. Her whole body trembled, an immense sorrow instantly enveloping her. However, Bai Yuxiao did not look at her. The young immortal general, leaning on his sword, stood up by himself.

Bai Yuxiao saw clearly that Feng Fuming was indeed becoming a demon. He single-mindedly wanted to become the Demon God and had already lost all restraint.

Mi Chu was guilty, but Clan Leader Lou had guarded the spiritual vein for thousands of years. If this matter could pass… Mi Chu must be confined in the Wuwang Sea to atone for her sins until death. However, when Feng Fuming killed Mi Chu, who was equivalent to a realm lord’s adopted daughter, in front of everyone, what hope did the other people of Kung Sang have for survival?

Liu Shuang was absent, his brother was gone, and the realm lord was gradually aging. He, Bai Yuxiao, was the backbone of Kung Sang. If he cowered, could the people of Kung Sang truly survive under Feng Fuming?

“Yuxiao, stand down!” Clan Leader Bai hurriedly stepped forward, kneeling to plead for mercy: “My ignorant son, I beg Heaven… Demon God’s Majesty for forgiveness.”

Feng Fuming narrowed his eyes: “Ignorant? He has a rebellious nature, most suitable for nourishing the demon bone pearl.”

Clan Leader Bai’s whole body shook. He belatedly realized that Feng Fuming wasn’t truly intolerant of others’ offenses. He thought the spiritual veins had withered in recent years, causing some damage, making the demon bone pearl not powerful enough, so he would use the blood of the Kung Sang people to consecrate it!

Bai Yuxiao and Clan Leader Bai were no match for the current Feng Fuming. Seeing Feng Fuming raise his finger, they were about to have their souls scattered. Liu Shuang bit her lip until it bled, knowing she couldn’t reveal herself. If she did, the Heart of Huiling would not be protected, which would be a disaster for all living beings.

At that moment, a demon bird’s long cry sounded.

A silver halberd blocked Feng Fuming’s Xuanyuan sword. Liu Shuang watched as that person, wearing battle armor, stood in front of their Kung Sang immortal realm.

Feng Fuming narrowed his eyes and said: “You finally appear, vile creature.”

The man laughed coldly: “The vile creatures are you treacherous rebels of the Feng clan. I am the last of the Xiangchou clan, a royal of the Xiangchou dynasty, here to take your dog life!”

Liu Shuang, hidden among countless immortal soldiers, gazed at Yan Chaosheng from afar. His expression was arrogant; even facing Feng Fuming with the demon bone pearl, he remained insolent and domineering.

She remembered long, long ago when she was still a small immortal grass that hadn’t yet taken human form.

The flames of the great war between immortals and demons spread to Azure Blue. In the tempestuous wind and rain, all spirits were terrified. Yan Chaosheng, in his silver armor, raised his hand to protect them, smiling wildly and recklessly.

He protected them casually, as if in a good mood, sparing their lives. Yet she remembered that face for many years.

Back then, his robes danced in the wind, his long halberd cold and sharp. He didn’t even bother to glance back at them, these insects, nor did he linger beside her. Yet that was the beginning of her love for him.

Later, when he was injured and fell into Azure Blue again, she asked the Tree Grandfather: “Who is he?”

Tree Grandfather smiled and said, “He is the only one in this world who cultivates the ghost path with a demon body.”

“Is he a bad person?”

“He is a ruthless hero.”