Liu Shuang’s cave dwelling outside the Ghost Realm was called the Flower-Viewing Lodge. Bai Yuxiao had taken time from his busy schedule to visit her and Bai Zhuixu, but after just one day, he was in a hurry to return to Kung Sang.

“What they’re saying outside is true—Feng Fuming is about to go to war with Ji Shao You,” he said in a lowered voice, serious. “If Ji Shao You wins, all will be well. If he loses, I fear Kung Sang will follow the same fate. The Realm Lord has been in a terrible mood lately.”

“In the past, when Kung Sang had no spirit veins, Father could maintain a peaceful mindset. Now that the spirit vein issue is resolved, everyone only sees the power before their eyes.”

Bai Yuxiao laughed sarcastically: “Indeed. I must go back now. Take care of yourself.”

“Wait,” Liu Shuang said. “I’ll gather a few things from my dwelling and return to Kung Sang with you.”

Bai Yuxiao was extremely surprised. Since Yan Chaosheng died in Kung Sang and Liu Shuang had released many demons, she had never returned to Kung Sang, spending her time rescuing little demons. Why had she suddenly changed her mind and decided to return with him?

“As Feng Fuming’s power grows, others in the world have fewer places to exist. Now it’s the demons, but before long, the immortal clans will meet the same fate. Those who obey him prosper; those who defy him perish. His subordinate immortals can massacre others at will. If this continues, how is it different from rule by evil? Father still refuses to give up his dream of becoming the Heavenly Lord. It’s time to wake up from this dream.”

After speaking, she turned and entered the house to pack her things.

Bai Yuxiao stood outside, feeling that she had grown considerably over these years, not just in cultivation but in wisdom as well.

Soon, Liu Shuang emerged: “Let’s go.”

Bai Yuxiao said, “Is that all you’re bringing?”

A huge black sword, looking heavy, completely mismatched with the delicate young woman. Besides this, she cradled a lamp, protecting it as carefully as her life essence. The lamp was lit.

Bai Yuxiao hadn’t wasted these years either. With his brother gone, the future of the entire clan rested on his shoulders. He glanced at the lamp, his expression changing slightly: “An ancient Soul-Anchoring Lamp? How did you even get such a thing?”

Liu Shuang hadn’t expected him to recognize it, and vaguely replied: “It’s not a Soul-Anchoring Lamp. You’re mistaken.”

Bai Yuxiao nearly laughed in anger, reaching out to grab it: “Can you even control this Soul-Anchoring Lamp? Throw it away quickly and extinguish the soul fire inside!”

Liu Shuang helplessly dodged his hand: “Hey, do you still want to go back or not?”

Bai Yuxiao stared at her with widened eyes: “Is this something you should be handling? Listen to me—extinguish it. You can’t possibly be lighting the way for someone who can’t return. It will burn your heart’s blood. How much heart’s blood do you have to burn?”

Liu Shuang continued protecting the lamp, smiling gently at him: “It’s fine. I know what I’m doing. Second Young Master, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you so agitated. Seeing it now brings back memories. Don’t worry, I’ve only lit this Soul-Anchoring Lamp for three years. This is the third year. If I still can’t turn the tide, I… I will extinguish it myself.”

“Hmph, you’d better keep your word.”

On their journey back, Bai Yuxiao maintained a sour expression because of the Soul-Anchoring Lamp. When Liu Shuang tried to poke him, he brushed her hand away, thoroughly upset.

Liu Shuang naturally understood why he was angry. She lowered her gaze to the carefully protected lamp in her arms.

She had gone through tremendous difficulty to find this lamp three years ago, lighting it for Yan Chaosheng. Its origins were no less significant than those divine artifacts, yet it was far more dangerous to handle.

Legend had it that after the Phoenix Goddess died in her mortal body, the demon god Tantai Jin obtained the lamp, intending to use it to resurrect the goddess. Later, when the phoenix underwent nirvana, it was no longer needed and gathered dust at the ancient Xiaoyao Sect.

The Soul-Anchoring Lamp was originally a treasure for searching souls and resurrection, but it had been stained with the demon god’s heart blood. When others used it, the hardship and pain involved were beyond description.

On the day she lit the lamp for Yan Chaosheng, she had only one thought: that bright-eyed youth had done nothing wrong, and even while dying, he protected the wedding garment, saying he would marry her in spring. Carrying her hatred for the Demon Lord, she had never treated this young man well. Later, when he died, the scene of him reluctantly clutching at her hem entered her dreams, disturbing her peace.

Liu Shuang thought she should do something for him. Not because of the Demon Lord who had wronged her, but for the young man Yan Chaosheng. She lit this lamp, knowing that as long as she nourished it with her heart’s blood or spirit marking power, no matter where in the Eight Wildernesses he might be, if he still had any trace of existence, there was a faint chance of resurrection.

But three years had passed, and he hadn’t returned. Her cultivation and nearly exhausted spirit marking power could no longer sustain this lamp. By the end of the month, it would extinguish itself. Liu Shuang couldn’t linger here forever—more important matters awaited her, for her people and his.

Her fair fingers caressed the lamp, her gaze serene.

I can’t wait for you any longer, she thought. I’m sorry, Yan Chaosheng.

The one thing she had tried to do for the young man, she had failed even after his death.

When Cong Xia found Yun Ling and Yun Yang, they were being harassed by ghosts.

She walked over and pursed her lips: “More work to do.”

After driving away the ghosts troubling the children, she muttered: “Since I brought these people back, the credit is mine.”

Leading the two children, she pointed to the palace in the Ghost Realm and said: “You’ll live here from now on. Cultivate well, so that when you grow into powerful demons, you can kill that bastard Feng Fuming.”

The two boys stared at her in astonishment.

She smiled: “Let me introduce myself. I am Cong Xia, Left Guardian under the former Mountain Lord.” Of course, this impressive title was something she had made up to make the newcomer demons obey. Yan Chaosheng’s name was more useful than her own, even after his death.

After all, Yan Chaosheng had been the only existence in tens of thousands of years who could defeat the Heavenly Lord.

“Lady Cong Xia,” the older one excitedly spoke up, “I remember you. So you’re still alive.”

Cong Xia was somewhat surprised, but soon understood the circumstances. Well, it turned out they were children of former commanders from the demon palace. She couldn’t help but sigh at life’s vicissitudes.

“Lady Cong Xia,” the smaller boy asked, biting his finger innocently, “was that kind sister who saved me and my brother sent by you?”

Cong Xia certainly knew who they were talking about. Without the slightest guilt, she claimed the credit: “Yes, indeed.”

This was all deserved, Cong Xia thought. Her lord had died at that woman’s hands, and all this was that woman’s atonement. Demons shouldn’t be grateful to Liu Shuang; they should be grateful to her instead. For three years, she had managed these demons with perfect order.

She absolutely refused to acknowledge how dangerous and difficult it was to rescue these little demons outside, nor would she admit how stable life in the Ghost Realm had become.

Anyway, now all the demons cursed that beautiful, trouble-making immortal woman when mentioned, while expressing nothing but gratitude toward herself.

What a pity that the Mountain Lord was gone. Otherwise, how impressive she would be now—no one would dare compete with her for the position of the Mountain Lord’s wife.

As they walked inside, the Ghost Realm palace appeared very tidy, not much different from the one on Demon Mountain. Both demon children were excited.

Especially the youth, who silently gritted his teeth with tears in his eyes.

Finding a home after long displacement was something he couldn’t even dream of.

Cong Xia, when first led here by Liu Shuang, had also been shocked to discover that this immortal woman had already prepared a refuge for the other demons while trapping and killing Yan Chaosheng.

Back then, Liu Shuang, wearing a cloak, had brought them here. For three years, she never appeared, only periodically sending demons to the Ghost Realm’s gate, instructing Cong Xia to receive them.

This benevolence of providing sanctuary naturally fell to Cong Xia since Liu Shuang remained hidden. Liu Shuang seemed to know this but didn’t mind, as long as the demons lived safely without error. Knowing Liu Shuang wouldn’t quibble over this, Cong Xia became even bolder.

She took all the credit, becoming the most revered figure among the demons, almost a goddess in many hearts.

This flattery made her complacent and self-satisfied, neglecting to guard the safety outside the ghost gate.

Unexpectedly, on this day, shortly after Liu Shuang left, a demon reported with a pale face: “Terrible news! Immortal aura has been detected inside the Ghost Realm. Feng Fuming will likely discover our hiding place soon!”

Cong Xia stood up in shock. What!

She couldn’t help but blame Liu Shuang for not securing the ghost gate properly, allowing immortals to discover this place. But there was no time for recriminations. With a pale face, she said, “Pre-prepare for battle. Can we still catch that immortal soldier?”

With Yan Chaosheng and the former great demons gone, if Feng Fuming broke in, they would all die together. Even Su Lun had been lost in that battle.

The little demon shook his head in terror: “By the time I discovered the aura, it had already faded.”

Cong Xia was at a loss but had to put on a brave face: “Chase them! Send a few people to pursue. No, I’ll go myself.”

If they couldn’t catch up, they’d have to flee early and find a new hiding place!

She immediately led several powerful demons in pursuit. With lives at stake, everyone exerted their full power and caught up.

But the immortal soldiers were a large group, with several commanders among them. What could they do? Kill them all? It wasn’t clear who would eliminate whom.

Cong Xia was extremely troubled, gritting her teeth, considering several times to simply flee. At worst, they would have to go into exile again. At least they would still be alive. If these people returned to report to Feng Fuming, it might be too late to escape then.

However, before she could retreat, a violent wind suddenly arose before her eyes.

The demons beside her stared with wide eyes at the change ahead. Cong Xia also focused her gaze.

After the wind passed, all the immortal soldiers lay on the ground, heads separated from bodies, killed in an extremely cruel manner. They hadn’t even had time to resist. Their eyes remained open as blood covered the ground.

Where the black energy passed, trees instantly withered as if corroded. Birds fled in alarm, creating a series of mournful sounds.

An unprecedented aura of authority swept over, making people involuntarily want to kneel and submit.

Cong Xia’s mind went blank. When she came to her senses, she and her subordinates had already been frightened into prostration by this presence.

Something… something more terrifying than Feng Fuming had emerged.

With chattering teeth, she summoned all her courage to secretly raise her eyes. She saw a tall figure emerge as the black mist dispersed.

The blood-stained, windblown sand had not yet settled, lifting his garments. His gaze was cold and ruthless as he looked down at them, stepping on a ground of remains.

Silver scales appeared faintly at the corners of his eyes, like several beautiful jade stones, making him appear wildly evil. His feet didn’t touch the ground, as if ethereal, carrying a death aura even heavier than the Ghost Realm’s.

Cong Xia recognized this face, her mind going blank.

“Moun-moun-moun…”

After stammering for a while, she couldn’t utter the rest of the word. The man coldly examined her, then lowered his gaze to look at the immortal soldier corpses on the ground. With a wave of his hand, the bodies dissipated completely.

His arrogant, cold demeanor didn’t arouse the slightest dissatisfaction, as if it were naturally meant to be so.

He raised the corner of his mouth, his voice cold: “You don’t even recognize your lord?”

Behind the man, someone walked out smiling: “Mountain what? From now on, call him the Demon Lord. Butterfly spirit, long time no see. Still alive, I see.”

“Su Lun!” Now, Cong Xia was certain she wasn’t dreaming.

Not only was she not dreaming, but those who emerged from behind Yan Chaosheng were all familiar faces: Su Lun, Fu Hang, and even those great demons who had survived and disappeared back then. They respectfully followed behind the man. The large blue demon bird was now magnificent and imposing. Beside it, another red demon bird nuzzled affectionately against its neck.

The red demon bird’s claws were like demon daggers, looking sharp and terrifying.

Additionally, Cong Xia saw a man in strange attire carrying an axe. He grinned: “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord of the You Mountain Realm, Zhan Xueyang.”

In the winter of the twelfth month, more and more ghost cultivators brought treasures to the Ghost Realm palace, currying favor.

Because they knew that a terrifying presence now dwelled in that palace. On the day of his arrival, when he released his dominance, the ghosts in the Wailing River simultaneously howled and wept, a deafening and soul-shaking chorus of submission that spread throughout the entire Three-Ways River.

The chaotic Eight Wildernesses unexpectedly welcomed another new beginning.