Appearance of Fairy Qingmei...
Tales of Qin Wentian's heroic feats spread far and wide across Grand Xia, yet the man himself seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.
Rumors claimed that a celestial beauty had appeared at the Pill Emperor Hall and spirited him away. However, the truth of this hearsay remained elusive, a mystery that refused to be unraveled.
The fate of Qin Wentian hung in uncertainty, as did that of Mo Qingcheng.
Some believed both had perished, while others clung to the hope that Qin Wentian, biding his time, would one day return to the Pill Emperor Hall and avenge his beloved.
Time flowed relentlessly onward. Today, a momentous piece of news rocked the Demon Continent, setting off waves of fervor.
In the desolate outskirts of the Demon Continent, an eyewitness claimed to have spotted an exquisitely beautiful maiden, burdened with the enormous weight of a great roc upon her back. Whenever she paused for respite, blood would involuntarily spew from her lips. The heart-wrenching spectacle left all who heard the account deeply moved and pained.
When this tale circulated throughout the Demon Continent, it fueled curiosity and suspicion. A celestial maiden carrying a colossal great roc? Could it be that the rumors about the events at the Pill Emperor Hall were true?
News of this discovery prompted several individuals to venture into the wilderness bordering the Demon Continent, eager to investigate firsthand. Yet, despite their efforts, they found no trace of the celestial maiden and her great roc.
Another month whisked by in the blink of an eye. It had been three months since Qin Wentian had executed his earth-shattering act at the Pill Emperor Hall.
In the forested mountain regions of the Demon Continent, adventurers and thrill-seekers abounded, though none dared to delve too deeply into the treacherous depths where peril lurked.
Today, however, atop an ancient mountain in the heart of the wilderness, a colossal figure lay sprawled. It was so massive that it resembled a mountain itself. The creature's eyes gleamed like twin torches, yet within that fiery gaze lay an icy chill tinged with sorrow.
Closer inspection would reveal that this massive figure belonged to none other than a great roc.
This great roc was Qin Wentian.
Following that fateful battle, his body and constitution had sustained grievous injuries. Despite his transformation into a great roc and his formidable vitality, he had come perilously close to death. His survival was a testament to the monstrous power of his bloodline, which slowly rejuvenated him. After three long months, he finally awoke. His injuries, too, were gradually fading into nothingness.
Although the flame of his life had not been extinguished, his heart remained chilled. Was Qingcheng still with him?
Each passing thought seemed to sharpen the sorrow in his heart. His gaze cut like a blade, harboring an unrelenting desire to carve his path once more through the Pill Emperor Hall.
But the question loomed like a shadow: where had Qingcheng's life-force-infused pill disappeared to?
During his unconsciousness, Qin Wentian remained oblivious to the unfolding events. He believed death had been inevitable, yet awakening, he found himself nestled on the delicate frame of a fairy-like maiden. Qing`er had been carrying him on her back.
In the distance, a gust of wind ushered in a flickering yet ethereal silhouette that materialized before the great roc. The maiden held a collection of medicinal herbs, intended to nurse Qin Wentian back to health.
With an open beak, Qin Wentian accepted the herbs from Qing`er's gentle hands. She then prepared to carry him once more.
"Qing`er."
At that moment, the great roc's voice resonated, causing Qing`er's countenance to falter. She walked to his side and stood quietly, as she always did.
Her words were as few as ever.
In a low voice, Qin Wentian queried, "You needn't carry me. I only require a few more days of rest for my injuries to mend completely. But what transpired while I was unconscious? And Qingcheng, what has become of her...?"
Qing`er gazed at Qin Wentian, shaking her head as she candidly replied, "I don't know what happened to her."
Her honesty was genuine. She knew only that an exceedingly powerful expert had forbidden her from disclosing any information to Qin Wentian. She believed this mysterious figure meant no harm and had given her these instructions for Qin Wentian's benefit. As for Mo Qingcheng, Qing`er remained uncertain of her fate.
A heavy silence enveloped them. Qin Wentian's gaze wandered, settling once more on the distant horizon.
Qinger could keenly perceive the sorrow that gnawed at his heart, yet she struggled to find words that might bring him solace. Together, they basked in the quietude for a long while. Only after several moments did Qinger tentatively offer, "Perhaps, she's still alive."
Qin Wentian's expression shifted as he glanced at Qinger. Though he held back from saying anything, his hopeful look dimmed slightly. Perhaps Qinger was attempting to offer him solace.
"Qinger, thank you," Qin Wentian murmured, his words causing a faint tremor in Qinger's frame. She sat down on the ground and quietly accompanied him.
In the past, she had always been shrouded in mystery, seldom appearing or interacting with him unless necessity dictated. But now, she willingly seated herself beside Qin Wentian. She could sense the sadness and sorrow that tormented him.
She had personally witnessed Qin Wentian's actions within the Pill Emperor Hall.
Exhaustion slowly overwhelmed her as she sat there. As night descended, Qing`er closed her eyes and drifted into slumber, her delicate form leaning lightly against Qin Wentian's body. Even in her sleep, her beauty shone brilliantly.
Qin Wentian sighed. Amidst his heart, steeped in sorrow, he felt a touch of warmth from Qing`er's actions.
He knew well that Qing`er was injured, and not just lightly. Yet, she had continued to carry him on her back all the way from the Moon Continent to the wooded mountains beyond the Demon Continent.
Humans were not made of stone or wood. How could Qin Wentian not be moved?
The gentle sunlight poured onto the landscape as myriad creatures within the forest stirred to life. Today, Qin Wentian was finally able to stand under his own power, moving forward slowly. Beside him, Qing`er walked, ever ready to lend support if needed.
In the days that followed, Qin Wentian's pace gradually quickened.
And a few days after that, he found he could unfurl his wings and take flight. Soaring through the clouds, Qing`er sat on his back, gazing at the scenery below.
As evening descended, the moon ascended, casting its sparkling luminescence onto the forested mountains.
Within the forest, a few experts were navigating their way through. These were adventurers on a mission to hunt demonic beasts.
One of them casually glanced at the rising moon, but as his gaze shifted, he abruptly froze, as if he had witnessed an extraordinary sight.
At the summit of an ancient mountain ahead, a colossal rock jutted out. Upon this massive stone, a great roc stood, its eyes fixed upon the heavens. Its black plumage strangely contrasted with the silvery moonlight, creating an incredibly breathtaking scene.
But there was more to this picturesque sight—a stunning silhouette stood beside the great roc. Her features were no longer concealed; her beauty was so otherworldly that it defied description.
A celestial maiden alongside a majestic great roc. The sight was so profoundly impactful that it left onlookers utterly captivated.
"Hmm, what's going on?" His companions inquired, their eyes following his line of sight. As they fixated on the ancient mountain, they, too, froze, completely entranced by the astonishing scene before them.
The celestial maiden gracefully walked to the back of the great roc and settled there. The roc unfurled its massive 3,000-meter wings and suddenly flapped them, unleashing a mighty gust that roared through the forest. It soared skyward as if aiming to reach the moon.
The roc's speed was astonishing, creating turbulent winds that buffeted Qing`er. Still, she sat serenely, savoring the view from high above.
"How beautiful," Qing`er remarked, stretching out her hand to grasp at the silver light, which remained just out of reach.
"The secret art you employed... are you unable to transform back into a human?" Qing`er inquired softly, her voice carried by the wind to Qin Wentian's ears.
Qin Wentian flew on, responding, "The Demon Divinity Sacrificial Transformation Art links me innately with the demon divinities of all eight directions, granting me immense power. But the price I must pay is that it's irreversible." His words carried a hint of resignation.
Although his strength had skyrocketed after becoming a true demon, he, originally a human, couldn't come to terms with living out his existence as a demon.
"There will surely be a solution," Qing`er mused, a contemplative look in her eyes.
"What if I must live forever as a demon? A sky sovereign roc, the ruler of the skies. Even as a demon, I want to be the lord of the heavens," Qin Wentian declared, his voice tinged with determination. He flapped his wings even harder, speeding forward like a bolt of lightning.
After a brief silence, Qing`er spoke again, "But I still want you to return to being human..."
Qin Wentian trembled slightly in flight, pressing onward.
And so, a human and a demon continued their journey. Eventually, they spotted a vast demon city amidst the wilderness, visible even from the skies.
Within the Celestial Lake Palace, a violent windstorm suddenly erupted, stirred by the arrival of a formidable great roc. Members of the Celestial Lake Palace were initially alarmed by the beast's overwhelming aura.
"Wait, isn't that Qing`er?"
Their attention shifted to the silhouette perched on the great roc's back. Only then did their anxiety subside, and their racing hearts returned to normal.
"Qing`er has returned, riding such a powerful roc!" Several figures rushed forward. The great roc let out a resounding cry, sending gusts of wind swirling around as it touched down in a vast courtyard. Its imposing presence left onlookers in awe.
At that moment, a few figures took to the skies and approached. Leading the group was an exquisitely beautiful woman radiating an imposing aura.
Her gaze was fixated on the great roc, her eyes filled with warmth and tenderness. When she reached Qin Wentian, her stern demeanor gave way to concern. "Child, it must have been difficult for you."
Qin Wentian's expression flickered as bewilderment crossed his eyes. The leading lady offered a warm smile and introduced herself, "I am Qingmei."
"Fairy Qingmei!"
A radiant glint flickered in Qin Wentian's eyes as he opened his mouth and greeted, "Junior pays his respects."
Fairy Qingmei extended her hand and gently caressed his head before letting out a sigh. Her gaze shifted to the female figure on Qin Wentian's back. "Qing`er, are you alright?"
Qing`er lightly shook her head but remained silent.
The other members of the Celestial Lake Palace stood there in stunned silence. Fairy Qingmei had personally shown up? And why was she being so gentle with the primordial great roc? Who exactly was this great roc?
The Celestial Lake Palace was situated in an extremely remote part of the Demon Continent, deep within the forested regions. They had limited contact with external powers, and news from Grand Xia rarely reached them in a timely manner. Except for Fairy Qingmei and a few select individuals, most of the members were unaware of the events at the Pill Emperor Hall.
"Everything you witness here must remain an absolute secret," Fairy Qingmei instructed, her commanding voice echoing through the air.
"Understood, Fairy." To them, Fairy Qingmei was a legend. The vast majority had never even met her before, and they held her in great reverence. None dared to defy her commands.
"Come with me," Fairy Qingmei said as she turned her attention back to Qin Wentian and Qing`er. She then led the way, walking further into the Celestial Lake Palace.