Even More Shameless . . .
Having unlocked his long-dormant bloodline ability, Qin Wentian remained in no haste to depart. His gaze swept over the gathering of experts surrounding him. For human cultivators, the transformations might not be immediately apparent, but among the greater demons, a profound evolution had undeniably transpired. Bathed in the divine radiance of the statue, they had unlocked the latent potential within their bloodlines, emerging as beings of incredible strength.
In the days to come, these empowered greater demons who emerged from this sacred ground would be qualified contenders for the throne of the Desolate Mountain Range. It was a period foretold in legends—a time when a demon god would rise. This narrative bore a striking resemblance to the prophecy of an ancient emperor's emergence within the sacred academy. Whether in the immortal realms or the Desolate Mountain Range, a new era was destined to unfold.
Purgatory and Little Rascal remained in the midst of their transformations. Qin Wentian couldn't help but smile as he observed them. The changes in Little Rascal were particularly conspicuous. The once snowy-white puppy had now transformed into a resplendent golden creature, exuding an aura befitting royalty. Despite his relatively diminutive size compared to other greater demons, his essence conveyed a sense of perfection, and a formidable devouring intent radiated from him.
Qin Wentian's gaze also fell upon an exquisite figure not far away, bathed in the divine radiance. This woman possessed an aura of unblemished purity, akin to a celestial maiden who must not be desecrated. It was none other than the Southern Phoenix Matriarch herself. Even someone of her immense power was reaping the benefits of the divine radiance. At her level, she sought not only the enhancement of her abilities but also the elusive traces of the divine—a realm that transcended even the immortal emperors. She stood firmly at the pinnacle of the immortal realms.
Closing his eyes, Qin Wentian continued to immerse himself in the mysterious energy, harnessing its potential to further awaken his demonic bloodline. Regrettably, this energy remained ineffective in triggering the latent powers of his second bloodline, represented by the soothing white candle flames that conferred immunity to all poisons.
As he gradually gained control over his demonic bloodline, the divine energy from the statue began to temper his physique and bones, infusing them with newfound strength. His body's resilience surged, while his understanding of law attribute energies deepened.
Within this space, the fluctuations of law energy were no longer suppressed, granting Qin Wentian and others the opportunity for contemplation and comprehension. Each expert was fully immersed in this profound state of focus.
Time flowed steadily, and more than a year passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, additional human cultivators and demons arrived at the Demongod Mountain. However, those who managed to reach the Demongod Palace at the very summit remained an exceedingly rare few. The task proved to be a monumental challenge.
The Desolate Mountain Range and the immortal realms alike were shaken by a great tremor, leaving everyone pondering the implications of the countless greater demons undergoing evolution within. How formidable would they become? If they were to invade the immortal realms, it would undoubtedly spell calamity.
Prior to this, the immortal realms had little awareness of the Desolate Mountain Range, recognizing it solely as a northern haven for demonic beasts. However, in the span of a year, rumors and legends concerning the Desolate Mountain Range had spread throughout the immortal realms.
Many began to speculate about the newfound strength these supremely powerful greater demons would attain following their evolution. Some even speculated that the Desolate Mountain Range would surpass the immortal realms in terms of power.
After several more months passed, Qin Wentian's third eye abruptly burst open, emitting a dazzling, destructive beam of light. In an instant, a formidable domain of destructive laws materialized. Within this domain, beams of destructive light danced like sharp swords.
As his third eye closed, the law domain dissipated, and Qin Wentian opened his eyes, radiating a resplendent brilliance.
"It appears that I can cultivate the innate ability of the Evil God Race, harnessing my bloodline's power to form a second domain. The first domain shall be fueled by the God's Hand, while the second domain will be empowered by the Evil Eye," Qin Wentian mused. He realized that he could continue perfecting this second domain, transforming it into an extraordinary offensive technique.
"The blood of a greater demon flows through your veins?" A cold, questioning voice pierced the air. Qin Wentian turned to see a beautiful face materializing before him. He couldn't help but smile in response. "Indeed, why else would I venture into this place? Youhuang, what brings you here?"
Beiming Youhuang maintained a calm demeanor as she replied, "While the Demongod Mountain is undoubtedly a sacred land for demonic beasts, there are still numerous sources of enlightenment to be found. Look at the inscriptions left on the walls. Even for humans, there is much to gain from them." From her perspective, it appeared that she had let go of any lingering resentment toward Qin Wentian. Perhaps she had grown accustomed to his teasing over time.
"Mhm, even the Southern Phoenix Matriarch is quietly delving into them. This underscores the extraordinary nature of this place. Although we are nowhere near her level of cultivation, we should cherish this rare opportunity," Qin Wentian concurred. "Youhuang, let's put aside any misunderstandings between us. Despite the difference in seniority, the shared experiences we've had in the Darknorth Immortal Mountains have made me feel a closer connection. There's no need to dwell on formalities of seniority. You can simply call me Wentian."
"Shameless," Beiming Youhuang retorted with a cold stare.
"Youhuang, with your beauty, your smile could surely captivate the entire world. Why persist with that stern expression?" Qin Wentian sighed dramatically. Beiming Youhuang found herself defeated by his shamelessness. At this point, she couldn't help but glance at Little Rascal, who had also just awakened. Little Rascal blinked, observing Qin Wentian and Beiming Youhuang closely, curiosity evident in his demeanor.
"Are you smitten with this beauty?" Little Rascal inquired casually, sauntering over.
"Eh..." Qin Wentian shot Little Rascal a disapproving look. "What nonsense are you spouting? The connection between Youhuang and me runs deep. It's not something you can understand."
Little Rascal blinked again, clearly unconvinced.
Beiming Youhuang regarded Little Rascal with a peculiar expression.
"What are you looking at? Although you're beautiful, I won't be seduced by you. I know you want the portion of inheritance I possess. But if you want me to give it to you, you'll have to agree to a condition," Little Rascal declared confidently. He was well aware that Beiming Youhuang knew of his possession of a portion of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor's inheritance.
"What's the condition?" Beiming Youhuang inquired.
"Our Wentian possesses extraordinary talent and has cultivated alongside this king since our youth. In the future, he will unite the immortal realms and hold an immensely prestigious position. If you marry Wentian as a concubine, I'll pass on my portion of the inheritance to you. How does that sound?" Little Rascal proposed.
"RUMBLE!" A frigid aura suddenly enveloped the surroundings, causing Qin Wentian to shiver. He cursed Little Rascal inwardly, wondering where the audacious puppy found the courage to make such a proposal. He had hoped that the once-chilly atmosphere between him and Beiming Youhuang might thaw slightly, but it seemed he was in for trouble this time.
Beiming Youhuang's gaze turned icy as she fixed her eyes on Little Rascal. As the Darknorth Immortal Emperor's daughter, a princess of the Darknorth Empire, and the youngest immortal emperor in history, her accomplishments were nothing short of illustrious. Aside from her physical beauty, the audacious puppy had just suggested she marry Qin Wentian as a concubine?
Little Rascal trembled slightly and quickly sought refuge behind Qin Wentian, speaking in a soft voice. "You mustn't be angry... Beauty, promise you won't be mad, okay? This baobao is just engaging in a little discussion with you."
"Oh? Now you're calling yourself 'this king'?" Beiming Youhuang's tone remained frosty.
"It's just a joke, right Wentian?" Little Rascal transformed back into his puppy form, his head poking out slightly in an endearing manner. It was an attempt to win leniency from the others.
"Yeah, Little Rascal can be quite mischievous. Youhuang, you needn't stoop to his level," Qin Wentian agreed, nodding. Little Rascal was becoming more unruly by the day, even daring to make such jokes. Although Qin Wentian had teased Beiming Youhuang lightly, Little Rascal's claim that she should marry Qin Wentian as a concubine was an entirely different matter. If the Darknorth Immortal Emperor were to hear of it, Qin Wentian would likely be in dire straits.
"That's right. Beauty, I'm going to pass the inheritance to you now, and you don't need to promise me any conditions. Just remember how well this baobao treats you. As for the matter between you and Wentian, whether you become his wife or concubine, this baobao won't interfere anymore." Little Rascal's juvenile voice chimed in once more, prompting a glimmer in Beiming Youhuang's beautiful eyes. "Are you serious? Can you handle the consequences if I take your inheritance away?"
"You underestimate me," Little Rascal replied confidently. He leaped onto Beiming Youhuang, who caught him in her arms. The mischievous puppy nuzzled his head into her chest before settling down comfortably, wearing an expression of pure bliss. He even winked at Qin Wentian, leaving Qin Wentian utterly speechless and dumbfounded. What a rascal.
"Only now does this baobao realize that the Brahma Heavenly Emperor belongs to the same race as me. Not only that, I'm from the royal faction of our race. The inheritance of the Brahma Heavenly Emperor is the same as what I've already awakened. So, I don't need his inheritance. I can transfer it to you willingly, and it won't harm me," Little Rascal explained with pride. "Elder sister, you're truly beautiful. What's your name?"
Qin Wentian found himself at a loss for words. He had become a mere bystander in this unexpected turn of events.
He decided to walk toward the palace walls, leaving behind the unexpected camaraderie between Little Rascal and Beiming Youhuang. However, just as he moved away, a sweet and gentle voice called out from behind him, "Beiming Youhuang."
"Sister Youhuang!" Little Rascal's juvenile voice sounded once more, leaving Qin Wentian slightly taken aback. This rascal had become even more shameless than before. It seemed that Little Rascal had truly grown up.
"A Heaven Devouring Beast is one of the rarest demon species, even in the vast Desolate Mountain Range. To think that the Brahma Heavenly Emperor was actually a Heaven Devouring Beast. Ancient records barely mention any royal-blooded Heaven Devouring Beasts. You can consider yourself exceptionally fortunate, as this little puppy is from the royal faction of Heaven Devouring Beasts. It's just that I never expected royal-blooded Heaven Devouring Beasts to be so adorable, completely unlike their ordinary nine-headed counterparts," remarked the Southern Phoenix Matriarch.
Qin Wentian turned to her and said, "Senior Phoenix Matriarch, Little Rascal has always been mischievous and prone to speaking nonsense. No one would have guessed he possesses a royal bloodline."
"It appears to be true. For demons with high-grade bloodlines, their growth may be slow, and they only unlock the potential of their bloodline and innate abilities when they reach a certain cultivation level. This little fellow awakened his bloodline late, indicating that it might be of supreme grade. In the future, he may live up to the legends and devour stars and moons," explained the Southern Phoenix Matriarch. Qin Wentian looked at Little Rascal, who was nestled in Beiming Youhuang's embrace.
The adorable and shameless Little Rascal hardly resembled the terrifying supreme greater demon of legends in any way!