Chapter 822: Chapter 822
"Stop dawdling, quickly swear the Heavenly Dao Oath!"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable paused, then sighed helplessly. A drop of crystal-clear blood flew out from her forehead, exuding a fragrant peach blossom scent. She said tenderly, "Heavenly Dao above, I, Illusion Peach Demon Venerable, willingly pledge allegiance to Pan Shi Demon Venerable as my master, witnessed by the Heavenly Dao!"
Buzz~ A vast aura flashed by, and that drop of Essence Blood immediately ignited into flames. Within the flames, the Essence Blood condensed into a rune and imprinted itself on Illusion Peach Demon Venerable, disappearing directly on her forehead.
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable reached out her delicate jade hand to touch her forehead, sighed softly, and respectfully said, "Subordinate greets Demon Lord, my Master."
Other members of the Demon Clan hurriedly descended from mid-air, kneeling on the ground in unison, some speaking with fear, "Subordinate greets the Demon Lord!"
Such is the way of the Demon Clan, where power is revered above all, and strength is paramount.
In the Three Realms, even the Jade Emperor could not compel a Golden Immortal to kneel; those who become immortals possess their own pride and integrity, which cannot be humiliated.
Bai Jin raised his hand and said in a deep voice, "Rise!"
All the Demons rose, gathering around Bai Jin, looking at him with awe.
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Demon Lord, what should we do now? Continue searching for Emperor Gouchen’s whereabouts?"
"No rush, I have been in seclusion for many years. Let’s first investigate the situation and settle down."
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable cautiously said, "Master, there is a city a hundred miles from here, where I have an estate. It can be used as a base and to gather information within the city."
"Let’s go, take me there!"
"Please follow me, Master."
Bai Jin led a grand procession of demons, leaving the mountain range and flying away.
Soon after, they arrived before a pitch-black city, where black ominous light flickered. A vast aura was hidden within, resembling an abyss or ocean, with demons constantly entering and exiting.
Standing beside Bai Jin, Illusion Peach Demon Venerable respectfully said, "Master, this is Bai Ren City, near Bai Ren Mountain. It was previously under the indirect control of the old pig demon Zhu Hao. Now many Demon Clans have gathered here to search for Emperor Gouchen, resulting in such a powerful aura."
"Come, let’s take a look inside!" Bai Jin was the first to enter, followed by dozens of demons, resembling a swaggering gang.
After passing through the gate, various demons were seen entering and exiting, each with overwhelming demonic qi, and rare communication among them, maintaining vigilance.
After making a round in the city, Bai Jin asked, "Illusion Peach Demon Venerable, where can we find information on Emperor Gouchen here?"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable immediately replied softly, "Master, I have a base here. Please rest first, while I gather information on Emperor Gouchen."
"Master, this way please."
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable led Bai Jin to an estate, settled him down, and promptly left.
In a dark space, peach blossoms suddenly swirled, taking the form of Illusion Peach Demon Venerable.
Two blood-red eyes lit up in the darkness, asking, "Illusion Peach Demon Venerable, what brings you here?"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable hesitated, then spoke softly, "To gather information. Do you know of Pan Shi Demon Venerable?"
Runes flowed within the blood-red eyes and ceased momentarily, responding, "I do not know!"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable felt a bit disappointed, though it was expected; Pan Shi Demon Venerable is likely an ancient self-sealing demon, so their ignorance makes sense.
"Who is Pan Shi Demon Venerable?"
"My Master, I am here to gather information for my Master."
"Oh, you’ve sworn allegiance to a Master, and a Demon Venerable at that. Aren’t you afraid of death?"
"At least I’m still alive now," Illusion Peach Demon Venerable’s face was filled with a pitiful appearance.
"Haha, looks like another resurrected Demon Venerable. The last enslaved Demon Venerable met a grim end; let’s see who among you achieves Enlightenment first."
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable covered her mouth with a folded fan, speaking softly, "Don’t scare me. Please share the latest information on Emperor Gouchen."
In the dark space, a screen suddenly lit up, showing remnants of a ruin with a large crater within.
An ethereal voice sounded, "Within this place is an aura not belonging to the Demon Realm. Emperor Gouchen was likely first seen here."
"Heavenly Pearl Demon Palace ruins!"
"Precisely, this information has been released. Powerful Demon Venerables from the Demon Realm will soon gather here. You should be careful.
But now that you have a backing, you don’t need to fear them, hahaha~"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable bowed gracefully, lamenting, "Thank you!" and dissolved into a swirl of peach blossoms.
In the estate, Bai Jin walked through the courtyard, looking at the odd, twisted plants planted there, completely different from outside aesthetics, instilling a feeling of nausea.
Walking in the garden, Bai Jin evaluated his positioning, thoughts flashing through his mind. The most dangerous place is often the safest; as long as I remain hidden among the search parties, the Demon Ancestor should be unable to find me!
I mustn’t stand out too much; being too conspicuous would be like a crane among chickens, increasing the risk of discovery.
Nor can I be too inconspicuous, as that also arouses suspicion. Maintain a normal force and strive to find Emperor Gouchen’s location, yes, that’s the plan. The resolve to infiltrate the enemy ranks solidified; I cannot allow them to find me.
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable returned quickly from outside, stopping a short distance behind Bai Jin, looking at the back of his head. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, but without knowing Bai Jin’s true strength, she dared not act rashly.
Bai Jin solemnly asked, "What did your investigation yield?"
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable replied gently, "Master, I have found the initial location of Emperor Gouchen."
"Oh~" Bai Jin immediately turned to look at Illusion Peach Demon Venerable. Found my location? He asked immediately, "Where?"
A peach blossom danced before Illusion Peach Demon Venerable, forming a ring. Within the ring, an image of the ruins appeared. She replied respectfully, "According to my information, Emperor Gouchen first appeared here."
Bai Jin looked at the familiar landscape image, a chill running through him; they had indeed found it. Using the full power of the Demon Realm to locate one person is truly terrifying. No, I must hide more deeply, a bit distracted.
Illusion Peach Demon Venerable cautiously asked, "Master, should we go there?"
Bai Jin snapped back, immediately responding, "Go, why wouldn’t we? We must not only go but also make haste. Relay the order, we set out shortly."
"Yes!" Illusion Peach Demon Venerable respectfully bowed, turned around, and left quickly, with a thought lingering in her mind. Emperor Gouchen seems to be highly regarded! Could it be that this Pan Shi Demon Venerable is close to breaking through to become a Demon Saint, seeking the Demon Ancestor’s method to retain sanity?
Moments later, Illusion Peach Demon Venerable led the way, with dozens of demons in tow, heading grandly towards the Eastern direction. The deeper they went into the Hundred Ridges Mountain Range, the more they encountered demons, and the stronger they became.