CHAPTER 901: A BAG OF POTATO CHIPS

[Immortal Realm, Ember Dune Desert, Peng Clan’s Territory]

"Uh," Just as the fate of the Peng Clan was on the verge of being sealed by Shen Xian’s ruthless hands, a figure was suddenly pushed toward him.

Shen Xian, who never expected anyone to dare interfere with his actions, instinctively turned around. In that moment of surprise, he released Peng Ruining from his grasp, flinging the man away like a broken kite.

At the same time, Shenlian Yingyue, who crashed forcefully into Shen Xian, was stunned to find his hand wrapped tightly around her neck.

Shen Xian, realizing just who had been shoved into him, was just as shocked. The pressure he had prepared to crush her dissipated subconsciously.

Everyone else stood frozen in disbelief.

Shenlian Yingyue’s eyes widened. Just moments ago, she had been peacefully enjoying some pastries and sipping spiritual juice with her companions, waiting idly while Shen Xian finished whatever wrathful purpose he was fulfilling. Who could have predicted that an invisible force would suddenly yank her forward, hurling her straight into Shen Xian?

She quickly swept the area with her divine sense, only to catch Di Xiuyu’s expression flickering with guilt and calculation.

Her lips twitched. ’Don’t tell me this woman planned to use me to provoke Shen Xian’s fury? But why now, of all times?’

"Shen Xian, let go of her!" Multiple voices shouted from all directions.

Shen Xian released her neck, clearly annoyed. He pulled a cloth from seemingly nowhere and wiped his hand as if he had just touched something filthy. "Human, what are you doing?"

"Well, you should ask that person." she snapped, rubbing the sore spot on her neck. A gentle wave of spiritual energy from her hand erased the red marks. She pointed at Di Xiuyu.

"Get out of my way. You’re wasting my time. If you dare interrupt me again, I’ll erase you from existence," Shen Xian warned, his temper reigniting. He didn’t care about Di Xiuyu at all. He hadn’t even had the chance to properly torment the woman who seemed to attract A’Lei’s attention, and now she had the audacity to provoke him again.

Di Xiuyu lowered her eyelashes, shuddered.

"I have a question," Shenlian Yingyue said suddenly, ignoring Di Xiuyu. This accident, she would confront Di Xiuyu later.

"What?" His tone was filled with irritation. If not for A’Lei, he would have already flung her into the void. Her face alone disturbed his peace.

"Can I leave first with my companions?" She glanced toward the distant core zone, where people were rushing to obtain rare treasures. Xiao Yun had just informed her that something valuable was there.

"Are you in a hurry to die?" Shen Xian let out a cold smile, sending chills through her.

"Shen Xian, are you feeling okay?"

"I’m not sick!"

"Then why ask such a dumb question?"

"Human, with your weak cultivation, you think you can compete with those immortals for treasures in the core zone?" His eyes darkened. He hadn’t finished scolding her, and now she wanted to run off and die?

"What does that have to do with you?" Her patience was fraying. She had no interest in conversing with this demon. Of course who would rush to die? She had her own plan.

"If you die, I’ll be thrilled. But A’Lei will cry. He’ll blame me," Shen Xian muttered through gritted teeth, cyan veins bulging on his forehead as he resisted the urge to strangle her again.

"Aren’t you busy? I just want to leave. You can catch up later," Shenlian Yingyue said, exasperated. A similar set of cyan veins throbbed at her own temple.

"No. You must stay near me at all times. Unless I personally kick you out of my life, you’ll remain wherever I am," Shen Xian said, his tone disturbingly tender, like a lover whispering sweet words, yet the meaning was clear. His mother, the previous Demon Emperor, had told him that this woman would resolve his calamity. So, he had to keep her nearby.

Also, the more irritated she became, the more satisfied he felt. Knowing his "rival in love" liked her made annoying her all the more fun.

{One day, I’ll send you back from where you came from!} Shenlian Yingyue inhaled deeply, biting back her fury. She screamed the thought inwardly as she calmed herself.

Meanwhile, everyone else was rendered speechless. What kind of situation was this?

"So, are you going to kill him or not?" she asked, referring to Peng Ruining. "If you’re going to do it, do it cleanly. I don’t want to be dragged into this mess. If the forces aligned with the Peng Clan find out you were behind their destruction, you’ll handle the aftermath yourself."

She had already thought this through. She didn’t want to become enemies with half the Immortal Realm. She was still trying to keep her ties clean. But how could she, when Shen Xian already declared he would follow her everywhere?

"That’s your problem, not mine. It’s not my fault you were born weak," Shen Xian crossed his arms and replied smugly.

"Were you born strong?" she asked.

"Of course I was." Shen Xian puffed his chest with pride.

"Fine. If I die, then so be it. But whether your goal is ever achieved or not, that depends. You’ll have to follow me into hell to find out." She opened a bag of potato chips and began munching.

Shen Xian’s face darkened. This woman understood everything about him, and wasn’t afraid to rub it in.

"The stronger I get, the closer you’ll get to achieving your purpose," she added, taking a gamble. She had long suspected that his objective was connected to her.

"What’s your suggestion?" Shen Xian finally asked, exhaling slowly as his anger began to ebb. He snatched the bag of potato chips from her.

The aroma was intoxicating. He took a bite, and his eyes lit up. Salty, crispy, and addictive, the golden slices crackled between his teeth with divine flavor.

"That’s mine!" Shenlian Yingyue reached out to take them back, but he dodged.

"They’re mine now. Touch them, and I’ll kill you," Shen Xian said bluntly, walking over to stand behind Tai Hua Lei while continuing to snack.

Everyone, "..."

Shenlian Yingyue, "..."

Peng Ruining and the Storm Rocs stood frozen, completely unsure if she had just saved them, or encouraged Shen Xian to finish them off.

Meanwhile, the rest observed the odd exchange in silence. The atmosphere had definitely shifted.

"Come here," she called, beckoning Shen Xian as she moved to a more secluded spot, slightly removed from the others after a brief discussion with her companions.

Shen Xian narrowed his eyes but followed without protest. He was used to her quirks.

"I suggest you let the Peng Clan go. Yes, Peng Ruining was rude and disrespectful, but he’s still a good king. I think today’s lesson was enough. While they aren’t the strongest force here, the Peng Clan has wide connections. Killing them might calm your temper, but sparing them will bring you far more benefits in the long run."

Shen Xian’s brows furrowed as he considered her words.

"I know you’re powerful, and you don’t need anyone’s help. But don’t underestimate the power of connection. You’re from the demon race. It’s not convenient to act freely in the Immortal Realm. Relations between the demon race and other factions have always been tense."

"Think of Hua Lei. He’s not as strong as you, at least, not yet. What happens if one of your enemies targets him? You’re a Demon Emperor. You won’t always be free to intervene. And some of your enemies are powerful enough that even the upper-ranked demons can’t protect A’Lei at all times."

"Forget about the enemies you already have. What if someone uncovers your identity? Do you think the rest of the Immortal Realm will let you and your group roam freely? You can’t afford to provoke the entire world." Shenlian Yingyue’s tone was calm and persuasive. She wasn’t begging him, she was reasoning with him.