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Outer Region Battlefield, Eastern Qian Kingdom Defense Zone.

Compared to the Immortal No. 3 Outer Region War Zone, the Eastern Qian Defense Zone is clearly not on the same level.

The boundary rift guarded by the Eastern Qian Kingdom is small, with a structural strength that only allows for Void Realm cultivators to traverse. If a stronger cultivator exceeds the limit, it could trigger a spatial collapse, causing the rift to completely break down and form a catastrophic space storm.

Just as Eastern Qian is to the Immortal Dynasty, the Eastern Qian Defense Zone is considered a remote defense zone among many in the outer regions. Not only is the rift small and its location remote, but the intensity of attacks from the outer region demon armies is also weaker, only needing to withstand the pressure from three Demon King Fortresses.

Yet, even so, since the founding of the Great Qian, this defense zone has faced countless crises, with numerous human elites sacrificing themselves on the battlefield.

It wasn't until Emperor Longchang vigorously promoted the military family system, investing a large portion of national taxes into military construction, greatly enhancing the Great Qian's military strength, that the situation gradually improved.

This is also the proud achievement of Emperor Longchang.

Because of this, when Wang Shouzhe "recklessly criticized" the military family system, it hit a sensitive nerve for the Emperor, making Emperor Longchang furious and eager to reprimand Wang Shouzhe, telling him, "You know nothing, yet you dare to comment on state affairs?"

Don't underestimate the "mere" three Demon King Fortresses.

In fact, each Demon King Fortress governs a vast demon territory with numerous demon soldiers, acting as a large military warlord force.

The Great Qian being able to withstand the combined assault of three Demon King Fortresses is already quite remarkable.

The [Dragon Elephant Demon King Fortress] is one of the fortresses that has been entangled with the Great Qian for a long time. Under its command are a dozen or so demon lords, each ruling a separate territory with absolute authority within their domains.

[Unicorn Ridge].

Unicorn Ridge is the domain of the Unicorn Lord.

This is a severely eroded and barren land, with desolate mountains and poor soil, lagging in technology, and perpetually shrouded in the clouds of war. Low-level demons struggle to survive on this land.

On this land, thousands of low-level demons gather. They are the wealth of the Unicorn Lord, engaged in farming, breeding, mining, and smelting.

"Get moving, you worthless lot, dig faster. If you don't extract a hundred magic crystals today, you'll be deprived of all food!"

In a magic crystal mining area, a demon overseer wielded a bone whip, urging the demon miners to dig for magic crystals.

The reserves of this magic crystal mine are small and very poor, yielding little even after a day's work, and most of the crystals are of very low quality.

But what does it matter? Low-level demons are merely consumables.

In demon society, the hierarchy between demons is strict and clear.

Low-level demons have no rights, no magic rights, no property rights, not even the right to mate. Most low-level demons are merely tools for generating wealth or cannon fodder on the battlefield, completely under the control of their lords.

From the moment they hatch from the demon nest, most are destined for a life of misery.

Only a very few demons can, through sheer luck, awaken higher-level demon bloodlines in their difficult daily lives. From the moment they awaken, they are selected from the low-level demons and trained to become overseers.

And these lucky ones, barely escaping the lower ranks, often exploit their kin even more. Compared to those born with noble bloodlines, they need to curry favor with the higher-ranking demons even more.

"Clang~!"

A robust low-level demon swung a pickaxe, uncovering a large piece of ore.

As the ore rolled over, a dark luster flashed.

Overjoyed, it picked up the ore to examine it, finding a fist-sized black magic crystal half-embedded in the back, exuding pure and dense demonic energy.

"This is a mid-grade magic crystal ore!"

The low-level demon shouted with joy, immediately attracting the overseer's attention.

The overseer raised a whip, lashing the low-level demon until its skin split, silencing its cries, then picked up the ore to inspect it, nodding with satisfaction, "Good, it should yield three mid-grade magic crystals."

The other low-level demons sighed in relief.

At least today they wouldn't go hungry.

In fact, according to usual practice, finding a mid-grade magic crystal would even earn them extra food rewards.

"Clang clang!" The low-level demon protested loudly, "Eight pieces, it can yield eight pieces."

"Whack whack whack!"

The overseer responded with a series of whip lashes.

While lashing, the overseer cursed, "You lowly scum think you can count? I say three pieces, so it's three pieces."

The low-level demon curled up on the ground, not daring to resist, only protecting its vital parts as the overseer lashed it. But it still felt indignant, loudly arguing, "I learned magic crystal cutting and arithmetic from Old Limp, it can yield at least eight pieces."

Naturally, the overseer lashed even harder.

"You trash, are you rebelling? How dare you talk back to me!"

"I may be a low-level demon, but I am also the personal property of the great Unicorn Lord. If you beat me to death to embezzle the mid-grade magic crystal, you won't have a good end either," the low-level demon shouted defiantly.

Its cries were so hoarse and desperate that they immediately drew the attention of other mining teams nearby.

The overseer felt a pang of guilt, quickly retracting the whip, "Shut up! I just misjudged the ore's quality. All miners in this team will have extra meals for five days. Today's harvest is good, you can go back and rest."

The promise of extra meals and rest quickly eased the tension among the demon miners.

A few elderly low-level demons casually carried the troublemaker back to a makeshift shack, fed it some water and food, and left it to its fate.

Demons have very strong physiques and incredible vitality. Even the lowest-level demons, once fully grown, can reach the equivalent of a human Lingtai Realm cultivator's strength.

The Qi Refining demons used for trials by Qi Refining cultivators at the recruitment points during the Shenwu period were actually immature individuals among the low-level demons.

Adult low-level demons can normally live for two to three hundred years, with strong life indicators, especially in strength and recovery. Injuries from whipping would heal in about ten days.

However, this low-level demon seemed to possess some "culture," showing intelligence beyond other low-level demons.

It let out an angry, low growl of dissatisfaction.

But what could it do?

Unless it could luckily awaken a stronger demon bloodline, it would forever remain a low-level demon, never escaping the shackles of fate.

Sadly, for most demons, their bloodline potential and evolutionary path are determined once they hatch from the demon nest. Very few can awaken again after being set.

"Are you angry?"

At this moment, a gentle voice suddenly sounded in the makeshift shack.

"Who are you?"

The low-level demon sat up abruptly, staring at a demon beside the bed.

That demon had a robust and powerful body, with muscles knotted and covered in dense scales that emitted a noble metallic sheen. Huge membrane wings rose high behind it, and sharp claws seemed capable of easily tearing its body apart.

Especially those golden-red vertical pupils, deep and cold, exuding an indescribable and terrifying intimidation.

It was the pressure from a higher-ranking demon, making lower-ranking demons tremble even without intentional release.

A nameless fear surged from its heart, causing it to shiver and prostrate at the feet of the higher-ranking demon, constantly pleading for mercy.

This higher-ranking demon was not comparable to a mere overseer, not even a demon general could match it.

"Don't be nervous, I'm just passing by and happened to see this scene." The higher-ranking demon's golden-red eyes showed a hint of sympathy, "I can offer you a fair trade. I will give you power and potential. You tell me where the magic crystal warehouse is."

This "higher-ranking demon" was undoubtedly King of the South, Yuntai An, who had just infiltrated the demon territory.

Since arriving at the outer region battlefield, he had completely transformed his body into that of a demon.

However, demons and humans are ultimately two entirely different species. Humans, whether from the Immortal Dynasty or the Demon Dynasty, primarily use "spiritual stones" as cultivation resources.

In the Shenwu period, this resource was called [Immortal Crystals]. A standard low-grade spiritual stone was equivalent to one Immortal Crystal, currently valued at about a hundred gold coins.

The Demon Dynasty also wanted to call this resource "magic crystals," but the term conflicted with the real "magic crystals," so they continued using the Immortal Crystal standard from the Shenwu Royal Dynasty.

Of course, those practicing various demonic arts in the Demon Dynasty, besides needing spiritual stones, also require other resources for auxiliary cultivation. For example, the Yinsha Sect prefers Yin Fiend and Nether Fiend energies for cultivation.

The Red Lotus True Demon Codex of the Shentu lineage requires fire fiend resources for auxiliary cultivation, with higher-grade fire fiends being better.

Ultimately, pure demonic or fiend energy cannot be fully absorbed and transformed by the human body.

From this perspective, the Demon Dynasty humans and Immortal Dynasty humans are essentially the same species, differing only in cultivation methods.

However, true outer region demons are different. They are a completely different species from humans, with "magic crystals" as their most common cultivation resource.

Magic crystals, like Immortal Crystals, are crystalline formations of highly concentrated demonic energy.

Magic crystals and Immortal Crystals are two completely opposite energy crystals.

Therefore, after King of the South fully transformed into a demon, Immortal Crystals became useless to him, and only magic crystals could make him stronger.

In his demon form, his bloodline fully inherited from the Dragonblood Demon God, even inheriting some of the laws and combat experiences mastered by the Dragonblood Demon God.

However, because his cultivation was only at the early Void Realm, even after transforming into the Dragonblood Demon God, he didn't have enough energy to return to the peak strength of the Dragonblood Demon God. Currently, he was roughly equivalent to a "juvenile" demon god, with the status but not the strength.

The base in the Eastern Qian Defense Zone did have a batch of magic crystals seized over the years.

With these magic crystals, King of the South barely "recovered" to about the mid-Void Realm strength of a human. But this was far from enough.

Although the Little Holy Master Wang Liyao of Lingyun Holy Land had already reported to the Immortal Palace, requesting a batch of magic crystals, the impatient King of the South decided to secretly gather some magic crystals to restore his strength before implementing his "Return of the Dragon King" plan and to preliminarily investigate the demon situation.

This is why King of the South transformed into the Dragonblood Demon God and appeared here.

Humans and demons are two entirely different species, with vast differences in racial habits, social structures, cultural perceptions, and customs. Additionally, infiltrating the opposing camp is extremely difficult for both sides. After all, no one is foolish, and there are various detection devices in place.

Even after fighting for so many millennia, both sides still have significant limitations and biases in understanding each other.

King of the South, having lived for over two thousand years and visited the outer region battlefield countless times, was experiencing the demon civilization structure from a different perspective for the first time.

It turns out, the vicious outer region demons have such a lower-level society.

"Who are you?"

The low-level demon was initially flustered, then its eyes suddenly burned with fervor.

After the recent experience, it deeply understood that without power, it would live a life of oppression and die in misery. The higher-ranking demon before it was its best opportunity.

It crawled forward, kissing the feet of King of the South, expressing its submission and allegiance in the unique way of demons.

"Very well. Let me see how far you can go. Even if it causes some trouble for the demons."

King of the South's massive dragon claw suddenly gripped the low-level demon's head, infusing it with pure energy.

Simultaneously, he extracted a drop of essence blood from the Dragonblood Demon God's body and merged it into the low-level demon.

This drop of essence blood was no ordinary substance, causing significant loss to the demon god itself. Normally, a demon god would carefully consider before bestowing essence blood to subordinates.

But King of the South had no such concerns.

After all, he was just an infiltrator and wouldn't stay long in the demon territory. This body wasn't his true form, so he could squander it as he pleased.

Once the mission was complete, he could return gloriously to pursue Luomiao.

Before that, naturally, he would plant as many mines for the demons as possible, a tactic of infiltration.

In an instant.

The low-level demon's aura changed.

A vast and majestic aura erupted from its body.

From blood to bones, muscles, and scales... amidst the eerie sound of bone grinding, it underwent a complete transformation from the inside out.

A pair of membrane wings grew from its back, its limbs evolved into fierce dragon claws, and at a glance, its appearance became somewhat similar to the Dragonblood Demon God, albeit a much weaker version.

"Roar!"

In extreme pain, the low-level demon let out an uncontrollable roar.

This roar was like the ancient dragon's fury, causing the entire camp to tremble violently, with many nearby low-level demons bowing in fear.

"You lowly scum, how dare you..."

The overseer in charge of the miners sensed the commotion and stormed in angrily.

However, it had only half-finished its curse, and its bone whip had just been raised when the now-transformed low-level demon slapped it away.

This overseer was equivalent to the early stages of the Celestial Realm in humans, but the low-level demon, now transformed by the demon god's blood, was still growing in power, already not inferior to the later stages of the Celestial Realm.

And this was not its limit.

The effect of the demon god's essence blood was incredibly potent. Normally, it would continue to awaken until it reached the equivalent of the human Purple Mansion Realm before stopping.

Moreover, its potential would be significantly elevated. If it had enough luck, resources, and effort, it might even reach the level of a Demon King in its lifetime.

The makeshift shack had long been shattered during the awakening process, and the entire mining camp was drawn by the immense commotion.

Unknowingly, a circle of demon overseers had gathered around.

Numerous gazes converged on the low-level demon, filled with fear, envy, and jealousy.

Yet none dared to approach recklessly.

Suddenly.

A powerful demon general's aura descended from the sky, enveloping the entire scene with a majestic presence.

Soon after, a burly demon with purple eyes appeared in the sky, flapping its wings as it quickly landed.

"Greetings, Lord Purple-Eyed Demon General." The surrounding overseers bowed in unison.

It turned out to be one of the many demon generals under the Unicorn Lord, the Purple-Eyed Demon General.

The Purple-Eyed Demon General's purple eyes flashed with a strange light as it glanced at the low-level demon, its gaze becoming complex and unreadable, "Quite lucky, awakening the noble dragon bloodline, and it seems quite pure. It's a pity, though, the dragon bloodline has long lost its demon god... What's your name?"

The low-level demon lowered its eyes, too afraid to look at it.

It had heard of the Purple-Eyed Demon General. Rumor had it that it was a very cruel demon general, and falling into its hands meant death was the best outcome.

It shrank its body, weakly responding, "I have no name."

"True, low-level demons have no names." The Purple-Eyed Demon General's voice was particularly gentle and warm, "Then come with me to meet the Unicorn Lord, who will personally name you. If all goes well, you and I will both become demon generals under the Unicorn Lord."

Demons are deceitful and cruel, but as a social species, they naturally understand forming alliances. This low-level demon clearly possessed a high-level dragon bloodline, with potential even greater than its own. Building a good relationship while it was still weak would yield endless benefits in the future.

"Lord Demon General, that overseer embezzled mid-grade magic crystals, and it's not the first time." The low-level demon suddenly pointed at the overseer who whipped it, reporting it on the spot.

"Lord, I'm innocent~~ Lord." The overseer was terrified, hurriedly pleading, "I just made a mistake, don't listen to that lowly trash..."

"Silence! How dare you insult the great future demon general, insult our noble dragon bloodline!" The Purple-Eyed Demon General's eyes flashed with anger, suddenly striking with a claw.

A flash of light.

The overseer was instantly crushed, bones shattered.

The Purple-Eyed Demon General, still "unsatisfied," roared, "Take this insubordinate trash away, let it be torn apart in the Fiend Wind Cave for ten days before allowing it to die."

The surrounding overseers lowered their heads, trembling in fear.

The Fiend Wind Cave was the most painful torture. Even with the demons' robust bodies, entering the Fiend Wind Cave would see their flesh gradually stripped away by the fiend wind, leaving only a skeleton.

In the blink of an eye, the overseer was dragged away for execution, its screams and pleas for mercy futile.

After handling this matter.

The Purple-Eyed Demon General finally calmed its anger, turning with a friendly face to the low-level demon, "Brother, does this satisfy your anger?"

It didn't kill the overseer for the embezzlement of magic crystals. In fact, the embezzlement was under the Purple-Eyed Demon General's orders.

"Satisfied, satisfied."

The low-level demon was somewhat stunned, feeling an indescribable thrill washing over its mind, making it feel elated.

Unexpectedly, a mere word from it could now send a high-ranking overseer to death.

Is this the taste of power and authority?

"Remember your oath." At this moment, King of the South's deep and powerful voice suddenly echoed in the low-level demon's ears, "I can give you power, and I can take it back. Go, serve well under the Unicorn Lord, and do not reveal my presence."

"Yes, my lord." The low-level demon responded with sincere fear and respect.

"Brother. We are brothers, don't call me 'lord' anymore." The Purple-Eyed Demon General wrapped an arm around its shoulder, enthusiastically pulling it along, "Come, let's go meet the Lord together."

With that, it spread its wings, taking the low-level demon into the sky.

As the two demons departed.

Hidden in the gray-black clouds above, watching from afar, King of the South found the scene quite amusing.

The Dragonblood Demon God was indeed powerful, able to create a demon general with just a drop of essence blood and some energy.

If he squeezed out a hundred drops, a thousand drops, wouldn't that...

Oh dear, why am I feeling a bit dizzy?

The information from his bloodline quickly brought King of the South back to his senses.

It turned out, essence blood wasn't something that could be casually extracted. Just one drop left him feeling weak, and extracting a few more at once might truly end him.

Forget it, forget it~ Better to first raid the magic crystal warehouse, quickly restore the true strength of the demon god body, and focus on completing the mission.

Miaomiao, don't worry, your brother Xiayang will be back soon. By then, brother Xiayang will surely marry you in grand style.

...