……

Of course, saying that they completely poached someone would be incorrect, as the Wang Clan never asked Enlightenment to become their clan's celestial plant.

However, Enlightenment Senior has always valued loyalty and promises. The more the Wang Clan gave without expecting anything in return, willingly offering Chaos Essence, the more grateful he felt.

In the future, the status of the Wang Clan in Enlightenment Senior's heart might not be any less than that of the Immortal Palace~

The most helpless thing for the Immortal Sovereign was that even though he understood all this, he couldn't refuse the Chaos Essence on behalf of Enlightenment.

Who wouldn't want the human race to gain another True Immortal? This would be a tremendous boon for the human race, adding a powerful trump card.

Even though Enlightenment Senior, even if he became a True Immortal, would certainly not match him or the Immortal Emperor in personal combat strength, plant-type life forms achieve True Immortal with incredibly dense profound energy and tenacious vitality, at least capable of holding back a Demon God.

"Enlightenment Senior, you are too polite." Wang Fugui respectfully saluted, "Our Ancestor Grandfather had no such intention; he merely wished to add a True Immortal's strength to the human race, that's all."

The Enlightenment Tea Tree, holding two small bottles of Chaos Essence, said with deep emotion, "Master Wang Shouzhe is indeed magnanimous and selfless. I, Enlightenment, will remember this in my heart~"

The Immortal Sovereign's projection rolled his eyes nearby.

What "magnanimous and selfless"? This was clearly a blatant open scheme.

The Wang Clan members were all swift, ruthless, and precise in their wool-gathering, as if it were a family tradition, clearly learned from Master Wang Shouzhe.

After praising Wang Shouzhe and Fugui, the Enlightenment Tea Tree couldn't wait to go into seclusion for cultivation.

Wang Fugui, after a brief stay, set off to inspect local construction in Chuan Nan State. Though these two chess pieces had been placed, it would take time to gain the strength of two True Immortals.

These two peak half-immortal plants could be in seclusion for decades or even centuries, beyond anyone's control.

……

While the Wang Clan was "concerned for the world," planning for the future of the human race.

In the outer regions.

At the Demon No. 2 Fortress.

In the command center's conference hall, a group was holding a combat meeting.

However, the atmosphere of the meeting was not good.

At this moment, a group of officers and staff were arguing, faces flushed with anger, the atmosphere particularly tense.

Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue sat at the head of the table, coldly watching their quarrel.

Unlike his casual demeanor in Fuluo Palace, he was now clad in armor, exuding a cold and murderous aura.

Over three years ago, spurred by a major victory on Suiyun's side, he decided to execute a long-planned strategy to prove himself. However, in these three years, the plan had not gone smoothly.

He convened the combat meeting to formulate the next combat strategy, but these people not only failed to offer constructive suggestions but were busy shirking responsibility.

The meeting had been going on for nearly an hour, with over half the time spent in arguments, each trying to pin the blame for failure on others, leaving themselves unscathed.

At this point, Little Demon Lord's patience was nearly exhausted, his expression growing colder.

However, just as Little Demon Lord was about to lose his temper.

Suddenly.

A vast divine sense swept over.

At the same time, a deep and majestic voice sounded in Little Demon Lord's ear: "Put aside what you're doing and come to me."

It was the voice of the Demon Sovereign!

Little Demon Lord's heart tightened, quickly standing up and respectfully responding, "Yes, Ancestor."

The officers and staff in the hall fell silent, turning their heads in unison to look at Little Demon Lord.

Many showed hesitation on their faces: "Your Highness?"

"The Ancestor has summoned me for an audience." Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue glanced at everyone, "The meeting is adjourned. Go back and think carefully. I hope you have a preliminary plan ready when I return."

With that, he ignored their reactions and strode out of the conference hall.

The people inside felt a chill, hurriedly bowing to send him off: "Farewell, Your Highness."

They understood that Little Demon Lord was running out of patience.

If they hadn't come up with a plan by his return, they would be in serious trouble.

Meanwhile, Little Demon Lord left the conference hall, using his body technique to transform into a black light, disappearing into the sky's swirling dark clouds.

As the Demon Sovereign was the strongest force guarding the outer regions for the Demon Dynasty, no one knew where his true form was hidden. However, in each main defense area, he left an energy avatar to descend at any time, ensuring unified command.

In less than half an incense stick's time, Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue arrived outside the Demon Sovereign's command post.

The place was heavily guarded, and even as Little Demon Lord, he couldn't fly directly in, having to go through a series of identity verification procedures.

This was for the fortress's safety. After all, outer region demons were cunning, with endless disguise methods. Carelessness could lead to endless trouble.

"Young Master Qianjue."

As Little Demon Lord was registering at the entrance, a gentle female voice came from the side.

With a sweep of his divine sense, Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue saw a middle-aged beauty in a light purple dress gracefully approaching.

Her looks weren't particularly outstanding among the high-level cultivators, but her gentle and captivating aura exemplified what it meant to be "graceful and charming," "delicate and touching."

Seeing her, Little Demon Lord immediately showed respect, turning to salute her: "Greetings, Elder Yun."

Elder Yun was a confidant personally promoted by the Demon Sovereign, stationed at Demon No. 2 Base. She was responsible for all matters of the Demon Sovereign's avatar command post and assisted the Demon Sovereign in handling various affairs.

After all, the Demon Sovereign's main consciousness was singular and couldn't always be present.

In a sense, she represented the Demon Sovereign's will.

Such a person, even Little Demon Lord dared not disrespect her.

"The Sovereign's avatar has descended; I will take you to see him." Elder Yun returned the salute and led Little Demon Lord into the command post.

Inside the avatar command post were the Demon Sovereign's trusted guards, with a complete management system. Seeing Little Demon Lord, they all saluted him, their attitudes very courteous.

Little Demon Lord returned the salutes one by one, soon arriving at the Demon Sovereign's room deep within the command post, knocking on the door.

"Come in."

A deep voice sounded.

Little Demon Lord pushed the door open and entered.

Inside, a man sat behind a desk, reviewing combat reports.

He was a dignified middle-aged man.

Though the Yinsha Compendium was derived from the Nether Fiend True Demon Scripture, unlike the Yinsha Demon Lord, this Demon Sovereign lacked that sinister and cold aura, exuding instead a sense of iron-blooded ferocity.

From his features, one could see that he must have been a handsome young man. Little Demon Lord bore some resemblance to him.

But compared to him, Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue seemed too young.

If Little Demon Lord were alone, his demeanor was indeed noble and authoritative, enough to command respect. But facing the Demon Sovereign, the difference was stark, instantly overshadowed.

The Demon Sovereign's aura, honed by countless years of experience, exuded a calm majesty and an innate authority that Little Demon Lord couldn't match.

Even as an avatar, it was as if his true form had descended.

"Child Qianjue, pay respects to Ancestor." Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue hurriedly stepped forward, respectfully saluting.

The Demon Sovereign glanced at him indifferently, casually gesturing for him to rise, asking, "How has the battle been recently?"

"Reporting to Ancestor." Little Demon Lord collected himself and reported, "In recent years, I've repeatedly clashed with several Demon King Fortresses in the defense area, but after suffering losses at the Demon King Fortresses like Greed, they suddenly became vigilant, and several luring tactics have failed."

"Recently, there have been a few small-scale skirmishes. Although my forces achieved minor victories, they haven't affected the overall situation."

At this point, Little Demon Lord's face showed some impatience: "If I can't achieve a decisive victory soon, my reputation will continue to decline."

Such embarrassing matters could only be confided to his Ancestor.

"The demons have suffered losses and are naturally cautious in the short term." The Demon Sovereign said calmly, "Moreover, demons are inherently cunning and suspicious. If they were easy to deal with, how could our human race struggle so much? This is also a good opportunity to temper your character."

"But Ancestor," Little Demon Lord said, unwilling to accept, "the Immortal Dynasty's Suiyun achieved such an unprecedented victory, while I have repeatedly failed tactically. Such mediocrity will surely be ridiculed by the world."

"Suiyun's battle was indeed beautifully fought, but it doesn't match her combat style." The Demon Sovereign said, "Her style is typically characterized by caution and steadiness. Such bold and strategic maneuvers are not her style."

"She likely has a high-level advisor behind her, using this overwhelming achievement to pave the way for her bid for the Immortal Emperor position. However, even so, our Chao Clan must demonstrate our capabilities, or the world will truly think us incompetent."

Little Demon Lord's face lit up: "So Ancestor has already made arrangements. Please instruct me."

"Do you know the Nether Fiend Young Master?" The Demon Sovereign asked casually.

"I know of this demon." Little Demon Lord pondered, "It's said that this demon child is the most outstanding among the Nether Fiend Demon God's many offspring, reaching lord-level peak strength at a young age, with immense future potential. Some Demon Kings privately call it 'Little Demon God.' This child is deeply favored by the Nether Fiend Demon God and is expected to be the next Nether Fiend Demon God!"

"In the near future, the Nether Fiend Young Master will secretly arrive at the opposing force of the Demon No. 2 Defense Area—Blood Demon King Fortress." The Demon Sovereign spoke with a casual demeanor, as if discussing trivial demon intelligence, "It's said to be for a rare treasure, the Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus."

"Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus? Isn't that a Netherworld-type innate spiritual herb?" Little Demon Lord's expression turned complex, "Could it be that a Netherworld Purple Gold Lotus has emerged in the Blood Demon King Fortress's territory?"

"Foolish! That's a Netherworld Gold Lotus, artificially crafted into a Purple Gold Lotus." The Demon Sovereign sneered, "Innate spiritual herbs are born from Chaos Essence; they wouldn't appear so casually. However, even a Netherworld Gold Lotus is a rare treasure. How could that fool Blood Demon King discern the difference?"

"Ancestor, do you mean that the Netherworld Gold Lotus is the one cultivated for generations in our Chao Clan's forbidden land?" Little Demon Lord suddenly realized, then showed shock, "Ancestor, you're willing to use the clan's treasured spiritual herb as bait to lure the Nether Fiend Young Master to the front lines... Could it be you intend to..."

"The Nether Fiend Young Master has inherited the Nether Fiend Demon God's teachings." The Demon Sovereign said solemnly, "Its body already harbors the Nether Fiend Demon Seed, and I am very interested in the Nether Fiend Demon Seed."

Little Demon Lord's eyes brightened.

Clearly, the Ancestor had been eyeing this Nether Fiend Young Master for some time. Such foresight and meticulous planning were truly worthy of the Ancestor!

The two then engaged in detailed discussions.

Half an hour later, when Little Demon Lord bid farewell to the Demon Sovereign's avatar, his face was radiant.

Recalling the conversation with the Ancestor, he felt a surge of excitement, barely able to contain himself.

It could only be said that the Ancestor was indeed the Ancestor, with such long-term planning and meticulous schemes, not something ordinary people could achieve.

If this plan succeeded, it would be a case of killing two birds with one stone, no, three birds with one stone. The Ancestor would gain the Nether Fiend Demon Seed, and he would gain fame worldwide. As for Suiyun, hmph~~

As the saying goes, "The higher you climb, the harder you fall." Let her enjoy her moment for now.

This time, let's see how she gets unlucky!

……

Immortal No. 3 Defense Base, Eastern Line Defense Command.

For the past two years, the Eastern Line Defense has been peaceful, with no battles for a long time.

Old Marshal Zhao Tingjian also found rare leisure, currently playing a war simulation game with his guards. Soon, the young guard Jiang Qingwen was utterly defeated, left with no chance.

"Young Jiang, you're still too young. Let this Marshal show you what it means for the old to be wise." After his victory, Zhao Tingjian laughed heartily, mercilessly mocking Jiang Qingwen, showing no decorum befitting a marshal.

Jiang Qingwen, while tidying up the aftermath, retorted expressionlessly: "You can only bully me; don't forget the days when Miss Yingxuan bullied you."

Zhao Tingjian's laughter abruptly stopped.

He glared at Jiang Qingwen: "You brat, always bringing up the past."

Thinking of Wang Yingxuan, his victorious mood suddenly soured.

He sighed: "Speaking of Yingxuan and Lici, those two girls have been home visiting for several years now, haven't they? What's with their family? Don't they know the outer region battlefield is tense? Why aren't they sending them back?"

"Marshal, didn't you say a few years ago that with Wang Yingxuan and Wang Lici, those two troublemakers gone, life was carefree, without constant worry?" Jiang Qingwen continued to expose the marshal's shortcomings, laughing, "Why miss them after just a few years?"

"Pah! Miss them? Me?" Old Marshal Zhao stubbornly said, "I've just improved my battle command skills significantly and want to show that girl how this Marshal will defeat her."

"Yes, yes, whatever you say."

As they spoke, Jiang Qingwen quickly tidied up the aftermath and followed Old Marshal Zhao to the command training ground.

Meanwhile.

On the training ground, the Seventh Corps Commander of the Eastern Line Defense Army of Immortal No. 2 Base, Yan Hongtian, Deputy Commander Liao Yingjun, and a group of guards were gathered joyfully.

They had come from their garrison to report to the military headquarters and collect supplies. Most importantly, Commander Yan Hongtian had finally accumulated enough battle merits to exchange for a spear, "Flying Swallow," from the army's treasury.

This was a Divine Spirit Artifact-level spear!

At this moment, Yan Hongtian was holding the spear like a treasure, carefully wiping the spear shaft with spirit silk.

As he wiped, he asked the spear in a flattering tone: "Sister Flying Swallow, is this side too heavy? Does it feel comfortable? Is the spirit plant oil too much?"

"You should use Golden Silkworm Spirit Velvet Cloth; your spirit silk is too low-grade, making me uncomfortable. Also, next time, use ninth-grade Dragon Whale Fat for maintenance; your spirit plant oil has a strange smell." The spear spirit Flying Swallow's tone was full of disdain.

Yan Hongtian's face stiffened, then quickly responded with an embarrassed yet flattering smile: "Sister Flying Swallow, you don't know, but to exchange for you, I've spent all my battle merits. This was even with a discount approved by Marshal Zhao, or my merits wouldn't have been enough."

"But rest assured, once I accumulate more merits, I'll immediately exchange for Golden Silkworm Spirit Velvet Cloth and Dragon Whale Fat."

Though the items were expensive, Yan Hongtian gritted his teeth and agreed.

"Boss, boss~~"

Meanwhile, a group of guards eagerly approached.

They spoke to Yan Hongtian, but their eyes were fixed on the Divine Spirit Artifact spear Flying Swallow in his hands, itching to try: "You've worked hard, let us help maintain the weapon?"

"Go, go!" Yan Hongtian shooed them away with disdain, "This is a Divine Spirit Artifact; can you afford to scratch it?"

"Boss, you don't have to be like this, right?" Deputy Commander Liao Yingjun chuckled, "Last time, Miss Yingxuan generously let the brothers touch her Divine Spirit Artifact."

Mentioning Wang Yingxuan made Yan Hongtian's face awkward.

He was the Seventh Corps Commander, a Divine Realm cultivator, but Wang Yingxuan had quickly overshadowed him. Helpless, he had to accept reality, pretending to follow her lead.

There was no choice; they had fought privately, and he was thoroughly defeated by her Divine Spirit Artifact and treasures.

As the saying goes, "Under the eaves, one must bow," he had no choice but to admit defeat.

But in recent years, Wang Yingxuan had gone home to visit.

Regaining his position as the top leader, Yan Hongtian finally felt the authority and joy of being a corps commander. As a result, whenever he thought of Wang Yingxuan, he couldn't help but hope she never returned.

"Boss, are you still hung up on Miss Yingxuan?" Liao Yingjun guessed his thoughts, rolling his eyes, "Think about it, what's your background? What's hers? She's all top-grade, while your family is just a third-grade poor clan, unable to support you, sending you to the military for development, unable to provide even a Divine Spirit Artifact."

"I say, just throw away your pride, arrogance, and shame, and sincerely follow Miss Yingxuan! Then we can all enjoy the good life together."

"But... I have a Divine Spirit Artifact now." Yan Hongtian hesitated, feeling confident again, "This time, I might not be overpowered by her. But speaking of her, she's really something, a mere Purple Mansion Realm cultivator with so many powerful means, impossible to guard against~"

"What? You were beaten by a Purple Mansion Realm? And you're ready to submit to being overshadowed?" Hearing this, the others didn't react, but the spear Flying Swallow was furious, "No way, no way, my master, can't be overshadowed by a Purple Mansion Realm woman! Yan Hongtian, show some backbone, if she dares to come back, we'll..."

Before she could finish.

Suddenly.

In the distant sky, a streak of lightning-like brilliance shot towards the army command, completely disregarding military protocol.

The brilliance was incredibly fast, arriving above the command in the blink of an eye.

Only then did everyone see the brilliance clearly.

It was a majestic spear, its golden-red shaft like a blazing sun, the red tassel on the spearhead like flames, exuding a scorching aura.

Only the spear tip had a dark glow, not at all low-key, instead exuding a chilling sharpness.

And atop the spear stood a familiar, heroic girl.

Under the red moon, the girl's purple attire fluttered in the wind, her aura sharp as a drawn blade.

With the spear like a blazing sun beneath her, her presence was overwhelming, inspiring awe and respect.

The girl was, of course, Wang Yingxuan.

And the spear beneath her feet was the half-Immortal Artifact Wang Shouzhe had given her, named Zhuri.

"Is that... a Dao Artifact-level spear?" The spear spirit Flying Swallow exclaimed, then immediately corrected herself, "No, that's not right, that spear's presence is extraordinary, like the sun in the sky, with a hint of immortal spirit energy. Could it be... a legendary half-Immortal Artifact?"

However, no one noticed Flying Swallow's exclamation.

Because, as Flying Swallow exclaimed, the girl spoke.

"Old Zhao, I'm back! Wang Yingxuan is back!" Her voice, carried by profound energy, echoed like war drums, "How have you been these years without me? How many Demon King Fortresses have you conquered?"

"You brat! Get down here." Zhao Tingjian, who had arrived near the training ground, was furious, his face darkening.

What did she mean by conquering Demon King Fortresses? Did she think they were made of mud?

"Haha, I knew it! Without me, our Eastern Line Defense Army lacks a backbone." Wang Yingxuan descended from the sky on her half-Immortal Artifact spear Zhuri, laughing heartily, "But that's okay, now that I'm back, I'll lead everyone to soar."

"Old Zhao, gather the corps commanders, let's hold a strategic combat meeting and plan a century-long campaign against the Demon God Palace."

"You brat, are you trying to seize military power? I'm not dead yet."

"I brought you a gift."

"A gift won't work."

"How about a half-Immortal Artifact?"

"Ah, this, this..." Zhao Tingjian's expression changed, then he gritted his teeth, "Alright! Qingwen, gather the corps commanders, if Miss Yingxuan wants a meeting, then we'll have a meeting!"

……