Fang Li was embraced by Xie Huai, pretending to be asleep with his eyes closed. At this moment, he felt as if he had been through a mill. The events of last night replayed over and over in his mind...

He had mustered up the courage to take the initiative... After all, Xie Huai had waited for him for so long, so it was only fair for him to take some initiative, right? He couldn't let Xie Huai down!

But the reality proved that he didn't need to take the initiative at all...

Fang Li couldn't understand why someone like Xie Huai, a true gentleman, would even consider such things. Wasn't this what they called natural talent?

More importantly, what about the agreement that he would be the dominant one? Why was he the one being 'dominated' instead?

But then, on second thought, who said Xie Huai had to be the shou? In the original book, he didn't even like men, and his relationship with Yan Sui was forced. If even Xie Huai could bend...

No, even he could bend.

What was impossible then?

He realized he had been too influenced by the original story. The original story had already ended, and he must not view things with old eyes anymore!

Xie Huai gazed tenderly at the person in his arms, observing the slight trembling of his eyelashes and the blush on his handsome face. He leaned down and lightly touched the corner of Fang Li's lips, chuckling softly, "I am destined to accompany Your Excellency to Wushan. It's also a matter of fate, isn't it? Are you satisfied with me, Your Excellency?"

Fate? Is fate used in this way?

Fang Li continued to pretend to sleep without waking up. If fate was mentioned, shouldn't it be me who is satisfied with you...?

Thinking of his embarrassment from last night... No, he couldn't think about it anymore.

Xie Huai's eyes twinkled with a gentle smile as he tenderly kissed Fang Li and then got up to leave the room.

When there was no one else in the room, Fang Li quietly opened his eyes.

Forget it...

He could accept being with a man, and he didn't have any attachment to who should be in which position. Moreover, Xie Huai was indeed the number one person in the world.

Just one time and he broke through the Divine Separation stage. If there were more times like this, wouldn't his cultivation soar?

Fang Li pondered seriously for a moment. Dual cultivation was also a form of cultivation. How could it be considered taking shortcuts? Wasn't he too stubborn before?

There were thousands of methods of cultivation in the world, and as long as they worked, they were good.

Fang Li got up slowly and changed his clothes. He wore a black robe with dark patterns, tightly wrapping his body. Fang Li hesitated for a moment, pulling up the collar of his robe in front of the bronze mirror, but... he couldn't cover it. Xie Huai, who was usually so aloof and indifferent, became a different person once he got into bed.

In this way, wouldn't others know what had happened just by looking at them?

Fang Li coughed lightly with embarrassment.

But on second thought, everything outside was being taken care of by Wu Yimei. No one had been allowed to come in to serve them during this time, so it was basically just the two of them in their world. In reality, only Wu Yimei needed to see them. If it was just him... Well, the worst side of Wu Yimei had also been seen. With many fleas, one doesn't feel the itch, and suddenly Fang Li felt calm.

Fang Li summoned Wu Yimei to the study.

As soon as Wu Yimei entered, his gaze fell on Fang Li, and his steps faltered slightly.

There was still a lazy charm lingering in His Excellency's brows and corners of his eyes, and there were still traces left on his fair neck. He lazily sat there in a satisfied posture, and it was obvious what had happened last night...

Wu Yimei couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Xie Huai could be so intimate with His Excellency, while he, on the other hand, didn't even dare to think about it, afraid of offending His Excellency...

However, as long as he could stay by His Excellency's side, it was enough for him.

Wu Yimei took a deep breath, pretending not to see anything, and respectfully said, "Greetings, Your Excellency."

Fang Li was very satisfied with Wu Yimei's tactfulness and nodded, saying, "Is there any movement from Fu Junling's side?"

Wu Yimei replied, "The Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance intends to besiege Hollow Ridge, but Fu Junling has not agreed for the time being. He sent someone to deliver a message, saying that if Your Excellency is willing to submit to the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, willing to accept punishment, and all the demonic cultivators submit to the regulation of the Immortal Dao, he can spare our lives."

Fang Li's lips twitched slightly. "Ridiculous."

When Wu Yimei first heard about this, he was also furious. However, Fu Junling, as the reincarnation of a Saint Sovereign, had unfathomable cultivation. Now that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance was numerous and powerful, and most of the people from Hollow Ridge, apart from those he took away initially, had dispersed, the demonic path was like a bunch of loose sand, unable to compete with the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, it was inevitable that they would act so rampantly.

But such demands were naturally impossible for them to agree to.

After pondering for a moment, Fang Li asked Wu Yimei, "Have you found out where Du Meng is?"

Wu Yimei respectfully replied, "This subordinate already knows where he is hiding."

Fang Li's eyes narrowed slightly, and he spoke slowly, "Good, keep an eye on him, and report any unusual movements at any time."

Wu Yimei agreed, "Yes."

When Wu Yimei left the study, he happened to see Xie Huai coming over, brushing past him.

Wu Yimei snorted coldly, watching Xie Huai enter and close the door.

Xie Huai went straight to the desk, wrapped his arms around Fang Li's waist from behind, and whispered in his ear, "Why don't you sleep a little longer? Why are you in such a hurry to get up?"

Fang Li's face turned slightly red, and he coughed lightly. "Why did you come?"

Xie Huai's slender white fingers gently stroked Fang Li's wrist as he said lightly, "I came to check on your progress in cultivation."

Fang Li: ...

Xie Huai raised his hand and placed Fang Li on the desk, leaning in closer. He raised his gaze and said in a serious tone, "With the enemy at our doorstep, we cannot afford the slightest slack. Cultivation cannot be delayed."

Although the principle was true, but...

Fang Li felt pain in his waist and hesitated. "Won't frequent cultivation lead to instability in the foundation?"

Xie Huai smiled slightly. "I've given you Dragon Bone Body Forging Pills. Your foundation has already been solidified to withstand the power of cultivation."

Fang Li: ?

So, you had planned up to now back then?

Goodness, these Dragon Bone Body Forging Pills weren't consumed for nothing.

I didn't expect you to be like this, Xie Huai.

Fang Li turned to run away, but Xie Huai gently pulled him back, his chin brushing against the side of Fang Li's neck as he chuckled softly, "My injury is almost healed. Can you help me?"

Fang Li's face flushed hot.

*

Since they started, Xie Huai seemed to be enjoying it and dragged Fang Li into cultivation every day, as if he wanted to make up for the nine years lost...

Under their diligent cultivation, Fang Li's cultivation level soared rapidly, and he soon broke through to the Refinement Void stage. It's worth mentioning that, originally, Yan Sui had only reached the Divine Separation stage cultivation, relying on the invincibility of the Black Jade Talisman. His true cultivation level was not as high as Fang Li's now.

Xie Huai's injuries had also completely healed.

Both of their cultivations had temporarily reached a bottleneck, and it was only a matter of time before they took the final step to become True Immortals.

That day, the two of them snuggled together.

Fang Li suddenly wondered what Fu Junling's current cultivation level was.

Although Xie Huai had said before that Fu Junling had not yet reached the stage of becoming a True Immortal, but since he dared to reveal his identity openly, it meant that he now had enough confidence. To make the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance submit, he must have some real skills. It wasn't just by holding onto his reincarnation identity that he could gain the allegiance of the masses.

Back then, he might have needed to bide his time, but now, nine years had passed... it could be seen from the fact that he could fight Xie Huai on equal terms.

Fu Junling was just one step away from returning to become a True Immortal.

And as an old monster who had lived for tens of thousands of years, he had countless means and cards up his sleeve. It ws possible that he could break through at any time... Then he wouldn't have any reservations.

There would eventually be a battle between the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and Hollow Ridge.

Fang Li said, "We cannot sit idly by."

Xie Huai smiled at him, his eyes gentle and firm. "Whatever you want to do, I'll be by your side."

*

Blackwater Lake was located in a desolate area of Tu Yanzhou. The land here was barren, with perennial fierce winds and cold sands, making it unsuitable for ordinary people to live. There were also no cultivation resources, so cultivators wouldn't come here either. Therefore, it was desolate and quiet all year round.

However, under the cold and silent Blackwater Lake, there was a huge black palace.

In the palace, there were countless demonic cultivators. All sat on high seats, surrounded by their subordinates. One hand held a wine cup, the other embraced beautiful women. The atmosphere in the hall was luxurious and decadent.

The women wore veils, holding grape vines delicately, smiling sweetly at Du Meng. Their voices were soft and beautiful like orioles, "Leader..."

Du Meng's face was cold and his expression icy as he looked at the coquettish woman in his arms. Suddenly, he became extremely impatient and angrily slammed the wine cup to the ground!

The woman trembled in fear, prostrating herself on the ground, continuously kowtowing, fearing that Du Meng might kill her in a fit of anger. Du Meng had already killed many people before him!

His subordinates trembled and said, "Leader, please calm down, please calm down."

Du Meng's cold and fierce gaze swept over them, then looked at the pleading and crying woman at his feet, feeling only burning anger.

Ever since Yan Sui appeared, he had been looked down upon everywhere. He didn't hesitate to betray and collude with Jiuxiao Mountain, just to get rid of that smelly kid Yan Sui, not for today, but to become the revered Demon Lord!

He had informed Jiuxiao Mountain, let the people of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance kill the people of Hollow Ridge. But that little brat Xin Hanzhou betrayed him, and afterwards turned ruthless, saying it was impossible to ally with the demonic path and tried to kill him.

If it was just Jiuxiao Mountain, he wouldn't care, and Xin Hanzhou couldn't do anything to him. He could continue to fight. But this Demon Lord came out of nowhere and turned out to be the number one in the world, relentlessly chasing him down!

He didn't dare to return to his old nest where he had been chased by Xie Huai. He had to abandon the headquarters of the Jiutian Sect and hide in this remote corner where he hadn't dared to show his face for many years.

He used to be a dominant figure, ruling over one side, but now he had become a stray dog. How despicable!

These days had been miserable enough, and now there was another Saint Lord.

Under the Saint Lord's command, all the immortal sects bowed down, and now the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance's momentum was overwhelming, defeating the demonic cultivators. Now the demonic cultivators had to be cautious when going out, and his subordinates who went out to plunder resources had been killed by the people of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance.

Moreover, it was said that Yan Sui, that brat, didn't die and had returned.

He had come back empty-handed. Now the Jiutian Sect couldn't go back, Hollow Ridge was his mortal enemy, and the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance was pressing closer. In such a vast Immortal Realm, there was no place for him to stay!

Du Meng's eyes were filled with killing intent, his chest heaving.

With a crack, Du Meng crushed the woman's neck, coldly throwing the corpse down.

The other demonic cultivators in the hall dared not breathe.

Their leader's mood swings were becoming more and more unpredictable. He often killed people at the drop of a hat. They knew why he was displeased, but there was nothing they could do! They were also living a miserable life!

Nowadays, hiding in this corner was worse than being under the Demon Lord's command...

Du Meng's eyes were cold and ruthless. He waved his hand, preparing to have his subordinates bring in another woman, when suddenly the hall shook violently!

The top of the palace was split open by a sword, sunlight poured in, and the lake water poured in, flooding the entire palace in an instant!

Countless demonic cultivators flew out in shock, only to see that they were already surrounded outside!

They were horrified, thinking that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had come to kill them.

But when they took a closer look, they saw that those cultivators were full of killing intent, surrounded by black mist, and they were also a group of fierce demonic cultivators.

And standing in front were three people.

Two of them they recognized.

The one in black with red eyes and a sinister expression was Wu Yimei.

The one in white, holding a sword with one hand, was the Gentleman of Jade, Xie Huai.

And in the middle stood a young man in a black robe, with a lazy and casual expression.

Combining with the rumours from the outside world, the young man's identity was self-evident.

He was the resurrected Demon Lord!

The crowd shivered with fear.

Du Meng saw Xie Huai's pupils shrink for a moment, but before he could think, he reflexively turned to run!

But to his surprise, Xie Huai did not take action.

The young man in the black robe did!

The Blackstone Halberd appeared in the young man's hand, with a momentum like thunder, intercepting Du Meng's path forward. His figure was enchanting, and in an instant, he was in front of Du Meng!

Du Meng's eyes narrowed, and he had no choice but to draw his sword to defend. However, the Blackstone Halberd carried an unstoppable force like a thunderbolt, causing his feet to sink halfway into the ground. Although they had only exchanged one move, Du Meng instantly realized that the other party was not inferior to him at all, and even had the upper hand. If it were an ordinary fight, it would be fine, but with Xie Huai behind him, longing for battle would be a dead end.

His gaze fell on the unfamiliar face, looking at the Blackstone Halberd in the other's hand.

This was the Demonic Lord's weapon.

This was Yan Sui, the Demonic Lord.

Damn it!

Du Meng showed an incredulous expression. Even if it was true that he had been reincarnated, how could he have rebuilt himself so quickly?

Fang Li's expression was cold, and move after move, he didn't give Du Meng a chance to catch his breath!

Du Meng turned to run, but Xie Huai, in his white robe, with an indifferent expression, blocked him in front.

There was simply no way out!

With the Demonic Lord in front and Xie Huai behind, it was basically a dead end.

Du Meng was also a decisive figure. With things having reached this point, he finally accepted his fate and sneered, "If you want to kill, just kill, why bother playing with people!"

He had had enough of these miserable days!

Du Meng's subordinates had long been surrounded by Wu Yimei's men. Watching this scene, they felt a chill in their hearts. Today, both the Gentleman of Jade and the Demonic Lord made their moves at the same time. Even their leader was rendered powerless. What else could they do?

Thinking of the Demonic Lord's previous ruthless methods, and how he treated traitors... The people showed expressions of despair. They might as well commit suicide. Otherwise, they would be skinned, their tendons pulled, and their souls refined...

Fang Li lazily glanced at Du Meng, his lips curling up, and he leisurely said, "My subordinates lack a right-hand man. Are you willing?"

Du Meng was stunned.

Fang Li wasn't here to kill him?

He had betrayed him before, poisoned him, and even informed the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. With Yan Sui's brutal and ruthless nature, he was willing to spare his life?

He stared at Fang Li tightly, furrowing his brow as if trying to determine if what he said was true or false.

But Fang Li didn't intend to give Du Meng too much time to consider. He said indifferently, "If you're not willing, I'll kill you."

Du Meng: "..."

To not submit was to choose the path of death.

That was indeed Yan Sui's style.

Du Meng looked at the person in front of him with hatred. In his hundreds of years of dominance, he had been defeated by this person once, and now, he was defeated by this person again.

How unwilling he was.

But the wise know when to submit. If he could live, who would want to die?

Du Meng slowly knelt down on one knee, lowered his head, and said in a deep voice, "I am willing to serve you, my Lord."

Fang Li smiled and nodded.

His indifferent gaze swept over the other demonic cultivators behind Du Meng.

Seeing their boss kneel down, they looked at each other and all knelt down on the ground! Today, not kneeling meant death. Moreover, they had been subjugated by the Demonic Lord before. Last time, Yan Sui killed those who refused to submit. Many people were unwilling to submit back then, leading to many deaths... The stubborn ones died almost to the last.

This time, everyone was very familiar with it!

They all shouted, "We are willing to serve you, my Lord!"

*

Three days later, on Hollow Ridge Mountain.

Fang Li wore a complex black robe with dark patterns. Xie Huai was at his side, helping him fasten his belt and smooth out the wrinkles in his clothes. He was silent for a moment and then said slowly, "Have you decided?"

Fang Li smiled faintly and said casually, "Even if I don't become this Demonic Lord, people will still call me a demon. It's better to just go along with it." He didn't care about people's opinions. As long as Xie Huai trusted him, that was enough.

Fang Li looked gently at Xie Huai, his lips curling up, and said, "What about you? Have you truly made up your mind?"

Xie Huai looked at him and suddenly smiled.

 

This was the person he fell in love with, someone who knew when to act and when not to... They could face everything without fear, decisive in battle, yet they could also show mercy and kindness to the weak, gentle and tender-hearted.

Regardless of the situation, they could hold onto their principles, never doing what they shouldn't, never losing themselves.

What matters is the person he is, not his identity.

If that's the case, what's wrong with becoming this Demonic Lord?

And this time, no matter when or where, I will stand by his side.

Xie Huai took Fang Li's hand, smiled lightly, and said, "It’s not the first time that I am accompanying Your Excellency. What's one more time?"

The two smiled at each other.

*

Inside the Demon Palace hall.

Wu Yimei stood on the left, Du Meng on the right.

Behind them stood numerous demonic cultivators.

Just like nine years ago.

Those who could enter the hall were the influential demonic cultivators. People whispered below, feeling deeply moved. Back then, they had to submit to Yan Sui's ruthless methods. Although they obeyed Yan Sui as their master, they still harboured some discontent. Later, Du Meng plotted in secret, and many turned against Yan Sui.

Who would have thought that after Yan Sui's death, they wouldn't live carefree lives? They were either chased by Xie Huai or fled in defeat from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. Hollow Ridge was divided, and the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance thrived. Everything was turned upside down. Life was worse than before. They had already been unlucky enough. Unexpectedly, the Demonic Lord came back to life and found them. They thought they were doomed this time.

They had witnessed Yan Sui's ruthless treatment of traitors... Not to mention betrayal, even disobedience to an order or failure to complete a task meant a gruesome death! At that time, many were prepared to commit suicide. Who would have thought that Fang Li not only spared them but also gave them a chance to start anew, as long as they would-submit to him?

Who would dare to disobey?

As their gazes swept over the hall, two figures, one black and one white, entered leisurely, and the hall fell silent. The Lord and the Gentleman of Jade sat together. This scene seemed to overlap with nine years ago, except that last time, the Gentleman of Jade was the Lord's favorite, subjected to his frivolousness. This time, they stood side by side in love and harmony.

Most importantly...

No one dared to underestimate the Gentleman of Jade anymore. He was the number one person in the world! Although the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had the Saint Sovereign, they also had the Lord and the number one person in the world, Xie Huai. Were they still afraid of the people from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance? Perhaps even the Saint Sovereign could be challenged!

Although they still feared the Saint Sovereign, after all, he was the only true immortal in the Spiritual Immortal Realm, like a god in everyone's eyes. Just thinking about him invoked awe and the desire to submit... However, the Saint Sovereign disliked the demonic path the most, and the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance was their mortal enemy. It was a life-and-death situation, and they had no choice but to resist the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance.

Now, only by following the Lord and the Gentleman of Jade did they have hope of resisting the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance! It was their Lord's ability! Not only did he seize power by force, but he also actually subdued the Gentleman of Jade. Now, they could be used by the Lord, reducing the combat power of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. They truly admired and respected him! Moreover, the Lord was lenient, forgiving the past and giving them a place to stay. Many people no longer harboured resentment and truly submitted.

Wu Yimei looked respectful.

Du Meng's expression was complex.

Although their thoughts were different, they glanced at each other, both kneeling down and loudly proclaiming, "We respectfully welcome the return of the Demonic Lord!"

The demonic cultivators behind them all knelt down as well, shouting in unison, "We respectfully welcome the return of the Demonic Lord!"

Fang Li's gaze swept over the countless demonic cultivators below, then turned his head and looked at Xie Huai beside him, only to see Xie Huai looking at him, his eyes gentle and determined, causing Fang Li to smile at him.

Xie Huai smiled back. This time, he would stay by Fang Li's side, hand in hand, never to part again.

 

Translator : DarNan