The woman in the palace dress sat high, her jade feet gently propped up, looking at the Ice Demon Emperor with a hint of playfulness.
"Mu Ji, have you finished refining the Medicinal Pill I requested?" The Ice Demon Emperor's gaze was fixed on the woman in the palace dress on the throne, asking urgently.
"Of course, it's ready!"
The woman in the palace dress flicked her fingertip, and a crystal-clear wooden box leaped out from her Storage Ring. The lid opened, revealing an ice-blue, jade-like Medicinal Pill.
The rich aroma of the Medicinal Pill carried traces of coldness, and the surrounding temperature quietly dropped. The Pill Spirit materialized, transforming into a majestic ice-blue toad.
"This is a Seven-Rank Dao Pill—the Ice Toad Spirit Pill!"
The Ice Demon Emperor's eyes brightened. In his excitement, the cold Qi around him resonated with the pill, becoming even more surging and powerful.
At this moment, the old man in green robes standing beside him was also greatly alarmed. He fiercely waved the wooden staff in his hand, and a emerald-green light instantly enveloped him. However, the light was quickly covered in frost, crackling and almost shattering, scaring the old man in green robes into a hasty retreat.
"Here are five thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones, your deserved reward. Quickly give me the Medicinal Pill."
The Ice Demon Emperor quickly reined in his cold Qi. At the same time, he took out a Spirit Stone bag from his embrace and threw it to the woman in the palace dress without hesitation.
The woman in the palace dress took the bag and accepted it without ceremony, but she did not return the Medicinal Pill to the Ice Demon Emperor.
This action caused the Ice Demon Emperor to feel a wave of displeasure.
"Mu Ji, you've already received the reward, shouldn't you give me the Medicinal Pill?" The Ice Demon Emperor urged anxiously.
The woman in the palace dress, however, smiled charmingly at this moment and said, "To refine this Ice Toad Spirit Pill, I experienced three failures before succeeding, expending countless efforts. Five thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones merely allowed me to barely break even."
"What exactly do you want to do... Just say it directly, what else do you need!"
The Ice Demon Emperor's brows furrowed. He had already heard the underlying meaning in the woman's words; she was clearly not satisfied with these five thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones. This act of raising the price temporarily made him furious, yet he dared not easily break ties.
This was because he was currently severely injured, afflicted by fire poison, which caused his internal Qi to be chaotic, often making it difficult for him to control the outbreaks of cold Qi. This had led to frequent cold disasters in the northern Yao Region under his jurisdiction for the past three hundred Years, causing immense suffering to his subordinates and allowing the Southern Blazing Fire Demon Emperor to repeatedly humiliate him using this opportunity.
And he dared not easily resort to force; once anger overwhelmed him, it would only accelerate the erosion of the fire poison.
"I need some high-level Spirit Water, whether it's Seven-rank or Eight-rank. You must help me find it as soon as possible. One Ice Toad Spirit Pill is certainly not enough to suppress your injuries, right! If you find it for me, the reward will be paid separately!" The corners of the woman's mouth curved slightly, revealing a few points of undeniable resolve.
"High-level Spirit Water? Hmph, you're quite audacious." The Ice Demon Emperor's expression was grim, but a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes as he asked with concern, "What do you need such Spirit Water for?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask! Just get the job done, and you'll be well rewarded!" The woman in the palace dress gave the Ice Demon Emperor a deep look and commanded coldly.
The woman in the palace dress continued leisurely, "The first Seven-rank Spirit Water is called 'Nether Cold Spring', located in the extreme north, hidden deep beneath ten thousand Years of ice. Its water is extremely Yin and extremely cold. The second, Seven-rank 'Heavenly Spirit Flame Water', is hidden in the core of the Blazing Flame Mountain Range in the Eastern Region, a peculiar place where volcanoes and spiritual springs coexist. 'Heavenly Spirit Flame Water' is formed by the convergence of volcanic geothermal heat and underground spiritual springs, making it extremely Yang and extremely fiery, with miraculous effects on harmonizing Yin and Yang and nourishing the Physical Body.
"As for the third, it is an even rarer Eight-rank Spirit Water—'azure sea tide sound dew'. It only appears in the depths of the boundless sea, naturally condensed from ten thousand Years of coral and undersea spiritual pearls through the vicissitudes of Years. This water contains the original power of the sea, capable of cleansing all impurities and reshaping the Physical Body's Foundation."
"Any one of these three can be exchanged for your Ice Toad Dao Pill, and for subsequent rewards, I, Mu Ji, will certainly not be stingy." The woman in the palace dress indicated with a highly seductive voice.
Upon hearing this, a hint of greed flashed in the Ice Demon Emperor's eyes. If he could find these high-level Spirit Waters, not only would his injuries have a chance to heal, but he might also seize this opportunity to greatly increase his strength and wipe away his past shame.
"Good! Mu Ji, I agree. But you must first give me the Ice Toad Dao Pill to suppress the fire poison in my body. Otherwise, how can I have the ability to search for these rare items?" The Ice Demon Emperor put forward his own condition, his tone unyielding.
The woman in the palace dress chuckled softly, as if she had expected it. With a gentle wave of her jade hand, the Ice Toad Dao Pill, as if it had a spirit, slowly flew towards the Ice Demon Emperor and stopped in his palm.
"The transaction is complete, Ice Demon Emperor, don't disappoint me." The woman's voice echoed in the empty hall, carrying a hint of expectation.
Watching the Ice Demon Emperor transform into an ice-blue light and vanish into the sky, the woman in the palace dress, Mu Ji, withdrew her gaze.
At this moment, the old man in green robes couldn't help but ask, "Lord Mu Ji, this Demon Emperor seems a bit unreliable. Entrusting him with the search for high-level Spirit Water, why not leave it to your subordinates? I'll lead people to search; it will definitely be more reliable than him."
"Forget it! You and I are both Wood Yao who attained the Dao. Our ability in long-distance travel and searching for items is somewhat inferior compared to him. Although the Ice Demon Emperor has a capricious nature, he is also a hegemon in the Yao Realm, possessing his own methods and influence." Mu Ji's gaze was deep as she shook her head and smiled.
Upon hearing this, the old man in green robes frowned slightly, still seemingly uneasy: "But what if he gets the Medicinal Pill and doesn't fulfill his promise? Wouldn't all our efforts be in vain?"
The corner of Mu Ji's mouth curved into a faint smile. She calmly said, "He wouldn't dare. Although this Ice Toad Dao Pill is precious, to me, it's merely something I can create with ease. If he dares to betray me, I have my ways to make him regret it deeply."
The old man in green robes silently nodded and said in a deep voice, "If these three Spirit Waters are found, are you sure they can help the Azure Wood Tree Ancestor recover its spiritual consciousness?"
Mu Ji gently nodded, her expression complex as she said, "Water nourishes wood; this is a fundamental principle of heaven and earth. High-level Spirit Water indeed has a significant nourishing effect on the Wood Yao Race. However, the Azure Wood Tree Ancestor's situation is complex. It has been imprisoned for ten thousand Years, and its spiritual consciousness is severely damaged, making it extraordinary. Even with the aid of high-level Spirit Water, it will still require time to slowly recuperate before it can gradually recover."
"As for Nine-rank Divine Water, that is a legendary existence, with the effect of Heaven-Defying fate. But such a divine object is rare in the world, and its traces are hard to find in the Spirit Realm. All we can do is try our best to find high-level Spirit Water to provide an additional boost for the Azure Wood Tree Ancestor's recovery."
The old man in green robes looked solemn and said in a deep voice, "Then, in your opinion, how much help can these three high-level Spirit Waters provide for the Tree Ancestor's recovery?"
Mu Ji smiled faintly and explained, "'Nether Cold Spring' is extremely Yin and extremely cold. Although it contradicts the Tree Ancestor's attribute, if skillfully used, it can help harmonize the Yin and Yang within its body and stabilize its injuries. 'Heavenly Spirit Flame Water' is extremely Yang and extremely fiery, with miraculous effects on nourishing the Physical Body and restoring spiritual power. 'azure sea tide sound dew' further contains the power of the ocean, capable of cleansing all impurities, and has an immeasurable nourishing effect on the Tree Ancestor's damaged spiritual consciousness. As for when it can fully 'awaken', I cannot be certain."
The old man in green robes frowned deeply and said worriedly, "Then does that mean that even if we find these three Spirit Waters, the Azure Wood Tree Ancestor's recovery will be extremely long?"
"Indeed. But even so, we cannot give up any shred of hope. Seven-rank and Eight-rank Spirit Water cannot completely cure it, but they can buy him valuable time, allowing us the opportunity to find more effective methods of treatment." Mu Ji sighed, helpless.
...
After the Ice Demon Emperor flew out of the tree's internal space, he immediately found a hidden place and eagerly began to refine the precious Ice Toad Dao Pill, swallowing it.
Upon ingesting the Medicinal Pill, the Ice Demon Emperor felt a cool and pure power rise from his Dantian, rapidly spreading throughout his entire body. This power resonated with the cold Qi within him, yet it also carried an indescribable vitality and vigor, as if it could cleanse all the impurities and pain within his body.
He closed his eyes and focused, fully circulating his Demonic Qi, guiding the medicinal power to flow along his Meridians, impacting the Acupoints and Meridians damaged by the fire poison. Each passage was accompanied by intense pain, but what followed was an even more clear and comfortable sensation.
As time passed, the fire poison within the Ice Demon Emperor's body seemed to be gradually forced back by this icy power, and his previously chaotic Qi slowly returned to stability. He could feel his power gradually recovering, and there was even a faint trend of Breakthrough at his Bottleneck.
Just as the Ice Demon Emperor recovered from some of his injuries and was about to set off to search for high-level Spirit Water, he suddenly remembered something. His Divine Thought swept out, immediately locating his target.
At this time, Li Mu and Little Gold were inside a Spirit Medicine shop, purchasing some scarce high-level Spirit Seeds. Just then, they suddenly felt an inexplicable Divine Thought assault them, and their hearts involuntarily tightened.
Li Mu immediately understood the general situation and looked towards the outside of the Medicinal Pill shop.
The Ice Demon Emperor's figure flashed, appearing outside the shop, a faint cold Qi surrounding him. His eyes, like ten thousand Years of ice, stared directly at Li Mu and Little Gold. His appearance caused the temperature inside the shop to plummet, and a suppressed and dangerous aura permeated the air.
"Master!" Little Gold, sensing the cold aura of the Eight-rank Demon Emperor, instantly became alert.
"It's fine, no need to be nervous!" Li Mu said in a deep voice, comforting him.
Facing the lock-on of this Eight-rank Demon Emperor, Little Gold felt pressure, but with his Master present, he wasn't particularly afraid.
The Ice Demon Emperor descended before them, his eyes glinting with icy light. With the tone of a superior, he said to Little Gold, "Green-Eyed Golden Ape, a Seven-rank True Spirit, truly rare. My friend, are you perhaps interested in being a guest at my residence?"
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"Hmm? You're looking for me? Are we very familiar?" Little Gold pointed to himself, looking confused.
Li Mu was equally puzzled. This Ice Demon Emperor had previously ignored them, but now he had actively sought them out, and his target was clearly Little Gold.
"To be honest, I see that you are a Seven-rank True Spirit, with a solid Foundation and considerable strength. I would like to invite you to serve as a Palace Elder in my imperial palace. What do you think?" The Ice Demon Emperor looked at Little Gold and directly stated his intention.
Upon hearing this, Little Gold curled his lip. Another one came to ask him to be a subordinate. Before, the Sky Void Demon Emperor sent a little demon king to make him a commander, and now a Demon Emperor personally came to make him an Elder.
What's good about being dependent on others? Isn't it better to follow Master and enjoy good food and drink!
"Sorry! I'm not interested!" Little Gold refused without a second thought.
However, before Little Gold could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Li Mu: "This position of Palace Elder sounds quite honorable, but..."
Li Mu deliberately drew out his words, saying with a slight hesitation, "We are new here and don't know much about your residence's situation. Furthermore, Little Gold is used to acting freely, and it might be difficult for him to adapt to serving under a Demon Emperor all of a sudden."
Upon hearing this, the Ice Demon Emperor showed no displeasure on his face. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, "I understand, I understand. It was presumptuous of me. However, this Emperor is sincere. If the two of you are willing, you can first come back to the palace with this Emperor to understand the situation before making a decision. Moreover, this Emperor's palace contains many rare treasures and numerous Cultivation resources, which are of great benefit to improving one's Cultivation. The two of you might consider it."
"Master, what does this mean?" Little Gold looked at Li Mu in confusion, asking telepathically.
"This Your Highness, the Demon Emperor, values you so much, what's the harm in going?" Li Mu smiled faintly, accepting the invitation.
Hmm? Master? This Human Race boy is actually the Master of this Seven-rank True Spirit? The Ice Demon Emperor was greatly surprised. He carefully examined Li Mu and found that this Human Race individual was only at the Combined Body Realm in strength, which made him feel astonished, and his heart burned with anger.
A dignified Seven-rank True Spirit of the Yao Race actually submitted to a human. However, since this Human Race individual was willing to go along, it saved him trouble. He only needed to take them away from Wan Yao City first, then find an opportunity to deal with them.
As for this Seven-rank True Spirit, with his strength at the Peak Middle Stage of Eight-rank, he could easily handle it.
Having thought it through, the Ice Demon Emperor, with a smile on his face, urged, "Well, since this friend has said so, there's no time like the present. Let's set off now."
"Alright!" Li Mu readily agreed.
Although Little Gold was full of doubts, he still obeyed Li Mu's wishes.
The group thus left Wood Flower Street and sped towards the outskirts of Wan Yao City.
Not long after the three left the vast city shrouded in Demonic Qi, an unexpected change occurred.
The Ice Demon Emperor's expression suddenly turned grim. He abruptly floated in the air and stopped, his gaze like a knife piercing towards Little Gold, as he sternly questioned, "How can a dignified Seven-rank True Spirit, the glory of my Yao Race, be subservient to a human? Immediately sever ties with him, hand over your soul, and submit to me. Otherwise, today will be the day of your demise!"
As he spoke, the cold Qi around the Ice Demon Emperor surged, and a terrifyingly powerful Demonic Qi swept out, as if it wanted to freeze heaven and earth. His eyes were filled with ruthlessness.
"Make me sever ties with Master? Serve you as Master, what kind of joke is that!" Little Gold's eyes widened in fury.
Li Mu was momentarily stunned by the Ice Demon Emperor's sudden change of face, but then he relaxed. Demon Emperors are still demons; their thoughts are unpredictable, they bully the weak and fear the strong, and their expressions change faster than flipping a book. He should have expected this.
"Today, this Emperor will clean house for the Yao Race and make you understand what is proper hierarchy!" The Ice Demon Emperor said sinisterly.
Before his voice faded, the cold Qi around the Ice Demon Emperor intensified greatly, and the entire world was frozen by his chilling intent. He suddenly struck out, and several ice cones, condensed with extreme coldness, shot towards Little Gold and Li Mu with whistling sounds.
Little Gold was greatly alarmed. He never expected this Demon Emperor, who had been smiling moments ago, to suddenly launch an attack. In haste, he could only hurriedly reveal his true form, transforming into a golden giant ape, and unleashed his Natal Dao Artifact—the Jin Gang Dragon Snake Staff—to form a Vajra protective barrier against the attack.
"Clang!" The ice cones collided with the Jin Gang Dragon Snake Staff, producing a deafening sound. Golden light and ice-blue light intertwined, erupting in strong energy fluctuations.
Little Gold fought back in a hurry, but his strength was undeniable; the power of a Seven-rank True Spirit was not to be underestimated.
However, the ice cones were even more astonishingly powerful, sending Little Gold's massive body flying. .
Just as Little Gold was sent flying, Li Mu's figure suddenly vanished, as if he had merged into the air, leaving only a faint afterimage.
"Hmm? This Human Race boy actually..." The Ice Demon Emperor's eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing this. He hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary Human Race boy to possess such a strange movement technique, capable of disappearing without a trace right under his nose.
However, the Ice Demon Emperor quickly discovered Li Mu's whereabouts. His brow furrowed, and an inexplicable sense of unease rose in his heart, because he noticed that this Human Race boy was strange; there seemed to be no tension or unease on his face. This invisible pressure made him feel very uncomfortable. (End of this chapter)
