"reconciliation"

After leaving Yunhua Immortal Mountain, the Demon Lord's entourage returned directly to the Demon Realm, but the Demon Lord himself took half of his scribe's body and headed to the Eastern Ridge region.

Amidst her smooth, dark hair, a rose hairpin bloomed quietly, its warm fragrance enveloping her. Mo Yiheng unconsciously stroked it, a surge of inexplicable joy rising within him at the thought of bearing his master's favor upon meeting Murong Jin. At the same time, this seemingly insignificant warmth also gave him the courage to confront his old grudges with the Human Emperor and continue to be a worthy Demon Lord.

In the blink of an eye, they stepped into the place where humans and demons met. Amidst the complex aura, a blue eagle suddenly flew out and crashed straight into the Demon Lord.

"How rude." Jade Guanyin raised her hand to stop him, took the secret letter brought by the eagle, and raised an eyebrow. "A sincere invitation to the Demon Lord to meet at the Eastern Ridge Palace. It is the Human Emperor's handwriting."

Mo Yiheng took it, glanced at it, and then used his demonic flames to burn it: "Heh. Murong Jin seems to be emaciated and nearing the end of his life, but he's just like us, still thinking about planting spies everywhere."

"Your Majesty, would you like to see him?"

"Since he invited me, how could I refuse?" Mo Yiheng sneered, then glanced at his subordinate, "But you, after being away from Night Asura's body for so long, don't you feel tired at all?"

If the Jade Guanyin were to suddenly disappear halfway through, that would truly be... a terrible thing.

"Your Majesty is overthinking this. How could a dead man like me 'die' so easily?" The woman fiddled with the bright red nail polish on her fingernails, completely unconcerned. "It's just that without me in the Demon Realm, Night Asura will probably be exhausted... Your Majesty, our journey won't be too long, will it?"

"That depends on whether Murong Jin cooperates."

If this matter hadn't been so far-reaching, Mo Yiheng would never have considered seeing Murong Jin again. However, given the current situation, he had no choice but to prioritize official business and bury his personal grudges deep in his heart.

Two swift figures swept past in a flash, heading straight for the eastern ridge.

Inside the palace, Murong Jin was deep in thought, frowning as he looked at a map of the Dongling water system. A few strands of his white hair fell in front of him, like a river that was about to run dry.

"Your Majesty," a palace attendant stood respectfully outside the hall, "the Demon Lord has arrived in person."

They've arrived. A flash of disgust crossed his eyes, then was suppressed into an even deeper darkness.

"Someone, help me change my clothes."

Half a moment later, the two supreme beings of the world finally met. One was the new ruler of the Demon Abyss, and the other was the Human Emperor who had ruled the mortal realm for a thousand years. When they met again, there was no clash of swords, only the invisible, sharp aura of confrontation that pressed down on the people inside and outside the hall, making it almost suffocating.

"The Demon Lord has come from afar; surely he has already received my secret letter?" Murong Jin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his eyes, deep as an ancient well, spoke first, "Furthermore, given your attire, the Demon Lord must have something important to discuss with me?"

"Exactly." Since Murong Jin was so straightforward, Mo Yiheng also spoke frankly, "I have heard that many rivers in the world have dried up recently. I wonder if this is true?"

The discussion of this matter of vital importance to the people instantly heightened the tension within the hall. The imperial guards and palace servants were eager to draw their weapons and intimidate the demons, but the demons, not to be outdone, also emerged from the shadows, pointing their demonic weapons at the human emperor. For a moment, the human and demon races, led by Ling Zhao and Yu Guanyin respectively, were on high alert, and battle seemed imminent.

"rustle."

A cold wind swept through the hall, and the branches and leaves seemed to rub against everyone's taut nerves, making a sound that sent chills down one's spine.

"despair."

The teacup was placed on the table, and Murong Jin calmly ordered the imperial guards to leave: "I have important matters to discuss with the Demon Lord, so there must be no rudeness."

Mo Yiheng chuckled lightly: "In that case, we should reciprocate. Jade Guanyin."

"whispering sound."

Everyone took their leave, the palace doors closed, and only the two of them remained inside.

Amidst the pervasive scent of ambergris, Murong Jin finally raised his eyes and glanced to his side: "The Demon Lord is indeed well-informed. I wonder if he also has such a fondness for interesting tales from various places?"

Sensing the implied demotion, Mo Yiheng was not annoyed. He merely casually dusted off his sleeves and said, "I am not as powerful and respected as the Emperor. I just wonder if Your Majesty, with your martial prowess, could have investigated such a strange matter?"

"I have ordered a thorough investigation into the source of its demonic energy. I expect we will have some results soon." Murong Jin's eyes shifted almost imperceptibly, and his fingers tightened on the Emperor's Sword. In the end, he compromised for the sake of the bigger picture. "However... it would be even more appropriate to have the Demon Lord's assistance."

He has already backed down; further pressure is futile.

Mo Yiheng, tired of this way of speaking, decided to stop while he was ahead and said directly, "Recently, in my Demon Realm, there have also been rebels poisoning water sources. Upon investigation, their actions are inextricably linked to an organization that calls itself the 'Faceless Ones.' Members of this cult seem to roam the Western Regions, and their techniques are bizarre, capable of stealing the spiritual energy and destiny of others. This time, the drying up of rivers and the appearance of poisonous insects carrying demonic energy in various parts of the mortal world are likely also closely related to this cult... I wonder if Your Majesty has already recalled that matter?"

That incident is etched in my memory perfectly. Trusting Liu Qing so easily led to Yun Shu being poisoned and blinded, and causing her to break with him... It's a thorn that will forever remain in my heart.

Seeing his silence, Mo Yiheng knew he understood, so he finished his tea and said, "The human and demon races live side by side. Now that we are facing this evil cult together, we should be of one mind and work together to resist the enemy. I have come here to join forces with Your Majesty to prevent the suffering of the people."

These words were entirely for the public good and made perfect sense, completely disregarding any personal emotions.

Murong Jin knew, of course, that Mo Yiheng's words were true. After observing him that day, he knew that the demonic energy within the poisonous insects originated from the same source as the original demonic poison, only more refined and insidious. He also understood the Demon Lord's feelings for Yun Shu. Although he didn't yet know Yun Shu's true feelings, he knew better than anyone the debt he could never make up for.

Ha... Mo Yiheng, you really know exactly what he's thinking.

After a few bitter laughs, Murong Jin inexplicably relaxed a little—perhaps it was the lingering feelings of affection and guilt he felt when talking about Yun Shu.

After a long silence, Murong Jin slowly spoke: "I am aware of the Demon Lord's intentions. Guards."

The palace servants guarding outside the hall immediately brought over writing brush and ink, and the emperor wrote freely. Before long, an imperial edict appeared on the table.

"Hmm. Dismissed." Murong Jin waved away the palace servants again and sat upright once more. "Now, Demon Lord, you need not worry about me going back on my word. Since we are allies, may you inform me of everything, big and small?"

After carefully reading it and confirming that it was correct, Mo Yiheng smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you are truly straightforward."

He presented several jade scrolls, showing his sincerity.

“My men have discovered that the power stolen by this cult is for the purpose of controlling a so-called 'vessel.'” Upon hearing these two words, Mo Yiheng’s face suddenly turned cold. “Human Emperor, are you aware that my master is nearing his tribulation?”

The True Dragon Emperor narrowed his eyes, nearly crushing the teacup in his hand: "What does the Demon Lord mean?"

“Indeed. If their target is my master, or someone of similar status to my master… then once they succeed, no one in the mortal realm, the demon realm, or the immortal mountains will be able to escape unscathed.”

Murong Jin fell silent. Having once stayed at the immortal mountain Yunhua, he could understand the unspoken meaning in Mo Yiheng's words. If Yun Shu were to become an immortal, her power would undoubtedly be connected to the immortal mountain and the mortal realm, making her an extremely powerful "container." But if Yun Shu was unattainable... then, would he, who possessed the aura of a true dragon and ruled over the mortal world, or Mo Yiheng, the Demon Lord who ruled the Demon Realm and was subservient to all demons, also become potential targets?

If the true dragon's aura is stolen, the world will surely descend into chaos. Similarly, if the Demon Lord's power falls into the hands of others, the three realms will surely be out of balance.

As for the most important auspicious fox spirit power... he dared not think about it further.

A river breeze swept across the palace, stirring up the subtle, fishy smell of dust from the riverbed. The two kings sat facing each other, separated by a distance that was neither too close nor too far, and by the millennia-old grudges that lay between them, silently vying for power and weighing the pros and cons.

"I have heard that the Demon Lord's subjects are finding it difficult to move about in the Western Regions," Murong Jin said in a deep voice, turning his thumb ring. "I will issue an order for the Zhenxi Army to provide full assistance. In contrast... I hope the Demon Lord will guard the Immortal Mountain well."

"Of course." Mo Yiheng seemed to have finally seized an opportunity, raising his hand to stroke the wooden hairpin in his hair. "Now, Master's demonic poison has been cleared, and his health is gradually improving. Moreover, with Grandmaster and Uncle Master still in charge within the sect, I imagine that no matter how rampant that evil cult is, they wouldn't dare to show themselves easily. Your Majesty, how is the rose in my hairpin blooming?"

Having spent a thousand years with Yun Shu, Murong Jin naturally recognized whose scent lingered on the flower. He was momentarily speechless with anger, but then suddenly remembered his own actions, and could only helplessly deflate his anger, letting out a soft sigh and secretly feeling resentful.

But Mo Yiheng wouldn't have it, displaying himself from every angle like a peacock spreading its tail feathers—if there hadn't been a table between them, he probably could have directly shoved the Emperor in the face.

Unable to bear it any longer, and fearing that he might draw his sword if he continued to watch, Murong Jin decisively dismissed the guest: "...It seems the Demon Lord is tired today. Ling Zhao!"

"Your subject is present."

"Inform the Demon Lord of everything you have obtained here. Also, from this day forward, establish a communication route with the Demon Realm, which you will be directly responsible for."

"yes!"

Then, looking extremely tired, he looked at Mo Yiheng and said, "Demon Lord, I hope that this time, we can both see the real enemy."

Mo Yiheng also looked at him intently: "I hope so."

With a flash of movement, the Demon Lord and his entourage disappeared as quietly as they had arrived, as if they had never been there at all.

Yunhua Immortal Mountain.

In the dappled light and shadow of the Wangyue Pavilion courtyard, Yun Shu was helping Yun Hua walk through the moonlit night. The unpleasant encounter with the demons at dusk had long been forgotten. Yun Hua looked around at the flowers and trees with a dazed expression, clinging to Yun Shu's tail and unwilling to let go.

"That phoenix tree was planted by Master himself when Qiuqiu first took human form." Yun Shu's eyes were filled with nostalgia as she turned her head to look at Yun Hua, sighing as she touched him. "In the blink of an eye, it has grown so tall..."

Just like how he was only as tall as a table back then, he is now as tall as his master.

"..." Yunhua didn't say a word, but with a flick of his finger, several wisps of chaotic power surged out, slicing off a basket full of red flowers. He examined them carefully for a while, then pulled Yunshu back to the eaves and grabbed the flower basket that Jinzhu had brought over that morning.

“…It’s missing this flower.” Yunhua suddenly said, separating a branch from the flower in her hand, “Now it has everything it needs.”

“Yes, it’s even prettier this way.” Yun Shu smiled and sat down as her master did, letting her master play with her long white hair again. “That child is too young and hasn’t learned the art of sword control and wind manipulation yet, so she can’t pick this fiery red flower. Fortunately, your master is thoughtful and has perfected this little handicraft for her.”

Upon hearing this, Yunhua blinked her blank eyes for a moment, then smiled awkwardly and clumsily but persistently used a flower branch as a hairpin to tie up Yunshu's hair.

"She's a good child too." Yunhua tied up her disciple's long hair, then carefully placed the flowers from the flower basket into the fox's tail one by one. "Very...cute?"

"Then, Qiuqiu will thank Master on her behalf?"

"good."

Just as they were enjoying the night breeze and the fragrance of flowers, a little man ran up to the door, hesitating to enter immediately.

Just then, the child arrived. Yun Shu gently patted her master's hand and called out, "Is that Jin Zhu? Please come in."

Sure enough, not long after she finished speaking, the junior sister puffed out her cheeks and entered the courtyard: "The fox spirit's ears are so sharp, I can't hide from her no matter what I do..."

The fox spirit poked her forehead and chuckled, "Why are you blaming me? It's clearly you who always stays outside for half a day every time you come back, waiting to be called before you come in. Are you afraid the fox spirit will eat you?"

"You said you wouldn't eat people, so why would I be afraid?" Jinzhu tugged at his sleeve and acted coquettishly. She then took out a box of pastries from behind her and gave them all to Yunhua, who was buried in the nine-tailed fox. "Is Master here? You mentioned sweet pastries last time, and I've brought them again! They won't taste good if they get cold!"

Ever since she discovered that Yunhua wasn't as terrifying as she had been when she first met Moyuan, and even seemed a bit dazed at times, she always liked to run to Yunshu's side with big bags and small packages, saying that her master had suffered too much and needed to eat more sweets so that she could remember things from the past.

Yunhua peeked out from the fox fur and smiled, handing her the phoenix wood she had just broken off: "Thank you. This branch is for you."

"Oh, it's the one I couldn't reach!" The little girl was overjoyed and couldn't put the flower down. "Thank you, Grandmaster! Grandmaster, shall we go to the back mountain together tomorrow? I saw so many beautiful sights there last time!"

Yunhua readily agreed. Seeing that the two of them were happy, Yunshu secretly decided to go with them the next day to avoid stepping onto a cliff or something.

After a while of playing around, Jinzhu suddenly sat up straight.

"What's wrong?" Yun Shu asked, puzzled. "Have you not finished your homework?"

To everyone's surprise, Jinzhu shook her head, her gaze resolute: "Fox Immortal, are you, the Sect Leader... and the Grandmaster, the Demon Lord, and the others investigating the cults of the Western Regions?"

Once Yun Shu confirmed, she became even more excited, her golden hair, like ears of wheat, fluttering in the wind: "Fox Fairy, when I was little, before I was thrown into the palace, my mother told me some ghost stories. I always thought that my mother was just lying to me, trying to scare me and tell me not to run around. But these past few days, after hearing you talk about them, I'm thinking... maybe those stories aren't entirely false?"

Looking into her bright, clear eyes, Yun Shu suddenly remembered that Jin Zhu was not Han Chinese. Before entering the palace, she was a pure Western Region person who lived in the Western Regions with her parents.