Chapter 119 We've never been apart for this long! ...
Once the envoy was chosen, the invitation from the demon realm was handed over to Lu Yuanyuan.
The black tortoise raised one toe above the water and pointed it upwards. A shadow then flew swiftly toward Lu Yuanyuan.
Surprisingly, the invitation was not in the most common scroll format, but rather a cube-shaped box with golden wings on its back. It was about the size of a human fist, entirely black, and decorated with exquisite and ornate golden patterns. However, these patterns were not auspicious floral or cloud motifs, but rather clusters of eerie, flaming flames.
The surrounding immortals involuntarily stepped back, staring at the box with varying expressions—some wary, some suspicious.
Lu Yuanyuan did not step back and remained standing in place.
This thing was taken out by the Xuan Turtle, so it must have been inspected. It couldn't have suddenly exploded or launched some kind of hidden weapon.
Sure enough, as soon as the box flew in front of her, the golden wings automatically slowed down their flapping speed.
Suddenly, with a "click," the box split in two, and a wisp of black smoke, like the ash from burnt paper, billowed out. It spun in the air for a moment, then rearranged itself to form the invitation.
The characters are beautiful, and the writing is not overly literary, but it is concise and appropriate, neither arrogant nor humble.
The letter also stated at the end that if the cultivation world decided to accept the invitation, they could use this thing as a messenger, simply put the reply in the box, and release it.
Lu Yuanyuan was slightly surprised.
For the past seven years, she has stayed on Jin'ao Island, rarely going out, and has never been to the Southern Border.
In her memory, most of the monsters she had encountered were savage creatures who ate raw meat and drank blood, driven by the instinct for survival. Even those who had gained considerable power and a large number of subordinates were merely uncivilized mountain kings, far from being true rulers.
This was the first time she had directly received something from a high-ranking figure in the demon realm, giving her a completely new perspective. Perhaps the world of demons had truly changed dramatically. Perhaps it was time for her to go out and explore.
This opportunity to serve as an envoy is a great chance to broaden my horizons.
After reading the text, Lu Yuanyuan opened her hand, and the few lines of text instantly seemed to be blown away by the wind and sucked back into the box. Then, the golden wings folded, and the box suddenly fell, landing squarely in her palm.
It's small, but it feels quite heavy.
The Black Tortoise said, "Ling Heng, since you are appointed as the envoy, you should write back to the Demon Realm."
Lu Yuanyuan nodded and gripped the box tightly: "I understand."
.
After the meeting, Xuan Gui kept Lu Yuanyuan behind and spoke to her about some things. By the time she returned to her cave, the sun was already setting. Yue Hong, who was usually restless, was still there, sitting in the spot where she had been napping, flipping through her book without any ceremony. However, he seemed somewhat absent-minded; the pages were rustling loudly, but his attention was elsewhere.
Looking up and seeing her return, Yue Hong was slightly taken aback. He immediately put down his book, stood up, and got straight to the point: "I heard you're going to the Demon Realm as an envoy?"
Lu Yuanyuan nodded and said, "The news spread so fast?"
She placed the box on the table, washed her hands, dried them, spread out a piece of paper, and prepared to reply to the demon realm.
Yue Hong couldn't sit still any longer and hurriedly caught up, asking, "Why so suddenly? When did you leave? How long until you're back?"
"It's not clear yet, but it should happen in the next few days. I estimate it will take one or two months."
Yue Hong glared and raised her voice: "A month? We've never been apart for that long..."
As he spoke, he seemed to realize that his words were inappropriate, so he stopped himself at the end of his sentence and abruptly changed the subject: "Then who are you going to take with you?"
Lu Yuanyuan took out a roster from her bosom and spread it out on the table. Yue Hong glanced at it and his thick eyebrows furrowed: "You only brought this many people?"
"This list was drafted by the Xuan Turtle, and it asked me to revise it later. I think there's nothing wrong with it, so it doesn't need to be changed." Lu Yuanyuan spread a sheet of white paper on the table, tapped Yue Hong's head with the pen, and said with a smile, "What's with that expression? I'm going to discuss cooperation, not to fight a war. If I bring a large group of martial gods, people will suspect that I'm going to cause trouble, and they probably won't even open the city gates for me."
But this joke did not ease Yue Hong's brow. He stared at her for a moment, then suddenly said, "I want to go with you."
"I'm going to do something important."
"I promise I won't cause any trouble. When I get there, I will listen to you and won't interfere with your important business."
Lu Yuanyuan finally realized something and turned to look at him: "You really want to go?"
"Of course. What's wrong with taking me? I won't embarrass you." Yue Hong met her gaze, looking somewhat uncomfortable, and turned his head away. "I'm not going because I'm worried about you or reluctant to leave you. I just think it's a rare opportunity and I want to broaden my horizons."
Lu Yuanyuan put down her pen and thought about it seriously for a while.
In fact, it would be appropriate to have Yue Hong accompany them. Many of the direct disciples' servants in the Shu Mountain sect are around the same age as Yue Hong, making them more than capable of serving as his attendants.
Although this kid seems a bit difficult to get along with, he's incredibly clingy to her in private, listens to her on important matters, and never bites anyone indiscriminately. Besides, if he decides to return to the mortal realm at eighteen, he'll probably never have another chance like this.
Thinking of this, Lu Yuanyuan nodded: "Alright then. You promise to follow my instructions?"
"When have I ever disobeyed your orders?" Yue Hong muttered, somewhat displeased. Suddenly, realizing something, his eyes lit up: "You agreed?"
After receiving an affirmative answer, Yue Hong finally broke into a smile befitting his age.
Lu Yuanyuan was also infected by his happiness and smiled: "But at that time, you can only accompany me as my attendant. Let's get used to it starting today. Go pack your things now and help me pack my luggage too."
"Leave it to me."
Yue Hong walked away quickly. Lu Yuanyuan then looked at the letter on the table; the ink had dried. She folded the letter and put it into the box. The box shook, then snapped shut, spreading its willow-leaf-like wings and rushing towards the cave entrance, only to be repelled by an invisible barrier.
Seemingly stunned by the impact, it staggered backward, circled twice in place, and prepared to launch another attack.
Lu Yuanyuan: "..."
She almost forgot that demonic things couldn't penetrate the magic of immortals, so she quickly raised her hand to dispel the barrier at the cave entrance and watched it disappear into the clouds and mist of Jin'ao Island.
.
Two days later, the demon race replied, confirming the time and place of the visit, and indicating that they would lift the alert in advance and await the arrival of the envoy.
Early on the day of departure, Lu Yuanyuan got up to pack—not her luggage and gifts which had been prepared in advance, but herself.
As envoys representing the cultivation world, they absolutely could not afford to lose in terms of appearance and imposing presence. The immortal lords of Jin'ao Island seemed to be secretly gearing up to shock the ignorant bumpkins of the demon realm. Lu Yuanyuan had sensed this undercurrent of tension long ago, but she hadn't expected it to be this exaggerated—
Several female immortals surrounded her, ransacked her wardrobe, and revealed expressions of "I knew it," before taking out the items they had brought from their personal storage rings.
In the end, she chose a dress with a snow-white base and embellished with gold and red patterns. Her black hair, gleaming with a dark, bluish light, was all pulled back. Her earrings were made of bright pearls, with shimmering gold chains connecting agate, turquoise, and other beads, hanging from her waist and encircling her wrists. They were beautiful, but they always made a tinkling sound when she moved.
Lu Yuanyuan raised her wrist and couldn't help shaking it, feeling a little uncomfortable: "Aren't we wearing these things too much?"
The immortal lords immediately stopped her in unison: "Don't pick it! Don't pick it! It looks beautiful like this!"
Under the intense gaze of several beautiful eyes, Lu Yuanyuan had no choice but to lower her hand.
Never mind, this will only happen once.
Several immortal lords smiled broadly, stepped forward, examined her face, exchanged glances, and seemed to reach a consensus: "I think there's no need to apply anything."
"I think so too, this is fine."
"Swiping it away would be superfluous."
Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the cave: "Oh my... how lively! Isn't it just the right time for you, little immortal? But, Immortal Lord Lingheng, it's getting late, shouldn't we be setting off soon?"
Immortal Lord Qionghua waved his feather fan as he entered the cave. Upon entering, he almost tripped over the clothes scattered on the floor. He quickly steadied himself and glanced down with lingering fear.
Lu Yuanyuan flexed her wrists, squinted at the sky, and said, "It's time to set off. Let's go, Yue Hong."
Immortal Lord Qionghua rubbed his temples and then realized that Yue Hong was also there. However, because the room was filled with beautiful clothes, he was forced into a corner, his back pressed tightly against the wall, and he barely had a place to put his feet.
Hearing Lu Yuanyuan call his name, Yue Hongcai walked out from the corner and followed her. His expressionless face made him look more mature than usual.
His clothes today matched Lu Yuanyuan's in color scheme, both being white with more red accents on his trousers and sleeves, making him look bright and cheerful, like a blazing fire.
Immortal Lord Qionghua blinked, then suddenly noticed something. He swayed and leaned towards the celestial messenger beside him, covering his mouth with the back of his hand, and gossiped, "Did that kid eat something wrong this morning? Why is he walking with his arms and legs moving in unison?"
Celestial Envoy: "..."
.
Lu Yuanyuan was accompanied by sixteen Immortal Lords, including herself. Although none of them were Martial Gods, their combat power was already quite considerable.
After the war begins, the cultivators who have not yet ascended will be the main force, and they should also participate in the negotiations. However, looking at the vast cultivation world, there are countless large and small families and sects, and it is impossible for each one to send a representative. Therefore, the Shu Mountain Society will represent this main force and travel to the Demon Realm together with the immortal envoy from Jin'ao Island.
The two sides will meet in Fengdu and enter the southern territory together.
Because the southern region has become the territory of the demon race, Fengdu no longer has much of the presence of ordinary humans, and is like a desolate transitional zone.
Clouds drifted by, and a fierce wind blew high in the sky. In the distance, Lu Yuanyuan saw a large, dark group of people standing at the city gate. She made a gesture, and led everyone down. The leading cultivator stepped forward; it was Fu Xinguang.
Compared to seven years ago, he has completely shed his youthful naiveté and grown into a composed and reliable man, truly possessing the aura of a senior brother.
He had already prepared himself, but when their eyes met, Fu Xinguang seemed to forget what he was going to say and blurted out, "Lu..."
Realizing something was amiss, he immediately corrected himself: "Immortal Lord Lingheng."
Because there were too many things to prepare before departure, Lu Yuanyuan didn't have time to inform her old friends. Of course, she also didn't expect that Fu Xinguang would be leading the team.
Sure enough, Fu Xinguang had the same thought as her. If you looked closely, his expression seemed a little dazed: "I didn't expect... it would be you who came. How have you been these past few years?"
There were too many people around, making it inconvenient to reminisce. Lu Yuanyuan smiled and said, "Let's set off first, and I'll talk to you later."
Fu Xinguang then came to his senses, his handsome face turning red: "Ah... um, we should get going."
Yue Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze shifting between the two of them, but perhaps thinking of something, he didn't speak and followed Lu Yuanyuan first.
The large group of people had finished assembling and were heading in an orderly fashion towards the southern border.
Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Before coming, Lu Yuanyuan had specifically reviewed the common knowledge of the demon realm—the demon realm has seven cities, each of which is as magnificent as a small kingdom. Their absolute control is not limited to within the walls; the entire southern territory, including some nearby small towns, has been swallowed up by their sphere of influence, and demon soldiers patrol outside.
Because the arrival time had been arranged in advance, all the ferocious-looking monsters avoided them. Instead, upon arriving at the southern border, they saw nearly thirty carriages carried by monsters, and an envoy was waiting for them with a smile, saying, "The king has ordered us to specially wait here for distinguished guests who have come from afar."
It seems this demon king values this meeting quite a bit. Lu Yuanyuan exchanged some polite words with him before they each boarded their carriages.
The monsters below looked a lot like lions, each one majestic and possessing the sinister aura unique to demons. They breathed fire when they panted, and despite carrying the cart, they moved remarkably smoothly. Lu Yuanyuan looked down and quickly understood why they had been specially chosen to be picked up—because below was no longer land, but a sea of lava, and these monsters could walk across it as if it were flat ground.
Lu Yuanyuan gripped the gunwale tightly, feeling surprised, then suddenly realizing what was happening.
It seems this is something like a moat. With this thing, ordinary cultivators really can't take even half a step inside.
The immortals of Jin'ao Island and the more experienced Shu Mountain cultivators like Fu Xinguang remained calm. However, some inexperienced young disciples couldn't contain their excitement and began to marvel at this extraordinary sight.
Because of her excellent hearing, even things unrelated to the scenery drifted into Lu Yuanyuan's ears.
"...Is that the one leading the group Immortal Lord Lingheng?"
"I heard she used to be a senior disciple of Danqing Peak in Shushan."
"Yes, do I even need to hear about it? Every disciple who has entered the sect knows it. In the great battle seven years ago, she single-handedly turned the tide and subdued the demon who had impersonated our senior sister. After that, she ascended to immortality because of this achievement."
Then came a gasp of surprise.
...
Lu Yuanyuan pursed her lips almost imperceptibly.
History is always written by the victors. Even if she doesn't write it herself, someone else will write it down for them, a feat that they can be proud of.
The fabricated lie became the truth. She, who was once just an ordinary disciple, crying and cursing like a madwoman in the Valley of Floating Pagoda, actually came to a position that was once out of her reach and became someone who was praised and lauded.
Instead, no one remembers Duan Lansheng, who once amazed everyone with his sword, or the person whose name was taboo.
It's all over. Stop thinking about it.
Lu Yuanyuan shook her head, pulling herself out of her thoughts, and looked ahead.
Actually, these discussions are already considered complete; there are other topics that are discussed.
"Are all the immortals on Jin'ao Island... do they all look like this... this..."
"She seemed very kind, she even smiled at me just now... That's so nice..."
Yue Hong bent one leg and sat with his back against the ship's railing. Gradually, the rhythm of his fingertips tapping the railing slowed, and his pretty face grew somewhat sour. He glanced at Lu Yuanyuan's back of the head, snorted coldly, and suddenly stood up.
The wind lifted the hem of his clothes, completely blocking the probing gaze from behind.
Lu Yuanyuan saw the shadow, turned around, and saw a pair of straight legs. Looking up from the knees, she asked in surprise, "What's wrong with you?"
Yue Hong didn't even glance at her, staring straight ahead, and said stiffly, "It's nothing, it just allows you to see further this way."
At this moment, the demon envoy leading the way turned around and smiled slightly: "My esteemed celestial envoys, our destination is just ahead, Xuanzhao City in the demon realm."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
