The Demon Venerable’s Gambit

‘What exactly was she planning?’

The Demon King was the first to lose patience. “The Mermaid race has been allied with the Immortal race for ages,” they declared. “For Weili to openly travel to the Mermaid territory with such fanfare, especially now, is nothing short of a blatant provocation against us!”

“Precisely,” another agreed. “Her visit to the Mermaids at this crucial moment is undoubtedly premeditated.”

“If you ask me,” someone scoffed, “Weili is simply terrified of losing. She’s gone crawling to those ‘little fish’ in the Mermaid domain, begging for their help, ha-ha-ha!”

“Those celestial brats up in the heavens…”

Many had sought refuge with the Demon race, and now the grand hall erupted into a cacophony of voices. A heated debate ensued, with everyone clamoring to express their opinions.

Xiyue’s head throbbed from the incessant chatter. Amidst the din, a chieftain known for their brutal foolishness spoke up. “Demon Venerable,” they proposed, “I believe it’s time to make an example of the Mermaid and Bird races. Striking at them first will surely dampen the morale of those from the Upper Heavens.”

At the mention of ‘making an example’ of the Mermaid race, Xiyue’s expression subtly faltered. Yet, it was the Ghost King who lost her composure more swiftly. “Old fool,” she scoffed, “it seems you’ve plucked out your own eyes to refine elixirs, haven’t you?”

The Ghost King’s words, though delivered casually, carried an unspoken weight. Everyone present understood the invisible bond between the Ghost and Mermaid races; it was common knowledge throughout the Nine Provinces that the Ghost race would never make enemies of the Mermaids.

“What exactly is the Ghost King implying?” the chieftain retorted, his voice even. “Rest assured, I haven’t forgotten the Ghost King’s sentiments. However, even old friendships must bow to appropriate time and place. With war imminent, and the Mermaids having colluded with the Immortals for millennia, I advise the Ghost King to be wary of where she places her trust. I highly doubt the Mermaid chieftain will align with her.”

“Enough,” Xiyue interjected, her voice cutting through the din. Their ceaseless squabbling had given her a throbbing headache. “The Mermaid race dwells in the South Sea, protected by a formidable barrier. If we are to make an example, we shall target the Bird race first.”

Xiyue paused, then continued, her gaze sweeping the hall. “Have the Flower race representatives arrived?”

“Here, Your Reverence, I am here,” a petite, yet delicate, Flower Elf stammered nervously from the deepest corner of the hall. “Our chieftain is unwell, so I have come to represent them.”

The demons immediately resumed their murmuring.

‘Why would the Flower race seek refuge with us?’ they wondered. ‘What possible assistance could such a feeble species offer?’

Many hadn’t even noticed the small Flower Elf lurking among them until now.

A member of the Beast race licked their fangs, a drop of saliva glistening as it fell.

From her throne, Xiyue’s voice cut through the whispers, devoid of warmth. “The Flower race is under my protection. Does anyone have an objection?”

At her declaration, silence instantly descended. Even the Beast race member, who moments ago had bared their fangs, now obediently clamped their jaws shut.

Xiyue surveyed the demons gathered around the hall. “The Flower race and the Bird race have harbored deep resentment for a long time,” she stated. “Since the Flower race has sought our protection, we shall seize this opportunity to help them settle their scores. This way, no one can accuse me, Xiyue, of inaction.”

The Ghost King, standing nearby, struggled to suppress a laugh.

It was glaringly obvious that Su Xiaoxiao’s return to the Mermaid race was the true reason. Xiyue, unwilling to cause her distress, had spared the Mermaids out of consideration for her feelings. Yet, she presented her decision with such pompous rhetoric, a facade only these simpletons would believe.

And indeed, the assembled demons believed her!

“That makes sense,” one murmured.

“The Demon Venerable speaks wisely,” another chimed in. “The Bird race, by virtue of being the Immortal race’s lackeys, has always paraded their arrogance and provoked others. Our clan has long despised them.”

“Compared to the Mermaid race, the Bird race will certainly be easier to subdue.”

“The Demon Venerable is truly sagacious! To champion a weak race like the Flower Elves—we have indeed chosen wisely in seeking refuge here.”

The Ghost King unfurled her fan, letting out two light coughs to mask the smile she could barely suppress.

Xiyue’s expression remained impassive. “Given this, we shall assault the Bird race tomorrow. That concludes our meeting for today. The Flower Elf will remain; I have matters to discuss with you.”

“Understood, Demon Venerable.”

Upon hearing of the impending attack on the Bird race, the assembled demons slowly began to disperse.

A short while later, once the grand hall was empty save for the solitary Flower Elf, Xiyue’s true demeanor emerged. “How have the tasks I assigned you progressed?” she inquired.

“Luoming Demon Venerable,” the elf began, “the flower nectar has been prepared precisely as you commanded. It is of the finest quality among our kind, absolutely potent. However, when our elves attempted to deliver it to the South Sea, they found no way to enter.”

The Elf dared not even take a breath, terrified that this bloodthirsty Demoness would turn her wrath upon their own race.

Shayue listened, then merely stated, “It is to be expected that you could not enter. Leave the items with me.”

The Flower Elf knelt, bowing respectfully. “Yes, Demon Venerable. Your every command shall be obeyed.”

Shayue gazed at the two exquisitely packaged jars of flower nectar on the table. Their sweet fragrance, discernible even through the unsealed lids, made her momentarily lost in thought.

“Is it truly worth subjugating a weak race like the Flower Elves, all for this?”

Only after the Elf had departed did the Ghost King stroll in. Upon seeing the items before Shayue, she couldn’t resist a playful jab.

“Have your nine millennia of repentance not been enough, Ghost King?” Shayue shot back, her tone sharp.

The Ghost King sighed. “Of course, it hasn’t been enough. It’s simply that many of my subordinate leaders have approached me, arguing that the Mermaid race’s constant aid to the Immortal race for so many years is a blatant disrespect to us. What is that, if not offering a warm face to a cold backside?”

Shayue cast a chilling glance at her. “So, what are your intentions?”

The Ghost King idly fanned herself. “I haven’t quite decided.”

Shayue, disinclined to waste words, spoke with surprising seriousness. “Beimuxue, after the Mermaid Yunqing’s demise, did you ever truly understand the Mermaid race?”

At the sudden mention of Yunqing’s name, the Ghost King—no, Beimuxue—finally shed her playful demeanor. Her expression turned solemn. “I made a grave mistake back then, and I haven’t even begun to atone for it properly. How could I possibly dare to intrude upon the peace of her people in the Mermaid race?”

Shayue merely cast a glance at her, then offered a cryptic remark. “Perhaps in the future, once you’ve truly atoned, you should take your sister and visit the Mermaid race together.”

“What exactly do you mean?” Beimuxue asked, a slight frown creasing her brow. “To suddenly bring up Yunqing, and then my foolish sister… have you been frequenting the Mermaid race too much, perhaps hearing something you shouldn’t have?”

Shayue merely let out a cold, dismissive laugh. “I am simply advising you to abandon any thoughts that might prove detrimental to yourself. You’ve experienced regret once; surely, you don’t wish to relive it a second time?”

Shayue’s words carried a heavy weight.

Xiyue’s words were succinct yet peculiar, leaving Beimuxue utterly perplexed.

The topic was ultimately dropped, for Xiyue, with meticulous care, wrapped the two jars of flower nectar in cloud brocade, as if unwilling to be parted from them for even a moment.

“Are you truly going to go through with this, even if it proves futile?” Beimuxue called out to Xiyue’s retreating back.

Xiyue did not turn, nor did she acknowledge her. She had already departed.

Just as Beimuxue had suspected, Xiyue made her way to the South Sea without a hint of fatigue. With her formidable cultivation, the paltry barrier of the Mermaid race was utterly beneath her notice.

As before, she chose the hour when Su Xiaoxiao would be deep in slumber for her visit.

Curiously, no lamp had been left lit in the room this particular night.

Xiyue’s brow furrowed slightly. ‘Yanyan is truly not meticulous enough in caring for Su Xiaoxiao,’ she mused. ‘What if Su Xiaoxiao wakes up thirsty in the middle of the night, tries to pour water, and stumbles?’

Xiyue slipped silently into Su Xiaoxiao’s room. Her intention had been merely to deposit the items and depart, but just as the flower nectar touched the table, she heard Su Xiaoxiao, who ought to have been asleep, suddenly speak.

“Xiyue?”

Upon hearing Su Xiaoxiao call her name, Xiyue’s hand immediately froze, and her body became rigid, unable to move.

Xiyue dared not respond. She had initially been relieved by the darkness, hoping Su Xiaoxiao wouldn’t perceive her presence. Yet, at that very moment, the moon burst through the clouds, casting a brilliant, silvery glow that streamed through the window and illuminated Xiyue.

She watched as Su Xiaoxiao clumsily, slowly, pushed herself into a sitting position. Then, her gaze fixed in Xiyue’s direction, she called out once more, “Xiyue, is that really you?”

She heard the tremor in Su Xiaoxiao’s voice, a sound that filled her with dread that Su Xiaoxiao might burst into tears again.

Su Xiaoxiao absolutely could not cry again. Yanyan had mentioned that since returning to the South Sea, her emotions had steadied. The excellent air quality, sufficient humidity, and abundant, continuous spiritual energy had all contributed to her well-being.

Indeed, Su Xiaoxiao’s cough had significantly improved since her time in the Demon race. It was no longer the breathless, almost fainting gasps of before.

Fearing that startling her might induce another coughing fit, Xiyue steeled herself. “It’s me…”