Having been given a second chance at life, I choose to join the Demonic Sect!

Hongqi knew she was only temporarily safe. To avoid being harmed by Cao Cao, she needed to find a powerful patron to protect her.

After much thought, Hongqi concluded that given Cao Meng's strength, none of those women could possibly control the traitor Cao.

Currently, it seems that only Shishi has the ability to control Cao Cao.

Thinking of this, Hongqi immediately made up her mind to build a good relationship with Shishi and ask Shishi to protect her.

Hongqi felt that relying on others to protect herself was somewhat unreliable; one must be strong oneself to succeed.

So Hongqi put away her angry expression and smiled apologetically at Cao Meng:
"Cao Meng, how about giving me a few more of the pills you just gave me?"

Hongqi remembered that Cao Meng had given her a pill that helped her break through her limitations and advance to a higher realm.

Therefore, she wanted to get more of them. As long as Princess Hongqi's cultivation level was high enough, Cao Cao would not be able to force himself on her.

Moreover, Hong Qi could sense that now that she had become a fifth-order transformed demon beast in its early stages, the control that the Soul-Devouring Gu in her heart had over her had decreased.

If my cultivation level were higher, I might be able to eliminate the Soul-Devouring Gu within my body.

"Pink fox, you want it?"

When Cao Meng saw that Hong Qi had taken the bait, he couldn't help but laugh. This was truly a good start!
"Uh-huh!"

Hongqi nodded and hummed in agreement.

"Cao Meng, I want one too!"

Jin Ning'er, who was being held down, finally spoke up, even though she hadn't yet acknowledged Cao Meng.

However, she had to acknowledge her relationship with Cao Meng. Cao Meng and Hong Qi were in a master-servant relationship, and Cao Meng and she were also in a master-servant relationship.

Since that's the case, everyone should be treated equally. Cao Cao was given to that fox spirit, so it should be given to me, the demon emperor!
"Pink-furred fox, you have two million mid-grade spirit stones!"

"Jin Ning'er, you have two hundred million mid-grade spirit stones for one pill!"

Cao Meng quoted the price, which was ten times the system's fee.

After all, he has to spend a whole performance and a Rejuvenation Pill on it, so wouldn't it be fair not to make some money?

System: Cao Meng, you're really something. Not only do you let your pets raise themselves, but you also make nearly 90% of their profits.

You are even more insidious and immoral than capitalists!

"Cao Meng, this is discriminatory treatment!"

Upon hearing Cao Meng's offer, Jin Ning'er immediately became unhappy, feeling that she was being treated differently by Cao Meng!
Since he and the fox spirit were both pet beasts, Cao Meng should treat them equally and not discriminate against them.

Why is it that the vixen only asks for two million mid-grade spirit stones, while I ask for two hundred million mid-grade spirit stones?

Cao Meng's differential treatment is really going too far.

Moreover, even if Cao Meng wanted to treat people differently, he should have favored himself, the future emperor of the demon race, instead of that fox spirit!
"nonsense!"

Cao Meng placed a roasted chestnut on Jin Ning'er's forehead and scolded her irritably:
"Jin Ning'er, you're already halfway to the sixth rank. If you break through your realm again, you'll be a sixth-rank transformed beast in the early stage."

"Are the pills you take the same as those of the pink-furred fox? Are they the same price?"

It should be noted that each upgrade of Jin Ning'er requires 20 million mid-grade spirit stones.

Putting aside the fact that I don't have that many mid-grade spirit stones, even if I did, I wouldn't do a losing business, right?

Although Jin Ning'er found some merit in Cao Meng's words, she still retorted unconvinced:
"Cao Meng, don't you claim to be my master? You have pills that can help me improve my cultivation, shouldn't you give them to me?"

Jin Ning'er felt that Cao Meng had pills that could improve his cultivation, so he should give them to her instead of keeping them and thinking of selling them to her!

Such a mercenary person is not worthy to be the master of his own Jin Ning'er!
"You big idiot!"

Cao Meng then gave Jin Ning'er a roasted chestnut on her forehead.

That elixir was just an ordinary rejuvenation pill; it was merely a smokescreen.

That Rejuvenation Pill only restores spiritual energy; it has no effect on helping demonic beasts improve their cultivation level!

Hongqi's breakthrough in cultivation was entirely due to her own efforts in upgrading her pet through the pet upgrade panel, which she had purchased with real money.

If I really had the pills to upgrade them, I would have fed them to them long ago.

"If you won't give it to me, are you suggesting I give it to this seductive vixen?"

"This vixen's potential isn't as high as mine, so feeding her is a waste!"

Jin Ning'er was unaware of Cao Meng's predicament and mistakenly believed that Cao Meng was favoring the vixen Hong Qi.

I am a three-legged golden crow, how am I inferior to a fox spirit!
"Three-legged crow, you may have a high ceiling, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's that high!"

Hongqi saw Jin Ning'er talking about her background and retorted with a sarcastic remark.

No matter how high Jin Ning'er's potential is, she's still just like the noble Princess Hongqi, serving as Cao Meng's pet.

Princess Hongqi herself is the eldest, while the other party is only the second eldest.

"Cao Meng, once my cultivation level is higher, I can protect you better!"

Jin Ning'er glared at Hong Qi fiercely, then began to paint a rosy picture for Cao Meng.

They attempted to trick Cao Meng into giving them the pills so they could use them to improve their cultivation.

"Three-legged crow, do you think Cao Meng is a fool?"

"If your cultivation level were high enough, the first thing you'd probably do would be rebel, right?"

Before Cao Meng could even speak, Hong Qi had already exposed Jin Ning'er.

Having served as Cao Meng's pet for so long, Hong Qi, as a senior, understands Jin Ning'er's thoughts all too well.

This creature has a noble bloodline, originating from the three-legged golden crow, the emperor of the demon race. How could it possibly submit to a human so easily!
Moreover, the other party had only been born a few days ago, and Cao Cao still used despicable means to enslave them, so the other party must have resentment towards Cao Cao.

After Hong Qi exposed her thoughts, Jin Ning'er was furious, but dared not show it.

After all, once it comes out, it's because they feel guilty and are angry out of embarrassment!
"Cao Meng, we've known each other for so long and have built a deep friendship!"

"..."

Hong Qi is now going all out to improve her cultivation and for her grand plan of rebellion.

She set aside her pride as a fox princess and began to appeal to Cao Meng's emotions.

Cao Meng pinched Hong Qi's jade-like cheek with one hand and said in an annoyed tone:

"Pink-furred fox, do you even believe what you're saying?"

"Every bone in your body is a rebellious bone, a rebellious bone with barbs!"

Cao Meng had to admit it; indeed, fox spirits were the best at deceiving people. No wonder Daji had completely fooled Emperor Xin.

This pink-haired fox clearly hates me to death, yet she's still trying to play the emotional card with me. Does she think I'm a fool?
"Cao Meng, how could you say that to me? We've known each other for so long and fought side by side countless times!"

Hongqi truly lived up to her reputation as a vixen; even after Cao Meng exposed her, she remained calm.

Instead, her eyes revealed a deep sense of grievance.

Hong Qi's teary eyes seemed to say, "Cao Meng, you've wronged me! Apologize quickly and cheer me up, or I'll start sobbing!"

"Pink-furred fox, one mid-grade spirit stone is worth two million. Take it or leave it?"

Cao Meng wasn't buying Hong Qi's act at all. Did this vixen really think she was Emperor Xin?
Sorry, I know this vixen's background; she's a total drama queen!
Hakimi may be cute, but even if Hakimi is cute, is he cuter than a spirit stone? Obviously not!

Seeing that Cao Meng wasn't buying her act, Hong Qi dropped her act and huffed, "..."
"Cao Meng, the cost price of this pill should not exceed 300,000."

Based on my understanding of you, the cost price should be 200,000 mid-grade spirit stones!

Having stayed by Cao Meng's side for so long, Hong Qi had come to understand Cao Meng's greedy nature quite well.

This scoundrel Cao quoted two million mid-grade spirit stones, but given his greedy nature, the cost price would be no more than three hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

If it exceeds 300,000 mid-grade spirit stones, consume those spirit stones yourself.

"!!!"

Cao Meng was shocked; he truly hadn't expected that Hong Qi would actually guess the cost price.

That pink fox is so cunning!

"Pink fox, two million each, take it or leave it!"

Even though Hong Qi guessed the price correctly, Cao Meng still stuck to his price and refused to budge an inch.

"You~you~"

Hong Qi truly hadn't expected Cao Meng to be so shameless. Even though she had guessed the price correctly, he still insisted on two million mid-grade spirit stones per stone and wouldn't budge an inch.

Could that traitor Cao Cao be any more greedy or shameless?
After much hesitation, Hongqi made her choice:

"Cao Meng, give me two. If you dare to lie to me, don't even think about getting a single spirit stone from me again!"

Hong Qi thought that she was now a fifth-order early-stage transformed demon beast, which corresponded to the second level of the Nascent Soul stage of human cultivators.

If it advances two more levels, it will be the late stage of a fifth-order transformed demon beast, corresponding to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage for human cultivators.

Cao Meng was at the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage. Once he became a fifth-order transformed demon beast in the late stage, Cao Meng would definitely be no match for him.

Cao Cao shouldn't even think about using force against me, or trying to force himself on me.

With Hong Qi exchanging money and Cao Meng delivering goods, the two happily completed the transaction.

After Cao Meng gestured for the other party to swallow the pill, he then pretended to press a few acupoints on the other party's body.

Meanwhile, Cao Meng's clean pet training panel:

Mythical Beast: Three-Legged Golden Crow (Cultivation: Half-Step Sixth Rank) (Each advancement of one minor realm from the sixth rank requires 2000 million mid-grade spirit stones!)

Mythical Beast: Nine-Tailed Cloud Fox (Hong Qi) (Cultivation: Early Stage of Fifth Rank) (Each advancement of one minor realm in the Fifth Rank requires 20 mid-grade spirit stones!)

Gu Insect: Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Mother Gu (Cultivation: Late Fifth Rank) (Each advancement of one minor realm in the Fifth Rank requires 40 mid-grade spirit stones!)

Spiritual Root: Corpse Fragrance Jade Stamen Flower (Jade Stamen) (Cultivation: Late Fifth Rank) (Each advancement of one minor realm in the Fifth Rank requires 20 mid-grade spirit stones!)

Balance: 791 million mid-grade spirit stones! (Low-grade spirit stones will be automatically converted to mid-grade spirit stones at a ratio of 1:100)
Cao Meng felt terrible looking at the four million mid-grade spirit stones he had finally managed to accumulate. Now, in the blink of an eye, he was going to have to spend another four hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

Even though he was heartbroken, Cao Meng still knew that the most important thing for a businessman was integrity.

Okay, the truth is that all of Hong Qi's spirit stones are inside the Heavenly Fox Divine Bell.

The Fox Spirit Bell was crafted by Aunt Hongqi, and it contained a restriction placed by the other party.

Cao Meng had no way to obtain the Heavenly Fox Divine Bell, and therefore could not take it for himself.

His only option was to gradually persuade Hong Qi to willingly hand over the spirit stones.

Moreover, you can't push this vixen too far. If you do, and she starts acting out, there'll be no way to deal with her.

This is why Cao Meng would occasionally extort money from Hong Qi, but always within a range that she could accept!
In order to extract more spirit stones from Hong Qi in the future, Cao Meng had no choice but to endure the pain!

Left with no other choice, Cao Meng could only suppress his heartache and click twice on Hong Qi's page.

"Ding! After deducting 400,000 mid-grade spirit stones, the Nine-Tailed Cloud Fox (Hong Qi)'s cultivation has been upgraded to the late stage of the fifth-order demon beast!"

"Friendly reminder: Current balance: 751 million mid-grade spirit stones!"

As soon as the system deducted the fee, Hong Qi's cultivation level immediately surged, breaking through two realms in one go.

Hong Qi clenched her fist. Is this the power of a late-stage fifth-order transformed demon beast?
This feeling is wonderful! At this moment, Princess Hongqi really wants to fight Cao Cao!

The improvement in strength was not what surprised Hong Qi.

The most surprising thing was that she felt the Soul-Devouring Gu parasite in her chest cavity was no longer a threat to her.

In other words, the noble Princess Hongqi is about to regain her freedom and break free from the control of the Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Gu.

Once I am free, I will immediately escape from the Hehuan Sect and leave the Eastern Dao Continent.

Once I return to the Northern Region of Mingzhou, I will have my aunt raise the demon army and march on the Eastern Region of Daozhou to settle accounts with Cao Cao.

Just as Hong Qi was envisioning a bright future, Cao Meng's Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Mother Gu hissed and transmitted its message to Cao Meng:

“Master, this fox spirit’s cultivation has reached the late stage of the fifth-order demon beast. My Gu worm has very little effect on controlling it.”

If her cultivation level increases further, I'm afraid my Gu worm won't be able to control her!

This fox spirit harbors rebellious intentions; I suggest our master execute her when the time comes!

The Soul-Devouring Mother Gu's telepathic message was meant to warn Cao Meng that it was losing control of Hong Qi.

Even without the Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Gu's reminder, Cao Meng already knew that Hong Qi had a rebellious streak.

It would be really strange if this pink-furred fox didn't have a rebellious streak.

"Pink-furred fox, now that your cultivation has improved, it seems the Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Gu is losing control of you. You might be thinking of killing your master and attacking me, right?"

Cao Meng made no attempt to conceal his true intentions and directly questioned Hong Qi.

"Cao Meng, we've known each other for so long, how can you doubt me?"

Faced with Cao Meng's questioning, Hong Qi became afraid.

She had been by Cao Meng's side for some time and knew how ruthless he was.

If I really anger Cao Cao, he might actually turn me into a fox fur coat!

"There is no best!"

After giving Hong Qi a nudge, Cao Meng decisively clicked twice on the Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Mother Gu page to upgrade!

Although Hong Qi's words sounded nice, Cao Meng didn't believe this treacherous fox at all.

"Ding! After deducting 800,000 mid-grade spirit stones, the Heart-Devouring Soul-Eating Mother Gu's cultivation has increased to the half-step sixth level. Each small realm advancement in the sixth level requires 20 million mid-grade spirit stones!"

"Friendly reminder: Current balance: 671 million mid-grade spirit stones!"

With the system successfully deducting the payment, the strength of the Soul-Devouring Mother Gu increased to the sixth level of the Dao half-step.

As the strength of the Heart-Devouring and Soul-Eating Mother Gu increased, the offspring Gu in Hong Qi's heart also received feedback and their strength increased accordingly.

As soon as the Heart-Devouring and Soul-Eating Gu's power increased, Hong Qi immediately sensed it.

Hong Qi cursed inwardly, "Damn Cao traitor, he must be helping the Heart-Eating Soul-Devouring Mother Gu to upgrade its rank."

He clearly made a promise, yet he's still wary of me. That traitor Cao is utterly despicable! (End of Chapter)