If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1354 The Demon Who Follows Heaven's Decree
Although the new old demon was unfamiliar with his face and identity, Xiaoyu still managed to obtain a lot of useful information from him.

First, she used her telepathic abilities to learn from the Purple-Haired Demon Lord that the Bewitching Heart Venerable was originally an elder of the Southern Demonic Sect, a powerful figure within it.

Because of Ying Zheng's grand plan to conquer Baiyue, the members of the Southern Demonic Sect either died or scattered, with most migrating to the outer sea.

They raised millions of people on the island, established a native kingdom, and acted arrogantly and domineeringly. They would directly demand and openly eat young boys and girls, as many as they wanted.

They can practice by extracting souls or absorbing blood at will, just like when they were in the southern part of Jambudvipa.

As long as you have power, you can live a carefree life wherever you go.

But since he has already established a country on the mainland of an outer island, and can still act like a lord, continuing to do as he pleases, under normal circumstances, Venerable Mixin would have no reason to return to Jambudvipa, which is extremely dangerous to him.

According to the information obtained from the Purple-Haired Demon Lord, even if a message were sent to the distant Bewitching Venerable immediately, the Bewitching Venerable would still have to travel 100,000 miles.

It takes at least several days to fly from the open sea to the Central Plains.

Before she could even leave the White Cloud Cave, the Purple-Haired Venerable had already been taken away by the Bewitching Venerable, and no one knew where he had been taken.

At that time, she became suspicious that Venerable Mixin had secretly come to Jambudvipa without telling his disciple.

Now, seeing the Bewitching Venerable throw out a flying talisman and summon another old demon whose strength and realm were no less than the Bewitching Venerable's in just half an hour, Xiao Yu immediately confirmed his previous guess. At the same time, he also had another guess—the Bewitching Venerable was not alone. He and several old demons had returned to the Central Plains, and this group of old demons were plotting something big.

And the big thing they're planning must be related to her!
This is why she had a sudden urge after hearing the name of the Bewitching Heart Venerable and seeing another Demon Lord.

Thinking of this, Xiaoyu became even more determined to follow them closely.

While the two old demons were searching for her, Xiaoyu released a spiritual body that flew up to the heavens and grabbed a talisman that was "flying around everywhere".

Do you know Lord Benyuan?

"Lei Zhong, the minor divine thunder envoy, pays respects to Qiu Shan Yuanjun and Grand Master Yu of the Great Qin Dynasty."

The talisman messenger was a little flustered. He first bowed respectfully, then said cautiously, "Lord Yuan, I was not monitoring you. I didn't see you at all. Even if I did see you, I would pretend I didn't. What I mean is that I am currently monitoring the thunderstorm situation in the vicinity."

The world is vast and boundless, and every day it rains and thunders in many places.

It's hard to say about the barbarian lands beyond Jambudvipa, but in any case, every rain on the land of China is brought by the Wind God and Rain God, and the minor deities must record their work.

If you don't believe me, look at this book, "The Record of Rain Distribution in the Thunder Department," which documents the rain distribution situation in various regions.

He actually pulled out a thick, purple-covered book with a serrated pattern from his waist.

Grand Tutor Yu glanced at it casually and said, "I haven't even said anything, why are you getting all excited and babbling on?"
I'm looking for you because you're a talisman messenger, and I need you to deliver a message for me.

"Yes, immediately go to the Imperial Observatory in Xianyang to find Master Guan and ask him to arrange for carriages and ceremonial processions to take my friend Shaoyao and my godson Chi Miao to the Grand Tutor's mansion in the underworld before New Year's Eve."

"Also, have my Taoist disciple, Xiao Linzi, prepare some New Year's goods in advance, so I can go home for the New Year."

Lei Zhong was stunned. "That's it? Why didn't you use a flying talisman to send a message, or summon any available talisman messengers or officials?"

Grand Tutor Yu said calmly, "You dare disobey my orders?"

"No, no, I'll go to Xianyang immediately." Lei Zhong hurriedly bowed and took his leave, disappearing in a flash.

"Why would I need to use magic if I can just grab people and order them around? Those magic techniques aren't mine, and I might have to pay 'patent fees' in the future," Grand Tutor Yu muttered to himself.

The most profound impression she got from her trip to Baiyun Peak was that the Taoist methods in this world have patent rights. They seem to be free on the surface, but the patent fees are actually terrifying!
She now tries to avoid using "systematic" Taoist methods whenever possible.

Systematic Taoist techniques are definitely compiled by experts, while disorganized Taoist arts are most likely created by extraordinary individuals.

The demon summoned by the Bewitching Venerable with a flying talisman is known as the "Soul Devouring Venerable".

The two used their demonic powers to search the area within a radius of dozens of miles, both above and below ground, but they found not a trace.

"What kind of background does the Hundred Transformations Demon Lord have? I used 'Thousand Souls Shadow Search' to check every living being with a soul within a ten-mile radius."

Either he's hiding ten miles away, or his transformation skills are too advanced for me to discern.

The Soul-Devouring Demon Lord was six feet tall, with a refined and scholarly appearance. He wore scholar's robes, had graying hair, and obvious wrinkles on his forehead and between his eyebrows, making him look like a mortal schoolteacher.

"However, I can confirm that your feeling is correct; we are indeed being watched."

Even now, that fellow is still hiding in the shadows, spying on us. What audacity!

The viciousness in the eyes of the Enchanting Venerable was replaced by a little bit of irritation.

While constantly scanning all directions with his "magic eye," he said, "I don't need you to confirm it. I'm definitely being watched. There's no mistake about it."

Although he hid well, he couldn't hide his gaze on me and his 'heart' from me.

As long as there is a stirring in the heart, as long as the heart is focused on me, I will know.

“But you still can’t find him,” said the Soul Devouring Demon Lord.

The Venerable Mind pondered and said, "That old demon probably wasn't lying; he is indeed an acquaintance of ours."

Because he is very familiar with my demonic arts.

Upon meeting him, he immediately took precautions against my mind-controlling spell, and I was unable to discern his true feelings.

Later, he spoke to me, saying, "As the saying goes, voice comes from the heart."

I immediately seized his heart through his voice, only to have him easily break free.

"If it weren't for someone familiar with me, someone who doesn't know me well, and someone who has studied my demonic arts for years, could they have achieved this level?"

The Soul Devouring Demon Lord thought for a moment and said, "Back then, when humanity was not thriving, my 'Holy Gate' was even more popular with the human tribes of the Central Plains than the Xuan Gate, giving rise to countless schools of thought."

When humanity flourished and the human race no longer lacked the power to fight against evil, they began to emphasize propriety, righteousness, integrity, and the great principles of human relations, treating our Holy Gate as a chamber pot to be discarded during the day.

Various schools of thought were forced to leave the prosperous Central Plains and migrate to the north or south.

Until Qin Shi Huang swept across the six kingdoms, the Holy Sect members in the north and south were forced to completely withdraw from the Southern Continent and disperse across the four oceans and the islands in the outer seas.

Those who were once familiar with the Holy Sect gradually became strangers and stopped interacting.

If you visit those sects now, they probably won't recognize you.

Therefore, if the Hundred-Faced Demon Lord truly understands you very well, he must be an ancestor of the Southern Holy Sect back then.

Such a person shouldn't remain unknown! Skilled in transformation, with incredible speed. I simply can't imagine it.

By the way, why did he pursue you?

The Enchanted One said, "The old monster of the Demonic Sect is eccentric and prone to killing people, which is normal for him."

After hesitating for a moment, he said with some helplessness, "He was very rude before, and I used a mind-controlling spell on him several times. At the time, I didn't know his strength and only wanted to kill him in one move."

Unexpectedly, he withstood the attack head-on, only spitting out a mouthful of blood, and remained energetic, as if unaffected.

The Soul-Devouring Demon Lord sighed, "You've already harbored murderous intent towards him and acted on it; it's no wonder he'll let it go."

The Venerable Mi Xin said unhappily, "Do you know what the scene was like? He called himself 'Laozi' and called me 'boy,' his tone was arrogant and his behavior was domineering."

First, use my disciple as a flesh puppet, wanting him to bear the karmic consequences, so he can reap benefits for nothing.

Then they used my name to swindle and deceive people on Baiyun Peak, truly treating me like clay.

The Soul-Devouring Demon Lord said, "At other times you can do whatever you want, but now we have important matters to attend to."

There are tremendous benefits right in front of us.

If you let a petty argument delay important matters, we will not allow it.

The Venerable Bewitching Heart sneered, "So what if you don't agree? Without me, could you set up the 'Six Desires Demon Formation'? Without the Six Desires Demon Formation, what makes you think you can stand against the Four Friends of Qionglin?"

A flash of anger crossed the Soul Devouring Demon Lord's face, but he said indifferently, "Are you threatening us? Becoming Dong Ye's Pill Tribulation is our destiny."

If you defy the heavens, you will surely lose their favor. Without their favor, let's see how many days you can live.

Even without you, we will still obey Heaven's will, and even if we fail to achieve our goals, it will not cause us great harm.

The Venerable of Bewitching Heart softened his tone and said, "Old friend, I am not threatening you. I just hope you can remain calm and rational, and not lose your temper without reason."

I haven't forgotten the important matter. That old demon was very impolite before, but I tolerated it. I'm preparing to take my leave now.

He insists on following me; what can I do?

The Soul Devouring Demon Lord immediately said, "Then listen to me, stop playing tricks, be honest and clear things up with that old demon, and get rid of him as soon as possible."

“What if he remains stubborn and uneasy?” Venerable Mixin asked.

“Then it’s not your problem. Not only me, but also the Forgetful Immortal, the Seven Apertures Demon, and the Heavenly Eye Master will all take action, find that old demon, tear him to pieces, and eat him.”

The Soul Devouring Demon Lord licked his lips, his smile turning sinister and greedy.

The Enchanting Venerable floated into the air, first confirming that there were no ghosts or spirits around before revealing his form and shouting loudly, "Hundred Transformations Demon Lord, you have won. I am completely convinced."

"Come out now. Make your demands. I swear by my inner demons that I will never again plot against you."

The purple-haired demon lord actually believed him and slowly descended from a height of a thousand feet above him.

"Kid, now that you've found some help, you feel confident?"

The Venerable Mixin was both angry and alarmed.

He didn't even notice how the old demon appeared, nor did he expect that the old demon had been above him all along.

He quickly retreated, standing two hundred feet away from the old demon in front of the Soul Devourer.

"Fellow Daoist, let's speak frankly. Although we had a disagreement at White Cloud Marsh, we eventually cleared things up. Why are you still pursuing this matter relentlessly?"

The purple-haired old demon sneered, "I know very well who you are, kid. I know your reputation and style back in the Southern Frontier."

For the sake of your foolish disciple, you traveled tens of thousands of miles and risked being killed by a powerful immortal from the Xuanmen sect, all the way from overseas to the Central Plains, only to see Laozi once and then easily let it go.
You little brat, you just can't see through my true strength. Keep me calm with your words, go back and find some help, then come and kill me.

I don't want to repeat the mistakes of the Lotus Master and the Black-Faced Demon.

This is the memory that Xiaoyu read from the heart of the original purple-haired demon lord.

Every demon has a bad reputation, but they all have bad reputations in different ways. The Bewitching Venerable is a famous "smiling tiger".

The Venerable Mixin's expression changed several times.

The Soul Devouring Demon Lord was stunned for a moment, and his gaze toward the Bewitching Heart Venerable became suspicious.

Three hundred years ago, the Lotus Master and the Black-Faced Demon were both prominent figures in the demonic path of the Southern Frontier.

They clashed with Venerable Mixin over some trivial matter. After some probing, Venerable Mixin backed down and took the initiative to reconcile with them. Then, taking advantage of their unpreparedness, he led a group of disciples to launch a brutal attack.

"Fellow Daoist, you have misunderstood. It is true that Venerable Lotus and the Black-Faced Old Demon were surrounded and killed by me and my men."

But there are other hidden reasons that are difficult to explain, and it is by no means a case of me being two-faced.

The Venerable Mi Xin showed no embarrassment on his face, but felt only annoyance in his heart: Damn it, it's rare for me to be so magnanimous, and I didn't intend to appease him on the surface but then lead people to ambush him later. You, on the other hand, took precautions and decided to strike first.

"This is the Central Plains! I do not wish to make a big fuss, so I did not bring any disciples with me."

He added, with great sincerity, another sentence.

If this old devil were in the East China Sea, near his lair, he certainly wouldn't survive.

I'll risk my apprentices to kill this bastard and satisfy my rage!

But in the entire Central Plains, he only had one disciple with purple hair, and he was crippled. Even if he wanted to lead a group to surround and kill him, he wouldn't have the ability!

"Who is he?" The purple-haired old demon pointed at the Soul Devouring Venerable and sneered, "You two still aren't confident you can take me down, and you want to gather more people, right?"

The Soul Devourer called out, "Fellow Daoist, I am the 'Jade-Faced Scholar' from the Southern Soul Refining Valley five hundred years ago, with the Daoist name 'Soul Devourer.' I wonder if you remember me?"

I am not a henchman of Fellow Daoist Mixin, and I will not fight to the death with such a powerful enemy as Fellow Daoist for him.

Moreover, Fellow Daoist Mixin's trip to the Central Plains this time is not for your disciple; we have other important matters to attend to."

"What do you want?" the purple-haired old demon asked casually.

The Soul Devourer hesitated for a moment, but then he thought that the person opposite him was also a "Demon Ancestor" from the Southern Holy Gate, and he must be very familiar with what they were going to do, so there was no need to hide anything.

"We have come to the Central Plains this time to carry out the calamity in accordance with Heaven's will. Only a few of us patriarchs are carrying out the calamity; the younger generation is not qualified to participate."

The bewitching disciple with purple hair traveled to the Central Plains with his friends and happened to encounter the opening of Baiyun Peak, so he went there to stumble upon a chance encounter with immortals.

In fact, we had already entered Jambudvipa before Zifa went to Mangdang Mountain.

"I've been here for almost half a year, and I've been planning this robbery all along."

—You bunch of old demons, how can you follow the will of Heaven? And you even put the words "arrange calamity" together, it just sounds awkward.

Xiaoyu was filled with questions, but the purple-haired old demon's face showed a look of sudden realization, as if she really knew.

(End of this chapter)