Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 521 Offering one's life
The foundation of Star Demon Sea is a large lake nestled atop a majestic mountain range.

This lake is like a dazzling pearl, inlaid in the vast land of the Western Desert, occupying the highest point of the entire Western Desert terrain.

It is vast and boundless. On a clear day, if you stand on one side and look into the distance, your gaze will pass through the misty water vapor before you can barely touch the other side of the lake shore, as if it were a huge mirror stretching between heaven and earth.

As night falls and all is quiet, the lake resembles a giant black ribbon, reflecting the starry sky and sparkling in the water, as if the Milky Way has fallen to earth.

Therefore, it is praised as "the sea of ​​stars".

Around the Great Lake, a group of devout believers gradually gathered. With reverence and faith in the sacred lake, they formed a sect called "Star Sea" around this sacred body of water, which was the early prototype of Star Demon Sea.

As time went by, for reasons unknown to outsiders, the doctrines and practices of this sect gradually became despised by the martial arts world and were scorned by everyone, earning it the name of "demonic sect".

The members of the sect were quite carefree, so they simply renamed the sect Star Demon Sea. From then on, the name Star Demon Sea became famous throughout the Western Desert, becoming a unique and mysterious entity.

The magnificent, palace-like buildings on the shore of the great lake are the headquarters of Star Demon Sea.

Its layout is ingenious, with twelve small building complexes surrounding the outermost perimeter. Each complex is named after one of the twelve stars: Xingji, Xuanxiao, Juzi, Jianglou, Daliang, Shishen, Chunshou, Chunhuo, Chunwei, Shouxing, Dahuo, and Ximu. Each complex is led by one of the twelve star lords and guards the outer defense line of the Star Demon Sea.

Further inside, in the center stand four magnificent buildings, meticulously guarded by the four guardian deities.

The building at the very core, solemn and mysterious, is the residence of the leader and his two demon envoys. It is where the highest power and core secrets of the Star Demon Sea are held.

Today, the Star Demon Sea no longer exists; the buildings here are being replaced and transformed.

Outside the Star Demon Sea headquarters, a large number of tents and simple buildings are densely packed together, forming several sizable villages and towns.

These places are gathering places for Star Demon Sea believers. Their faith was once as fervent as a flame. Even though Star Demon Sea has changed its appearance, it still maintains the persistence in their hearts.

As Liang Jin's carriage slowly arrived at the place, the believers who had once devoutly worshipped the Star Demon Sea Cult Master all prostrated themselves on the ground and bowed down to Liang Jin in worship.

In their eyes, the essence of Star Demon Sea has not changed; it has only changed its name to Green Robe Tower, and the leader has also changed. This does not affect their deep-seated admiration in the slightest.

Initially, the situation was somewhat chaotic, and many people found it difficult to accept this sudden change in a short period of time, feeling confused and resistant.

However, Leng You, with her decisive decision-making and outstanding leadership, quickly quelled the chaos and stabilized everyone's emotions.

The Star Demon Sea has now become Liang Jin's most relied-upon and most loyal force.

Liang Jin was filled with anticipation for the treasure trove of the Star Demon Sea.

It is common knowledge that among the three major powers in the Western Desert, the martial arts of the Star Demon Sea are relatively inferior.

However, Xingmohai is unique, obsessed with all kinds of strange skills and unorthodox techniques. His style of doing things is bizarre and unpredictable, often making him difficult to guard against, and thus he has become the most troublesome opponent.

This is why Xingmohai is keen on collecting all kinds of rare treasures, or those mysterious and evil items. His treasure trove must contain countless amazing treasures.

Sure enough, as the gates of the Star Demon Sea Treasury slowly opened, an ancient and mysterious aura wafted out.

As Liang Jin stepped inside, he saw that the treasure vault was filled with a dazzling array of items, including various mechanisms, rare poisons and elixirs, weapons and armor.

Many of the items had unusual shapes, and Liang Jin couldn't understand how to use them at first. He had to rely on Leng You to explain them in detail before he gradually understood their wonderful effects.

The treasure vault also contains some martial arts manuals, including the "Black Bat Skill" and "Bone-Eroding Technique" which were the former leader's specialties, as well as many other manuals.

Xingmohai's martial arts are not known for their power; they require the use of various special items to unleash their true power.

In the Star Demon Sea, disciples not only need to practice martial arts, but also need to learn a variety of complex skills such as mechanisms, hypnosis, medicine making, and raising Gu.

These seemingly unorthodox skills can often be very effective for low- to mid-level martial artists.

When facing enemies whose martial arts skills surpass their own, they can use these ingenious techniques to not only potentially turn the tables but also escape successfully even if they cannot win.

However, once a martial artist reaches the third rank or above, the effectiveness of these extraordinary skills and tricks will be greatly reduced, making it difficult to pose a substantial threat to powerful opponents.

Liang Jin casually flipped through the manual, and when he glanced up, he noticed that Leng You was still standing far away to the side.

"Why are you standing so far away?"

Liang Jin couldn't help but ask.

Leng You bowed slightly and answered respectfully:

"These martial arts manuals are only available to the leader of the Star Demon Sea."

After hearing this, Liang Jin smiled slightly.
"There's no such thing as a cult leader anymore. There's only the Lord of the Tower."

"Come here, I'll allow you to look at it together."

In reality, Liang Jin didn't value these martial arts manuals from the Star Demon Sea very much.

He simply didn't have the time to delve into these unorthodox and mysterious techniques.

Since that's the case, it would be better to let his subordinates study it to quickly improve their strength.

Upon hearing this, Leng You immediately bowed and expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, host!"

After speaking, she walked steadily forward and stood beside Liang Jin.

Leng You stared at Liang Jin, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Liang Jin's trust and kindness towards her remained unchanged.

However, this trust and preferential treatment only made Leng You more and more worried.

She had always longed to marry her daughter, Mi Qianmeng, to Liang Jin, so that she and her daughter could be closely bound to Liang Jin, sharing both honor and disgrace.

Unfortunately, Mi Qianmeng was lazy by nature and didn't care about marriage at all. She was in a daze all day long and didn't take her mother's earnest expectations to heart at all.

This really upset Leng Youchou.

In the past, when no one else was competing with Mi Qianmeng, Leng You could feel somewhat at ease.

But now, Leng You has already received news that Mu Zheluo, who has recently joined Qingyi Tower, is also determined to send her daughter to Liang Jin's side.

Mu Zheluo's family wields immense power and has extensive connections in the Western Desert, making his daughter undoubtedly Mi Qianmeng's strongest rival.

This news weighed heavily on Leng You's heart like a boulder, making her anxious and fearful that Mu Zheluo's daughter would beat her to the punch and win Liang Jin's heart.

"These must be the Dragon Armor Divine Book, right?"

Liang Jin's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Leng You's thoughts.

Liang Jin was seen flipping through some books, which contained the notes of Ming Cangwu, the former leader of the Star Demon Sea.

Leng You composed herself and quickly replied:

"That's right. The Lord of the Underworld devoted a great deal of effort to deciphering the Dragon Armor Divine Scripture during his lifetime, and these are the notes he made during that process. What do you think, Master?"

Leng You pointed to the side:
"These are the artifacts that were salvaged from Star Lake, bearing the Dragon Armor Divine Book."

Liang Jin looked in the direction she pointed and saw a pile of seemingly broken and scrap metal objects haphazardly stacked there.

He approached and examined them closely, discovering that these so-called broken copper and scrap iron were actually household items. However, due to their age and long-term erosion by the lake water, they were severely corroded and appeared dilapidated, like a pile of worthless garbage.

The only thing that surprised Liang Jin was the sheer number of these artifacts; there were at least a thousand pieces.

Upon closer inspection, these artifacts were indeed engraved with strange characters, which were none other than the mysterious and unpredictable Dragon Armor Divine Script.

Leng You patiently explained from the side:
“Humans have lived around Xinghu since ancient times, but the earliest origins of these inhabitants are now impossible to verify.”

"After the Star Demon Sea was established, someone discovered the ruins of an ancient city in Star Lake."

"After that, almost every two generations of leaders would have someone become very interested in the ancient city ruins in Xinghu Lake, and then organize people to dive underwater to explore and salvage them."

"These artifacts have been salvaged from the ancient city ruins over the past few hundred years. Basically, all the valuable items from the ancient city at the bottom of the lake have been gathered here."

"Throughout the history of our Star Demon Sea, many people have attempted to decipher this Dragon Armor Divine Book. By the way, even the Black Dragon Dynasty once sent a great wizard to exchange ideas and discuss with our sect."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin was surprised.

It turns out that this Dragon Armor Divine Script is actually the script used by an ancient civilization, and there are still ruins in the world that use this ancient script.

The underwater ruins of ancient cities are not exactly rare.

The ancient city ruins also exist in Fuxian Lake, where Liang Jin lived in his previous life.

Due to frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes, mountain fractures and subsidence, landslides, and floods, many ancient cities are often mercilessly submerged and buried deep underwater.

Since so many people in the Star Demon Sea have already explored this ancient city ruin, Liang Jin felt that there was no need for him to waste any more time going to check it out.

Moreover, Xingmohai has obtained such a wealth of information related to the Dragon Armor Divine Book that his deciphering progress must far surpass that of others.

Immediately, Liang Jin put all these notes into his inventory, intending to study them slowly in his spare time later.

Afterwards, Liang Jin did not leave the treasure vault immediately. Instead, he turned around and said to Leng You with a solemn expression:
“Ayna advised me to lead the Green Robe Tower to surrender to the Kingdom of Sihali.”

"The Demon King also sent me an envoy with strong words, demanding that I surrender to him or face the consequences."

"Cangdu strongly urged me to submit to the Great Qian Dynasty so that the Western Desert could be brought back under the rule of the Great Qian Dynasty."

“Muzheluo advised me to establish myself as king in the Western Desert, recruit more soldiers, stockpile grain, build city walls, and consolidate my power.”

"Mr. Ding hoped that I would not claim the title of king or establish a kingdom, but only maintain actual rule over the Western Desert and skillfully utilize the contradictions between the three major powers to maintain my own independent status."

"Leng You, I'd like to hear your opinion."

Upon hearing this, Leng You's expression immediately hardened.

She never expected that Liang Jin's first question would concern such a crucial matter as the future of the Western Desert.

This made Leng You dare not be careless at all. She quickly reviewed her original thoughts in her mind, carefully considered them, and made sure that there were no omissions.

Then, Leng Youcai bowed solemnly and replied with a dignified expression:
"What those gentlemen said has already taken into account all the possible directions that Qingyi Tower may face in the future. I really don't have any more unique insights."

"Therefore, no matter what decision the Lord makes in the end, I and the entire Star Demon Sea will firmly support the Lord's decision, even if it means going through fire and water, and dying ten thousand times."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin nodded in satisfaction.

Then he slowly said, "In that case, I can confidently entrust the Western Desert to you to manage for me."

Leng You was taken aback upon hearing this.

She raised her head, her eyes full of confusion, and stared straight at Liang Jin.

Liang Jin continued:

"No further changes are expected in the Western Desert in the short term."

"And I will lead the elite forces of the Green Robe Pavilion to the Great Qian Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Leng You's expression of doubt deepened.

Now, the Western Desert has just been pacified by the Green Robe Tower, and everything is in need of rebuilding. It is a time when we urgently need to plan and integrate resources from all sides.

At this critical juncture, why is Liang Jin heading to Daqian?

Does he really intend to defect to the Daqian Dynasty?
Otherwise, Leng You really couldn't figure out what Liang Jin's purpose was in going to Daqian this time.

Looking at Leng You's puzzled expression, Liang Jin couldn't help but smile slightly:
“You are my trusted confidant, so naturally I will not hide anything from you.”

“The Great Qian Dynasty is about to undergo a dramatic change. I have a very important matter to attend to on my trip.”

"If this matter succeeds, my Qingyi Tower will be able to continue its glory for thousands of years."

"If we fail, the glory of Qingyi Tower today will likely vanish like smoke in the blink of an eye."

Liang Jin was not exaggerating; he knew that if the main body were to meet with misfortune, the clone would naturally perish as well.

Once the clone is destroyed, the Green Robe Tower, having lost the protection of the clone and the battle puppet Iron Madman, will inevitably fall into a desperate situation and perish.

Upon hearing this, Leng You's expression turned extremely serious. She straightened her posture and said firmly:
"Please take me with you, sir!"

"I am willing to go through fire and water for you, OP!"

Liang Jin gently shook his head:

"I need you to stay and protect the Western Desert for me."

"I do not fully trust either Muzhaluo or Mr. Ding."

"But you, Leng You, I trust you."

Now, Liang Jin urgently needs to enter the Great Qian Dynasty and no longer has enough time to slowly integrate the various forces in the Western Desert.

Therefore, entrusting this important task to Leng You is undoubtedly the best choice.

Liang Jin truly needs to entrust the foundation of Qingyi Tower in the Western Desert to a trustworthy person to protect it.

Upon hearing this, Leng You pondered for a moment and then said:
"Then I will have Mi Qianmeng accompany the Lord."

Since Liang Jin trusted her so much, Leng You naturally didn't want to betray that trust.

She planned to place her daughter with Liang Jin so that Liang Jin could control her daughter's life at any time.

This is tantamount to handing over one's daughter to Liang Jin as a hostage, and also handing over Leng You's greatest weakness to Liang Jin.

In this way, Liang Jin can be free from any worries.

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin smiled and waved his hand:
You don't have to do that.

"Since I continue to employ you, I will not doubt you."

"Besides, Mi Qianmeng is lazy by nature. The journey is arduous, and bringing her along will only be a burden to me."

Leng You fell silent upon hearing this.

Then, she seemed to have made up her mind, her expression resolute.

Immediately afterwards, she slowly moved closer to Liang Jin, and the distance between them instantly closed. They stood face to face, so close that Liang Jin could even clearly smell the hot breath she was exhaling.

At this distance, her cool and beautiful face was exceptionally clear, and even the lines on her full red lips could be clearly seen.

Leng You's graceful body was almost pressed against Liang Jin's.

Seeing this, Liang Jin was filled with doubt. He really couldn't understand what Leng You's sudden action was trying to do. Surely she wasn't planning to offer herself to him?
Leng You parted her lips slightly, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke:

"Please, sir, spare my life."

The next moment, Liang Jin could clearly feel Leng You circulating her internal energy in a very special way.

Her mouth was slightly open, as if some living thing was slowly crawling out of her mouth from deep within her body.

"OP, hurry!"

Leng You urged anxiously.

Liang Jin pointed to her mouth and asked in confusion:
"so?"

Leng You nodded vigorously.

Without further hesitation, Liang Jin wrapped his arms around Leng You's slender waist and then leaned down, their lips meeting instantly.

With a forceful suck, Liang Jin felt a long worm being drawn into Leng You's mouth.

The worm was slippery and wet, and it quickly crawled into Liang Jin's throat with agility.

Liang Jin was not afraid at all. With his current strong physical strength, it would be no easy task to hurt him.

After the worm entered Liang Jin's body, it seemed to have found a comfortable corner, quietly nestled there, and stopped moving.

Once the worm stabilized, Liang Jin suddenly felt a strange and mysterious connection between himself and Leng You.

This connection is like the blood ties that bind a mother to her countless children—close and unique.

"what is this?"

Liang Jin straightened up, wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, and asked in confusion.

Leng You replied calmly:

"These are the Bone-Eating Mother Worms. They are inside my body and can assist me in my cultivation."

"Now I have handed the mother worm over to the host, while what remains in my body are thousands of daughter worms."

"As soon as the mother insect dies, the larvae will inevitably perish as well."

"If one day the Lord no longer trusts me, he can use his internal energy to force the mother worm to death. At that time, the larvae in my body will die instantly. When they die, they will secrete a toxin that will cause me to die from the complete corrosion of my bones."

"In fact, the host can even use the mother insect to... control me."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin suddenly realized what was going on.

He had personally witnessed the leader of the Star Demon Sea use the "Disintegration and Bone-Eroding Technique" to perish together with his enemy, relying on the thousands of evil insects he nurtured within his body.

At that time, Liang Jin guessed that the leader was probably not the only one in the Star Demon Sea who had insects inside his body.

Now it seems that Leng You's body does indeed harbor such bizarre worms, which is truly disgusting.

It's no wonder that people regard Star Demon Sea as a demonic cult; its style of doing things and the evil techniques it cultivates are indeed chilling.

"Manipulate you?"

Liang Jin heard Leng You's last words and his heart stirred.

He focused his mind and slowly sensed the connection between the bone-corroding mother worm in his body and the thousands of offspring worms in Leng You's body.

He quickly and clearly sensed it!

As expected, Leng You's body was filled with countless larvae, which covered his entire body in a dense, horrifying manner.

Especially since these offspring are so small, they would be difficult for others to detect without the mother insect's senses.

Liang Jin can control the countless offspring worms at will through the mother worm, and thus control Leng You's every move.

Immediately, Liang Jin's mind raced, and the mother insect sent out a mysterious signal.

Leng You suddenly trembled, her arms uncontrollably spreading wide open, instantly forming the shape of the Chinese character "大" (big).

Her sudden action was clearly completely out of her control.

Upon seeing this, Liang Jin was quite surprised and couldn't help but scrutinize Leng You carefully, trying to uncover the mystery behind it.

Leng You looked embarrassed, avoiding Liang Jin's gaze, and said shyly:

"It seems that the host has completely mastered the control over my fate."

"I will also do my utmost to govern the Western Desert well for you, Lord!"

Thinking of this, Leng You felt utterly helpless.

If Mi Qianmeng weren't so lazy and could be a little more diligent and promising, why would I, as her mother, have to sacrifice my life to gain someone's trust?

At this moment, a thought flashed through Liang Jin's mind.

Leng You shuddered, then relaxed and moved freely again.

It was clear that Liang Jin had released Leng You from his control.

This prompted Liang Jin to praise:

"This is so much fun!"

(End of this chapter)