My Beautiful Duchess Wife

Originally, the two were at least thirty meters apart, but in an instant, the flames seemed to break through that distance and arrive in front of Lin Peng.

With a bang... it vanished into thin air, leaving Lin Peng stunned once again!

"Elements, they sound simple, but it's extremely difficult for someone to truly master them. However... if you've learned to manipulate a small amount of elements, you're definitely a master, at least below the Great Demon King level!" the fire giant said once again.

Lin Peng's heart suddenly warmed. This guy seemed to have really passed on his true skills to him!

He chuckled, stood up, and began to study diligently.

……

Meanwhile, unlike Lin Peng's situation, Nadas and Ray had been waiting in the earthen fortress for three days. The sky was now tinged with a pale light, as if the crimson moon was about to reappear.

A huge ball of flesh was strung on a battle knife, roasting over a raging fire, emitting an enticing aroma.

"Thank goodness... we have this snake demon here, otherwise we would have starved to death. Lord Lin Peng is really something, if he's going to wait, he should at least find us a safer place. In a place like this, aside from those Demon King-level magical beasts returning, what kind of magical beast with a screw loose would just barge in! If it weren't for this snake demon, we might really be dead," Nadas muttered to himself. One of his eyes lit up; after eating quite a bit of this snake demon's flesh over the past few meals, it still possessed such powerful strength. Therefore, after a little cultivation, he felt his strength increase.

Now, if he eats this stuff again, will he break through? Anyway, it seems Lei broke through directly. These past three days have been all about cultivation and eating snake meat. In just three short days, Lei directly broke through to the high-level demon realm.

I... have a good chance, right?

Nadas's lips curled into a slight smile as he looked at Lei, who had abruptly interrupted his meditation, feeling somewhat annoyed. Anyway, for the past three days, he'd been grilling the meat while the little guy ate it. And then… Lei broke through, while he hadn't.

"Lord Nadas... do you think Lord Lin Peng might have been tricked by that firebird?" Lei asked with some concern after taking a bite of the snake meat Nadas gave him.

"It shouldn't be... impossible! We've been in this abyss for almost a month now! From the time Lord Lin Peng joined the Duke until now... it should be about two months. I really haven't seen him suffer any losses! Even Lundy died!" Although Nadas said this, he was still a little worried.

Lei nodded, then said, "You should start cultivating. Perhaps you'll break through soon. I'll take care of the rest!"

Nadas immediately nodded and entered into meditation. A seemingly profound power slowly began to circulate within Nadas's body, transforming into his own power. At the same time, the red moon shone reddishly into the sky and slowly rose.

The sky... has brightened once again! The fourth day has begun!

Chapter Twenty: Return, Blazing Chariot

For five consecutive days, Lin Peng absorbed knowledge like a sponge. The Flame Giant, in particular, taught him with extreme care. Even Lin Peng couldn't understand why this guy was so good to him.

When hungry, a fiery bird would suddenly appear in the hall, carrying a gigantic magical beast as food. One such beast could feed Lin Peng for many days. And when thirsty, the fire giant would magically produce a bucket of crystal-clear water, as pure as nectar. No matter how tired one was, a cup of this water would absolutely fill one with strength.

In just five short days, Lin Peng had made several breakthroughs. At this point, he was at least close to the peak power of a Great Demon.

Having just finished training his fire manipulation skills, Lin Peng wiped the sweat from his forehead and chuckled, "Boss, what's next? What will you teach me?" Today's lesson was complete, so Lin Peng looked at the fire giant with a fawning expression.

For some reason, the fire giant always seemed to be staring blankly at a huge floor-to-ceiling window. However, Lin Peng was not allowed to leave this hall and could only study within it.

However, he once looked out through the floor-to-ceiling windows. He had to admit, compared to this palace, Xia's palace was utterly insignificant. Just one glance was enough to captivate Lin Peng with the view outside.

The paths were paved with uniformly sized pebbles, and the flowers and grasses on both sides were lush and verdant, in various colors, making it seem like a herb garden. Within this garden, jade-like stones stood tall; every small stone bench and every pavilion seemed to be made of marble or some other unknown jade. The glass lamps, in particular, emitted mesmerizing colors. The statues, some over thirty meters tall, were so lifelike that Lin Peng thought they were real.

Even from just this corner, there was such a beautiful view. Lin Peng really wanted to take a closer look, but unfortunately, the fire giant wouldn't let him see it at all.

"Five days, Lin Peng!" The fire giant's face was completely expressionless; being entirely composed of flames, how could one possibly see an expression? However, from his voice, one could tell that... he was very tired!

Lin Peng nodded, his head, which always wore a sinister smile, nodding slightly: "Hmm... It's been five days. From the time I broke through to the Great Demon realm until now, I'm almost at the peak of the advanced Great Demon realm!"

It's truly exhilarating. After all, I haven't even been in this world for two months! My finger twitched slightly, and the flame circled around it once before disappearing.

It feels so good to have power!

"Hehe, then you can go back! Now, it's almost time!" The fire giant suddenly jumped back into the cauldron, and immediately, the cauldron trembled again. Flames roared out, and astonishing heat emanated once more.

Before Lin Peng could say anything more, the Flame Giant spoke again: "I'll let you ride out in the Fiery Chariot directly. Of course, that's a gift from me. Alright, that's all for now!"

Lin Peng opened his mouth, trembled for a moment, and then inexplicably appeared in a space about the size of an SUV.

Inside the cauldron, the flames once again formed a human shape. The pale yellow light in its eyes slowly dimmed: "Alas... thousands of years have passed, and I never imagined my power would decline to this extent. I simply can't stay away from the Li Huo Cauldron for long! Lin Peng... the rest is up to you! Hehe... if you come back next time covered in injuries, I'll beat you up! Hehe... I didn't expect your legacy to still be intact. Hahaha... I thought you were dead!"

After saying that, it returned to its flame form once again.

At the same time, Lin Peng was surprised to find that the space was actually quite comfortable. There was a sofa that could comfortably seat four people of Nadus's size, and in front of it was a coffee table that appeared to be made of crystal.

The entire wall seemed to be made of steel, exuding a bloodthirsty aura.

"Could this be the Fiery Chariot that Boss Flame was talking about?" Lin Peng shook his head, somewhat puzzled. Suddenly, the entire chariot seemed to vibrate and then shot up.

Startled, Lin Peng roared, his lips twitching, "Damn it, how do you control this thing?"

……

On the evening of the fifth day, the crimson moon slowly sank below the horizon, staining the sky red and allowing the creatures of the demon realm to absorb their last warmth of the day. The bright white moon still hung there.

A soft light shone down, bathing the entire earth in a blanket of white. At that moment, ripples appeared on Nadas's dark skin, as if a hairdryer was blowing on it.

Suddenly, Danas opened his eyes and stared intently into the distance beyond the earthen fortress. Ray tensed and looked in the same direction. Now, both of them were standing on the forty or fifty-meter-high city wall, so their view was even farther.

"Hehe... I didn't expect that I'd only been promoted to a Great Demon for two days, and already a magical beast has arrived!" Nadas said casually, showing no sign of tension. Lei frowned, a hint of worry appearing on his handsome face.

It's been five days, and Lord Lin Peng still hasn't arrived. However, the snake demon he and the firebird killed together has allowed both of them to advance in their levels.

"Hmm...fire!" As a great demon, Nadas's eyesight was far superior to Lei's. He immediately spotted a faint flame in the distance!

"Lord Lin... Lord Lin Peng, you're back?" Lei asked excitedly.

Back then, Lin Peng rode away on a firebird. Will he return now riding a firebird? Of course, it could also be some other magical beast.

"The Moltres flies in the sky, right?" Nadas asked, somewhat speechless. He shook his head, then focused his gaze again in that direction.

When they appeared within two hundred meters of the earthen fortress, Nadas and Ray finally saw their true visitors. Two enormous flaming warhorses, their flames seemingly never to cease, burning continuously. The two horses moved with incredible speed. Behind them was a carriage at least twenty meters away. It appeared to be made of black iron and emitted a rumbling sound.

It was so breathtaking under the soft moonlight.

"This...this...who on earth actually uses such a carriage?" Ray asked, somewhat stammering. In Darkmoon City, even the Prime Minister's son, Jess, only used a demon bone horse to pull his carriage.

However, the horses pulling this carriage were definitely magical beasts. Their bodies were engulfed in flames, and their speed was incredibly fast. In just the time it takes to say a few words, they were already below the earthen fortress.

And that carriage was the finest of the finest. Even in war, who could possibly get into such a black iron carriage?

Nadas's rugged face twitched occasionally, as if he didn't quite understand. At the same time, he swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he spoke.

As the carriage arrived at the foot of the earthen fortress, its roof slowly opened, revealing the interior. A huge sofa, a coffee table that seemed to glow in the moonlight, and glass windows on either side. One could see out from inside, but not vice versa. Furthermore, it seemed there were other devices inside, all secured by thick chains. Or perhaps… it was some kind of legendary seal!

However, when they saw Lin Peng on the sofa, Nadas and Ray seemed about to scream immediately.

What's going on? They just went out for a short while and came back in such a cool carriage! Are they trying to kill us? There's definitely no carriage like that even in the capital! They've never even seen such a fiery giant horse before.

"Lord Lin... Lord Lin Peng?" Nadas asked tentatively.

Below, Lin Peng, who was in the carriage, burst into laughter: "What are you all standing there for? Get down right now and go home!"

At this moment, Nadas and Lei cheered and slowly climbed down the hole Lin Peng had created in the city wall. They jumped down halfway down, bypassed the two fiery giant horses, and arrived beside the carriage.

Seeing Nadaz's slightly dizzy face, Lin Peng laughed even more smugly: "How about it? My ride is pretty good, right? Hahaha... You don't need to be envious, because even if you were, you couldn't have it! Wahahaha..."

Nadas and Ray exchanged a glance, then chuckled. Nadas suddenly leaped high into the air, soaring directly above the carriage. Ray, on the other hand, vanished without a trace.

Lin Peng was taken aback at first, then smiled, clenched his fist, and with a whoosh, burst into flames. Just as Nadas, who was gloating in the air, was about to throw a punch, he suddenly felt a pain in his stomach, and then saw a black figure.

Immediately, it flew out.

Lin Peng had already appeared, throwing a punch that rebounded towards the carriage. Simultaneously, just as he was about to reach the carriage, he swiftly swept his left foot horizontally. Instantly, another figure was swept away.

The two figures seemed to have fallen to the ground at the same time, making a small, loud thud and kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Hahaha... You think you're the only ones who got promoted? I got promoted too! Hahahaha..." Lin Peng was incredibly arrogant at this moment. Of course, he was only being arrogant towards these two people who were like brothers to him.

"Wow, you got promoted too!"

"Yes, Lord Lin Peng, how come you still detected me even though I've advanced and can even conceal my aura!"

Nadas and Ray slowly got up. Although they weren't seriously injured, they were in a really sorry state.

Lin Peng didn't answer them directly, but instead said, "Lei, there's no need to call me 'sir,' we're brothers. Hehe, how about calling me 'big brother'? Um... by the way, you guys are the ones who will advance in strength for us! Just five days!"

Although I know they are all at the pinnacle of their abilities. Especially Nadas, who seems poised to ascend to the level of a Great Demon at any moment.

Nadas and Ray chuckled, seemingly extremely lewd. They turned to look towards the earthen fortress; there, the half-headed snake demon still lingered! If they could bring it back, it might be a very good medicinal ingredient!

Chapter Twenty-One: The Distribution of Forces in the Crisis

Spring was drawing to a close, though it seemed the Demon Realm never truly experienced spring. A gentle breeze carried a hint of warmth. The twin moons in the sky lingered longer than in previous months, seemingly inseparable, unwilling to depart.

Darkmoon City remained as tranquil as ever. Since sending out that team, all the factions had been awaiting news. Of course, the news they awaited differed from one another. Especially within the palace, Sia had been constantly frowning these past few days, her delicate, crescent-shaped brows furrowed. Her exquisite face was covered in a layer of frost, as if she might erupt at any moment, unleashing a blizzard.

Eileen looked at the sullen Sia, her usually charming eyes now filled with a hint of pity: "Sister, don't worry! With Lin Peng's intelligence, plus Lundy and Nadas, they'll definitely be fine!"

Sia's otherworldly expression softened slightly, but there was no trace of a smile. She nodded slightly and turned to look at Angelina. This little girl hadn't uttered a single word since Lin Peng left.

The silence was immediately broken by a knock on the door, and Angelina opened it as quickly as possible. Entering the dining room was a soldier in standard military uniform. He saluted Sia and Irene, then loudly reported, "Your Grace, Lord Lin Peng is already waiting at the palace gate!"

The concise and clear words brought smiles to the faces of all three women. At that moment, the soldier was dumbfounded. On that face—fair as white as mutton fat, with a delicate nose, crescent-shaped eyebrows, and perfectly proportioned lips—a smile appeared, a face so exquisite it defied description.

The other one, with her flowing hair, delicate willow-leaf eyebrows, high-bridged nose, and captivating, expressive eyes, was an absolute beauty from the demon realm. I never imagined I'd witness such a seductive side.

Under the smiles of the two stunning beauties, the soldier completely forgot everything. But the next second, amidst a sharp cry, the soldier's back was enveloped in cold sweat.

"You've finished reporting, what are you still standing here for?" Xia once again resumed her cold and aloof expression. The soldier quickly saluted and slowly closed the door and left.

“Well then, sister, let’s go and greet them! Hehehe…” Covering her mouth and chuckling softly, Eileen took the excited Angelina’s little hand and walked straight out of the huge door.

At the palace gate, Lin Peng leaned against the carriage, while Nadas and Lei stood ramrod straight.

"What's going on? Why aren't they welcoming us yet?" Lin Peng muttered under his breath, nearly driving the soldiers on guard at the door and Nadas and his companion crazy.

Who do you think you are... a prince from some country, or a demon god? You actually require the Duke and Princess to personally come and greet you?

But the next moment, everyone was stunned once again. Unexpectedly, the heavy palace gates slowly opened, revealing the Duke and Princess standing inside. Nadas, who had insisted on going straight in to greet the Duke and Princess, looked at Lin Peng with a hint of envy.

"Welcome back!" Eileen said softly, with a hint of joy in her voice. However, when the three women saw the carriage, they were all somewhat taken aback.

Lin Peng laughed heartily, bowed first, and then began to speak: "I have lived up to my mission. This time, I not only completed the task, but also obtained the spoils of war!" As he spoke, he pointed to the carriage behind him.

Xia was the quickest to react, nodding and saying, "Well... then... let's come in and talk!"

Lin Peng smiled and nodded, then said to the fiery giant horse in front of the carriage, "Brother, let's go in!" With that, the group, along with the carriage, entered the gate that could accommodate four enormous carriages at the same time.

The carriage stopped directly outside the Imperial Garden, which was still quite vibrant with springtime. Everywhere was filled with early blooms; while it couldn't compare to the Flame Giant's Palace, it was certainly among the top three in Darkmoon City.

It is said that Jess's mansion is the best in the entire Darkmoon City.

Sitting on the stone bench, he gently stroked the flowers that had sprouted from it, and a sense of relief washed over him, making him feel exceptionally better: "Darkmoon City is so much better. Sigh... the Abyss is simply no place for a human to live!"