Chapter 407: Xiao Ai's Thoughts
Inside the sleeping quarters, Ying Nv's expression appeared somewhat perplexed.
Although Ying Nv has followed the palace master for many years, and the palace master occasionally issues peculiar orders, the command given this time perplexed Ying Nv the most.
She knelt outside the spirit spring with an awkward expression and lowered her head in shame, saying, "Palace Master, I don't understand the profound meaning behind your instructions, Ying Nv…"
As the palace master's most trusted maid, she was unable to comprehend the intentions of the palace master. For her, it was a tremendous dereliction of duty.
Inside the spirit spring, Nine Phoenix lazily remarked, "Actually, it's quite simple, nothing profound. You just need to go and present a gift to that Lu Heng from Hanyu Mountain before every New Year's Eve, letting him know that we harbor no ill will and forge a positive connection."
"As for the rest, we don't have any expectations."
"Furthermore, spread the order. From today onwards, all the demons under the Arctic Skyark Palace, regardless of their status or cultivation level, must retreat and avoid any conflicts with the cultivators from Hanyu Mountain whenever they encounter them."
"Any who dare to defy will face the complete annihilation of their entire clan!"
In a casual manner, Nine Phoenix issued a command that was both startling and terrifying.
Upon hearing this command, Ying Nv, feeling bewildered, couldn't help but say, "Palace Lord! Although the reputation of the Wolf God of Hanyu Mountain is terrifying, our Skyark Palace is no less formidable! Why should we retreat in the presence of his disciples? If this matter spreads, it will greatly tarnish your esteemed reputation, Palace Lord!"
Ying Nv, filled with extreme anxiety, felt that the Palace Lord's command this time was truly outrageous.
If this command were to be spread, how would people perceive the Arctic Skyark Palace? How would they view the Palace Lord? Everyone would say that Nine Phoenix of the Arctic Skyark Palace fears Lu Heng of Hanyu Mountain!
Ying Nv, filled with unparalleled anxiety, while Nine Phoenix within the Spirit Spring lazily stretched and yawned, said, "Ah Ying, you still don't understand…"
"Although fame and fortune are desirable, when it is time to seize them, one should do so. However, if they cannot be grasped, one should not be overly attached."
"In comparison to the matters of life and death, the trivial criticisms from the outside world are insignificant."
"That Lu Heng of Hanyu Mountain, although portrayed as mysterious and righteous by the outside world, is actually not a true righteous person."
"In his hands, he holds two World-ending Nine Cauldrons, and it is unknown how many living beings and creatures were harvested during ancient times. He is a complete and utter destroyer, far more terrifying than the so-called malevolent demons."
"Don't be fooled by the fearsome reputation of you demon cultivators who devour humans. Every righteous practitioner gnashes their teeth at the mere mention of you. But compared to this kind of destroyer who annihilates and reaps everything without distinction of right or wrong, strength or weakness, you all seem as naive as children playing with toys."
"In the midst of the Earthly Catastrophe, when the destroyer makes a move, it mercilessly slays billions of living beings. Once the nine cauldrons are unleashed, there is no empty return, it is no joking matter."
"I, the Arctic Skyark Palace, wish to endure, and you little pups who want to continue frolicking happily in this northern region, absolutely must not provoke the destroyer of Hanyu Mountain."
"Although his identity is sensitive and he is unlikely to expose himself easily, otherwise the Human Emperor Palace will certainly come after him. But it's better to be safe than sorry."
"From my interaction with him in the dimensional space, it is evident that this individual has a narrow mindset and an extreme bias in favor of protecting himself and his own interests. He is truly a smiley-faced tiger, exuding a tremendous sense of dread."
"If I were to face him directly, I would have no concerns, but I won't be able to protect you bunch of little pups. So if you want to stay alive, never provoke the disciples of Hanyu Mountain, and definitely avoid provoking this destroyer with the surname Lu."
"When encountering him outside, it is best to keep a safe distance in order to live happily. Sending them some gifts each year, as a gesture of goodwill, may prevent them from constantly targeting us for trouble. This way, the Arctic Skyark Palace will be secure, and you little pups will also be safe… Do you understand?"
The languid words of Nine Phoenix left Ying Nv with a blank expression.
World-ending Nine Cauldrons, destroyer…
As a trusted attendant of the palace, she had the privilege of hearing the palace lord speak about some ancient secrets, thus naturally understanding the meanings represented by these terms.
Therefore, Ying Nv understood the command of the palace lord, and her heart was no longer filled with discontent.
Because if the Wolf God Lu of Hanyu Mountain is truly such a terrifying presence, it is not a disgrace for the Arctic Skyark Palace to accommodate Him.
However terrifying this presence may be, it can transform and disguise itself as a righteous cultivator after the Earthly Catastrophe, earning the admiration of the orthodox cultivators and sending shivers down the spines of the demonic path. Its disguise is so masterful… No wonder the palace lord deems this individual extremely dangerous.
No wonder the palace lord specifically singled her out to deliver the gift.
After all, as someone who cultivates unique forbidden techniques, she should be the only candidate from Skyark Palace who can go to Hanyu Mountain without arousing the imminent wrath of heavenly thunder when delivering the gift.
However, the palace lord portrayed the Wolf God of Hanyu Mountain in such a terrifying manner that even Ying Nv, who is well-versed in countless experiences, couldn't help but feel a slight tension at this moment.
To give a gift to such a terrifying destroyer, and to have to do it every year… This truly is a daunting task, isn't it?
Within the heart of Ying Nv, there resides a sigh of concern.
Meanwhile, Lu Heng, who is feared by her, has already embarked on the journey back home to the south.
Having rescued Sun Yan, Lu Heng finally finds himself free from worldly affairs and can peacefully devote himself to cultivation.
Moreover, everything previously experienced within the dimensional space has further solidified Lu Heng's resolution to diligently cultivate.
His original approach to cultivation was characterized by a leisurely and relaxed mindset. He possessed a nonchalant demeanor, unaffected by the urgency to achieve the highest levels of cultivation.
However, the present-day Lu Heng no longer has the luxury of idleness.
His determination and goal have never been as clear as they are now; to cultivate to such an extent that the entire Cloud Sea Sky Palace becomes manifest in this world, and then to seek out Sister Yuanjun in the so-called realm beyond realms.
Within Lu Heng's heart, there reside ten thousand questions and curiosities longing to be unveiled.
And most of these inquiries can only be answered by Sister Yuanjun.
Of course, Candle Dragon may be able to answer some of them. However, with two years remaining until the ten-year agreement, Lu Heng, despite his eagerness to immediately seek out Candle Dragon for a thorough interrogation, can only obediently return home and silently cultivate.
On the way back, Xiao Ai suddenly brought up a matter.
"The Wolf God, I wish to shelter and teach some cultivators to guard Hanyu Mountain."
When the young girl with silver hair and animal ears mentioned this, her expression turned serious, "Sun Yan and Gu Yan's cultivation level is too low. If we face another invasion from someone at the Innate Realm, Xiao Ai wants to handle it myself. I don't want to trouble the Wolf God to run around like this time."
The girl's face was filled with self-blame.
Clearly, she felt that her own lack of strength was the reason why Lu Heng had spent half a year running around outside.
Upon seeing her crestfallen expression, Lu Heng smiled and said, "While it is acceptable for you to shelter and nurture cultivators, you mustn't disturb the tranquility of Hanyu Mountain."
"And establishing a sect, teaching disciples, that is indeed a troublesome matter. The test of the character of beginners must be approached with utmost caution, lest we create a group of cultivators who, after achieving success, fall into the path of demonic cultivation like ungrateful wolves."
"Wasting your efforts is one thing, but it's much worse when those disciples of Hanyu Mountain misuse the skills they learned, causing havoc and committing acts of murder and arson."
