"Night Ling shouldn't go back with you." Cheng Cheng slowly walked into the hall, her voice a bit cold. "There are countless ruins in the canyon, and there have long been rumors of the bones of the Teng Snake here. Once I unify the Demon City, it will be a time for great progress. Night Ling has limitless potential ahead of her. Following you to the human world will only lead to her being looked down upon everywhere, at best becoming your pet snake. What good is that for her?"
Qin Yi really wanted to make a sarcastic comment about how her concern for others sounded a bit harsh right now.
But he couldn't afford to offend her, so he kept quiet.
Cheng Cheng's beautiful eyes scanned his face for a moment before she chuckled lightly. "Your calmness while hiding your anger doesn't suit you; it's easy to see through."
Qin Yi sighed, "Of course, it's a bit like showing off in front of the king."
Cheng Cheng shrugged. "You can think of it as me needing to use the Teng Snake's bloodline. We don't dare go up to the canyon easily, fearing attacks from human cultivators. And below the canyon... the ruins around the Demon City are extremely dangerous. The Demon City is in the middle, and we haven't seen what the outside world looks like for a long time. We need many strong fighters and special bloodline inheritors to expand the survival chances of our demon race."
"You are a wise demon king with great vision. I believe the Demon City will be different under your leadership," Qin Yi said sincerely.
Cheng Cheng smiled sweetly. "I have more than that in my heart; don't you want to see?"
Qin Yi helplessly replied, "Why must the king make such jokes? It's not funny."
Cheng Cheng's smile slowly faded. She looked at him calmly for a long time before asking, "Are you waiting for the elixir?"
"Yes, that's what we agreed upon. Qin Yi will not let the king down, and I hope the king will keep her promise."
"Of course, I'm not heartless." Cheng Cheng smiled again. "In fact, the key Zodiac token in this arrangement was brought by you. You deserve the credit. As for rewarding the one who contributed the most, I can't possibly deny you this request; otherwise, how would I earn the trust of my people?"
Qin Yi felt relieved.
Cheng Cheng flipped her delicate hand, revealing a crystal-like elixir in her palm. The elixir was clear and radiant, exuding an extremely cold aura. Looking through the crystal, it seemed like there was blood flowing inside, almost like a living pill.
"The main ingredient is the Frost Fruit you risked your life to obtain. I didn't deceive you," Cheng Cheng said casually, tossing the elixir over to him. "This elixir can extend your life by sixteen years. Don't think it's too little; this is the best I can do right now."
Qin Yi trembled as he caught it, feeling as if all his strength had been drained. A mix of emotions surged within him.
After all the hardships of going to the canyon, facing uncertainty, and cutting through thorns, all of it was for this elixir. Now, even though the promised time was still early, it was already settled. He could finally return with a smile and say he kept his promise.
Seeing his trembling hands, Cheng Cheng's eyes flickered with complex emotions, and she casually asked, "Aren't you going to stay a few more days? You could spend more time with Night Ling."
Night Ling quietly said, "Forget it. Brother has to go back. Forcing him to stay would only make him unhappy."
"That's right." Qin Yi turned to Night Ling and gently said, "Be careful while you're alone in the Demon City. Keep your wits about you."
Night Ling finally choked up, pulling at his sleeve. "I'll see you off, brother."
"No need. We have to part eventually. There's no need to get too emotional. I promise I'll visit you when I can."
Qin Yi ruffled Night Ling's hair one last time, not looking at Cheng Cheng again, and turned to leave.
Cheng Cheng silently watched his back until he disappeared. Suddenly, she swayed slightly, her expression pale.
Night Ling was secretly wiping her tears and was startled when she saw this. She rushed to support her and asked, "Master, what's wrong? Is your injury from yesterday still not healed?"
"It's nothing." Cheng Cheng smiled faintly. "This time, I used you, but I thought you could run away... Well, if you blame me, that's only natural."
"I'm not angry with you, Master..." Night Ling whispered. "But brother seems gentle on the surface, yet he has a stubborn heart. This deal has probably cut off his ties with you..."
Cheng Cheng still smiled. "It was just a transaction; this outcome is good."
Meanwhile, Qin Yi stepped out of the palace and immediately saw Ying Li blocking his way with a grim expression.
Qin Yi paused for a moment. "Commander Ying, what can I do for you?"
Ying Li's face was cold, and his tone was icy. "Hand over the elixir."
Qin Yi frowned. "This is something your king promised. Are you really going to let your king bear the name of being untrustworthy?"
Ying Li was extremely agitated. "Stop talking nonsense! Hand over the elixir, or I'll make sure you don't leave here alive!"
"I'm sorry," Qin Yi replied slowly. "That's not going to happen."
Ying Li was furious, and a fierce wind began to swirl around him as he prepared to attack.
"Ying Li!" Cheng Cheng's cold voice came from the palace. "If you act, it will be considered treason."
Ying Li was anxious. "My king!"
"Let him go!"
Ying Li glared at Qin Yi for a long moment, then angrily stormed back into the palace.
Qin Yi was also filled with anger as he strode out of the city. That blasted Ying Li had clearly looked down on humans and wanted him gone, but now that he saw the treasure, he came to snatch it!
Liu Su sighed softly. It could see a lot but said nothing.
So, just like that, the deal with the Demon City ended, and they would forget each other. That was fine.
Inside the East Palace, Night Ling watched in shock as Cheng Cheng, after sending her a message with her spiritual sense, spat out a mouthful of blood.
She was quite frightened. "Master, what's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong?" Ying Li barged in, his voice harsh. "You two siblings know nothing! Extending life? That's not something that can be easily made! That Frost Fruit is just a preservation effect; the real life-extending ingredient is the heart's blood wrapped inside!"
"Heart... blood..." Night Ling's face turned pale.
"The king used her own heart's blood. Others may have their lives extended, but she will lose her own life, and we don't know how much! This is trading the king's life for someone else's! If you harm the king, can you bear the consequences?"
"Ying Li," Cheng Cheng waved her hand weakly. "It's not that serious. The three veins have gathered, and the demon power provided is stronger than you think. Besides, my other self is still in the Kunpeng Purple Palace, and I can switch back to cultivate at any time. This little loss will be made up quickly..."
"The Kunpeng Purple Palace hasn't been entered for ten thousand years; who knows what condition it's in!" Ying Li retorted angrily. "No matter how you argue, the king shouldn't have feelings for a human!"
Cheng Cheng was taken aback for a moment and shook her head. "I've told you many times; it's not like that. If I had feelings, I wouldn't have used him as bait, risking his life. Now, it's just fulfilling a promise and rewarding those who have done well. In fact, Qin Yi is extremely important to our plan. Giving him this little thing is not excessive. Do you think Commander Ying is the kind of leader who doesn't reward merit? Wanting to take the elixir back is simply embarrassing for our country!"
As she spoke, her tone turned stern, resembling a royal command.
Ying Li was left speechless, stomping his feet in frustration. The reasoning seemed valid, but who would be foolish enough to reward someone with their own life?
Cheng Cheng took a moment to calm down and said softly, "Night Ling, take me back to the palace to rest."
Night Ling, confused, led Cheng Cheng back to her chamber, carefully observing her expression. "Master... do you really like my brother?"
"Ying Li is confused, and so are you! Your brother almost got used by me to his death; how could there be such feelings?" Cheng Cheng said irritably, pushing Night Ling away. "Go practice on your own and don't disturb my rest."
With a bang, the chamber door closed, and silence fell inside.
"Really, does this king really look like a fool in love? It's just that human is a bit special..."
Cheng Cheng spat lightly, her expression slowly becoming dazed, and she remained motionless for a long time.
She blankly stared at the pearls around her, suddenly remembering something. She took out a bracelet and tossed it casually.
The bracelet hit the ground and quickly transformed into a round mirror, reflecting Cheng Cheng's figure.
"Hey, mirror, I'm rewarding merit and, because I appreciate Qin Yi, I can't bear to let a man like him risk his life and end up disappointed. I have to reward him, right?"
The mirror version of Cheng Cheng spoke up. "You do like him."
Cheng Cheng's eyes widened in surprise, her chatter abruptly silenced. Then her expression gradually calmed, and she stared at her reflection in the mirror, lost in thought for a long time.
(End of Chapter)