The Diabolic Shards increased his Evil Qi and were therefore not solutions. Xinzi relying on them would be akin to an addict consuming more drugs to stay balanced. The problem would keep getting worse, ultimately leading him to overdose on his own supply.
If the word was to spread that the only begotten son of the Thousand-Faced God collapsed from drug overdose, the three paradises would likely celebrate for one million years. Yongye would find a way to the demented Xinzi, kill and resurrect him, kill and resurrect him—pause one second to ask her son why he shamed her so—then kill him for good.
”Woof, woof, woof!” Even the Mini Overlords panicked, confused by what they just witnessed. Tusha and Xue Yuanshao didn’t fare better. Tusha, especially, saw in Xinzi’s temporary bout of madness the shadow of Lord Shaitan, the creator of the Devil Root Refining Sutra who—while the most powerful Devil of the Infernal Paradise—was also the most insane.
To see her abbot lose himself—albeit temporarily, pained Tusha’s heart. By now, she could no longer pretend that she cared only because of a Qiu Meng that had started to become an afterthought. And when Xinzi told his imaginary alter ego “We don’t harm our own!” Tusha finally realized how important it was to him that those that joined his infernal banner felt safe and empowered.
The Poisonfeather Birds were trivial troops—replaceable in a heartbeat. Yet instinctively, Xinzi would rather sacrifice Infernal Shards than consume them to the last bird. For such a corrupt demon lord, this was unusual, to say the least. Tusha had come to appreciate all facets of Xinzi’s diabolic mind, seeing in him the perfect master that Qiu Meng could never become.
That master now faced a dilemma, and she could do nothing to help him. This fact tightened the Infernal Nun’s chest, and she lowered her head—regretting the loss of her Asura Demon Heart.
At that time, no one noticed that Zi Feng had sat crossed-legged, lilac petals hovering around her as she whispered arcane words and joined her hands in a prayer sign. Zi Feng stretched her hands out, conjuring a stream of gold and violet energies laced in lilac petals that poured into Xinzi’s body. Instantly, the Hell Suppressing Immortal Tree shrank back into Xinzi’s dantian, and the lingering hunger stirring his stomach vanished in a heartbeat.
Xinzi’s eyes widened at the change, and he traced the source of this warm energy stream, noticing Zi Feng, whose Good Fortune Sacred Body operated in full force.
’Indeed. Till I build a body that synthesizes all three forces into one, she is the solution. With her by my side, I can use my powers with no concern of the hunger taking over. However…” The Good Fortune Sacred Body was, at the end of the day, a dual cultivation constitution. Without a dual cultivation partner, Zi Feng would always be limited in what she could do, and struggle to release that Holy Physique’s power.
Just like Xinzi expected, Zi Feng’s cheeks twitched, and her face flushed at the strain that the energy stream put on her body.
”Woof, woof!” The Mini Overlords joined the fray, feeding their Hybrid Qi to Zi Feng, and alleviating the strain so she could fix Xinzi with confidence.
Conflicting emotions filled Tusha. On the one hand, the nun was delighted to see the problem receive immediate treatment. But on the other, the apparition of another useful pretty face made Tusha feel threatened. As time went by, and other beauties proved more useful, who was to say that they wouldn’t take precedence and make her a secondary character in Xinzi’s eyes.
How to beat them?
How to bring more to the table and make sure that she’d always keep her master’s favor? A succession of ideas flashed in Tusha’s minds. Here, sensing that the danger had passed, Xue Yuanshao heaved a sigh of relief and stood up, wiping off his sweat-full forehead.
The White Winged Demon Brigade returned now, bringing with them the 100 Demon Slayers. Trapped in large bags, and with their cultivation sealed, the demon slayers enjoyed the smell of one another’s hands and feet, thrashing like rebellious pre-teens that refused to accept that they’d just been grounded.
Only their commander stayed stoic, accepting his fate. The apparition of the White-Winged Demons challenged all his beliefs, putting him in a daze. Never in his life had he seen such celestial troops. From start to finish, and with all the means of the Demon Slaying Hall, they didn’t manage to detect an iota of demonism.
Demons excelled at deception, but how could the trick be this flawless? If these were demons, why did the Heavenly Dao stand on their side—smiting down those that stood in their way? If these were demons, who was divine?
Had the First Division not come convinced that the Yan Spirit clan had formed a pact with demonic powers, never could they have labeled these angelic warriors as demons.
’Was I wrong? If I am, what was I fighting for? If I am not, are demons and divines the product of the same source? Either way, who am I to crusade against them? Heaven, I a Wind Spirit! Why…have you forsaken me?!’ Bamboozled by the Dao Chants and heavenly punishment that the White-Winged Demons obliterated his war efforts with, the First Division Commander broke down, seeking answers from the Heavens.
No answer came, and his despair deepened.
Now, a total of 60,000 White-Winged Demons flew in the air. Without songs, their presence still kindled mystical Dao Rhythm that stirred the hearts of all on the scene—regardless of background. If this was the impact that 60,000 could have, one could only imagine what Burning Spear Supercity now looked like.
”Your Eminence, your servant has completed the task!” Xin Zhong bowed at Xinzi, then motioned for the troops to present the Demon Slayers.
”Good job, but I’m not dealing with them. I’m going out to pick up a couple stray gals. Xin Zhong, you will handle the slayers. Just follow my instructions.” With a finger snap, Xinzi repaired the broken ceiling. He then tapped his chest, summoning 100 pale worms. Led by the Uncrowned King, 99 Heart Enslavement Gus, crawled towards Xin Zhong, their heads bobbing up and down, waiting for orders.
Xinzi sent Xin Zhong detailed mental instructions, then turned towards Zi Feng, then Tusha, for a second going back and forth between them—his thoughts unknown.