They Are Archenemies, But They Have A Child - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Intensification of Killing Intent

“Grandfather God, I—” Yun Qingwu stepped forward, intending to say something, but his words were once again cut off by the Celestial Emperor.

“Previously, Qingwu single-handedly destroyed the Ancient Town Lamp that the fox demon had seized from the Phoenix Clan. Perhaps the fox demon held a grudge because of this and is retaliating now.”

“Uncle God must have made his decision. This Lord will certainly offer full cooperation.”

The White Emperor, who had been observing for a long time, sensed the Celestial Emperor’s stance and voiced his support at the right moment.

The Celestial Emperor nodded: “I agree with Hua Yi; keeping the fox demon now does more harm than good. Executing the fox demon and returning the Ancient Town Lamp to its proper place is the most important matter at hand. I wonder—”

“Grandfather God, your grandson is willing to lead the charge.”

Yun Qingwu heard himself speak.

He stepped forward and knelt on one knee. Though the words were out, his heart remained in turmoil. He was unclear about what he truly wanted.

The only thing he was certain of was that even if Leng Lici had to be executed, it absolutely could not be done by anyone else.

The Celestial Emperor’s gaze fell upon Yun Qingwu, and his eyes held approval; this was exactly what he intended: “Good. Qingwu has fought that fox demon multiple times. It is most suitable for you to lead this matter.”

The moment he finished speaking, another person stepped forward and knelt: “Your Majesty, your subject is willing to accompany the Sovereign.”

The person was Yang Yuanli, the Son of the Martial God.

The Celestial Emperor looked at Yang Yuanli, not immediately expressing his view.

Yang Yuanli pressed his case: “The Sovereign has been locked in combat with that fox demon for a long time without a decisive victory. Since we are going with the resolve to kill him this time, one more helper will only increase our chances of success.”

The Black Emperor looked thoughtful, a plan forming in his mind, and intervened at the right moment: “The Son of the Martial God speaks reasonably. Why not have Hua Yuan assist as well? Hua Yuan is about to take the throne. This journey would also be a rare and valuable experience for him.”

Upon hearing his father’s intention, Hua Yuan immediately declared: “Your subject is willing to go.”

Seeing this, the Celestial Emperor decided not to say more and raised his hand: “Very well. I entrust this matter to the three of you.”

“Yes, Grandfather God.”

Yun Qingwu stood up and returned to his original position.

After the Celestial Emperor and the various Emperors withdrew, Li Qingyang walked over to Yun Qingwu, his brows still etched with regret: “Your Highness, there is no need to blame yourself for what has happened. If you require assistance on this journey, I am also willing to lend a hand.”

Yun Qingwu maintained a calm facade, but his mind was somewhat distracted. He merely nodded instinctively.

“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Yun Qingwu managed a faint smile.

It was only then that he noticed his Father God had not attended the council.

Li Qingyang noticed his confusion and replied: “The Scarlet Flame God Lord suddenly announced his seclusion after your recent trip to the mortal realm. He has not emerged since.”

So that’s why.

Yun Qingwu nodded. He was already used to his Father God frequently entering seclusion.

…

After the crowd dispersed, Hua Yuan and Yang Yuanli stayed behind.

Yang Yuanli: “Since the Sovereign has fought that fox demon multiple times, do you already have a detailed plan?”

Yun Qingwu’s hands, clasped behind his back, tightened. His expression was stern: “Leng—that fox demon uses cruel methods and has a resilient mind. A direct fight is not a good strategy; it risks mutual destruction. Senior Brother and Cousin will need to act as the main force to disperse his combat strength. I will seek an opportunity to instantly execute—”

The image of Leng Lici, bloodied and scarred, yet still trying to struggle to his feet, flashed in his mind. Those golden eyes stared straight at him.

Yun Qingwu’s lips trembled. The word simply couldn’t be spoken. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth: “Instantly… execute him.”

Leng Lici must ultimately pay the deserved price for his actions, and he, as the other accomplice, must also do the same.

“If the three of us work together to execute him, wouldn’t that be more efficient?” Hua Yuan frowned slightly, not quite understanding the circuitous tactics.

Yang Yuanli scrutinized Yun Qingwu, his words slightly barbed: “I remember the Sovereign was always eager to kill that fox demon immediately. Why the sudden retreat to a supporting role? Could it be that you’ve grown fearful of the fox demon?”

“It is precisely because I was too focused on frontal confrontation in the past that I failed repeatedly. To succeed, one must not be too hasty.”

Yun Qingwu looked at Yang Yuanli: “Or does Senior Brother not trust your junior brother?”

Yang Yuanli reined in his aggressive demeanor and nodded: “Since the Sovereign says so, I will naturally cooperate.”

Hua Yuan nodded: “We will proceed as the Sovereign suggests.”

…

Outside the hall, a female Immortal dressed more like a common martial artist from the mortal realm parted the crowd and chased after the Celestial Mother.

The female Immortal was Yuan Nü Jiang Heyue. However, unlike previous Yuan Nü, she had no blood relation to the Celestial Mother, having been exceptionally selected by the Celestial Mother against much opposition. Thus, she held the title but lacked true status.

“Mother God, why do I feel that His Majesty’s words are avoiding the key issue? I heard a rumor during my recent trip to the mortal realm that there is still an Ancient Town Lamp circulating outside. Could this be related to the matter?”

The Celestial Mother’s expression remained calm. She took Jiang Heyue’s hand and patted it: “Although my views on many matters differ from the Celestial Emperor’s, the Ancient Town Lamp concerns the very foundation of incense power, and it should indeed not fall into the hands of the demon race.”

Jiang Heyue was thoughtful. She felt something was wrong but couldn’t pinpoint it, so she skipped the topic.

…

Back at the Clear Cloud Palace, Yun Qingwu immediately locked himself in the Artisan’s Workshop.

Hong Yuan only managed to rush to the door, tapping on it: “Your Highness? Are you alright? You look so pale.”

“I’m fine.”

Yun Qingwu said faintly. He refocused his attention on the unfinished artifact.

What could be wrong with him?

He must ensure this operation is flawless. He would not, and could not, allow Leng Lici a chance to escape again.

He had promised that if Leng Lici committed evil again, he would not let him go.

Regardless of anything else, he needed to provide justice for the tragically annihilated Incense Division clan.

But before that…

He looked at the almost-finished golden bracelet.

He also wanted to keep this promise.

…

Meanwhile, Mount You Su.

A few elders of the original Nine-Tailed Fox Clan—the Green, Gray, Yellow, and Black elders—were gathered in the Li Palace, along with You Su Hongsui (responsible for finance), You Sumei (military), and You Suqian (civil affairs).

Leng Lici sat on the high seat, resting his face on his right hand, looking impatiently at the people below, who were arguing incessantly.

“Your Honor, you should not have been so impulsive! If the Heavenly Realm truly attacks, let alone the Demon Realm, our Mount You Su will surely suffer heavy casualties.”

“Yes, yes. Although the Ancient Town Lamp is powerful, it is, after all, Your Honor’s private desire. It shouldn’t drag our You Su Clan into this, should it?”

“Back then, the Princess used her own strength to transform into a barrier, temporarily blocking the passage between the God Clan and us, thus preserving the You Su Clan. Yet, now you bring disaster back. Are you worthy of your deceased mother?”

The Green Fox Elder, You Suqiao, angrily accused.

Leng Lici suddenly laughed, mocking: “The Princess? What, she’s not a sinner anymore?”

You Suqiao was speechless for a moment and could only try to regain the upper hand by aggressively thumping his cane on the ground a few times.

The younger generation was much calmer than the elders.

Hongsui stood aloof, clearly intending not to express any opinion. As a half-demon, she was disliked by the Red Fox Clan, so she was happy to stay out of the whole affair.

You Suqian, who usually openly or covertly antagonized Leng Lici, surprisingly changed his tune and was the first to state his support: “Why should we fear those gods in the Heavenly Realm? I support Your Honor leading the demon race in a frontal battle to let them know that we are not to be trifled with.”

He then looked at You Sumei: “Sumei, tell us, do you and your subordinates have confidence in this battle?”

You Sumei clenched his fists, his expression resolute: “The Director is right. We will give it our all!”

“Sumei… you… what are you blindly participating in!” You Suqiao’s face grew even greener.

Leng Lici looked at You Suqian coldly, his tone impossible to read: “It seems you are certain this Lord will go and never return from this battle?”

You Suqian forced a smile: “How could that be? Your Honor is sure to be victorious.”

“You better pray day and night, or else, what do you think your fate will be?”

Leng Lici moved his index finger, and a potted plant next to the group of old men was instantly decapitated.

After a murmur of whispering, the Li Palace fell completely silent.

“Reporting to Your Honor, the forces of the various clans have gathered.”

At that moment, the minor demon who came to report broke the silence.

Leng Lici nodded.

His expectations for these people were limited to dealing with the celestial soldiers and generals. As for that person…

He certainly didn’t need to bother others.

The outcome between them was yet to be decided. A battle was inevitable sooner or later.

Thinking this, he suddenly remembered something. He stood up, left the people in the outer hall, and returned to the inner chamber.

Inside, Xiao Dao was sleeping soundly, face down.

There was no trace of any pressure being exerted on him.

What’s going on…?

…

Yun Qingwu also noticed this anomaly.

Inside the Clear Cloud Palace in the Heavenly Realm.

Yun Qingwu closed his eyes, trying to concentrate the killing intent he felt towards Leng Lici, but neither his physical condition nor the circulation of his spiritual energy showed any trace of stagnation.

They all indicated one thing:

He had no genuine killing intent towards Leng Lici.

His heart held reluctance for this person.

Perhaps…

No!

No perhaps!

He forcibly dragged his thoughts back and left the Clear Cloud Palace for the Grand Star Lord’s Celestial Star Palace.

The Grand Star Lord shook his head with a sage-like expression: “A short-term reduction in one’s perception of emotions can be achieved with a Bisi Pill (Meditative Thought Pill).”

“Please grant me one, Star Lord.”

“No trouble, no trouble.” The Grand Star Lord stood up, saying he would fetch the pill, but just as he reached for it, he suddenly seemed to realize who his guest was, and abruptly turned his back.

“Sovereign, what do you need this pill for?”

He leaned forward, scrutinizing Yun Qingwu’s eyes: “Are you taking it?”

Yun Qingwu’s expression didn’t change: “I have a friend in the mortal realm who is suffering from… emotional pain. I want to help him feel better.”

The Grand Star Lord nodded, increased the distance between them, and handed the pill bottle to Yun Qingwu: “Emotional pain, ah. I wonder what that feels like. I hear it’s like being slowly cut by a dull knife. Take it, take it.”

Yun Qingwu gave a soft “Mm,” said no more, thanked the Grand Star Lord, and left the Celestial Star Palace.

…

Three days passed in an instant.

To the sound of rolling war drums, Yun Qingwu, wearing silver light armor, rendezvoused with Hua Yuan and Yang Yuanli, who were similarly armored. Behind them were a hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals.

“The Demon Realm is nominally governed by Mount You Su, but in reality, it’s just a loose collection of independent groups. A hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals might even be overestimating them.”

Yang Yuanli held his long-handled mountain-cleaving blade, his expression arrogant.

Hua Yuan looked placid, standing with his hands clasped behind his back: “Don’t forget, the enemy of our enemy is a friend.”

Yang Yuanli: “In any case, I am determined to meet the Lord of the Demon Realm today and see if the half-demon who repeatedly frustrated our Sovereign is truly as formidable as rumored.”

Saying this, Yang Yuanli meaningfully glanced at Yun Qingwu.

Yun Qingwu chose to ignore the provocation in Yang Yuanli’s words. He was the first to leap off the Southern Heavenly Gate and said faintly: “Let’s go.”