Chapter Seventy-Nine: Tales from the Strange Era

As soon as these words were spoken, Qi Xuan’s eyes widened, and even Feng Tianlin’s curiosity was piqued—both eager to know what was going on.

Cheng Lian, oblivious to their reactions, continued on his own, “After you left, the entire Nine Provinces were overrun by demons. The north was divided between the Evil King and the Venomous Queen, while the south became the domain of the Monkey King. There was no land left for humanity.

But the situation didn't last. Suddenly, a group of people appeared, claiming to be gods, declaring they would end this era! At first, we resisted with all we had, but the gap in strength was too great—we were no match. Even the Demon Emperor was suppressed beneath a great mountain. I don’t know what happened, but in the end, he betrayed us and joined those gods!

Later, it seemed those gods quarreled among themselves. They made a decision: several thousand years later, they would allow us to awaken again. You’ve heard the legend of the Demon Domain from the Monkey King, haven’t you? The legend goes that in this era, thousands of years later, whosoever seizes the Demon Domain will rule over all demons!

The truth is, the Demon Domain is a supreme treasure left by the gods in the mortal world! But besides the Demon Domain, there’s another treasure: the Book of Divine Words. That one belongs to humanity. It records everything that will occur after our revival. Whoever holds it will lead the humans!

If the prophecy is right, there are still five years before the next owner of the Demon Domain emerges. In that time, we can find him and seize the Demon Domain for ourselves!”

With these words, Cheng Lian clenched his fist, his expression ablaze with excitement.

Both Feng Tianlin and Qi Xuan were stunned by this tale. The owner of the Demon Domain was surely Feng Tianlin, and as for the Book of Divine Words, that must be Fan Tianxing! So this fellow wanted to steal his strange domain? But it was already merged with the system—how could anyone take it?

Qi Xuan, silent for a long moment, heard Cheng Lian say with a smile, “I didn’t expect you to become the lord of a domain. How about letting me manage this city? That little puppet’s strength is too weak.”

Qi Xuan shook her head, “Oh no, he’s the boss,” she said, pointing to Feng Tianlin.

“Hm?” Cheng Lian turned in disbelief and saw Feng Tianlin smiling at him before turning back.

“But isn’t he only fifth rank? So what’s your strength?”

“About the same as his, not as strong,” Qi Xuan answered with a smile.

Cheng Lian was completely shocked now. What had become of this era? Fifth rank was enough to rule and dominate? Were fifth ranks so powerful now? Even ancient demons, after awakening, didn’t have the legendary half-step to Primordial Power.

“He’s the only demon in the Nine Provinces with a territory, and this city is all there is to his domain,” Qi Xuan said with a smile.

This left Cheng Lian dumbfounded again, sighing at the pitiful state and weakness of demons now, that even a little fifth-rank puppet could rule a city.

Feng Tianlin clapped him on the shoulder. “Enough, just tell us about the altar.”

“Oh, the altar was what we demons needed for revival in our era. Before I went to sleep, I remembered the location of one of the traitors’ altars—one who rebelled with the Demon Emperor. I timed it so I’d awaken five days before he does.

Luckily, I remember the place. With your help, we can get there! Once I absorb that guy’s soul and body, I’ll be able to join you, and our overall strength will rise even higher.”

Seeing how carried away this fool was becoming, Feng Tianlin quickly interrupted, “All right, just tell us where this altar is.”

“In the southern part of Yu Province.”

“Yu Province, south?” Feng Tianlin blinked. “Can you be more specific?”

“In Dunhuang Village, southern Yu Province. Though, after thousands of years, the village might have a new name, but I know it’s nestled between two very tall mountains.”

“I see.” Feng Tianlin nodded thoughtfully, though he knew nothing at all. He didn’t even know where Yu Province was, let alone which two tall mountains. There were so many mountains in the country—how would he ever find it?

Yu Province must have been one of the ancient provinces of Huaxia, and it was to the south. He would have Long Mengting look it up with the Devious Map later, which should give them a general location.

With that in mind, he turned to Cheng Lian, “We have five days. In two days, we’ll go look for this so-called altar. For now, I have other matters to attend to.”

Cheng Lian nodded without another word. After all, he was now just an ordinary weakling, with little say in anything.

But just then, he suddenly staggered, nearly falling. Once he steadied himself, he looked bewildered, “What’s happening to me? Is my soul clashing with this body?”

Feng Tianlin glanced at him; such things could happen. When it came to souls, Chimei was the expert. He turned to Qi Xuan, “Where are Long Mengting and the others?”

“Oh, a human connected a very long wire in the city, then something called a television lit up, showing all sorts of images. Most of the strange creatures in the city went to watch.”

Qi Xuan shrugged.

Feng Tianlin was speechless. This group was always shirking their duties, and now they’d gone off to watch TV.

“Take me there.”

Qi Xuan nodded and led Feng Tianlin and Cheng Lian toward that part of the city.

When they arrived, there was indeed a crowd of strange creatures watching TV. Beside them, a human was holding a loudspeaker and explaining, “This is called music. We humans use it to cultivate our tastes. The male and female leads in this drama are appreciating music together.”

The television was enormous, set among the ruins, and was playing a Western film where the leads closed their eyes and listened to music.

As soon as Feng Tianlin arrived, all the strange creatures stood up and bowed their heads—a reflexive gesture of respect.

Feng Tianlin waved his hand. “It’s fine, carry on watching.”

He walked straight to the front, where Long Mengting and the others sat with the human. The man, seeing him, quickly bowed and nodded with a smile, but Feng Tianlin ignored him, heading over to Long Mengting’s group. At that moment, Long Mengting was using a fat orange cat as a sofa, lying on it and watching with great enjoyment.

Normally, Feng Tianlin would scold her, but right now saving Cheng Lian was more important.

“Chimei, help check if there’s something wrong with this human’s soul.”

Chimei was watching keenly, but at his request, she turned her attention to Cheng Lian, floating around him with interest.

“Your soul is truly powerful.”

Cheng Lian could barely keep his eyes open. He struggled to widen them, bloodshot, and snapped, “Whether my soul is powerful or not is none of your concern—just tell me what’s wrong?”

Feng Tianlin, seeing Cheng Lian’s state, felt a pang of sympathy. “Do check him thoroughly.”

At Feng Tianlin’s command, Chimei finally released her Yin-Yang breath, sending a soul into Cheng Lian’s body. After a moment, it floated back out.

Chimei shook her head helplessly. “Although this soul is clearly not human, whatever’s wrong with his body has nothing to do with the soul.”

Hearing this, Cheng Lian was close to tears. “If it’s not a soul problem, then what? Don’t tell me this human was already dying, and I just happened to possess him? Am I really that unlucky?”

Feng Tianlin frowned as well. This guy was still of some use—it would be a waste for him to die here for no reason.

At that moment, the human came over. “Excuse me, may I take a look?”

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