Ding Ding Little Stone

Chapter 767 Mother and Daughter...

After arranging these matters, Chen Yuan actually had two more things to do.

The first was to formally converse with Dongfang Sheng and discuss the matter of the alliance's allegiance. What they had done before could only be considered a preliminary agreement, not entirely set in stone.

Because within the Heavenly Demon Palace, there was still an old undying being similar to the Seventh Kill Palace's founder.

He was the one who could truly make decisions.

The second thing, and also the most important, was to set off for the Western Regions to obtain an opportunity, so that he could once again improve his cultivation, perfect his intent, and even comprehend rules!

However, this matter could not be rushed.

It wasn't that Chen Yuan wasn't eager or enthusiastic, but because the Western Regions were too far away, even farther than his last trip to Southern Border. He had to be cautious and conceal his movements.

Otherwise, once he entered the territory of the Buddhist sect, it wouldn't be so easy to leave.

In addition, perfecting one's intent wasn't as simple as relying on rare treasures. First, one's state of mind had to be without flaws, so that the intent could be completely perfected.

These were the things Chen Yuan had learned.

Therefore, Chen Yuan had to ask experienced people for advice, and the best candidates were none other than Jiang He and Mo Luo.

Jiang He had been sent by him to reclaim Qingzhou, leaving only Mo Luo with leisure. Although the latter had undergone new changes, he was still worthy of his trust.

...

Under Mo Luo's guidance, Chen Yuan's understanding of intent hadn't necessarily deepened, but it was generally in line with what he had already learned.

In addition, there was the matter of rules.

Now, Chen Yuan's weakness was rules. If not for the constraints of rules, he was confident that he could defeat Xiang Qianqiu, who was at the same level. Next time they met, it would be his death!

During the few days he sought advice, Qingzhou almost enjoyed complete victory. Jiang He and others expanded their territory, and Qingzhou almost surrendered upon seeing them.

There were no particularly top-tier forces in Qingzhou itself. The strongest were only True Persons in the Nascent Soul Refinement Realm, and they had no strength to resist.

In addition, Chen Yuan's reputation and strength meant that many people in Qingzhou had secretly contacted him before. Now, almost everywhere the army went, they surrendered.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it "bringing food and drink to welcome the King's army".

Chen Yuan's territory expanded, blackening another large province.

And just as the good news arrived, the people of the Heavenly Demon Palace finally came to his door!

There were four people: the Palace Lord of the Heavenly Demon Palace, and Chen Yuan's old acquaintance, the first of the Four Demon Venerables, the Imprisoning Sky Demon Venerable, Song Zhilun.

Their first meeting was in Martial Emperor City in the East Sea. At that time, Song Zhilun had even thought about recruiting him into the Heavenly Demon Palace, but Chen Yuan politely declined.

That first meeting was also the time when Song Zhilun had the highest status. In subsequent meetings, as Chen Yuan's status rose, the first thing he had to do was be respectful.

As for now, even the Heavenly Demon Palace Lord was no match for Chen Yuan. How could he, a Refinement Realm True Person, contend?

As for the last two, they were also old acquaintances of his: the Holy Son of the Heavenly Demon Palace, Wei Wuyai! And the Holy Daughter of the Heavenly Demon Palace, Bei Mingxue!

Chen Yuan only learned of her identity later, but by then, he no longer took it to heart. As for their first meeting, it was in the Yuankong Secret Realm.

If the two sides hadn't been mutually restrained, they would have definitely fought. Later, Chen Yuan took away the relic and kasaya, while she took a picture from the Taoist priest.

To this day, he still didn't understand Bei Mingxue's purpose in taking that thing.

Dongfang Sheng arrived in person to show his sincerity. Chen Yuan personally greeted him to give him enough face. Dongfang Sheng was very sensible. When Chen Yuan appeared, he cupped his fist and said:

"Greetings, King Yan!"

Wei Wuyai, Song Zhilun and others behind him also saluted in unison:

"Greetings, King Yan!"

"You are all too polite, please come in."

Chen Yuan swept his gaze over them one by one, and invited them to enter the mansion. Dongfang Sheng didn't dare to take precedence and quickly let Chen Yuan go first, with them following behind.

Seeing Dongfang Sheng like this, Chen Yuan didn't refuse, and led them into Yan King's Mansion.

The eyes of Wei Wuyai, Song Zhilun, and Bei Mingxue behind him were filled with awe and complexity.

Those past events still seemed vivid in their minds, and they found it hard to believe that in less than two years, their positions had undergone earth-shattering changes.

The earliest was Bei Mingxue. She looked at Chen Yuan's back and couldn't help but wonder, if she had spared no expense and used the Heavenly Demon Palace's trump cards to keep Chen Yuan in the Yuankong Realm, would there still be the King Yan Chen Yuan, so famous and ambitious, today?

It was said that Chen Yuan valued affection. If she had thrown herself into his arms and offered herself as a concubine, would the current King Yan's Consort be Bei Mingxue?

Compared to the lofty and admired King Yan's Consort, the identity of a Holy Daughter of the Heavenly Demon Palace was nothing now. In fact, if she saw Su Ziyue, she would have to salute.

The world was truly unpredictable.

Wei Wuyai's heart was filled with admiration for Chen Yuan. More than a year ago, they stood at the same level. More than a year later, he was still the Holy Son of the Heavenly Demon Palace, and his cultivation was only in the Core Formation Realm.

Chen Yuan, on the other hand, stood in a position that the entire Heavenly Demon Palace looked up to.

Unparalleled throughout the ages, his reputation was well-deserved!

Song Zhilun took a deep breath, his eyes very complicated, but he didn't dare to think too much.

Dongfang Sheng sensed the gazes of the two disciples beside him, frowned, and coughed lightly to signal them to withdraw their gazes. Did they really think Chen Yuan was an ordinary person?

As a peak Yang God existence, his control over the surrounding void had reached an astonishing level, and any slight movement could be easily detected.

Bei Mingxue and Wei Wuyai exchanged glances, quickly lowered their heads, and withdrew their gazes, but the thoughts in their hearts were not easily controlled, and they were still thinking about the past.

Inside the hall, Chen Yuan sat in the seat of honor, while Dongfang Sheng sat below him. Several maids respectfully served high-quality spiritual tea.

"This King has been looking forward to Palace Lord Dongfang's arrival for several days."

Chen Yuan smiled faintly, welcoming the other party.

"To be honest, I have been preparing for this matter in the palace these past few days. Our Heavenly Demon Palace's founder has also been seriously considering it, so there has been a delay of a few days. I hope King Yan does not mind."

Dongfang Sheng put down his teacup, his face apologetic.

Times had changed. If the Heavenly Demon Palace wanted to place a bet, they still had to see what Chen Yuan meant. Fortunately, their previous opposition hadn't resulted in any deep grudges, otherwise... there would be one more big trouble.

"It's no matter, this King only wants to know now, what are the thoughts of the Heavenly Demon Palace's senior?"

Dongfang Sheng smiled and glanced at Song Zhilun beside him. The latter immediately understood and quickly took Wei Wuyai and Bei Mingxue out of the hall, leaving them to discuss.

"After hearing about this matter, the founder specially asked me about King Yan's deeds and praised King Yan for having the demeanor of Emperor Taizu of Chu, and being a peerless genius who is rare to see in a thousand years.

Ascending to the throne is only a matter of time."

"The senior is too kind."

Although Chen Yuan agreed in his heart, he waved his hand on the surface to express his modesty.

"The Heavenly Demon Palace has offended you in the past, and fortunately King Yan is open-minded and doesn't dwell on it, giving the Heavenly Demon Palace this opportunity. Sheng... greatly admires King Yan."

Dongfang Sheng's words were beautiful, but he didn't get to the point.

"Fellow Daoist Dongfang overpraises me."

Seeing that Chen Yuan wasn't too enthusiastic, Dongfang Sheng immediately changed the subject and said:

"The founder agrees with my statement that the future of our Heavenly Demon Palace lies with King Yan. Therefore, I can represent the Heavenly Demon Palace to fully support King Yan's northern expedition and am willing to give Jiaozhou to King Yan."

"Then what does the Heavenly Demon Palace want?"

Chen Yuan chuckled and asked.

"The Heavenly Demon Palace hopes that after King Yan annexes the Central Plains, he will grant Xuezhou to all of the Heavenly Demon Palace, and make the Heavenly Demon Palace the state religion, and me as the national preceptor!"

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Dongfang's conditions are too high. Even the Immortal Sects of Mount Shu, Biyou Palace, and Taixu Palace, who have followed this King since they were weak, have never had such conditions.

If the Heavenly Demon Palace gets Xuezhou, wouldn't Mount Shu have to cede Shuzhou, and Biyou Palace have to cede Nanzhou? In that case, wouldn't the thirteen provinces of the Central Plains exist in name only?

Even if this King becomes emperor, he won't last long."

"Hehe, bargaining... King Yan can also offer what he can give. I will report back to the founder." Dongfang Sheng said with a smile.

Obviously, he also knew that the conditions he proposed were too excessive.

Chen Yuan heard this, lowered his eyes, and tapped the armrest beside him with his fingers. After about ten breaths, he raised his head and looked directly at Dongfang Sheng and said:

"Promising the Heavenly Demon Palace to be the state religion is acceptable, and Palace Lord Dongfang as the national preceptor is also acceptable, but ceding Xuezhou is not appropriate. In fact, not only Xuezhou, but I also hope to take back the Demon Domain after ascending the throne. Only in this way can I truly emulate Emperor Taizu of Chu!"

A thousand years ago, there was no such thing as Xuezhou and the Demon Domain. Those were only occupied by the Heavenly Demon Palace and Seventh Kill Palace after the decline of the former Chu Dynasty.

The Sima family's rise to power further promoted this point, leading to the legitimate situation that exists today.

Dongfang Sheng's face stiffened, stunned for a moment, and didn't expect Chen Yuan to say such a thing. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice:

"The Demon Domain is the foundation of my Heavenly Demon Palace. King Yan's words are really..."

"Hehe, this King is just saying what I hope for, not necessarily to take it back."

Dongfang Sheng's expression improved a little.

Chen Yuan continued:

"Jiaozhou is a wild land with no powerful forces. Taking it back is not a difficult task. This King can not take the Demon Domain and can also give the Heavenly Demon Palace a truly fertile land.

But as a price, the Heavenly Demon Palace must truly block the Buddhist sect in Lanzhou and to the west, and not allow them to enter the Central Plains."

"King Yan's words are a bit difficult for my Heavenly Demon Palace. The Buddha's strength is immense, and my Heavenly Demon Palace cannot compare." Dongfang Sheng shook his head.

"If the Buddha takes action, the Heavenly Demon Palace can retreat. Furthermore, the Buddha is not invincible. Someone will stop him when the time comes, just like in the Goddess Palace."

Chen Yuan looked at him with a non-smiling expression.

Dongfang Sheng frowned, thinking of the voices that had forced back the Buddha before, knowing that was Chen Yuan's reliance.

"King Yan, what fertile land are you referring to?"

"What does Fellow Daoist Dongfang think of the overseas lands?"

"Overseas?"

The Heavenly Demon Palace frowned. In the inherent impression of the Central Plains, whether it was Southern Border, the grasslands, the Western Regions, or the overseas lands, they were all wild lands, unsuitable for living and cultivation.

"There is a country overseas called Wa Nu, which now dares to take advantage of the chaos in the Central Plains to try to get a piece of the pie. This King will not hide it from you. Once the Central Plains is stabilized, I will definitely launch a large-scale attack on the overseas lands and completely destroy the Eastern Ying Wa Nu.

But it is easy to destroy its country, but difficult to eradicate its people. This King cannot kill all the Eastern Ying people. You must know that according to this King's investigation, the Eastern Ying Wa Nu were actually moved there by the people of the Central Plains.

In order to prevent them from changing their minds, a force is needed to educate them and change their thinking every day. Doesn't the Heavenly Demon Palace want a real territory? Wouldn't the four islands of Eastern Ying be perfect?

There are resources, there are geniuses, there is everything. In the overseas lands, the Heavenly Demon Palace is the king. In addition, the Demon Domain can also be kept for you. In the future... even surpassing the current Buddhist Lingshan is not impossible!"

Chen Yuan spared no effort in drawing the big picture, describing it very beautifully.

Dongfang Sheng's brows furrowed and relaxed, relaxed and furrowed. Obviously, he was already somewhat tempted by what Chen Yuan said. If the Heavenly Demon Palace had both the Central Plains and Dongying, wouldn't it be a win-win situation?

At that time, what level would the Heavenly Demon Palace, which ruled the entire Dongying and even the entire overseas lands, reach? Perhaps no current force could catch up...

Why didn't he think of such a thing earlier...

"Fellow Daoist Dongfang, what do you think?" Chen Yuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked with a smile.

"What King Yan said is indeed very tempting... but Dongying is not so easy to destroy, right?"

"Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Dongfang, don't worry about it. No matter how strong Dongying is, it is just a small country. How can it compare to the vast resources of the Central Plains? This King will integrate the Central Plains, and there will be countless experts. Is it possible that I can't destroy one Dongying?"

"This..."

"Don't worry, this King has always been a man of his word. As long as I promise, I will definitely do it in the future and will never break my promise to you. In fact, it's not just the overseas lands. After this King unifies the Central Plains, the Western Regions, the grasslands, and the Southern Border will all be places of conquest. Mount Shu, Taixu Palace, and Biyou Palace will also choose a place to guard the four directions for my human race.

Dongying is the best place. It is only because this King and you are destined that I would never give it to the Heavenly Demon Palace."

Dongfang Sheng didn't believe a word of this, but on the surface, he echoed with a smile and said:

"This matter is of great importance, and I still need to report back to the founder. I can't agree rashly. I hope King Yan can understand."

"Hehe, it's no matter, it's no matter. But it's best to hurry up, because there's not much time left for the Heavenly Demon Palace. Tianxu and the others are also waiting..."

Chen Yuan nodded.

Dongfang Sheng pondered for a moment and suddenly said:

"It is said that King Yan is a remarkable man. My disciple, the Holy Daughter Bei Mingxue, has not yet been betrothed. Her appearance is also passable. I wonder if she can catch King Yan's eye?

Let my Heavenly Demon Palace and King Yan form a marital alliance?"

He was already tempted by what Chen Yuan said. A single alliance was not enough, and he hoped to deepen it further. This was also the reason why he brought Bei Mingxue this time.

Chen Yuan's gaze paused, somewhat surprised. After thinking for a moment, he said:

"This King has heard that Demon Venerable Chilian of the Heavenly Demon Palace is as close to Holy Daughter Bei Mingxue as a mother and daughter..."

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