The Forest of Ten Thousand Demons, where beasts prostrated and demons worshipped.
The anomaly in the sky lasted for a full hour before disappearing.
The Four Great Demon Emperors displayed expressions of immense complexity, having personally witnessed the birth of an unparalleled prodigy, and were all deeply shaken.
Possessing the Human King's bloodline and the Phoenix Undying Body, this little girl's future was destined to be immeasurable. With no obstacles to her cultivation, becoming an immortal was merely a matter of time.
They all felt utterly ashamed. After toiling for millennia, their achievements paled in comparison to a six-year-old girl.
However, they couldn't understand why Ji Mo had removed the demon seed within A'Li's body. Wouldn't it be better for the little girl to transform into a demon?
In the current situation, it was as if she was merely paving the way for the human race. With such an outstanding young Human King as A'Li, the human race's destiny would be long-lasting and increasingly powerful, which was contrary to the interests of the demon race.
The Ginseng King clearly saw through the thoughts of the Four Great Demon Emperors and snorted, "Your vision is too narrow. Mr. Ji is not someone you can fathom. Even if he were a demon god, he would be a demon god with warmth, and besides, he is clearly not a demon god."
The Four Great Demon Emperors refused to believe the Ginseng King's words. The presence of the Heavenly Demon Mark on his body indicated either the reincarnation of a demon god or a child of demonic fortune. And a child of fortune could not possess such power, therefore, Ji Mo was definitively a reincarnated demon god.
A'Li's body emanated a radiant glow as the spiritual energy of heaven and earth poured into her like returning swallows. An immortal aura continuously cleansed her form. The cinnabar mole on her brow gradually spread, transforming into a fiery imprint. Her skin became crystal clear, ever more flawless and jade-like, and her demeanor underwent a seismic shift, becoming ethereal and transcendent, like a little fairy.
Seeing this, Ji Mo finally relaxed. As long as A'Li's transformation was complete, she should awaken.
Ji Mo looked at the Four Great Demon Emperors, who were filled with apprehension, and walked directly towards the Heavenly Steed. The Heavenly Steed felt a chill run down its spine but dared not make any rash movements. In the face of such an existence, all struggles were futile.
Ji Mo smiled, reaching out to caress the Heavenly Steed's smooth, lustrous mane, its robust limbs, and its pair of snow-white wings, his eyes growing brighter. The Heavenly Steed's heart pounded; what was his intention? Was he contemplating how to eat it?
"Tsk, tsk, not bad, very good."
Ji Mo grinned, revealing a satisfied expression, his pale teeth flashing with a chilling glint.
"If you want to kill or torture me, just get it over with."
The Heavenly Steed trembled, its four limbs shaking. It wasn't afraid of death, only of being eaten alive.
"Don't be afraid, I'm really not from the demon race."
Ji Mo pulled up his collar to cover the exposed Heavenly Demon Mark, forcing a kind expression onto his face, "I see you live in this desolate wilderness and have a hard life. Why don't you follow me from now on? I guarantee you'll eat well and drink heartily every day."
Clearly, Ji Mo had taken a liking to the Heavenly Steed. Not only could this horse fly, but it also controlled the power of lightning. Having it protect A'Li in the future would be quite reliable. Those two, Huineng and Tianpeng, were too useless; he still felt this horse was more dependable.
Hmm, something doesn't feel right. A monk, a pig, and now a white horse; this combination feels somewhat familiar. A'Li has had a life full of hardships and misfortunes. Perhaps having a Journey to the West-like ensemble by her side could protect her from all calamities and ensure a smooth life.
Ji Mo pondered for a moment and quickly made up his mind. No matter what, he was determined to have this horse.
The Heavenly Steed shook its head violently. Even as a horse, it had its principles and would never yield to the demon race. For it to pledge allegiance to the demon race was a pipe dream!
"Don't be ungrateful. If you refuse, I'll just turn you into horse meat and roast you?"
Ji Mo's expression turned fierce, and he slapped the Heavenly Steed hard on its hindquarters, sending it tumbling to the ground. The Heavenly Steed shuddered, its expression changing drastically. It felt a wisp of divine power enter its body from where Ji Mo had struck.
"Try hitting me again."
The Heavenly Steed, suppressing its shock, spoke. Ji Mo couldn't tolerate such provocation and delivered several more slaps, causing the Heavenly Steed to cry out in pain. The Heavenly Steed was in pain yet also experiencing joy. That was right, it was divine power, the divine power it had most longed for. Since he could wield divine power, perhaps, as the Ginseng King said, this person was not a demon god.
"Mr. Ji, I am willing to follow you."
The Heavenly Steed lowered its noble head and said without hesitation. By staying by Ji Mo's side, it would have the opportunity to receive a continuous supply of divine power, and its bloodline, roots, and bones would undergo a qualitative leap. In Ji Mo, it saw a heaven-defying opportunity to evolve into a celestial beast.
"Oh dear, did I injure you? Here, take some pills to treat your wounds."
Ji Mo quickly helped the Heavenly Steed up, took out a handful of ninth-grade spiritual pills, and stuffed them into its mouth, "Don't worry, I won't treat you poorly in the future. Following me, you won't regret it."
"Heavenly Steed, nobility cannot be compromised; death is better than disgrace. How can you be so cowardly and degenerate?" the Stone Man shouted, looking down on the Heavenly Steed for being so timid.
"This stinky horse, yielding just because it was patted on the rump. I am ashamed to be associated with it," the Azure Luan snorted coldly.
"Traitor," Medusa's expression was grim. At the same time, she felt extremely indignant. Among the Four Great Demon Emperors, she was the strongest, so why did Ji Mo specifically favor the weakest Heavenly Steed?
"Everyone, Mr. Ji is definitely not a reincarnated demon god. Listen to your brother's advice, following Mr. Ji brings great fortune."
The Heavenly Steed earnestly persuaded them. After millennia of friendship, it didn't want to hoard the fortune for itself, thinking of its three old companions. It believed that as long as they stayed by Ji Mo's side, they would have the opportunity to become celestial beasts. Ji Mo, with his divine power and a handful of ninth-grade pills, was a master one couldn't find anywhere.
"Bah, we would rather die than surrender."
The three Demon Emperors spoke in unison, their faces filled with righteous indignation.
"As if I would fancy you three mismatched freaks. Hmph!"
Ji Mo had initially considered targeting Medusa, Azure Luan, and the Stone Man, but now he had completely given up.
"Alas!"
The Heavenly Steed sighed. Opportunities couldn't be forced. It had done its best; it could only blame its companions for lacking the fortune to partake. It felt the ninth-grade spiritual pills dissolving within its body, the immense medicinal power surging through its meridians, causing it to tremble with excitement and let out a long roar. The few wisps of divine power within its body, spurred by the vast medicinal efficacy, fully integrated into its flesh and blood. The Heavenly Steed's body emanated a radiant glow, runes danced, and its form was enveloped in a sacred radiance, appearing utterly divine.
*Ding!*
The Heavenly Steed felt something within it break, and wisps of mist rose from its body, exuding an ethereal aura.
"This seems to be celestial spiritual energy! How is this possible? The Heavenly Steed has broken through the Emperor realm's shackles and taken the most crucial step in the distinction between immortal and mortal!"
Medusa, Azure Luan, and the Stone Man exchanged glances, seeing the undeniable shock on each other's faces. Regardless of talent, roots, or strength, the Heavenly Steed had always been at the bottom. Yet, it was now on the verge of entering a realm that they, even with a lifetime of effort, might not touch.
"Perhaps we have truly missed a heaven-defying opportunity."
They were filled with remorse, their intestines twisting with regret.