Suddenly, a white mist rose from the sea, the old straw-hatted man reminded them.
"Guests, please close your eyes. This is the sea miasma our tribe uses to protect Penglai Island. This miasma can cause blindness."
Following his words, Liu Shinian and I closed our eyes. However, the surroundings became eerily quiet, with no sound of wind or voices. I felt a sense of unease.
After a short while, a feeling of anxiety struck me. Disregarding the miasma, I abruptly opened my eyes, only to find no one in sight. I immediately became alert.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of wind behind me. Turning around, I saw them all standing behind me. They couldn't hold back their laughter any longer.
"Hahaha."
Slightly displeased, I chided them, "You're trying to scare me to death."
Tianlong pleaded, "Your Majesty, we meant no offense. We merely wanted to see how you would react."
I took a deep breath, calmed my heart, and smiled faintly, "You guys are really mischievous. But where are we?"
"We have arrived at Penglai Island," Biyao replied.
Only then did I notice an island before me, and behind them, a patch of lush green peach trees.
"Where is that old man?" I asked.
"He left," Liu Shinian replied.
I then slowly disembarked from the boat. At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the peach grove.
Following that, a group of merman guards, brandishing tridents, rushed out from the peach trees and lined up on both sides.
Afterward, an elder dressed in fine green robes, leaning on a red wooden cane, emerged, supported by several maidservants.
Upon seeing Yue Yao and Liu Shinian, a few young girls became extremely excited and cried out indignantly.
"Young Master Liu, Princess!"
Yue Yao also called out excitedly.
"Shui Xiao, Miao Yun, Cai Yun, Xiang Cao!"
"Princess!"
They then rushed forward, engulfing Liu Shinian and Yue Yao, tears of joy streaming down their faces.
Xiang Cao said aggrievedly,
"Princess, you left and never returned. We thought something had happened to you outside."
Yue Yao laughed heartily, "Hahaha, how could anything happen to me? I have someone protecting me." As she spoke, she patted Liu Shinian.
At that moment, a cough came from behind, "Ahem!" The leader of the merman tribe then asked, cupping his hands,
"I heard from Tianlong that they were bringing the Demon King. You must be the Myriad Demon King, correct?" He looked at me, his gaze gentle, and saw through my identity at a glance.
I replied respectfully, "It is I. Myriad Demon King greets the Tribe Leader."
"Ah, you are too kind. It is truly the great fortune of our merman tribe to have you grace Penglai Island with your presence."
"The Tribe Leader is too polite. I have heard that the merman tribe boasts many experts and countless treasures, so I thought I would come and see for myself."
"Excellent, excellent. Please, come inside."
As I was about to step inside, I suddenly remembered the brocade box I had left on the boat and quickly turned back to retrieve it.
Liu Shinian called out, "Mu Ye, I have the item here."
Only then did I see the large box wrapped in black cloth on his back. I wondered when he had taken it.
"May the Demon King proceed?" the Tribe Leader suddenly asked.
"Yes, let's go."
The young maidservants, upon hearing that this was the formidable Myriad Demon King, were filled with admiration. They had expected a gloomy and aloof old man.
Instead, they found an approachable beauty, truly a heroine among women.
The Tribe Leader and I walked side by side at the forefront, following a stone path through the peach grove, and then we saw the Penglai Immortal Palace nestled deep within the trees.
The walls, built from pure white, immaculate jade, resembled celestial palaces, giving one a dreamlike illusion.
Looking up, the ten-zhang-high stone gate, inscribed with "Penglai Immortal Palace," was even more captivating. I couldn't help but stop and gaze at it for a few moments.
Seeing my interest, the Tribe Leader began to tell me the origin of the name.
"Our ancestors were once water deities of the ancient human world. Their dwelling place was called Penglai.
Later, our ancestors followed others to this wondrous realm and found this place to be very much like home, so they named it Penglai Island.
Subsequently, they built this palace on Penglai Island and named it Penglai Immortal Palace."
"I never imagined that Penglai Immortal Palace had such a history."
Although I said this aloud, I couldn't help but think that I had indeed heard of a place called Penglai Island in the human world.
It was said that many immortals resided there. I never expected it to be true. If I were to return in the future, I would have to pay my respects.
Entering Penglai Immortal Palace and passing through a lotus pond, we saw a magnificent and opulent grand hall before us. Two two-meter-tall statues standing before the hall were majestic and imposing.
Upon entering the hall, I saw many leaders of the merman tribes seated on both sides.
As soon as they saw people entering, they rose and cupped their hands in greeting. I returned the gesture.
Then, following the Tribe Leader, I took my seat at the main table. Liu Shinian, Yue Yao, and the four protectors also found their own seats.
The Tribe Leader stood up and introduced me to everyone.
"This is the leader of the Ghostly Tribe, the Myriad Demon King."
The crowd then rose and offered a toast.
"It is truly our great fortune to meet the Demon King today. We offer you this drink."
I also rose and returned their toast.
At this point, a leader of the Kukulur tribe, Kuldor, from the right side, stood up.
"Although we reside in the sea and are isolated from the world, ever since the merman tribe joined the war, we have heard some news.
We heard from those who returned that the Demon King cleverly captured South Sea City, skillfully seized East Yue Town, and then attacked the Western Purple Kingdom from both inside and out. Each battle was more brilliant than the last. I must offer you a toast."
Saying this, he raised his wine and drank it down in one gulp. I also raised my wine and returned his toast.
Hai Dongqing, the minister of the Hailuotai merman tribe, stood up.
"I had heard long ago that the Myriad Demon King was a woman. I didn't pay much attention at first, but I never expected you to accomplish what even we men dare not do. Truly a heroine! I offer the Demon King a toast."
With that, he also raised his wine and toasted me. I returned his toast.
The Tribe Leader, seeing my courteous and humble demeanor, devoid of any arrogance of a king, was very pleased. He then raised his wine and toasted me.
"Truly, a hero in youth. We old folks are no longer useful. The future must rely on the Demon King's leadership."
"Thank you for your praise, Tribe Leader. I still have much to learn to bear such a heavy responsibility." As I spoke, I also raised my cup to toast him.
"Knowing the Demon King was coming, I have specially prepared a sea dance for you."
With that, he clapped his hands, and a group of women in pink and green long dresses entered gracefully to the rhythm of intense drumming.
The drumming suddenly slowed. The green-clad women at the front waved their long sleeves from left to right, rising and falling like flowing water. The pink-clad women behind them swung their sleeves from left to right.
Then, the drumming grew faster. The green-clad women dispersed, and the pink-clad women also dispersed, leaving only one person in the center.
The others formed a circle, holding hands, swaying and pausing. The woman in the center raised her sleeves and spun like a flower.
Finally, with the drumming rising and falling, the pink and green-clad women dispersed instantly, forming two rows, then retreating and advancing to form a single unit.
They swung their long sleeves high with their left hands and tossed them back with their right, like tangible waves, rising and falling, a truly beautiful sight.
The drumming stopped, and the dancers slowly retreated. I couldn't help but applaud and praise,
"This sea dance is truly magnificent. I have never seen anything like it in the Four Cities. Today has truly opened my eyes."
Upon hearing my evaluation, everyone burst into laughter.
Abuja, the minister of the East Sea Bulibuli merman tribe, said,
"If the Demon King likes it, you are welcome to stay on Penglai Island for a few more days to see other performances."
"Then I shall stay for a few more days."
The Tribe Leader smiled, "As long as the Demon King enjoys it, you may stay as long as you wish."
"The Tribe Leader is truly hospitable. I thank you in advance."
"Come, let us drink together."
With that, everyone truly raised their cups and drank heartily. After a few drinks, seeing that the time was right, the Tribe Leader spoke to me directly.
"The Demon King should have seen my request, shouldn't she?"
"I have."
"This time, we seek the Demon King's help primarily for the matter of Tian Wu."
"What kind of demon is that?" I asked curiously.
He then explained in detail.
"It is said that he was originally a water deity who guarded a region in ancient times. For some unknown evil influence, his temperament changed drastically, and he fled from the north all the way to the south.
He eventually ended up in the vast ocean for thousands of years. For millennia, he has continuously preyed on the nearby merman tribe.
We have also dispatched troops to encircle and suppress him multiple times, but his strength is too great, and he has always had the upper hand."
"Where does he reside?"
"He resides in the Black Whirlpool, a hundred miles from here."
"Black Whirlpool?" What a strange name.
"Indeed. It was originally an ordinary island. Since his arrival, much dark energy has emanated from there.
To prevent our tribesmen from accidentally entering that area, I have conjured a mist there to temporarily trap him on the island."
"Alright, I will go and meet him tomorrow."
"You're going tomorrow!"
The Tribe Leader seemed disbelieving. Tian Wu was something so many had failed to handle, and to rush off without fully understanding the situation seemed like seeking death.
He kindly reminded me,
"Demon King, that is no ordinary demon. He is an ancient great demon with boundless divine power. Moreover, he is enormous and completely black. I fear it will be difficult to defeat him in a single blow."
"Don't worry, I have my own ways."
Now that I have learned the Dragon Roar Swordplay and the Crimson Blood Swordplay, and with twin swords in hand,
Coupled with the Myriad Ghost King, no matter how great his abilities, he will not be my match. If it truly comes to that, I will act according to the situation.
He still seemed concerned and asked again, "When does the Demon King plan to go tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow morning."
His eyes widened instantly, but he quickly calmed down, thinking to himself:
Qing Yu mentioned that the Demon King had already obtained an ancient divine artifact, the Dragon Roar Sword. The Dragon Roar Sword should be sufficient to deal with Tian Wu.
Thus, he agreed, "Then everything is entrusted to the Demon King."
"Don't worry. However, about the matter mentioned in the Tribe Leader's letter..."
Only then did I remember what I had mentioned in the letter: if the Demon King could eliminate this menace for the merman tribe, he would lead his people to follow the Demon King until the battle was over.
"I keep my word. Please rest assured, Demon King."
"Good, I will not fail the Tribe Leader's trust." With his answer, I was finally at ease.
After a satisfying meal, he personally escorted me to my quarters.
Tianlong, who had been seated close by at the banquet, had overheard our conversation. He was somewhat worried and, after the Tribe Leader left, secretly came to my room.
"Demon King."
I turned around and saw him behind me.
"Why have you come?"
"I overheard at the banquet that the Demon King is going to slay Tian Wu tomorrow. I am very worried."
"Let me handle it. I can manage."
He still seemed unconvinced, "Your Majesty, you have just recovered from your injuries. Let the four of us accompany you tomorrow."
I waved my hand, "No, no. When dealing with such a great demon, having too many people will only cause trouble. Liu Shinian will accompany me tomorrow."
"Then I..." He wanted to say something but didn't know how to phrase it.
I stood up, patted his shoulder, and comforted him, "It's alright, trust me."
Only then did he slowly nod, reassured, "Alright, I wish the Demon King all success."
I nodded, very satisfied.
He didn't have much else to say and left.
Meanwhile, Liu Shinian was also arranged in his usual room. Biyao, however, did not return to her own room but huddled with her young sisters in Liu Shinian's room.
Shui Xiao asked Biyao with great curiosity, "Princess, what fun things did you see on this trip?"
Biyao thought for a moment and said, "On this trip, I ate a lot of delicious things, like sugar cakes, pear pastries, and sour jujube wine."
Just hearing the names made the young sisters' mouths water, and they exclaimed,
"Wow, they sound so delicious."
Liu Shinian laughed heartily from the side.
"What's so special about that? I think your Penglai Island's peach pastries are also quite good."
Xiang Cao retorted, "What's good about these peach pastries? I'm tired of eating them."
Liu Shinian casually picked up a peach pastry from the table, ate it, and argued back.
"I'm tired of the things Biyao mentioned. Your peach pastries are much tastier."
Miao Yun interrupted him,
"Don't get sidetracked. Let the Princess continue. Princess, tell us more."
"More?"
She thought for a moment and suddenly remembered someone.
"Right, I saw someone who could use flowers. Whenever she appeared, peach blossoms would rain from the sky. With a wave of her hand, many peach blossoms would fly out."
Before she could finish, Liu Shinian interjected,
"You're talking about Yu Jiao, aren't you? That's nothing special. I can also use flowers."
Saying this, he casually grabbed a peach blossom branch and placed it on the table. The young sisters, who had never seen this trick, were immediately astonished.
"So amazing! I've never seen anyone who can make peach blossoms appear."
Yue Yao waved her hand dismissively.
"This is just a small trick. That Yu Jiao can conjure a sky full of peach blossom rain and even create a flying peach cloud with peach blossoms."
"Wow, so amazing." The girls became envious again.
Liu Shinian then revealed more about her, "She also has a few good friends: one named He Lian, another named Liu Mei, one named Shi San Niang, and another named Yan Wu Shuang."
Yue Yao angrily stood up and pointed at him, displeased,
"I should have said these things first."
Liu Shinian looked indifferent, "What's the harm in saying them?"
"If everyone knows, who will listen to me?"
"You can talk about others. They don't know them."
"You."
"I don't know anything."
Seeing them bicker, the young sisters suggested,
"Why don't we let Young Master Liu speak? Hmm, let's ask him to speak outside."
Thus, the scheming young girls unanimously decided to escort the bothersome Liu Shinian out of the room and close the door, preventing him from interrupting.
Finally, with peace restored, Yue Yao said,
"Oh, I saw four good-looking people. They each have unique skills: one uses a sword, one uses a saber, one uses threads, and another uses flowers."
Liu Shinian, leaning against the door, eavesdropped on their conversation and deliberately caused trouble,
"You're talking about the Four Great Evils, aren't you? That's nothing."
The crowd was furious. They immediately opened the door and threw a pile of pots and pans out. Liu Shinian, startled, quickly ran away, exclaiming,
"Women are terrifying."
Then, he leisurely wandered around again.