I watched as the twelve demon souls transformed into human forms, each exuding a powerful demonic aura, clearly possessing formidable cultivation.
Yet, at this moment, they knelt in unison, cupped their fists, and respectfully saluted Qingdai.
A sense of awe filled me.
I hadn't anticipated that Qingdai commanded such a potent force of demon soul subordinates.
Qingdai nodded, her voice calm as she spoke,
"You may all rise!"
"Yes, Princess!"
The twelve demon souls responded in unison before standing up.
Each demon soul wore a serious, unsmiling expression.
I examined them closely; there were six males and six females.
Identifying them by the golden embroidery on their left chests, they were classified as Yang males and Yin females.
This meant that among the twelve demon souls, corresponding to the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The Yang branches were: Zi, Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu.
The Yin branches were: Chou, Mao, Si, Wei, You, Hai.
Simultaneously, I heard Qingdai speak to me,
"The Twelve Zodiacs are demon souls I've recruited over the past three hundred years.
The most powerful among them are Chen Dragon and Si Snake.
The two souls are husband and wife, both possessing four hundred years of cultivation.
The remaining generals have cultivation ranging from two to three hundred years.
Previously, I assigned them tasks to collect clues in various locations.
After I was injured, they returned.
From this moment on, I will leave these twelve generals by your side as your personal guards."
Upon hearing this, my heart jolted once more.
Twelve demon souls, twelve demon generals.
The highest cultivation was four hundred years, with the lowest at least two hundred.
Now, Qingdai was entrusting such a powerful demon soul squad to me as guards, how could I not be astonished?
Before I could react, the twelve demon souls below me all turned their gaze towards me.
Simultaneously, they knelt on one knee:
"We are willing to obey the Princess's command and swear to protect Young Master Qin Ze."
Seeing this, I quickly raised my hand:
"Quick, quick, quick, esteemed demon immortals, please rise."
The twelve responded to my words and then stood up.
They also offered a "Thank you, Young Master."
This kind of respect made me feel somewhat unaccustomed to it.
But it was enough to illustrate the loyalty of the twelve demon generals to Qingdai.
"Qin Ze, since you refused the Tiger Tally, then keep them!
With these twelve guarding you.
This way, I can also feel at ease and enter seclusion with peace of mind."
Qingdai looked at me and said earnestly.
I could feel Qingdai's regard and care for me.
I knew that this time, I could not and should not refuse.
Without further ado, I nodded,
"Alright!"
Qingdai smiled and glanced at the purple bone vine on my left wrist.
Then she continued,
"The purple bone vine in your hand is an extremely Yin object, perfect for their dwelling.
I will have them possess your purple bone vine."
I nodded and extended my left wrist, revealing the purple bone vine.
Seeing this, the twelve demon souls wasted no words.
Their bodies instantly transformed into mist.
With a whoosh, they plunged into the purple bone vine in my hand.
With each demon soul that entered, a tiny, simplified animal avatar appeared on the purple bone vine.
In the blink of an eye, all twelve demon souls had disappeared into the purple bone vine.
I could feel the purple bone vine suddenly become cold.
When I looked again, on the purple bone vine.
In addition to the longevity gathering runes, there were now twelve animal avatars, precisely the Twelve Zodiacs.
"Qingdai, thank you for everything you've done for me!"
My heart was filled with gratitude.
Now, I only wished to grow stronger quickly, to help Qingdai fulfill her long-cherished wish as soon as possible.
Qingdai smiled at me, shaking her head slightly.
Then she continued to speak to me,
"Although the twelve demon generals are attached to the purple bone vine.
They will not interfere with you.
When you need them, you only need to call their names.
Only then will they awaken and appear to assist.
At other times, they will only awaken when you are asleep, in seclusion, or in mortal danger.
They will not interfere with your affairs unless you grant permission and command them..."
Qingdai explained the method of summoning them.
And their guardian form.
Although attached to the bracelet, they would not pry into my privacy, acting as a passive defense.
As long as they did not threaten my own safety, they would remain in a dormant state.
Once threatened, they would awaken and passively protect me.
Or, I could directly awaken them and command them to act, and they would then act.
This was excellent.
Not only was my life secured, but it also provided a powerful trump card.
And their use was convenient, without complex rituals or talismans.
I looked at the purple bone vine on my wrist, along with the twelve zodiac symbols, and felt a surge of confidence.
Now, with these twelve demon generals protecting me, and the Ghost Soul Charm for life preservation.
Coupled with the Yin and Yang Pearls, Thunderstruck Wood, and other magical artifacts in hand.
I felt as though I was already invincible.
In the future, facing any fierce spirits or malevolent ghosts, wouldn't it be a simple matter of slaughtering them?
Qingdai, however, seemed to have seen through my thoughts.
At this moment, she spoke again,
"While the twelve demon souls are always at your beck and call.
I prefer that you resolve all your problems yourself.
Only when it is absolutely necessary should you awaken them.
Because only by becoming stronger yourself is true strength.
I look forward to the day you grow!"
I understood Qingdai's words.
After all, cultivation was arduous, and practical combat and bloody battles were the fastest ways to improve one's cultivation.
My journey so far had proven this, more than anyone else.
From the moment I entered this path, I couldn't count how many life-and-death situations I had experienced.
After each near-death experience, there would be new insights and improvements in my strength.
If I were to rely solely on external forces, my own power would stagnate.
Even with the best talent, without a forward-moving spirit, without the courage to swim against the current.
I would likely end up ordinary.
I understood this principle and nodded,
"I understand, Qingdai.
I will not disturb the twelve unless it is a critical moment."
Qingdai nodded and then looked at the sky outside the Nine Sages' Mansion.
Under the hazy night sky, the dawn was already beginning to break.
Beside her, Granny Long reminded,
"Princess, dawn is approaching!"
Qingdai responded with an "Mm," and then said to me,
"Qin Ze, you should go back now!
I also need to go into seclusion..."