The Joy of the Demon Lord

On this day, a stranger arrived at the border of the Green Wood Domain.

It was an elderly Daoist with an immortal demeanor, clad in a cyan Daoist robe. He held a horsetail whisk in his hand, wore straw sandals on his feet, and strode leisurely toward the Green Wood Domain.

This man was none other than the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord, dispatched by the Celestial Court’s sacred land to the Green Wood Domain in search of the key to the impending calamity.

Standing before the border, the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord gazed calmly at the Green Wood Domain, then raised a hand to perform a divination. After a moment, he chuckled lightly. "The once-mighty Imperial Court Immortal Sect has not only retreated into obscurity within a single domain but now lacks even a single Heavenly Lord. Truly, how far they have fallen."

Then he glanced at himself, feeling that his divine radiance was too conspicuous.

"The key to the calamity lies within the Green Wood Domain. Until I understand the situation, it’s best to remain low-key to avoid alerting the enemy."

With a flick of his whisk, the divine light around him dimmed, replaced by a faint aura of a Heavenly Human.

He had used a divine ability to suppress his cultivation to the Heavenly Human realm, disguising himself as an ordinary cultivator to infiltrate the Green Wood Domain and investigate.

After all, he hailed from the Celestial Court, the most powerful sacred land in the world. In his eyes, a Heavenly Human was nothing more than an ordinary cultivator—how much weaker could one possibly be?

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord strode forward, entering the Green Wood Domain and curiously surveying his surroundings. He murmured in admiration, "The primitive scenery here is quite pleasing, possessing a unique charm."

It was much like a city dweller visiting the countryside, appreciating the view with a sense of superiority.

However, he had only taken a few steps when a group of cultivators, all at the Heavenly Human realm, flew toward him from the distant sky.

The group approached him directly.

"Who are you, and what brings you to the Green Wood Domain?" the leader demanded.

"This humble Daoist is but a wandering cultivator. Hearing of the Green Wood Domain’s abundance of talents and spiritual energy, I’ve come to cultivate here."

The group didn’t press further. Instead, one of them extended a hand. "Pay the toll."

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord frowned slightly but restrained himself. "Since when does the Green Wood Domain charge a toll for entry?"

The man scoffed. "Enough nonsense. Just pay up. This is the rule set by the Demon Venerable. Anyone entering or leaving the Green Wood Domain must pay."

Demon Venerable? Since when did such a figure emerge in the Green Wood Domain? Had the demonic path invaded?

"Might I ask, who is this Demon Venerable you speak of...?"

"You’ve never heard of the Demon Venerable? You must have come from very far away. The name of Demon Venerable Gu has spread far and wide—not just in the Green Wood Domain, but even in neighboring realms.

Let me put it this way: Demon Venerable Gu now rules the Green Wood Domain. Everyone must abide by his rules, or they become his enemies!"

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord grew even more puzzled. "Wasn’t the Sword Sect the ruling power in the Green Wood Domain?"

"What Sword Sect? Now there’s only the Demon Sect. Enough talk—will you pay or not?"

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord sighed inwardly. To think the once-glorious Imperial Court Immortal Sect had been wiped out by the demonic path. Could it be that the key to the calamity prophesied by the Celestial Court’s master lay not with the Sword Sect, but the Demon Sect?

It seemed he would have to investigate the Demon Sect first.

He chose not to provoke these insignificant ants and obediently handed over the toll. Just as he prepared to leave, however, they stopped him again.

As his displeasure grew, the leader spoke. "I sense the aura of a Heavenly Human on you, yet I cannot discern your cultivation. You must possess some method of concealing your strength."

"Oh? Are you suggesting you wish to take this humble Daoist’s secret technique?" the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord replied calmly, though he was already preparing to strike.

His impression of the Demon Sect worsened—such greed and shamelessness.

To his surprise, the man shook his head. "I don’t want your technique. I only wish to ask—how many tribulations have you undergone as a Heavenly Human?"

"Must one’s cultivation be inspected to enter the Green Wood Domain?"

"It’s not about inspection. Our Demon Venerable is benevolent and wishes to aid all Heavenly Human cultivators in overcoming their inner demon tribulations. If you are a fourth-tribulation Heavenly Human, you may come with me to meet him."

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord was stunned. Helping others overcome their inner demon tribulations? What arrogance! Even the mighty Celestial Court couldn’t accomplish such a feat—how could some petty tyrant of a minor domain manage it?

Still, this presented an opportunity to meet this so-called Demon Venerable and search for the key to the calamity. Having the cooperation of a local power would make things easier.

As for whether the Demon Venerable would be willing to help? That wasn’t his decision to make.

Thus, the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord answered plainly, "This humble Daoist is indeed a fourth-tribulation Heavenly Human."

The man’s face lit up with joy. "Excellent! I’ve found another fourth-tribulation cultivator. The Demon Venerable will surely reward me for this."

With that, the group of cultivators escorted the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord to the Sword Sect.

Outside the grand hall of the Sword Sect...

"Wait here. I will inform the Demon Venerable."

The Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord observed the towering palace, listening to the strange sounds emanating from within, his expression growing slightly peculiar.

Before long, the man returned. "Come quickly—the Demon Venerable summons you."

Curious about this Demon Venerable, the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord followed him into the hall.

Upon entering, he froze at the sight before him.

Seated upon the throne was a young man clad in luxurious black robes adorned with dark gold trim. His handsome features bore a wicked smile, his robes parted to reveal a well-defined chest.

On each of his thighs sat a peerless beauty—one holding a wine jug, the other feeding him grapes.

Though both were stunning, their demeanors contrasted sharply. One was cold and dignified like an immortal maiden, while the other was alluring and seductive like a demoness.

"Demon Venerable, the guest has arrived."

Gu Qingfeng didn’t even glance their way, merely waving a hand dismissively. The messenger hastily retreated.

"Master, do you like these Phoenix Blood grapes?" Little Corpse Charm nestled against Gu Qingfeng’s chest, one delicate hand tracing circles on his skin while the other held a grape, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"Delicious! Grapes fed by a beauty are truly the best."

"Would master like another?"

"Then give me one more."

Little Corpse Charm giggled, her red lips parting as she leaned forward.

Gulp.

Gu Qingfeng swallowed the grape with relish, laughing heartily.

Meanwhile, Ling Fei'er, seated on his other thigh, wore a face full of jealousy.

"Lord Sect Master, are you thirsty? Would you like some Qilin Immortal Wine?"

"Drink, drink..."

Ling Fei'er promptly downed the wine in her hand before pressing close to him.

Gulp.

"Ah, excellent wine!"

She shot Little Corpse Charm a triumphant look, her eyes brimming with smugness.

She had no idea where Gu Qingfeng had found this stunning woman. Though she appeared as a cold immortal maiden, in private, she was even more shameless than Ling Fei'er herself.

Little Corpse Charm paid no mind to Ling Fei'er’s provocations. She didn’t care what kind of woman Gu Qingfeng preferred—after all, she could become whatever he desired.

If Ling Fei'er’s behavior pleased him, then she would simply mimic Ling Fei'er.

As the three indulged in their revelry, the Righteous Sun Heavenly Lord below could hardly bear the sight.

This was the Demon Venerable? His conduct certainly fit the title—but why was his cultivation only at the Heavenly Human realm?