For more than a month, Song Yan fled frantically, and fortunately, he was inherently skilled in the Escape Technique, otherwise he would have been intercepted by those who were chasing him from behind.
At the same time, he directly contacted Ancestor Ningxin and issued a proclamation in the name of the "Formless Celestial Venerable," declaring the invasion of "Vilampu, Emperor Shixiang, and Nine-Child Demon Mother," and called on the Ancient Race to unite and capture these demons and celestial demons like trapping turtles in a jar.
The Formless Ancient Race did not have such great power in the past, but after twenty years of diligent "reputation management," their influence was not what it used to be. Moreover, this time, those he mentioned — "Vilampu, Emperor Shixiang, Nine-Child Demon Mother" — either had a vendetta with the Ancient Race or posed a significant threat, immediately prompting... the Ancient Race to swiftly mobilize, closing in along the "trajectory map" given by Song Yan to surround and suppress.
...
Pa-pa-pa!
Several figures appeared in a desolate spot.
Vilampu frowned and said, "According to our spies, nearly half of the Ancient Race’s experts have come this way, targeting us. If we advance further, we’ll surely be stuck in a quagmire, difficult to escape."
Demon Mother Su Yao sneered, "My husband is really quite cunning, using the power of the Ancient Race and local advantages to try to kill us."
Emperor Shixiang said, "This guy runs so damn fast, coupled with that mysterious expert who seems to keep an eye on us, we can never catch up. So, what should we do now?"
Demon Mother Su Yao said, "He must be escaping to the Ancestral Vein Secret Realm of the Formless Ancient Race. If we really want to go there, we’ll have to fight a tough battle. Originally, a surprise attack would work. But now, since everyone knows... we’d better wait."
Emperor Shixiang said, "Wait for them to let their guard down, and then strike?"
Vilampu took over the conversation and said, "It’s all about illusions, and we’re in their heartland. Unless the Ancient Race Land completely collapses, we’ll never grasp it... moreover, that kid is cunning and unpredictable, not something that can be easily handled."
Emperor Shixiang grumbled, "This doesn’t work, that doesn’t work, then aren’t we catching them?"
Vilampu said, "There’s a chance."
After saying this, Vilampu looked at Demon Mother Su Yao.
Demon Mother Su Yao smiled and said, "Forget it, the opening of the Void Ruins isn’t far off now; my husband will definitely go in to seek the Divine Infant opportunity.
The Void Ruins only allow entry for those at the Late Stage of Purple Mansion and Early Stage of Divine Infant. By then, you and the Elephant Emperor can’t go inside, nor can my husband’s helpers.
At that time, I alone can lock down nine strong individuals for my use, and let’s see where he can escape to."
Vilampu suddenly said, "Although Changwang’s Evil Treasure is good, it is not much use to you, Demon Mother.
If we cooperate, I can help you gain the greatest benefits in this Cultivation Realm, while all I want is to use Changwang’s Evil Treasure to escape together with my brothers.
Originally, Changwang’s Evil Treasure was just one, hard to divide. But now it unexpectedly split into two, one as a Melting Furnace, and the other as prayer beads, which suits perfectly."
Demon Mother Su Yao said, "Don’t worry. I’m not interested in Changwang’s Evil Treasure; it’s not something I can take with me anyway! Devouring more life is what I truly pursue."
Vilampu said, "In sixty years, I will unite with the Mountain and Sea Demon Country to launch an attack on the Ancient Country, to hold back many experts in the Ancient Country and make them unable to enter the Void Ruins with peace of mind. By then, once you enter, there will be fewer opponents you’ll face."
Demon Mother Su Yao said again, "But if I succeed in coming out, you can’t just get a free ride. You’ll have to exchange Divine Infant Cultivators for Changwang’s Evil Treasure, showing some sincerity, okay?"
Vilampu laughed, "Naturally."
The two sides briefly discussed, reached a consensus, glanced forward, and then swiftly turned around and retreated.
They needed to leave here before the Ancient Race truly completed the encirclement and suppression.
...
...
The ripples expanded across the Ancestral Vein Secret Realm of the Formless Ancient Race, and a bloody figure plunged in.
Song Yan stared with bloodshot eyes.
He hadn’t been this embarrassed for a long time.
The Divine Maiden in blue descended from above and said, "Have you confronted the team of Vilampu, Earth Shihxiang Emperor, and Nine-Child Demon Mother you mentioned?"
Her eyes sparkled, filled with some anticipation and some astonishment.
Song Yan weakly said, "If I really had confronted them, I wouldn’t have come back."
The Divine Maiden in blue suddenly shouted, "An Li."
With her words, a figure carrying a bamboo basket came from afar, accompanied by a strong herbal scent.
Song Yan looked up and discovered that An Li had changed a lot. Before she was possessed, she was just a reclusive, evasive Alchemist, but after he helped her resolve her inner issues and returned to her original self, she had now gone through new transformations.
Her silhouette now had added softness with hints of empathy for healing, her blue hair not meticulously styled but simply tied off in the back, adding a touch of efficiency and simplicity.
Her arrival even softened all the sharpness in this world, making it mellow and naturally giving rise to an inner sense of security.
"It seems I can finally take a break now."
Song Yan smiled slightly, then walked towards the garden together with An Li, to heal in the small courtyard where they had lived for many years.
An Li dedicated herself to healing him, also preparing some herbs to help him recover.
Apart from brief exchanges about his physical condition, the two didn’t share any additional words.
Song Yan didn’t jest, asking "Why are you willing to heal this demon of mine?" and An Li didn’t inquire further.
When Song Yan was lying comfortably on the couch, An Li finally asked, "Master, do you need me to stay?"
Song Yan asked, "Why do you say that?"
An Li said, "You are my master, I will definitely listen to your orders; you are also my patient, hence staying to care for you would be quite appropriate."
The air suddenly grew quiet.