I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon

Chapter 1326: Chapter 512: The Empress and Daoist Venerable Join Forces! Mr. Chen’s Abilities! (Part 3)

"Speaking of which, Chen Mo possesses True Dragon Qi and can help the Ultimate Venerable increase his strength. For those two to treat him differently is only natural. If I ever get the chance, this old man would also like to experience that feeling of ignoring the price to be paid..."

"Of course, the prerequisite is surviving first."

Ling Yishan shook his head, stopped thinking about it, and said aloud, "Junfeng."

"What are your orders?" Yuan Junfeng stepped forward with a bow.

"You have followed this old man for many years. You are not only the Vice Envoy of the Demon Suppression Department, but also my Direct Disciple. You’ve always handled matters steadily; you are one of the people this old man trusts the most." Ling Yishan leaned back in his chair and said, "If anything happens to this old man this time, the Demon Suppression Department will be entrusted to you to manage. I have already memorialized His Highness, recommending you as the next Commander."

"Elder Ling?" Yuan Junfeng’s expression froze.

Ling Yishan went on, "You must remember two things. First, the purpose of the Demon Suppression Department’s existence is to safeguard the stability of the realm, not to become anyone’s vassal, and even less to degenerate into a tool for power struggles."

"Second, Chen Mo will forever be an ally of the Demon Suppression Department. In the future, should he encounter any trouble, you must support him without reservation..."

"Keep this in mind: any trouble."

His tone was low, with an implied meaning.

Yuan Junfeng was silent for a long time, then lowered his head and said, "Rest assured, Elder Ling, I will remember."

"That’s good." Ling Yishan nodded and waved his hand. "This old man wants to rest a bit. You may all withdraw."

"Subordinate takes his leave."

Everyone bowed and retreated.

Once all had left, the courtyard quieted down.

Ling Yishan raised his head and looked at that tall locust tree. The trunk was gnarled and ancient, its lush crown like a canopy; when the breeze brushed past, the branches and leaves swayed, making a rustling sound.

This was the Life Replacement Locust Tree, a Spirit Plant he had personally planted thirty years ago, into which he had merged a wisp of his Origin, allowing it to bear a portion of the "price" in his stead. This was also the main reason he had been able to hold on until today.

But doing this came with a restriction: the distance could not be too great, otherwise it would be detected by the Heavenly Dao Will.

Thus, all these years, he had scarcely taken even half a step outside the Demon Suppression Department.

"Cooped up in this tiny patch of land day in and day out—this old man has had enough of such days. It’s about time to bring things to an end."

"You’ve had a hard time of it all these years, old friend."

Ling Yishan gently ran his palm along the trunk, his ravine-like, weathered face filled with complex emotions.

Crash—

A burst of clashing metal rang out.

A vermilion-lacquered chain slowly surfaced, coiling among the branches and twigs, extending all the way into the depths of the crown, binding the entire locust tree tight.

At the end of the chain hung a bronze trigram plate, emitting a faint bluish glow. On it, eight mottled large characters could vaguely be seen: "Eternally Suppress the Nether, Decree Rebirth."

Bang!

Ling Yishan flicked his finger. A streak of flowing light flashed past, shattering the trigram plate to pieces!

In an instant, a fierce wind howled. The chain shook violently, then slithered down from the tree like a serpent, winding itself around Ling Yishan and beginning to tighten without cease.

The metal links crushed and tore at his skin, biting into his flesh. Blood dyed his robes a deep red, and his bones let out crisp snaps that made one’s teeth ache.

Ling Yishan’s whole body trembled, his face pale. He gritted his teeth and uttered not a sound, while that once luxuriant locust tree rapidly withered. Yellowing leaves fluttered down, soon covering the ground in a thick layer.

Only after a full quarter of an hour did the chain stop constricting, dissipating into nothingness as if nothing had ever happened.

"Huff—"

Ling Yishan slumped weakly against the back of the chair, his chest heaving, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Thirty days..."

"At most, I can only hold on for another thirty days..."