Chapter 1220: Qingqiu Kingdom

Zu An and his group traveled for several days. The lizards' pace was much faster than ordinary carriages, almost comparable to the green-skinned trains from his previous life. He couldn't help but marvel that while his previous life had science and this world had cultivation, many things ultimately led to the same destination through different paths.

Along the way, he observed the customs and traditions of the demon race's world. While he had only read about them in academy books before, experiencing them firsthand offered a truly unique perspective. The entire demon race's territory was much more barren than the human lands, and the people along the way were notoriously fierce. Midway, several factions secretly spied on them, looking eager to make a move. However, seeing the powerful lizards pulling the carriage, and realizing the people inside must be even more extraordinary, no one dared to make a move for a while.

Later, several factions seemed to reach an agreement and eventually cooperated, attempting to carve up this lucrative opportunity. As a result, the scouting team they sent was swiftly suppressed by Zu An. After that, the journey became much more peaceful; those factions dispersed, not even considering revenge.

“The demon race is indeed very pragmatic. If they see they can't win, they retreat without the slightest hesitation,” Yan Xuehen said in surprise.

“If you clearly can't win and don't retreat to preserve your strength, isn't that just foolish?” Yun Jianyue, on the other hand, appreciated their approach.

“Just as I thought, you truly are a member of the Demonic Cult, birds of a feather with the demon race,” Yan Xuehen sneered.

“Hey, hey, hey, I feel offended,” Yu Yanluo retorted, annoyed. It was truly hilarious to see two dignified Grandmasters bickering like little girls whenever the other was involved.

Yan Xuehen apologized somewhat: “My apologies, I wasn't talking about you.”

“I know,” Yu Yanluo chuckled. However, finding it tiresome to listen to them argue, she changed the subject. “Qingqiu Nation is not far ahead. You should be able to find the Azure Flux Flower you were looking for there.”

The mountains of Qingqiu are rich in jade on their sunny slopes and abundant with Azure Flux on their shaded slopes. This is the native land of the Azure Flux Flower.

Zu An's eyes lit up. Obtaining an Azure Flux Flower was harder than reaching the heavens for humans, but it was much easier for the demon race. He imagined starting an import-export company, trading goods between the human and demon races, and becoming the world's richest person in minutes. Of course, he knew this was merely a fantasy. Given the animosity between the two sides, such a venture was impossible. Even Yu Yanluo had to conduct business with the Snake Race secretly, and was targeted by Xu Yu because of it, which caused problems for the Yu family's foundation.

Yun Jianyue asked curiously, “What do you need the Azure Flux Flower for?”

Zu An replied, “I have a friend who needs it for cultivation breakthrough.”

“What kind of breakthrough requires this? I've never heard of it,” Yun Jianyue, being a well-informed Grandmaster, had never heard of using an Azure Flux Flower for a breakthrough.

Zu An was unsure how to explain, when Yan Xuehen, beside them, snorted coldly. “There are countless cultivation methods in the world, and physiques vary. What's so strange about needing this?” She assumed it was most likely needed for Mei Xi's breakthrough or something similar, and worried that if Yun Jianyue kept asking, she would discover Mei Xi's existence. That was a secret between her and Zu An, and she didn't want anyone else to know.

“Ice Maiden, is your skin itching for a beating again after a few days?” Yun Jianyue said grimly.

Zu An quickly stepped between them and changed the subject. “Yanluo, is Qingqiu Nation the place where fox spirits originate?”

Now even Yun Jianyue was interested. The human race had many legends about fox spirits, and fox spirits typically came from Qingqiu Nation.

Yan Xuehen secretly glanced at Zu An. She recalled how Zu An had offered to help her by persuading Yun Jianyue to bully her less, but she had stopped him. Yet, in his actions, he was still quietly helping her. A sweet feeling suddenly bloomed in her heart. Realizing this, her expression stiffened. It must be that peculiar influence acting up again!

“I suppose so. The Fox Tribe is mostly female, and the current King is also a woman. Her cultivation talent is ordinary, and she's not skilled in combat, but she's very adept at charm magic,” Yu Yanluo explained cooperatively, eager to avoid hearing the two women argue.

Zu An suddenly thought of Daji. He wondered if she had any connection to Qingqiu Nation in this world, and if these fox spirits were her disciples or descendants.

“The King is a woman, then,” Yun Jianyue couldn't help but glance at Zu An. “This fellow probably won't be able to walk when he sees her.”

Yan Xuehen, however, subconsciously said, “I don't think so. He has such strong romantic appeal; perhaps it will be the Qingqiu King who finds herself unable to walk after seeing him.”

Yun Jianyue's expression was peculiar. “Well, well, well, you, the Ice Maiden, actually understand romance now? You seem to know Zu An better than I do.”

Yan Xuehen's cheeks flushed slightly. She turned her face away, ignoring her.

At this moment, Yu Yanluo spoke up. “Normally, as a clan leader, I should pay a visit to the Qingqiu King as we pass through. However, to avoid any complications, we'll enter the city discreetly this time, find the Azure Flux Flower, and then leave. Zu An, you don't mind, do you?”

Zu An stated seriously, “Of course not. Time is pressing; traveling is the priority.” With the most beautiful fox spirit, Daji, by his side, he naturally had little interest in the Qingqiu King.

Yun Jianyue sighed, “Actually, I'm quite curious about that fox spirit. It would be a good opportunity to go and spar with her in charm magic.”

Yan Xuehen spat softly, “Hmph, shameless.”

Just as Yun Jianyue was about to retort, Zu An said in surprise, “Oh, you know charm magic? I never would have guessed.” Even Yu Yanluo looked at her curiously. While Yan Xuehen usually resembled a reclusive fairy from a snowy mountain peak, Yun Jianyue typically displayed her graceful and majestic side, exuding an almost tangible killing intent that made people hesitant to meet her gaze. There wasn't a trace of charm magic about her.

Yun Jianyue snorted coldly, “If I didn't know it, then who taught Hong Lei all her charm magic? It's just that, in this world, there hasn't been a man worthy of me displaying my charm magic to.” No sooner had she finished speaking than she noticed Yan Xuehen and Yu Yanluo's gazes turning to Zu An. She couldn't help but feel a little annoyed and embarrassed: “Why are you looking at him?!”

***

Bickering and joking along the way, they soon arrived at Qingqiu City. Since the Snake Race's lizard carriage was too conspicuous and they wished to avoid exposing their identities, Yu Yanluo had Xing Nu wait outside the city with her subordinates while the rest of them entered. Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue were both curious about the Fox Tribe, so they went along. To avoid their striking appearances attracting trouble, they all wore veils.

The city gate opened through the middle of a large fox-head statue. Along the streets, various streetlights and stone carvings depicted foxes in different forms. The entire city was filled with a strong scent of cosmetics and perfumes. Everywhere were elegantly dressed fox women: tall, voluptuous, cute, and everything in between. Their clothes were much bolder than human attire, yet nothing was truly exposed; their subtly revealing style was most alluring. These fox women all shared one common feature: beautiful, fluffy ears. Coupled with their inherent charm, they truly exuded sensuality. They were often accompanied by men from various races, talking and laughing together, appearing intimate. For a moment, Zu An even thought he had arrived at a pleasure paradise.

Yu Yanluo whispered, “Don't be fooled by how affectionate these fox women appear. In reality, it's very difficult to take advantage of them. Their race enjoys playing with people's hearts and considers it a great disgrace to be played with themselves.”

Yan Xuehen was somewhat surprised. “Since everyone knows their characteristics, why do these people still flock to them?”

Yun Jianyue scoffed, “That's why you don't understand men.”

Yan Xuehen sneered, “As if you understand them so well!”

Just as the two were about to start arguing, a sly voice rang out: “I see a bad omen for you today, perhaps a bloody disaster. Would you like a fortune reading?”