Chapter 1376: Trap

The three women nearby were both shocked and angry. "What are you doing!"

"Don't be nervous, I'm just letting him explore the way," the Demon Emperor said calmly. He added that such a space-time tunnel, especially one connected to the Unknown Land, carried too much risk. Even as an Earth Immortal, he dared not venture into it himself.

However, he also didn't dare to send anyone in haphazardly to scout, because it involved the Unknown Land. What if they obtained treasures of immortality or similar items before him? That would be a huge loss. So, he tied a rope around the man, ready to pull him back at any time.

The three women were also well aware of the risks involved. Clenching their teeth, they wanted to follow him in. After all, their purpose this time was also the Unknown Land. Even if they died inside with Zu An, it would be a worthy sacrifice, far better than remaining captives in the Demon Emperor's hands.

But as soon as they made a move, the Demon Emperor stopped them, looking at them with a strange expression. "I never would have guessed you three cared so much for that boy."

Yu Yanluo remained indifferent, but Yan Xuehen felt extremely guilty upon hearing this. Yun Jianyue retorted directly, "What nonsense! We're just friends, and we don't want him to face danger alone. Do you think everyone schemes and backstabs like your demon race?"

The Demon Emperor sneered, "When it comes to scheming and infighting, your human race is far more skilled."

Yun Jianyue gazed at the deep vortex, having no desire to debate with him. She replied directly, "Instead of worrying about us, why don't you consider if your beautiful little Demon Empress would follow you into death if you died?"

The Demon Emperor's previously smiling face instantly froze, as if he had taken critical damage. Losing his mood for conversation, he snorted and gave a sharp tug. Soon, the rope pulled Zu An back to everyone's sight.

Seeing him safe and sound, the three women immediately breathed a sigh of relief and rushed over to ask if he had sustained any hidden injuries.

Wu Liang watched with immense envy. This man was incredible; a regular person couldn't even manage one of them – the Medusa Queen, the Demonic Sect Master, or the leader of the righteous path. Yet this man managed all three and made them get along so harmoniously.

Crown Prince Golden Crow's face was grim; he was practically consumed by insane jealousy. How was it that all the world's unparalleled beauties seemed to be involved with this guy? First, Princess Snow of the Elf Race, now the Medusa Queen, and even the Demonic Sect Master and the White Jade Capital Abbot seemed to have close ties with him. He became increasingly determined that once he ascended to the throne, he would humiliate Zu An's women in front of him. Only then could he truly vent the humiliation he had endured these past days. Otherwise, he would forever feel like a failure in Zu An's presence.

The Demon Emperor had no mind for their squabbling. He stared at Zu An and asked, "What's the situation in there?"

Zu An replied, "The passage inside is unstable but not too dangerous. After passing through it, there's also a large lake on the other side. But since I was tied by the rope, I couldn't explore far."

"Marvelous, simply marvelous," Wu Liang exclaimed admiringly. "A lake here, a lake there, one yin and one yang, like a mirror image reversed. This design is truly a work of divine craftsmanship." Having spent his life robbing tombs, it was the first time he had seen such an ingenious design.

The Demon Emperor ignored him, instead giving Zu An a curious look. "You don't seem scared at all, nor do you harbor any resentment towards my recent actions."

"Why should I be scared?" Zu An replied calmly. "Besides, my skills are inferior, and I'm your captive, so it's only natural to accept the fate of a prisoner."

The three women exchanged glances, their eyes showing a mix of admiration and something peculiar. From their understanding of Zu An, he would never be this compliant; he was definitely planning something mischievous.

The Demon Emperor chuckled, "You truly are a remarkable young man. No wonder you're so highly regarded among humans. Even I'm starting to like you a little."

Zu An grumbled inwardly, *It would be fine if your wife, the little Demon Empress, liked me, but what good is it if an old geezer like you likes me?*

Since it was confirmed there was no danger on the other side, the Demon Emperor waved his sleeve, sweeping everyone into it. Then, he walked straight into the vortex, and his figure vanished.

Inside the sleeve, everyone exchanged bewildered glances. They felt as if they were in chaos, surrounded by a swirling mist, unable to see the sky or the ground. Beneath their feet, it felt like they were treading on clouds.

Yun Jianyue sighed, "This 'Universe in a Sleeve' technique is truly breathtaking. I used to think my cultivation wasn't too far from that of an Earth Immortal, but now I realize how arrogant I was."

Yan Xuehen rolled her eyes. "Didn't being defeated by Zhao Hao with a single, unseen move in the Imperial Palace in the capital last time wake you up? Why are you only realizing it now?"

"Ice Maiden, you're deliberately trying to argue with me, aren't you?" Yun Jianyue glared fiercely at her.

Seeing the two women bickering, Wu Liang finally felt relieved. *This is more like it,* he thought. *How could anyone enjoy the blessing of having so many women so easily?*

Only Crown Prince Golden Crow, standing at a distance, stared at everything coldly, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

Yu Yanluo leaned closer to Zu An. "Ah Zu, what do we do now?"

"Don't worry, I have similar experience," Zu An reassured her. The Demon Emperor probably never dreamed that Zu An was also forced into an expedition in a secret realm by another Earth Immortal, Zhao Hao, last time, and ultimately turned the tide from a desperate situation. If he had known this, he would never have spared Zu An's life.

His biggest concern now was the Puppet Curse cast by the Demon Emperor. Although it hadn't been activated yet, the giant eye in his mind constantly reminded him that he couldn't resist the other party's commands. Mei Xi's 'Farewell at Nanchao' transformation, which manifested as scissors, could perfectly counter such contracts, but her cultivation was far too low to meet the activation requirements.

Seeing the worry between his brows, Yu Yanluo sighed softly to herself. *Ah Zu must have said that to comfort me. What could he possibly do against the Demon Emperor?*

Yan Xuehen also noticed them. A look of determination suddenly appeared on her face. After what had happened between them in the Great Snow Mountain, she didn't know how to face her disciple. This was a perfect opportunity to make a clean break. This time, she would risk her life to save him, no matter what. That way, he and Chu Yan could live happily together, and she could rest in peace here.

Yun Jianyue's phoenix eyes also turned particularly sharp. She recalled how Zu An had saved her life several times, and the entire Holy Sect owed him a great favor. This time, she would repay him no matter what, even if it meant sacrificing herself. *This Sovereign always distinguishes clearly between gratitude and grudges, and never owes anyone.*

As each of them was lost in thought, the space suddenly shook violently. They instantly lost their balance, all filled with alarm. They knew this was the space within the Demon Emperor's sleeve; such instability proved that the Demon Emperor had encountered extreme danger. Even he couldn't maintain the stability of his sleeve. What could have happened?

Crown Prince Golden Crow glared furiously at Zu An. "You brat, did you deliberately lead Father into a trap?"

Rage points from Crown Prince Golden Crow +311 +311 +311…

Zu An sneered, "I wish there really was such a trap."

Just as they were arguing, a light suddenly appeared above them, and they found themselves flung onto the ground.

The Demon Emperor stood nearby, his figure somewhat disheveled. He was drenched, his hair matted together, and faint patches of bald scalp were visible here and there. The Demon Emperor seemed to realize his appearance was rather undignified. A burst of golden flames rose from his body, instantly evaporating the water and restoring his previous majestic form.

Zu An took the opportunity to observe his surroundings. There were no terrifying enemies present, only a vast, boundless lake that looked like a sea. They were on the shore of the lake, next to a towering mountain that seemed to reach the clouds. In the distance were continuous mountain ranges.

"Father Emperor, did this guy just lead you into a trap?" Crown Prince Golden Crow rushed to the Demon Emperor's side.

The Demon Emperor shook his head slightly. "It's not his fault. The water is the problem."