Category: Dear, it’s time for your medicine!

Chapter 244: Heloise is Amazing (4)

Qin Chu looked at the churning lava above, the molten rock like liquid fire, but he felt no fear.

A hazy Holy Light emanated from him, enveloping Heloise as well, shielding her from the intense heat. The Snow Woman, who had been on the verge of melting, finally felt some relief.

This made her feel a flicker of gratitude towards Qin Chu. Her former master, Diabolique, had never shown such concern for his subordinates, not even for her and Iyeta, his childhood friends.

As for Anthea, she had retreated back into Qin Chu’s body. Although she wasn’t afraid of the lava, she still found his body more comfortable.

After making all the necessary preparations, Qin Chu took Heloise’s hand. She flinched, instinctively trying to pull away, but his grip was firm.

Then, he lifted her into his arms and plunged into the lava, the Holy Light around them compressing into a thin but impenetrable barrier, shielding them from the scorching heat.

He held her close as they slowly ascended through the molten rock.

…

Around the collapsed mountain, the Demon Beasts had finished setting up their traps and barriers.

Diabolique hovered in the air, Iyeta by his side.

Especially after Heloise’s death, he valued Iyeta even more.

After all, she was the only one left of his two childhood friends.

Looking at the dense network of traps and barriers below, a twisted smile appeared on Diabolique’s face. Whether or not the Second Hero was still alive, this would be his end. Even if he was incredibly strong, these traps would kill him.

And he had so many subordinates here, eight level 80 Demon Beasts and nearly a hundred level 70+, what a formidable force!

With such an overwhelming advantage, Diabolique wanted to declare, Victory is mine!

No, that wasn’t enough.

How could he possibly lose in this situation?

If he did, it would defy the natural order.

He even hoped that Qin Chu was still alive. He wanted to crush this damned, backstabbing bastard with his own hands.

“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Iyeta said at the right time, “Even if that Qin Chu is still alive, he has no escape now.”

“Someone is about to have a very bad day.”

Diabolique’s smugness grew.

He was usually cautious, but this time, the advantage was too great. He couldn’t see any possibility of failure.

After a while, Iyeta’s expression suddenly changed.

She seemed to sense something and landed on the ground, pressing her ear against a rock.

Diabolique wasn’t surprised. Blood Elves had a keen sense for magic, her perception even sharper than his own.

“Iyeta, what is it?” he asked.

“Your Highness, I sense a faint Mana fluctuation beneath the collapsed rocks,” she replied immediately.

Diabolique’s eyes narrowed.

Although it wasn’t just the Hero who had been buried by the collapsing mountain and lava, but also his own subordinates and the Flame Witch, he was certain that this Mana signature belonged to the Hero.

“That guy is still alive,” he said, his anticipation growing. He couldn’t wait to see the look on the Hero’s face when he emerged from the rubble, thinking he had escaped, only to be greeted by countless traps and barriers.

It would be a wonderful sight.

He even trembled slightly with excitement.

“Huh? He stopped,” Iyeta frowned.

“What? What is he doing?” Diabolique asked impatiently, his excitement interrupted.

Iyeta shook her head, “The Mana fluctuation seems to be getting stronger. It seems he’s fighting something in the lava…”

Diabolique felt a surge of irritation. Could it be that Qin Chu had encountered the Flame Witch in the lava? He couldn’t let her kill him! He had to do it himself!

They waited for an hour, Diabolique’s impatience growing.

Finally, Iyeta’s expression changed, and she quickly flew away from her previous location.

The next instant, a loud boom echoed through the air.

The collapsed rocks were blown away, and a geyser of lava erupted from the ground, destroying one of the traps.

But Diabolique didn’t care. His eyes, filled with a twisted excitement, were fixed on the source of the eruption.

As expected, two figures emerged from the churning lava.

It was Qin Chu, still alive, and in his arms, a woman in an ice-blue dress…

Her face was beautiful, her skin as delicate as ice.

It was Heloise.

Diabolique had wanted to see Qin Chu’s pathetic struggles against the traps, but instead, he saw him holding Heloise.

She was still alive?

That scorching lava hadn’t melted her?

A flicker of joy, quickly replaced by a burning rage, filled Diabolique’s heart.

Heloise had always been beautiful, her long white dress and hair elegant and graceful, but now, her hair was disheveled, her dress shortened, revealing her long, fair legs and delicate feet.

Her arm was around Qin Chu’s neck, her body pressed against his, a faint blush on her cheeks.

What… had they been doing down there?

Diabolique’s face turned crimson, a surge of rage almost overwhelming him.

Vivid images filled his mind.

Had these two bastards actually… in the lava…?

Damn it, damn it, damn it…

That woman, whom he had never even touched…

He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking.

He saw the silver ring on Qin Chu’s finger, the ring that controlled Heloise.

He instantly understood. Qin Chu had become her new master… Fortunately, he only had one ring. He hadn’t taken Iyeta’s.

The surrounding Demon Beasts also saw this scene, whispering and pointing, wondering why the First Prince’s fiancée was in the Hero’s arms.

Jealousy and rage consumed Diabolique.

“Heloise!” he roared.

“You shameless bitch! Why didn’t you just die?! Are you deliberately trying to humiliate me?!”

His angry roar made Heloise’s face pale. She knew that Diabolique would be furious, but it wasn’t her fault.

She had been swallowed by the lava, and Qin Chu, after putting the ring on his finger, had become her new master. She had no choice but to obey him.

But Diabolique wasn’t happy that she was still alive. He even berated her for not killing herself… These words extinguished the last flicker of affection she held for him.

A surge of defiance filled her heart, and she wrapped her arm around Qin Chu’s neck, kissing him lightly on the lips, then glared at Diabolique.

“Diabolique,” she said coldly, “you have no right to order me around. We’re done.”

“The Hero is my new master now.”

They… they… they were kissing right in front of him?!

Diabolique, consumed by jealousy and possessiveness, felt as if his heart had been shattered.

That woman, his childhood friend, the woman everyone knew was his, had been stolen by the Hero… He imagined the mockery of his brothers, of the other Demon Beasts…

His heart constricted, then exploded.

He spat out a mouthful of blood.

This guy was even more petty than the Grand Prince.

Qin Chu almost felt sorry for him.

Still holding Heloise, he glanced at the surrounding Demon Beasts, his eyes narrowing. “So many… guests… to welcome me,” he said, his voice laced with mockery.

“Your Highness, do you think so little of me?”

As he spoke, he casually took two steps forward.

He had to deliberately fall into the trap, to clear Iyeta of suspicion.

The moment his foot landed, dark red flames erupted from the ground, like demonic fire from the depths of hell, threatening to engulf him and Heloise.

A twisted smile appeared on Diabolique’s face.

Hahaha, so arrogant.

Your arrogance won’t last long.

But his smile quickly vanished.

Seeing the erupting flames, Heloise merely scoffed. Without even leaving Qin Chu’s arms, she waved her hand, and a wave of chilling cold spread outwards.

Crackle, crackle…

Ice spikes erupted from the ground, freezing the dark red flames.

The first trap, easily neutralized.

This was the safest spot, the one Iyeta had carefully chosen after listening for so long.

Qin Chu was very pleased with Heloise’s reaction. He wrapped an arm around her leg and patted her head gently.

“Heloise,” he said, “you’re amazing!”

Chapter 243: The Master’s Task

Iyeta’s face turned deathly pale.

Her body trembled slightly.

But she quickly composed herself, not letting the other Demon Beasts see her fear.

Her mind raced. Things were developing in the worst possible direction. Not only was the Second Hero still alive, but he had also obtained Diabolique’s control ring, becoming her new master.

Since she had no loyalty to Diabolique, Iyeta didn’t feel any sadness.

Instead, she quickly calculated how to maximize her own benefit from this situation.

Well, at least her new master was much more handsome and charming than Diabolique, making this… arrangement… more palatable.

She was a visual creature, after all.

She was truly sick of Diabolique’s ugly mug, and she hadn’t forgotten how he had so callously abandoned Heloise to the flames.

Although she was a selfish Blood Elf, even Iyeta felt that if it were her, she would have been even more ruthless, not even bothering to try and save Heloise.

But for a man to abandon his woman like that… it made Iyeta question his reliability.

Today, it was Heloise who was abandoned. Tomorrow, it might be her.

Her red eyes flickered, and after a few seconds, she spoke, “What do you want? To threaten me? You think you can control me with that ring?”

“Of course,” Qin Chu’s voice came from the other end of the communication, “The ring is in my hand now. You can try to resist my commands. I’m curious to see what will happen.”

“You’re a smart woman, and you’re strong. Perhaps you have a way to resist the ring’s control, but… you wouldn’t want Diabolique to know that it’s in my possession, would you?”

What a terrible response.

This wasn’t something the Hero should say or do, but it proved that he understood the power of the master-servant ring.

How did this Second Hero know about such things?

Could it be that Heloise was still alive?

And his last sentence had completely blocked Iyeta’s escape route.

Even if she could resist the ring, the consequences would be even worse.

Qin Chu could contact her through Information Magic, so he could also contact Diabolique. If the First Prince knew that the ring was in Qin Chu’s possession, he would definitely control, or even kill, her to eliminate the threat.

Iyeta had no doubt that the ruthless and insidious First Prince was capable of such an act.

He wouldn’t give her a chance to explain, nor would he care whose fault it was.

And if he knew she could resist the ring, her fate would be even worse.

Hmph… What a terrifying man, she thought. Although his methods were shameless, they were effective.

As Iyeta pondered, Qin Chu’s voice came again, “Now, tell me, what is Diabolique doing?”

A sly smile appeared on Iyeta’s lips. She didn’t answer immediately…

This showed the difference between her and Heloise.

Heloise was resigned to her fate. When she was offered as a bargaining chip to Diabolique, she had accepted it.

Her loyalty might not have been absolute, but she had served him diligently, without any other thoughts.

Iyeta was different.

Heloise couldn’t resist Qin Chu’s commands. No matter how much she struggled, her mouth would still speak the truth.

But Iyeta, although she couldn’t completely ignore the ring’s influence, could at least express her own opinions.

“Hehe,” she said, her voice seductive, “it seems my new master is impatient.”

“Then, would you listen to my proposal?”

“Of course,” Qin Chu replied readily.

“I can help you,” Iyeta stated her position, “but you must take me to the human world and protect me. Otherwise, I would rather die than cooperate.”

A simple condition.

Iyeta, a clever woman, knew that her fate was sealed the moment Qin Chu obtained the master-servant ring. She had no future among the Demon Beasts.

She had to leave and seek the Hero’s protection.

With Qin Chu’s identity and strength, protecting a Demon Beast wouldn’t be difficult.

Of course, it would be even better if he died in the traps. Then she would be free.

However, looking at the surrounding traps, although they were dangerous and powerful, they probably couldn’t kill the Hero, especially with her, a traitor, assisting him.

She couldn’t completely resist the ring’s influence.

Silence came from the other end of the communication.

Iyeta frowned. She couldn’t see Qin Chu’s expression, his eyes, and she couldn’t discern his thoughts. She was worried that he would refuse.

After a few seconds, his voice finally came, “That’s it?”

Iyeta was puzzled.

“If that’s your only condition, then no problem, I can agree.”

“Actually, you can be greedier and ask for more. Although I shouldn’t be saying this.”

Qin Chu’s words made Iyeta smile.

This new master seemed more interesting than she had thought.

“My dearest master, I understand that being too greedy can bring misfortune. Iyeta is not a greedy woman. You wouldn’t like that kind of person, would you?” she replied with a giggle.

Then, without waiting for him to speak, she answered his previous question:

“The First Prince is indeed still near Flame Mountain.”

“He has summoned over a hundred powerful Demon Beasts from his territory, almost all of them above level 70, and three of them are even above level 80.”

Without Qin Chu even asking, Iyeta described the situation around Flame Mountain in detail.

She was decisive.

Since she had to betray, she might as well do it thoroughly.

Pleasing her new master was far more important than worrying about her old one.

“Of the eleven powerful Demon Beasts Diabolique brought with him, five were swallowed by the flames, and the remaining six have recovered after treatment.”

So, three of them hadn’t even left any bones behind. What a waste of good experience packs.

“The collapsed mountain is filled with magic traps set by those Demon Beasts, including at least seven traps with power comparable to Super-tier magic. Their locations are…”

Iyeta carefully described the distribution of the traps, centered around the former cavern.

She even gave him detailed information about the nine level 80+ Demon Beasts, Diabolique’s strength and abilities, revealing everything.

She was truly a clever woman.

Used correctly, she could bring him countless benefits.

But if she had the chance, if betraying him could bring her greater benefits, she wouldn’t hesitate for a moment.

Qin Chu memorized all the information Iyeta provided.

Of course, he was also prepared for her betrayal.

After she finished, a brief silence fell.

After a long while, Qin Chu’s voice came again:

“Iyeta, I have another task for you…”

After ending the communication, Iyeta looked at Diabolique, who, instead of being alone and calming down, was instructing his subordinates on how to enhance the power of the magic traps and restrictions, a wry smile appearing on her face.

This new master was truly demanding.

But there was nothing she could do. This was her master’s task.

She rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache.

She could sense that her life would become much more…interesting… in the future.

…

Meanwhile, Qin Chu had also finished his communication with Iyeta.

They had already left the temple and returned to where they had fallen.

He looked up at the crimson lava above.

That bright red reminded him of the oracle he had sensed in the Flame Witch Phil’s consciousness.

The earth shattering, the gods falling.

Divine blood staining the land.

Even the strongest Evil God had been divided into seven, his blood staining the oceans, the mountains, and the grasslands.

Was that blood as hot as this lava?

He wondered if the blood of gods and Evil Gods would pollute the environment.

After all, it was divine blood. Causing some kind of mutation, like nuclear radiation, wouldn’t be surprising.

Come to think of it, that strongest Evil God’s situation was strangely similar to his own.

He had been betrayed by the members of the Hero Squad.

The strongest Evil God had been betrayed by his seven companions.

He had been divided into six: his head, his torso, and his four limbs.

The strongest Evil God’s fate had been even worse, divided into seven: his head, his torso, his four limbs, and his heart.

The only difference was that he, Qin Chu, had been reborn, while that strongest Evil God had truly died. Otherwise, Qin Chu would have wanted to become sworn brothers with him.

He shook his head, finding the thought a bit strange.

Dismissing these random thoughts, he looked at the lava above. It was time to leave.

A warm welcome awaited him outside. He had to give Diabolique a surprise.

Chapter 242: Iyeta, You Wouldn’t Betray Me, Right? (2)

Diabolique was rather fond of Heloise.

She was beautiful, with a voluptuous figure and considerable strength. Most importantly, she was obedient, always completing his tasks efficiently and without complaint.

She would make a fine consort after he became Demon King.

After all, she had been by his side since childhood. Although he mostly treated her as a useful tool, he couldn’t deny a certain… affection… for her.

The only thing that bothered him was that she had been… defiled… by that damned Hero before he could claim her.

And now, she was likely dead, consumed by the lava, which saddened him slightly. But the image of her in Qin Chu’s arms quickly extinguished that sadness.

He was more worried about Iyeta now.

Iyeta was the most beautiful of the Blood Elves, destined to be his consort after he became Demon King.

As the Demon King, he wanted hundreds of beautiful consorts. It was a matter of prestige.

The higher the rank of a Demon Beast, the closer its appearance to a human, and the closer its aesthetic preferences to human standards. In Diabolique’s eyes, Iyeta and Heloise were the perfect choices.

Succubi, although also beautiful, were inherently lustful and prone to infidelity.

Although most Demon Beasts didn’t care about such things, Diabolique was different. He was possessive. What was his was his, and he wouldn’t tolerate being cuckolded.

Even the mere sight of Heloise in Qin Chu’s arms had enraged him.

Of course, as the Demon King, sometimes he had to make compromises, marrying those hairy, muscular females for political reasons, to maintain the balance of power between the various Demon Beast races.

This was the burden of a king.

Blood Elves were also a powerful race among Demon Beasts.

And they were incredibly selfish… well, most Demon Beasts were, but the Blood Elves were especially so.

Diabolique was worried about Iyeta’s loyalty now that he had lost the control ring.

If both his future consorts abandoned him, it would be a great humiliation.

Diabolique’s current state frightened Iyeta.

His face was twisted in a terrifying grimace, his eyes bloodshot.

And his claws dug painfully into her shoulders.

She winced, instinctively trying to pull away.

This only enraged him further. In his eyes, it was a sign of her wanting to leave him.

His heart pounded, his eyes burning with rage. He stepped closer, his voice menacing, “Iyeta, tell me, you wouldn’t betray me, would you?”

Iyeta’s throat twitched. His terrifying appearance made her want to flee.

But she knew that she couldn’t. He might kill her in his rage.

She took a deep breath, forcing a seductive smile on her face, enduring the pain in her shoulders, and said softly, “Your Highness, what are you talking about? I would never betray you.”

Her words slightly reassured him.

He also knew that Iyeta couldn’t betray him.

The entire Blood Elf race was under his control. She was just a bargaining chip offered by them.

If she betrayed him, not only he, but even her own race wouldn’t let her go. Besides, where could she go?

To the humans?

Impossible. They wouldn’t accept a Demon Beast.

To another prince?

Everyone knew she was his fiancée. Anyone who dared to take her in would be directly challenging him, and they would have to consider whether they could withstand his wrath.

So, Iyeta had nowhere to go.

And all Diabolique wanted was her assurance.

A smile finally appeared on his face, and he released her shoulders.

Iyeta’s beautiful face was still pale, but she was smart. She didn’t turn to leave immediately. Instead, she adjusted her expression, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, then she knelt on one knee:

“My esteemed First Prince,” she said, her voice filled with feigned devotion, “please don’t worry. With or without the ring, my loyalty to you will never waver.”

“I am yours in life and in death.”

“Sister Heloise is gone. I will serve you even more diligently, and be your most loyal and capable subordinate.”

She quickly pledged her allegiance.

A slight smile appeared on Diabolique’s ugly face. He was satisfied with her reaction and even helped her up.

Looking at her beautiful face up close, a powerful urge surged within him.

Her fair, delicate skin, her soft lips, her crimson, gem-like eyes…

He hadn’t noticed before how beautiful she was.

He often felt these urges.

But because of his cultivation, he suppressed them, not wanting to be distracted by lust.

But now, perhaps because Heloise was dead… such a beautiful girl, gone before he could even… It was a pity.

Seeing Iyeta now, his desire intensified, almost beyond his control.

His breathing quickened, and he stepped closer, as if to kiss her.

Looking at his approaching, ugly face, Iyeta felt a wave of nausea.

If Heloise still had some feelings for Diabolique, then Iyeta felt nothing at all.

She was just a bargaining chip offered by her race, bound to him by the ring.

And Iyeta was a bit of a… visual person.

Although the First Prince was powerful and held a high status, his face was simply too ugly. Even an average-looking man would be more handsome than him.

His Charm stat was probably only one or two points…

As his lips got closer and closer, she suddenly felt a tickling sensation in her ear.

She frowned, and the next second, a slender finger stopped his advance.

Diabolique looked at her, puzzled, not understanding why she was rejecting him.

“Your Highness,” Iyeta said softly, “wouldn’t this hinder your cultivation?” Then she glanced at their surroundings.

Many Demon Beasts were busy setting up traps.

Diabolique immediately understood. She was shy.

How cute.

But she was right. He had almost been distracted by his impulse. This was unacceptable.

“Your Highness, you’re a bit agitated now. I think you should calm down first.”

“I’ll go help set up the traps. If the Hero isn’t dead, we can definitely kill him when he appears. By then, your prestige will be unmatched among the Demon Beasts,” Iyeta said seductively.

Diabolique was pleased with her response. Iyeta bowed and turned to leave.

After walking some distance, she patted her chest, relieved.

Ugh, disgusting!

Then she pressed her finger to her ear.

She had just received a message through Information Magic.

She didn’t know who sent it, but she instinctively felt that she couldn’t answer it in front of Diabolique. If the message contained something… unfavorable… she would be in danger.

This was the instinct of a Blood Elf.

An incredibly selfish race, almost everyone was an enemy, scheming and plotting against each other. Those who weren’t cunning enough couldn’t survive.

She activated the spell.

A voice immediately entered her ear:

“Hey, Iyeta, how are you?”

Iyeta frowned. The voice sounded familiar.

A few seconds later, her eyes widened. She remembered. It was the Hero’s voice.

So, he was still alive.

She glanced at the Demon Beasts setting up traps around them, a smile playing on her lips. Even if he was alive, death awaited him.

“What do you want?” she asked coldly, her voice filled with disdain.

“I want you to tell me if Diabolique is still near the collapsed Flame Mountain, if he has called for reinforcements, and if he’s setting up traps to kill me.”

Iyeta was shocked.

This Hero was truly terrifying.

He had deduced everything as if he had seen it with his own eyes.

But then she sneered inwardly, “You don’t know who I am, do you? Why would I tell you… Hmm…”

She wanted to refuse, but… the words caught in her throat, a powerful compulsion overriding her will.

Her body seemed to be moving on its own, wanting to tell him everything.

This strange sensation made Iyeta feel a sense of dread, her face turning pale.

“By the way,” Qin Chu’s voice came from the other end, “I forgot to tell you…”

“I’m wearing the ring that controls you.”

“Now, I’m your new master!”

Chapter 241: The First Prince: Iyeta, You Wouldn’t Betray Me, Right?

Several pictures of beautiful women, each with their own unique charm, were displayed before him.

Ekaterina’s valiant aura, Athena’s voluptuous figure, Loseweisse’s pure and holy demeanor, Eileen and Airi’s petite cuteness, Sylph’s proud nobility, Saint Monique’s mature elegance… even Inas, the Saintess of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, was among them.

Each woman had her own appeal. Seeing them all together was almost overwhelming.

Phil, the Flame Witch, within Qin Chu’s body, also saw these images, a flicker of curiosity in her fiery eyes.

“Who are these people? Do you want me to possess their bodies?” she asked, a hint of resistance in her voice, seemingly disliking the idea of taking over someone else’s body.

“Is there a problem?” Qin Chu countered. “Don’t worry, they’re not good people. Some of them are even followers of the Evil Gods.”

“Their souls are filthy, but their bodies are quite nice. Think of it as recycling,” he said with a shrug.

The members of the Hero Squad having tainted souls, unworthy of even being purified, was confirmed by Ireta, the Daughter of Death, herself. It was an indisputable fact.

“So you don’t have to feel any guilt,” Qin Chu said with a smile.

“Or do you want to create your own body?”

Like Violet.

But not everyone had that ability.

“I can’t do that,” Phil’s voice echoed in his mind, “I don’t even remember what I looked like… Maybe I was just an ugly monster.”

She was overthinking it.

Although she was a follower of the Fire God, with a somewhat… unique… personality, a Saintess was still the face of her church. Her appearance had to be impeccable. Phil was definitely a beauty.

The flames within him flickered.

Phil’s consciousness scanned the images, choosing a suitable body. Her gaze lingered on Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie, and Athena.

She hesitated between the two, seemingly unable to decide.

“From the looks of it, this woman with the fiery red hair seems more suitable for me,” she said, her voice troubled, “But in terms of talent, perhaps this other woman is more suitable…”

Phil wasn’t a warrior, but a mage. From a practical standpoint, Athena’s body was indeed more suitable.

As for Loseweisse, although she was also a mage, for some reason, the Flame Witch completely ignored her.

Seeing her hesitation, Qin Chu said patiently, “It’s okay, you can decide after you see them in person.”

A flame flickered within Qin Chu, extending outwards and forming a graceful silhouette. From its curves, it could be seen that the former Saintess of the Flame Temple had also possessed a beautiful figure.

Phil glanced at the images, “If I choose someone’s body, do I have to crush their soul?”

“It’s up to you,” Qin Chu replied readily, “You can crush it directly, or keep it and let her watch as her body is taken over. As long as you can control it.”

Phil seemed to understand and nodded. She returned to the altar and looked at the crimson light hovering above it… the Divine Authority.

After a brief hesitation, she reached out towards it.

With a faint whoosh, the crimson light transformed into a stream of light and entered Phil’s body.

Hum…

The moment the Divine Authority returned to her, the flame spirit expanded, and the surrounding temperature soared.

Waves of heat washed over them, ruffling Heloise’s hair.

The intense heat made her feel like she was melting. This environment was truly hostile to a Snow Woman.

She instinctively hid behind Qin Chu. Only here did she feel a semblance of safety.

Having reabsorbed the Divine Authority, Phil turned to Qin Chu. He could sense the corruption and its impact on her will, a flicker of madness in her eyes. It was only because of his presence, the suppressing influence of his Holy Light, that she hadn’t been driven mad again.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you,” the Flame Witch said, curtseying slightly.

The next second, her body transformed into a slender flame and returned to Qin Chu’s body. Until she found a suitable vessel, only within him could she maintain her sanity.

After Phil completely entered his body, Qin Chu stretched his arms. This matter had been smoothly resolved.

He wondered if this Flame Witch would also steal his experience like the sapling.

Next, he had to figure out how to leave this place.

Two options: one was to use a spatial teleportation scroll.

The problem was that he didn’t know his exact coordinates, and the teleportation might be slightly off, potentially trapping him inside a rock.

The other option was to return the way he came, piercing through the lava and the collapsed mountain.

“Sorry, I blew up the mountain,” Phil’s apologetic voice echoed in his mind.

She had been completely out of control at that time. Even though he and Anthea had come to help her, she had attacked them indiscriminately, shattering the entire Flame Mountain.

“It’s okay, this place can’t trap me. Don’t worry,” Qin Chu said with a gentle smile.

Heloise also sensed that he was about to leave. After a brief hesitation, she spoke, “My master… if you’re leaving, please be careful.”

She still didn’t like calling him “master,” but he was her master now.

She had to prove her worth, or she would be discarded, destroyed.

This was the way of the Demon Beast world.

“I know Diabolique very well. He’s cautious and meticulous. He must be waiting outside the collapsed mountain with his subordinates, wanting to confirm your death.”

“Even if it means wasting his power, he will definitely set up layers of traps and barriers around the mountain.”

“If you’re still alive, you’ll be ambushed the moment you leave.”

Based on her understanding of Diabolique, Heloise continued, “He might even call for reinforcements from the Demon Beast territory.”

“As the First Prince, and the strongest among them, his influence is immense.”

“Countless high-ranking Demon Beasts are loyal to him, even some of the Four Heavenly Kings and Seventeen Abyssal Demon Generals have been getting close to him recently.”

“So, if you’re planning to return the same way you came, be prepared for a fight.”

Qin Chu nodded slightly and patted Heloise’s forehead. “Yes, good girl, Little Heloise, very good.”

Heloise was annoyed by his condescending tone and almost rolled her eyes.

Being around this man always made her feel strangely relaxed, almost forgetting that he was a powerful and dangerous being.

After a pause, Qin Chu said, “But it’s okay. We can just ask.”

“Ask?” Heloise was puzzled, “Ask who?”

Qin Chu raised his hand, showing the two shimmering silver rings on his fingers. “What’s the name of that other Blood Elf with Diabolique?”

Heloise instantly understood, her expression turning strange, “That’s Diabolique’s other childhood friend, also his… other fiancée. Like me, she’s been by his side since childhood.”

“The Blood Elf, Iyeta.”

Qin Chu smiled. “Then let’s ask Iyeta.”

…

Meanwhile, above the collapsed Flame Mountain.

A dozen powerful Demon Beasts surrounded Diabolique.

Heloise’s prediction was correct. The Flame Witch’s core was gone, Diabolique had lost one of his lives, and several of his powerful subordinates were dead… This expedition had been a disaster. If he couldn’t produce results to compensate for these losses, his reputation would suffer greatly.

So he had to make sure the Hero was dead, whether burned by the flames or killed by his own hand. Only then could he justify his losses.

Since the Hero had displayed considerable strength, although he wasn’t afraid of losing, Diabolique had still called for reinforcements from his territory, wanting to ensure his victory.

Even if the Hero was still alive, when he emerged from the collapsed mountain, he would find a warm welcome waiting for him.

Killing the Hero would bring him far more prestige than killing a mere member of the Hero Squad.

A smug smile appeared on Diabolique’s lips, then quickly vanished. He looked down at his hands, his fingers bare.

The rings that controlled Heloise, the Snow Woman, and Iyeta, the Blood Elf, were gone, swallowed by the flames.

Perhaps Heloise had also been consumed.

“Your Highness…” Iyeta’s voice came from beside him, seemingly sensing his distress.

But before she could finish, Diabolique turned abruptly, grabbing her shoulders, his eyes bloodshot:

“Iyeta,” he said, his voice strained, “you wouldn’t betray me, would you?”

Chapter 240: The Strongest Evil God, Divided into Seven

There were only seven Evil Gods in the Void, right?

Where was the eighth?

Qin Chu was puzzled.

But he didn’t have time to think. The oracle continued, and he couldn’t miss a single word…

Well, this Fire God was a bit of a rambler, so missing a few words probably wouldn’t matter. He seemed to have abandoned all divine decorum, recounting the events of the past in his own… verbose… way.

From his tone, Qin Chu could tell that this god had a fiery temper, quite different from the image people had of him. He even called that other goddess a charlatan, completely forgetting that he himself was also a deity.

“That woman, always rambling on about seeing this and seeing that… Why can’t she just speak clearly? Always speaking in riddles. And those other idiots actually believe her.”

It seemed the Fire God had a long-standing grudge against that goddess.

“She said she had seen our Fate, that even if we fled this world, our doom would still come.”

“She said our only option was to fight, that only resistance could offer a glimmer of hope, even though most of us would perish.”

“She even asked, ‘Are you willing to abandon your loyal believers?’ What a joke! I don’t care about those insignificant humans on that tiny planet! Believers? I don’t care about them at all!”

“They’re like ants, insignificant. But I agree with that charlatan.”

“Not for the sake of those lowly believers, but because I can’t stand those eight arrogant bastards. I’ll burn them all to ashes…”

“The Divine War began.”

“That charlatan told us to focus on the strongest one.”

“Haha, what a fight! That guy was truly strong. He killed the Water God, crushed the Storm Lord, shattered the Ice God’s soul, and swallowed the Shadow God in the darkness… But those Evil Gods are truly interesting. They didn’t even care about their companion being besieged, they even seemed to enjoy it, just watching from afar, as if hoping we would kill him.”

“His body was as large as a planet…”

“He seemed to possess endless energy… His breath could shatter meteors.”

“So many of our companions died, falling from the sky like shooting stars, their blood staining the earth.”

“Where is hope? I can’t see it.”

“It doesn’t matter, I don’t care.”

“As long as I can fight, hahaha. I burned his mane, his hair, his beard, even his eyebrows… Damn, that guy’s body is truly tough.”

“How long did we fight? I don’t know. I only know that our numbers dwindled.”

“Finally, we won.”

“We sacrificed the lives of almost all the gods, but we finally killed him.”

“His body was divided into seven parts: his head, his four limbs, his torso, and his heart, scattered across the land. His blood stained the oceans. The only pity is that I don’t know if his soul was destroyed. It should have been.”

“My energy is also fading.”

“That damned bastard, even in his dying breath, he let out a roar that shattered my soul. Damn it, I’m so unlucky.”

“My mission is complete, but only the Holy Light Goddess and He remain, along with the seven Evil Gods. Does this world still have hope?”

“Was the Fate she saw… correct?”

“Does this world… have a future?”

“Although I’ve always hated that woman, let me trust you just this once, Moira. Don’t disappoint me.”

“As for my believers… whatever. Live freely. You are no longer bound by my will. Do as you please. Or find another god to worship. I don’t care, really.”

“And my inheritor, I have only one thing to tell you: pursue the Holy Light… That’s what that charlatan Moira said. Although I’ve always disliked her, I have to admit that the Fate she sees is almost always correct. If you can’t bear the burden of my authority, then… give up.”

“This responsibility is too heavy for you.”

At the end of the oracle, the Fire God seemed to have completely abandoned his divine demeanor, cursing and complaining. He must have been very frustrated.

After all, to finally defeat the strongest Evil God, only to have his own soul shattered by its dying roar… anyone would be frustrated.

But it could be seen that this Fire God was a bit tsundere.

Although he claimed not to care about his lowly believers, in his final moments, he still cared about them, even saying that it was fine for them to worship other gods, only hoping that they would live well.

He even told his inheritor to give up if the burden was too heavy.

Just from the oracle, one could imagine him as a burly man with a thick beard, but a kind heart.

Perhaps he was rough, but he was a good god. Those who worshipped him in the Flame Temple were probably quite fortunate.

Because of the Fire God’s rambling nature, the oracle was very long.

But within this long oracle, Qin Chu extracted some crucial information.

The Divine War a thousand years ago was a conflict between the native gods of the Heavenly Continent and the invading Evil Gods.

The native gods were numerous, while the Evil Gods were only eight, but their strength was overwhelming.

If all eight had attacked together, the native gods wouldn’t have stood a chance. But there seemed to be conflict among the Evil Gods, especially towards the strongest one. The other seven seemed happy to see the native gods attack him.

They even hoped that he would be killed, so they could claim the spoils.

And they had succeeded.

That strongest being, besieged by the native gods, his body was dismembered and scattered across the Heavenly Continent, his blood staining the land and the oceans, his soul presumably shattered.

And he had also destroyed all the gods of the Heavenly Continent, except for Fate and the Holy Light Goddess, truly living up to his title as the Strongest Evil God.

But they hadn’t expected the Holy Light Goddess to be so powerful, able to fight against the remaining seven even after the great battle. Although she was trapped in the Void, they couldn’t kill her, only suppress her, keeping the seven Evil Gods at bay for over a thousand years.

And the other surviving goddess was the “charlatan” Moira mentioned by the Fire God, seemingly the goddess of Fate. She didn’t seem to have much combat power, but she could see the future.

Combined with the information from the First Jie Luo’s soul fragment, hunting Fate was also one of Jie Luo the Second’s missions.

This goddess of Fate seemed to be manipulating everything from the shadows, arranging and guiding events.

The Flame Witch had inherited the Fire God’s Divine Authority. Although the oracle told her to give up if she couldn’t bear the burden, she hadn’t. She had chosen to go mad, to maintain the Divine Authority’s existence.

Qin Chu let out a long breath.

The Fire God’s voice still echoed in his mind.

He could almost see the Divine War of a thousand years ago, the battle between gods.

Divine blood raining down from the sky.

Divine bodies falling like meteors.

A stomp of their feet could shatter the earth.

A wave of their hands could make stars fall.

That was true power.

The gods who had guided the Heavenly Continent were gone.

A strange sadness filled his heart.

After a long while, Qin Chu finally opened his eyes. Shaye, Anthea, and Heloise were looking at him with concern.

Since the Flame Witch had merged with him, he had been motionless, his body trembling slightly. They didn’t know what he had experienced, only sensing a deep sadness emanating from him.

Qin Chu forced a smile, assuring them he was fine.

“The Holy Light I’ve been pursuing has finally appeared,” a strange voice echoed in his mind.

It was the Flame Witch.

Her voice was calm, but weak.

“Now, I can finally entrust everything to you and rest,” she said.

“After over a thousand years…”

“I’m so tired…”

Qin Chu could feel the flames within him dimming, as if about to be extinguished.

A thousand years was a long time, and her soul was exhausted.

He knew that once this flame was extinguished, it could never be rekindled. The Fire God’s inheritor from a thousand years ago would truly perish.

“If you’re tired, then rest within me,” Qin Chu said silently in his mind, “Perhaps because of the Holy Light, my body can nourish souls. It might be helpful to you.”

“Don’t you want to see the hope and future of this world, for the sake of the god you worshipped?”

The flame within him flickered slightly.

“Hope and future?”

Her voice seemed confused, “Is there such a thing?”

“Yes, probably,” Qin Chu smiled, “But if you close your eyes now, then there will be nothing left, right?”

“I’m just a broken soul, scarred by flames, without even a body,” the Flame Witch said, her voice filled with sadness.

Although she still possessed great power in her fire spirit form, she was easily driven mad. For now, Qin Chu’s Holy Light was suppressing her, but once she left his side, she would destroy everything, especially when near the Divine Authority.

“By the way, Saintess,” Qin Chu suddenly changed the subject, “I still don’t know your name…”

The Flame Witch was puzzled by his sudden change of topic, but she still thought for a moment and answered, “Phil.”

“Miss Phil…”

Qin Chu smiled and opened his hands, a row of magical images, like photographs, appearing before him.

There was Ekaterina, Athena, Loseweisse, Eileen, Airi, Sylph, Saint Monique…

“Which of these bodies do you like?”

Chapter 239: The Eighth Evil God

This was an unexpected bonus.

Qin Chu glanced at his updated stats. Level 80, his attributes doubled, reaching astonishing heights.

Level 80 was a milestone.

Having passed this hurdle, even without Rage Explosion, he could now hold his own against Saint Monique, Augustus, and the others.

He still felt a bit strange about it, like winning the lottery. If it weren’t for the sapling stealing his experience, his level would be even higher.

Within his body, the sapling swayed its leaves. A third leaf had sprouted.

As Qin Chu had suspected, it was stealing his experience… but it felt wronged. It’s not just me! it thought. What about the others? Can’t you see them?

Heloise was also shocked by Qin Chu’s bizarre ability.

His earlier casualness had made her forget that he was a powerful Hero. Now she realized that if it weren’t for her beauty and figure, she might have met the same fate as Bilbo and the other Demon Beast.

What kind of ability was this? To be able to devour a Demon Beast’s power and convert it into his own?

She could sense that Qin Chu’s strength had increased dramatically.

Of course, she didn’t know that he could also devour the power of humans, even gods.

Qin Chu, pleased with his unexpected gains, stretched lazily and walked towards the temple.

Heloise, biting her lip, followed. She was his servant now.

At first, it had been because of the ring, the compulsion to obey. Then, it was because of his kindness, the comfort she felt in his presence, unlike with Diabolique.

And now, it was because of his overwhelming power.

Diabolique had no idea who he had messed with… although it was Qin Chu who had provoked him.

“Be careful…”

Shaye appeared behind Qin Chu. Heloise had always been curious about this woman who seemed to appear and disappear at will, but she had learned one thing from Diabolique: don’t ask questions you shouldn’t.

Shaye’s gaze was fixed on the temple in the distance. “I sense the Flame Witch’s aura within,” she said.

“The Divine Authority should also be there.”

Qin Chu nodded silently.

The Flame Witch was dangerous, capable of destroying an entire mountain range.

And she was mad, beyond reason.

Soon, they reached the temple.

It was a tall structure, once magnificent, now a crumbling ruin like the Temple of Storms, its entrance collapsed, the walls scarred by ancient battles, the ground covered in a thick layer of ash.

The vast temple, hundreds of meters tall and dozens of meters wide, seemed strangely empty.

Qin Chu unleashed his Holy Light, dispelling the gloom. He saw several wooden doors along the sides and at the far end of the temple, and he had no doubt that they would crumble to dust at the slightest touch.

Rows of chairs were arranged in the center, seemingly for believers attending some kind of gathering.

And on each chair sat a figure… formed from solidified lava.

Their lifeless, unmoving faces were a chilling sight. Even Heloise, a Demon Beast, felt a shiver of fear in this eerie environment, and she instinctively clutched Qin Chu’s sleeve, moving closer to him. Qin Chu glanced at her, thinking that this beautiful monster girl didn’t seem to realize how effective this small gesture was on men.

Perhaps it was the being who resided here, trying to recreate the former glory of the Flame Temple.

Qin Chu didn’t disturb the silent figures. His gaze swept over the surroundings, noting the faded emblems and carvings of the Fire God on the decaying walls.

At the far end of the hall, he saw a large table in the same style as the carvings and emblems.

He didn’t search here, unwilling to disturb this silent world.

Although she was mad, this scene must hold precious memories for her.

And there was probably nothing of value here anyway.

He continued forward, reaching a heavy stone door at the end of the hall.

It clearly wasn’t part of the original temple.

There were even traces of flowing lava on its surface… It was heavy, but that was nothing to Qin Chu. A grating sound echoed through the temple as he pushed it open.

Dust billowed, momentarily obscuring his vision.

A wave of heat washed over him, carrying ash and dust, making him sneeze.

The dust gradually settled.

He saw a long corridor, the floor seemingly scorched stone, lined with thick, red stone pillars, each topped with a large, unlit torch, their surfaces scarred by ancient battles, some even toppled.

The corridor was longer than he had expected. After walking for at least a hundred meters, he finally saw a different structure.

It was a tall tower, its steps leading upwards to an altar, seemingly where the Fire God was once worshipped. A single flame flickered on the altar.

Like everything else here, it was grand and imposing.

Qin Chu took a deep breath.

After a moment of hesitation, he began to ascend the steps, one by one, not flying directly upwards.

It took a long time, but he finally reached the top.

He smiled, bowing slightly, his body radiating a hazy Holy Light:

“Greetings, former Saintess of the Flame Temple, from a thousand years past…”

Before him, on the altar, was a graceful figure formed from dancing flames.

Within the flickering flames, he could see a pair of crimson eyes.

The flames above her head seemed like flowing hair.

And behind her was the Divine Authority that Diabolique had almost claimed.

This was the Flame Temple, the ancient temple dedicated to the Fire God. The Flame Witch’s identity was now clear. Like Violet, she was also a Saintess from a thousand years ago.

The Flame Witch didn’t respond, but she seemed less frantic than before, as if the separation from the Divine Authority had calmed her chaotic mind.

This was good news for Qin Chu.

She just stared at him, seemingly sensing the Holy Light emanating from him.

The Flame Witch was different from Violet. Violet had become a true ghost, while the Flame Witch existed as a fire spirit… another type of spirit. She wasn’t afraid of his Holy Light.

On the contrary, the gentle light seemed to soothe her.

Her raging heart calmed slightly.

It had been a long time since she had felt this… peace… the constant violence and madness within her subsiding.

The fiery figure moved towards Qin Chu.

Anthea frowned, wanting to stop her, but Qin Chu shook his head, signaling her not to worry, only telling Heloise and Anthea to stay back.

He could sense that the Flame Witch was very weak.

Having just caused the collapse of a mountain, her power was almost completely depleted. She couldn’t harm him now.

A wave of heat washed over him.

The Flame Witch lunged, her fiery form dissolving as she merged with Qin Chu.

And a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind:

They are coming!

Who were “they”?

The beings from the Void?

Qin Chu felt his consciousness shift, entering a strange state.

Images flashed through his mind.

Figures, their faces blurred, argued fiercely in the starry sky.

The deep voice echoed again.

“They are coming… bringing destruction.”

“A bloody slaughter that will consume all, a madness that will shatter all sanity.”

“Their whispers are a declaration of war.”

“They will plunge our world into eternal darkness.”

“Should we fight, or flee? The will of the gods is divided. Resistance, or escape?”

Qin Chu understood. This was the oracle, delivered by the Fire God when he bestowed his Divine Authority upon the Flame Witch.

Then, the tone of the oracle suddenly shifted:

“Damn it, this way of speaking is terrible. Although the Water God said it’s more stylish, it doesn’t suit me…”

“My inheritor, listen carefully. Terrifying monsters from the Void have invaded this world.”

“The gods are divided. One faction wants to fight, to destroy those damned Evil Gods. The other faction wants to flee. Those eight Evil Gods are too powerful…”

“As they argued, that rambling woman stepped forward. She said she had seen Fate, that escape offered no hope.”

“That woman, she’s a charlatan. I never trusted her…”

Qin Chu was speechless.

Wasn’t he the Fire God? Calling another goddess a charlatan, was that really appropriate?

And wait, eight Evil Gods?

Weren’t there only seven in the Void?

Who was the eighth?

Chapter 238: I Really Like Monster Girls

A Demon Beast’s loyalty was a fickle thing.

It was a world ruled by the law of the jungle, and Heloise and Iyeta’s loyalty to Diabolique wasn’t absolute.

They had simply been by his side since childhood, and his high status and power had kept them in line.

But Diabolique’s public reprimand and his final act of abandoning her had deeply disappointed Heloise.

After all, with his strength, he could have easily resisted the fire serpent. But he hadn’t even tried.

Her long-held reverence and fear for him crumbled.

And unlike Diabolique’s callous disregard for her life, Qin Chu, a human, a supposed enemy, had shown her kindness, saving her from the lava.

And Diabolique had never complimented her beauty… a girl always liked to hear such words.

Heloise felt her cheeks burning.

Could it be that she had developed feelings for this Hero? Why else would she be blushing, her body feeling warm, as if melting?

She was annoyed by this sudden shift in her emotions.

She completely forgot that they were still surrounded by lava, its intense heat the true cause of her warmth. And as a Snow Woman, wasn’t it normal for her to feel like melting in such heat?

Poor Heloise mistook the effects of the environment for a change in her feelings, which embarrassed her deeply.

After all, for a girl, such a rapid shift in affections was unacceptable.

Although she was a Demon Beast, in some ways, she seemed more concerned about such matters than the noble ladies of the Auville Empire, who could break up with one man and be in bed with another the same night, claiming it was to heal their broken hearts…

Seeing Qin Chu looking towards the distant temple, Heloise bit her lip. There was a question she had to ask:

“Hero…”

“Call me Master. Have you forgotten your place?” Qin Chu said playfully.

He enjoyed hearing her call him “Master.”

Heloise rolled her eyes and deliberately drawled, “Massss-terrrr,” her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Her exaggerated tone made Qin Chu’s skin crawl, and he quickly said, “Alright, alright, just be normal.”

His reaction made Heloise smile smugly.

And then she realized how relaxed she felt.

She didn’t understand.

Being with Diabolique had always been stressful, always walking on eggshells, afraid of making a mistake.

But with Qin Chu, she felt no such fear, only a strange ease. She even dared to tease him slightly, because deep down, she knew he wouldn’t punish her for such a minor offense.

This feeling of ease was something she had never experienced before.

Being with Qin Chu was more comfortable, more relaxing, than being with Diabolique… Compared to her former master, the First Prince, apart from sharing the same Demon Beast identity, had no other advantages.

Heloise shook her head, pushing these strange thoughts aside, and asked the most important question:

“Do you… not mind… that I’m a Demon Beast?”

“A Demon Beast?”

Qin Chu raised an eyebrow. “Apart from being classified as a Snow Woman, a Demon Beast, is there any difference between you and a human?”

“Actually…”

“I quite like monster girls.”

He didn’t finish his sentence. He was… open-minded… in his tastes. He liked almost all beautiful women.

Heloise was speechless, staring at him. What a strange preference.

A human who liked monster girls.

She couldn’t understand it.

But she was also relieved. She smiled, “You might like monster girls, but not everyone in the human cities does.”

“I don’t care,” Qin Chu said nonchalantly.

“Aren’t you afraid of what they’ll think?”

“I’m the Hero.”

He stated it simply. “If they don’t like it, they can go fight the Demon Beasts themselves.”

Heloise was impressed. This Hero was truly unconventional.

She didn’t even notice that she had smiled more in this short time with him than she had in decades with Diabolique.

Seeing Qin Chu and Heloise chatting so amiably, Shaye couldn’t stand it anymore.

It had been the same with Ireta before. What was this lecherous Qin Chu planning?

Did he think the dozens of rooms in the residence were too empty and wanted to fill them all?

With Ireta, Shaye had been a bit cowardly and hadn’t dared to show herself.

But she wasn’t afraid now. She floated out of Qin Chu’s body. “Hey,” she said, “there’s plenty of time for chit-chat later. Do you want to be trapped here forever?”

She glared at Anthea. You’re useless!

They had formed a temporary alliance, and Anthea was supposed to interrupt Qin Chu’s interactions with these women, but she was just standing there, watching.

Shaye’s sudden appearance startled Heloise, who didn’t recognize her.

But Shaye didn’t seem interested in talking to her. After throwing down those words, she returned to Qin Chu’s body.

Qin Chu finally remembered that he had to explore the temple.

He wasn’t worried about being trapped. He could leave whenever he wanted.

He stood up, ready to explore the temple.

But just as he took two steps, two objects fell from the lava above.

With a thud, they landed before Qin Chu, Heloise, and Anthea.

They were two of the powerful Demon Beasts who had been with Diabolique.

It seemed that in the chaos, injured and unable to escape, they had been swallowed by the flames.

One of them seemed to be a Tentacle Demon. It had used its tentacles to protect its round body, enduring the lava for a long time. Its once ten-meter-long tentacles were now only a few dozen centimeters, barely covering its head.

Its body was covered in burns.

The other one seemed to be a multi-legged Demon Beast.

A giant centipede.

Its body was covered in scales harder than metal, curled up into a ring. Although hundreds, even thousands, of its legs had been burned off, and its hard shell was red-hot from the lava, it was still alive.

Compared to their other companions, whose bones had been completely incinerated in the lava, they were very lucky.

Seemingly sensing that the intense heat was gone, the Tentacle Demon unwrapped its tentacles from its head and sighed, “Phew, we’re finally safe… Crack…”

Before it could finish, its voice died in its throat.

Its single remaining eye widened in shock.

It quickly wrapped its tentacles around its head again.

After a few seconds, it unwrapped them and looked ashen.

It wasn’t mistaken, the Hero was right there before them.

The centipede-like Demon Beast also uncurled its body and said in a muffled voice, “Phew, I’m burning up. But luckily, we made it. Hey, Bilbo, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you moving?”

The Tentacle Demon, Bilbo, didn’t answer, its gaze fixed on something ahead.

Following its gaze, the centipede’s body also stiffened.

It saw a petite girl, dozens of chains dancing around her like tentacles, a powerful and chilling aura emanating from her.

And beside her was the Hero… Qin Chu… who had just ambushed and killed the First Prince with a single blow.

And now, a strange smile played on his lips.

This was the man who could shatter a War God-level Demon Beast with a single attack.

Even these powerful and usually arrogant Demon Beasts knew that they were no match for the Hero and that mysterious girl.

They had barely escaped the lava, thinking they had a chance to survive, only to face an even more terrifying existence.

Intense fear made these massive creatures, several times Qin Chu’s size, tremble like elementary school students before him. They didn’t even notice Heloise beside him.

Qin Chu’s expression was strange. He had just wanted to explore the temple, and now, two experience packs had fallen from the sky…

He wanted to ask them:

Surprised? Shocked? Excited?

The centipede’s countless legs wriggled on the ground, and the next instant, its ugly body shot away.

It had reacted a bit slower than the Tentacle Demon, but its speed was still incredible.

The advantage of having many legs.

It was as fast as lightning.

It didn’t care where it was going, or if there was danger ahead. There was no place more dangerous than being in front of the Hero.

And the Tentacle Demon, after a brief delay, also began to wriggle away, its bloated body moving surprisingly fast.

Their reaction made Qin Chu chuckle.

Wait… you’re Demon Beasts, right?

Known for your ferocity and cruelty, have some dignity, will you?

Seeing them flee from a single human, what was this? Was he that scary? Who were the real monsters here?

Or was this… the intelligence of high-ranking Demon Beasts?

Although they looked a bit pitiful, Qin Chu wasn’t about to let these two experience packs go. He hooked his finger. “Anthea,” he said, “don’t let them escape.”

“Understood…”

The next instant, Anthea threw her dark red spear.

With a hum, the two Demon Beasts, despite their speed, were outmatched by the spear’s velocity.

It flew like a comet towards the moon, covering hundreds of meters in an instant, catching up to the centipede.

Then, with a clang, the spearhead pierced through its hard shell, pinning it to the ground.

Meanwhile, Anthea’s chains, writhing like pythons, snaked across the ground, quickly reaching the Tentacle Demon, binding its round body tightly.

The Devourer appeared.

A thin, jelly-like membrane covered the two level 80 Demon Beasts.

Their shrill screams echoed through Qin Chu’s mind.

Every Demon Beast that encountered the Devourer had the same reaction. They could feel their power being rapidly drained, absorbed, devoured.

Their strength was being stripped away.

And Qin Chu’s aura grew stronger.

After a while, under Heloise’s horrified gaze, the two powerful Demon Beasts had been reduced to withered husks, their bodies completely drained.

This terrifying ability made Heloise’s hair stand on end.

And Qin Chu’s face was filled with a satisfied smile.

After absorbing the three powerful Demon Beasts that had been with Eldritch, and then these two super experience packs, his level finally reached 80.

Not just his attributes.

His level, too, had returned to the War God realm!

Chapter 237: The Snow Woman and Her New Master

Heloise’s face was ashen, her body trembling with fear.

The master-servant ring held a powerful binding force. If Qin Chu had just held it, she could have retrieved it. But now that he wore it, it couldn’t be removed unless he died, or his finger was cut off. But he was the Hero, who could kill him?

Perhaps only the Demon King himself.

And the servant’s ring was even more potent. Even cutting off her finger wouldn’t break the bond.

The pact, sealed with her blood and a sliver of her soul when she was very young, was branded onto her very being. The contract would remain unless her soul was destroyed.

Qin Chu was now her new master.

This was hell for the Snow Woman.

Qin Chu, seeing her reaction, realized the ring’s significance.

Watching Heloise standing frozen, as if unable to move without his command, a smile played on his lips. “Miss Heloise,” he said, “can you answer a few questions for me?”

A struggle flickered across her beautiful face. She resisted his command, but her body obeyed, her lips parting slightly.

“Of course,” she said, wanting to cry. She didn’t want to answer, but his command, like invisible threads, controlled her.

“This ring,” Qin Chu asked, raising an eyebrow, “it’s not your wedding ring with Diabolique, is it?”

Heloise, still struggling internally, answered truthfully, “No, we’re not married.”

Qin Chu was surprised.

“Prince Diabolique focuses on his cultivation. Women would only distract him.”

“So, he never touched you or the other Blood Elf?”

“That’s correct,” Heloise’s voice was tinged with sadness. Everyone thought they were the First Prince’s consorts, but nothing had ever happened between them, not even a single touch.

Diabolique only cared about his cultivation.

Even Qin Chu was shocked. To have two such beauties by his side and not be tempted… this guy had the willpower of a monk.

“Then what is this ring? What does it do?” he asked.

Heloise’s struggle intensified, her body trembling, her eyes filled with pain as she fought against the compulsion in her soul.

“It’s… it’s…”

“A…”

She tried to close her mouth, to remain silent, but she couldn’t resist.

“A master-servant ring!”

Tears streamed down her face. She knew that everything was over.

Qin Chu wasn’t stupid. The name, combined with Heloise’s reaction, told him everything he needed to know.

His smile turned predatory, and Heloise trembled, imagining the terrible thoughts in his mind.

“So, I’m your new master now?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement, “And you have to obey all my commands?”

“Yes…” Heloise bit her lip, “My master.”

“Then, Heloise, come to your master’s side. He requires your service.”

Qin Chu stretched languidly, a malicious smile on his face, and sat down on a nearby rock.

Heloise’s face was filled with despair. She knew this hateful Hero wouldn’t let her go.

Her purity would be defiled by this bastard.

But bound by the ring, she couldn’t resist.

With a mixture of shame and resignation, she walked towards him, waiting for his next command.

“Come, give your master a shoulder massage,” he said with a grin, patting his shoulder.

Heloise was filled with resentment. She was a princess of the Snow Women! Even though she had always been by Diabolique’s side, it was her who was served, not the other way around. She hadn’t even done this for the First Prince!

Pouting, she placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage him.

Her touch was soft and cool, surprisingly pleasant.

“Yes, that’s good. Now, a back massage…”

“And my legs…”

“Come, give me a kiss.”

Qin Chu’s eyes narrowed.

Although he was now her master, and she couldn’t disobey him, this wasn’t the time or place.

He had plenty of time, he wasn’t in a hurry.

He was just toying with her, enjoying her unwilling compliance as she sat on his lap, her soft body pressed against his, her lips brushing against his cheek.

His gaze swept over their surroundings.

Although the lava was blocked, the air was still thick with heat.

The crimson glow illuminated this vast underground space, almost as large as the Imperial Palace.

In the distance, he could see a ruined temple.

The Divine Authority was gone, and so was the Flame Witch.

By the way… A thought suddenly struck him. “Heloise,” he asked, “did that other Blood Elf with Diabolique also have a master-servant ring?”

Heloise’s lips trembled. Was this bastard so greedy?

Having already claimed her, did he also want Iyeta?

Although she was furious, she couldn’t disobey his command. “Yes,” she answered.

“Then Iyeta’s ring should also be here somewhere,” Qin Chu mused, “Go find it for me.”

Heloise was filled with resentment, but she obeyed, searching the area.

The space was vast, but the ground was relatively clear. It wasn’t difficult to find the silver ring.

Soon, she found it and watched as Qin Chu put it on his finger. She had become the Hero’s pawn, his accomplice…

“Alright, Heloise…”

Seeing her despair, Qin Chu gently stroked her smooth cheek. “Snow Woman,” he said, “don’t be like this.”

“This might be a blessing in disguise.”

“If you had stayed with Diabolique, I guarantee you would have died with him.”

Heloise scoffed, “The First Prince is destined to become the Demon King…”

“Demon King?” Qin Chu’s voice dripped with mockery, “Him?”

“Do you really think that with his level 90+ strength, he can overthrow the current Demon King Nagath and become the new Demon King?” He shook his head disdainfully, “Dream on…”

“Diabolique will never become the Demon King. He doesn’t even know how powerful his father truly is.”

“Let me tell you this, Demon King Nagath is one of only two beings in the entire Heavenly Continent who have surpassed level 100.”

The other was Shaye, the Dark Witch, at her peak.

“His strength is beyond your imagination.”

Of course, in the first playthrough, Qin Chu himself, after reaching his full potential, had become the third, even stronger than those two.

Heloise’s eyes widened, and she couldn’t help but cry out, “That’s… that’s impossible…”

In the Heavenly Continent, starting from level 80, every ten levels was a huge hurdle, a significant jump in power.

Legend had it that level 100 was the limit, no one could surpass it.

Even the powerful Demon King’s publicly known level was only 100.

But why would this Hero say that the Demon King’s strength had already surpassed this limit?

And how did he know?

Heloise couldn’t believe it, but she instinctively felt that Qin Chu wasn’t lying. There was no reason for him to do so.

If it was true, then when did the Demon King break through the limit?

“Do you understand now? Even if he reaches level 100 one day, as long as he hasn’t broken through that limit, he will never be a match for the Demon King. All his schemes and plots are meaningless.”

“Do you think the Demon King doesn’t know about his sons’ little schemes?”

“He knows everything, he just doesn’t care. Because those little schemes won’t affect him at all. He can crush their rebellions with a flick of his wrist.”

“Do you think that if the First Prince really rebelled, you, as his loyal servant, would be spared?”

Heloise’s throat twitched, her eyes filled with fear, “How… how do you know this?”

“Trust me, no one in this world knows the Demon King better than I do.”

Qin Chu smiled and continued, “And I’m different from others.”

“Although I’m not a good person, I treat the women around me quite well. At least I wouldn’t abandon them in a dangerous situation, leaving them to die.”

He didn’t speak ill of Diabolique.

But Heloise’s face turned pale.

She felt a sense of despair. Qin Chu had already put on the ring and become her new master. What could she do?

She was bound to him for life.

And he had even infused her with Mana when she was attacked by the heat, allowing her to survive, even though he didn’t know about the ring at that time.

At least this man still valued her somewhat, right?

In her current situation, she couldn’t ask for more. To have a master who valued her was already a blessing.

At this moment, Qin Chu patted her leg, signaling her to stand up.

He seemed to be ready to explore the temple.

A soft, white light appeared in his palm, and he tossed it towards the ceiling.

The white light hovered above them like a small sun, dispelling the crimson glow of the lava, illuminating the space.

Seeing the Holy Light, Heloise suddenly remembered the gentle light that had shielded her from the lava, giving her a chance to create her ice shield.

Could it be…

“Were you the one who saved me before?” she couldn’t help but ask.

“In the lava?”

“Yes, it was me.”

“Why?” Heloise seemed a bit obsessive, wanting to know the answer, “I’m just a Demon Beast.”

“Because you’re beautiful,” Qin Chu replied honestly, “And you have a great figure.”

Heloise was speechless. Was that it?

Just because she was beautiful and had a good figure?

Wasn’t this reason a bit too superficial? She had thought he would have a more noble excuse.

But she couldn’t help but feel a little pleased. After all, she was also a girl, and being praised for her beauty made her happy.

Demon Beasts had no appreciation for such things. They only liked those tall, strong females, covered in muscles and fur…

Heloise and Iyeta were even considered weak among them.

“Then why didn’t you just order me to… to…” Heloise bit her lip, feeling a little shy, “Why didn’t you just… take me? You know, with that ring, I can’t resist.”

Qin Chu seemed surprised by her question, “Why would I do that?”

“If you don’t want it, forcing you would be… harming you, wouldn’t it?”

“I’d prefer it if, one day, you willingly offered yourself to me.”

Heloise was speechless. Was he being a gentleman now?

She said with a hint of mockery, “If you don’t want to harm me, then why don’t you just release me?”

“That’s not possible,” Qin Chu shook his head, “You’re so beautiful, how could I let you go? I’m not Diabolique!”

Heloise puffed out her cheeks, stomping her foot.

What was wrong with this man?

Sometimes so gentlemanly, sometimes so domineering and unreasonable.

He was such a bastard…

But why was her heart beating so fast?

Chapter 236: Controlling the Snow Woman’s Ring

Heloise sobbed softly.

Seeing Diabolique surrounded by flames, she had hoped he would let her go. Her life didn’t matter, as long as the First Prince survived. That’s what she had thought, but now, a deep ache filled her heart.

Perhaps she couldn’t be blamed.

After all, Diabolique had released her without hesitation, not even attempting to shield her from the erupting lava, abandoning his childhood friend to the flames.

If he had shown even a flicker of hesitation, a hint of regret, her pain wouldn’t be so sharp, the feeling of abandonment so profound.

Perhaps that was just how women were.

Heloise wiped her tears and bit her lip, preparing to explore her surroundings, to find a way to escape.

She had been granted a reprieve, but only a temporary one. The invisible barrier above shielded her from the lava, but the heat was still intense, the air thick and suffocating, a slow poison for a Snow Woman.

Just then, a playful voice came from behind her.

“It seems you’ve been abandoned by your companion. How pitiful.”

Heloise’s face paled, and she whirled around, her body tensing instinctively, ready for battle. She tried to summon her Mana, but it was almost completely depleted, and she swayed dizzily, almost falling.

Under the crimson glow of the lava above, she saw a face.

And her heart sank. This was the worst possible encounter.

It was Qin Chu, the Hero, who had been holding her just moments ago.

A powerful Hero, and a weakened Demon Beast… the outcome was inevitable.

And Qin Chu seemed completely unharmed by the lava, his body radiating Mana.

Heloise’s icy blue eyes darted around, searching for an escape route, but there was none. Without Mana, without strength, she couldn’t escape from the Hero.

She stared at him warily, unsure of his intentions. She didn’t have a good impression of this Hero… It was because of him that she had been reprimanded by Prince Diabolique.

And although she had fallen into his arms accidentally… his hands hadn’t exactly been… respectful.

And now, trapped here…

Fear, cold and sharp, pierced through her. Her face, already pale, became even whiter, her body trembling.

Terrible images filled her mind.

She had heard that among Demon Beasts, Succubi and Snow Women were highly sought after by powerful humans, kept as pets and slaves… Some humans even risked their lives to capture them from the Demon Beast territory.

Would this Hero treat her the same way?

She had heard the stories, the horrors…

It would be better to die in the lava.

But Qin Chu’s reaction surprised her. After approaching a certain distance, he stopped, seemingly unconcerned by her wary stance.

“By the way, what’s your name?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, “I heard that prince who abandoned you call you… He… something?”

He casually twisted the knife, reminding her of Diabolique’s betrayal.

Heloise bit her lip. “Heloise,” she replied, her voice as clear and brittle as cracking ice.

Heloise was indeed disheveled. Her once long, white dress, burned by the fire serpent, now barely reached her knees, revealing her long, shapely legs, gleaming faintly in the lava’s glow. Her usually neat hair was a tangled mess, stained with ash. The heat made her face pale and her breathing ragged.

She had to escape from this place quickly, or the heat would consume her.

Qin Chu, noticing her distress, flicked his wrist, and a wave of cool air washed over her.

Heloise looked at him in surprise. Why would he help her? But the Hero’s power was indeed remarkable. Even after being engulfed by lava, he still possessed a vast amount of Mana.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that she was a Demon Beast, there would be no difference between her and a human woman…

Except perhaps for her flawless, almost inhumanly smooth skin.

She was also polite, thanking him for his help despite their opposing sides.

“You’re welcome,” Qin Chu replied, his tone noncommittal.

The oppressive silence made Heloise uncomfortable. She took a deep breath, trying to break the tension. “By the way, where are your companions?” she asked. “Weren’t you engulfed by the lava together?”

Companions?

Ah, he meant Anthea.

She had retreated into his body the moment they were engulfed.

Although lava was dangerous, it had no effect on Anthea. In fact, she could even manipulate flames, perhaps because she had been burned to death.

“She… she’ll be here soon…”

Before he could finish, Qin Chu noticed Heloise’s eyes widening, a spark igniting within them.

As if she had discovered something incredibly important, her chest heaving, she suddenly lunged towards something to her left.

Following her gaze, Qin Chu saw a silver ring.

He seemed to have seen it on Diabolique’s hand before.

But that unlucky prince, after being ambushed by Qin Chu, had been blown to pieces, his remains consumed by the lava and flames.

Only these two rings, seemingly impervious to the heat, had fallen through the lava and landed here.

And looking closely, he saw a similar ring on Heloise’s slender finger. They seemed to be a pair.

Could these be Heloise and Diabolique’s wedding rings?

Just as Heloise reached for the ring, a dark red spear whizzed past, its tip piercing the ring’s center and embedding itself in the ground.

Heloise froze, and a small girl, glancing at her coldly, walked over to the spear, which was almost as tall as she was, and pulled it out.

With a flick of her wrist, the silver ring flew through the air and landed in Qin Chu’s hand.

“See? My companion arrived quickly,” Qin Chu said with a smile, toying with the ring in his hand.

Seeing the ring in his possession, Heloise’s face paled. If Qin Chu discovered how to use the master-servant ring, her fate would be sealed.

She couldn’t help but let out a small cry and lunged towards him, “Give me back the ring!”

Seeing the Snow Woman charging towards him, Qin Chu instinctively said, “Stop…”

Heloise froze mid-stride, her face a mask of desperation.

Huh? So obedient?

Her reaction puzzled Qin Chu.

He examined the small ring in his hand, then looked at Heloise.

He had originally thought it was just a wedding ring, and if that were the case, he wouldn’t mind returning it to her.

But now, it seemed that this ring was more important than he had imagined.

He could sense a strange connection between himself and Heloise now that he held the ring, and her panic seemed excessive.

Qin Chu’s eyes narrowed. He examined the ring carefully, but found no traps or mechanisms. Then, under Heloise’s terrified gaze, he put it on his finger.

The connection between them intensified.

And Heloise’s face turned deathly pale.

This time, she was truly doomed.

Chapter 235: The Snow Woman is Abandoned

Diabolique shuddered.

Those words only confirmed his worst fear: his future consort had been defiled by a human.

He trembled with rage, his face twisting into a grotesque mask, guttural growls escaping his throat.

Seeing the blush on Heloise’s cheeks further fueled his anger.

Was she pleased by Qin Chu’s touch?

That shameless woman!

He glared at her, his voice icy cold, “Heloise, don’t forget, you have a pact with me. I am your master. Don’t even think about betraying me.”

Heloise’s face paled. She wanted to explain, but the First Prince clearly wasn’t listening.

Diabolique was capable of monstrous rage.

But unlike Eldritch, he had greater control over his emotions. He couldn’t lose control. This Hero was deliberately provoking him.

This Hero’s strength was surprising. To be able to kill him, even with a sneak attack, in such a short time… such talent was truly remarkable.

Diabolique’s eyes narrowed. The Hero was a dangerous threat.

He scanned his surroundings.

Including Heloise and Iyeta, six of his subordinates were still capable of fighting, and they were the strongest among the eleven.

And he himself was at full strength.

Seven against two.

The advantage was his.

The Hero was strong, but Diabolique was confident in his own power. As long as he wasn’t caught off guard, he could defeat the Hero.

This pitiful Hero probably still dreamed of killing him with a single blow, unaware that he could be reborn.

The only one he needed to be wary of was that small woman with the chains.

She was strange, a faint, unreadable power emanating from her.

But she wasn’t on his level. Heloise and the others should be able to handle her.

His plan to seize the Flame Witch’s power had failed, but if he could kill the Hero here, it would be a decent consolation prize.

Diabolique gave his remaining subordinates a look. They were his most trusted followers and understood his intentions instantly.

Heloise, the Snow Woman, also quickly composed herself, her face regaining its icy composure as she and the others spread out, approaching Qin Chu and Anthea at the entrance.

The tension in the cavern thickened.

But they had all overlooked another powerful presence.

The Flame Witch.

High above, the flames still raged, her power growing.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the fiery inferno suddenly plummeted from the sky.

It was the Flame Witch, unleashing all her power in an indiscriminate attack.

Rumble…

A deafening roar shook the earth as the flames crashed down.

The already weakened mountain couldn’t withstand the impact and collapsed.

The entrance behind Qin Chu was sealed by falling rocks, the ground beneath his feet cracking as a wave of crimson flames engulfed him and Anthea.

From the outside, it looked even more catastrophic, as if the mountain range was erupting, giant pillars of fire soaring into the sky, molten lava and boulders tumbling down the slopes, thick black smoke blotting out the sun.

Inside the mountain, the situation was equally dire.

Pillars of fire erupted everywhere, fiery serpents twisting and turning, searching for prey.

The powerful Demon Beasts dodged frantically. If caught by a fiery serpent, they would be dragged into the abyss of molten lava below.

Even these powerful creatures couldn’t help but scream in terror.

Suddenly, Diabolique heard a scream and turned to see Heloise, the Snow Woman.

A giant fire serpent had wrapped around her slender legs, its immense strength pulling her downwards, towards the fiery abyss. Diabolique gritted his teeth and rushed towards her, grabbing her arm, trying to pull her free.

His strength was truly remarkable.

Even against the immense force of the fire serpent, he managed to hold her steady.

His face was grim, his eyes wide.

Seeing Heloise’s pain, he conjured a dark wind blade, preparing to sever the fiery serpent.

But at this moment, another fire serpent emerged, its massive body coiling around Diabolique.

The crimson light flickered in his eyes, his face twisting in a grimace.

He didn’t know what was happening below, whether he could survive the molten lava.

Just as the serpent was about to engulf him, he let out a long breath…

A look of fear, and then a strange peace, appeared on Heloise’s face.

The next second…

Diabolique released her wrist.

The Snow Woman’s icy body was swallowed by the flames.

And the First Prince, his body wreathed in dark energy and wind, punched through the collapsed rocks above, creating an escape route.

His remaining subordinates followed, their faces grim as they looked at the collapsing mountain.

“Your Highness, what do we do now?” one of the Winged Demons asked.

“We wait,” Diabolique replied coldly, his face dark.

The image of Heloise being consumed by the flames, the sadness and acceptance in her beautiful eyes, haunted him.

He looked down at his hands, his fingers bare.

His Rebirth had created a new body, his original one destroyed, the two rings on his fingers gone.

Those two rings represented his pacts with Heloise and Iyeta. The Snow Women and Blood Elves had long placed all their bets on him, sending their most beautiful daughters to his side, bound to him by master-servant contracts.

As long as he had those rings, Heloise and Iyeta couldn’t disobey him.

He shook his head. Heloise, a Snow Woman, couldn’t have survived that inferno. She was dead.

The ring didn’t matter anymore.

The problem was Iyeta’s ring. Without it, he couldn’t control the Blood Elves freely.

But it shouldn’t be a big problem.

Iyeta had always obeyed him. Even without the ring, he should still be able to control her.

The truly important matter now was the Second Hero, Qin Chu.

The Hero was strong, and Diabolique wasn’t sure if he was truly dead.

…

Heloise felt the burning heat of the lava surrounding her.

She wasn’t dead yet. A gentle light had shielded her from the molten rock, giving her a brief respite.

She used all her remaining Mana to create a shield of ice, resisting the heat, but she couldn’t escape. The white light faded, and the lava closed in, her strength gone.

The heat was rapidly draining her Mana, her ice shield thinning.

And she continued to sink, as if into a bottomless abyss.

When her Mana was exhausted, the lava would consume her, body and soul.

Her Mana was dwindling.

Waiting for death was agonizing, every second a torment.

She wished it would come quickly, to end her suffering.

Finally… her ice shield shattered.

She closed her eyes, bracing for the pain… but it didn’t come. She felt herself falling, free from the lava’s embrace.

After a while…

Thud!

She landed hard on something solid, her backside stinging.

She wanted to move, but she was too weak.

She struggled to her feet, groaning.

Looking up in confusion, she saw the lava still flowing above, like a crimson river, but an invisible barrier prevented it from reaching her.

Although she didn’t understand what had happened, it seemed she wasn’t going to die just yet.

She patted her chest, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Then, the image of Diabolique releasing her wrist, his face filled with… what was it? Regret? … flashed through her mind, and tears welled up in her eyes, trickling down her cheeks.

She had been abandoned.