Chapter 53: Jiu Youyue’s “Betrayal”
The Great Crimson Skyfire, unlike the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, had no sentience. Provoking it was simple; it would instinctively retaliate.
Shortly after the Serpent Queen entered the lava lake, it began to churn violently, waves of fire splashing, droplets of molten rock raining down, sizzling as they landed near their feet.
Yun Xiu and Jiu Youyue quickly pulled Yan Zhen back.
Bang!
The Serpent Queen, in her blood-red serpent form, burst from the lava, a mass of crimson flames, like the embodiment of fire itself, close behind her.
The surrounding temperature soared. Even he, having refined two Extreme Flames, could barely withstand the heat at his current cultivation. He quickly circulated his Mystic Power.
It’s too… hot!
An ordinary cultivator would be cooked instantly. Even a Mystic General would struggle.
The moment the Great Crimson Skyfire appeared, Yun Xiu and Jiu Youyue attacked simultaneously.
“Wind Binding Chains!”
“Yellow Springs Death Seal!”
Two powerful restrictions, capable of binding even Mystic Sovereigns, struck the Great Crimson Skyfire, its aura instantly weakening, its flames shrinking.
However, it quickly recovered, its fiery tendrils escaping the restraints.
Bang!
The two restrictions shattered, a wave of crimson flames washing over them, the intense heat melting even the cavern’s lava-resistant walls.
They stumbled backwards, their eyes widening as they saw the crimson flames coalescing, gradually taking on a human form.
Its features were blurry, its hair long and flowing, its figure tall and curvy, clearly female.
Yun Xiu was surprised.
“It… became human?”
Jiu Youyue shook her head.
“It’s just mimicry… It’s taking the form of its previous master.”
“Previous master?”
“A female Martial God from the Yellow Turban Continent.”
“A Martial God?!”
Yun Xiu gasped.
Not a Saint, but a God.
Gods were beings from a distant past.
In ancient times, those who surpassed the Mystic Saint realm became Gods, not Emperors.
“The Great Crimson Skyfire followed her for many years, absorbing her aura. That’s why it mimics her form.”
“It feels… stronger.”
“Mimicking its master grants it some of her abilities. It’s now… an Extreme Flame avatar of that Martial God.”
A God’s avatar… it was far too powerful for them to handle in their current state.
…
The Serpent Queen’s expression was also serious. In her previous life, she had used her Serpent God Bloodline to suppress the Great Crimson Skyfire, attempting to use its power to evolve her bloodline.
However, halfway through the process, she had lost control, the flame’s power nearly consuming her.
Yan Zhen had arrived just in time, suppressing the rampaging flame, allowing her to successfully evolve.
Now, seeing its human form again, she still felt a lingering fear, her face paling slightly.
“Don’t worry, Mother! Father and I will protect you!”
Her daughter’s cheerful voice echoed in her mind, and she smiled faintly, her anxiety easing.
She wasn’t the same as in her past life. And…
She glanced at Yan Zhen, who met her gaze, nodding reassuringly.
She felt a sense of security.
“Let’s attack together!”
…
The four of them, joining forces, managed to suppress the Great Crimson Skyfire within half an hour, sealing it within the Fire Refining Starry Sky.
The Fire Refining Starry Sky and the Emperor Flame Technique were incredibly effective against Extreme Flames, their suppression absolute.
None of them were seriously injured, though they looked a bit disheveled, especially Yan Zhen, his hair a mess.
The three women, wanting to laugh at his appearance, retrieved their combs, offering to fix his hair, much to his embarrassment, as he swatted their hands away.
…
According to the plan, the Serpent Queen would now enter the Fire Refining Starry Sky, using the Great Crimson Skyfire to evolve her bloodline.
Contained within the Fire Refining Starry Sky, the Great Crimson Skyfire wouldn’t be as volatile. And with her daughter’s fire affinity, her evolution should proceed smoothly.
“We can’t stay here. Let’s leave.”
The Demon Realm cultivators would be arriving soon.
…
As expected, as they returned to the Crimson Sand Scorpion King’s chamber, they encountered the Demon Realm’s emissaries entering.
Leading them was the Demonic Consort’s other secondary body, Ying Ling, her appearance that of an expressionless little girl, her cultivation, however, at the Ninth Star Mystic Sovereign realm.
Besides her, there was another Mystic Lord, his features hidden beneath a black cloak, only his hooked nose visible.
This Mystic Lord was the one who had instigated the Crimson Sand Scorpion King’s attack, advising him from the shadows. He was originally from the Water City, a former member of the Serpent Generals, the infamous “Boa Constrictor Guard,” Mang Huang.
In the script, besides Ying Ling and Mang Huang, there had also been the spy within the Water City and Jiu Youyue, two Mystic Sovereigns and two Mystic Lords.
Against such a force, he, a Mystic Scholar, had no chance of winning. He had been forced to carry the weakened Serpent Queen into the Fire Refining Starry Sky, jumping into the lava lake to escape.
But now, the spy had been eliminated days ago, and Jiu Youyue was on their side.
The Demon Realm only had one Mystic Sovereign and one Mystic Lord, while they had one Mystic Sovereign, two Mystic Lords, and a Mystic Scholar (pfft). They had the advantage.
Unless Jiu Youyue betrayed them.
He looked at her expectantly.
Her expression was neutral, unlike Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen’s wariness.
— Could it be…?!
“Jiu You.” Ying Ling’s voice was indifferent. “Where’s the Great Crimson Skyfire?”
Jiu Youyue smirked, her arm wrapping around his shoulders, pulling him close.
“It’s inside this little brother beside me.”
Whoosh!
In a flash, she appeared beside Ying Ling, her sealing technique activating, binding him tightly.
— She really betrayed us! Yes!
It seemed she had made a deal with Ying Ling, promising to hand him over after they subdued the Great Crimson Skyfire.
He was thrilled, but he feigned shock.
“Jiu You, what are you doing?! Let go of me!”
He struggled, his efforts exaggerated yet futile.
She didn’t answer, her other hand covering his mouth, silencing him.
Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen’s faces darkened, their gazes fixed on Jiu Youyue, their anger palpable.
“Release him now, Jiu You, and I might forgive you.”
Yun Xiu’s Mystic Power surged, sword energy radiating from her, as if preparing to unleash a Saint-level Mystic Skill.
The Serpent Queen’s slitted pupils glowed with a menacing red light, scales appearing on her face, her Serpent God Bloodline activated, her voice cold and sharp.
“Let him go.”
A drop of sweat trickled down Jiu Youyue’s forehead. She was starting to feel scared. They looked like they were about to kill her.
“Sorry, Sister, Sister Serpent Queen. I’m just… borrowing him for a bit. I’ll return him later.”
“You’re not going anywhere!”
“Leave him here!”
They shouted, their Mystic Power surging.
Ying Ling unleashed a torrent of blood, blocking their path.
Jiu Youyue sighed with relief, smiling.
“Ying Ling, I’ll leave them to you. I’m taking the Great Crimson Skyfire back.”
Ying Ling nodded, not realizing that Jiu Youyue was actually working with them.
The Demonic Consort had ordered them to retrieve the Great Crimson Skyfire, which would inevitably lead to a conflict with Yan Zhen, placing him in mortal danger.
To protect him, Jiu Youyue had devised this plan.
She had informed Ying Ling of the Serpent Queen’s plan to steal the flame, suggesting they use the Serpent Queen to subdue the Great Crimson Skyfire, then claim it for themselves.
Her role was to infiltrate the palace, gain the Serpent Queen’s trust, accompany her on her quest, then betray them at the crucial moment.
Just like now.
However, her true intention was to help him escape with the Great Crimson Skyfire.
This way, he wouldn’t be in danger, and she wouldn’t have to expose herself.
As for the Serpent Queen and Yun Xiu, although they were no match for Ying Ling, escaping wouldn’t be a problem.
With the Great Crimson Skyfire already “obtained,” Ying Ling wouldn’t bother pursuing them relentlessly.
To avoid suspicion, she hadn’t told anyone about her plan. After all, neither Yun Xiu nor the Serpent Queen were good actors, and he wouldn’t want them to risk their lives for him.
After he escaped, she would release him, and they would understand her intentions.
…
She waved, about to leave with him, but she had forgotten. He had his own plans, and his unique escape method.
He chuckled, then activated his Star Shifting Fire Seal.
The crystal pendant glowed brightly, a powerful force distorting the surrounding space, pulling him and Jiu Youyue inside.
This sudden turn of events stunned both Ying Ling and Mang Huang. They watched helplessly as the pendant flew towards Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen, pulling them in as well, before falling into the passage.
They quickly reacted, chasing after it, reaching the underground lava lake, watching as the pendant plunged into the molten rock, disappearing.
Without the Great Crimson Skyfire, the lava lake’s temperature had dropped significantly. It was now just an ordinary lava lake. Even a Mystic Lord, with sufficient Mystic Power protection, could easily swim through it.
Mang Huang asked, “Should we pursue them, my lord?”
Ying Ling’s expression flickered, recalling the young man who had claimed to know Jiu Youyue, the suspected Mystic Venerable. Her suspicions deepened.
“Yes!”
She jumped into the lava.
Mang Huang followed, chasing after the glowing pendant.
…
Within the Fire Refining Starry Sky, the four of them appeared on the altar.
Jiu Youyue was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to do that! She had been careless!
“Let go of me!”
His voice was filled with annoyance.
She chuckled nervously, releasing him from her sealing technique.
He immediately moved away, his expression wary.
“Uh…” She felt a bit wronged. “Let me explain, Little Zhenzhen! I had my reasons!”
He raised his hand, cutting her off.
“Forget about me. Explain yourself to them.”
Huh? Feeling a chill behind her, she turned, finding Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen glaring at her, their gazes murderous. Her face paled, her expression freezing.
She quickly raised her hands defensively.
“Sister, Sister Serpent Queen, let’s talk this out! No violence! – Eek!”
A sword light and a serpent phantom lunged towards her, and she fled, dodging their attacks. I’m not engaging! I’m not engaging!
They showed no mercy, pursuing her relentlessly.
Fortunately, she was a Mystic Sovereign. Using her shifting technique, she dodged their attacks, then, with a flash, hid behind Yan Zhen, shrinking into a ball.
“Stop fighting! Stop fighting! You’ll traumatize the child!”
“We’re fighting you, traitor!” Yun Xiu shouted angrily. “We trusted you, and you– hmph!”
“If Yan Zhen hadn’t had a backup plan, you would have succeeded!” The Serpent Queen said coldly. “And now you’re using him as a shield? I misjudged you!”
Jiu Youyue denied it.
“No, that’s not it! Listen to me! I did it to protect Little Zhenzhen!”
She quickly explained her plan.
They both pondered her words, their expressions thoughtful.
He realized she had done it for him. He had been puzzled by her sudden betrayal, although it had worked in his favor.
“Little Zhenzhen, I’m telling the truth! Look at my sincere eyes~”
He cupped her face, examining her closely.
“Hmm, they do look sincere… but also cunning… I can’t tell.”
“Little Zhenzhen~” She pouted, her voice shy. “If you still don’t believe me, then… kiss me. You’ll know I’m not lying.”
She puckered her lips invitingly.
Uh… Looking at her alluring lips, he felt a surge of desire.
Yun Xiu and the Serpent Queen’s faces darkened, and they immediately pulled the seductive temptress away.
“—Ahem, Zhen’er, what are you doing?”
A gentle, ethereal voice came from behind them. It was Chen Xi.
They immediately straightened up, turning around, finding the familiar, beautiful figure standing there.
Her silver hair, her black dress, her flawless beauty… they were both envious.
“Master,” he explained, “we encountered some Demon Realm experts after obtaining the Great Crimson Skyfire, so we came here to hide.”
“I see.”
She nodded, her gaze turning to the three women, who bowed respectfully.
“Greetings, Master Chen Xi.”
“There’s no need for formalities.” She said gently, her gaze settling on the Serpent Queen, whom she was meeting for the first time. “You’re… Zhen’er’s future wife?”
“Yes.” The Serpent Queen, her usual arrogance and authority gone, her demeanor like that of a daughter-in-law meeting her mother-in-law, bowed respectfully. “Just call me Serpent Queen, Master.”