"If this really is the Monster's scent, then maybe we can track it down through this herb!"
Baili Shang immediately caught Song Wanníng's meaning and picked up the thread. He pulled out a communication talisman and sent out the order without delay.
The Demon Region was vast. If it was just the two of them searching, who knew how long it would take.
"Come on, there's no need to rush this. Let's rest in the Demon Palace for a while first."
There was a flicker of anticipation in Baili Shang's eyes as he smiled at her.
Song Wanníng had rushed all the way here, so she had to be exhausted. Now that she was in the Demon Region, he had to host her properly.
"Alright."
She wasn't in a hurry either and smiled as she followed Baili Shang toward the Demon Palace. When word spread that Song Wanníng was coming, the Demon King himself came out with the elders of the Demon Palace to greet her.
"So you must be Song Daoyou? I've long heard of you!"
The Demon King's attitude was polite and his face carried a warm smile. Whether it was her strength or the fact that she was his son's beloved, she deserved his respect.
The elders all greeted her as well. They'd heard about this junior from the Spirit Realm for a long time, but meeting her in person left them shocked. She was even younger than their young master, and her talent was nothing short of terrifying.
"You're all too polite, Seniors."
Song Wanníng smiled faintly and returned the greeting.
The group made their way into the palace.
Once they sat in the reception hall, Baili Shang explained her discovery.
The Demon King frowned, then his eyes lit up. "No wonder we couldn't find anything before. So it's tied to the herbs used in refining pills. Don't worry, I'll personally follow up on this. I'll make sure the herb's location is found as soon as possible."
"Good, then you all keep talking. I'll take Wanníng to rest first."
Baili Shang didn't mention the possibility that Monsters might multiply into a full-blown disaster. The guess wasn't confirmed, and saying more would only bring useless anxiety.
Without caring about the elders' reactions, he took her straight to his own courtyard.
As the two disappeared, the Demon King couldn't help but smile helplessly. That boy looked like he was afraid they'd snatch Song Wanníng away, completely the look of a man who'd found his wife and forgotten his parents.
"Demon King, I think the young master's big day isn't far off."
"Right? I've never seen him care for a woman like this. Your Majesty, you might need to start preparing for the bonding ceremony early!"
The elders chuckled, unable to resist teasing. They'd watched Baili Shang grow up and never seen him treat a girl with such devotion. Naturally, they felt happy for him. Both of them had exceptional talent, and if they had a child someday, the child's gifts would be unimaginable.
Hearing the chatter grow more and more outrageous, the Demon King smiled bitterly. "You all, stop fooling around. Do you really think you can't see Song Wanníng's cultivation speed? My son can't keep up with her at all.
Besides, look at her eyes. Have you seen the slightest trace of affection there? Don't make a fuss, or you'll just make her uncomfortable, understand?"
He shook his head. His own Dao partner was still in closed-door seclusion, and their bond was deep. He knew very well what it looked like when love truly moved someone.
Song Wanníng clearly only saw Baili Shang as a friend, and he wouldn't meddle. Still, having such a goal to chase wasn't bad. At least it gave his son motivation to cultivate harder.
The elders sighed in disappointment.
What a pity.
But feelings couldn't be forced, so they soon shifted the topic back to the matter of the Monsters.
…
At Baili Shang's courtyard, Song Wanníng went into the guest room. Since he knew she'd be coming, Baili Shang had arranged everything long ago. He'd even prepared an alchemy room, as if hoping she'd stay for a long while.
She could feel his sincerity, and her heart gradually relaxed.
"Rest first. The moment I hear anything, I'll let you know."
Feeling sorry for her long journey, he settled her in and hurried out to take care of things.
Song Wanníng really was tired. With nothing else to do, she lay down and drifted into a deep, comfortable sleep without the slightest guard up.
Outside, Baili Shang sat in the courtyard reading, making sure no one disturbed her. Every so often he glanced back into the courtyard. Just being able to guard her quietly and watch from afar felt like a kind of happiness to him. He was already satisfied with that. But her cultivation was rising too fast. It wouldn't be long before she ascended to the Immortal Realm.
And him? He still wasn't talented enough. All he could do was make up for it with sheer hard work. He shook his head with a faint smile and returned to his book.
…
Meanwhile, in the lower world, the Song family had gathered for a solemn meeting.
Li Ruo, who was now in the Golden Core stage, was also present. She'd shed all her youthful immaturity, now looking steady and composed. With killing intent swirling around her, she even carried a hint of the aura Song Wanníng once had.
Song Qingyun and Mu Yuan had both reached the peak of Divine Transformation, just one step away from ascension. That was all thanks to the resources and treasures Song Wanníng had left behind. Without them, they'd never have advanced so quickly.
The other elders and disciples of the Song family had also grown rapidly under the nourishment of inheritances and spiritual veins. By now, the Song family was a dominant force in the lower world, and no one dared provoke them lightly.
But recently, a huge problem had surfaced. The hidden families had broken their seals and could freely come and go. Armed with their higher cultivation, they were forcing the sects and clans of the outside world to hand over benefits. And as the strongest family in the lower world, the Song family had naturally become their prime target.
Today's gathering was to deal with this crisis.
"Patriarch, we can't compromise on these demands! Back then, those families tried to crush us, and it was only thanks to the young lady that we turned the tide. Even if she isn't here now, we can't hand over her resources so easily!"
"That's right! Those resources were left by the young lady herself. Why should we give them away? Worst case, we fight them!"
"Exactly! Our Song family has plenty of Divine Transformation cultivators now. We're not afraid of them!"
"Patriarch, I think we should form an alliance with the other sects and families to resist the hidden clans together."
"…"
The elders each voiced their opinion, none agreeing to give up the resources.
Song Qingyun's expression was steady, his gaze firm, though in his eyes was a trace of longing for his daughter. He hadn't seen her in so many years. Was she doing well? Had anyone bullied her?
Lost in thought for a moment, he finally said, "You're right. On this matter, the Song family won't back down!"