Chapter Text
Their battle began. The previous two fights were brutal and devastating but now the crowd was treated to a graceful but deadly dance. Both Shen Yuan and Sha Hualing move with grace and beauty. Sha Hualing’s acrobatic skills and whip attacks were ferocious and angry like a passionate tango with a hint of sensual spice. Shen Yuan on the other hand embodied the elegance and mystique of a dragon - well he technically is a dragon. He dual wielded his sword and fan like he was dancing for the Jade Emperor in his palace up in the heavens. His feet were light as the air and his tail swayed like a serpent. He also swiftly switched between his slime form and humanoid form to evade some of the lashes of Sha Hualing’s deadly whip.
He noted how tense the other lords looked, Shen Yuan wondered if it was because of the aura he released moments ago. He couldn’t help it, his temper got the better of him. He’s had enough of these Demon Lords underestimating him and insulting Binghe.
Suddenly, as he was dodging one of Sha Hualing’s attacks, the woman manifested a second whip. The sneak attack managed to land and the whip’s barbs stabbed into the slime demon’s stomach. It tore his green robe and dug into his ‘skin’. No blood was shed though. Shen Yuan did not flinch, he saw through the second whip and intended to use it as his chance to grab the weapon to pull Sha Hualing to him. However, things didn’t quite go as planned.
“Aaaagh!”
Shen Yuan’s ear pricks when he hears a thud from the crowd just behind him. He looked back and saw Binghe fall to his knees, his face twisted in pain. Alarmed, Shen Yuan ripped off the whip from his stomach without so much as a flinch and headed over to his best friend.
‘DON’T Come here! Focus on your battle A-Yuan!’ He could hear Binghe’s desperate pleas from his head.
‘Binghe, what’s wrong?’ Shen Yuan still couldn’t help but ask.
’N-nothing… I’m fine. Please don’t get distracted. LOOK OUT!’
Just as he said that, Sha Hualing had closed the distance between them. She pounced on Shen Yuan and grabbed him by the neck. Shen Yuan, still distracted because of Binghe, ignored the woman even as she squeezed her hand around his neck. If he had actual bones, it might have started to crack from the sheer power of the demoness’ grip. He turned his gaze towards Binghe, surprised to see him clutching at his neck. Hold on. What is going on? Shen Yuan returned his gaze towards Sha Hualing then to her hand that clenched his neck. It’s as if… Binghe was…feeling this?
‘HE’S CURSED!’ Came Uncle Airplane’s loud frantic voice. His uncle was the one who held Binghe, keeping him from falling. With his free hand, he held a glowing jade amulet close to his lips. Since Uncle Airplane wasn’t his direct subordinate, they created this amulet so Uncle Airplane can communicate with him and his subordinates even without being included in the divinity system.
‘Shang Shibo, you promised not to tell him!- aargh!’ Binghe panted, his eyes trembled but he was still conscious.
‘I cannot bear to let Luo Shidi suffer. Also, Junshang would be devastated to know that he was the one causing your pain!’ Shen Yuan’s eyes widened at this revelation. Was his theory correct? Somehow, Binghe was feeling what HE was supposed to feel?
‘Uncle- Shang Shixiong, please explain.’ Shen Yuan asked. He grabbed at Sha Hualing’s hand and pried it off his neck. His tail coiled around the woman’s waist and he tossed her away from him. She flew to the other side of the ring with a loud crash. That did not deter her, the furious woman flew back towards him. Shen Yuan dodged her strikes while he listened to Shang Qinghua’s explanation. He explained that Binghe was cursed by the malevolent spirit back in that small village. Though it was nothing but a minor curse, it was still worrying. Right now, whatever physical injury is inflicted upon Shen Yuan despite his abilities that prevent him from sustaining any damage, Binghe will still be able to feel them. This is bad.
Binghe was now in tears, but not because of the pain anymore. Shen Yuan felt bad for his best friend, he must be feeling absolute shame.
‘I-I’m sorry A-Yuan… I am a worthless weakling. I let my guard down and was inflicted by this embarrassing curse. I am nothing but a burden to you.’ Binghe lowered his head in shame and Shen Yuan felt horrible to see his usual confident and courageous friend like this.
‘No, Binghe will never be a burden. This just means I have to end this fight quickly and cleanly-‘
‘Please A-Yuan. I’d rather you denounce this useless one as your follower. It might sever our ties and this curse anyway. I failed you again… I have no right to be your follower… or your lover.’
[Unique skill ‘Thought Acceleration’ activate]
Shen Yuan, without exchanging a word to Sha Hualing, teleports quickly and reappears beside Binghe who was now standing but being supported by Liu Qingge and Shang Qinghua. He stared up at the protagonist, his expression eerily calm. Raising his hand, he slapped the heavenly demon across his face.
“Luo Binghe. You proclaimed your undying love and loyalty to this lord, correct? So that means you are not allowed to take that back and leave.”
Around them, the crowd had gone silent on both sides. The slap was heard very loud and clear by everyone in the area. Everyone held their breaths and watched the display with undivided attention.
“Junshang just proposed to that heavenly demon…” The Eastern demon lord spoke up.
Shen Yuan ignored everyone, his focus was only on Binghe. He grabbed the protagonist’s arm and pulled up his sleeve, he sighed in relief as he watched the dark symbols of the curse slowly fade. When he looked up at Binghe, he noticed that the heavenly demon was staring at him with wide eyes.
“A-Yuan… how did you know how to break it?”
“The system gave me a brief explanation. You’re connected to me through the divinity system so I can easily examine your health and well being, that includes any sickness or curses affecting your body. I only do this if necessary, I respect your privacy… even if you hide curses from me.” His skill, thought acceleration, allowed Shen Yuan to listen to the explanation in under a second. During those few seconds, Shen Yuan was also given a list of suggestions by his system on how to cure Luo Binghe. There were other ways, interesting and less hostile ways, but a slap on the cheek was ideal. He was still mad at Binghe for hiding this curse from him, then he needed to slap some sense into the big oaf…and lastly, proposing to him was his answer to Binghe’s earlier declaration. So it’s a win-win to slap the shit out of his stupid protagonist.
Shen Yuan’s face was incredibly red but he began walking away from the protagonist. Binghe’s now cured of his curse so Shen Yuan felt comfortable leaving him be now. “We’ll talk later.” He said, intending to resume his battle with Sha Hualing.
“I…expect Binghe to take responsibility now that I acknowledge him as my lover and mate.” He huffed then flew back into the battlefield, leaving an extremely red-faced heavenly demon.
Shen Yuan decided he’s had enough playing around with the demon Saintess. Now that he wasn’t held back by Binghe’s curse, he can finally end this fight. As much as Sha Hualing wanted to play more with Shen Yuan with her whips, he had had enough of this. Besides, the only whip user Shen Yuan was genuinely interested in fighting was Jiang Cheng and his zidian. He is another character from the book ‘Grand Master of Demonic Cultivation’. A series Shen Yuan was a huge fan of and he fights with a cool looking lightning whip. Unlike Sha Hauling, who wielded an ordinary whip.
Speaking of the demoness, he noticed the crazed look on his opponent. Sha Hualing was running on adrenaline but she’s barely hanging onto her strength. He realized their fight has been going on for a while now and the woman was a mess - hair out of place, clothes tattered and bruises all over her exposed body. Shen Yuan felt sorry but this was a battle and Sha Hualing was the one who challenged him. He then summoned a small amount of his demonic qi and landed a powerful hit with his fan. Sha Hualing was caught by the attack and was slammed hard onto the ground. The woman coughed out blood and remained still as she lost all her strength and will to fight.
“I-I lost…?” She panted softly and tried to get up but Shen Yuan held his practice sword over her neck, preventing her from moving any further. The woman looked up at Shen Yuan who returned her look with his cold and calm gaze.
“You’ve fought well. I do not bear any ill will towards you Saintess.” Shen Yuan then withdrew his sword. “You merely challenged this lord due to your wounded heart. I acknowledge your cause and I have decided to let you live. The heart of a maiden is delicate but my mate has chosen this lord so please do not pursue him anymore.” Shen Yuan then began to walk back to his side where Luo Binghe waited for him. His lover.
Shen Yuan felt bad for taking the protagonist away from his fated waifu, but hey, he can’t help it when they seem to have madly fallen for each other. The protagonist and the npc slime monster. Shen Yuan could hardly believe it but he felt happy. If he had a heart, it would have been pounding loudly in his chest.
“WAIT! JUNSHANG!”
This waifu just won’t quit! How can she have so much energy after receiving a beating from him? Shen Yuan paused from his steps and turned to face Saintess Sha Hualing again. His eyes widened when he saw her on all fours kowtowing before him.
“This Ling-er is in awe of Junshang’s fighting prowess and mercy! Please! This lowly one would like to swear her undying loyalty to Emperor Shen Yuan!” She announced.
“WHAT?!” Binghe and nearly everyone else shouted.
When Sha Hualing lifted her head, there was nothing but adoration in those rouge covered eyes. “This lowly one made a grave mistake and I have learned the error of my ways! You truly are the Supreme demon Emperor fit to rule over the entire demon realm! I acknowledge that now, so please I would love to serve under you!”
It was Binghe who stepped in front of Shen Yuan and glared down at Sha Hualing. “My A-Yuan doesn’t need any more subordinates, especially not the likes of you! Go back to the western demon Kingdom, shoo shoo!” He angrily yelled and pointed at the woman who gave him a smirk.
“Relax, heavenly demon, I will not steal your place as his empress. A concubine, maybe~”
“SHAMELESS! Do not go near my mate, demoness!” Binghe was about to summon Xinmo when Shen Yuan stopped him.
“Calm down Binghe!”
“But A-Yuan~!”
Shen Yuan suddenly sensed killing intent directed at him. He jumped out of the way as a fire sword flew towards him. He turned to the direction of Jiuzhong Jun who was approaching them with a pissed off look on his face.
“You! Fake Demon Emperor. You did something to my little bell, how dare you enthrall her! What sort of wicked magicks did you employ?!”
“You’re mistaken, I did no such-”
“Silence. I’ve had enough of this trickery and deceit, I will never acknowledge you. You are a fraud, a trickster! You may have everyone else here fooled-” Jiuzhong Jun then summoned back his fire sword and charged at him.
“BUT NOT THIS LORD! RAAAAH!”
Binghe and Liu Qinggee were immediately by Shen Yuan’s side, their weapons drawn and ready to defend their Emperor. Shen Yuan himself was about to draw his fan when there was a red blurr more in front of him. In just a blink, the Western Demon Lord was down on the ground with Sha Hualing standing over him. She had her whip out and a bit of blood dripping from the spiked barbs.
“My l-little bell?! You dare betray your lord father?!” The demon Lord looked up at his daughter with a bewildered look.
“Do not dare lay a finger on Junshang!” She declared. “I’m sorry father but this Ling-er’s loyalty now lies elsewhere.” Sha Hualing was about to bring down her weapon onto her father but Shen Yuan quickly jumped over to the duo and stood between them.
“Stop.” He commanded and instantly, Sha Hualing obeyed. Shen Yuan sighed in relief. This was supposed to be a peaceful banquet yet it turned into this.
“The trial by combat has ended. This lord has followed through demonic customs and rules. Luo Binghe will not be executed.” He announced. “Though Jiuzhong Jun attempted the life of this Lord, I also do not bear ill will towards you.” Shen Yuan then took a step back, staring down at the fallen western lord.
“Tch. I don’t know what mind trickery you’ve employed on the heavenly demon AND my daughter… but you will get your due, Emperor Shen Yuan.” Jiuzhong Jun mumbled as he stood back up. With a wave of his sleeve, he walked off. “We’re leaving. I’ve had enough of this frivolous event and this pretend-nation.”
“How dare you-” Binghe growled but Shen Yuan held his hand up.
“Let him leave. He did not intend to make peace with us from the beginning.” Shen Yuan spoke as he turned to the woman who still stood with them. Sha Hualing made no moves to follow her father. Strangely enough, there seemed to be a glow about her and she looked to be in a daze.
[Notice. Follower acquired: Sha Hualing. Connection established.]
‘WHAT?!’ Nearly all of Shen Yuan's subordinates reacted.
‘What is this?! Ling-er feels… strange.’ Sha Hualing’s voice ran through Shen Yuan’s and all his follower’s head.
‘What is SHE doing here? A-Yuan, why did you accept her as your follower?!’ Cried Binghe who was giving Shen Yuan the biggest of pouts.
Shen Yuan was just as surprised. “Huh?! I did no such thing! How can-”
[Answer. The divinity system has acknowledged Sha Hualing as a follower after Jiuzhong Jun formally relinquished her over to User Shen Yuan. Her show of betrayal against her father also cemented her place in the divinity system.]
‘What the fuck kind of crap is that?!’ This time, it was Uncle Airplane, who was still connected to Shen Yuan’s system via the jade amulet.
The system was not the one who announced this, it was the voice of the world, the system in charge of this entire planet. Since Shen Yuan connected all his followers and gave them access to his system, they can now hear the voice of the world too. Sha Hualing, being a new follower, hasn’t fully been given access so she did not hear this notice.
Binghe, who was now in all tears, grabbed Shen Yuan and hugged him tight. The slime demon’s face was pretty much smooshed into his favorite exposed chest. “Nooooo I won’t accept it! She is not worthy!” This was ignored by Sha Hualing who fawned over Shen Yuan.
Shen Yuan, still processing most of what happened today, could only let out a tired muffled sigh.
The Great Demon Banquet ended with a bit of disaster but at least it had ended. The western kingdom demons all left early alongside their Lord but the rest of his guests remained for a bit longer. Linguang Jun thankfully did not cause any further scenes and was laying low. Smart of him to do so. Mobei Jun did well on keeping a leash on his uncle the entire event. Still, it was pretty suspicious of him to suggest the trial by combat as if this was all planned.
Shen Yuan felt incredible relief when their guests finally started taking their leave. The last one they said their farewells to was the Southern Kingdom representative. Zhuzhi Lang.
“It was an honor to meet you, Emperor Shen Yuan. This lowly one apologizes for my lord’s absence.” The mysterious figure cupped his fist of a polite bow as they stood by the gates of Shen Yuan’s small town.
“It’s not a problem. I am sure there are plenty of opportunities for me to meet Tianlang Jun.” Shen Yuan reassured the other. Suddenly, he felt a chill in the air and when he made eye contact with Zhuzhi Lang, the demon was giving him a creepy stare. Shen Yuan never felt this… primal fear… before.
“This lowly one likes Emperor Shen Yuan so I pray you never get the chance to meet my lord.”
All the color drained from Shen Yuan's face. He wasn’t sure how to respond. Was that a threat? It did not seem so, Zhuzhi Lang seemed genuinely concerned. Before Shen Yuan could utter a word of response, the demon had already disappeared from sight.
Shen Yuan stood there quietly for a bit, seemingly in a daze. He then felt arms wrap around his small waist. He looked up and saw it was Binghe. The heavenly demon nuzzled against his neck and Shen Yuan nuzzled back.
Eh, he’ll let future Shen Yuan deal with whatever the hell that was.
Shen Yuan then flashed his new lover a smile. “I’m tired. Let’s go home, Binghe.”
“Sure, A-Yuan.”