The Emperor of Zongmen Workers is here

In the gloomy and towering Demon Palace, the heavy and oppressive atmosphere seemed to materialize, so thick that it was almost suffocating.

The Demon Lord stood tall and majestic, his body swirling with inky black demonic energy, like the raging waves of a raging sea. His eyes, like deep, dark pools, gleamed with blazing flames of rage, like karmic fire raging in an endless abyss.

His already terrifying and hideous face was now twisted by rage as if a demon had appeared. The veins on his forehead bulged out like a bunch of ferocious venomous snakes ready to bite at any time, coiling around him and showing his violent mood at the moment.

"Bang!" The Demon Lord suddenly raised his strong, powerful palm and slammed it down on the stone table beside him. In an instant, the seemingly solid stone table crumbled and shattered under this overwhelming force, turning into countless tiny pieces of powder. The stone chips flew in all directions like hidden weapons.

"These extremely hateful ants actually dared to ruin the good thing I had planned for a long time!" His roar was like thunder that shook the heavens and the earth, echoing and circling in this vast and empty Demon Palace for a long time.

The strong sound wave impact caused the candlelight that was originally burning brightly in the hall to shake and tremble violently. The weak flame seemed to be extinguished by this violent force at any time, and fell into endless darkness.

On the side, Ye Qingcheng stood tall and slender, but his expression seemed extremely calm and composed, as if the raging anger in the hall had nothing to do with him.

The corners of his mouth rose slightly, outlining a faint, indifferent chuckle, as if mocking the Demon Lord's gaffe.

His slender and white fingers were leisurely playing with the folding fan in his hand. As the fan opened and closed, the ink bamboo painted on the fan seemed to be given life, swaying gently in this depressing atmosphere, appearing out of place yet so leisurely and contented.

"Why are you so angry, Lord Demon?" His voice was soft and soothing, like the gurgling of a clear mountain stream, but in this softness there was a hint of subtle and imperceptible sarcasm.

"They're nothing more than a bunch of insignificant clowns. While this operation may have cost us several bases, which seems disadvantageous, it also gave us an opportunity to ascertain the true strength of those righteous sects. It was a game of small-sum bets for big gains, and overall, we didn't suffer any losses."

After hearing what Ye Qingcheng said, the Demon Lord was slightly stunned, and a glimmer of thought flashed in his eyes that were burning with anger.

He pondered this inwardly. He had indeed seen a significant improvement in his strength through the rituals he had performed in recent days. While it was truly infuriating that those strongholds had been breached by the righteous sects, on reflection, it wasn't entirely without gain.

Thinking of this, his violent expression eased a little, and the demonic energy surging in his body gradually subsided. However, a hint of unwillingness and resentment still lingered in his deep eyes.

"Hmph, I hope what you say is true. If those strongholds can be built, that would be great. Even if they fail, it would only be a minor loss compared to the overall situation, and wouldn't affect our fundamental cause."

At the same time, at the other end of the Dongxu Realm, Jiang Qingwu and his group were slowly walking along the winding road on their way back to the Wuliang Sect.

The warm and soft sunlight, like golden threads, pours down through the gaps between the lush leaves, forming spots of light of various shapes and sizes on the ground.

The spots of light reflected on their dusty yet resolute faces, as if coating them with a layer of light golden glow, making them look even more heroic.

"Junior Master, we have truly achieved a resounding victory this time!" Lin Muci was like a cheerful and lively little deer, jumping excitedly on the spot, his face filled with the vitality and pride unique to youth.

In those bright and clear eyes, there was a joyful light shining like bright stars, as if countless stars were jumping and shining happily in them, revealing her mood at the moment.

"Yes, this success was possible thanks to the concerted efforts of all the sects. However, we must also be aware that this is only a temporary victory. The demons are inherently cunning and evil, and will certainly not give up easily. After we return to our sects, we must redouble our efforts in cultivation and improve our own strength in order to face the more severe challenges in the future."

Jiang Qingwu nodded slightly, her long, glossy black hair swaying gently. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on the corner of her mouth, a smile as fresh and elegant as a flower just blooming in spring.

At this moment, the originally clear and bright sky suddenly changed color, and dark clouds gathered rapidly like surging black waves, piling up layer by layer, covering the entire sky tightly.

Immediately afterwards, dazzling purple lightning streaked across the sky, and deafening thunder rumbled between heaven and earth, as if the power of heaven and earth was being vented to its fullest.

Jiang Qingwu only felt a powerful force surging in his body, as if a long-sleeping giant beast was awakening and trying to break free from some invisible constraints.

Her expression changed slightly, and then with her keen perception, she immediately realized that this was an obvious sign that her realm was about to break through.

"Everyone, be careful and alert, this is my calamity cloud!" Jiang Qingwu said to everyone in a serious and anxious manner, and then he flashed and quickly found an open space. He sat down cross-legged without hesitation, concentrating his mind and preparing to go all out to meet the arrival of the breakthrough moment.

When everyone heard this, they all stepped aside nervously, their eyes fixed on Jiang Qingwu. Their eyes were filled with nervousness and worry, as well as a hint of anticipation and excitement.

Jiang Qingwu's body was gradually surrounded by a soft and bright spiritual glow. The glow became brighter and brighter, like a dazzling and gorgeous galaxy, tightly enveloping her figure.

The calamity clouds in the sky were like boiling black lead water, rolling and surging violently. From time to time, thick purple lightning flashed across the sky like ferocious dragons, making a deafening and terrifying roar, as if the heaven and earth were beating solemn war drums for her breakthrough, magnificent and spectacular.

As time slowly passed, the aura emanating from Jiang Qingwu became increasingly powerful and majestic, and her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat.

She gritted her teeth, clearly enduring the immense pain and pressure of a breakthrough. Yet, her gaze remained as firm as a rock, deep and bright, revealing an innate, unyielding tenacity and determination, as if no obstacle in the world could stop her from moving forward.

Finally, after a flash of dazzling light that seemed to illuminate the entire world, the disaster clouds in the sky gradually dissipated, revealing the originally blue sky.

Jiang Qingwu successfully broke through to the early stage of fusion. In an instant, auspicious signs emerged one after another. The colorful rays of light fell from the sky like gorgeous brocade, shining softly on her body, as if she was covered with a layer of sacred and solemn armor, making her look more extraordinary and heroic.

Under the reflection of the rosy glow, the surrounding flowers, plants and trees seemed to be injected with the vitality of life, becoming lush and vibrant, blooming with unprecedented brilliance, as if celebrating her breakthrough and growth.

Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, their eyes full of envy and admiration. Zhongli Xiu's eyes widened, his mouth opened so wide that it seemed like an egg could fit in, his face full of shock and disbelief.

"Wow, Junior Master, you are so amazing! Is this the powerful strength of the Fusion Stage? When will I be able to reach such a realm?"

"Although I have luckily broken through to the early stage of fusion, it is still far from enough to compete with a strong man like Ye Qingcheng. This time when I return to the sect, I need to retreat and concentrate on training. I must strive to break through to the tribulation stage in one fell swoop, so that I can have a stronger strength to protect the Dongxu Realm."

Jiang Qingwu slowly stood up, her posture erect and graceful. She gently stretched her body, feeling the powerful strength within her, but she knew deep down that her cultivation was far from enough compared to that of a truly powerful person.

Suddenly, a barely perceptible worry flashed across her eyes, like a dark cloud briefly obscuring the bright stars.

After returning to Wuliang Sect, Jiang Qingwu and the others headed straight for the solemn and dignified meeting hall. Inside, the atmosphere was solemn and serious. Shi Chenbai sat at the head of the table, his posture as straight as a pine tree. His eyes, deep and wise, gazed at them quietly, a hint of satisfaction and approval in his eyes.

"You've done well this time," Shi Chenbai's voice was deep and powerful, resonating through the hall like a bell. "The information you provided is more accurate and detailed than that of other sects. This will be of great help in our in-depth understanding of the demonic plots and machinations. From now on, you can return to your peak and cultivate diligently, gathering your strength and preparing for the even more arduous challenges ahead."

After receiving the order, Jiang Qingwu and the others returned to their respective peaks. After Jiang Qingwu arrived at Tingxue Peak, he involuntarily stopped in front of He Yihuan's cave.

She stood there quietly, her eyes revealing a complex and deep emotion, including deep concern and longing for her master, as well as worry and anxiety about the future situation.

"What's wrong? You are used to being free and easy outside, and you don't even come in to visit your master when you return to the sect?" He Yihuan's voice suddenly came from the cave, with a hint of anger and pampering.

Jiang Qingwu was slightly startled, as if awakened from deep thought, and quickly said, "How could that be possible, Master? I'm worried that coming here rashly might disturb your retreat."

"Hmph!" He Yihuan snorted coldly, "Don't try to fool me with these words."

After a moment, He Yihuan sighed softly, his tone tinged with emotion as he said, "I feel like I'll be ascending soon. You told me before that you'd let me know after I ascend. Now, why don't you tell me what you want me to do for you?"

Jiang Qingwu was silent for a moment, his mind involuntarily thinking of Zhu Guangji's lonely figure struggling to explore the upper realm. His expression grew increasingly serious. "Master, perhaps your life after Ascension won't be as easy and free as we imagined. Have you ever thought about how you would respond if you encountered some complicated and dangerous situations in the upper realm?"

He Yihuan scoffed, as if he had heard something ridiculous. "Who among those who successfully ascended isn't one of the best in the Dongxu Realm? Or, why don't you tell me how you want me to do whatever I want?"

Jiang Qingwu smiled softly after hearing this, secretly admiring his master's confidence and open-mindedness. But she said, "I naturally hope that you can be free and unrestrained, but most importantly, I hope you can help a friend of mine overcome the calamity in the Dongxu Realm. Her name is Zhu Guangji, and she works tirelessly for the tranquility and peace of the Dongxu Realm."

He Yihuan was slightly startled, clearly not expecting Jiang Qingwu to say such a thing. Then, he burst into a hearty laugh, echoing around the cave. "I didn't expect you, little girl, to recognize someone from the Upper Realm. But don't be fooled. Well, since this concerns the safety of the Dongxu Realm, your master will naturally do his best."

Jiang Qingwu's heart moved, and he thought of the memories of his past life that appeared in his mind without any warning when he broke through to the fusion stage. He couldn't help feeling a little bitter.

In those memories, Feng Jingchen died in southern Xinjiang, Zhongli Xiu and Lin Muci were ruthlessly captured by the demons and sacrificed, the 99th generation disciples of Wuliang Sect all died in the demon tide, and the lives of the people in Dongxu Realm were devastated, a miserable and desolate scene.

She shook her head secretly, as if trying to force these heavy thoughts out of her mind, and said with a firm look, "Master, don't worry, I haven't been deceived. After you ascend, remember to be cautious and secretive. Assist Zhu Guangji in exploring the secrets of the Dongxu Realm and do your best to prevent the impending disaster in the Dongxu Realm."

Seeing Jiang Qingwu's seriousness, He Yihuan put aside his joking thoughts and nodded solemnly, "Okay, I'll make a note of this."

Jiang Qingwu bowed deeply to the cave and returned to her own quarters. She picked up a pen, left some cultivation advice and words of encouragement for the younger generation, and then resolutely began her retreat.

Behind the tightly closed stone door, Jiang Qingwu sat cross-legged, her spiritual energy flowing gently and ceaselessly like a flowing stream. Her eyes were focused and determined, like a burning torch. She vowed to herself that during this retreat, she would break through to the Tribulation Crossing Stage. Only then would she possess the strength needed to protect the Dongxu Realm and change her tragic, nightmare-like fate...