Chapter 1642: Nine Demon Women (Part 1)

This is the Sacred Zone of the Soul Stealing Realm, a place where no one has ever dared to cause the slightest trouble. Such a significant disturbance instantly alerted countless powerful individuals within the Sacred Zone, and streams of terrifying dark aura extended towards them.

Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er slowly descended. Ahead of them was the main gate of the Sacred Zone. The four individuals who had just attacked them were all sprawled on the ground, their faces contorted in pain, their bodies convulsing. They were unable to stand up for a long time.

Although they were merely gatekeepers, this was the main gate of the Soul Stealing Sacred Zone. These four were far from ordinary guards as understood by the world; they were four early-stage Divine Monarchs, powerful enough to rule as kings in some lower-tier Middle Star Realms.

Possessing the strength of Divine Monarchs and the pride of guarding the Sacred Zone's main gate, yet defeated in an instant, all four were inwardly terrified. Still, they refused to show even a hint of fear on their faces. The one in the middle said in a deep voice, "No matter who you are, daring to attack within the Sacred Zone... is an unforgivable sin, a crime for which you will never recover!"

Boom! No sooner had he spoken than a thunderous roar of profound energy erupted simultaneously. Three hundred dark figures appeared before them, their auras completely enveloping Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er. The air and space around them were sealed tight.

Half of these individuals were Divine Monarchs, and even the weakest among them were Divine Kings of mid-stage or higher. In just a few breaths, such a formidable formation had been assembled. Hundreds of miles away, some of the closer profound practitioners felt chills run down their spines and retreated in panic.

"What happened?" Amidst the tense standoff, a voice so calm it seemed out of place with the situation was heard. The first word of his four-word statement was still quite distant, but by the fourth, it was already right beside their ears.

A figure materialized from thin air within the barrier, then slowly stepped out of it. This was a tall, handsome man. He appeared quite young, looking only eighteen or nineteen years old. The aura he exuded was not overtly powerful, yet it was like a silent, boundless ocean.

A level six Divine Master! Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er's eyebrows subtly twitched.

There was no doubt that this man's identity was extraordinary. And no matter where he appeared, he would instantly draw all eyes... not because of his mid-stage Divine Master aura, but because of his appearance.

He had a youthful appearance, features as delicate as jade carvings, flawless, fair skin, cold, authoritative eyes that held the subtle beauty of autumn waters, and lips of a perfect vermillion-pink, rarely seen even on women. Even his fingers were noticeably long and slender.

Combined, these traits presented a beauty that would make women envious... perhaps even driven to madness. The word "beauty" is not typically used for men, but when applied to the man before them, no one would find it out of place. Or, upon first glance, people would surely think he was a beautiful woman disguised as a man.

Upon seeing this man, all the guards' expressions changed, their eyes gleaming with unusual light. Their previously tense aura almost completely dissipated in an instant. The four prostrate individuals struggled to sit up, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Spirit Master. These two suddenly trespassed into the Sacred Zone and directly attacked our people. We... will apprehend them immediately."

Spirit Master? Qianye Ying’er glanced at the man with interest, likely guessing his identity.

"There's no need. You may withdraw," the man said indifferently. "Since this Spirit Master is already here, you are no longer needed."

All the guards were greatly astonished. The four in the front hastily said, "Spirit Master, your esteemed status is unparalleled. How can two mere nobodies be worth your intervention?"

"Nobodies?" The man glanced at Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er and said, "Daring to attack and harm people in front of my Sacred Zone indicates either extreme ignorance or utter fearlessness. And two level seven Divine Monarchs hardly seem like the former."

"The Devil Queen has just issued an order that a major event will occur in the Sacred Zone soon. At such a time, there can be no mishaps or disturbances. I, this Spirit Master, will personally handle these two. Withdraw."

As his voice fell, he casually pushed his hand backward. Instantly, all those behind him were drawn into the barrier, and a vast empty space was cleared around them.

The man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at the two. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he offered a faint smile that held a captivating allure: "Two level seven Divine Monarchs are powerful enough to roam freely in over ninety percent of star regions, but not so foolish as to come here seeking death. Speak, what is your purpose?"

"Or perhaps..." His brows suddenly furrowed, and two gazes capable of piercing souls shot out: "Who sent you here!"

Qianye Ying’er whispered, "That woman isn't back yet? Heh, is she doing this on purpose?" Yun Che showed no reaction.

The handsome man's brows furrowed deeply. He believed the aura and soul pressure he released were enough to shatter the opponents' minds. Yet, the two in front of him completely ignored his words, still communicating privately.

"However, this person is quite handsome, much more beautiful than you," Qianye Ying’er's gaze shifted, seemingly comparing their appearances very seriously.

The handsome man's brows subtly deepened. He had lowered his status to personally deal with these two. Firstly, it was convenient, and secondly, he didn't want any incidents to occur right after the Devil Queen's recent order. But in his capacity as the Soul Stealing Spirit Master, no one had ever dared to show him the slightest disrespect, nor had he ever been so casually dismissed. And the opponents were only two Divine Monarchs!

He smiled, his voice drawing out, "Do you know... who you are speaking to?"

This time, Qianye Ying’er's gaze turned to him, sweeping over him from head to toe. She said, "The Soul Stealing Realm has nine Devil Maidens, twenty-seven Soul Spirits, and three thousand six hundred Soul Attendants. Since they call you Spirit Master, you are likely the head of these twenty-seven Soul Spirits. It's just a pity..."

"A pity?" The handsome man's eyes narrowed.

"It's a pity," Qianye Ying’er turned her gaze, speaking with disdain, and said to Yun Che, "That Chi Wuyao truly is remarkable for creating the Nine Devil Maidens. But her taste in male consorts is quite poor, to actually fancy a pretty boy with red lips and white teeth, exuding such effeminate airs."

The already quiet space instantly became deathly still. All the attendants behind the barrier changed drastically in expression. The man, who had been composed and composed with a bewitching face, froze instantly. Then, as if pulled by countless threads, his face violently twisted, and terrifying rage and killing intent erupted from his body.

"You... seek death!!" He unleashed his profound energy, which instantly raged out of control. Darkness descended before the Sacred Zone, eclipsing the sun and moon: "Daring to insult the Devil Queen, even ten thousand deaths would not atone for your sin!"

"Heh." Amidst the black mist, Qianye Ying’er's golden hair fluttered. Watching the man who was so easily enraged, the sarcastic curve of her lips rose further: "Are you sure you want to make a move here?"

For the handsome man, Qianye Ying’er's words had touched his greatest taboo. He spoke no further, as the surrounding darkness gathered, threatening to directly engulf the two into ashes.

And just then, a clear, cold female voice drifted from afar. "Stop." The two brief words, clear as the waters of a heavenly pond, caused the handsome man's body and power to halt simultaneously.

A streak of emerald light shone from an unknown source. It penetrated the dense darkness, silently dispersing both the gloom and the oppressive aura.

Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er looked up simultaneously... In the high sky, specks of green light appeared, like countless fireflies dancing silently. Within the fireflies was a somewhat slender female figure. Clad in green, she was bathed and shrouded in the shimmering fireflies, appearing ethereal and dreamlike.

Beneath the green light, the handsome man fully retracted his aura, then knelt on one knee without hesitation, bowing his head. All the attendants behind him also knelt, bowing deeply, not daring to let their gaze waver in the slightest. Their posture conveyed such awe and reverence, as if they were beholding a deity.

"Shi Yan respectfully greets Lady Qingying!" The handsome man's awe-filled posture and respectful words fully revealed the woman's identity.

"Another Devil Maiden," Qianye Ying’er murmured.

After Chan Yi, Hua Jin, and Yao Die, this was the fourth Devil Maiden they had encountered. Yun Che's spiritual perception pierced through her green aura, silently observing for a moment.

The Nine Devil Maidens never revealed their true faces, and "Qingying" before them was no exception. There was no veil on her face, but the seemingly living, dancing fireflies around her shrouded her features in a mysterious green glow, allowing only a faint glimpse of an ethereal, dreamlike blur.

The woman in green descended, releasing her divine sense, and everything that had occurred became clear to her. She looked at Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er; although it was their first meeting, she undoubtedly recognized their identities at a glance. After all, her return to the Sacred Zone this time was precisely because of these two.

"You injured my Sacred Zone's Soul Attendants as soon as you arrived. Hmph, just as arrogant and unruly as the legends say," Qingying spoke, her tone icy cold, making no attempt to hide the suppressed anger she felt.

"They attacked first," Qianye Ying’er replied coldly. "Is this how your Soul Stealing Realm treats its guests?"

"Lady Qingying!" The handsome man stood up, his brows deeply furrowed, his delicate, jade-like features filled with rage: "No matter who these two are, or what their purpose is, their crime is unforgivable! Allow Shi Yan to apprehend them first!"

"Apprehend?" Qingying scoffed lightly. "One of them killed Yan Sange, and the other injured Yao Die. Are you sure you can 'apprehend' them?!"

"Wh-what!?" The anger filling his face and heart instantly turned to shock. The handsome man's gaze towards Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er abruptly changed, and he suddenly realized, "Could it be, they are..."

"All of you, withdraw," Qingying said. "This is not something you should interfere with."

"But..." The handsome man's heart trembled, but then his gaze turned cold again, his anger rekindling: "They dared to insult the Devil Queen! All the attendants present can testify!"

"..." Beneath the green glow, Qingying's slender brows suddenly furrowed. After half a breath of silence, she said coldly, "Withdraw."

A Devil Maiden's words could not be defied. Moreover, everyone could feel the seething anger emanating from Qingying, but she never unleashed it. The only explanation was that it was the Devil Queen's will.

"Yes," the handsome man could only obey. He took a few steps back, then gritted his teeth and turned away, not sparing another glance at Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er, fearing he would be unable to suppress his rage.

"Soul Stealing Fifth Devil Maiden, Qingying." She stated her name indifferently. Though her gaze was unseen, her aversion was clearly palpable in her line of sight: "Yun Che, Fan Di Goddess. Although I highly disapprove of your presence, since you are invited by the master, I have nothing more to say. Come in."

Having deceived Devil Maiden Chan Yi, injured Devil Maiden Yao Die, and then directly attacked a Soul Attendant upon arrival, it was naturally impossible for anyone from the Soul Stealing Realm to feel any goodwill towards them.

However, Qianye Ying’er was never one to treat others with courtesy or kindness. "My name is Yun Qianying," she corrected indifferently. "Don't get it wrong next time."

"Hmph!" Qingying turned and walked towards the Sacred Zone's gate. As she neared, she waved her hand, and the barrier automatically opened.

Qianye Ying’er glanced at Yun Che, then walked unhurriedly behind Qingying, passing through the barrier—which they could have easily broken—and stepping into the Soul Stealing Realm's dark Sacred Zone.

"Where is your master?" Qianye Ying’er asked.

"..." Qingying ignored her. But her lips were constantly moving slightly, seemingly transmitting a message to someone.

"The pretty boy earlier was called 'Spirit Master.' Could it be that he's the head of your Soul Stealing Realm's twenty-seven Soul Spirits?" Qianye Ying’er continued to ask, a hint of mockery on her lips.

Qingying remained expressionless, but remembering Chi Wuyao's instructions, she secretly took a breath. Without turning back, she finally replied: "His name is Sheng Shiyan, head of the Soul Stealing Realm's twenty-seven Soul Spirits, and Supreme Master of the Twenty-Seven Soul Halls."

"Just as I thought," Qianye Ying’er chuckled. "That sounds like a position second only to the Devil Queen and the Devil Maidens in the entire Soul Stealing Realm. With a face that could 'topple nations and ruin lives,' it's no wonder your master 'values' him so much."

Qingying frowned deeply and said in a cold voice, "Sheng Shiyan achieved his current status and the master's regard purely because of his extraordinary talent and loyalty, not his appearance!"

Yun Che glanced sideways at Qianye Ying’er; he knew what she was thinking.

Just as Qianye Ying’er had speculated, Sheng Shiyan was indeed the head of the twenty-seven Soul Spirits of the Soul Stealing Realm, the foremost figure below the Devil Maidens, and controlled the Twenty-Seven Soul Halls. The structure of the Soul Stealing Realm differed greatly from other King Realms. The Twenty-Seven Soul Halls each managed and controlled different Soul Stealing Realm domains and affiliated star realms, and the leaders of each Soul Hall were the twenty-seven Soul Spirits, renowned throughout the Northern Divine Region.

As for the Devil Maidens, they were directly subordinate to the Devil Queen and had no clearly defined scope of responsibilities. Yet, they could mobilize the power and resources of any Soul Hall and its controlled domains. In other words, every Devil Maiden possessed boundless authority, capable of commanding all forces and mobilizing all resources within the Soul Stealing Realm. Aside from obeying the Devil Queen, their power was essentially indistinguishable from hers. This was something impossible in other King Realms, or even any ordinary star realm. This was simply because the Devil Queen never needed to worry about the Devil Maidens harboring treacherous intentions.