Chapter 1225: Qingqiu Kingdom

Zo An and his companions traveled for several days. The lizards they rode were much faster than ordinary carriages, almost comparable to the green-skinned trains from his previous life. He couldn't help but sigh that while his previous life had science and this world had cultivation, many things ultimately led to the same destination.

Observing the customs and practices of the demon race world along the way, he found that experiencing them firsthand was quite different from merely reading about them in academy books. The entire demon race territory was much more barren than the human lands, and the local customs along the way were rugged.

Midway, several factions were secretly observing them, looking eager to make a move. However, seeing the powerful lizards pulling the carriage, and realizing the people inside must be even more extraordinary, no one dared to act for a while. Later, several factions seemed to reach an agreement, eventually cooperating to try and claim this lucrative prize. However, the probing team they sent was suppressed by Zo An with swift force. Since then, the journey had been much more peaceful, as those factions dispersed, not even considering revenge.

"The demon race is indeed very realistic," Yan Xuehen said in surprise. "If they see they can't win, they retreat without the slightest hesitation."

"If they clearly can't win, wouldn't it be foolish not to retreat and preserve their strength?" Yun Jianyue, on the other hand, quite appreciated their approach.

"As expected of a cultist, you're birds of a feather with the demon race," Yan Xuehen sneered.

"Hey, hey, hey, I feel offended," Yu Yanluo said grumpily from the side. It was truly amusing and exasperating to see two grandmasters bickering like little girls whenever they interacted.

Yan Xuehen said apologetically, "Sorry, I wasn't talking about you."

"I know," Yu Yanluo smiled, but finding their constant bickering headache-inducing, she changed the subject. "Qingqiu Kingdom is not far ahead. The Azure Phoenix Flower you were looking for should be found there."

The mountains of Qingqiu were rich in jade on their sunny slopes and abundant with Azure Phoenix Flowers on their shady ones. This was the original habitat of the Azure Phoenix Flower.

Zo An's eyes lit up. For humans, obtaining an Azure Phoenix Flower was harder than ascending to heaven, but it was much easier for the demon race. He thought that if he started an import-export company and traded goods between the human and demon races, he'd become the richest person in the world in minutes. Of course, he knew this was just wishful thinking. Given the hostility between the two races, it was absolutely impossible. Even Yu Yanluo had to do business with the Snake Clan secretly and was targeted by Xu Yu because of it, which had led to problems for the Yu family's foundation.

Yun Jianyue asked curiously, "What do you need an Azure Phoenix Flower for?"

Zo An replied, "I have a friend who needs this for a cultivation breakthrough."

"What kind of breakthrough requires this? I've never heard of it," Yun Jianyue said. As a Grandmaster, she was naturally knowledgeable, but she had never heard of using an Azure Phoenix Flower for a breakthrough.

Zo An didn't know how to explain, when Yan Xuehen, from the side, snorted coldly, "There are countless cultivation methods in the world, and physiques vary. What's so strange about needing this?" She assumed it was likely for a breakthrough by Mo Xi or someone similar, and was worried that if Yun Jianyue kept asking, she would find out about Mo Xi's existence. That was a secret between her and Zo An, and she didn't want anyone else to know.

"Ice Stone Woman, your skin's itching for a beating again after a few days, isn't it?" Yun Jianyue said ominously.

Zo An quickly stepped between them and changed the subject. "Yanluo, Qingqiu Kingdom, is that the place where fox spirits come from?"

Now even Yun Jianyue became interested. Humans had many legends about fox spirits, and fox spirits generally came from Qingqiu Kingdom.

Yan Xuehen secretly glanced at Zo An. She recalled how Zo An had offered to help her persuade Yun Jianyue to bully her less, but she had stopped him. However, he was still silently helping her in his actions, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. Realizing this, her expression stiffened. It must be that "love stronger than gold" at work again!

"I suppose so," Yu Yanluo said. "Most fox clan members are female, and the current king is also a woman. Her cultivation talent is ordinary, and she's not skilled in combat, but they are all very good at charm magic." Yu Yanluo didn't want to hear the two women argue, so she cooperated with the explanation.

Zo An suddenly thought of Daji. He wondered if she had any connection to Qingqiu Kingdom in this world, and if these fox clan members were her disciples or descendants.

"The king is a woman," Yun Jianyue couldn't help but glance at Zo An. "This guy probably won't be able to walk straight when he sees her."

Yan Xuehen, however, subconsciously said, "I don't think so. He has too much luck with women; perhaps the Qingqiu King will be the one who can't walk straight when she sees him."

Yun Jianyue's expression was strange. "Oh, so you, the Ice Stone Woman, actually understand love and romance now? You seem to know Zo An better than I do."

Yan Xuehen's jade cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned her face away, ignoring her.

At this moment, Yu Yanluo spoke, "Normally, as a clan leader, I should visit the Qingqiu King when passing through. However, to avoid complications, we'll enter the city discreetly this time, find the Azure Phoenix Flower, and then leave. Zo, you have no objections, right?"

Zo An said seriously, "Of course not. Time is tight, and traveling is paramount."

With Daji, the most beautiful fox spirit, by his side, he naturally had little interest in the Qingqiu King.

Yun Jianyue sighed, "Actually, I'm quite curious about that fox spirit. I could just go and spar with her on charm magic."

Yan Xuehen scoffed, "Pfft, shameless."

Just as Yun Jianyue was about to retort, Zo An said with some surprise, "Huh, you know charm magic? I couldn't tell normally."

Even Yu Yanluo looked at her curiously. If Yan Xuehen usually resembled a celestial maiden detached from the world atop a snowy mountain, then Yun Jianyue displayed more of her dignified and majestic side. Her entire being exuded an almost tangible killing intent, making it difficult to look directly at her. There was no trace of charm magic about her.

Yun Jianyue snorted coldly, "If I didn't know it, who taught Hong Lei all her charm magic? It's just that in this world, there isn't a man worthy enough for me to use it on." As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly noticed Yan Xuehen and Yu Yanluo's eyes turning towards Zo An, and she couldn't help but feel a little annoyed and embarrassed. "Why are you looking at him!"

Bickering and bantering all the way, they soon arrived at Qingqiu City. Because the Snake Clan's lizard carriage was too conspicuous and they didn't want to reveal their identities, Yu Yanluo had Xingnu and her subordinates wait outside the city, while the few of them entered. Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue were both curious about the fox clan and went along. To avoid attracting trouble with their appearances, they both wore veils.

The city gate opened in the middle of a large fox head sculpture. Along the way, various streetlights and stone carvings depicted foxes in different forms. The entire city had a strong scent of cosmetics, and everywhere were elaborately dressed fox women: tall ones, curvy ones, cute ones... Their clothing was much bolder than human attire, yet nothing was truly exposed. That 'almost revealing, yet not quite' style was the most alluring. These fox women all had one common characteristic: beautiful, fluffy ears. Paired with their inherent charm, they truly exuded a seductive aura. They were often accompanied by men of various races, chatting and laughing together, appearing quite intimate. For a moment, Zo An thought he had arrived at a celestial brothel.

Yu Yanluo quietly reminded him, "Don't let these fox women's flirtatious appearances fool you. In reality, it's very difficult to take advantage of them. Their clan takes pleasure in toying with people's hearts and considers being toyed with themselves a great shame."

Yan Xuehen was somewhat surprised. "Since everyone knows their characteristics, why do these men still rush forward one after another?"

Yun Jianyue scoffed, "That's why you don't understand men."

Yan Xuehen sneered, "As if you understand them so well!"

Just as the two were about to start arguing, a sly voice came, "I see that you few might face a bloody disaster today. Would you like a fortune reading?"