Chapter 2424: The Legend of the Saintess

Zu An’s heart pounded. Had he inadvertently revealed something? He quickly reviewed their conversation, but found no information had been leaked.

Seeing his expression, the Mermaid Queen managed a faint smile. “It’s not hard to guess. Since you’re from another time and space, and if that time had no connection to our world, you wouldn’t have been so cautious, avoiding me like the plague.”

Zu An felt a pang of embarrassment at her description. *Was I really that obvious?*

The Peacock Princess couldn't resist another glance at Zu An. It was just as she'd suspected: the Mermaid Queen was clearly the one pursuing, and he was the one evading. If men throughout the world knew their aloof goddess, whom they tirelessly pursued, was actively chasing someone else and still couldn't win him over, she wondered what expressions they'd make. For someone her age, concepts like time and space were too abstract. This kind of gossip, however, was far more shocking.

The Mermaid Queen then continued, “Since it’s related to our world, the most likely possibilities are this world’s past or future. If it were the past…” Her gaze swept over Zu An. “Although you’ve concealed your identity and appearance, I know you’re not of the Mermaid race, nor any other sea race. There would be no reason for you to avoid me like this, and I’ve never heard of a powerful individual like you in our history.”

“That leaves the future, then. Are you worried about creating a temporal paradox, or do you have some connection to my descendants?” As she spoke the latter part, the Mermaid Queen’s face paled, and she silently prayed, *Please, don’t let it be that.*

Beside them, Cherry blinked, thinking, *The Queen is so clever! She deduced all of this from just a few words.* But wasn’t she worried that this ‘King Consort’ was simply spouting nonsense?

The Peacock Princess harbored similar doubts. “Coming from the future” sounded too incredible. If people from the future could simply travel through time and space to arrive here, why had she never heard of such a thing before? Although this mysterious individual had saved her, the Queen had also shown her great kindness. She needed to find a way to discreetly warn her, lest she be swindled out of her wealth or dignity.

Zu An hesitated, then said, “Stop guessing. Sometimes secrets can be very dangerous.”

The Mermaid Queen, however, offered a desolate smile. “I understand.”

Zu An was bewildered. *I haven’t said anything yet. How do you understand?*

At this point, the Peacock Princess couldn’t resist asking, “Since you say you’re from the future, what happened to our world? Was it ruled by the demons?” In their current era, the demon race was in steady retreat, and the Demon Emperor was dead. Although the Saintess Yumon Baiqing had suddenly risen to prominence, almost everyone understood it was likely just a final resurgence. Even the most optimistic among them couldn't envision a scenario where the demons were defeated.

Zu An said in a deep voice, “No. The people of your world were very brave. They defeated the demon invasion and drove them completely out of this world.” Though they would return a few millennia later, they were still repelled. But there was no need to mention that part.

“What?!” The Peacock Princess exclaimed, astonished and overjoyed. She had never imagined such an outcome. However, a flicker of doubt immediately crossed her mind. Was he merely saying this to humor her? Yet, his expression seemed genuine.

It wasn’t just her; even the Mermaid Queen was stunned. Although she had strongly advocated for the alliance between the sea races and the demon race to resist the otherworldly demons, she was also keenly aware that their chances of victory were slim. Her motivation was simply to prevent the sea races from facing destruction alone, waiting for the demons to eliminate other opponents before turning their attention to them, which would leave the sea races truly without allies. But now, this individual was telling her that the immensely powerful, arrogant demons had actually been defeated and expelled? She wouldn't even dare to dream of such a victory.

“How were they defeated?” The Peacock Princess, with fewer reservations, blurted out.

Zu An shook his head slightly. “I cannot tell you the specific details—or rather, I don't know them. But I am absolutely certain that you defeated the demons.” As he spoke, a thought occurred to him. Historical records of this period were almost entirely lost, so later generations had no clear understanding of what truly transpired in this era. Yet, it now seemed that the demon and sea races truly had little chance. After all, a mere visit from the Unruly King was enough to force the entire sea race into obsequious smiles. So how exactly did they defeat the demons? Could it be that…

A ridiculous conjecture suddenly emerged in his mind, and his expression became exceedingly strange. *Could it be precisely because of my involvement? But if I participate too much, wouldn’t that alter history…? No, wait. This is the original history. My involvement would, at most, merely ensure history returns to its intended course.*

*Damn it! Fighting tooth and nail to save the world against demons in the future, and now, back in the past, I have to fight tooth and nail against them too? Can’t I get a break? Truly, a born workhorse!*

Though slightly disappointed not to hear the specifics, both the Peacock Princess and the Mermaid Queen were greatly invigorated by his confirmed answer, their faces alight with excitement.

“I must return to the demon race as soon as possible and tell the Saintess and all our tribespeople! Everyone will surely rekindle hope!” Seeing the girl’s excited demeanor, it seemed she couldn't wait to go back immediately.

“By the way, tell me about your Saintess,” Zu An asked, curious. He had only learned her name, Yumon Baiqing, from fragments of conversation, but she seemed shrouded in mystery, and he knew very little about her. He particularly recalled the ethereal image she left in the Sealed Land and her words to him, which clearly indicated she knew him. Could it be from his interactions in this world?

The Mermaid Queen, hearing this, immediately perked up her ears. He seemed particularly interested in that Saintess. Ah, yes. She’d heard the Saintess was also an exceptionally beautiful woman, and with so many legends surrounding her, her popularity might even surpass her own.

“You’re from the future, and you don’t know?” The Peacock Princess asked, looking somewhat suspicious.

“Too many records are missing from history,” Zu An replied. “I genuinely don't know all the details.”

“I see,” the Peacock Princess finally replied. “The Saintess comes from an Onmyoji family within the Fusang tribe. This family excels in formations and divination, possessing a deep understanding of yin and yang. However, at that time, the demon race was incredibly powerful, and there were countless similar families. So, while her family wasn't entirely obscure, it was still considered just an ordinary, minor family.”

“Who would have thought that when the otherworldly demons invaded, our demon forces would steadily retreat? A few years ago, even the Demon Emperor was slain in battle. The entire demon race plunged into unprecedented despair. Yet, a young woman from this family, named Yumon Baiqing, suddenly rose to prominence. She masterminded strategies, leading everyone to victory after victory. She not only stabilized the situation but also launched counterattacks, inflicting significant losses on the demons. That’s why everyone respectfully calls her the Saintess.”

“Legend has it that our ancestral Demon Emperor originated from the mythical Fusang Great Tree. Now, with the Saintess also hailing from the Fusang tribe, everyone believes it’s a sign of divine will. She now carries an inherent aura of divinity.”

Zu An mused, *This sounds like a script for Joan of Arc.* He also knew the legends of the demon race’s ancestors, particularly the Golden Crows on the Fusang tree. However, in some tales, ten Golden Crows would often emerge together, causing the disaster of ten suns in the sky, and nine were shot down by Hou Yi. *Hmm, that’s strange. Logically, after Hou Yi shot down the suns, humanity should have greatly prospered. Why are the demon races still dominant now? Or perhaps these two legends aren't from the same world? Yet, back in the demon imperial tomb's secret realm, the legend of Hou Yi shooting down the suns was indeed present.*