The former territory of the demon race was now occupied by blood zombies. Gu Li sat atop what was once demon the commander-in-chiefs throne, enjoying the pitch-dark palaces tranquility.

Stomp stomp stomp.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the palace. Gu Li arched his eyebrows in surprise then lifted his hand. Immediately, the bonfire in the center of the room burst into purple flames.

The firelight illuminated the pitch-dark room. Its purple light glow made the palace seem even eerier.

Lord Gu Li.

It was Jiangchen. He stopped before the bonfire and bowed deeply. Gu Li nodded indifferently and raised his right hand. Jiangchen soon felt a wave of spiritual power surround and bear down on him.

Its the middle of the night. What do you want?

Lord Gu Li, actually, Im here because

Jiangchen wanted to speak, yet paused, his internal conflict immediately apparent. He hesitated and in the end, didnt finish his sentence.

A smirk tugged at Gu Lis lips. He looked down at Jiangchen and said, if you have something to say, just say it.

Your subordinate just wanted to re-confirm: if I help you claim the Three Realms, youll give me your Beast God Soul Crystal? After a long pause, Jiangchen finally managed to say it.

In truth, even before coming here, hed agonized over whether or not to talk to Gu Li countless times already. Gu Lis temperament was difficult for others to fathom. Who knew? Asking about the crystal might very well infuriate him.

But he truly had no other choice.

Hanba and Houqing were still off searching for Yinggous soul and had yet to return. If Yinggous soul had truly dispersed, he had no hope of returning to his former pinnacle, not even if he swallowed up Hanba and Houqing.

The only thing that could fix him was Gu Lis Beast God Soul Crystal.

If he could get his hands on it, he still had a chance.

That was the only reason he was willing to thicken his face and ask Gu Li about it directly.

The Soul Crystal. Gu Li spat the words out, then crossed his legs. He rubbed his hands together but said nothing.

His wordless silence was unbearably oppressive, especially combined with the palaces purple glow. Jiangchens heart sunk further and further.

After a moments struggle, he decided to back down. Ive overstepped my bounds, he said. Ill leave you alone.

However, just as he was about to leave, Gu Li laughed. Jiangchen, what are you saying? Just now, I was thinking about something else and got a little lost in thought, thats all.

That.

Jiangchen, you were mistaken about something, said Gu Li with a tight smile. I dont want to take over the Three Realms. I dont care about this minuscule patch of land at all. All I want is Ye Zichens life.

I understand. Then, so long as I kill him, the Soul Crystal..

Ill naturally offer it to you without reservations, said Gu Li without hesitation. You dont need to worry about the Beast God Soul Crystal. I already swore on my inner demons. I will absolutely give it to you, if only to protect myself. Do you really think Id dare break such an oath? Or that Id dare defy Heavens will?

I misspoke, said Jiangchen. He hurriedly cupped his hands in respect.

No harm done. I know how important the soul crystal is to you. For now, Ill protect the crystal. Once Ye Zichen is dead, Ill definitely give it to you.

Thank you so much, Lord Gu Li. However, theres still something Id like to ask you.

Say it, said Gu Li with a flip of his hand.

That Beast God Soul Crystal. It is real, isnt it?

The moment Jiangchen risked asking this question, Gu Lis eyes narrowed into slits.

Brother Jiangchen, you doubt me? If you think its fake, why dont I just..

Gu Lis gaze was like a venomous snakes. Jiangchens pupils constricted in fear; he dared not risk repeating his question.

I dont dare, please dont break it.

Im just kidding, laughed Gu Li. I already said it, didnt I? I know how important the crystal is to you. Ill be sure to take good care of it. Alright then, if theres nothing else, lets call it a night.

Understood. Jiangchen cupped his hands then left the hall. Once he was gone, an illusory figure appeared within the purple flames.

Hes somewhat suspicious.

Of course hes suspicious. If he werent, well, all I could say was that hes stupid, snorted Gu Li. Its not easy to obtain a Beast God Soul Crystal. What are the odds of finding one in a barren, resource-deprived place like the Lower Three Realms? For one to fall into my hands. How could he not be suspicious? Even so, he has no choice but to gamble that its the real thing.

Why?

Yinggou is dead. A third of his soul is gone. He was originally a primordial savage beast formed by the High Father himself. The Beast God is the only one capable of restoring him to his former glory.

Gu Li smiled and cocked his head to the side. So all he can do now is risk it.

But when you give it to him and he finds out its fake, wont he try and get revenge?

Let him, Gu Li sneered. Once Ye Zichen is dead, Ill absorb his portion of Heavens will. Jiangchens soul is incomplete. What can he do against me? Right now, only Ye Zichen and Black Dragon are capable of threatening me. I dont know what, but Black Dragon seems to have had some sort of lucky encounter. His strength has increased to an astonishing degree. Furthermore, he still has Su Yiyun. However, hes too suspicious by nature. What I said to him earlier will undoubtedly create a rift between them!

As for that Ye ZIchen, he has far too many helpers. If Jiangchen can kill some of them, that would be a huge help.

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

As he rushed along the cobblestone path, Jiangchens expression was grave.

That soul crystal might very well be a fake.

He didnt know why, but that was the sense he got from Gu Lis words. Even so, just as Gu Li predicted, he had no choice but to gamble on its authenticity.

It was too late to turn back. All he could do was steel himself and keep moving forward.

When he reached his room, the lights were on inside.

He pushed open the door and entered.

Elder Brother. Hanba and Houqing stood within. They turned and greeted him respectfully.

Jiangchen had expected this. He sighed. Despite himself, he couldnt resist asking, How about it? Did you find him?

If we hadnt, would we have come back? laughed Hanba.

Oh? Jiangchen asked coolly, his heart heavy. Before long, his eyes widened as he reached out and grabbed Hanbas shoulder. What did you just say?

In his excitement, hed lost control of his strength; hed accidentally split open her shoulder.

Elder Brother.

As Hanbas face twisted in pain, Jiangchen relaxed his grip. Ignoring her wounds, he pressed on. What did you just say? Did you find his soul?

Thats right, we found it. Its intact and undamaged, said Hanba, her smile forced.

Then hurry up and give it to me. Jiangchens was overcome with excitement and impatience. They really found it! And it was still in good condition!

Elder Brother, look! It took some work but Hanba managed to turn over her hand. Yinggous soul rested in her palm.

Intact and undamaged!