Chapter 2988

Unless, we are friends, not enemies. The Frostleaf National Preceptor also laughed, making it clear his words carried an outside tone: "The descent of the Heavenly Demon is imminent—shouldn't your allies be as many as possible, as strong as possible?"

Once he regains his freedom, even the Heavenly Demon cannot control him.

He decides who his enemy is, who his friend is—the Heavenly Demon's word does not count.

He Lingchuan was satisfied.

Frostleaf is truly a sharp one, always declaring allegiance at the most opportune moment.

"Well said—then it's settled by a single word!" He Lingchuan also didn't beat around the bush, "But just now, when you 'returned to youth,' you must have been quite weak, with no means of self-defense?"

If the medicine takes effect, Frostleaf will revert to the state of just being born—that is, an infant.

Any creature, upon first emerging from the womb, is at its most fragile—what self-defense could it possibly have?

"That period is very short." Frostleaf knew he couldn't hide it: "Once I begin eating, my strength will surge rapidly."

"Even if brief, it's still an opportunity to exploit." He Lingchuan drawled, "If a Heavenly Demon seeks to take advantage and make you say 'I do,' what would you do?" Frostleaf understood at once, fell silent for a few breaths, then said:

"I am prepared."

This is also a major risk in his plan—Jiuyou is too perceptive, and instantly realized it.

He Lingchuan no longer pressed further, only asking: "Where should the Sea Emperor's Halberd be sent?"

"To the Yada Islands. I intend to take the Sea Emperor's Halberd and enter the underwater trench below."

Frostleaf had just finished speaking when an off-screen voice said: "I will deliver the Sea Emperor's Halberd myself. I've been idle lately and wish to catch up with the Holy Mother of Jin Du. Who—" Frostleaf started in surprise, for during Jiuyou and his discussion of such confidential matters, someone was actually present!

It was a female voice.

Could it be?

At that very moment, a tapping sound came from the door.

This was the signal—his confidant alerting him that the Holy Mother of Jin Du had arrived.

Frostleaf immediately severed his long-distance connection with Jiuyou and stowed the mirror back into the hidden compartment in the table.

Soon, the Holy Mother of Jin Du entered, wearing a smile.

These past few days, Chi has been very content in the mortal realm. Attending to Between Between Between Beijia's Chief National Preceptor, his food, clothing, and daily needs are all the finest; someone always attends to him comfortably—he need only open his mouth for anything he wants, and it is promptly arranged, requiring him no effort at all, far surpassing the hardship he endured when he first descended to the realm and wandered alone outside.

Not to mention enduring hardship.

As a lesser god, Chi suffered much indignity in the heavenly realm—but now, only Chi gives orders to others.

His son has succeeded, and as his mother, she naturally enjoys the blessings.

Now Chi finally feels that the Voracious Eaters being clever is not a bad thing—so long as Frostleaf grows stronger and remains under Chi's control, such comfortable days will have no end.

"You just went to see the Elephant King this morning—what did he say?"

Frostleaf set down the letter in his hand: "The Elephant State hates the murderer who killed the late emperor; if Between Between Between Beijia launches a punitive expedition, the Elephant State will surely follow." "What does that mean?" the Holy Mother of Jin Du frowned, "The Holy Sovereign wishes it to clearly support the Heavenly Palace."

The Elephant State is indeed a formidable military force under Between Between Between Beijia.

Does the Elephant King not know? But he will not declare his stance so readily. Frostleaf also did not explain: "No matter—they merely think they still have a choice. Once Nie Xiaolou dies, the Elephant State will take the lead in aligning with us."

The Holy Mother of Jin Du pondered, then could only admit: "Makes sense!"

Amid Between Between Between Beijia's current turmoil, no matter how many wise and capable individuals ponder it, what benefit would Chi gain from overthinking? The Holy Mother of Jin Du then produced a plate of pastries, placing it on the table:

"You've been running about for state affairs these past few days, weary and labored—I heard the attendants say you like taro paste fragrant-crisp ducklings, so I had the cook make them. Come, eat while hot." The plate held four pastries, exquisitely made.

Seeing the Holy Mother of Jin Du intently watching him, Frostleaf picked up a pastry and swallowed it in one bite—indeed, it filled his mouth with rich, oily fragrance:

"Mother, thank you for your thoughtfulness."

His next words were: "I have finished my affairs in the Elephant State ahead of schedule, with several days free—I will go to the Yada Sea Trench."

The concoction of the Rejuvenation Elixir should be done early, not delayed.

"Go directly?" the Holy Mother of Jin Du hesitated slightly, "Since we're changing the route, I should first report to the Holy Sovereign."

"If we miss this opportunity, and later wish to leave Between Between Between Beijia again, who knows when that might be—perhaps the gods will have already descended." Frostleaf spoke solemnly, "Before that, we must grow strong. Mother, won't you consider your own interests a little more?"

The Holy Mother of Jin Du hesitated. Yes, this boy is the National Preceptor, now burdened with countless state affairs—returning to Between Between Between Beijia would make it hard to leave again. Frostleaf added: "It's merely a detour, an incidental matter—no time lost."

"Very well, then it's settled." Upon hearing this, the Holy Mother of Jin Du gave her assent.

After Chi departed, Frostleaf's smile at the corner of his mouth instantly turned sinister.

He finally understood He Lingchuan's feelings when facing his biological father.

Hey, mutual disdain, hearts full of hidden schemes.

However, the Holy Mother of Jin Du's spiritual strength pales in comparison to He Chunhua's.

And in He Lingchuan's presence, after he broke off his conversation with Frostleaf, he lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertips:

"Once the Heavenly Gods descend to the mortal realm, Frostleaf's position will become awkward and perilous."

Sun Fuling leaned against the edge of the table: "He is anxious."

Frostleaf's nature is gloomy and cold, his negotiation skills highly refined—were he not anxious, he would not have dealt so directly with He Lingchuan today.

"If everything proceeds according to the script of the Holy Sovereign of Lingxu, then after the Lingxu gods slay the Demon Empress, they could still keep the young flood dragon under control—then there must certainly be someone in the Wang Ting opposing them, and the role of Frostleaf, Grand National Preceptor, would thus become evident." The Holy Sovereign of Lingxu can slay the Demon Empress, can slay designated officials, but cannot slay every opponent in the Wang Ting—thus the struggle must continue.

Therefore, the Holy Sovereign of Lingxu specially dispatched the Holy Mother of Jin Du to the mortal realm to have Chi closely monitor Frostleaf the National Preceptor. After all, Frostleaf defeated the former Demon State's Chief National Preceptor, Qingyang—the trusted confidant of the Demon Empress—his political acumen is beyond question.

Sun Fuling followed this line of reasoning: "But once Frostleaf's political role is weakened, other functions will inevitably attract the attention of scheming Heavenly Demons. Don't forget—he is the most perfect vessel for a god's descent, surely already coveted by the great Heavenly Demon."

How perceptive is Frostleaf? He must surely have sensed his perilous situation, hence his urgency to enact his self-rescue plan.

If Frostleaf's identity as 'National Preceptor' can no longer serve a crucial function, then surely a great Heavenly Demon will target his body. Although the Holy Mother of Jin Du has already advanced in rank, does she have the power to say 'no' to a great Heavenly Demon?

He Lingchuan again thought: "But if the great Heavenly Demon seizes his vessel, would he not henceforth also be subject to the Holy Mother of Jin Du's threat of death?" Sun Fuling, however, replied: "Some constraint would be inevitable. But perhaps Chi could, before the god's descent, sign certain contracts with the Holy Mother of Jin Du to counter such risk—for instance, an agreement that if Chi suffers grave injury or death, the Holy Mother of Jin Du would likewise be unable to escape."