Chapter 1240: Lan Tiansheng: Foster Father Above, Please Accept My Bow

Of course, they also couldn't be of one mind with Xu Kongwang; take Heihu, for example—this person is ambitious and has long been eyeing Xu Kongwang's Dharma Protector position, even the Demon Emperor's position.

The Mangshan Demon Emperor's position was reached through slaughter; strength is everything. Xu Kongwang wanting to sit in that position is unlikely—he has too many scruples, dare not kill, dare not let loose.

"Oh?" Qinglong Daoren asked curiously, "Why?"

Lan Tiansheng fell silent for a moment, gritted his teeth, and said, "Because he's afraid."

"Afraid?" Qinglong Daoren asked doubtfully, "Who is he afraid of? Could it be the Mangshan Demon Emperor?"

Lan Tiansheng nodded, lowered his voice, and said, "Exactly, it's the Demon Emperor. Rumor has it that Xu Kongwang once challenged that being; needless to say, he lost, and lost utterly."

"Although I don't know what happened, I know that since then Xu Kongwang has been brooding, unable to let go of that battle; he must have had his courage shattered, and ever since he's become much more obedient."

"He dare not challenge that being anymore; he'll only wait for that being to grow old and feeble, then take its place."

"In recent years, the Mangshan Demon Emperor has seldom appeared—either in secluded cultivation or hiding in his cavern dwelling; rumors inside the Mangshan Demon Palace say he's old and won't live many more years."

Lan Tiansheng spoke of the Mangshan Demon Palace's secret; the Mangshan Demon Emperor has sat in that position for a very long time—how many years exactly he doesn't know, but in Lan Tiansheng's memory he's always been there, his lifespan not short, and reaching the end of his life is quite normal.

For demon beasts in the Dao Realm, lifespan isn't infinite; a few thousand years is already the limit, basically not exceeding ten thousand years—this is because demon beasts have relatively long lifespans; for humans it's even shorter, only one‑tenth to one‑fifth of a demon beast's, depending on cultivation method and whether one is injured, etc.

If calculated by a ten‑thousand‑year lifespan, the Mangshan Demon Emperor has already reached the end, with little lifespan left.

This is also why Xu Kongwang has in recent years emerged and begun to maneuver; he wants that position, and only a few people can compete for it.

The Left and Right Dharma Protectors, plus a few Demon Kings of the Mangshan Demon Palace—others aren't qualified to compete.

And to become Demon Emperor, one must rely on strength to rise, stepping on others to secure the throne.

Obviously, these people lack both strength and courage.

Xu Kongwang used to be promising, but after his courage was shattered last time, he has no chance anymore.

He can only act sneakily, unscrupulous, and will eventually… be exposed.

"Is that so?" Qinglong Daoren's eyes flickered as he fell into thought.

No wonder no one bothers him—first, he's tied up; even if Xu Kongwang knew, he wouldn't devote much thought to him, but would stare at that position.

The Demon Emperor's position is what truly matters; other things can be set aside for now.

Those Demon Kings are the same—whether they follow Xu Kongwang or Bai Xinlan, they don't want to cause trouble at this juncture.

Inside Mangshan, undercurrents surge; it looks calm but is actually dangerous, and could erupt at any moment.

"It seems the Mangshan Demon Palace will sooner or later suffer internal strife," Qinglong Daoren mused; if the Mangshan Demon Emperor meets mishap, these people will frenziedly vie for that position, even coming to blows.

That's how demon beasts are—strength is everything; nothing else can convince the masses.

Unlike humans, demon beasts revere absolute strength.

"Not bad, so you needn't worry; even if Xu Kongwang learns of your existence and of this place, he's unlikely to move against you in the coming decades—unless he ascends the Demon Emperor's throne, then he might."

Lan Tiansheng again spoke a piece of news that reassured Qinglong Daoren, and at the same time could express his loyalty.

At least he's useful; they won't just kill him outright.

Working for Qinglong Daoren is at least better than working for Xu Kongwang; staying by Xu Kongwang's side will eventually get him devoured.

"Very good, you're very good." Qinglong Daoren nodded approvingly; Lan Tiansheng is indeed useful, he's also clever, knowing that he now cannot control life and death, he uses this to prove his worth.

"You're a smart person; you know what I want—I have no interest in the Mangshan Demon Palace's power struggle."

"I don't want anyone to disturb me, nor do I want them constantly watching me—understand?"

Lan Tiansheng nodded: "Understood, I understand."

"I can take care of it for you; then, may I regain my freedom?"

What he wants is freedom; he doesn't want to be bound his whole life.

"No problem." Qinglong Daoren nodded, giving him a promise.

Lan Tiansheng excitedly clasped his hands: "I'll do my utmost; I guarantee no one will disturb you."

This promise is what he needs; at their level of existence, deception is impossible.

He saw Qinglong Daoren's bloodline, and knew this person before him had noble lineage—he wouldn't lie and deceive him.

Even if he tried to deceive him, he'd have no recourse—life and death are in others' hands, a single thought decides.

"Work for me, I won't shortchange you." Qinglong Daoren casually tossed a bottle of Nine‑Grade Dragon Blood Pill at him—this acknowledges his news and gives him a sweetener; one can't keep suppressing him, for such a smart person, constant pressure would breed resentment.

Carrot and stick must both be present—dignity and reward; Qinglong Daoren's principle is thus, to gauge his heart.

Lan Tiansheng held the medicine with both hands, opened it, and his expression changed.

"Is this a Grade Six Elixir?"

His voice trembled—a bottle of Grade Six Elixir, not just a single pill.

His complexion changed; his eyes fixed tightly on the jade bottle—these pills could raise his cultivation several levels.

Reaching the Dao Realm isn't a problem either; moreover, he… can accomplish what he wants to do.

"All for me?" His voice trembled intensely.

"Not bad, since you work for me, benefits are natural; I punish faults and reward merit." Qinglong Daoren pressed his hand, speaking indifferently.

He gave Lan Tiansheng a deep look and said, "If you handle this matter well, rewards will surely come your way."

"If you mess up, you'll naturally incur punishment."

Lan Tiansheng gripped the pill bottle tightly, excitedly saying, "Rest assured, I'll handle things—you can relax."

He followed Xu Kongwang for so many years, doing how many tasks for him—what was the result?

He got nothing—not even pills, let alone any spiritual herbs.

Yet this person before him, merely a piece of information and some suggestions, gave himself a whole bottle of Grade Six Elixir—an entire bottle—Lan Tiansheng was so moved he almost knelt and cried "Father!"

He held himself back, took a deep glance at Qinglong Daoren, and thus understood the Huang family's choice and why the Luotian White Snake Clan rose so swiftly.

It's all about the elixirs.