Chapter 38: Running Around

Zhou Yi was clearly trying to drag himself into the water; this kind of behavior is truly detestable.

"Scruffy birds, you first broke faith, and now what?"

Di Jiang shouted at Taiyi and Di Qu without any courtesy.

The words made the two's faces turn red and their necks thicken, like overripe tomatoes.

Their original purpose in coming here was to deal with the Human Race.

But how could such a reason be spoken aloud?

They couldn't just say their clan came because they were captured for breeding, could they?

That would make them the laughingstock of the entire Vast Wilderness World.

The more they thought, the angrier they became; seeing Kun Peng's pitiful state only inflamed them further, and they couldn't help muttering under their breath.

"You useless thing!"

The current situation is clear: the Demon Race has suffered another crushing defeat, repeatedly beaten by the Human Race.

Since Zhou Yi appeared, the Human Race seems to have become even more bizarre.

It appears that they grow stronger when faced with strength.

No matter who comes to challenge them, they cannot be knocked down.

On the contrary, they keep growing during battle, becoming ever stronger.

"Release Kun Peng, and we'll leave."

Di Qu suppressed his fury and stared coldly at Zhou Yi.

After speaking, the mighty pressure of the three‑legged golden crow surged toward Zhou Yi, attempting to force his submission with its oppressive aura.

But Zhou Yi showed no fear, standing firm in place, while the Human Race's Destiny Dao image manifested behind him.

This time the situation was entirely different; the Dao image radiated ten thousand feet of light.

Propelled by Destiny, Zhou Yi's strength surged upward like a rocket launch.

The Human Race's Destiny also reached an unprecedented height, making the Dao image appear almost tangible.

"You think you can make me release him? Not that easy," Zhou Yi said with a slight smile, his lips curling in a teasing grin, "If you don't show some sincerity today, I'll grill it."

"Honestly, roasting Kun Peng would be absolutely exquisite," Zhou Yi continued teasing, "Di Jiang the Demon God, shall we invite Brother Zhu Song as well and let everyone taste my cooking?"

Di Jiang involuntarily nodded at the words; although he knew that getting to eat Kun Peng's roast might be a matter of years or even decades, the thought of that unique flavor sparked anticipation in him, and he even secretly hoped the two would fall out so he could have the chance to taste it.

Kun Peng heard the jokes and felt utter despair. Though he was a renowned powerhouse in the Vast Wilderness World, he was now a lamb awaiting slaughter, powerless to resist.

When he tried to use his magical power to escape, he discovered that the lingering Purple Sky Divine Thunder inside him constantly stimulated his nerves, bringing endless agony.

Moreover, Ye Yi's joint seal with Hen Ren locked his spiritual energy in his dantian, rendering him unable to act.

Taiyi and Di Qu's faces turned unusually grim upon hearing Zhou Yi's words. With the Witch–Undead War approaching, losing Kun Peng, a key asset of the Demon Race, here would be a massive blow, weakening both strength and morale.

The two exchanged a glance; though they felt deeply reluctant, after weighing pros and cons they chose to compromise. "What are your terms?" Di Qu asked through clenched teeth.

"Four medium‑grade Preheavenly Spiritual Treasures," Zhou Yi replied with a smile. The smile landed in Taiyi and Di Qu's eyes, dazzlingly bright. Immediately, Taiyi roared, "You're dreaming!" Such a demand was truly excessive.

"Then I can only grill it," Zhou Yi said helplessly, shrugging.

Di Qu's complexion grew so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it; after a moment of contemplation he said, "Two." Zhou Yi responded firmly, "Three."

After a struggle, Di Qu finally decided, "Two medium‑grade Preheavenly Spiritual Treasures, plus one million members of the Human Race."

When those words were spoken, Sui Huang and the others instantly changed expression, shock and anger evident. This concerned the lives of a million people.

Although a sliver of hope lingered in their hearts that Zhou Yi would agree—after all, it concerned the lives of countless peoples—reason told them to trust Zhou Yi's judgment.

The final decision rested in Zhou Yi's hands.

After a brief contemplation, Zhou Yi nodded slightly, "Fine, but you may not set foot in my clan's territory for three hundred years." He offered a new condition.

The Witch–Undead War is imminent, its exact timing unknown; they can only strive to secure a longer peace for the Human Race.

Once war erupts, even if the Demon Race tries to deal with the Human Race, they will be too entangled in their own predicament to act, thereby granting the Human Race precious opportunities for survival and development.

"You!" Taiyi roared in anger, nearly charging forward to clash with Zhou Yi and the others.

At the critical moment, Hen Ren and Ye Yi combined to cast a sealing sigil, two beams of light like massive wheels—one white, one colored—racing toward Taiyi.

Taiyi dared not delay, revealing his true form to clash with the sigil; where they collided, space warped, an energy storm swept all around, annihilating everything.

Di Qu, seeing the scene and glancing at Di Jiang beside him, sighed helplessly and finally compromised, "Fine, I agree."

"I hope this time the Demon Race keeps its promise and does not break faith," Zhou Yi said with a smile.

Finishing, he waved his hand lightly, tossing Kun Peng away like trash.

Although Kun Peng still struggled to lift the internal seal, all his efforts were futile, and he was finally seized by Taiyi's true form.

Taiyi's gaze at Kun Peng flickered with a hint of contempt, but he said nothing, for now was not the time for such calculations.

"Then here's to a pleasant cooperation; I hope my people don't disappear later, and I don't want the Demon Race's reputation to be utterly ruined," Zhou Yi said teasingly.

Di Qu let out a cold snort, two streams of spiritual light shot from his hand into Zhou Yi's, and then, without looking back, he turned into a flash of light and vanished.

"The show is over, and the spectators may now disperse," as Zhou Yi's words faded, those mysterious gazes gradually vanished.

Seeing their own Demon Emperors depart, the aquatic demon troops were thrown into disarray, fleeing in panic in all directions.

Shan and Xiao Ling'er chose not to pursue, instead turning to tend to the wounded comrades.

Another squad hurried out, hauling back the fallen Demon Race corpses from the battle—these were their spoils.

During the transport, they made an unexpected discovery: some injured but still living Demon Race members were also brought back, to be settled in the earlier cave.

"Di Jiang the Demon God, why not stay and share a meal with us before leaving?" Facing Ye Yi, Hen Ren, and Zhou Yi's invitation, Di Jiang looked down at Yao Yan, Fang Yun, Shi Hao and the others, his heart full of emotion.

The Human Race's surge of so many strong individuals was not to be underestimated. Di Jiang nodded in agreement, curious about what unique qualities these humans possessed.

When the group landed, a deafening roar of cheers erupted in the valley. "Thanks to you all!" Sui Huang exclaimed, gripping Ye Yi's hand, his eyes full of gratitude.

Ye Yi smiled in reply, "As long as we're here, the Demon Race will never oppress the Human Race."

The scene reminded him of the old village chief; they all gave their all to protect their people.

"Come on, clan members, set up the grill, display your skills, and let us enjoy a proper meal!" Zhou Yi shouted.