Chapter 504

You said, what's happened to Eagle Sorrow Mountain?

Translation: "You say, what happened to Eagle Sorrow Mountain?" Keep quotes? The Chinese includes quotation marks; we should keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully, keep punctuation. So we keep the Chinese quotation marks? The source includes English already. This is confusing.

The three great demon kings on Eagle Sorrow Mountain are dead! I heard it from a little tortoise of the Spirit Turtle clan.

Actually 【5】 is the translation line? Wait we have 【4】 Chinese, 【5】 is the translation line? The source shows:

Really? So who's in charge of Eagle Sorrow Mountain now? Probably a late fourth‑stage great demon king? We need to get ready and bring some gifts.

Actually 【7】 is the translation line for 【6】? The source shows:

Exactly, exactly. That fire python was hated by everyone, and we've certainly suffered plenty from his attitude.

Actually 【9】 is translation line for 【8】? The source shows:

Near Eagle Sorrow Mountain, in a mountain stream, a large crowd of monsters was chattering about the recent huge changes on Eagle Sorrow Mountain. 'Who will go deliver the gifts?'

Actually 【11】 is the translation line? The source shows:

All one could see was a carp spirit glaring with big eyes; after its eyeballs went gurgle‑gurgle making a full turn, it spoke up.

All one could see was a carp spirit staring with large eyes; after its eyeballs went gurgle‑gurgle making a full turn, it spoke up.

In an instant, the only sound in the stream was the gurgling water; the monsters looked at each other, none wanting to be the first to face the late fourth‑stage great demon king.

Translation: "In an instant, all that could be heard in the mountain stream was the sound of gurgling water; the demons looked at each other, you at me, me at you. It seemed none wanted to be the first to go face the late Fourth‑Level great demon king." Keep as one line.

After all, they still didn't know the temper of that great demon king; if it were even more unruly and ferocious than the Three‑Headed Fierce Wind Python, then whoever went to deliver the gifts would likely become part of the gift themselves—going and never returning. 'Hehe, I think Brother Niu can do it—Brother Niu's strength is outstanding, and he's the only mid fourth‑stage among us; maybe the great demon king will take a look and keep Brother Niu as his second‑in‑command!'

After all, at this time they still didn't know the temper of that great demon king; if it were even more unruly and ferocious than the temperament of the Three‑Headed Fierce Wind Python, then whoever went to deliver the gifts would likely become part of the gift themselves—going and never returning. 'Hehe, I think Brother Niu can do it—Brother Niu's strength is outstanding, and he's the only mid Fourth‑Level among us; maybe the great demon king will take a look and keep Brother Niu as his second‑in‑command!'

A red‑faced, silver‑backed monkey on the tree, one hand pulling at branches and the other pointing at the largest ox demon among them, spoke with a grin, though it was unclear whether his words were sincere or not.

Translation: "Up in the tree, a red‑faced, silver‑backed furry monkey, one hand pulling at a branch, the other pointing at the largest ox demon among the crowd, spoke with a grin; beneath the playful smile, it was unclear whether it was sincere or feigned."

'Moo, don't count me in—if you weren't buzzing around my doorstep, I, the old bull, wouldn't want to bother with your chatter.'

Translation: "'Moo, don't count me in—if it weren't for you lot buzzing at my doorstep, old Ox I wouldn't want to meddle with your chatter.'" Keep quotes.

The dark‑blue‑tinged ox demon lightly swayed its massive horns, rose, and returned to its cavern; its sturdy frame made the earth tremble with each step, clearly a powerful strange beast.

Translation: "The dark‑blue‑tinged ox demon lightly shook its massive horns, rose, and returned to its cavern; its sturdy frame made the earth tremble with each step, clearly a powerful strange beast."

Seeing the ox demon's stance, the other monsters dared say no more; after a bit of bickering, there was nothing further to say.

Translation: "Seeing the ox demon's stance, the other demons dared not say more; after a bit of bickering, there was nothing further to say."

Only a wildcat that had just entered the fourth stage rolled its eyes and slipped away from the monster crowd. Yunhe, however, had not considered what changes Eagle Sorrow Mountain would undergo after his departure—of course, it had nothing to do with him.

Translation: "Only a wildcat that had just entered the Fourth Level rolled its eyes and quietly slipped away from the demon crowd. However, Yunhe had not thought that, after he left, Eagle Sorrow Mountain would undergo what changes—of course, that had nothing to do with him."

If fate isn't exhausted, we will meet again.

Translation: "If fate is not exhausted, there will always be a time to meet again."

After storing the Heavenly Pool in the 'Heavenly Mysterious Purple Gourd,' Yunhe's journey was complete.

Translation: "After storing the Heavenly Pool inside the 'Luotian Mysterious‑Color Gourd,' Yunhe's journey was already complete."

It's also time to return to the Ring‑Lake Island!

Translation: "It's also time to return to Huanhu Dao!"

If nothing unexpected happens, once the Spirit Turtle's form returns to Ring‑Lake Island, we can calmly gather strength and prepare to assault the late fourth stage—but while the idea is ideal, reality is harsh; in the monster world, the rarest thing is peaceful time. 'Everyone, listen up!'

Translation: "If all goes well, once the Spirit Turtle's form returns to Huanhu Dao, it can peacefully accumulate strength and prepare to assault the late Fourth Level! But the idea is ideal, reality harsh—in the demon beast world, the rarest thing is peaceful time. 'Everyone, listen up!'" Keep quotes.

'By order of the Lord of Heavenly Demon City! Effective immediately, from the Snow Plains to the Ten‑Thousand‑Li Mountains, all shall be the territory of the Second Young Master, chief of the White Tiger Hall of Heavenly Demon City!'

Translation: ""By order of the Lord of Heavenly Demon City! Effective immediately, from the Snow Plains to the Myriad‑Li Great Mountain, all shall be the territory of the Second Young Master, Hall Master of the White Tiger Hall of Heavenly Demon City!"" Keep quotes.

'The leaders of the earth demons, hurry to the Ten‑Thousand‑Li Mountains to audience with the Second Young Master!'

Translation: ""The leaders of the earth demons below, hurry to the Myriad‑Li Great Mountain to audience the Second Young Master!"" Keep quotes.

'You earth‑demon leaders, why haven't you yet received your orders?!'

Translation: ""You leaders of the earth demons, why haven't you yet received the orders!"" Keep quotes.

While the monsters of Ring‑Lake Island were diligently finishing a day's labor, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

Translation: "When the demons of Huanhu Dao were diligently finishing a day's labor, a discordant voice suddenly sounded."

All one could see was a soot‑black large bird, holding a placard covered in monster writing; as soon as it arrived over Ring‑Lake Island, it began to read the announcement loudly.

Translation: "All one could see was a pitch‑black large bird, holding a placard covered in demon beast script, which, upon arriving over Huanhu Dao, began to read aloud loudly."

However, the monsters on Ring‑Lake Island paid no heed; living in a remote corner of the monster world, they had never heard of a place called Heavenly Demon City, and Yunhe was the strongest monster they had ever seen!

Translation: "However, the demons on Huanhu Dao paid it no mind; dwelling in a remote region of the demon beast world, they had never heard of a place called Heavenly Demon City, and to them Yunhe was the strongest demon beast they had ever seen!"

What's this sudden talk of the Second Young Master and Heavenly Demon City? It only confuses the monsters of Ring‑Lake Island—wasn't the former Land Mountain Lord formidable? Yet Yunhe subdued him! 'You lowly monsters! Hurry up and receive your orders!'

Translation: "What's this sudden talk of a Second Young Master and Heavenly Demon City? It would only make the Huanhu Dao demons feel bewildered—wasn't the previous Lu Shanjun formidable? Yet it wasn't him who was subdued by Yunhe! 'You vile demons, hurry up and receive the orders!'" Keep quotes.

Seeing that no one paid him any heed, the great black bird grew annoyed and angry.

Translation: "Seeing that no one paid him any heed, the big black bird grew somewhat ashamed and angry."

He thought, 'When have I ever been treated with such contempt? Before, wherever I went, as long as I was an envoy of Heavenly Demon City, even fourth‑stage earth demons would address me as brother!' After shouting a few times, he still saw no monster paying him any attention.

Translation: "He thought, 'When have I ever been treated with such contempt? Before, no matter where I went, as long as I was an envoy of Heavenly Demon City, even those Fourth‑Level earth demons would address me as brother!' After shouting a few times, however, he still saw no demon attending to him."

'You earth demons! Today I'll give you a taste of my colors!'

Translation: ""You earth demons! Today I'll give you a taste of my colors!"" Keep quotes.

The black bird lowered its placard and turned into a black streak, swooping toward Ring‑Lake Island! Though I'm only a mid‑third‑stage, these earth demons look like they can't put up a fight!

Translation: "That black large bird retracted the notice, then turned into a black streak and swooped toward Huanhu Dao! Though I am myself a mid Third‑Level, those earth demons look like they have nothing to fight with!" Note the exclamation.

The bird secretly thought, 'I'll give them a good thrashing; then the Second Young Master will surely reward me.' 'Bang!'

Translation: "That bird secretly thought, preparing to give them a good thrashing, after which the Second Young Master would surely commend it. 'Boom!'" Keep quotes.

All one could see was the black light suddenly vanish in the sky, as if it had struck an invisible barrier, then slide straight down from it.

Translation: "All one could see was the black light suddenly vanish in the sky, as if it had struck an invisible barrier, then slide straight down from atop it."

'Did anything just happen?'

Translation: ""Did anything just happen?"" Keep quotes.

'I don't know.'

Translation: ""I don't know."" Keep quotes.

'Just work hard, what's there to chat about?'

Translation: ""Get back to work, what are you chatting about?"" Keep quotes.

—————— I am the dividing line ——————

—————— I am the dividing line ——————

'Why hasn't the black crow returned yet?'

Translation: ""Why hasn't the black crow returned yet?"" Keep quotes.

In the manor of the Ten‑Thousand‑Li Mountains, a young man in white robes asked the sturdy black‑tower man beside him.

Translation: "In the manor of the Myriad‑Li Great Mountain, a young man in white brocade robes asked the sturdy black‑tower‑like man beside him."

'I guess the earth demons entertained him too well, so he doesn't want to leave.'

Translation: ""I'd guess those earth demons entertained him too well, making him unwilling to leave."" Keep quotes.

All one could see was the black‑tower man still silent, while a effeminate man to the side flicked his tongue and spoke in a dark, eerie tone.

Translation: "All one could see was the black‑tower man not yet speaking, while the effeminate man to the side flicked his tongue and spoke in a yin‑like, soft tone."

'Hahaha, those earth demons, upon hearing the name of Heavenly Demon City, are surely terrified to the point they dare not breathe!'

Translation: ""Hahaha, those earth demons, upon hearing the name of my Heavenly Demon City, must be so frightened they dare not even breathe!"" Keep quotes.

Besides him stood a black, round fellow whose sturdy limbs looked like four pillars; when he got proud, he stroked his brown‑yellow beard and asked, 'Have you figured it out? Where were the monsters selling magic treasures and storage bags before?'

Translation: "Besides, there was a black, round fatty beside him, his stout limbs like four pillars, who, when pleased, stroked his brown‑yellow beard and asked, 'Have you found out? Where are the demons who previously sold magic treasures and storage bags?'" Keep quotes.

The Second Young Master didn't continue the topic of why the black crow hadn't returned, and again asked the black‑tower man.

Translation: "The Second Young Master did not continue the topic of why the black crow hadn't returned, and again asked the black‑tower man."

This time the other two monsters didn't interrupt; instead, they both looked solemnly at the black‑tower man.

Translation: "This time the other two demons did not interrupt, but instead both looked seriously at the black‑tower man."

'I've checked it out—it's the master of Ring‑Lake Island, early fourth‑stage strength; his combat skill is not bad, and he can set up high‑level formations.'

Translation: ""It's been ascertained: the master of this place, an island called Huanhu Dao, possesses early Fourth‑Level strength; his combat ability is not bad, and he can even set up high‑level formations."" Keep quotes.

After the black‑tower man finished speaking, seeing the Second Young Master not rush to speak, the other monsters dared not utter a word, all focusing intently on awaiting his orders.

Translation: "After the black‑tower man finished speaking, seeing that the Second Young Master did not rush to speak, the other demons dared not utter a word, all focusing intently on awaiting his command."

After a moment, the dark‑round, long‑whiskered man couldn't hold back: 'Sir, if I may say, let's just go up and give him a beating—what's a fourth‑stage beginner's formation worth? How big a wave could it kick up?'

Translation: "After a moment, the black, round, long‑bearded man could not hold back: 'Sir, let me say—we should just go up and give it a beating; what's the use of formations for an early Fourth‑Level? How big a wave could it stir up?'" Keep quotes.

He waved his pillar‑like arms, jumping about, as if what he said were easy.

Translation: "He waved his pillar‑like arms, jumping about, as if what he'd said were that easy."

'Hey, you fatty, you don't get it—the Young Master wants to subdue that monster; never mind how rare formation masters are!'

Translation: ""Hey, Xiong Pangzi, you don't get it—the Young Master wants to subdue that demon beast; never mind how rare formation masters are!"" Keep quotes.

'Just being able to produce that many magic treasures to exchange for monster inner cores we don't even use means he surely has a secret! Heh heh heh.'

Translation: ""Just being able to produce so many magic treasures to exchange for the demon cores we don't even use—he surely has a secret! Kekeke!"" Keep quotes.

The effeminate man's voice was shrill, like scraping glass—hard to listen to.

Translation: "The effeminate man's voice was very shrill, sounding as unpleasant as scraping glass."

'Alright, let's wait for the black crow to return before we make plans—how have the other earth demons fared in being subdued?'

Translation: ""Alright, let's wait for the black crow to return before we make plans—how have the other earth demons been subdued?"" Keep quotes.

The Second Young Master waved his hand to cut off the exchange and asked in a deep voice.

Translation: "The Second Young Master waved his hand to cut off the exchanged words, then asked in a deep voice."

'Reporting to the Second Young Master, the lesser earth‑demon leaders with some strength have already submitted; soon they'll bring gifts to pay a visit.'

Translation: ""Report to the Second Young Master: the other lesser‑strength earth demon leaders have all bowed and submitted; soon they will bring gifts to pay a visit to the Second Young Master."" Keep quotes.

The black‑tower man lowered his head slightly and bowed to the Second Young Master, saying.

Translation: "The black‑tower man lowered his head slightly, bowed to the Second Young Master, and said."

'Alright, it's not early; let's leave it at that for today—everyone, disperse.'

Translation: ""Alright, it's not early either; let's leave it at that for today—everyone, disperse."" Keep quotes.

After the Second Young Master finished, he picked up his tea cup, took a sip, and those nearby returned the salute.

Translation: "After the Second Young Master finished, he picked up the tea cup beside him and took a sip; those standing nearby all performed the salute and said 'yes.'"

Just as the effeminate man lowered his head, his narrow eyes almost imperceptibly flicked a glance at the Second Young Master seated in the chief seat. —————— Dividing line ——————

—————— Only when the effeminate man lowered his head did his narrow eyes, almost imperceptibly, glance at the Second Young Master seated in the chief seat. ——————— Dividing line ——————

In the pitch‑black night, the black crow slowly woke from the ground, feeling a throbbing headache as if it had struck something hard, dazed.

Translation: "In a pitch‑black night, the black crow slowly awoke from the ground, feeling its head throb as if it had struck something hard, dazed."

'Ow, ow, ow!'

Translation: ""Ow, oh dear, oh dear, hey."" Keep quotes.

He stared blankly at the pitch‑black surroundings, 'Eh, why did I come here again?' He rubbed his swollen forehead, but no matter how he thought, he couldn't figure it out.

Translation: "He blankly stared at the pitch‑black surroundings, "Eh, what was I coming here for?" He rubbed his swollen noggin, yet no matter how he thought, he couldn't figure it out." Keep quotes.

"It's already this late; I should head back first."

Having said that, it flapped its wings and prepared to fly toward the Demon Beast City, only to discover a huge problem!

It couldn't find the way back! Actually, it wasn't really knocked stupid by the collision; it had simply stumbled into the formation Yunhe had set up. Although this black crow had been following the Second Young Master around in Demon Beast City, putting on airs, it itself had no combat experience whatsoever, nor had it ever seen any formation.

Unable to fly out for a moment, it thought it had encountered a ghost wall, panickedly circling in the sky, crying, "Ghost! Ghost!"

The sky was already dark, when the demon beasts on Huanhu Dao suddenly heard that hoarse shout from midair, they were all terrified! Especially the more timid little demon beasts, which leapt up from their sleeping spots and hid in the arms of their clan elders.

However, there also existed a bold and ill-tempered presence. "Get lost! Who's disturbing this lady's sleep!"

Only to see a snowy-white fox tail lash out fiercely from a cave, striking the black crow's face heavily; the black crow then turned into a black streak and flew away.

"I don't even know when Yunhe will return."

"Hmph, this annoying big turtle, going out to play without taking me!"

"Come back quickly; I feel like trouble is coming again."

Sleepless through the night, Bai Ning's thoughts weighed heavily.

She had heard every word the black crow said today, but simply ignored it; now that Yunhe still hadn't returned, she was the pillar of this island.

Although she had never heard of Demon Beast City, it was clearly not easy to deal with.

Yunhe had hardly rested along the way, with his escape speed at full throttle, he could already see the snowy plain ahead, but at this moment he also felt a sense of foreboding; the black crow that had been blown away finally woke up the next morning.

"How did I end up here?"

"Right! I came to notify the earthly demons of Huanhu Dao to pay respects to the Second Young Master!"

"Then how did I end up here?"

"I know! It must be that earth demon ambushed me, which is why I—hiss—am in so much pain!"

"Waa waa waa, damn earth demon, I will have the Second Young Master vindicate me!"

The black crow seemed to have figured out the whole situation, and immediately flapped its wings toward the Ten-Thousand-Li Mountain.

"Second Young Master! Second Young Master!"

Only to see a pitch-black figure in midair, flying while letting out loud howls.

This drew the myriad demon beasts of the Ten-Thousand-Li Mountain to stop and watch.

"Second Young Master, uh... uh... oh."

Only to see the black crow, overly excited upon seeing the Second Young Master, lose its footing as it landed, rolling from the ground all the way to the Second Young Master's feet: "Black crow, I sent you to deliver a message—why did it take so long?"

The black round fatty complained, though his face indeed bore a look of watching the show.

"Black crow, get up, speak slowly."

The Second Young Master's gaze was icy; although he didn't blame him, he was clearly dissatisfied with the black crow's clumsiness: "Yes, Second Young Master."

Seeing this, the black crow immediately rose from the Second Young Master's feet, hurriedly stepped back a few paces, then lowered its head to report its "encounter" to the Second Young Master: "You mean the earthly demons on Huanhu Dao not only refused to obey, but also confined you and beat you?"

After the black round fatty finished speaking, he turned and knelt heavily before the Second Young Master, clasping his fists and shouting angrily: "My lord, that earth demon dares to humiliate your envoy! Please let your subordinate go deal with that earth demon—I will surely capture it alive and bring it before you!"

The Second Young Master lightly tapped his folding fan twice, yet did not immediately agree: "Let's wait for Black Wind to return before making plans!"

Having said that, he turned and left.

"My lord!"

The black round fatty knelt forward two more steps, shouting urgently, but the lord paid no heed; only after the Second Young Master disappeared into the pavilion did the black round fatty slowly rise: "Elder Angxiong, my lord, this is—"

The black crow whispered, feeling a bit fearful now that it had failed to accomplish its task.

"Get out of the way, trash!"

Angxiong kicked the black crow aside with one foot, then turned and walked toward another subordinate's quarters of the Second Young Master.

——————I am the dividing line——————

Yunhe had arrived on the snowy plain; he could soon reach Huanhu Dao, but at this moment the snowy plain gave him a strange feeling: "Where is Xiongwuji?"

Having come, Yunhe intended to pay a visit, and also let Xiongwuji see his current mid-Fourth Level strength; yet after waiting half a day, Xiongwuji still did not come out to greet him. Knowing that although he had only recently become a Fourth Level demon beast, he possessed many novel treasures and was versed in formations, this made Xiongwuji and other Fourth Level demon beasts eye him with great envy.

Yunhe seized a little demon and asked:

"Where is your lord?"

"Our lord... our lord suffered grave injuries and is recuperating in the cave dwelling. There are bad people."

Seeing that the little demon did not seem to be lying, his sense of foreboding deepened.

"Even Xiongwuji is no match for them; Bai Ning and the others probably aren't even a worthy opponent."

With that thought, Yunhe tossed down a bottle of elixir for the little demon to deliver to Xiongwuji, also leaving a token of demon affection; then the Cloud Escape Talisman ignited, and at a speed invisible to the naked eye it flew toward Huanhu Dao.

In just a moment, Yunhe arrived at Huanhu Dao; seeing the island intact and its demon beasts unharmed, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

A white figure rushed forward, leaping straight into Yunhe's embrace and rubbing its head against him; then a azure phoenix also came to Yunhe's side.

"You've finally returned; Bai Ning gazes every day in the direction you left, almost turning to stone," the azure phoenix teased.

"Nonsense, waa waa, you can finally be considered returned." Bai Ning, feeling the familiar scent, found herself unwilling to let go for a moment.

"In my absence, have any strong enemies invaded?" Yunhe, still not having set aside his unease, rubbed Bai Ning's fluffy head and asked.

"Strong enemies? I haven't seen any, but a bothersome crow came, and even at midnight it kept us from sleeping well!"

"Besides mentioning Demon Beast City and the Second Young Master, there's nothing else—oh, and also having you go to the Ten-Thousand-Li Mountain and such."

Upon hearing this, Yunhe thought of Xiongwuji's plight, his eyes slightly drooping, his expression turning grim.

But, bring it on! (End of chapter)