Zhang Xiaohua and Xie Lingyun left, and Liu Feng also took his leave. Only Zhang Chen stood in the courtyard, silently watching their departing backs. He knew that he couldn’t rely on anyone now and had to depend on himself.
"First, let’s ask the Great Freedom Celestial Demon, see what insights he might have. I may not take his advice, but there’s no harm in listening to his views," Zhang Chen thought to himself.
So Zhang Chen summoned the Great Freedom Celestial Demon. He saw a petal fly out from his palm and transform into the image of the Great Freedom Celestial Demon: "Kid, what’s the matter that you called me for?"
"How’s the task I asked you to do coming along?" Zhang Chen asked.
Hearing Zhang Chen’s words, the Great Freedom Celestial Demon laughed sinisterly: "I’m certainly putting in my utmost effort, but to fully gain control, it still requires a long accumulation of time."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen didn’t ask more questions. He was just doing his routine inquiry to prevent the Great Freedom Celestial Demon from slacking off.
"I’ve encountered a troublesome matter and need to ask you about it." Zhang Chen described Xiaodouding’s situation to the Great Freedom Celestial Demon. Upon hearing this, the demon looked surprised, with a hint of curiosity in his eyes:
"The situation you described is indeed strange. Unfortunately, based on your account alone, I can’t deduce anything. It’s best to inspect the site personally."
Zhang Chen glanced at the Great Freedom Celestial Demon, a bit worried about Xiaodouding’s physical state. With continuous suppression, he feared the little girl’s body might not withstand it.
The Great Freedom Celestial Demon knew what Zhang Chen was thinking and sneered, full of mockery in his voice: "I know what you’re thinking. Do you underestimate my capabilities? I don’t need the little girl to perform Soul Emergence; I just need to sense carefully to detect the unusual elements."
"Remember, the Essence, Qi, and Spirit in Chengyu must never harbor a Demon Seed, or you know my methods well. Though I may not kill you, however many Demon Seeds you plant, I will destroy that many," Zhang Chen warned, staring intensely at the Great Freedom Celestial Demon.
"That’s unworthy of you, kid. There’s no conflict of interest between us, so why would I harm you? But I still suggest you let me reside in that little girl’s heart. Doesn’t it seem odd that a palace manifested by incense appeared within her body? I’m just being cautious by residing within, right? You may have a way to guard against me, but you definitely can’t guard against the cultivators of Yellow Heaven Dao," the Great Freedom Celestial Demon said solemnly, looking at Zhang Chen.
"If it’s not some hidden hand left by Yellow Heaven Dao, that’s fine. But if it’s indeed some hidden machinations by Yellow Heaven Dao, it doesn’t matter who’s behind it. Old Ancestor here can give them a surprise," the Great Freedom Celestial Demon’s eyes flashed with hints of evil intent.
Hearing this, Zhang Chen hesitated. Truth be told, he was tempted by the Great Freedom Celestial Demon’s words. He might have a way to curb the demon, but he definitely couldn’t fathom or handle those in the Yellow Heaven Dao.
Especially that enigmatic Grand Celestial Master, who’s as elusive as the Divine Dragon, that made Zhang Chen extremely apprehensive.
"Kid, plan ahead, it’s always better to be prepared!" the Great Freedom Celestial Demon chuckled.
Zhang Chen looked at the Great Freedom Celestial Demon, then turned his gaze to the Golden Finger Interface’s Soul Hooking and Soul Stealing skill. Even if the demon stirs trouble, he would find an opportunity to level up his skills and surely be able to restrain the demon by then.
Once marked, it would be difficult for the opponent to escape Zhang Chen’s grasp in this lifetime.
"Let’s wait and see how things unfold first."
Zhang Chen led the Great Freedom Celestial Demon into the house, where Xiaodouding was seen standing still, adjusting her Qi Blood. The demon approached closer, circled around her, then returned to Zhang Chen’s side. Zhang Chen, watching Xiaodouding practicing martial arts from his recliner, asked the demon upon his return: "Can you discern anything?"
"I’ve heard people say that during the creation of the world, if a Divine Demon were to fall, they would transform into all things in Heaven and Earth, becoming a unique creation in the world," the Great Freedom Celestial Demon explained.
"What do you mean?" Zhang Chen asked, startled, a foreboding feeling rising in his heart.
"Someone has used the Power of Incense with a Secret Technique to irrigate this little girl’s body, probably trying to mimic that ancient scenario, turning her into a personification of Heaven and Earth. Don’t you see the continuous palaces within that incense as the nascent form of future worlds?" queried the demon.
"Damn it! These guys deserve a thousand cuts! It must be Yellow Heaven Dao’s scheme," Zhang Chen cursed through gritted teeth. Xiaodouding always lived at Huangli Temple; if it wasn’t Yellow Heaven Dao’s plot, who else could it be?
She’s just a child, she shouldn’t endure such suffering.
"Beasts worse than animals." Zhang Chen seethed with hatred: "Is there a way to resolve this?"
"We don’t have enough power. Even if there’s a Secret Technique, it’s futile," the Great Freedom Celestial Demon replied.
"So, are we just to watch this little girl fall?" Zhang Chen asked in frustration.
"I have no solutions, but you might have an opportunity to resolve the girl’s calamity," the demon contemplated for a moment before replying.
Hearing this, Zhang Chen was puzzled: "If I had a way, I would’ve acted long ago. Why would I call you?"
"Let me ask you, which force in Heaven and Earth is the strongest in operating the power of incense?" the demon asked.
"Of course, it’s Yellow Heaven Dao," Zhang Chen replied without hesitation.
Upon hearing Zhang Chen’s words, the demon shook his head: "You’re wrong. The strongest entity controlling the Incense Dao in the world is Buddhism. In face of Buddhism’s wonderful techniques of controlling the Incense Dao, Yellow Heaven Dao is merely a junior."