A Demon's Journey

Seated on the plush hotel bed in one of Fengshui City's rooms, William and his wives engaged in a thoughtful discussion.

Regina, leaning against a set of plush pillows, initiated the conversation. "Considering Long Chen's vigilance toward this woman, it's likely she holds some significance in his future."

Anny, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, chimed in, "Perhaps they shared a romantic entanglement in times to come."

Vivi, her expression carrying a trace of scepticism, interjected, "Or, inversely, she might pose a threat as one of his formidable enemies. Long Chen could be attempting to neutralize that threat before it escalates. But why now, especially with the Thunderous Echoing Dominion God's clone in the mix?"

William, sitting cross-legged at the centre of the bed, shared his insights, "I've pondered that aspect as well. Zhan Xinyi possesses a unique gift—a Spiritual Voice. My deduction is that this ability brings tranquillity to the mind, dulls pain, and amplifies the combat prowess of warriors. It's a perfect fit for the Order of the Eternal Rhythm. Recognizing her potential, they could use her talents to accelerate the growth of their followers. These followers might even include influential warriors or commanders within the kingdom."

As William spoke, he observed the reactions of his wives. Regina nodded in agreement, acknowledging the plausible connection between Zhan Xinyi's abilities and the Order of the Eternal Rhythm's objectives. Anny's eyes widened with realization, while Vivi, her brow furrowed, processed the information.

Regina, crossing her legs, contributed to the discussion. "So, Long Chen's surveillance might not be driven solely by personal connections. It could be a pre-emptive move to curb the potential influence Zhan Xinyi might exert on behalf of the Order of the Eternal Rhythm."

Anny, a contemplative expression on her face, added, "It's a strategic play. By monitoring her, Long Chen could mitigate the risks posed by a powerful ally or adversary."

Vivi, leaning back against the headboard, raised an eyebrow. "If that's the case, we need to figure out how deeply involved she becomes with the Order. The extent of her influence will determine the scale of our involvement."

"Well, considering Zhan Xinyi's recent recruitment into the Order, it's likely they aren't fully aware of her talents yet. Long Chen's audacity in bringing just three Four Star Warriors suggests he's banking on that," William explained, his tone confident.

Vivi, nodding in agreement, commented, "That makes sense. He's probably planning to act before the Order fully understands her potential."

While Vivi grasped the concept, Anny and Regina seemed to be wrestling with uncertainties. Regina voiced her concerns, "So, what's our move then?"

A mischievous smile graced William's face as he replied, "I've got a plan. Right now, we wait for the right moment."

Perplexed, Vivi asked, "What moment are we waiting for?"

William, still wearing that enigmatic smile, divulged, "The moment when Long Chen and Zhan Xinyi cross paths. I want to see how Long Chen deals with her. If he decides to eliminate her, it implies she becomes a formidable adversary in the future. If he tries to recruit her, well, that might suggest a more personal connection."

With a quizzical expression, Vivi inquired, "And what do we do when that moment comes?"

William's eyes gleamed with determination, "Depending on Long Chen's actions, we'll decide our course. If he goes for elimination, we intervene, save Zhan Xinyi, and recruit her into the SIS. Once her contributions are substantial, we'll take care of that gang leader from the so-called 'green gang.' On the other hand, if Long Chen aims to recruit her, I'll approach her discreetly, strike a deal, and turn her into our informant. We promise her assistance against the gang leader when she proves her worth."

The room buzzed with a calculated energy as the intricate plan unfolded.

~~

In the opulent halls of Balgett House, nestled in the heart of the Great Qin Empire, Noah found himself surrounded by the echoes of his recent triumph. The Divine Spark of the vanquished Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess was now in his possession, as was her lifeless form, a testament to the power he wielded.

'Who would have thought that a decade could bring such a transformation,' Noah mused, his gaze sweeping across the assembly of formidable warriors that comprised the Heretical Paladins, his personal group. The once weakest link now stood as a King Realm Warrior, a testament to the growth that had transpired.

The commanders of the Heretical Paladins, each a formidable Emperor Realm warrior, held their positions with a quiet confidence. Though they couldn't match Noah's might, their strength was undeniable.

'Leading this group is no small feat,' Noah thought, a wry smile playing on his lips. 'But it's a responsibility I've grown into.'

Yet, Noah's responsibilities extended beyond the Heretical Paladins. As an integral figure in the esteemed Balgett House, one of the preeminent Noble Houses in the empire, he found himself entangled in the intricate web of noble politics.

'Who knew managing a house could be as challenging as facing celestial beings?' Noah reflected, a wry smile playing on his lips.

The recent proliferation of Celestial God clones across the Frascoia Continent had thrust the Great Qin Empire into a state of heightened alert. The Royal Family, recognizing the gravity of the situation, issued a directive to all Noble Houses — a mandate to address the celestial incursion.

'Just what I needed, more complications,' Noah thought, his thoughts a mix of irritation and amusement. The impending noble assembly loomed, and decisions needed to be made.

In the aftermath of the noble assembly, the Balgett House found itself bestowed with the stewardship of a dukedom within the vast expanse of the Alinginian Kingdom.

'Just what I needed, more lands to oversee,' Noah thought, a wry smirk playing on his lips as he contemplated the additional responsibilities thrust upon his already burdened shoulders.

With the meeting concluded, Noah retraced his steps to the territorial confines of Balgett House.

The weight of decisions lingered, but a more immediate matter demanded his attention — the captive spirit of the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess.

'Let's have a little chat, shall we?' Noah thought, his expression a blend of curiosity and determination.

With a deliberate motion, he withdrew the Divine Spark from his storage ring. But Noah was no stranger to caution, especially when dealing with artifacts of celestial origin. Before exposing the ethereal essence within, he unfurled his Sword Domain with a masterful flourish.

'Can't be too careful. Celestial God energy tends to be a bit of a beacon,' he mused, his mind racing through the potential consequences of his actions.

The Sword Domain, a manifestation of Noah's formidable prowess, rippled in the air, creating an invisible shield that veiled the Celestial God energy.

The reason for this caution lay in the peculiar nature of a Celestial God's Divine Spark — it emitted an unmistakable energy signature that could not escape the notice of Saint Rank Warriors within the Great Qin Empire.

'Wouldn't want unwanted guests dropping by,' Noah thought, envisioning the chaos that could ensue if the wrong eyes caught wind of his possession.

Moreover, there existed the ever-present risk that the Celestial Gods themselves might sense a lingering trace of the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess and discern that her Divine Spark remained intact. Such a revelation could act as a beacon, drawing the attention of celestial beings to Noah's very doorstep.

'Keeping a low profile has never been my style,' Noah mused, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of determination and anticipation. With the Sword Domain enveloping the delicate procedure, Noah prepared to engage in a dialogue with the captive spirit.

The ethereal voice of the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess echoed within the chamber, a melodic yet eerie resonance that hinted at the supernatural. "Releasing me openly so soon? Did you find a body for me?" she inquired, her words hanging in the air like an otherworldly mist.

'As if it's that simple,' Noah thought, a bemused expression crossing his face. The intricacies of divine resurrection were far from a casual affair.

"I have a question for you," Noah began, his tone a calm veneer concealing the deadly undertow beneath. "Following your death, all the Celestial Gods have released their clones over the entire Frascoia Continent. Why would they do that? Is there something you haven't told me?"

In the face of Noah's inquiry, the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess, seemingly unfazed by the latent threat in his voice, responded with a surprised lilt. "…They did that? No way! I don't believe that they would do that for me. I don't have that sort of importance for the Celestial Race. In fact, if I was so important, those old fogies wouldn't let me place my Minor World over this continent and also not let me make that alliance with the Great Qin Empire. They are probably using my death to achieve their own ambitions."

'Always playing the victim,' Noah mused inwardly, a cynical smile playing on his lips. The machinations of celestial beings were a convoluted dance, and the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess appeared to be just a pawn in their cosmic game.

"Can you guess what the Celestial Race wants?" Noah probed, his curiosity cutting through the layers of divine intrigue.

The Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess pondered for a moment before responding, "I think the first thing they want is the death of that Transcendent Saint Qin Lei. But that can't be simple. Even the combined might of the Cerberus, the Three Headed Demonic Devil Hound, and Raiju, the Great Thunder Beast, failed at this task of killing that Transcendent Saint even though both these entities can go toe-to-toe with experts like the Primordial God or the Demon Venerable."

'Qin Lei, huh?' Noah's thoughts lingered on the enigmatic figure.