In the frigid lands, after my exile, I began to slay demons and monsters.

Chapter 312 Arrival at the Royal City

It wasn't until sunrise that Xiao Jiu returned from somewhere, landing outside the tent and staring at the bowl of porridge in Ning Xiaoxi's hand.

Ning Xiaoxi filled a bowl for it and placed it on the ground, watching it bury its whole head in the bowl. "Having fun?"

Xiao Jiu slurped down her porridge, and a gentle breeze swept by, cleaning her head and face. "Within a thousand miles of this area, there are no more demons with the potential to become demons." Xiao Jiu looked at the rising sun. The winter sun was not intense, but its light was undiminished. "The demon race has truly declined."

Ning Xiaoxi tidied up the pots and pans and extinguished the fire in the brazier. "Although the human race has a limited lifespan, its potential is limitless." She poured out the remaining ashes from the brazier and put it back into her spatial storage. "What's most impressive is that the human race has outstanding intelligence. Demons mostly survive by instinct, while the human race relies more on wisdom."

Xiao Jiu watched Ning Xiaoxi put away the rocking chair and tent, her eyes vacant. "Chaos likes to sleep, always sleeping for a hundred years at a time, which is already considered transcendent. For the past thousand years, I have spent more time wandering on the seabed, watching the North Sea change from a deep blue to its current desolation. The sea monsters have disappeared, and the sea beasts are struggling to survive. From now on, the North Sea will be the domain of fish."

Ning Xiaoxi had already tidied herself up. "Whether it's demons or humans, they're just fighting for a little space to survive in this world. It's survival of the fittest; if you lose, you lose."

Xiao Jiu climbed onto Ning Xiaoxi's shoulder and wrapped herself around her, saying, "You little brat, you're not even a fraction of my age, how come you think so much?"

Ning Xiaoxi looked at Xiao Jiu and smiled, "I still remember when I first saw you in Beihai, I was really shocked."

Xiao Jiu proudly declared, "I am one of the few ancient demons who have survived to this day. It's not so bad to scare you."

“It’s not because of that.” Ning Xiaoxi shook her head, lifted her leg and walked down the mountain. She could see a narrow official road at the bottom of the mountain. Even if she didn’t go into the city, it would be easier to take the well-maintained official road.

"Why is that? I haven't shown myself in front of humans for nearly a hundred years. The Xia family probably all think I don't know where I am. If that's not what scared you, what else could it be?"

Ning Xiaoxi's face showed a look of reminiscence, "I have read many books, and they all record your deeds, but most of them are legends without any basis. So, when I actually saw the living Zhu Jiuyin, I was surprised and truly felt the wonder of this world."

"Amazing?" Xiao Jiu shook her head. "That's amazing! You really haven't witnessed the glory of ancient times. Back then, all things were born together, and heaven and earth shone together!"

Ning Xiaoxi blinked. "You and I started from different points, so naturally we see things differently."

Xiao Jiu chuckled, "Ha, that's true. The time it takes me to fall asleep might be your entire life."

Ning Xiaoxi was taken aback. Yes, it wasn't unusual for these powerful demons to sleep for a hundred years. How many powerful demons truly slumbered and hid away? A hundred years was a lifetime for a human, but for these powerful demons, it was merely a sleep. It was normal for those records to be biased, wasn't it? Only those lesser demons with traceable trails could truly be eliminated.

"Xiao Xi, don't be fooled by it. Although demons have long lifespans, only a few can truly cultivate into great demons." The little dumpling seemed to sense the change in Ning Xiao Xi's mind and quickly intervened to "brainwash" her. "The great war of yesteryear caused the deaths of many great demons. Their demise was truly a complete loss of soul and spirit. Humans at least have the chance to reincarnate, but demons vanish into nothingness, leaving no trace. Great demons like Chaos and Zhu Jiuyin, who sleep for a hundred years at a time, are now only two remaining; the others have all perished."

Ning Xiaoxi's expression hardened. This little dumpling was really paying attention to her situation. It had immediately noticed even the slightest change in her thoughts. This was not a good thing!

"Then why don't you find another place to sleep? I think the East Sea area is pretty good. If you sleep some more, when you wake up, maybe the Great Xia Dynasty won't exist anymore!" Ning Xiaoxi ignored Tuanzi and continued to banter with Xiao Jiu. "Or you can sleep a little longer. When you wake up, all living things in the world will have disappeared, and you'll be the only one who reigns supreme. The whole world will be yours. Wouldn't that be great?"

Xiao Jiu's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Ning Xiaoxi as if she were an idiot. "I kind of regret playing with you!"

Ning Xiaoxi chuckled silently. In truth, they didn't think much of her as a mere junior celestial master; they were only protecting her out of respect for her cave dwelling. Just as Xiao Jiu said, her age was negligible in their eyes—why should they befriend her? Even celestial masters who surpassed the highest level could only extend their lifespan appropriately; they wouldn't possess the heaven-defying longevity of demons. After all, demons were beings who defied convention.

[Tuanzi, if I die, will my cave still exist?] Ning Xiaoxi suddenly thought of this question. Now, these powerful demons that she couldn't resist have all settled in her cave. Everyone seems to have agreed that they can live in her cave forever. But she is human after all. If she dies, then the cave that is attached to her will definitely not exist anymore, right?

[You are the first host I've followed to possess the advantage of a cave dwelling; the previous two weren't as lucky as you.]

So, you don't know either.

Tuanzi remained silent.

"What use are you to me?" Ning Xiaoxi couldn't help but complain.

Occasionally, pedestrians would pass by on the official road, and amidst the bustling traffic, many people would look at Ning Xiaoxi curiously as she measured the ground with her feet.

Although I don't feel embarrassed, it's still uncomfortable to be stared at like that.

Finally, Ning Xiaoxi decided that since she was a Celestial Master, she should use the methods of a Celestial Master; why bother with the arduous journey of ordinary people? At the same time, she also realized that she was no longer suited to living like an ordinary person.

With the aid of the Windwalking Step, he traveled as fast as a light cloud beast, covering a thousand miles a day. Traveling by day and resting by night, he arrived at the ten-mile post station outside the royal city three days later.

Standing outside the inn, she looked at the familiar gate, courtyard, and the general store that had changed owners. The three-tailed cat demon was the first demon she encountered after arriving here, and it was also here that she met the Earthly Fiend Lord of the Celestial Master Pavilion. Recalling the appearance of that Earthly Fiend Lord, she realized she had indeed met several Earthly Fiend Lords and Celestial Fiend Lords along her journey, but she had never encountered that one again.

It was past noon, and the post station was very quiet. Those who had set off early had already left, and those who were staying overnight had not yet arrived. This was the quietest time at the post station.

After leisurely reminiscing about the past, Ning Xiaoxi turned and headed towards the royal city.

"Buzz!"

A wave of light rippled outwards, golden light rippled, and a screen of light flickered.

Ning Xiaoxi turned around, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Jiu perched on her neck, "a protective barrier."