I drank too much yesterday, thinking I had updated five thousand characters, only to wake up and realize I had only managed four thousand... My apologies, my apologies; I'll post another five thousand.

Qian Jin whispered the apology, and the stern-faced Checkeferret burst out laughing right then and there. Everyone began to visualize the scene: what kind of sight it must be when this beautiful demoness gets spanked.

Bahuang Wusheng had to clear his throat again. Facing these youngsters, the Horse Bandit King suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness. Normally, anyone who met him was timid and cautious; yet, these people utterly disregarded the King of the Outland Horse Bandits. They chatted and joked as if he weren't there.

Even something as monumental as infiltrating the Demon Race seemed as simple to these young people as browsing shops for clothes in the marketplace. There wasn't even a hint of tension emanating from them. If anyone was nervous, it seemed only Qian Jin was somewhat tense; the others treated this entire Demon Race venture like a holiday trip.

“We need to wait,” Gu Yue Jiaying said, looking at Lucifer in her arms. “We have to stay together; no sneaking bites.”

Qian Jin felt the veins on his forehead threatening to burst. He was supposed to be the initiator here, wasn't he? How come, in the mouths of these women, he sounded more like their meal?

“Qian Jin is not only supreme in these aspects, but…” Bahuang Wusheng stated solemnly, “he is also incredibly strong in combat.”

No one present showed any objection to this point. For Qian Jin, who originated as an ordinary warrior, possessing such combat power at his age was beyond mere genius; he was a genius among geniuses, the strongest ordinary warrior recorded in history for his age.

“So, this time you will utilize the ring in my possession to impersonate members of the Demon Race and enter their territory,” Bahuang Wusheng shook his palm. The ring, like a sentient bird, flew into each person's hand. “Then, you will all pretend to be the retainers of Princess Lucifer.”

The group had no objections. On the territory of the Demon Race, being the retainer of a Princess was quite an honor. To put it crudely, once you were a Princess’s retainer, you could flirt with village girls without the Demons demanding payment. The greater benefit of this status was the drastic reduction in scrutiny. Who would dare to question the retainers of Princess Lucifer? With this identity as a shield, the probability of being discovered as imposters by the Demons was significantly minimized.

“Next, you will leverage Qian Jin’s various abilities to embark on a high-profile journey,” Bahuang Wusheng’s gaze returned to Qian Jin. “You might not know this yet, but after Qian Jin’s reputation reached the Demon Race, the ordinary Demons reacted strongly, saying the Zhence Dynasty poured immense support into ordinary warriors to produce a genius like Qian Jin.”

Qian Jin let out a cold laugh. The Zhence Dynasty’s support for ordinary warriors? Looking at the attitude of the Qian family practically represented the entire Dynasty's stance. His current success owed largely to the teachings of the teachers in the Endless World, the guidance from the teachers at Four Seasons Valley, and the pressure from his own massive Qian family.

“Regardless, now the Demon Race factions are all clamoring. This time, they cannot lose to the Zhence Dynasty not just in ultimate bloodline power, but not even in ordinary Demon Martialists,” Bahuang Wusheng chuckled happily. “Every faction is currently searching for geniuses!”

Qian Jin began to grasp Bahuang Wusheng’s meaning. Princess Lucifer could easily draw attention, and once he displayed some abilities, it would naturally create a massive stir.

“As long as a sensation is created…” Bahuang Wusheng sneered twice. “I understand the Bahuang family too well. They will certainly extend an invitation to recruit you. By then, you can easily infiltrate the Bahuang Clan…”

“Oh! No wonder!” Mune Zhence suddenly interrupted Bahuang Wusheng, flicking his folding fan repeatedly towards him. “It was you! It must have been you! I kept thinking it was strange. According to my calculations and propagation, Qian Jin’s fame should indeed spread quickly, but it shouldn't have reached such renown today. I was wondering if people nowadays were just overly eager to gossip… turns out…”

“Exactly!” Bahuang Wusheng’s smile was filled with triumph. “Since I discovered Qian Jin’s various abilities, I began setting this plan in motion. I was initially puzzled why the publicity spread faster than I anticipated, then I discovered other forces were already doing the same thing, and soon… I found out you were doing it too!”

Qian Jin realized that without his knowledge, all these people were maneuvering around him through various channels.

“And! Snake Emperor Pan Hongji!” Triumph shone in Bahuang Wusheng’s eyes, mixed with admiration and praise. “I must commend that venomous snake; his reaction was lightning fast. Moreover, he must have been watching Qian Jin closely. The day after I released the news, he started doing the exact same thing…”

The Snake Emperor? Qian Jin truly hadn't expected that Snake Emperor Pan Hongji, located far in Qianzhou, would actually have the leisure time to interfere in such matters.

“With so many people acting simultaneously,” Bahuang Wusheng looked at Qian Jin proudly, “it’s hard for you not to be famous! It’s hard for the Demons not to be jealous! They are constantly watching now, trying to find a Demon from that crack in the stone who can contend with you. When you appear under a different identity then… they will go insane. That’s when you can help me steal what I need.”

“Then…” Qian Jin rested his chin in his hand, looking at Bahuang Wusheng with confusion. “What’s in it for me?”

“Your benefit?” Bahuang Wusheng laughed. “Do you think, once you display your forging skills, that the ambitious families among the Demons won't bring rare materials to seek your help? Your friends here are severely lacking in equipment, aren’t they?”

The assessment carried significant danger, admittedly.

Yet, it was undeniably an opportunity. Not just an opportunity to scavenge rare materials within the Demon territory, but also a chance to scout the terrain. Although merchants also undertook the task of secretly mapping the terrain of enemy nations—and every valuable map could be exchanged for handsome rewards at the Adventurers’ Guild—merchants simply couldn't access everywhere. If he could personally travel to the Demon territory, in the event of a future war between Humans and Demons…

Qian Jin was genuinely tempted. It was difficult enough securing materials for achieving the Saintly Realm relying on the Outlands or a few major powers like the Luo family.

Achieving the Saintly Realm was mandatory for ordinary warriors, requiring a Soul Weapon. Qian Jin was an ordinary warrior too, and he also needed a Soul Weapon. Moreover… Qian Jin pursed his lips; he suspected he needed not just one Soul Weapon, but three! Three Battle Hearts might generate three Battle Souls, and if each Battle Soul could reach the Saintly Realm, would that necessitate achieving sainthood three times? Meaning, three Soul Weapons?

Qian Jin realized that the immense strength forged in his early stages might become a major obstacle to future improvement. But if this barrier were broken, how vast would the resulting power be?

“Well?”

Bahuang Wusheng’s domineering eyes fixed on Qian Jin, questioning him—or perhaps, challenging him, or perhaps…

Duanfeng Bu’er was somehow gripping a cigarette between two fingers, taking slow, deliberate puffs. The firelight at the tip flared brightly, then dimmed.

Everyone awaited Qian Jin’s response. The Wusheng Hall lost its former liveliness and became exceptionally quiet.

“I will go,” Qian Jin looked up at Bahuang Wusheng. “Naturally, I will go. Is that even a question?”

Firstly, he simply had no choice. If he refused, what would Bahuang Wusheng’s reaction be? This was the Horse Bandits' assessment. Even if they all ganged up, they certainly wouldn't be a match for the Horse Bandit King; perhaps only Lucifer would survive in the end.

He had to go! There was no option but to go. Furthermore, venturing into the Demon territory was less an assessment and more a trial—a trial not just of physical strength, but also a spiritual baptism. Surrounded by Demons, with the constant threat of exposure, yet required to be high-profile—that environment, fraught with danger and opportunity at every turn, was a massive spiritual tempering for anyone. If they could survive this trial safely and successfully, Qian Jin believed his companions' strength would improve significantly, and it would greatly aid their future paths to advancement.

Bahuang Wusheng nodded in satisfaction. If a young man lacked the spirit to even visit the Demon territory, his future prospects would likely be limited.

The Demon Race? Terrifying to the people of the Zhence Dynasty. But which of the current powerhouses in the Zhence Dynasty hadn't visited the Demon Race? The domineering Qian Zhanxuan, the resourceful Snake Emperor Pan Hongji, even His Majesty the current Emperor had secretly infiltrated the Demon Race before.

If you don't understand your opponent, you can never defeat them! This adage was not only popular in the Zhence Dynasty but also widely circulated in the lands of the Demons and the Barbarians. Those who stood at the pinnacle of power and authority—whether Demon, Barbarian, or Zhence Dynasty—had all secretly infiltrated each other's territories for observation and even study.

Of course, those individuals—Demons, Barbarians, and Zhence natives—had all infiltrated very discreetly, never publicizing the incursions or the methods upon returning to their own territories. No one had ever entered as Qian Jin was about to: high-profile. High-profile had its advantages, but the risks taken were correspondingly greater!

“Very well, prepare yourselves, and notify me when you are ready,” Bahuang Wusheng returned to his seat and waved his hand. “It needs to be soon.”

The group exchanged glances and walked out of Wusheng Hall. Duanfeng Bu’er stretched his arms, yawning widely. “Since we're heading to the Demon Race, I really need to prepare well. I’m going to that damned disk to train hard; I need to see if I can cultivate a Battle Soul before we enter Demon territory, just to have more ways to eliminate those Demons.”

Lucifer glared fiercely at the departing Duanfeng Bu’er. This arrogant Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline warrior dared to speak of eliminating the Demon Empress’s subjects in front of the future Demon Empress? May her Destruction Demon Eye strike him dead!

Checkeferret silently quickened his pace. Lucifer opened her mouth but held back her words. A faint aura of killing intent subtly emanated from this mixed-blood individual. This trip to the Demon territory might not truly be a good thing for him.

The Crown Prince, Yunala, and… all the past incidents. For this mixed-blood Demon, this might be an ending, or perhaps only the true beginning. Never mind that he was currently at the peak of the Golden Battle Heart; even if he possessed a Battle Soul, it was impossible to take the Crown Prince's life. The Crown Prince? Perhaps a waste! But that didn't mean the Demons surrounding the Crown Prince were also useless!

“I won’t accompany you to the Demon Race this time,” Gu Yue Jiaying stood quietly beside Qian Jin, speaking softly. “I don’t trust the horse bandits. The Luo family still needs my protection.”

A warmth spread through Qian Jin’s heart. “Thank you for the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble,” Gu Yue Jiaying’s incredibly plain and beautiful face drew close to Qian Jin’s. She whispered, “If you bring back a few more women, I will genuinely feel troubled.”

“This…” Qian Jin could only sigh, unsure how to respond.

“I understand. Women all want their man to be a hero, and women all love heroes,” Gu Yue Jiaying sighed. “You don’t need to seek them out; they will cling to you anyway…”

“Ah…” Qian Jin raised a hand to scratch the back of his head, thinking for a moment. “I will try to dodge them. You know my speed.”

Gu Yue Jiaying looked up, showing a rare moment of girlish playfulness, and pressed her damp, sweet red lips against Qian Jin’s cheek before swiftly vanishing like a whirlwind, leaving only a faint whisper by his ear: “I’ll wait for you to return as my true woman.”

In the blink of an eye, only Qian Jin remained at the entrance of Wusheng Hall. Everyone else had discussed entering the Demon Race lightly, but facing it truly, no one dared to be dismissive; they all went to prepare diligently.

Qian Jin glanced left and right, then walked back toward his own quarters.

Hua Yan Bujian still wore that iron mask, exactly as before. She had been staying in Qian Jin’s room these past few days, showing no intention of moving out. Gu Yue Jiaying hadn’t expressed any objection, and since Qian Jin mostly wasn't staying in the room, he conveniently chose not to voice any opinions either.

Qian Jin pushed open the door. Hua Yan Bujian turned, disappeared into the inner room, and returned carrying a plate of still-warm food, completely lacking the fierce demeanor of the former Bandit Queen.

Qian Jin wasn't too uncomfortable with this change. Whenever Hua Yan Bujian left this room in recent days and encountered her former subordinates or her newly formed team, the Bandit Queen’s fierce persona would instantly return.

“I’ll be gone for a while,” Qian Jin haphazardly shoveled the food on his plate. “Might not be back for some time.”

“En, be careful,” Hua Yan Bujian rested her elbow on the table, supporting her chin as she looked at Qian Jin. “I’ll wait for you to come back and lift my mask.”

Cough, cough…

A grain of rice got stuck in Qian Jin’s throat, choking him into a fit of coughing.

Hua Yan Bujian picked up a towel she had prepared earlier and wiped the corner of his mouth. “Only you can lift my mask. Do you expect me to be an old maid my whole life? Dying alone without ever experiencing the happiness and joy a woman should have?”

“The cooking is good,” Qian Jin stood up, wiping his mouth. “I’m going to sleep now.”

“That same answer again,” Hua Yan Bujian gathered the dishes, her tone carrying a hint of complaint. “If you push me too far, watch out for a night raid from me! By then, you’ll be mine, and see how you can escape!”

The foot Qian Jin had placed into the room trembled mid-air several times. She was indeed the female Bandit Leader; she could say things like that.

“Then, I won't have to worry about you running away,” Hua Yan Bujian continued clearing the dishes to herself. “If you run, I’ll show up at your doorstep, heavily pregnant. You don't want me? But will you deny your own offspring?”

Qian Jin sighed. Female bandits truly shouldn't be provoked casually.

Entering his room and closing the door, Qian Jin pulled the Magic Hat from the Battle Realm and immediately placed it over his head. There was no need to worry that Hua Yan Bujian would actually enter the room. This female bandit had a sense of propriety; she had never entered his room while he slept these past few days, nor had she allowed anyone else inside.

The Endless World was as quiet as ever.

Qian Jin stood on the street, looking toward Enlack’s Dou Qi Chamber. Since he was about to enter the Demon Race, he needed to prepare more thoroughly. His first Battle Heart had just solidified into a Golden Battle Heart; it was impossible to break through and form a Battle Soul immediately. He could only rely on other methods to boost his strength further.

Methods? That meant solidifying two more Golden Battle Hearts and learning stronger Combat Skills. Golden Battle Hearts required not only Dou Qi but also a special kind of enlightenment. Qian Jin sensed a missing catalyst; once that catalyst arrived, he could condense the other Golden Battle Hearts. Until then, he could only rely on Combat Skills to improve himself.

Qian Jin had studied and practiced the method for cultivating the Void Soul Combat Skill. With the aid of his third Battle Heart, condensing the Battle Seals was incredibly fast; perhaps in just a few more days, the Battle Seals for the Void Soul Combat Skill would be fully condensed.

But that wasn't enough! What kind of place was the Demon Race? A group that valued strength even more than the Zhence Dynasty. He needed to become stronger, and then stronger again!

Not just the Demon Race! The Newcomer King Tournament was also approaching step by step. After witnessing the Battle Soul strength of Hong Zhe Lingguan once, Qian Jin clearly understood that Qian Wushuang should possess strength comparable to the Sleeping Lion King. Otherwise, how could that Elf Bloodline genius warrior of the Qian family contend against geniuses a year, two, or even five years older, who had already awakened their bloodline powers five years prior?

The Newcomer King Tournament! If hiding away and blindly practicing hard could lead to the peak of strength, he would have found a place to drill long ago. But that was fundamentally impossible! His current strength, apart from the Endless World and the teachings of the teachers at Four Seasons Valley, was significantly aided by countless life-or-death battles that enhanced his comprehension.

The Demon Race—a fine place! Even if Bahuang Wusheng hadn't mentioned it, Qian Jin had planned to find time to visit the Demon Race and secretly observe their Combat Skills.

“Kid, you’re back again?” Enlack looked at Qian Jin with a smile. “What’s the idea this time?”

“I need a lot this time.”

Qian Jin raised his hand, spinning and compressing Dou Qi rapidly in his palm. Instantly, the gravity under his palm twisted and changed, quickly reaching nearly double the normal gravity. Afterward, no matter how much he enhanced his Dou Qi, he could no longer increase the gravity further.

“Manipulating gravity with Dou Qi?” Enlack’s blade-like pupils flashed with sharp glints. “But this seems to be an incomplete Combat Skill, doesn't it?”

Qian Jin nodded gently; it was indeed incomplete.