"Why?" Ning Chang's train of thought was already being led by him.

"Because, I have half human blood," Zhou Chen said profoundly.

"What?" Ning Chang was dumbfounded.

"Since we hit it off immediately, I won't hide it from you." Zhou Chen sighed, switching from the royal "we" to "I". From the beginning he was polite and gentle, then imposing, and finally open and frank. Step by step, he imperceptibly made Ning Chang forget his prisoner status, as if he had truly become good friends with the Demon Beast Emperor, chatting leisurely over tea at night.

"The previous generation's Vermilion Bird once loved a human woman. But humans' lifespans are incomparable to demons, let alone divine beasts. So before she died, my father took her blood and merged it with his own."

Even as an immortal with a lifespan longer than the Heavenly Emperor's, upon hearing this, Ning Chang's mind turned to mush and his speech became a bit stuttered. "N-no way, right?"

Zhou Chen put in great effort to persuade him: "Otherwise why would I care about human lives?" He sighed lightly, "No matter what, half of the blood flowing in my body is still human."

At that time in the eyes of the Upper Realm, although the demon beast race had fallen, in the past they were the most noble race. In Ning Chang's view, if it wasn't true, how could the proud Demon Beast Emperor lower himself to admit having the blood of the humble human race?

Very clearly, Zhou Chen's sincere and genuine expression, combined with his own thoughts, made Ning Chang believe this matter. He even started feeling sympathy looking at Zhou Chen's handsome smile. - A Demon Beast Emperor with human blood, to establish his rule among the demon race, who knows what untold hardships he had to experience.

More importantly, Zhou Chen told him this secret, which was equivalent to acknowledging him as an ally, expressing a kind of trust.

The distance between the two instantly closed quite a bit.

Ning Chang paused, finally unable to hold back from picking up the earlier topic: "Then Your Majesty, the matter you spoke of earlier...?"

Zhou Chen blinked, innocently saying: "What did I say earlier?"

Ning Chang could only say: "You said earlier, about establishing a new Heavenly Emperor..."

Zhou Chen seemed to suddenly remember: "Oh, is there a problem with that?"

Now that the situation was reversed, in any case the one making a request wasn't him.

The corner of Ning Chang's mouth twitched, very aware he was at the other's mercy: "This matter is of great importance, I dare not make the decision. However, if Your Majesty has any words you need me to pass on, please give the order!"

Zhou Chen retracted his gaze, smiling faintly: "It's clear to all that Chengming lacks morals, causing the fury of both humans and gods. However, the dethronement of the Heavenly Emperor is your Upper Realm's matter, what business does a mere demon beast like me have meddling? If this succeeds, I have but one request."

Ning Chang concentrated on listening attentively, his body unconsciously sitting up straighter.

Zhou Chen said: "Regardless of the Upper Realm or demon beast race, both must swear an oath that hereafter, neither is allowed to interfere in each other's affairs, and especially cannot recklessly wage war on humans. If there is a need to take military action against humans, it must be jointly decided by both the immortal and demon beast races."

Ning Chang let out a soft sigh of relief, smiling: "Of course."

He had been worried Zhou Chen would make some difficult to achieve demands, and also worried that if he asked for nothing, there would be some trickery. After hearing Zhou Chen's conditions, all his worries disappeared.

In the end, Zhou Chen was still concerned the Upper Realm would launch a war against the demon beasts and wanted to raise the demon beast race's status, that's all. This deal was very reasonable and within Ning Chang's scope of acceptance. Ning Chang believed his other allies in the Upper Realm should also agree to this request.

Zhou Chen's expression was indifferent: "In that case, immortal, you can reveal your trump card?"

Ning Chang sighed: "Your Majesty jests, what trump card do I have. To be honest, among the seven palaces and eighteen halls in the Heavenly Court now, I only have a deep friendship with Chang Le, the head of Chuyuan Palace. I'm confident I can persuade him. As for the other eighteen halls, I occupy one, my wife occupies one. Although there are a few others who haven't sided with the Heavenly Emperor, they aren't necessarily close with me either."

This was the reason why Zhou Chen "invited" Ning Chang here.

Secondly, this person's foundation in the Upper Realm was deep enough and his lifespan was even longer than the current Heavenly Emperor's. He had a wide network, just usually disliked conflict.

Back then, based on merits and influence, the Heavenly Emperor position was out of his reach. He also never had that ambition, but a cornered dog will jump over a wall, let alone the seemingly unthreatening Ning Chang. Because of his youngest daughter's death, a deep rift had indeed opened up between him and the Heavenly Emperor.

He just felt his strength was insufficient, so he had to bitterly endure and concede. But now if he had the demon race's aid, it wasn't impossible for him to contend against the Heavenly Emperor.

Zhou Chen smiled: "That's very good. You just do what you're confident in. For those whose stances are undetermined, there's no need to win them over and startle the snake in the grass. Your status is noble, I also don't want you to take risks."

However, Ning Chang's face showed no joy: "Chengming being able to hold his position in the Upper Realm while going against the natural order for so long means he's not easy to deal with. I'm afraid my bit of strength is far from enough. If I'm exposed and in the end can't succeed, that would be a total loss. I don't mind my soul and spirit being scattered, but I can't implicate my wife, children and friends."

Zhou Chen said: "This matter is originally do or die. Immortal, if you don't believe me, I can make a blood oath with you."

Ning Chang startled and stared fixedly at Zhou Chen.

A blood oath was equivalent to an intangible contract, just using the Heavenly Dao and one's own spiritual power as the basis. Oath breakers will inevitably receive extremely severe punishment, allowing not the slightest falsehood. Zhou Chen knew his concerns, yet was willing to make a blood oath with him, showing sufficient sincerity.

Ning Chang was silent for a while before finally making up his mind, resolutely saying: "So be it. Since Your Majesty also has this intention, what harm is there in me risking my life to accompany you!"

Zhou Chen laughed brightly, "Well said!"

With that, he flipped his right hand up, slightly rolling up his long flowing sleeve. The fingernail on his other hand's index finger lightly scratched his wrist, a red wound appearing along with the motion.

Blood flowed out from the wound but didn't drip down. Instead, it floated up drop by drop with Zhou Chen's words, forming a seal in midair.

"I, Zhou Chen, Emperor of the Demon Beast Race, am willing to make a contract with Ning Chang to jointly destroy the Heavenly Emperor Chengming. With the Heavenly Dao as witness, we will not rest until death!"

Naturally, Ning Chang also cut open his wrist and made an oath in the same way.

After completing the oath, Ning Chang felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted: "Many thanks for Your Majesty's understanding!"

Zhou Chen: "No need for courtesy, we each get what we need. As long as Chengming remains for even a day, neither of us will have peace."

Ning Chang nodded, saying: "Indeed, this person's methods are vicious to a horrifying degree. I wonder where Your Majesty plans to start?"

Zhou Chen said: "Flying Shadow Palace."

Ning Chang was stunned for a moment before suddenly realizing: "A divide and conquer strategy?"

Zhou Chen nodded: "Putting aside their identities as Chengming's confidants, the two already despise each other. We only need to find opportunities in daily life to sow discord with a few words. Given enough time, it's guaranteed they will develop a grudge."

Ning Chang laughed: "That's easy. My wife has a bit of a friendship with that Feiying Palace's Huan Chu's immortal partner. We can start with her, as pillow talk is most effective."

Zhou Chen said: "Remember, less is more. Just a hint is enough."

Ning Chang smiled and nodded: "Rest assured, Your Majesty. With your help now, it's like adding wings to a tiger! Besides this, I have another plan."

Zhou Chen said: "Please elaborate."

Ning Chang gave a cold laugh and said softly: "Target Chengming himself."

The two talked for half the night. According to the plan, Zhou Chen had people injure Ning Chang to make it look like he was tortured for information. To be convincing, the injuries had to be real, not fake. Ning Chang had most of his spiritual power drained, nearly losing half his life. Covered in wounds, he was "sent back" to the Upper Realm.

Zhou Chen rubbed his temples, a hint of fatigue appearing between his brows. Looking at the brilliant lantern lights outside, the bright moon high above, he let out a soft sigh. He took off the lotus tassel jade crown on his head, his jet-black hair instantly cascading down, covering his shoulders.

"I wonder what Ah Yin is doing now?" he murmured, then raised his voice slightly, "Who's outside?"

"It is I, your subject," the voice was mellow and gentle.

"Come in." Without outsiders present, Zhou Chen no longer needed to maintain his regal bearing, lazily leaning back.

The person who entered was dressed in white robes. Being of the demon race, his appearance was naturally good, but there was also an indescribable difference about his face. He had an innate aura that made people feel peaceful and tranquil, as if just seeing him would make one involuntarily fond of him.

Li Ying, travel-worn, did not forget to respectfully salute: "This subject did not fail the mission and has brought back the Demon Beast Lord's letter."

With that, he took out an object from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

Zhou Chen took it and opened it. After reading for a while, he finally showed a slight smile: "Who says humans are treacherous and cunning? I think they're not even one-tenth as good as the demon race."

Li Ying did not hide his worry: "I'm afraid the demon race doesn't have good intentions. They want to take advantage of the conflict between our demon beast race and the Upper Realm to benefit as a third party. Even if the Respected Lord sends a letter to explain, it will be difficult to dispel their thoughts."

Zhou Chen said: "I never intended to dispel their thoughts. If the demon race wants to get involved, then let them. They can't enter the North Sea Ruins and can only target the Primordial Continent. The continent is already in chaos with demon beasts rampaging. If the demon race is added, it will be even more lively!"

Li Ying perked up: "You mean...?"

Zhou Chen said: "Since the Upper Realm has blamed the demon beasts on us, we can also push the matter onto the demon race. Demon Lord Rong Yu hates the Upper Realm the most and will definitely think it's the Upper Realm's scheme. By then, the Heavenly Emperor will be attacked from both sides, busy with his hands and feet. He will inevitably have less attention to manage his Heavenly Court."

Li Ying understood and laughed: "When the time comes, Ning Chang's side can come in handy. This chain of stratagems is truly brilliant. This subject is convinced and in awe of the Respected Lord's wisdom!"

Ning Chang was an immortal of the Upper Realm. Following the customs of the Upper Realm's immortal race, he naturally addressed Zhou Chen as "Your Majesty". But within the demon race, when addressing the Demon Emperor, the customary term was "Respected Lord".

Zhou Chen rolled his eyes: "The divine beast Bai Ze is clearly a benevolent beast. When did it become a boot-licking beast? And if you want to flatter, can't you use some fresh words to let me feel your sincerity?"

Li Ying, with an honest and simple face, said the exact opposite: "Respected Lord is wise. Every word this subject speaks comes from the bottom of my heart. If not for the Respected Lord, I'm afraid the demon beast race would still be a loose sand, and would never have today's situation.

"Every time I think of this, I wish I could spend 12 hours a day licking the Respected Lord's boots. The Respected Lord is divinely martial and extraordinary, exuding a kingly aura. In the future, let alone unifying the demon beast race, I'm afraid unifying the three realms is also just around the corner!"

Zhou Chen's mouth twitched: "Isn't it just because I sent you out on a mission on the third day of your wedding? Do you have to hold such a grudge?"

"How dare this subject? This subject..." Li Ying's words suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed on Zhou Chen's wrist.

Zhou Chen, hearing his voice cut off abruptly, also followed his gaze to look at his own hand.

Just now, because of making a blood oath, his sleeve was rolled up and not put down. Thus, on his right arm near the elbow, a gold talisman the size of a fingernail was exposed. If one didn't examine carefully, it would definitely not be noticeable.

Zhou Chen nonchalantly put down his sleeve.

But Li Ying's voice was very shocked: "You, you made a heart-bound blood contract?!"

Zhou Chen didn't say anything.

Li Ying was so anxious he stood up, thinking Zhou Chen didn't know the use of this talisman: "How can the Respected Lord be so rash! This heart-bound blood contract...!"

Zhou Chen calmly continued: "The heart-bound blood contract, life and death together, sharing fortune and misfortune. So what?"

Li Ying calmed his agitated emotions a bit and said with a bitter smile: "It seems you do know. Once this heart-bound blood contract is made, it's 'till death do us part' and cannot be undone. The Respected Lord having a beloved, we subordinates can only be happy for you. But why did you have to, have to..."

He composed himself, thinking of the many young demon beast girls in the North Sea Ruins who were infatuated with the person in front of him, and couldn't help sighing: "This subject is really curious. I wonder who has such great fortune to have you willing to share half your lifespan with them?"

Zhou Chen smiled slightly: "Without him, even if I had the same lifespan as heaven and earth, what would be the point?"

Seeing Li Ying prick up his ears, he added: "You don't need to hurry to find out. You'll know in the future."

With that, he stretched lazily and glanced at him. "Does my beloved subject still want to stay and attend to me in bed?"

This was telling him to leave. Li Ying suppressed his extremely curious mind and said with great understanding: "This subject takes his leave."

As soon as he left, Zhou Chen immediately took out a palm-sized mirror from somewhere and said gleefully: "Ah Yin, wifey, dear, I'm coming to see you!"

He made a few strokes on it with his finger. The mirror surface gradually changed from chaos to clarity, revealing the scene inside.

At that time, Zhou Yin was in the Tianyan Sect plaza, saying that if he lost he would strip.

Zhou Chen watched, gritting his teeth. I haven't even seen it, whoever dares to look, I'll kill their whole family!

But he had not the slightest resentment towards Zhou Yin. In his heart, let alone getting angry at Zhou Yin, he couldn't even bear to say a harsh word.

How could my Ah Yin, such a perfect person, possibly be wrong? It's always other people who are wrong!

Next was naturally Zhou Yin's magical duel with Qin Wuji. He couldn't help but pick it up to watch, staring intently, sometimes happy, sometimes angry, sometimes worried, sometimes grinning foolishly, completely lacking the bearing and manner from before. Anyone who didn't know would think he was a lunatic.

He stared at it for a while, then suddenly slammed his hand heavily on the desk, startling the guards at the door who thought something had happened and were about to rush in.

Then they heard a cold laugh from inside: "Damn it, you dare to bully my wife? You must be tired of living!"