Within the Haotian Mirror.
Before the entire dragon clan's secret realm completely collapsed, Gongsun Yajiu managed to escape with Xiao Fan.
The demon clan sages waiting outside the secret realm smiled upon seeing Gongsun Yajiu emerge.
They owed her a significant favor for this success.
Upon returning to the demon clan, they would undoubtedly fully support Gongsun Yajiu, the holy maiden, as the top contender for the position of the demon clan leader.
With the backing of these demon guardians, Gongsun Yajiu's future position in the demon clan would be unassailable.
However, seeing Gongsun Yajiu holding a crippled human, one of the demon sages frowned. "Holy Maiden Gongsun, who is this human?"
"Esteemed elders of the demon clan, it was this human who greatly aided us in thwarting the dragon clan's plan and delayed them for you," Gongsun Yajiu replied humbly, though she was inwardly apprehensive.
Although the demon clan and the human clan were not as irreconcilable as the dragon clan, their relationship was far from amicable. Conflicts were frequent.
Some demons had a taste for human flesh, so the relationship was inherently strained.
Gongsun Yajiu feared that bringing Xiao Fan back to the demon clan for treatment would face significant resistance.
Indeed, the demon experts still handling the aftermath glared at the unconscious Xiao Fan with murderous intent.
The demon sage pondered for a moment before speaking solemnly, "If that is the case, leave two demons here to care for him."
"Holy Maiden Gongsun, you have achieved great merit. Come back with us to receive your reward!"
With that, the sage attempted to lead Gongsun Yajiu away.
However, Gongsun Yajiu quickly interjected, "Elder, I have a request."
"This human has saved my life. I wish to bring him back to the clan for treatment," she said earnestly.
Xiao Fan was gravely injured, sustained only by a thread of her qi protecting his heart meridian. Any slight mistake could cost his life.
Considering the demon clan's aversion to humans, leaving two demons to care for Xiao Fan would be like sending a lamb to the slaughter.
Moreover, Xiao Fan's current condition was partially due to her delay, which had caused Long Xiaoxiao to go berserk.
Although unforeseeable factors influenced her judgment, she bore undeniable responsibility.
Thus, both emotionally and rationally, she felt compelled to personally take Xiao Fan back and care for him.
The demon sage's face darkened. "Holy Maiden Gongsun, do you realize what you are doing?"
Gongsun Yajiu's great accomplishments would elevate her status within the demon clan. However, bringing Xiao Fan, a human, back for treatment would create a huge uproar.
If she were an ordinary demon, no one would pay much attention. But as one of the holy maidens and the top contender for the demon clan leader, her every move was under scrutiny.
Any entanglement with a human could be used against her by rivals.
"Thank you for your advice, elder, but I know what I'm doing," Gongsun Yajiu replied solemnly.
The sages exchanged frustrated glances but left without further persuasion.
Gongsun Yajiu sighed deeply as she looked at the unconscious Xiao Fan in her arms.
"Xiao Fan, I have paid a great price to save you. How will you repay me in the future?"
Carefully cradling Xiao Fan, Gongsun Yajiu followed the demon clan back.
She had considered leaving Xiao Fan in a human territory for care, but as a holy maiden, she was expected to stay within the demon clan for training unless on a special mission.
Leaving without cause and mingling with humans would provide ammunition for her rivals to accuse her of treason, implicating her family and clan.
Bringing Xiao Fan back would also spark controversy, but it would be out in the open.
Her rivals might accuse her of disregarding demon honor, but they couldn't accuse her of betrayal.
Thus, she decided to bring Xiao Fan back to the demon clan.
Endless Demon Domain
The Endless Demon Domain, the demon clan's stronghold, was a forbidden zone for humans.
To enter, one had to pass through a swamp filled with toxic mists and countless poisonous creatures and plants, where even a slight mistake could be fatal.
Few humans dared to venture here. Even demons could suffer if unaware of the safe paths.
Anyone lucky enough to survive the swamp would face a primal forest teeming with bloodthirsty beasts.
These beasts were demons who had lost their sanity due to cultivation mishaps, and even fellow demons avoided them.
Beyond this forest stood a towering city wall, behind which lay the demon clan's base.
It was called the Endless Demon Domain because its boundary was an endless sea.
According to demon legends, this sea hid the ancient Demon Emperor's legacy.
Despite countless attempts, no one had found it, but the search had become a rite of passage for young demons.
On the way back, Gongsun Yajiu noticed Xiao Fan's eyes flutter open slightly, showing some consciousness. She began to narrate the demon clan's history and culture, as if to distract him from painful memories.
She wasn't sure why she did this. Was she trying to divert Xiao Fan's attention from sorrowful thoughts?
The thought puzzled her, wondering when she became so considerate.
As they approached the city walls of the Endless Demon Domain, Gongsun Yajiu shook her head to clear away distracting thoughts.
Who knew what awaited her upon her return?