Behind him, another spray of water vapor was forcefully ejected from a spout, like an unwilling sigh.

At this moment, the river demon’s deep voice finally echoed across both banks: "I concede, spare me!" He realized now, though he hadn’t used all his power, the opponent hadn’t even used any divine skills, yet had managed to beat him dizzy merely with physical strength. The gap in strength between the two was too great; the opponent indeed harbored a murderous intent. If he hesitated any longer, he might end up decapitated, staining the river with his blood.

Obediently, it moved towards the shore, but its enormous body couldn’t get close to land. Changtian jumped down from its massive skull, still walking on water, and returned to Ning Xiaoxian’s side.

She looked at this behemoth now lying meekly among the waves, accepting Changtian’s interrogation: "In the temple, how did you choose her?"

A pair of huge eyes instantly turned to her: "Chose this... lady of yours?" He fumbled with his words, evidently unsure how to address Ning Xiaoxian. Yet the confusion in his speech was not concealed at all.

Changtian was about to speak when his brows suddenly furrowed, glancing toward the bushes by the shore: "Interesting. So late, yet you still have visitors. Quite a few are coming."

He and Ning Xiaoxian came to the river on a whim, so those arriving must be looking for the giant monster in the river, not them.

Indeed, after several breaths, ten or so shadows emerged from all directions, even across the river, surrounding the pair and the giant beast.

After these people stood still, they remained silent. Only one person stepped forward, addressing Changtian and Ning Xiaoxian: "We are here by order to capture this abomination, not wanting to harm anyone accidentally. Please, two Daoists, leave quickly."

This person wore a tall hat and broad robe with a jade belt, appearing elegant and amiable. But the giant demon in the river, upon seeing him and hearing his voice, became so agitated that even its body trembled, and the splashes on the shore turned into waves.

Clearly, the grudge between them was quite significant.

Since Changtian had subdued this giant creature, how could he let the others enjoy the fruits of his labor without any effort? Ning Xiaoxian chuckled: "What did it do to you for you to call it an abomination?"

Her words carried a hint of sarcasm.

Yet from the moment this scholar saw her, he had a contemplative look on his face. As she spoke, his expression softened, and he said: "It caused storms and floods along the White Wave River, submerging fertile fields along both shores, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. Such an abomination, the King Jinghai Mansion will not let it off."

He spoke righteously, but Changtian and Ning Xiaoxian only focused on the words "King Jinghai Mansion." The two exchanged glances, both feeling curious. The King Jinghai Mansion was tens of thousands of miles to the north, yet these people first went to the Southern White Wave River to create problems for this giant monster, meddling too much in others’ affairs, as it was another sect’s territory. Then they pursued the giant demon all the way from the south to the northwest. Their patience, perseverance, and firm determination to slay demons and exorcise spirits were truly admirable.

The premise is, these people are truly here to rid the world of harm for the people.

Heh, the chance of that is probably about the same as a thunderstorm on a sunny day, right? Not to mention how many demons trouble the world, even within the King Jinghai Mansion’s territory, there are numerous troublemaking demons. How come they don’t deal with those first?

The giant demon in the water was also very perceptive, remaining silent. Since it just acknowledged a new boss, it was now time to hide behind the new boss for shelter. Though its form was massive, it wasn’t foolish. The accusations from the people of the King Jinghai Mansion were as good as baseless to a demon like it, and there was no need for it to explain itself.

It was Ning Xiaoxian who spoke again, her voice unusually serious: "In that case, you are truly acting for heaven, commendable and admirable! Hearing you say this, it indeed seems that this demon’s crimes are numerous and cannot be spared lightly!"

Her words left both sides dumbfounded, the people from the King Jinghai Mansion looked perplexed, while the giant monster felt restless, thinking this woman actually believes such an excuse; will it perish here tonight? It hurriedly opened its mouth to speak, but Changtian transmitted a message to it: "Shut up!"

His voice was stern, carrying a force that commanded respect. The giant monster’s heart trembled, instinctively closing its mouth, not daring to make a sound.

Changtian knew that she had many tricks up her sleeve and wondered how she would handle these people. Despite his frustration, he couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Sure enough, she continued: "Since this demon entered the Hidden Stream’s territory, the Hidden Stream absolutely will not let it go. We will bind it tightly and escort it back to the Ba Snake Mountain Range. The King Jinghai Mansion can rest assured." Her words sounded reasonable at first. This place was less than ten thousand miles from the Ba Snake Mountain Range. Since the Hidden Stream had been expanding its territory through conquests for the past three years, the small town they were in was indeed within the Hidden Stream’s territory.

If the Hidden Stream wanted to exercise lordship over its territory, wouldn’t that be normal? Here, it involved an unspoken rule among the Immortal Sect and Demon Sect: since the territories of most Immortal Sects were vast, cultivators’ primary focus was on cultivating themselves, so they usually managed their territories loosely. In remote places like towns or counties, it was common for various spirit monsters to be worshipped as mountain or water gods. The spirit monsters received incense offerings, while humans received some benefits. The Immortal Sect would turn a blind eye as long as it didn’t threaten their rule.

However, this didn’t mean the Immortal Sect could allow another sect to wreak havoc in their domain, hunt their monsters, or take profit from their territory!

So, after Ning Xiaoxian’s words, a dominating aura emanated from her, the oppressive feeling of a late-stage Integration cultivator enveloping the scene. Ever since she began her westward journey, she was used to being self-reliant, solving her troubles herself. Even with the great BOSS standing right behind her, her first instinct was not to rely on him.

Changtian knew this was her subconscious reaction, a wave of tenderness rose within him, dissipating much of his anger. Despite having his arms crossed as he watched, he was pondering over ways to make her depend on him more.

"You two are people of the Hidden Stream? Can you act as its representatives?" The other party didn’t expect her to respond like this, momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure and retorted.

"Of course we can." She waved her hand twice towards Changtian, who understood, taking a token from his pocket and handing it to her.

She displayed the token to the people in front of her: "Seeing the token is like seeing the person. Does anyone have further questions?"

This token was round at the top and flat at the bottom, a snake coiled intricately at its center, mouth closed, eyes slightly shut, not appearing menacing but exuding an innate majestic might. Needless to describe the craftsmanship, most crucially, the token was a brilliant golden hue, matching Changtian’s eyes perfectly. Those present had keen eyesight, so they wouldn’t mistake the token as merely made of gold. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)