Reality proved that it was easier to get things done with connections. Under the guidance of a few powerful demons, the North County demons quickly became demons and became citizens of the Great Zhou.
However, other than the North County, Li Mu did not have such connections in other places.
Of the 36 counties in the Great Zhou, only the North County responded to the imperial court's call. It was far from enough.
Li Mu gathered the Green Bull Demon, Tiger Demon, Rat Demon, and the other demons and asked, "Do you have any relatives or friends in other counties? It's best if you know them well and have good natures …"
The demons all shook their heads. They were all born and raised in the North County and did not know any foreign demons.
The Tiger King thought for a while and suddenly said, "My aunt married to Yunzhong County decades ago. I have a cousin in Yunzhong County, but I haven't contacted him for a few years."
Li Mu asked, "What's his cultivation level?"
The Tiger King said, "He condensed a demon core three years ago. He should be in the fourth realm now."
Li Mu clapped his hands. "He's the one then."
Yunzhong County was not far from the North County. The Tiger King sent his subordinates to Yunzhong County to invite his cousin, whom he had not seen for many years, to celebrate with him.
The two brothers had not seen each other for a few years and their relationship had faded a lot. However, when he heard that his cousin had advanced to the Demon King Realm, Hu Qiang still brought enough congratulatory gifts and came personally.
In the Great Zhou, as long as a Demon King of the fifth realm did not act arrogantly near the Divine Capital, he could do whatever he wanted.
He had a Demon King cousin in the North County. When the other demons in Yunzhong County saw him, they had to give him some face.
He had to use this opportunity to get in touch with his cousin again.
In the mountains of the North County, Hu Qiang rode on a fierce tiger. He patted the head of the tiger under him and asked, "Have we arrived?"
The tiger opened its mouth and said, "Your Majesty, we're almost there."
The tiger ran for 15 minutes in the forest and finally arrived at a mountain.
Two transformed demons stood at the intersection and stopped them. They asked, "Who are you? Tell me your name!"
The tiger said, "The king on my back is the Tiger King's cousin. Hurry up and let us in."
After the two shapeshifting monsters checked the invitation, they immediately stepped aside.
Hu Qiang got off the tiger and walked into a tall gate. The gate had the words "North County Demon Division" carved on it. The gate was ten meters tall and had all sorts of mysterious runes carved on it. Hu Qiang felt dizzy after looking at it for a while. He quickly looked away and did not dare to look anymore.
Hu Qiang stepped into the gatehouse and took another step forward. Then, he stopped.
The air here was filled with dense Spirit Qi, which was many times denser than the Spirit Qi in his cave abode in Yunzhong County.
He took a deep breath and coughed due to the impact of the spiritual aura.
Hu Qiang's eyes lit up. If he could cultivate in such a place, wouldn't his cultivation soar?
Bathing in such dense spiritual energy, he would be able to advance to the fifth realm in another ten years.
"Hahaha, cousin, long time no see." A hearty laugh came from the front. Hu Qiang looked over and a smile appeared on his face. He quickly walked over and said, "Congratulations on advancing to the Archfiend Realm, cousin …"
The Tiger King put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Let's go. Let's have a good drink today."
Hu Qiang followed the Tiger King for a few steps and saw a magnificent house in front of him. If he was not in the mountains, he would have thought that he was in a human town.
As Hu Qiang walked, he asked, "Cousin, what's going on?"
The Tiger King laughed and said, "Your cousin is now the North County Demon Commander of the Great Zhou. I'm in charge of the demons in the North County. Of course, I can't live as casually as before."
Hu Qiang was shocked and asked, "Cousin, have you submitted to the imperial court?"
The Tiger King said unhappily, "Submit? What do you mean submit? I'm in charge of the demons, protect them, and work for them. How can that be considered submitting?"
"Don't call me that …" Hu Qiang said a few words and asked expectantly, "Cousin, can I come here to cultivate in the future?"
The Tiger King said, "You're doing well in Yunzhong County. What are you doing here?"
Hu Qiang said honestly, "The Spiritual Qi here is much more abundant than in my cave abode. It's faster to cultivate here …"
The Tiger King glanced at him and said, "Look at you. It's just a Spirit Gathering Array. When the time comes, I'll get someone to set one up for you."
Hu Qiang quickly said, "No need, no need. I'll just cultivate with you …"
He was not stupid. Without strength, what was the use of a Spirit Gathering Array?
In the Great Zhou, the blessed grotto-heavens with abundant Spiritual Qi were all occupied by humans. Some of the inferior cave abodes that human cultivators looked down on were also occupied by demon cultivators. He was just a small demon of the fourth realm. If he cultivated in such a place with abundant Spiritual Qi, it would not be long before a stronger human or demon took over his cave abode. They would use his tiger skin as a blanket and cut off his penis to make wine …
To them, possessing treasures that did not match their strength was akin to wishing for an early death.
The Tiger King led him into the house that he had just built and said, "Actually, I've asked you to come here for an important matter. You should know that the imperial court is planning to establish a Demon Division in each county to manage the demon race. There are no suitable candidates in Yunzhong County for the time being. Do you want to be the Demon Commander of the Demon Division in Yunzhong County?"
Hu Qiang was stunned for a moment and then shook his head repeatedly. It was common knowledge among the demon race that humans could not be trusted. If he became a lackey of the human imperial court, not only would he be in danger, he would also be ridiculed by all the demon race.
Hu Li did not force him and said, "Since you're not willing, then forget it."
He took out a flying sword and a few bottles of elixirs and placed them on the table.
Hu Qiang's tiger eyes sparkled. The flying sword had a strong Spiritual Qi. At first glance, he could tell that it was not an ordinary magical weapon. It was much better than his own weapon. The Spiritual Qi on the surface of these bottles of elixirs made him restless.
He looked at the Tiger King and was excited. Did his cousin give him all these?
The Tiger King said, "You're more familiar with Yunzhong County than I am. Take these things. When you return to Yunzhong County, help me ask if there are any Core Condensation demons who are willing to be the Demon Commander of Yunzhong County. Then, give these things to them. This sword is a product of the North Sect. These elixirs can increase their Spiritual Qi. When they have enough Spiritual Qi, the imperial court will give them a Realm Breaking Pill to help them break through to the fifth realm. The imperial court plans to let all the Demon Commanders reach the fifth realm within three years.
Hu Qiang took a deep breath and put away these things. He said seriously, "Don't worry, cousin. I'll help you pass on the message."
He stayed for a night and left early the next morning.
Three days later, he sent someone to report that there were no monsters in the Yunzhong Commandery who were willing to be the Demon Medallion. However, in order to live up to his cousin's trust, he was willing to take up the responsibility of the Demon Medallion. He would unite the monsters in the Yunzhong Commandery and cooperate with the imperial court to do his part in building a civilized, harmonious, free and equal Great Zhou.
In the North County Demon Division, Li Mu stared at the cauldron in front of him.
Refining elixirs was more difficult than writing talismans. He had to control the flame and the precious elixirs in the cauldron.
Every time he sweated, Yin Xin would take out a handkerchief and gently wipe it for him.
It was very difficult to gain something without risking anything. The reason why the North County was so successful was because of the White Demon King. If he wanted to rope in demons from other places, it was the same as rogue cultivators. He had to give them enough benefits to move them.
A relationship of interest was the most intimate relationship.
Compared to humans, demons had too few resources. Their grotto-heavens and blessed lands were all occupied by humans. They could only cultivate in barren hills and unruly rivers with thin Spirit Qi. Humans had Spirit Jades and pills for cultivation, but demons could only rely on the Spirit Qi floating in the air.
In the Demon Clan's Heavenly Book, there were many elixirs for demons to increase their cultivation.
Li Mu doesn't have any high level elixirs in his hand, but it's more than enough for him to concoct some elixirs that are suitable for Core Condensation monsters.
It was difficult for demons to cultivate, and it wasn't easy for them to take shortcuts. Not many demons could resist the temptation of elixirs.
Li Mu had already asked Green Ox and Tiger King to use all their connections to invite the demons from the neighboring counties to come here and observe. They could make their own choices.
The effect of this was very obvious.
The Spiritual Qi was much thicker than their cultivation cauldrons, and the treatment of the North County Demon Division's officials made the demons envious. What made them unable to control themselves was the imperial court's promise to raise all demon tokens to the fifth realm within three years.
This was definitely a great opportunity to reach the heavens in one step. If they cultivated by themselves, it would take at least a few years to reach the fifth realm from the fourth realm. They might not even be able to cross that hurdle in their lifetime. If they missed this opportunity, it might become their lifelong regret.
Green Ox and Tiger Demon had already proven this point. A few months ago, the two demons' strength was clearly similar to theirs. In just a few months, the gap between them was like heaven and earth.
Immediately, the demons of four counties expressed their willingness to cooperate with the imperial court to establish a Demon Division to manage the demons of the counties.
After sending off the demons of the counties, Green Ox heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Only Jiujiang County is left."
This time, they invited a total of five counties' demons. Only Jiujiang County had not responded. Not only that, but the two demons sent by Green Ox and Tiger King had also not returned.
Li Mu asked, "What powerful demons are there in Jiujiang County?"
Tiger King said, "Jiujiang County has the Black Bear Tribe. They rule over the demons of Jiujiang County. The Black Bear King reached the fifth realm a long time ago and is on par with Big Brother. A few of his bear cubs are also at the fourth realm. It's one of the stronger counties of the demon race."
Green Ox Demon asked, "Should I go take a look?"
Li Mu said, "Let me go."
Jiujiang County was adjacent to the demon country and did not have any orthodox sects overseeing it. It was not an exaggeration to say that it was the most chaotic county in the Great Zhou. The demons there were even more unscrupulous. Compared to the North County, it was more important to restrain the demons of Jiujiang County.
Accompanied by Yinxin, Li Mu personally flew to the territory of the Black Bear Tribe in Jiujiang County.
On the flying boat, Bai Yinxin said doubtfully, "The demon kings of the nearby counties all know each other. Back then, Father brought me and Tingxin to the Black Bear Tribe. Although the Black Bear King looks fierce, he's actually a reasonable demon king. He usually restrains his subordinates and does not let them harm humans. Logically speaking, he should agree to this matter that benefits both humans and demons."
Regardless of whether he was a reasonable bear or not, incorporating the demons was the imperial court's policy. It would not change for anyone.
The demons of the counties could choose not to cooperate with the imperial court and not be registered as demons. However, if anyone dared to openly oppose the imperial court, they would not have a good ending.
The two flew for more than two hours and entered the territory of Jiujiang County. Bai Yinxin pointed at a mountain in front and said, "It's there. That's the cave of the Black Bear Tribe."
Li Mu and she landed on a mountain. Bai Yinxin said doubtfully, "That's strange. There should be bear demons guarding this place. Where did they go?"
Li Mu sensed and discovered a few powerful demon auras in the distance. He said in a low voice, "Don't speak. Follow me."
Black Bear Ridge.
To the people of Jiujiang County, this name was perhaps unfamiliar. Jiujiang County had many mountains and many demons in the mountains. The people usually did not go deep into the mountains. Even the boldest woodcutter only moved about halfway up the mountain.
However, to the demons of Jiujiang County, there was not a single demon that did not know about Black Bear Ridge.
That was the territory of the Bear Demon Clan. The leader of the Bear Demon Clan was a Level-5 Bear Demon. He was one of the few Demon Clan experts in the Jiujiang County. Other Demon Clans did not dare to provoke the Bear Demon Clan.
However, at this moment, the bear demons that dominated Jiujiang County were in an extremely miserable state.
A few bear demons that had yet to take human form were tied to trees. They were being whipped until their skin and flesh were lacerated. They kept howling.
The bear demons that had taken human form and condensed their golden core were enraged. They wanted to save them, but they were also in danger. Under the attacks of the other figures, they could not fight back at all.
The only fifth realm bear demon was trapped in a huge barrier of light and could not escape.
A handsome man looked at the bear demon within the light barrier and said with a smile, "How about it? Agree to our conditions and I'll immediately release your subordinates. If you still refuse to come to your senses, I'll kill a black bear every fifteen minutes and chop off its paws …"
The bear demon said angrily, "I have no intention of becoming your enemy, nor will I submit to the Great Zhou court. Why must you force me?"
The handsome man shook his head. "In our eyes, if you're not a friend, you're an enemy. You've already wasted some time. Once we're done with their paws, it'll be your turn."
The bear demon growled, "The Great Zhou court will not let you go!"
The handsome man looked at him with a hint of killing intent. He said calmly, "I hate it when people threaten me with the human court. It seems like you've already made your choice."
He looked at the person beside him and said, "Do it."
That person pulled out his long saber and walked towards the bear demons tied to the tree.
"There's something to go with tonight's wine." He looked at a bear demon and licked his lips. The long saber in his hand chopped down without hesitation.
Thud.
Soon, the sound of something heavy falling to the ground could be heard.
The saber in that person's hand fell to the ground. He also fell head first, foaming at the mouth. A faint green color appeared on his face.
Thud, thud!
People around them began to fall to the ground. In the blink of an eye, only three people were left standing.
A barrier of light suddenly appeared around the handsome man, blocking a poisonous arrow that was aimed at his throat.
The other two figures also blocked the poisonous arrow. They flew behind the handsome man and vigilantly observed their surroundings.
The handsome man looked at his subordinates who had fallen to the ground. His expression was gloomy. He shouted, "Who dares to stab us in the back? Come out if you dare!"
Two figures walked out from behind a large tree in front of them.
They were a man and a woman. Both of them were young and handsome. The young man looked at the handsome man and said calmly, "So it's you, the fox, who's playing tricks."
The handsome man stared at him and asked, "Who are you?"
Li Mu was too lazy to talk nonsense with him. He waved his hand and a golden light shot out, binding the three people tightly.
The Immortal Binding Lock was the most practical of all the treasures the Empress gave him. It was so fast that ordinary fifth realm cultivators would not be able to react to it. They would be bound in an instant.
Incorporating the demon race was beneficial to the imperial court. As expected, the Demon Sect would not just stand by and do nothing.
However, he did not know who ordered this fox from the Meizong Sect. Phantom Princess's subordinates would not do such a thing.
Li Mu walked in front of the trapped fifth realm bear demon. He slammed his palm, and the golden light barrier shattered. The bear demon was freed. He bowed to Li Mu and said respectfully, "Thank you for saving me …"
Li Mu said, "No need to thank me. Whether human or demon, they are all citizens of the Great Zhou. Protecting the citizens of the Great Zhou is the duty of the Consecration Department."
The bear demon's eyes flashed. He bowed to Li Mu again and went to rescue his trapped subordinates.
The three fifth realm cultivators, including the handsome man, did not expect to be captured by the young man in front of them. They could not use their magic power and were extremely shocked.
At this moment, three powerful auras were approaching rapidly from afar.
Feeling the three auras, Li Mu's expression changed but quickly returned to normal.
The three demons that were bound by the Immortal Binding Chains were overjoyed. They shouted, "Lord Phantom Princess, save us!"
The three figures arrived in an instant. Two demons and one ghost landed in front of Li Mu.
Li Mu looked at Phantom Princess, Hu Jiu and Hu Liu. He said, "Three foxes, we meet again."
Phantom Princess looked at the three tied up people and said, "Give them to me."
Li Mu asked, "Do you know what they did?"
Phantom Princess said, "I did not give them such an order. I will bring them back and deal with them."
Li Mu thought for a while and said, "The imperial court owes you a lot. I can give you face and give them to you. However, I will destroy their cultivation as punishment."
The three demons said in fear, "Lord Phantom Princess, no!"
A trace of hesitation appeared in Phantom Princess's eyes. Seeing the tragic state of the bear demon, she finally nodded.
Li Mu's fingers were like lightning. He pointed at each of the three demons. The auras of the three demons immediately withered. Most of the spiritual power in their bodies dissipated. They could only barely maintain their human forms.
Li Mu took back the Immortal Binding Chains. Phantom Princess waved her hand and the three demons were taken into the Flask Heaven Space.
She looked up at Li Mu again and said with a complicated expression, "I didn't expect you to really do it."
Li Mu said, "I'm a real man, I'll keep my word."
Phantom Princess thought for a moment and said, "If what you said is true, Meizong will not go against the Great Zhou court in the future."
She did not say anything more. She looked back at Hu Liu and Hu Jiu and whispered, "Let's go."
Hu Jiu looked at Yin Xin beside Li Mu and said, "I was right. You really like to play with snakes. Li Mu, you can reconsider what I said last time. We also have snake demons in Thousand Fox Country. They are twin sisters. I promise you they won't let you down …"
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