(Sweat. I totally forgot about Flora Thrall. When I was writing, I kept feeling like something was missing—turns out it was Flora. Thanks for the reminder, big boss! But the previous chapter can't be edited anymore, so let's just assume Flora Thrall came back with everyone else!)
If I don't leave now, when will I?
With a flicker, Ian Song vanished from where he stood.
Whether those women will settle accounts with me later, I'll worry about it after surviving this disaster.
When he reappeared, Ian Song was already at the Kunlun Mountains' Heaven-Pillar.
He didn't have much time left in the Main World. He had to resolve the Heavenly Court threat as soon as possible. The Yanhuang Republic was thriving now, but Heaven insisted on installing an emperor.
The people had already gotten used to life without an emperor. Suddenly appointing one would throw the Yanhuang Republic into chaos.
This was the last thing Ian Song wanted to see.
Soon, Ian Song used the Heaven-Pillar to ascend to the Heavenly Court.
With a single step, he arrived at the South Heaven Gate.
The previous fierce battle was still fresh in his mind—even more than a hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals weren't a match for this demon. In the end, it was the Grand Supreme Elder who ambushed him with the Diamond Hoop, giving Marshal Li Jing the chance to seal him away in the Exquisite Pagoda.
Now that he's broken out of the Exquisite Pagoda, it shows just how terrifying this demon is. On all of Heaven, probably only that monkey and True Lord Erlang could rival him.
The only reason he led people to surround him was out of duty—otherwise, the Jade Emperor would punish him. Simply put, it was all for show.
And now you're actually shouting about taking him down? If you piss off this demon, the three of us won't survive.
You want to take me down?
Ian Song looked at Longevity Mo with amusement.
Demon, don't get cocky! Watch as I subdue you!
With a shout, Longevity Mo launched an attack at Ian Song.
Seeing this, Mark Mo could only grit his teeth and charge in with Sea Mo.
Scram!
With a casual wave of his hand, Ian Song sent all three Heavenly Kings flying backwards, crashing down hard in front of the South Heaven Gate.
Seeing this, the hundreds of celestial soldiers and generals were gripped by fear. Instinctively, they shrank back with their weapons, but none dared attack.
Taking a step forward, Ian Song appeared before the three Heavenly Kings, gave them a cool glance, then strode into the South Heaven Gate.
"Stop! You're not allowed in!"
Longevity Mo struggled to his feet and charged at Ian Song again.
"You just don't know what's good for you!"
Ian Song's eyes flashed coldly. He waved his hand again, and Longevity Mo felt a massive force slam into him—he shot back like a cannonball, crashed thousands of meters away, spat a mouthful of blood, and fainted.
Mark Mo and Sea Mo exchanged glances, cried out "Fourth Brother!" and rushed over to Longevity Mo, completely ignoring Ian Song as he strode through the South Heaven Gate.
On the other side—
Red Mo pushed his speed to the limit, soon arriving at the Jade Emperor's palace and shouting, "Jade Emperor! Jade Emperor! Something terrible has happened—the demon has escaped!"
"Why are you so flustered, Broad-Eyed Heavenly King? Aren't you afraid of offending the Jade Emperor and getting punished?"
Just then, Elder Yue stepped out of the palace and, seeing the panicked Red Mo, couldn't help but tease him with a smile.
"Elder Yue, that demon has escaped!"
"Which demon?" Elder Yue asked, puzzled.
"The demon from the mortal world—the one Marshal Li sealed away a while ago," Red Mo replied.
"It's him!"
Elder Yue was startled, his expression changed. "Quick, the Jade Emperor is inside—go report immediately!"
"Then I'll go!"
Red Mo nodded and rushed into the palace, shouting again, "Jade Emperor, something terrible has happened—the demon from the mortal world has escaped!"
"What?!"
The Jade Emperor, who had been drinking tea, nearly spilled it all over himself. He took a deep breath to calm down, then quickly said, "Demon Minister, go find Marshal Li and have him lead his three sons and the celestial soldiers to intercept that demon!"
Yes!
Red Mo hurried off. The Jade Emperor then summoned two attendants, instructing one to go to Guanjia Pass, and the other to Huaguo Mountain to invite True Lord Erlang and the Victorious Fighting Buddha.
After the two attendants left, the Jade Emperor still felt uneasy. He headed straight to Doushuai Palace, planning to invite the Grand Supreme Elder to help. In his view, since the demon could escape from the Exquisite Pagoda, his power must rival Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen. With the Grand Supreme Elder holding the fort, things would be more secure.
In the Jade Pool—
A beautiful young girl in a blue cloud dress rushed into a palace.
Inside the palace, the Sixth Princess, Lan'er, was sitting with her knees hugged to her chest, looking forlorn. Beside her, the eldest princess, Hong'er, and the second prince, Cheng'er, were quietly trying to comfort her.
Seeing the blue-clad girl rush in, Hong'er frowned and gently scolded, "Fifth Sister, why are you always so reckless?"
The blue-clad girl quickly said, "Big Sis, Second Sis, Sixth Sis—something terrible happened! No, wait, it's great news! That Demon Song—no, Immortal Song—escaped from Marshal Li's Exquisite Pagoda and has now fought his way to the South Heaven Gate!"
Ah!
The Sixth Princess, Lan'er, who had just looked so forlorn, suddenly brightened with joy. She floated down from her cloud bed, grabbed Qing'er's arm, and exclaimed excitedly, "Fifth Sister, is it true?"
Sixth Sis, you're hurting me!" Qing'er winced in pain.
Sorry, Fifth Sister!" Lan'er quickly let go of Qing'er.
I was sent by Mother to deliver a message to Father Jade Emperor. But as I neared his palace, I saw Sea Mo reporting in a panic, so I hid and eavesdropped. Knowing you were worried about Immortal Song, I rushed back to tell you the good news!
Once it was confirmed, Lan'er's joy grew even greater. She immediately dashed out of the palace.
Hong'er and Cheng'er quickly called out, "Sixth Sister, where are you going?"
I'm going to the South Heaven Gate to find him!
Before she finished speaking, Lan'er's figure had already disappeared from the palace.
Oh no, stop her! If not, she'll cause a huge disaster!
Hong'er and Cheng'er's faces changed. They immediately flew after Lan'er, and seeing this, Qing'er hesitated a moment before following as well.
(Lines 61-70 are missing, but based on the structure, if present, they would continue the palace pursuit and dialogue. If you provide the raw text for 61-70, I will translate them immediately.)