novelapdf Chapter 208 A Benevolent Act: The Demon Emperor Makes His Decision
Chapter 208 A Benevolent Act: The Demon Emperor Makes His Decision
Jiang Hao simply raised his hand and made a light sweeping motion in the air in front of him.
The space rippled like water, and a crystal-clear divine ice coffin slowly emerged from the void.
The coffin was transparent, and one could clearly see a young girl dressed in simple clothes lying quietly inside.
Her eyes were closed, her face serene, as if she were merely asleep, her cheeks even bearing a faint blush. Just like when they parted years ago.
It was Chen Changsheng's beloved, Chen Qingwan, whom he had been searching for but could not find.
"Qingwan!" Chen Changsheng exclaimed in shock, taking a step to the ice coffin. His hands trembled as he tried to touch it, but he was afraid of disturbing something.
He could clearly sense that the girl's life force in the ice coffin was so weak as to be almost nonexistent, but it was perfectly sealed and stopped by the divine source and a supreme law.
But that wisp of true spirit and the origin of life truly exists and has not dissipated; she is still alive.
Ecstasy, disbelief, gratitude, lingering fear...
A torrent of emotions surged through his mind like a burst dam.
Chen Changsheng abruptly turned around and knelt down before Jiang Hao, the mighty Demon Emperor, his voice choked with emotion:
"Thank you for saving Qingwan. I, Chen Changsheng, will never forget the Heavenly Emperor's great kindness..."
He was so excited that he became incoherent, repeatedly expressing his overwhelming gratitude.
Jiang Hao gently helped him up again, and calmly said:
"Years ago, when I traveled here, I happened to find this girl grieving for you, her life force depleted, and her lifespan nearing its end. Seeing her simple and honest nature and sincere feelings, I sealed her into my divine source, leaving her for someone destined to meet her."
Jiang Hao spoke of it casually, as if he had simply saved her on a whim.
But Chen Changsheng knew perfectly well what was going on. Was it just a coincidence?
What kind of person is the Heavenly Emperor? All the heavens and myriad realms are in his sight. How could he happen to be here?
Why would he casually save an ordinary girl who has almost no connection with him?
This is very likely because the Heavenly Emperor had already foreseen the cause and effect, and protected this glimmer of hope in the darkness.
Thinking of this, his awe and gratitude towards Jiang Hao reached an unprecedented level.
This kindness is too great and too profound.
Even if Jiang Hao asked him to die now, he would not hesitate.
"Her vital energy was nearly depleted. Although it has stabilized, it needs to be properly nourished to recover. She requires careful recuperation."
Jiang Hao instructed, "You can decide how to arrange things yourself."
"Yes, I understand." Chen Changsheng carefully took the divine source ice coffin, as if he were holding the most precious treasure in the world.
The divine power flows and will be placed into its own sea of suffering for nourishment.
After putting it away, Chen Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief. His grief vanished, and he felt an unprecedented sense of ease and fulfillment.
He looked at Jiang Hao and said sincerely, "I, Chen Changsheng, will forever remember the Heavenly Emperor's grace. If I am ever summoned in the future, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, or the deepest hell, I, Chen Changsheng, will answer without hesitation!"
Jiang Hao smiled faintly: "Just be a good demon emperor. This matter is settled, go."
"I will obey the Heavenly Emperor's teachings!" Chen Changsheng bowed deeply once more and disappeared.
The lakeside has returned to tranquility, and the willows still sway in the water.
Jiang Hao stood alone in the same spot, his gaze seemingly piercing through time and space.
I saw that stubborn and confused boy from back then, and I also saw that ordinary girl silently shedding tears and praying under the willow tree.
Even emperors find it difficult to transcend the concept of love.
……
More than a thousand years later, outside the South Heavenly Gate of the Heavenly Court, auspicious clouds parted on their own.
Two figures approached side by side. On the left was Chen Changsheng, dressed in a simple blue robe, whose aura was even more powerful and restrained than when he attained enlightenment.
The melancholy and sorrow between his brows had long since dissipated, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.
On his right, a woman in a light green dress gently took his arm.
The woman had a delicate and gentle appearance; she wasn't a stunning beauty, but her eyes were clear and bright.
Filled with curiosity and a touch of nervousness about the magnificent scenery around her, she was none other than Chen Qingwan, the beloved of the Demon Emperor Chen Changsheng.
She was later awakened from her divine source by Chen Changsheng, who used some of his own essence and countless rare and precious materials to carefully nurture her for hundreds of years.
Only then was the vitality completely stabilized, making up for the hidden dangers left by the illness caused by longing and the depletion of the source back then.
His cultivation level has also improved significantly, and his lifespan is no longer a concern for the time being.
Furthermore, because Chen Changsheng was nourished by the Emperor's blood, his physique improved, and his appearance was frozen at the most beautiful age.
The guards clearly recognized Chen Changsheng, and after bowing respectfully, they let him pass.
The two entered the Heavenly Court, passed through numerous palaces, and finally arrived at the back garden.
On the banks of the Immortal Pool, Jiang Hao was playing chess with Lingbao Tianzun, while Yuanshi Tianzun watched the game from the sidelines.
Noticing someone approaching, the three stopped what they were doing and looked over.
Chen Changsheng stepped forward and bowed with Chen Qingwan, saying, "Junior Chen Changsheng (Chen Qingwan) greets the Heavenly Emperor and the two Heavenly Venerables."
Jiang Hao's gaze swept over the two of them, lingering briefly on Chen Qingwan. He nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his face.
"Get up, you seem to be recovering well."
Chen Qingwan looked up nervously, glanced quickly at the legendary Heavenly Emperor, then quickly lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you, Heavenly Emperor, for saving my life back then."
The voice was soft, but it was filled with sincere gratitude.
Lingbao Tianzun scrutinized Chen Changsheng, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Your aura is perfectly harmonious and clear, and your sharpness is completely concealed. It seems that your mental cultivation has improved considerably over the years."
The Primordial Celestial Venerable smiled gently and said, "The transformation of a carp into a dragon and the ascension to the throne against all odds is already a miracle rarely seen in history. What is even more commendable is that after experiencing glory, you have returned and still been able to keep your original heart and cherish what you love. Demon Emperor, you are remarkable."
These words are genuine praise, not just polite words. It is truly rare to rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle and remain unburdened by worldly fame.
Chen Changsheng humbly replied, "You flatter me, Heavenly Venerable. My current success is entirely due to the Heavenly Emperor's rescue and guidance back then, as well as... Qingwan's patient waiting."
He turned to look at the woman beside him, his eyes filled with tenderness.
Chen Qingwan blushed slightly and gently squeezed his hand.
"We have come once again to thank the Heavenly Emperor for saving our lives," Chen Qingwan said again, mustering her courage, and she and Chen Changsheng bowed solemnly together.
Jiang Hao offered a slight gesture of support: "It's a coincidence, and it's also because of your steadfast love that you two have been able to reunite today. There's no need for such formalities."
The two stood up, and Chen Changsheng, his expression turning serious, revealed another important matter:
"I have come here today to inquire about the path to immortality and the ascension passage from the Heavenly Emperor to the two Heavenly Venerables."
Jiang Hao briefly reiterated the two paths of mortal transformation and ascension.
Chen Changsheng barely hesitated, glanced at Chen Qingwan who was listening quietly beside him, and said with determination in his eyes, "This junior chooses the path of ascension."
This answer was within Jiang Hao's expectations, but he still asked, "Have you thought it through? A transformation in the mortal world deepens your foundation and may lead to greater future potential."
Chen Changsheng possesses exceptional talent and comprehension, giving him a real chance to live three lifetimes and qualifying him to walk the path of immortality in the mortal world.
Chen Changsheng grasped Chen Qingwan's hand and said frankly, "This junior understands, but the path of transformation is too perilous and long, often taking tens of thousands of years, and success or failure is unpredictable."
The younger generation did not want to risk making Qingwan wait any longer, and was even more afraid of any mishaps. The environment of the Little Immortal Realm was special and beneficial to her lifespan.
This would also give me more time and a more stable environment to protect her, which would be beneficial to Qingwan, and for me, it would be the best path.