Tai Yi saw him lower his head in silence and said,
"What is your name?"
The sea monster saw that Tai Yi was not harming it and replied,
"Reporting to senior, this humble demon is called Xuan Xing."
"Xuan Xing! A good name!"
Tai Yi patted Xuan Xing's head and said,
"You haven't seen Kun Peng before, have you? Today, brother will let you see!"
After speaking, Tai Yi casually cast a protective barrier to shield Xuan Xing, then sacrificed the Chaos Bell above the North Sea and struck it with force.
The Chaos Bell immediately emitted a deafening sound downwards.
"Dong!"
"Dong!"
"Dong!"
As the Chaos Bell rang, the sea creatures within the North Sea were all struck deaf and bled from their orifices by the sonorous peals.
Within the North Sea, Kun Peng had been resentful ever since Jie Yin and Zhun Ti snatched his cushion in Zixiao Palace. Now, discovering someone had dared to cause trouble in the North Sea, he was enraged and sought the source of the bell sound towards the sea surface.
As Kun Peng emerged, he saw a large bell floating on the sea, emitting wisps of chaotic energy.
Kun Peng was greatly shocked and exclaimed,
"Primordial Supreme Treasure!"
Seeing Kun Peng appear, Tai Yi retracted the Chaos Bell, dispelled the protective barrier around Xuan Xing, and said,
"Little fellow, look, that is Kun Peng!"
Xuan Xing never expected that these two were actually looking for Kun Peng. He thought they were joking with him.
Kun Peng was initially stunned by the Chaos Bell upon emerging, as Primordial Supreme Treasures were extremely rare.
After Tai Yi put away the Chaos Bell, Kun Peng regained his senses and noticed Di Jun and Tai Yi.
Di Jun had previously intervened to protect Fu Xi from an attack in Zixiao Palace, so Kun Peng naturally recognized him. Moreover, the Primordial Supreme Treasure had flown towards Tai Yi, indicating it belonged to Tai Yi. A thought struck Kun Peng, and he realized this must be Dong Huang, one of the two great emperors of the demon race.
Although Kun Peng did not know why Di Jun and Tai Yi had come to the North Sea, he knew that neither of them were to be trifled with and he could not afford to offend them. He then spoke,
"May I inquire what brings Your Excellencies, the two Demon Emperors, to my North Sea?"
Seeing Kun Peng appear, Di Jun greeted him casually,
"Greetings, fellow Daoist Kun Peng!"
Kun Peng saw that they did not answer his question but instead offered a greeting, leaving him unsure of Di Jun and Tai Yi's intentions.
Seeing Kun Peng standing there, seemingly lost in thought, Di Jun interrupted,
"What? Fellow Daoist Kun Peng, will you not invite my brother and me to sit in your North Sea?"
Kun Peng frowned upon Di Jun's invitation to enter his domain, but he steel himself and said,
"Please, Your Excellencies!"
Di Jun smiled faintly and walked ahead. Seeing this, Tai Yi turned to Xuan Xing and said,
"Let's go, I'll take you with me!"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of anticipation arose in Xuan Xing's heart. He had always lived in the North Sea and had never seen the legendary Beiming Palace!
Now, hearing Tai Yi say he would take him to this fabled sacred cultivation site of the North Sea, it was impossible not to be excited.
Rumor had it that no innate spiritual treasures were born in the North Sea. This Beiming Palace was crafted by Patriarch Kun Peng with gathered heavenly materials and earthly treasures. It was not only Patriarch Kun Peng's domain but also a spiritual treasure in itself.
Seeing Tai Yi looking at him, Xuan Xing also wished to see Beiming Palace and nodded shyly.
Tai Yi, seeing Xuan Xing nod, pulled him behind him and followed Di Jun into the North Sea.
As Di Jun and Tai Yi entered the North Sea, they saw many structures along the way. Di Jun gave Kun Peng a deep look. Kun Peng had already established a complete tradition in the North Sea! His heart sank; it seemed that persuading Kun Peng would require considerable effort!
Upon entering the North Sea, Xuan Xing, following behind Tai Yi, looked at the familiar scenery with a sense of recognition. This was where he lived. He had never ventured further in, as a mere small demon, he was not qualified to enter the core areas of the North Sea.
The group proceeded, finally arriving at Kun Peng's lair – the Beiming Palace.
Di Jun gazed at the towering, resplendent Beiming Palace before him, feeling that it was no less magnificent than his own Demon Court!
Di Jun spoke with a profound implication,
"Fellow Daoist Kun Peng has a refined taste!"
Kun Peng, not understanding Di Jun's meaning, replied humbly,
"You jest, Daoist. This is a bitter and cold land, and all I have is this meager pursuit!"
They all entered Beiming Palace together. Kun Peng immediately ordered the attendant demons to serve tea and prepare a grand banquet, appearing most hospitable.
Seeing Kun Peng's effusive welcome, Di Jun was somewhat at a loss. His original plan was that if Kun Peng willingly joined the demon court, it would be fine.
However, if Kun Peng proved uncooperative, he and Tai Yi would join forces to compel Kun Peng to join the demon court.
After Di Jun and Tai Yi had eaten and drunk their fill in Beiming Palace, Kun Peng spoke again,
"May I inquire as to the true purpose of Your Excellencies' visit to my humble abode?"
Tai Yi remained silent, looking at Di Jun. When Di Jun had invited him to come along, Tai Yi had anticipated that Di Jun intended to coerce Kun Peng into joining the demon court.
It was for this very reason that Tai Yi had chosen to notify Kun Peng of their arrival by using the Chaos Bell.
However, neither of them had expected Kun Peng to be so accommodating, unlike his demeanor in Zixiao Palace. Now, after being treated to a good meal and drink in his home, it felt awkward to try and force him. Tai Yi could only pass this difficult task to Di Jun.
Di Jun looked at Tai Yi's gaze, gave a wry smile, and shook his head. He then said,
"To be frank, my brother and I have come to invite you, fellow Daoist, to join our demon court!"
Upon hearing this, Kun Peng pondered for a moment and then said to Di Jun,
"I agree to join the demon court!"
Di Jun thought he had misheard. He had prepared himself for a lengthy persuasion but had not expected Kun Peng to agree so readily.
Di Jun looked at Kun Peng with disbelief and said,
"Fellow Daoist Kun Peng, would you perhaps reconsider? We are not in a hurry!"
Kun Peng shook his head and said,
"I have thought it through. It is precisely because I have been accustomed to traveling alone all these years that Jie Yin and Zhun Ti were able to snatch my cushion in Zixiao Palace!"
Di Jun's mouth twitched. He never would have imagined that Kun Peng's swift agreement was due to Jie Yin and Zhun Ti.
Di Jun suddenly thought of something and asked,
"Fellow Daoist Kun Peng, you are not asking my brother and me to help you snatch back your cushion during the second sermon, are you? That venerable one specifically stated that the seat has already been reserved!"
Kun Peng shook his head and replied,
"Your Majesties can rest assured. I am well aware that the seat is already reserved and I would naturally not dare to provoke the wrath of a saint! However, in the future, when I deal with Jie Yin and Zhun Ti, I would appreciate Your Majesties' assistance, as they are two individuals."
Di Jun breathed a sigh of relief and immediately agreed.
Seeing that the purpose of their visit had been achieved, Tai Yi said,
"Fellow Daoist Kun Peng, this little demon has a connection with me, and I wish to take him by my side. I trust you will not object!"
Tai Yi said this while gesturing towards Xuan Xing. Di Jun felt that this little demon was also quite good, with a kind heart, and did not object.
When Tai Yi spoke, Kun Peng thought it was a significant matter, as he had barely exchanged any words with the Dong Huang since their meeting.
Kun Peng nodded and said,
"Your Majesty Dong Huang, please feel free. If there is anything else you fancy, I will give it to Your Majesty Dong Huang as well!"
Tai Yi's mouth twitched upon hearing Kun Peng's words. He felt as though Kun Peng was implying something, as if he had some peculiar habit.
Tai Yi repeatedly waved his hands and said,
"No need! No need! I simply felt a connection with him!"