Qin Zi was deeply shaken by what he had just heard.
After carefully analyzing the elder's words, he found no flaws and thus had no reason to doubt him anymore.
"Senior, which direction should I go now?"
He asked cautiously, hoping that this mysterious and powerful elder would offer him a little help.
However, there was no response.
"Senior?"
He called out again.
Still, no answer.
At that moment, he realized the elder meant what he had said—unless a Quasi-Emperor appeared to attack, the elder wouldn't intervene.
"Ah…"
He sighed and decided to fly in a different direction. From his earlier attempts, he knew that there were many powerful demon emperors blocking the route back to Ziyun Domain, waiting for him to walk right into their trap.
Meanwhile, high above, Qin Chuan smiled.
So far, everything was going according to plan. Every step had been carefully orchestrated.
Especially after weaving that tale about the Sun Devouring Emperor Palace, his actions had become even more justified.
He was guiding Qin Zi like a shepherd herding sheep, using a pressure-based method to steer him toward the desired direction.
In reality, Qin Chuan was fishing.
To be precise, he was fishing for Quasi-Emperors!
No emperor-level figures could approach Qin Zi because anyone within a thousand miles of him would be instantly eradicated by Qin Chuan. However, he deliberately allowed some weaker nuisances through to give Qin Zi minor challenges.
Only by constantly keeping Qin Zi occupied would he avoid wondering why things were going so smoothly.
This way, Qin Zi would continue moving forward with occasional struggles, heading straight toward the regions where Quasi-Emperors resided.
How did Qin Chuan know where the Quasi-Emperors were?
Because he had a map!
As a Ziyun Academy elder, Qin Chuan had meticulously acquired a map of the Fractured Star Demon Territory. He had a good understanding of the territory's geography—where the major powers were located, and where the most powerful demons lay dormant.
As long as a Quasi-Emperor made a move against Qin Zi, Qin Chuan's cultivation would instantly rise to match, allowing him to kill them and continue pushing Qin Zi onward. If all went well, he would eventually sweep through the entire Fractured Star Demon Territory.
Of course, after several Quasi-Emperors fell, the others would likely figure out that a hidden expert was protecting Qin Zi and would refrain from further pursuit.
No one was foolish enough to throw their life away so easily.
Qin Chuan estimated that by the end of this journey through the demon territory, his cultivation could be boosted to the fourth or fifth level of the Quasi-Emperor realm.
"Heh, Sun Devouring Emperor Palace candidate… When Qin Zi struts in for the divine son competition, thinking he passed their trial, the look on his face will be priceless. I can't even imagine it."
Qin Chuan chuckled mischievously.
He could almost see the scene—Qin Zi, confidently walking in, only to be grabbed by two Sun Devouring Emperor Palace elders, shouting,
"Let me go! I'm a candidate for the Divine Son! I came to compete!"
Sigh, all of this effort was for his son's growth.
His heart was in the right place…
As time passed, three days went by.
During these days, Qin Zi encountered a few more nuisances—demon geniuses from the younger generation, and even a few disciples from the Fractured Star Academy. Qin Zi killed them all.
They had heard that Qin Zi had slain many emperors, so they fought desperately. There was no arrogance or bluster from them.
Thus, killing them earned no "Daddy Points."
According to the system, for Daddy Points to be awarded, the target had to act arrogantly toward Qin Zi, putting on airs, and then get humiliated or defeated. Only then would points be gained.
Currently, Qin Chuan had 108.6 Daddy Points.
After defeating Lu Cheng, he had accumulated 138.6 points, but he had spent 30 points to purchase the invisibility cloak, leaving him with the current balance.
"Boom!"
One day, yet another Quasi-Emperor descended. This one was at the second level of the Quasi-Emperor realm and wasted no time attacking.
Qin Chuan's cultivation instantly increased.
Quasi-Emperor, second level!
And then… this Quasi-Emperor was no more.
Yes, this one had no name, no lines, and directly received a lunch box, exiting the stage.
Qin Chuan didn't want to drag things out.
Then, with his "Qin Zi bait," he continued fishing—for Quasi-Emperors.
At the same time…
The Fractured Star Academy had been challenged again!
This time, it was a domineering youth dressed in golden robes. He arrived from the Ziyun Domain aboard a door-blocking flying ship and proceeded to wreak havoc on the Fractured Star Academy.
And it wasn't just within his own cultivation realm.
This golden-robed youth, at the eighth level of the Saint realm, challenged the entire Fractured Star Academy, displaying overwhelming strength.
His exact words were:
"Besides the eighth-level saints, even ninth-level saints can come forward. Of course… if you want, you can all attack me at once!"
The academy erupted in fury.
The young demon talents were humiliated, especially the few ninth-level saints. These individuals were vying for the Ninefold Emperor Tribulation, aiming for the throne of the Great Emperor. They had nothing but pride.
Such prodigies held immense pride.
Thus, the fiercest battle broke out!
That day…
The Fractured Star Academy was engulfed in earth-shattering battles. In the skies above, vast waves of blood energy rolled like an ocean, with shocking phenomena everywhere.
In the end, all the disciples of the Fractured Star Academy were laid low, with even those who didn't dare fight trembling in fear on the ground.
The square was filled with bodies.
Even two ninth-level saints were slain, their true forms revealed, and their blood stained the earth—a horrific sight.
"You, you, you!!!"
The elders of the Fractured Star Academy were furious, their eyes bloodshot. Some nearly lost control and wanted to personally kill the youth.
But in the end, they held back.
The iron-clad rules set by the top powers of both races were not to be broken. If they did, they would all face death!
As long as they didn't dare kill this youth, it was time for him to make his demands.
The golden-robed youth gazed at the demon elders with an air of dominance and said forcefully:
"If I wanted, I could remain at this level and blockade your academy for a hundred years. In a century, none of your disciples would dare break through to the eighth level. You would all be forced to ascend as seventh-level saints, cutting off the path to becoming a demon emperor!"
The elders turned pale.
Even the headmaster of the Fractured Star Academy was shaken!
They knew this monstrous youth had the ability to make good on that threat. If that happened, the consequences would be unimaginable.
It wasn't just a matter of face anymore.
It was about their legacy!
If the academy couldn't produce future powerhouses, no young demon with ambition would join, and the Fractured Star Academy would become a shadow of its former self…
At that point, when the Demon Palace sought answers, their fates would be grim, and they would be forever remembered in disgrace.
"What exactly do you want?"
The headmaster's voice sounded exhausted. As a Quasi-Emperor, it was rare for him to feel so helpless.
The golden-robed youth took a deep breath, stared resolutely at the headmaster, and said in a firm tone:
"My junior brother was kidnapped during a training mission six months ago. As the senior brother responsible for leading the team, I failed him. So… it is my duty to take him back!"