C11 The Conflict in the Heavenly Palace

Lin Xiaoqiang was over the moon this season. It turned out his employer was pretty dependable after all. Despite the wait, he finally received his reward.

But calling it a "massive" gift bag? That seemed like an overstatement. How significant could 50 kilograms of white flour be, really?

Nonchalantly, Lin Xiaoqiang opened the gift bag and was instantly rooted to the spot in shock.

Inside, beyond the expected Dead Shallows mission rewards from Red Lake, there lay a gleaming golden chest. To his astonishment, it was valued at a staggering 500,000 gold coins.

Lin Xiaoqiang's jaw dropped in disbelief. Who was this Dead Shallows master, and how could they afford such lavish generosity?

Without hesitation, Lin Xiaoqiang opened the chest.

A white mist billowed out, and within seconds, a Single-horned Kylin materialized before him.

The Kylin was a vision in white, with piercingly clear black eyes and a pristine horn crowning its head. Its mane shimmered brilliantly. Even to the untrained eye, it was clearly a rare and valuable steed.

Lin Xiaoqiang immediately employed his Precognition ability.

The Kylin's level was an astonishing 50, far surpassing his own by several dozen levels. Lin Xiaoqiang fretted over whether he could manage such a prized mount.

As if recognizing its new master, the Kylin affectionately licked Lin Xiaoqiang's face. But given the state of his face, the Kylin ended up spitting out several mouthfuls of saliva in disgust.

Stunned and ecstatic, Lin Xiaoqiang embraced the Kylin, showering it with kisses until it closed its eyes. Eventually, the Kylin had enough and nudged him firmly with its head, making Lin Xiaoqiang realize he might have overdone it.

Lin Xiaoqiang wasted no time in messaging the Dead Shallows employer.

"Thank you, boss, for the Kylin reward. Please keep me in mind for more great gigs like this in the future."

"Whoosh..."

In less than a second after Lin Xiaoqiang's message was sent, a swift reply zipped back to him.

"Focus on your personal growth. We see great potential in you. Perhaps one day we'll meet, or even collaborate on something greater. The Kylin is a reward I secured for you. It can aid your escape when the moment is dire, and even intimidate the ordinary monsters that lurk nearby."

"Thank you so much. I'm at a loss for words. I've never even seen your true face, but I promise to work hard and one day thank you in person."

After sending his message, Lin Xiaoqiang received no further response.

From her vantage point in the Eternal Heaven, Zhang Zijin of the Dead Shallows watched the bewildered Lin Xiaoqiang below and couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. She pondered whether this man could fulfill the 800 ancestors' prophecy: to carve out a significant legacy, alter the laws of the cosmos, and forge a better world.

Meanwhile, as Zhang Zijin observed her chosen candidate with a mix of amusement and anticipation, the Demon Lord, ruler of the Demon King Palace, was just a stone's throw from their palace, furiously berating the 800th ancestor's actions.

"That cursed old fool! Giving the Kylin to this kid for merely slaying a ghost is preposterous and flouts all our traditions! Where's the fairness in that? I won't let him succeed without facing some trials."

Beside him, the Demon Lord's young apprentice, the Demon Child Rhino Monster, stepped forward with a bow and offered, "Master, allow me to handle this. I command hundreds of beasts in the human realm. I could simply take them and eliminate the lad."

The Demon Lord shook his head, "No, that won't do. With the reconstruction of heaven and earth, what we seek is a fair opportunity for all to rise. If we meddle, we'll face the wrath of those above, and our days will be numbered. However, if the 800th ancestor can grant rewards for completing tasks, I too can dispense punishment through calamities. This way, our forebears can't accuse me of excess."

The Demon Child Rhino Monster nodded vigorously, "Master, your foresight is unparalleled. I'll return to my training and be ready for when the time comes to strike down this upstart with a single blow."

The Devil King Saint casually dismissed him with a wave of his hand, "Off you go, lad. Time to train. There are other plans in store for you. If this kid doesn't make it out, another one will. A head-on clash with the 800 ancestors is inevitable."

Once the Devilish Infant Rhinoceros Monster had departed, the Devil King Saint paced his Devil Hall, hands clasped behind his back, pondering his next move and how to unleash calamity upon Lin Xiaoqiang.

After much deliberation, a brilliant idea suddenly dawned on the Devil King Saint.

"Fetch the Black Snake Demon for me," he commanded. "Inform him I have a task for him."

The minions at the entrance scurried off to the Black Snake Cave, only to find the entrance sealed shut. A small snake, idly twirling a steel fork, slithered back and forth.

"The Devil King Saint urgently needs to speak with the Black Snake Fairy," one of the minions implored the serpent.

The guard snake didn't spare the minion a glance, replying curtly, "Not possible. The fairy is in the midst of cultivation. I'll pass on the message once she's done."

Infuriated, the minion jabbed a finger at the snake, "Did you not grasp what I just said? Do you know who's summoning the Black Snake Fairy?"

Unperturbed, the snake cocked its head, "It doesn't matter who's asking. The Black Snake Fairy has charged me with guarding this gate. Unless she emerges, no one enters. To disobey would be a death sentence."

"You're defying a direct order! That's quite the audacity. Go inform the Black Snake Goddess immediately. If she fails to comply, she'll face the consequences."

Fuming, the minion spun on his heel to leave, but just then, the cave door swung open. A massive black snake shot out, hovering midair.

"Wait, wait, wait! I overheard the commotion from inside. What's going on?" the large black snake inquired of the minion.

"Black Snake Goddess, the Devil King summons you to his palace at once. He has a matter that requires your attention. Whether you choose to go is up to you."

After finishing his words, the henchman spun around and vanished into thin air.

Hearing the henchman mention that the Demon King was seeking him out, the Black Snake Spirit whirled around and fixed a venomous stare on the smaller serpent, snapping, "You dare to obstruct the Demon King's search for me? Have you got sawdust for brains?"

The small snake retorted hotly, "Weren't you the one who ordered me to keep the door closed to everyone? And haven't you been saying that you're going to usurp the Demon King's throne eventually? You've been itching to stop taking orders from him, right?"

The words of the small snake sent a jolt of fear through the Black Snake Spirit, prompting him to quickly cover the smaller serpent's mouth.

"You wretched creature, can't you watch your words? Your reckless talk could get me killed in the most horrific way."