Chapter 622

Chapter 622

The Four Divine Beasts were very stubborn. The Vermilion Bird afflicted with anger issues only ever controlled its temper in Davey's presence, but that did not change its true nature. Because of this, in a war with the elves in the past, it attacked and captured Emilia, who was the Third Central Official, causing various other incidents afterward.

The same went for the Azure Dragon and the other two Divine Beasts, who did not listen and just did their own thing. What about the Yellow Dragon? Was it any different?

To those who could not control their stubbornness and tendency to wreak havoc, absolute authority had to be in place. Punishment was the remedy, just as it had been said since ancient times. Even if they did not understand each other's language, even if they had lived with different values, everything could be resolved through punishment.

The Yellow Dragon, upon being summoned by Davey, seemed bewildered, not anticipating such a harsh beginning. But it quickly showed its confidence, displaying its power as usual. It seemed that the creature instinctively realized that Davey was not a being to be trifled with only after it had been hit by him.

Of course, the power of the Yellow Dragon was beyond that of the Spirit Kings, so a lot of power was required to pack a punch that would make the dragon obedient. But Davey thought of it as an investment and carried it out without hesitation.

And to the subdued beast, Davey gave a heavy warning. He did not deny the obsessive-compulsiveness outright. Instead, he settled for a compromise of keeping it to a reasonable level. And while the Yellow Dragon could not directly express its will to Davey, it understood his words. The Yellow Dragon then realized that it would be beaten to death if it refused Davey, so it nodded its head until its neck almost broke, and that was enough to satisfy Davey at the moment.

However, as soon as the creature arrived at the imperial palace of Hwan, its eyes rolled back in madness as its mania was triggered by its obsessive-compulsiveness. To stop it from destroying the entire place until the source of the contamination was erased, Davey lunged to remind it of the nightmarish punishment he would give, and the beast that was about to release a cleansing beam flinched. While Davey held it back, it nervously kept glancing at where the tainted swamp once was, even though it had been cleanly erased, purged repeatedly by the cleansing beams. But it seemed that the beast was not satisfied with that.

Of course, to those who did not know the full story, the appearance and the current behavior of the Yellow Dragon was nothing short of utterly shocking.

Whoosh!

The surprisingly huge Yellow Dragon descended to the ground, and it slowly settled down encircling the vast palace.

Unbelievable Its the Yellow Dragon!! I couldnt believe I got to see the Central Divine Beast in my lifetime! Someone's exclamation, tinged with awe, could be heard.

He was none other than Jegal Muk, a minister of Yu. Currently, many officials from Yu, including Princess Jadeflower, had arrived to discuss the incident regarding the Princesses of the Abyss and its aftermath. Since it was Davey who had urged them to do so, it was hardly surprising to see them in the imperial palace of Hwan.

Two heads! Those radiant scales and massive body! Plus, such pure power! Ah I never would have imagined that I would see the Yellow Dragon and all Four Divine Beasts in my lifetime!" The man, disregarding that he was in front of the emperor, rattled on with spit flying from his mouth in his fervor. Ah Now I can die without regrets!

Cough! Unable to tolerate the scene, someone let out a fake cough, causing Jegal Muk to hastily retreat and avert his gaze.

Hmph My apologies.

Upon his polite apology, the Emperor of Hwan, Wol Gon, waved his hand. Do not worry. Its not just you who is surprised.

Wol Gon kept his gaze fixed on Davey, amidst the startled expressions around. Well, did everything go well with you?

All has been taken care of. However, a little bit of the swamp still remains.

Is that so? News has been rapidly spreading already. The existence of the swamp and its rate of spread is even faster than what youve said.

Power without its owner either ran wild or disappeared. In the case of Melt's power, it chose to run wild after losing its owner, unlike Dellas.

Emperor of the Lower Realm, do not fret. We from the Spirit Realm will handle this, interjected the Thunder Envoy, following the plan agreed with Davey.

Oh You are from the Spirit Realm. This is the first time I feel so clear just by looking at someone, Wol Gon said as he looked up at the Thunder Envoy, who then bowed his head quietly.

Everything is thanks to the grace of the Supreme Lord.

Normally, neither the Thunder Envoy nor the Cloud Envoy would show such courtesy to an emperor. But after realizing that Daveys whipping was not just for the Yellow Dragon, things between them and Davey were resolved well.

It's surprising indeed. To think the power of the Yellow Dragon, revered as the Divine Beast of the Spirit Realm, would be so pure that it could vaporize such a dreadful swamp in an instant.

Even though the Yellow Dragon's obsessive-compulsiveness left destruction in a large area, it was better to eradicate the swamp as much as possible rather than leave the place unusable and inhabitable.

Davey, barely able to keep still, glanced at the now rolling Yellow Dragon's eyes and gestured slowly with his hand. He then whispered so that others could not hear, Go and entirely purge it. Just make sure not to kill anyone, and finish by today.

Divine Beasts, however miraculous they might be called, were not necessarily benevolent.

Grr

The Yellow Dragon simply flew up into the air, unable to vent its dissatisfaction anywhere, and as it vanished into the distance, everyone else seemed to come back to their senses.

What followed was not complicated. Obsessed with cleanliness, the Yellow Dragon began purifying every trace of Melt's remnant, the swamp. The number exceeded a hundred, but that was not a problem.

In the days that followed, Princess Jadeflower and Emperor Wol Gon of Hwan proceeded with additional state negotiations, while Davey impressively occupied the entire national guesthouse of Hwan even after saying he did not need such treatment. Well, Davey couldnt really deny Emperor Wol Gons insistence. He already made his decision, saying that Davey's deeds had saved his life, which was no less than saving the country itself.

Surely no foreign dignitary of any other country would receive such grand hospitality.

Hey, what did you do to the Jewels of Eight Deities? Davey asked the Thunder Envoy and the Cloud Envoy, who both stayed with him.

What are you talking about?

The power of the Yellow Dragon is too mighty for the power of the Eight Deities.

Davey had not expected the purification to proceed as smoothly as it did. The power housed within the Yellow Dragon was vast and mighty, much beyond his expectations, which made the removal of swamps much faster than he imagined.

The Eight Deities are a miraculous existence of the Spirit Realm. It's only natural for the Yellow Dragon to become so strong, having absorbed the essence of the Eight Deities' power that had accumulated over a hundred years...

No, it's not that I dont know about that eight-legged wolf.

Daveys reply filled the Thunder Envoys face with indescribable shock.

Ha... Have you actually seen the Eight Deities?!

"I just happened to find out about them. That's why I know. You can't exert such strong power just with the Eight Deities' jewel.

The Cloud Envoy fell silent at Davey's explanation, but a few heartbeats later, he then said, Its always been a mystery... But you and that young lady... What exactly are the two of you?

Davey looked at Rinne. She was by the pond, crouching down as she lured the silk koi with a certain light in her squinted eyes that were intently watching the koi.

Were humans. Just mere humans from the place you lot call the Lower Realm.

Yet you are not from this place, are you?

Thats right.

Then where do you come from?

Confronted with the two envoys' inquiry, Davey calmly replied, Who knows where I come from?

Accepting that they would never get a straight answer from him, the envoys decided to simply let the matter go.

Anyways, a promise is a promise.

At this, Davey nodded in acknowledgment and gave the Royal Seal of the Immortal King to them. Handle it with care. That thing is dangerous.

Though it was slightly worn, surprise dawned on the envoys faces. It was said that the real thing did not have to seem real. Between an excessively clean painting and a slightly messy one, the messy one would usually be the genuine one. The Royal Seal of the Immortal King was no different. It was exuding an air that triggered an instinctive sense to revere it. To Davey, it merely felt like power was sort of concentrated in one object, but to the two envoys who regarded the monarch's seal as a symbol of kingship, it felt differently.

Take it. Tell the Supreme Lord that promises are kept.

Hmm I must return to the Spirit Realm immediately. The Cloud Envoy, taking the monarch's seal, hurriedly turned to leave.

I shall join as well. The princess will stay here, so if you need anything, speak directly to her.

Theres nothing else you need to do here. Just simply monitor the progression of this land, and maintain the Anti-Demonic Barrier. And tell the Supreme Lord my message. Tell him I might let interferences slide as long as they remain discreet. Davey cut his speech short and stared directly at him with a gaze that was serious and stern. Just avoid making the same foolish acts you did in the past.

I shall inform accordingly.

The Anti-Demonic Barrier served not only to track any possible existence from the Abyss that might exist on this land but also to obstruct their powers. Though three of the Abyssal beings, namely Oedon and the two Princesses of the Abyss, were presumed dead, one particular fact was troubling.

And that was the demon race, which was mentioned by the Abyssal beings and was stolen by the Urd sisters from Davey back in the Heins territory.

Originally, Melt and Della were weak compared to other Princesses of the Abyss, so how did the both of them arrive to this land?

After all, Isildi is here.

Still, a Princess of the Abyss could not possibly cross over if Verdandi's intel was correct. Unless Sleesia was still alive, or there was someone out there who could harness a part of her power.

While thinking about it, Davey took a sip of the drink claimed to be the pride of Hwan, the Dragon Fruit Wine, which he indulged himself with after sending off the beings from the Spirit Realm.

Davey, dont fret about it.

He felt a pair of arms slithering around his torso, wrapping him in an embrace from behind. The sweet gesture made him smile warmly.

Perserque.

Can you have a look at my leg?

The question might come across as a mildly risque invitation, but Davey nodded silently, knowing the request might not be what it first seemed.

* * *

Are these aftereffects?

It seems so...

As the fluttering hem of her dress was lifted, a pair of legs was revealed. One was silky and flawlessly fair, but the other leg was slightly different. From the Achilles tendon to the middle of the calf, black marks littered the delicate and fair skin.

There's still some left, huh?

He had thought the devil mana would have eradicated the traces of corruption, but it clearly wasnt the case. So Davey fetched a bowl from the Pocket Plane and poured holy water into it.

Wifey, please stretch out your leg.

At his playful words, Perserque chuckled and extended the discolored leg. He then carefully grasped her limb as if it was precious and lowered it into the bowl filled with holy water.

Ahh... It's cold.

As the clear water made a splashing sound as soon as it touched her skin, Perserque shivered slightly with an odd expression.

The aftermath of the battle left the Heavenly Central Plains in utter tranquility. The vast palace was so quiet that not even the sound of insects could be heard. Currently, it was basically just Davey, Rinne, Perserque, and beside them, the Princess of the Spirit Realm. On any other day, the place would be bustling with people, including Yun Hee-Ryeong and the Grandmaster of the Heavenrend Sect. But at the moment, they were preoccupied with the aftermath of the incident, and Yun Hee-Ryeong had relinquished her charge of the Black Tortoise Unit and had taken Ja-Seong and Ji-Hee back to the Heavenrend Sect.

Having bid Yun Hee-Ryeong farewell, Davey could not shake the image of her retreating back. Not because there was something special about her, but because of the anxiety. It felt like leaving a child unattended by the water's edge. Given the current state of Ja-Seong, the stern man should be able to protect her, but life would not always go as planned.

Davey was kneeling on one knee, continually sprinkling holy water and casting holy magic on the discolored leg of Perserque, who was in front of him sitting on the edge.

It should be doable without the jewel, so dont worry too much.

Ah...

If it hurts, tell me.

Its... fine.

Her gaze at Davey softened. But he did not look back at her.

Perserque slowly leaned forward and called out, Davey.

Yes?

Lifting his head, Davey saw her smile, which was so strikingly beautiful and radiant that it captivated her for a moment. So when Perserque leaned in, her lips coming closer to his, he was quite surprised. While their lips met in a kiss she initiated, Daveys nose couldnt help but pick up the sweet scent coming from her.

And when Perserque gently pulled away, Davey, who was brimming with excitement, said a little breathlessly, Oh right. We were supposed to be on our honeymoon.

Their visit here was practically half of their honeymoon. Realizing how neglectful he had been, guilt started to churn in his gut, and he felt utterly sorry to his wife.

I know the severity of the situation. Youve been plenty attentive, she said.

...

If you had been too engrossed in me, unable to do anything else, I would have been disappointed. Her hand cupped Davey's cheek. Thats probably why I'm fond of you, she said with a bright smile.

Davey nodded quietly. Thanks.

His own lips stretched upward to mirror her smile. The mood had turned a bit strange. The surroundings were lit solely by lanterns and the moon as it grew darker.

Was the Yellow Dragon still rampaging out there? It seemed like it since, from afar, large beams of purification could be seen pouring down from the sky.

As long as any contamination that it considered to be the swamp of corruption was there, sleep would not be a priority to the obsessive-compulsive creature. Though Davey did not understand the reason for the extraordinary motivation of the Yellow Dragon, its action was not necessarily a bad thing.

Usually by this point, the Yellow Dragon would have already collapsed. However, having absorbed a century's worth of concentrated power from that eight-legged wolfa sacred creature of the Spirit Realmthe Yellow Dragon became more like an inexhaustible battery.

"Ultimately, we failed to find the Gem, Perserque murmured ruefully as he resumed washing her foot with the holy water.

The only remaining one is the Peslisa continent, correct?

That seems likely.

Let's not go for a while. Davey said, his facade spilling the exhaustion in his bones.

I'm getting a little worn out too.

The thought of wanting a rest crossed his mind, and Perserque comforted him as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Do whatever you want.

There, all done.

Her body was different from humans in many aspects, having both advantages and disadvantages, particularly when it came to illnesses. While humans needed medication, treatment, or surgery, her kind could heal remarkably easily.

Having thoroughly eradicated any remaining corruption in her body, Davey made sure no recurrence was possible before carefully wiping her now pristine leg with a towel. Then, supporting her thighs and back, he gently lifted her up and suggested, Let's go in.

A rare feeling of peace washed over him, after charging through almost like a runaway train whenever the Abyss was involved. For several days, Davey indulged in a leisurely routine while Princess Jadeflower and Emperor Wol Gon engaged in intense negotiations. He spent those days endlessly showering Perserque with his attention, disregarding everyone else.

Though he asked to finish within two days, the duration of the negotiations was longer than anticipated. But if anyone would care to ask his opinion about such matters, they would know that what he desired was simply coexistence without war or division, not the trivial gains and losses of states.

As the Yellow Dragon's purification work and the maintenance of the Anti-Demonic Barrier proceeded into the third day amid the pouring rain, Davey was spending his time with Perserque on his lap, enjoying the rainfall while wrapped in a contemplative solitude. But then they were interrupted by the unexpected news from the Princess of the Spirit Realm: the enforcers of the Anti-Demonic Barrier from the Spirit Realm had been annihilated by a single being.

Would a being from the Lower Realm slay those of the Spirit Realm? Impossible. The culprit could never be a being from the Lower Realm.

Knowing the strength of those who had descended to cast the Anti-Demonic Barrier, Davey understood too well what this signified.