Following that, Qian Shun and others returned to the Cang Lan Continent, arriving at Zi Wei Academy. They relayed the events to Zhou Yan's current head instructor, Wei Tianning.
"Oh, Zhou Yan has been delayed," Wei Tianning understood. He then asked, "Do you know specifically when he'll be out? This guy really knows how to stir up trouble. Someone is looking for him."
"He said it would take a year and a half, we truly don't know the exact time. But he'll be fine, just temporarily unavailable," Xu Long replied.
"That guy imprisoned the Fire Spirit Princess, and even the Fire Sage Demon King came looking for our principal. Can you convey a message for us, asking him to release the Fire Spirit Princess quickly."
Wei Tianning felt a headache coming on. No wonder he couldn't reach Zhou Yan. This fellow truly knew how to cause trouble, even daring to imprison the daughter of the Fire Sage Demon King.
"The Fire Sage Demon King came to Zi Wei Academy to demand her release," Qian Shun said, suddenly worried. But upon hearing that the other party was only looking for Zhou Yan, he relaxed.
"The Fire Sage Demon King's attitude was quite good, he just wanted Zhou Yan to release the girl, with no other demands. He even said all past grievances would be forgotten," Wei Tianning said.
"Don't worry, we will definitely deliver your message," Qian Shun promised.
After conveying the message, Qian Shun and the others returned to the entrance of the Divine Treasure Land and informed Zhou Yan of the situation. Although they didn't know if Zhou Yan could hear them, they still passed on the message.
Zhou Yan did indeed hear it, but he paid it no mind. However, Zhou Yan did instruct Diao Chan to go to his territory and release the girl.
When Diao Chan dispelled the room's restriction, she found the Fire Spirit Saintess to be quite calm. After all, she had been confined for two months, and had likely thought through many things.
The Fire Spirit Princess neither cried nor threw a tantrum. After the restriction was lifted, she asked Diao Chan, "Is there anything to eat? I'm hungry."
"Alright, I'll have someone prepare something," Diao Chan said, looking at the Fire Spirit Princess. She was so different from Zhou Yan's description.
The Fire Spirit Princess didn't cry hysterically, nor did she make a fuss. She didn't speak of seeking death either. She ate various delicacies very calmly.
After eating her fill, Diao Chan asked, "I plan to send someone to escort you back to the Demon Realm. When would you like to leave?"
The Fire Spirit Princess replied after hearing this, "I don't want to go back. I want Zhou Yan to personally escort me back."
"He's currently occupied and cannot come out," Diao Chan replied.
"That's fine, I'll leave when he comes out. Is it alright to stay here?" the Fire Spirit Princess asked, blinking her eyes.
"Very well, you can stay as long as you wish," Diao Chan said nonchalantly. She assigned a few people to follow the Fire Spirit Princess's arrangements. Diao Chan wasn't trying to appease her, but was merely worried that the Fire Spirit Princess might not be familiar with the territory.
The Fire Spirit Princess did not refuse. The place was quite large, and she did indeed want to explore.
However, the Fire Spirit Princess also began to communicate with her father, employing the unique methods of the demon race. A mirror-like image appeared before Huo Ling'er, within which was the face of the Fire Sage Demon King.
"Father," Huo Ling'er said.
"Ling'er, are you alright?" the Fire Sage Demon King asked.
"I'm fine. I've thought about a lot during this time. Thank you, Father, for always helping me resolve various troubles," Huo Ling'er said.
The Fire Sage Demon King was somewhat surprised upon hearing this. Was this truly his daughter?
She would say such things?
What exactly had this Zhou Yan done to his daughter?
Yet, why did he feel a sense of happiness?
"Ling'er, Father is here to take you home," the Fire Sage Demon King said.
"Father, no. I'll let Zhou Yan personally escort me back then. I'm quite content here now. Don't worry, I don't want to go back," Huo Ling'er said.
"You don't want to return?" The Fire Sage Demon King initially thought Huo Ling'er was being coerced. But upon closer questioning, he confirmed that Huo Ling'er genuinely did not want to return.
After some thought, the Fire Sage Demon King said, "In that case, tell Father when you wish to return."
"Okay, Father." Huo Ling'er ended the call and began to wander around Zhou Yan's territory.
The more she explored, the more astonished she became. Not only did it possess various top-tier buildings, but the territory was also so vast. Crucially, there were many powerful individuals here.
There were also numerous races, including Elves, Dwarves, Demons, Shadowfolk, Ghosts, and other Demons...
Huo Ling'er even entered and experienced various unique dungeons and cultivation spaces within the territory, finding them incredibly astonishing. These structures were truly powerful.
Furthermore, Zhou Yan's territory had a great many powerful individuals. Huo Ling'er did not know the exact number.
Huo Ling'er was not permitted to enter some very important buildings, such as the [Heaven and Earth Library].
Huo Ling'er did not mind and continued to explore the territory. Without the spoiled and willful Huo Ling'er, she was rather likable.
She even befriended Si Teng, Hua Yue Rong, Zhao Min, Xiao Zhao, and others. From them, she learned more about Zhou Yan.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yan continued to battle his inner demons in the Divine Treasure space.
Time flowed like water, and a new year had arrived. The entire territory was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with festive cheer.
Although Zhou Yan was not present, the territory was still very lively. This was the territory's second New Year celebration, and the entire place exuded a strong sense of the holiday.
This year's New Year activities were once again held. Even without Zhou Yan, the territory secured first place. Furthermore, there was no need for Zhou Yan to redeem the rewards; those in charge, like Diao Chan, could act on Zhou Yan's behalf to redeem various prizes.
In the first year, Zhou Yan had even captured a Nian Beast and brought it to the territory. It was still assisting in the cultivation of the territory's crops.
Its purpose was to bring good fortune to the territory.
For this reason, Diao Chan captured another Divine Beast-level Nian Beast for the territory. The two Nian Beasts now had companions and would not be too lonely.
Huo Ling'er had still not left the territory and celebrated her first New Year.
The Demon Realm did not have the concept of New Year celebrations. For them, like other demons, New Year held little significance.
Huo Ling'er had gained a great deal during her time in Zhou Yan's territory. Her cultivation realm had already advanced to the eighty-ninth heaven.
She had also become close with Diao Chan and the others, addressing each other as sisters.
Every one or two months, she would send her father news, informing him that she was well.
Far away in the Demon Realm, the Fire Sage Demon King heard this and was greatly relieved. He then said to Uncle He, "He Qing, I can no longer suppress the power within me. I fear I will ascend."
"Are you still worried about the Fire Spirit Princess? Rest assured, this old servant will surely protect her," He Qing replied.
"In the past, I was very worried about her safety after I left. However, seeing her living well in Zhou Yan's territory and her strength rapidly improving, I have no great regrets."
The Fire Sage Demon King looked at He Qing and said, "I have decided to pass on the position of the next Demon King to you. Only you are most suitable."
"This old servant never thought of becoming the Demon King. I believe the Fire Spirit Princess is the most suitable successor to your position," He Qing quickly said.