Zhou Yan sealed Huo Ling'er, rendering her like an ordinary person. Even attempts at suicide were thwarted by mysterious array patterns.
Zhou Yan then dismantled the Yin-Yang Cage and released Uncle He and the others, dispelling their seals. He declared, "Go tell the Fire Saint Demon King that I will release his daughter when she apologizes to me. Rest assured, I will not kill her."
Uncle He stopped the guards who were about to intervene. After a moment's thought, he asked, "May I know your name?"
"My name is Zhou Yan, a person from the Cang Lan Continent. You should be able to find out easily." Zhou Yan saw no need to hide. Why would he?
Only when one is weak does one need to conceal their identity. He now feared no one and had no reason to hide.
"Zhou Yan, are you that number one in the world from the Cang Lan Continent!"
Uncle He had evidently heard of Zhou Yan. After all, only one person per continent could earn such a title.
As Zhou Yan's deeds across the myriad realms grew, his name became known to many factions.
Upon hearing Zhou Yan reveal his name, some of the surrounding demon races expressed surprise, while others were bewildered.
"Is this human very famous?"
"I heard he's quite powerful, having single-handedly annihilated tens of thousands of strong individuals."
"Holy crap! That's fierce!"
"The number one of Cang Lan Continent. Only the most outstanding individuals can bear such a title, you should know that."
"So it's him, no wonder he's so strong."
...
"Don't worry, no one dares to impersonate me," Zhou Yan replied.
"I will truthfully report to the Fire Saint Demon King. For now, please take good care of the Princess."
Uncle He and the others understood that Zhou Yan was not someone they could contend with, and it was best to report back.
"Tell the Fire Saint Demon King that it's best not to bother me for the time being, otherwise I cannot guarantee the Fire Spirit Demoness's well-being."
Zhou Yan had important matters to attend to with Qian Shun. Once he was done with everything, he could leisurely spar with the Fire Saint Demon King.
"I will report truthfully to the Fire Saint Demon King."
Uncle He glanced at Princess Huo Ling one last time before reluctantly departing.
Huo Ling'er said nothing more, believing her father would surely rescue her from this person.
Zhou Yan confiscated Huo Ling'er's chariot, a powerful Saint artifact, exceptional in both offense and defense.
"That's mine, give it back!" Huo Ling'er exclaimed indignantly as her chariot was taken.
"As a prisoner, you should know your place. You are in no position to haggle with me right now," Zhou Yan said, glancing at Huo Ling'er.
Ignoring Huo Ling'er's shouts, he sealed her mouth, rendering her mute and able only to flail.
Zhou Yan grinned as he watched Huo Ling'er, unable to utter a word. "See? This is much better. If you don't want to be a mute forever, just behave."
Huo Ling'er obviously would not behave. She was now like a rebellious teenager, one who would never shed tears even when facing her own coffin.
She would only think of taking others down with her, seeking a scapegoat even in death. Stubborn and cruel to herself.
People like her should not be indulged; they deserve a beating!
Although this matter concerned Qian Shun, it was now resolved.
The Fire Saint Demon King no longer had the inclination to deal with Qian Shun, his entire focus shifted to Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan began inscribing arrays. Profound and esoteric array patterns formed in the air, eventually creating a complete teleportation channel.
"Swish!"
Zhou Yan directly transported Huo Ling'er out of the demon realm, back to the Cang Lan Continent, specifically to a villa within Ziwei Academy.
Huo Ling'er opened her mouth, gesturing animatedly, trying to speak.
"You say you're hungry and want to eat dirt. So you grew up eating dirt?" Zhou Yan translated based on Huo Ling'er's gestures.
Huo Ling'er was furious. Who eats dirt? You eat dirt, your whole family eats dirt!
Poor Huo Ling'er fumed, but could only gesture helplessly, completely unable to muster the strength to even hit Zhou Yan. She was entirely at his mercy.
Zhou Yan sat on the sofa, looking at Huo Ling'er, and continued, "Oh, you say you want to take a bath and want me to undress you. You can take a bath, why do you want me to undress you? I treat you as a captive, and you still want to sleep with me!"
Huo Ling'er's face turned scarlet with rage, almost collapsing. She gritted her teeth, clenched her small fists, her whole body trembling with anger.
Seeing Huo Ling'er like this, Zhou Yan was delighted. He continued, "Keep gesturing, I'll keep translating. I have plenty of time to tease a monkey!"
Huo Ling'er realized Zhou Yan was doing this intentionally, speaking that way solely to provoke her.
Enraged, Huo Ling'er closed her eyes and lay on the sofa, no longer wishing to speak with Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan teleported Huo Ling'er to his territory and confined her in a room carved with array patterns. For demons like her, a month without food or water wouldn't kill them, so Zhou Yan was too lazy to bother with her.
Even if she kicked and slammed against the walls of the room now, no one outside would hear her, and no one would see.
Zhou Yan transmitted a message to Qian Shun: "The matter is resolved."
"Resolved so quickly? You're amazing. How did you resolve it?" Qian Shun was very surprised, eager to know the details. It had been less than a day, and the matter was already settled.
"It's simple. I just tied up Huo Ling'er and told the Fire Saint Demon King not to bother me, or I'd kill her. Isn't that resolved?"
Zhou Yan explained his method of resolution to Qian Shun.
Qian Shun was stunned upon hearing this: ヾ(｡ꏿ﹏ꏿ)ﾉﾞ
You were told to solve the problem, and instead, you kidnapped someone!
And you arrogantly told the father not to bother you!
Threatening him that you'd tear her apart if he bothered you!
He had never encountered such an audacious robber!
"Peh! I didn't tell Zhou Yan to kidnap anyone. This matter shouldn't have anything to do with me, right?"
Qian Shun felt the situation was becoming increasingly complicated. He believed his own situation was not only unsafe but also constantly in greater peril.
"Where did you lock her up?" Qian Shun asked.
"In my territory. Don't worry, it's very safe, she can't escape," Zhou Yan confidently replied.
I'm not asking if it's safe!
I'm asking if she can escape!
What are you so confident about?
"I feel like the Fire Saint Demon King might lead a large army to deal with you at any moment," Qian Shun voiced his concern.
"You said it's to deal with me, so why are you so nervous?" Zhou Yan asked indifferently.
Qian Shun's expression was grim. He felt entrusting this matter to Zhou Yan was a mistake from the start.