I Have a Golden Crow

"Is the contract finalized?" A cold voice came from behind the two.

Du Yu and Lin Shiwei turned their heads and greeted, "Master Qing."

"Master Qing."

The disciples respectfully greeted, but Yang Qingqing frowned slightly, clearly sensing something unusual about the two.

She asked, "What’s going on?"

Du Yu organized his thoughts and recounted the experiences and encounters of the Celestial General.

The narrating story left Yang Qingqing deeply moved and sighing repeatedly.

"Alas..." The woman let out a light sigh and made no further comment.

However, this sigh was already her evaluation.

On that Ashen Continent, there were too many poignant stories.

When disaster enveloped the world, all living beings on that land had their own despair.

So far, they’ve only encountered a few creatures from the Ashen Continent, and none of them were spared.

The Dixiu Tree stood alone in its homeland for hundreds of years, filling the ground beneath its roots with countless bones.

It’s hard to imagine how the Dixiu Tree maintained its resolve through such a long time.

And the Xun Grass, wandering the world, seeking a better home.

It just wanted to find its original life, but ended up a prisoner, tormented at will.

Suffering is never worthy of being glorified.

What people should truly admire are those who step out of suffering one step at a time.

Everyone’s suffering is different, but from those who’ve walked out of it, you can see the same answer.

Resilience, perseverance, and hope.

"Crack! Crack..."

Bamboo stalks, green and vibrant, grew tall and mighty from bamboo shoots.

The dense forest was teeming with life, filled with the fresh fragrance of bamboo wood, refreshing the senses.

Du Yu turned his gaze to the Crescent Lake Shore and saw five ecstatic elders.

They stretched their large frames upward, gazing at the towering giant bamboo.

The elders raised their hands high, whether to embrace the bamboo or the sun.

Though not as jubilant as children, they roared bearishly, echoing through the bamboo grove.

About perseverance, about hope.

The Chi Bear Race received the best outcome.

"Master, master!" A voice full of excitement came from Little Tai Sui in Du Yu’s mind.

Du Yu: "What’s up?"

Little Tai Sui: "The elders want to host a celebration here, gathering the whole clan to worship the Tai Sui Bamboo and celebrate the bamboo’s presence in their homeland.

Elder Yinsuo invited you to join!"

Beside him, Yang Qingqing also received an intent transmission from the Forbidden City.

Yang Qingqing hesitated for a moment, not giving an immediate response.

Just now, after confirming Lin Shiwei had contracted the General’s Seal, Yang Qingqing’s target became the Bamboo Snake.

The number of Demon Taming Soldiers in Great Xia with disabilities was unknown; resolving their suffering even a minute earlier would be a great honor and relief for her.

"Master Qing." Du Yu looked at Yang Qingqing, "Tai Sui just informed me..."

"I know." Yang Qingqing nodded lightly, indicating she understood.

Du Yu paused his words, observing her expression, and noticed her hesitation.

He wondered, "Master Qing doesn’t want to attend? This is a historic moment for the Chi Bear Race, a rare opportunity!"

Du Yu naturally knew the Immortal Master preferred quiet; last time, he coerced her into attending the Chi Bear banquet with him.

Yang Qingqing: "You stay here to witness this moment."

Du Yu: "Does Master Qing have something to do?"

"Yes." Yang Qingqing explained, "I’m planning to find a disabled soldier and test the Demon Skill of the Bamboo Snake.

If it’s effective, I intend to establish a Demon Spirit Realm and breed the Bamboo Snake race within."

Du Yu understood; such matters indeed should not be delayed.

"I’ll go with you, Master Qing." Du Yu immediately said, "I’ve already participated in the Chi Bear Race matters last time."

Looking at his obedient disciple, Yang Qingqing smiled, "No need, Shiwei and I will handle this task."

"No, Master Qing, don’t abandon me..." Du Yu looked at his Immortal Master as if she were a heartless person.

Yang Qingqing: ???

In a trance, she almost thought her disciple was possessed by Hu Xiaoyan!

"Uh, well." Du Yu scratched his head, "You should first take out the Life and Death Tree Heart, Master Qing, and leave it in the Otherworld. Let’s go now, time is of the essence!"

Yang Qingqing gave Du Yu an amused and annoyed glance, then with a wave of her hand, she unfolded a Seven-foot Map of the Realm.

She didn’t need to enter the map; with a simple tap, a flock of birds appeared out of thin air, escorting the giant Life and Death Tree Heart.

Seizing the opportunity, Lin Shiwei quietly asked, "Bamboo Snake?"

Du Yu: "A type of snake demon beast we’ve never seen before. They possess a unique demon skill that can use bamboo to repair damaged limbs.

Reconstructing flesh and blood."

Lin Shiwei’s beautiful eyes widened slightly, as if hearing a fantastical tale.

"Yes." Taking advantage of the nod, Du Yu subtly averted his gaze.

Lin Shiwei suppressed her shock, understanding why Master Qing couldn’t afford any delay.

If the Bamboo Snake race could serve Great Xia, it would not only relieve the suffering of many but also enhance national strength!

Uttering "A merit for the present and a benefit for the future" is not excessive!

"Squeak~" Hongye approached.

The Chi Bear Race clearly saw that neither the Tai Sui God nor the Forbidden City could compel the two masters.

Therefore, the Red Leaf Clan Leader personally took action.

"Hongye, this is the Life and Death Tree Heart." Du Yu tapped the gigantic tree heart. "Please inform the Elder and help me find a skilled Demon Weapon Master to craft it well."

Hongye was somewhat disappointed: "Master won’t participate in our..."

Du Yu nodded apologetically: "Your Chi Bear Race’s celebration should be held internally, I’ll leave Little Tai Sui here.

I do indeed have an important mission."

"Du Yu." The mountain-sized Demon Soul enveloped him, and Yinsuo’s voice was firm, "You and your Master are benefactors to the Chi Bear Race.

You are also the heroes that have allowed the Chi Bear Race to thrive and grow stronger.

Since you have a mission now, we will wait for your return before holding this ceremony."

"Goodness~" Du Yu grinned and looked at Master Qing, "Such honor."

Yang Qingqing also smiled, showing no false modesty: "Then we won’t refuse, let Elder Yinsuo wait a little longer."

"Good! My clan can prepare a bit in the meantime." Yinsuo was very satisfied and continued, "Moreover, I see that this tree heart is quite large, it should be able to produce 2~3 Demon Weapons.

What kind of weapon would you like to be crafted?"

Yang Qingqing glanced at Du Yu and said, "Bow and arrow."

Du Yu quickly said: "I have the Divine Demon Bow and the Ash Tribulation Double Saint Arrow..."

As he was speaking, Du Yu suddenly paused.

Right! Master Qing also uses bow and arrow, and she still doesn’t have a suitable Demon Soldier Bow.

Thinking of this, Du Yu immediately said: "Let’s craft a bow and arrow then."

Yang Qingqing certainly wanted to provide her disciple with a set of bows and arrows; holy weapons are never too much.

She vaguely guessed why her disciple suddenly changed his mind, but Yang Qingqing did not refute him on the spot.

After the Demon Weapons are crafted, she would just let her disciple wield them.

Since Yinsuo’s Demon Soul enveloped the two, it detected their psychological states.

Upon careful pondering, Yinsuo could not help but sigh: In this world, indeed, similar beings attract each other.

Both of them were not being falsely modest; they both wanted to give the best to each other.

In this exceedingly complex Demon Taming World, blood brothers could turn against each other over a treasure, but this pair...

Including the silent girl beside them, her heart was also without a trace of dissatisfaction.

"Alright, Yinsuo understands." Yinsuo motioned for Hongye to pick up the Life and Death Tree Heart, then bade farewell.

Only three people were left in the forest.

Only then did Du Yu remember Lin Shiwei beside him, he sneakily glanced at her and received a smiling nod from the girl.

General Lin indeed had no dissatisfaction, she certainly hoped that Du Yu and Master Qing would grow stronger.

These two were undoubtedly the leaders of the Cyan Sect team; with them present, the team stood strong.

Moreover, the crises and danger levels faced by these two were far greater than any other.

The girl believed that her fellow sect members thought the same.

"Let’s go, back to the bureau first." Yang Qingqing casually waved her hand, and the Fire Age Axe flew from afar, "The area in front of the gate has been cleared."

"Yes." Du Yu telepathically connected with the Void Axe, reaching out to catch the massive Fire Age Axe.

As the spatial rift tore open, the trio stepped into it.

Far away, both Little Tai Sui and the Forbidden City blinked simultaneously.

What about us?

Has our master abandoned us!

"Master?" Little Tai Sui’s foolish voice echoed in Du Yu’s mind.

"Prepare for the celebration at home, in a few days, we will attend together."

Little Tai Sui immediately became happy: "Great!"

Du Yu chuckled, lifted his gaze, and saw before him a seven-story office building.

Although it was late autumn in October, the wall-climbing demonic plants on the building’s exterior had not turned yellow, remaining a lush green.

It was a rare occasion for Du Yu to enter the office building together with Master Qing; along the way, the many respectful faces and voices calling "Director Yang" left Du Yu feeling quite peculiar.

After all, Master Qing was almost ethereal.

Her aura of not being of this world originated internally, yet she was given the mundane title of a "director."

Hmm... the feeling was rather conflicting.

The trio took an elevator to the seventh floor, where Brother Li Jing was already waiting at the entrance.

"Master Qing."

"Hmm."

Li Jing nodded and gestured to his junior brother and sister, then led the group to the office: "I’ve found a disabled retired soldier who is on the way."

Yang Qingqing nodded gently: "Once they arrive, take the soldiers to the meeting room to wait. Shiwei."

"Present."

Yang Qingqing: "Activate the General’s Seal, we’re going in to catch a snake."

"Yes!"

...

Written at the end of the Chapter: Concerning concerns raised by Demon Friends regarding the Artifact Spirit of the Gilded Bronze Seal being male and potentially causing daily life troubles for Shiwei, the author provides the following explanations.

First, not all Artifact Spirits are like Bai Lan; she is merely an exception.

The vast majority of Artifact Spirits remain inside the artifact, indifferent to the outside world, like the Artifact Spirit of Du Yu’s Shadow Gu Tower and the Mountain and Sea Bell.

Even for the Void Axe, Du Yu must "invite" Tai Xu to come out.

Second, the Celestial General is a solemn and dignified general, whose obsession lies in returning home after death, soul returning to his homeland. Fellow Demon Friends need not worry too much.

Third, with Lin Shiwei’s personality, her Artifact Spirits will eventually become her embodiments.

Just like the Black Python Robe and the Dragon Pattern Bracelet.

Once the Celestial General fulfills his heartfelt obsession and rests in peace, the Golden Armor General will ultimately become General Lin.

Finally, thanks to the Demon Friends for pointing this out, the author will be more cautious in future creations.