After a hearty feast, Qin Shao departed the valley satisfied. The young women remained inside the small tripod refining themselves, while the task of refining the fanged beasts' inner essences would have to be addressed more carefully—though it seemed simple at first, it proved quite challenging for them. Only Lin Caiwei managed to successfully refine one such essence, and even that process was exceptionally difficult. While Qin Shao was deeply immersed in the warmth and comfort of the moment, unwilling to pull away, news arrived from the Heavenly Court: the representatives of the demonic race had grown increasingly urgent, leaving the deities in charge of reception utterly exhausted. Upon returning to the heavenly realm, both Tao Hua and Xi Xiu's expressions were not particularly bright. Tao Hua asked, "What's going on? Have you lost money, or has your sister been taken by someone else, or is your wife having an affair?" Holding her flowered fingers, Tao Hua said, "Qin brother, could you please be a bit more serious? Neither I nor Xi Xiu has married yet—how could we possibly wear green hats? The real issue is that the demonic delegation has simply been too demanding." "How could this be so outrageous? Why haven't you beaten them up?" Qin Shao exclaimed, eyes blazing, "This is our own patch of land—aren't they reversing the situation now?" The tall, handsome guy said, "We can't beat them up. Though they've been boastful, they haven't gone so far as to demand physical punishment. The real difficulty lies here: we'd have loved to see them so defiant that their noses would be streaming with pride, but they simply won't. In short, they're people who criticize without using any strong language—what they say is deeply irritating, yet you can't quite refute it. That's what makes it so frustrating." Qin Shao glanced at the two of them, "They don't use strong language when they criticize—why haven't you stepped in to guide them into the pit?" The peach-blossom brother, slightly embarrassed, said, "We're gentlemen, aren't we? Gentlemen shouldn't do such things." "Yes, precisely," the tall guy smiled brightly, "that's why we've been so eager to bring you back. This matter, you're surely capable of handling." He narrowed his eyes: "What does this mean? Are we the only ones who are small-minded here? What's going on with you two? Before I go to deal with the demonic race, wouldn't you two like to have a good fight—some practice, if you please?" The two of them stepped back together, smiling: "We're colleagues, how could we possibly fight each other? Qin brother, please save your strength for the demons. They're truly outrageous—once you go, you'll see." "Really? How outrageous can they be compared to me?" He arched an eyebrow. "Just watch the show—will you two really stay put? Don't regret it; that's a golden opportunity to give the demons a real beating." The tall, handsome one waved his hand, chuckling slyly: "We're staying right here, cheering for Qin brother. Wishing you all the success!" After all, what's so impressive about a few demons? You're already looking like you're scared out of your wits. There's no shame in that at all. He stepped on clouds, arriving at the Honglu Palace, which was specifically in charge of external affairs—akin to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, in the heavenly realm, beyond the Celestial Palace, few other organizations existed, so this department typically remained understaffed and quiet, often appearing as a mere administrative backwater. Even before entering the main gates, he heard several voices arguing, with a clear female presence among them. "Your Celestial Palace has been so evasive—how can we expect any hospitality when we've come with genuine intentions? What is the proper way to treat guests?" "Can you at least show some sincerity? If you're unwilling to discuss, simply state so. We are all people of standing—we won't linger indefinitely. Yet you neither refuse nor take action. What exactly does that mean?" "Is there not even one person in your vast Celestial Palace willing to step up and take responsibility?" "Are you afraid of us? If so, just say so. It's not at all embarrassing—everyone has moments of hesitation." “I heard the Jade Emperor has a chronic bronchial condition—shouldn’t we just go straight to the Queen Mother of the West?” “……” Several immortals sat in a row, their lips subtly moving as if reciting a sutra such as the *Sutra of Pure Heart*, or perhaps even the *Sutra of Perfection*. In front of them stood a group of incessantly chattering figures, oddly shaped and unrefined—regardless of gender, each possessed the temperament of a fiery housewife. They spoke in clear, well-structured sentences, often using parallel phrasing, which was truly remarkable. Qin lightly stepped over, humming, “Who is causing this commotion here? Do you even know the basic etiquette? Are you truly representatives from the demonic realm? Didn’t you expect to find someone courteous and dignified? How utterly unpolite you all are!” “Who are you? Where do you come from?” “You’re exactly the kind of person the Heavenly Court has long described—someone who, though still young and unseasoned, lacks the experience and steadiness to deliver on commitments. That’s precisely what they mean by ‘a person without a beard on their mouth yet who "Are you here to negotiate with us, to raise a matter—does the Celestial Court really have no one left?" "Oh, they always talk about how magnificent the Celestial Court is. Now it seems they've just been overhyped. Are you actually sent by the Jade Emperor, or by the Queen Mother of the West?" "It's probably the Queen Mother's people. Though the Celestial Court officially appears to be under the Jade Emperor's authority, in reality it's run by his wife. This young man is clearly one of hers." These people are simply a swarm of flies—buzzing incessantly, never stopping, making one's head ache. And they're truly sharp in their criticism, never using any foul language. Now Qin Feng finally understands why both Tao Chá and the handsome young man were unwilling to come. Whenever you speak one sentence, they respond with dozens. Unless someone has an exceptionally agile mind, it's simply impossible to keep up with their pace. Qin is a bit puzzled. It's well-established that the magical beings generally have lower intelligence. How come there are so many articulate and eloquent ones? Could it be that they've brought over the most skilled orators from the Magic Realm? "Who are you exactly? Why aren't you saying a word? You show absolutely no politeness at all." "Surely your appearance is quite nice—well-groomed, polished—but the lack of politeness is a serious flaw. This person must be a bit intellectually weak. Diagnosis complete." "…." Qin Shaozhen was really furious, but still managed to smile and address the leading magical being: "Brother, I just arrived from the Magic Realm. Your wife was absolutely enthusiastic—she even invited me to stay at her home for several days, as I was assigned to welcome you all. Your sister, too, competed with your wife to warm my bed, and I simply couldn't bear the embarrassment. Brother, for heaven's sake, may I ask your surname? Also, your daughter-in-law asked me to tell you something—she's pregnant with your child, and urged you to return home immediately. She specifically asked me to keep it a secret, but I think this is a joyous occasion, and everyone deserves to know. Of course, I want everyone to share in your happiness. And you—just after leaving your home, your neighbors have already stepped in to take on the responsibilities of a husband. Your wife has been singing and dancing all night long, and claims they're even better than you!" Several of the named magical beings immediately lost their temper. Though they didn't believe it at first, Qin Shaozhen's account sounded genuine and well-founded. "Calm down, you're making it up!" one of them couldn't help but shout. Qin was thrilled—after all, it was *you* who started the fuss, so don't come crying when I take action.