Chapter Forty-Seven: I No Longer Wish to Strive

Chapter Forty-Seven: I Don’t Want to Struggle Anymore

“These are my future warriors—fearless soldiers,” Cold Ice raised her hands, her voice filled with a sense of pride.

Following behind, Rose said nothing as she walked quietly into the cabin. Instantly, soft lights illuminated the space.

Within each cultivation tank stood a person with the features of Huaxia; from the outermost to the innermost, their skin tone deepened gradually from yellow to blue.

Anger surged within her, yet Rose forced herself to walk forward, examining each one.

When she reached a particular tank, her pupils contracted. She recognized the man inside—he was the one who had vowed never to shed tears again.

She stroked the glass, disbelief coloring her voice as she asked, “Why? What have you done?”

A demon truly is a demon, desecrating the dead and those who fought for Huaxia.

Standing behind Rose with arms crossed, Cold Ice listened to her accusation and pondered before replying, “It’s because of their conviction. For that belief, they faced death without fear, sacrificing their lives. I simply allowed them to be reborn from death.”

“These are Huaxia’s warriors, monuments of faith. You’re desecrating them!” Rose’s voice cracked, tears threatening to spill.

Cold Ice gazed at Rose, who was now crouched on the floor, covering her face. Her tone softened, tinged with concern. “These warriors possess unparalleled conviction. Their mission as Huaxia’s defenders is fulfilled. I’d be honored if they became my soldiers.”

She paused, then gently hugged the crying Rose, continuing, “This is the foundation I offer you. You can’t seek revenge against Karl alone.”

Rose pushed Cold Ice away, her voice cold. “I will not lead the demons. I came only for knowledge.”

Cold Ice’s lips curled into a smirk. “Even Huaxia’s warriors? Then I’ll assign them to my demon squads.”

“They won’t fight for Huaxia’s enemies. Forget it,” Rose replied confidently.

“Not afraid. What are demons best at? Brainwashing,” Cold Ice said, answering her own question.

Seeing Rose lost in thought, Cold Ice slowly left the cultivation chamber. Young lady, you think I can’t tame you? Walk well on the path I’ve paved for you.

Sure enough, after returning to her quarters, Cold Ice waited less than ten minutes before hearing a knock. She was certain it was Rose and cheerfully called, “Come in.”

To her surprise, it wasn’t the long-awaited Rose who entered, but a towering demon over three meters tall. Cold Ice’s smile vanished, her gaze fixed upon him.

Feeling uneasy under his queen’s stare, Demon Ato focused on his mission, recalling the news he had just received. He reported, “Queen, according to reconnaissance, the civilizations under Angel rule are preparing for war on a large scale. According to Atay, they may be heading for the Milky Way.”

Cold Ice set aside her annoyance, speaking calmly, “Let Atay handle the arrangements—he’s the War Officer and has a comprehensive view.”

“Yes,” Ato replied, and immediately withdrew. As he opened the door, he saw Rose outside and paused in surprise.

He stepped aside, displaying gentlemanly manners, and gestured for Rose to enter.

Rose glanced unexpectedly at the tall demon but said nothing, walking into the Demon Queen’s quarters—or rather, her palace.

With Ato gone, only Rose and Cold Ice remained. Seeing it was Rose, Cold Ice smiled and asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

“I have. Those warriors won’t join the demon ranks. I’ll lead them to avenge Death God Karl.”

Rose had thought this through carefully. First, the demons were invaders of Earth; the soldiers would never join the enemy. Second, she needed a force to ensure her revenge plan’s success. Third, she was preparing for the day she would break away from the demons.

Cold Ice’s smile faded. Without hesitation, she refused, “No. Demons have no such rules. The entire demon force is unified; internal factions are forbidden.”

Rose quickly considered her options and spoke again. “Space-Time Rose needs her own forces—helping demons cultivate their power.”

What comes later can be dealt with later; first, she had to rescue these warriors from Cold Ice’s grasp.

Cold Ice could guess Rose’s intentions but did not mind. She pretended to frown and pondered for a while before saying, “Fine. But as a condition, I’ll implant some harmless thoughts in their minds.”

Now it was Rose’s turn to frown and think. After a long pause, she replied, “Fine, let’s do it.”

Smiling again, Cold Ice held Rose’s arm and, as they walked, said, “Come, let’s welcome Space-Time Rose’s warriors.”

Unknown Star Region, Outer Orbit of a Star

“Ahhh! I don’t want to struggle anymore!” A figure clad in black armor shouted, though his voice failed to escape.

Just as he finished, a beautiful young woman in a white dress with wings appeared beside him. She slapped the armored man’s head and scoffed, “How many times is this now? Aren’t you tired? I’m sick of hearing it.”

These were Yunyang and Kaisa, returning from over twenty million light-years away.

Yunyang’s face was twisted with exhaustion. “That’s why I say it—because I’m tired.”

Kaisa slapped her smooth forehead, exasperated. “We’re almost there, almost. Hang in there.”

Really, just a mere two thousand light-year transfer—was it necessary to be like this? But then again, twenty million light-years was no short distance. Not that Kaisa cared; she sipped red tea and snacked in virtual space, occasionally teaching the adorable Xiao Yi.

Half a year was but a blink for an angel who had lived nearly thirty thousand years.

But for Yunyang, those six months felt long. He was only eighteen before crossing over, now perhaps nineteen, and had been in this world less than a year. Half a year spent gazing at cosmic wonders—but no matter how beautiful, after six months even the stars grew tiresome. Especially when there was nothing but stars.

He tugged at Kaisa’s dress, asking, “How many clothes did you buy last time? You always wear something different.”

“Not that many—a year’s worth, one per day,” Kaisa replied, thinking.

Stare…

“Don’t look at me like that. I bought some for you too, you know. You can wear them,” Kaisa said, a little uncomfortable under Yunyang’s gaze.

“Sure, sure. Your clothes could outnumber mine by 183 times. Impressive,” Yunyang grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Indeed, on a pre-nuclear civilization planet, Kaisa had dragged Yunyang shopping, unable to bear him staring at her waist every outing. In that era of cold weapons, clothes were scarce and one could hardly wear the same thing constantly.

“Is it such a hardship to shop with a beauty like me?” Kaisa retorted angrily.

Yunyang’s lips twitched as he looked at the angel, now nothing like a king of gods, recalling that experience.

When they teleported to an unknown star system, they landed on a life-bearing planet with a civilization much like Earth’s when Yunyang crossed over.

Kaisa scanned the planet with her Insight Eye, then led Yunyang through the atmosphere toward the largest mall.

On the mall’s top floor, they donned linen robes. Kaisa used some unknown technology to secure them identities and a long string of zero-laden virtual currency.

They entered a women’s clothing store. The saleswoman watched them in surprise as Kaisa’s female instincts took over in a whirlwind shopping spree. Yunyang paid by facial recognition, and with an envious look from the saleswoman, Kaisa dragged Yunyang away.

Did you think it was over? Not at all—they went to a neighboring store. Another round of shopping, Yunyang paid, and his hands were filled with bags.

By the third store, Yunyang could hardly carry more. He stashed some in the dark dimension, keeping a few in hand for the sake of appearances.

After one floor, they had bought over three hundred pieces, leaving generous commissions for the saleswomen, as these clothes were luxury items on this planet.

Next, they moved to the cosmetics floor. Kaisa ignored Yunyang and headed straight to a store with unfamiliar lettering. Determined to impress and avoid judgment, Yunyang hurried after her.

The sales assistant at the entrance saw a stunning woman leading a man in linen robes and quickly greeted them. “Welcome, beautiful lady.”

Then she glanced at Yunyang and cautiously asked, “Is this your chauffeur? We have a special waiting area.”

Kaisa seemed to remember something, turned to Yunyang with an apologetic smile, and replied, “No, let him come in.”

The assistant smiled knowingly, casting Yunyang a look reserved for kept men, and gestured them inside.

They spent half an hour in the store. Kaisa finally chose a lipstick and a comprehensive eyeshadow palette; Yunyang kept busy picking out gifts for Rose.

As they left, the sales assistant whispered incredulously to her colleague, “He’s not a kept man after all—did I miss something?”

Her colleague nodded in agreement, “Yes, such a low-key wealthy man—love it!”

Kaisa glanced at the lipstick in Yunyang’s hand and continued toward the escalator to the next floor.