In just a short while, the entire demon nucleus had been completely dissolved, its immense power absorbed by Sky-Devouring Snake, adding to its demon essence.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom…

Sky-Devouring Snake's power grew continuously until, after a short time, it reached the ninth level of the spirit monarch realm.

Sensing the increase in Sky-Devouring Snake's power, Black Puppy's eyes filled with envious admiration. It was now weaker than Sky-Devouring Snake now. If they fought, it would be no match for Sky-Devouring Snake.

Sky-Devouring Snake swung its tail at Black Puppy, whipping it into the air.

Furious, Black Puppy roared, "Stinking snake! What are you attacking me for?"

Sky-Devouring Snake chuckled. "You were always picking on me before," it said. "Now that I'm stronger, of course I'm going to teach you a lesson."

Black Puppy opened its mouth, releasing a black vortex, which flew at Sky-Devouring Snake.

After the increase to its strength, Sky-Devouring Snake had gained new power. It opened its mouth and ate up the black vortex. Then, it swung its tail again and slammed it down on Black Puppy's head, leaving a large bruise. Black Puppy hissed in pain.

Qingfeng Li watched the two demonic beasts exchange blows with furrowed brows. "You two," he said, "stop messing around. We're leaving for Fire Monarch Mountain right now to rescue Ruyan Liu and Little Apple. There's no time to waste."

Hearing this, Black Puppy and Sky-Devouring Snake ceased their battle.

Black Puppy glared at Sky-Devouring Snake, eyes filled with resentment. It silently swore to itself, When I get stronger myself, I'm going to put this stinking snake in its place!

Sky-Devouring Snake paid no mind to Black Puppy's glare. It swung its tail back and forth, its expression smug.

Whenever these two had met, they would inevitably begin to either quarrel or fight. It had become a habit for them.

Qingfeng Li led Xue Lin, Mengyao Xu, and the others toward the Fire Monarch Mountain. They encountered no dangers during the journey.

No one dared to attack Qingfeng Li. Neither the self-cultivators of powerful sects, nor the hidden demons, nor the powerful demonic beasts. They were now all well aware of Qingfeng Li's power.

This was a man capable of killing the Four Supreme Monarchs. Qingfeng Li could kill them all with ease. No matter how much money was on Qingfeng Li's head, no one was willing to give up their lives. After all, everyone only had one life to lose.

Right now, the entire continent was discussing Qingfeng Li's astonis.h.i.+ng feat. Having slain two Supreme Monarchs one after the other, his fame now spread over the entire Crimson Fire Continent.

"Qingfeng Li's going to fight the Crimson Fire Monarch at the Fire Monarch Mountain. Who do you guys think will win?"

"Is that even a question? Of course it will be the Crimson Fire Monarch. He's the ruler of the entire planet who holds power over the heavens and earth!"

"I don't think so. You're forgetting that Qingfeng Li had already killed two Supreme Monarchs, both of whom fought with the Crimson Fire Monarch five thousand years ago."

"Don't underestimate the Crimson Fire Monarch. Rumour has it that he's moving toward the Saint Realm. Once he becomes a Saint, killing Qingfeng Li would be a cakewalk for him."

"As if it's that easy to break through to the Saint Realm. Even the Sun Monarch from five thousand years ago never became a Saint. How could the Crimson Fire Monarch manage it?"

The entire world of self-cultivators was caught up in the debate, most of them discussing the matter of Qingfeng Li and the Crimson Fire Monarch. The majority favored the Crimson Fire Monarch, and not Qingfeng Li.

Of course, Qingfeng Li's friends and followers were all rooting for him, but their numbers were few.

Some even went and placed bets with powerful trading companies on whether it would be Qingfeng Li or the Crimson Fire Monarch that won.

An example of this was the Crimson Fire Business Alliance, the most powerful trading company on the Crimson Fire Continent, presided over by Ya Yun's father, Tianxing Yun.

Tianxing Yun raised a thin brow. "Daughter," he said, "who do you think we should bet on? The Crimson Fire Monarch? Or Qingfeng Li?"

"Father, I think Qingfeng Li will win," Ya Yun responded. "We can place all of our wagers on Qingfeng Li. I have confidence in him."

Tianxing Yun gave Ya Yun an odd look. He didn't know where his daughter got such confidence.