Turning his gaze back to the distant village, the boy led Ding'er to the foot of the mountain. Pointing to the cliff near the mountaintop, he said, "Big brother, up there is where the Purple Esu Grass grows. It's hard to pick because it only grows on the cliff's edge, but it's very effective for treating bone pain. Please, big brother, help me pick a few stalks. Thank you!" Ding'er glanced upward and, with a whoosh, flew toward the mountaintop. "So amazing! He can fly!" the boy exclaimed, stunned, thinking there was hope now."Hmph, is this it?" Ding'er hovered in midair, observing the sparsely growing Purple Esu Grass on the cliff. After confirming it was the desired herb, he plucked a few stalks and flew back. "Here, kid!" The boy excitedly took the herbs. "That's it! Thank you so much, big brother~!" "Now that I've given you the stuff, tell me everything you know, word for word, or I won't let you off easy!" Ding'er threatened."Y-Yes! About the rumors of the war, I heard people say that the Hero and Emperor Ba reached an agreement to stop fighting, and the Demon Clan has started an orderly migration back to the Human Realm. They say the Demon Clan's new capital is near the Tian Hao Holy Capital, with the two capitals supporting each other and interacting closely. Also, the route to Tian Hao Holy Capital goes southwest from here. You'll see a mountain path opened along the river. Follow that path, cross a few mountains and a large lake, and you'll reach the Tian Hao Holy Capital. I've been there a few times with my father to sell goods, so I know it well," the boy spilled everything he knew. "Alright, go back now!" Ding'er waved him off. "Thank you again, big brother!" The boy hurried away."Both sides stopped fighting? With the Hero's meager ability, how could Emperor Ba possibly compromise? Could there be some other influence at play? Whatever, I'll head to Tian Hao Holy Capital to find out," Ding'er muttered to himself as he took off.After some flying, he approached the area near Tian Hao Holy Capital. Unknowingly, dawn had broken. "Is this Tian Hao Holy Capital?" He looked down, watching the early morning residents starting to gather at the market. From the sky, he could faintly see another city to the north of Tian Hao Holy Capital. "Could that be the Demon Clan's new city the kid mentioned? I think I sense Emperor Ba's aura." Ding'er didn't linger and flew toward the new city."That aura?! It's definitely Emperor Ba!" The closer he got to the new city, the stronger the aura felt. Overjoyed, Ding'er sped up. Soon, he arrived above the new city and slowly descended into this unfamiliar place. Looking around, he saw Demon Clan brethren everywhere, with a few humans chatting and laughing with them as if no conflict had ever existed. "What's this? Did the Demon Clan and humans really reconcile, as he said?" "Is that Ding'er? You've finally returned," a voice suddenly echoed in his ears. "Emperor Ba?! Your sinful subject has escaped human captivity and returned at last~!" Ding'er, hearing Emperor Ba's telepathic message, was overcome with excitement. "Enough. Come to the palace," came the next message. Ding'er hurriedly flew toward the palace at the city's center."Lord Ding'er?! Wasn't he missing?" The guards at the entrance were shocked to see Ding'er descending from the sky. "Greetings, Lord Ding'er~!" The guards quickly saluted, not daring to be negligent. "Hmm, long time no see," Ding'er, usually arrogant, actually greeted the guards. He strode into the palace, eager for this long-awaited report.
