The King of Hell and LianLian are separate characters. LianLian, who is the main male lead, is a reincarnation of the King of Hell but they are separate characters and as of the current chapter LianLian and the King of Hell are both alive at the same time. Actually, the two of them are even enemies. ohkimch got confused with recent plot developments I guess - the plot can be quite intricate, but so far it makes sense to me.

Also, it is simply untrue that the female character is a damsel in distress. She is a very strong character for the whole series - yes, sometimes she is saved by the male lead, but sometimes she is the one to save him instead. They help each other out when it is most needed - like in all good relationships.

Despite the male lead’s considerable status, wealth, and power, he’s first introduced right after being stripped of these privileges. His social status, physical prowess, and riches meant nothing right after he lands in another time.

Even when they’re both in his time, we’re under the impression that at least in their past life, they were of relatively equal status. She was a spirit of some sort, and he was more specifically a fox spirit.

The point is, for once, I thought I’d finally, finally found a story where the male was not significantly stronger/smarter/richer/wealthier/more attractive/more powerful than the female lead.

Hurrah, I thought. Finally a Chinese manhua where the strong female lead isn’t eclipsed and reduced into a lucky Damsel by the male lead’s brilliance.

But then it turns out the fox spirit was the flipping King of Hell before he was a fox spirit. Surprise, surprise.