The gazes of questioning and condemnation struck, falling upon Xiao Zi’s face without any pretense.
Deputy General Lu’s lips curled upwards, seemingly satisfied with the scene before him: “Former Demon Emperor, this Demon Realm is no longer the Demon Realm you remember.”
“You are out of the game.”
Sharp gazes layered upon each other, like cold blades, slicing through Xiao Zi.
The entire hall filled with demons likely stood with Deputy General Lu. Their intention was to give Xiao Zi a show of force, to make him retreat.
But suddenly, Xiao Zi began to laugh inexplicably. His laughter grew louder, and the surroundings gradually quieted.
Xiao Zi’s laughter echoed through the grand hall. Slowly, he calmed down, his tone icy and distant.
“I was unaware that this Demon Realm ever had a place for your Lu Ji!”
Instantly, spiritual energy surged forth, vast and overwhelming, engulfing all the demons present, including Lu Ji on the main seat.
A chilling pressure permeated the air. While not comparable to Lin Ze’s strength, apart from Lin Ze, Xiao Zi was a rare cultivation prodigy among demons, appearing once in a thousand years!
He was the Emperor finally chosen after countless selections by the Demon Tribe!
He looked up, his eyes cold and sharp: “Sitting in my seat, do you believe you can replace me?”
“Hmph.”
“A fool’s dream!”
Violent spiritual energy raged, instantly overturning everything in the hall. A storm swept through!
Lu Ji raised a spiritual energy shield, desperately defending, veins bulging on his neck.
“Lu Chenling! Even if you kill me in this hall! The entire Demon Realm will not submit to your rule!”
Xiao Zi’s lips curved: “Then I shall kill all demons who do not submit to me! Eradicate all rebellious noble families and sects!”
If one clan defected, he would kill them! If the entire Demon Realm defected, he would slaughter the entire Demon Realm!
Some said Lu Ji toiled for over ten years; why did no one mention that before Lu Ji ascended, Xiao Zi had also contributed hundreds of years to the entire Demon Realm!
Lu Ji’s temples throbbed as he gritted his teeth tightly: “All of you, attack! Whoever kills Lu Chenling will be heavily rewarded!”
In an instant, all the demons charged towards the enraged Xiao Zi.
...
“Bang—!” A violent tremor shook the courtyard on the far east.
Bai Ran frowned, looking into the distance, her expression serious. That aura… was it Xiao Zi?
Hua Yun clenched her fist, her face equally grim: “Something’s happened! That’s the Hall of a Hundred Demons where the welcoming banquet is being held!”
Could it be that Deputy General Lu and the Demon Emperor had come to blows!
Bai Ran turned to leave but was pulled back by Hua Yun. Bai Ran looked back to see Hua Yun shaking her head at her.
“This is not a battle we can participate in; going would be suicide.”
Bai Ran pulled her hand away, sighing helplessly: “If the Demon Emperor loses, do you know what your fate will be?”
Upon hearing this, Hua Yun’s expression instantly darkened. If the Demon Emperor lost, the entire Demon Realm would be taken over by Lu Ji.
They, the women sent as tribute, might be the first to become brutal playthings under that man…
“Instead of waiting for death, why not fight for hope?”
Bai Ran’s words were gentle yet powerful, striking Hua Yun’s heart like a heavy blow.
After speaking, she turned to leave. However, Hua Yun behind her grabbed her again.
Turning back, Hua Yun’s eyes were resolute: “I will go with you!”
...
In a secluded courtyard, Lian Shui Yue gazed worriedly in the direction of the Hall of a Hundred Demons.
Demon Emperor, please be safe…
She clasped her hands tightly, silently praying for Xiao Zi’s safety.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Lu Meng suddenly stood up: “What! Deputy General Lu and the Demon Emperor are fighting!”
She clenched her fist, her expression solemn: “No, I must go help Deputy General Lu…”
...
“Bang—!”
Spiritual energy raged, and Lu Ji was flung violently, smashing through several tables.
The Hall of a Hundred Demons was in disarray. Countless ancestors and elders of noble families lay on the ground, injured to varying degrees, unable to get up.
“Cough cough!” Lu Ji clutched his abdomen, spitting up several mouthfuls of blood. His eyes were filled with unwillingness.
“Lu Chenling! If you have the guts, then kill me!”
A sharp beast claw flashed, directly pressing against Lu Ji’s neck.
A drop of bright red blood trickled down his neck, falling onto the ground.
Xiao Zi looked at him, his gaze utterly cold: “Why would I not dare?”
The beast claw advanced another inch, piercing Lu Ji’s neck. The stinging pain made Lu Ji glare at Xiao Zi.
Just then, a sharp female voice rang out from the entrance of the hall: “Deputy General Lu!”
Lu Meng rushed in, flustered, and knelt beside Lu Ji to examine his injuries: “Deputy General Lu! How are you!”
Xiao Zi’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous cold glint appearing: “Lu Meng…”
“You were sent in too?”
Lu Meng gritted her teeth and stood up, blocking in front of Lu Ji, staring directly at Xiao Zi.
“Demon Emperor! Deputy General Lu is clearly your own brother! Why do you relentlessly pursue him, seeking to kill him!”
Own brother… Lu Ji’s fists trembled, his eyes turning bloodshot.
“Own brother? Humph… How utterly laughable!”
Lu Ji grabbed Xiao Zi’s hand and shoved it towards his own neck: “Come! Kill your so-called own brother!”
Xiao Zi’s eyes darkened, a trace of sorrow appearing.
“Lu Meng! What business do you have here!” a roar sounded.
Xiao Zi looked up, his indifferent eyes instantly swirling with light, even showing a hint of grievance.
Hua Yun strode forward furiously, followed by a fiery figure, each step a blooming lotus.
“Little one…” His arms slowly lowered, and his violent tail drooped.
At this moment, he looked like an abandoned animal, lost and heartbreaking.
Bai Ran smiled gently and walked up to him: “Lu Chenling, so that is your name.”
Being family with Lu Ji and Lu Meng, Xiao Zi must have loathed this surname…
He lowered his head, biting his lower lip tightly: “I didn’t want you to know…”
How dirty his family was, how despicable his blood-related kin were, he didn’t want the little one to know any of it…
“Then be my family, and take my surname.”
The gentle words, as light as feathers, brushed against Xiao Zi’s heart.
He looked up at Bai Ran, who was smiling with utmost tenderness.
“Okay…”
Lu Meng clenched her fist, her gaze venomous: “It’s you again! You lowly human, how dare you step into the Hall of a Hundred Demons!”
“This is the Demon Realm’s territory, get out…”
“Bang—!”
Before Lu Meng could finish speaking, purple spiritual energy struck her, sending her flying and smashing heavily against the wall.
Xiao Zi’s brow twitched, his eyes burning with killing intent.
“I never make a move against women.”
“You are an exception.”