Chapter 1078: Do You Still Want to Collaborate?

Chapter 1078: Do You Still Want to Collaborate?

“As long as the enemy is dead, there’s no such thing as a threat.”

Right now, Lin Nuo was the only one still able to fight.

Of course, he was running low on energy, so it wouldn’t be too smooth.

But the trap was already set—fight he must. If it got too tough, he could send those two spirit swords out to take a beating. They were just sitting there eating and drinking for free, so it was time for them to contribute.

“They should have surrounded us by now; they’re all demons, which means they must be in a bit of a bind…”

The Ice Dragon fretted. It regretted being sealed. If it had still been here to guard, no one outside could come in, and they could protect Qin Zhu and the others.

“What’s a bind for you is no trouble for me. But with the great battle ahead, you all need to watch yourselves. I don’t have time to take care of you. You’re few in number; self-protection should be manageable.”

Lin Nuo raised his hand, and in an instant, the spirit sword that had been left aside flew into his grasp.

To ensure they could last longer, Lin Nuo decided not to transform it into a Demon Sword just yet.

The sword felt lighter, likely due to the consumption of those two little things.

“I say, Second Martial Sister, can you still hold the line?”

“Of course,” Qin Shili nodded.

“Good. There’s still some of its spiritual power lingering here, which can provide you with temporary protection. Don’t wander around.”

With that, Lin Nuo brandished his sword and walked outside.

Thinking back, it hadn’t been long since he came in, and he hadn’t seen anyone upon arrival.

Maybe someone was watching before, and with the Ice Dragon’s presence, they hadn’t dared to act recklessly.

Now they dared, plotting to catch him all at once.

How many came?

As Lin Nuo stepped outside, the place was still solid. Though it shook occasionally, the residual spiritual power from the Ice Dragon could still support the main body.

The collapsed exit reappeared, and he didn’t even need to use shadow techniques to sneak out.

The people outside didn’t dare to rush in; instead, they watched. The moment Lin Nuo stepped out, countless demon bullets were hurled at him.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Rumbling sounds echoed as he swiftly dodged.

“Not a small number, but mostly half-baked demons.”

Lin Nuo retreated to the side, observing the mass of demons surrounding him, commenting as if he were a superior overseeing the situation.

Surely, someone must be leading this large force? Where’s the head?

Lin Nuo scanned his surroundings. The crowd noticed him and continued their bombardment, unwilling to give him a moment’s rest.

However, with his ability to easily take down the enemy’s leader amidst a sea of soldiers, dodging bullets felt like a walk in the park.

“Ah, spotted the leader. Huh? Liang Zhao is actually here in person?”

Lin Nuo recognized Liang Zhao directing the troops from behind.

Capture the thief, catch the king first. If Liang Zhao fell, the Qin forces would scatter like a broken mess, fleeing without even needing to fight.

But…

It turned out to be just a puppet, not the real Liang Zhao himself.

He could communicate through the puppet, a tactic commonly employed by those high-level and cunning mages.

Being able to show up at the scene while keeping his own neck safe—what a steady strategy.

As for his actual self, he might be lounging in bed enjoying life.

“Stop!”

At that moment, Liang Zhao amplified his voice through Spirit Technique, and the demons halted their attack.

“Ah, I thought I was facing someone formidable; turns out it’s the young and promising Lin Nuo! My apologies, really. It’s my fault, I humbly apologize. There’s no need for a life-or-death battle between capable young individuals.”

Liang Zhao’s somewhat benevolent voice reached Lin Nuo.

“No need for pleasantries, Great Wizard Liang. If you think there’s no need for conflict, then rallying such a huge force seems questionable, doesn’t it?”

Normally, Lin Nuo wouldn’t bother with him, diving straight into battle. But given his current energy levels, delaying for a bit wouldn’t hurt—more recovery would be safer.

Plus, he had to watch out for this crafty old fox who loved to play tricks.

“I’m merely thinking of my people. This place possesses frightening spiritual entities that threaten our existence. That’s why I’m here to resolve the issue. However, seeing the spiritual power dissipating, I assume that’s your doing? Then I must thank you on behalf of my people.”

Liang Zhao said politely, not rushing into a fight with Lin Nuo.

“Yes, the spiritual entities have been eradicated. You can retreat now; head back and wash up for some sleep.”

“Ah, but I value talent; it’s rare to meet you. I hope to have a talk. You were once at the Xuanyun Sect, and now you’re with demons. Surely you understand the current trends. I admire your ability to adapt. However, going solo is tough; you need allies. Let’s collaborate, and together we can seize this land.”

Liang Zhao smiled, but Lin Nuo found that old fox’s grin utterly disgusting.

Collaboration? Seriously? Those demonic individuals were prone to betrayal. Being allies for a few days could lead to a backstab.

Besides, Lin Nuo was the pinnacle of demonic forces; did he really need collaboration?

How ridiculous!

“Collaboration? What kind of collaboration? What can you provide?” Lin Nuo asked.

“We have resources, talents, magical artifacts and spiritual tools, territories, and influence. If you have any ideas you want to implement, we can assist you. It’s far better than going solo. Right now, we’re studying some mutated demons that could rival the Refining Demon Sect and those Daoists, who wouldn’t stand a chance against us.”

“You come here to negotiate; does your master Qin Dao know?”

“My lord highly values talent and shares my perspective,” Liang Zhao replied with a continuing smile.

“Is that so? I’d prefer to speak to him in person; otherwise, I won’t feel your sincerity.”

Lin Nuo declared, intending to finish him off after the conversation.

But killing Qin Dao wouldn’t mean much; he was merely a pawn. Liang Zhao was the true mastermind behind those demon troops.

“Hmm, I’ll report to my lord. Please accompany me to meet him; my lord will personally receive you,” Liang Zhao continued to smile.

“No need. I’ll stay here; just have him come to me.”

Lin Nuo said. The old fox was trying to lure him away; if he left, Qin Shili and the others would be finished.

What if he set a trap at his place?

To call for sincerity while using a puppet for negotiations was truly insulting.

“I could send someone back and forth; that would waste your time. Please come with me; we can entertain you with some delicious food.”

“Then tell me where he is, and I’ll pay him an in-person visit tomorrow. By the way, can you set up your formation while I’m speaking?”

Lin Nuo raised his hand to the right, and a wave of energy shot out, instantly obliterating a mage who was formulating a formation.

He was buying time while they both stalled. This old fox was secretly setting up formations during their conversation, planning to wipe out Qin Zhu and the others in one fell swoop.

“Qin Shili is one of mine. You want to eliminate her family and still talk about collaboration? How hilarious!”

Since it had come to this, there was no point in pretending; it was time to fight, old fox.

“Ah, they invaded us; we had no choice but to act.”

Liang Zhao shook his head, raising his hand as a massive black vortex appeared, spewing forth numerous spirits.