Chapter 499: Dear Demon Ruler Master
Dressed in a striking yet elegant dark purple gown, heavily made up with crimson lips, she exuded a charming aura with every gesture.
The esteemed sect leader radiated both the commanding presence of one who controls the world and the tender softness of a lovesick maiden.
Just like that sect leader she once saved in the dream-like demon palace, Lin Nuo found himself questioning whether he had slipped back into a dream.
Not only did their outfits bear a striking resemblance, even their gestures were similar as she sat on his lap.
But this wasn’t something he had requested; she had simply chosen to sit there.
And there was no throne, just a patch of grass by the riverbank next to a plump fish that was struggling to flip over.
Most importantly, there was none of that imposing and suave line: “Be my woman.”
Ling Meng placed her hands on Lin Nuo’s shoulders; the former leader of the Refining Demon Sect had long lost her previous authority, succumbing to Lin Nuo’s handsome demeanor and impressive abilities, feeling somewhat bashful as well.
Lin Nuo stared for a moment; sitting on the lap of the “Demon Lord” really displayed his dominance, but going fishing and having a girl suddenly sit on his lap felt a bit less prestigious compared to being on a throne with a lady in his embrace.
It gave off a vibe more akin to a couple enjoying each other’s company in the wild.
Clearing his throat, Lin Nuo adjusted his tone and said:
“What’s wrong with you? Why do you call me Demon Ruler Master?”
“Master is of unparalleled status and supreme cultivation, fitting to be called Demon Ruler Master.”
“If the Refining Demon Sect hears this, they’d chase me down the street. And your outfit…”
“Ah? Is it that Master doesn’t like it?”
Ling Meng appeared a bit flustered, worried that Master might dislike her look.
“No, it’s quite good.”
Lin Nuo replied honestly, he genuinely liked her noble and aloof yet elegant sect leader vibe; after all, he was over twenty years old at heart, leaning towards more mature styles.
If Ling Meng’s development were more mature, that would be the cherry on top.
However, as she aged and gained experiences, if she managed to live on, becoming that mature and noble Demon Woman in his dreams seemed entirely possible.
“But your look is so sudden; this isn’t your usual style. Besides, you’re just a small leader of a demon sect, yet you dress like the ultimate leader of the Refining Demon Sect. If this gets out, you’d better be careful.”
Lin Nuo, in a masterly tone, advised his disciple.
Yet Ling Meng seemed quite pleased:
“It won’t get out; I understand Master’s aesthetic. I specifically dressed up for our meeting. Since you said it’s fine, it shows my judgment is correct. Besides, I’m just a small leader for now; who knows, I might become a sect leader in the future.”
“You’re quite confident; however, as the saying goes, a soldier who doesn’t aspire to be a general is not a good soldier. Having this confidence and ambition is a good thing.”
Lin Nuo said seriously, needing to maintain his wise and inscrutable master image in front of Ling Meng.
Should he let her know he had been fishing all day without a single catch? How embarrassing.
“I haven’t heard that saying before; Master is truly knowledgeable. Ling Meng is still ignorant, and Master needs to teach me more.”
“Next time, for sure.”
“You said that last time, sigh. You claim to be secretly observing my progress, yet I never seem to catch sight of you. It’s been ages since we had a proper conversation; I thought you were giving up on me as your disciple.”
“Not at all. I’m testing you, and you’ve made progress in your cultivation. Isn’t that why I’m inviting you out to meet?”
“Is that so?”
Ling Meng leaned closer to Lin Nuo’s face, scrutinizing him with doubtful eyes:
“This was clearly my request to meet you first; you just sent me an invitation afterward. Initially, you even wanted me to leave.”
“Same difference; either way, it was my invitation to you, no problem.”
Lin Nuo maintained his serious facade, glancing at the fat fish rolling over nearby, covered in grass and likely on the brink of death.
Great, once it dies, they could grill it; it was almost time to start the fire.
At this moment, Ling Meng was still sitting on Lin Nuo’s lap, showing no intention of getting up.
Her eyes were filled with a sense of grievance, clearly unhappy with her master.
She thought to herself that if one day her power caught up to his, she would definitely trap this annoying master.
But for now, she was far from him—the Supreme Demon Lord, immeasurably powerful.
“My leg is going numb from you sitting on it; could you please get up?”
“Master, you said you were observing my cultivation and that I’ve made progress, so tell me where I’ve improved!”
“Your techniques and mindset have both improved. Slowly, you will become a standout in the Refining Demon Sect, carving your own space in the world.”
Lin Nuo continued with his solemn advice, merely following the template, brushing it off.
Who knew how much she had actually improved? He still wanted to know that himself.
“So please, get up.” Lin Nuo insisted.
“Surely, the great Demon Ruler Master wouldn’t mind if his disciple sits for a bit? Right, Demon Ruler Master? The greatest master of the Demon Way, surely you wouldn’t mind?”
Hearing Ling Meng’s words made Lin Nuo’s scalp tingle; this strange tone was clearly learned from someone.
But ‘Demon Ruler’ did sound nice; it was far more pleasant than those ridiculous titles like ‘Lin the Hero’ or ‘Big Hero.’
In terms of the disciple’s purpose, constant praise helped heal his wounded spirit from all those past involvements.
Perhaps he had simply spent too long with that group of people—both cultivators and immortals—now being around the Demon Practitioner, Ling Meng, felt much more comfortable.
Being around Mu Yiting was fine too, but he was at the Refining Demon Sect as an undercover dog, so there wasn’t the same atmosphere of open dialogue.
“Enough with the small talk, let’s get serious.”
“Is Demon Ruler Master planning to join the Refining Demon Sect? We would certainly welcome you grandly, and I would gladly serve as your aide.”
“What aide nonsense… I’m not joining; this is about the departure we talked about before. Strong beings have appeared in Tian Lin; their techniques are incredibly terrifying and deadly, so I advise you to leave early and not overstay.”
“Indeed, there have been odd occurrences in Tian Lin, with bizarre spiritual energy fluctuations. Since returning from Tian Lin, we’ve been affected by spells; strange voices have been echoing in our heads, and terrifying visions invade our dreams.” Ling Meng chimed in.
Lin Nuo nodded:
“Yes, this can destroy your mental state. It’s still in its initial stages, so you can break free yourself, but if it strengthens, you won’t be able to escape.”
Ling Meng countered:
“No, I didn’t break free myself; I lack that ability.”
“Then do you still have spells afflicting you?”
“Not anymore, I’ve broken free.”
“Didn’t you just say you couldn’t break free?” Lin Nuo asked, puzzled.
“I can’t, but Master can! It was you who broke my spell, and also for the Refining Demon Sect’s disciples. Master certainly wouldn’t want to see my power diminished, so you helped.”
“What?”
Lin Nuo felt confused; what did he do to dispel their spells?