Chapter 604: The Actions of the Illusionist

Chapter 604: The Actions of the Illusionist

As the saying goes, “One thing subdues another, layer upon layer.” While numerous sects were humbly flattering Helong Hall, Helong Hall, in turn, was trying to curry favor with the Refining Demon Sect.

If we were to represent it with a food chain, the Refining Demon Sect would be sitting at the top of the local food chain.

After all, as the largest demon cult organization, it was naturally daunting.

The higher-ups of the Refining Demon Sect did not come; instead, the representatives were the father and daughter of the Ling family. Old Master Mu Yuanfeng from Helong Hall was indeed acting like a small official before a grand minister, speaking softly and respectfully.

“Ah, it’s the representative of the Refining Demon Sect, Lord Ling! Please, take your seats.”

“Today is Old Mu’s birthday celebration. Wishing Old Mu blessings as plentiful as the Eastern Sea and a lifespan as long as the Southern Mountain.”

Ling Yuan also politely delivered his wishes; since they were here, basic etiquette had to be observed.

As for longevity, well, that was another matter.

When the representatives of the Refining Demon Sect entered, all eyes turned to them, giving off the impression that the Refining Demon Sect was the true host.

After all, the Refining Demon Sect had a colossal influence, and its demon arts were indeed fearsome, unlike those small sects that could only look up.

Various orthodox sects across the land often suppressed the Refining Demon Sect, yet the sect was deeply rooted and impossible to extinguish; it spread its influence like a spark igniting a prairie across the land.

Everyone had heard of the Ling father and daughter. They were initially just unknown little demon practitioners, but Ling Meng’s sudden rise in power and her repeated achievements naturally led her father to become the area leader.

However, being an area leader was not considered a high rank; it was more of a mid-level leader, indicating a significant gap between Helong Hall and the Refining Demon Sect.

The Ling father and daughter followed the guidance to sit down. Though they didn’t expressly survey their surroundings, their capable eyes naturally scanned the area, giving them a general understanding of the situation.

Now, Ling Meng noticed Mu Yiting sitting at the family table, and Mu Yiting’s gaze fell on her as well.

They had become bitter rivals; once, Ling Meng had looked up to Mu Yiting, but then Mu Yiting turned against her—Ling Meng remembered that debt clearly.

However, recalling her master’s warning not to stir trouble, she decided not to provoke Mu Yiting’s base this time; otherwise, she would have launched an attack already.

Today was arranged by the Refining Demon Sect, and it wasn’t about personal grudges. If chaos erupted and she killed Mu Yiting in the ensuing confusion, even if her master were present, it would be hard to pin the blame on her.

She had long wanted to take down this woman—she was simply too repugnant.

Mu Yiting was now very concerned about Lin Nuo; it seemed that Ling Meng had her sights trained on him.

Subconsciously, she glanced towards Lin Nuo’s table.

Not there?

Where did he go?

She was quite worried, but it wasn’t the right time for her to step out. If she left, she wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on Ling Meng; who knew what that woman might do.

Perhaps he sensed something was off, so he left first?

That might be for the best, to avoid being discovered by Ling Meng.

…

At this moment, in the courtyard.

Previously infiltrating Helong Hall as undercover agents, Chen Xiu and Wu Duan from the Refining Demon Sect were now quietly laying their plans amidst the joyous occasion.

The Refining Demon Sect aimed to quietly bypass the patrols and begin placing demon crystal stones within the estate.

These demon crystal stones, when arranged, would form a large array. Once connected, they would create a demon qi spirit field, designed to weaken the opponents and enhance the demon practitioners. Under the demon qi spirit field, ordinary people would be eroded by demon qi and lose their original abilities.

In contrast, demon practitioners within the spirit field would have a bountiful supply of demon soul power, making them feel at home.

This preparation was for a great battle; Helong Hall certainly didn’t expect that there would be members of the Refining Demon Sect mixed in to set this up.

When the time came, these people would be akin to sheep for the slaughter. If a real fight broke out, they would all yield to the Refining Demon Sect; either they would surrender and submit, or they would die.

If they were able to take down the mighty Helong Hall, the Ling father and daughter would have achieved a significant victory, improving their status far beyond that of area leaders.

They had selected three locations and successfully avoided the watchful eyes of the patrols. Only one more point was left; once they set down two more points, they could signal Ling Yuan and proceed with the attack.

As they placed the fourth point, everything was going smoothly, and no one noticed.

However, suddenly, their vision blurred, their minds went blank, and they were at a loss for what to do next. The fourth demon crystal stone couldn’t be placed.

“Ah, an unexpected discovery.”

A man disguised as a humble servant stepped out from the shadows; he was Li Yu, the illusionist sent by the second-in-command. He had originally planned to use his illusions to mislead the guests and incite chaos, but he accidentally stumbled onto this situation.

The illusionist’s cultivation level far surpassed that of the two demon practitioners; it was only natural that his illusions could ensnare them.

Li Yu had a plan; he intended to use his powerful illusions to make these two demon practitioners reveal their intentions. He quickly grasped the general situation.

Being an illusionist was an enviable position, though practicing this technique often had severe side effects—frequent mental fatigue, occasional breakdowns, and intense suffering. But mastering illusions could bring them tremendous benefits.

The second-in-command had developed a potion to stabilize their minds and emotions, alleviating their pain.

However, the potion was addictive, and the second-in-command offered them substantial benefits, which led the illusionists to willingly serve him.

But it was challenging to use illusions on the second-in-command himself, as he had anti-illusion items prepared in advance.

Li Yu received the news and didn’t report to the second-in-command, as the latter had instructed him to adapt flexibly and think for himself. Moreover, reporting could expose them, so he devised another plan.

He understood demon crystal stones; once connected, they enhanced demon practitioners while weakening the general populace. Yet, if placed incorrectly, they could backfire and limit the capabilities of the demon practitioners.

He thought to turn their plans against them; at that time, the Refining Demon Sect’s scheme would fail, and they would find themselves at a disadvantage and forced to yield to Helong Hall.

Very well, then, everyone in this estate would fall into calamity.

Thus, Li Yu used his illusions to encourage the two demon practitioners to continue placing the demon crystal stones, but their intentions changed. Originally working for the Refining Demon Sect, they now brimmed with disdain for it, setting the demon crystal stones to ultimately weaken the demon practitioners instead, with their placement drastically altered.

Inside the estate, several illusionists began to take action, casting spells on members of various factions, disrupting their minds and emotions to prepare for the second-in-command to take control of the place.

“Ah, comfortable! This place’s restroom is truly luxurious.”

Lin Nuo let out a long breath, adjusting his pants as he finished up. Now that he was done, it was time to head back and join the feast. Maybe grab another couple plates of peanuts and some cool water—sounds refreshing!

However, he inadvertently noticed the demon practitioners in action.

And he had also noticed the illusionist.