Chapter 614: The Battle Between Justice and Evil Approaches
Ling Meng and the others had just repelled a wave of cultivators when they encountered another group of Demon Practitioners emerging from the nearby forest.
Dressed in dark purple robes of the Refining Demon Sect, these disciples bore insignias indicating their affiliation with the Chen family, the most powerful clan within the sect.
With the Chen family entering the scene, the momentum shifted significantly. Leading them was none other than Chen Tian, the eldest son of the Chen family and a figure often spoken of by Ling Yuan as a youthful hero. Draped in a dark purple battle cloak, he bore no weapons, but his deep, inscrutable gaze made it hard to gauge his intentions.
What could they possibly want this time? At least it was better than more cultivators on the way.
Seeing the Chen family, the Ling family reacted like vassals in the presence of a king and hurriedly offered their respects.
“Ling pays respects to the Eldest Prince!”
Ling Yuan and the others performed the ceremonial bow, while Chen Tian dismissed them with a wave of his hand, speaking calmly:
“Ling clan leader, there’s no need for such formality. According to tradition, you’re my senior, so it’s the juniors who ought to pay their respects.”
“The Eldest Prince is humble and gracious; an example for us all. Your talents far surpass mine, and with your noble standing, it is indeed I who should show deference.”
“Your efforts have expanded the influence of your territory. Moreover, your daughter possesses remarkable strength and should surely surpass me in the future, offering boundless potential.”
“Oh, not at all! Compared to the Eldest Prince, my little girl still has a long way to go.”
Ling Yuan spoke with utmost respect, treating even the prodigious youth as if he were a revered master.
Chen Tian appeared amiable and unpretentious, devoid of the arrogance one might expect from a family of such renown. His extraordinary ability as a Demon Practitioner truly embodied the aura of a supreme leader.
This made Ling Yuan very much respect him, leading him to dismiss Ling Meng’s claims about her master as mere deception.
At that moment, an explosion erupted from the former site of the Mu estate, followed by a violent roar and a heavy wave of Demon Qi. Ling Yuan and the others were taken aback.
“What is that?” Ling Yuan inquired.
“It’s a Demon Cannonball, fired by my second brother, Chen Tu. It must have obliterated the Mu estate.”
“Eldest Prince, why should you need to intervene in the Helong Hall’s matters? The Mu estate houses not just Helong Hall members but various organizations as well. Isn’t it inappropriate to destroy it suddenly? I think it might be better to compel them into submission.”
“Perhaps you’re right, but our Chen family adheres to a martial supremacy policy, killing a chicken to scare the monkeys. With the Mu estate destroyed, other organizations will naturally tremble in fear and submit to us. Ling clan leader, we of the Refining Demon Sect have the strength and resources—there’s no need for hesitation.”
“Hmm…”
Ling Yuan was left reeling at the explosion visible before him; this Demon Cannonball could level a significant area. The Chen family was indeed audacious, with their head and now this pair of remarkable descendants. It was awe-inspiring that they possessed the strength to crush numerous Demon Practitioners despite their youth.
It was a case of the strong growing stronger—after all, the Chen family had ruled as kings for generations, and one couldn’t help but admire that.
“May I ask, Eldest Prince, your purpose for coming here?”
“We are here for the birthday banquet of Mu Yuanfeng from Helong Hall. The cultivators are on guard against any trouble from the underworld and the Refining Demon Sect, but they’ve gathered a large number of cultivators, planning to exterminate us. This presents a perfect opportunity for us to strike back. Ahead lies the gathering place of the cultivators; it will be a grand slaughter feast.”
“I see! So the Eldest Prince intends to eliminate those cultivators. Please allow me to accompany you, so I may witness your grandeur.”
“Ha! No problem, feel free to follow.”
Chen Tian chuckled, permitting Ling Yuan and his group to join him so they could witness the prowess of the Chen family’s eldest son.
Ling Meng had remained silent, not addressing Chen Tian with the respect he was due. Comparatively, she found this so-called genius of the Refining Demon Sect to be nothing next to her master, who was vastly superior.
Just then, the cultivators sensed approaching waves of Demon Qi and quickly prepared for battle, arranging formations and setting traps, leaving nothing to chance.
“Zhou Shixiong, what’s going on?”
“They’re coming. They’re coming!”
“Who is it? The Refining Demon Sect?”
“Yes, and there seems to be quite a few of them.”
Zhou Jianhu drew forth his sharp Spirit Sword, glancing towards the front where the trees in the nearby forest were burning and collapsing, revealing the approaching disciples of the Refining Demon Sect, moving in an overwhelming tide.
“They’re coming, Zhou Shixiong!”
“Don’t panic. We have the numbers and the formations ready. We’re not afraid of them.”
Zhou Jianhu spoke confidently, soon after welcoming another wave of cultivators from Yulin Sect and Hunfeng Sect, who would engage in fierce battles with the Refining Demon Sect.
Behind them, Su Kexin, being junior and weaker in strength, was ordered to hold her position and await the right moment to act.
They were here, they were finally here.
The two sides were about to clash, with the Refining Demon disciples emanating Demon Qi and Demon Soul Power, fully prepared for slaughter.
The cultivators did not let their guard down, concentrating fully on the impending confrontation.
Just then, a young boy dashed out from between the two forces.
“Hmm? He came at just the right time.”
He sped in too quickly and couldn’t stop himself, immediately retreating as he popped out to find a hiding spot.
Sensing the Spirit Power and Demon Soul Power, he thought there would be a great battle here, and coming over was perfect; after all, battles often yield some spoils, especially if one could pick up a trophy head or some equipment.
This battle between Demon Practitioners and righteous cultivators was exactly the kind of spectacles he loved to observe, like watching a grand performance. No matter who lost, he would enjoy it—as long as A Su wasn’t there.
Not with A Su there, everyone around would just become experience fodder.
Both sides paused as a shadow darted out but quickly retreated.
Was that a big black rat that just popped out?
“It’s Shixiong! Shixiong just darted out!”
Su Kexin became excited again, pointing at the spot where the big black rat had just emerged.
“Su Shimei, don’t get too excited. That shadow came and went so fast that no one saw what it was. How could you think it was Lin Nuo? If it were him, he would definitely have joined us. You must be mistaken.”
“I’m not mistaken, not at all! It’s definitely him; I can recognize him! He would be hiding nearby, ready to fight alongside us.”
Su Kexin was firm in her belief, convinced it was her Shixiong. After all, who could recognize him better than her, being his partner possessing a Water Spirit Heart?
Meanwhile, on the Refining Demon Sect side, Ling Meng also sensed Lin Nuo’s presence even before anyone saw who had emerged.
Master, you’re here!
Sure enough, the beloved master whom she admired came to check on her!
This time, she had to demonstrate her capabilities to her master; those cultivators would become the stepping stones for her display.
You won’t be disappointed, Master!
“Ling Meng, what are you laughing about?”
Ling Yuan noticed Ling Meng smiling and asked her.
What’s so amusing? She replied in her master’s tone:
“I just remembered something joyful.”
—
The end of the month is approaching, and it’s time to collect the soon-to-expire monthly tickets!