Chapter 822: How Can She Earn the Favor of Master?

Chapter 822: How Can She Earn the Favor of Master?

With Lin Nuo’s declaration ringing out, everyone in attendance was left utterly dumbfounded.

Among them, Ling Meng was the most shocked.

Just a moment ago, she had been secretly thinking that Master would never allow Liu Shuqin to become the leader. After all, she came from the Xuanyun Sect, and even if she had turned to darkness, she was still clueless about matters of the Demon Path. Let’s not even mention that a mere Demon Disciple could never assume such a position.

However, this impossibility suddenly sounded possible coming from Lin Nuo’s lips.

Who could accept such a thing?

To have someone who isn’t a pure Demon Practitioner as the leader? Who on earth could accept that? Deep down, no one would recognize it, right?

Yet, the crowd dared not voice their objections loudly, opting for hushed whispers and side conversations instead.

It was clear to Liu Shuqin that many present were unhappy about this.

To be honest, she had her doubts too and lightly patted Lin Nuo’s arm, thinking maybe they should just let this go.

But before she could even speak, Lin Nuo raised his voice once more, full of authority, as if he were a great leader commanding his subordinates to quiet down.

“What are you discussing? Do you not regard me at all?”

With that booming voice, the room fell into an eerie silence, everyone intimidated by Lin Nuo’s presence, too afraid to speak out.

The tension was palpable. Now Liu Shuqin truly witnessed Lin Nuo’s might; a single sentence was enough to silence the Demon Practitioners and Demon Beasts.

“Are we done? Now it’s my turn to speak, right? I know you’re questioning her, thinking she’s unreliable since she switched from being a practitioner to a Demon. But you need not worry! I transitioned from a practitioner myself, and am I not your leader now? What does her background have to do with it? If you’re not satisfied and worried she won’t manage well, it’s of no use—this power was earned by me, and I decide whom to place in charge. You can only stew in your resentment.”

This wasn’t a discussion; it was a decree. Lin Nuo could easily overrule everyone’s opinions.

In fact, he was quite merciful; as the Demon Ruler, he didn’t even need to entertain their useless chatter. Those who disobeyed could be eradicated with just a flick of his wrist.

What could everyone do but comply?

Ling Meng now sensed an intense sense of crisis—she was clearly losing favor. Master had brought back a woman who was now competing for his attention!

This was not good.

That Liu woman was a menace, here to disrupt her relationship with Master!

She initially thought of giving Liu Shuqin a cold shoulder, but it seemed it was Liu Shuqin who was giving her the cold shoulder instead!

What gave her the right to receive such favor? Did this fox spirit deceive Master for power? Or was she a spy from the Xuanyun Sect here to deal with them?

At this point, Ling Meng’s mind was clouded with biases against Liu Shuqin, believing she harbored ill intentions and had ulterior motives—keeping her around would spell disaster.

For now, she couldn’t openly oppose Master, as she didn’t want to embarrass him in front of others.

She’d have to handle this privately.

Liu Shuqin and Ling Meng sat on either side of Lin Nuo, and whispers among the crowd had already begun circulating, with some claiming these were his two consorts, the Demon Ruler’s brides.

After all, both girls were stunning and received considerable attention from Lin Nuo—they were often seen close to him, naturally leading to such rumors.

However, these were merely rumors, not officially recognized, and further clarity was needed.

From what it looked like, it was an almost done deal; it just depended on who rose to prominence first.

This proposal was passed, of course. Since Liu Shuqin was new, Lin Nuo didn’t place undue pressure on her. He assigned a small portion of the forces under her command.

Lin Nuo didn’t let everyone stay in the same woodland, and since they were going to separate, he entrusted them to expand their own powers. With her gaining both Demon Beasts and Demon Practitioners under her, Liu Shuqin would be relocating elsewhere to establish her own stronghold.

After all, keeping them together wouldn’t be wise; old members could easily suppress new ones in decision-making.

Let Liu Shuqin develop on her own, free from interference—whether she thrived or perished would depend on her abilities.

If she died, there would be no alternative; since she refused to return to the Xuanyun Sect, stepping into the Demon Path meant she had to be ready to confront death.

“Alright, we’ll proceed as I’ve said. The Demon Beasts and Demon Practitioners will be assigned to Liu Shuqin to manage. The current leaders will transition to her. She will then separate and establish her own territory, away from the majority of her companions. This meeting is adjourned.”

With that, Lin Nuo waved his sleeve and left, and Liu Shuqin quickly followed in his footsteps.

Only then did the Demon Beasts and Demon Practitioners start murmuring, chattering with excitement. Originally, Ling Meng was the only favorite of Master Lin Nuo, but now another woman had appeared to share the spotlight—it was the talk of the town!

“Shut up!”

Ling Meng suddenly roared, slamming her hand down on the table. The surge of Demon Soul Power scared everyone into silence.

She was anxious, angry.

“Let me warn you—don’t spread rumors and foolish talk. The one Master loves most is me! He just discovered a newcomer and thinks she has some capability, which is why he granted her power. Moreover, the forces she has are just those of a small leader. I am the true leader!”

Ling Meng declared fiercely, asserting her dominance. She was the most significant, while Liu Shuqin was merely a lowly figure; don’t get carried away.

No one dared to question or even speak, remaining as quiet as can be.

With that, Ling Meng, feeling furious and a sense of urgency, stormed off—she needed to take action.

Outside, Liu Shuqin walked beside Lin Nuo, who calmly said,

“If you feel you need more Demon Beasts and Demon Practitioners, just let me know. I can allocate more to you.”

“It’s enough already, Junior Martial Brother. No need to assign more. I’m still new and not quite familiar; this is just fine.”

Liu Shuqin chuckled lightly. She worried about internal strife; this level was sufficient for now.

From here on, it would be up to her own abilities to expand her influence.

Of course, her strategy didn’t align with the traditional Refining Demon Sect’s approach of threatening common folk to gain power.

She believed that Demon Practitioners shouldn’t be a scourge upon the people, nor should they symbolize evil.

In fact, they could be accepted by the populace.

Moreover, not all Demon Practitioners aimed to harm the world; many simply had no other choice.

Since she possessed the qualifications to be a small leader, she naturally had the opportunity to effect change.

So why not give it a try?

However, she couldn’t share her thoughts with Lin Nuo.

She wanted to take everyone by surprise.

At this moment, Ling Meng exited the hall, begrudging and resentful but concealing her emotions well.

She even offered her blessings to Liu Shuqin:

“Congratulations, Liu! You get to be your own small leader now. Looking forward to your efforts to strengthen our forces. If you need anything, do seek my help; I will definitely support you.”

What a facade! How could this woman earn the favor of Master?