Chapter 997: Closing

Chapter 997: Closing

A sword transformed into numerous swords, their multiple intents piercing the ground, trapping the specter that sought to escape back to the Demon Realm.

The specter thought about breaking free, but it was all in vain; it failed to escape completely.

After all, Lin Nuo was quite skilled when dealing with such specters. This one came from across two realms and was restricted in its abilities, facing Lin Nuo’s sword array with a determination that could do nothing.

On the other side of the crack, the Demon Master also sensed the urgency and attempted to rescue his subordinate. However, his spells cast across the barrier were already his maximum effort; how could he possibly save them from Lin Nuo’s sword array?

He was left with no choice but to negotiate with Lin Nuo.

“Young man, I suggest you don’t make this situation irreversible. We still have room for discussion.”

The voice from the Demon Master attempted to persuade Lin Nuo to release his subordinate.

“The path from the Demon Realm to the human world will eventually be opened; it’s just a matter of time. That’s the trend of things. If you resolve this matter with hostility, you may only invite unnecessary trouble upon yourself later.”

“And how did he come to the human realm? You should at least give me an explanation. He can even occupy a human body. That’s quite an impressive ability.”

Lin Nuo inquired, as his sword array held the specter captive, waiting for the opponent to respond.

“He merely entered the human realm when the crack first widened. You could feel it when you arrived; standing by the crack, some specters lunged at you,” came the response.

“That is indeed true. However, those were merely some extremely weak specters. In fact, they exhausted their strength to cross over, which caused them to weaken. But this specter is different; he can invade human bodies and defeat other Demon Practitioners, which is unlike the initial batch. You assisted him in crossing over, didn’t you? Since you collaborated, there’s no need for pretenses.”

Lin Nuo surmised, you’re just pulling my leg—if it were anyone else, they might have fallen for your trick.

There’s no way this thing could come over without you, the esteemed Demon Master, assisting with your spells.

That crack definitely appeared due to some fluctuation in power while he and Ruo’er were cultivating. Therefore, it’s reasonable that such a strong specter would encounter it directly.

So there’s only one explanation: the Demon Master’s spells enabled the specter’s arrival.

This wasn’t just an ordinary specter; it was likely some kind of Demon Soul from the Demon Realm, with its spirit leaving its body to enter the human world, intending to seize a human body, break Lin Nuo’s formation, and expand the crack to allow more demons from the Demon Realm into the human world.

As a competent villain, basic reasoning skills were certainly necessary; Lin Nuo had pieced together most of the puzzle.

Upon hearing this, the Demon Master felt he had underestimated Lin Nuo’s intellect. Indeed, he had assisted the specter, thereby facilitating the breach.

Since he couldn’t hide the truth anymore and had no better lie, he could only admit it.

“That is partly true; we did assist him in entering the human realm. He couldn’t have done it alone; like other spirits, they require help to enter the human world.”

The response came, while Lin Nuo merely smiled mildly, thinking that they were still feigning sincerity after reaching this point. They weren’t even implying that earlier; they only changed their story once they were found out.

So you guys have no sincerity; you just want to make Lin Nuo your pawn.

Even if the Demon Realm, this cursed place, emerges in this world, I, Lin Nuo, will treat you as tools. There’s no way I’ll let you turn the tables on me!

“How many more souls have entered the human realm?” Lin Nuo asked.

“Just one,” was the reply.

“Just one? If you want to collaborate, it’s better to be forthcoming.”

“There is indeed only one; we’ve done everything we can.”

The counterpart continued, but Lin Nuo remained skeptical.

He had a feeling they were planning to send more Demon Souls into the human realm, setting the stage for their arrival.

In any case, he couldn’t let his guard down; demons were cunning creatures, and even one’s closest allies might not be trustworthy.

“Young man, I have reported the truth to you. Since we are all demons, we should unite rather than fight among ourselves.”

The other side repeated, and while conversing with Lin Nuo, they began a new round of spells.

Lin Nuo could only hear their voice and did not know what they were doing behind the scenes, nor did he know how many demons were following this Demon Master.

They had already gathered more Demon Practitioners, attempting to send new Demon Souls through the crack into the human realm, to confront Lin Nuo together, while professing unity but nursing ulterior motives.

However, Lin Nuo had sensed something amiss.

At first, he thought nothing of it, but he started to feel more Demon Soul Power leaking from the crack.

They were about to make a move.

It was a stalling tactic, a whole bunch of words meant to buy time.

Lin Nuo wanted to gather more information, but that thought had been cut off.

If he delayed any longer, they might send a whole swarm of specters rushing over, causing chaos and ruining his arrangements.

Lin Nuo nodded and said:

“Indeed, you make a valid point. Theoretically, we shouldn’t be fighting among ourselves.”

“Right? I’m glad you understand this principle, so let’s not delay further; let’s quickly expand the crack.”

The Demon Master said, secretly calculating that if Lin Nuo could expand this crack, even better—more specters and demons could smoothly enter the human realm, and he would become the sacrifice.

“Alright, just wait a moment.”

Lin Nuo stepped up to the crack, the Demon Soul Power of the magical formation swirling around, as he injected even more of his own Demon Soul Power.

Not to open it, but to seal it completely.

At that moment, new specters from the other side were ready, itching to rush through as soon as the crack expanded.

However, with a resounding bang, the crack was entirely sealed.

“?!”

The Demon Master was shocked. What’s going on? Wasn’t that kid going to open it?

“Young man, what are you doing?! And…?!”

The Demon Master could no longer sense his subordinate’s voice. This meant the two realms were already separated, and the hard-won crack had been sealed by Lin Nuo.

“Damn it, he closed the crack,” the Demon Master gritted his teeth.

“And the Demon Master, what about the General…?”

One demon asked, as the body of the Magic General still stood in the back, devoid of its spirit.

“He can’t return; he’s likely dead. Go prepare his funeral. Damn those humans; they go against the Demon Realm; just wait and see. Let’s go!”

The Demon Master had no other choice but to retreat with his subordinates, waiting for another crack to appear.

Meanwhile, on the human side, Lin Nuo retracted his hand, letting out a long sigh—the crack was completely sealed to avoid further complications.

He looked at the helpless specter and sneered:

“The crack is closed; you can’t return to the Demon Realm. Since you cannot go back, you can’t reclaim your body either. While I appreciate talent, a demon of your nature cannot be trusted; that much I’m quite clear about.”

With that, Lin Nuo raised his hand and cast a spell on the specter.

Annihilate!

A wail erupted from the cave, leaving a girl outside in shock.