### Chapter 3: Improper Punishment?
==============================
“Crackle, crackle…”
At some point, the torches gathering around Cold Wind Cave multiplied, the sounds of flames bursting forth echoing like a chaotic symphony.
The wolf demon, preparing to jump down from the city wall to report Shiyuan’s location to the Great King, noticed that the number of little demons gradually gathering around Cold Wind Cave was increasing. So, he slowed his pace, not wanting to interrupt what seemed to have become a serious atmosphere.
Night had fallen, and Lin Nan, who was gazing in the direction of Thousand Bird City, could only see the walls nearby without any spells to enhance her vision.
When she withdrew her worried gaze, she suddenly realized that the surroundings had inexplicably brightened.
Huh? What’s going on here?
As her eyes fell down below, she couldn’t help but gasp.
When did so many people gather here?
Of course, she still tried her best to maintain a calm demeanor on the surface.
Otherwise, if she made a fool of herself in front of the crowd, her Cold Value would drop significantly, and before she knew it, tens of thousands of Cold Value could vanish into thin air.
Most of the little demons looked up at her with eager eyes, as if waiting for praise.
A gust of night wind blew through, causing the flames to crackle.
Lin Nan stood tall, her long dress and hair billowing like flames, floating in the air.
Hence, the onlookers’ gazes became even more fervent.
They seemed to be saying, “If she doesn’t say a few words, we’re not leaving!”
In no time, the entire monster race of Cold Wind City had slowly gathered here.
As for the players who had previously joined Cold Wind City, after the first chapter ended, they automatically disbanded, unable to re-enter the city without permission.
So, the crowd here was made up entirely of genuine monsters.
The atmosphere inside Cold Wind City was eerily quiet; even the usually loud frog demons had shut their mouths, their bulbous eyes glued to the Great King.
Yes, this battle had almost halved the population of Cold Wind City.
Every surviving monster was a brave warrior.
Though there were some who only cared about saving their skins, sneaking back into the crowd after the battle concluded, hoping to escape punishment in the chaos.
But the eyes of the crowd were as sharp as knives.
Even though everyone was now gathered around the Great King, they were consciously keeping a distance from those sly individuals.
The few big demons who had been isolated felt a sudden cold sweat running down their backs, fidgeting nervously yet afraid to leave.
After all, everyone was here, and if they left halfway, it would raise the Great King’s suspicions.
Once Lin Nan noticed this scene, she understood that if she ignored these schemers, Cold Wind City would inevitably be filled with discontent.
If morale broke, how could she lead?
Any troublemaker threatening her survival had to go!
“Second Great King!” Lin Nan suddenly called out.
“Your subordinate is here.”
Cold Moon hurriedly stepped forward and knelt respectfully on the ground.
“In the battle between White Feather City and Cold Wind City, I observed the entire process. The reason I stayed out of sight the whole time was indeed to test all of you.
Now, Second Great King, why don’t you share the details of this war?”
As a master at reading the room, Cold Moon instantly caught on to the Great King’s intent the moment she opened her mouth.
“Please allow me to report, Great King. We united to face the enemy, displaying remarkable unity, and under your guidance, we achieved victory, which was quite hard-earned.
It’s unavoidable that sacrifices occurred; they are an essential part of forging us into stronger beings.
However, we found some individuals choosing to flee when others made sacrifices, and after the battle ended, they shamelessly returned to the ranks, thinking they could continue blending in and avoid any consequences.
It’s truly ridiculous!
Why should someone who did nothing enjoy the fruits of others’ hard work?”
Cold Moon’s tone grew increasingly stern, her gaze sweeping over the few big demons isolated by the crowd.
They quickly realized they’d probably already been exposed in the Second Great King’s eyes and promptly collapsed to the ground, banging their heads repeatedly.
The dozen or so little demons who had fled with them looked pale and trembling, just collapsing on the ground, even too weak to bow.
According to the monster race’s customary practice, these big demons, still having some strength left, could usually leave with their lives intact, redeeming themselves for their misdeeds.
But the little demons were in for it.
Fleeing in battle was a serious crime; they could count on meeting a swift end.
They could already sense the fate awaiting them and were practically losing their minds from fear.
Cold Moon snorted coldly, confirming that these culprits were indeed correct before respectfully addressing the Great King, “Please punish them, Great King.”
Lin Nan replied calmly, “Cold Wind City is a new city; the fact that we can gather here is a result of many years of fortune. Everyone has their own aspirations, and there’s no need to force things.
Since they think Cold Wind City isn’t worth sacrificing their lives for, they’re free to leave.”
Although she felt the punishment was too lenient, Cold Moon still executed the Great King’s command without hesitation.
The dozen or so individuals looked at each other in disbelief; how could the punishment be so light? They even avoided physical pain!
“Thank you, Great King, for your mercy!”
“Thank you, Great King, for your mercy!”
After a round of bowing, this bunch was promptly kicked out of the city by the guard army.
However, during this process, many little demons revealed relieved smiles and even couldn’t help but laugh as they walked out of the city gates.
The little demons surrounding Cold Wind Cave looked indignant.
These cowards who fled in battle!
Why would the Great King show them such grace?
The punishment was simply too light—just a mere expulsion from Cold Wind City, far below their expectations.
Though they felt some dissatisfaction, the scene remained quiet; the Great King’s authority was present, and they didn’t dare to speak up.
Even the hedgehog monster and bat monster exchanged glances, thinking that the Great King’s decision might not sit well with everyone.
Only Cold Moon, Little Drill Wind, and the wolf demon, who had been with the Great King for quite some time, maintained calm expressions, for they understood that the Great King must have her deeper reasons for this.
“Shut the city gates, and have the guard army come here. I have something to say to everyone,” Lin Nan said slowly.
“Yes, Great King.”
Moments later, when the remaining nearly fifteen hundred individuals gathered around Lin Nan, the originally dark sky cracked open, revealing a splendid galaxy within. A beam of starlight suddenly descended onto Cold Wind City, like a spotlight from the stars shining down on Cold Moon Great King.
With the gentle breeze, the Great King seemed to float within that beam of starlight, as if she were about to ride the wind and transcend into immortality.
“The heavens have set rules for the monster race,
But I say, all of this is wrong!
Are you… willing to listen further?”
……
ps: I had to step out for half a day today; three updates are planned.
