### Chapter 8: Winning Hearts with Virtue
“Bang bang bang!”
“Boom boom boom!”
…
The Little Demons in tow were absolutely miserable. For the past two days, they had been stuck with this lord, beating drums and gongs in their dreams as well. Yet, Old Drill Wind was enjoying every moment of it—because nothing says grandeur like a perfect hairdo and a steady drumroll!
Before long, the various Great Demons within the Evil Merman domain had all heard of this flamboyant drum troupe from Cold Wind City. They were just as shocked to learn that the Cold Wind Army had utterly crushed the forces led by the Mountain Crossing Cave.
No one dared to underestimate this gorgeously dressed, horseback-riding ensemble.
As the drum troupe passed each cave, some mysterious trickery seemed to persuade the cave lords to bow down. Within days, Old Drill Wind was flanked by four Great Kings, and what began as a mere hundred-strong band swelled to nearly a thousand!
Meanwhile, the remaining caves were a nervous wreck, anxiously awaiting some response from the Evil Merman domain, which showed no signs of retaliation as the drum troupe flaunted their presence.
Could it be… that the Evil Merman King felt the tides had turned, too scared to face Cold Wind City?
If that were true, the smaller caves under the Evil Merman domain were in even deeper trouble!
After enduring this torment, they finally sent envoys to the Cold Wind City, suggesting that if Cold Wind City could guarantee their protection, they would gladly surrender.
Old Drill Wind, of course, agreed to everything.
But taking the opportunity, he laid down some ground rules for the various caves.
Joining Cold Wind City was undoubtedly your last chance.
Otherwise, the Cold Wind Army would never spare any cave daring enough to oppose it.
Of course, joining Cold Wind City came with its perks! At the very least, Cold Wind City wouldn’t be demanding tributes from them anytime soon, allowing them to recuperate.
Under Old Drill Wind’s carrot-and-stick approach, the caves began to pledge allegiance left and right.
In the blink of an eye, the Evil Merman domain’s territory was painted a new shade.
Old Drill Wind sat proudly atop his Giant Wolf, surveying the dozens of obedient Great Demons below him, his heart swelling with ambition.
“Wise ones recognize the changing times!
Since you have chosen to side with Cold Wind City, from this day forth, you must regard our Cold Moon Great King as your rightful leader, putting Cold Wind City first in all matters.”
The Great Demons chorused, “Of course!”
“Now, our only target left is the Evil Merman domain!”
The moment Old Drill Wind uttered “Evil Merman domain,” it was as if those three words cast a spell, causing the Great Demons to fall silent and look around nervously.
The Evil Merman King’s infamous dread loomed so large that even uttering his name sent shivers down their spines.
Now that the Evil Merman domain was showing weakness and hadn’t even made a fuss when the Cold Wind City’s envoy arrived, the Great Demons couldn’t help but wonder if the Evil Merman had some sort of trick up his sleeve.
But the odds were stacked heavily in favor of the Cold Wind City; the envoy was assertively pushing through, and if they didn’t comply, they risked being wiped out by the caves that had already sided with Cold Wind City.
So when old Drill Wind decided to actively provoke the Evil Merman domain, the Great Demons couldn’t help but show signs of trepidation.
C’mon, guys! It’s not that we look down on you.
Though you stand as a representative of Cold Wind City, with your strength, you’d probably get flattened like a pancake in a single encounter with the Evil Merman!
Honestly, don’t rush to meet your maker.
If a battle’s brewing, at least bring along our Cold Moon Great King for some protection!
Old Drill Wind chuckled coldly, “If you’re scared of the Evil Merman, you can hang back. I’ll take the lead!”
The crowd of demons cheered at the prospect.
They calculated their next move: once the Catfish Monster got squashed by the Evil Merman, they’d swarm in and wipe out the remaining members of the envoy, showing their loyalty to the Evil Merman domain.
As for Old Drill Wind’s obliviousness to their not-so-innocent intentions? Let’s just say he was adept at ignoring it while rallying his troops to the beat of the drums toward the Evil Merman domain!
But much to the Great Demons’ surprise, the anticipated slaughter didn’t happen. Instead, the Evil Merman domain had hung up a truce sign and was hiding behind closed doors.
What was going on with the Evil Merman King?
After all, the last Great Demon who dared to challenge him had ended up flayed and displayed at the cave’s entrance for a full month before finally kicking the bucket.
And now, a relatively weak Catfish Monster shows up, and they’re ignoring him?
Could it be… that the Evil Merman King was truly at the end of his rope?
Taking advantage of the situation is a standard survival tactic for the Monster Race.
They couldn’t let the Evil Merman have a chance to rise again.
Originally lurking in the background, the armies from the various caves crowded around Old Drill Wind.
“Honorable Angel, we’ve suffered under the Evil Merman for too long. We must participate in the battle to eradicate the Evil Merman domain!”
“Indeed, Honorable Angel!”
Old Drill Wind blinked, confused by the fervor of these Great Demons.
Honestly, he had planned to negotiate with the Evil Merman domain upon the directive of the Cold Moon Great King. When had he said anything about exterminating them?
You troublemakers!
But… if he could flatten the Evil Merman domain, why bother with negotiations?
Surely the Cold Moon Great King would appreciate his cunning, right?
Imagining the raucous welcome back in Cold Wind City, replete with song and dance as they celebrated his victorious return, and the envious gaze of Little Drill Wind, his spirits soared.
“Alright, since all of you Great Kings are so eager, I’ll go along with the masses!”
Once Old Drill Wind gave the order, the armies from the caves surged forward like a pack of ferocious tigers descending the mountain, surrounding the Evil Merman domain tightly.
Attacking caves was something the Great Demons were well-versed in.
In no time at all, the tightly shut gates of the Evil Merman domain were creaking precariously.
At that point, the people inside could no longer hold out.
A panicked voice came from within,
“The Evil Merman King is just temporarily out, and he will return soon! Should you continue this nonsense, once the King is back, do you really not know what the consequences will be?”
Everyone was momentarily taken aback.
What? The Evil Merman King is merely out for a short while? No wonder…
Suddenly, someone started to retreat.
The Red Armored Spider shot a glance at Old Drill Wind, who was watching from the sidelines, and his mind started racing.
Oh no! I was the first cave to surrender to Cold Wind City. If the Evil Merman King returns, they’ll surely pin the blame on me.
Given the Evil Merman King’s temper, I’d be in for a world of hurt!
In other words, I can’t back out now; I have to stick with Cold Wind City through thick and thin.
With that thought, the Red Armored Spider immediately piped up,
“Dear Kings, we’ve come this far. We can’t stop now—it’s too late.
If the Evil Merman comes back, we won’t escape!
Besides, the Evil Merman has been riding our backs for nearly twenty years! Who knows what kind of gold and treasures are hidden inside? Whoever gets their hands on it gets to keep it!
If you don’t want to go, then I’ll claim it all for myself!”
Afterward, he glanced at Old Drill Wind, who was nodding approvingly, and the Red Armored Spider sighed in relief.
This guy has potential! Maybe I could have him on my side and plan big things together in the future, Old Drill Wind thought.
Sure enough, the mention of riches made the Great Demons’ breaths grow heavy.
Over the years, the Evil Merman domain had squeezed their wealth for so long; if they could score a pile of valuables this time, who cared if the Evil Merman came back? With those riches, they could go anywhere and not have to be stuck at the Evil Merman domain!
The Red Armored Spider’s words acted like a catalyst, instantly igniting the fighting spirit of the Great Demons.
“Boom!”
The gates of the Evil Merman domain finally crashed down with a thunderous thud, turning into a pile of rubble.
P.S.: First update of the day, begging for monthly votes!
