A Demon's Path Chapter 87

"Shi Tou, did you take a good look? How did Ling Xiao unleash that fire?" Shen Xuan had a malicious look on his face. There was a slight pause in his voice before he continued in an extremely low tone, "Yes he cultivates all seven souls, and yes he possesses absurdly powerful mental strength, but he's only at the red rank! It's impossible for the flames in his broom to burn down an entire city!"

The masked person Shen Xuan called out to reverently and respectfully replied, "Young Master, that three-part flame is from Ling Xiao's Senior Brother, Li Yuanhuan. He must have absorbed the six-part flame from the five blue ranked Elemental Celestial Soul Masters who aided him in concocting the medicine."

"I know, I know, I know! Get to the point!" Shen Xuan impatiently spat out.

"Yes." Shi Tou continued, "Ling Xiao used 888 yellow gems to set up 80 of the most simple defensive arrays in the Castellan's Mansion. These 80 arrays intertwined with each other and generated an extremely powerful defensive stance. Even though I dare not say it was enough to guard against the Demonic Blood Moon Array, it could easily resist the array's power for several seconds. Furthermore, it seemed as though Ling Xiao's calculations were correct. As long as his arrays could hold on for 10 seconds, the Celestial Soul Ward would take effect and dispel all dangers."

Shen Xuan was enraged. This guy's parents really gave him the wrong name! No, they actually gave him the right name. His brain is just like a stone! I clearly asked him how Ling Xiao released the fire. Why is he harping on and on about the arrangement of the arrays?

Thankfully, Shi Tou didn't dwell on the matter of the arrays and quickly moved on. "After he set up all the arrays, he started running through the streets and sprinkled powder wherever he went. There was a faint medicinal smell to it. It must've been some kind of extremely flammable medicinal dregs."

Ever since he saw the fire run rampant through the streets of Seadragon City, Shen Xuan had been puzzled. He couldn't comprehend how Ling Xiao turned from a weak scoundrel into a peerless cultivator seemingly overnight. He now realised it was but a mere magic trick! Ling Xiao's strength hadn't truly increased! Shen Xuan felt his mood turn for the better. He said in high spirits, "Humph! I'll let that kid feel proud of himself for a little longer. But in two days, I want him dead!"

Shi Tou silently watched Shen Xuan go mad. There was something he hadn't mentioned. Whether he simply hadn't seen it or for some other reason… Either way, he hadn't divulged the fact Ling Xiao was in possession of a Soul Stone Plate.

…

In Liu Xintang's study, Liu Yue told his father of how those red lights from the Blood Moon Array had been absorbed. Since Li Yuanchong had noticed the Soul Stone Plate, it naturally hadn't escaped Liu Yue's vision either. But he hadn't seen it in action before, so he was clueless as to what it was.

Three vertical lines formed in between Liu Xintang's eyebrows. "It must be a Soul Stone Plate… Yue'er, you mustn't tell Shen Xuan about this, ever. I'm afraid he'll harm Elder Ling Xiao."

As the turbulent events of the night had come to an end, Liu Yue felt he finally understood Ling Xiao. He seemed to run amok without the slightest care in the world. But in reality, he was constantly planning ahead with the long term in mind. Liu Yue couldn't help but admire Ling Xiao for his meticulous train of thought. If they didn't have Ling Xiao on their side this time around… He couldn't help but shudder at the dreadful scenes playing out in his mind.

Then there was Shen Xuan, the true captain of the group. What did he ever do? He clung to Liu Xintang like a puppy and used a treasure to protect their lives against the power of the Blood Moon Array. It appeared as though he cared for everyone atop the city walls, saving all of them heroically. But in reality, he was only doing it to save his own puny life.

Besides, there was still the matter regarding his older sister. It kept pricking his heart like a thorn. Liu Yue only felt disdain and resentment toward Shen Xuan. "I understand, father." He nodded. "I never thought the Demonic Clan and the Demonic Celestial Soul Masters would form an alliance to fight us. What're we going to do now?"

"I've already spoken with the Valley Master thanks to Valley Master Jr. We share the same view. That is to rebuild Seadragon City and use it as a front line to block any future assaults of the Demonic Clan."

"Without the burden of having to protect the civilians bothering us at the back of our minds, we can fight without restraints!" Liu Yue said in an approving tone.

"Indeed. In three days, a new batch of Celestial Soul Masters will arrive from the Sunken Wind Valley. They'll be relieving Elder Ling and the rest of their duties." Liu Xintang spoke with a voice full of emotions, "Putting Young Master Shen aside, of the 100 newcomers there's only 28 of them left, and one of them is a vegetable. I really don't know what we would've done without them."

Liu Yue fell deep into thought, the room becoming strangely quiet. Only quite some time later, when his father had started to wonder what was on his son's mind, did Liu Yue speak up, "Father, can I follow Elder Ling back to the Sunken Wind Valley? I want to stay by his side and learn from him. He's astute and knowledgeable. There's no one his equal in my generation."

Liu Xintang had a small smile on his face. "You can't learn these things. I really don't know how Elder Ling Xiao's childhood was like for him to plan so meticulously. Yue'er, if you really have the heart to do so, you should get along well with him for these last three days."

Liu Yue nodded before respectfully taking his leave from his father's study. Everyone had their own objectives, but no one, not Shi Tou nor Liu Xintang, revealed that Ling Xiao possessed a Soul Stone Plate.

…

In the main hall of Demon Lord Palace stood a woman in bright, pure white silk clothings. She had been sent to monitor Elder Qing and was now reporting in detail to the Demon Lord on the events that unfolded in Seadragon City the night prior.

After listening to the full report, the Demon Lord lazily asked, "He, is that Elder from the Seven Devil Cult heavily injured?"

He was a tall and slender woman. If she were to step into the secular world, the common man would mistake her for a goddess. The only oddity about this goddess was that she had talons. The nails at their edges were long, sharp, and intimidating. From a glance it could be seen they were weapons of war. "Yes. I personally witnessed his soulforce turn chaotic, after which he lost consciousness. Qin took him back to Blue Whale Isle to treat his wounds." She lowered her head and tentatively started, "Demon Lord…"

"What is it? Speak up."

He mustered all her courage together. "Your servant thinks that Qin and that Elder Qing are getting too close-"

A cold light flared in the Demon Lord's eyes. "I've already said this before. The four of you, my junior demon generals, should all mind your own business. You need not concern yourselves with my leadership!"

He knelt down in a hurry. "Yes, Demon Lord. Your servant is aware of her mistakes!"

"Humph!" The Demon Lord stood up from her seat. "Don't play stupid with me. I know why you four are trying to backstab each other. What I want is four loyal major demon generals who move up the ranks through their own strength, not useless trash who depend on petty tricks! Alright, withdraw!"

He didn't even dare to look at the Demon Lord when she stood up. "Yes, your servant will excuse herself first."

There seemed to be a smile on the Demon Lord's face, yet at the same time it looked like there wasn't. She mumbled seemingly to herself, "Ling Xiao, it seems like you actually are rather capable. If you really have the skill to step over my cold corpse, I don't mind if you take my Yingying away. Haha!"

Tang Yingying was hidden in the drawing room adjacent to the main hall. She finally set the large stone in her heart down. At the very least, Big Brother Xiao survived the night. She didn't ask him for much, just that he lived.

…

"It's so quiet today!" Ling Xiao had slept until the moon came back up. He stepped out of his room as a large yawn escaped his mouth. To his surprise, he found Liu Yue waiting for him. He looked at the guest inquisitively and asked, "You're waiting for me?"

Liu Yue nodded earnestly. "Yes. I hope Elder Ling could talk to my father and let me train with you."

You want me to train with you? Fuck your younger sister! All you rich children are the same, born with a silver spoon in your mouth! Ling Xiao cursed Liu Yue in his mind. If he had Liu Yue's life, he would sleep around all day, live a life of luxury, and lead a life of dissipation. That's right. One of his dreams in life was to go dining, wining, whoring, and gambling after all his obligations had been taken care of. But of course, Ling Xiao still had a smile on his face as he said, "You want to train with me? Fine. You'll have to pay your respects to me as your Boss."

Liu Yue stared blankly at Ling Xiao. You want me to pay my respects to you as my Boss? Isn't that the first thing those secular hoodlums do when they become someone's lackey? You want me to be like one of them and kowtow to you? Liu Yue was speechless. His face started swelling red.

"Hmm? You won't even place your honour aside for such a small matter, yet you speak of training with me?" Ling Xiao coldly questioned.

It was as though Liu Yue was having an intense fight with himself. His expression was oddly entertaining as it alternated between shades of red and purple. After hesitating, Liu Yue finally made up his mind. He slowly said, "Elder Ling, forgive Liu Yue for finding it difficult to comply to your request."

Ling Xiao chuckled cheekily. "That's right. And just like how we are now, you'll be Castellan Jr. and I'll be Elder Ling. How nice!"

Liu Yue never expected Ling Xiao to change his attitude faster than he could flip a page. He was incomparably embarrassed and could only cup his fists at Ling Xiao. "Liu Yue will excuse himself first."

"Sure." Ling Xiao heaved a soft sigh as he watched Liu Yue leave. That kid doesn't seem to be as dependable as his old man. The agreement I had with him… Ling Xiao violently shook his head a few times to clear his mind. It wasn't in his good nature to rely on others. Whatever it was, they were only helping him. At the very end, he only had himself to lean on. We're going to leave this place in two days. Shen Xuan, you should be making your move soon, right?

Chapter end