Beneath the colossal gates of Di Sha City, Ye Jingyu’s old acquaintance Mu stood waiting with his son. Behind them loomed seven figures whose cultivation auras all radiated the level of Zhou. The sight of these seven masters caused Ye Jingyu’s brow to knit tightly, and he cast an inquiring look toward Mu standing at the forefront. This fellow had taken so many of his Purple Crystal Stones; surely, he owed Ye Jingyu at least a whisper of warning?

“It wouldn’t matter if you killed a hundred ordinary demons, but what you shouldn’t have done—what you absolutely should not have done—was kill that scoundrel Miao. Though he was mostly useless, he was, after all, the intimate friend of Lord Yuan. These men were sent by Lord Yuan, fearing you might…” “Heh, fearing I might resist, is that it?” Ye Jingyu let out a cold laugh, grasping Xue Ling’s hand and striding forward. Ni Bo, Xiao Tao Tao, and the four Legion Commanders of the Blood Demon Legion followed closely behind him.

None of them held back their aura; their immense presence pressed down fiercely against the four Zhou-level experts. Back then, Ye Jingyu alone had managed to drive seven Zhou-level masters off the arena one by one. Just how vast was his personal aura? Not to mention he had six Zhou-level experts arrayed behind him now.

Their combined, enormous might crashed down heavily upon the seven demon warriors. The seven never anticipated Ye Jingyu possessing such terrifying power. Caught completely off guard, their bodies were forced back a step. Their faces shifted, and a surge of fury ignited within their chests.

They were all capable generals serving Yuan, the most terrifying force in his hand. When had they ever suffered such provocation? With a sharp whoosh, the leading figure—a creature whose face was covered in scales, resembling an alligator’s head—instantly drew the saber at his side. It was a demonic blade, entirely black, yet bisected by a blood-red stripe running down the length of the blade.

Ye Jingyu’s eyes immediately lit up. This was no ordinary demonic blade. This must be a top-grade weapon forged from ten-thousand-year Purple Yin Cold Iron. Purple Yin Cold Iron was an exquisite material capable of absorbing energy autonomously.

It seemed Lord Yuan truly valued these warriors, didn't he? But I wonder, if I were to cripple a few of them, would it cause him the pain that drives him to fight me to the death? “What? Planning to make a move?” Facing the demon’s provocative stance, Ye Jingyu only sneered, stopping directly in front of the warrior and speaking with an expression of utter disdain.

Ni Bo’s eyes, however, were brimming with fighting spirit, and he was already rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Fighting was his greatest joy. Likewise, Kuang, Yan, Yue, and Wu showed no signs of retreat, each staring daggers at the seven demons whose strength appeared to surpass their own. Mu paused, a flicker of astonishment crossing his eyes.

Although he knew Ye Jingyu was capable of subjugating these demons, he hadn't expected that after only a few days, these creatures would display such fierce loyalty to him. How had he achieved this? Was his personal charisma truly that immense? To make demons like Kuang Nu, Po Huai, Meng Yan, and Tun Shi so utterly devoted to him?

However, seeing that the two sides were on the verge of conflict, he quickly interjected, “Diao! Do not show disrespect to Lord Jing!” Diao? The moment Ye Jingyu heard that name, he burst into laughter. No wonder he was so diao (fierce/cocky); he had such a diao name!

Seeing Ye Jingyu’s smile filled with mockery, Diao’s anger intensified. But recalling Lord Yuan’s final instructions—that unless Ye Jingyu’s group actively resisted, they were to obey Mu’s orders in all matters—he let out a deeply unwilling snort and sheathed his demonic blade. Ye Jingyu paid him no mind, laughing heartily as he walked alongside Mu into Di Sha City, showing not the slightest concern for the potential wrath of Lord Yuan. Arriving once more at the Di Sha Demon Palace, he was disappointed not to see Luo Ling’er.

Finally, under Mu’s guidance, they reached the grand hall where Yuan resided. The hall’s sides were lined with Demon Guards, all masters having reached the Hong level. Every single one of their eyes burned with murderous intent. This tangible killing aura, fused together, pressed heavily upon Ye Jingyu.

Yet, Ye Jingyu seemed utterly unaffected, strolling casually into the hall. Only upon seeing Yuan did he slightly temper his arrogance, adopting an air of deep deference and offering a formal bow. Miao was Yuan’s confidant. Although demons do not share deep affections, Miao provided Yuan with considerable benefits every year.

To have him killed by Ye Jingyu like this—where would those profits go now? Yuan had intended to put Ye Jingyu in his place, to deliver a show of dominance. Who knew this fellow’s mentality was so resilient? Still, seeing the respectful demeanor Ye Jingyu adopted at the end did slightly mollify the anger in Yuan’s heart.

“Jing, you should know why I summoned you back!” Yuan’s voice was frigid and laden with oppressive weight, seemingly intended to crush Ye Jingyu completely. But Ye Jingyu was immune to such tactics; even that tiny shred of respect he had displayed was merely posturing. “Your subordinate understands. I am the one who killed Miao, the City Lord of Mie Yan City.

Your subordinate is willing to bear all consequences—to repay a life with a life?” Ye Jingyu’s expression was grave as he spoke directly. This declaration stunned both Yuan and Mu. In their estimation, Ye Jingyu surely would have fabricated excuses, allowing Yuan to deliver a righteous lecture, after which Ye Jingyu would offer a vague apology, compensate for losses, and perhaps perform some service for Yuan to smooth things over. But who expected him to simply admit guilt?

And ask for punishment? Damn it, this was absurd! It was true that Miao had a good relationship with Yuan, generating great wealth for him annually, but that was when Miao was alive. Now that he was dead, a deceased entity held little value.

Repaying life for a life? How could he utter such a thing? Even if Ye Jingyu truly wished to die, Yuan had no desire to trade a promising Zhou-level expert for a dead man! Of course, both Yuan and Mu understood that this man wasn't actually seeking death; he was betting on the certainty that they wouldn't dare kill him.

The thought that this fellow refused to play by the rules made Yuan grit his teeth in frustration. Now he couldn't even scold him properly. After all, the man had already offered to pay with his life; how could one lecture someone who had accepted the ultimate penalty? Not only could he not scold him, but he would now have to sincerely persuade him to calm down his own supposed ‘guilt.’ “General Jing, there is no need for such excessive worry.

While City Lord Miao and I shared a private friendship, he was notoriously corrupt in his daily governance, and I had long grown tired of it. His death is done. However, General Jing should be more cautious when his father emerges from seclusion…” Yuan managed to force out the sentence with a smile that barely reached his eyes. Ye Jingyu let out a cold chuckle.

What fine words! If this were any ordinary demon, hearing such things would lead to overwhelming gratitude. Look, you killed my closest friend, and not only do I not blame you, I speak up for you! Shouldn’t you be grateful?

And that final sentence conveniently severed any responsibility, implying, If the old man comes looking for trouble later, don’t blame me... The statement was utterly flawless, so much so that even Ye Jingyu felt a sliver of impressed acknowledgment. For any normal demon, this would be enough to secure absolute loyalty. Just as Ye Jingyu was about to feign a show of gratitude, a soaring voice suddenly rang out from outside the hall.

Every demon inside the great hall, save for Ye Jingyu, experienced a drastic shift in expression...