After hearing the name of the Other Tribe Chieftain, Vajra and the others shivered with cold. As the Demon Sovereign was the latest to become famous and the youngest, before the fight with the Sword Sovereign, everyone had the impression that the Demon Sovereign was at the bottom of the Three Sovereigns.
It wasn't until that duel between the pinnacles that the world knew that the Demon Cult Master had incomparable talent. He might be at the young age of 20 years old, but his strength was definitely not inferior to the Sword Pavilion Lord and the Other Tribe Chieftain who had been famous for many years.
However, the battle between the two sovereigns might not have resulted in anything permanent, but there was still a significant impact.
The Other Tribe Chieftain remained formidable and at his prime. He had now broken through in seclusion, reaching an unprecedented pinnacle. No one dared to disregard the Saber Sovereign.
"Very well then. This Seat shall wait for him." Chen Luoyang had an unchanged expression, and his eyes were actually shining even brighter with the black radiance. It was a truly terrifying sight for the soul.
After hearing Chen Luoyang's calm and tyrannical tone, the Demon Cult members by his side were invigorated.
Nie Hua took a deep glance at Chen Luoyang and cupped his fist. "Cult Master Chen is truly impressive. This humble Nie is in awe."
"This Seat has already seen your master's sword," Chen Luoyang said. "Right now, This Seat is more interested in that saber in the north."
Nie Hua then looked at the direction of the Golden Summit. "Then, this place—"
Chen Luyang interrupted Nie Hua, "What about this place? This Seat has mentioned that he will trample the Shu Prefecture. No one can change the outcome."
Nie Hua had an unchanged expression. "Does Cult Master Chen mean that you have no intention to fight with my master again, but your esteemed cult will not withdraw its troops either?"
"Even if This Seat doesn't make a move, my Divine Cult's members will be able to take down the Shu Prefecture with ease," Chen Luoyang said with his hands behind his back. "If your master wishes to interfere, then This Seat wouldn't mind meeting his sword before fighting that saber."
"This humble Nie understands and will relay Cult Master Chen's message back to my master." Nie Hua nodded.
Chen Luoyang then looked at the other side. "Song Lun, This Seat is very sincere and has prepared that great gift that will certainly satisfy you. I can give you a few Cloud Star Herbs as a deposit."
After hearing the words "Cloud Star Herbs", Song Lun's heart immediately tightened. The Demon Cult Master in front of him wasn't speaking without thinking! The Demon Cult Master knew of his secret! The depth of the Demon Cult Master's knowledge made him extremely terrified.
However, Song Lun's heart suddenly moved as he felt something strange. He abruptly felt that there was something else that was a mystery.
While looking at the Demon Cult Master and feeling the Sword Pavilion Lord's sword intent far behind him, Song Lun stood straight in place. He ultimately decided to take this bet.
"This humble Song is honored and grateful for Cult Master Chen's appreciation, but please forgive me that I am unable to comply!"
Chen Luoyang didn't get enraged as he said in a dull tone, "If you refuse my toast, then you shall drink the forfeit. After trampling Shu Prefecture, your Yu Prefecture shall be next."
Song Lun stood stiff like a stone statue.
Nie Hua quickly said, "Cult Master Chen, Hall Master Song is part of our alliance in this battle at Shu Prefecture. Since you are so confident in your esteemed cult members…"
"Childish provocation, do not think yourself to be clever." Chen Luoyang sneered and said, "Who do you think This Seat is? Will I try to seize this little advantage?"
Chen Luoyang then looked at Song Lun. "You don't have to worry that my cult will split the troops to take down your Yu Prefecture. This Seat said that I will take Shu Prefecture, then take Yu Prefecture. It means that I will destroy you in the Shu Prefecture. Don't even think about escaping. If you don't settle the scores here in Shu Prefecture and dare to run, your Yu Prefecture shall be immediately annihilated. This Seat shall allow you to fulfill your aspirations of being a hero."
"Thank you, Cult Master Chen." Song Lun let out a long breath and cupped his fist before bowing to Chen Luoyang.
Immediately after, he and Nie Hua flew off the top of Gaoyang Mountain under the illumination of the pillar of light that was like a bright sun. Immediately after, the majestic sword light and sword intent gradually dispersed.
And darkness descended again.
Nie Hua and Song Lun returned to the Golden Summit. In front of others, Nie Hua helped Song Lun to cover the fact that he went to meet with the Demon Cult Master secretly.
"Many thanks, Third Sir." Song Lun cupped his hand.
"Hall Master Song doesn't have to be so modest. When facing the Demon Sovereign, you are still able to hold fast to your high moral character. It is this humble Nie that should be in admiration." Nie Hua laughed and said, "Since that is the case, there isn't a need to create other issues. It will only produce a barrier in the hearts of others, and it isn't beneficial for unity."
Song Lun said, "I am able to pick up my life from the Demon Sovereign all because of the respected Pavilion Lord. This humble Song wonders if I can give my thanks in person?"
Nie Hua said, "To be honest, during my master's battle with the Demon Sovereign, he was injured. It was fortunate that with the treatment from a cardinal artifact, he is fine but has yet to fully recover. Right now, he is seizing the moment to recuperate and deal with the double threat from the Demon Sovereign and the Saber Sovereign. As for now, he will not be meeting with guests and will not just be neglecting Hall Master Song."
"The Pavilion Lord's recuperation is more important." Song Lun nodded. "This humble Song has sinned greatly to disturb the Pavilion Lord to make an exception to help me."
"Hall Master Song doesn't have to be so polite," Nie Hua said. "Now that my master is keeping the Demon Sovereign in check, we have removed our greatest concern and will be able to wipe out the demons and bring peace back to the Shu Prefecture."
Song Lun responded, "Third Sir, please be at ease. This humble Song has frequently cherished himself for the sake of the Five Color Hall, but this time, I will have to make an all-out effort. The Demon Sovereign has stated things clearly. If they aren't defeated, my Five Color Hall will have no place to stand either. Success or failure shall be determined in Shu Prefecture. I will order more brothers to enter the Shu Prefecture to offer assistance. Will Third Sir please contact other orthodox factions and ask them to stand against the Demon Cult."
"Hall Master Song is a person with great principles. Nie Hua is truly filled with admiration. If all of us can be united, we will surely be able to achieve great things," Nie Hua said.
After the two parted, Nie Hua went to deal with the others before he left and headed for the remote mountain. After checking that no one was following him, he let out a long breath and said, "Fourth Junior, luckily you were around this time."
A youth that was a little younger than Nie Hua appeared, and he was carrying a long box. "It is lucky because we have Master's sword whetstone, and it is also because Third Senior didn't panic during the intense situation."
Nie Hua looked at the long box and said, "The distance is far enough. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to deceive that great demon."
"Is his injury really fine? Is he already fully recovered?" the youth asked. "According to Master, the demon's injury should be rather severe too."
"I didn't dare to verify and didn't take the risk to try," Nie Hua said. "He might be putting up a bluff just like us."
The youth said, "Third Senior is truly able to keep his composure. If it was me, I might have tried."
Nie Hua said, "Earlier on, I was uncertain about Song Lun's attitude, and the Great Vajra Temple's traitor, Baoshu, was there too. Even if I tried, I might not be able to test the demon's bottom line. Wouldn't it be better to keep the enemy in check? And it would give convenience to First Senior and Fifth Junior to make their moves."
"I understand." The youth asked, "Can Song Lun be trusted?"
"After rejecting that demon in such a straightforward manner, he doesn't have any chance to regret," Nie Hua said. "But we better be cautious and observe more. Do not reveal any secrets to him." The youth nodded silently.
Nie Hua then regained his casual and unruly appearance before patting on the long box. He smiled and said, "Right now, this is our 'Master'. I will have to continue troubling Fourth Junior. As long as 'Master' is around for one more day, we will be able to suppress that demon for one more day."
"Don't worry Senior." The youth nodded.
…
When Nie Hua and Song Lun left Gaoyang Mountain, Chen Luoyang stood at the edge of the cliff with his hands behind his back. He didn't turn back and asked, "What is the exact situation in the north?"
One of the porters of the sedan chair knelt on the ground with an ashamed expression. It was Azure Dragon 3.
"This subordinate is incompetent and has yet to obtain the information about the Other Tribe Chieftain." He kowtowed and said, "There was information that had been sent back from the north previously, and there were indeed unusual activities with the Other Tribe. However, we aren't able to determine if it is related to the Other Tribe Chieftain."
"Stand up and talk," Chen Luoyang said indifferently. "How can we simply believe the information from the other side? This Seat only trusts you people."
Azure Dragon 3 let out a relaxed breath and stood up. "Thanking Cult Master for the great favor! This subordinate will check immediately and verify if it is true or false."
Chen Luoyang responded with an "mm", while he said with a faint smile, "There are plenty of surprises tonight."
"The Sword Pavilion Lord and the Other Tribe Chieftain are coming. To average people like us, there will only be surprise and no joy. However, Cult Master's divine prowess is unrivaled, and they will only be decoration for the scenery on your path to dominating the world." Vajra was flattering as he said, "Since Cult Master said you wished to obtain the Shu Prefecture, then the Shu Prefecture will definitely belong to our Divine Cult. Please permit me to join the battle, and I shall trample the Golden Summit and take down the Shu Prefecture for Cult Master."
Chen Luoyang didn't bother about Vajra and turned back to sit in the sedan chair. "Let's return."
Vajra quickly waved his hand while Azure Dragon 3 and the others lifted the sedan chair and descended the mountain swiftly.
Now that Chen Luoyang was alone in the sedan chair, he revealed a smile. He wished he could deliver pennants to Nie Hua and the Sword Pavilion. He didn't know if the Sword Sovereign was really here or not. He, the Demon Sovereign, could now publicly skip out on any fight.
The two sovereigns would match one another, and neither of them would be participating in the battle. It was perfectly justifiable.
Oh yes!
After being overjoyed, Chen Luoyang calmed down again and plotted ahead. He had a vague feeling that something wasn't right. It seemed like the opposition had other ideas. It was a pity that there was a lack of information.
When Chen Luoyang returned to his temporary palace, he instructed Azure Dragon 3 to collect more information.
Over the next few days, the battle between the two sides would grow increasingly intensive. The Sword Pavilion's Third Sir, Fourth Sir, and experts from the other orthodox factions had all joined the fray.
The Demon Cult didn't reserve themselves either. Zhang Tianheng, Wang Dubao, and the other Demon Cult members had also joined in the battle. Subsequently, more Demon Cult experts continued to offer their assistance in Shu Prefecture.
The battle between the two sides was starting to reach the climax.
Previously, the orthodox factions had lured the enemy deep inside and had now launched their ambush. They were causing commotions in all the counties in the Shu Prefecture that the Demon Cult had seized.
The Demon Cult had already noticed it and counterattacked to kill their enemies.
The battle between the two sides was now in a chaotic state. Only the most authoritative Demon Cult Master and the Sword Pavilion Lord remained seated in their high positions.
On this day, Chen Luoyang was listening to Azure Dragon 3's report in the main hall.
"Reporting to Cult Master, the Northern Desert Other Tribe does show signs that they are deploying their troops. As for the Other Tribe Chieftain, there might be information about him exiting from seclusion, but he has yet to appear in person. It is hard to verify the information's authenticity and his whereabouts."
Azure Dragon then continued, "There is another piece of information that is worth mentioning. The Other Tribe's Left Sage King is also currently missing."
The Other Tribe's Left Sage King, the Chieftain's younger blood brother. In the Northern Desert Outerwalls, he was a formidable individual that was only inferior to the Chieftain.
"Apart from that, there are frequent movements of personnel in the Great Xia Empire. A large number of envoys are headed for Qingliang Temple. The Great Unity Taoism Sect and other A-class factions from the Central Divine Province are showing signs of forming an alliance. It isn't favorable to our cult."
After listening to Azure Dragon 3's report, Chen Luoyang said, "Continue the investigation. Make it as detailed as possible."
"Yes, this subordinate understands." Azure Dragon 3 withdrew from the room.
Chen Luoyang sat in the main hall alone and thought to himself. He mumbled, "Something feels fishy…"
"Cult Master has brilliant insight, and your consideration isn't wrong."
At this moment, another voice suddenly echoed in the main hall.