Chapter 259: Lord Xu Kong: This Dragon and I Are Destined
In a secret chamber, a group of elders sat in a circle.
At the center of the room was a magical formation, and within it lay a large, plump pig.
It was none other than Zhu Ganglie, who had been brought in for containment.
The formation was specifically designed for controlling powerful demons, as there was concern Zhu Ganglie might go on a rampage. However, it now seemed like such precautions were unnecessary.
Zhu Ganglie, brought in by Miss Duan, lay sprawled on the ground, listless and barely clinging to life.
"So much demonic energy… This is indeed the same Zhu Ganglie that once terrorized the region."
"But how is it so gravely injured?"
"That Miss Duan—how could she possess such power? In just a few days, not only did she subdue the pig demon, but she also managed to tame that Azure Dragon?"
"This is no ordinary feat! Zhu Ganglie is a great demon, just one step below a demon king…"
"Could she have received some divine intervention or fortuitous encounter?"
"What should we do now? Should we truly bestow the title of 'First Demon Slayer' upon Miss Duan?"
"Of course! We cannot go back on our word. Moreover, bringing that dragon here wasn't just for show—she's clearly applying pressure. It's best we honor her efforts."
"But what about Lord Xu Kong? Don't be fooled by his usual nonchalant demeanor. If we strip him of the title, he'll undoubtedly hold a grudge."
"We'll handle things according to the rules. His feelings are not our concern!"
"Exactly! That sickly young man wastes his days on frivolous pursuits, claiming to manage his time. At such a young age, he's already worn himself out. If he truly cared about the title, he should have earned it himself."
…
Moments later, the elders emerged from the chamber.
Approaching Miss Duan with amiable expressions, they announced publicly:
"After verifying everything, we can confirm that the pig demon brought by Miss Duan is indeed the notorious Zhu Ganglie. As per the rules, the title of 'First Demon Slayer' for this term goes to Miss Duan."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
The crowd of demon slayers gathered around remained silent.
After all, the massive dragon loomed overhead—who dared to object?
However, many eyes turned toward Lord Xu Kong, eager to see how he would respond.
Since his rise, the title of 'First Demon Slayer' had always belonged to him. For someone else to claim it so publicly, surely he wouldn't take it lying down.
Lord Xu Kong's reaction did not disappoint.
With two soft coughs, he reclined on his bamboo chair, still wearing his signature refined smile as he looked at Miss Duan.
"Who would've thought? In such a short time, Miss Duan has accomplished so much. Truly impressive and worthy of admiration."
"As for the title of 'First Demon Slayer,' I have no objections. Being first is quite hollow and lonely; you'll understand once you've had it for yourself."
"However, I am very intrigued by Miss Duan's ability to tame the Azure Dragon. Would Miss Duan be willing to enlighten me?"
At these words, the crowd buzzed with excitement.
This was what they had been waiting for—a showdown. Even the elders couldn't hide their interest.
But Miss Duan remained calm, showing no hint of panic.
She had come prepared—Chen Ye had already coached her on how to handle this.
Chen Ye, familiar with the story, knew that beneath Lord Xu Kong's frail appearance lay a highly competitive spirit.
To defeat the Monkey King, this man had gone to great lengths, even forcing himself to stand upright in the end…
Though he always acted indifferent to fame, he cared about it more than anyone.
In truth, the ultimate goal of every demon slayer was to become the First Demon Slayer.
Whether it was Tian Can Jiao or Bei Dou Wu Xing Quan, they all aspired to that title.
Chen Ye knew that once Miss Duan claimed the title of First Demon Slayer, Lord Xu Kong would not let it go so easily.
There was no doubt he would challenge Miss Duan.
Thus, before coming here, Chen Ye had prepared Miss Duan with a plan.
If Lord Xu Kong challenged her, she should remain calm and shift the responsibility to Chen Ye.
"Lord Xu Kong."
Miss Duan maintained her composure with impressive acting skills. "You want me to teach you? Sure, but only if you defeat my pet first. I need to see if you're qualified for my guidance."
The crowd fell silent.
Lord Xu Kong's expression visibly changed, a flicker of anger flashing across his face.
Still, to maintain his refined and elegant image, he suppressed his emotions and forced a smile.
"Very well!"
Lord Xu Kong agreed immediately.
In his eyes, the Azure Dragon hovering above was nothing more than a large beast. If this woman could tame it, surely he could defeat it.
At this moment, Miss Duan made another suggestion.
"Lord Xu Kong, why don't we raise the stakes?"
Lord Xu Kong raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?"
"If you can defeat my pet, I'll give you this dragon as your mount."
Hearing this, Lord Xu Kong's eyes lit up.
The idea of having such a majestic Azure Dragon as a mount was irresistible.
He recalled the awe Miss Duan had commanded when she arrived riding the dragon. If he could tame this dragon and make it his mount, he would truly achieve the status of a "celestial being."
No more sitting on a simple bamboo chair carried by unreliable laborers.
Sigh. It had been a while since he'd had a proper commission. Financially strained, he had resorted to hiring four elderly women to carry him around—an embarrassing downgrade from the beautiful young ladies who once served him.
His lack of commissions wasn't due to incompetence.
As the First Demon Slayer, he couldn't stoop to slaying minor demons—it would damage his reputation. But great demons were far harder to find.
Thus, while the title of First Demon Slayer sounded prestigious, Lord Xu Kong's actual life was far from glamorous.
Now, however, everything could change.
If he tamed the Azure Dragon, he wouldn't need to hire anyone to carry him anymore, easing his financial burden.
Of course, Lord Xu Kong wasn't foolish. He knew Miss Duan's proposal came with strings attached.
"What if I lose?"
"That's simple!"
Miss Duan smiled. "If you lose, you'll work for me for two months. Don't worry, I won't make you do anything too difficult. At most, you'll help me eliminate some evil spirits."
The raised stakes were part of Chen Ye's plan.
Miss Duan wouldn't dare make such a decision on her own.
Chen Ye's true intention was to lure Lord Xu Kong into his team. With Lord Xu Kong's strength, he could provide crucial support against the incoming wave of reincarnators.
Hearing that he'd have to serve someone else if he lost, even for just two months, Lord Xu Kong hesitated.
He was the First Demon Slayer! How could he work under someone else?
Seeing his hesitation, Miss Duan deliberately taunted him.
"What's wrong? Are you scared, Lord Xu Kong?"
Lord Xu Kong chuckled softly. "Miss Duan, your provocation is too basic. But fine, I accept! Just don't back out when I win."
(End of Chapter)
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