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God.

Among the demon clan, this title signifies only one ancient and supreme existence.

Though mortal cultivation is divided into three stages and nine realms, the ninth realm, the Profound Connection, is one spoken of in legends alone—one who attains this level is truly a rarity across the ages.

Three thousand years ago, an unparalleled demon emperor from the demon clan reached this exalted state, becoming the first demon god in the world to step into the Profound Connection, and at that time, the only one among mortals to do so.

Thus began a great calamity for the human cultivators.

The demon god slaughtered all in his path; countless immortal sects threw themselves into battle and perished, unable to halt him. Against such absolute power, no number of lives could fill the abyss. It seemed the demon clan, under their god’s command, would soon conquer all the lands and seas of the Nine Provinces.

In that time of devastation, seven elders of Mount Shu, all at the Heavenly Origin realm, brought forth the supreme artifact—the Demon-Sealing Tower. At the cost of six of their lives, they finally managed to imprison the demon god within the tower.

This battle cemented the Demon-Sealing Tower as the foremost artifact in the mortal world.

The reason is simple: before this, one who reached the Profound Connection was a god, and between gods and all other creatures there existed an unbridgeable chasm. They could not be provoked, could not be defeated, could not be surpassed.

But the Demon-Sealing Tower closed that gap.

Only it could perform such a feat, and so it became the supreme relic—a truth none could deny.

Yet, legend says that even the Demon-Sealing Tower could not destroy the demon god, only imprison him. Thus, over the ages, demons repeatedly attempted to break into Mount Shu, open the tower, and release their ancient god. But all who tried, openly or in secret, met their end within the tower’s confines.

Until five hundred years ago, when the Demon-Sealing Tower vanished.

To this day, Mount Shu has never given a clear explanation—perhaps they themselves do not know the reason.

At first, rumors spread that the demon god had shattered the tower and escaped, and that Mount Shu concealed the news to prevent panic among mortals.

But five centuries have passed, and no word of the demon god’s return has been heard. Gradually, such rumors faded.

Three thousand years is a long time; the human race has long since forgotten that era of terror.

But—

The demon clan remembers.

They long for the age when demons ruled the world and humans fled in fear.

Beyond the Western Regions lies the boundless Far West—remote, harsh, yet home to the greatest demon force in the world.

It was there, pursued to the ends of the earth, that the surviving followers of the demon god—seven great demon kings—founded their stronghold.

It is called the Seven Kings Range.

The Seven Kings Range has always pursued the revival of the demon clan, never giving up hope of bringing back the demon god. To demons living within human lands, the Seven Kings Range is a distant, sacred place.

And today, this divine messenger—he too hails from the Seven Kings Range.

The hall was instantly filled with gasps of shock and astonishment, even Chu Liang was taken aback.

He’d come to settle a marriage dispute, yet stumbled into such a revelation.

The demon god’s return?

If true, this news would shake the entire world.

The divine messenger, voice filled with fervor, delivered his message, then spread his arms wide.

“The Tiger King was sent by the Seven Kings Range to expand our territory. We must gather our forces within the human lands and wait for the day our god truly returns…”

“That will be our moment to answer his call!”

“Those willing to follow in the footsteps of our god, join Hidden Forest Mountain. Of course, if you are unwilling, we will not force you. The god cherishes every child of the demon race.”

…

His few words ignited the hall.

The god’s impending return—and joining the Tiger King meant joining the god’s camp in advance—instantly caused the eyes of many demon kings to redden with excitement.

Earlier, when the Tiger King sought supporters, many minor kings hesitated. After all, no matter how strong his power, if one lived comfortably, there was no need to become his subordinate.

But with the god’s name invoked, everything changed.

Even the most hesitant or steadfast among the demon kings would surely reconsider.

Even the Cat King’s breathing grew rapid.

Chu Liang cast him a wary glance—would this fellow suddenly betray him in a fit of demonic zeal?

Fortunately, the Cat King still had his wits about him and had not forgotten their purpose here.

As the surrounding hubbub returned, all the demons abuzz with talk of the divine messenger’s words, the Cat King sidled over and whispered, “Young Hero Chu, we’d best move quickly. Any later and the Tiger King will be in his bridal chamber.”

Demon weddings were not as ceremonial as human ones. Once the divine messenger finished his speech, he hurried off with his followers, evidently with other matters at hand.

After he left, the Tiger King waved his hand, announced the banquet, then went table to table, drinking and toasting with great gusto.

Chu Liang glanced about, then quietly rose from his seat.

According to their plan, Madam Ming, already waiting in the bridal chamber, was to poison both the candles and the wine. Once the Tiger King, in his drunkenness, drank the wine, Chu Liang would strike from the shadows, sword drawn, aiming to kill him on the spot.

Were it a fourth or fifth realm cultivator, Chu Liang would not have dared such a plan. But against a high-level demon, it was worth a try.

If things went awry, he could always shatter the jade talisman and summon his master. Knowing Empress Phoenix as he did, she likely wasn’t yet drunk at this hour, and could arrive in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, full power unleashed.

With this assurance, he dared to attempt such a risky scheme.

Before the Tiger King returned to the bridal chamber, Chu Liang needed to slip in and hide.

He crept toward the rear of the cave.

Behind the main hall lay the quarters of the Tiger King and his chief followers—a sort of backyard, where the bridal chamber was situated.

Demon lairs were usually loose affairs, and wandering about was no issue. The Tiger King’s domain, perhaps owing to its Seven Kings Range origins, was more tightly managed, with many lesser demons patrolling the back halls.

But with most of them deep in their cups, the guards were inattentive, and Chu Liang was nearly inside without trouble.

Just then, a bull demon with two massive horns stepped up and clapped Chu Liang on the shoulder.

“The password!” he demanded.

“Hm?” Chu Liang tensed.

There was a password?

No wonder the Tiger King came from the Seven Kings Range—security here was tight indeed.

He fingered his flying sword bracelet, then bluffed, “Heavenly King covers the Tiger.”

He was ready to draw his sword at the first sign of trouble—if the bull demon attacked, he’d kill him at once and summon his master without hesitation.

But—

To his surprise, the bull demon simply nodded and walked past without a care.

Huh?

Chu Liang stared after him in disbelief—had he guessed right?

That seemed ridiculous.

Curious, he watched the bull demon stride into the back hall, where he soon encountered two patrolling demons.

One of them challenged, “Password!”

The bull demon, supremely confident, replied, “Heavenly King covers the Tiger!”

Immediately, both patrolling demons drew their weapons and shouted, “There’s a spy!”

In that moment, the bull demon turned to look at Chu Liang. His head swung so wildly in confusion that one of his horns nearly fell off—his eyes filled with the same bewilderment and betrayal as a classmate who’d copied the wrong answer from him during an exam.