The Nether River was vast, its total area even surpassing that of the Demon Spirit Mountain Range by a great margin.
Thus, it took Mo Fan and his group a full half-day of travel to finally reach the dwelling place of the Black Dragon King.
Mo Fan looked ahead and saw a mountain peak standing tall within the water domain, the largest underwater peak he had seen throughout his journey in the Nether River.
“That Black Dragon King certainly knows how to enjoy himself, choosing such a scenic underwater spot for his lair!” You Er remarked, somewhat wistfully, as he gazed at the exotic flowers and plants radiating brilliant light around the peak.
These glowing flora were unique to the Nether River, perhaps developed due to the overly dim environment, resulting in many special flowers and stems that emitted light.
Along the way, Mo Fan had noticed such flora in several places, but none were as abundant as here, truly forming a striking and beautiful scene.
During the journey, Mo Fan had asked Fat Fish about these plants, only to be told they were merely common weeds with no special use.
“Let’s go!” Mo Fan said, taking the lead and flying directly towards the mountain peak.
“What demon dares to visit? Do you not know this is the forbidden ground of Black Dragon Peak? State your name at once!” Before the group could approach the peak, two demon generals flew forward, blocking Mo Fan and his party.
“Blind fools! This is the Demon King of Black Wind Mountain, here by the invitation of the Black Dragon King. Step aside at once!” Fat Fish flew forward, shouting at the two demon generals.
“Demon King of Black Wind Mountain?” The two demon generals exchanged puzzled glances.
“Have you ever heard of this Black Wind Mountain Demon King?” one asked.
“Never heard of it. Apart from Black Dragon Peak, are there any other mountains in our Nether River?” the other replied.
“I haven’t heard of it either. And isn’t our Black Dragon King the only demon king in the entire Nether River? Since when did a Black Wind Demon King appear?”
“There’s something fishy here. You hold them off, I’ll report to the Black Dragon King!”
“Alright!” After a brief telepathic exchange, one of the demon generals smiled and said, “So, it’s the Demon King of Black Wind Mountain. Since you’ve been invited by the Black Dragon King, please follow me to rest in the mountain for a moment. We’ll inform the Black Dragon King at once!” With that, he gave a subtle nod to the other demon general, who immediately turned and flew towards the mountain.
“No need. This king will go himself!” Mo Fan said calmly. Lang Lang and Bai Jinghu, understanding his intent, transformed into two clouds of ghostly mist, engulfing the two demon generals.
Moments later, the mist dissipated, and the two demon generals bowed respectfully to Mo Fan, saying, “Master!”
“Where is the Black Dragon King now?” Mo Fan asked.
“He’s in the Black Dragon Cave within this mountain!” one of the demon generals answered.
“Let’s go meet this Black Dragon King!” Mo Fan grinned, instructing the two demons to lead the way.
As they approached Black Dragon Peak, Mo Fan noticed an increasing number of water domain demons, including several demon generals. With the two demons’ identities, their group attracted attention but caused no major stir.
It wasn’t until they reached the peak’s summit that they were stopped again by another demon general.
“Black Shrimp, Black Crab, what are you two doing? Don’t you know the rules of Black Dragon Peak?” The demon general’s expression was unfriendly, his gaze sweeping over the two demons and scrutinising Mo Fan’s group, exuding a powerful aura.
A glint of ghostly light flashed in Mo Fan’s eyes, instantly discerning the demon general’s true form and cultivation level: a water snake demon at the peak of the demon general realm!
Seeing this, a trace of surprise flickered in Mo Fan’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
“Lord Black Snake!” The two demon generals, possessed by Lang Lang and Bai Jinghu, immediately bowed respectfully to the water snake demon and said with a smile, “Lord Black Snake, how could we dare forget the rules of Black Dragon Peak? There’s a reason for this!”
“A reason?” Black Snake frowned slightly.
“Reporting to my lord, the demons behind us are the ones who caused trouble at the Black Armor Cave. They’ve been captured by Fat Fish and his group and are being brought to the Black Dragon Cave for the Black Dragon King to deal with!” one of the demon generals explained.
“So, you’re the ones who caused trouble at the Black Armor Cave?” Black Snake turned to Mo Fan’s group, sneering coldly. “Truly seeking death!”
“Follow me with them!” Black Snake paid no further attention to Mo Fan’s group and began leading the way.
Seeing this, Mo Fan immediately activated his divine ability, the Art of Multiplication. His large hand shot out, instantly restraining Black Snake. At the same time, Bai Jinghu flew out from the possessed demon general’s body and burrowed into Black Snake’s forehead.
The next moment, Black Snake’s body trembled violently but soon calmed.
“Master!” Black Snake said respectfully.
Mo Fan withdrew his hand and casually struck backwards. The demon general previously possessed by Bai Jinghu, attempting to flee, was instantly shattered into a cloud of blood mist.
“Let’s go!” With Mo Fan’s command, Black Snake led the way again, soon arriving before a cave.
Before the cave sat two demons, a male and a female, their demonic auras as potent as Black Snake’s.
“Two more peak demon generals!” A glint of ghostly light flashed in Mo Fan’s eyes, his expression growing slightly grave.
“Black Snake, what are these demons doing here? Why have you brought them?” the female demon asked, frowning slightly.
“Lord, we’re here to offer a treasure!” Before “Black Snake” could respond, Mo Fan interjected.
“A treasure?” The female demon’s face showed surprise, her interest piqued. Even the male demon general opened his eyes.
“What treasure? Is it to be offered to the Black Dragon King?” the female demon asked.
“Indeed. The treasure is valuable, so it’s not convenient to speak of it openly. Since you two are trusted by the Black Dragon King, you may take a look!” Mo Fan nodded, glancing around before approaching the two demons, beckoning mysteriously. “Come closer, both of you, so I can show you what it is!”
Seeing Mo Fan’s secretive manner, the two demons didn’t think much of it and approached him.
As they drew near, a slight smile curved Mo Fan’s lips. “Please, take a look at this!” he said, opening his mouth. A golden rope flew out.
“What is this…?” The two demons looked curious, but the next moment, the golden rope glowed brightly, instantly binding their bodies.
“Insolent!” The two demons were instantly furious, realising they’d been tricked.
Mo Fan said nothing. Seeing them struggle to break free, he sprayed a cloud of toxic mist towards them.
“Ah…!” The two demons screamed as their skin quickly turned black. With no time to escape, they frantically channelled their demonic energy to resist the poison’s corrosion.
“This king advises you two not to move rashly, or you’ll surely turn into a pool of blood!” Mo Fan said calmly, causing the two demons to tremble in fear. They turned to Black Snake, enraged. “Insolent Black Snake, you dare collude with these rogue demons to harm us? Are you betraying the Black Dragon King?!”
“Betray?” Black Snake chuckled. “I was never a subordinate of the Black Dragon King, so how could I betray him?”
“You…!” The two demons were furious but realised something was amiss with Black Snake. They turned to Mo Fan, the female demon gritting her teeth as she asked, “What kind of demon are you? We have no grudge against you, so why harm us?”
“You’re right, we have no enmity, so I don’t intend to take your lives. After all, reaching the peak of the demon general realm is no small feat. As long as you stay put, this king will naturally spare you!” Mo Fan smiled, then turned to the dark cave, sensing a terrifying aura rapidly awakening within.
“The Demon King of Black Wind Mountain has brought a treasure and comes to pay respects to the Black Dragon King. Please, Black Dragon King, show yourself for a meeting!” Mo Fan called out.
“Black Wind Mountain is hundreds of miles from my Nether River, separated by the Black Water River. Why would a Demon King of Black Wind Mountain suddenly come to visit this king? And your manner of visitation seems rather overbearing! Do you think there’s no demon in Black Dragon Peak capable of suppressing you?” As the voice echoed from the cave, a massive, ferocious head emerged, its lantern-sized vertical pupils staring coldly at Mo Fan and his group.
