Ling Xiao’s reward showed that Elder Jin, head of the Law Enforcement Hall, had already caused some dissatisfaction among the sect’s higher-ups. Keeping his position was already fortunate, and he likely wouldn’t pose a threat to Ling Xiao for now.
This left Meng Yuan and the faction loyal to Demon Flame Tianzun deeply frustrated. They hadn’t expected that Hei Suo’s death at Ling Xiao’s hands would go unpunished. Even more outrageous was the sheer number of honour points awarded to Ling Xiao. Even elite inner disciples were envious, and even Meng Yuan felt a twinge of jealousy.
When Demon Flame Tianzun heard the news, he was so furious he spat blood, worsening his already healing injuries. “Bai Yun! Bai Yun! That wretched Bai Yun! To think he has such a disciple, and I didn’t notice! Damn it! Truly damn it!” Demon Flame Tianzun had long harboured murderous intent towards Ling Xiao, and this time, Ling Xiao’s killing of Hei Suo only intensified it.
Previously, it was only Meng Yuan who wanted to kill Ling Xiao to curry favour with Demon Flame Tianzun. But now, Demon Flame Tianzun personally issued an order to Meng Yuan, “Meng Yuan, kill Ling Xiao before my injuries heal, and I’ll take you as a direct disciple, with the same status as Ming Tian!”
Ecstatic at the command, Meng Yuan began plotting how to kill Ling Xiao. Meanwhile, Ling Xiao made a shocking decision. He reported to the sect that he had precious items to submit, but insisted on handing them over to the Sect Leader personally.
This was a plan Ling Xiao had long prepared, to offer the “True Demon Empire Treasure” key to the sect. For him, it was currently useless, but for the Yuehua Sect, it was an absolute treasure. There was also another item, the Plague Demon King’s seal, which had no special effects, merely a symbol of status, useless in Ling Xiao’s hands. He might as well use it to gain benefits.
He believed that by offering these two items, his position in the sect would become more secure, making it harder for Demon Flame Tianzun to kill him. Even the Law Enforcement Hall would find it difficult to trouble him. Moreover, these items would surely earn him substantial sect honour.
That day, the Yuehua Sect Leader finally appeared, a stunningly beautiful woman. To Ling Xiao’s disappointment, she wasn’t the blue-clad woman he’d met in the Fulong Mountains. He had hoped the mysterious Sect Leader was her, which was why he insisted on meeting her, but now he felt a mix of disappointment and resignation.
Disappointment aside, business had to proceed. Alongside the Sect Leader, Chang Yueying, appeared the five Law Enforcement Elders of Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, as well as Guanghan Tianzun, Jinguang Tianzun, Wugou Tianzun, the master of the Life-Death Tower, the master of the inner sect’s Yuehua Tower, and Yang Danlin, head of the Alchemy Hall. Nearly all the sect’s top figures were present, as Ling Xiao had claimed to offer two treasures critical to the sect’s rise or fall. How could they, as sect leaders, not attend?
“Ling Xiao, this Sect Leader has shown herself. Present the items you wish to submit. If they are truly treasures, I’ll reward you generously. But if this is mere nonsense, don’t blame me for punishing you!” Chang Yueying’s voice, though soft, carried absolute authority.
“Disciple understands!” Ling Xiao wasted no words, raising his hand to reveal a parcel. He slowly opened it, revealing two items: a seal crafted from top-grade spirit stone and a seemingly unremarkable jade token.
“Reporting to the Sect Leader, these two items were found on the Plague Demon King after I killed him. One is the Plague Demon King’s seal, which I felt was significant, so I wished to present it to you personally!” As Ling Xiao spoke, someone handed the items to Chang Yueying.
The jade token aside for now, the Plague Demon King’s seal was of such importance that the sect’s leaders stood up, eager to verify its authenticity. “Indeed! This is truly the Plague Demon King’s seal!” Chang Yueying announced solemnly after careful inspection.
“It’s real!” The leaders’ hearts raced. They had seen much in their time, but never a Demon King’s seal. According to the sect’s most secret records, the Demon King’s seal contained the martial soul inheritances of the nine Demon Kings, not just a symbol of status but of power. For tens of thousands of years, the twelve sects had nearly turned the Tianlong Continent upside down searching for these seals. Yet, the seals were sentient, choosing their own masters, not simply claimed by anyone.
“Ling Xiao, does anyone outside know of this seal?” Chang Yueying suddenly asked.
“Reporting to the Sect Leader, I haven’t revealed this to anyone. Only those present know,” Ling Xiao replied.
“Well done. Finding this seal is a great contribution. Rest assured, my word is my bond. After this, you’ll be richly rewarded!” Chang Yueying was so excited she could barely maintain her composure. She understood better than anyone what the nine Demon Kings’ martial soul inheritances meant.
“Sect Leader, won’t you examine the other item?” Ling Xiao asked.
“Isn’t this just an ordinary jade token?” Chang Yueying, perhaps too thrilled by the seal, had overlooked the jade token placed alongside it. Now, holding it and infusing it with soul force, she was utterly shocked.
“Sect Leader, what is it?” Elder Jin asked urgently.
After a long pause, Chang Yueying calmed herself and said slowly, “Have you all heard of the True Demon Emperor’s martial soul inheritance?” A thunderclap seemed to strike, leaving everyone dazed. The nine Demon Kings’ inheritances were already fearsome, what did the True Demon Emperor’s inheritance mean?
“No, it’s not that,” Chang Yueying shook her head, “This is one of the nine keys to the ‘True Demon Empire Treasure.’ Legend holds that the True Demon Emperor’s martial soul inheritance, along with countless martial arts manuals and divine weapons, are hidden within. Its value is likely ten times greater than the Demon King’s seal!” Despite her efforts to remain calm, her voice trembled with excitement.
The True Demon Empire Treasure! The True Demon Emperor’s inheritance! Countless martial arts manuals and divine weapons! The leaders exchanged stunned glances, overwhelmed by the implications. This was far too precious for any sect.
