After knocking out He Feifei, Mo Fan intended to leave immediately, but he soon noticed several cultivators flying out from Blackwind Mountain on their swords, circling the air as if patrolling the surroundings.
Seeing this, Mo Fan quickly used his aura-concealing technique to suppress his demonic energy, hiding with He Feifei in a thicket, lying flat and not daring to move.
He wasn’t afraid of individual Foundation Establishment cultivators, but he knew that for Blackwind Mountain to be overtaken, there must be extremely powerful human cultivators among them.
Though the Three Mountains Trial had caused most of Blackwind Mountain’s demons to leave, Mo Fan could guess with his toes that the Blackwind Demon King would have left some demons to guard the mountain.
Those left behind were likely formidable, possibly including a demon general.
Back in Demon Spirit Valley, Mo Fan hadn’t seen the Fourth General, Venom Fang, and had already suspected something.
Now, it seemed likely that Venom Fang’s betrayal had allowed the human cultivators to seize Blackwind Mountain so quickly.
Mo Fan waited quietly. The patrolling Foundation Establishment cultivators lingered in the area for a while before returning to the mountain.
The entire Blackwind Mountain seemed enveloped by a barrier. Whenever human cultivators flew close, ripples appeared in the air, and they vanished without a trace.
“So that’s it. No wonder I didn’t notice anything earlier,” Mo Fan thought, his heart tightening.
He realised his naked eye couldn’t detect any activity on Blackwind Mountain, but by emptying his mind, he sensed faint traces through the mark of Yuehua.
“They’ve disguised the entire mountain. Are they planning to wipe out more demons in one fell swoop?” Mo Fan murmured, understanding the human cultivators’ intentions but powerless to act.
He had hoped to return to Blackwind Mountain, become the Fifth or even Fourth Demon General, and enjoy the privileges that came with it. Now, that was impossible.
The mountain had been thoroughly overrun.
“I wonder if Bai Yaoyao and Big Head are alright,” Mo Fan whispered to himself, though he wasn’t overly worried.
He knew Bai Yaoyao’s capabilities, and both demons were adept in water. If things went south, they could escape via the spring pool.
“It seems I can’t return to Blackwind Mountain. The only way is to head back… perhaps deeper into the Hundred Thousand Mountains is the only option.”
“Am I, Mo Fan, to seek another Demon King’s protection?”
“No… there might be another good option.”
Mo Fan took a deep breath, suddenly thinking of Broken Temple Market.
The market was run by Yun Rou, a half-demon and the adopted daughter of the White Tiger Saint King. Strictly speaking, it was part of the White Tiger Saint King’s territory. No matter how bold the human cultivators were, they wouldn’t dare provoke two Demon Saint Kings at once, would they?
Mo Fan recalled escaping Demon Spirit Valley and witnessing the Fire Phoenix Saint King’s divine might.
That was a power capable of reshaping the heavens and earth.
As a fellow Saint King, the White Tiger Saint King couldn’t be much weaker.
With this in mind, Mo Fan formed a plan to seek refuge at Broken Temple Market. Based on what Bai Yaoyao had said, he was confident Yun Rou would take him in.
Moreover, he was technically a major patron of the market, so she had no reason to turn him away.
Though Mo Fan didn’t understand why the White Tiger Saint King favoured him, it didn’t stop him from using it to protect himself.
In his view, a chess piece couldn’t control its fate, but a crucial piece could influence the player’s decisions to some extent.
Just as Mo Fan prepared to leave, he sensed a powerful demonic aura approaching rapidly from the distance.
“A great demon returning?”
Mo Fan’s heart jolted. He turned to look, seeing a massive cloud of black demonic mist rolling in from the horizon.
Two robust figures stood atop the mist.
Though too far to see clearly, Mo Fan recognised them by their shapes.
“The Blackwind Demon King!”
“Second General, White Demon!”
Mo Fan’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected their return at this moment.
He considered stepping out to warn them of Blackwind Mountain’s true situation but, after careful thought, decided against it.
The two demons approached boldly, riding clouds without hiding, suggesting they were being pursued by strong enemies.
Their blatant approach meant the human cultivators hiding in Blackwind Mountain had likely already noticed them.
Mo Fan figured that even if he warned them, it would be futile and might cost him his life.
“Great King, it’s not that Treasure doesn’t want to save you, but you’re beyond saving.”
“What a pity you’ll die at the hands of human cultivators, wasting your powerful divine abilities.”
Mo Fan sighed inwardly, mourning the two demons.
“Is Venom Fang here?”
“This king has returned. Come greet me at once!”
As the two demons neared Blackwind Mountain, they sensed something amiss. The mountain was too quiet, and the Blackwind Demon King detected a strong scent of blood in the air. He halted, hovering in midair, and shouted toward the mountain.
“Great King, I’m here!”
As the demons grew wary, Venom Fang’s voice rang out from within Blackwind Mountain. Then, they saw him fly out.
Seeing Venom Fang, the Blackwind Demon King’s eyes flickered. “Venom Fang, has anything happened to Blackwind Mountain?”
“What are you saying, Great King? You’ve only been gone a day, and with me guarding, how could anything happen?” Venom Fang replied with a smile, then grinned at the two demons. “I just hunted some beasts outside and gathered the minions to drain and cook them. They’re almost ready. You’ve returned at the perfect time.”
“Come, follow me into the mountain to feast.”
Venom Fang gestured invitingly.
The White Demon glanced at the Blackwind Demon King, whose face remained calm. He asked, “Venom Fang, how long have you followed me?”
“Over a hundred years, I’d say.”
“Have I ever mistreated you in those hundred years?”
Venom Fang’s face stiffened slightly. He looked up at the two demons, locking eyes with the Blackwind Demon King, still smiling. “Great King, why ask this suddenly?”
“This barrier isn’t Blackwind Mountain’s protective array,” the Blackwind Demon King said coldly, glaring at Venom Fang. “Is Shan Feng still alive?”
At those words, Venom Fang realised the two demons had seen through everything.
Before he could speak, a voice sounded from behind.
“If you’re talking about that wild mountain chicken, I’m afraid she’s already dead.”
A refined scholar in white, riding a bamboo slip artifact, flew out from Blackwind Mountain, accompanied by a tall woman in a red robe, standing on a flying sword.
“Disciples of Great River Academy?”
“And Bixiao Sect disciples?”
The Blackwind Demon King’s face darkened, then he laughed loudly. “Good. Very good.”
“You humans have gone too far.”
“You think you’ve got this king cornered?”
“Today, this king will grind you to dust.”
