Chapter 115: Acting on Behalf of the Master

Compared to the gathered crowds outside the mountain, Nan Luo’s thoughts were occupied by a singular question: Did Emperor Jun know that someone had severed the mountain range, or was he unaware? Or perhaps he already knew, but was unable to spare the attention to address it here.

What kind of event could possibly be so significant that the Heavenly Emperor, who could suppress all living beings in the world, was unable to intervene? Could it be that this Lunar Spirit Vein and the Lunar Stele were not truly indispensable to Emperor Jun? If that were the case, then the moment the Lunar Spirit Vein was destroyed would truly be the moment his own soul would be scattered into nothingness.

At this thought, Nan Luo’s mood grew heavy. He had hoped to attract the world’s attention, to draw the gaze of those great supernatural beings who secretly defied the Heavenly Court so that they might sabotage and obstruct Emperor Jun’s agenda. He had hoped for a chance to break free from the restrictions of the Lunar Stele amidst the chaos. Yet, instead of the opportunity he sought, he was now facing the peril of the mountain’s destruction and his own demise.

Although the outcome differed from his expectations, Nan Luo was certain that someone had indeed acted in the shadows, even if events were not unfolding as he had envisioned. Ultimately, he only desired one result: the chance to escape the Lunar Stele. But he had no clue how to achieve it. Thus, he could not tell if this current situation was a blessing or a curse.

Regardless, the current predicament—surrounded by powerful enemies—was unavoidable.

"Severing the mountains and cutting the veins?" Nan Luo mused to himself. "Heh, even without the convergence of spiritual energy from all directions, these spiritual veins would not wither so easily. If this were in the past, that tactic might have worked, but they do not know that since the arrival of the Lunar Stele, this Lunar Spirit Vein has been capable of infinitely devouring the star power of the Lunar Moon." He reasoned that while the veins would not wither, it did not mean they could not be destroyed. If it were just an ordinary mountain, it would be razed to the ground in a few strikes, but a mountain with a spirit would not simply allow itself to be annihilated.

Furthermore, Nan Luo could not even define the current level of his own attainments in the Sword Dao or the Great Five Elements Dao. He was certain that, in terms of pure mana, the spiritual energy within this mountain vein was not inferior to that of those who had attained the Dao Realm. With the Lunar Stele constantly absorbing lunar star power, his rate of replenishing spiritual energy was equally formidable.

The only area where he fell short was in his comprehension of the Great Dao, which was the most critical aspect. The deeper one’s understanding of the Dao, the more exponentially powerful their spells, supernatural abilities, and magical artifacts became.

Nan Luo felt no fear toward the strong enemies encircling him, but the various demons residing in Luoling Mountain were terrified, scurrying about in search of hiding spots. Some found a place, only to feel it wasn't secure enough, and would leave to search again, only to find their previous spot occupied by someone else. They had no time to argue and lacked the heart to fight, for they had all seen the altar outside the mountain and heard the earth-shattering roars of their enemies.

"Nan Luo, hand over the spiritual treasure and I will spare your life! Otherwise, I will exterminate every living creature on this mountain and extract your soul to refine my artifacts!"

Such threats were merely one among a chorus of clamorous shouts.

"The mountain veins are severed; surrender the treasure early and you may yet avoid death..."

Many of the demon kings outside the mountain had arrived only recently and did not understand the situation. They had gathered upon hearing rumors of an Innate Spiritual Treasure, which was why those who had not witnessed the terrifying might of the Azure Flame Sword were eager to snatch the Demon Moon Mirror.

But later, when the Azure Flame Sword had struck down those who dared to challenge it—each strike swift and merciless—the cold, resolute lethality of it had stunned everyone. Since then, even though everyone knew the Luoling mountain range had been severed, no one dared to charge forward.

They stood on the surrounding hilltops, hurling threats, yet none dared to reach for the Demon Moon Mirror. Many others, sensing that a chaotic battle was imminent, began to stealthily withdraw.

Before the mountain range was severed, they had acted in coordination, but once the deed was done, they dispersed into groups. The larger groups were the demon kings with their various subordinates; the smaller groups were powerful individuals who had traveled from afar, possessing unique supernatural abilities and a greater sense of caution.

Some of these demon kings had witnessed the wild, ferocious aura emanating from the Blood Wolf and the giant azure-black claw that night. The power displayed by the Eagle King when he set up the Eight Directions Vein-Severing Array had also left them deeply unsettled.

They were waiting for those two to make the first move. None who could become a demon king were fools; though their clarity of mind was clouded by greed, they all had their own calculations.

Thus, for the moment, no one acted. No one dared to lead the charge, but they could still curse. At first, it was only the more arrogant demon kings shouting, but soon, their underlings joined in the chorus of abuse.

It started off somewhat restrained, as Nan Luo remained a formidable figure in their eyes, and the sight of the blood-soaked yellow earth in the sky chilled them to the bone. But after testing the waters with a few insults and finding that Nan Luo offered no response, their courage grew. The awe they had felt for him began to vanish with every insult.

"Human, come out and bow before your Master Pig! When I lose my temper, don’t blame me for being ruthless and trampling your Luoling Mountain into the dust!" A pig-headed demon, carrying a bizarre-looking weapon on his shoulder, stood before a crowd, shouting with haughty arrogance. With every word, he twitched his body, looking immensely pleased with himself.

Soon, loud insults erupted from elsewhere, rising and falling like a contest to see who could be the most vicious or the most creative.

The pig demon wore a tattered robe he had scavenged from somewhere. After finishing his rant, he trotted over to the demon king he served—who was sitting with eyes half-closed, as if listening to music—and bowed his head with a sycophantic expression.

When the other underlings finished their turns, it seemed to be his turn again. He puffed out his chest, raised his fat, big-eared head, and strode forward.

As the demon kings surrounded the mountain, Qingqing had also arrived. Hearing the intolerable insults directed at her master, she flew into a rage and prepared to charge at them.

Niu Liang suddenly grabbed her and said, "You cannot go! They have strength in numbers; you are just throwing your life away."

"Let go," Qingqing said, turning back with eyes burning red, filled with endless fury.

Niu Liang released her, but as she turned to charge again, he grabbed her once more. Qingqing glared at him and snapped, "What is this? Are you trying to order your Sister Qing around? Be careful or I’ll slap you."

Niu Liang let go immediately but said quickly, "Look, your master hasn't said a word. Why are you rushing in?"

Qingqing, who had been about to charge, turned back and glared at him. "What is my master's status? These petty demons are hurling abuse, and you expect my master to stoop to trading insults with them? Even killing them would dirty my master’s sword. This is the moment for me, as his disciple, to act on his behalf."

"But..."

"Shut your mouth! Do you know that if it weren't for my master’s teachings, I would still be in the mountains chasing insects and rats to eat, and fleeing from those who hunted me? Even though he has never officially acknowledged me as his disciple, in my heart, he is my only master."

With a dignified air, Qingqing finished her words, turned, and flew toward the mountaintop where the insults were loudest.

"...Hahaha, little human, hide in your cave for the rest of your life! Master Pig is going to..."

"Pig-head, go to hell!" Just as the pig demon was reveling in his own arrogance, a murderous voice erupted from behind him.

The pig demon turned in shock, only to see the figure of a girl in green, holding a small fan, growing smaller and smaller. Before he knew it, he was airborne, the only sound in his ears the whistling of the wind. Before he could even feel fear, his instincts took over, and he let out a scream like a slaughtered pig.

The scream was cut short as he slammed headfirst into a massive tree dozens of mountains away, punching a hole through the trunk. His head remained wedged inside, while his body hung limply from the tree.