"I wonder what the Great Elder is keeping Ferhan and Emmanuel for?" Lin Lei wondered. "She talks about unity, but Ferhan is her son, and Emmanuel is her grandson. It's unlikely she wouldn't show at least some favoritism."
"Hoo!" A gust of cold wind blew past, interrupting Lin Lei's thoughts.
Lin Lei and Saulhauser were walking along a stone path. On both sides stood numerous courtyards and buildings, all quite plain. Both were lost in their own thoughts and didn't speak.
"Ah, Lin Lei," Saulhauser said with a laugh, snapping out of it. "My apologies. I was just thinking about the mission and forgot myself."
"It's fine," Lin Lei teased. "As long as you don't lead us the wrong way."
"Bloodbattle Valley isn't that big. Everyone here doesn't even add up to a thousand. How could I possibly get lost?" Saulhauser chuckled. "Your Thirteenth Squad has ten members. They're all experts within the clan, all at the Sixth-Star Demon level, with some close to Seventh-Star. But don't underestimate them. The distinction between Sixth-Star and Seventh-Star Demons isn't that clear-cut."
Lin Lei nodded.
Like Riemons, whom he'd met on the Purplejade Continent—labeled a Sixth-Star Demon, but practically at Seventh-Star level.
"Some excel at soul attacks, some at physical attacks, some at evasion. Even their methods differ—some use sound, some use poison... In short, a Sixth-Star Demon isn't necessarily weaker than a Seventh-Star. As long as you lead them well, coordinate effectively, and exploit the enemy's weaknesses, it's possible to win against a stronger opponent," Saulhauser explained.
"Very true," Lin Lei agreed with a nod.
Before his clan shrine baptism, he could defeat a Seventh-Star Demon who specialized in physical attacks, but feared a Sixth-Star Demon who excelled at soul attacks. Strength wasn't absolute.
"Saulhauser, look at those warriors. They have an extraordinary aura." Lin Lei nodded toward three blood-robed warriors walking down a street in the distance. Their expressions were cold, and even their faint smiles carried a sense of pressure.
It was the subtle killing intent exuding from these powerful individuals.
"Every warrior in Bloodbattle Valley has been through countless life-and-death battles. This kind of bearing comes naturally," Saulhauser remarked approvingly.
"We're here," Saulhauser announced suddenly.
Lin Lei saw it too: ahead stood a stone pillar. At its top, the number "Thirteen" was carved, while the surface below was covered with numerous names, many of them in red.
"Every name here represents a member of the Thirteenth Squad over the past ten thousand years," Saulhauser said solemnly. "A squad typically has ten people. When a member falls, they are replaced. The names of the fallen are in red."
Lin Lei looked closely at the names.
"Thirteenth Squad!" Saulhauser called out loudly.
Immediately, figures flew out from the buildings surrounding the pillar. Each wore a blood-colored battle robe. In the blink of an eye, ten Sixth-Star Demon members had assembled. Lin Lei looked them over carefully.
Eight men, two women.
"These ten... just from their aura alone, they're extraordinary. It's like facing ten Riemons," Lin Lei thought.
When he first arrived in Hell, he never imagined he would one day lead a group of ten Sixth-Star Demons.
"Elder Saulhauser?" a woman with short green hair asked. "And this person beside you is?" The other Sixth-Star Demons also looked at Lin Lei with confusion. It was clear none of them recognized him.
"This is our Azure Dragon Clan's newly appointed Elder, Lin Lei," Saulhauser announced in a clear voice. "He is also the new captain of your Thirteenth Squad."
"Captain?" The ten Sixth-Star Demons exchanged glances.
"Is he really an elder?" a man asked.
Lin Lei smiled and flicked his wrist. An elder's token appeared in his hand, given to him upon his appointment. Seeing it, all ten members immediately showed their respect, bowing their heads. "Captain!"
In Bloodbattle Valley, the captain of any combat squad is always an elder.
Therefore, upon seeing Lin Lei was an elder, they naturally accepted him as their leader.
"Captain, I'm Meilina," the green-haired woman said with a smile. "I wonder if you could demonstrate one of your signature moves for us?"
Lin Lei blinked, then glanced at the other demons. None spoke, but their expressions clearly showed they wanted him to put on a display. *Looks like whether in a mortal army or a divine army, a leader has to establish dominance over their subordinates,* he thought.
What Sixth-Star Demon didn't have their pride?
If they didn't see his strength, how could they willingly submit?
"You're all the same," Saulhauser chuckled.
"Then, take a feel of this," Lin Lei said calmly.
Instantly, a hazy, earth-yellow light spread out, forming a large barrier of light that enveloped all ten members.
**Blackstone Space!**
The Blackstone Space descended abruptly. The ten Sixth-Star Demons were caught off guard. Three of them staggered, having to brace themselves against the ground to stay upright. Even as Sixth-Star Demons, within the 'Blackstone Space', they felt the crushing pressure.
"Under such pressure, tell me—would it be easy for me to kill a few of you?" Lin Lei asked with a faint smile.
The ten members felt the overwhelming gravity, exchanged glances, and smiled.
"Captain!" Almost in unison, they knelt on one knee in a gesture of respect.
Complete submission!
Lin Lei smiled and withdrew the Blackstone Space. "Rise, all of you."
"Captain, that's fantastic! With your gravity space, we'll have a huge advantage when fighting enemies," said a powerfully built man excitedly. "Inside this space, our opponents are suppressed while we are not. Even if the enemy is a Seventh-Star Demon, I'd dare to fight them!"
Having a strong squad captain wouldn't normally excite the members that much. After all, the captain's strength was just the captain's. What truly excited them was a captain with supportive abilities that could help the team. Like Lin Lei! As long as Lin Lei didn't apply the gravity to them, they could fight opponents a level above themselves—Seventh-Star Demons.
"What's your name?" Lin Lei asked the burly man with a smile.
"My name is Shanta!" the man replied eagerly.