Above the crudely-built barbarian city, a wisp of pure black energy drifted in, swift as lightning. In the blink of an eye it had pierced through layer upon layer of defenses and burst into the city within.
The demons inside were instantly alarmed, rushing in from every direction. One after another they materialized nearby, staring warily and warily at the two figures emerging from the mass of dark shadows.
One of them possessed a graceful figure and an imposing aura — undeniably at the Demon King level.
This gave the Demon Kings in the surroundings pause. None dared to step forward lightly.
Shaya swept her gaze across the crowd and let out a string of bell-like laughter, laced with an insidious charm that was hard to guard against.
The assembled demons retreated further and further. Every one of them knew the terror of a Charm Demon. Only those Demon Commanders of considerable strength dared to remain in place, silently bracing themselves against her influence.
Yang Kai stood behind Shaya, utterly silent. He attracted little attention.
"You slut — you actually dare set foot in my territory!" A voice like muffled thunder suddenly boomed from the palace ahead. Even as the words rang out, a streak of blood-colored light erupted from within and shot toward Shaya, instantly coalescing into a towering, iron-pagoda-like figure.
He extended a single hand and clamped it directly around Shaya's throat, hoisting her into the air. His face was twisted in a savage grin, killing intent pouring off him in waves.
Dangling in his grip, Shaya made no effort to struggle. She simply gazed at him calmly, not the least bit panicked — as if she had long anticipated this very encounter.
"You looking to die?" Baoqi fixed Shaya with a cold stare.
"Killing… a Demon King without authorization… the Demon Saints will not allow it." Shaya forced the words out with difficulty, her complexion turning a shade paler. Despite being a fellow Demon King, she seemed unable to even muster the thought of resistance before this Baoqi.
Baoqi snorted coldly. "Everyone here answers to me. Kill you, and who would ever know? The Demon Saints are all recovering from their wounds — do you really think they have time to concern themselves with your affairs?"
Shaya said, "Then go ahead and kill me."
Baoqi's gaze turned dangerous, but he restrained himself. With a vicious swing of his arm, he hurled Shaya away.
She hit the ground hard, coughing violently for a long moment before slowly recovering. Lifting her head, she said, "Baoqi. I didn't come here to pick a fight with you. I have something to discuss."
"I've got nothing to say to you. Get out now, or don't blame me for actually killing you." Baoqi snorted.
Shaya offered a faint smile, her red lips moving as she mouthed something — no sound came out.
Baoqi started, his expression turning peculiar as he regarded Shaya with obvious surprise. He sneered, "You really are a shameless little tramp!"
Shaya took no offense. Her voice turned soft and honeyed. "I'm just a Charm Demon. The outsiders aren't easy to deal with. Only by joining forces with you do I stand any chance of surviving. For that, I'm willing to pay any price."
Baoqi scoffed. "That's exactly why I look down on you."
Shaya replied, "Plenty of people look down on me. All I care about is whether you'll agree to my proposal."
Baoqi pondered for a moment, then nodded. "If you've already resigned yourself to that, what have I got to fear?" As he spoke, he licked his lips, his gaze filling with a lecherous glint. "A Charm Demon at the Demon King level — now that's something I've never had the pleasure of sampling."
Shaya giggled, swaying her hips as she stepped closer. "Then tonight, your wish will come true."
Baoqi threw his head back and laughed, wrapping an arm around Shaya's waist and delivering a resounding slap to her upturned rear.
Shaya feigned embarrassment. "Not here. There are so many people watching."
Baoqi sneered, "Since when are you shy about an audience?" Even as he said it, he flickered forward, enveloping Shaya in a swirl of energy as they shot toward the palace.
The two of them had looked ready to tear each other apart just moments ago. Now, in the blink of an eye, they were entangled in mutual desire. It was almost impossible to make sense of.
Yang Kai followed without a word.
Inside the palace, Baoqi released Shaya and glanced back at Yang Kai with a cold snort. "Where'd you pick up this slave?"
He had seen through Yang Kai at a glance — that he wasn't a true demon, but an outsider who had been corroded and transformed by demonic energy. Though demonic qi coiled around his body's surface, that foreign aura was impossible to fully conceal.
Shaya laughed lightly. "This fool overestimated himself and brought people to attack me. So I taught him a little lesson. Pay him no mind."
Baoqi mocked, "A moment ago you were afraid of too many people. Now with someone watching, you're not scared anymore?"
"He's just my slave."
Baoqi said nothing more. Instead, he reached out and tore the clothes from Shaya's body with crude violence. In an instant, a porcelain-white, exquisite figure was laid bare to the air, every gorgeous curve half-concealed and half-revealed.
Shaya let out a soft hum, seemingly chiding Baoqi for his roughness, yet those beautiful eyes of hers brimmed with an intoxicating allure that could ensnare a man's very soul.
She coiled around Baoqi's massive frame like a supple serpent, her full bosom pressed against his chest, slightly deforming under the pressure.