"If that day ever comes, it'll be no one's fault but my own..." Yang Kai regarded Wu Zheng with flat indifference, his patience wearing thin.
The man seemed to be singling him out in particular, which naturally irked Yang Kai. What's more, the fellow was far too meddlesome.
Chu Yi pondered for a moment, then spoke up in a clear, resonant voice: "Holy Lord Yang, your Nine Heavens Holy Land is a shining beacon among the forces of humanity—standing for thousands of years and still thriving. I've heard that back in the war against the Demon Race, the Nine Heavens Holy Land rendered no small merit! I've also heard much about the formidable reputation of Grand Elder Xu Hui. Now that the Holy Land falls under your command, I must ask: why, as the master of a great sect, are you willing to entangle yourself with the demons? Since ancient times, humans and demons have been irreconcilable... Surely you understand this, Holy Lord Yang?"
"Of course I understand." Yang Kai nodded lightly. "But the demons under my command were sealed away in a small mystic world for several thousand years, until I stumbled upon that realm not long ago and discovered them, bringing them out. Having had no contact with the outside world for so long, they've long since forgotten the enmity between the two races. Rest assured, seniors—I can guarantee they will not do anything to harm the human race."
"A small mystic world?"
"Sealed away for thousands of years?"
"Is that true?"
Exclamations rippled through the crowd. Many looked at Yang Kai with undisguised envy, secretly lamenting that they had never stumbled upon such a small mystic world themselves. If they had, perhaps they too could have won over so many powerful subordinates.
Yang Kai turned his gaze toward Li Rong, who spoke in a grave voice: "That's correct. Our lineage was indeed sealed away for several thousand years, and we only saw daylight again two months ago. Moreover, we swore an oath in the name of the Great Demon God—this lifetime, we shall be loyal to our master alone, and follow none but his commands. The grudge between your human race and the Demon Race is not something we wish to involve ourselves in. All we seek is a place to call home."
Chu Yi's expression shifted slightly as he studied Li Rong with a deep, searching gaze.
He knew full well the position the Great Demon God held in the hearts of the demon race. No demon would ever dare swear an oath in the Great Demon God's name lightly.
With Li Rong speaking so solemnly, Chu Yi found himself inclined to believe her.
"The Demon Territory has places for you to settle as well—there's no need to remain at the Nine Heavens Holy Land," Fang Yuebai said, furrowing his brow. "If you're of the demon race, you should return to the Demon Territory. That is your homeland."
"We can't go back," Yang Kai said with a chuckle.
"Why not?"
"Because not long ago, they got into a fight with Demon General Xueli and beat the demon woman so badly she fled with injuries. If they returned to the Demon Territory, wouldn't that be walking straight into a trap?"
"Demon General Xueli?"
"She was injured?"
"When did this happen?"
"Who wounded her?"
Fresh exclamations erupted from the crowd. Many were stunned, finding it hard to believe.
Yang Kai shrugged. "They've already made an enemy of Xueli, so returning to the Demon Territory is out of the question. And on the flip side—they were able to strike at a Demon General. Even though demon blood flows through their veins, they're enemies of the Demon Race as well! The enemy of my enemy is my friend—wouldn't you agree?"
Fang Yuebai and Chu Yi exchanged a glance, then nodded slowly.
The latter said: "If that's truly how things stand, then it's understandable. I'd very much like to believe Holy Lord Yang's words, but we'll need to verify the details before we can be certain."
"If Senior Chu wishes to verify, I suggest you pay a visit to the Tianxiao Sect. On the night of the battle against Xueli, the Tianxiao Sect's founder, Chu Lingxiao, was present. Xueli's injuries were his doing."
"So it was that fellow from the Tianxiao Sect!" Chu Yi's eyes lit up in sudden realization. He nodded solemnly. "I will be visiting the Tianxiao Sect!"
Yang Kai chuckled. "In short, while I may have gathered quite a few demons under my command, my position remains unchanged—I will not allow any harm to come to the human race. But if anyone decides to come looking for trouble, then they shouldn't blame me for being discourteous."
Wu Zheng snorted coldly, his expression turning ugly. He secretly thought Yang Kai's words were far too arrogant, that the man showed insufficient respect for others.
"There—are you all satisfied now? If so, please disperse. I'm truly sorry for making you all chase after me for so many days. Or, if you'd like, you're all welcome to stay at the Nine Heavens Holy Land for a while—you've already made it to our doorstep."
Chu Yi smiled bitterly and shook his head. "No need. I've heard your Nine Heavens Holy Land is currently occupied by a great demon beast. Holy Lord Yang, you'd best think carefully about how to deal with that immediate problem. However, Holy Lord Yang—I do have one more word to say."
"Please speak, Senior Chu..."
"Keep a tight leash on those demons of yours. They may not be as docile as they appear. If the day ever comes that they commit some atrocity, it will tarnish the reputation of your Nine Heavens Holy Land."
"Thank you for the warning. I'll keep a close eye on them."
"Mm." Chu Yi nodded faintly, gave Yang Kai and Li Rong one last complicated look, then turned and departed.
Fang Yuebai pondered for a moment, then nodded toward Yang Kai as well before following after Chu Yi.
With the two of them gone, more than half of the hundred-odd human powerhouses dispersed in an instant.
Only Wu Zheng, his ruddy face cold and hard as he glared at Yang Kai and Li Rong, remained where he stood, his expression bitter and resentful. The remaining cultivators who lingered mostly wore looks of wariness.