The two of them were now like birds startled by the mere twang of a bowstring — the slightest rustle of wind was enough to send them into a state of extreme tension.
However, they had clearly overreacted.
The visitors outside the tent were not from the Heavenly Demon lineage. Instead, it was a cultivator from the Demonic Beast lineage and two ancestors from the Shadow Demon lineage.
When these three stepped inside, Ancestor Jin Xiao and Ancestor Xue Pu both received them with cold indifference.
The Demonic Beast lineage ancestor, upon seeing that Ancestor Jin Xiao was also present, chuckled. "Heh, so Brother Jin Xiao really is here. We just came from your tent as well."
Ancestor Jin Xiao replied flatly, "I'm nothing but a commander without an army these days — no backing, no support. What could you possibly want with me?"
Seeing his icy attitude, the two Shadow Demon ancestors exchanged bitter smiles.
"Why so distant, Brother Jin Xiao? Your reason for being here and ours — they're likely one and the same."
"Heh, I merely came to check on Brother Xue Pu's injuries. I have no ulterior motives. As for you — what are your motives?" Ancestor Jin Xiao's tone remained just as cold.
"We came to check on Brother Xue Pu's condition as well, and secondly, to speak from the heart." The Demonic Beast lineage ancestor wore a broad, amiable smile.
As the saying goes, you don't strike a man who's smiling at you.
These three, all grinning pleasantly, made it rather difficult for Ancestor Xue Pu and Ancestor Jin Xiao to turn hostile.
Ancestor Xue Pu offered a faint, detached smile. "I appreciate your kind concern, gentlemen. If you have something to say, then speak plainly. My injuries haven't fully healed yet, and I was just about to see my guests out so I could rest."
"Heh, Brother Xue Pu, you really have had a run of terrible luck this time. Our respective lineages have held discussions, and we all feel that the Heavenly Demon lineage has made a grave miscalculation this round. If they continue leading the Demon Race, this expedition to the Divine Abyss Continent is destined for failure. Therefore, we would like to put forward the two of you to take charge of the bigger picture. Perhaps…"
A strange flicker crossed Ancestor Xue Pu's face. He toyed idly with a blood-red ring in his hand and said coolly, "Brother Jin Xiao and I are both commanders without armies at this point. Take charge of the bigger picture? You flatter us far too much. The Heavenly Demon lineage may have stumbled, but their strength remains. There's no controversy over them continuing to lead the Demon Race. I only hope they make fewer mistakes going forward."
"Oh? Brother, surely those aren't your heartfelt words?" The Demonic Beast lineage ancestor frowned.
Ancestor Xue Pu rose unhurriedly, picked up the wine pot, and began pouring.
"Heh, it truly flatters us that you think so highly of us — Brother Jin Xiao and I are both deeply honored. However, the matter of leading the Demon Race is of immense importance. One misstep and it could shatter the Demon Race apart. We would become eternal sinners in the eyes of our people. We absolutely cannot be rash about it."
Ancestor Jin Xiao chimed in as well. "Indeed, it's not something to be rushed. The Heavenly Demon lineage may be scoundrels, but they are undeniably powerful. That much has to be acknowledged."
For a moment, the atmosphere grew awkward.
Wine was served, but the three ancestors merely stared at their cups without drinking. Instead, they set their cups down. "The two of you are extraordinarily powerful, yet at the critical moment, you've thrown in the towel — lacking the courage to charge headlong into the storm. It truly wounds our hearts."
Just as they were speaking, Ancestor Xue Pu's eyes suddenly narrowed. He flicked his cup upward, and instantly a downpour of blood-colored light cascaded before them like rain.
In the blink of an eye, the entire tent was shrouded in a dense, crimson mist.
"Go!"
Ancestor Xue Pu shouted, and he and Ancestor Jin Xiao shot out of the tent together in a flash, paying no heed whatsoever to the three Demon Race ancestors still inside.
The three were drenched head to toe by the blood mist and hastily channeled their techniques to disperse it. But once the crimson haze cleared, they discovered that their own blood and vital energy were surging violently, and it seemed — faintly but unmistakably — as though their blood qi had been poisoned.
"Damn it! That wretched Xue Pu really is cunning. He must have seen through our plan and already struck against us!"
"Could he have been poisoning us with blood toxin the whole time he was toying with that blood ruby?"