When everyone laid eyes on the corpulent dragon demon, their breaths collectively caught in their throats.
At the forefront, Zhao Hanchuan's pupils contracted, and the expressions of Qing Song, Yue Qianshan, and Su Ying behind him grew even more grave, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.
This dragon demon was clearly not one of Ling Tian Cave's denizens. Judging from its leisurely posture, it had likely come as a guest, just like them.
The terrifying aura radiating from it, a dense, almost tangible demonic energy filling the cave, sent chills down the spines of all present.
Its strength was undoubtedly superior even to the master of Ling Tian Cave—the giraffe-like demon!
At this moment, the corpulent dragon demon fixed its gaze on one of them, its greed blatantly exposed.
What surprised them even more was that Fang Yuan, the target of its attention, showed no fear. In fact, he remained calm and even leisurely teased the dragon.
"What did you just say?!" The Chiwen Demon Saint was momentarily taken aback, then flew into a rage. A surge of demonic energy erupted around it, shaking the cave walls, "I am the illustrious eldest daughter of a thousand golds! How dare you call me 'brother'?!"
Fang Yuan fell silent.
Honestly, there were few things in this world that could render him speechless. Yet, staring at this fierce, burly dragon, who earnestly claimed to be "the eldest daughter of a thousand golds," he truly did not know how to respond.
Fortunately, he didn't have to. Zhao Hanchuan shot him a sharp glare, a warning laced in his eyes, and then stepped forward, his voice deep: "Chiwen Demon Saint, let's speak reasonably. We are all guests here; there's no need for hostility."
His mood was utterly sour. He had meticulously prepared, summoning several late-stage Heavenly Realm experts for support, only to find that the Ling Tian Cave master had also anticipated this—this corpulent dragon was likely the reinforcement his counterpart had brought.
Zhao Hanchuan gritted his teeth. The Chiwen Demon Saint's cultivation was unfathomable; a single one could match several of their strongest experts. Moreover, it had a formidable backing.
It seemed today's matter was far more complicated than he had imagined…
The Chiwen Demon Saint finally turned its gaze toward Zhao Hanchuan. Its golden slit pupils flickered with amusement:
"So, you are a long elder of the Xuanming Sect…" it grinned, revealing razor-sharp teeth. "Very well. For the sake of your sect leader, I shall let this matter slide today."
It swished its thick tail, the demonic aura undulating with a trace of mockery. "But… resolving this will not be so simple."
Zhao Hanchuan's expression hardened, and he could only clasp his hands in acknowledgment. "…Many thanks for your consideration."
The brief clash subsided, and the feast formally began.
Qing Song silently chose a corner to sit, his expression tense. Even amid the clinking of cups, he remained on high alert, ready to strike at any moment.
After all, surrounded by demons, and with the Chiwen Demon Saint's oppressive aura at his back, there was little room for him to relax.
"If a fight breaks out, the Chiwen Demon Saint will be the biggest variable…" He masked a wry bitterness behind the motion of raising his cup. "The True Dragon bloodline of the Wanmo Sect cannot be killed, even if we could win. Otherwise…"
The wine reflected his narrowed pupils. As the leading demon sect of Northern Jiu Continent, the Wanmo Sect surely had soul lamps attached to key members. Should Chiwen fall here, these minor frontier cultivators might see their entire sect obliterated.
Qing Song glanced at Yue Qianshan, Su Ying, and Fang Yuan. Their grim expressions confirmed that they shared the same concerns.
Qing Song was contemplating strategies when Fang Yuan suddenly shook his head.
Did this mean they were too weak to fight and had to rely on cunning?
Unable to guess, Qing Song transmitted a question: "Fang Daoist, why the shake of your head? Have you discerned something?"
Though Qing Song didn't fully understand Fang Yuan yet, his [Eye of Wisdom] told him that this person was trustworthy.
Fang Yuan responded candidly, picking up a piece of undercooked beast meat with a disgusted face: "Sigh, this meat is so tough it could crack your teeth…"
"And the spirit fruit is sour, the wine diluted!"
He shoved a piece of pastry into his mouth. "Ugh, too much sugar."
The demons' cooking was terrible, but at least they knew some limits. All the meat served to human cultivators wasn't from their own kind.
Qing Song froze mid-motion, gripping his cup. His expression was complex as he looked at Fang Yuan. So, your grim countenance was about this?
These cultivators walked on eggshells, wary of any sudden attacks, not daring to drink much. Yet Fang Yuan not only ate heartily but also criticized the kitchen!
"Ha… Elder Zhao and Chiwen Demon Saint truly have iron stomachs!"
Meanwhile, the Ling Tian Cave master—the giraffe—handled both parties with ease, never letting Zhao Hanchuan feel slighted, nor Chiwen Demon Saint neglected.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhao Hanchuan slammed his jade cup on the table, eyes flashing impatience: "Enough wine. Let's talk business. Regarding my son, what will it take for you to release him?"
At this, the hall fell silent. The climax had arrived.
The Ling Tian Cave master slowly set down his glass, a glint of sharpness in his deer-like eyes: "This matter is significant. I ask Elder Zhao to follow me upstairs so I may explain in private."
"Explain in private?"
Zhao Hanchuan frowned, suspicion crossing his eyes, but he quickly recovered. After a brief pause, he said firmly: "Very well!"
As long as the Chiwen Demon Saint did not follow upstairs, a single Ling Tian Cave master was no match for him.
"Please…" Ling Tian master bowed slightly, his long neck lowering in a respectful yet dignified manner. He moved toward the stone stairs with light, cloud-like steps.
Zhao Hanchuan followed closely, whispering sharply before leaving: "Wait here."
Fang Yuan squinted, watching their figures disappear around the second-floor corner. Then, an invisible barrier quietly rose, completely sealing the second floor—no trace of energy could penetrate.
"Heh…" Fang Yuan tapped the table lightly with his fingers, deep in thought.
This Elder Zhao… there seems to be some secret dealings with the demons.
---
Inside the second-floor chamber, incense curled in the air. The Ling Tian Cave master lowered his long neck slightly, his voice calm but firm: "Elder Zhao, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Your son is not here."
"Nonsense!" Zhao Hanchuan's sword energy surged from his sleeve, causing the teacups to hum on the table. "If Ling Tian Cave does not release him, don't blame me for spilling blood here today!"
"I ask you to calm your anger…" The Ling Tian Cave master remained composed. "Surely you understand, we did not abduct your son. He willingly joined my Ling Tian Cave."
As he spoke, a cunning glint flashed in his deer-like eyes. "Your son is determined to become my son-in-law."