The Silent Power Struggle

"Master, I heard that you have close ties with the Primordial Demon Clan, so the moment I received word, I immediately sent people to investigate."

Long Xu's voice carried urgency.

"The report says that Demon Cloud Mountain is now surrounded by a powerful Demon-Repelling Barrier. No demonic experts, no matter how powerful, dare to touch it.

Because of this, the Outer Realm Demonic Race is only encircling the area without attacking.

For now, the Primordial Demon Clan members inside are safe. So, Master, you don’t need to worry."

Long Chen nodded slightly.

The Primordial Demon Clan wielded the legendary Demon-Suppressing Power—the ultimate bane of all demonkind. Whether it was the Outer Realm Demonic Race or the Nine Heavens' demon factions, none could escape its suppression.

But—

This wasn’t that simple.

The Outer Realm Demonic Race didn't even get along with the Evil Dragon Clan. They must’ve known they would be refused, yet they still came begging for help.

That meant…

They must have sought out many factions before this.

The Evil Dragon Clan rejected them, but that didn’t mean other ancient powers would do the same. The Primordial Demon Clan was still in grave danger.

After all—

Their ability only worked against demons. It did nothing against other powerful races.

Long Xu continued, "Besides the Primordial Demon Clan, I also discovered something disturbing. Many powerful forces in the Nine Heavens World… are secretly working with Chaos World factions.

I've even heard that some Nine Heavens' experts possess Heavenly Domain Divine Talismans.”

Heavenly Domain Divine Talismans?

Long Chen’s expression darkened.

He had always wondered why the Nine Heavens World kept sending so many weaklings into this battlefield.

These cannon fodder warriors were practically offering themselves up for slaughter, only accelerating the balance shift—forcing the Nine Heavens elites to be expelled sooner.

It was a classic case of hurting themselves for no gain.

But now, hearing about the Heavenly Domain Divine Talismans—

It all made sense.

His voice turned cold. "How reliable is this information?"

Long Xu quickly replied, “I heard it from a Beast Clan expert—a direct descendant of a Chaos World Beast Sovereign.

Like me, he aims to compete with his clan’s top geniuses and is secretly forming his own power.

We both plan for the long game, so we allied in secret.

He had no reason to lie to me.

By sharing this information, he was proving his trust in me… and also showing his power—because at a crucial moment, he could call upon the Beast Clan of the Nine Heavens for aid.

That is also part of our agreement.

Since his personal strength and backing are weaker than mine, he had to show sincerity to secure our partnership.

That’s why, Master, I believe his words to be true.”

Long Chen nodded.

Long Xu was handling things well.

He had a sharp mind and even had the potential of a true leader.

"Long Chen, You Need to Get Stronger."

Long Xu then warned,

“Master, the strongest monsters in the Heavenly Domain Battlefield have mostly found their opportunities.

They're lying in wait, refining their power in secret.

People like Ming Cang, who has already completed his fusion and entered the Unification Realm, are definitely not the only ones.

Even though you have that powerful puppet warrior, you know as well as I do—

A lone tiger cannot fight off a pack of wolves.

You need to get stronger—fast.”

Long Chen’s gaze was calm.

"If I die, your slave mark will be broken. You'll be free. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?"

THUMP!

Long Xu dropped to his knees, his face pale with fear.

"Master, please forgive my foolishness!

It is my greatest honor to serve you. Before, I was blind and made stupid mistakes.

But now, I have realized—as long as I remain absolutely loyal to you, you will never cast me aside.

With your talent, Master, if I just follow in your footsteps, I can reach the peak of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

That is my true dream!

If all I have to do is follow you to achieve my life’s goal, why would I ever think of anything else?”

Long Chen was slightly surprised.

He could tell—Long Xu wasn’t lying.

Even without reading his soul fluctuations, Long Chen could feel the genuine resolve in his words.

Long Xu had finally understood.

Following Long Chen meant reaching the top.

Why struggle alone, risk death, and fight blindly—when he could simply ride this unstoppable force?

There was no need to gamble his life anymore.

His previous schemes now seemed utterly foolish.

Long Chen’s Decision

Long Chen smirked.

"To be honest—your talent and intelligence never really impressed me.

You only got lucky because, on the day I took you in, there wasn’t anyone better.

Your past stupidity had me ready to throw you away.

But…

Hearing you speak from the heart just now, I feel like—

Maybe you can still be saved.”

Long Chen’s gaze sharpened.

"I’ll give you one last chance.

Do your job well, and maybe one day, you won’t need to call me Master anymore.

Instead…

You’ll call me Boss.”

BOOM!

Long Xu’s heart exploded with excitement.

His entire body trembled.

"THANK YOU, MASTER!"

He bowed repeatedly, his voice shaking with emotion.

This wasn’t just a second chance—

It was an opportunity to become one of Long Chen’s true companions.

He had always envied the Dragonblood Warriors, but now, Long Chen had given him a path.

A real path.

He would not waste it.

After calming himself, Long Xu immediately detailed the alliances he had formed, as well as how his forces were positioned.

Long Chen listened to his report and nodded.

Long Xu had done well.

“Here—take this Melting Sky Pill.”

He tossed a jade box to Long Xu.

“This will help you quickly refine an Exotic Emperor Flame, while greatly reducing your risk of failure.”

Long Xu was shocked.

"Master…"

He was overwhelmed with guilt and gratitude.

Even after all his past betrayals, Long Chen had already prepared this for him.

Long Chen waved him off.

"Enough.

With this pill, you can refine Ming Cang’s power faster and secure your place in the Evil Dragon Clan.

Get it done."

Long Xu took a deep breath.

"Yes, Master! I swear, I will never disappoint you again!"

Final Thoughts:

Long Xu had finally learned what true loyalty meant—but would it be enough?

Meanwhile, the Nine Heavens' hidden alliances and the mysterious Divine Talismans hinted at something even more sinister lurking beneath the surface.

And as for Long Chen—

He had no time to waste. The true monsters were already preparing to strike.