The So-Called Cost is No Cost

Lin Xuan watched as the Heavenly Demon Sect retreated and was too exhausted to pursue them. He had been fighting for a long time and had been a standout presence on the battlefield, cutting through enemies left and right.

However, after Su Luo's thunderous strike, Lin Xuan's shine dimmed a bit.

He also felt a tinge of regret for not getting the chance to duel the Heavenly Demon Seven. He could only watch as the seven displayed their skills from a distance, separated by waves of enemies.

Everyone said the Heavenly Demon Seven were formidable, but Lin Xuan felt he was no less. He was determined to find an opportunity to duel them in the future.

It's worth mentioning that even Lin Xuan was shocked by Su Luo's earth-shattering attack. Not just him—even Elder Yan was left stunned.

That strike was simply over the top.

Elder Yan had once said that Su Luo was no weaker than Lin Xuan, but now it seemed like Lin Xuan wasn't even in the same league.

As Lin Xuan recalled Su Luo's lightning strike, even though it wasn't aimed at him, he still felt a pang of fear, a primal reaction.

"Elder Yan, do you think I'm far inferior to Su Luo now?"

"No, no, no, calm down. That might not have been his own power. It could have been some kind of treasure..."

"But being able to wield such a powerful treasure is part of one's strength, right?"

Relying on external forces is a matter of perspective. Some focus solely on strengthening themselves, believing that true power comes from within. Others prefer to equip themselves with top-tier gear.

"Fair point. It seems his hidden card is quite powerful. But don't lose heart. Think about it—your hidden card is me. By comparison, doesn't that make you feel better?" Elder Yan tried to comfort Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan was taken aback, then reflected on the journey so far. Elder Yan had indeed provided immense help—training methods, cultivation knowledge, worldly wisdom...

"Hahaha, you're right."

Inspired by Elder Yan's words, Lin Xuan felt his spirits lift, no longer overshadowed by Su Luo's strike. He was deeply grateful for Elder Yan's continuous support.

...

The Heavenly Demon Sect had successfully retreated, though some had perished in the process. Of course, those were just insignificant figures.

"Alright, I'm fine now."

Su Luo no longer needed Nangong Xiyun's support.

"Ah, you're fine?"

While helping Su Luo, Nangong Xiyun had already checked him thoroughly, searching for any signs of injury. However, she found nothing unusual—everything seemed normal.

But that didn't make sense. She too believed Su Luo should have been affected, given the sheer power of that strike. Even if he tried it dozens of times, such a feat should be impossible.

"No big deal."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Qing Bukuang approached with concern, "Don't try to tough it out, Su Luo. That strike just now—you're really okay?"

Well, it wasn't exactly concern; it was more like an inquiry.

When Su Luo saw him, he said, "Sorry about using three of your men. I hope you don't mind."

There was no hint of regret in his tone.

Qing Bukuang's mouth twitched slightly. Su Luo had been ruthless when disposing of his subordinates. And now, it seemed Su Luo's strength couldn't be underestimated.

But for Qing Bukuang, the real problem was how to address this situation.

If he said he didn't mind, his remaining subordinates would feel betrayed. But if he said he did mind, it would make him seem petty for mourning over just a few underlings.

Quickly, he came up with an answer: "Of course I mind. You'll have to compensate me."

If his subordinates weren't around, he would have said he didn't care. After all, these men were just stepping stones on his path to success, and there would always be more. But with a group of men who had just fought alongside him present, this was the only way to play it.

"Qing Bukuang, you're not being sincere. It's just a few underlings; what's there to be upset about?"

"Oh, you don't mind losing your own men?"

Qing Bukuang threw the question back at Su Luo, certain that Su Luo wouldn't dare say such a heartless thing to his own subordinates.

And Su Luo did.

"A Yun, I order you to die for me, will you?"

"Of course, Lord Su Luo's command is absolute!" A Yun complied eagerly.

"See? Your subordinates lack the right mindset."

Qing Bukuang felt like he had swallowed a mouthful of ash. He was outmatched.

No, this wasn't right. He was being led on.

"Once more, you have to compensate me."

"I can't. You know me; I have nothing to give you."

"Then tell me how you pulled off that lightning strike." Qing Bukuang figured that with three Goldcores at stake, this question was worth it.

At the side, Hu Yirong also chimed in, "Yeah, I'm curious too."

The other Seven were also paying attention, eager to hear the answer.

Seeing their anticipation, Su Luo had no choice but to improvise.

"Simple. It's an ancient treasure."

Qingbukuan asked, "Just three Goldcores were enough to unleash such power?"

If that was true, he was intrigued.

"Three Goldcores were just the activation. There are other costs, but I can handle it."

Su Luo thought that having such power with just three Goldcores was too far-fetched, so he added some conditions.

Of course, all of this was a fabrication. There were no real costs, and even the energy used came from the double-headed serpent's dark clouds. It was the epitome of freeloading.

"Mind if I take a look at your treasure?"

"Not at all, because it's gone."

"Gone?"

"Do you think it could be reused multiple times?"

"Ah." Qing Bukuang sighed, expressing his disappointment. He had been planning to trade for it, steal it, or perhaps carefully plot to take it by force.

Qing Bukuang sighed, but Situ Ye was overjoyed: "So, your hidden card is gone?"

He had thought that getting revenge on Su Luo was off the table, but now there seemed to be a chance.

"Yeah, what, you have bold ideas?"

"Not too bold. But... hehehe..." Situ Ye let out an eerie chuckle.

"If you think I only had one hidden card, then you can give it a try."

"You still have one?"

"Guess."

Situ Ye jumped up excitedly, refusing to believe Su Luo still had cards up his sleeve: "You must be bluffing!"

"That's for you to decide, but don't come crawling back later."

Situ Ye studied Su Luo, trying to gauge the truth from his expression, but he couldn't tell a thing.

As the conflict between the Demon Princes unfolded, Hu Yirong pretended not to notice, confirming once more that Su Luo was unharmed. "This mission is over. Dismissed. Go attend to your own matters."

With that, she left, and the other Heavenly Demon Sect experts followed suit.

Before leaving, Qing Bukuang said, "Su Luo, if you ever need help, feel free to call on me."

It was an acknowledgment—Su Luo's performance had earned Qing Bukuang's respect.

Though Qing Bukuang sometimes found Su Luo annoying, he firmly believed that there were no eternal enemies.

Cui Baiquan felt frustrated. It seemed like Su Luo was becoming quite the hot commodity.

If Su Luo was truly lured over by Qing Bukuang, then among the Seven, only he and Shan Gui would be left without status, looking rather pathetic.

No, he had to think of a way.

But how? Cui Baiquan couldn't come up with a solution right away and decided to leave for now.

The other Seven, each with their own entourage, also departed.

Situ Ye was among them, but after walking for a while, he turned back and asked Su Luo, "Why are you following me?"