Introduce Yourself

The matter had been settled, and Su Luo had no reason to stay any longer.

"Wait," the Demon Lord called out to Su Luo. "I suddenly feel like taking a walk. Accompany me for a while."

"Isn't this inappropriate? What if someone sees us?"

Jiang Ningshu was also aware of Su Luo's concerns—likely fearing trouble from the Left Envoy.

"How about this?"

A special black robe that concealed one's identity—Jiang Ningshu had one too. With a bit of added magic, it would be perfect.

"Alright."

Seeing that the Demon Lord was already prepared, Su Luo couldn't refuse such a small request.

The two walked in silence, neither speaking much.

Su Luo acted like an emotionless walking machine, responding only when the Demon Lord spoke, which was rare.

Jiang Ningshu, however, found the walk pleasant. Strolling slowly, her mind wandered freely as she took in the surroundings.

Occasionally, she glanced at Su Luo.

Surprisingly, it brought her a sense of tranquility.

So, walking really could soothe the mind.

But someone soon shattered this peace.

Su Luo and the Demon Lord were abruptly stopped.

"Su Luo, right? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Su Luo glanced at the smiling man before him—it was Lu Xiezi, the master of multiple puppets.

Su Luo was familiar with many figures, and this one was no exception.

Titled as a Heavenly Demon, Lu Xiezi excelled in the art of puppetry. While manipulating inanimate objects was more efficient and powerful, he had a peculiar preference for living puppets—humans transformed into his tools.

Controlling living beings required more effort and resources, offering little in return, yet he reveled in it.

He was indeed a ruthless character.

"Speak your mind."

"Recently, I came across an excellent specimen during my travels. Upon inquiring, I learned it was one of your subordinates."

"And?" Su Luo already had an idea of his intentions.

"I want to ask for this person. I truly adore this specimen. Name your price—any cost is acceptable."

"Who?"

"The one by your side, named Yun..."

Before Lu Xiezi could finish, Su Luo punched him, leaving half his face mangled.

"Do you not know she's my right-hand woman?"

"Even a right-hand woman has her price. Hear my offer: one hundred top-grade spirit stones, three superior-grade spirit swords, and ten top-grade elixirs. Isn't that generous enough?"

Lu Xiezi remained unfazed by his injuries, speaking with composure.

He was confident that even a Heavenly Demon wouldn't easily refuse such an offer.

"Rejected."

"Very well. If you want to negotiate, I can add more. State your terms." Lu Xiezi made it clear he had no shortage of resources.

What he feared most was someone refusing to negotiate, as that would force him to resort to other methods.

"Perhaps you should come out and negotiate with me in person?" Su Luo sneered.

"That won't do. I value my life too much."

Indeed, the figure before them was merely one of Lu Xiezi's puppets.

"Clever. You know I'd kill you." Su Luo was indifferent; killing Lu Xiezi would be simple for him.

"You refuse? What a pity. But when I set my sights on something, I'll stop at nothing to obtain it."

"If I'm not mistaken, are you declaring war on me?"

"Not at all. Many things can be resolved civilly. No need for bloodshed. I'm merely stating my determination to succeed."

Even with only half a face intact, Lu Xiezi maintained his composed smile.

Su Luo suddenly swung his sword, decapitating the puppet before him. There was no need for further discussion.

Yet, the severed head on the ground continued to speak. "You've ruined one of my finest puppets. Such a temper. But I have ways to take Yun from you."

"You've successfully angered me. Before heading north, I'll make sure to end you."

In other words, Lu Xiezi's days were numbered—three at most.

"Heh, the younger generation speaks so boldly nowadays. Very well, I'll be waiting. That is, if you can find me."

Lu Xiezi was confident in himself, not believing he could lose to a newly ascended Heavenly Demon.

He had been renowned for years, and his reliance on puppets ensured his safety.

The puppet suddenly exploded.

Su Luo, of course, remained unharmed.

But Lu Xiezi truly knew how to stir up trouble.

Su Luo wasn't in a hurry to deal with him; he already knew where Lu Xiezi was hiding.

Lu Xiezi's concealment was indeed skillful—it was nearly impossible to trace him through his puppets.

He had put great effort into this, fearing that others might locate him through his puppets.

He was terrified of death, having not ventured out in over a decade, relying solely on his puppets to act.

Su Luo then remembered that the Demon Lord was still by his side.

"Demon Lord, you don't mind if I kill someone, do you?" Su Luo asked politely, though even if the answer was no, Lu Xiezi's fate was sealed.

"Do as you please."

The Demon Lord had grown indifferent to the affairs of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Su Luo continued walking with the Demon Lord.

But as they strolled, Su Luo found himself nearing his home.

Hmph, what a perfect route—accompanying the Demon Lord on a walk while also heading home. Two birds with one stone.

"Demon Lord, it's about time. Please head back."

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"My humble abode would only embarrass you."

"It's fine."

Well, Su Luo had nothing to hide; he was merely trying to find an excuse for the Demon Lord to leave.

Since she insisted, he led her inside.

Little Yu, who had been cultivating in the courtyard, immediately ended her session and greeted Su Luo.

Yun was also present, her gaze fixed on the Demon Lord.

She couldn't make out the Demon Lord's features or discern her identity, but she could sense an extraordinary aura. Her strength seemed formidable, yet also not—a strange feeling.

Who was this? Did Su Luo know someone so powerful?

The Demon Lord, upon entering, casually surveyed the surroundings.

It was indeed modest, lacking any extravagant decorations. The only thing that stood out was a luxurious-looking recliner.

She glanced at Little Yu, whom she had seen before—a talented individual.

Then her eyes fell on the figure inside the house.

Hmm?

Something felt off. She took a second look.

Not ordinary—strong, at least stronger than the Four Heavenly Demons.

This was Jiang Ningshu's initial assessment. Though her cultivation was suppressed, her intuition remained sharp.

Who was she? Did Su Luo know he had such a powerful person by his side?

Nangong Xiyun and Jiang Ningshu sized each other up.

Su Luo and Little Yu noticed the prolonged eye contact between the two.

What was so intriguing about each other?

Su Luo decided to see how long they would keep this up, joining Little Yu in watching from the sidelines.

However, Yun soon snapped out of it.

"Oh, Su Luo, you brought a guest without telling me! I haven't prepared anything. By the way, who is this?"

"You can introduce yourself," Su Luo said, not daring to reveal anything carelessly.