You Promised Me, Did You Forget

The Heavenly Demon Sect had moved north, but not all members stayed in one place. Instead, they were dispatched to multiple locations to carry out harassment.

However, there was a main base—a place specially designated for the Demon Lord—called the Shattered Bone Abyss. After all, the Demon Lord couldn’t be treated poorly.

After regrouping, the Left Envoy began assigning tasks with practiced ease.

One group was sent to scout the demon beast army’s movements.

Another was dispatched to survey the defenses of a nearby city.

Su Luo stood in an inconspicuous corner. Little Yu and Yun weren’t present—they weren’t qualified to participate in these arrangements.

Su Luo hadn’t been assigned a task yet. Under normal circumstances, the Demon Lord would notice him and give him orders directly.

But this time, the Left Envoy spoke to him first: "Su Luo, go to the Northern Heavenly Gate and scout the situation there."

Su Luo was puzzled. Why had the Left Envoy suddenly given him a mission?

And such a dangerous one at that—the Northern Heavenly Gate was currently a battleground between the demon beast army and the Emperor Heaven Sect. The slightest disturbance could trigger massive repercussions.

One misstep, and he’d be hunted down by either the Emperor Heaven Sect or the demon beasts. It was perilous.

Soon, Su Luo realized—the Left Envoy wanted to eliminate him.

After a little more thought, he guessed the South End Demon Lord had leaked information. Who else could it be?

Before, the Seven Disciples had served as a cover, but now, without them, Su Luo stood out in the Left Envoy’s eyes.

"Yes," Su Luo replied.

Tch. If this were the original version of me, I might’ve foolishly obeyed. But now? No way.

He’d pretend to comply while slacking off. Besides, he already knew the situation there—he could make up any report on the spot.

"No need. Su Luo will accompany me for another task," the Demon Lord suddenly interjected.

The others immediately bowed in deference.

The Left Envoy wouldn’t openly oppose the Demon Lord. "Understood."

No questions were asked—the Demon Lord didn’t owe them explanations.

Jiang Ningshu turned away. "Follow me."

Su Luo obeyed, drawing envious gazes from the crowd. The Left Envoy’s eyes, however, darkened slightly—though they were always shadowed to begin with.

Once out of sight, Su Luo asked, "What are your orders, Demon Lord?"

"There’s no need for such formality between us."

"It’s a matter of respect."

"You weren’t so respectful before."

Jiang Ningshu hadn’t forgotten how Su Luo had boldly sat on her throne.

"Let bygones be bygones. I respect you deeply now."

The Demon Lord would gradually become more involved in events—he had to maintain the right narrative.

"As you wish. Accompany me for a walk."

"Huh? What?"

"You promised. Have you forgotten?"

"Fine." Su Luo almost admitted he’d forgotten, but since he was already here—and returning wasn’t an option with the Left Envoy watching—he might as well go along.

At least this beats pretending to scout the Northern Heavenly Gate.

"Let’s go," Jiang Ningshu said.

"Already? Wait—I have something to arrange first."

Su Luo actually had matters to settle.

To his surprise, Jiang Ningshu followed him.

"No need to stick so close. I won’t run."

"It’s more efficient this way," she replied. She had nothing else to do here anyway.

Su Luo’s task was to assign Yun a mission.

Originally, his plan was to laze around with Little Yu and Yun.

But during the journey north, he’d realized a problem.

I can afford to slack off, but what about Little Yu? If she follows my lead, she’ll ruin her future.

Su Luo didn’t mind her staying with him now, but he had to secure a backup plan for her.

Little Yu might not think ahead, but he had to.

After some deliberation, he decided Yun should take Little Yu to accomplish a major feat—laying the groundwork for her to become a mole.

Yun understood Little Yu’s temperament and would guide her accordingly.

With Yun—a mole for the Seven Stars Sword Sect—many problems could be resolved, making it easier for Little Yu to redeem herself later.

When Yun saw Su Luo, she approached immediately. "Su Luo, I need to talk to you."

"Go ahead." He already knew what she’d say.

"I want to operate alone for a few days." She didn’t bother fabricating a reason—she knew Su Luo would agree.

"Sure."

Su Luo had anticipated this. The day before, he’d "accidentally" let Yun see the locations of several totem altars.

Since they’ll be destroyed eventually anyway, letting her report them changes nothing.

Her solo mission was likely to relay intel.

Though she didn’t even bother making up an excuse—points deducted for effort.

"Great." As Yun turned to leave, Su Luo stopped her.

"Take Little Yu with you."

"Why?" Yun was baffled.

"Yeah, why?" Little Yu echoed.

Su Luo addressed Little Yu first. "I’ve made arrangements. Just follow Yun’s lead."

"Okay..." Seeing Su Luo’s seriousness, she reluctantly agreed.

She knew the north was chaotic—best not to trouble Su Luo further.

Then Su Luo turned to Yun. "Guide her properly. I’m counting on you."

He emphasized, "Properly guide her. Understood?"

She’d better get the hint. I shouldn’t have to expose her as a mole for her to figure out how to handle this.

"Understood."

Nangong Xiyun (Yun) had her own plotline to follow—the demon beast army was no joke, and she couldn’t afford to miss her role.

The totem altar intel was a bonus.

Su Luo’s instructions clarified his intent: he wanted Little Yu to gain merit by "exposing" these locations, establishing her as a mole.

Got it. Loud and clear.

Satisfied with Yun’s confident reply, Su Luo relaxed.

"Su Luo, what will you do next?" Little Yu asked curiously.

"I have official business."

"She isn’t your ‘official business,’ is she?" Yun muttered under her breath.

"Actually, yes. The Demon Lord has summoned me."

Yun had meant to tease him, but joking about the Demon Lord—especially in her presence—was unwise. She settled for a reproachful glare.

"Don’t look at me like that. The Demon Lord just recognizes my talents as a subordinate. Nothing more."

"Mhm. I totally believe you." Yun’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Su Luo ignored it. The truth needs no defense. To Little Yu, he said, "Stay safe. If you’re in danger, use this to call me."

He handed her a protective charm, which she treasured instantly.

Yun’s gaze grew even more accusing.

"You get one too." Su Luo tossed her another charm.

"Hah! I got one too! Come on, Little Yu, let’s go!" Yun cheered, dragging her away.

"Shall we?" Su Luo said to Jiang Ningshu.

"Mm."

As they stepped outside, the Left Envoy blocked their path.