How Did This Turn into a Competition

"Since you've said so, I'll improvise freely—no problem, right?" said the South End Demon Lord.

"Naturally, feel free."

Tactics? What tactics? There were none.

"Rare to see you so confident. Fine, I'll wait and see. Hope you can give us a big surprise," said the Right Envoy, unsure what cards the Left Envoy held but willing to watch.

"Mhm, you’ll be stunned."

Whether it was impressive or not, boasting came first.

The others fell silent, speculating about the Left Envoy’s plans.

The Left Envoy had no intention of waiting. "Any more questions? Ask away."

He was already turning to leave—this was just a courtesy.

Though he’d become the Demon Sovereign, he couldn’t act as arrogantly as the previous one, whose strength had been monstrous.

"Since you’ve said so, we’ll follow your lead," echoed the North End Demon Lord, refraining from stirring trouble now.

With the Left Envoy as the new Demon Sovereign, they’d respect his decisions.

Though doubts lingered, given the Heavenly Demon Sect’s current strength, they wouldn’t be crushed easily.

The West Extreme Demon Lord voiced his concern: "Is there anything specific we need to do?"

Logically, the stronger ones should be assigned critical tasks.

Yet the Left Envoy hadn’t mentioned a thing.

"Just handle things as you see fit. I trust you—or rather, I trust my own plan more."

Utterly confident.

At this point, there was no room for doubt. They’d known the Left Envoy long enough to trust his judgment.

"Then I’ll look forward to your plan," said the Right Envoy.

"Relax. I became the new Demon Sovereign to lead you all to greater heights."

With an enigmatic smile, the Left Envoy stepped into the shadows, vanishing from sight.

"See? I believe in him. Hah!" The East Extreme Demon Lord sauntered after the Left Envoy, falling in step slightly behind.

The others were baffled.

Since when were the East Extreme Demon Lord and the Left Envoy so close?

Ever since the East Extreme Demon Lord’s return, it had been like this.

The matter of the Corrupt Labyrinth was glossed over, and the Left Envoy hadn’t pressed—though if not for the current siege, it would’ve been investigated.

Had they struck some deal back then?

What could make the East Extreme Demon Lord shield the Left Envoy like this?

Speculation was pointless—they’d never guess the truth. The man had been replaced.

Meanwhile, the "Left Envoy" and the East Extreme Demon Lord had already begun chatting.

"So? How was my acting?" Nangong Xiyun reverted to her true form, grinning.

Smooth sailing.

"Not bad. Solid performance."

Though the lines and gestures were minimal, Nangong Xiyun had nailed the East Extreme Demon Lord’s mannerisms. Su Luo’s verdict: "Now that’s professionalism."

Jiang Ningshu emerged too. "And me?"

"You did fine."

Mostly because there’d been little time for her to do much.

Nangong Xiyun smirked. "You were decent, but in acting? I’m better."

"Sure, sure. You’re the expert."

"What, that tone sounds jealous."

"Not at all."

The bickering was heating up, but Su Luo was used to it. Lately, they’d taken to squabbling like this.

Hard to say if they got along or not—but it was harmless, just playful banter during downtime.

After a few more jabs, Jiang Ningshu gave up and turned to Su Luo. "Anyway, is this really okay? The whole thing was so rushed. Won’t the Heavenly Demon Sect doubt it?"

It had all happened too fast, leaving many bewildered—some might even think it was staged.

"It’s fine."

Many in the Heavenly Demon Sect would die soon anyway, so explanations were unnecessary.

Only the survivors would need them.

And by then, any excuse would do. Cornered, they’d have no choice but to believe.

"If you say so, then fine."

Nangong Xiyun cut in. "Shouldn’t you be leaving now?"

Jiang Ningshu blinked. "Me? Go where?"

"Didn’t Su Luo say you’re supposed to leave the sect and wander?"

True—according to the "plot," Jiang Ningshu was meant to roam, homeless.

But Jiang Ningshu just smiled. "I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with Su Luo."

Nangong Xiyun didn’t hold back. "Need me to kick you out?"

"Su Luo~" Jiang Ningshu hid behind Su Luo, her voice sweet.

Nangong Xiyun’s face darkened. "You were the Demon Sovereign. Could you at least act like it?"

"Not anymore. I’ll do as I please."

With that, Jiang Ningshu darted forward and kissed Su Luo. "Heard this works on you. Let me stay, okay?"

Her smug look at Nangong Xiyun said it all—this move was borrowed from her.

Nangong Xiyun’s eyebrow twitched. Then she smiled, pulling Su Luo close and kissing her other cheek. "What if I make Su Luo refuse now? Would that cancel yours out?"

"Then I’ll do it again."

"Hmph."

(￣3￣) Su Luo (￣ε￣)

A bit childish, no?

Since when was this a competition?

Well, if the prize was Su Luo, fine.

But she had to stop them.

"Enough. Talk properly."

"Hmph."

"Tch."

Once they quieted, Su Luo turned to Jiang Ningshu. "Give me one reason to stay."

"You said I’d fight the Heavenly Demon Sect later, right? So why not let me infiltrate now? When you need me, I’ll strike."

"Fine, you can stay."

Jiang Ningshu hadn’t expected Su Luo to agree so easily. "Really? You’re the best."

Nangong Xiyun wasn’t pleased, but she let it go. Su Luo had decided.

Truthfully, any excuse would’ve worked—Su Luo wouldn’t force her out. Staying had its uses.

But Jiang Ningshu’s reasoning was sound. Even better.

Still, she hesitated. "Are you sure it’s okay?"

"Should be fine."

"Su Luo, you’re way too easy." Nangong Xiyun sighed.

"Not really. If it makes sense, I’m flexible."

Su Luo had to protest—she wasn’t easy at all!