Countdown

Regarding the words of the West Extreme Demon Lord, the Right Envoy waved his hand dismissively: "It's nothing much, just a minor Sect Master of the Earthly Fiend Sect. They can't compare to the Heavenly Demon Sect."

"So, what are your plans next?"

The Heavenly Demon Sect was now gone. If the Earthly Fiend Sect wanted to claim the title of the number one demonic path, they would have to prove themselves.

"No plans. We'll lay low for now," the Right Envoy replied.

"What? Lacking confidence?"

"It's just for the sake of future plans."

With the Heavenly Demon Sect freshly destroyed, if the Earthly Fiend Sect suddenly rose to prominence, wouldn’t that make them an easy target?

The Right Envoy believed it was better to wait until the storm passed. There was no rush.

Given the Earthly Fiend Sect’s strength, claiming the top spot in the demonic path was effortless—they could do it anytime.

......

On the other hand, the Seven Stars Sword Sect held a victory banquet.

Such a joyous occasion deserved celebration.

Yet, Lin Xuan seemed distracted. Ever since the Heavenly Demon Sect’s downfall, he had been inquiring about Su Luo’s whereabouts but found no trace of him.

He had even asked the Sect Master, who also claimed ignorance.

In truth, the Sect Master knew that Nangong Xiyun had infiltrated the Heavenly Demon Sect and had already sent her a message, asking where she and Su Luo were and why they hadn’t returned.

But there was no reply.

It was baffling—what were they up to? This victory banquet was meant for them too.

The Sect Master could only sigh helplessly.

Lin Xuan suddenly thought of someone who might know.

"Do you know what happened to Su Luo? Why hasn’t he returned yet?"

Li Siyi answered, "He still has other matters to attend to. Don’t worry about him."

"Alright. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"No, he’ll handle it himself. After all, he’s Su Luo."

Li Siyi hadn’t yet come up with a proper excuse for Su Luo’s absence, let alone a convincing reason for his eventual role as the Demon Lord.

What kind of explanation would they even believe?

It was a bit of a headache.

"Fair enough." With that, Lin Xuan decided to set aside his concerns about Su Luo for now.

Li Siyi stood alone, gazing into the distance. During the mission to destroy the Heavenly Demon Sect, she hadn’t encountered Su Luo.

She had guessed as much—Su Luo must have been playing the role of the Left Envoy, so even if they had crossed paths, they wouldn’t have been able to speak.

What was Su Luo doing now?

He should be fine, right? Surely he hadn’t suffered much while posing as the Left Envoy.

At that moment, Su Luo was under Nangong Xiyun’s intense scrutiny.

"Uh… are you okay?" Su Luo asked with concern.

"I’m fine. Just three more days… three more days…"

Nangong Xiyun’s eyes seemed to have widened slightly, and she was visibly struggling to restrain herself, muttering under her breath.

Her strange behavior made Su Luo wonder if something was wrong with her.

"I think I should give you some space," Su Luo suggested. Earlier, Nangong Xiyun had seemed better when she avoided him.

"No, stay right here. I want to see you when the time comes."

Nangong Xiyun feared she wouldn’t be able to find Su Luo later. She didn’t want to wait a single moment longer.

When the time arrived, she would act.

So she had to endure. No matter what, she had to keep Su Luo in her sight for these last three days.

"But you just said there are still three days left?" Su Luo didn’t remember the exact timing, but Nangong Xiyun seemed to be counting down meticulously.

"It’s fine. I can handle it. Su Luo, just agree to this, please."

"I don’t mind. Staying here is no trouble."

Su Luo had no reason to refuse Nangong Xiyun’s request, especially something so simple.

Besides, he had never seen Nangong Xiyun speak so meekly before—especially with that pleading tone in her voice when she said, "Just agree to this, please."

He didn’t understand why she was so desperate. It wasn’t like he was going to run away.

Little Yu brought over some tea. "Would you like some tea? You don’t look so good."

Nangong Xiyun took the cup and downed it in one gulp. "Thanks. I feel better."

But Little Yu couldn’t see any improvement.

Still, it should be fine… probably.

Even she couldn’t fully grasp Nangong Xiyun’s state. If she were restricted from touching Su Luo for a month, she doubted she’d be this affected.

Of course, she would never impose such a restriction on herself.

Nangong Xiyun spoke again. "Little Yu, may I borrow Su Luo in three days?"

"Sure." Little Yu agreed without thinking. Maybe it was because Nangong Xiyun had asked.

The word "borrow" implied a close relationship between her and Su Luo—which was already true, but having it acknowledged felt even more intimate.

Su Luo had to interject. "Shouldn’t you be asking me instead?"

"Is that okay with you?" Little Yu asked.

"Yeah, of course."

Hearing this, Nangong Xiyun relaxed slightly—but she still kept her eyes fixed on Su Luo, ensuring he wouldn’t leave her sight.

The three of them spent time together, chatting idly.

Nangong Xiyun remained seated in meditation, struggling to maintain her composure.

Su Luo and Little Yu, meanwhile, acted as usual.

They had nothing pressing to do.

After leaving the Heavenly Demon Sect, Su Luo had quickly reunited with Little Yu and Nangong Xiyun.

They were now in an ordinary place—a small grassy field with a few scattered trees.

Su Luo hadn’t decided where to go next. For experts like them, any place was as good as another.

With this matter settled, there was nothing urgent left to do, so they simply relaxed.

Before they knew it, night fell.

"The night sky is so beautiful," Little Yu said, lying beside Su Luo.

"Yeah, I think so too," Su Luo replied, also lying down.

Nangong Xiyun silently watched Su Luo and murmured, "You’re beautiful too."

The comment ruined the mood entirely.

"Wait, are you starting to talk nonsense now?"

"Maybe a little." Nangong Xiyun had meant it as a joke, though for a brief moment, she had genuinely thought so.

"Peaceful days like this are nice," Little Yu remarked.

"Mm, they are. But you’re a cultivator. Shouldn’t you explore the world and seek adventure?"

Su Luo had already been everywhere worth going—there weren’t many new places left for him.

"Wherever you are is where I’ll be." Little Yu had no interest in the adventures Su Luo spoke of.

The quiet night was mostly filled with Su Luo and Little Yu’s conversation, while Nangong Xiyun remained silent.

Yet, in the darkness, it almost felt like a pair of glowing red eyes—like a beast’s—were watching them.

Oh, it was just Nangong Xiyun. Never mind.

Then Su Luo realized maybe they should stop talking—Nangong Xiyun seemed to be barely holding on.

"Why did you two stop talking?"

"I noticed you seem better when we’re quiet."

Su Luo hadn’t expected even their voices to affect Nangong Xiyun.

Silence fell.

Nangong Xiyun considered it and admitted, "You’re right. But don’t mind me. I’ll manage."