Laugh if You Want To

Facing the murderous aura radiating from Jiang Ningshu, Liu Ruwen felt as if she was staring death in the face.

At this moment, no amount of cleverness could save her.

Say something, say anything—quick!

She hastily stammered, "It's a misunderstanding! All a misunderstanding! I never meant to kill you—it's all a mistake!"

But her panic had rendered her nearly incoherent.

"First sentence," Jiang Ningshu said slowly.

"Right, I... I'll give you everything I have! I have many treasures, all collected over the years!"

Liu Ruwen hurriedly emptied her possessions, not daring to hold anything back.

Yet Jiang Ningshu remained unmoved, her oppressive aura only intensifying.

Liu Ruwen was paralyzed with terror.

"Second sentence."

"I... I... wu wu wu..." She broke into sobs.

"Crying counts too. Third sentence—you failed to ease my displeasure."

The moment those words left Jiang Ningshu's lips, Liu Ruwen exploded—violently, catastrophically.

Not a trace of her remained.

Jiang Ningshu sighed heavily, tilting her head skyward. "What a waste. After all the kindness I showed you, you just wasted my time."

All that scheming, all that goodwill—and this was how she repaid her.

Yet before long, Jiang Ningshu regained her composure, brushing Liu Ruwen from her thoughts.

Really, why bother being angry over someone like her? Their acquaintance had been brief anyway.

She let go of Liu Ruwen quickly.

Still, her judgment really did seem flawed.

Just then, Su Luo and Little Yu returned, approaching Jiang Ningshu.

At the sight of Su Luo, Jiang Ningshu grew awkward.

The more triumphant she'd felt before, the more embarrassed she was now.

"Go ahead, laugh if you want," Jiang Ningshu muttered.

"Already laughed in advance," Su Luo replied.

Little Yu didn't laugh either. "This was all Liu Ruwen's fault. It has nothing to do with you."

"Ugh, fine. I admit my judgment is terrible. I give up."

Jiang Ningshu truly surrendered. If she kept dragging odd characters into Su Luo's Heavenly Demon Sect, she’d only turn it into chaos.

"You seem pretty down," Su Luo remarked.

"It’s whatever. But it is a bit of a blow—is my judgment really that bad?" Jiang Ningshu wanted to hear Su Luo's thoughts.

"It is bad. But at least you met me. Even if the whole world betrays you, even if everyone abandons you—don’t worry, I won’t want you either."

"Su Luo... you’re so sweet—wait, what did you say?"

Jiang Ningshu was about to be moved, but then she realized Su Luo’s words weren’t exactly heartwarming.

"Haha, just joking. I won’t make any promises, but odds are, I won’t stab you in the back."

"Odds are? Why not ‘definitely’?"

"Gotta leave myself an out."

"How disappointing. But fine, ‘odds are’ it is. You said it."

"I did."

Jiang Ningshu’s mood instantly lifted.

Even if Su Luo only said "odds are," she truly believed he wouldn’t betray her.

Despite his talk of leaving an out, she knew him well enough—Su Luo treated those close to him with unwavering loyalty.

Yes, even if everyone else turned against her, at least Su Luo wouldn’t.

That alone felt like enough.

......

The trio continued toward the City of Villains.

It loomed before them now, its walls crumbling and clearly neglected for years.

Perhaps no one bothered to repair them.

Even from outside, the sounds of brawls echoed from within.

The City of Villains was no peaceful place.

Su Luo had come to make a name for himself, laying the groundwork to revive the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Then, they were stopped.

"Greetings. I’m the gatekeeper of the City of Villains. Know the rules?"

A man clad head-to-toe in armor stood before them, his face entirely concealed by a helmet, giving him the appearance of a sinister machine.

"I do," Su Luo answered.

"Then let’s begin." The gatekeeper drew his sword, casually swinging it.

Cracks split the ground around them.

A display of power.

If they weren’t intimidated, he might actually draw his blade in earnest.

The gatekeeper wasn’t here to protect the city—he screened those who entered.

The City of Villains was a haven for demonic cultivators, though the occasional righteous sect member might slip in.

Hence the test: a duel to confirm whether one’s techniques aligned with demonic cultivation.

Victory wasn’t required—even weaker demonic cultivators could enter if deemed worthy.

Or, if one’s reputation preceded them—like holding a title such as "Heavenly Demon"—entry was guaranteed.

So Su Luo removed his black cloak, revealing his face.

"May I pass now?" he asked.

The gatekeeper paused, clearly recognizing him. "Of course. You’re Su Luo, the one causing quite the stir lately. I know of you."

Indeed, word of Su Luo’s inheritance of the Demon God’s legacy had spread rapidly among demonic circles.

Many were seething with envy.

Su Luo nodded. "That’s me."

"Welcome to the City of Villains," the gatekeeper said warmly.

The city thrived on powerful demonic cultivators like him.

The trio moved forward.

But as Su Luo passed the gatekeeper, a blade shot out, blocking his path.

Su Luo turned, eyeing him.

"Nothing personal. I just want to see this so-called Demon God’s legacy in action."

The gatekeeper grinned eagerly. His strength was no joke—Mid-stage Void Refinement realm.

Most challengers were weaklings, making his job tedious.

The City of Villains might sound imposing, but villains weren’t always strong.

Crushing ants grew dull.

He craved a real fight.

"Fine. I’ll give you fifteen minutes. If you can land a hit on me, you win," Su Luo said.

The gatekeeper thought he misheard. "You mean I give you fifteen minutes to land a hit on me."

"Tch. If I strike first, you’ll be dead before you blink."

Su Luo wasn’t boasting—his current strength was beyond ordinary.

"Ridiculous. Rumor has it you only recently reached Void Refinement. Meanwhile, I’m Mid-stage."

"And?"

Su Luo’s indifference only enraged the gatekeeper further.

"Arrogant fool. Don’t blame me when you’re crippled."

He was determined to teach this brat a lesson.

Even with the Heavenly Demon Sect gone, this guy still acted so high and mighty.

Was it the Demon God’s legacy?

Pathetic. Who knew if it was even that strong?

Think you’re invincible just because you inherited some ancient power?