Bargain Hunting

Facing death, the Grand Priest was not entirely afraid, though he deeply regretted the loss of so many demonic beasts.

Su Luo ended the Grand Priest with a single stroke of his sword energy.

But Su Luo knew that while the Grand Priest appeared dead, he wasn’t truly gone.

The Ten Great Secret Arts—Altar Rebirth.

Across the desolate wastelands, more than half of the altars shattered, rendered useless.

The Grand Priest reformed his body within one of the remaining altars, reborn anew.

Though not entirely "new," as his strength and cultivation remained undiminished.

The cost, however, was steep—countless altars, painstakingly accumulated by the demonic beasts over generations, were now lost. It was as if half his wealth had vanished overnight, leaving the Grand Priest seething with frustration.

He slammed his fist into the ground, roaring in fury. Though his reborn body ached, the true pain came from his crushing defeat.

He couldn’t accept it.

He never expected to be forced into using Altar Rebirth so soon. If only he had retreated earlier.

But regrets were useless now.

From now on, he would have to ally with the Beast Lord to exact his revenge.

The Grand Priest lived, but the remaining demonic beasts were not so fortunate.

The web of threads continued to contract, slicing them apart until not a single one survived.

"Done."

Su Luo found the sight of corpses littering the ground unsightly, so he casually set them ablaze.

"You really went all out," Nangong Xiyun remarked.

"All because of you."

"Now that’s something to be happy about."

"Too early to celebrate. Let’s move—there’s still another act to play."

"Must we hurry so much?" Nangong Xiyun wanted to stay with Su Luo a little longer.

It had been a while since they last met.

"Any later, and they’ll reach the Northern Heavenly Gate."

"Fine."

......

Meanwhile, Di Haoran and the others had already fled to safety.

A little further, and they would see the Northern Heavenly Gate.

But by now, with no sign of Nangong Xiyun catching up, unease began to spread among them.

Just then, Nangong Xiyun returned.

"Are you alright?" they asked in concern.

"I’m fine."

"What about the Grand Priest and his forces?"

"Shaken off."

"Good. Though this ordeal was perilous, the outcome seems… somewhat favorable."

Casualties were far fewer than expected, and with their temporary escape, everyone was relieved.

"Perhaps you’re celebrating too soon."

A sinister voice shattered their joy.

Su Luo stepped forward leisurely, a wicked smile on his face.

"Su Luo!"

Many here recognized him.

And his reputation had soared recently.

Rebuilding the Heavenly Demon Sect, inheriting the power of the Demon God.

Yet, facing him, they weren’t particularly afraid.

Some even taunted, "The demonic beast horde was one thing, but you alone? You’re just asking for death."

Su Luo wasn’t intimidated. "Heh. Do you think I don’t know you’re all at your limits? Let’s see who still has the strength to fight."

He wasn’t wrong. Despite the unexpected twists, they had exhausted themselves ensuring as many survived as possible.

Now, they were utterly spent.

"Ridiculous. You think you’re so formidable?"

A Great Ascension cultivator from the Radiant Heaven Sect struck first, slashing his sword to unleash a storm of wind blades toward Su Luo.

Even wounded, a Great Ascension expert wouldn’t lower himself to fear Su Luo.

Su Luo casually deflected the attack.

"Child’s play. I can do the same."

With a single swing, countless wind blades surged forth.

The group scrambled to block, but with their depleted stamina, how much could they withstand?

One by one, they fell wounded.

Soon, only the most resilient remained standing.

Nangong Xiyun hadn’t moved—the wind blades spared her.

Li Siyi, the same.

Lin Xuan blocked them through sheer will, though he looked worse for wear.

Di Haoran, relying on raw strength, stood alongside two other Great Ascension experts.

"I haven’t even tried, and you’re already done? Pathetic." Su Luo sneered.

Those sprawled on the ground were all prodigies in their own right. How could they endure such mockery?

If they had lost fairly, they might have accepted it. But this? A wounded tiger bullied by a dog.

Unbearable.

Lin Xuan was still trying to deduce Su Luo’s intentions.

But with no clues, speculation was futile.

Still, he was used to this. In moments like these, he just had to do his best—Su Luo would handle the rest.

So he lunged at Su Luo, only to be knocked down instantly.

Lin Xuan didn’t bother getting up. If Su Luo hadn’t immediately "lost," it meant he still had a plan.

He’d just lie there and watch Su Luo’s performance. Though Su Luo’s punches really didn’t hold back.

Di Haoran and the others no longer underestimated Su Luo. Their situation was dire.

But if they held on a little longer, reinforcements from the Northern Heavenly Gate might arrive.

Su Luo strode toward them unhurriedly.

An ominous aura radiated from him, followed by the oppressive pressure of the demonic path.

At this moment, Su Luo finally embodied the presence of a true Demon Sovereign.

This was his chance to prove his strength.

Yet they wouldn’t just wait for death. The two Great Ascension experts attacked again, joining forces against Su Luo.

Su Luo summoned a dozen Void Hands to teach them a lesson.

Soon, they too were pummeled into the ground.

They seethed with resentment. "Damn it! At full strength, I could crush you with one hand!"

"You’re Great Ascension cultivators, yet you whine like this? Luck is part of strength. Too bad you’re not in top form."

"Arrogant brat! You’re just taking advantage. That’s not luck—it’s cowardice!"

Su Luo silenced them with another strike.

Then he approached Di Haoran.

Di Haoran said nothing, mustering the last of his strength to attack.

Su Luo flicked his sword, sending Di Haoran flying effortlessly.

No need for fancy techniques—Di Haoran was truly spent.

Nangong Xiyun finally acted, as did Li Siyi. Any longer, and their act would be exposed.

Su Luo knocked them down with ease.

Veteran performers, these two.

At last, no one remained standing except Su Luo.

To think they had escaped the claws of the demonic beasts, only to fall at the hands of a fellow human.

How could Su Luo not revel in this moment? His face twisted into a savage grin as he declared:

"Hahaha! Who would’ve thought I’d have this day? Killing all of you will make my name even greater!"

Indeed—four Great Ascension experts, plus numerous Void Refinement cultivators.

Once word spread, the mere phrase "Su Luo slew four Great Ascension cultivators alone" would carry immense weight.

The others glared at him in bitter resentment.

Su Luo was just scavenging their exhaustion. Had they not been drained by the demonic beast horde, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

"Su Luo, stop! Without us, how will humanity resist the demonic beasts?"

"That’s right! You can’t just think of yourself. When the demonic beasts invade, even you won’t escape!"

Some tried reasoning with him, desperate to survive.

Su Luo smiled faintly. "What does that have to do with me?"