Chapter 828: Good Show Is About to Begin

Wang Youhong and Shi Jiu, having settled into this cave hall for less than half a day, were still feeling a jolt of fear. Yet, when they looked at the Old Ox and Lu Wu, the Old Ox was chatting and laughing freely, while Lu Wu appeared incredibly calm and natural beside him. There was no sign whatsoever that these two demons had just successfully launched a conspiracy that would almost certainly bury the remaining foundations of the Apocalypse Alliance.

The Niu Batian you saw was only the version he presented: his recklessness, his impulsiveness, even his licentiousness.

And judging by Lu Wu's calm reaction, his response in this matter suggested two possibilities. One was that Lu Wu had known about this for a long time, but that was clearly impossible. Therefore, it could only be the second possibility: after learning of this matter from the Old Ox, Lu Wu immediately chose to trust him and, with utter ruthlessness and unfazed composure, effectively sentenced to death all the Apocalypse Alliance members who had once greatly valued him.

There was little genuine camaraderie among the members of the Apocalypse Alliance, but this reaction and decisiveness were truly ruthless.

Furthermore, the closeness between Niu Batian and Lu Wu, two demons frighteningly talented and even more frighteningly cunning, far exceeded initial expectations. In the mortal world, it was akin to a treasonous plot agreed upon instantly.

Seemingly sensing Wang Youhong and Shi Jiu's gaze, Lu Shanjun turned his head and smiled at them with his usual scholarly demeanor. However, Wang Youhong and Shi Jiu both responded with an awkward smile before instinctively averting their gaze.

“Wang Youhong…”

Shi Jiu’s voice echoed in Wang Youhong’s ear. The latter didn’t look at him but responded telepathically.

“What is it?”

Shi Jiu tried his best to calm his nerves, even keeping his telepathic voice as low as possible, and couldn’t help but confess in a voice that seemed parched.

“I don’t know how you feel, but I… I just feel like I’m more afraid of those two than I am of Mr. Ji now.”

Wang Youhong’s expression shifted for a moment before he finally responded.

“I feel the same way!”

Regarding the Old Ox and Lu Wu, Wang Youhong and Shi Jiu believed that no one could truly see through them, especially the Old Ox. Even someone who had spent every day with him had been severely deceived.

When such demons show their true colors, it’s often the moment they bare their fangs for a worthwhile cause, and when they are absolutely certain of success.

Wang Youhong and Shi Jiu were both inexplicably grateful that they were on the same side as Niu Batian and Lu Wu.

Especially now, the conversations they overheard between the Old Ox, Lu Shanjun, and others made them shudder. They were inquiring about individuals who hadn't arrived from some of the more approachable members, claiming they wanted to invite them to join the feast.

When spoken by the seemingly straightforward Old Ox, such words sounded as warm as the wine in his hand, but this wasn't an invitation to a feast; it was an invitation to their deaths.

“Brother Shi Jiu, do you think it’s possible for any of our Apocalypse Alliance members here to escape?”

“Don’t even think about it! Brother Wang Youhong, I’m warning you now, and this is the last time: absolutely, under no circumstances, entertain such thoughts again!”

Shi Jiu was so startled by Wang Youhong’s words that he nearly broke out in a cold sweat, even though his sweat glands had long been sealed; he might have even oozed some cadaver oil from pure terror.

“I know, I know, I didn’t mean it like that. I meant…”

“I don’t care what you mean! But first, you need to understand who Mr. Ji is. And second, you need to decide if you want to go up against that monstrous ox and tiger!”

Wang Youhong was actually just worried that many Apocalypse Alliance members here would escape, as there were countless demons in this place, and no matter how powerful Mr. Ji was, he wasn't the Dao of Heaven itself.

But hearing Shi Jiu’s voice, which sounded as if it was already breaking into a cold sweat, Wang Youhong fell silent. As Shi Jiu said, their fate was to submit; overthinking would only cause more trouble.

As he thought this, an Apocalypse Alliance member nearby looked towards an archway and exclaimed.

“Only this Black Dream Spirit Continent could orchestrate something of this magnitude. I wonder how many demons will attend this Myriad Demon Feast. On the way here, I sensed hundreds of demon king auras alone, not to mention those who haven't even arrived yet.”

The term “demon king aura” didn't necessarily mean all were Demon Kings, as a Demon King was a status, not necessarily a cultivation level. It could also refer to great demons with formidable power who didn't command their own factions. The Apocalypse Alliance members present understood his meaning.

Someone joked, “You arrived early. When I came, the number was already far greater, and they’re still excavating banquet halls everywhere. Who knows how many will ultimately attend?”

“Indeed, such a grand spectacle is rare. I was hesitant to come, but now it seems I truly should have!”

The Old Ox chuckled, raising his cup towards the demon who had spoken.

“Well said! Come, come, Old Ox here will toast you first. King Eyemark is truly righteous; learning that many of us from the Apocalypse Alliance were desolate, he insisted on inviting us to such a grand event to alleviate our loneliness. Such Demon Kings are rare in the Spirit Continent.”

Since Niu Batian offered a toast, the demon naturally had to return the courtesy. At an archway in the cave, a grim-faced man in silver armor, with a cape trailing behind him, strode in. Two powerful demons followed him. Before he even arrived, his thunderous laughter boomed through the air.

“Hahahahaha… Brother Niu, you flatter me, you truly flatter me, hahahaha…”

The newcomer was none other than Eyemark, the One-Eyed Poisonous Toad Demon King. He strode confidently into the area where the Apocalypse Alliance members were resting. The demonic auras he sensed were subtle, but his intuition told him that each one was extraordinary. He was even more delighted, hoping they would all eventually join his ranks!

As King Eyemark approached the Apocalypse Alliance members, the Old Ox, holding his wine cup, gave him a subtle nod at the opportune moment.

“Hahaha, gentlemen, the main course of this Myriad Demon Feast will be the countless common people of Tianyu Continent. I know the Apocalypse Alliance has suffered losses in Tianyu Continent, so eating some of the people from Tianyu will both sate your hunger and soothe your hatred. Hmm, in the banquet halls reserved for Apocalypse Alliance members, you can eat your fill!”

The Old Ox and Lu Shanjun secretly chuckled. No matter how King Eyemark tried to appear bold and magnanimous, that final “eat your fill” utterly deflated his pretense.

Compared to these demons who had barely left the Black Waste, the Apocalypse Alliance members were truly worldly. They wanted to laugh at the Demon King's words, but few showed it, instead expressing their gratitude one after another. After all, King Eyemark's power was among the top tier of all the Demon Kings they knew; they had to acknowledge that.

“Thank you for your hospitality, King Eyemark!” “Yes, thank you for your generous hospitality, Your Majesty!”

“It is truly an honor for us to attend this Myriad Demon Feast!”

The words of the Apocalypse Alliance demons pleased King Eyemark greatly. He personally held his wine cup and toasted each one, playing out his clumsy act of showing respect to worthy individuals. When he toasted the Old Ox, King Eyemark and the Old Ox exchanged meaningful glances.

“Brother Niu, how did this King perform?”

Upon hearing this telepathic message, Niu Batian naturally replied with great certainty.

“As expected of one of the Spirit Continent’s most renowned great demons, Your Majesty. Your demeanor of showing respect to worthy individuals truly makes a rough fellow like me feel ashamed!”

King Eyemark grinned, then picked up a wine pot and personally poured wine for Niu Batian, his words full of continued politeness.

“Come, come, I see this brother drinks most heartily. Fill it up, fill it up! I’ll toast you again!”

The Old Ox took the wine and immediately drank it down, declaring King Eyemark to be too polite.

After toasting everyone, King Eyemark finally departed, satisfied. He still had to rush to several other cave halls where more Apocalypse Alliance members were present; he had to ensure he attended to all of them. In Niu Batian’s words, it was “sharing the blessings equally.”

Once King Eyemark was far away, a light chuckle erupted from a corner, followed by laughter from many other Apocalypse Alliance members.

The Old Ox shook his head slightly. With such an act, King Eyemark hoped to subdue these Apocalypse Alliance members? Well, it didn't matter whether he succeeded or not.

While the Apocalypse Alliance members in the cave hall were lost in their own thoughts, even the Old Ox and his companions were unaware that Ji Yuan and the Old Beggar were actually standing on the mountain plaza just outside their cave hall.

The delighted King Eyemark emerged from the cave hall and immediately spotted two exceptional “demons.” The auras of these two demons were even more subtle than those inside, and from the way they looked out at various directions, they did not seem like ordinary demons.

“Hahahaha… Are you two also brothers from the Apocalypse Alliance? This Myriad Demon Feast will surely satisfy you. Someone, bring them wine!”

At the Demon King’s command, a lesser demon immediately delivered wine. One pot was given directly to Ji Yuan and one to the Old Beggar. The two exchanged glances and then offered their thanks.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for the wine.”

“Oh? How did you know I was the Demon King? This King didn’t display any demonic aura!”

King Eyemark asked this with exaggerated surprise. Ji Yuan patiently offered a compliment.

“Your Majesty walks with the stride of a dragon and the bearing of a tiger, and the demons around you show great reverence. With such majesty and presence, what else could you be but the Demon King of this place?”

“Hahahahaha, well said, well said! Brother, you have excellent discernment!”

As King Eyemark spoke, he tried to pat Ji Yuan’s shoulder, but Ji Yuan subtly shifted, avoiding the touch. This surprised the Demon King slightly. He wasn't surprised that this person didn't give him face, but rather by how easily he had evaded him.

'The Apocalypse Alliance truly hides formidable talents!'

“Hmm, you two brothers may enter and rest. After I finish my other duties, I will come to toast you.”

“Very well, Your Majesty, please proceed.”

Ji Yuan nodded, watching King Eyemark depart, then glanced at the Old Beggar, whose face seemed to be struggling to suppress a smile.

“What’s so funny?” Ji Yuan said, grinning. Then he reached up and stroked a long strand of his hair. The next moment, several strands of dark hair floated down, undulating in the gentle breeze. Slowly, these strands drifted through the archway into the deep cave hall.

A moment later, the Old Ox and Lu Shanjun, who had been chatting and laughing freely, simultaneously paused. They found an opportunity to look down and discovered a fine strand of hair wrapped around one of their hands.

Just by seeing this strand of hair, the Old Ox and Lu Shanjun immediately knew who it belonged to.

'Mr. Ji’s hair!' 'Master’s hair!'

Of course, a similar strand of hair also appeared in Wang Youhong’s and Shi Jiu’s hands. They were initially unsure and somewhat suspicious, but the next moment, divine will was transmitted along the hair strands to all of them, dispelling their doubts.

“This is a wisp of my hair. It can protect you later, but you must also be quick-witted yourselves.”

Outside, the Old Beggar, drinking the wine given by King Eyemark, looked at the distant scenery and said softly, “Mr. Ji, this old beggar will take his leave now. I look forward to seeing your methods.”

“Elder Lu, please go quickly. This Myriad Demon Feast will begin in three days.”

The Old Beggar nodded, then walked away alone. He was going to personally inform the immortal cultivators of Tianyu Continent and arrange the coming plan, while Ji Yuan remained there by himself.

“The show is about to begin!” Ji Yuan said calmly, taking a sip of wine, his gaze lifting to the sky permeated with malevolence—dark clouds hung low.