Chapter 462: Old Acquaintances

Above the Elven Forest, the Demon King and the demon tribe’s general stood in midair, gazing down at the forest below. They seemed to wear smug smiles as they observed the various reactions of the handsome elves.

“Kekekeke…”

The terrifying Demon King was shrouded in mist, adding an even darker mythological aura to his already mysterious presence.

The demon general exuded even greater pressure than the Demon King himself. Towering between heaven and earth, he resembled the legendary Light God who separated the skies from the lands. His head reached into the clouds, and even elves who had maxed out their “Dynamic Vision” skill couldn’t clearly see his features.

Though there were only two demons present, their oppressive presence felt like an entire demon army besieging the city, with dark clouds pressing down on the walls.

No, these two individuals carried even greater intimidation than an entire demon army.

“Your Majesty, what should we do?” The elves urgently sought guidance from their Elven Queen.

The Elven Queen was the strongest among her people, a legendary archer whose charged arrow could severely wound even the Kraken that lurked in the depths of the northern seas.

The Kraken was the undisputed ruler of the oceans, obeying no one except the Demon King. That the Elven Queen’s arrow could pierce through oceanic resistance and gravely injure the Kraken spoke volumes about her power.

Had the Kraken not fled swiftly, the Queen’s second arrow would have slain the sea monster outright.

Yet even this mighty Elven Queen dared not draw her bow against the Demon King and his general. The gap in power was simply too vast. What terrifying origins did these two demons possess?

“Two years ago, rumors said the new Demon King killed the old one and then disappeared. I thought it was just hearsay, but seeing this, it must be true!”

“While the Demon King’s race remains unknown, that general is likely the legendary Frost Giant—possibly even the original one!” guessed an elf with a grave expression.

“Myths say the original Frost Giant slumbered in chaos, undisturbed even during the battle between the Seven Great Deities and the previous Demon King. Perhaps the new Demon King journeyed into chaos to awaken this primordial being.”

Given the combination of overwhelming power and gigantic stature, the elves naturally concluded it must be the Frost Giant.

“Elves! Quickly summon your Elf God! I have business with her!” The Demon King’s voice echoed from all directions, making the elves tremble.

But hadn’t the Elf God been sealed by the previous Demon King? How could they possibly summon her?

Confused and afraid to speak up, the elves could only shiver in terror. Failing to produce the Elf God would incur the Demon King’s wrath, surely resulting in their annihilation.

“At least some of our kin are away on adventures. Otherwise our entire race might face extinction,” the Elven Queen consoled herself.

“Your Majesty, I’ve returned!” A female archer excitedly bowed to the Queen.

“Lana! I explicitly told you not to come back! Why did you return?” The Queen appeared furious upon seeing the archer.

“If this were truly hopeless, I wouldn’t have returned. But this time is different—I’ve brought help.”

Archer Lana stepped aside and solemnly introduced Jiang Li: “This is a deity from another world, as mighty as our Elf God.”

As for the Unicorn and Lance following behind, given the urgency, she skipped their introductions.

The Elven Queen naturally didn’t take Lana’s word at face value, and Jiang Li showed no intention of explaining either.

Narrowing his eyes at the Demon King and his general, Jiang Li found the situation unexpectedly favorable—better than the best scenario he had imagined.

Flying into the air, Jiang Li called out loudly: “Wishful Gourd, Sect Master Li Er, what are you two doing here?”

The Demon King and his general visibly flinched.

…

“From today onward, he shall be the demon tribe’s First General.” The Wishful Gourd sat upon the Demon King’s throne as he introduced Li Er to his subordinates.

Some demons challenged Li Er’s appointment, only to be effortlessly defeated by him. Legendary-class demons stood no more chance against Li Er—a cultivator at the Tribulation Transcendence Stage who had survived an Ascension Tribulation—than chicks against a hawk.

“Since we’re investigating this world, why not start from the top?” After appointing Li Er, the Wishful Gourd dismissed the other demons and analyzed the world’s situation with him.

“The time flow between this world and the Nine Provinces World differs greatly—about five to one. Ten years have passed since I gained sentience, yet only two in the Ayla World.”

“By Ayla’s timeline, two years ago I arrived at the Demon King’s castle through Brahma Tower’s portal. The Demon King threatened to erase my consciousness and take my form, so I subjected him to the Yin Soldier Tribulation. This tribulation grows stronger with each life taken—likely due to his excessive killings, the Demon King perished in the calamity, allowing me to conveniently become the new Demon King.”

“Considering a gourd form lacked credibility, I wrapped myself in tribulation mist to appear more mysterious.”

Here, the Wishful Gourd looked regretful: “Just as I was gaining momentum to transform the demon nation into a Spiritual Treasure Empire, the Human Sovereign somehow dragged me back. What a pity.”

“My subordinates thought I went sightseeing, when in truth I’d been captured by the Human Sovereign.”

“The strongest and most ancient beings in Ayla are the Demon King and seven deities. With the Demon King dead, we can only question the gods.”

“Though the gods claim to be sealed away, the truth is they’re hiding. We need to find them.”

Li Er recalled something: “What races exist in this world?”

The Wishful Gourd explained: “Hmm, besides the distinctively-featured demons you’ve seen, there are humans, elves, and beastfolk.”

“Elves resemble humans but are universally beautiful with long ears.”

“Beastfolk vary in appearance, having humanoid bases with animal ears and tails.”

Li Er proposed: “Then let’s visit the elves first. Legends say the Elf God cherishes her people most. By intimidating the elves, we might scare the Elf God into showing herself.”

The Wishful Gourd floated around Li Er in circles: “I thought you’d prefer the beastfolk first.”

Li Er waved his hand: “The Human Sovereign’s mission takes priority. Personal interests come second.”

“…Then why are you grinning so widely? You look delighted.”

“Pure illusion. I’ve no special interest in elves.” Li Er tried to suppress his smile.

“Sure.”

Later, the two arrived at the elven territory. To intimidate the elves, the Wishful Gourd released his oppressive aura while Li Er manifested a ten-thousand-foot Dharma Body towering before the Elven Forest.

The effect was remarkable—it successfully attracted Jiang Li’s attention.

…

“That’s the whole story.” The once-arrogant new Demon King and his general obediently explained everything to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. With the demon leadership consisting of a sentient artifact and a human, did that mean the Unicorn was actually the strongest combatant among them?

Li Er looked up, seeing the transformed Unicorn for the first time, his eyes gleaming with excitement.