Chapter 372 - 224: Assassination

Chapter 372: Chapter 224: Assassination

By the time Zhu Jiuyuan, Lu Mingyang, and the others returned from the Demon Court, it was already evening.

During their meeting with the Demon Court Saint Venerable, the two sides had failed to reach an agreement on the peace talks.

Further negotiations were still required.

Su Mu wasn’t skilled in negotiations and had no intention of getting involved.

However, what had happened at the Martial Arts Arena lifted the spirits of Lu Mingyang and the others, who had been feeling dejected.

Though the negotiations had stalled, dealing a severe blow to the Demon Court’s pride in the Martial Arts Arena was a victory in itself.

’It was all thanks to Captain Su.’

"Huo Datou, I can’t believe you’re still alive!"

Zhang Zhongmei was ecstatic to see Huo Zhen Court. He threw his arms around him and exclaimed, "It’s all thanks to Lord Su! How are you going to repay him for saving your life?"

"I was planning to forge a Profound Weapon for him, but he said he doesn’t need one."

Huo Zhen Court couldn’t hide the joy in his eyes at seeing his old friend. "He said he already has a Weapon Master he knows well. I never would have guessed, Er Mei. Your skills at swindling people have really improved."

"Did Lord Su really say that?"

Zhang Zhongmei scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "He’s too kind. I’m just an ordinary Weapon Master, that’s all."

"Give you an inch and you take a mile? Listen, Er Mei, I don’t care how you fool people, but you’re trying to steal my business! We need to have a proper chat about this!"

Huo Zhen Court slung an arm around Zhang Zhongmei’s neck and started dragging him outside, intending to find a quiet spot to "catch up" on their brotherly bond.

Smiles appeared on everyone’s faces, and the atmosphere lightened.

"Rescuing the humans from the Demon Court’s grasp is the first victory. Tomorrow, we’ll continue our negotiations with them," Lu Mingyang said.

"What are the Demon Court’s terms?"

Su Mu asked, curious.

"The Demon Court wants Da Xuan to provide them with 200,000 taels of silver and 400,000 bolts of cloth annually," Lu Mingyang said, his expression grim.

"If these are peace talks, why is Da Xuan the one giving things to the Demon Court, and not the other way around?" Su Mu asked, frowning.

"Because the Demon Court can attack Da Xuan, but Da Xuan is helpless against the Demon Court," Lu Mingyang said with a wry smile.

The harsh environment of the Barren Wilds served as the Demon Court’s natural barrier.

Da Xuan’s armies are hindered when they enter the Barren Wilds, but the Demon Court’s demons face no such disadvantages when they invade Da Xuan.

"What’s the bottom line the Imperial Court gave you?"

Su Mu asked curiously.

Lu Mingyang shook his head, not answering directly.

It wasn’t that he was unwilling to tell Su Mu, the Vice Envoy; some things simply couldn’t be discussed in public.

In truth, they hadn’t been given a firm bottom line when they departed.

His teacher, Zhu Jiuyuan, had the authority to make decisions as he saw fit.

’There’s nothing I can do about these matters. I should just focus on my own responsibilities.’

"Lord Lu, I’m planning to host a banquet at the embassy tonight for Lv Lake, Tushan Hanyu, and Niu Zhong. What are your thoughts?" Su Mu said suddenly.

"Why?" Lu Mingyang asked, confused.

"It’s nothing special. I just want to see if I can pry some more information about the Demon Court out of them," Su Mu said.

"In that case, I think we should also invite officials from the Demon Court’s Ministry of Rites," Lu Mingyang said thoughtfully.

"Even better," Su Mu said with a smile.

......

As the lanterns were lit and evening fell, Lv Lake, Tushan Hanyu, Niu Zhong, and officials from the Demon Court’s Ministry of Rites all arrived at the Da Xuan Embassy for the banquet.

Although they didn’t know what the Da Xuan Envoy had up its sleeve, this was the Demon Court’s territory; they had no reason to fear them.

If the humans dared to extend an invitation, they dared to accept.

Upon arriving at the Da Xuan Embassy, they discovered that the Da Xuan Envoy truly seemed to have invited them for a simple banquet and nothing more.

With the exception of Chief Envoy Zhu Jiuyuan, everyone from the Da Xuan Envoy was present, including Vice Envoy Su Mu and all other members.

They had completely shed the domineering attitude they’d displayed on their journey, treating the demons as honored guests.

This left Lv Lake and the other demons feeling both flattered and bewildered.

After a few drinks, a convivial atmosphere settled over the hosts and guests.

......

While the party at the Da Xuan Embassy was in full swing, a figure cloaked entirely in black appeared silently on the streets of the Demon Court.

The figure moved swiftly and silently through the shadows, soon arriving outside a palace.

"Su Mu—"

A voice echoed from within the palace.

The Thirteenth Prince of the Demon Court, Bao Lingyun, lay on his bed, his body wrapped in bandages, muttering a single name.

"I underestimated you!

But once I’ve recovered, we will fight again!

I know your trump card now. Next time, I will defeat you without fail!"

Bao Lingyun’s eyes blazed with immense fighting spirit.

His previous defeat hadn’t shaken his confidence in the slightest.

Because he believed he had already seen through Su Mu’s trump card.

"Growing several times larger... that must be your Physical Divine Technique!"

Bao Lingyun sneered. "Did you think you’re the only one with a Physical Divine Technique?

I was just careless this time and let my guard down."

’A Physical Divine Technique that makes the body enormous is powerful, to be sure, but not unbeatable.’

’As long as I evade his attacks, a state like that can’t possibly last for long,’ Bao Lingyun thought to himself.

It had to be said, Bao Lingyun’s assessment was incredibly sharp.

The giant form indeed couldn’t be maintained for very long.

"Truly a worthy rival, chosen by fate," Bao Lingyun muttered to himself. "Not only does he have a Physical Divine Technique, but he has also cultivated the Li Fire Realm to the Perfection Realm. He’s my equal in every way.

But that’s as far as he’ll get.

I’ve seen through you now. Next time, your defeat is guaranteed!"

Bao Lingyun was already imagining how he would humiliate Su Mu after defeating him!

Suddenly, the hair on his body stood on end.