In particular, those two golden arcs had slashed through the gloom so fast the air shrieked. They were gone before the echoes of steel finished trembling.
How could a mere Wandering immortal Realm Level Six by every outward sign unleash such speed and weight of force?
It doesn’t make sense! The old man’s first thought was that his eyes lied to him, yet the shiver that crawled down his spine insisted the human cultivator was hiding depths far darker, and far deadlier, than anyone here had guessed.
The fury burning in his ancient eyes guttered, doused by a sudden, icy dread. His bone staff drooped, and the demonic aura coiling around fizzled like water on hot iron.
He understood in that instant, press the attack, and would join the five shredded bodies that still bled into the flagstones.
“Elder Grimshaw, what exactly do you think you’re doing?” Just then, Lunaria stepped forward, violet eyes aglow with a frigid rage.
The very air bristled around as continued, “I told you, these men are guests of Blackshade Demon Palace. Why strike without warning, and why bring the Blackshade Guards into it?”
Those four armored cultivators, Blackshade Guards sworn to defend the palace’s inner sanctum, answered only to Grimshaw. Even Lunaria, the demon princess, could not summon them at a whim.
By dragging the elite guard into the courtyard, Grimshaw had made it plain didn’t regard with any importance.
“Guests?” Grimshaw spun, his earlier caution boiling back into rage.
A trembling finger stabbed the air between them. “Have you forgotten what you are, Lunaria? You are the demon princess of Blackshade Demon Palace, heir to the throne of our people. How dare you call two human cultivators guests when they have slaughtered our disciples and shamed our banners? Would you walk them into the main hall and spit on the memory of our ancestors?”
His shout cracked the silence. “Blackshade Guards, form up!”
At once, dozens of Blackshade Guards poured from the shadows, boots hammering marble.
Grimshaw barked, “Don’t just stand there? Seize the humans. Any consequences fall on me!”
Those Blackshade Guards instantly tightened their grip on their weapons, eyes darting back and forth between Grimshaw and Lunaria.
They numbered dozens, demonic auras pulsing from every breastplate, some were Earthly Immortal Realm Level Two experts, forming a dark wall of blades and intent.
The incoming wave of black closed around Jared and Flaxseed. Tension snapped tight, ready to tear
“Stand down!” Lunaria snapped coldly, a sharp glint flashing in violet eyes. “I am the demon princess of Blackshade Demon Palace, you do not take orders from him!”
Yet, not a single Blackshade Guard shifted. Hands remained on sword hilts, and eyes remained fixed on Jared and Flaxseed, ready to attack. Occasionally, their eyes slid toward Grimshaw, awaiting his next command.
Color drained from Lunaria’s face, then flooded back in furious crimson. Hidden within sleeve, one gloved hand quivered, anger, humiliation, and the knowledge that the elders had openly defied her.
“It seems, my lady,” Jared said with a soft, amused chuckle. “Your position in Blackshade Demon Palace isn’t quite as secure after all…”
The words stabbed deeper than any blade. Lunaria’s complexion shifted from white to livid purple, gaze at Jared a storm of rage, embarrassment, and a ghost of helplessness.
Grimshaw’s thin mouth curled into a Victor’s grin. “Did you see that? Even outsiders know you are unfit to rule Blackshade Demon Palace.”
He shifted his sneer to Jared. “Boy, you butchered my people. You’re scared now, aren’t you? Kneel, surrender, and I’ll grant you a quicker death than you deserve…”
