Chapter 97: Chapter 91: Progress 2
The Demonic Physician said, "The Medicine Pavilion is helping provide all of the herbs and medicines needed for that. It really would have been impossible for us to do so without the help of the merchants that you introduced us to in the Righteous Alliance’s territory."
The Poison King said, "The Poison Hall is working in conjunction with the Medicine Pavilion to research new poisons that can be used in the upcoming war. We have already created 34 kinds of new poisons. I can say this with absolute certainty: the Righteous Alliance won’t know what hit them."
Zeke said, "What about the other thing?"
The Poison King hesitated a little and said, "We still haven’t been able to make a poison on par with the 10 Ultimate Poisons, but we’re getting close."
Zeke said, "The only thing I loathe more than weakness is incompetence. Holy Mother, from today onwards, you will be taking over the Poison Hall. I want results."
Tang Mi-Yeon was very happy to see that her son was trusting her with such a huge task. She said, "It will be done, My Liege."
She had to use the honorific as she wasn’t addressing her son in the War Room; she was addressing the Heavenly Demon. The Poison King had a sullen expression on his face. Nothing was going as he had anticipated. Zeke wasn’t supposed to grow this strong, this fast. Hell, his daughter wasn’t supposed to return when she had either. But there was nothing he could do now but follow orders. It wasn’t as if he could simply return to the Righteous Alliance.
After Tang Mi-Yeon, the Yin and Yang Elders spoke in turn, "We have also finished the construction of the library. All of the cultivation techniques have been perfectly arranged and are ready for you to read. We have also collected all the books we could find on formations, blacksmithing, etc."
The Crimson Hammer Demon Monarch said, "The Demonic Scribe and I have been working around the clock to make sure that everything is accurate."
The Demonic Scribe nodded as he said, "Most of the books on formations come from the Jaegal Clan, so they were very enlightening."
Zeke nodded. He could start compiling the runes that he found in the techniques.
He said, "What about the other missions?"
The Punisher said, "As per your orders, members from the 9 Great Demonic Clans have joined the regular members in their training. The Law Enforcement Hall is making sure that neither side causes any trouble."
Zeke said, "Good. Don’t hold back with the punishment just because they’re from the Great Demonic Clans. Wanderer, what about the mission that I gave you?"
The last Demon Monarch, the Wanderer, said, "I’ve personally located multiple targets that fulfill the conditions. All I need now is the Demonic Physician’s help to choose the most suitable one from them."
Zeke said, "Good. Bring all of them to the Cult. I have an idea."
The Wanderer replied, "Yes, My Liege. I’ve also spread rumors of the Demon Patriarch’s sickness. The Righteous Alliance is still doubtful, but your sudden coronation helped lower their doubts considerably. They seem to think that your coronation was an immature decision and that the Cult is weakening. Us closing our gates was the final nail in the coffin. I’m sure that they believe the Cult also suffered great losses in the Great War and still hasn’t recovered."
The Demon Ancestor said, "Don’t get complacent. The old Taoist in Wudang is no idiot. I’m sure that even if everyone falls for our deceptions, he would still doubt it."
The Wanderer said with a respectful tone, "I will keep your advice in my heart while I carry out my duties."
The Demon Ancestor said, "Good."
Zeke said, "I also have some news. First, since I had to delay some of our plans due to our alliance with the Spirit Beast Clans, I’ve decided to make some changes to it as well. Previously, the war was supposed to commence on all fronts simultaneously, but now I think that it would be a risky move. We will slowly take over the Empire first. The Ninth Prince has also become a follower of the Asuran Neo-Nephilim Primogenitor. My people in the Empire will support him, and he will ascend to the throne in two years. On the surface, everything will remain the same, but the Righteous Alliance is in for one hell of a shock when the war begins. Our strategy with the Righteous Alliance and the Iron Blood Alliance will remain the same. We strike hard and fast and neutralize them before they can even comprehend what’s going on. Any doubts?"
The Demon Monarchs replied, "No, My Liege."
Zeke continued, "Also, I will be taking over the training of our troops. The Vice Head of Demons’ Den will be aiding me. He has the necessary experience for it. You all will also be joining me when you’re free."
The Mountain Crushing Demon Monarch asked doubtfully, "My Liege, you will be personally training everybody? With my junior brother?"
Zeke said, "Yes. If the Vice Head was good enough for training me, he will be perfect for this job. I’m sure that the Demonic Sword Empress wouldn’t mind me borrowing her subordinate."
The Demonic Sword Empress said, "Everyone in the Cult is your subordinate, My Liege. We will give up our lives should you ask us to, much less a single subordinate."
When Zeke saw the look of absolute faith in their eyes, he thought, ’Damn, this is really different from the novels. Where is the traitorous subordinate who is supposed to be gunning for my seat? Isn’t one such person the standard for any Demonic Cult?’
For a single moment, he could have sworn that he saw cute puppies looking for his approval instead of the fearsome Demon Monarchs.
He shook that thought away and said, "I declare this meeting adjourned. Everyone except for the Demon Patriarch, leave."
Everyone stood up, bowed towards him, and then left. They had a lot of shit to do.
The Demon Patriarch said, "So what do you want from me?"
Zeke said, "You will be acting as our liaison with the Spirit Beast Clans. You will leave in a few days. Mammoth Head will give some things to you. Return once every three months to deliver them."
The Demon Patriarch thought, ’So he is sending me away to avoid a conflict of authority. It’s the correct move. It’ll allow him to cement his position as the Heavenly Demon.’
He said, "Alright. I will leave in a week. Anything else?"
Zeke shook his head and said, "No, you can leave now."
When the Demon Patriarch was leaving, he heard Zeke’s voice from behind, "I almost forgot. Don’t call Mammoth Head ’Mammoth Head.’ He will kill you."
