Ye Yu reacted /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ instantly, executing a tactical retreat.
Seeing this, the masked figure mirrored the same movement.
Taking advantage of the pause, the two sized each other up.
He never expected that in the Demon Realm someone else would be wearing the same attire. From his garb it was obvious this fellow had dubious origins as well.
Ye Yu tested the waters. “We go our separate ways, no interference?”
The masked figure froze for a moment, then nodded repeatedly.
He began to back away—but his eyes stayed locked on Ye Yu, clearly afraid the other might pull some trick while his back was turned. Such vigilance was commendable.
But as it turned out, walking backwards was dangerous!
Ye Yu raised a hand to warn him of a pillar behind—but that very gesture spooked the masked figure even more. He pushed off harder and retreated at even greater speed.
Thud!
With a muffled crack, the masked figure doubled over, hands clutching his head as he squatted, fighting not to scream out. His heavy gasps betrayed the pain!
“You might want to stop walking backwards,” Ye Yu called with a laugh. “It’s a sure way to get a headache!”
His figure vanished from sight in an instant.
Once Ye Yu was gone, the masked man stamped his foot in fury—but remembering his mission, he straightened up and left, still holding his head. That really hurt!
Meanwhile, Ye Yu strode confidently into the Demon King’s Hall to search for anything Xu Nanqiao had used.
After a long search, he still could not find her brush.
He frowned. In his memories, Xu Nanqiao always held a máobǐ (brush) as she tirelessly corrected all the affairs of Dongyao State. That brush was clearly her personal item—so why was it missing?
Perhaps, Ye Yu realized, Xu Nanqiao had not always worked here. In the early days she had pushed Bai Qingsong to the throne of Demon Lord, remaining only nominally the state’s Internal Affairs Officer. Only after Ye Yu eliminated Bai Qingsong did she move into the Demon King’s Hall.
If so, maybe her office remained elsewhere. With that thought, Ye Yu turned to leave—when a familiar aura raced toward him. He stood his ground.
Sure enough, a swirl of black mist appeared, revealing Bai Qingsong himself. The Demon Lord of Dongyao State stood with hands clasped behind his back, his gaze cold and domineering.
“How dare you! You—” Bai Qingsong’s voice trembled and petered out as his whole body began to shake.
He recognized that same black cloak, the lace on the sleeves matching exactly. That terrifying figure had returned!
His instinct urged him to flee, but before he could turn, the eight massive doors of the Demon King’s Hall slammed shut.
Then a hand pressed on his shoulder.
“Rushing off somewhere?” came the voice he couldn’t forget.
Bai Qingsong nearly wept. He cupped his hands. “Brother, please spare me! Last time you probed my soul I nearly suffered spiritual shock and became an idiot. Why have you come again?”
Ye Yu raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you want me to come?”
“N-no!” Bai Qingsong broke down crying. He was the mighty Demon Lord of a state—yet here he was begging.
He dared not resist. From their last encounter he knew Ye Yu’s power far surpassed his own. Any defiance would mean death. His only hope was to beg that Ye Yu not probe his soul again—else he truly would become an idiot!
Perhaps moved by Bai Qingsong’s pitiable look, Ye Yu said benevolently, “Don’t be so tense. I promise I won’t probe your soul this time. But you must answer my questions truthfully, understood?”
Bai Qingsong nodded frantically. If no soul-probe was coming, he would say anything.
Ye Yu then had him lead the way to Xu Nanqiao’s old office and at last found the brush. Everything proceeded smoothly—but Bai Qingsong remained highly anxious.
To see Ye Yu off, he promptly removed a Storage Ring from his finger. “Brother, please accept this. It holds some new treasures I’ve acquired recently. They may not be as plentiful as before, but there are still some rare materials.”
Ye Yu eyed the Storage Ring appreciatively, patting Bai Qingsong on the head. “Very thoughtful of you.”
Bai Qingsong beamed and kowtowed, eager to please. Well, he thought, better to be obedient than risk turning into an idiot!
Just then a guard entered. “My lord, we’ve captured a black-cloaked intruder outside—”
He froze at the sight before him: another black-cloaked figure stood here, and Bai Qingsong was fawning before him.
The guard was utterly baffled.
Bai Qingsong’s heart sank. Another black cloaked man? Could he be an ally of this one?
He hurriedly asked, “Brother, is that cloaked man your companion? If so, I’ll have him released at once!”
Ye Yu shook his head. “I have no companions. But Dongyao State is interesting—people just sneak in willy-nilly.”
Bai Qingsong’s eyes filled with grievance. How dare Ye Yu say that! If he could have beaten Ye Yu, would the Demon King’s Hall have been so easily infiltrated?
Of course, Bai Qingsong didn’t dare voice that thought.
Instead he turned his anger toward the other cloaked stranger. “Bring him here. I must see with my own eyes who dares meddle in my domain!”
The guard saluted and hurried off.
Bai Qingsong clasped his hands, bowing low. “Brother, is there anything else? Shall I send a few demonesses to see you off? Ours are top-tier quality—I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!”
Ye Yu recognized Bai Qingsong’s eagerness to have him leave. Fine—he had no reason to linger here. He patted Bai Qingsong’s shoulder once more and departed.
At last the Demon Lord of Dongyao State exhaled in relief.
At that moment the other cloaked man was brought in. White-hot fury burned in Bai Qingsong’s eyes as he prepared to vent his wrath.
He ordered the man’s cloak torn away.
A pure, unblemished face appeared.
Bai Qingsong stared in astonishment. “An immortal?”
