Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Time continued to pass. Around six hours later at Thousand Eye Temple, Old Fox instructed everyone to leave and not to disturb him. He quietly meditated in a reception room, as if waiting for someone.

Suddenly, Old Fox furrowed his eyebrows together. He opened his eyes and said, “Brother Shadowless Demon, since you’ve already arrived, why not make yourself known?”

“Hehe!” A low and deep laughter echoed out. Ripples appeared in the air as Shadowless Demon’s figure slowly became visible.

“Old Fox, it’s been some years since we last saw each other and your cultivation has gone further. You can actually sense my presence.”

He was of average height with a thin body.

This was likely the most appropriate description of Shadowless Demon. Besides that, there was no more useful information on him.

Spacious black robes with demon runes etched on their surface dragged across the ground, enveloping him. Even though he was standing right there, he seemed like a shadow.

To be known as Shadowless and be ranked on so many kill lists and yet still be able to live happily, there was naturally a reason for this.

Old Fox has a calm expression. He lightly said, “I don’t want to boast in front of Brother Shadowless Demon. The reason I was able to sense you was because I drew support from Thousand Eye Temple’s great array formation. Of course, this is also because you intentionally let me sense you. Otherwise with your ability, you should be able to pass in and out of this branch division completely undetected.”

Hehe, he’s starting to flatter me and praise me. As I thought, my earlier guess wasn’t wrong. Now he should be trying to figure out a way to ask me for help.

This damned Old Fox, I bet he never imagined that such a day would come. But let me tell you, you can give up any idea of it!

You may try your best, but all your efforts are doomed to fail. I won’t give you any chance at all.

Let alone a door, there isn’t even a window. There are no sewers or dog holes either.

Hoho, I will savor the despair and helplessness you will feel after being rejected well…the expression you make will surely be wonderful!

Even though Shadowless Demon was incomparably excited, he appeared calm on the surface. He waved his hand and a demon leather bag appeared on the tabletop.

“Old Fox, the thing you want is inside here. I have followed our agreement and repaid you for your previous favor. From this day forth, our debts are settled.”

Haha, I’ve even said that so shouldn’t you be worrying? Beg me, beg me! I will shame and humiliate you!

“Oh. Thank you Brother Shadowless Demon. There’s no need for me to check it; I believe in your reputation.” Old Fox took the leather bag and placed it to the side. Then, he looked at Shadowless Demon and no longer spoke.

But the expression in his eyes was clear. Since this matter was over, the accounts between the two of us are settled. What are you still standing here for?

Beneath his spacious black robes, Shadowless Demon was a bit stunned. The plot shouldn’t be like this, right? Why are you looking at me like that? Beg me! This is about the time for you to start begging me!

Old Fox frowned with a confused expression, “Brother Shadowless Demon, is there some other issue?”

This damned Old Fox actually wasn’t begging me to save him. Did he have some other way to deal with the situation?

The difference between his expectations and reality were far too large, causing Shadowless Demon to be left flustered. His face was extremely ugly.

He took a deep breath and maintained a tranquil expression. “I heard that during this beast tide, Great Deer City is withstanding immense pressure. I know that many people believe the city has a high chance of being breached. Old Fox, your Thousand Eye Temple has many businesses and assets in Great Deer City. I fear your losses will be grave this time.”

Old Fox’s lips curled up in disdain. “I’ve heard similar stories before. They’re all just nonsensical rumors. My Great Deer City…hehe, a mere beast tide cannot break through it.”

As he spoke to here his complexion changed, as if he had spoken too much. He restrained his thoughts and coughed, saying, “I also have other matters to deal with. If Brother Shadowless Demon is done, please go and do as you will.”

Shadowless Demon also spat out blood from suppressing anger. He coldly snorted and said, “Since that’s the case, I’ll be bidding my farewells!”

Shua –

Like a shadow, he vanished from sight.

Old Fox closed his eyes, as if in deep concentration. After a long time and not noticing anything wrong, he opened his eyes and exhaled, muttering, “This Shadowless Demon came at just the right time. Luckily that old black dog hadn’t arrived yet, otherwise he might have listened in and gotten a free advantage.”

The smile on his face twisted and he coldly sneered. He stood up and started to walk away. But just as he took two steps, he fiercely stopped and spun around, roaring, “Shadowless Demon, you left and then returned, but did you think I wouldn’t sense your aura!? Hehe, you underestimate my Thousand Eye Temple’s defensive measures!”

After several breaths of time, the room was as quiet as it was in the beginning. Old Fox’s complexion turned cloudier and he coldly said, “What, you still don’t want to show up? Could it be that you want me to personally invite you out?”

The room remained quiet.

The cloudiness on Old Fox’s face slowly diverged. He carefully swept his eyes around and said, “It seems that he really did leave. Hum hum, before he left, Shadowless Demon was probably thinking that I would ask him for help. Originally there was a chance, but now…hehe, there’s no share for him in this endeavor anymore.”

He pushed open the door and left.

When Old Fox walked away, ripples appeared in the corner of the reception room. A pair of eyes appeared, revealing anger and ridicule before disappearing once again.

Moments later, Black Astral and Old Fox sat across from each other in another reception room. The two were having an intense argument over something.

“I have a good friend who has been at the Demon Commander level for many years and his strength is incomparably tyrannical. It would be the best choice to ask him to come to Great Deer City. With his help we can surely resolve the beast tide crisis outside the city!” Black Astral said with confidence, as if his option was the most logical one.

Old Fox sneered, “Old black dog, stop trying to talk big. You're just a sick and weakened Demon Commander. What sort of truly powerful friends would you have? Instead, it is my Thousand Eye Temple that has countless businesses and powerful subordinates. For instance, the one I recommended. His strength is top class and his lips are tight. He is the best choice!”

Black Astral laughed out loud, “What a fart! It’s because of you people that the influences and relations behind you all are so complicated. None of you can be trusted. If any news about His Excellency is disclosed, you and I will no longer be able to intervene and there naturally won’t be any benefits for us.”

Old Fox’s complexion changed, as if he also had thought of this possibility.

Following that, the two debated for some time. After going back and forth, they reluctantly came to an agreement.

The chosen candidate was the friend that Black Astral spoke of. But for this reason, an extra payment would be given to Old Fox as a reward.

As for how rich this reward was, it was simple to describe – it was an amount that would leave even a rich Demon Commander feeling heartbroken.

Black Astral’s lips twitched but he still readily agreed. Looking at the joy on his dignified expression, it could be seen that he had taken the upper hand in this transaction.

“Then it’s decided. I will immediately send the signal. He will surely arrive within three days.”

After speaking, Black Astral stood up and was about to leave.

But at this time a quiet laugh resounded in the reception room. “Old Fox, Black Astral, it really is embarrassing, but I was interested and managed to overhear something interesting. Would you two happen to be willing to count me in?”

The air rippled and Shadowless Demon appeared. He looked at Old Fox’s dour expression and his smile brightened.

“It’s you!” Old Fox clenched his jaws. “Shadowless Demon, you really are brave to spy in our conversation. Do you really think we won’t dare to do anything to you?”

Black Astral’s face darkened. A powerful aura erupted from his body and locked into Shadowless Demon.

Shadowless Demon’s smile didn’t falter and his eyes remained calm. “While my strength cannot be considered too strong within the Demon Commander level, if I want to run away, neither of you can stop me. You should be aware of this. If that happens and news of a certain event spreads out, I don’t think that’s something you would want to see.”

Old Fox’s complexion changed, “What do you want?”

“Not much.” Shadowless Demon’s smile vanished. “It’s just like I said. I want in on whatever it is you’re talking about.”

“Impossible!” Black Astral blurted out.

Shadowless Demon cackled and his figure started to fade away, “Then you have my apologies. If I cannot eat the grapes, I would rather crush them in my own hands than let others have them.”

“Wait!” Old Fox shouted out loud. He glared at Black Astral and said, “You old black dog, stop being so impulsive!”

“Silence. If it weren’t for your negligence, do you think our plans would have been discovered by someone?” Black Astral ruthlessly said.

Old Fox had a helpless look on his face, “I thought I had been sufficiently careful…”

Beneath his black robes, Shadowless Demon smiled in smug satisfaction. If he was using his full effort, would a mere Thousand Eye Temple be able to detect his concealment method?

However, even now he still had no idea what exactly they were talking about. But, it had to be concerning someone incredibly powerful.

His Excellency…

If Old Fox and Black Astral both used such a respectful title to refer to someone, they clearly had an extremely high status. Could it be that they were speaking about an Abyssal King? If that were true, then resolving the beast tide crisis shouldn’t be difficult.

But Abyssal Kings rarely meddled in the beast tide, because it was said that the beast tides were related to the supreme will of the abyss.

His thoughts racing, Shadowless Demon smiled, “Since you two need a Demon Commander level helper, choosing me is no different from choosing others. Moreover, I am in Great Deer City right now so you don’t even need to wait for me to arrive. Perhaps this was something fated to occur by the abyss.”

Old Fox and Black Astral hesitated for a long time before eventually nodding. They seemed to understand that throwing around accusations and blame right now was meaningless.

Shadowless Demon’s smile grew even brighter. “Then, please tell me everything.”

Black Astral coldly snorted. He took a seat with an uncomfortable expression, clearly having no intention of speaking.

Old Fox forced a smile and took a deep breath, “Then I will do it.” He looked at Shadowless Demon, “You already know that the beast tide Great Deer City is facing has changed. I can tell you that the might of the beast tide is far more terrifying than imagined, because right now there are three Demon Commander level demon beasts hiding in the throngs of the beast tide, and all of them have some degree of intelligence!”

Shadowless Demon’s complexion changed. “Demon Commander level demon beasts that have retained their intelligence?” He muttered in surprise. He glanced around at Old Fox and Black Astral’s faces.

“It’s true. Since we’ve agreed to let you join, you will soon know about this. I’m not making things up.” Old Fox had a solemn expression, “Brother Shadowless Demon, you should have guessed the reason for the change in the beast tide by now, right?”

Shadowless Demon licked his lips and his gaze turned burning hot. “Are you saying that something appeared in Great Deer City that is immensely enticing to demon beasts?”