Chapter 88: Conspiracy in the Palace

Shadow Demon Palace.

A tall complex of palaces in the very center of Yingmo Cheng, which is also the hiding place of that Shadow Demon Commander.

The Shadow Demon Commander sat upright in the high hall of the palace, playing with a black wine goblet in his right hand while leaning against his seat; the massive tail-hook behind him rested casually on the floor, occasionally reflecting a metallic luster.

His gaze, however, never left the group of "graceful maidservants" dancing below; it was just that after being here for so long, as long as it was female, they were all beauties capable of toppling kingdoms and ruining cities.

At the tables on both sides sat numerous Demon Generals; amidst the clinking of cups, many would even brawl right there at the banquet, yet no one stopped them, and instead, they watched with crazy smiles on their faces, laughing as they looked on.

The Shadow Demon Commander felt no displeasure at this situation, instead smiling as he watched his subordinates' antics. He sighed unconsciously; since the day he was born, he had always lived in this hellish world.

The dark red blood moon, the barren soil, the thin Evil Qi... everything was so maddening.

Even though he racked his brains for a way to leave this godforsaken place, he had never made any progress. A while ago, he had sensed a weakening there, but unfortunately, even after gathering a large group of experts, they still could do nothing against that wall.

If it were just the harsh environment, that would be one thing; one gets used to it. But what was even more disgusting was this precarious life.

He had to worry every moment that someone would come to forcibly take his life. Although he was already a noble Demon Commander, occupying a city alone, he had dozens of Demon Generals and nearly ten thousand men under his command.

Yet, those Demon Commanders stronger than him were also coveting everything he had; it was only because they feared that if he fought them to the death, other rivals would pick up the scraps, that they were able to spare him and allow him to hold his small corner.

Furthermore, it wasn't just those guys outside who wanted his life... Without leaving a trace, he swept his gaze over the palace below, and the Shadow Demon Commander withdrew his sight.

Who knows when these days will ever end...

The Shadow Demon Commander suddenly slumped into his seat amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd.

"Xiuge, what has happened to you? To be so decadent." Before the words had even faded, everyone saw a figure with horns on his head, a sturdy build, and a body covered in bone spurs suddenly appear in the palace.

Many of the Demon Generals recognized this person; he was the Giant Demon Commander who had a close personal friendship with their own Commander—Gexiusi. Since an honored guest had arrived, the crowd tactfully took their leave.

And upon seeing the figure of Gexiusi, the slightly ferocious face of the Shadow Demon Commander Xiuge pulled into an ugly smile; he was clearly in a good mood.

"Enough, I've told you so many times not to show me that awkward smile of yours, it's creepy," Gexiusi said, waving his hand in disgust.

Xiuge did not mind; such a conversation had already occurred many times between the two. They had a friendship forged in life and death, so such jokes were naturally made freely.

"What brings you to my humble temple?" Xiuge asked with a smile. This was true; compared to Jumo City, Yingmo Cheng was indeed just a small, dilapidated temple.

Gexiusi had already stepped into the Demon Commander realm many years ago, and his strength was powerful enough to rank in the top five of this world; apart from that dying Demon King and the Top-tier Demon Commanders, no one dared say they could steadily defeat him.

And this was the reason for his trust in Gexiusi; Gexiusi was powerful, not someone like him who had just barely stepped into the Demon Commander realm.

Moreover, not to mention that he hadn't taken advantage of him when he was first promoted to Demon Commander, if he wanted to make a move on him, he would have absolutely no power to resist. Thus, there was no need for any defense at all.

"I'm here for serious business this time, of course." Hearing the Shadow Demon Commander's teasing, Gexiusi's expression turned serious; he first looked around vigilantly, then transmitted his voice.

"Oh," Xiuge sat up completely, no longer lazy, and asked with equal seriousness: "What is it? As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost to assist."

He held his attitude firmly in check.

"Are you... interested in that one?" Gexiusi transmitted, even pointing upward with his hand; the implied meaning was self-evident.

"Are you crazy!" Xiuge stood up in shock, blurting it out directly, his eyes even hiding deep fear.

Realizing his behavior was inappropriate, he sat back down and shook his head repeatedly: "Don't you know how strong that one is? How could we possibly challenge his majesty?"

"Heh," Gexiusi sneered noncommittally, saying somewhat mysteriously: "Do you think I would dare have any ideas about that one relying only on myself?"

"What do you mean?" Seeing that Gexiusi did not seem as muddle-headed as he had imagined, Xiuge felt relieved, and at the same time, with a hunch, he asked curiously: "Could it be..."

"You say..." Gexiusi's mouth curled into a cold smile, "besides that one, who else could command us?"

"Hoo~"

"No wonder." Xiuge suddenly realized; so this guy had found a backer, and that one was indeed the closest to the throne.

But the next moment, Xiuge's brow could not help but furrow again, "The power of just the three of us would be completely unable to shake that one, right?"

Although the Demon King and a Demon Commander only differ by one major realm on the surface, only those who reach this level truly know how difficult it is to cross that step.

It is no exaggeration to say that even if the other nine Demon Commanders joined forces, it would be nothing more than a slap from that person, let alone three.

Over these past few hundred years, who knows how many people have coveted that position, only to pay a heavy price; without a certain chance of victory, Xiuge would not agree to put his own life on the gambling table.

At least living like this for now is quite good; could it be that that one has some kind of reliance?

"Hehehe..." Hearing Xiuge's words, Gexiusi immediately laughed until he was doubled over; after a long while, seeing Xiuge's expression was not very good, he restrained himself and said: "Do you really think that one still has that kind of strength?"

"Isn't that so? Even if he is at the end of his rope, he isn't someone we can touch, right?" Xiuge was extremely puzzled, not knowing why his brother was so reckless; the fools who once believed that old guy was dying had all become the other's food.

"Brother, I can tell you clearly..." Gexiusi's mouth didn't move, he just looked at Xiuge, yet Xiuge's expression became increasingly astonished, "Really."

"What benefit would I get from lying to you?" Gexiusi said disdainfully, with anger appearing in his words; he hadn't expected that he still wouldn't be willing to believe him.

"Besides, who said there are only three of us? In such matters, the more hands, the better." Seeing that the atmosphere had been built up enough, Gexiusi added more fuel to the fire.

"According to what you mean, brother, you want to find a scapegoat." Having made up his mind, Xiuge no longer dragged his feet, but instead began to devise a plan, "I don't know which one you intend to find?"

"What do you think?" Gexiusi smiled wickedly.

The two looked at each other and smiled: "That one!!"

"Hahaha..."

The loud laughter in the Shadow Demon Palace spread outside, leaving those outside puzzled, not knowing what happy event had caused the two to be so uncomposed.