Chapter 720: One-Armed Hero, No-Sister Demon King

The hero's gaze withdrew from Tang Luo, and he warily scanned his surroundings.

The Blood Sigil of Concealment allowed Ao Yulie to vanish instantly.

If it were a shadow, he should have detected Ao Yulie's trace; the hero was just a little off.

So he did not act rashly, but stood in place, waiting for the demon king's attack to launch a defensive counter!

Responding to all changes with constancy is a very effective method.

A clatter of chains reached the hero's ears.

In his peripheral vision, the hero glanced and saw Keilan, hanging in midair, set down on the ground; that tall, stout demon man seized Keilan and placed a large cleaver, pulled from somewhere unknown, against Keilan's neck.

Anubis, that despicable villain, sat in the demon king's seat, right elbow propped on the armrest, fist supporting his chin, and drawled lazily: "Ken, still not surrendering?"

You didn't expect it, did we? We have a hostage!

"Despicable!"

The hero flared with anger again: "You demons have no rules!"

"As a villain, isn't doing despicable things just par for the course?" Tang Luo said, "Or do you harbor some fantasy about demons, thinking they're a bunch of fools who wouldn't use hostages?"

"..."

The hero was momentarily speechless; well, for some reason, deep down, he indeed harbored such a thought.

Demon cuisine—everyone knows it.

"Put down your sword." Tang Luo said, "As a villain, one must have the villain's resolve; hostage threats are basic ops."

Besides, the opposition isn't some Maozi, so there's no need to worry about 'the hostage already being killed by us, hurry and surrender' happening.

"Hahahaha!"

Ao Yulie let out a strange laugh, a barely perceptible outline appearing beside the hero, and he thrust a punch straight at the hero's face.

Young man, get beaten by society!

But the fist didn't land as expected on the hero's face, knocking out several blood-stained teeth.

A flash of sword light—if Ao Yulie hadn't reacted quickly and pulled back in time, he would have had his dragon claw severed by the hero's sword.

"Huh?" Ao Yulie widened his eyes, retreating ten meters to a safe distance.

You actually refuse to meekly surrender and get beaten by me?

The hero's face was grim and sorrowful; after forcing back Ao Yulie, he did not pursue but turned to Keilan: "Forgive me..."

As he uttered those three words, the hero's sword descended.

This is the Fifth Sword!

"Holy shit!"

Ao Yulie exclaimed.

Who would've thought you, with those bushy brows and big eyes, would actually do this?

"Holy shit!"

Zhu Bajie's reaction mirrored Ao Yulie's exactly, his hand trembling, nearly beheading Keilan prematurely.

Where's the hot-blooded manga protagonist?

How did the art style suddenly change?

Does green really make men grow instantly? But your growth is too fast and too dark.

In an instant, the hot-blooded youth manga protagonist became the deep, brooding central figure of a seinen manga.

The hero's sword light no longer condensed on the blade but formed a sword aura that tore through the air, enveloping Tang Luo, Keilan, and Zhu Bajie.

Mission accomplished!

Those bushy brows and big eyes—actually so vicious.

I, Ao Yulie, a fine young man, how could I be lumped with such a despicable villain? This demon king—I'll find a chance later to quit.

He appeared behind the hero and lashed out with a claw.

Dragon Claw Technique, with lightning coiling around it.

The hero reacted extremely fast, dodging Ao Yulie's attack and backhanding a sword.

The two instantly began a perilous, thrilling close-quarters fight—just wild swings, neither landing a hit, very stylish combat.

The battle was so fierce the hero didn't even have time to see the aftermath of his sword.

The aftermath was nothing much—just Zhu Bajie staring at the wounds on his arms, gritting his teeth.

As the sword aura neared, Zhu Bajie stepped forward, using his flesh and body to block the sword.

Leaving two deep wounds on his arms, bone visible.

This sword's power far exceeded the one that wounded Ao Yulie.

Clearly aimed at a one-sword-three-kills.

Hero kid, you're darkening a bit too fast.

Zhu Bajie clenched his fists; the power festering in his wounds was impacted by his own strength, erupting violently, worsening the injury.

After the eruption, the festering power completely dissipated.

The arms' severe injuries looked to be rapidly healing, no need for Tang Luo's treatment.

Of course, there's still some effect, requiring some time to fully recover.

Zhu Bajie looked at Tang Luo, pointed at Keilan on the ground, and signaled with his eyes: "Master, the hero has gone dark—should we continue?"

All our preparations were for nothing.

Stage set, actors ready, but the protagonist went dark—what now?

"Hmm..." Tang Luo mused, "Throw the person over."

"Okay."

Zhu Bajie didn't say a word, grabbed Kailan, and threw her toward Ao Yulie and the hero's battle group.

Ao Yulie reacted quickly, using Dragon Claw Hand: Five Consecutive Slashes, striking at where the hero must save.

The hero had already realized his previous sword strike had no effect, and with dangerous enemies eyeing him hungrily, it was naturally impossible to trade heavy injury for taking down the demon king.

Clearly, the Fifth Heavenly King Anubis is even more dangerous than the demon king!

Dodging the blade's edge, the hero chose to avoid Ao Yulie's attack, while also avoiding Kailan, letting her crash heavily to the ground.

Such a severe impact caused the unconscious Kailan to jolt awake.

She lifted her head, dazedly looking around, her gaze locking onto the hero, then tears welled up.

"Hehe."

Ao Yulie watched the spectacle from afar, letting out a malicious laugh.

O righteous hero, at this moment, what choice will you make?

Tear-glistening Kailan struggled to stand, nearly falling once, perfectly embodying what it means to have weak legs.

Even so, Kailan walked firmly toward the hero.

The scent of blooming rhododendron intensified with Kailan's approach.

The hero's hand trembled, with Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf playing above his head, making him barely able to endure.

Yet facing the awakened Kailan, even another sword strike was beyond the hero.

"Wait, don't come over!"

At the critical moment, the hero had a sudden inspiration and shouted loudly, "This place is dangerous, you go first!"

Attempting to keep Kailan at least three meters away.

"No, I want to be with you!" Kailan firmly shook her head; now the hero is her only reliance.

"You must live!"

The hero spoke in a deep voice, actively moving toward Kailan, appearing beside her, and delivering a hand chop to her neck.

As long as she's unconscious, there's no need to overthink it.

At this critical moment, Kailan's determined yet tragic face suddenly flashed a strange smile; she flipped her right hand, and a dagger appeared in her grip.

Like lightning, it slashed toward the hero's arm.

If it were a normal attack, the hero could naturally dodge or block it.

But this time, the hero initiated the attack, and he never expected Kailan to strike him.

No wonder those demons were watching the spectacle nearby—turns out this was a trap!

Though his thoughts were lightning-fast, the hero instantly understood everything, but his movement was still a beat too slow.

The hero's arm was sliced open by the dagger.

Black shadow spread rapidly from the wound, like ink dropping into clear water, or like some living thing, coiling around his arm.

The hero let out a muffled groan, his body shaking, half-kneeling on the ground, supporting himself with the Hero's Sword so he wouldn't fall.

He turned his head, looking at that Kailan.

Ao Yulie laughed as he dispelled the illusion on "Kailan," revealing her true form.

A beautiful elf nearly identical to Kailan, her clothing tight-fitting, exposing nothing indescribable.

Still, it felt deeply discordant—describe it slightly and it would vanish, that level of discord.

Most importantly, she had no scent of blooming rhododendron on her.

Undoubtedly, this was all an illusion, a false-real illusion.

Crafted by Ao Yulie and Zhu Bajie, it completely deceived the hero.

As a disciplined monk, Ao Yulie values stealing hearts to unlock more poses.

How could he do something so tasteless?

"You... deserve to die!"

The hero squeezed out a few words from between his teeth; the dagger bore extremely strong curse magic.

It made him very weak.

Even with the Hero's Sword's blessing, he temporarily lost strength and couldn't stand.

Without the Hero's Sword, he would have collapsed on the spot.

This dagger is from the demons' stockpile and is disposable—after use, it's no different from an ordinary dagger.

Its usage conditions are quite strict.

The elf impersonating Kailan was originally supposed to be sent out as an undercover agent; under normal development, she had a 99% chance of becoming part of the hero's harem.

Because of Tang Luo and the others' interference, this demon elf girl accomplished an unprecedented feat.

She also very much in demon style did not deliver a finishing blow.

"Very well, nicely done—from now on, you are the Fourth Heavenly King."

Tang Luo praised him, instantly granting the position.

The cold-hearted assassin immediately laughed like a husky, especially when his face was slightly swollen.

Zhu Bajie's throw was genuine and solid, and the fall was equally genuine and solid.

Asa Xi in the hall's corner heard Tang Luo's words and spat out a large mouthful of blood.

No, Lord Anubis, I may have no merit, but I have suffered!

I have bled and earned merit for the demons!

I want to see the demon king, I want to see the elders!

Considering everyone shares the surname "A"... don't you doubt I'm actually the illegitimate son of the Demon King Akumon?

Maybe it is so?

Who knows, maybe I'm the next Demon King?

The messenger Asasi stood there with tears streaming down his face.

The three Heavenly Kings beside him all cast sympathetic glances; yes, besides Tang Luo and his group in the great hall.

In this hidden corner, there were still five people.

Why five people?

The fifth person was none other than the true Kaelan, who couldn't make a sound and had watched the whole process from the side.

As Asasi vomited blood and wept, several people's hidden disguises were also broken.

The Hero instinctively turned his head to look, and just happened to meet the gaze of the true Kaelan looking over.

This one look seemed like ten thousand years.

"Sigh, Ken."

Tang Luo's voice came, "You can't even accept the scent on her body, yet you still dare say you love her?"

As a monk, Tang Luo actually wasn't like Fahai, who liked to beat mandarin ducks apart; he simply set up a test.

True love should be like Xiaolongnu and Yang Guo — you lose your chastity, I sever my hand, yet still unwavering unto death.

Only that can sublimate the greatness of love.

What, who said that?

The older generation of wuxia novelists and Hong Kong comic screenwriters say this is basic operation.

Not even green, and you dare say you love them?

"Ken, you disappoint me." As the unscrupulous culprit, Tang Luo leisurely delivered heart-piercing arguments, striking at the grieving Hero.

"Kaelan..."

At this time the Hero had already lost the meaning of contending against Tang Luo.

This demon!

Anubis, absolutely a true demon; the destined arch-enemy Demon King compared to him is just a little brother.

Kaelan just looked at the Hero, not speaking.

At this time, language was so pale and powerless.

"Look, I told you so. Men are all big pig trotters; if their words were reliable, sows could climb trees." Ao Yulie walked over with a staggering gait, saying to Kaelan.

Incidentally scolding herself into it too.

Kaelan looked at Ao Yulie's decadent middle-aged uncle face (Akmon styling), and the malicious smile on her face, and felt these words made a lot of sense.

Men, all are unreliable big pig trotters.

Women must rely on themselves!

This world, feminism awakens for the first time, and because of Kaelan's demon race identity, we have reason to believe.

In the not-too-distant future, perhaps a demon race kingdom of daughters will appear.

On the other side, the curse's power grew ever stronger; the Hero's injured arm had completely turned pitch-black.

Not only that, there were signs of withering.

This curse would naturally kill too, just not as fast or as fierce as its weakening effect.

If the curse still hasn't been dispelled in an hour, the Hero will also breathe his last — he can't keep relying on the Hero Sword's power to protect himself forever.

In fact, the Hero Sword's usage count has now reached seven times.

Three uses away from the non-burst-mode limit.

"Kaelan, it's my fault." After silence, the Hero spoke with difficulty, "I know nothing I say can make amends; then let this arm atone!"

Speaking, a roar, the Hero pulled out the Hero Sword thrust into the ground, sword light flashed.

Blood light erupted.

That somewhat withered and shriveled arm was chopped off by the Hero with one sword strike!

"Ken!"

Kaelan's body, originally kneeling on the ground, suddenly stood up, took a step then forcibly stopped.

Okay, otherworld feminism awakening declares bankruptcy.

Ao Yulie covered her face beside them, it's all this Akmon face's fault; if it were her true body, she would've successfully subverted Kaelan long ago.

For Master's grand cause, this disciple sacrificing a bit isn't impossible.

Absolutely no complaints.

"Not bad." Tang Luo symbolically clapped once.

This one chop not only severed the curse's source, preserving his life, but also tore open a wound in Kaelan's heart.

Can't say a harem is to be expected, but in the future at least it'll be a mutual love-and-kill, Magneto and Professor X's ending.

When there's a Boss, Kaelan and the Hero fight the Boss together.

No Boss, Kaelan is responsible for mutually tormenting the Hero, constantly raising strength.

Later fight Boss together.

Hot-blooded shonen manga style has completely gone off-track, turned into American comic style.

Once you accept American comic style, loss of chastity and such, is that even a thing?

Not having a bit of zero-distance relationship with all age-appropriate males around you, can that even be called an American comic female character?

Mhm, many male characters follow the same logic.

Severed arm, blood loss, made the Hero even weaker; he almost went from half-kneeling to fully kneeling, not much different from unconsciousness.

Signifying this rescue operation's thorough failure.

But this doesn't mean the Hero will die here; everyone's gazes looked toward Kaelan.

Especially Tang Luo and his disciple, wearing playful expressions.

Come on, it's settled then, you're the one, new Magneto.

There's still more than half a year until the mission completion deadline, they're not anxious in the slightest.

And the four Heavenly Kings plus one messenger are watching with tiger-like intensity.

The Sullivan family is nothing before Lord Anubis, little girl, as a demon, you need to make a wise choice.

Kailan instantly felt immense pressure.

"Cough cough."

Ao Yulie coughed, "As the Demon King, I feel it necessary to give you, this junior, a bit of guidance, impart rich life experience..."

Although everyone's been messing with the Hero all along.

But they don't have much actual ill will toward him, their mission is just to protect the Demon King's castle for two years, no need to really kill the Hero.

Ao Yulie prepared to give Kailan a little "help" from the posture of an elder.

Before his life experience could be spoken, a burst of bone-chilling laughter suddenly rang out in the hall.

"Demon King, you're also worthy?"

After the laughter came a cold sentence, giving the feeling of an iceberg surfacing, yet with scorching flames hidden within the iceberg.

Once shattered, those flames could burn everything around to ashes.

"Who?"

Ao Yulie was startled, didn't look around, but looked at Zhu Bajie.

Sure enough, following Zhu Bajie's gaze, he saw a mass of black mist emerging.

The black mist gradually dissipated, revealing the figures of two black-robed figures.

Regarding his master's words, Ao Yulie didn't go observe.

Whether Tang Luo can detect hidden enemies has always been a rather metaphysical question.

It basically depends on the enemy themselves, not Tang Luo.

"How did you come here?"

Upon seeing the black-robed figures, Ao Yulie naturally also recognized Akmon's identity, feeling somewhat strange.

Weren't you off enjoying life?

How come you suddenly ran back, looking all murderous?

And your sister-in-law, not seen for a year, how'd she turn into a strapping man?

What did you encounter out there, how'd you end up worse off than the Hero?

He merely lost an arm, you lost a girl!