Chapter 261: Dividing the Spoils

Before dawn, the sky of the Demon Capital was still shrouded in gloomy purple mist, and the Hell Furnace in the distance reflected the dim dome, revealing a faint, cold, blood-colored radiance.

As early as before dawn, the sudden change in Black Wind Fort had already grown wings and flown back to the Demon Capital, and the rumors about that great battle swept through the streets and alleys like a tide.

In the market, the peddlers placing goods gathered together to whisper, discussing the gossip that didn't know how many ears it had passed through.

"Elder Zakuro... actually made a move personally?!"

"Really?!"

"He is a Purple Crystal-level powerhouse, an elder of the Delagong family; he actually committed murder in broad daylight at Black Wind Fort?"

"I heard the Delagong family has already drawn a line with him, and the Truth Force has even issued a wanted notice for him, just didn't publicly announce him as a traitor to Hell..."

"Then he is a noble after all; couldn't he hire an assassin who does things cleanly?"

"What are you thinking... what assassin could do this job?"

At a noble's banquet.

Several Hell nobles who had been drinking from the start of the banquet until the second half of the night gathered together, their passion for gossip no less than those peddlers in the market.

"I heard he had already gone mad at the time!" A slippery Golden Shi Shi Laimu noble lowered their voice, recounting the gossip with excitement, their eyes drifting to the sides from time to time. "Countless goblins and hell dwarves in Black Wind Fortress died! And there were so many undead... though those guys probably don't count. In any case, that terror demon was like a magical beast, slaughtering in the streets, tearing apart the army that blocked him, with his heart set only on killing Luo Yan!"

The demon youth sitting beside him couldn't help but click his tongue.

"How much hatred must that be?"

That Gold Shi Shi Laimu shook his head like a wave drum.

"Don't know! Maybe there's a story behind it that we don't know!"

As soon as his words fell, someone immediately interrupted.

"That's not the point! The point is the Baron of Black Wind Fort actually won! You guys should have seen that guy; he's the one from Miss Padeliqi's birthday banquet!"

As soon as this sentence came out, the originally noisy environment went silent instantly, and then it immediately exploded like a high-pressure cooker, almost overturning the wine table.

"What?!"

"Just, just that pretty boy who eats soft rice?!"

"Isn't Elder Zakuro Purple Crystal level?! He, isn't—this, how is this possible!"

"Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! They are at least three tiers apart... maybe four!"

"I also think it's impossible! Someone must be helping Luo Yan behind the scenes!"

"I did hear someone intervened... some people said they saw blood light, and some said they saw a domain?!"

"De, Demigod?! Could it be Prince Kelin?!"

"Can't be wrong; he's the only Demigod-level Blood Clan in the entire Demon Capital, and the military equipment plan for Black Wind Fort was indeed pushed by him. The Magic Crystal Cannon Factory probably has shares from the Kelin family. Zakuro was stupid because he shouldn't have made a move at Black Wind Fort; that was simply seeking his own death!"

"But I heard... Zakuro seemed to have rushed into the Lord's Mansion in the end, intending to hijack hostages, and was counter-killed by Luo Yan? How is this going on."

"Could it be... the will of Lord Demon God?"

"Shh! Can't talk nonsense about this!"

That's what they said, but this group of nobles didn't have the slightest intention of stopping.

Listening to those enthusiastic discussions, Baron Aweisile sitting in the corner couldn't help but shiver, the shaking cup rim splashing beer foam onto his hand, emitting a sizzling sound under the high temperature.

If it were until yesterday, he had regarded the duel in the commercial street park as the shame of his life, then now he was only infinitely glad that Baron Luo Yan hadn't made a move personally.

Even a Purple Crystal-level powerhouse was defeated at his hands...

Is this guy really just a Bai Yin?!

Thinking that he almost fought him, Aweisile trembled with crystal fire.

In the heated discussions of the people, the rumors became more and more outrageous. The initial version still made some sense, such as Prince Kelin beating Elder Zakuro into a cripple, and finally being beheaded by Luo Yan's full-force strike. Later on, it was even rumored in the streets and alleys that in the end, Lord Demon God showed divine power, bestowing Luo Yan with a divine artifact to kill the demon, banishing the rebellious Zakuro to a subspace that would never see the light of day.

And regarding those increasingly outrageous rumors, the Delagong family also had an attitude of not caring.

Not to mention that they were currently busy dealing with the covetousness of other great nobles, and had no time to maintain Elder Zakuro's reputation. Even if they had the energy to do this, they would definitely not leave people with gossip, making people feel that they were still on the same boat as Zakuro.

Just like that, under the disregard of all parties, the rumors fermented for three whole days in that wild growth.

Until the latest issue of the "Demon Capital Daily" came out, releasing the shocking big melon about General Saibeisi, which focused people's attention from "The Death of Elder Zakuro" and "The Bai Yin Demon King who defeated a Purple Crystal-level powerhouse" to the former's "countless crimes."

"General Saibeisi confesses his crimes! Eight thousand wronged souls of soldiers are cleared of their grievances! The Salduo Port tragedy comes to an end!"

Newspapers were unfolded in the bustling crowd, and the scarlet headlines were particularly eye-catching on the black and white paper!

Under the interrogation of the Intelligence Department, General Saibeisi admitted that he had deliberately used the disastrous defeat of Salduo Port because of Zakuro Delagong's instigation, attempting to obstruct the implementation of the new military equipment plan for Black Wind Fort, the reason being Zakuro's dissatisfaction with the Demon King of Lei Ming County.

His testimony was recorded in detail in the newspaper, his words revealing regret, as if all the blame had been dissected thoroughly, while he himself was portrayed as a former military officer who had gone astray but finally chose to confess and kneel before the Demon God statue to repent—just like the magic photo depicted.

The latest issue of the "Demon Capital Daily" had just come out and immediately became the focus of the entire city's topics.

Taverns, markets, mysterious alleys unknown to others, and even those factories still operating at night were discussing this shocking news, the sounds of discussion endless.

"General Saibeisi... confessed?"

"This... this is impossible!"

"That is his own flesh and blood; how could he bring himself to do it?!"

"Demon God above... I would rather believe he did it for money, or was bought by the Aus Empire..."

"How ridiculous!"

Some demons were gratified, some demons found it hard to accept; there were those cheering for Lord Demon God's wisdom, and also those cursing the dirty politics. More pessimistic ones felt that Hell was going to be finished like this, that they could do such despicable things to their own people. However, there were also demons who had been to human society who mocked, isn't the Aus Empire like this too? At most, the means are different.

But no matter what, things had already happened, and the dust had settled.

At least those eighty thousand soldiers didn't die in vain.

At least the Cabinet and the Council didn't just close the door and pretend it never happened.

Compared to being forgotten in a corner that no one cared about, this could definitely be considered getting back a huge justice.

"Cheers to Lord Demon King!"

"Cheers!!!"

"Ow ow ow!!!"

In a tavern near the slums of the Demon Capital, the air was filled with the strong aroma of ale.

A lizardman dressed in a maid outfit carried a tray filled with roasted lizard tails and beer, weaving through the crowded long tables. Huge wine barrels were knocked open by Hell dwarves wearing goblin leather hats, shouting for the goblins doing chores in the back kitchen to come and help pour wine. Enthusiastic cheers rose one after another, as lively as a festival.

Compared to the power struggles in the Demon Capital, the attitudes of these soldiers returning from the front line were much purer.

Retired veterans raised their glasses, laughing heartily, their mouths loudly reciting his name, grateful for his actions.

"Praise the Demon King! Praise the damn justice!"

"He really kept his promise!"

A goblin wearing leather armor stood up unsteadily, rubbed his index finger on his wine-red nose, and shouted loudly with the help of the wine.

"Wait until Black Wind Fort is rebuilt... I'm going to defect to him!"

The Hell dwarf beside him raised his cup, rarely paying respect to a goblin.

"Haha! I'll toast you!"

The tavern was boiling, soldiers clinked glasses to celebrate, and some guys who had drunk too much even climbed onto the tables, singing impromptu doggerel, praising the wise and martial Demon King.

Although the Battle of Salduo Port itself was a painful failure, for the millions of numbers on the battle report, the fact that the mastermind behind this conspiracy could receive final judgment was a great victory!

And the "General" who led them to win this war was undoubtedly that Demon King who had stood side by side with them from beginning to end!

It was he who first let out a deafening roar, rebuking the mediocrities at the hearing, wanting to get justice for the soldiers on the front line!

It was he who kept his promise, letting justice descend right before their eyes—even though they themselves had almost forgotten about this matter!

Thanks to this, for this entire day, the sales of beer in the tavern were much better than usual!

The entire Demon Capital was like being soaked in a wine barrel.

And compared to the low-level demons who couldn't access much information, the nobles of the Demon Capital knew it well—

Saibeisi's confession was not out of repentance, and was even less innocent than in the newspaper; it was purely the result of some kind of transaction.

"It seems the Intelligence Department used a sentence reduction in exchange for his recantation. I heard the Truth Force was already prepared to weave the truth," a noble sipped wine at the banquet, chatting and laughing with his companion in a low voice, "Heh, it seems Zakuro's remaining legacy is going to be divided clean. I don't know if that child Xinuo can inherit a fraction."

Another noble sitting opposite him shrugged his shoulders and said without thinking.

"Why not? Hasn't he already stood on the side of the winner? The Padeliqi family and the Meiluxinei family both care about how they eat; they will only take their share. Besides, if he didn't choose this way, as Zakuro's puppet, he would only die with that old madman, and as that Demon King's puppet, at least he gets more than he loses."

"As expected of Kalamosi, a leader among Succubi," a demon noble couldn't help but sigh, "It is said that the harshest interrogators of the Truth Force couldn't pry open Saibeisi's mouth. I really wonder what means he used to turn a battle-hardened general into his puppet, obedient to him, letting him be manipulated." "Zakuro is dead, what is he still stubborn for? This is no skill. I think... that Demon King is more like a Succubus."

【That Demon King】 seemed to have become a pronoun for someone.

Although no one pointed out his name, everyone knew who it was talking about.

A noble who knew the inside story of the High Ranks nodded, approvingly continuing.

"Indeed, I heard Feisiting submitted a motion for deliberation, nominating him to serve as the 29th member of the Council. A Bai Yin-level human baron can get a nomination; this has so many elements... I can't even see how many people pushed him from behind."

"It's just a nomination, not elected." A baron couldn't help but sourly say.

Humans can be councilors of Hell; Hell is really getting worse year by year!

Another baron sitting beside him slanted his eyes at him and mocked.

"Are you a country demon who just arrived in the Demon Capital? For the Padeliqi family, nomination equals passing; otherwise, they wouldn't even mention it."

The whispering continued until the end of the banquet.

!

These well-dressed guys didn't get drunk enough to dance on the tables, and no one wrote poems for that Demon King—

Of course, love poems don't count.

In Hell where the strong are respected, there is no legend more legendary than challenging a Purple Crystal powerhouse with a Bai Yin body, especially since that gentleman looked so handsome.

Although Miss Padeliqi is indeed a powerful competitor, as the saying goes, only the strong have the value of being challenged. This is true for Baron Aweisile, and naturally for the Shi Shi Laimu Miss and Tentacle Miss who have super strong desire to win.

For a whole day, the entire Demon Capital was mentioning that Demon King's name, whether it was a ball in high society or a gathering where country demons had a drink.

Just like that, the tragedy of Salduo Port could be considered to have come to an end.

Although it wasn't Luo Yan's handiwork, and he didn't have the ability to reach this level, many people still counted this glory on his head. No matter what, those demons living at the bottom finally waited for the justice they expected, rather than ending their glory and shame in the name of corruption. The nobles of the Demon Capital also waited for the harmony and peace they hoped for; the purge of Zakuro's forces finally came to an end, and the mighty waves didn't continue to rise and fall.

It's just that relatively speaking, in terms of interests outside of justice, Hell might lose quite a bit.

After all, many accounts that couldn't be settled were counted on the head of Zakuro, a dead man.

Perhaps the Demon God will give a fair punishment.

But that kind of thing can only be known when you go to see Lord Demon God.

In short, Zakuro's crimes are determined, and the military reform plan for Black Wind Fort is no longer hindered. And Saibeisi's testimony became the last sickle for the Intelligence Department to harvest Zakuro's remaining forces, which can be considered to have cleaned up a batch of moths lying on the cheese... although another batch of moths was soon replaced.

Luo Yan originally thought things wouldn't go so smoothly, especially the meaningful look in Intelligence Minister Kalamosi's eyes when he took away Zakuro's corpse made him feel that he might have been involved in some huge conspiracy again, even involved in the game between two ministers. However, the final result exceeded his expectations; Kalamosi seemed to just want to express a senior's concern for a junior, nothing more, and didn't let him do anything else.

This was truly somewhat beyond his expectations.

In addition, until the end, he didn't know why he felt the aura of a Mad Whisperer from Zakuro, but the development of the whole event until the end was the best result for him, and he had nothing to complain about.

First, the Delagong family changed its head, second, he successfully entered the Council as the Baron of Black Wind Fort, and Zakuro, who chased him like a mad dog, died suddenly in his manor, and everyone thought he killed him, suspecting that he not only obtained the support of a Demigod-level powerhouse but was also personally designated by the Demon God.

He originally thought Geligao would hold a grudge against him, after all, he killed his beloved student, but in the end, he didn't.

Supreme Arbiter Lahemu sent a letter of apology to his mansion, reviewing that he arrived too late, causing his mansion and territory to suffer too many casualties, and this money would eventually be appropriately compensated by the Demon Capital's finance.

Not only that, the Demigod-level Lich even voted in favor of his suitability to enter the councilor vote, and he therefore obtained a full six votes of support, even Feisiting was surprised.

After all, in his original estimate, two votes in favor and four abstentions was the best result.

As a result, everyone is now "very interested" in him.

Council Building.

Luo Yan, who had been dormant in Black Wind Fort for a long time, finally returned to the center of power in the Demon Capital once again.

Stepping on the steps made of granite, looking at the magnificent gate and emblem again, he only felt extremely relaxed, as if he had unloaded a ten-thousand-jin burden, completely different from his state of mind when he first arrived here.

Stopping at the entrance of the building, Luo Yan pondered for a moment, then looked at Feisiting beside him and said.

"There is something I don't know whether I should say."

Feisiting raised his eyebrows slightly and said kindly.

"Is it proposing marriage to my daughter? Then I have to prepare."

"Uh, it's about a more sensitive topic," skipping Feisiting's unserious joke, Luo Yan hurriedly looked left and right, confirmed no one was paying attention, and lowered his voice, "Actually... that day I smelled Chaos from Zakuro—"

"Shh."

Feisiting suddenly made a gesture to silence him, signaling him not to say any more.

Luo Yan noticed that a faint black aura was entwined around them, dividing the two of them and the outside world into two worlds. Passersby looked as if they couldn't see them, yet they wouldn't bump into them.

This... is another domain?

The foundation of the Padeliqi family is not inferior to the Kelin family; presumably, they also have some secret methods, and he couldn't make up his mind for a moment.

However, being able to force two Grandmaster-level powerhouses to use domain power in one month, this achievement can be considered unprecedented.

"If you are not sure, don't talk nonsense; if it hasn't happened, pretend it hasn't happened. You are a smart person and should have noticed that some problems, before they become problems, are actually not problems at all. Discovering problems too early is not always a smart move." Feisiting's voice carried a few hints of meaning, seemingly sharing his life experience.

Luo Yan naturally knew what he meant, so he shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"Okay... actually, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have said it. For example, Mr. Kalamosi, I didn't tell him anything."

Feisiting curled his lips, smiled, patted Luo Yan's arm, and revealed white, neat teeth.

"I am very glad you trust me so much; the Padeliqi family will never fail its allies... so, are you ready? Next, I will take you to visit your office. Everyone you meet along the way will salute you. I hope you won't be too surprised, because there will be many such things in the future; they will even chase you to your Lei Ming County."

Luo Yan took a deep breath, pretending he was very nervous.

"Then, do I need to come here to clock in every day?"

Feisiting laughed.

"How is that possible! Ordinary people hire lawyers for lawsuits; do you really think we have to sit at a square table and gnaw on that boring rubber stamp all day like the demons outside imagine? The only thing you need to do is let people know you are here, declare your share of interests, and then this huge machine of Hell can continue to operate, so as not to have another episode like the Salduo Port tragedy... Speaking of which, don't you have a trusted servant? If not, I can introduce you to some reliable guys."

Luo Yan knew what kind of people he would introduce to him, probably some guys with prominent backgrounds but who were frustrated, such as fallen nobles or citizens whose ancestors were nobles.

They might not have much ability, but playing the role of a servant or secretary, driver, etc., is more than enough.

For Feisiting's suggestion, Luo Yan naturally couldn't agree.

You could hit a bunch of such demons in a place like the Demon Capital just by throwing a brick; why would you need someone to introduce them?

And what if he couldn't hold back and something really happened with Mi Ya, wouldn't his driver become his father-in-law's driver?

That won't do!

Although he didn't have a suitable candidate for a while, his gaze fell on a dream demon young man standing at the door in frustration holding a wooden box.

Luo Yan vaguely remembered his name; it seemed to be called Kalisiman, who had once played an anonymous dream demon civil servant in the "Abyss Times"—although he didn't reveal his name, this level of anonymity and real name was just a fig leaf apart.

Now it seems he has encountered a career crisis and is in the darkest moment of his demon life.

Following Luo Yan's gaze to the entrance of the Council Building, Feisiting's eyebrows lifted slightly.

"Are you sure? Let a rookie do such an important job?"

"He is not a rookie, but an army ant who can skillfully shuttle through every corner of the building, know every face, and know who to connect with for what... If this building is compared to an anthill. And isn't that what I need?"

Luo Yan had a faint smile on his face, looking at the surprised Mr. Feisiting, and continued slowly.

"And, as the newly arrived 29th councilor, do you think I should appear sharp, or try to minimize my presence? You should know that the labyrinth in Lei Ming County is my basic board."

Being able to mix into the Council Building by ability to seek a job, that guy's ability is absolutely no problem; the interviewer has already done a background check and ability assessment for himself.

Besides, he lost his job, maybe it was because of himself.

The purge is over; the pieces controlled by Zakuro have been cleaned up, but the pieces' pieces may not be.

Those people don't dare to look at him more, but getting a small staff member is too easy.

Isn't it easy to give someone a hard time after the limelight passes?

Feisiting understood Luo Yan's expression, suddenly laughed, patted his shoulder, and gave a thumbs up in appreciation.

"Interesting! Go! Let me see the charm power of the legendary 'that Demon King'; I bet... that unlucky young man will sell his life to you."

Luo Yan looked at this unserious "colleague" speechlessly, then said.

"I don't need his life."

"I just need him to do what he can in a safe place."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 262 =====