Chapter 502

Chapter 502: Trouble Arises

After dismissing Mi Qing, Fang Lie brought out the captured Emperor of Gold-Eating Rats in his chamber. The creature’s magic had been fully sealed, rendering it utterly helpless!

Despite being the supreme ruler of the demon rats, the Emperor retained a defiant pride. Even with his life in Fang Lie’s hands, he refused to beg for mercy. Instead, he tilted his head stubbornly and growled, "Human, I’ve fallen into your clutches. Call it misfortune—just grant me a swift end!"

"So eager to die?" Fang Lie chuckled.

"Of course not!" the Emperor spat bitterly. "But what mercy would your kind show? You’ll strip my hide and core to forge treasures. If death is unavoidable, let it be quick!"

"You’re mistaken," Fang Lie said, amused. "Though you’re a Seventh-Rank Great Demon, your materials barely pass. They hardly meet my standards."

"Then why hunt me?" the Emperor demanded. "You sent eight clones and a thousand Fire Birds after me alone, ignoring other Seventh-Rank demons. This was no accident!"

"Indeed not. I targeted you deliberately," Fang Lie admitted. "For months, I’ve been acquiring Gold-Eating Rats in bulk."

"You?!" The Emperor’s eyes blazed. "Why? My kin are weak—their parts worthless. Why pursue us?"

"Here’s the truth," Fang Lie explained. "I seek a demon tribe to serve as my subordinates. After consideration, I chose your Gold-Eating Rats. That’s why I captured you."

"Subordinates? To form Dao soldiers?!" the Emperor gaped.

"Precisely."

"Madness!" The Emperor snorted. "All know Gold-Eating Rats can’t fight! We dig tunnels and little else. Want Dao soldiers? The Ox Demon King’s Earth Barbarian Bulls would serve better!"

"I don’t seek warriors," Fang Lie countered. "I need producers. Your lowest rats mine metals. Your elders possess basic refining skills—trainable into decent artificers. That’s what I value."

"Artificers?!" The Emperor barked a laugh. "We’re demons! Our crude techniques barely craft Fourth-Rank treasures. By human standards, we’re amateurs!"

"True," Fang Lie conceded. "But your limits stem from poor inheritance. I’ll provide advanced refining methods."

"Impossible!" the Emperor gasped. "Your kind guards such secrets jealously! Even my scraps came from dead cultivators’ relics. Teaching us would bring your elders’ wrath!"

"No fear," Fang Lie said. "The ban exists to keep demons from harming humans. But you’ll dwell in a secluded Central World, loyal only to me. No leaks possible."

"A Central World? Like the Demon Domain?"

"Similar, but smaller—exclusive to your tribe. No threats, only peace. Complete my tasks, and thrive freely."

"Truly? Such a haven?" Hope lit the Emperor’s eyes.

In the Demon Domain’s brutal hierarchy, weak Gold-Eating Rats faced constant predation. Stronger demons demanded their children as tribute; refusal meant extinction. The rats craved simple joys—minerals to gnaw, sunlit naps. Fang Lie’s offer ignited desperate longing.

"Swear loyalty," the Emperor vowed, "and my lineage will serve you eternally!"

To him, pledging to Fang Lie—slayer of Three Great Demon Kings—carried no shame. Witnessing Fang Lie’s might during the hunt, he felt only awe.

Pleased, Fang Lie unsealed the Emperor’s magic and hosted a feast. This rat might lead his future Dao soldier legions—worth courting.

The Emperor, accustomed to privation, marveled at dishes crafted from Seventh-Rank demon meats. By meal’s end, Fang Lie’s chefs had secured his allegiance.

Two hours later, Mi Qing concluded her duties, leaving a liaison behind as they returned to Mo Sect.

Shortly after Fang Lie’s departure, powerful figures converged on the Demon Domain. Disguised yet recognizable—Demonic Path cultivators and sword-wielders likely from East Kunlun.

East Kunlun still seethed over Fang Lie’s theft of the Star Gold Element Core. With Fang Lie finally emerging from Mo Sect’s protection, they’d seized this chance—only to find him vanished.

Fang Lie had anticipated pursuit. Changing course, discarding his Flying Boat, and blending into a city crowd, he hopped teleportation arrays until safely home.

After half a year abroad, Fang Lie eagerly reunited with his siblings. Ice Second Brother, Fang Huo, and Longxing Tianxia threw a raucous banquet, drinking late into the night.

Dawn found Fang Lie groggily roused by Mo Wanfang’s urgent call. Though tempted to snap, he grudgingly greeted his father-in-law.

"Sleeping?!" Mo Wanfang barked. "I’ve not rested in a month! The Central World from Great Thunder Sound Temple—it’s in crisis!"

"What?!" Fang Lie jolted awake. "What happened?"