Bai Mang, Working for Nothing

Chi Ji’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly; at this moment, silence was more eloquent than words.

Xu Xian could feel several gazes landing on him, filled with scrutiny.

Among them were hostility and wariness, particularly from the maidservant. Her look seemed to say: 'Someone of your status dares to speak up?'

Or perhaps, given his status as a third-class demon, he shouldn't have been standing on this stage at all. Had he not rescued the goddess and received her tacit permission, he would have already committed a grave taboo. Allowing him to stand there was already considered a great mercy.

It was no wonder Chi Ji had been so arrogant even after being captured. It wasn't that the girl was stupid; she had simply been spoiled by those around her. If Xu Xian were in her shoes, he would probably be just as conceited.

Xu Xian tactfully lowered his head and gave a polite refusal. "This subordinate is ignorant and does not dare to speak recklessly."

Chi Ji, however, was relentless. "I told you to speak, so speak."

"This..."

Xu Xian instinctively looked toward the man in cold armor, hesitating.

Feeling Xu Xian's gaze, Chi Yan’s brows knitted slightly as he stared back with natural authority. His peripheral vision briefly flickered toward Chi Ji before he looked away, saying in a deep voice, "Her Highness told you to speak. Why are you looking at me?"

With even more gazes on him, and even sharper ones at that, Xu Xian was caught between a rock and a hard place. Since things had come to this, he could no longer refuse. After a moment of thought, he stepped forward a few paces, gave a slight bow, and spoke.

"To offend the goddess is, naturally, a capital offense."

Chi Ji looked on with interest. "Mhm... and what kind of capital punishment do you suggest?"

Xu Xian continued, "If it were up to me, I would kill them all."

Chi Yan’s brow lowered.

Chi Ji’s eyes narrowed.

But then Xu Xian changed his tone. "However, since ancient times, there has been a saying that the law does not punish the masses. Furthermore, these people likely didn't know the truth. Those who are ignorant are innocent. But if we simply let them go without doing anything, it would be too easy on them. Therefore, this subordinate feels we should kill half and spare half."

"Kill half to strike the mountain and shake the tigers, giving them a lesson."

"Spare half to showcase Her Highness’s mercy and kindness."

Pausing for a moment, Xu Xian smiled. "You have to leave some people behind; business still needs to be done. If everyone is killed, no one will do business here anymore. I fear others wouldn't want to come either. What do you think?"

Everyone lowered their eyes, their scrutiny intensifying.

Kill half? Spare half?

Chi Ji’s slender fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. Within her emerald eyes, light and shadow flickered. The youth’s words were well-reasoned. Upon careful thought, one couldn't find a single flaw in them.

The people from the Immortal Demon Caves dared to plot against her, so she naturally couldn't let it slide. It wasn't that she couldn't handle the grievance, but the Crimson Demon Palace had to take a stance. Not only did they need to make the demonic cultivators wary, but they also had to send a message to those in the Demon Abyss who were colluding with them, letting the mastermind know where things stood.

Indeed, she couldn't kill everyone. This desert town outside the Blazing Fortress was the only bridge for trade between the Demon Abyss and the outside world, involving immense interests. Even if she wanted to vent her anger and make a statement, she couldn't truly flip the table. Otherwise, she would inevitably offend people she shouldn't, needlessly creating enemies for the Crimson Demon Palace within the Demon Abyss. Not only would it cause trouble, but she might even earn a bad reputation.

The youth’s few words were all pleasant to the ear. While they seemed trivial and offhand, they were actually the best choice after weighing the pros and cons.

She didn't say whether he was right or wrong. She simply turned her gaze toward Chi Yan and said softly, "Uncle Yan, what do you think?"

Chi Yan gave Xu Xian a deep look before nodding. "It is feasible."

Chi Ji pursed her lips and smiled faintly. "Then... let’s do as he said. Keep those from the Blood Demon Cave and Fire Demon Cave. As for the others from the Immortal Demon Caves, let them go."

"As you command!"

Chi Yan took the order and called over a junior officer, whispering a few instructions. The officer left to carry them out, and soon, a great commotion erupted in the square.

The Crimson Demon Guards entered the fray to verify everyone’s identities and which demon cave they belonged to, splitting them into two groups.

Those who had caught wind of the trouble had long since fled. Those remaining were demon merchants who were unaware of the situation. They had been in the dark the whole time and naturally cooperated honestly, waiting to see what would happen.

Taking advantage of the interval, Chi Ji beckoned Xu Xian with her finger. Xu Xian hurried forward.

Chi Ji remained high and mighty, but her eyes held a hint of appreciation. She spoke slowly, "For a third-class mortal demon race to reach the greater demon general stage is quite rare. You are indeed quite clever."

"Your Highness overpraises me!"

Chi Ji continued, "You aren't part of the garrison, nor are you a soldier of my Crimson Demon Palace. You don't look like a merchant either. Why did you come to the Blazing Fortress instead of staying in the Demon Abyss?"

Xu Xian replied, "Your Highness has discerning eyes. This subordinate simply wanted to come here to earn a living."

Chi Ji was half-convinced but didn't press the matter. Instead, she asked, "What is your name?"

Xu Xian’s eyes shifted imperceptibly. He blurted out, "Bai Mang."

Chi Ji frowned slightly. "Bai Mang? Which 'mang'?"

"The 'mang' as in busy."

Chi Ji smiled. "Heh, Bai Mang? How can someone have such a name? It's quite interesting."

The maidservant on the side also covered her mouth and giggled along with her mistress.

Xu Xian said sheepishly, "I've made a fool of myself before Your Highness. True to my name, I often end up working for nothing."

Chi Ji caught the double meaning in Xu Xian’s words and pursed her lips. "You truly are a smart one. Don't worry, this time, this princess won't let your work be for nothing."

She paused and called out, "A Lian."

The maidservant leaned in. "This servant is here."

Chi Ji gestured with her eyes and smiled. "Hurry and give the reward to this Mister Bai Mang."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Xu Xian could hardly hide his anticipation.

A Lian stepped forward, took a demon storage bag from her sleeve, and handed it to Xu Xian. "Take it."

Xu Xian hurriedly accepted it.

A Lian raised her thin eyebrows and said in a harsh tone, "What are you dazing for? Hurry and give thanks!"

Xu Xian couldn't be bothered to argue with the girl. He simply added her to his mental death list.

"Many thanks, Your Highness!"

"There is no need to thank me. This is what you earned."

Xu Xian felt great. He felt this trip wasn't a loss; it was a successful start. He had killed a few demonic cultivators and gained a windfall. Then, after slapping a girl a few times, he had received another huge sum. It was hard not to get rich at this rate.

While Xu Xian was being paid, the hundreds of demonic cultivators in the square had been split into two groups. There were several dozen from the Fire and Blood Demon Caves.

After the Crimson Demon Guards let the others go, they surrounded the remaining group in a corner. A murderous aura permeated the air.

Chi Yan consulted Chi Ji. "Your Highness, these are the ones left."

Chi Ji didn't speak. She simply nodded and closed her eyes to rest.

Taking the hint, Chi Yan waved his hand.

Before the Crimson Demon Guards could even move, Xu Xian had already charged out first. Drawing the demon blade at his waist, he let out a loud cry, "Kill!"

He gave the maidservant a start, surprised Chi Ji into opening her eyes, and even left Chi Yan looking bewildered.

Looking at the white-haired youth charging into the crowd, their expressions were extremely complex. If they didn't know better, they would have thought he was one of the Crimson Demon Guards himself.

However, it had to be said that this youth’s strength was not weak. He acted decisively, and in just a few strokes, several demonic cultivators had already fallen under his blade.

The other Crimson Demon Guards hurriedly joined the fray.

For a time, the small desert town was filled with the flashes of blades and shadows of swords, accompanied by a chorus of screams.

"Ah!"

"Why?"

"I am the grand-disciple of the Fire Demon Lord! You can't kill me!"

"Help..."