Chapter 62: The Leader (Part 3)

Since Lu Fei had been singled out by the Black General, not only did all the little demons below fix their eyes on him, but even the leaders seated on the steps above watched his every move.

They observed as he stepped forward, ascending the stairs.

The gazes of these demon leaders were filled with curiosity, scrutiny, interest, indifference, and even hostility.

They could tell that there was something different about Lu Fei, though they couldn't see through it completely.

It wasn't until the Black General formally announced that Lu Fei would become the tenth leader of Langlang Mountain that the leaders finally realized—the white wolf before them had broken through to the rank of Demon General, just like them.

Once they understood this, apart from a few who were on good terms with the Bear Leader, the other leaders immediately became much more interested.

After all, the incident with the Bear Leader losing his arm was no secret to them, even if the lesser demons below were unaware. There wasn’t much entertainment on ordinary days, and such gossip was a perfect source of amusement.

All the minor leaders knew well that the Bear Leader, the big fellow, had lost an arm—and nearly his life—because of a white wolf under his command. Yet, because this white wolf was favored and protected by the Grand Leader, also a white wolf, the Bear Leader did not dare to act directly against him. He could only make things difficult for him in subtle ways, using his authority.

Langlang Mountain wasn't large, and all of them were well aware of this. They were all curious to see how the big bear would respond, and surely, the Wolf Commander must know as well.

At first, they thought the little white wolf would go straight to the Wolf Commander to complain. But surprisingly, the white wolf endured it all. Now, he had even managed to break through in a short span of time and become a Demon General—an equal, a leader among them.

How could this not astonish them? This was practically a model case of diligent cultivation and poetic justice.

They were all now very much looking forward to seeing this white wolf face off against the big black bear. After all, the bear and his two sworn brothers were notorious bullies among the leaders, none of them decent characters. They would be delighted to see the big fellow get his comeuppance.

While most of the demon leaders were having such thoughts, they soon saw the white wolf go to the Black General and request that his two brothers, who were still under the Bear Leader's command, be returned to him.

Moreover, after securing his brothers, the white wolf did not even bother to thank the big fellow—a clear and deliberate show of disrespect.

Such an open and direct attitude filled the leaders with wicked joy. They found it thoroughly entertaining.

"That white wolf is really something..."

"Did you see that? The big fellow's face has turned pitch black, haha..."

"Not just his face—look at his hand..."

"Heh, I'm dying of laughter..."

"Come to my cave tonight for a drink. I've got something good to share..."

"Deal! I just snatched a jar of wine from the kitchen. Let's have a good drink tonight..."

"Since the white wolf and the big fellow don’t get along, perhaps we can get to know the white wolf ourselves..."

"Not a bad idea, but there's no rush. Let’s take it slowly..."

"..."

"Haha, that white wolf gave the big fellow no face at all..."

"Fox, I told you so, didn't I?"

"A bet's a bet. Remember to pay up later..."

As the leaders exchanged these words in secret, delighted, Lu Fei finished thanking the Black General and cast a sidelong glance at the Bear Leader before quietly stepping aside.

He had just thoroughly embarrassed the big fellow. He could imagine how furious the Bear Leader must be now.

Good, he thought to himself with satisfaction. You made my life hell these past two months, and I didn’t utter a single complaint!

At that moment, the Black General, hovering in midair, turned his gaze to the demons below and began his address:

"As I have said before...

"Now that we have arrived at the Great Wilderness Mountain, things are no longer as they were. Here, meat is plentiful, spiritual energy is thick, and spiritual medicines abound. You must all work hard to cultivate...

"I've also mentioned that under the Great King's command, there is a competition every three years. Two years remain...

"By then, not only you lesser demons who have taken human form, but also the leaders, will have to compete against the subordinates of the other three generals...

"The prizes include spiritual medicines, elixirs, magical tools, armor, and even the teaching of new supernatural arts...

"As long as you win, you will not only claim the spoils, but also receive an extra reward from me...

"So, I expect you all to..."

When the Black General finished his speech and the demon horde began to disperse, among the crowd below, the crow demon, Red Skin, and Huang Gui were visibly excited and were about to rush over, but Lu Fei stopped them with a glance.

Then, Lu Fei made his way to the higher tier of specially-dug earthen steps and approached the Wolf Commander.

"Commander..." He bowed respectfully before the white wolf leader.

"Not bad..." The Wolf Commander looked at Lu Fei with evident appreciation. "I didn't expect you to cultivate to this stage so quickly. Clearly, you haven't been slacking off. I was right about you."

Lu Fei was genuinely grateful and respectful to the Wolf Commander, who had protected him from the Bear Leader’s threats.

Once again standing before the Wolf Commander and hearing his praise, Lu Fei replied respectfully, "I owe it all to you, Commander. Without your support, White Wave would never have come this far."

Although Lu Fei's words were slightly exaggerated, they weren't untrue.

If, on that night at the banquet, he hadn't made an impression on both the Black General and the Wolf Commander, he would have been ignored and forced to flee—running away from Langlang Mountain and seeking another path.

Otherwise, with no one to protect him, he would never have survived under the Bear Leader.

Now that he had advanced to the rank of Demon General, he finally realized that there was an enormous gap between a Demon General and a Demon Soldier. He had been overconfident before.

If he had left Langlang Mountain at that time, who knew where he might be wandering now, or what dangers he might have faced?

After all, the core of Great Wilderness Mountain was home to the three Great Kings. If a wild demon were discovered, the chances of being caught were high.

And if caught, unless he wanted to die, he would be forced to reveal his origins and then sent back to Langlang Mountain.

The Black General had no mercy for deserters.

Remembering where one’s water comes from is important.

And so, Lu Fei was sincerely grateful to the Wolf Commander.

"Come along..." the Wolf Commander said casually.

He understood the meaning behind Lu Fei's words but didn't mind. The fact that Lu Fei had advanced so quickly proved he was capable.

Give such a demon a little sunshine and rain, and he would thrive. He was quite pleased with such a promising junior.

As he spoke, a black cloud gathered beneath the Wolf Commander’s feet, lifting him into the air.

Lu Fei, though inexperienced, had seen this performed before, and had practised it the night before. With a thought, streams of demon energy gathered under his feet, churning into black mist.

Soon, his whole body was lifted by the black energy, albeit somewhat clumsily.

"Not bad, you learn quickly..." the Wolf Commander said with a smile. "You’re lucky this time—even after several days, the new recruits who came to join the mountain haven’t been assigned yet. They’re all yours now."

"But before that, I’ll take you to choose your weapon and armor. That’s one of the perks of being a leader..."

With that, the Wolf Commander sped away on his black cloud.

"Wait for me, Commander..." Lu Fei called out anxiously, wobbling uncertainly as he tried to keep up, riding the swirling black mist.