Wandering Swordsman |

Hua Tianyou was also surprised to see so many people outside the cave. When he sensed the huge difference in strength between himself and these peers of similar age, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a contemptuous smile: "I thought the people who participated in the Demon Refining Mountain were all very powerful, but I didn't expect them to be so insignificant."

These words caused a great stir, and as soon as the crowd heard them, they immediately surrounded Hua Tianyou.

Lu Yan, Tu Yuliang, and the others drew their weapons, their eyes fixed intently on the unexpected stranger. A tense atmosphere hung in the air, as if it could ignite at any moment.

"Who are you?" Lu Yan asked in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of threat. His eyes were sharp as knives, as if he wanted to pierce through Hua Tianyou's soul.

Hua Tianyou's gaze swept over the crowd, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "Who I am is not important. What is important is that you are too weak and do not deserve to stand here." His words were cold and ruthless, yet they enraged everyone present.

Tu Yuliang sneered, pointing his long sword at Hua Tianyou: "You brat, you've got some nerve! Since you dare to provoke us, let's see what you're capable of." His voice was icy cold, as if he was about to attack at any moment.

Just as tensions were about to rise, Yue Linglong, though unable to discern the strength of the person before her, sensed that this person was no ordinary individual. A strange light flashed in her eyes, signaling everyone to stop. "Wait!" she shouted, "Everyone, calm down!"

Upon hearing Yue Linglong's voice, everyone stopped what they were doing, as no one dared to offend Yue Linglong, who might become Shen Mo's wife in the future. Yue Linglong slowly walked up to Hua Tianyou and carefully examined him. Her gaze was deep and complex, as if trying to find answers in Hua Tianyou's composed demeanor.

Yue Linglong asked softly, "Who are you? How did you manage to enter the Demon Refining Mountain halfway through?" Her voice was like a bell in the night wind, clear yet dignified. Her eyes were full of questions and curiosity, as if she wanted to see through Hua Tianyou's cold exterior to his heart.

Hua Tianyou looked at Yue Linglong, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Then, he took a deep breath and slowly said, "My name is Hua Tianyou, and I am the son of Hua Shenyong, the Heavenly Demon God."

These words were like a bombshell exploding in the crowd. Everyone was startled, their eyes filled with shock and confusion. After all, none of those present were over thirty years old, and their memories of the mighty Heavenly Demon God Hua Shenyong who traveled west a century ago were limited to oral traditions passed down within their sects. The heroic image of the Heavenly Demon God that had been passed down was more like a myth to them than a real person.

Lu Yan's longsword trembled slightly, and a look of disbelief flashed in his eyes. "The son of the Heavenly Demon God? How is that possible?" His voice was filled with obvious doubt, clearly unable to accept such a sudden revelation of his identity.

Tu Yuliang frowned, his fingers gripping the longsword so tightly they turned white. "According to the sect's internal records, the Heavenly Demon God spent his life pursuing the ultimate in martial arts and never married. How could he possibly have offspring!" His tone revealed distrust, but also a hint of unease.

Yue Linglong's gaze became even more complex. Although she was filled with curiosity about this suddenly appearing young man, she still harbored doubts deep down. She carefully examined Hua Tianyou, trying to find any resemblance between him and the legendary Heavenly Demon God.

"You may not believe it," Hua Tianyou continued, his voice steady and confident, "but I am indeed the son of the Heavenly Demon God. When my father passed away five years ago, he entrusted me to return to the Heavenly Demon God Sect, enter the Demon Refining Mountain, and become the new Heavenly Demon God. That is why I traveled thousands of miles from the far west to fulfill my father's wish."

As Hua Tianyou finished speaking, a hush fell over the surroundings. The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts filled with a complex mix of emotions. Some were skeptical, some were confused, and others began to silently ponder the veracity of the young man's words.

Faced with the surrounding silence, the group exchanged bewildered glances. Hua Tianyou's gaze swept across each person's face, as if assessing their worth. Finally, he slowly broke the silence: "Although only three of you here possess decent strength, I will give you a chance."

"If you are willing to serve me as your master, I will lead you into this cave to undergo the test of the Heavenly Demon Qi."

"The three are reasonably strong." Everyone present knew that the three people Hua Tianyou was referring to were Yue Linglong, Lü Yan, and Tu Yuliang.

Upon hearing Hua Tianyou's words, some people's eyes flashed with hesitation and doubt. They exchanged uncertain glances, clearly having reservations about Hua Tianyou's proposal.

"Serve you as your master?" Lü Yan sneered, his voice filled with disdain. "You think you can make us submit to you with just a few words?"

Tu Yuliang chimed in, "You're just a stranger of unknown origin, yet you dare to try to lead us? What a fool's dream."

However, shortly after the two finished speaking, Hua Tianyou continued to persuade them, "I know you are full of doubts, but I can show you the power I possess first." He pointed to the door that was blocked by meteorite iron, "Watch carefully."

Hua Tianyou simply raised his hand, and an invisible gray power instantly enveloped the door. With a slight tremor, the meteorite iron door slowly opened a crack, revealing a deep and mysterious space within. This scene left everyone present dumbfounded, and their initial doubts began to waver.

"He actually opened that door! What kind of power is that?!"

"At the moment he unleashed this power, the demonic energy within my body began to surge uncontrollably."

"I thought I was the only one like this!"

......

Some people in the crowd began to whisper among themselves, and a few young disciples' eyes gleamed with longing and anticipation. "If we can become people close to the new generation leader of the Heavenly Demon God Sect, we might really be able to obtain unprecedented opportunities," one young disciple said in a low voice.

Several of the more radical disciples finally couldn't resist and slowly moved closer to Hua Tianyou. Their eyes were filled with determination, as if they had made up their minds.

"Haha, is anyone else here?"

"As long as you serve me as your master, I will lead you into the cave. After I become the Heavenly Demon God, you will be my trusted confidants."

Upon seeing this, Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang's expressions changed drastically. Almost simultaneously, they drew their weapons, preparing to rush forward and hack those people to pieces. Just at this critical moment, Yue Linglong suddenly reached out and stopped them, her gaze serious and firm: "Wait! That was their own choice. We shouldn't make a move."

Lu Yan glared at the disciples who were heading towards Hua Tianyou, gritting his teeth as he said, "Yue Linglong, these people have betrayed us, betrayed our lord, are we just going to let them get away with this?"