My Beautiful Duchess Wife

Kappa, who had been guarding outside, naturally sensed the battle against the Great Demon King. Suddenly filled with confidence, he decided to go and see what was happening.

Unfortunately, just as I passed by, I was jolted by a huge surge of heat and a contrasting chill. For a moment, I was momentarily stunned.

Medusa and the others also came out to watch the battle.

Casey, however, seemed to have anticipated something. He chuckled, his tone becoming somewhat gentler: "Shia, this Lin Peng is quite good. If we can control him, it's best to keep him under our control. Otherwise, he's a significant threat to us!"

Shia was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

Lin Peng's flaming battle blade had now grown to about five meters in length. Each swing was accompanied by an extremely powerful, scorching light.

It seemed as if the entire land had begun to burn. However, unlike Lin Peng, Roland seemed to have a simpler style. His moves were just a few sword techniques: slashing, thrusting, and parrying.

However, that cold, murderous sword energy was unaffected even by such flames. After exchanging more than a dozen blows, both stopped fighting.

It seems they're brewing up some big move.

Lin Peng, on the other hand, felt a surge of anger. Why hadn't he learned some techniques? He always seemed to be slashing and hacking randomly. If it weren't for the boosts in strength, speed, and fire power, he might have already lost.

This Roland, however, doesn't seem to have particularly perfect swordsmanship. Yet, he manages to easily dodge my blade attacks every time.

It seemed as if it had been anticipated all along.

He scoffed inwardly. "I'm neither a swordsman nor a knife-wielder. I'm just someone who came here by chance. So... there's no need to test my skills with you!"

Thinking of this, he let out a cold laugh, and his battle blade seemed to grow larger in an instant.

The fiery battle blade, ten meters long and pointing directly at the sky, slashed towards Roland in an instant. It seemed to slice through a spatial rift.

The dazzling flames were almost as bright as the red moon in the sky.

His entire body seemed to burst into flames, and he roared, "Fiery Strike!" Suddenly, the area within a radius of several hundred square meters around Lin Peng burst into flames.

Three enormous fire giants appeared in an instant, and Roland snorted coldly: "Kill!" Instantly, the sword energy turned into a transparent beam of light.

He slashed horizontally at the blazing light of the fiery sword, and with a thunderous boom, the two forces bounced apart. The sword energy dissipated in an instant, but the flames lingered in mid-air.

As if sensing the flames, the three fire giants casually reached out and grabbed at the air. Instantly, they each wielded three enormous flaming swords.

Those clear yellow eyes looked towards Roland. In an instant, the three fire giants unleashed a flurry of slashes in that direction. Countless flames and explosions rang out.

Such combat prowess left Kappa in awe from afar. He himself was now a formidable expert, a true demon king. However, compared to Lin Peng, it seemed even three of him wouldn't be a match for him.

And that swordsman was indeed the inheritor of the Demon-Slaying Technique. Unexpectedly, he was so powerful. Even under such attacks, he still didn't admit defeat.

The flames completely obscured his figure. However, Lin Peng at this moment did not believe that Roland had lost.

The son of a demon slayer shouldn't be so trashy. Therefore, he never let his guard down, remaining vigilant about everything around him. Of course, this vigilance brought him immediate benefits.

As expected, Roland was not eliminated so easily. The sword energy around him seemed to act like a real shield. While cleaving through or breaking through the flames, it even managed to suddenly dart to his side.

With a cold laugh, their weapons clashed once more. However, this time, Roland screamed and fell backward.

Chapter Five: The Weapon Refiner Competition

In that most critical moment, Lin Peng reacted with incredible speed, directly blocking Roland's fatal blow. Simultaneously, the flames on the ground rapidly coalesced into countless scorching rays of light, piercing Roland's shoulder and sending him flying.

This is Lin Peng's true strength now. He can engage in close combat while simultaneously controlling nearby firepower for surprise attacks and support.

It's no exaggeration to say that he cultivates both magic and martial arts.

This place was originally a garden. However, although the flames have been extinguished, it no longer resembles a garden at all. The battlefield, spanning several thousand meters in radius, is a charred mess.

Meanwhile, Roland, lying on the ground some distance away, blood still flowing from his shoulder, looked at Lin Peng with a cold expression. In the distance, General Casey smiled faintly: "Alright, Roland, you're no match for him!"

Roland seemed a little unconvinced, but Lin Peng laughed and said, "You're not saying I ambushed you, are you? Your attack just now, though ordinary, was still caught off guard if I hadn't reacted quickly!"

"Who said I attacked you by sneak? A loss is a loss. However, you will surely become my whetstone. And I will surely step on you to become the strongest swordsman. Hmph..."

Ignoring the wound on his shoulder, he leaped down to Casey's side.

Lin Peng wasn't doing too well either. He had been slightly injured during the contest of momentum just now, and now he felt completely drained.

He took a deep breath, sensing the fire element in the surrounding space. Then, after slowly adjusting his body, he leaped up and landed beside Shia and the others, just like Roland.

The two exchanged a glance, both conveying a certain meaning. Of course, not that kind of meaning. Rather, it was a fighting spirit. Lin Peng understood that this guy definitely had some powerful moves he hadn't yet used.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be so resentful.

However, the opponent also anticipated that he didn't have any special moves to make. Of course, in reality, Lin Peng actually had quite a few special moves.

Everyone returned to the conference room. This time, Casey's gaze towards Lin Peng was no longer as serious as before; instead, it carried a hint of appreciation.

"I don't care where you got those potions, or what your identity is. But since you're under Shia's command, you must fulfill your responsibilities. Auctioning those potions is a good thing. It'll prevent everyone from pointing the finger at us. But... try not to trade with Kula privately. Even I'm not entirely confident of defeating Kula. So... don't let his men have any way to increase their strength!"

Casey's words were earnest and stern, as if to say, "Either listen to me, or you're facing certain death."

Lin Peng found these words very offensive.

He didn't like being ordered around, and even less so about being threatened. Unless, of course, his strength far surpassed his own. But right now, in terms of sheer power, Shia's side would be severely impacted without him.

Therefore, he believed that he was also qualified to negotiate.

He glanced at Shia, who had remained silent, and chuckled, "General, I'm not your subordinate. Besides, I don't like being ordered around. Even if it's your style, I'm not used to it. Also, whether it's those potions, weapons, my identity, or anything else, I am who I am. I helped Shia, not because he found me, and it's just that I don't like Kula and the others!"

"At the same time, I want to make one thing clear to you!"

The expressions of the general and Roland both seemed to turn cold in an instant.

Lin Peng, without the slightest hesitation, chuckled and said, "I am Lin Peng, I don't belong to this faction or that faction. I help whomever I want, and I like whoever I like! Let me tell you the truth!"

After a pause, Lin Peng smiled strangely, "The Crimson Demon Territory will likely become my territory soon. I also have Demon Emperor-level experts under my command. However, even with my help, we'll still be at a disadvantage!"

Casey frowned, staring intently at Lin Peng for a long time before letting out a cold laugh: "Indeed, as you say, but it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to control the Red Demon territory!"

"why?"

Lin Peng was puzzled. If Jerry really lost his power, and Mingde would soon lose his power as well, then who would be Scar's opponent?

Basically, whoever controls Scars controls the entire territory.

"To be honest, the Crimson Demon Territory isn't really Kula's territory. In fact, Kula doesn't control that many places. The Wind Demon Territory, on the other hand, is completely under his control. And the Blue Demon Territory next door shouldn't be underestimated. Especially the Blue Demon's brother; even I am no match for him now!"

Casey paused, her expression hardening, and then spoke seriously.

"The Demon Lord used to be a Demon Lord-level expert. But, for some reason, he suddenly seemed to have lost his power, and now he has become a Demon Emperor-level expert!"

These words surprised everyone. However, this did not include Medusa and Angelina. It seemed they already knew.

"A Demon Lord, huh? I never imagined there really was one. But now, even a Demon Emperor-level expert isn't someone I'm afraid of!" Lin Peng chuckled lightly after stroking his chin.

"Uncle Casey, is things getting a bit chaotic in the capital now?" After pondering for a long time, Shia finally asked. At the same time, Eileen became even more interested in Lin Peng.

He's not even afraid of a former Demon Lord, now a Demon Emperor. Could it be that this guy has some powerful trump card up his sleeve? There are some things I can't understand, and some things that leave me puzzled.

Disturbed by Shia's words, Casey pondered for a long time before finally saying, "The reason I came here is for this matter. The weapon-refining competition jointly hosted by the Shadow Empire and our empire is about to begin. And you understand the importance of this competition, right? Although Karon has gathered many experts, they are not enough to truly compete with grandmasters. I heard about the top-tier magical weapons in Darkmoon City, so I came here!"

He turned to look at Lin Peng, giving him a once-over: "Kid, you've seen far too little. Leaving aside the affairs of the capital, even the real Crimson Demon Territory isn't what you know it to be. Heh... to be honest, I quite like your temper!"

Trying to get on his good side? Lin Peng pursed his lips. What's so great about that? So what if she's lived a little longer than me in this demon realm? If she's so capable, then tell me why the Red Moon is so dazzling right now, so much like the sun in the human world.

"Weapon Refiner Competition!"

Shia and Eileen exchanged a glance, both noticing the surprise in the other's eyes. This competition must be a crucial turning point in the negotiations!

"Is the Refiner Competition really that important? Heh, the Dark Empire doesn't seem to have that many refiners!" Lin Peng interjected, causing everyone to roll their eyes.

Medusa, on the other hand, also seemed completely unaware.

"The Weapon Refiner Competition is almost always jointly organized by the Shadow Empire and our empire. Of course, very few people have ever been to a place like the Moon Demon Realm, so we're not entirely sure. But, as long as you participate in the Weapon Refiner Competition and win first place, you'll receive a month's worth of funding to research divine artifacts. This year, it should be being held in our empire. So... I think if I win first place, I can research the true power of the Dark Sword!"

Shia frowned and explained seriously.

Lin Peng was somewhat surprised. The Dark Sword was the most powerful artifact of the Dark Empire, wasn't it? If it were used by a member of the royal family, it would definitely be able to challenge opponents of higher levels.

If he manages to gain recognition for this divine artifact within a month, it will essentially be his. Moreover... it seems that as long as he achieves first place, he can truly enter the Weapon Refiner's Guild.

Perhaps, we can also obtain a lot of resources and some powerful forces.

The Refiners' Guild is a universally recognized name in the entire Demon Realm. They are a branch of the Dark Sages' Guild, similar to the Alchemists' Guild and the Magic Circle Guild; they all belong to the Dark Sages' Guild.

This Dark Sage Guild is an organization in the demon realm as powerful as an empire. Sometimes, it can even surpass an empire.

This is because this guild also has branches in the Demon Realm of the Moon. In any of the three great empires, there is definitely a branch of theirs in any city of even moderate size.

It's easy to imagine how powerful such a guild must be.

Basically, it can be concluded that no lord of at least one territory would dare to challenge a local branch leader of the Dark Sages.

However, there are quite a few masters among them. But true grandmasters, or rather, higher-level divine craftsmen, are almost non-existent.

I've only heard that the current president seems to be a grandmaster-level expert.

A Grandmaster can basically make others owe them a lot of favors. If a Great Grandmaster were to step in, saying something like "I'd give someone my life to forge them a full set of equipment," it would be incredibly powerful.

Perhaps, everyone in the entire demon realm will go mad!

"Lin Peng, this time..." Shia frowned, looking pitiful. Lin Peng chuckled and readily agreed, "No problem. Darkmoon City is invincible now, no matter who comes, they can't cause any trouble! So, I can confidently help you secure this opportunity!"

“However…” Lin Peng paused, then turned to look at Casey. After taking a deep breath, he said, “Once we arrive in the capital, I don’t want to be ordered around. Hehe, General Casey, is that alright?”

Casey was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly laughed and patted Lin Peng's shoulder hard: "Alright, future Grandmaster, how dare I order you around!"

As she spoke, she seemed to look at Lin Peng with an appreciative gaze. This kid's temperament really suits my taste!

Chapter Six: The Tragic Story of Lin Peng

The Fiery Chariot was so impressive that even Roland couldn't help but feel envious, let alone ordinary nobles. At this moment, Lin Peng, Eileen, and Roland were seated inside this chariot, heading towards their destination, the imperial capital.

The one driving the carriage was none other than Lei, that kid.

"Lin Peng, your car is quite nice!" Roland has said this countless times, but it's still the same evaluation.

It's safe to say that she definitely had her eye on this carriage.

She gave a faint smile, seemingly not wanting to acknowledge the man: "Even the finest carriage isn't yours. Heh, Roland, this is my carriage!"

Lin Peng smiled victoriously, then turned to look at the astonished scene outside the window.

It will take at least a month to get to the capital. Of course, if we use the speed of the Fiery Chariot, it will definitely not take more than a month. At most, it will only take half a month.