Chapter 1421: A Huge Windfall

Long Tian furrowed his brows as he spoke, the smile on his face fading. Despite his considerable acting skills and mental fortitude, he could no longer hide the disappointment in his heart upon seeing that the newcomers were nothing special.

That subtle change in expression was clearly noticed by everyone present.

At the front of the crowd.

Master Lu and Lu Qingshan, seasoned veterans, stood with their eyes lowered, calmly observing. After a single glance, they could see through Long Tian's cultivation level, and their disdain deepened. They almost couldn't help but curse under their breath.

This demon brat, what a talent he is.

His level of skill wouldn't even make him a background character on Shadow Island. He couldn't even handle four dishes. If it weren't for the Fifth Miss's orders, who would bother putting on this act for him?

And yet, he actually looks down on everyone.

Sigh, this guy really has no self-awareness. The so-called demon genius is nothing more than an ignorant pawn in the grand scheme of things. It's truly pitiful.

Instantly.

Everyone stood with their hands behind their backs, too lazy to engage in conversation.

Fortunately, the Star God Guards quickly stepped in with a smile to explain, slightly easing the awkward atmosphere.

"Lord Star Master, please understand!"

"These are all esteemed seniors from our Cloud Star. Their cultivation is far beyond what we brothers can match. It was no easy task to invite these seniors to assist us. My lord, you must not be discourteous to them..."

The Star God Guards were originally butchers' assistants, having done business on Shadow Island for many years. They dealt with square-dancing aunties daily and had encountered countless big shots. Their ability to read the room was naturally top-notch.

Their words not only gave face to Master Lu and the others but also subtly reprimanded Long Tian. Their choice of words and tone were perfectly measured.

Hearing the whispered explanation, Long Tian was momentarily stunned.

Stronger than the Star God Guards...

Could it be that these dozens of people are all at the Heavenly Transformation Realm, or even at the early stages of the Law Realm?

Could Cloud Star really have so many experts?

How is that possible?

Long Tian naturally didn't believe this easily, and his suspicions grew. However, he couldn't help but glance at the crowd with a bit of curiosity.

After observing for a few moments.

He couldn't sense any aura from them, but it seemed like they might actually have some substance.

Finally.

Long Tian began to take the crowd seriously, seizing the opportunity to test them with a smile.

"Gentlemen."

"I, the Star Master, am about to lead a campaign against the demons. If I have been discourteous in my haste, I hope you will forgive me."

As he spoke, Long Tian secretly activated his full aura pressure.

He was once a demon genius. By personally testing them, he could easily discern the depth of their cultivation!

If they truly had some skill, it would be a great boon for his revenge plan. If not, he could also use this chance to intimidate these Cloud Star locals, making them understand who the true master of Cloud Star was now.

At the very least, they should be prepared to serve as cannon fodder!

This silent test was a brilliant move, killing two birds with one stone.

Long Tian clasped his fists with a smile, his eyes exuding the domineering aura of a Star Master!

But the next moment.

His extraordinary aura pressure passed over the crowd like a gentle breeze. The leading elders remained calm, their eyes lowered, not even a corner of their robes fluttering.

Instantly, Long Tian was stunned.

No way?

Are these people's cultivation levels all stronger than mine?

Could it be, as the Star God Guards said, that they are all genuine Cloud Star experts?!

Suddenly.

Long Tian's eyes widened, and his face showed a hint of awkwardness, caught between a rock and a hard place.

He quickly turned to look at the Star God Guards, his shock barely contained!

"This, this!"

He didn't believe it before, and now he's embarrassed after being proven wrong.

Truly, he won't turn back until he hits a wall, a complete fool!

The Star God Guards were inwardly cursing Long Tian, but for the sake of the bigger picture, they continued to play along with a smile.

"Uh..."

"Lord Star Master, everything we said is absolutely true."

"Indeed, these seniors have been in seclusion for tens of thousands of years. They only emerged upon hearing of the impending demon slaughter. Please understand, my lord!"

"My lord, you must not be discourteous. We must prioritize the greater good."

Hearing this, Long Tian's eyes widened even more!

True hidden seniors?

These are dozens of high-level Heavenly Transformation Realm experts!

Not to mention tens of thousands of years, even an entire era might not produce so many experts. For Cloud Star to have such a foundation is simply unbelievable.

I've never heard of Cloud Star being this formidable.

Could it be that Cloud Star was once truly glorious?

Or is there some unknown secret?

Shock and excitement swept through Long Tian's body, his heart surging with waves of emotion. Despite having countless questions, his mind was momentarily overwhelmed.

His dumbfounded expression made him look like a country bumpkin who had never seen the world.

Master Lu and the others inwardly shook their heads in exasperation, too lazy to bother. Remembering their mission and the bet of ten movie tickets, they finally revealed a hint of their aura and clasped their fists in response.

"We have come only to slay demons and will follow the Star Master's commands!"

"Our hearts are set on demon slaying. We hope the Star Master understands."

Though reluctant, they put on a full performance, giving Long Tian some face while also releasing waves of ancient power.

Instantly.

A dazzling light gathered among the crowd, spreading like a river through the elegant courtyard. The entire Star Master's residence was enveloped in endless radiance, the terrifying aura silencing the entire city!

Even though they only revealed a fraction of their power, the gentle release of ancient force was enough to make Long Tian's face pale, as if a ten-thousand-pound boulder was pressing down on his shoulders.

From the moment they clasped their fists to the release of their aura, it only took a few seconds.

But to Long Tian, it felt like an eternity, as if he had been imprisoned in endless darkness for tens of thousands of years, making it hard to breathe and causing immense suffering.

When the words finally ended.

The surrounding pressure dissipated, and Long Tian felt as if he had been reborn.

Though his body felt much lighter, he didn't dare to breathe heavily. His eyes were fixed on the crowd, as if he had seen a ghost!

Heavenly Transformation experts...

The pure ancient power they released was undoubtedly from true high-level Heavenly Transformation Realm experts. Especially the elders at the front, who might have even reached the early stages of the Law Realm.

These people are all big shots.

Even in the Demon Capital, they could potentially rank among the leaders!

Holy crap...

What kind of godly lineup is this?

Cloud Star's foundation is terrifyingly strong. This is unbelievable!

The surroundings suddenly became eerily quiet.

Long Tian was plunged into a state of existential doubt.

He hadn't had high expectations initially, only wanting to test the crowd and give them a warning, making them understand their role as cannon fodder.

But now.

In terms of cultivation level, it seemed he was the cannon fodder?

What the hell!

When we attack the demons, who's leading whom?

After realizing what he thought was the truth, Long Tian's fair face turned red with embarrassment. He fidgeted awkwardly, unable to utter a word.

Seeing his sudden meekness, Master Lu and the others found him more tolerable. They clasped their fists again, their eyes filled with textbook-level acting skills and smiles.

"Lord Star Master, do you now believe that we are truly committed to slaying demons?"

As soon as the words fell, Long Tian was startled.

"I believe, I believe!"

Seeing that the guy had finally come around, Master Lu smiled and made a statement, subtly signaling the others. Instantly, the courtyard was filled with declarations of loyalty.

"My lord, we will surely assist in the demon-slaying cause and follow your commands!"

"From now on, we will follow your lead!"

"Our hearts are set on demon slaying. Heaven and earth bear witness!"

Suddenly witnessing a group of big shots pledging their loyalty, Long Tian was so shocked he took several steps back, his face filled with disbelief and fear.

"This, this..."

"I, how could I be worthy..."

In the past.

He had considerable prestige among the demons, leading various troops with ease.

But now.

Suddenly faced with a group of high-level Heavenly Transformation Realm experts, possibly on par with demon leaders, how could he have the confidence to command these big shots?

Having strong allies should have been a great joy, but when they were so far beyond his level, it turned into shock and burden.

These subordinates were too strong. Long Tian doubted he could handle them!

That look of unease and nervousness was immediately seen through by Master Lu, who stepped forward with a smile to comfort him, deftly placing a big hat on his head!

"Lord Star Master, please do not be modest!"

"You are the rightful ruler of Cloud Star, ordained by heaven to lead us in demon slaying. It is only natural for us, as Cloud Star cultivators, to follow your commands!"

"From now on, anyone who dares to defy your orders is defying the will of heaven. We will surely grind them to dust!"

Lu Qingshan and the other seasoned veterans chimed in, their words full of motivational flavor.

"Indeed, the demon-slaying cause concerns the safety of the entire galaxy. Besides you, Lord Star Master, I can't think of anyone else qualified to lead us."

"Ah, yes, yes! Besides the Star Master, I won't follow anyone else!"

"We respectfully await your orders, Lord Star Master. We will follow you to the death!"

By the end, everyone had clasped their fists, showing their sincerity!

Dozens of high-level Heavenly Transformation Realm experts paying their respects—this was a scene unlike any other. Even the once lofty Demon Lord had never enjoyed such glory.

Witnessing this, Long Tian's throat moved involuntarily.

"Gulp..."

He was moved.

Seeing the big shots being so respectful, Long Tian suddenly felt like he had what it took.

A subtle sense of accomplishment began to grow wildly in his heart, while his previous emotions gradually merged into a river of joy, quietly flowing out of his heart.

Having so many powerful subordinates was an unexpected opportunity, a windfall beyond his wildest dreams. Not only could they destroy some demon outposts, but they might even be able to attack the Demon Capital...

Even if it meant mutual destruction, he would make the demons pay in blood!

If they succeeded in annihilating the demons, not only would he avenge his clan, but he could also restore Cloud Star's glory and become a legendary figure in human history!

He might not even need to fight personally, perhaps just coasting to victory.

What a huge windfall.

This was truly a heaven-sent opportunity.

Such incredible luck must be what humans call "fortune after misfortune."

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. A glint of brilliance gradually appeared in Long Tian's eyes.

He had worked hard among the demons for most of his life, at best receiving empty promises from the Demon Lord, only to end up with his clan annihilated.

Truly, even a dog had it better.

Now, among humans, in just a few days, he had risen to a position of power and honor!

Comparing the two, even a fool would know which path to take.

Demons?

Hah, from now on, they're strangers.

Those enemies must be personally destroyed to quell the hatred in his heart!

At this moment.

Long Tian's heart was free of any distractions.

His blood boiled with excitement, and his voice was filled with confidence!

"Since you all are so enthusiastic, I will not decline!"

"Though my cultivation is shallow, for the sake of annihilating the demons, I will shamelessly lead you all. As the saying goes, speed is crucial in war. I hereby issue my command: all those with the heart to slay demons may join the demon-slaying army. We will assemble at the Ancient Corridor in one hour to attack the nearest demon outpost!"

Watching the spirited Long Tian wave his hand, Master Lu and the others smiled and clasped their fists in response. They then secretly sent messages to Shadow Island, and the Star Master's orders spread from Luohai City to all major immortal domains.

Soon.

Countless streams of light converged from all directions into the sky, like meteors illuminating the night. The extraordinary sight made all living beings look up in awe, and the battle fervor had already ignited the starry sea!