Chapter 25. Leaving the Bamboo Forest (3)

"…Therefore, the estimated expenses for the upcoming Basun Festival are approximately 57,000 gold taels."

The vast hall, usually filled with darkness, was brightly lit today.

On either side of the high dais, numerous demons stood respectfully. The demonic aura they emitted was so intense that the air in the hall seemed to be scorching.

However, no matter how intense their demonic aura was, it could not compare to the presence of the demon god seated on the dais.

His massive build, with his elbows resting on the armrests and his chin in his hand, looked extremely languid. In one hand, he held a wine glass, and beside him stood a woman of extraordinary beauty, holding a wine bottle.

"…"

An odd silence fell.

Li Chanshang lifted his glass.

Gulp, gulp.

He slowly drained the glass, sip by sip.

Even with the highest-ranking figures of the new religion standing before him, the key figures of the inner city watching, and the heads of the outer city listening, he showed no sign of hesitation.

His appearance exuded a sense of supreme power and infinite freedom. Although it was necessary to act appropriately for the sake of the elders' authority, he showed no such restraint.

And no one dared to challenge him.

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a dignified build, who had been bowing on the left side of the dais, straightened his back.

"The expenses have increased by 12,000 taels compared to last year. With the outer hall strike teams on missions, there should be many vacancies, yet the expenses have increased rather than decreased. I request that the head of the Joyful Hall explain the reason."

A woman standing in the sixth position on the right side of the hall stepped forward and bowed.

She had a bewitching presence and a stunning beauty. Though she appeared to be in her early thirties, she was actually close to fifty, the head of the Joyful Hall, Su Lianxin.

"Your humble servant, the head of the Joyful Hall, reports to the Holy God. This time, the participation of the four families, led by the Ma Jian family, in the Basun Festival is expected. These seven families have been protecting our religion for hundreds of years, and it is appropriate to show the grandeur and magnanimity of the new religion through proper rewards."

Wu Tan nodded.

"The head of the Joyful Hall's words are reasonable. However, the grandeur of our religion has been proven by history and continues to this day, and will remain eternal for a thousand years. Additionally, if they participate in the festival, the heads of the families will receive the Six Heavens Heart Wine from the Holy God."

"…"

"The grandeur and magnanimity of our religion are shown by the Holy God, not by money. Therefore, I order you to reduce the estimated expenses and resubmit the approval documents."

"I have realized the shortcoming of my thoughts. I apologize for my inadequacy and promise to resubmit the approval documents before noon tomorrow."

Su Lianxin took a step back.

The one who spreads the Holy Words on behalf of the Holy God and decides on the reports of the ministers as the Holy God's proxy.

At first glance, the authority of the Great Law Master seems to reach the heavens, but everyone gathered here knew that the Great Law Master was ultimately just a puppet.

What Wu Tan says is what the Holy God says. It is not because of a close relationship with the Holy God, but because he only says what the Holy God wants to hear.

Therefore, the demons did not envy or admire Wu Tan.

Although he has the Holy God's trust, he ultimately holds the position farthest from power.

Wu Tan turned to Li Chanshang.

His act of kneeling and bowing was filled with reverence.

"Thus, the progress of the internal and external demon leaders' tasks has been reported."

Li Chanshang turned his glass to the side.

The woman carefully refilled his glass.

As he took the glass, Li Chanshang said,

"Good work."

All the demons in the hall knelt.

"Reigning Holy Religion, Heavenly Demon Immortal!"

The kneeling demons bowed their heads.

"Grateful for the Holy God's blessing!"

From the Holy God to the highest-ranking power holder of the new religion, the head of the Elder Council, all showed deep reverence towards the deity.

Though there are many powerful figures in the world, none are as powerful as this.

"Rise."

Thud.

All the demons stood up. It was quick but respectful.

"…"

Silence fell.

Li Chanshang, having drained his glass again, spoke.

"Is the first one still in seclusion?"

Wu Tan bowed his head.

"He has not yet left the Three Demon Halls."

"Is that so."

"Yes, Holy God."

Li Chanshang looked to the left.

His eyes fell on the young men and women standing in the back of the left row, in front of a massive stone statue.

"Second one."

"Did you call me, Holy God?"

The young man standing closest to the dais stepped forward.

The young man's appearance was ordinary. He was quite tall, but his overall look was unremarkable.

However, the young man had one distinctive feature.

An extremely cold aura, as if a brazier would cool down with just a breath, was that feature.

"Are you going to enter seclusion again?"

Guan Ping, the second disciple of the Heavenly Demon Religion, bowed.

"Wu has already become a part of my life. I believe seclusion is meaningless until the next period of change."

It was quite a bold statement. Given his position, it could be considered impolite.

But Li Chanshang did not take issue with it at all.

"Teaching is unnecessary for one who knows where he stands. Act as you see fit."

"Thank you."

The faces of the demons gathered in the hall showed surprise.

Li Chanshang had never called his disciples to such a formal meeting before. They were of high status but held no official positions.

It was shocking that he called the second disciple, and the words he spoke to him were even more shocking.

For someone who usually spares praise for martial arts, to say such things was quite remarkable. Considering Li Chanshang's usual words and actions, it was a tremendous compliment.

"Fourth one."

"Yes, Holy God."

The fourth disciple, Hong Weimin, stepped forward.

"You seem different from a few days ago. It looks like you've been putting in a lot of effort."

Hong Weimin bowed his head.

"Thank you."

"But it's late."

"…"

"To overwhelm everyone, you must throw yourself in and out again. Enlightenment is hard to come by even then."

"…"

"Strive harder."

"Yes, Holy God."

Hong Weimin took a step back.

His expression was calm. It was not just a pretense; he truly felt no emotional disturbance.

Because it was not different from what Li Chanshang usually said. When the second disciple received praise, he was somewhat surprised, but that was all. What he needed now was not martial arts but expanding his influence.

Li Chanshang spoke again.

"Fifth one."

"Yes, Holy God."

A woman stepped forward.

Instantly, the hall seemed to brighten.

Unlike the second disciple's cold aura, she exuded a sense of indifference to everything. However, her beauty was so outstanding that it overshadowed her indifference.

Her beauty was both elegant and not overwhelming, close yet unapproachable, and her figure, honed by martial arts, was perfect.

She was Zhou Ruiyun, the fifth lady of the Heavenly Demon Religion, who evoked the phrase "a beauty that could topple a nation, perfect in every way."

Li Chanshang quietly looked at her. Similarly, Zhou Ruiyun maintained an indifferent expression, looking straight ahead.

A moment of silence.

Then, Li Chanshang's words shocked everyone.

"Quite good."

The eyes of the high-ranking officials wavered.

Guan Ping's eyes deepened, and Hong Weimin's cheeks trembled. Li Chanshang had never given such an evaluation to a disciple before.

"Your current martial arts have reached the limit of what your talent can achieve. After this meeting, follow the head of the Law Hall and choose one of the Ten Great Demon Arts."

Zhou Ruiyun bowed her head.

"The Holy God's grace is immeasurable."

"Good work."

She took a step back.

Despite receiving such high praise, she did not flinch. She looked like a doll with no emotions.

Whoosh.

The air in the hall heated up.

Li Chanshang, evaluating the fifth lady, surpassed the second and fourth disciples.

Evaluating disciples in such a formal setting could be interpreted in many ways. This evaluation would benefit some and harm others.

Of course, the Demon God did not care about the worldly struggles. He simply spoke and evaluated when he wanted to, and observed the board.

Like a god looking down on humans on earth.

"When will the sixth one return?"

"Since the Jujing family is participating in the Basun Festival, she said she will attend with the family head."

"Is that so."

"Yes, Holy God."

Li Chanshang looked at the last girl.

She was just a little over ten years old. She was so cute that one might want to pinch her cheeks.

But anyone could see that something was wrong.

Her face, which should have been bright, looked very gaunt. Her complexion was pale, her eyes were dark, and her body was quite thin, making her clothes very loose.

She was Cai Lemin, the seventh lady of the Heavenly Demon Religion and Li Chanshang's last disciple.

"Little one."

"Yes, Holy God."

Her voice, trying to sound strong, evoked pity in those who heard it.

Confusion clouded Guan Ping's face, and Hong Weimin's eyes turned cold. The only one whose expression did not change was Zhou Ruiyun.

"You seem to have neglected your health."

The one sitting on the throne, overlooking everything, knew Cai Lemin's condition but pretended not to.

"I apologize, Holy God."

"Our religion does not coddle the young. If you were strong, you wouldn't be in this state."

Grip.

Cai Lemin clenched her fist, hidden by her sleeve.

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but she held them back. Even though she didn't understand much about the world, she knew she shouldn't show tears in this situation.

"Strive harder."

"Yes, Holy God."

Li Chanshang extended his glass to the side. The woman refilled it. Already, three empty bottles were on the jade table.

Li Chanshang spoke calmly.

"I have not taught you how to rest. If you truly want to seize the next great power, do not be bound by limits."

The air in the hall suddenly turned cold.

Li Chanshang mentioned the next great power. As it was the first time mentioned in an official setting, the tension it brought was extraordinary.

Guan Ping's eyes sharpened, and Hong Weimin unconsciously clenched his fists. In contrast, Zhou Ruiyun's expression remained unchanged, and Cai Lemin was struggling to breathe.

Li Chanshang drained his glass in one go.

Unlike before, he did not savor it slowly. He emptied it in one gulp and carelessly threw the glass away.

Clash!

The elegant wine glass shattered. Everyone froze at the unexpected action of the Holy God.

Li Chanshang stood up.

He looked at the door of the hall.

"Enter."

At the same time, a clear voice echoed from outside the door.

"The third disciple, Xuliang, answers the Holy God's call!"

Boom!

The heavy door opened to the sides.

The deep red carpet running through the center of the hall shone brightly in the gradually brightening sunlight, displaying its original splendor.

A young man appeared there.

On a spotless white martial uniform, he wore a neat yet elegant dark blue silk robe. The golden tassels hanging from the red sash and the fluttering edges of the robe in the wind gave an endless sense of freedom.

The faces of the demons watching the young man were filled with admiration.

His posture, properly dressed, was like that of a young king in the land of immortals. His stern face and confident gait, much like Li Chanshang's, exuded a sense of nobility.

The high-ranking officials of the new religion, who were initially amazed, soon showed expressions of disbelief. They had just realized that this handsome young man was the third disciple, Xuliang, who had awakened from demonic possession.

Puff.

A translucent red mist rose from his feet. The naturally emanating demonic aura completed the young man's presence.

How intense must the quality of the demonic aura be to create such tension? How much immense demonic power must he possess for it to leak out unintentionally?

His tall figure, distinct features, and the deep, elegant demonic aura were truly impressive.

Guan Ping's mouth dropped open. Hong Weimin's eyes were bloodshot. Even Zhou Ruiyun, who had shown no expression changes, looked at the young man with a wavering gaze.

Thud, thud.

In the hall filled with silence, only the young man's footsteps echoed heavily. Despite everyone's focus on him, he did not flinch.

Finally, the young man reached the steps in front of the dais and looked up at Li Chanshang.

Their eyes met in the air.

His attitude towards the Holy God was quite rude. But Li Chanshang did not mind, and the young man remained calm.

After a moment, the young man bowed his head.

"The third disciple, Xuliang, pays respects to the Holy God."

Flash!

A faint demonic aura rose from Li Chanshang's eyes.

His face, looking down at the young man, showed admiration that no one had ever seen before.

"Excellent."

The demons were shocked.

Li Chanshang continued.

"How was it there? Was it a good place to take a walk?"

The young man, Xuliang, lifted his head.

His expression was neither smiling nor crying, but very strange.

"It was so refreshing that I wondered if it was even possible."

Li Chanshang nodded.

Xuliang, who had been looking up at him, suddenly looked around.

All the demons were staring at him as if he were a strange object. There was not a single exception.

Xuliang's face gradually twisted like a crumpled bronze bowl. Even if he danced in the market, he wouldn't receive this much attention.

That Holy God, he really knows how to make people uncomfortable.

'…Damn!'

Thus, Xuliang returned.