Chapter 49: The Future of the Demon Clan’s Mighty Ones

According to the ancient texts he had read, in the primordial era, the human race, eager for swifter ascension and entry into the celestial realm, began to mercilessly slaughter the demon clans in pursuit of their demon cores. In retaliation, the demon clans declared war on humanity. In the early days of the conflict, humans were caught unprepared, and countless lives were lost before they could even mount a defense.

However, as the war wore on, humanity gradually united, gathering into a formidable force to collectively resist the onslaught of the demon clans. By the later stages, the tide had turned—the humans, once on the brink of defeat, pressed their advantage, relentlessly driving the demons back until the latter were forced to retreat to their own domain.

Originally, the humans intended to eradicate the demon clans entirely, but internal discord thwarted this ambition, and the notion of annihilating the demons was eventually abandoned. It was in this ancient era that demon hunters began to emerge, and by the war's end, they had coalesced into a mighty, influential force.

Strolling through the tranquil grove came Hua Manlou. “Brother Qin, trying to reason with the demon clans is as useless as playing music to a cow. You’ll never get through to them.”

Qin Lang chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Brother Hua, I wasn’t trying to reason with her. I simply wanted her to accept reality—to see that her own kind has abandoned her.”

Hua Manlou was momentarily speechless. This fellow was talking nonsense again. Yet, upon reflection, his words were not without merit. If they could shatter her psychological defenses, it would greatly benefit their interrogation to come.

Glancing at Liu Qingyao before him, Qin Lang’s lips curled in a faint smile. He reached out with his right hand, grasping her delicate chin.

“Tell me, with a face as beautiful as yours, what do you think the humans should do with you?”

At his words, Liu Qingyao trembled, her mind inexplicably conjuring up dreadful possibilities.

Seeing the flicker of fear in her eyes, Qin Lang felt a surge of satisfaction. He didn’t know exactly what fate awaited her, nor what she would endure. But one thing was certain: if Liu Qingyao refused to reveal what she knew, the consequences would be dire. Especially given her remarkable beauty.

Hua Manlou gave a cultured laugh. “Brother Qin, don’t frighten her so. If you scare this girl to death, that would be a grave offense.”

Qin Lang fell silent, inwardly suspecting that this man was out to trip him up.

Had he not been, Hua Manlou would never have said such a thing. Still, Qin Lang conceded he shouldn’t go too far—if he were to frighten her to death, it would indeed be a heavy sin.

Though he had no idea what the Immortal Dynasty wanted with this girl, it was none of his concern. He had no desire to meddle.

Shaking his head, he walked to the river’s edge and glanced over at Liu Qingyao in the distance, speaking mildly, “Brother Hua, once we bring this girl back to the capital, what do you plan to do with her?”

Hua Manlou shook his head lightly in reply. “How she is to be dealt with, I do not know. Our orders are only to capture her—what happens after, that is for those above us to decide. It’s not within our jurisdiction.”

Their task was always to capture—be it humans or demons. As for the ultimate fate of their captives, that was left to higher authorities.

Not receiving the answer he sought, Qin Lang sighed inwardly.

At this moment, Liu Man stepped over to them, his voice low. “What’s this, Brother Qin? Are you so concerned with Liu Qingyao’s fate?”

“Not particularly,” Qin Lang replied with a careless shake of his head. “It’s just that letting her die so easily seems too much of a mercy.”

Hua Manlou and Liu Man were both speechless. This fellow was certainly particular—plainly coveting her beauty, yet speaking as if from the moral high ground.

But they had to admit, it would be a pity for such a lovely creature to die so simply. Then again, Qin Lang truly left none—man or demon—unspared. To be so lustful, he must be unique in all of history.

Noticing the glances exchanged between the two, Qin Lang’s expression twitched in annoyance. He was speechless at their insinuations.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. Throughout their journey, they encountered not a single member of the demon clan—not even a trace—leaving everyone puzzled.

Now, with only three days’ travel left to the capital, the absence of any rescue attempt for Liu Qingyao by the demon clans made them increasingly uneasy.

That night, as the sun set, they gathered in a mountain cave to rest, feasting on roast suckling pig, trying to enjoy themselves—though their hearts were heavy with apprehension. Why had the demon clan made no move to rescue Liu Qingyao? Had they truly abandoned her?

But on second thought, that made no sense. Liu Qingyao was a figure of great importance among the demon clans—their powerful members could never simply forsake her. Even if they intended to give up on her, they would certainly kill her first. To let her fall into human hands would be a devastating blow to the demons.

“Brother Liu, since the demon clan hasn’t sent anyone to rescue Liu Qingyao, does that mean they’ve decided to abandon her?” Qin Lang asked, feigning confusion. He knew the truth, and why the demons kept their distance, but he had to keep up appearances.

If Liu Man learned of his collusion—no, his connection—with the Berserker Immortals, it would be a disaster. At that point, not only would he find no refuge here, but the entire Supreme Purity Realm would reject him.

Humans despised not only the demon and devil clans, but also the Berserker Immortals—those merciless killers born solely for slaughter. Though none had chosen that fate, their very existence inspired terror.

“I’m not sure either,” Liu Man replied, his gaze drifting to Liu Qingyao. “Her status is special. The demon clans couldn’t possibly abandon her. If they were going to, they’d kill her first.”

The demon clan’s actions left him deeply perplexed; he couldn’t fathom what they were up to. If they meant to abandon Liu Qingyao, why not kill her outright? If she fell into the hands of the Immortal Dynasty, the consequences would be unimaginable. The demons’ conduct was simply baffling…

After a few brief words, Liu Man left the cave. He took out a Spirit Image Stone, poured spiritual energy into it, and set it on the ground before him.

Soon, Wang Kai’s figure was projected before his eyes.

Seeing Liu Man, Wang Kai felt a wave of suspicion. Why was this man contacting him again with the Spirit Image Stone? Had some new trouble arisen?

“Liu Man, what’s going on? Why are you contacting me again with the Spirit Image Stone? Has Liu Qingyao already been taken?”

“Not yet,” Liu Man replied, shaking his head. “Liu Qingyao is still in our custody. It’s just that, along the entire journey, we’ve encountered no demon clan experts trying to rescue her.”