Great Demon King

After much listening, Han Shuo learned all the information Rose knew about the Fringe. The made visiting the Land of Chaos his highest priority.

The divine guards began yet another round of flaunting when Han Shuo was on his way out of the hot spring. They were hoping that Han Shuo would do something to them. However, Han Shuo’s mind was fully concerned about the future of his House of Han as well as his future relationship with the House of Sainte. He did not use his demon general to peep at the ladies but straightforwardly departed.

The female divine guards were very disappointed. They sighed and griefed after Han Shuo left them untouched.

Barnard had distributed the divine essences the divine guards won based on each individual’s performance. With Bollands standing beside him and observing the process, none of the divine guards raised any objection. Those who received a divine essence were excited while those who did not were only slightly disappointed instead of feeling dissatisfied.

Both Bollands and Sanguis cultivated only in demonic arts. Divine essences wouldn’t increase their strengths in any way. Gilbert, however, was a dual-cultivator. He had the divine energy of darkness flowing in his body and therefore divine essences could raise his strength. As one of the main fighters in the competition, Gilbert obtained the largest piece of darkness divine essence.

With the team competition between Divine Guard Corps completed, the Fifth Corps divine guards were completely idle temporarily and could properly relax. However, Bollands did not allow these divine guards to relax for extended periods. On the second day, he gathered all the divine guards for an elaborate debriefing. He wanted to make sure that the Company will learn everything there is to learn from the experience.

In the eyes of the major patriarchs and other spectators, the cooperation showed by the Fifth Corps divine guards were miraculous. But to Bollands who commanded the battles, he thought that the divine guards still had much room to improve. He viewed that the divine guards were not cooperative enough during an actual fight. He wanted to unleash the full potential of the divine guards while slowly altering their thoughts, making them consider themselves as a member of the House of Han.

Bollands did not waste time in instilling new ideas into their minds, telling them that the reason they could defeat the Second Corps was all because of their training in the Eight Desolation and Torment Formation and therefore, Han Shuo, being the person who made the Formation, was the true reason behind their success.

Bollands repeatedly and subtly promoted the idea that everything they have and achieved was all bestowed upon by Han Shuo. Under the constant and subtle influence, the divine guards subconsciously accepted the propaganda. Their opinion and view of Han Shuo slowly began to change.

As soon as Wallace finished those words, Ralph, who had been as silent and still as a stone, stepped forward from his corner. He cast a cold glance at Han Shuo before he said to Wallace, “I, Ralph, hereby challenge the Chief Bryan of the Fifth Corps!” Upon finishing those words, Ralph turned to look at Han Shuo in a provocative smirk and said, “Lord Bryan, do you have the courage to accept my challenge?”

Han Shuo had long anticipated this move from Ralph. He was a vindictive man. As he had lost in the team competition, he surely will not let go of this opportunity to get even.

“Of course!” Han Shuo put on a faint smile, bowed at Wallace and said, “I accept his challenge!”

“Alright. The two of you will wait while the other five draw lots. Those who received the unmarked pieces will wait for the next round,” announced Wallace after he nodded lightly. He then looked at Ralph pitifully. How would Ralph even stand a chance against someone who managed to injure City Lord Hofs?

Ralph naturally had no idea about Wallace’s concern. As soon as he heard Han Shuo agreed to his challenge, he sneered, “Good! I shall see if you have the strength to be worthy of the position as a Divine Guard Chief!”

Han Shuo seemed much more unruffled than Ralph. He shrugged and ignored the fact that Ralph existed. He turned to Aobashi and Erebus standing beside him and poked fun at them, “The two of you better not be selected to duel!”

“If my opponent is her, I will immediately surrender,” said Erebus smilingly. He thought that there was nothing wrong with being so amenable to Aobashi and it was what he ought to do.

“Erebus, it is this behavior of yours that I find very uncomfortable! Why do you have to let me have my way in every matter? You will do whatever I told you to. Why can’t you man up a little?” instead of feeling touched, Aobashi rained a round of scolding.

Erebus forced a smile like a miserable wretch and said, “Because I like it.”

Han Shuo was speechless. He thought that no wonder Aobashi had no interest in Erebus for all these while. Han Shuo knew that a strong woman like Aobashi can only be conquered by a stronger man. To Aobashi, a man like Erebus who placed her high on the pedestal was anything but attractive. That was why Erebus had failed to capture Aobashi’s heart even after many years of wooing.

“If you are like Bryan, perhaps I would have accepted you!” said Aobashi angrily as she glared at Erebus.

Upon hearing those words, Erebus’ face turned astounded. He instantly turned his head towards Han Shuo. Han Shuo too was rather surprised. He raised and waved his hands and immediately declared, “There is absolutely nothing between Aobashi and me!”

“Hehe!” Aobashi chuckled and then berated Erebus, “What were you thinking? I was just trying to tell you that you need to man up and be more unyielding. I don’t like a man who does everything I say!”

Erebus let out a sigh of relief after hearing those words. He forced a smile and mumbled to himself, “Is it wrong to treat you well? Duh… Women…”

Han Shuo turned to look at Aobashi. He suddenly felt that Aobashi’s gazes towards him seemed rather strange. His heart jolted. <i>She can’t be into me, right?</i> When Han Shuo thought so, he took yet another look at Aobashi. Even his gazes turned somewhat strange.