Chapter 2144: Hell

"You probably won't be able to learn this," Zu An replied casually. The other three didn't pay much attention, understanding that no one would expose their closely guarded secrets.

At this point, the Dread Shadow Demon spoke, "Let's get back to business. These past few days, a few of us have killed some important generals near the Dragon Palace and controlled them with Soul-Devouring Demon Spiders. Even if your identity is exposed now, we won't fear any major upheaval from the sea race."

Zu An's heart sank. It seemed the situation was even worse than he had imagined.

These individuals were likely associated with the Lord of All Transformations. They had separated earlier to control key figures near the Dragon Palace.

In retrospect, it was fortunate they separated, as it gave him the chance to kill the Lord of All Transformations and take his place. Otherwise, if these individuals had been present, he probably would have been discovered.

"Haha, thank you all for your efforts. It seems our grand plan is nearing completion." Though Zu An's heart was heavy, his face was full of smiles.

"I heard you captured the Merman Queen recently and have completely conquered her. When can I have a turn with her?" the Flame Demon Sea Demon said, smiling slyly. "I've long wanted to try out those beautiful mermaids. I heard the queen appears dignified and reserved, but deep down, she's very passionate. I like that kind the most."

Zu An's eyes narrowed. These demons truly had no sense of shame, discussing such matters as if it were commonplace.

If Shang Hongyu had indeed fallen into the hands of these demons, he couldn't imagine how tragic her fate would have been.

"No," he refused coldly.

The Flame Demon Sea Demon's expression changed. "We all contributed to this. Why should you enjoy her alone?"

"If you're so capable, why don't *you* become the Dragon King?" Zu An said calmly, thinking that if he got the chance, this would be the first one he killed.

"You!" The Flame Demon Sea Demon abruptly stood up. However, remembering that this was the Dragon Palace, and having been shaken by the other's recent display of power, he hesitated, unsure whether to make a move.

The Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor watched from the side with schadenfreude, hoping they would fight so he could reap the benefits.

At this point, the Dread Shadow Demon stepped in to mediate. "Enough! With such a significant task before us, how can we afford to create internal discord? Have you forgotten about the Demon Race's Sealed Land?"

At these words, the Flame Demon Sea Demon slumped back into his seat, losing all pretense of challenging Zu An.

Even the Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor felt somewhat dejected, losing his mood for watching the drama unfold.

"Is that Zu An really that formidable? He pacified such a massive conflict in the Sealed Land," the Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor said in a deep voice.

Zu An's expression was strange; he never expected these individuals to be discussing him. So, he went along with it, saying, "I used to think it was just a coincidence that the War Priest died at his hands. Now, I can't believe the Death Controller, Iron Fist Locke, and the Scorpion King also fell at his hands."

He dared not be too specific, fearing he might expose himself.

"More than that," the Flame Demon Sea Demon sighed, "even the Shadow Demon King is dead. Among us here, who can claim to be stronger than him?"

A strange silence immediately fell over the room. Zu An's heart stirred; it seemed these demons were well aware of each other's strengths. The former Shadow Demon King had indeed exuded a powerful oppressive aura, certainly stronger than these three individuals.

"Aside from the Shadow Demon King, even the legendary Lord of Slaughter seems to have died. I truly cannot imagine how a human could be so powerful," the Dread Shadow Demon said with difficulty.

The Shadow Demon King was someone he admired, so this news was a huge blow.

As for the Lord of Slaughter, he was an even more legendary figure in the Demon Realm.

Hearing several powerful demons sighing there, Zu An found it somewhat amusing. He never imagined that one day he would be more terrifying in the demons' eyes than the demons themselves.

"I still find it impossible," the Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor shook his head, clearly unable to accept such a thing. "Not to mention the Shadow Demon King, how could a legendary figure like the Lord of Slaughter lose to a human from this world? A few days ago, a terrifying aura suddenly appeared in the Sealed Land, as if some great being had descended. In my opinion, those two probably died at the hands of that being."

"That does seem more likely," a hint of dread appeared on the faces of both the Dread Shadow Demon and the Flame Demon Sea Demon. If their feeling towards Zu An was wariness, then their feeling towards *that* being was one of genuine submission and terror.

"I wonder why such a being would descend here," Zu An added, playing along.

"No one knows what happened there; all the demons in the Sealed Land are dead," the Dread Shadow Demon said, his body trembling slightly.

"Speaking of which, we're quite lucky. When we split into three groups, we thought we drew the short straw. But now it seems our path is the most likely to succeed," the Flame Demon Sea Demon chuckled, attempting to reassure everyone.

Zu An's heart stirred. Three groups?

One group went to the Sealed Land, one came to the Sea Race. What about the third group?

"Indeed. According to the latest intelligence we've received, it seems we've stumbled upon a great treasure. When we eventually conquer this world, we will claim the greatest merit and receive the largest share of benefits," the Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor declared boisterously.

Zu An wondered what "great treasure" he was referring to. Judging by their excited expressions, they must have recently acquired some secret, and the Lord of All Transformations must have known about it.

Therefore, he couldn't ask, lest he expose himself.

All signs indicated that this great treasure likely resided within the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons.

"However, everyone should still be careful," Zu An said deliberately, hoping to probe for information. "We haven't heard any news of Zu An in the Demon Race or Human Race for a long time. It's possible he might be heading towards the Sea Race."

"The Lord of All Transformations has a point; we certainly cannot let our guard down," the Dread Shadow Demon nodded.

"Why should we fear him?" the Bloodthirsty Crocodile Ancestor licked his lips. "In a few more days, we'll be able to enter the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons. Once we get that item, what can that human do to us? Hmph, if it weren't for this world's barrier suppressing our cultivation, why would we ever fear a mere human? When the time comes, I'll let him experience my Death Roll and tear him to shreds."

Zu An's heart twitched. The secret was indeed in the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons, and they intended to enter and obtain that item.

He didn't know what that item specifically was, but it seemed to imply that it could free them from the suppression of this world's barrier.

His expression became serious at this thought. If things spiraled out of control, it could truly be dangerous.

"Hmph, you are too reckless," the Dread Shadow Demon snorted. "Have you forgotten about Kachil and his group?"

As expected, Zu An thought, Kachil and these individuals were not allied.

"Collaborating with those creatures from Hell is far too dangerous. If we're not careful and they drag us into Hell, we'll suffer greatly," the Flame Demon Sea Demon shivered involuntarily, clearly wary of Hell.

"Hell?" Zu An was surprised to have gathered so much information today.

So, Hell truly exists in this world!

No wonder the sea patrol yakshas had an aura of necromancy; it seems they must be from Hell.

"We are simply taking what we need," the Dread Shadow Demon said gravely. "They need our help, and we need their abilities to jointly open the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons. However, what they've told us may not be entirely true, so everyone must remain extremely vigilant to avoid being tricked by those creatures from Hell without even realizing it."

Zu An had originally planned to find an opportunity to eliminate these individuals, as they threatened the safety of an entire world, and he worried about potential complications.

However, upon hearing this, he realized that multiple parties were needed to open the Tomb of Ten Thousand Dragons, so he temporarily abandoned that idea.

Perhaps he could even exploit the animosity between the two sides. Otherwise, it would be difficult if they united against him.

"To avoid unnecessary trouble, we will try to show ourselves as little as possible in the coming days and lie low in the Dragon Palace," the group instructed Zu An as they departed. "Summon us anytime if anything happens, especially if there's any unusual activity from Hell's side."

Zu An readily agreed, but inwardly he was pondering. Shang Hongyu had mentioned that Kachil was clearly a master of the Shark Tribe. How could he also be a visitor from Hell?

Did Hell also possess the ability to disguise appearances?