Chapter 2300: Doubt

Zu An quickly responded, "Just say I injured my throat fighting the natives in that other world."

Sorensi nodded slightly and rapidly communicated with Ah Dejiang.

Hearing about his injury, Ah Dejiang was greatly alarmed and started making loud, squawking noises while pulling Zu An. Sorensi quickly translated for him: "He's greeting you and expressing concern."

Zu An had already discerned the fawning look on Ah Dejiang's face, so he deliberately shook off the man's hand, feigning impatience. Sorensi smoothly handled the situation. Sensing the young master's annoyance, Ah Dejiang dared not ask more questions and chuckled apologetically, "Young Master, let me escort you back to rest first."

Zu An hummed in agreement, gesturing for him to lead the way.

On the way, Ah Dejiang, seemingly eager to curry favor, chattered incessantly like a true motor-mouth. Though Zu An was somewhat worried about revealing their deception, he realized that Ah Dejiang's talkativeness was an opportunity to gather more information, so he subtly gestured for Sorensi to keep the conversation going.

"Young Master, everyone has been eagerly awaiting your return, wishing upon stars and moons," Ah Dejiang described with exaggerated expression.

"Oh, why?"

"Of course, because they miss you, Young Master."

"Tell me the truth!"

"Heh heh, those people are all waiting for the blood-food you send to break their fast, and the elemental stones you provide each time. As for me, naturally, I truly miss you, Young Master." Ah Dejiang patted his chest, pledging his loyalty.

"Oh, are the elemental stones you've been sending still sufficient?" After some practice, Sorensi had gradually grown accustomed to speaking on Zu An's behalf.

"Elemental stones are needed everywhere. First and foremost, they're essential to maintain the various spell formations in this underground city. These formations consume vast amounts of elemental stones every moment. How could there ever be enough?" Ah Dejiang said with a bitter expression.

"Is it only our clan that provides these elemental stones?" Sorensi interjected with her own question. As an outsider saintess, her momentary curiosity about these unfamiliar matters was understandable. As expected, Ah Dejiang showed no suspicion. On the contrary, he was somewhat impressed by how well the young master had "trained" these saintesses from other worlds, making them so quickly adopt this place as their own world. "Of course not, but our True Devil clan is one of the most powerful races, so naturally, we bear the greatest responsibility."

"Oh, do you know which other powerful races exist?" Sorensi asked, following up.

"There are also..." Ah Dejiang was about to speak when his expression suddenly darkened. "Those are all fleeting memories now. It's uncertain if the concept of the True Devil clan will even exist in the future."

"Why?" Sorensi asked curiously.

The other party was beautiful, and her way of guiding the conversation was remarkably artful. Who could refuse a pretty, naive girl seeking knowledge with gentle words?

Ah Dejiang cautiously glanced at Zu An. Seeing no sign of displeasure, he then explained in a low voice, "With destruction imminent, the Demon Lord led everyone to establish this underground layer. Because the outside world has been destroyed, resources and supplies are scarce. Therefore, the Demon Lord has ordered the underground layer to enter military control, with all supplies uniformly distributed by him."

Hearing this, Zu An's expression became somewhat peculiar. He had never expected these demons to be living in such dire straits here; no wonder they were so desperately trying to conquer the cultivation world. He actually wanted to ask if the various clans had any complaints about this rationing system, but he knew very well that such a question was not appropriate for his current identity, so he temporarily suppressed his doubts. At the same time, he secretly pondered a way to break free from this situation. Having Sorensi relay messages might work for a short while, but if they couldn't find a permanent solution, problems would soon arise.

Just then, Ah Dejiang took the opportunity to inquire about the identities of the other women from Sorensi, wondering why there were more people than he had imagined. Sorensi proceeded to introduce the women. When she introduced Jiang Luofu, Ah Dejiang was instantly filled with profound respect. "As expected of the Young Master!"

"This woman is truly something else. Beautiful face, large breasts, slender waist, and long legs. The key is those alluring black-stockinged legs, seeming to emanate a tempting luster. If those two legs were to squeeze something, it would probably send one straight to heaven. Especially that proud and cold aura on her face, coupled with her current unwilling subjugation as a female slave – it's absolutely captivating to witness. The Young Master certainly enjoys the finest things."

The True Devil clan was the closest to humans in the demon world, so their aesthetic tastes were naturally highly similar.

Sensing his roving gaze, Jiang Luofu quietly asked Sorensi, "What's he saying?" Sorensi suppressed a smile. "He's complimenting your beauty." Jiang Luofu snorted. She naturally didn't believe it. Although she couldn't understand his language, she could sense the lecherous intent in his eyes. If the current situation hadn't been so delicate, she would have probably gouged out his eyes.

Ah Dejiang's gaze then fell upon Ji Xiaoxi. Seeing her gentle and charming appearance, his reverence for the Young Master flowed like an endless river. He wondered how the Young Master managed to find so many beauties of such diverse styles. He hoped that one day, after the Young Master tired of them, he might be granted some leftover benefits.

Soon, he led everyone to a cluster of mountains, which was clearly the territory of the True Devil clan. There was no concept of individual rooms here; instead, the residences were cave dwellings nestled within the mountains, surrounded by swirling mist. Although the peaks were densely packed, the environment was significantly better than the distant underground city. From this, it could be deduced that the True Devil clan held a truly extraordinary status in the demon world.

At this, Sorensi's face flushed slightly, and she adopted a demure expression. "The Young Master wants us to live close to him." This was also Zu An's intention. In this perilous demon world, if they were too far apart, he wouldn't be able to help them if something truly happened. Ah Dejiang displayed a knowing smile. "Naturally, I understand."

He then led the group to a high-altitude cave dwelling. "This cave dwelling belongs to the Young Master. There are many other rooms nearby, enough for all the young ladies to stay temporarily. Future arrangements will be decided by the Council of Elders after deliberation." He added, "Young Master, please rest first. I will speak with the elders and tell them to come see you tomorrow."

Zu An nodded, indicating he understood. He was curious why the elders wanted to see him but couldn't ask. Sorensi seized the opportunity and said, "Could you find a language book or a jade slip? My sisters here don't understand the local language very well, and it will be quite inconvenient later when they serve the Demon God and the Young Master."

Zu An secretly gave a thumbs-up; this woman was indeed intelligent. Ah Dejiang paused slightly, then nodded. "Of course there are. I'll go look for them." "Thank you, young sir." Sorensi's smile instantly made Ah Dejiang feel weak in the knees.

Zu An approached the cave dwelling and felt a defensive array above its entrance. He understood this was akin to a personal space's door, preventing unauthorized entry. He unhurriedly took out a jade token. The array detected the token and directly opened the cave door. Zu An led the women into the dwelling, and only then did Ah Dejiang take his leave.

After leaving the mountain peak, Ah Dejiang looked back in the direction of Zu An and the others, the fawning smile vanishing from his face. "This young master is a bit strange. I'd better inform the Council of Elders."

Inside the cave dwelling, the women looked around with a hint of disdain. "This True Devil envoy, or whatever Young Master he is, his living environment is quite shabby." Being all of high birth or immense wealth, they were among the world's most distinguished individuals. While they didn't overly concern themselves with material luxuries, their usual residences were far superior to this place. This cave dwelling was essentially just a stone grotto, with furniture like tables and chairs carved from stone, making it exceptionally crude and nowhere near the standard of their everyday living conditions. The only saving grace was that it was relatively clean, and the dwelling contained several stone chambers, enough for each of them to have one.

"I was absolutely terrified just now. We couldn't understand a word those demons were saying; I thought we were going to be exposed," Ji Xiaoxi said, patting her chest with a look of lingering fear.

"Speaking of which, we owe it all to the Princess. Otherwise, we'd really be in trouble," Pei Mianman said, looking at Sorensi with the relieved smile of someone who had just escaped danger.

"I also didn't expect their language to be so similar to the ancient language of the demon race," Sorensi said, feeling a little shy but very pleased. She had finally proven her worth among this group of formidable women.

"Fortunately, Ah Dejiang is a sycophant; otherwise, it would have been easy to give ourselves away," Yun Yuqing said, finally relaxing after a series of crises.

Zu An shook his head slightly. "That guy is already suspicious of me."