Chapter 2487: First Move Advantage

Zu An’s heart stirred. Having spent every day with them recently, he knew that the Eighteen Great Demon Generals were the eighteen most renowned powerhouses in the demon world.

Besides their individual strength, each of them controlled significant power and territory.

To a certain extent, whoever gained the support of these eighteen formidable figures would be the true king of the demon world.

Currently, the Demon Lord had as many as ten of them by his side, while the Slaughter Lord only had the Twisted Demon. The contrast was stark and brutal.

Moreover, with loyalists like King Bulun completely annihilated and their fates unknown, the Slaughter Lord’s situation was truly not optimistic.

It wasn't just him; the faces of the other demon commanders nearby also turned grim. They had been full of confidence moments ago, but a single glance had eroded ninety percent of it.

Speaking of the powerhouses brought by the Demon Lord, Zu An had essentially fought all of them before. However, back then, their strength had mostly been restricted by the world barrier; now, they were all in their prime.

Earlier, he had even considered whether he should help the Demon Lord fight the Slaughter Lord if the former fell into an ambush and a disadvantage.

Well, given the current circumstances, he would likely have to figure out how to save his own life later.

At that moment, a subtle smile played on the Demon Lord's lips, and his uniquely effeminate voice rang out, "My Lord jests. They naturally pledged allegiance to me to better serve you."

A surge of anger rose in the Slaughter Lord’s heart. This fellow was still putting on an act, even at this point!

In truth, in the past, the other party's flattery had pleased him greatly; otherwise, he wouldn't have trusted him so implicitly. He had even disregarded warnings from veteran subordinates like Mogad, and now, after only a few years, the situation had indeed become unmanageable.

He forcibly suppressed his rage, his expression turning amiable. "You've come at a good time. I've recently deciphered the secrets of the demon imperial tomb and am in need of assistance. With all of you brothers here, we won't fear even if Heaven's Court is a dragon's lair or a tiger's den."

The Demon Lord’s demeanor remained respectful. "May I ask where this Heaven's Court you speak of is located, my Lord?"

"Such a secret is tied to the greatest mystery of our demon world and cannot be revealed publicly." The Slaughter Lord pondered for a moment, then beckoned to him. "Come closer; we'll discuss it in detail in the secret chamber."

A flicker of interest crossed the Demon Lord’s face; clearly, the secret of Heaven's Court held great appeal for him.

However, reason ultimately prevailed. His feet remained firmly rooted to the spot. "Why bother trying to trick me, my Lord? You've already set up an inescapable trap within this imperial tomb. If I were to go over, I would surely die."

The Slaughter Lord's face darkened. "Brother, what do you mean by this?"

The Demon Lord scoffed, "My Lord, this trick of yours is something I've long since discarded. Don't you find it a bit ridiculous to try it now?"

The Slaughter Lord’s face twitched. He had always been arrogant, and though the situation was unfavorable, he had rarely condescended to try and scheme against someone. To be openly exposed like this left his face burning with shame.

A burst of booming laughter erupted. "Indeed, when it comes to schemes and stratagems, I am admittedly not your equal. But do you truly believe you've won? In this world, ultimately, only the strongest can claim that position!"

His laughter echoed throughout the grand hall, a truly continuous roar. Those with lower cultivation couldn't help but clutch their hearts, while even those with higher cultivation felt their vital energy churn.

Zu An secretly marveled. The Slaughter Lord’s strength was indeed terrifying, though he seemed a little out of breath now.

Clearly, the Slaughter Lord understood that the situation was on the verge of exploding, and once hostilities began, there would be no turning back. Thus, his laughter held back somewhat, not as decisive as when he had previously eradicated traitors by instantly shattering a third of the commanders into blood mist.

As expected, feeling the terrifying pressure within his laughter, many powerhouses on the Demon Lord's side subtly changed their expressions.

The Demon Lord let out a soft snort, his effeminate voice diluting the oppressive aura in the other's laughter, causing everyone's vital energy to gradually calm down.

"My Lord, times have changed. Individual valor is no longer the decisive factor. Most of the demon world's armies are now under my control, and your personal guards have been completely wiped out, leaving you as a lone figure. Look at the multitude of talents by my side; do you still not understand where you failed?" The Demon Lord sighed. "In this new world, I've learned a saying I'd like to share with you: 'He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!'"

"Pah!" The Slaughter Lord roared in fury. "You are merely a dog I raised! It was only because I was diligently researching secrets within the imperial tomb these past years that you found the opportunity to deceive and manipulate."

He then looked towards the powerhouses around the Demon Lord. "Gentlemen, I daresay I have not mistreated any of you over the years. If you are willing to rejoin me now, I guarantee that bygones will be bygones, and I will distribute the Demon Lord's territory and wealth among you. And of course, the secrets of Heaven's Court will also be shared with all of you. You should all be aware of the immense connection between Heaven's Court and our demon world."

Hearing his words, the thoughts of many strong individuals present stirred slightly. Could it be that he had truly comprehended the secrets of Heaven's Court?

It was a well-known legend in the demon world that their origin was linked to Heaven's Court, and their progenitor was the Lord of Heaven's Court.

Various rumors proclaimed the immense power of Heaven's Court in ancient times. It was believed that if the lost Heaven's Court could be found, they would be able to fully awaken the power within their bloodlines, becoming immeasurably stronger than they were now.

Seemingly sensing the wavering resolve of his companions, the Demon Lord spoke up at the opportune moment: "My Lord, why joke? If you truly knew the location of Heaven's Court, you would have long ago gone there to awaken your progenitor bloodline power. All of us combined would be no match for you, so why would you still be confronting us here?"

Upon hearing this, many great demons suddenly realized the truth. So that was it; they had almost been tricked by the old fellow.

The Plague Demon Lord also cackled sinisterly, "Perhaps others might dare to surrender to you, but I just poisoned your personal guards outside. I certainly wouldn't dare surrender, and I wouldn't trust any promises you make."

The Slaughter Lord’s face contorted slightly. "It was indeed your doing, you scoundrel!"

If his personal guards hadn't been poisoned by him, his current situation wouldn't be so perilous.

The War Priest stepped forward, blocking the Plague Demon Lord. "Rest assured, Plague Demon Lord, we naturally advance and retreat together. Who doesn't know that old man is arrogant and pigheaded, with a volatile temper? Serving under him, one never knows when death might strike."

Many of the strong individuals whose thoughts had been wavering nodded secretly in agreement. Indeed, given the Slaughter Lord's tyrannical nature, even if they pledged allegiance to him, they wouldn't come to a good end in the future.

Seeing his plan to sow discord and division fail, the Slaughter Lord was both shocked and enraged. "You scoundrel, I'll kill you!"

No sooner had he spoken than he appeared before the War Priest, his four fingers hooked like talons, clawing towards the opponent's head. His speed was so immense that the other surrounding powerhouses had no time to react.

He intended to dispatch the War Priest first, striking a preemptive blow!

The War Priest was prepared; a jet-black soul-summoning banner instantly appeared in his hand, dense dark energy surging from it towards his assailant.

However, the black energy, which countless people would avoid at all costs, did not hinder the opponent in the slightest. The iron claw, like the scythe of death, clamped down on his face.