Chapter Twenty-Seven: Changdong's Choice

Just as Shang Jiuya was immersed in the rapid increase of her own power, Li Yue brought the latest intelligence from the border.

“Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince’s subordinates have become increasingly rampant on the northwestern border recently. In the past three days, they have plundered three small and medium-sized tribes that refused to submit, seizing resources and magic mines, killing and injuring many, and even…” Li Yue paused, his voice filled with suppressed anger, “and even committed acts of massacring entire villages and exterminating entire tribes, sparing neither the old, weak, women and children, their methods are extremely cruel.”

"Where are Elder Changdong's border troops?" Shang Jiuya immediately pressed for an answer.

“The response is unusually slow,” Li Yue said in a deep voice. “According to the Shadow Guard’s observations and scattered intelligence, Changdong’s troops seem to be under some kind of explicit restraint from the Demon Palace’s higher-ups. Their actions are hampered, and they often arrive at the scene only after a tragedy has occurred, only able to clean up the mess. Qi Mu’s subordinates even openly mocked the border guards as ‘toothless tigers.’”

Youchi, Gongliang, and their ilk, in order to carry out their purge plan, actually condoned the atrocities committed by Qimu on the border. On the one hand, they wanted to exhaust Changdong's energy, and on the other hand, they probably wanted to create chaos to provide an excuse for their subsequent actions.

In her anger, Shang Jiuya's mind raced. Crisis often harbors opportunity. Qi Mu's atrocities, which had angered both heaven and man, were the perfect opening.

“Li Yue,” a cold glint flashed in her eyes, “have our people keep a close eye on the most rampant generals and troops under Qi Mu’s command at all costs, focusing on collecting evidence of their crimes, especially those that could trigger large-scale conflicts or even a united backlash from the larger surrounding tribes. The more detailed and shocking the better.”

What she wanted wasn't some minor skirmishes, but a colossal tragedy that would shock the entire Demon Realm and give her ample reason to retaliate. Only such a crime could justify her subsequent actions, maximize her chances of gaining sympathy from neutral forces, and perhaps even... force Changdong to make a final choice.

"Yes!" Li Yue accepted the order and immediately turned to make arrangements.

Shang Jiuya remained alone in the study, her fingertips gently tracing the icy blade of the Kunwu Blade, a blade connected to her bloodline. Within her body, the scorching demonic energy cultivated through the "Burning Marrow and Corroding Heart Technique" flowed slowly; in her spiritual senses, the expanded perception from the "Secret Sense of Shadows" acted like an invisible net, capturing every subtle change in the outside world.

A bold, almost insane plan began to take shape in her mind—she would take the initiative to not only resolve her own crisis, but also seize the opportunity to sever one of You Chi and his gang's most vicious claws.

The target is none other than Sixth Brother and Seventh Brother!

The bloody news from the border hung heavy like gathering dark clouds over the Demon Palace, and also weighed heavily on Shang Jiuya's heart. The atrocities committed by Qi Mu's subordinates escalated, and each detailed report of looting and killings, risking their lives to be delivered back by the Shadow Guards, intensified the chill in Shang Jiuya's eyes. She knew the time was approaching, but before that, she had to secure the most crucial element—Chang Dong's attitude.

Communication with Changdong, conducted through the deputy general Lei Sha, has always maintained a tacit ambiguity and caution. However, recently, Lei Sha has been sending messages more frequently, and his tone reveals deeper concerns, even subtly mentioning Changdong's extreme dissatisfaction with the Demon Palace's high-ranking officials for "unconditional indulgence and self-destruction."

Shang Jiuya knew she couldn't wait any longer. She had to make a showdown, a final negotiation that could determine the ultimate outcome.

The location was chosen to be an abandoned training ground on the outskirts of the Demon Palace, near a border post of the Western Frontier Army. The location was secluded, with a wide field of vision, making it difficult to be ambushed, and its proximity to Chang Dong's sphere of influence provided him with a degree of security. The time was set for midnight, when the light in the Demon Realm was dimmest, ideal for concealing his movements.

Shang Jiuya didn't bring many people. Li Yue's injuries had recovered to about 70-80%, and he insisted on accompanying her as a bodyguard. In addition, she only brought the Shadow Guard Captain Shi Gu and two other elite Shadow Guards. They traveled light and arrived at the agreed location quietly.

The training ground was overgrown with weeds, and broken magical targets were scattered everywhere. The air was filled with dust and a faint smell of rust. In the distance, the magical fire on the border outpost's watchtower, like a lonely eye, coldly watched over this desolate land.

Soon, another group of people emerged from the darkness. Leading them was Vice General Lei Sha, followed by two bodyguards with imposing auras. Protected in the middle was a figure cloaked in black—the Fifth Elder, Chang Dong himself.

Shang Jiuya felt a slight chill. Chang Dong's presence indicated both the extreme importance he attached to the matter and the enormous risks involved. The two stopped about ten steps apart, scrutinizing each other.

"Your Excellency." Chang Dong pulled down his hood, revealing his strong-featured face, and his gaze fell directly on Shang Jiuya. "The situation has deteriorated to this point. I wonder what Your Excellency can teach this old man?"

Shang Jiuya also didn't beat around the bush, "Elder Changdong, the internal strife in the Demon Realm is endless, and the border is once again engulfed in war. If this continues, the foundation will crumble, and foreign enemies will surely take advantage of the situation. This is not what you or I want to see. Qi Mu is tyrannical and his tribe commits atrocities. He has lost his demonic heart and is endangering the peace of the border. He is a cancer in the Demon Realm and must be eradicated."

"Eliminate?" Changdong raised an eyebrow slightly. "Qi Mu's legion is formidable, and he himself is the bravest in the army. How does Your Majesty intend to eliminate him? With a surge of righteous indignation, or with those few guards of the Purple Light Palace?"

"Of course, this is not merely out of righteous indignation." Shang Jiuya said calmly, "I can promise that if the elders are willing to help me set things right, after the matter is settled, military power will be jointly held by the elders and me. Together we will reorganize the legion, purge the rotten flesh, and revitalize the military spirit. All border defenses will be the sole responsibility of the elders, and the Demon Palace will not interfere. The elders and their soldiers will receive the honors and rewards they deserve. You will be a new pillar of the Demon Realm, instead of being hampered by internal strife and wasting your time on the borders as you are now."

Chang Dong remained silent, his fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of the sword at his waist, clearly weighing his options intensely. Shang Jiuya's terms had indeed tempted him, but his biggest doubts remained.

"Your Majesty's promise is very tempting." After a long silence, Changdong slowly spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Shang Jiuya. "But please forgive my bluntness, words are not enough. You Chi, Gong Liang, and Qi Mu are not to be trifled with. Once they retaliate, it will be with overwhelming force. I need to know, Your Majesty... what exactly do you rely on? Just how strong are you? I cannot entrust the lives of countless soldiers on the border to an ally who cannot protect himself in the storm."

Shang Jiuya had anticipated this question. "Since the elder has doubts, then please see for yourself." She stepped forward, leaving Li Yue's guard's range, and stood alone in the center of the field. "Please send a skilled person, or you can try it yourself, and we'll know for sure."

A glint flashed in Chang Dong's eyes. After a moment's thought, he nodded slightly to one of his personal guards behind him. The guard stepped forward; he was burly and exuded a powerful aura, clearly a master demon general skilled in defense, whose strength was probably no less than that of Li Yue in his prime.

"Forgive me, Your Excellency," the guard said in a deep voice, then let out a low shout. His earth-yellow demonic energy surged forth, instantly condensing into a thick, giant shield phantom in front of him. Demonic runes flowed across the shield's surface, radiating powerful defensive energy. This was his signature move, which ordinary attacks could hardly budge.

Shang Jiuya didn't speak again. She closed her eyes, then suddenly opened them.

The "Burning Marrow and Corroding Heart Technique" was instantly activated to its limit, and a condensed dark red demonic energy erupted from her body. She then focused that sharp demonic energy at her fingertips.

At the same time, the enhanced perception brought by "The Shadowy Secrets" allowed her to clearly see the flow of demonic energy within the Demon General's body.

Shang Jiuya's figure seemed to transform into a blurry, dark red streak of light, cutting in with an unpredictable arc at an astonishing speed.

The demon general's pupils contracted as he focused all his strength on maintaining the giant shield. However, Shang Jiuya's fingertips, as if possessed by divine revelation, precisely touched a relatively weak point in the flow of magic power within the giant shield.

A piercing sound rang out, and the seemingly indestructible giant shield phantom was instantly shattered as if it had encountered its nemesis. Dark red demonic energy rushed in and directly broke through the defense.

The demon general grunted, staggering back several steps, his face filled with disbelief. His defense had been breached by the opponent's single, targeted attack. Moreover, the demonic energy of the opponent was extremely strange, capable of eroding and dissolving his earth-elemental demonic energy.

The entire process happened in the blink of an eye, and Changdong, his other bodyguard, and Li Yue and others all saw it clearly. A startling light flashed in Changdong's eyes; it was no longer scrutiny, but deep shock.

Shang Jiuya retreated immediately after her attack, her breathing slightly rapid. The backlash and energy drain from the "Burning Marrow and Corroding Heart Technique" were equally immense. However, she stood ramrod straight, her gaze calm as she looked at Changdong: "Elder, are you satisfied?"

Chang Dong did not answer immediately. He remained silent for a moment, staring intently at Shang Jiuya, as if trying to get to know this person again.

Finally, Changdong slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, all the doubt and hesitation in his eyes transforming into decisiveness. He stepped forward, solemnly clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Shang Jiuya:

"Your Excellency's strength is truly admirable. I apologize for any offense I may have caused earlier." He changed his form of address. "The border legion is ready to obey Your Excellency's commands. Regarding the Seven Mu matter, I will proceed according to plan, sealing off the surrounding area and ensuring that no external force interferes with Your Excellency's actions. In the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances, my legion will be Your Excellency's last line of defense!"

"Very well!" Shang Jiuya felt a great weight lifted from her heart, and returned the greeting with equal solemnity, "In that case, I will trouble Elder Changdong! The future of the Demon Realm shall be shared with you, Elder Changdong!"

A decisive alliance has finally been formed, witnessed by strength.

On the way back, Shang Jiuya silently felt the burning pain and emptiness in her body caused by forcibly activating the cultivation technique.

Proving one's strength comes at a price.

But to survive, to win, it's all worth it.

Changdong's choice paved the way for her to unleash her murderous blade on Qi Mu.