Jiang Ningshu introduced herself, saying, "My name is Shu, as in 'shallow in learning and talent.'"
"Haha, I'm Yun, as in 'stirring up storms and overturning seas.' You don't seem shallow in learning or talent at all," Yun said warmly, subtly implying that Jiang Ningshu was no ordinary person.
Jiang Ningshu understood her meaning.
"I may be shallow in learning, but you are someone who can stir up storms and overturn seas," Jiang Ningshu replied, hinting back that she also knew Yun's true nature.
Both of them smiled faintly, masking their thoughts. It was an unspoken agreement—until they figured each other out, neither would reveal too much.
Su Luo watched this exchange, baffled. What was this? Were they already engaging in mutual flattery?
Yun's praise for the Demon Lord wasn't misplaced. Even if she didn't know who the Demon Lord was, Yun would surely treat her well—that was just Yun's high emotional intelligence at work.
But when had the Demon Lord ever acted like this?
Even Little Yu, with her exceptional talent, had never received praise from the Demon Lord. Yet here she was, praising Yun?
Did Yun really have that kind of charisma?
"Alright, now that we're acquainted, Shu, feel free to make yourself at home," Su Luo said.
Since the Demon Lord wasn't revealing her identity, Su Luo naturally went along with it.
As for hospitality?
Sorry, Su Luo had no intention of offering any. He was already lounging on his luxurious recliner.
Jiang Ningshu nodded and casually began exploring the place.
Yun made a brief attempt to entertain Jiang Ningshu but soon realized it wasn't necessary. Like Su Luo, she decided to let it go.
Yun quietly approached Su Luo and whispered curiously, "Su Luo, the person you brought back seems quite extraordinary. Who is she?"
"That's not for you to pry into. If she wants to tell you, she will. If not, I won't say a word. You should worry about yourself instead," Su Luo replied.
"Me? What about me?"
"I have some bad news for you."
"What is it?"
"You've been targeted by a pervert."
"Who?"
"Lu Xiezi, the master of multiple puppets," Su Luo said ominously, intending to scare Yun.
"Just the name makes me sick."
"Aren't you worried?"
"Why should I be? You'll protect me, right, Su Luo?" Yun said, squeezing Su Luo's shoulder and speaking in a coquettish tone.
"You've got it wrong. Aren't you supposed to protect me? What kind of subordinate are you?" Su Luo joked.
Yun, however, took it seriously and said fiercely, "You're right. Don't worry, if that Lu Xiezi shows up, I'll make sure he regrets it."
As Su Luo and Yun were talking, someone interrupted.
"Well, well, is someone talking about me? Trying to make me regret it, huh?" Lu Xiezi swaggered in—this was another puppet.
Su Luo didn't bother with small talk. "Xiao Pa, take him out."
Xiao Pa, who had been playing with a ball nearby, didn't hesitate. A beam of light shot out, piercing the puppet.
However, two more puppets entered.
"Su Luo, don't be so quick to resort to violence. My puppets take a lot of effort to make," Lu Xiezi said.
The title "master of multiple puppets" wasn't for show. At his peak, he could control over a hundred puppets.
Yun, being a competent subordinate, didn't wait for Su Luo to give the order again. "Xiao Pa, take them out," she commanded.
Xiao Pa unleashed two beams of light, but these puppets were of higher quality and easily blocked the attacks.
"Su Luo, you wouldn't want me to wreck this place, would you?"
As he spoke, two more puppets appeared.
"Do you really want me to come after you today?" Su Luo felt there was no need to delay. It was time to settle this.
"Oh, I'm so scared. As if you know where I am," another puppet said. "Why don't you think about what will happen if you leave? These three are in danger. Of course, you could take them with you, but that would still be risky."
Lu Xiezi's words were full of threats.
Meanwhile, the Demon Lord, who had been casually wandering around, slowly raised a question mark in her mind. Was she included in this?
Su Luo laughed after hearing the threat. "Heh, haven't you heard of me?"
"Sorry, I've been busy with research lately. No time to bother with trivial gossip."
"Then let me tell you—once I activate the formation here, it will be completely safe."
Lu Xiezi's strength was inferior to that of the Netherworld Lord, Yin Youming. His advantage lay in his puppets, which gave him a high margin for error.
"Is that so? No wonder you're so confident," Lu Xiezi said, still self-assured. "But I'm not really into all this fighting, so I've decided to try a different approach. Please, come in."
When he said "come in," his tone was filled with respect.
"Do you really have to drag this out? I'm getting impatient," said a voice from outside. This time, it wasn't a puppet.
Lu Xiezi explained, "Isn't this working out perfectly? Su Luo thinks he can protect Yun, but with you here, he has no chance. The despair on his face is what I live for. Don't worry, I'll double your payment."
Lu Xiezi was so confident because the person he had invited was one of the Four Great Demon Lords—the South End Demon Lord.
The South End Demon Lord was known for his love of spirit stones. His reputation as a "spirit stone hunter" was well-earned. Lu Xiezi had spent a fortune to get him involved.
Originally, Lu Xiezi hadn't planned to bring in the South End Demon Lord, but Su Luo's arrogance had pushed him to go all out.
He was determined to make Su Luo pay.
But why didn't Su Luo look as despairing as he had imagined?
Su Luo wasn't despairing, but he was taking the situation seriously. Against the South End Demon Lord, he still had a chance, but it wasn't guaranteed.
Was it time to flip the table?
The South End Demon Lord, being a professional, got straight to the point. "Time is precious, so I'll be blunt. Su Luo, hand over that Yun to Lu Xiezi, and we can call it a day. I won't make things difficult for you."
Lu Xiezi didn't care either way. He just enjoyed the thrill of taking something from Su Luo. Whether they fought or not was irrelevant.
He loved seeing Su Luo powerless.
"Your new approach is quite effective. I'm impressed," Su Luo said, standing up and preparing for battle.
"Why make things difficult? If you had just agreed from the start, everyone could have walked away happy. Now, you'll just have to cry," Lu Xiezi said smugly.
Yun's smile faded. She hadn't expected one of the Four Great Demon Lords to show up. This was a serious problem.
She wasn't afraid to fight, but her identity would be exposed.
And if her identity was revealed here, Su Luo would likely be implicated. How could he explain her presence to the Heavenly Demon Sect?
No one would believe she was innocent.
"I'll go with you," Yun said, not wanting to drag Su Luo into this.
She could always deal with Lu Xiezi later. That part was easy.
Su Luo stepped in front of Yun.
"She's mine. You're not taking her."
His aura momentarily overshadowed even the South End Demon Lord, leaving both Lu Xiezi and the South End Demon Lord slightly stunned.