The Crimson Firmament Demon King's own feathers slowly burned. With every feather reduced to ash, the Crimson Firmament True Fire grew stronger.
Standing amid the sea of flames, the Crimson Firmament Demon King recalled a conversation he had had with Happy Old Man ten thousand years ago.
"..."
Within the Hundred Flowers Garden.
The Crimson Firmament Demon King casually plucked a flower spirit.
"You won't find scenery like this in the Eastern Wasteland Demon Domain."
"If you want to see it, I'll give it to you," Happy Old Man said casually.
"Forget this single flower—even if you gave me an entire pond of flowers, so what?" The Crimson Firmament Demon King smiled.
"Once this is done, I'll grant the humans of the Eastern Wasteland Demon Domain one province of land."
The Crimson Firmament Demon King answered with silence.
"In the battle against Lingxu, who knows how much of the Demon Race's top fighting strength will be lost? I want two provinces of the human realm."
Happy Old Man shook his head, but then he nodded.
"Alright!"
The Crimson Firmament Demon King looked at Happy Old Man as though he had seen through his thoughts, then suddenly smiled.
"I know what you're thinking."
"Oh?"
Happy Old Man seemed unconcerned that his little scheme had been exposed. Instead, he watched the other with keen interest.
The Crimson Firmament Demon King said, "No matter how outrageously I named my price, you would agree. In your eyes, I was most likely already a dead man—someone meant to trade his life for Lingxu's, wasn't I?
"After all, if I died, our agreement would naturally no longer count. You could even go back on your word."
Happy Old Man nodded. "Clever."
The Crimson Firmament Demon King's scarlet pupils flickered as he stared at Happy Old Man.