Request, The Demon Transformation Sect's Secret Plan

Inside a meticulously decorated room.

Warm yellow candlelight poured like a gentle veil onto the carved wooden table, lending the entire space a cozy yet dignified atmosphere.

The table was laden with exquisite delicacies, their rich aroma tickling the nose and whetting the appetite.

Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu sat next to each other, with Elder Chu Feng personally attending to them, showcasing the grandeur and importance of the banquet.

To entertain the distinguished guests from the Demon Suppression Bureau, Chu Feng had spared no effort.

He had not only specially sourced a leg from an Innate Realm Ox Demon but also invited the city's top chefs to prepare it, creating a lavish all-beef feast that exuded ultimate luxury.

High-end ingredients often required only the simplest cooking methods to achieve unparalleled deliciousness.

Tang Lingyu lightly picked up her silver chopsticks, took a piece of crystal-clear beef, and put it into her mouth.

Instantly, the juices burst forth, and the rich, full-bodied beef flavor overwhelmed her taste buds, sweeping through her entire body like a torrent.

Tang Lingyu's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her clear, water-like eyes. She couldn't help but exclaim, "This taste... it's absolutely incredible!"

Although Gu Cheng had already spoiled her palate, this was the first time she had tasted cuisine that could rival his.

In fact, due to the extreme rarity of the ingredients, the taste of this all-beef banquet was even better than Gu Cheng's cooking!

Gu Cheng on the side was also enjoying the feast, but a hint of regret surfaced in his heart.

The meat of an Innate Realm Ox Demon was already so delicious; wouldn't the meat of an Innate Realm Flood Dragon be the ultimate delicacy?

He couldn't help but feel it was a waste that he had refined the flesh and blood of the two Innate Flood Dragons, Jiao Wuyan and Jiao Tielin, using his Blood Transformation Divine Ability after killing them last time.

"Next time I encounter an Innate Great Demon, I must save the fattest parts,"

Gu Cheng swallowed the food in his mouth, musing silently.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses, the sumptuous all-beef feast gradually concluded in an atmosphere of mutual enjoyment. The initially polite relationship between the two parties quickly warmed, making them seem like old friends.

As the atmosphere grew more convivial, the conversation shifted to important matters.

Gu Cheng put down his chopsticks and said with a serious expression, "Elder Feng, regarding the recent disturbances caused by demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range, has the Hundred Beasts Villa investigated the cause and effect?"

Elder Chu Feng, sitting opposite him, nodded, his brows furrowed with a sense of gravity.

"According to the clues we've uncovered, most of these Innate Realm demons originate from Chongshan County, which borders Tianshui Prefecture.

About a few months ago, an extremely powerful Demon Hunter suddenly appeared in Chongshan County, hunting Innate Great Demons everywhere. This forced these demons to flee in panic, and in their desperation, they flooded into the Crimson Rock Mountain Range."

"Chongshan County? A Demon Hunter?"

Tang Lingyu's beautiful eyes flickered, and a flash of inspiration seemed to strike her. She blurted out, "Could the Demon Hunter Elder Feng is referring to be that [Blood Kirin] who made a name for himself in Chongshan County?"

"That's right, it's that Blood Kirin!"

Chu Feng nodded, but his tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

"This person is extremely powerful, rumored to have reached the Spirit Sea Realm. However, his methods are too radical and reckless. If he hadn't turned Chongshan County upside down, the Crimson Rock Mountain Range wouldn't be in this state!"

"..."

Gu Cheng's gaze shifted slightly as he picked up his teacup and took a sip, masking his inner embarrassment.

"Indeed, the Hundred Beasts Villa has suffered undeserved misfortune this time,"

Tang Lingyu sighed softly and then asked, "However... since that Blood Kirin is so passionate about slaying demons and is so powerful, why not spread the word and lure him to the Crimson Rock Mountain Range to capture all those Innate demons?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng's expression became complicated, and he gently shook his head.

"Miss Tang, it's not that simple.

According to the intelligence we've gathered, the Blood Kirin has deep-seated enmity with the 'Rebirth Sect.' Everywhere he appears is related to matters concerning the Rebirth Sect.

Even the Innate demons he hunted in Chongshan County were those connected to the Rebirth Sect!"

Saying this, the dark-faced elder gave a bitter smile and spread his hands with a hint of helplessness.

"Unless we can lure the Rebirth Sect to the Crimson Rock Mountain Range first, the Blood Kirin won't be interested in this place, let alone offer his assistance."

"Cough cough..."

Gu Cheng coughed twice, his expression growing even stranger.

How did the rumors outside get more and more outrageous? It's as if I'm eagerly looking for a confrontation with the Rebirth Sect!

He tilted his head slightly, recalling for a moment.

His first public appearance as the 'Blood Kirin' was in Changle County, where he disrupted the Rebirth Sect's Corpse King sacrificial ritual.

His second appearance was in Liuchun County, where he killed the Willow God and the Blood Blade Sect Leader, and stole the Rebirth Sect's 'Blood Soul Bead.'

As for the third time, it was in Iron Cloud City, Chongshan County, where he not only killed a Spirit Sea Corpse King but also forged a mortal enmity with the Gray-robed Holy Envoy.

Thinking about it, his 'Blood Kirin' alias really does have quite the connection with the Rebirth Sect…

Gu Cheng shook his head helplessly, put down his teacup, and quickly changed the subject:

"Since that "Blood Kirin" can't be relied on, let's not mention him for now.

Elder Feng, how many demons are currently in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range, and what is their strength? I heard that the Innate Great Demons there are extremely powerful, even causing the deaths of two Innate Elders?"

Tang Lingyu's expression immediately turned serious upon hearing this.

When she had chatted with Chu Yuntian earlier, she had learned that Hundred Beasts Villa had a total of six elders in the late Innate Realm. Now, with two of them dead, it was undoubtedly a severe blow to their strength!

Chu Feng sighed softly, his expression downcast:

"It is indeed true. Currently, there are three peak Innate Realm Great Demons rampaging in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range: a Lion Demon, an Elephant Demon, and a Great Eagle.

These three demons are extremely powerful, each possessing unique divine abilities. They have become the leaders of the demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range. As long as they can be eliminated, the remaining demons will not be a concern."

"A Lion Demon, an Elephant Demon... and a Great Eagle?"

Gu Cheng almost couldn't maintain his composure upon hearing this, and couldn't help but inwardly scoff.

A Lion Demon, an Elephant Demon... and a Great Eagle?

This combination sounded so familiar.

If these three Great Demons were to truly settle here and even become sworn brothers, wouldn't the Crimson Rock Mountain Range be renamed "Lion Camel Ridge"?

"Three peak Innate Realm Great Demons?!"

Tang Lingyu frowned, the danger of the Crimson Rock Mountain Range far exceeding her previous expectations.

This kind of difficult situation would likely require a Grandmaster like Old Master Xu to personally intervene. It seemed a bit too casual for the Demon Suppression Bureau to send only two juniors.

Sensing Tang Lingyu's worry, Chu Feng gently reassured her:

"Don't worry, the demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range are indeed rampant, but Hundred Beasts Villa is not without a plan.

We have formulated a meticulous plan, and we only need to wait another month before we can launch a full-scale attack and capture all these demons!"

After speaking, a confident smile appeared on the third elder's dark face, which was comparable to that of an old craftsman, as if everything was under control.

So confident?

Gu Cheng's eyebrows slightly rose upon hearing this, his doubts only increasing:

"Elder Feng, since Hundred Beasts Villa has a good plan, why are you still seeking help from the Demon Suppression Bureau?"

"This..."

Chu Feng's expression became slightly awkward, and he explained softly:

"Young friend Gu, you may not know, but besides the demons lurking in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range, there are also some Form Transformation demons hidden within Crimson Rock City, causing trouble and disrupting our deployment.

Hundred Beasts Villa's main forces are all stationed in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range, leaving the city's defenses weak. Even if we conduct investigations, we will inevitably be hampered by 'petty individuals,' making it difficult to proceed smoothly."

For some reason, he deliberately emphasized the words "petty individuals."

Gu Cheng naturally understood the implied meaning behind his words, and a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes:

"So, Elder Feng means..."

Chu Feng nodded, his gaze falling on Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu, his expression quite solemn:

"As members of the Demon Suppression Bureau, you two are most skilled at tracking down demons and evil cultivators hidden among the populace. Moreover, with the Demon Suppression Bureau, a neutral third party, intervening, it can avoid many inconveniences.

Therefore, I implore you two to remain in Crimson Rock City during this period to help us stabilize the situation and prevent any clandestine mischief. On behalf of the elders of Hundred Beasts Villa, I thank you both in advance!"

"So, you're saying we'll be staying in Crimson Rock City for this entire month?"

Gu Cheng pondered for a moment, a subtle smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, and he nodded slightly:

"No problem. Elder Chu, please take care of us during this time."

"Haha, it's a small matter, just a small matter!"

Seeing that they didn't object, Chu Feng's eyes lit up, and he waved his hand generously:

"You two don't need to be formal, just treat this place as your home. If you have any needs, feel free to ask, and Hundred Beasts Villa will do its best to satisfy them!"

"Since that's the case..."

Gu Cheng gently put down his teacup and looked at Chu Feng, his gaze deep:

"Elder Feng, I happen to have a humble request that requires Hundred Beasts Villa's assistance."

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng raised an eyebrow, clearly a little surprised, but still maintained a composed and hospitable expression:

"Young friend Gu, please speak freely."

Gu Cheng nodded and got straight to the point:

"To be frank, I have a friend who is a descendant of a branch of the Chu family in Hundred Beasts Villa. However, due to some special circumstances, she has been unable to formally acknowledge her ancestors.

This time, she specifically asked me to come and hopes to visit the Chu family's ancestral hall to offer a stick of incense to her father..."

"Oh, there's such a thing?"

Chu Feng felt greatly puzzled. Those whose tablets were enshrined in the ancestral hall were all core members of Hundred Beasts Villa. Their descendants should logically be within the city, so how could they be living outside?

Suddenly, he thought of something, his expression changed drastically, and he looked at Gu Cheng with inquiry.

Gu Cheng met his gaze and nodded gently, everything unsaid.

"Hiss—"

Chu Feng gasped, staring blankly at Gu Cheng. After a long silence, he said with difficulty:

"Young friend Gu, this matter is not trivial. The family ancestral hall is a vital place for my Chu family, and ordinary people are not allowed to enter.

Your 'friend's' identity is also too special. Allow me to discuss it with the Grand Elder and the others. Within three days, I will give you a definitive answer."

Gu Cheng smiled faintly and nodded slightly:

"No problem, I'll await your good news."

After the full beef banquet, it was already afternoon.

In the courtyard, the afterglow of the setting sun cast down like golden threads, bathing the paved path in a soft glow.

Under the respectful guidance of the servants, Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu walked through the winding corridors to their temporarily arranged accommodation.

Shortly after Gu Cheng stepped into the room, a soft knock came from the door.

He put down the teacup in his hand and looked up, seeing Tang Lingyu standing at the door, her brow slightly furrowed, as if she had something on her mind.

"Chief Gu,"

Tang Lingyu spoke softly, then walked into the room and carefully closed the door, her tone laced with a hint of doubt:

"Why do I feel like the Third Elder is hiding many things?"

"Oh? What do you mean?"

Gu Cheng picked up his teacup and took a sip, his expression calm.

Tang Lingyu sat next to him, lowered her voice, and said:

"The Third Elder's reaction was too calm. Two of the six elders of Hundred Beasts Villa have been lost, yet he isn't anxious at all. Instead, he wants to wait a month before launching a full-scale attack. I don't know what he's preparing.

And this request for reinforcements from the Demon Suppression Bureau, it's less about dealing with the demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range and more about..."

"More about deterring internal unstable factors, right?"

Gu Cheng put down his teacup and finished her sentence:

"Hundred Beasts Villa's request for reinforcements from the Demon Suppression Bureau isn't for military aid, but for the Demon Suppression Bureau's 'tiger skin' to keep the increasingly rampant 'Demon Transformation Sect' in check."

Tang Lingyu nodded silently, her eyes filled with turbulent emotions.

As reinforcements sent by the Demon Suppression Bureau, she and Gu Cheng naturally intended to assist Hundred Beasts Villa.

However, their secretive attitude, not explaining things clearly, made them feel like pawns being used, inevitably causing resentment and unease.

Gu Cheng, on the other hand, remained as usual. After all, he had the strength and confidence to flip the table at any time. He patiently advised her:

"You saw how severe the internal strife within Hundred Beasts Villa was. To concentrate their forces and deal with external enemies first, their strategy is understandable."

Tang Lingyu frowned slightly and then asked:

"If that's the case, Chief Gu, what do you think is the plan that the Third Elder and the others are secretly preparing?"

"That..."

Gu Cheng's gaze shifted, and he shook his head without answering.

Combining Chu Yuntian's analysis of his family's internal struggles in the carriage earlier, he had a vague guess in his mind.

But he didn't delve too deeply into it. After all, no matter what actions Hundred Beasts Villa took, the three peak Innate Realm Great Demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range were already considered his for the taking.

Cultivating the "Four Spirits True Intent" and refining Spirit Sea Demon Servants required a large number of high-quality Innate Demon Cores.

How could such high-grade goods, second only to Spirit Sea Demon Cores, easily fall into the hands of others?

"Don't overthink it. No matter how much infighting there is within Hundred Beasts Villa, that's their family affair. We represent the Demon Suppression Bureau, and there's no need to interfere too much."

Gu Cheng smiled at Tang Lingyu and gently comforted her:

"Besides, they are treating you well here, providing good food and drink, and haven't asked you to go up the mountain to fight. You can just consider it a vacation and rest, right?"

"Uh, Chief Gu's words are not without reason..."

Tang Lingyu was slightly stunned. After pondering for a moment, her mood immediately improved significantly.

Although she felt like she was being manipulated, being able to spend time alone with Chief Gu without a certain courtesan acting as a third wheel was, for her, not an unfortunate event.