Chen Ran's words pierced deep into Minghe's Dao Heart.
The entire Netherworld Palace fell deathly silent.
The surging waves of blood froze.
The wailing vengeful souls shut their mouths.
Time itself seemed to freeze at that moment.
Yaksa King's massive body shifted slightly, his scarlet eye sockets locking onto Chen Ran.
With a single thought from Minghe, he would tear Chen Ran to pieces.
Lu Ya's entire body tensed, golden flames already covering his skin.
He was ready to self-destruct at any moment.
Minghe said nothing.
He merely looked at Chen Ran.
For the first time, an emotion Chen Ran could not understand appeared in those blood-red, nebula-like eyes.
It was not anger.
It was not killing intent.
It was something older, something deeper.
After a long while.
He smiled.
This time, it was not that sinister smile of one who controlled everything.
It was a heartfelt smile laced with self-mockery.
"The chessboard..."
He repeated the word.
"Well said."
"Very well said!"
"For countless ages, the Saints have regarded me as a tumor, the demon race as a forbidden zone, and the witch race as tainted land."
"You are the first person to speak of my true nature."
He looked at Chen Ran, a strange gleam flashing through his eyes.
"You are more interesting than I imagined."
"I'm beginning to believe that you can control this game."
The crisis seemed to have passed.
Lu Ya let out a faint breath of relief, yet became even more vigilant.
He could not understand Minghe.
This unpredictable fiend made him feel even more danger than Emperor Withered Bone did.
"Then, chess player."
Minghe sat back down on his throne, his posture far more casual now.
"Why have you come to my 'chessboard'? What exactly do you want?"
He tossed the question back.
But