Ren had expected infighting within the Shura Sect. But for a single clash to wipe out eighty percent of its members? That was terrifying.
The Shura Sect had been one of Ren's forces. Losing eighty percent of its people meant a substantial loss for him too. How could he be pleased?
Only after the Immortal Heavenly Emperor explained did Ren realize it had all been part of Demon Madara's plan.
Ren smiled faintly and took a drink. "I see... I never expected Demon Madara to plan this, let alone think so far ahead while inside the Demon Cult. Now the Shura Clan members who defected have joined him, which is fine. Demon Madara is one of us, so strictly speaking, they still belong to our side. But how do you know so much? Were you involved in his plan?"
Ren looked at the Immortal Heavenly Emperor, who burst out laughing. "Haha... That's right. Without help from inside, Demon Madara could have drawn away forty percent of the Shura Sect at most. With our cooperation, he took eighty percent! After coming up with the plan, he secretly contacted us through his Firmament Ledger double to discuss it. Once we heard it, we naturally agreed and helped him refine it.
"After all, the plan would benefit not only Demon Madara but you as well, Brother Ren. Your forces look vast, but their structure is complicated. Years of work have gradually streamlined and integrated them.
"Apart from the Underworld and the Shura Sect, your other forces have been moving toward unification. Once that is complete, they'll become something formidable. But the Shura Sect and the Underworld have remained outside it.
"Houtu is in the Underworld, and the Wu Clan manages it as a whole. We have no need to interfere much there, so