On a sudden stirring of intuition, Li Ling vaguely sensed that Hu Lao had something to tell him.
But he had no idea what it was until the little demon they sent arrived. Only then did understanding dawn.
"A Netherworld Sect envoy has appeared at Lord Bashan's side-and one I've met before?"
On closer thought, however, that hardly seemed surprising.
Among the Tiger Demons' innate gifts, apart from their physical Dao Fruits, their most renowned abilities were Yin Wind and command over Chang Ghosts.
The latter bore a faint resemblance to the Netherworld Sect's arts. It was hardly surprising that they might collude with the Ghost Soul Sect to trade in Yin Souls and wreak havoc in the mortal world.
What truly set Li Ling thinking was that the Ye Family behind Ye Lianyi had extended its reach into the Demon Kingdom's upper ranks, very likely exerting a profound influence on its major decisions. With the Netherworld Sect involved, the Demon Race throwing its full weight behind the Underworld and opposing the Heavenly Court seemed almost inevitable.
As one side waned and the other waxed, the Heavenly Court's enemies would gain a powerful new force.
"Go back first and tell him I know, but I won't make any rash moves for now."
Coming back to himself, Li Ling said this to the maid who had brought the message.
Hu Lao was a clever demon. Once he heard those words, he would not act on his own and needlessly beat the grass to startle the snake.
After dismissing the fox demon maid, Li Ling shut himself in his room, took out three sticks of Spirit-Communing Incense, and inserted them into an incense burner Magic Treasure. He lit them and began to offer his devotions in earnest.
Smoke drifted upward, rising straight