But the instant he hit the ground, Old White Ape scrambled back to his feet, bowing even lower.
"I wouldn't dare!"
"Please forgive me, Mountain Lord Ji! Everything I do is for the Demon Domain's development, for taking Demon-Suppressing Pass. Please... see the truth, Mountain Lord!"
Old White Ape cried out desperately.
Watching from a distance, Fire Fox's eyes flashed with delight. He even secretly hoped Ji Hong would slap Old White Ape dead.
Though that was hardly realistic.
"Since you're so selfless, how about personally serving as the vanguard in this attack on Demon-Suppressing Pass?"
Ji Hong looked at Old White Ape impassively as he spoke.
Old White Ape answered without hesitation, "As long as I can serve the Demon Domain and Eagle Ravine Mountain, I care nothing for this worthless life of mine!"
"But Ten Thousand Demon Forest has only just stabilized. If I leave now and chaos breaks out in the rear, I fear it could interfere with your plans and Lord Black Flood Dragon's."
"Besides..."
"Some days ago, I happened to discover two prodigies of the Human Race whose future accomplishments could be boundless."
"But they're gravely injured at present, so I must stay here and tend to them carefully."
"It may even be possible to win them over to our Demon Clan."
As he spoke, Old White Ape dropped heavily to his knees and raised his head to meet Ji Hong's eyes, his gaze open and frank.
"Are you threatening me?"
Ji Hong's eyes were icy. He bent slightly, looking down at Old White Ape, his voice indifferent.
Old White Ape shook his head in terror. "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!"
"Everything I do is for the Demon Domain, for... Mountain Lord Ji!"
Ji Hong chuckled at Old White Ape's words.
"Then I really