Inviting Dharma Protectors

"This place is too close to where mortals live. If we go all out, we'll harm far too many mortals."

"Mm!"

Beimou did not say this because, despite being a demon, he retained some humanity. Demons like them were no longer like ordinary, ignorant demons. They knew that harming large numbers of mortals was not only taboo, but that the backlash of humanity's myriad beings could not be underestimated. In serious cases, it might even trigger a tribulation.

After secretly exchanging thoughts, the two decided to retreat first. Yet their expressions remained unchanged as Beimou looked at the tea stall's shopkeeper and smiled.

"I was wondering why I sensed traces of demonic aura lingering here after sitting down. So there was a master holding the fort. I suppose it was you who made them suffer such terrible misfortune before, wasn't it?"

Though Lord Lu said nothing, his face was expressionless and his gaze utterly still. There was neither killing intent nor divine light in his eyes, as though he were the calm before the storm.

Lord Lu and Beimou were inwardly somewhat tense, already prepared to respond, yet outwardly they appeared unconcerned. The plain-looking young shopkeeper standing by the tea stall's stove, however, was truly calm both inside and out.

"I have never made anyone suffer terrible misfortune. As the saying goes, fortune and disaster have no gate; people summon them themselves. They saved up this bad luck on their own."

As he spoke, the shopkeeper walked out from behind the stove, using the filthy rag on his shoulder to pat the dust from his clothes.

"So, what will it be? Will you follow me yourselves, or shall I 'invite' you to come with me?"

The shopkeeper placed especially heavy emphasis on the word "invite," wearing a smile that was