Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 494 - 267: Reveal

Hong Xiu watched this scene with satisfaction, nodding her head and her eyes filled with tenderness as she looked towards Lao Qing. Although Lao Qing was not handsome, his strength was formidable. For the Demon Race, which revered the powerful, strength was everything and could easily overshadow his looks.

Seizing the opportunity of Lao Qing killing the Leopard Commander, Hong Xiu spoke. "I shall rule this stronghold. Who agrees, and who opposes?" she said confidently.

Lao Qing stood steadfastly by her side, backing her up.

All the commanders slandered her in their hearts, for although they knew Hong Xiu wanted to seize the leader's position, they didn't take her seriously. Among them, Hong Xiu didn't have overwhelming power.

It was not that they hadn't considered Lao Qing, but he was a rather crazed individual. Perhaps because his initial shape-shifting was incomplete, he had a stronger beastly nature and weaker human traits compared to other Demons and wasn't fond of vying for power. Unexpectedly, he had fallen for Hong Xiu's charm. Now, the commanders were indeed in a tough spot.

Although they were extremely reluctant to bow their heads to someone like Hong Xiu, seeing the fierceness in Lao Qing's eyes standing next to her, several exchanged glances secretly, each seeing the unwillingness and retreat in the other's eyes. After all, the body of the Leopard Commander had only just dissipated moments ago, and Lao Qing's strength seemed to have grown even stronger.

Hong Xiu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a trace of impatience flickering across her beautiful face. She had not expected that even in such a situation, these bastards wouldn't easily surrender. She knew clearly they didn't accept her leadership, but what did that matter? As long as Lao Qing was by her side, none dared to act rashly. For the first time, Hong Xiu found Lao Qing's ferocious face quite endearing.

"I'll ask again. Who agrees? Who opposes?" Hong Xiu's voice now clearly carried anger as she pressured the commanders to declare their allegiance and establish the hierarchy.

Just then, a crisp voice rang out from the stronghold and reached everyone's ears inside, "I oppose!"

Upon hearing this, several commanders saw a glimmer of hope. As long as someone led the resistance, Lao Qing, strong as he was, couldn't possibly kill them all, and they might end up surrounding him instead. They happily looked up, exchanging glances, trying to see who was bold enough to lead the resistance under such circumstances. They didn't know about the others, but they were certain that this leader would die in this turmoil.

Hong Xiu was momentarily stunned by the voice, not knowing what to do. She had clearly been in control, had the upper hand, so why would anyone speak out against her? She had meticulously studied the characteristics and traits of each commander before, and that's why she had specifically eliminated the Leopard Commander to prevent him from causing trouble.

After her moment of daze came extreme anger. Just as she was about to succeed, this detestable person had ruined her perfect plan. At that moment, Hong Xiu wanted nothing more than to tear this speaker to pieces. She surveyed her surroundings, preparing to identify the person daring to spoil her plans.

However, their search was fruitless, for the speaker wasn't any of those present. Suddenly, everyone turned their heads towards the direction from which the voice had come. There, a woman in a white dress stood alone, her demeanor solemn and inviolable, watching the gathered crowd with great interest.

As her gaze swept over everyone, all involuntarily lowered their heads. She was indeed the master of this cave dwelling and the ruler in several hundred miles, the "madam" referred to by their lips, and their king.

"Madam!" someone exclaimed in surprise, their words laced with disbelief as though it was astonishing that the lady, rumored to have died in Lion Camel City, had returned to the cave dwelling silently.

What followed was a chilling cold. They knew the Demon King's temperament well; he despised betrayal the most. Recalling her previous methods, the demons couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably.

Those quick to react had already directed their angry glares at Hong Xiu. If looks could kill, Hong Xiu would have been butchered a thousand times over by their stares. In their hearts, it was this woman who relentlessly spread the news of the madam's death within the cave dwelling, leading them to believe it was true and thus misjudge the situation, resulting in today's predicament.

Of course, they would never admit that Hong Xiu merely voiced what they themselves thought but dared not speak. From this perspective, these seemingly formidable demon commanders were far less courageous than a demoness like Hong Xiu; no wonder she had been trapped.

Compared to the commanders' terror, Hong Xiu seemed much calmer at that moment. Her face full of allure displayed a radiant smile as she spoke to Madam Deyong, "I never expected that the Madam would be alive."

A smile appeared on Madam Deyong's face as she replied, "Disappointed I'm not dead?"

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"To say I'm not disappointed would be a lie. I was just one step away from success, only to find it was all but a dream, inducing only ridicule." Hong Xiu said somewhat dejectedly.

The moment Madam Deyong appeared, she knew she couldn't escape this fate. No Demon King could tolerate betrayal from a confidant. Without a bloodshed to deter, more and more minor demons would harbor different thoughts. Yet at this moment, deep inside, she felt regret but no remorse.

Seemingly sensing Hong Xiu's emotions, Madam Deyong slowly walked up to her, gently lifting her chin as she said, "What I cannot understand is, why you would betray me. As my most capable assistant in this cave dwelling, all your glory and status were bestowed by me. You are like a vine climbing on a big tree, surviving only with my protection and nourishment. Without me, you are nothing."

Madam Deyong's words were spoken lightly, but they brutally exposed the scars in Hong Xiu's heart, rendering the person who had appeared quite composed until now instantly grimaced.

She brushed off Madam Deyong's hand from her chin and said agitatedly, "I just wanted to prove that without you, I could still live prosperously in this world and earn everyone's revered gaze. I was about to succeed. Why did you have to come back, why did you have to be alive?"

At that moment, Hong Xiu's face was fiercely distorted, the once different charm now vanished without a trace, replaced by a ferociousness surging from her soul that instantly enveloped the cave dwelling. Only then did she truly resemble a demon, savage and bloodthirsty.