146 - I’m Really Not an NPC

The valley trembled ceaselessly, reverberating with an intensity that would not abate. Suddenly, a voice filled with terrifying anger roared from all directions, "What ants dare disturb this old man’s peace?" A deafening rumble erupted beneath their feet, as if a dragon were turning over in the earth, causing the entire valley to shake violently. A dark yellow light surged skyward from the depths of the valley, shooting into the sky above Huangshi Gorge, unfolding into a bright radiance that blotted out the sun. Clouds of dust and gravel filled the air. This massive dark yellow glow slowly formed into a humanoid figure—imposing, domineering, and unparalleled in ferocity, like a demon god emerging into the world. Everyone but Yue Ling was struck dumb by this earth-shattering presence, some frozen in fear, others in regret, or self-recrimination. “Has the Ancestor emerged from seclusion?” Tang Hao and Wu Xi shivered, and seeing no one paying them any mind, they began to sneak out of the valley. Unexpectedly, a sword whistled down to block their path at the valley's entrance. Yue Ling stood with her arms crossed, calmly saying, "Weren’t you two here especially to meet Huang Tu Zhi Zhu? Why the rush to leave?" Tang Hao forced a laugh. "I just remembered my old mother is ill. Would the beautiful young lady kindly convey my regards to the Ancestor? Until next time!" As he said this, he grabbed Wu Xi, trying to sidestep Yue Ling to make their escape. But then a thunderous roar echoed from above, "Which little rogue is so impatient to die? Still trying to run, are you?" Tang Hao and Wu Xi found themselves immobilized, slowly turning around to stare up at the massive figure. Tang Hao donned a sycophantic smile and said, "It’s been a hundred years, and the Ancestor’s prestige is just as it was! Congratulations on breaking the seal and returning to the Way of Immortals." Seeming quite in his element, Tang Hao continued with expression and emotion, "Upon hearing of the Ancestor’s return to the Ten Thousand Mountains, I sought news everywhere. Today, finally finding a clue, I traversed endless miles and endured countless perils, finally succeeding in reaching this Huangshi Gorge. All I wish for is to once again follow under the Ancestor’s tutelage and defeat that detestable Red-Clad Ancestor!" When mentioning the Red-Clad Ancestor, his voice quavered, tears flowing. "In the hundred years of your absence, the Red-Clad Ancestor has thrown his weight around, oppressing us lesser demons. Life has been so miserable!" Witnessing this scene left Liu Meng dumbfounded, Wen Yu covered in goosebumps, and even the normally composed Yue Ling lightly clenched her Chuxue Sword. What a shameless act! Seeing Tang Hao’s subservient display, Liu Meng felt a growing panic. Recalling the ferocious nature of Huang Tu Zhi Zhu, her eyes turned red, and she fell to her knees with a thud, her small face pitiable and tearful. "Ancestor, Xiao Meng failed to stop the human girl, begging you to show mercy and give Xiao Meng a chance to atone." Wen Yu, too, turned ashen, his body going limp as he knelt trembling, prostrate, and unable to rise. "I have failed in my duties; please punish me, Ancestor!" Huang Niu A Bi crouched on all fours, head tucked low, thinking, "This is it, we're finished!" Though she didn't know who Huang Tu Zhi Zhu was, the terrifying sorcerer-like presence, as immense as a hill, was suffocating. Her limbs were numb, eyes wide in terror, mind blank, with only one thought persisting: dying a miserable, scattered death must be a terrible sight! Intrigued, Yue Ling examined Huang Tu Zhi Zhu. Back in the Qingyun Secret Realm, his powers had drastically diminished, his realm damaged, living in a despondent state with only fantasies to get by, a figure of fallen despair. Seeing him now as this domineering, awe-inspiring demon monarch was indeed quite interesting. “Idiot…” Yue Ling pondered for a moment, deciding to give him some face, and laughed, "Stone monster, don’t you always boast of being the Lord of the Demon World, the supreme of the demon race? Why hide in such a remote backwater?" Huang Niu A Bi was scared out of her wits, thinking, is Miss Yue Ling insane? How dare she mock Huang Tu Zhi Zhu in front of so many people? She's just an NPC, death would be real for her! Kneeling, Liu Meng sneered internally. This human girl is truly audacious; she must be ignorant of Huang Tu Zhi Zhu’s reputation. Let's see how she dies later! As expected, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu flew into a rage, thundering, "What the hell do you know! I’m just appreciating nature!" Yue Ling glanced at him sideways and asked with a smile, "And the Red-Clad Ancestor?" Huang Tu Zhi Zhu glared at her with his bull-like eyes, grumbling, "What Red-Clad Ancestor? I don’t know, and I’m not afraid of him!" Liu Meng, Tang Hao, Huang Niu, and A Bi all looked dumbfounded. When did the ruthless, vicious Huang Tu Zhi Zhu become so accommodating? Yue Ling tilted her head back, which strained her neck, saying, "You're too big, my neck hurts." "Women are always troublesome!" Huang Tu Zhi Zhu huffed, and under everyone's incredulous gaze, his enormous figure rapidly shrank down to a more human size. Liu Meng gazed absently at Huang Tu Zhi Zhu, her already anxious heart growing colder. That’s it, she seemed to have offended an important figure... Tears without sobs! Huang Tu Zhi Zhu stood before Yue Ling and leisurely asked, "So, couldn't get by on the human side? What brings you to the Ten Thousand Mountains to visit this old man?" "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just passing through, curious to see the demon supreme of the Ten Thousand Mountains." As she spoke, she seriously appraised the bare stone walls, as if admiring a grand palace. Huang Tu Zhi Zhu sulked, "That’s all in the past. This old man has fallen low now, and even the likes of them dare to provoke me." As he spoke, he gestured towards Tang Hao and Wu Xi, who shivered in fear, their attitude growing even more ingratiating. With Huang Tu Zhi Zhu showing such favor to Yue Ling, they dared not naively assume he had truly changed his nature. Annoyed by others’ presence, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu waved his hand, causing the ground to tremble slightly. Beneath their feet, the solid ground seemed to turn to liquid, and they sank down steadily and swiftly. This revealed a spacious and secret chamber, without even a door. Yue Ling asked curiously, "Who is the Red-Clad Ancestor?" "Hmph," Huang Tu Zhi Zhu snorted disdainfully, though the anger in his eyes couldn't be hidden. "Just a clown. I was caught unawares, and he tricked me." Though he didn’t elaborate, seeing his indignant expression, Yue Ling could guess he’d been duped quite significantly. However, she refrained from immediately offering help, knowing the immense pride of the demon world's supreme, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu—such a figure would not readily accept assistance. Instead, she said, "I have a puzzle I was hoping you could help with." Huang Tu Zhi Zhu’s interest was piqued instantly. Ever since meeting Yue Ling, he had faced setback after setback, repeatedly owing her favors, feeling unintentionally lesser in their dynamic. At last, it seemed he could restore a bit of their standing this time.