Rise of The Demon General Chapter 803. Meeting the Supreme Leader

Amon queried Yeresdyx, "Do you comprehend what is required of you?"

"Elder Xlasstazh has apprised me. Yes, I do," Yeresdyx responded.

"Are you prepared to follow me?"

"My volition is inconsequential. All actions are for the prosperity of the brood."

"Excellent."

Arrasixx made an entrance into the chamber during their discussion. He informed Amon and Xlasstazh, "The supreme leader is prepared for your audience."

"Let us proceed then. We ought not to keep the supreme leader waiting," Xlasstazh stated.

Amon instructed Yeresdyx, "Gather your personal effects along with the necessary equipment for your duties. I shall collect you before my departure."

Yeresdyx acknowledged the directive with a nod. Amon and Xlasstazh departed, with Arrasixx guiding the way. Amon was once again led through an intricate labyrinth. Throughout their progression, Amon inquired of Xlasstazh regarding the ongoing conflict between the Hyanids and the human populace.

Xlasstazh conveyed to Amon that their forces had augmented considerably over time. Cryanids exhibit a rate of reproduction that surpasses that of most other creatures. With the Cryanids under their command, they possessed the capacity to persistently deploy troops into hostilities without apprehension of attrition. Nonetheless, the humans had likewise intensified their presence along the frontier. An increasing number of formidable cultivators were congregating. This development resulted in the Hyanid encroachment into the mainland progressing at an exceedingly sluggish pace. As per intelligence gleaned from captured humans, the human military was mobilizing to initiate a significant counteroffensive. A prominent figure was rumored to be gracing the border region imminently.

Xlasstazh elucidated that they harbored no undue concern. They had yet to deploy the genetically modified Hyanids derived from the captured humans, and the sheer quantity of these altered Hyanids amassed over the years was immense. These forces had been strategically held in reserve. Should the humans commit their primary forces, they would be caught unawares by the augmented Hyanids.

Amon felt a measure of relief upon hearing this. It signified that the current state of affairs was not significantly divergent from the situation he had encountered upon his arrival at the border.

After traversing a portion of the journey, Xlasstazh addressed Arrasixx, "Are we not meeting the supreme leader in the primary assembly hall?"

"Negative. Supreme leader Krassazh is presently engaged in a crucial undertaking. He is unwilling to interrupt said task, nor does he wish to postpone the meeting with the prophesied human. Consequently, our audience will be held in an alternative location."

"This particular route... could the Supreme leader have requested the meeting be held at the birthing chamber?"

"That is precisely our destination," Arrasixx confirmed.

Amon turned his gaze toward Xlasstazh. "What exactly is this birthing chamber? I was under the impression your kind reproduced in a manner akin to humans. Do you require a specialized chamber to facilitate your species' childbirth?"

"It is a birthing chamber, yet not for our kind... You shall soon witness its nature."

They approached a formidable gateway, flanked by Hyanid sentinels whose cultivation level corresponded to the Intermediate Supreme Stage. The presence of such potent cultivators guarding the premises strongly indicated the immense value the Hyanids placed on whatever lay within.

The two Hyanid guards offered bows upon recognizing Arrasixx and Xlasstazh. They proceeded to open the gate for their passage. As Amon stepped through the threshold, the guards' gazes fell upon him with evident suspicion.

Beyond the portal lay an expansive cavern teeming with colossal eggs. Skittering about the cavern and attending to these eggs were immense ants, bearing a resemblance to the Cryanid Soldiers, albeit slightly diminished in size. He later came to understand that this represented a lesser variant of the Cryanids, designated as laborers for their larger brethren, and were known as Cryanid Ants.

High above, near the cavern's ceiling, a fissure opened to the exterior, distinct from the aperture above the trial pit, though smaller in scale. Amon could discern the ethereal mists beyond. Unlike the opening above the trial pit, this one was unadorned by any protective barrier. He observed several Cryanid Ants making their egress through this opening. Should Amon have harbored any desire to escape, this passage presented a viable opportunity.

Dominating the chamber's center, encircled by a multitude of eggs, stood a colossal insectoid entity. It was firmly anchored by an extensive network of organic tendrils. Directly behind it was a massive, translucent organic conduit. Within this conduit, a procession of eggs was discernible. At the conduit's terminus, the outermost egg rested upon the cavern floor. A Cryanid Ant approached, carefully transporting the egg away.

"Is this the Cryanid birthing chamber?" Amon inquired.

"Affirmative. The progenitor of this egg is the Cryanid Queen situated yonder. This queen is instrumental in our dominion over the Cryanids."

It was Arrasixx who provided this explanation to Amon. Xlasstazh regarded her with an expression of surprise.

Amon's attention shifted from the imposing figure of the Cryanid Queen to a more diminutive being positioned beneath it. This being was a female Hyanid, who was gently stroking one of the Cryanid Queen's numerous appendages. In stark contrast to the colossal Cryanid Queen, she appeared utterly minuscule. Yet, the Cryanid Queen responded to her ministrations with remarkable tenderness.

The female Hyanid was not solitary. Adjacent to her stood a male Hyanid. Both possessed physiques smaller than the typical Hyanid. Amon surmised they were likely still in their adolescent years. Arrasixx then guided Amon towards these two young Hyanids, facilitating their introduction.

"This is Ibizisx," She gestured at the Hyanid girl, before moving to the Hyanid boy. "And this is Zetridh. These two are the key to us having a chance to win against the humans and claim the mainland."

Xlasstazh interrupted Arrasixx. "Arrasixx, are you sure it is wise to reveal these two?"

"Aren’t you the one who insists that this human is our ally? If you truly believe that, then it should not be a problem, should it?"

"Well, I..." Xlasstazh couldn’t refute Arrasixx’s statement.

Arrasixx continued her explanation. "Zetridh here possesses a special constitution that allows him to control weak-minded Hyanid. We've discovered that talismans can enhance his ability and significantly expand his area of influence. I believe Xlasstazh showed you the humans we had fully altered into Hyanids when you first arrived, didn't he? Zetridh here is the one who commands those altered Hyanids."

'Like a living Mental Regulator, except for Hyanids,' Amon thought.

"And Ibizisx here is responsible for our control over the Cryanid swarm," Arrasixx continued. "She has a special constitution enabling her to bond with a Cryanid, much like a beast tamer's soul-link ability, but without grade restrictions. As long as it's a Cryanid, she can soul link with it."

"And this Cryanid Queen is her tamed beast," Amon observed the towering Cryanid Queen.

"She is not my tamed beast. She is my partner, and her name is Xclthsytx."

Amon glanced at Ibizisx, who had just spoken. Her body language conveyed that she was offended by Amon referring to the Cryanid Queen as his tamed beast.

"Mm," Amon responded. He became certain at this moment that Ibizisx was a teenager. He shifted his attention back to the Cryanid Queen and inquired, "What is its grade?"

"Not it! It’s her!" Ibizisx exclaimed.

Xlasstazh stepped between Amon and Ibizisx. He soothed Ibizisx with a series of peculiar clicking sounds before turning to Amon. "Please do not antagonize her, and to answer your question, a Cryanid Queen is a Higher Primordial Beast."

'The same grade as Yao Ai’s Vermillion Vulture,' Amon mused. To be able to control a beast of this caliber, Ibizisx’s special constitution was indeed extraordinary. However, Amon believed the Vermillion Vulture would possess superior combat ability. The Cryanid Queen's strength stemmed from her dominion over her brood.

"So, in essence, these two young Hyanids are your greatest assets. If they were assassinated, your race would lose all hope."

Xlasstazh and Arrasixx fell silent after Amon’s remark. Amon detected their sudden tension.

"In that case, you must protect them. Xlasstazh is correct. Even if you trust me, you should not expose them to a stranger like me. Go, bring them to a safe location."

"... You are right. Ibizisx, Zetridh, follow me," Arrasixx instructed.

The two young Hyanids complied. Ibizisx once again caressed the Cryanid Queen’s leg, this time as a farewell gesture. The Cryanid Queen responded with a strange purring sound and a gentle tap on the leg Ibizisx had touched.

Amon watched as the trio departed the chamber. Just as he was about to inquire about the supreme leader's whereabouts from Xlasstazh, he sensed a presence behind him. He flinched forward and spun around. His hand grasped the Broken Justice, his tail poised for a strike.

Standing behind him was a tall Hyanid. A long, black cape concealed his form. This Hyanid was the first Amon had encountered adorned in clothing. The carapaces visible beneath the cape appeared grey and ancient.

"... You possess keen awareness," the Hyanid stated to Amon.

Amon was startled. Even with his cultivation sense dulled, he was confident that no one could approach him undetected. Yet, this Hyanid had managed to get perilously close to his back.

Xlasstazh bowed deeply before the cloaked Hyanid.

"Xlasstazh greets the supreme leader," Xlasstazh said, his head bowed.

The supreme leader gestured dismissively. "Rise, good Xlasstazh. I have told you numerous times. There is no need to bow to me. That is a human custom. I understand you have studied humans for a considerable period, but there is no necessity to emulate their traditions. I may be your leader, but I am neither your king nor your deity. I do not demand your obedience or worship; I merely seek support to achieve our shared objective."

Xlasstazh stood, though his head remained slightly lowered. He informed Amon, "This is our most revered supreme leader, Krassazh Kahn."