Rise of The Demon General Chapter 814. Domain Lord’s Meeting

The prior encounter Amon had with Hai Di in Aetheria transpired through a portal, preventing direct visual contact. Despite this, Amon recognized the man before him as the revered 'Dark God' by the cult in Melas Twich Town, an identity confirmed by the overwhelming aura and pressure that mirrored their earlier interaction.

Hai Di presented as a tall, well-built man with long black hair and dark circles beneath his eyes. He was clad in a majestic robe adorned with intricate etchings.

While Amon recognized the Dark God, Hai Di’s recognition was equally swift upon seeing Amon.

"You...? I did not anticipate your arrival in this lower world so soon," Hai Di remarked, his expression shifting to surprise. "Your cultivation...? How is this possible? You are a cultivator at the Beginning Mammoth stage?"

"Do you know this individual, Senior Hai Di?" inquired one of the three figures beside Hai Di. This man possessed a handsome visage and waist-length, straight, smooth blue hair, complemented by a blue robe.

Amon had never met this blue-haired man but had read his description. He was Lang Man, the domain lord of the Commitment Faction.

"He is an acquaintance from Aetheria whom I had contact with some time ago," Hai Di responded briefly to Lang Man. Turning back to Amon, he continued, "Xin Lie did mention her suspicion that you were already in this realm. I did not credit her words. It appears she was correct. I observe that you have chosen not to align with my faction. Is there a particular reason? Perhaps your unintended encounter with the Mercy Faction upon your arrival in this realm?"

"Not precisely," Amon replied. "I deliberately avoided your domain."

Yao Ai let out a scornful laugh at Amon’s declaration. "Even a surface dweller prefers me over you. It seems your allure has waned, Brother Hai Di."

Hai Di disregarded the taunt. However, his gaze fell upon Amon’s left arm, making it difficult for him to maintain composure.

Amon noted Hai Di’s reaction. He raised his bare left arm and stated, "Regrettably, your pet failed to assimilate my mind. I have eliminated him."

"I see..." Hai Di’s eyes then drifted to the black space ring suspended around Amon’s neck.

Both Yao Ai and Lang Man followed Hai Di’s gaze. Yao Ai was already privy to Amon’s possession of the ring. Lang Man, however, was just informed. Like his companions, he recognized the significance of the ring.

"The Small World Ring? How did you come to possess such a ring? Who exactly are you?" Lang Man demanded.

Amon glanced at his black space ring. ’So, this item is known as the Small World Ring?’

He detected the subtle exchange of glances between Hai Di and Lang Man after the ring was mentioned. His attention shifted to Yao Ai, whose expression remained impassive.

During this brief silence, the man standing behind Lang Man interjected, "Lord Yao Ai, where is Dictator Diu Cay? It is surprising that you are accompanied by a Mammoth Stage follower rather than your right-hand subordinate. Is Dictator Diu Cay engaged in a crucial mission?"

"What could possibly be more important than attending the Lord’s assembly?" the woman behind Hai Di questioned.

Amon recognized these individuals as the dictators of their respective realms, information he had gleaned from the data crystal provided by Yao Ai. The man behind Lang Man was Du Ji, a middle-aged man at the Peak Overlord Stage of cultivation. The woman accompanying Hai Di was Xin Rong, an Intermediate Overlord Stage cultivator.

"Sister Xin Rong is correct. No matter should take precedence over this gathering," Lang Man stated. "As always, Sister Xin Rong displays remarkable wisdom. Might I finally persuade you to accept my invitation to my abode?"

"Keep your gaze elsewhere, you degenerate. We are all aware that your true interest lies beneath my attire," Xin Rong retorted, her disgust palpable in her tone.

"Ahaha! Such spirit," Lang Man chuckled.

While Lang Man took the insult lightly, Du Ji reacted with indignation. "Mind your words, woman. You ought to know your station."

Lang Man gestured for Du Ji to cease, saying, "Refrain from such remarks, Du Ji. It is common knowledge that I hold women in the highest regard. She misunderstands my intentions due to the malicious gossip spread by irresponsible individuals."

"I do not believe my understanding is flawed," Xin Rong countered. "Consider your inner circle. Not one of your high-ranking subordinates is female. You view us merely as sources of pleasure."

"That is untrue, Sister Xin Rong. I hold women in immense value. I perceive them as precious beings deserving of protection. High-ranking positions entail significant responsibility and peril, burdens I cannot conscientiously impose upon them."

"More accurately, you lack sufficient trust in them," Xin Rong rejoined.

"That, my dear, is a matter of perspective," Lang Man laughed.

"Let us dispense with this trivial discourse," Hai Di interjected. "All attendees are present. I shall inform Lord Mo Wang."

Hai Di approached the imposing gate, the entry point to Mo Wang’s formidable castle. The gate featured two dog-head reliefs, each with large rings clasped in their mouths. Hai Di grasped one of these rings and sounded three resonant knocks upon the gate, the thudding echoes signifying his arrival. He then retreated a single step, awaiting a response.

Shortly thereafter, a deep rumbling emanated from the gate as it began to creak open. All present waited for its complete opening before proceeding indoors. Amon positioned himself at the rear, ensuring all individuals remained within his sight.

The castle's interior presented a somber, antiquated facade, reminiscent of the medieval structures from Amon’s prior existence. Amon found this peculiar. Since his transmigration to this realm, such direct imitations had been rare. While approximations might exist, a complete replica was unexpected. Even the candle-holder adornments seemed more akin to his former world than this new one.

"Our leader, Mo Wang, how ancient is he precisely?" Amon inquired.

Lang Man provided the response. "Few possess knowledge of his age. He was already in command when I first drew breath. Hai Di here is the eldest amongst us. Do you have any insight?"

"No," Hai Di confirmed.

The topic was not pursued further, and Amon saw no reason to press for more information.

They traversed numerous expansive corridors. Amon observed no inhabitants within the vast castle, not even a single battle puppet. It gave the distinct impression of an uninhabited structure. After some time, they entered a colossal hall dominated by a circular table at its center. Six chairs had been arranged around its perimeter.

"Lord Mo Wang will not be joining our assembly?" Amon asked, noting the number of seats.

"He used to observe our deliberations from yonder," Lang Man indicated the grand throne at the hall's far end, which stood vacant. "However, over the past several decades, he has permitted us to deliberate matters amongst ourselves."

"Then how can we ascertain his presence within this castle?" Amon questioned.

His query caused the others to exchange glances, yet no one offered a response.

"It holds no consequence," Hai Di stated. "He mandated this assembly. Until such a time as he rescinds this directive, we shall continue to convene."

Hai Di was the first to occupy a seat, with the others following his lead. Amon waited until all were seated before he took the final vacant chair.

The meeting engaged with a spectrum of issues, ranging from trivial concerns to grave matters such as the Cryanid Plague. Although termed a meeting, Amon perceived it more as a stage for rivals to subtly probe each other. No concrete resolutions were reached; the entire affair felt performative. Each participant seemed present out of a sense of duty rather than genuine necessity.

Amon mirrored this approach. Despite the perceived futility of the gathering, Amon gleaned valuable insights into the other two domain lords merely by observing their discourse. His distinction lay in his complete silence throughout the proceedings.

Someone eventually remarked upon his reticence. Xin Rong commented, "The newcomer is remarkably quiet. It prompts me to question why you summoned him instead of Dictator Diu Cay, as is your usual practice."

Yao Ai emitted a chuckle. "Diu Cay has attended this council numerous times previously. I merely believed it beneficial for a potential adherent to gain experience from an occasion such as this."

"How exceedingly thoughtful of you," Hai Di remarked, his tone laced with cynicism. "What I find more perplexing is why you have not yet confiscated the Small World Ring from his possession."

"You and I are well aware that the ring is unusable by us," Yao Ai countered.

Before Hai Di could formulate a reply, a profound and resonant voice interrupted their exchange. "Did I just overhear mention of the Small World Ring?"

All three domain lords displayed conspicuous surprise. None had anticipated hearing this voice. Simultaneously, their gaze shifted towards the expansive throne, upon which a figure now rested. Amon was taken aback; no one had perceived the individual's entrance into the room or their occupation of the throne.

In unison, the three domain lords rose and knelt upon the floor. They proclaimed, "We pay homage to the sovereign of this domain, the magnificent demon lord, Mo Wang."