Gods: Start with Goblins

However, Elder Tianji and his companions behaved extremely calmly. Their eyes revealed innocence and fear, as if they were really frightened by this sudden storm.

Finally, the leading soldier snorted coldly, with a hint of reluctance and helplessness in his voice: "Okay, I'll let you go this time. But if you dare to do anything illegal again, don't blame us for being rude! We demons are not easy to mess with, and our patience and tolerance are limited." He waved his hand and signaled the soldiers to retreat, "Hurry up and leave this place and go back to where you should go! Don't let me see you hanging around here again!"

Elder Tianji and his companions breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had heard the sound of nature, and the huge stone hanging in their hearts finally fell to the ground. They nodded and agreed quickly, with smiles of gratitude on their faces: "Thank you, sir, thank you for your kindness! We will leave now, right away!"

As they said this, they hurriedly left the post station, their steps brisk and hurried, as if they were afraid that if they delayed for another second, they would be caught by the demon soldiers. On the way out, they secretly rejoiced in their hearts, and sighed that they were extremely lucky to be able to escape danger this time.

"Oh, I was really scared!" One of the companions patted his chest and said with lingering fear, "I thought we were really going to fail here this time!"

"Yes, thanks to Elder Tianji's quick response, we were able to escape successfully." Another companion echoed, his eyes full of admiration for Elder Tianji.

Elder Tianji just smiled. He knew that his escape was not entirely due to his wit, but more to luck and the timely appearance of the demon noble. He reminded his companions: "Don't be too happy too soon. Our next journey will be more difficult. The demon soldiers are only a temporary threat. The real challenge is still to come. We must be more careful to reach Changzhou Prefecture safely."

The companions nodded in agreement after hearing this. They knew that Elder Tianji was right. The journey ahead was full of unknowns and dangers, and they had to stay alert at all times to ensure their safety. So, they quickened their pace and disappeared into the vast night. Inside the post station, the demon soldiers continued their patrols and searches as if nothing had happened.

In a corner of the post station, beside a worn wooden table, Elder Tianji and several of his companions sat together. On the table were several pots of unopened wine and a few simple side dishes, but the atmosphere seemed unusually depressing. The dim oil lamp flickered with a weak light, reflecting on everyone's furrowed brows, as if even the air had frozen.

One of the companions, named Aqiang, was an optimistic and cheerful young man who tried to break the dull atmosphere. He gently touched Elder Tianji's arm, with a hint of luck and expectation in his eyes, and whispered: "Sir, why don't you let us go back later? We want to drink all the wine we ordered, otherwise it would be a waste! This wine cost us a lot of money, and it tastes pretty good. If we just leave like this, wouldn't it be a pity?"

Before Ah Qiang finished speaking, he was interrupted by a cold and arrogant voice: "Enough! What do you think this place is? Is this a place where you half-bloods can run wild as you please? What qualifications do you have to negotiate in front of us? We are all demon nobles with pure and noble blood. How can we associate with lowly half-bloods like you?"

The speaker was a young demon who was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had a proud look in his eyes. He wore a dark purple robe with intricate demon totems embroidered on it, and hung a long sword inlaid with gemstones on his waist, which made him look majestic. He had a handsome face, but his eyes revealed an arrogance and contempt that was difficult to conceal. Several of his companions also echoed him, with disdain and ridicule on their faces.

"That's right. You don't even look at your own status and dare to be on equal footing with us nobles?" A burly demon soldier with a face full of flesh shouted loudly, and he slammed the spear in his hand on the ground as if in protest.

"Hmph, you half-bloods are not even worthy of carrying our shoes!" Another young demon snorted coldly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, his eyes full of contempt for Elder Tianji and his group.

Elder Tianji frowned upon hearing this, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes, but he soon regained his composure. He knew very well that in this world ruled by the demons, mixed-bloods would always be discriminated against and oppressed. Although they had demon blood, they were excluded because they were not pure enough. However, Elder Tianji did not intend to argue with these arrogant demon nobles. He had his own plans and goals, and did not want to ruin the overall situation because of a momentary impulse.

So, he smiled and said calmly: "My Lords, we have no intention of offending you. We are just passing by here and want to rest for a while and taste the wine of this post station. Since you don't like us being here, we will leave now and not disturb your elegance."

As he spoke, Elder Tianji stood up and winked at his companions, signaling them to leave with him. Although Ah Qiang was somewhat unwilling, he had no choice but to follow Elder Tianji silently after seeing his expression. They packed up the things on the table and turned around to leave.

However, at this moment, the arrogant young demon suddenly stopped them and said, "Wait! Are you just going to leave like this? Do you think we, the demon nobles, will let you go so easily?"

Elder Tianji's heart tightened. He turned around and looked at the young demon with a firm gaze: "Sir, we didn't do anything wrong. Why don't you let us go? We just want to spend a quiet night. Is that wrong?"

The demon youth sneered: "Huh, you are right? Then why don't you dare to face up to your own identity? Why don't you dare to admit that you are mixed-blood? In our demon world, only pure blood is the symbol of nobility. You mixed-bloods are only worthy of being our slaves and servants!" Elder Tianji heard this and a surge of anger surged in his heart. He knew very well that this kind of racial discrimination and oppression was a common phenomenon in the demon society, but he could not tolerate such insults and provocations. He took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice calm: "My lord, bloodline cannot determine a person's value and dignity. Although we have the identity of mixed blood, we also have our own pride and dignity. We will not bow to anyone, nor will we accept any unfair treatment."

When the young demon heard this, a trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes. He didn't expect that Elder Tianji would refute him so firmly. However, he quickly returned to his arrogant demeanor: "Humph, no matter how nice you say it, it's useless. In our demon world, bloodline is everything. You half-bloods, don't ever think of turning things around!"

Elder Tianji stopped talking. He looked at the demon youth deeply, then turned around and left the post station with his companions. Their figures gradually went away in the night, but their hearts were full of determination and faith. They knew that no matter how many difficulties and challenges they encountered, they would not give up their dignity and pursuit. And this dispute with the demon nobles was just a small episode in their long journey.

Elder Tianji's heart sank, as if a huge rock was pressing on his chest, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. He knew that in this demon clan's territory, mixed-bloods like them would always be discriminated against and excluded to varying degrees. Every inch of land and every breath of air here was filled with prejudice and hostility towards mixed-bloods. However, Elder Tianji knew that this was not the time to act on impulse, and he had to remain calm and find the most appropriate response strategy.

He took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calm and respectful. "My Lords, we have no intention of offending you. We are just passing by and would like to rest here for a while. We have not done anything wrong and will never cause any trouble to you. Please be kind and let us go."

However, before Elder Tianji finished speaking, he was interrupted by an even colder and tougher voice. This time it was a demon soldier who seemed to be the leader. He was tall and muscular, like a walking mountain. His expression was serious, his eyes revealed unquestionable majesty, and his tone was as cold as frost in winter: "Enough, if it were any other time, I could turn a blind eye and let you little characters survive here. But now the situation is different. A Lord Long has come to the City Lord's Mansion. He is very powerful and is a leader among our demons. His arrival means that our city will usher in stricter governance. At a time like this, we must not relax in the slightest and must not allow any factors that may cause trouble to exist."

The leading demon soldier paused when he spoke here, and swept his eyes over Elder Tianji and his group like a knife, as if he wanted to dissect their souls: "All of you come with me, and don't cause trouble here. Otherwise, once you anger Lord Long, the consequences will be disastrous. By then, not to mention me, even the Lord of the City will not be able to protect you."

Elder Tianji secretly groaned inwardly when he heard this. He knew that the arrival of Lord Long had indeed brought great changes to their actions. Originally, they only planned to stop at this post station for a while, replenish some supplies, and then continue their journey. But now it seems that this plan is probably going to fail.

However, Elder Tianji did not want to give in so easily. He took a deep breath again, trying to fight for a glimmer of hope: "Sir, we are really just passing by, and we have no ill intentions. We are willing to cooperate with your inspection and prove our innocence. Please give us a chance to let us prove our innocence."

The leading demon soldier frowned slightly upon hearing this, as if he was weighing Elder Tianji's words. After a moment, he sneered, "Humph, proving your innocence? Do you think this is a joke? However, since you insist so much, I will give you a chance. But you must remember that this chance only comes once. If you cannot satisfy me, you will bear the consequences!"

As he spoke, he waved his hand, signaling his soldiers to surround Elder Tianji and his party. Then, he began to conduct a strict interrogation and body search of Elder Tianji and his party. No detail was spared, and every corner was carefully searched. Elder Tianji and his companions could only silently endure this humiliation and injustice, secretly praying in their hearts that they could get through this safely.

Elder Tianji couldn't help but secretly groan in his heart when he heard this, as if ten thousand ants were gnawing at his heart. He knew that the arrival of Lord Long was like a sudden storm, which completely dragged their originally carefully planned plan into chaos. Originally, they planned to stop at this relatively remote post station for a while, replenish some necessary supplies, and then continue their secret and dangerous journey. But now, with the appearance of Lord Long, the City Lord's Mansion will undoubtedly become the focus of the entire demon territory, and any disturbance may attract the attention of that powerful man. Once they enter the City Lord's Mansion, their identities and whereabouts may no longer be hidden, just like ice exposed to the scorching sun, which is in danger of melting at any time.

Elder Tianji frowned, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. He knew that every decision at this moment might affect the life and death of all of them. However, at this critical moment, an unexpected and shocking situation suddenly occurred, breaking the original tense confrontation.

The atmosphere was so tense that it was almost as if water could be squeezed out of it. Suddenly, an inexplicable wave surged up, as if every molecule in the air was trembling at this moment. Then, a figure appeared in front of everyone like a ghost, without causing a breeze or disturbing a leaf. This person was Luo Dan, an elder with a high reputation in the demon clan and unfathomable strength. His appearance was like a sudden breeze, instantly blowing away the depression and tension around him, making the originally tense atmosphere become subtle.

Elder Luodan's face was calm and profound, as if he could see into the depths of people's hearts. His eyes swept over everyone, and finally stopped at Elder Tianji. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a meaningful smile: "Tianji, long time no see. It seems that you have encountered a lot of trouble again."

Elder Tianji was excited when he heard this. He knew that Elder Luodan's appearance undoubtedly brought them a glimmer of hope. He hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Elder Luodan, you came at the right time. We are indeed in some trouble, and we hope you can help us."

Elder Luodan waved his hand gently, signaling Elder Tianji not to be polite: "You're welcome. Since I'm here, I won't stand idly by. However, the trouble you've gotten yourself into this time is not small. That Lord Long is not a good person." (End of this chapter)