The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 428 Sponsorship from the Demon King

Thomas's caravan sprang into action.

Also joining in were the refugees who followed Karen. They formed a circle around the caravan's wagons, then prostrated themselves outside the circle in prayer, waiting for a miracle to happen.

The soldiers wearing green headscarves stood watching from a distance, their eyes filled with doubt, unease, or anticipation.

They themselves did not realize that until ten minutes ago they were bandits who committed robbery under the guise of justice, but now they had become the protectors of the "pilgrims" and were fulfilling a sacred duty that they had never imagined.

Meanwhile, inside a carriage, Luo Yan withdrew his magic wand, dispelling the light that had gathered at its tip.

What he just cast was not a platinum-level spell, but a diamond-level AOE spell he had recently mastered—"Radiant Radiance".

Its main function is to summon a huge ball of light and then smash it hard against the enemy.

Unlike the wide-ranging fire AOE spell "Blazing Sky" and the earth AOE spell "Meteor Fall" which emphasizes concentrated output, light AOE spells usually have the effect of "identifying friend or foe," which can enhance the output against undead units while avoiding casualties to friendly units.

However, considering that most players in the Great Tomb are undead, this is another useless spell for the Demon King.

Luo Yan wrote down the spell's effect in his notebook and filmed it with a recording crystal, intending to upload it to the "Catastrophe Online" official website later.

Taphthong, who was lying on Sarah's lap, yawned, smacked her lips, stretched, and said.

"That guy is...an apostle of chaos, isn't he? Why are you wasting your time? Why don't you just kill them all?"

Luo Yan smiled slightly.

"It's just an experiment."

"try?"

Seeing the puzzled look on Taf's face, Luo Yan nodded gently.

"The corruption of the Claws of Eternal Hunger is unique; it doesn't just corrupt one person, but all of them. I want to try and see if I can bring these lost young men back."

That "Iron Bull" Brennan is far weaker than Alistair; he has only just broken through the Gold level and reached the Platinum level threshold.

Taking care of that guy wasn't difficult, including the pale-faced soldiers behind him. However, dealing with the Chaos Corruption in Twilight Province was not so simple.

According to records in the Padrich family archives, famine was only one of the triggers for the corrupting influence of Urgos, the "Claw of Eternal Hunger," whose root lay in insatiable desire.

Simply killing the apostles of Chaos will not remove the corruption of Chaos; at most, it will transfer it from one person to another.

In fact, this applies not only to chaos, but to all faiths, and this is one of the reasons why Hell and Empire can never conquer each other.

Whenever one side's front penetrates deep into the other's territory, what awaits the former is never a decisive victory, but rather endless trouble.

When the prophecies of the end times come true, heroes chosen by God will spring up like mushrooms after rain, and each of them will carry an incredible legend.

They are chosen by the gods and by the people.

Looking at Luo Yan's confident demeanor, Taf made a sarcastic remark.

"And then make them your followers?"

"why not?"

Despite Taf's teasing, Luo Yan's smile remained unchanged as he frankly admitted his ambition.

"Anyway, they don't know where they're going, just like the nun they follow. Rather than becoming fertilizer buried in the ground under the influence of chaos, they'd rather follow me."

"At least my goal is clear: all I want is their faith."

……

Preparations for the ceremony are complete, and everything is proceeding as Mr. Colin instructed.

Thousands of believers prostrated themselves around the convoy in prayer, offering solemn and devout prayers to the gods in their hearts.

Caught up in the atmosphere, some soldiers wearing green headscarves couldn't help but make the sign of the cross on their chests, silently praying for Saint Sis, and temporarily embracing the holy light in repentance.

No offense intended.

We thought you were dead, but we never imagined that your grace still graces this land.

Standing in the open space surrounded by the covered wagons, Karen looked at Colin walking towards her and nodded respectfully.

"Sir... as you instructed, we have completed the preparations for the ceremony. What else do you need me to do?"

She had already come to regard Mr. Colin as the embodiment of Saint Sis, just as Thomas regarded her as the chosen "saint".

"You don't need to do anything, just watch from the sidelines."

As he spoke, Luo Yan walked to the center of the open space marked out by the covered wreath, holding a slender magic wand in his hand.

As he slightly raised his hand, the hard ground and stones beneath his feet seemed to come alive, tracing indentations under the guidance of the tip of his staff.

They were like silver snakes slithering through the grass, winding and coiling, their heads and tails connected, intertwining into layers of runes and geometric shapes, and finally imprinted on the earth along with the sudden appearance of green light!
Get it!

Looking at the magic circle he had completed, Luo Yan smiled slightly, then took out a magic crystal from his pocket and placed it in the center of the teleportation array's core.

The moment the magic crystal was placed down, the surrounding air contracted as if it had been boiled.

Luo Yan took a step back, slightly raised his index finger, and a scroll and a quill pen appeared out of thin air. He wrote a few lines in the air, then folded himself into the envelope and landed in the center of the teleportation array.

"Snapped--"

With a short, crisp sound, the letter vanished in the light of the teleportation array, flying off to where it was meant to be...

……

At the same time, the teleportation array in the Great Tomb.

A raven with bony wings, carrying an envelope bearing the Demon King's emblem, flew into the depths of the labyrinth, making eerie noises as it flew.

"Gah—! The Demon King's command!"

"The front lines need food! Send it out immediately!"

Within a few breaths, the order spread throughout the entire labyrinth, and the demon generals under the Demon King appeared below the throne in the audience hall, gathering together.

"The front lines? Food supplies? When did our diligent and ambitious Demon King start expanding the territory of the supreme Hell again?" A dark purple robe emerged from the shadows, and a graceful figure quietly appeared beneath the pillars of the audience hall.

The newcomer was none other than "Thorn Demon General" Brancia.

At this moment, a smile of great interest graced her alluring face, and her beautiful eyes swept over the demon generals.

"Do any of you ministers have any ideas?"

Grak, the "Bloodblade Demon General" who stood beneath the throne with his battle axe on his back, glanced at her. Wisps of heat emanated from beneath his protruding fangs, exuding a warning aura.

"do not know."

This presumptuous woman, taking advantage of the city's prominent position within the labyrinth, always tries to take advantage of the law-abiding demon generals when the Demon King is away.

He didn't need to stoop to her level, but he also couldn't let her look down on his clan—the Bloodblade Clan might not be rich, but they were definitely not to be trifled with!
Not far from Thanos, a pale blue beetle, about half a person's height, crawled out from the shadows. A hoarse voice and a chilling aura emanated from beneath its mandibles, and its compound eyes scanned its kin.

"Valgul is at the Demon King's beck and call at any time... As for food, our food, that lord probably won't like it."

It is an avatar of "Cold Iron Demon General" Valgul.

Because its main body was too enormous, it could not come to the audience hall in person to await the Demon King's orders, so it could only send its clones over.

In addition, being an insect, it and its clan primarily feed on the excrement and corpses of other insects and magical beasts, so they are usually responsible for their own food.

"Shadow Demon General" Thanos showed a look of disgust on his face and stood a little further away from this smelly and cold insect.

He's naturally sensitive to smells, and standing next to this guy irritated his nose.

“I’m more worried about His Majesty than about the food supplies… He wouldn’t normally ask us for such a small favor.”

Thanos couldn't help but wonder if there was some other deeper meaning behind this.

such as--

A precursor to mobilization.

Unlike the thoughtful Thanos, Brancia's face showed an eager expression as she spoke in an encouraging tone.

"The teleportation array seems to be not far from here. Shall we go and take a look?"

Grac glanced at her sideways.

"Don't do unnecessary things."

Brancia smiled, pursing her lips.

"Where? I just wanted to share the burden of our respected His Majesty."

"Hehe..." Thanos chuckled through his nose, a playful expression appearing on his otherwise forced smile.

He knew all too well what this Pain Demon was thinking; he simply wanted to curry favor with His Majesty in order to monopolize the emperor's favor.

What a coincidence.

They thought of going together.

Although they didn't know how that person did it, they had discovered his "secret" a long time ago—he could raise the level of a demon's soul.

Perhaps it's not just demons.

In short, this incredible ability is something all demons would gladly give up, and he would give anything for it, just to advance to the Diamond rank before he dies!

Once he reaches the Diamond level, his soul will enter the ranks of high-level demons and will never be reincarnated in this rural place again, much less in this half-demon, half-monster body.

Thanos is not a pure-blooded "Shadow Fiend." Only half of his blood comes from noble demons, while the other half comes from lowly and vulgar orcs.

"We'd better hurry up and finish His Majesty's task."

Tyrael Moonblade, the leader of the Graywind Tribe, coughed lightly, glanced around at his colleagues, and stated his idea, "Since everyone wants to offer their loyalty to the Demon Lord, I propose that this batch of grain be shared by us—"

"The items have been delivered."

A sudden sound came from above the demons, interrupting their conversation.

Brancia was taken aback and turned around in surprise, only to see a petite little devil sitting on a lamp stand not far away, lazily admiring her nails.

"?!when?"

Thanos and Grak also looked at the little devil, their eyes narrowing slightly.

Only Tyrael, who had a good relationship with Nightmare Land, gave a wry smile, shrugged, and looked like he was saying nothing.

"Of course, it's when you're arguing."

Sisi's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, as if mocking their pettiness. Her gaze finally shifted from the bright red nail polish to Brancia.

"Don't you think it's ridiculous? The Demon King is waiting for his meal, and you're all arguing about who should provide the food! No need to discuss it anymore, Nightmare Land will take care of it all!"

What an ungrateful bunch!

When has that lord ever mistreated you?

Valgur: "..."

Tyrael's expression was somewhat subtle in the face of Sissi's sweeping generalization.

ungrateful?

Isn't the problem that everyone present wants to help that person?

Thanks to the Demon King, the demons of the Great Tomb are living better and better lives, just like those in Thunder City outside the labyrinth.

Now the people of the Great Tomb have finally had the opportunity to repay the kindness of that great man, and everyone wants to contribute their strength to him.

Of course, he also understood why Sisi would think that way.

After all, during the most difficult period in the maze, the little devil was always hungry.

Hunger had left such a deep impression on them that Tyrael actually felt a lot of sympathy for these little creatures.

Thanos sighed, raised a long, slender index finger, and lightly tapped his temple, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

"I've always heard that the Imps are a bunch of mentally unstable guys because their brains are too small. I always thought it was just a rumor, but I never expected—"

“That’s definitely a rumor!” Sisi puffed out her chest and said proudly, “Our wine is even sold in the Holy City! That’s the best proof!”

The red wine made by the imps has a unique flavor that is in no way inferior to the various fruit wines brewed by the night elves of the Greywind Tribe.

Thanks to the sales channels of the church in Silverpine Town and the Brotherhood of Thunder City, Yusi and Missy had a great time every day—or rather, they had a great time making wine, with an endless supply of grapes to stomp on.

If ranked by GDP, only Desperate City and North Peak City could probably surpass Nightmare Land of the Great Cemetery!

Thanos: "..."

What is the connection between the two things?

"In any case, now that Your Majesty's problem has been resolved, I shall take my leave."

Seemingly unwilling to waste time on empty talk, Grac threw out a sentence, turned around, and left the audience hall with heavy steps.

Brancia didn't leave, but narrowed her eyes slightly, looking the Queen of Nightmare Land up and down, and a smile suddenly appeared on the corner of her mouth, which was covered with black lip gloss.

"You... you've broken through again."

"Hehe, you noticed," Sisi said lazily, a smug smile playing on her lips as she saw that the other person had noticed her change. "After all, the Demon King trusts me so much, I can't let him down."

She knew that Brancia was jealous of her youth and beauty, as well as her relationship with the Demon Lord, but she didn't care about her at all.

She's just a scantily clad pain demon, not worth mentioning!
The Demon King has good taste. As Yuxi said, only the most elegant, beautiful and mischievous little devil in the world can win his appreciation.

"Hehehe, trust? What an interesting way to put it. As the First Demon General, I can't pretend I didn't hear that..." Brancia's smile became even more alluring, her narrowed eyes curving into crescent moons.

A mere imp lord from the labyrinthine countryside dares to challenge me, the lord of Desolation City, for the position of the most loyal subject...

What a shameless bastard!
Although the entire cemetery is considered the countryside within the countryside for Shanghai, even in the countryside, there are inner and outer rings.

Their gazes seemed to spark in the air.

Although for completely different reasons.

"Two idiots." Thanos, arms crossed, sneered, as if he saw through everything but had no interest in getting involved.

The self-proclaimed First Demon General is utterly meaningless; that lord will only favor demons who are truly loyal to him and demons who can truly share his burdens.

No one was more loyal than him!

The slender, tall figure gradually blended into the shadow beneath the pillar, as if it had never existed.

The beetle clone of the Cold Iron Demon General has also left. It seems that the Demon King is as confident of victory as ever and will not need it to make an appearance as always.

This is a good thing.

It doesn't care who the first demon general is; it just wants to stay in its lair and sleep, preferably without anyone disturbing its peaceful dreams.

The demon generals all took their leave, including Brancia and Sisi, who were sitting on the lamp stand. They also left after exchanging harsh words with each other.

Throughout the entire ordeal, only the loyal Alakdo remained silent, without uttering a single word, just like a true spider.

Ever since that stupid cat also broke through to the Gold level, it seems that he is the weakest among the demon generals under the Demon King's command.

He only dared to speak when the Demon King was present...

……

Meanwhile, on the other side, thanks to the diligent efforts of the little devils, bundles of bread in sacks had been piled up on the teleportation array.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of grains, and in addition to the mountains of bread, there were boxes and bundles of smoked meat and sausages!

Even more than that!

Perhaps worried that he might be thirsty while he was out, the thoughtful little devil even brought over a barrel of red wine!
These are all products of Thunder County.

Compared to bringing over a batch of corn from the continent of Gana with an inexplicable origin, the most traditional bread and smoked meat from the continent of Os are undoubtedly closer to the myth of the Holy Lord's salvation in the minds of the Os people.

In addition, the maintenance cost of a teleportation array is not only related to the mass of the object and the level of supernatural power, but also to the delivery distance. Delivery to the nearest location is more economical than going to a distant location.

That's the food supply for tens of thousands of people, airdropped across the ocean. Even a wealthy and powerful demon king would find it difficult to cope.

The only thing that surprised Luo Yan was that he thought his subordinates would need some time to reach a consensus on the investment ratio, but Nightmare Land actually took care of everything.

As expected, Sisi is the most sensible.

I didn't spoil her for nothing.

With that thought in mind, Luo Yan noted down her contribution, then turned his gaze to the nun beside him with a gentle smile on his face.

"Let's leave it at that for now. After all, we haven't said how long it will take to fill their granaries."

It's more important to feed believers just the right amount, rather than overfeeding them, so they have something to look forward to in the future.

Karen was stunned when she saw the grain piled up on the open ground; her mouth and chin were agape, barely able to close.

She thought it would be quite remarkable if Mr. Colin could get some wheat for making porridge, but she never expected that bread would appear on the "magic circle"!

More than just bread!
There's also meat, and even alcohol!
She couldn't help but swallow, and said in a trembling voice.

"Is this... magic?"

Luo Yan smiled slightly and said.

"It is undoubtedly magic that brings the miracles here, but the 'miracles' themselves are clearly not. They are created by another group of people through hard work and sweat, which is something that neither the extraordinary nor the gods can do."

Carefully pondering the deeper meaning of those words, Karen nodded as if she understood, then looked at him earnestly and said in a sincere voice.

"May I know who they are? Although I may not be able to repay their kindness, please at least... give me a chance to pray for them."

"No need for that, they appreciate your kindness."

Luo Yan smiled slightly and continued speaking, looking at Karen who still felt guilty.

"Instead of praying for a bunch of happy... evil, uh, people, the priority is to get these foods to those who need them more. As we agreed before, I want you to do this."

There was no doubt on that devout face, only gratitude for kindness. Karen nodded earnestly and said in a voice that was barely containing her excitement.

"I'll go and call the people outside right away!"

After saying that, she turned around and was about to leave the open space surrounded by carriages to feed the poor people who were crying for food.

Looking at this impetuous "saint" lady, Luo Yan smiled and called out to her.

"Don't worry, I haven't finished speaking yet."

"I'm sorry! I thought you were finished..." Karen stopped, blushing, and hurriedly walked back.

"No need to apologize, I understand your urgency, but there's an old saying in my hometown: 'Haste makes waste.' So listen carefully to what I'm about to say, because it concerns whether tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even... millions will be saved in the end."

Luo Yan didn't mind her rashness and patiently explained his next plan.

After hearing his instructions, Karen's expression first showed surprise, then turned into deep admiration, but then a trace of unease appeared on her face.

She had no doubt about Mr. Colin's intelligence, but she couldn't help worrying about whether she could handle such a situation.

That's not about praying for one or two people, nor is it about praying for the souls of the dead...

She never did that.

“I understand what you mean… but can I really do that? Persuade the lord of Quemu Territory?”

“Nobody knows, but it’s worth the try. And there’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” Luo Yan smiled, soothing her anxiety. “I remember when you first became a nun, it was also your first time as a nun.”

Karen was taken aback for a moment, her mind not quite processing it at first, but she quickly came to her senses and couldn't help but laugh out loud at this amusing statement.

"Hug, sorry..."

“I told you not to apologize. I’m not Saint Sith, there’s no need for you to repent to me.” Luo Yan smiled and patted her shoulder. “Go ahead, I believe you can do it.”

Actually, persuading the lord of Sparrowwood Territory is the easiest thing to do. I don't know why this nun is more worried about the lord.

But that’s fine too.

Ignorance is not always a flaw; sometimes it can be a blessing, especially when you're lucky enough to have the right people around you...

Not far away, Karen, having passed through the wall of the covered wagon, had arrived in front of the believers and walked straight toward Brennan, who was standing on the periphery of the crowd.

Looking at the nun in front of him, Brennan grinned and said jokingly.

"I thought you needed three days and three nights."

Looking at the man in front of her, who was wearing a bearskin and holding a battle axe and a round shield, she smiled gently, then her smile faded, and she spoke in a solemn and devout tone.

"Divine grace has arrived."

"He brewed bread and wine with His flesh and blood to feed His children who were suffering from famine. Let your soldiers come in, and they will enjoy the first Holy Communion that Saint Sith has prepared for them."

Brennan's expression changed instantly, his frivolous look completely replaced by astonishment.

The Green Forest Army soldiers standing around them were the same, their faces showing disbelief and shock, and whispers rose and fell.

"bread?"

"And... alcohol?!"

"real or fake?!"

Before seeing the second sun that dispelled the clouds, they probably would have thought the nun was talking in her sleep.

Yet now, even the most blasphemous unbelievers couldn't help but reveal a hint of instinctive trust in their eyes.

Brennan's Adam's apple bobbed as he stared intently at Karen, trying to find a flaw in her pious face, but he failed.

"are you serious?"

He has decided to let them go.

But if she tries to trick him in this way, he will show her that the gods can't always be her shield.

“I am absolutely serious,” Karen said calmly, looking at him as she recalled the instructions of the true chosen one. “However, there is another provision in His oracle: all who drink my flesh and blood must share my flesh and blood equally with all those who suffer.”

Brennan frowned, unable to understand the flowery oracle, but sensing a hint of something he disliked—

The promise doesn't seem likely to be fulfilled immediately.

"What do you mean?"

Karen said patiently.

"He means that you can only enjoy the Holy Communion that you need, and then you must take the rest of the Holy Communion to help the starving people you have besieged."

As soon as she finished speaking, the soldiers behind Brennan erupted in an uproar.

Anger was written on the faces of some, who could not accept that divine favor was not only bestowed upon them but also upon their enemies. Fear was written on the faces of others, who had not expected that Saint Sith would see the filth in their hearts... These intelligent people were well aware of Brennan's plan to drive the starving people to besiege Sparrowwood Castle, but they pretended not to know it.

Of course, most people weren't thinking that complicated; their faces mostly showed their reluctance. They just wanted to take the food back to camp immediately, fill the empty granaries, and secure their next meal.

As for the other hungry farmers...

It's none of their business.

They didn't care whether the farmers of Quemu Territory were their neighbors or not.

Having already eaten human flesh, they didn't care about a few more people starving to death; in fact, they might even be happy to see more people starve to death, as they would be future food supplies.

“My wish is to fill our granaries,” Brennan said, emphasizing each word, his face gradually darkening. “When I say ‘we,’ I don’t include Sparrowwood Territory.”

"He will satisfy you, but not today."

Brennan gave a cold laugh.

"Could it be the next life?"

Unfazed by his imposing manner, Karen maintained her calm demeanor and continued speaking.

"Of course not, and it won't take that long. His second promise to you will be fulfilled when the third promise is completed."

Brennan fell silent.

He was not one to keep his promises, and the whisper from the depths of his soul repeatedly warned him that he should ignore this absurd request and devour the caravan whole.

however……

Another voice also welled up in his heart.

Why not give it a try?

He did not ask the other party to fulfill the three wishes in the order they were made, and the other party did not break their promise. Perhaps bringing food to relieve the starving people of Quemu Territory was part of the plan to conquer the castle.

Secondly, Sparrowwood Fortress is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and it is also inhabited by superhumans whose strength is no less than his, so it cannot be conquered overnight.

After a long internal struggle, he finally put down the battle axe in his hand and silenced the chattering voices behind him.

"I'd like to see what tricks you have to play."

Seeing Brennan nod reluctantly, Karen breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile spreading across her pristine face.

"Thank you...you gave everyone here a chance to survive."

Brennan: "What do you mean?"

Karen spoke in a clear voice.

"The oracle has a second part: 'Whoever drinks my blood and flesh and breaks his oath will have his soul fall into hell and never find peace...' But I think you would agree, and not out of fear, so I didn't say it."

This statement frightened many people.

Whether it was the vagrants crawling on the ground or the bandit soldiers standing around... none of them could frighten someone who had already sold his soul to the "Outer God".

Brennan grinned as if he had heard a funny joke, and slung the reddish-brown axe over his shoulder.

"How interesting. Does that mean if I do what He says, I can go to heaven?"

He had long been prepared to go to hell!

Karen gently shook her head.

"Where you go after death is never something He can decide; it is something you and everyone after you decide for yourselves."

Brennan smiled without saying a word, not wanting to argue with her any longer. He raised his shield above his head and shouted to the crowd.

"My little ones, do you hear me? Praise be to Saint Sis! I will praise Him one more time, for He has finally noticed us and nourished us with His own flesh and blood!"

He paused, then roared in an even louder voice.

"Now! Follow me inside to enjoy that so-called Holy Communion! Keep your hands and feet clean, eat what you need and poop what you need, don't you dare eat and take what you can! If I see any of those starving ghosts reincarnated who don't know any better, I'll personally chop off their dog paws!"

Perhaps it was because his words were too rude, even blasphemous, that these words caused a sudden, inexplicable pang in his chest, as if an arrow had pierced his heart.

But he's not even afraid of death, so why would he care about a little pain?

After saying this, he walked past the nun, swaggered through the prostrate believers, and walked to the open space surrounded by the covered wagons.

The moment he stepped into the open space, he froze on the spot, as if he had seen paradise on earth.

Those were sacks piled up like small mountains, with bulging bread even spilling out of them.

There's also smoked meat and fine wine...

He had only ever seen those things in the castles of nobles, and he never expected that he and his brothers would be able to enjoy them before conquering Sparrowwood Castle!

It was a miracle more blatant than holy light; his axe and shield clattered to the ground.

Along with it came his knees, which were as unyielding as steel, and a burning glint in his eye.

"...By Saint Sith above."

So gods really do exist...

At that moment, he believed it completely.

(End of this chapter)