The terrifying combat power of a satiated Iron-Eating Beast could be glimpsed in this battle.
It was endearingly clumsy, fluffy, and incredibly cute.
But at its core, it was ferocious and filled with malice.
The Iron-Eating Beast turned into an afterimage, its body enveloped in chaotic energy. Its sharp claws were indestructible, tearing through bodies with ease as it swiped.
Furthermore, its defense was astonishing; it was impervious to counterattacks from these experts, ruthlessly carrying out its slaughter.
Desperate screams echoed through the valley. Some demons cursed Niu Ben, wishing him a miserable death, believing he had intentionally led them to their doom in a conspiracy.
The screams gradually faded, and silence returned to the valley.
Bodies lay scattered across the ground.
Ji Mo clicked his tongue, then his eyes lit up. So violent, so bloody, but he loved it.
With a panda in hand, he had the world at his fingertips!
From this day forward, he could hold his head high.
From now on, if anyone displeased him, he would simply unleash the Iron-Eating Beast to bite them.
Niu Ben's lips twitched. The Iron-Eating Beast's combat power far exceeded his expectations. Its unleashed strength was absolutely comparable to a peak expert of the eighth or even ninth level of the Mortal Immortal realm.
If that were the case, and Ji Mo could suppress the Iron-Eating Beast, then what was his true strength?
Immortal?
If so, rescuing the Iron-Eating Beast might be difficult.
Perhaps a Demon Immortal would be needed.
However, Demon Immortals who had ascended from the Demon Realm rarely descended unless it was a major event. Thus, dealing with Ji Mo might require waiting for an opportunity.
"Niu Niu... Save me..."
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad gasped for breath, calling out.
After Niu Ben killed the Jackal-Headed Man, his corpse had fallen on top of it, leaving it unable to breathe and on the verge of suffocation.
Niu Ben quickly pulled out the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad, cradled it in his palm, and gave it a big kiss. He then hugged it tightly, "Little Ha, I thought you had died in the Xuanling Realm. It's great that you're still alive."
"Croak..."
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad, already injured, was flattened by the hug. Its eyes bulged, and its tongue lolled out.
"Is the Demon Race's atmosphere this open?"
Ji Mo knew the toad was male, and Niu Ben had just kissed it. The homoerotic undertones were too strong.
No, he decided, he needed to stay away from this improper old ox from now on, lest he become the target of its affections.
He immediately labeled Niu Ben as having peculiar tastes, believing he needed to be more cautious to avoid being lusted after by this lecherous ox.
The Iron-Eating Beast trotted towards Ji Mo on its short legs, then suddenly seemed to realize something, its face filled with disappointment. It turned and went back to sleep in the grass.
Its stomach was still full; why would it eat a late-night snack? It had been tricked by this cook Ji.
However, a bit of exercise was good. It felt like digestion had sped up considerably. It would sleep soundly and continue eating after waking up.
"Old Niu, what are you doing? Trying to kill my toad?"
Ji Mo walked over and saw that the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad was only breathing in, not out, and was on the verge of death.
Niu Ben finally reacted, quickly releasing the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad with a face full of apology.
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad gasped for air and then quickly pleaded with Ji Mo, "Mr. Ji, please save the proprietress."
It quickly recounted the entire sequence of events, begging Ji Mo to rescue Yu Chuqing.
Ji Mo was dumbfounded, processing the information.
He never imagined that the charming proprietress, who would affectionately ask handsome young men, "Want a wife?", was actually the third princess of the Demon Realm.
And this toad was no ordinary creature; it had once led the demon army against Emperor Bai.
These individuals were all deeply hidden!
Being as naive as he was, he had been kept in the dark by these scoundrels.
Ji Mo sighed, feeling that society was complex and he was foolish and innocent.
In the future, he must be more vigilant.
"Don't worry, the proprietress is a person of great fortune and will be fine."
Ji Mo had once observed the proprietress's physiognomy and touched her bone structure, knowing she was not destined for a meager life.
Moreover, the proprietress had a unique bone structure and an innate aura of dominance, with a subtle presence that could engulf mountains and rivers. She was destined for extraordinary achievements in the future.
Before he knew the proprietress's true identity, he hadn't thought much of it. Now, upon careful reflection, it was highly likely the aura of royalty!
Perhaps this identity as a fallen princess of a lost kingdom would be of great use.
Hearing Ji Mo's words, the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad finally felt relieved.
Fearing that Ji Mo would hold him accountable for his past escape, it quickly and subserviently said, "Mr. Ji, I know you intend to sweep through the Demon Realm. Though I am untalented, I have some skill in leading troops. I am willing to be your vanguard and clear all obstacles for you."
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad indeed possessed considerable military talent, having contended with Emperor Bai. If Emperor Bai hadn't been so monstrous back then, the Xuanling Realm would likely have been swept away by him and the allied armies of the Ghost Realm long ago.
Now, driven by national and personal hatred, it was willing to surrender to Ji Mo, solely for the opportunity to settle scores with the new Demon Lord.
Niu Ben's mind buzzed, unable to process the information.
Before his expedition, the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad had vowed not to return until the Xuanling Realm was conquered. Now, its goal had undergone a 180-degree turn, aiming to conquer the Demon Realm instead. Was it insane?
Furthermore, the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad shared the same temperament as him; it was immensely proud at its core. Yet, it had now so readily surrendered to Ji Mo, willing to be his vanguard.
Ji Mo looked at the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad with suspicion. Did a toad like you understand military strategy and tactics?
"My strength may be lacking, but my brain is definitely sharp."
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad continued, "The leaders and high-ranking officials of the dozen or so tribes and alliances nearby have all been eliminated by the Iron-Eating Beast. Taking advantage of their leaderless state, I am willing to lead Mr. Ji's beast army to conquer these territories for you."
To prove its worth, the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad directly offered a bold plan.
If they attacked by surprise, they could definitely seize these territories with minimal cost.
Then, using this as a foundation, they could begin to gradually devour the entire Demon Realm.
In time, the Demon Realm would inevitably fall under his control.
Ji Mo's eyes lit up. Originally, he had only been thinking about how to prevent the Demon Race from invading the Xuanling Realm. Now, his mindset had completely shifted. Perhaps he could change his approach and invade the Demon Realm instead.
Offense was the best defense. As long as war ignited in the Demon Realm, the Demon Race would naturally have no time to invade the Xuanling Realm.
"Very well, I entrust all my demonic beasts to your command. Any territory you conquer will be yours."
Ji Mo said magnanimously, willing to give the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad an opportunity to prove itself.
Demonic beasts were just that; if they were lost, he could simply subdue more.
If the Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad truly possessed the talent for leadership, then he would have struck an immense bargain.
"All the territories belong to me?"
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad was incredibly excited, its heart nearly leaping out of its belly.
Such a reward was too generous, making its blood boil.
Niu Ben tried to dissuade it, "Little Ha, don't be impulsive. The new Demon Lord's strength is unfathomable. If you rashly start a war, you might not have a good outcome."
Over the years, there had been many rebellions, but they were all brutally suppressed by the new Demon Lord. The rebels all met grim fates.
"With Mr. Ji's backing, I fear nothing, not even the sky falling."
The Ancient Soul-Devouring Toad was fearless, its chest swelling with emotion, "I will lead the demonic beast army to begin the conquest now."