Chen Yu didn't believe in theories about demons descending from the heavens.
He knew that many things in the underground world couldn't be explained by common sense, but demons appearing out of thin air seemed too far-fetched.
The more likely explanation was invisibility.
Perhaps a powerful demon mage had used a secret technique for mass invisibility, making countless demons appear out of nowhere.
This wasn't impossible.
Chen Yu's magic cloak possessed camouflage capabilities.
His first city was also conquered in a similar manner.
This suggested that the demon offensive was organized and disciplined, with a commanding presence behind them to ensure obedience.
Demons!
The black donkey's early warning hadn't been wrong; figures of demons had indeed appeared within the entire territory of Fengqi City.
"City Lord Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Mi Ye frowned, nodding towards the fallen Lanfeng City.
"I plan to go and take a look."
The swift fall of Lanfeng City had truly shocked her.
However, she also didn't believe in demons descending from the heavens.
If such a situation were to occur in the underground world, the existence of so many kingdoms would be impossible; the entire region would have long ago become demon-infested territory.
Even if she didn't know where these demons came from,
At the very least, she needed to assess the demons' strength to have a better understanding. This would allow her to better respond and make preparations and adjustments in advance if similar emergencies occurred within the Mi Lu City's jurisdiction.
"Countess Mi Ye, be cautious."
Upon hearing that Mi Ye intended to visit the fallen Lanfeng City, the City Lord of Lanfeng City's eyes showed disbelief.
"The demons are ferocious!"
"The demons that attacked my city are different from the ones we usually encounter. Their attacks were well-planned, organized, and methodical."
"More importantly, their strength is terrifying!"
As the scene of the demon attack flashed through his mind, the City Lord of Lanfeng City involuntarily showed a look of terror.
For him,
It was an unforgettable and harrowing memory.
"Aren't you still standing here?" Mi Ye shrugged with a slight smile.
"I..."
The City Lord of Lanfeng City was momentarily speechless.
His ability to stand here was bought with the lives of his soldiers.
"It's alright!"
Mi Ye gently patted the City Lord of Lanfeng City's shoulder.
"You don't need to worry about what happens next; just follow the main group as they evacuate towards Fengqi City. I know you're not afraid, but having just experienced such a painful ordeal, returning to the same place would only bring more torment. For this trip, only City Lord Chen and I will go."
"You've made the decision for me?" Chen Yu chuckled.
"Have I?"
Mi Ye shrugged slightly, smiling brightly.
"Don't you want to see the situation for yourself? I saw the eagerness in your eyes just now, and I thought you were already prepared. If you don't want to go, that's fine too; I'll go alone, and I'll share all the intelligence I gather with you."
"Since you've put it that way, how can I refuse?"
Chen Yu narrowed his eyes, a smile gracing his lips.
Even without Mi Ye's persuasion, he had intended to visit Lanfeng City to assess the situation firsthand.
Hearing Lanfeng's account would always involve some degree of distortion.
It was clear from his words that he was genuinely terrified by the demons who had breached the city. Under such circumstances, the information he provided would be difficult to use for a balanced judgment.
"City Lord Lanfeng, you should return."
Chen Yu also said in a low voice. The City Lord of Lanfeng City looked at Chen Yu and Mi Ye for a long time before sighing softly.
"In that case, please be careful, both of you."
"I truly wasn't exaggerating; the demons that attacked the city are truly terrifying!"
"Even if they were to attack the royal city."
"I believe the royal city might not be able to withstand them."
With a sigh, the City Lord of Lanfeng City turned and walked deeper into the jungle, to rejoin the evacuating civilians.
He could no longer proceed.
Perhaps in the future, he would regain his courage to fight against demons, but for now, he had been worn down by them. All he wanted was to ensure the safety of his people.
As Lanfeng's figure gradually disappeared,
Mi Ye and Chen Yu exchanged glances, both smiling. Without further words, they leaped from the mountain peak with a near-telepathic understanding.
"Hoo—"
"Roar!!!"
"Gya gya."
Strange sounds occasionally emerged from the jungle. Two streaks of afterimages flitted past the dormant demons, who, though rousing from their slumber, couldn't catch sight of the fleeting figures, ultimately returning to their rest with confused eyes.
Atop a towering ancient tree.
Chen Yu, cloaked in his magic, stood on a thick branch, gazing into the distance.
Shortly after, the sound of rushing air announced the arrival of another.
Mi Ye, clad in armor and a magic cloak, landed on the branch beside him.
"City Lord Chen, you've been hiding your true strength."
Taking off her magic cloak, Mi Ye tossed her long, shoulder-length hair and looked at Chen Yu with a gaze filled with curiosity.
Rumors within Fengqi City's territory
Spoke of the mysterious Great City Lord as an incredibly wealthy man, whose financial power was unmatched, making him effectively richer than the kingdom. No one would doubt his wealth.
The investment in Fengqi City's development was indicative of Chen Yu's immense fortune.
The entire city was constructed from high-purity obsidian, even the paving stones. A single gold coin could only purchase five units of obsidian. The scale of investment in Fengqi City was staggering.
The city's construction costs were likely in the billions.
Furthermore, there were whispers of the Fengqi City legions' superior equipment.
And the advanced defensive machinery.
Even the livestock used for transporting resources within the city were domesticated demons.
Who else in the entire Tatu Kingdom could achieve this?
Even the inner city of the Tatu Kingdom's royal capital couldn't match such extravagance.
However...
There were no rumors about the strength of Fengqi City's Lord.
Mi Ye had actually made inquiries.
In her opinion, Chen Yu was definitely more than just a wealthy individual as the rumors suggested.
Yet, no matter how she investigated,
Information about Chen Yu's strength was like a stone sinking into the sea, yielding no response.
Now, she could finally witness it firsthand.
The strength Chen Yu displayed was merely that of an ordinary peak Golden rank.
He hadn't even stepped into the Obsidian realm.
Yet, it was precisely this individual who, during their journey, could keep pace with Mi Ye without falling behind, and at the end, even surpassed her by several breaths.
Even if Mi Ye had adjusted her pace considering Chen Yu's presumed strength,
She herself was a peak Colorful rank!
To keep up with her, one would need at least to have entered the Colorful realm, and to surpass her at the end, one would need a strength of Colorful rank five or higher.
From this perspective, Chen Yu was indeed concealing his true abilities.
"Likewise," Chen Yu replied with a smile to Mi Ye's quiet observation, then lowered his gaze, "Shhh, there's something big."