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Chapter 42: Hidden Forest Mountain

"It's beyond my control. The Hidden Forest Mountain is a formidable force, and I had no choice but to yield," the Cat King explained. "I didn't want to force my younger sister. However, before the Tiger King departed, he mentioned that he would begin preparations for the wedding upon his return to Hidden Forest Mountain, and he intends to come here to marry my sister in three days. If he doesn't find her here, he will unleash his anger..."

Chu Liang cast another glance at Mistress Ming and asked, "You never mentioned that you had been granted an official title by the Mount Shu Sect?"

"My younger sister suggested that I could seek help from the Mount Shu Sect, but... I was too afraid to do so," the Cat King shook his head and continued, "Low-level demons like us, dwelling in the mountains, feared cultivators like you the most... We wouldn't dare harm humans. In fact, if we encountered someone who was lost, injured, or in distress in the mountains, we rushed to their aid. We were concerned that if anyone were to die in the mountains, humans might unjustly accuse demonic creatures and launch a hunt against us."

Chu Liang could sympathize with his dilemma to some extent.

The prevailing view among humans continued to regard demonic creatures and devils as foes, and they were quick to kill any demonic creatures they encountered.

Moreover, there were unscrupulous cultivators who regarded demonic creatures as raw materials for alchemy, soul refinement, and various other purposes, unjustly ending their lives. While taking human lives was unlawful, there was no legal protection for the lives of demonic creatures.

These incidents only heightened the fear of demonic creatures towards cultivators.

But wasn't the human race's fear of demonic creatures and devils deeply ingrained as well?

The wrongdoings of a few individuals within a group often became associated with the entire group, leading to the entire group bearing the consequences together.

Many demonic creatures, such as the members of the East Mountain Cat Clan, grappled with the challenge of survival.

"I don't know about the other sects, but at least our Mount Shu Sect is reasonable." That was all Chu Liang could say.

"Alas..." the Cat King shook his head once more. "Take my younger sister away tonight. When the wedding procession for the Tiger King arrives tomorrow, the East Mountain Cat Clan will surely be slaughtered. If you genuinely wish to help us, then take my younger sister and leave promptly. We might have a bit more time to escape."

He raised his head and glanced at the underling behind him as he said, "I'm uncertain whether we'll survive after departing from this territory."

Chu Liang fell into contemplative silence.

For humans, leaving their hometown and familiar surroundings might merely be emotionally challenging. However, for demonic creatures, it meant searching for a new habitat, often entailing the risk of engaging in bloody warfare, which was exceedingly perilous.

They required food, shelter, and a suitable environment. They couldn't merely survive anywhere in the wild.

In addition...

Chu Liang suddenly asked, "Does the Tiger King have many subordinates?"

The Cat King answered, "The Hidden Forest Mountain commands the most significant force of demonic creatures within a radius of a hundred li from Xingzhou City."

"What is the Tiger King's cultivation level?" Chu Liang asked.

"He possesses a cultivation of seven or eight hundred years. According to human classification, he should be considered a demonic creature at the fourth or fifth realm," the Cat King explained.

"If..." Chu Liang began slowly, "If I were to assist you in defeating the Tiger King, would that resolve all your issues?"

"Ehhhhh...

" The Cat King seemed surprised and skeptical, uncertain about Chu Liang's intentions.

Chu Liang might have been strong enough to defeat the Cat King, but he couldn't possibly match the Tiger King's power.

Obviously, Chu Liang had no intention of recklessly risking his life.

The primary reason he dared to consider this plan was the jade talisman his teacher had given him. As long as he could summon the Di Nufeng, it wouldn't matter if the Tiger King had numerous subordinates. He believed he could decisively defeat the Tiger King, leaving the latter with no escape and no chance of survival.

Chu Liang wouldn't be gaining anything from this trip. This wasn't a mission, and he hadn't slain any demons.

The members of the East Mountain Cat Clan were benevolent demonic beings, and Chu Liang couldn't recklessly kill a few of them in exchange for rewards.

This meant that his trip would be a waste of time.

Taking Mistress Ming away would indirectly harm these little cat demons.

Considering all these factors, it appeared more reasonable to proceed directly to the Hidden Forest Mountain and eliminate the demonic creatures residing there. They were notorious for their tyrannical behavior, and if he could slay a few of them in exchange for rewards, this trip wouldn't be in vain.

Of course, the reward was not the most important thing. The primary objective was to punish the evil and promote the good.

Indeed.

With these thoughts in mind, he smiled at the Cat King and said, "Since I've presented it this way, I naturally have confidence in dealing with him. If you're willing to assist me, we can save your sister. What do you think?"

"I'm willing!" Seeing Chu Liang's calm and composed demeanor, the Cat King considered this person trustworthy. With earnest gratitude in his eyes, he nodded emphatically and added, "But Young Hero, could you please untie the ropes first?"

...

In the Hidden Forest Mountain...

Located one hundred and twenty li to the east of Xingzhou City, this mountainous region was renowned for its towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. It was a place that was easy to defend but challenging to attack.

In earlier times, it had served as a haven for bandits and outlaws. However, as the nearby roads gradually became deserted, the powerful men inhabiting the mountains also began to disperse. At some point, it had become a gathering place for various demons and monsters.

Today, deep within these vast mountains, an uproarious atmosphere prevailed, with the sound of drums and gongs echoing even in the peripheral areas.

If someone were to ascend the steep slope to the mountaintop, they would behold a large open area below, teeming with hundreds of clamorous and raucous lesser demonic creatures. Some of them were even dressed in festive red outfits and carried drums and gongs.

The scene was brimming with joy and celebration.

The lesser demons of the Hidden Forest Mountain were not the only ones present; it appeared that the demon kings within a radius of a hundred li who had good relations with the Tiger King had also come here to offer their congratulations. After all, today marked the day of the Hidden Forest Mountain's Tiger King getting married.

The Tiger King was incredibly powerful and had risen to become the most dominant demon king in the vicinity within just a few years. He was notorious for abducting women and had already amassed dozens of wives in his lair, yet this time, he was orchestrating a grand wedding.

The nearby demon kings were aware that the Tiger King had been traveling around lately, endeavoring to unite the scattered demon forces in the vicinity. This gathering was less about a wedding and more about demonstrating the Tiger King's power.

Before long, a grand procession approached.

Leading the way was a colossal elephant adorned with a large red flower on its head. Seated atop the elephant's back was a giant of a man, towering over ten feet in height, sporting a ferocious beard. Though he was dressed as the groom, he couldn't conceal the menacing aura he radiated.

This was none other than the Tiger King himself!

Following the elephant were two rows of lesser demons, playing music and instruments. In the middle of the procession, eight lesser demons carried a grand red bridal sedan.

Inside the bridal sedan sat the bride, rumored to be a little cat demon from the East Mountain Cat Clan. However, hardly anyone in attendance had ever heard of this East Mountain Cat Clan.

The several demons following at the rear of the bridal procession appeared to be from the East Mountain, presumably the bride's family. The leader of the group, the Cat King, appeared rather dejected, while those following behind him seemed unremarkable.

They were likely to be some unknown lesser demons.

However... among the lesser demons from the East Mountain Cat Clan, one stood out from the rest.

He maintained a sleek and upright posture, possessing the same fur and cat-like appearance. However, as he moved, he radiated an air of sophistication and amiability.

Moreover... his gaze toward the surrounding demons differed significantly from the fear, admiration, and awe that marked the expressions of the other cat demons.

His eyes gleamed with anticipation, as though he were looking at a treasure.

1. Cao Mengde is a prominent warlord and politician in ancient China during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period. He has fifteen concubines and ten of them were married women. He has a fanatical passion for married women. ?