Chapter 14002 How about we have a fight?
The young demon king was about to retort when Ling Xiao interrupted him first and continued:
"The reason you were able to win the previous battles was simply because you were united enough, but if you were to die, what do you think would happen?"
His eyes were fixed on the young demon king, as if trying to see through his heart.
"Let me answer you."
Ling Xiao paused for a moment, then continued:
"By then, they will have lost their sense of belonging."
"The remaining kings each ruled their own territory and each had their own ulterior motives."
"Without your forceful suppression, they only care about their own interests and have no sense of national identity whatsoever!"
"Everyone is driven by self-interest; they would betray anyone for it."
“They will only fight for themselves. Once the situation turns against them, they will immediately change their minds, becoming like scattered sand, or even turning against each other and killing one another.”
These words struck the young demon king like a heavy hammer, instantly freezing his arrogant smile on his face.
He fell silent, his brows furrowed, and a hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes.
It must be admitted that Ling Xiao's words made perfect sense, and this was precisely the problem that their Demon Sea had always had.
He had always managed to maintain the unity of the Demon Sea with his strength and authority, but once he was gone, the hidden conflicts and ambitions would immediately erupt.
If he were alive, with his methods and abilities, there would naturally be no problem.
But if he dies here today, the Demon Sea will definitely fall into chaos. At that time, those forces that he once suppressed may take the opportunity to rise up and turn the Demon Sea upside down.
Although the demon king girl is young, her strength should not be underestimated.
She was exceptionally talented, and her cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, her cultivation level even rivaling that of the young demon king.
On ordinary days, she occasionally makes a move, and her fierce moves and powerful magic are truly astonishing.
Unfortunately, this little girl was free-spirited and unrestrained by nature, and had no interest in managing the tedious affairs of the Demon Sea, nor did she have the ability to do so.
She was like a free bird, only wanting to soar freely between heaven and earth, unwilling to be bound by any rules or regulations.
Thinking of this, the young demon king couldn't help but shake his head slightly, a hint of helplessness on his face.
Then, he slowly stood up and walked steadily to Ling Xiao.
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze piercing, and his fingertips lightly touched Ling Xiao's chest. The movement seemed casual, yet it carried an invisible sense of pressure.
"You are a passionate man with a strong sense of pride. You faced my sea of demons without fear. I admire your courage and backbone."
"But have you ever thought that you are not just yourself, you are also the city lord of Batian City?"
"Your single thought determines the life and death of countless people in Batian City."
“Your every move affects the fate of the entire Batian City.”
"Those who practice martial arts believe in 'rather break than bend,' and they must have their own principles and bottom lines, which is a good thing."
"But that doesn't mean a martial artist can be a selfish person!"
"If you are alone, you can naturally do whatever you want and act according to your own wishes."
"But you are not. Behind you are the people of Batian City and countless soldiers who follow you. Do you understand the responsibility behind this?"
The young demon king stared intently into Ling Xiao's eyes, trying to discern something from them.
Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile.
That smile contained confidence, but also a hint of mockery.
“You’re right. As the city lord of Batian City, I naturally understand my responsibilities.”
"But you overestimate yourself."
"The reason you didn't directly lead the demon sea army to crush Batian City, but instead patiently lectured me with these grand principles, is frankly because you're still afraid! Isn't that right?"
"You fear that even if you conquer Batian City, you will pay a heavy price; you fear that there are other forces secretly supporting Batian City; you fear that even if you win, you will leave behind endless troubles."
"So that's why you're trying to use these words to shake my resolve and make me surrender."
Ling Xiao's voice was unhurried, yet every word was piercing.
The young demon king did not answer immediately.
He simply turned around slowly, sat back down in his chair, and stared intently at Ling Xiao, as if trying to see right through him.
“My business is my business, and I don’t want to argue about it with you right now.”
"All I want to know now is what you're planning to do."
"You can tell me your answer now."
His voice remained deep, but now carried an air of undeniable authority.
Ling Xiao lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
In his mind, the faces of the people and soldiers of Batian City flashed by, as did the scenes of fighting alongside him.
After a long silence, he slowly raised his head, his eyes firm and bright, and said, word by word:
"I still want to try!"
"Even though Batian City may seem vulnerable in your eyes, and even though I know the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, I still want to fight for a chance for Batian City to survive and for a future for the people in the city."
As soon as he finished speaking, eleven mysterious followers suddenly appeared out of thin air behind the young demon king, in the place that had been empty.
They varied in size, some tall and imposing, others petite and delicate, but all exuded a powerful aura.
The aura spread like a tide, instantly enveloping the entire room and making the surrounding air seem to freeze.
The mere presence of these eleven people made it seem as if Batian City was utterly powerless in their presence, like a lamb to the slaughter, ready to be devoured at any moment.
The twilight over Batian City was like a richly colored yet somewhat tragic painting, slowly enveloping the entire hall.
The dark red color, like the mark of dried blood or the embers of war, added a sense of oppression and tension to the solemn and majestic hall.
Ling Xiao sat quietly in the main hall, his hands unconsciously rubbing his arm guards.
The metal arm guards were hard and had fine textures on their surface, gleaming with a cold light in the dim light.
His fingers touched the cold metal, and a chill ran through his body from his fingertips, but it also made his mind clearer.
He knew that every word he spoke and every decision he made from then on would determine the fate of Batian City.
From the distant city wall, the rhythmic sound of a wooden clapper could be heard.
The sound, one after another, echoed in the silent air, like a countdown to fate.
When the seventh muffled thud fell, the entire hall seemed to fall silent.
Ling Xiao took a deep breath, slowly raised his head, looked firmly at the young demon king, and finally spoke:
"Demon King, may I make a suggestion?"
"I am willing to fight you personally." (End of Chapter)
