30: Chapter 30: I've Become the Eighth Demon Child

Inside the Deacon Hall.

Xiao Ran and Liu Meier stood before the hall, while the Deacon Hall Master sat above them.

He was a gloomy old man at the Middle Stage of the Void Refining Realm, with several Elders at the Soul Transformation Stage on either side.

After listening to the report from the black-robed Elder and reviewing the material registry along with the autopsy report of the Blood Child, the Hall Master spoke slowly.

"The Blood Child was greedy for merit and advanced rashly, encountering a Yao Beast at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, and died in the bitter struggle."

"Xiao Ran acted in the face of crisis, repelling the Yao Beast and preserving both the supplies and his fellow Disciples. This merit should be rewarded."

His gaze fell upon Xiao Ran.

"According to Sect rules, if a Demon Son falls during such a mission, the survivors who have performed great service may receive a portion of their inheritance."

"As the Blood Child was the Eighth Demon Son, after the Law Enforcement Hall completes their inventory of his private treasury, thirty percent shall belong to you."

"Thank you, Hall Master."

Xiao Ran bowed in gratitude.

"Additionally, due to your outstanding performance this time, the Sect will grant you an extra reward of five thousand contribution points and one Heaven Rank Low Grade defensive Magical Artifact, the xuanyin shield."

"Thank you, Sect."

Xiao Ran expressed his thanks again.

"As for the ranking battle..."

"Since the Blood Child is dead, the position of the Eighth Demon Son is vacant."

"According to the rules, if a Demon Son falls before the ranking battle, their position shall be filled by the Demon Son ranked behind them."

"Xiao Ran, you are now the Eighth Demon Son."

"At the upcoming Demon Son ranking tournament, you will face the Seventh Demon Son."

The Hall Master paused before continuing.

"Thank you, Hall Master."

Xiao Ran continued to express his thanks.

In truth, his situation had not changed much; his opponent for the challenge had simply switched from the Blood Child to the Seventh Demon Son.

The Seventh Demon Son was said to have reached the Peak of the Golden Core Realm a year ago.

He had spent this past year polishing his Realm without ever achieving a Breakthrough.

Clearly, the Seventh Demon Son was stronger than the Blood Child.

"The ranking battle is still some time away."

"Prepare yourself well and do not let the Sect down."

The Hall Master said this as his final remark.

"This Disciple will obey."

Upon leaving the Deacon Hall, Xiao Ran let out a long breath.

He had finally cleared this hurdle in the eyes of others.

Next, he needed to digest his gains, improve his strength, and welcome the Demon Son ranking battle.

Just then.

Liu Meier suddenly walked to his side and whispered.

"Ninth Demon Child, you have truly gained both fame and fortune this time!"

"Likewise!"

"Your share of the Sect mission contribution points should be quite substantial as well."

Xiao Ran said with a smile.

"Those few contribution points cannot compare to the gains of the Ninth Demon Child."

"However, I, your humble servant, enjoy stability. When you, Demon Son, rise to greatness in the future, please do not forget me!"

Liu Meier's eyes darted around as she deliberately swayed her figure.

Her snow-white skin was wobbling.

Xiao Ran naturally understood what she meant.

This woman was pledging her loyalty, and also reminding him.

She was practically saying: I know your length, and you know my depth, so you absolutely must not forget me!

"Senior Sister is joking."

"Between fellow Disciples, we should naturally look out for one another. Feel free to find me whenever you have time!"

Xiao Ran smiled indifferently.

Since someone had come knocking to seek a favor, letting his 'younger brother' have a taste when he was free was not a bad choice.

The two exchanged a glance, smiling, with a mutual understanding.

After a simple farewell, the two went their separate ways.

...

Little did they know that behind them, two figures had quietly appeared.

They were none other than the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall and the Sect Master, Sect Master Li Jiuyou.

"Sect Master, the Blood Child is dead, and the fatal wound came from the Ninth Demon Child."

The Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall reported.

They were all old monsters who had Cultivated for many years; some things were obvious at a glance.

"Hahahaha, it seems this little fellow has given me quite a surprise!"

"To be able to kill the Blood Child after only a few months of Cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Sect Master Li Jiuyou not only showed no blame but instead revealed a smile.

"Let him continue to make a ruckus!"

"The Myriad Dao Guixu Body has not appeared in the world for three thousand years. He is currently not unleashing the power of the Sacred Heaven at all; he must be forced to grow quickly."

"The Third Supreme Elder is already impatient."

The Hall Master nodded in acknowledgement, then asked.

"And the Blood Child..."

"Send him to the Eighth Supreme Elder. The Blood Child's sacred body is compatible with the Eighth Supreme Elder's Cultivation Technique. It is a pity he died before he could grow up."

...

On the other side.

Xiao Ran returned directly to the Eternal Night Palace.

As soon as he entered the palace gates, a black shadow darted out from the corner.

"Demon Son, you have returned."

It was Domestic Manager Liu Qingqing.

"Rise!"

"Has there been any anomaly in the palace during this time?"

Xiao Ran walked to the main seat and sat down, asking indifferently.

"No. Everything is as usual."

"Following the instructions of the Demon Son, I have been managing the chores within the palace and collecting intelligence from the outskirts, and I have not discovered any anomalies."

Domestic Manager Liu Qingqing quickly poured tea and reported rapidly.

"Mm."

"Well done."

Xiao Ran nodded, then took out a Storage Pouch and tossed it over.

He had no choice; he had become wealthy on this trip, so he wanted to give some benefits to his subordinate.

"There are some Medicinal Pills and Spirit Stones inside; keep them for your own use."

"Also, in a while, a youth named Shi Hao might come. He is someone I have newly recruited. Prepare a side hall for him in advance."

"Yes."

Domestic Manager Liu Qingqing quickly caught the Storage Pouch, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes.

She was simply too lucky.

She had only done her job and actually received a reward.

This was the benefit of following the right boss.

"You may leave. I am going into seclusion for a few days."

"This subordinate will take her leave."

Domestic Manager Liu Qingqing retreated silently.

Only then did Xiao Ran relax, leaning back into his chair and rubbing the space between his eyebrows.

This trip to the Blood Fiend Sect seemed smooth, but it was actually full of hidden dangers at every step.

Fortunately, the result was good.

He opened the System panel.

[Ding! The task 'Participate in the Blood Fiend Sect Reception' has been completed.]

[Task Evaluation: Excellent (Successfully obtained the earth core demon marrow milk, fragments of the Blood Scripture, subdued an Scarlet Sun Battle Body follower, and eliminated potential threats)]

[Rewards Distributed: 8000 points, Random Lottery Ticket x 1]

Xiao Ran raised an eyebrow.

Eight thousand points, plus the nine thousand one hundred he had left, meant he now had seventeen thousand one hundred points.

The lottery ticket was an unexpected joy.

"Use the lottery ticket."

[Lottery in progress...]

[Congratulations to the Host, you have obtained an Ancient Demon Artifact fragment — Soul Slaughter Blade (1/7)]

The next second, a palm-sized, pitch-black blade fragment appeared in Xiao Ran's hand.

The fragment felt cold to the touch, faintly emitting a fierce and malevolent Evil Qi.

However, the spiritual essence within it had long since dissipated for the most part.

System Prompt: [Soul Slaughter Blade, a weapon of slaughter from the ancient Demonic Path. In its complete state, it is a Heaven Rank High Grade Demon Weapon. Collecting all seven fragments will allow you to consume points to reforge it.]

"Giving me one fragment... it seems useless for now!"

Xiao Ran stroked the blade fragment, deep in thought.

This type of collection-based reward often implied a long-term side quest.

"No rush, keep it for now."