Chapter 110: The Oath to the Evil God Wen Meng

A flash of dark light erupted as a surge of pitch-black energy struck forward. Swirling with an oppressive, ancient momentum, it detonated with explosive force. The Soul-Spirit Spear slammed heavily against the massive wall, producing a deafening roar. The thick barrier was instantly shattered, creating an opening roughly a meter wide.

The Soul-Spirit Spear was a spirit artifact of no specific grade, yet it was imbued with the soul of a Core-Formation stage cultivator, granting it power comparable to a mid-tier fourth-grade treasure. Initially, the second disciple had been so astonished that his jaw hung slack; he tried to cry out but found no voice. Seeing the hole blasted through the wall, he finally let out a sharp shriek.

"I did not expect you to be so efficient." The second disciple’s expression shifted to one of solemnity. He bowed his head slightly. "I respect your strength, but had my master not suffered such trials, he would surely be no less formidable than you."

The Soul-Spirit Spear, with its demonic essence and raw, savage power, had momentarily transformed this place into a netherworld. It made the second disciple feel as though he were a slave to a demon, and Li Mu a powerful conqueror who had seized him. Among the demonic tribes, strength was revered; such power struggles, where victors claimed slaves and women, were common, and the captured often served their new masters with pride.

Li Mu shook his head. The disciple's words stirred doubts in him—a demon so loyal must have held a fanatical devotion to his master. "I hope what you say is true," he said with a stern face. "Call your master."

The second disciple stepped forward to inspect the breach, tilted his head, and offered a look of apology. "Um, is this hole a bit too small?"

Li Mu was stunned. If a meter-wide hole wasn't enough, just how large was his master? Without further comment, he struck with the Soul-Spirit Spear again. *Boom!* Several more holes appeared alongside the first.

"Will this do?" Li Mu swallowed a Spirit-Recovery Pill and channeled his energy again. Having used the spear multiple times, his internal energy was already half-depleted.

Before he could finish speaking, a massive, imposing figure emerged from the hole. Upon landing, the ground beneath him shuddered.

This was Li Ge. Li Mu stared, transfixed. He was indeed a giant of a man, nearly three meters tall and broad as a mountain. His legs were as thick as an elephant's, his skin bronze, and his body as sturdy as forged iron. He had a square face, piercing dark eyes, and a perfectly proportioned physique. Unlike a human, he bore a single white horn on his forehead, several inches long, which emitted a faint glow in the darkness, lending an air of otherworldly power to his robust frame.

Li Ge looked toward Li Mu, placed both hands over his chest, and bowed slightly. "I thank you, master, for saving my life."

His voice was resonant, yet devoid of arrogance. His movements were graceful; it was clear he was a demon of the Evil Tribe who had been well-versed in etiquette.

Li Mu did not speak, but Li Ge continued to pay his respects. "I am Li Ge, of the Evil Tribe’s Ancient Rhinoceros clan. May I ask the name of my benefactor?"

Li Mu quickly straightened and returned the gesture. "My name is Li Mu. Please, there is no need for such formality."

"Master Li, it is a pleasure." Li Ge nodded and looked at the second disciple. "Li Hong, you have suffered these past years."

The second disciple’s name was Li Hong. For a demon slave without status to be granted a surname was a great honor. Hearing Li Ge’s words, Li Hong immediately pressed his hands to his chest and shouted, "Master, it was my duty!"

"Rest assured, I will not fail you." Li Ge clapped a hand on Li Hong’s shoulder. His massive palm looked like a fan, which startled Li Mu, but Li Hong was visibly moved, his eyes rimmed with red.

"You saved me for a reason. Please, state it." Li Ge looked at Li Mu, his gaze calm as water. Clearly aware that Li Mu had saved him for a purpose, he chose to be direct.

Li Mu nodded, appreciative. The Evil Tribe were indeed a forthright people, rarely mincing words.

"Help me eliminate the Wood Dragon."

Li Mu’s voice was low, but Li Hong, protective of his master, immediately cried out, "Master, do not listen! The Wood Dragon is currently at the peak of the Pulse-Refining stage and may even be touching the Core-Formation stage. In your weakened state, how could you possibly face him? You must recover first!"

Li Ge raised a hand slightly. "Li Hong, say no more." He looked at Li Mu. "Very well. But my body is currently too frail. Could you allow me a few days to recover? Then I will assist you."

Having spent so much time in the spirit-mineral vein, an ordinary demon would have perished. Though Li Ge still appeared vigorous, his strength had been halved; he was likely no match for even a low-level Spirit-Building cultivator. Li Mu knew this was the truth, but he shook his head firmly. "That is not possible."

"What?" Li Hong stepped forward, glaring at Li Mu with clenched fists. If Li Ge were not beside him, he would have attacked.

"Step back." A massive hand blocked Li Hong. Li Ge said slowly, "Even so, I will honor my commitment. I can depart immediately."

Seeing the resolute Li Ge, Li Hong panicked. "Master, this is suicide!"

Li Ge’s face bore a look of pride. "We of the Evil Tribe keep our promises. What I have said to you, I shall fulfill now."

Witnessing this exchange, Li Mu nodded slightly, feeling a surge of admiration. Li Ge’s promise had been made to Li Hong, not to him, yet he insisted on keeping it even at the cost of his life.

*The Evil Tribe, are they truly like this?* Li Mu wondered, his opinion of them warming. Whether it was Li Ge or Li Hong, they were worthy of his trust.

Li Ge did not say another word and began walking toward the exit, his strides steady as a mountain, each step covering several meters. Li Hong glared at Li Mu once more before following his master, muttering under his breath, "I knew it—I should not have wanted to save our master. Humans are truly cunning and cannot be trusted."

"Wait." Li Mu suddenly called out.

"What now?" Li Hong turned, his face full of anger.

Li Mu waved his hand, producing the statue of the Evil God from his storage ring and placing it before them. "Is this object of use to you?"

Upon the appearance of the statue, Li Ge sensed it immediately. He turned abruptly, his eyes fixed on the icon.

"This... Master, where did you obtain this?" His voice trembled, not with weakness, but with overwhelming emotion. Li Hong rushed forward, touching the statue, tears streaming down his face.

"Since you are helping me, you deserve compensation," Li Mu said bluntly. "I took this from the Wood Dragon. Now it returns to you. We are not of the same tribe, but surely you will not break your word to me now?"

"By the oath of the Evil God Wen Meng, Li Ge shall fulfill your request."

The iron-clad vow echoed through the chamber of the mountain.