Chapter 108: Lvqi's Speculation

It seemed Lanni wasn’t afraid that Zhai Guangyi was guarding against her at every turn. She explained that among the Demon Race, once a servant was gifted away, they could no longer serve their previous master. Even if the Demon King himself were to come now, Zhai Guangyi would still hold the primary command authority. This was the rule within the Demon Race: a master held absolute power over the life and death of their servants. Servants were different from subordinates; they had very few personal rights among the Demon Race.

However, according to Lanni, Her Highness Lilith was promoting regulations for all equal and reasonable employment relationships, so the status of servants had improved recently—though not by much. After all, those who generally took up servant roles didn’t possess strong combat abilities. In the Demon Race, those without combat strength received no respect; this was a World where strength reigned supreme.

Servants without combat strength all hoped to have masters who were powerful and had illustrious military achievements, so their social status wouldn’t be too low. Many of the Maids in Zhai Guangyi’s mansion had been sent over from other officials’ residences. They were all highly capable Maids who had thrived outside, and even this Lanni came from the Demon King’s own mansion.

In the past, when she walked outside, even a Level 60 Half-Step Demigod would have to treat her with utmost respect. But now, they had all been sent to this unknown newly promoted Demon King official, who had even lain unconscious like an invalid for two hundred days upon arrival. It would be strange if they didn’t harbor some resentment.

Lanni took the initiative to explain the internal situation of the Demon Race to Zhai Guangyi, hoping he would understand that here, only strength held the primary right to speak. Because Lanni believed Zhai Guangyi was a Forest Elf, a relatively peaceful race, and to thrive among the Demon Race, one needed to be ruthless enough. This was also a kind of well-intentioned reminder.

Zhai Guangyi understood Lanni’s meaning. The way of survival in the Demon Race wasn’t much different from inside the Forest. Perhaps the old Zhai Guangyi would have hesitated too much over killing, but not anymore. After all, maintaining goodwill toward some people didn’t necessarily guarantee reciprocation; benefit was the primary starting point.

“Honored One Lvqi has arrived. Shall I invite him in?”

Lanni possessed a detection Skill that covered the entire mansion. As a former Maid of the Demon King, her combat ability was not weak; she had even received the Demon King’s Blessing. With her strength, serving as a Maid was somewhat beneath her, but as the Demon King’s Maid, it was just right. Yet now, the Demon King had gifted her to Zhai Guangyi, which showed how highly the Demon King regarded this Forest Elf.

“Yes, let him in.”

This Castle also had a decent defensive system; even a Demigod wouldn’t be able to Breakthrough it quickly. It was even stronger than Seta’s Castle. The Demon King was truly generous. Zhai Guangyi really wanted to take this Castle back to his True Body.

Although his True Body’s side had begun developing toward a town, its defensive tools only included a Jade Dragon Magic Array, lacking in Defensive Magic. Magic Knowledge was indeed Zhai Guangyi’s weakness. If there were a specialized Magic Academy for his Followers to advance their studies, the overall strength on his side would increase significantly.

Two Maids opened the Castle’s main gate, and the small green old man in a cloak slowly walked into the hall. It seemed a group of Goblins followed behind him, but they were stopped by Zhai Guangyi’s Maids.

“Only Great Master Lvqi is permitted entry at this moment; all others must remain outside.”

Since Zhai Guangyi’s castle lacked its own guard force, it was generally not allowed for large groups of outsiders to enter simultaneously. This was a direct order from the Demon King himself. Ordinarily, aside from Lvqi, no other officers could approach this castle.

The Demon King’s regard for this newly appointed officer was anything but ordinary. Although there were no troops stationed inside the castle, hidden sentries were deployed outside to prevent any attempt to abduct Zhai Guangyi.

However, Zhai Guangyi showed little respect for the Demon King’s authority. He had barely taken up his post before sleeping on the job—with pay, no less—earning the disdain of many within the Demon Race.

“Tch.”

The group of Demon Goblins following behind Lvqi glared resentfully at the maids at the entrance, who shrank back under their gaze. Such was the fate of those without strength among the Demon Race—no one would look upon them with respect.

Lvqi, of course, paid no mind to such trivial matters. He was simply overjoyed to see Zhai Guangyi alive. Recently, he had been quite troubled, as what should have been a meritorious achievement had turned into a burden, with the Demon King constantly urging him to awaken Zhai Guangyi.

As a Great Master of Magic, Lvqi had tried many methods, all without success. According to Her Highness Lilith, this condition was called a “persistent vegetative state,” so Lvqi had rarely visited Zhai Guangyi lately. Now, seeing him awake, Lvqi felt the Magic Crystals spent were not in vain.

Moreover, judging by Zhai Guangyi’s current condition and the perception of his Magic Power, it seemed his Level had increased significantly, and his strength had grown stronger. This was good news for the Demon King and might even count as another great achievement, perhaps bringing his mission to a perfect conclusion.

“You’ve finally awakened. These past few months have been agonizing for me.”

Lvqi walked up to Zhai Guangyi. Truth be told, he was already short and had to hunch over, making him even shorter than the petite Zhai Guangyi. There were few people Zhai Guangyi had to look down upon, and Lvqi was one of them—which was rather comfortable for his neck.

“Do you know why I fell into a coma?”

Zhai Guangyi feigned ignorance, hoping to glean something from Lvqi, as his True Body was his most important secret.

“Well, we suspect it’s related to the Elven Divine Tree. Your Bloodline is exceptionally pure, akin to the first-generation Primordial Spirits born from the Elven Divine Tree. You likely have a deep connection to the tree, and your Soul was significantly harmed by its influence, leading to your prolonged slumber.

Around the time you fell into a coma, the Elven Divine Tree also became unusually active. But there’s no need to worry now. Judging by your current state, you seem much better. The Demon King specifically arranged numerous Defensive Magic spells within this castle.

They can resist a great deal of negative effects and include many restorative and healing effects, all to ensure your swift recovery.

However, to be safe, I believe you should strive to Breakthrough to the Demigod class as soon as possible. That way, your Soul’s power will grow stronger, making you less susceptible to the influence of the Elven Divine Tree.”

Lvqi believed that Zhai Guangyi, as a Primordial Spirit, was likely a descendant of the Primordial Spirits born from the Elven Divine Tree. After all, the current Elven Divine Tree could no longer give birth to Primordial Spirits, and those connected to it had most likely perished. Under the influence of the Deities, none could have survived.

The closer one’s bloodline is to the Elven Divine Tree, the lower the probability of survival and the more severe the impact.

In fact, Lvqi’s speculation aligns closely with Zhai Guangyi’s current situation—it is largely accurate. He was indeed affected by the Elven Divine Tree, and had it not been for the protection of the “World,” his soul would have perished under that impact.