Chapter 24: The Main Event Begins, Stakes Stir Demonic Desires

The "Ri-La" competition finally opened Mo Fan’s eyes in a truly shocking way.

The impromptu round ended shortly after it began, with a horse demon emerging as the last one standing. Although the horse demon had manifested its spiritual form in its upper body, its human-like facial features were long since twisted, with snot and tears streaming down in a way that made Mo Fan feel a phantom pain in his groin—even though he didn’t actually have one.

However, the horse demon’s endurance earned him a reward: a low-grade spiritual herb bestowed by General Jin Jia. While such herbs were coveted by the demons, this particular prize failed to make anyone else jealous.

"General Jin Jia’s horse demon is quite impressive, taking the top spot. I am pleased, so today I shall grant another low-grade spiritual herb, which should allow this little horse demon to push through and break into the Demon Ding realm!"

The Demon King, in high spirits, bestowed the second herb on the spot. Overjoyed, the horse demon swallowed both herbs right before everyone’s eyes. A surge of black mist erupted from his body. Within a few breaths, a long howl echoed from the mist, and as it dissipated, the horse demon’s hooves had transformed into human legs. However, because he had retained a rather private part of his demon form, the result was quite embarrassing, and he walked away with a distinct limp.

"Hahahaha... truly worthy of the Ri-La! I never expected his retained demon form to be so... prominent!" Seeing the horse demon’s awkward state, the Demon King roared with laughter.

"Hahahaha..."

In an instant, the sound of the gathered demons laughing filled Flat-Top Peak. Even Mo Fan couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking to himself that this horse demon was indeed something else. While demons at the Demon Ding realm could manifest a full spiritual form, it was never truly complete; parts of their original demon form would always remain. Much like how Hei Zi had an extra pair of hands, this horse demon’s case was just absurdly inappropriate—the "part" in question was far too conspicuous, taking up nearly half the size of his spiritual form.

After thanking the Demon King and his own general, the horse demon shamefully reverted to his full demon form and scurried away, shivering.

"Good grief, how painful must that be?" Even Mo Fan felt his scalp tingle at the sight. He felt incredibly lucky that he didn’t have to participate; otherwise, he would have died of social embarrassment.

When the impromptu round concluded, Hong Yan was dragged back by Lai Fu. When Mo Fan saw him, the fellow was semi-conscious. According to Lai Fu, Hong Yan was already prone to kidney deficiency, and having gone twice in a row, he was naturally exhausted to the point of collapse. This explanation made Mo Fan’s face twitch, though he suspected that Hong Yan was just feigning unconsciousness because he was too ashamed to face anyone.

In any case, Hong Yan had become the laughingstock of Flat-Top Peak, and by extension, General Shan Feng’s Demon Ding, Hei Zi, was mocked as well.

"They always say the little demons under my command are the weakest, but it seems it’s actually the Third General’s lot. From now on, the kitchen staff should pay special attention to the Third General’s subordinates and feed them plenty of beast marrow to build them up, lest they make a mockery of us when we march on Demon Spirit Valley!" General Du Ya, the Fourth General, sneered repeatedly, causing Hei Zi and the other Demon Ding lords under Shan Feng’s command to grind their teeth in fury.

"Enough. Now, the main event begins. Do any of you generals wish to add to the prize pool?" The Demon King spoke with a smile, looking at the three generals beside him.

"Naturally, I must add to the pot. I am determined to win the championship this time!" General Jin Jia, the First General, grinned. As he opened his mouth, an object flew out, enlarging several times in front of him until it became a gilded hammer. "I obtained this magic artifact from a human cultivator I hunted long ago. It is called the Great Strength Gilded Hammer. Although it is only a mid-grade artifact, its power is extraordinary. Once infused with demon energy, the hammer’s force triples! Whoever wins this time shall have it."

Jin Jia’s words drew cheers from the demons, and the eyes of the many Demon Ding lords present lit up instantly.

"Since Brother Jin Jia has been so generous, I, Old Bear, won't be stingy either." The Second General, Bai Yao, spoke up, spitting out a robe. As the demons looked on, Bai Yao said, "Don't underestimate this robe. It’s not an ordinary garment, but a magic robe crafted by human cultivators. It’s a magic artifact; it may look thin, but when activated with demon energy, it can withstand attacks from ordinary Demon Dings. It is a rare treasure indeed!"

"You two brothers are truly generous to bring out such treasures. I don't have as much wealth as you, but I shall offer this as my prize!" The Fourth General, Du Ya, smiled as a small porcelain bottle appeared in his hand.

"Du Ya, don't tell me that bottle contains pills from human cultivators?" the Demon King asked curiously.

"My King, this bottle contains not pills, but my own snake venom. Only a single drop is enough—anything below the Demon General realm is guaranteed to have no antidote!" Du Ya declared confidently.

His words made all the demons gasp, but it also made the eyes of the Demon Ding lords burn with greed. Mo Fan was equally stunned by these "prizes" and couldn't help but ask the sparrow demon, Zha Zha, on his shoulder, "What kind of demons are these three generals?"

"The First General is a yellow ox demon named Jin Jia. The Second General is a black bear demon, but it’s said he hates being called black, so he named himself Bai Yao (White Demon). As for the Fourth General, he is a venomous snake demon—no one knows exactly what kind—and he goes by Du Ya (Poison Fang). Of the three, only the Fourth General doesn't get along with our General," Zha Zha whispered.

"Is our general the Third General? And what kind of demon is he?" Mo Fan asked curiously.

"The Third General is a pheasant demon, hence the name Shan Feng (Mountain Phoenix)," Zha Zha nodded.

Hearing this, Mo Fan understood why the Third and Fourth Generals were at odds. Snakes and chickens are often referred to as dragons and phoenixes, and they have always been natural enemies; it would be strange if they got along.

"And what about the Great King?" Mo Fan continued.

"Shh! Do you want to die? How dare you speculate on the Great King’s true form?!" Zha Zha’s expression changed in terror. Hei Zi, sitting in front, turned around and glared at them, saying in a low voice, "Shut your mouths! If you don't want to watch the match, get out of here!"

"Forgive us, Lord!" Mo Fan and Zha Zha dared not speak further, but they understood that the Demon King of Black Wind Mountain’s true form was a taboo subject.

As they chatted, the Demon King had already brought out his own prize: half of a Yellow-grade spiritual herb!

Meanwhile, each camp began selecting their contestants. Hei Zi produced a bundle of sticks and placed them before the demons, stating calmly, "Lai Bao and Hong Yan are exempt. The rest of you, draw lots. The shortest stick goes to compete!"

The demons wore miserable faces, casting envious glances at Mo Fan, before drawing lots one by one. Eventually, the one who drew the short stick was Lao Liu, a personal attendant to the Demon Ding. Mo Fan learned from Zha Zha that this attendant was a beetle demon, rumored to be incredibly talented at this specific event.

Seeing that it was Lao Liu, Hei Zi’s face brightened. He spoke earnestly, "Go and compete with confidence. You must hold out! If you can take the top spot, I will reward you with that half of the Yellow-grade spiritual herb!"

Lao Liu’s previously low morale soared, and he nodded repeatedly, "Please rest assured, my Lord, I will certainly hold out until the end!"

With that, a horn blast echoed across Flat-Top Peak, and the Ri-La competition officially began!

There were far more contestants this time than in the impromptu round, and Mo Fan even saw a few Demon Dings among them. Clearly, the prizes were so valuable that even the Demon Dings were willing to cast aside their pride and risk their reputations to participate. As Demon Dings, their demon energy was vast, and their endurance was naturally higher than that of ordinary little demons, giving them a significant advantage.