Chapter 553: A Formidable Opponent

Even if Big Cat could obtain the God-Slaying Sword from the Golden Lion clan, Tang San still didn't believe Big Cat could defeat Meng Dede. What made Tang San wary of Meng Dede the most was how effortlessly he had defeated the Behemoth. Throughout the match, Meng Dede didn't use any weapons or equipment. As the direct descendant of the Tenebrous Demon Emperor and a once-in-a-century genius of the Tenebrous Dragon clan, could he really lack the support of his clan? The direct heir of a Demon Emperor without a divine item? That was obviously impossible.

The only reason Meng Dede didn't use any such items was that his opponent wasn't strong enough to warrant it. It was that simple.

Therefore, for Tang San to win, he had to factor in Meng Dede's potential use of artifacts or find a unique strategy to defeat him. But that was challenging since Meng Dede excelled at controlling the battlefield with his darkness elemental domain. In his previous life, Tang San was also a master of control, so he knew how troublesome a control-type fighter could be on the battlefield. Any tactics used against such an opponent would be difficult to execute effectively due to their overarching influence.

He really needed to think carefully about which abilities to reveal and what techniques to use to defeat this opponent, and hopefully seriously injure him. Ideally, he could solve the problems of both the singles and doubles matches in one go.

Thinking of this, a rare competitive fire ignited in Tang San's eyes. His eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing in them.

Mei Gongzi returned to her residence, and the Peacock Great Demon King had also returned, no longer continuing to watch the matches. Mei Gongzi's opponents in the second bracket of the individual competition were strong, but there was no one remotely on the same level as Meng Dede. She wouldn’t meet her strongest opponent until the semifinals, and her next opponent was similar in strength to the one she had just faced.

"Why did you reveal the White Tiger Demon Emperor's inheritance today? I can sense that the White Tiger Demon Emperor is now paying attention to you," the Peacock Great Demon King asked, frowning slightly.

"It's nothing. I just thought it would be better to reveal the Celestial Dance later. I'm more confident in the Celestial Dance now. Today's opponent wasn't easy to deal with, and I was worried that a prolonged fight would affect tomorrow's doubles match."

The Peacock Great Demon King looked at her deeply. "I can guess what you're thinking. It's already done, so let's leave it. But you need to understand why I asked you to use the White Tiger Transformation's bloodline power later. It's because it should be used at a higher level to make the White Tiger Demon Emperor value you more. By placing the Celestial Dance later, aren't you telling all the observing Demon Emperors that in your heart, the White Tiger Transformation is not as important as the Peacock Transformation?"

Mei Gongzi responded naturally. "That's the truth! Don't you want me to think that way?"

The Peacock Great Demon King paused, then said, "Of course, I want

you

to think that way, but it depends on the occasion. For you to secure your position as my successor, and especially as the city lord, the support of the White Tiger Demon Emperor is crucial. He has significant influence in the Ancestral Court, and even Emperors ranked above him must give him some respect. If he supports you as the lord of Kali City, your position will be much more stable. Of course, that will still be in the name of the Peacock Demon clan, as the Ancestral Court won't allow the White Tiger Demon Emperor to have a second territory. This balance must be carefully managed."

Mei Gongzi slowly nodded, then softly said, "Father, is your health...?" She sensed a hint of urgency in the Peacock Great Demon King's words.

The Peacock Great Demon King shook his head and said, "I'm fine, don't worry. For the sake of our clan and for you, I won't die easily. I have to finish what needs to be done."

"Is it really irreversible?" A trace of sadness flashed in Mei Gongzi's eyes.

The Peacock Great Demon King looked deeply at his daughter, sighed softly, and said, "I have never been a good father. I want to hold on, but no matter what, it's impossible. I've burned my Golden Crown. Unless there is an existence higher than the Demon Emperor to reverse the situation, it's irreversible. But this is part of my plan. Even if I stayed alive, I wouldn't be able to protect Kali City; after all, I can't become a Demon Emperor. But you can. As long as you withstand the initial pressure and become an Emperor in the future, our Peacock Demon clan's status will stabilize, and we can firmly hold onto Kali City. This is what I most hope to see. For this, what does death matter?"

Mei Gongzi could feel the determination in his tone and lowered her head, "I will try my best. But if there is any hope, I want you to live. I will shoulder my responsibilities, whether for the Peacock Demon clan or for humanity."

The Peacock Great Demon King nodded in relief and said, "It's best that you think this way. By the way, focus on the doubles competition as well. You should spend more time with that Asura. You both have strong abilities, but you need better coordination. The essence of the doubles tournament is mutual cooperation. Although you have had some cooperation before, it is not yet enough. This will limit your performance in the later matches. I have high hopes for this Asura. You should also focus on winning him over. With that blood oath, he will surely become your right-hand man in the future."

Mei Gongzi nodded lightly, her mind recalling all the events that had occurred between her and Asura during the competition.

Whether it was Asura guiding her cultivation, teaching her the Mysterious Circles of Heaven, or making the blood oath and accompanying her throughout the journey, eventually leading them both to the finals, she had gained more understanding and trust in this "Asura." Apart from not yet seeing his true face, everything else was impeccable, and regarding that, Mei Gongzi believed he had his reasons for not revealing it to her just yet.

Why is he so good to me?

Often, when someone suddenly treats another person exceptionally well, it's hard to adapt. In Mei Gongzi's perception, Asura had been exceptionally kind to her from the first time they met, always protecting her. She even felt that this person would do anything for her. But where did this devotion come from? Why exactly? Was it because of her looks? Through their interactions, she didn't think he was a shallow man who would swear a blood oath just for the sake of a pretty face. There had to be some other reason. However, her only human relative in this world was her mother, who also didn't know where this Asura came from. Her mother had asked Mayor Zhang Haoxuan, but the latter’s answer was also ambiguous, only telling them that Asura was trustworthy. That was all.

The Peacock Great Demon King went to rest. His health was poor, and he had to spend a lot of time in meditation to keep his lifeforce from depleting too quickly. He also needed substantial quantities of treasure plants to maintain his current state. Only the wealth of Kali City could support this.

Mei Gongzi dialed Tang San's communicator. "Big Brother, are you available now?"

—Yes, I am. What's up?

Obviously, for Mei Gongzi, he was always available.

Mei Gongzi said, "My father mentioned that we should work more on our coordination in the doubles matches. I think he's right. If you're willing, can we discuss this? Tomorrow, the finals will start, and our opponents will only get stronger. We need to coordinate better."