C28 The Main Character's Treatment Does Not Exist

The Deer Demon General was riddled with wounds, a testament to the considerable effort he had exerted in the battle. However, it seemed there had been a significant oversight in strategy.

Chen Ming extended a hand to help the Deer Demon General to his feet and said, "Deer Demon General, we've been soundly defeated, and with only a handful of Great Demons remaining, we have no means to continue the fight. All I can do now is ensure your escape."

Filled with gratitude, the Deer Demon General responded, "Ya Wudao, without you, I would surely be dead. Your life-saving grace is something I will never forget."

As they made their way back to Pitfall Mountain, the Deer Demon General shared his experience, "Even though I'm a demon, I'm well-versed in military strategy. Last night, I led our forces in a surprise attack on the enemy, only to fall into their trap. It appears we were up against a master strategist who had anticipated our move."

Chen Ming struggled to suppress his laughter. The White Fox Mountain's demon general was a night owl, strongest and most alert at night, and yet you came up with the brilliant idea to launch a night raid? Truly, you are a talent!

Managing to keep a straight face, Chen Ming complimented, "Nicely done!"

The Deer Demon General, puzzled, uttered, "Hmm?"

Chen Ming clarified, "I mean, your plan was divinely inspired, but clearly, the enemy is no pushover. Victory and defeat are all part of warfare. Once we regroup at Pitfall Mountain and rally our forces, we'll settle the score!"

The Deer Demon General nodded in agreement, "Indeed, I may have lost this battle, but that doesn't mean I'll lose the next. I'll return and seek permission to make amends and fight once more!"

The Green Lion Demon King was taken aback upon receiving Chen Ming's news. The Deer Demon General had been routed? Impossible!

Reports from the Demon Generals serving under the five Demon Kings suggested that there was a significant figure within Pitfall Mountain who was acting as a spy for the enemy. Could the Deer Demon General be that spy?

Upon reflection, everything seemed to add up. The covert missions to capture great demons were typically assigned to the White Wolf Demon General and the Ape Demon General. The Barbarian Ox was his own personal guard. All held significant power, except for the Deer Demon General, who had not been entrusted with important tasks. His defection, then, seemed almost expected.

As for Ya Wudao, he was completely disregarded. To begin with, the term 'great figure' simply didn't apply to him. Furthermore, in this battle, Ya Wudao had already been defeated before his arrival; he was irrelevant to the outcome.

Upon reflection, though, the battle had just begun. Revealing a spy now would render them useless. A true spy would turn the tide at the most critical moment. To feign defeat so early on seemed far too contrived.

Upon Chen Ming and the Deer Demon General's return to the Demon King's Hall at Pitfall Mountain, the Green Lion Demon King fixed the Deer Demon General with a piercing gaze from his golden eyes. "Deer Demon General, are you aware of your transgression?"

The Deer Demon General bowed respectfully. "My Lord Demon King, though I suffered defeat this time, I assure you it will not happen again. I vow to cleanse White Fox Mountain with their blood. Please grant me the opportunity to atone and prove my worth!"

The Green Lion Demon King studied the Deer Demon General, noting his numerous wounds. Clearly, he had been plucked from the throes of a fierce battle. Perhaps he had been too quick to doubt; the Deer Demon General's loyalty seemed intact.

Chen Ming added, "Upon my arrival at the battlefield, I witnessed the Deer Demon General valiantly slaying over ten of the enemy's Great Demons despite being outnumbered. It was not for lack of courage that we faced defeat, but the sheer force of the enemy."

Assuaged by Chen Ming's account, the Green Lion Demon King relented. "Very well, I shall entrust you with another hundred Great Demons and an army of ten thousand demonic beasts. This time, victory is the only option. Your target is Old Turtle Lake, do you understand?"

Fire lit the Deer Demon General's eyes. "Command received, my Lord. Not a single demon will be spared at Old Turtle Lake!"

With a dismissive gesture, the Green Lion Demon King dismissed him. "Proceed."

In the time that followed, Chen Ming was spared any special assignments or orders to join the front lines.

He spent this time gaining insight into the Green Lion Demon King's military strategies, familiarizing himself with the troop placements and fortifications.

Now, the time had come to seek an exit from Pitfall Mountain and deliver this intelligence to the five Demon Kings. Negotiations with the other Demon Lords were due.

Chen Ming was putting the finishing touches on his last map when a formidable presence suddenly swept through from outside the cave. Without hesitation, he stashed the map into his Storage Ring. The Green Lion Demon King strode in and remarked, "Let's see what our very own Ya Wudao is up to, shall we?"

With a respectful gesture, Chen Ming inquired, "What brings you here, Demon King?"

The White Wolf Demon General materialized behind the Green Lion Demon King and queried, "Shall we break his limbs?"

Dismissing the suggestion with a wave of his hand, the Green Lion Demon King declared, "There's no need. The usual tactics are futile against a spy of my caliber."

Chen Ming mused to himself, 'Just as I suspected, novels are full of deceit. How could I, an obvious spy who hasn't even studied the Secret Agent Manual or watched more than a hundred 007 films, so easily fool a significant power?'

Confused, Chen Ming responded, "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

The Green Lion Demon King let out a hearty laugh. "The jig is up. Are you still trying to feign ignorance?"

"What exposure? I don't follow, Demon King," Chen Ming pressed, playing dumb.

With a chilling smile, the Green Lion Demon King revealed, "Well, if you insist on playing this game, I'll make it clear. I have my own agents in Black Tiger Mountain."

Rising to his feet, Chen Ming asked, "So, what do you intend to do now, Demon King?"

"I have no desire to kill you, Ya Wudao. You're a talent worth keeping. Rest assured, I'll find a way to extract the information I need from you," the Green Lion Demon King assured him.

Realizing his cover was blown, Chen Ming saw trouble brewing and made a break for the cave's secret tunnel. The Green Lion Demon King's eyes flickered with intent. "Thinking of suicide? Wishful thinking. Your fate is no longer in your hands!"

With a swift motion, the Green Lion Demon King unleashed a torrent of magical energy, ensnaring Chen Ming in mid-air, rendering him motionless.

Facing the Green Lion Demon King, Chen Ming challenged, "I don't get it. I'm not even worthy of being called a Demon General. You could easily send one to apprehend me. Why take matters into your own hands?"

The Green Lion Demon King roared with laughter. "Do you take me for a fool? Control over you equates to control over the outcome of this conflict. Sending just any Demon General wouldn't put my mind at ease, especially since the power you've just shown could rival that of a Demon General. If I were to send one alone, who knows what mishaps might occur?"

Indeed, it's as expected: despite knowing the protagonist can take on higher-level challenges, they still send an opponent with just a notch higher cultivation to serve as an experience and treasure dispenser for the protagonist. Such events seem reserved exclusively for the hero. Chen Ming, on the other hand, doesn't enjoy such privileges.

The protagonist's privilege is non-existent.

It's obvious that you pose a significant threat, and anyone with half a brain would ensure their plans are foolproof.

Thus, the Green Lion Demon King resolved to take matters into his own hands, to nip any potential problems in the bud.