Chapter 741 - Oath Of Allegiance
Given the abilities of the True Grandmist Body and Devil Emperor's Tome of Eternal Darkness, it wasn't strange for Leon to gain great control over Darkness Energy and not be corroded by it.
However, he wasn't born with this ability.
As such, he couldn't be called a demon in the truest sense, but others could still mistake him for one without prior knowledge of his circumstances.
Nevertheless, there was a proper term for cultivators who willingly embrace the power of the darkness; they are called demonic cultivators.
In the Divine Realm, demonic cultivators were hunted down like any other demons.
It just shows how the deep-rooted fear, hatred, and discrimination the denizens of the Divine Realm have against the creatures of darkness.
'The mastermind who drove my father and me to our deaths are all Peak-stage Divine Kings that stand at the top of the Divine Realm and rule over it.'
Leon recalled.
Since they were all his enemies, it didn't matter if he embraced the power of darkness.
Even so, two great obstacles remained in the way of his revenge; the strength to slay Peak-stage Divine Kings and to get back to the Divine Realm.
His eyes unknowingly flickered with traces of fury and malice when he recalled his father's shattering soul.
The Dark Fae Saresha could not help but tremble with her head lowered, uncertain if she had misspoken about something and offended the one person currently holding her life in the palm of his hands.
Nevertheless, she didn't dare utter a single sound and disturb Leon's thoughts.
Sometime later, Leon shook his head with resignation.
His strength increased at an unprecedented rate, but it was still far too weak to contend with the Peak-stage Divine Kings.
Perhaps he was too impatient.
The practice of cultivation had always emphasized the virtue of patience has always been, and that haste makes waste.
Dwelling on the matter would only sour his mood.
A few moments later, Leon shot the dark fae a glance before asking, "How can I guarantee that you will stay loyal and won't betray me?"
"This…"
Saresha was at a loss for words.
She had been compliant with complete obedience, but when asked to prove her loyalty, she did not know what to do.
What else could she do?
"I killed some of your clansmen. Don't you hate me?" Leon asked with a sharp look.
When he brought up this matter, the Dark Fae Saresha did not display a shred of hatred, only a sad look.
Does the Dark Faes even have the right to hate?
"It's unfortunate, but there's nothing I can do to change the fact that they are dead; death is common in my clan," Saresha replied.
The weak can only be abused and exploited by the strong.
Leon knitted his brows before demanding, "Tell me more about your Dark Fae Clan. Why is it so weak in comparison to other demon clans?"
"We don't have any strong clansmen in our ranks, nor does our Dark Fae Clan have the resource to nurture one, Your Excellency. Furthermore, our clan leader, the strongest fae in our clan, is a Peak-rank 1 Transcendent," Saresha answered truthfully.
In other words, the Dark Fae Clan did not have a single Greater Demon.
"What about the nine great demon clans? What makes them the nine great demon clans?"
"The Nine Great Clans have many Arch Demons in their ranks. Although the high-ranking demon clans also have Arch Demons, the Nine Great Clans have Quasi-Demon Lord ancestors."
After interrogating the Dark Fae Saresha for some time, Leon better understood the demon clans' strengths.
Like the various human tribes living on the Infertile Plains, the demons weren't unified; they were divided in a power struggle between demon clans.
Each of the nine great demon clans is vying for supremacy.
'How can I take advantage of this?' Leon pondered.
According to what he learned, it would be difficult for humans to enter the Bone Sea without getting overwhelmed and slaughtered by the demons.
It only took a split second for Leon's mind to brighten with an idea.
'I just need to gather the surrounding Darkness Energy while cultivating to cause a disturbance and attract more groups of demons over. That's like killing two birds with one stone,' Leon mused.
'However, this isn't a long-term solution. Even if I can smoothly whittle away the demon's forces, they will only be weak demons. I won't be able to lure out the stronger demons who are only interested in the Bone Sea.'
Leon pondered for a moment before his gaze fell on the Dark Fae Saresha, who was still kneeling to the point that her legs had become numb.
At the same time, Saresha sensed his gaze and immediately straightened her back.
"If I want the allegiance of our entire Dark Fae Clan, do you think your clansmen can swear their loyalty to me and follow my leadership?" Leon asked.
Saresha's long eyelashes fluttered with surprise.
Shortly after, she took in a deep breath before replying with a serious look, "Your Excellency already has the strength to rule over our clan, whether we wish for it or not."
"If Your Excellency wants their loyalty as well, it's actually not that complicated to accomplish; Your Excellency just has to treat them well."
"What about you? What do I need to earn your loyalty?" Leon asked with a meaningful look.
"I… I don't expect much from my lord…" Saresha stated before adding, "As long as my lord leaves Saresha a way of living, it doesn't matter who Saresha's lord is."
"Then I shall give you a chance to follow me. Swear your allegiance to me, and I will not mistreat you; there may even be a bright future ahead of you," Leon cooly stated before warning the dark fae, "But remember, you only get one chance. I don't show mercy to traitors."
"Y-yes, Your Excellency! I, Saresha, offer my loyalty and service to you, my Lord. Should I go back on my word, may the Demon God condemn Saresha's soul to eternal damnation."
The Dark Fae Saresha swore her oath with her head lowered.
"Good."
Leon nodded.
Although it was just mere words without any binding power from the heavenly laws, it was good enough.