Azmodeus remained silent, his expression carefully neutral. He had expected this, or something like it. The tournament had been more than a competition—it had been a stage, a proving ground. And he had proven himself, not just to the crowd but to those who truly mattered.
Lady Ming's gaze remained fixed on him. "You are no ordinary competitor, Azmodeus. We know this. And while you may have your reasons for concealing the full extent of your abilities, I would advise you to tread carefully. There are those who would see your rise as a threat."
Azmodeus met her gaze evenly. "A threat is only dangerous if it is misunderstood. My intentions are not to disrupt, but to ascend."
A faint smile played at the corner of her lips, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Spoken like someone who understands the game. But remember, Azmodeus: even the most skilled players can be outmaneuvered if they are not vigilant."
He inclined his head slightly. "I will keep that in mind."
Anna, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "So, what does this mean? Are we being... recruited or something?"
The Elders exchanged glances, their expressions inscrutable. Finally, Lady Ming spoke again.
"It means you have caught our attention. And with that attention comes opportunity—but also responsibility. We will be watching you closely, both within and beyond the confines of this tournament."
Azmodeus nodded. "Understood."
---
As they left the Hall of Reflection, Anna let out a low whistle. "Well, that was... intense. What do you think they're planning?"
"This is just the beginning."
"Mhmm!"
The days passed by like a swift spring dream following the events of the Duo Tournament. Thanks to said tournament, Azmodeus's reputation had skyrocketed, not just in the hearts of the students, but also among the more notable figures of the Eternal Jade Faction. One of the most important of those figures was Ming Chao, who was also the younger sister of the secret infamous traitor of the Eternal Jade Heavens Immortal Realm.
With Anna's Master-disciple relationship with the younger Eternal Jade Sect brother, the Vice Headmaster's ambiguous status, and the two mischievous girls, everything was beginning to come together. He wasn't particularly proud about scheming against so many unsuspecting women, but to obtain all the benefits before he leaves for the perilous Lands Unknown, this was necessary.
'It truly is nothing personal,' thought Azmodeus as he happily chatted away with those who referred to him as their 'friend'. In this life, he knew what it meant to truly have friends, as all he has ever pursued were benefits. And that aspect of him was likely never to change, no matter how many years and higher realms change their seasons.
With that sort of mindset, Azmodeus blended into the group of three devastatingly gorgeous school Belles, and allowed for months to pass by. During that time, he managed to meet Anna's master twice, Zara's father, the Headmaster three times, and attain a degree of status that made him an eyesore in the eyes of many. His progress with Nova, on the other hand, was virtually unmoving. In fact, her father's identity was still a complete mystery to him...
Azmodeus had no idea what the Immortal Lord even looked like, let alone what cultivation realm he was at. And after asking around for a while following his breakthrough into the Immortal Emperor Realm, he learned that no one else seemed to know what he looked like either. None even knew of his name. He was merely seen as the high and mighty illustrious master of the Eternal Jade Heavens Immortal Realm, with even his own daughter unable to pinpoint his name or exact appearance. Though that didn't mean Nova had a low opinion of her father, as it was actually quite the opposite.
Yet the whole situation remained especially odd... And it itched at the back of Azmodeus's mind for the longest while...
However, with the upcoming Immortal Realm Power Gathering starting in a few days, he had more important things to worry about. As this would be a meeting that gathered together all the topmost experts in the world, from all corners of the Immortal Realm, it would surely make for the perfect opportunity that the Nine Evil Yin Immortal could use to make his entrance.
And considering that Azmodeus had become an Honorary Elder of the Eternal Jade Sect, he was also one of the experts to receive an invitation to this rather auspicious gathering of the Immortal Realm pinnacle masters... Who knows? He might even encounter the elusive Immortal Lord at the Gathering... Only time will tell...
...