TALES OF DEMON AND GODS : FAN FICTION

The grand office of the City Lord's mansion, an ornate and sprawling chamber, was filled with a heavy air of uncertainty and resonant voices of the Black Gold Rank Demon Spiritualists

Black Gold Rank Demon Spiritualists of Snow Wind Family, each one seated around a large, intricately-carved wooden table. They are the most powerful and seasoned experts, but currently their expressions tense as they faced one another.

Each person carried the weight of decades of battle and politics, but today, the stakes felt higher than ever. A great dilemma had emerged over Nie Li's array—a creation so potent that it held the promise of shifting the power dynamics of Glory City itself.

At the head of the table stood City Lord Ye Zong, his regal posture accentuated by the calm yet calculating expression on his face.

Besides him, Ye Xiu, the third strongest of the Snow Wind Family sat firmly. While Ye Zong commanded the room with his iron-willed authority, it was Ye Xiu who had consistently stood as the most vocal advocate for the child prodigy, Nie Li.

"Let us be clear," Ye Lian, an elder voice cut through the murmurs. "Nie Li did not create the array in isolation. It is true that his talent is remarkable, but we must not forget the book we provided him. It wad Lord Ye Mo who risked his life to acquire that book and the knowledge contained in that book gave him the key to unlocking such power. Without it, this child would not have reached this point."

His words hung in the air like a heavy truth, one that many of the Black Gold Rank spiritualists couldn't ignore. Some nodded in agreement, while others shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

A gruff voice from across the table spoke up immediately. "Exactly. This array, this treasure, is not merely the product of his genius. It was our resources—our knowledge—that made it possible. If we provided him the means to create this, then surely it is not just his to keep. The array is a weapon, a shield. Glory City cannot afford to allow a mere child to hoard such power."

The room murmured in agreement, many of the spiritualists warming to the argument. After all, what was power without the means to control it? Ye Lain's words seemed to rally the majority.

Ye Xiu, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. His voice was calm but filled with resolve. "You speak of resources, of knowledge. Yes, it is true that we gave him the book—but that was not a simple gift. We entrusted it to him because we saw potential in him, a potential that could protect this city far more effectively than our own efforts alone."

The room quieted slightly as the weight of Ye Xiu's words began to sink in. His unwavering support for Nie Li was well known, but today, it seemed as though the tide might not be so easily turned.

"But he lied to us, he lied to you Lord Ye Xiu. He said it would take years before he can even started creating the array but the truth is standing right before us. I agree he is a genius but his motives remain unclear and what's another matter for concern is how did a mere child from degrading aristocracy got so many Black Gold Rank Demon Spirit! That child is not to be trusted." Ye Lian argued.

"Even still, we cannot simply take the array by force," Ye Xiu continued.

"Everyone," Ye Xiu's voice rang through the room, commanding attention, "We have endured countless sacrifices in the name of peace. We have watched as tragedies unfolded, yet we did nothing, because the greater good—our peace—demanded it. This child, Nie Li, may not be an ally of Snow Wind Family but he's an ally of Glory City. And if we are to move forward as a city, we must look beyond our immediate desires and see the potential he holds to protect and flourish in the future."

A gruff voice interrupted him, coming from one of the Black Gold spiritualists on the left.

"Lord Ye Xiu," the man said, his tone sharp with impatience. "The array is a treasure, a weapon that could secure Glory City's dominance over its enemies! I argue that Nie Li is no mere child; he is a prodigy. And yet, he holds the key to our future in his hands while his motives arw unknown. Should we not demand that he hand it over? What right do we have to let him control such power, to control the Glory City fate?"

"His actions have made it clear that he does not view us as enemies. We can ask him to share his knowledge, to help us protect the city, but we must not treat him as a mere tool. We cannot force him to give us something that he created with his own hands and heart."

"But!"

Ye Xiu held up his hand, signaling for the room to quiet down.

"Patience, my friends," Ye Xiu said, his voice steady. "You speak of control, but you fail to understand one critical thing: He did made the array himself. Do you not see? It was not handed to him by us. He created it with beasts he gatherrd himself, without taking anything from us. He built it from the ground up, and used it to protect Glory City and for that, we should be grateful."

Another voice, this time from a more cautious spiritualist, spoke up.

"But Lord Ye Xiu, the array is more than just an invention; it's a treasure. We all know the value of such things. If we do not seize it, someone else will. Can we afford to let such a power remain out of our grasp?"

Ye Xiu paused, and then responded with a thoughtful expression.

"I understand your concern," Ye Xiu replied glancing at City Lord Ye Zong who haven't said anything as of yet, "But let us think practically for a moment. We all know that none of us could force our way into his mansion and take the array by force."

"The only one who could do that is Lord Ye Mo. But not even Lord Ye Mo, who could challenge Nie Li, would leave his post to do so. And even if he did, do we truly believe he would bow to such petty demands? He has always been a man of integrity, and I would never question that."

The room fell silent for a moment as those present contemplated Ye Xiu's words. Finally, the voice of one of the Black Gold spiritualists who had been quiet until now broke the silence.

"So, what do you propose, Lord Ye Xiu? Should we simply let him keep the array?"

Ye Xiu looked around the room, his eyes scanning the faces of each spiritualist. He could see the concern, the uncertainty in their eyes. But there was a certain conviction in his own heart that he knew could not be swayed by fear of loss or short-term gain.

"What I propose," Ye Xiu said, his voice filled with determination, "is that we ask him for something far more valuable than the array itself. We ask him to create a shelter within his courtyard—an inscription that will protect the people of Glory City. That is the key to our survival. We have ignored so many tragedies in the past, always balancing on the edge of disaster to maintain peace. Now, if we must bend our heads in humility to ensure the safety of this city, then so be it."

A murmur ran through the room, the idea settling over the Black Gold spiritualists like a heavy fog. The thought of bowing to a child—however talented—was a bitter pill to swallow for some.

"And what of the array?" another spiritualist asked. "Can we not have that as well?"

Ye Xiu's gaze softened, and he shook his head. "The array may be a treasure, but its true value lies in what Nie Li has done with it. Without him, we could not replicate it. Without him, we would only have a book full of ancient knowledge, not a masterpiece of inscription. We could ask him to translate the book for us, but we must remember the limits of our capabilities. He is the only one who can truly unlock the secrets of this array."

"But what if he refuses to cooperate?" came a voice from the table, skeptical. "What if he doesn't share his array with us? If we don't act, others may strike first. Can we really afford to be so passive?"

Ye Zong's gaze was unwavering as he turned to face the one who spoke. "We have already survived countless threats and adversities, yet this city stands strong. Patience is just as important as strength. The question is not whether Nie Li will help us—it's how we ask him. If we push too hard, we risk losing more than we gain."

A murmur of disagreement rippled through the room. Several of the spiritualists had clearly already decided that the array was worth taking by force, regardless of the consequences.

Ye Zong raised his hand to quiet them, then spoke with calculated authority. "I understand your concerns, but as a leader of the Glory City I must be pragmatic, I must also think of the long-term stability of Glory City not just our family. Yes, the array is important—but if we demand too much too soon, we risk alienating a potential ally. We are not so desperate that we cannot afford a little diplomacy."

"He may be young, but he has shown nothing but goodwill toward Glory City. He has done no harm to us. We must show benevolence. We must remember that this city was not built on selfishness but on the sacrifices of those who came before us. And if it means bowing our heads to this child in order to secure the future, then I would do it gladly."

The debate raged on for an hour, with passionate arguments both for and against Ye Xiu's proposal. But in the end, the City Lord's words had struck a chord. The spiritualists, though reluctant, began to see the wisdom in his stance. Glory City's survival was not just about gaining power—it was about safeguarding its future, even if it meant compromising with someone.

"Then what do you suggest we do, City Lord?" Ye Lain interjected, his voice steady, though he could sense the growing tension.

Ye Zong turned his eyes to him, his expression unreadable. "We wait."

A murmur of confusion passed through the room.

"Wait?" the skeptical spiritualist asked. "You wish to wait? What are we waiting for?"

Ye Zong gave a slight nod to Ye Xiu, who stepped forward.

"We will wait because tomorrow, Nie Li will meet with someone : Yang Xin," Ye Xiu declared, his voice clear and unwavering. "She is the one who can bridge the gap between us and Nie Li, and she is the only one so far who was allowed into the array. With her as the medium, we can approach him with a new understanding. She will be the facilitator of these affairs."

The room went quiet at the mention of Yang Xin's name. As one of the highest-ranking figures in Glory City, her involvement in this matter was significant. She was no stranger to dealing with delicate negotiations and had the respect of both the city and Nie Li.

"The child is already willing to meet her," Ye Xiu continued. "If we make our move too hastily, we risk ruining any chance of securing his full cooperation. Let Yang Xin meet with him first and see how things unfold. We will not press him for the array, but instead, ask him to assist us in a more meaningful, mutual way."

Ye Zong nodded approvingly, adding, "This is our best course of action. It is not weakness to wait—it is wisdom. The array is important, yes. But the stability of our city, the future of Glory City, is more important. Let us see what tomorrow brings before we decide our next steps."

The murmurs of the spiritualists shifted from disagreement to reluctant acceptance. Some were still uneasy, but the practical wisdom of the City Lord and Ye Xiu had silenced the worst of the dissent. Not to mention, City Lord father is Ye Mo who would most definitely support his son, and now all the top three experts of the family are in favour of peaceful negotiations. Any kind of disagreement from them would not be appreciated today.

"I agree with Lord Ye Zong," one spiritualist said after a moment of silence. "Patience is the better path. Let Yang Xin speak with him."

"Then it is decided," Ye Zong declared, his voice firm. "We wait for tomorrow's meeting. After that, we will act based on what we learn from it."

The room fell silent, and though the issue was not resolved in the way some had hoped, there was a sense of quiet understanding. The course of action was set, and the weight of the decision hung heavy in the air.

Ye Xiu stood at the edge of the room, his gaze fixed ahead. He believed in Nie Li's potential, not just as a tool, but as a partner. And with Yang Xin's help, they would see where this delicate negotiation could lead.

"Tomorrow, we will know more," Ye Xiu thought to himself. "And perhaps, this city will grow stronger for it."

With that, the assembly began to disband, the debate for the day officially concluded. Yet the future of Glory City, and Nie Li's role in it, remained uncertain.

...

Ye Lian walked through the hall of the Snow Wind Family Estate, his pace slow as his thoughts churned. The tension in the air was palpable after the council's heated debate over what to do with Nie Li. As he approached the courtyard, he spotted Ye Han, the adopted son of City Lord Ye Zong. His sharp features were contorted with frustration, his fists clenched in anger as he stood near the training dummies.

With a bow, Ye Han turned to him, his voice laced with indifference. "Master, Did the City Lord decided what to do?"

Ye Lian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "The City Lord has already made his decision, Ye Han. We can't force their hand. All we can do now is relent and trust in Ye Zong's judgment. There are bigger battles ahead."

Ye Han's expression darkened as he stared at the ground, his hands trembling with frustration. "But he's a threat to our city, who knows maybe he is with the Dark Guild pulling the stunt yesterday to infiltrate the upper echelon of Glory City."

He muttered to himself, burying the venom in his voice. "We're all at risk, and he's just going to get stronger..."