Chapter 61 Leader (Part 2)【Double-Length】

“Hm…”
Listening to his eldest brother’s response, watching his calm demeanor, and recalling the extraordinary strength and mystical actions he had just displayed—Crow Monster could not help shouting with joy, “That’s wonderful, just wonderful!”
“Big Brother is already a Demon General. Next, Black General will definitely make Big Brother a leader!”
“Let’s see who dares bully us now!”
“We’ll never have to suffer under Bear Leader again…” Crow Monster’s voice was loud and excited, echoing through the cavern.
This time, no one blamed him or tried to stop him.
Redskin and Huang Gui, though not as exuberant as Crow Monster, both wore broad smiles, their faces alight with excitement and happiness.
Just as Crow Monster said, now that their big brother had become a Demon General, he would soon be made a leader.
Then, Bear Leader’s threats and troublemaking would be a thing of the past.
As for Huang Gui, although over a month ago, after Big Brother’s warning, the two deer demons under Deer Leader no longer dared to bully him, and the other little monsters followed suit, he had felt even more alienated as a result.
He never felt comfortable with the other little monsters; his happiest times were always spent with his three brothers.
Now, with Big Brother becoming a Demon General, he could finally be by his side just like the second and third brothers.
What a joyful prospect—it made him giddy just thinking about it.
“We have to celebrate properly tonight!” Crow Monster shouted, “I’ll go catch some fish, lots of them! We can have stew and roast them too…”
“What do you think, Big Brother?”
He turned immediately to Lu Fei, more respectful and awed than ever before.
“Alright, that’s a good idea,” Lu Fei replied with a nod.
These past days, his three little brothers had worked hard so that he could break through in peace.
Since a month ago, in order to let him focus on his breathing exercises and reach the next level, the three brothers stopped letting him go out searching for herbs.
Whenever there were no tasks, Lu Fei meditated in the cave, while the three brothers took Little One out to gather herbs from dawn to dusk—this had continued until now.
When they found enough spiritual herbs to hand in, they unanimously decided the extra one should go to Lu Fei first, as their eldest brother.
So, whether it was to release the anxious feelings he’d been suppressing, or simply to share his joy with his brothers, tonight deserved a lively celebration.
Lu Fei glanced at the little one in his arms and said, “Xiao Bai, go on—bring out some of those delicious snacks you had last time, and let your uncles have a taste.”
At once, the little fellow began squeaking and chittering, rolling over in protest.
After all this time, Lu Fei had learned to understand what the little one was trying to say. He smiled, “I know you’re still hiding some, go on, I’ll get you something tasty next time…”
Hearing this promise, the little one hopped down and scampered off to the corner.
The snack Xiao Bai had found for Lu Fei last time was a type of tuber, somewhat reminiscent of fish mint, but with a stronger, more intense flavor and a crisp, refreshing texture.
Such a delicacy—his three brothers would surely love it.
“I’ll go catch some fish then…”
With those words, Crow Monster grabbed a spear from the corner and made for the exit.
“Big Brother, Second Brother…”
Huang Gui, seeing Crow Monster and Xiao Bai dart away, quickly said, “I’ll catch some mountain frogs. I know a place where they’re really fat…”
Redskin tossed two muntjacs from his storage pouch, saying, “I caught these on the way back. I’ll go find some wild mushrooms—they’re delicious with meat…”
“Go ahead,” Lu Fei nodded. “Leave the muntjacs to me.”
Huang Gui and Redskin quickly left as well.
Once again, the stone cave fell silent.
Meanwhile—
Not far away, atop the main mountain.
Inside a spacious cave, the Black General, who had been reclining on a stone bed, sipping fruit wine and watching a rabbit demon beauty dance in gauzy silks, suddenly stiffened.
In a flash, he soared out, hovering in midair and gazing toward the mountain where the demonic aura had just erupted.
At that moment, another figure in black robes sped over and landed beside him.
Black General glanced at the Wolf Commander and asked, “That burst of demonic energy came from the mountain opposite. Do you know which demon lives there?”
Wolf Commander replied, “That white wolf kid lives there—the one you saw at the recent banquet, if he hasn’t moved.”
Hearing this, Black General recalled, “So it’s that little cub. But I remember he’d just reached the late stage of transformation last time?”
As the words left his mouth, Black General was reminded that the white wolf beside him had advanced even faster, and couldn’t help but sigh, “You with your special bloodlines really are heaven’s favorites…”
...
In the stone cave,
Lu Fei looked at the two muntjacs on the ground. With a wave of his hand, one was lifted by demonic force and floated into his grasp.
What had been a hard feat before his breakthrough was now effortless.
This time, instead of using a knife, he extended a finger and a pure white, curved claw sprang from the tip. With a gentle swipe, the outer hide of the fat muntjac was cleanly slit and peeled away, leaving the flesh unscathed—swift and deft.
As he worked, Lu Fei reflected on the changes in his demonic power since his advancement.
Soon enough,

Both muntjacs were skinned and gutted, hanging on the spit.
Back on Earth, Lu Fei would never have wasted the offal from such game.
But here, with limited seasonings and primitive conditions, he had no desire to sample anything like “Nine-Turned Intestines.”
Besides, Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui clearly had no interest in offal.
Back when they were mere beasts, they ate it because hunger left no choice. But now, having awakened intelligence as demons, they knew well enough what those intestines contained—no one would willingly eat them.
Of course, there were demons with a penchant for filth—but that was another matter.
By the time Lu Fei had the muntjacs prepared and the fire going, the others had all returned.
Crow Monster brought back a dozen fresh fish;
Huang Gui had a string of fat mountain frogs tied with vines;
Redskin returned with several pounds of wild mushrooms;
And the little one finally came back, clutching a big bundle of oversized fish mint.
That night,
Lu Fei had the happiest evening since crossing into this world—and he suspected his three brothers felt much the same.
The lively merrymaking needed no further description.
The next morning—
As the warm autumn sun shone into the cave,
“A beautiful new day begins…”
Crow Monster’s voice rose, as punctual as an alarm clock.
“Second Brother, that’s not what you used to say…”
Huang Gui, sitting up, grinned at his brother across the way.
“Heh, heh…” Crow Monster just chuckled, unfazed. He turned to glance at their eldest brother, who was still seated on the soft bed in the corner, black aura swirling as he practiced his breathing techniques. Crow Monster declared, “But from now on, with Big Brother here, every day will be a good day for us…”
“Absolutely,” Huang Gui agreed, full of anticipation.
He’d been waiting for this day a long time.
While the two brothers chatted idly,
Lu Fei emerged from his meditation.
Compared to before his breakthrough, he noticed a significant change: he no longer needed to carefully balance his practice and rest periods.
His body brimmed with vigorous life-force, his energy and vitality ceaselessly circulating—he could now go long stretches without sleep or rest.
Meditating through breathwork now sufficed as a substitute for sleep.
“I wonder how long it’ll be before the General makes Big Brother a leader…”
Crow Monster’s excited voice was unrestrained.
“We’ll find out at the meeting soon enough…”
Lu Fei opened his eyes, stood, and the black demonic aura swirling around him immediately receded into his body.
“Let’s go…”
By the time Lu Fei and his three brothers reached the main mountain’s mid-slope, the gathering grounds were already crowded with little demons.
Lu Fei and his brothers entered the throng.
Around them, familiar demons called out greetings:
“Brother Wolf!”
“Brother Wolf!”
“Brother Crow!”
Crow Monster, proud and spirited, followed right behind Lu Fei, bantering cheerfully with those who hailed him.
Lu Fei felt utterly calm inside.
Compared to before his breakthrough, there were changes.
His half-demon form was now subtly larger, putting him on par with the other leaders.
His aura, once sharp and aggressive, now seemed withdrawn and controlled—none but the closest could sense the terrifying force smoldering beneath his calm, indifferent exterior.
A careful observer might notice that his previously pure white fur now gleamed with greater luster and was shifting toward silver.
His amber eyes were even colder, radiating a forbidding chill that warned strangers to keep away.
“Brother Wolf!”
“Brother Wolf!”
“Brother Crow!”
As they reached their usual spot, the little demons under the same leader greeted them warmly.
Crow Monster responded with equal enthusiasm.
Lu Fei remained impassive and silent—
To him, these little demons now belonged to a different class entirely.
Apart from Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui,
The only thing he expected from the lesser demons was fear and respect—nothing more.

After all, for little demons he could crush with a flick or devour with a bite,
Lu Fei felt no kinship—
You don’t make friends with your food, after all.
Pets were the exception.
This attitude was plain to see among the other nine demon leaders on the mountain as well.

Time passed.
More and more little demons gathered on the grounds.
Before long,
The nine demon leaders appeared in succession,
Followed by the Wolf Commander.
Finally, when the towering figure of Black General appeared above,
Excitement sparkled in the eyes of those who hoped for something special.
Normally, Black General did not show himself unless there was a reason—
Yesterday, it had been for the handover of spiritual herbs.
But today? What could it be?
Hovering in midair, Black General swept his gaze over the demons below, finally settling on a white wolf demon with an extraordinary bearing, standing out like a crane among chickens. After a long look, he spoke:
“Step forward, White Wolf.”
At his command, the assembly instantly buzzed with whispers:
“Which White Wolf is that?”
“Who’s the General talking about?”
“Who else? How many white wolves are there on the mountain?”
“I know! It’s that white wolf demon at the late stage of transformation—the one like Dog Demon Bai Bulai and the dung beetle who became a spirit.”
“Shh, keep your voice down. You want to get beaten? I don’t…”
“Who else could it be? There are only two white wolves here—one’s the commander, the other's him…”
“What’s going on?”
“Why is the General calling him?”
“How should I know? Watch and see…”
“Look, that’s him—the tallest one over there…”
In that moment, not only all the little demons were craning their necks,
But even the nine demon leaders above were looking toward Lu Fei’s position.
Hearing Black General’s words, Lu Fei took a deep breath.
He understood perfectly—being called forward meant stepping onto the higher earth platform, reserved for leaders alone.
Though he had long imagined this moment,
Now that it had arrived,
Even with his current composure, he couldn’t help a flicker of excitement.
Steadying himself,
Lu Fei strode forward. All the little demons in his path instinctively made way.
Step by step, he left the mass of lesser demons, climbed the new steps, and stood high above them all.
“Your humble servant greets the General and the Commander,”
He saluted respectfully to Black General in the air and the Wolf Commander further up the slope.
As for the nine other leaders—he no longer needed to bow to them.
“You’re quite impressive, boy,”
Black General said again, his good mood clear. “What’s your name?”
At last, the moment had come.
He’d been stuck with the nickname “White Fur”—a thug’s moniker, an insult—for far too long.
Lu Fei declared, “Reporting to the General, this humble one is called Bai Lang.”
“Bai Lang…”
The General mused, “Like the waves of Wave Mountain?”
Lu Fei nodded, “Yes, General. I was born and raised on Wave Mountain. No matter where I go, I’ll always remember that I am a demon of Wave Mountain and will never forget the General’s kindness.”
“Ha ha ha ha…”
This flattery put Black General in an even better mood. Laughing heartily, he said, “You’re quite something, boy. Good name, and even better words—I like you.”
“I now declare you the tenth leader of Wave Mountain…”
“In a bit, go to your commander to receive your armor, weapons, and your troops. He’ll show you what to do…”
Then, as he went through the formalities, Black General asked, “Now, do you have anything to say?”
Lu Fei’s heart leapt with delight and he said boldly, “Reporting to the General, this humble one has a request—”
Black General waved it off, “Speak.”
Lu Fei said, “Now that I am a leader, I wish to have my two sworn brothers join me as my subordinates, with your blessing…”
Black General laughed, “Is that all? Granted. I recall you were under Big Guy before…”
He turned to Bear Leader, “Big Guy, you heard?”
Bear Leader immediately saluted, “Yes, General.”
At this, Lu Fei, who should have thanked Bear Leader, acted as if he hadn’t seen him at all and instead saluted Black General in midair, “Thank you, General…”
On the side, Bear Leader’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot, his lowered hand clenching tightly into a fist.