Chapter 2158 - 2162: Persuading Zhu Bowen

Now Qin Tian is facing the situation of the battle in West State, and his close commanders are all injured.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince has already gained an advantage in East State's situation.

After prolonged stalemate, the Dragon Clan, which was not fighting at home, seems unable to hold on against the War God and is preparing to retreat.

At this critical moment, the Fourth Prince has sufficient troops and focus to deal with Qin Tian.

"Let Xu Kuan, Che Aijun, Zhao Lanjin, and Zuo Yuanhao return to West Capital City for defense. Meanwhile, take forty thousand men."

Qin Tian arranged, "Currently, the situation at Demon City is unstable; we still need the West State Army stationed to help Yunxi stabilize the situation, so leave one hundred thousand men."

"As for Zhu Bowen... Zhou Yang and I will visit Zhu Mansion first to assess the situation."

Qin Tian and Zhou Yang brought a large number of elixirs and supplements to Zhu Mansion. Almost everyone got their share; as per Qin Tian's instructions, Zhou Yang had his followers distribute elixirs or spirit stones to Zhu Family members.

Hearing this, the recovering Zhu Bowen brought his family out to greet them, saying, "Prince, your personal visit is a great honor; please forgive my lack of proper welcome."

"You are injured, no need for formalities."

Qin Tian replied briefly, and Zhu Bowen led Qin Tian and Zhou Yang to the living room. Zhu Mansion's housekeeper quietly informed Zhou Yang about the distribution of wealth within the mansion.

Stunned, Zhu Bowen asked Qin Tian, "Your Highness, what do you mean by this?"

"It's my first visit to your mansion, just a token of gesture. General Zhu, why such surprise? I heard that you Demon Clan have such a custom, don't you?"

Qin Tian looked at Zhu Bowen. He remained silent, lowering his head. Qin Tian remarked, "Oh, because I'm not of the Demon Clan, you feel surprised by such actions?"

Zhu Bowen glanced at Qin Tian without speaking, but his silence already conveyed his attitude to Qin Tian.

Before coming, Qin Tian had guessed that Zhu Bowen would harbor resentment because he was not a Demon Clan member, which was understandable.

"General Zhu, I know what you're thinking... Are you worried about the future of the Demon Clan? I know you've always been loyal, and despite previous dissatisfaction with the Demon King, you followed orders on the battlefield and led the charge against my West State Army, truly devoted."

"King Qin, my life was spared by you, and if you wish to take it, do so. But please understand, this is unrelated to my family... please..."

Zhu Bowen thought Qin Tian had come to hold him accountable and target him; his expression changed slightly.

Qin Tian laughed heartily, saying, "I'm not here to settle old scores; everyone acted for their livelihood back then, and your actions were not inappropriate. On the contrary, I admire your loyalty."

"But now, the situation has settled. I think you already know my purpose for visiting today, don't you?"

Qin Tian looked at Zhu Bowen, who lowered his head.

He was a loyal general, not one to 'lie.' He had frequently advised the Demon King and supported Jin Yunzhong and Mu Jing'an despite repeated reprimands from the Demon King, yet he never changed.

So, confronted by Qin Tian's questioning, Zhu Bowen could only lower his head to avoid eye contact.

His behavior was within Qin Tian's expectations.

"Haha, I know what you're worried about."

Qin Tian said, "I understand you worry that I, as an outsider, might not consider the Demon Clan's interests. You're also concerned that, as a former General, you'll be deemed a traitor if you follow me, right?"

Zhu Bowen remained silent, and Qin Tian continued, "But today, I'm here to tell you that I don't intend to interfere in Demon Clan affairs. I'll soon return to West State, do you believe me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Bowen finally raised his head.

"If you don't want to serve me, how about serving Mu Family of Demon Cloud City? The Mu Family was once the Demon Clan's royal family."

Qin Tian's words resounded powerfully, and Zhu Bowen finally reacted, staring at Qin Tian, "King Qin, do you mean... Mu Family, do you mean Mu Yunxi?"

Qin Tian nodded, "The Mu Family opposed the Demon King's tyranny. After City Lord Mu Jing'an died, Demon Cloud City made great sacrifices. West State and Demon Cloud City have been allies, always helping each other. We invaded Demon Capital City to avenge City Lord Mu."

"Now the grudge is avenged, I naturally won't interfere with Demon Clan's administration. But currently, Mu Yunxi lacks influence and strength to manage Demon Clan's affairs completely... So, I'm looking for a reliable, loyal person devoted to the Demon Clan to assist her."

Qin Tian stared at Zhu Bowen, who slightly opened his mouth.

From Qin Tian's gaze, Zhu Bowen knew his purpose.

"King Qin, you're here for this?" Zhu Bowen took a deep breath, incredulous that Qin Tian came for this when he initially thought he was coming to flaunt power and humiliate him.

Qin Tian said, "Indeed, I've contemplated, and after Mu Yunxi and other Demon Clan generals made recommendations, they all suggested you. They said you are willing to sacrifice for the Demon Clan, setting aside personal grievances, and are a true stalwart of the clan."

Qin Tian naturally hadn't consulted Mu Yunxi beforehand. At this point, he just wanted to observe Zhu Bowen's reaction, thus probing.

"But I... I'm severely injured; I'm afraid I'll disappoint King Qin..."

Before Zhu Bowen could finish, Qin Tian interrupted him, "You don't have to make me proud; just ensure you don't let Mu Yunxi down."

"I'm aware General Zhu harbors grand ambitions of strengthening the Demon Clan and revitalizing its past glory. Now, Mu Yunxi can offer you conditions, and as your ally, I'll help you fully."

Seeing Zhu Bowen already pursing his lips, somewhat tempted, Qin Tian immediately added, "If you're worried my words today won't hold, I can sign a contract with you. As long as you assure dedication to Mu Yunxi, and refrain from actions detrimental to the Demon Clan, I also guarantee that I, Qin Tian, will never interfere in Demon Clan affairs, leaving matters to Mu Yunxi's independent decisions and the Demon Clan's self-determination."

"As long as we maintain good relations as allies, my focus is on confronting Tianyuan Dynasty; I truly have no reason nor ambition to create discord with allies."

"Moreover, if you wish to assist Mu Yunxi, concerning your injuries, I can find a way to aid recovery. I can assure you that within half a month, your cultivation can be restored to the previous Late Stage of Small Immortal Realm, or possibly elevate to Small Immortal Realm Peak."