Wang Jian's faction swiftly sprang into action, with everyone, except for the Xie Family, charging at the demons with determined resolve.
The church followers, caught off guard by the sudden arrival of such a formidable human force, were momentarily startled. Yet, a glimmer of hope flickered in their eyes, their expressions transforming from despair to a cautious optimism.
"Look! Wang Jian's faction has joined the fray!" exclaimed one church member, astonishment coloring his voice.
"They're fighting against the demons! We might stand a chance now!" another church member cried out, a sense of relief and gratitude palpable in her tone.
The clash between the humans and demons intensified, and the tide of the battle began to shift. The overwhelming numbers and ferocity of the demons were being met with fierce resistance, their advantage gradually dwindling.
"We've been outnumbered for so long, but now we have reinforcements! We can turn the tide!" a battle-weary church member exclaimed, his voice tinged with newfound hope.
"Finally, we have allies in this fight! Together, we can overcome this onslaught!" a determined church member shouted, his words carrying a sense of unity and solidarity.
As Wang Jian's faction engaged the demons, their concerted efforts greatly alleviated the pressure on the church members, allowing them to regroup and fortify their positions.
"Stay strong! We're not alone anymore! With their help, victory is within our reach!" a church member encouraged, her voice resonating with renewed determination.
The demons, once confident in their overwhelming advantage, now faced an adversary that matched their strength.
The battle that was once heavily skewed in the demons' favor had become a more even contest, igniting a flicker of hope in the hearts of the church members.
In the midst of the chaos, Hong Meilin felt a surge of surprise as the demons encircling her suddenly ignited in a blazing crimson inferno.
Startled, she turned her head in the direction of the source, only to be met with the sight of Wang Jian striding toward her, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
Hong Meilin's heart skipped a beat as she locked eyes with him, a mixture of caution and curiosity flickering across her expression.
Even the demon with opalescent skin, engaged in his own intense battle, sensed the shift in energy and diverted his attention toward Wang Jian's approach. Recognizing the threat, he swiftly maneuvered through the chaos, making his way towards Hong Meilin's side.
Wang Jian halted a few feet away from Hong Meilin, his gaze fixed on her with a mix of amusement and admiration. "Well, well, look who's caught in the midst of this chaos," he remarked, his voice laced with playful banter.
Hong Meilin raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with a touch of skepticism. "I suppose you're here to save the day?"
Wang Jian chuckled, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Let's just say I couldn't resist the opportunity to lend a helping hand to you."
The demon with opalescent skin, emanating a commanding and enigmatic aura, drew nearer, his voice resonating with a deep, rumbling intensity. "You are courting death, human!"
Wang Jian rolled his eyes, a trace of amusement in his voice. "Well, I wouldn't be here if I were afraid of a little danger."
Unwilling to engage in further banter, Wang Jian unleashed his Beam of Destruction, a torrent of fiery energy infused with the intricate Laws of Flames.
The demon, sensing the perilous nature of the flames, swiftly evaded the attack, demonstrating its shocking agility and flexibility.
Seizing the opportunity, the demon retaliated with massive tidal waves, threatening to engulf Wang Jian and Hong Meilin in their crushing force.
Noticing the impending danger, Wang Jian whispered urgently, "If you want to survive, take my hand." He extended his hand towards her, bracing himself for a powerful leap.
Hong Meilin hesitated, torn between her principles and the imminent threat before her. She had never allowed a man to touch even her pinky finger, yet the gravity of the situation compelled her to instinctively grasp Wang Jian's outstretched hand—a fleeting moment of vulnerability in the face of survival.
A mischievous grin spread across Wang Jian's face as he propelled himself with remarkable strength, leaping with agility and evading the approaching tsunami with precision and finesse.
Hong Meilin's heart danced with a mix of excitement and relief as she gracefully dodged the destructive force of the tsunami. Her eyes widened with awe as she witnessed the immense power of the tsunami crashing into the surrounding trees, crushing them with an earth-shattering force.
Her breath caught in her throat, realizing the narrow escape she had just experienced. Gratitude welled within her as she cast a glance towards Wang Jian, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you, Your Highness Jian. You saved me from certain doom."
Amidst the chaos, the two bishops seized the opportunity and unleashed a barrage of Hundreds of Light Arrows, their luminous projectiles aiming for the vulnerable back of the opalescent-skinned demon.
To their dismay, the light arrows struck an invisible aqua barrier that shimmered into view only after their impact, protecting the demon from harm.
The demon turned towards the bishops, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can kill me, Aiden, one of the Might Protectors of the Oceanic Tempest Storm Devil Lineage? Prepare to witness the true extent of my power!"
The bishops exchanged a glance, their determination unyielding. One of them, a seasoned warrior, retorted with unwavering resolve, "We will not be deterred by your empty boasts, Aiden. Our faith in the Divine Light shall guide us to victory."
The demon's lips curled into a wicked grin as he summoned his elemental forces, preparing to unleash a devastating counterattack.
As the tumultuous battle between the demon named Aiden and the courageous bishops unfolded, Wang Jian found himself engrossed in a conversation with Hong Meilin, the esteemed Saintess of the Church. A mischievous grin played upon Wang Jian's face as he contemplated his next move.
"This demon possesses considerable strength," Wang Jian remarked, his voice laced with intrigue. "I wonder if I should personally engage in combat."
Hong Meilin turned her gaze towards him, unable to resist the allure of his words. Curiosity brimming in her eyes, she queried, "...While the demon may indeed be powerful, it cannot possibly withstand the combined assault of three King Realm experts. As it battles against the two bishops, the demon is already stretched thin. If Your Highness were to join the fray, we would undoubtedly secure victory."
Wang Jian shook his head slightly, his smirk widening. "Ah, my dear Meilin, it's not as straightforward as that. Although the bishops have valiantly kept the demon preoccupied, their injuries are grave, and their martial prowess diminishes with each passing moment. This is precisely why the demon could launch such a devastating attack against you, unperturbed by the bishops' retaliation."
He further added with a smile, "This demon also has a powerful regeneration technique that has allowed it to maintain its peak state during the entire battle. I assume that it won't be long before both the bishops are slaughtered."
Hong Meilin's startled expression betrayed her disbelief. "W-What? That can't be true!"
As her eyes surveyed the battlefield, her worst fears were confirmed. The bishops' bodies were marred by numerous wounds, while Aiden, the demon, appeared virtually unscathed.
Suddenly, a realization dawned upon her, and she turned towards Wang Jian with a glimmer of understanding. "...Wait... If this demon is as terrifying as you say, why do you remain here, Your Highness?"
A sense of confidence emanated from Wang Jian as he responded calmly, his voice laced with assurance. "Because, my dear Meilin, I possess the unwavering belief that I can overcome this formidable foe."
Hong Meilin's desperation surfaced as she implored him, her voice filled with earnestness. "Please, Your Highness, engage the demon and save our bishops!"
Wang Jian's gaze fixed upon her, his smirk intensifying. Flames surged around them, reducing the oncoming horde of demons to mere ashes.
In a mischievous tone, he spoke, "Naturally, I shall confront this demon. However, my dear Meilin, why should I risk my life to save the bishops? Their injuries will only serve to weaken the demon further, making my own battle considerably easier. So, what compels me to jeopardize myself for the sake of the Church's members?"
Caught off guard by his audacious proposition, Hong Meilin struggled to find a response.
After a momentary pause, she replied with a glimmer of hope, "Your Highness, the Church will undoubtedly be eternally grateful for your assistance. We possess an abundance of rare herbs, artifacts, and resources that might genuinely pique your interest."
Wang Jian rolled his eyes, his disdain evident. "Such trivial offerings hold no sway over me. In fact, the items within the Church that might tempt me lie far beyond your capacity to procure. The Pope would never willingly part with them, even at your request."
As Hong Meilin's mind delved into deep contemplation, Wang Jian fixed his gaze upon her, a devious smile playing upon his lips.
"...However, there is one thing that captures my interest, and that is you. Should you grant me a passionate kiss, my motivation to save the bishops might be kindled."
The shock was palpable in Hong Meilin's response as she stammered, clearly taken aback. "W-What? I am the Saintess of the Church. I am not permitted to engage in such actions with anyone."
A hint of disappointment laced Wang Jian's voice as he replied, "Ah, what a pity. In that case, I suppose I shall take my leave. The demon will be unable to pursue us if we depart now. May luck be with the bishops."
With a mischievous smirk, Wang Jian understood the common thread among heroines—their willingness to sacrifice that which is most precious to them in order to protect their comrades.
And as expected, Hong Meilin succumbed to the weight of her duty, responding, "...Very well, I agree. Now, I implore you, go forth and save them."
Seizing the opportune moment, Wang Jian's depraved nature surfaced, concealed beneath a charismatic facade. His voice assumed a calm and measured tone as he asserted, "However, I require an advance payment before embarking on such a perilous undertaking."
As if summoned by his command, a swirling vortex of searing flames materialized around them, shrouding them from prying eyes and ensuring their privacy within its fiery embrace.
