Chapter 20 Demon City
Chapter 20 Demon City
Surprised by Zi Yan’s words and trembling all over, I asked, “You want me to stay in the Dragon God Empire even though I’m a Beastmen spy? Don’t deceive yourself. You and I come from different races. I’m a danger to you and to all humans.”
Zi Yan stubbornly replied, “How different can we be? Don’t you have human blood as well?”
I let out a weary sigh. “Forget it. I don’t want to keep living behind a mask anymore. I’m tired… really, really tired.”
Zi Yan continued trying to persuade me. “What about Zi Xue? She’ll miss you. She wouldn’t be able to bear you leaving.”
Helplessly, I conceded, “I’m just as reluctant to leave Zi Xue, but this situation is beyond my control. My only option now is to return to the Beastmen Kingdom. I can only hope Zi Xue will eventually forget about me.”
Suddenly, Zi Yan pressed her voluptuous body tightly against me and hugged my arm. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“But… I would hate to part with you too.”
The shock made me think I had misheard. “What?! What did you say?”
Summoning her courage, Zi Yan looked straight at me. Her body was rigid, and she spoke clearly and firmly.
“I don’t want you to leave either.”
It felt as if lightning had struck me. My entire body went numb. Even though I knew Zi Yan had always viewed me favorably, I had never imagined she would confess her feelings so boldly.
After a long moment, I finally managed to calm the storm raging inside me.
“Stop saying such foolish things. We’re good friends. If I get the chance in the future, I’ll return to the Dragon God Empire to see you.”
Zi Yan’s face turned red and slightly puffy, yet she stubbornly retorted, “Don’t avoid the question! You know that’s not what I mean. I like you. I like you from the bottom of my heart. Why is Zi Xue allowed to stay by your side while I am not? I won’t stop you if you must return to the Beastmen Kingdom—after all, a man should follow his own path. But I have one request.”
Absentmindedly, I asked, “What request?”
Zi Yan took a deep breath and answered calmly. “Give me the same chance as Zi Xue. Let me wait for you for three years. Alright?”
HONG!
My mind exploded. I stared blankly at Zi Yan, unable to speak.
Her eyes reddened again. Choking with emotion, she said, “Do… do I not even deserve the chance to wait for you?”
I raised my hand and gently wiped the tears from her face.
“Why are you so good to me? I don’t deserve this.”
Zi Yan pursed her lips and glared at me. “Whether you deserve it or not isn’t something you decide. Let me wait for you, alright? And don’t worry about Li Wa. I’ve never liked him. You’re the one who broke through the walls around my heart. I’ve already shamelessly confessed my feelings to you. Can’t you give me even the slightest chance? You’re really cruel.”
“Zi Yan… I…” I hesitated before finally saying, “Alright. If you’re absolutely certain about this.”
A beautiful smile blossomed on Zi Yan’s face, like a pear blossom washed by rain. The sight left me momentarily captivated.
“I’m sure. Of course I’m sure. Don’t worry—my sister will also be willing to wait for you. I can definitely persuade Zi Xue to accept me as your girlfriend. I understand her much better than you do.”
The burden on my heart grew heavier with the promise I had just made.
“If I’m still alive after three years, I will definitely come back for both of you.”
Zi Yan immediately covered my mouth.
“Don’t say such unlucky things. You’ll be fine, Lei Xiang.”
My only reply was a simple, “Mm.”
“Lei Xiang… can you hold me?”
The moment I heard that request, it felt as though the blood in my body began to boil. I pulled her into my arms and held her tightly in silence.
Zi Yan’s soft body fit perfectly against mine. For that brief moment, two pure hearts quietly met.
We listened to each other’s rapid heartbeats. Even the fire beside us seemed to dim, as though reacting to the atmosphere.
I gently lifted her chin and gazed at her delicate lips, slowly leaning closer.
Zi Yan obediently closed her eyes, waiting.
Just as our lips were about to touch, a powerful white light suddenly burst from her body.
“Ping!”
A violent force sent me flying backward. I crashed heavily into a tree.
Zi Yan rushed toward me.
Blood sprayed from my mouth. My eyes widened in disbelief.
“You… you… why…”
Zi Yan cried out my name as if trying to explain, but my consciousness was already fading.
The divine power of the light element within her body had clashed violently with the last defensive barrier of the Demonic Arts inside mine.
It was a battle of life and death.
As searing pain consumed my body, I collapsed unconscious in Zi Yan’s arms.
When I woke up, I was still leaning against Zi Yan. She sat against a tree, her face streaked with clear tear marks.
After checking my body, I was relieved to discover that my dark energy remained intact. Although my meridians were severely damaged, they were still functioning and were forcing the light element out of my body to protect my life.
Strangely enough, the clash between the two opposing energies had actually cleared many of the blocked portions of my damaged meridians.
Stretching my limbs, I realized the pain had decreased considerably.
I patted Zi Yan’s cheek lightly. “Wake up.”
Zi Yan opened her sleepy eyes and looked at me in confusion. “Ah, Lei Xiang! You’re awake. Are you alright?”
I nodded and frowned slightly. “I’m fine. What happened?”
Zi Yan looked apologetic.
“I don’t know exactly what happened. When I was born, a soft white glow surrounded my body. Father asked an experienced light-element mage to examine me. He said I possessed a mysterious divine power, but that it wouldn’t harm my body.
“A few years later, when I was seven, I encountered a pervert while playing outside. When he tried to kiss me, he was blasted away by a beam of light—just like what happened to you earlier. I felt an enormous surge of power, but I couldn’t control it.
“Later, when I began studying light magic, my progress improved rapidly. But even now I still can’t control that mysterious power. My teacher said that once my magic becomes stronger, I’ll be able to control it.”
She lowered her head.
“I’m sorry you got hurt again because of me.”
After hearing her explanation, I could only sigh at my bad luck.
“I never thought I would receive the same treatment as a pervert.”
Zi Yan blushed slightly. “I’ll train harder. Next time when you… come close to me again, this won’t happen.”
I certainly hope so.
No one would want to marry someone they could look at but never touch.
I sighed. “That’s something for the future. For now, I just need to avoid touching you. Don’t blame yourself—you couldn’t control it. I’ll focus on my cultivation so I can recover quickly and send you back.”
Zi Yan nodded quietly.
From that day on, she took charge of managing my meals and gathering fruit for us. She cared for me attentively, like a gentle wife looking after her husband. The cold arrogance she once carried was nowhere to be seen.
As for me, I devoted myself completely to cultivation.
Since I had already experienced repairing my meridians once before, I avoided unnecessary detours this time. My recovery progressed smoothly.
Half a month later, my body had almost fully recovered, and my Demonic Arts had improved significantly. The fourth level of the Demonic Arts turned out to be surprisingly easy to cultivate. I had only reached the transformation stage a few months ago, yet my Demonic Arts had already advanced to the middle of the fourth level.
“Lei Xiang, take a break and come eat.”
Zi Yan called out to me.
“Coming.”
Long ago I had discarded the mask I once wore. Like a carefree child, I ran over to her.
“Wow, today’s a generous harvest of fruit.”
Zi Yan laughed. “Yes. Black Dragon and I rode around quite a bit today. We probably won’t need to gather more for two days.”
I picked up a strange fruit and took a bite. Sweet juice immediately filled my mouth.
“Delicious. Really delicious. Right, Zi Yan—my injuries have almost completely healed. We’ll be leaving soon.”
Zi Yan’s expression dimmed.
“You don’t need to rush. You can rest a few more days. It won’t be too late to leave once you’ve fully recovered.”
Of course I understood her sadness at the thought of parting.
But what must separate will separate eventually.
I sighed. “Don’t be like this. This is already the third time you’ve said that. The sooner we part, the sooner we can meet again. Isn’t that right?”
Zi Yan began playing with the fruit in her hands, biting her lip.
“Alright then. Let’s pack up and leave.”
A mischievous expression suddenly flashed across her face.
“But… do you know which direction we should go?”
I froze.
Good question.
After chasing Mi You, I had fainted. Zi Yan had been the one guiding Black Dragon afterward.
How could I possibly know where we were now?
This could be troublesome.
Scratching my head, I said, “I don’t know either. If we really can’t figure it out, we’ll just keep walking in one direction. Eventually we’ll find a village or town and ask for directions.”
That had been exactly how I navigated when I first arrived in the Dragon God Empire.
Zi Yan smiled.
“It would actually be nice if we never found the right path. Then you would never have to leave my side.”
I gently stroked her long pale-blue hair.
“I don’t want to part with you either, but…”
Zi Yan pressed a finger lightly against my lips.
“I understand. Let’s eat first. After that, we’ll pack and set off.”
……………………………….
Three days later we finally emerged from the central forest. Two days after that, we were met with an awe-inspiring sight. Before us lay a magnificent city of the Demon Race, similar in size—if not larger—than any of the cities in the Dragon God Empire.
“What should we do? Should we go in or not?” Zi Yan looked at me and asked.
I laughed bitterly. “With our human characteristics, we’ll be caught immediately if we enter.”
Zi Yan replied, “What characteristics do demons have?”
I looked at her and answered blankly, “There should be some differences, but I’m not too sure.”
Zi Yan smiled complacently. “You don’t know, but I do.”
“You do?”
“Of course. I’m a talented girl, after all. From outward appearances alone, it’s very difficult to distinguish high-level demons from humans. Their skin is simply much paler. The highest class demons—the royal Demon Clan—have purple eyes. Normally, high-level demons aren’t very different from humans.”
I suddenly realized something. “You’re so pale that pretending to be a demon shouldn’t be a problem. But I…” My skin could hardly be described as white; it was completely copper-colored.
Zi Yan laughed. “You’re so foolish. Have you forgotten your Fallen Angel transformation? Even if you don’t transform, your eyes are already dark purple, even if the color isn’t very pure. Solving such a small problem shouldn’t be difficult.”
Right. I was descended from the bloodline of the royal Demon Clan after all. It seemed that being mixed-blood had its advantages.
“Then we just go in like this?”
Zi Yan replied excitedly, “Of course! Being able to explore the Demon Clan’s territory is amazing.” Her mannerisms were completely like those of a little girl.
“Let’s go, Black Dragon. We’ll go take a look at the Demon Clan.”
At first glance, the demon city seemed no different from a city in the Dragon God Empire, except for the occasional noble demon walking past with leashed demon beasts. The people around us looked at us strangely, and some even appeared a little frightened.
Did I come here to assassinate the Demon Emperor? Why are they so afraid?
Zi Yan, however, was extremely excited. Leaning on my arm, she pointed at the surrounding scenery, completely unconcerned about the danger of being in a foreign land.
“Zi Yan, have you noticed they seem a little afraid of us?”
“I noticed it long ago. What’s strange about that? They probably think you’re a Demon aristocrat. Didn’t you know? According to historical records gathered in the Empire, hierarchy is extremely important in the Demon Clan. Their sense of rank is even stronger than in the Dragon God Empire. Even being one level higher gives you the power to crush someone to death. Because of this system, the Demon Clan isn’t very united as a whole, and that’s why they’ve never truly developed.”
I looked at the tattered clothes I was wearing and laughed wryly. “With such miserable appearances, what kind of aristocrats could we possibly be?”
Zi Yan seemed to remember that even her undergarments had been used to bandage my wounds. Her face flushed red, and she leaned against me without saying anything.
“Can we use gold coins among the demons?”
Zi Yan replied quietly, “It should be fine. Currency isn’t divided by race. It should be the same everywhere.”
“Then we should find somewhere to stay first and clean ourselves up. We can’t pretend to be aristocrats dressed like this.”
Zi Yan pointed at a building just ahead of us. “Lay-Lay, look. Isn’t that an inn?”
I realized I had long since grown used to the way she addressed me. Ever since we left the forest, she had insisted on calling me that, saying it sounded more affectionate. I had no choice but to give in to her request.
The way Zi Yan now clung to me was no less than how Zi Xue had done before. Although I didn’t know what the future held, I truly enjoyed the days I spent with her.
Somewhere deep in my heart, I was also reluctant to separate from her…
“Welcome. What service do you require, Milord?”
I returned to my usual cold expression and said plainly, “Two rooms.”
The server trembled with fear. “Yes, yes. Please follow me, Milord. However, we only have one high-class room left. It’s a suite. Milord may wish to take a look…”
I frowned. “Am I that frightening? If there’s only one room, we’ll take that.”
Either way, Zi Yan and I couldn’t do anything improper. Sharing one room would be fine.
Zi Yan lightly pinched me, but she didn’t protest.
“No… no, of course you’re not frightening, Milord…” The waiter looked terrified, so I said nothing as he led us to the luxurious suite.
The floor of the entire room was covered with the fur of some exotic beast that felt soft and comfortable beneath our feet. The walls were decorated with various paintings. The suite could only be described as magnificent.
As you entered, there was a living room with a large, thick sofa that looked extremely comfortable. On the opposite wall stood a massive decorative fireplace. In the inner room, a huge bed occupied nearly half the space, and decorations made from gemstones of various colors adorned the walls.
Even though she was the daughter of a Duke, Zi Yan looked a little stunned.
“Lay-Lay, do we really need something this luxurious?”
I laughed. “It’s nothing. Isn’t it nice to live a little more comfortably? I don’t care about the money. This will do.”
The server cautiously asked, “Are you satisfied with the room, Milord?”
I nodded. “It will do nicely. Is there a tailor nearby? We’ve just returned from the front lines, as you can tell from our ragged appearance.”
The server hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes! I will bring a tailor shortly so Milord can have two sets of clothes made. Would that be acceptable, Milord?”
The treatment nobles received truly wasn’t bad at all. Everything was much easier.
Adopting a cold tone, I said, “Very well. Prepare something to eat. Make it delicious. Do you understand?”
“Understood. This servant understands. I will prepare it immediately.”
His attentive service made me feel quite comfortable, so I tossed him a gold coin.
“This is your reward. Hurry. We’ve traveled far and would like to rest early. As for my horse, I placed him in your stable. Just give him good hay. There’s no need to groom him—he has a bad temper. I’ll handle him myself tomorrow.”
The waiter held the coin and looked helplessly at me. “Milord, this one cannot accept this coin. Being able to serve Milord is already reward enough.”
“Enough nonsense. Accept it. I’m not like other nobles. Understand?”
The servant looked so surprised that it was obvious he had never encountered a noble like me before. He didn’t dare say anything further. He bowed and left the room.
Watching him leave, I said to Zi Yan, “You were right. The hierarchy here is really obvious. I didn’t even say anything harsh, yet the servant was terrified.”
Zi Yan smiled mischievously. “With that cold expression of yours, no one in the Dragon God Empire would dare offend you, let alone here.”
She turned and lay down on the large sofa, stretching lazily.
“Oh, it’s so comfortable. You should try it too.”
I forced myself to suppress the urge to kiss her. Sitting beside her, I smiled.
“The environment here is quite good. I hope our identities aren’t exposed too soon. When I placed Black Dragon in the stable earlier, I asked for directions. The fortress is just over three hundred miles from here. We can take it easy for a couple more days. Let’s rest two days before I send you home.”
Zi Yan smiled brightly. “Alright, alright. I also want to learn more about the customs here.”
It was obvious she was genuinely happy.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
I walked over and picked up Black Sable on the way. One had to be cautious in foreign territory.
Opening the door, I let out a breath of relief. It was room service.
Three people entered behind the earlier servant and set their items down.
“Milord, here is your food and undergarments. These two are tailors,” the servant said.
The tailors clearly held a higher status than the servant, judging by the respectful manner in which he introduced them.
One of them stepped forward and said, “My Lord, may I take your measurements now, if it pleases My Lord?”
I nodded and tossed Black Sable aside. The tailor worked swiftly and took our measurements with impressive speed.
I reminded him, “Choose high-quality fabric for this lady. As for me, I want a warrior’s outfit. Understood?”
“This servant understands. This servant will now leave your esteemed selves to your rest.”
With clean undergarments, we were finally able to groom ourselves properly. Nothing felt more comfortable than taking a hot bath afterward.
After changing into fresh undergarments, Zi Yan ate only a few bites before crawling into the enormous bed and falling asleep.
Originally, I intended to sleep there as well, but a red-faced Zi Yan drove me out.
So I lay down on the couch instead, eating delicate desserts and relaxing quite a bit.
………………………………………………………………
Zi Yan and I sat in the hall. The moment we looked at each other, we couldn’t help but laugh.
I was wearing a black warrior’s outfit with a cloak fastened to my chest by a red jewel. A black bandana rested on my head, with smaller matching jewels embedded in it. Zi Yan had explained that black was the most royal color among the Demon Clan. They must have assumed I belonged to the highest ranks of nobility.
The tailor’s judgment had been quite good. He had given Zi Yan a grey dress that complemented her light blue hair perfectly. It made her look noble and elegant while still simple and natural. When she first changed into it, I had been dumbfounded for a full minute.
As the saying goes, fine feathers make fine birds—clothes make the man. The saying proved true. After changing into our new clothes, we easily passed as a noble demon couple.
Originally, the innkeeper had prepared a private dining room for us, but at my request we decided to eat in the hall instead. We were only having a meal—there was no need to be so particular about it. To suit Zi Yan’s tastes, I deliberately ordered several light dishes. After all, after living on fruit for so long, it would be difficult for her to suddenly eat meat and fish.
The quality of the inn was quite high, and there were not many diners. Only about twenty percent of the hall was occupied. Most of the customers were high-class demons. At the entrance, I noticed a sign that read:
“Low-class demons may not enter.”
It showed just how deeply the concept of hierarchy was ingrained in every demon’s heart.
Compared with the cuisine of the Dragon God Empire, the dishes in the demon city were less refined. However, compared to the food of the Beastmen Kingdom, they were far superior. The flavors were simply different.
As for me, nothing changed. No matter how the food was cooked, I still ate like a cow chewing grass or a tiger devouring its prey—voraciously.
Zi Yan, however, had clearly received an excellent upbringing. Even though she ate quite a lot, she remained elegant and graceful throughout the entire meal.
“Lei Xiang, eat more slowly,” she said. “Don’t forget—you’re a noble now.”
“Nobles eat too. I’ll worry about manners once I’m half full.”
While we were eating, a group of about twenty people entered the inn. They were well dressed, domineering, and arrogant.
“Innkeeper! Prepare ten rooms. And give us the presidential suite our Lord used last time. Hurry up!”
Seeing their fierce expressions, the innkeeper’s face turned pale under the magical lighting.
“I apologize, honored guests. We still have ten rooms available, but the highest-class suite is currently occupied by another distinguished guest. Perhaps I could—”
“What’s the problem? Just tell them to leave! Our Lord is a high-ranking noble—an inherited Count. Do you dare offend him?”
Zi Yan smiled at me and whispered, “I think they’re talking about our room. If there’s no other way, we should give it to them.”
I laughed. “Aren’t you the one who values power? This is exactly when I should protect you. How could I just give it away?”
Zi Yan glared at me. “Lei Xiang, this isn’t the Dragon God Empire. We aren’t safe here. Try to avoid trouble whenever possible. Do you think I’m someone who can’t see the bigger picture? You underestimate me.”
Her adorable expression made me feel slightly smitten.
“But I still can’t give it away,” I said calmly. “Isn’t this the perfect chance to display the authority of a noble? Just sit back and watch.”
At that moment, one of the demons grabbed the innkeeper by the collar and raised his hand to strike.
I flicked my fingers lightly.
A chopstick shot through the air and pierced the demon’s hand.
He released the innkeeper with a cry of pain, blood running down his left hand.
“Who dares attack me?! Do you have a death wish?!”
I stood up, straightened my clothes, and said coldly, “It was me. I’m the one who supposedly has a death wish. Why? Will my lord send me to hell?”
“Why, you little—”
When he noticed my clothing, he immediately stopped cursing and eyed me warily.
I walked up to him, narrowed my eyes, and suddenly slapped him across the face, sending him flying.
“You idiot. How dare you speak to me so disrespectfully. Where is your master? Call him out.”
Since I’m pretending to be a noble, I should act arrogant enough to match the role.
A voice suddenly rang out behind him, soft and strangely genderless.
“I am his master. One should see whose dog it is before striking it. Are you trying to insult me? Which house do you belong to?”
The guards stepped aside one after another. A bloated middle-aged man with blond hair walked forward. Judging from his appearance he was clearly male, but that voice…
Goosebumps rose on my neck.
When he saw my face, his eyes sparkled.
“Oh my, whose son is this? He’s so handsome. Come, let me take a closer look.”
Just as I suspected. He was one of those people.
Zi Yan walked to my side. Seeing my awkward expression, she suppressed her laughter and said sharply, “Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to our Lord like that?”
When the middle-aged man saw Zi Yan, his face filled with a mixture of envy and disgust.
After hearing her rebuke, he puffed out his flabby chest.
“I am Count Fei Zhen, a Count from a noble and distinguished lineage. You are nothing! I’m speaking to your master—how dare you interrupt me?”
When I heard him insult Zi Yan like that, I nearly lost my temper.
Just as I was about to act, Zi Yan lightly tugged my sleeve and said with a smile, “I’m not nothing, and neither is my Lord. My Lord’s name is Lay Lucifer. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of him.”
After hearing this, the immature middle-aged Count’s expression changed drastically.
“Lay Lucifer… Lay Lucifer… You’re royalty?”
Zi Yan adopted a proud expression.
“Now that you understand, get lost. If you disturb my Lord’s meal again, he will slaughter your entire family and leave this ‘inherited’ Count without an heir to inherit his title.”
Watching such dramatic changes, I waited to see how he would react.
The fat on Count Fei Zhen’s face trembled as he spoke.
“Who here can prove that he is who he claims to be?”
Since I’m the lead actor in this little drama, I might as well perform properly.
I removed my cloak and said in a deep voice, “Zi Yan, move aside.”
“Darkness, condense within my soul. To fall is to be freed. Awaken, power that slumbers within my blood.”
An intense black aura spread from my body, filling the entire inn with a sinister atmosphere.
Zi Yan looked slightly displeased but quickly moved aside.
My long pale-green hair instantly turned pitch black. A pair of symbolic Fallen Angel wings tore through my clothing and spread from my back, beating slowly.
A black shadow flashed.
In the next moment, my hand was gripping the fat man’s throat.
With a sinister smile, I said quietly, “Is this proof enough for you?”
All of Count Fei Zhen’s followers dropped to the ground in terror, begging for mercy with trembling bodies.
Choked by my hand, Count Fei Zhen’s voice became hoarse.
“I believe you now! I believe you now! Lord Fallen Angel, please show mercy!”
Fallen Angels were extremely rare even among the royal Demon Clan. They possessed the absolute authority to kill anyone within the Demon Clan. Removing a mere Count from his position was as easy as crushing an ant.
I released him and threw him aside.
“I just risked my life on the front lines, yet trash like you dares to give me orders. If you offend me again, I will take your life.”
Black mist surrounded my body.
Everyone present knew what that meant.
It was the omen that a Fallen Angel was about to act.
Count Fei Zhen showed no intention of resisting. He kowtowed repeatedly, like someone pounding garlic, begging desperately.
“Lord, please spare me! This lowly servant was blind and foolish. Please spare this insignificant life! Killing trash like me will only dirty your noble hands…”
At that moment, dizziness suddenly washed over me.
My injuries had only recently healed, and this transformation placed a heavy burden on my body.
Since the goal had already been achieved, there was no need to continue the performance.
“Get up and answer.”
“Yes, yes!”
Count Fei Zhen scrambled to his feet so clumsily that he practically rolled across the floor, making it difficult for Zi Yan and me not to laugh.
I pointed to my torn clothes.
“In order to prove my identity to this ‘master,’ I’ve ruined the clothes I just had tailored—and my appetite as well. How do you plan to compensate me?”
Count Fei Zhen nodded rapidly, bowing repeatedly.
“This lowly servant will compensate you! I will compensate you! I will purchase the finest clothes for you. No—ten sets! I guarantee Your Lordship will be satisfied!”