Chapter 65: Arrogance

Upon hearing Beros's words, Wen Ying didn't turn his head to see what kind of traditional demonic beast hide attire Beros was wearing today. Instead, he focused his gaze on the fallen angel Lai Yehua, who was dressed in a priestly costume on the platform.

Indeed, upon closer inspection, Lai Yehua's seemingly fluid movements were actually stiff everywhere, exuding a strong aura of killing intent. The sacrificial dance itself was already powerful and domineering, but his killing intent intensified it even more.

The stone platform was about two meters high, adorned with various magical patterns. With each of Lai Yehua's movements, those ancient and intricate patterns seemed to come alive, flowing with light. Liquid resembling molten lava appeared to rise from the magic patterns.

Magic had taken a tangible form; the flowing, materialized magic resembled a substance between water and mist, circulating on the stone platform, following Lai Yehua's dance and the circular ritual instrument adorned with multiple bells.

Amidst the cacophony of music, mournful melodies soared into crescendos, drums beat fiercely, and the jingling of bells grew more intense. Both visually and auditorily, the spectacle pierced the soul, sending shivers down one's spine. Each note seemed to summon spirits, as if an otherworldly response was imminent. The magical mist around them thickened with each passing moment.

Wen Ying rubbed his arms, goosebumps rising on his skin. He thought to himself that Lai Yehua's festival-exclusive attire would surely make for a lucrative trading card. Before anything else, he took out his phone to snap a picture. Then, turning his head, he noticed that Beros had been standing behind him ever since he arrived.

The corner of his eye first caught a glimpse of red, before being swallowed by black. Taking a step forward to create some distance, Wen Ying observed Beros.

Little Bai on his head huffed at Beros, who merely glanced over without any reaction. He studied today's Wen Ying, looking particularly fetching in white. With the mask obscuring his face, he appeared even more demonic.

Beros's gaze lingered on Wen Ying's silver-white tresses cascading below. Being a head shorter, Wen Ying was just the right height. If it weren't for that pesky Claw-Eared Beast, Beros would be able to see the swirl of hair on the top of his head.

Wen Ying lifted his gaze to examine Beros, his eyes sparkling. Beros looked even more attractive in this attire than he did at the Flame Mountain event. The formal dress was restrained, whereas the traditional demonic attire fully showcased the dangerous and feral side of demons.

A new skin!

Just as Wen Ying was about to ask if Beros would allow him to do so, Beros raised his hand, effortlessly scooped up Little Bai, tossed him aside, and casually patted his head, saying, "Since you were so insistent that night, I'll reluctantly accompany you today."

"Chirp, chirp, chirp!"

Wen Ying swiftly reached out, pinning the furious Little Bai by the nape and pulling him into his embrace. "What hint?"

The sudden happiness made Wen Ying suspicious. With the hand on his head still rustling his hair, he swatted Beros' hand away.

Beros narrowed his eyes slightly, pretending ignorance. Well, Wen Ying seemed tolerable today.

"You're quite a natural at playing dumb. I won't dwell on it."

Reason told Wen Ying that it was best not to pursue the matter further, for it wouldn't bode well for his mood today. He held down the struggling Little Bai in his arms and, with a calming tone, looked at Beros suspiciously. "When you said you'd accompany me, did you mean it in the way I'm thinking?"

With a mask covering his face, Wen Ying couldn't see Beros' expression. However, he could sense that Beros was currently in a good mood.

Boros nodded haughtily. "Just for today."

Wen Ying observed Boros's reluctant demeanor and rolled his eyes. He glared at Little Bai to quiet it down, then moved the creature to the other side of his shoulder. Extending his arms towards Boros, he declared, "Then I'll enjoy it to the fullest."

Confused, Boros asked, "What are you doing?"

"There are too many demons around. Let me sit on your shoulder," Wen Ying grinned, "As your boyfriend for the day, just for today."

Boros was speechless. "R-Rather bold, aren't you, Demon Mirror! Can a three-headed dog be sat upon?!"

Wen Ying spread his arms and looked at him expectantly. The two demons locked eyes in a stalemate. After a moment of silence, Boros wordlessly lifted his hand to hoist Wen Ying onto his right shoulder. Wen Ying placed his left hand on the back of Boros's neck to stabilize himself and took the opportunity to feel the black collar around Boros's neck.

Feeling that his perspective had heightened, Little Hong let out a short, joyful cry.

Boros's face remained cold as he reached up to press down on Wen Ying's swaying legs. "I won't catch you if you fall." Yet, with his right hand, he gently supported Wen Ying's waist, seemingly wary of him toppling over.

Both parties seemed content with their current arrangement.

Lai Yehua, who was exerting himself to channel magic into the altar's sacrificial patterns, noticed Wen Ying suddenly ascending in height. The looming shadow overwhelmed him, causing him to wobble on his tiptoes in pain. He almost couldn't maintain his next move.

Had the three-headed dog gone mad, allowing Wen Ying to sit on his shoulder? Lai Yehua couldn't comprehend why Bueros, who usually ignored lower demons, would permit Wen Ying to perch on him.

Their eyes met, and Wen Ying even smiled at him, his upturned lips clearly visible beneath his half-mask.

Lai Yehua: "..." He felt a wave of disgust, the trauma from Aruda running deep.

Bueros had grown up watching the Stone Altar ritual on Demon Birth Day and found it uninteresting. He turned in another direction, but Wen Ying patted his hand resting on her waist. "Wait, let's go that way, to the castle. Wu Fei invited me."

"Tsk."

Suddenly, Bueros regretted agreeing to Wen Ying's request. Now it seemed she was treating him like a mount. Grumbling inwardly, he marched towards the castle with a dark expression.

With Bueros and his beast-ear accessory, the vacuum effect was doubled, and Wen Ying eagerly surveyed their surroundings. Without the bother of crowds or being blocked, she, who was shorter than the average demon, could finally see things without obstruction.

Little Bai was also pleased. No longer baring its teeth at the annoying demon, it nestled in Wen Ying's embrace, curiously observing everything around them.

Upon entering the castle, they found it teeming with demons. Long tables were set up, laden with all sorts of delicate snacks. Wen Ying spotted Aruda's magical pastry, something he had been making a lot of lately.

"Look at that." Wen Ying tapped Bueros, pointing at the red flower-shaped dessert crafted by Aruda.

Boros picked up a plate with a cold expression, silently handing it to Wen Ying, trying to convey his anger through his intimidating aura. However, Wen Ying seemed oblivious, continuing to eat as if nothing was amiss.

"Mm, so they're placed here. I wonder where the ones with higher-quality ingredients are," Wen Ying muttered to himself.

Little Bai and Little Hong both craned their necks, eager to taste the food. Wen Ying turned to Boros again, "Could you get me two more?"

Boros finally lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp and fierce, "Don't push your luck."

Wen Ying pouted, discontentedly remarking, "Such incompetence."

Boros wordlessly held out two more plates, which Wen Ying gratefully took. Instantly, Little Bai and Little Hong started nibbling on them.

What was he doing...? Boros looked at his hands, a sense of frustration pooling in his crimson eyes.

"Wen... Ying," Wu Fei called out, his voice loud, but when he caught sight of Boros beneath Wen Ying, he nearly failed to complete the second syllable. It was as if he had seen a ghost, convinced he was hallucinating.

He tugged on Lilith's sleeve, "Lilith, is that Boros and Wen Ying over there?"

Lilith was surprised too, but her voice remained calm, "You're not mistaken, it's them." She had sensed something, but after only three months, had Boros really given in?

That demon is truly unique.

Wen Ying looked over at Wu Fei's voice and waved. "Hey."

Boros instinctively put Wen Ying down when he saw Lilith and Wu Fei. Wen Ying almost lost his balance and had to steady himself on Boros's body before raising his eyes to complain. "It's just two acquaintances. Lai Yehua was here just now too."

Boros's pride could rival Lan Jiaying's, though it manifested differently.

Wen Ying walked over to Wu Fei. Wu Fei, eyeing the two infant magical beasts on his shoulder, asked eagerly, "Can I pet them?"

Wen Ying passed Little Hong to him. "He doesn't bite."

Little Hong sniffed Wu Fei's outstretched hand before slowly flying onto his shoulder and perching there. Wu Fei's eyes were glowing with excitement as he gently wrapped his arms around the baby Red Flame Sub-Dragon on his shoulder.

Wen Ying breathed a sigh of relief. Baby Red Flame Sub-Dragons were heavy, and his shoulder was already numb from having one on it for so long. Taking the opportunity to stretch his shoulder, he scanned the area but didn't see Levimo.

"Is Levimo not here?"

Lilith smiled. "There are plenty of demons here."

Wen Ying chuckled softly. "I suppose so."

Wu Fei carried Little Hong and walked a few steps in a certain direction. "Levimo is up there. Let's go. We've reserved a traditional feast for lunch, but we only booked four seats earlier..."

Wen Ying glanced at Berlos.

"Adding one more person shouldn't be a problem now," Wu Fei said, taking out his phone to call the restaurant.

Berlos turned his gaze sideways to look at Wen Ying. "I'll come back later tonight to find you..."

Wen Ying grabbed Berlos's hand. Berlos's body tensed up as the hand firmly held onto his palm. He had actually been suppressing himself the whole time Wen Ying was sitting on his shoulder. His instinct, which he had developed from years of close proximity with other demons, was constantly on high alert.

Wen Ying's hand remained around his neck, and it was already Berlos's greatest tolerance not to push him away. From the beginning, Berlos had been forcefully suppressing his urge to attack. Perhaps it was due to the numerous times Wen Ying had touched him over the past three months that his alarm had lessened.

Berlos whispered, "Are you not afraid of me at all now?" He deliberately released his restrained aura, the bloody air from his years of bloody battles surging forth. His slightly curly hair seemed to have an ethereal red glow, and the surrounding demons immediately retreated several meters, staring at the source of this terrifying presence in shock.

He still remembered how Wen Ying had first seen him, hiding behind an elderly demon while clutching his doll, his eyes filled with fear and vulnerability, devoid of any sharpness. If not for the doll, Berlos wouldn't have even given him a second glance.

Three months had made a world of difference, and Bellerophon was equally astonished.

From being fearful and timid, unable to speak up, to now being audacious and arrogant, Bellerophon truly wondered what Wen Ying had experienced in Aruda.

Wen Ying chuckled softly. Facing Bellerophon's overwhelming malevolence, his mask concealed his expression but not his calm nonchalance. Inserting his fingers into Bellerophon's, he grasped the rough and thick hand. His voice and tone remained harmless and melodious, yet the content was brazen.

"You can't kill me anyway, so why should I be afraid of you?"

Bellerophon almost lost his temper. Anticipating his move, Wen Ying's eyes flashed with a sharp glint as he pressed down on Bellerophon's rising hand. Their colliding magic sparked a small whirlwind between their clasped hands.

Feeling the tense atmosphere, Wu Fei called back, her heart uneasy. She tentatively asked, "What's wrong?"

Wen Ying pushed Bellerophon's hand down, smiling. "Nothing." If he couldn't match Bellerophon's strength, he could still compete with his magic, leveraging the vast amount of power to suppress Bellerophon's hand.

"That habit of yours isn't good," Bellerophon murmured. Wen Ying's earlier action had roused his battle-hungry body, and despite his efforts to restrain it, his fierce fighting spirit still radiated, impossible to conceal.

Like a ticking time bomb, Wu Fei thought, stepping forward to lead the way.

Lilith observed the two demons' entwined hands, admiration in her gaze as she looked at Wen Ying.

Boros attempted to leave but failed, as Wen Ying held onto his hand firmly, forcing them to ascend together.

Wu Fei and their group led Wen Ying to a part of the castle that was usually not open to the public, but was accessible during the Magic Birthdays.

The walls of the castle's corridors bore evident marks of time, their stately antiquity lending an atmosphere of solemnity that caused the demons passing through to lower their voices.

The corridor was adorned with renowned demons from the realm of magic, some depicted in paintings, others in photographs. Their piercing gazes and imposing auras commanded attention even in mere glimpses.

Wu Fei stepped into a chamber, a modest study, where only Levimo was present.

"It's quite lively outside. Why aren't you joining in?" Wen Ying teased deliberately.

Levimo pursed his lips, emanating an aura that deterred proximity even more. "I don't like crowds."

He looked at Bellerophon, his expression surprisingly surprised. "Wu Fei, you invited Bellerophon too?" His words held a hint of pride, as if rejoicing in the growth of his child.

Wen Ying almost laughed to death. The two fox siblings seemed to treat Wu Fei like a child, bustling about for him.

Wu Fei hurriedly explained, "No, he's with Wen Ying."

Lilith approached, but before she could reach out, Levimo had already stood up on his own. Lilith smiled effortlessly, "Don't you regret not witnessing Lai Yehua's discomfort?"

"Discomfort?" Wen Ying, the curious one, leaned in, releasing Beros' hand.

Beros looked down at his hand. It felt uncomfortable being held, yet it also felt strange to let go. Was there something wrong with his mind?

Lilith held up her index finger to her lips, gazing outside the window with delight. The angle here was poor, so she could only see some stone platforms.

"The stone platform ritual can only be sustained by the power of a high-ranking demon like Lai Yehua. However, such high-ranking demons like him don't enjoy dancing in public, even if it's for a ritual," Lilith said, looking at Beros as her finger slid from her lips to her cheek. "It's all about face! And the ritual attire for this dance goes against Lai Yehua's preferences. If only he didn't have to wear a mask, his expressions alone would make me tolerate Lan Jiaying's faction for a whole month."

The mere thought of the demons surrounding the stone platform made Levimo shudder, even though it wasn't him dancing. He couldn't share Lilith's schadenfreude; his restrained and aloof demeanor seemed to radiate frost.

Wu Fei added more ice to the chill, "If the high-ranking demons take turns, wouldn't that mean Levimo would have to do it decades from now?" He imagined Levimo dancing the ritual and found it even more inconceivable than Lai Yehua doing so.

"Pfft—" Wen Ying couldn't hold back her laughter, leaning against Beros as she tilted her head to look at Levimo.

Beros raised his hand to gently push Wen Ying away, helping her stand straight.

"It's impossible," he assured.

"Lai Yehua is going; nothing is impossible." Lilith waved it off.

Wu Fei lightened the mood. "Let's head to that restaurant then." His hand rested on Levimo's shoulder as if it were merely air.

As the group of demons left the small study, Wen Ying suddenly remembered, "Does that restaurant you booked allow pets?"

"It does," Lilith replied for Wu Fei, "We reserved a private room."

Little Bai climbed from Wen Ying's shoulder to his head. Perseus took a disliking to this and lifted his hand to pinch the back of its neck, tossing it down.

Little Bai landed gracefully and pounced at Perseus. Wen Ying intercepted halfway, and Little Bai bumped into Wen Ying's forehead, its ears curling around his arm as it returned to Wen Ying's shoulder, huffing at Perseus.

Wen Ying stroked its head and said, "Perseus, why do you always like to throw it?"

Rarely showing vulnerability, Wu Fei scolded Perseus, "You're too rough with it. It's just a cub."

Perseus looked at him darkly, and Wu Fei fell silent. Perseus redirected his gaze, addressing Wen Ying, "If you indulge it like this, it'll become spoiled."

Without hesitation, Wen Ying answered, "I didn't raise it to fight for me. It's cute enough to be a pet. I'm not some weakling who needs a magic beast's help in battles."

Little Bai cooed softly and cuddled up to Wen Ying's palm, looking at Beros provocatively with its head held high.

Beros clenched his fist. "Why bring a magic beast to eat? If you bring it, I won't go. I've lost my appetite."

Lilith: "??!" They said love could dumb down a devil, and it seemed to be true. It had dumbed Beros down significantly.

Wen Ying was stunned and said to Beros with a pained heart, "It's just a baby magic beast, not even two weeks old. What's wrong with you?" This didn't fit Beros' usual demeanor.

Beros looked at Wen Ying as if he were a virus, unknowingly revealing a hint of fear in his eyes. He took a step back.

Wen Ying: "?" He stepped forward with Little Bai in his arms, and Beros subconsciously retreated another step.

The three passive onlooker devils: "?"

Wu Fei glanced at Lilith and mouthed silently, "What's wrong with Beros?"

Lilith shook her head and spread her hands, indicating that she had no idea either.

One would hardly believe that Beros, the proud and mighty three-headed hellhound, was forced to retreat without even lifting a paw, all due to a magic mirror demon—unless they had witnessed it themselves. It was as fantastical as any tale from a Thousand and One Nights.

Wen Ying, baffled, watched as Beros, who usually regarded everyone with disdain, was backed against a wall by his own actions.

Stretching out his hand, Wen Ying asked, "Are you alright?"

Beros swatted away Wen Ying's hand and hurriedly left, leaving behind the words, "I'll come find you tonight. There's an urgent matter I need to attend to."

Staring at his rejected hand, Wen Ying once again found himself unable to decipher Beros' behavior.

Turning silently, he met the astonished gazes of the three demons. He muttered, "What's wrong with him?"

Levimo and Wu Fei both shook their heads. Lilith, her finger pressed to her lips, pondered, "He's still afraid."

Wu Fei expressed his disbelief, "If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't have believed it."

Unable to comprehend the situation, Wen Ying didn't want his affairs to disrupt Wu Fei and the others' plans. He said, "Let's not worry about him. He's always acting unpredictably; we'll just get used to it. He'll be back tonight on his own."

Wu Fei felt a strange sense of familiarity in Wen Ying's words. As they walked towards the dining area, he mulled over them for a long while. Suddenly, a spark of realization illuminated his mind, and he slapped the table with his chopsticks, standing up abruptly, "I've got it!"

The three demons at the table jumped in surprise, and Levimo asked, "What were you thinking?"

Wu Fei sat down, and as Levimo inquired, he felt that what he had just connected in his mind was not suitable to be shared aloud. He scratched his cheek and vaguely replied, "Actually, it's nothing much. I suddenly forgot a part of the evening's banquet schedule, but I just remembered it now."

There would be a grand banquet that night in the castle where the true residence of the Demon King lay, outside the capital. All the high-ranking demons would attend, and even those from outside would rush to participate. It was considered the most prestigious event in the demon realm.

Those without status could not enter. Not knowing if he qualified, Wen Ying hadn't bothered to inquire much. The feeling was like when someone mentioned that a certain award ceremony in the entertainment industry had started in the human world; he was the one watching it on TV, not the one attending the event in person. There was no sense of participation.

After Wu Fei sat down, he brushed off the previous excitement with a few casual topics, muttering to himself about why Wen Ying's words "I'll be back on my own tonight" sounded familiar. Wasn't it the same feeling he had when he saw his neighbor's cat run out and the neighbor calmly said it would return by itself at night?

One was a cat, the other a hellhound, but what the hell kind of similarity was that? Wu Fei shuddered as he recalled Bueros's blood-soaked ferocity.

After lunch, Wen Ying accompanied Wu Fei and the others to explore the capital. Now, every street and shop had donned a wild, ancient demonic style. As mixed-blood demons, both Wen Ying and Wu Fei found their eyes weren't enough to take it all in.

Little Bai and Little Hong ate their way through the journey, their bellies bulging.

Levimo didn't join them, choosing to stay in the small study within the castle.

Wen Ying suggested they visit the Demon Tower, as he wanted to check how his new products were selling.

All the items had been moved in advance, ready for business as soon as the shop opened in the morning.

Lilith wasn't interested in the new products but was intrigued by the impact of Wen Ying's cards. Walking alongside him, she said, "Your cards have gained me and Levimo a lot of support and admiration. It would've been even better if Lan Jiaying wasn't there. He was showing off to Wu Fei how much backing he has within the academy with that data you tricked him into giving you."

"You did say I tricked him," Wen Ying's voice brimmed with pleasure. "I guess it's a way of helping Wu Fei level the playing field, at least financially."

Lilith shook her head. "You're truly cunning. You didn't share the profits with us, only giving us a sense of victory in name only."

Wen Ying wore an innocent smile, but he forgot that he was wearing a mask. With his face concealed, that innocent grin only made Lilith feel like they were mere pawns in a mastermind's strategic game.

The devil's white lips curled into a cryptic smile.

Lilith fell silent, astonished by the swift change in Wen Ying's aura. Suddenly, she wished to send Wu Fei to live with Aruda for a while, wondering if it was feasible. She was genuinely considering it.

A chill ran down Wu Fei's spine.

As they spoke, they arrived at the shop entrance. Compared to the others, their target store was packed with people, bustling with excitement.

"Sh*t, I got Muershi! Why is he still screwing me over, first with the monthly exam and now this? I wanted Prince Lan Jiaying, ahhhh—"

"Hahaha, it's Lord Bellerophon's card!"

"I have Phaeton's card in my hand. Who would like to trade for Scarlet's card?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Ying realized he had underestimated them. These demons had already learned the art of on-the-spot card exchanges; their progress was remarkable.