Chapter 48: Cleansing

Chapter 48: Purification

After school that afternoon, as Beros stepped out of the academy gates, he paused for a few seconds before flying towards Aruda's castle.

The Eternal Forest was lush and verdant, with intertwined branches creating a dense canopy. The closer they got to Aruda's castle, the taller the trees became, and the darker the light. Upon reaching the castle, it seemed to be glowing, for the trees around it had parted, allowing sunlight to filter in, making the castle appear to radiate.

Beros walked over the withered leaves, arriving at the iron gate of the castle. He placed his hand on the skull-shaped knocker, and a crisp, cheerful melody rang out. The skull, it turned out, served as a doorbell.

In no time, an elegantly dressed elderly lady emerged from within the castle. Even in the summer, she wore many decorative accessories. Under the ample lighting of the castle's pathway, she bore no resemblance to the terrifying witch that rumors portrayed.

"Beros," Aruda opened the iron gate for him. "What potion are you here to collect today?" As she spoke, she began walking inside.

Beros followed her, eventually asking, "Why did he take leave?"

Aruda chuckled softly and turned to look at Beros with a meaningful gaze. "Follow me."

Beros pressed his lips together and followed, but he found that the path they were taking led to his childhood nightmares. His steps hesitated slightly.

Aruda turned back, waving at him. "What's wrong? Come on now."

Banishing the haunting memories of his childhood, Beros strode forward as if to prove his bravery. He hadn't set foot in this basement for decades. The familiar yet alien environment was filled with more creeping vines on the walls than he remembered. The dampness in the air mingled with an indescribable herbal scent. The creaking wooden floorboards echoed with each step, and the temperature ahead was notably higher.

Beros looked ahead, noticing a large cauldron suspended over a pale green flame, the source of the warmth. Based on his familiarity with flames, the residual heat suggested that the original fire had been much more intense, not the mere flicker it was now.

"Why have you brought me here?" Beros remained vigilant, as the cauldron was also part of his childhood trauma. He stopped about ten meters away from it.

Aluda stood beside Beros, making no move to proceed further.

"You weren't looking for him?" Aluda said, then went to tend to the magical plants on a nearby table.

Beros' eyelids twitched. The cauldron was large enough to accommodate a demon. Had Aluda thrown Wen Ying inside? In recent years, Aluda hadn't caused any more disturbing incidents, leading Beros to believe she had become more restrained. To his surprise, she seemed even more ruthless than before.

Approaching the cauldron, Beros lifted the lid, and a pungent smell of demonic potion rose in the white smoke, hitting him like a wave. Squinting slightly, Beros pierced through the dense fog to see what lay within.

A white demon was curled up inside the cauldron, wings folded, tail resting against its abdomen. Wet and drenched, its silver-white hair clung to its body. The demon's entire skin was flushed red, and the liquid within the cauldron had receded, barely reaching its ankles.

The sight was shockingly fragile, a captivating blend of paleness and crimson. If any other demon were to witness such a scene, they might be overcome with lustful thoughts. But who was Beros? His gaze was clear and focused, only observing and appreciating the striking appearance, taking a few more glimpses.

Aluda spoke to Belos with his back turned, "It's about time. Help me clean him up."

Belos turned his head, "Me?" His tone was filled with disbelief.

Aluda spun around, "You should understand the virtues of respecting the elderly and caring for the young. Apart from this old man here, you're the only young demon around. If not you, then who do you think should do it?"

Belos: "..." Clearly, Aluda was still young enough to toss a Mirror Demon into a pot.

"You didn't come here for this?" Aluda pushed up his glasses, sounding surprised, "Then why did you come?"

Belos couldn't articulate his reason. He had simply wanted to know why Wen Ying took a leave. After a moment of silence, struggling internally, he glanced at the wet white demon in the pot, a conflict flashing through his eyes.

A mighty three-headed dog was supposed to help clean up a Mirror Demon?

With a plant in hand, Aluda casually waved, "If you're not here to assist me, then be on your way quickly."

"No…" Belos frowned, pinching his nose. He turned, tiptoed, reached in, and lifted the white demon out - getting himself wet in the process.

"Of course, you know where the bathroom is on the second floor. There's a blanket over there, wrap him up or the wooden floors will be marked by the dripping water," Aluda instructed authoritatively, "Hurry along."

Boros regretted his curiosity-driven visit today as he carried the still-unconscious Wen Ying with a sullen expression, heading for the second floor. Holding Wen Ying in his arms, his face occasionally betrayed a hint of bewilderment at what he was doing, finding it inconceivable.

Having spent some time in the castle, he easily found the bathroom on the second floor and pushed the door open. Just as he was about to toss Wen Ying inside, something possessed him to look down.

Wen Ying remained curled up, his fingernails digging deep into his flesh, the wounds now scabbed over from dried blood. His skin had lost its redness, and his pale complexion even in unconsciousness conveyed a sense of unease.

Normally, this guy didn't seem too physically strong, and now, curled up, he appeared even smaller. Yet, he had the audacity to say he didn't want to play with Boros once he was an adult? Boros scoffed. This guy was thinner than most demons who hadn't even reached adulthood yet.

However, Wen Ying's weight was a bit heavier than he had anticipated, sparking a momentary flicker of confusion in Boros's mind.

Originally intending to roughly toss him into the bathtub, Beros eventually crouched down and gently placed Wen Ying into it, carefully removing the blanket wrapped around him. He then turned on the shower to fill the tub with water.

The remnants of the magical potion clung to Wen Ying's body, sticking his hair together in clumps. Beros himself also had sticky hands. After filling the bathtub with water, he thought about leaving right away. But looking at the still-unconscious Wen Ying, he let out a deep sigh and fetched the towel hanging nearby to gently wipe him clean.

The clothing proved somewhat cumbersome, and Boreas hesitated for a moment, uncertain why he was hesitant at all, before he efficiently shed it.

Diligently and without complaint, Bolos helped Wen Ying wipe away the viscous residue of magical potions clinging to his body. The more he did so, the more he felt like a massive aggrieved party, finding not the slightest hint of allure in the task. Instead, he was struck by an unexpected realization about Wen Ying's physique: beneath his garments lay not the frail frame he had imagined, but rather a well-proportioned layer of muscular contours.

Boros couldn't help but admit that this fellow was rather pleasing to the eye at present, he mused to himself.

After changing the water in the bathtub and draining it away, Beros, plagued with doubt, used a towel to gently dry Wen Ying. When he finished, he realized there were no clean clothes for the youth. Aluda hadn't left any of Wen Ying's garments here.

"Tsk."

Beros picked up the naked Wen Ying directly and called out downstairs, "Lord Aluda, where are this guy's clothes?"

"His bedroom is on the second floor," was all Aluda replied.

Carrying Wen Ying, Beros searched for the bedroom along the corridor. Relying on his demonic sense of smell, he detected a stronger scent lingering behind one door. He kicked it open and stepped inside.

Scanning the room, Beros found nothing remarkable about this bedroom. Yet, he felt a peculiar satisfaction as he observed his surroundings.

He noticed the white egg nestled on a pillow on the bedside table, and his gaze sharpened slightly.

The egg sensed the intruding demon but remained motionless.

"A persistent fellow," Beros murmured, approaching in two strides. He sat at the foot of the bed, sinking into the soft mattress and nearly losing his balance.

In an instant, Beros adjusted his position, planting his feet firmly on the ground. Addressing the unconscious white demon in his arms, he said, "You certainly know how to indulge."

A desk by the window was piled high with thick books, all about magical plants and potions, while the adjacent bookshelf was also filled with similar texts. The majority of the rest were introductions to various aspects of the demonic world – regional customs, folklore, and information on different demon clans. It was clear that Wen Ying lacked knowledge in these areas.

The demon in his arms felt smooth to the touch, with not a single scar on its body. Beros thought critically that it was too delicate, lacking the fearless spirit that demons were known for. He pulled over a blanket from the side and simply draped it over Wen Ying.

After covering him up, Beros gazed at him for a long time. He didn't quite understand why Wen Ying looked even more... he wasn't sure how to describe the feeling. Deciding not to dwell on it, he continued to stare intently at the white demon in his arms, following his heart's desire.

The atmosphere was tranquil. A breeze from outside rustled the books on the table, creating a soft sound of knowledge being shared.

Wen Ying felt a tug on his face, as if something was pulling at his skin. He struggled to open his eyes, and through his blurred vision, he could make out the outline of a person. Focusing harder, Beros' face with its mysterious demonic patterns came into sharp view.

...Beros?

Beros?!

Wen Ying jolted awake, sitting upright and bumping directly into Beros' chin. Tears welled up in his eyes as he winced, while Beros held his chin, gasping in pain, and scolded, "What the hell are you doing?"

The blanket slipped off his body, leaving him feeling slightly chilled. Wen Ying covered his head and looked down, realizing he was naked. There was no embarrassment or shame, only confusion filling his mind.

If it had been Essence, whose brain was filled with lewd thoughts, he would have pulled the blanket over himself. But Beros, oh Beros, this straight-as-an-iron-bar demon, wouldn't have thought of anything like that.

"Boros, how did you end up here?" Wen Ying looked around, realizing it was his room. He remembered being boiled in a pot before...

Startled, he quickly checked his arms and other parts of his body, relieved to find no burns or loss of sensation. He still felt scared at the thought of what Aruda had done, throwing him into the pot without any preparation.

Not only was he unscathed, but he also gained a layer of muscle. He clenched his fists, feeling a steady stream of strength surging through him after the initial weakness.

Boros observed the white demon, who upon waking up, was touching himself all over with a mix of surprise and joy in his eyes. Dissatisfied with being ignored, Boros grabbed a strand of hair near the demon's ear, forcing him to look at him.

Wen Ying: "I think you'll never find a partner you like in this lifetime." A comment implying he would remain single forever.

It wasn't arrogance on Wen Ying's part; though he was white and didn't fit the demonic aesthetic, his looks could outshine many demons! In normal circumstances, one wouldn't grab someone's chin, let alone tug their hair in a casual interaction between same-sex individuals. This guy was hopeless.

Boros seemed to find this hilarious, his slightly narrowed eyes gleaming with amusement, albeit condescendingly.

"I have little interest in finding a partner. I can settle for anyone when necessary. Also, get off my leg."

Wen Ying was surprised that Boros allowed him to sit on his lap. He stood up, the blanket covering his legs sliding down as he walked casually to the wardrobe to find clothes. Calmly, he said, "Grandma is nearby, so don't get too cocky."

Wen Ying trembled, not just from the newfound power in his body, but also because Aruda was downstairs.

A child of the great-grandmother is a treasure, and Beros can't hit him. He has the right to be more arrogant, especially since he now feels his strength has multiplied several times. In a real fight, he wouldn't suffer too much. While Beros is still underage, Wen Ying should seize the opportunity to be more arrogant, for he won't be able to do so in the future.

His fear of Beros gradually diminished. When they first met, Wen Ying broke out in cold sweat just from Beros's casual glance, feeling a chill run down his spine. Now, he could bravely communicate with Beros, even engaging in playful banter.

Beros sat at the foot of the bed, pressing his hands on his knees as he leaned forward to look at the white demon with his back turned. His bat wings were pure white and seemingly emitted a gentle glow. Underneath his fair and smooth skin, his evenly distributed muscles flexed and tightened with each movement, forming beautiful contours.

There was no intimacy or ambiguity in the room.

Wen Ying casually put on a loose T-shirt and turned his head, asking, "You still haven't told me why you're here."

Beros snorted, crossing his arms and straightening up. "I washed you."

Wen Ying paused with the hanger in hand.

"I originally came to see why you took leave, but Aruda asked me to help clean you up."

With mixed feelings, Beros poured out the details to the stunned demon. "I carried you out of the pot, brought you upstairs to the bathroom to wash and dry you, then carried you here. I suggest you cut your hair short, it's really hard to dry."

Wen Ying turned around, his eyes wide. "…You washed me?"

Boros nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. He expected gratitude from Wen Ying for his condescension, but instead saw a complicated look on the latter's face. Boros tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Wen Ying shook his head. "Nothing." He put the hanger back.

Boros had no sensation in his body at all, Wen Ying thought to himself. The mystery was solved—Boros just wanted to kill him once he reached adulthood.

Recalling Aruda's mention of being able to connect with the human world before he was thrown into the pot, Wen Ying rushed downstairs excitedly.

Abandoned, Boros was unhappy. He had lowered himself and worked hard for nothing, yet the magic mirror demon showed no gratitude and even ignored him.

Wen Ying rushed down like he was following the wind, finding Aruda who had just emerged from the basement. He approached and hugged onto Aruda's arm with sparkling eyes. "Grandma, can I contact them now? I feel much stronger!"

He truly felt much stronger, although the process had been excruciating and not worth remembering.

"You need qualifications," Aruda said. "If you have anything to say, I can pass it along for you. I have a certificate that allows me to connect to the human world."

Wen Ying's smile froze. So he didn't need strong magic power from the start. Aruda had been deceiving him.

"Grandma, I know why they call you a devil now," Wen Ying said in a low voice.

Alruda chuckled and stroked Wen Ying's head as if he didn't understand what the latter was talking about.

Boros came downstairs and saw Wen Ying leaning on Alruda's arm in an intimate manner. That coquettish look reminded Boros of the time when Wen Ying unexpectedly hooked his tail with his own.

He crossed his arms and stood aside, watching the white demon's two-faced behavior with a cold gaze.

Looking at Boros, Alruda whispered, "Do you like him?"

Wen Ying instinctively replied, "He doesn't have any thoughts about my body..." He then covered his mouth, his pupils trembling slightly.

"His thoughts don't matter. What matters is yours," Alruda patted Wen Ying's hand and whispered his philosophy into his ear, encouragingly, "If you like him, find a chance to make a move. How about I help you by putting some sleeping potion in the dinner later?"

Wen Ying shook his head in horror. "N-No need!" He was only slightly interested!

Boros furrowed his brows. Why were they whispering?

Unaware that he had almost been drugged by Alruda, Boros felt like he had lost out big today. He wanted to vent his frustration by finding some nearby magical beasts to fight, but Alruda stopped him, saying, "You haven't eaten yet, right? Stay for dinner tonight. It's been a long time since you've tasted my cooking, hasn't it?"

Boros recalled Aruda's culinary skills, thinking of the various magical potions he added to the meals to aid in cultivation. He nodded in approval.