Chapter 67: The Demon King

Chapter 67: The Demon King

The magic beast-driven carriage was swift and capable of flight. Wen Ying sat by the window, gazing outside as the compartment tilted upward after leaving the capital city. It seemed to utilize magical patterns to maintain levelness while being carried aloft by the magic beasts.

They were flying in the opposite direction of the Eternal Forest. In the distance behind them, he could see the vast expanse of the endless forest and mountain ranges. Pulling back the curtain, he looked straight ahead. They were approaching Flame Mountain, which, from afar, revealed a jagged mountain range with many steep cliffs.

In the misty red haze that enveloped one of the peaks, he could vaguely make out an enormous structure that resembled a castle. Its construction was a marvel, almost like the work of supernatural forces. If it had been built by humans, it would have been impossible to reach. Indeed, it was a testament to the supernatural abilities of demons.

...Humans wouldn't build a castle that couldn't be reached on foot.

The magic beast-driven carriage arrived outside the massive structure and stopped on a cliff that had been flattened by magic engineering, directly opposite the Demon King's castle. Many other carriages were already parked there, arranged neatly like in a parking lot.

A long iron chain bridge connected this vast, flattened mountaintop to the cliff where the Demon King's castle seemed to be embedded. As Wen Ying alighted from the carriage, two groups of demons were crossing the bridge.

Some demons simply flew across, while others walked across the chain bridge with ease, as if they were weightless. The bridge barely swayed beneath their feet, as if it was solid ground.

The wind made more noise than the clinking of the chain bridge as the demons passed over it.

Perceiving that Wen Ying was staring at the demons, Belos casually commented, "Unfamiliar faces. Most likely ordinary noble demons who don't need to settle in the capital for three months."

"Wen Ying felt as if he had stumbled upon another rule of the demon realm and asked curiously, "Are there demons who must reside in the capital for at least three months?"

Beros was puzzled for a few seconds before his expression turned to one of realization, as if he thought, "Oh, right, he's an idiot." Wen Ying endured it, and Beros frowned, organizing his thoughts. "Explaining this is quite complicated. Let's start with the Great Devils. Do you know that it's a title?"

Wen Ying simply shook his head, looking at Beros with an eager-to-learn gaze.

Beros: "…"

"Demons are governed by the Devil King, with Great Devils assisting in managing their respective territories. These territories are like their own domains, with varying rules depending on the situation. You can research that on your own," Beros paused, seemingly contemplating how to explain it concisely. "All Great Devils must reside in the capital for three months each year. They can choose where they want to live, whether it's a house they've bought or the Devil King's castle within the capital. The more prominent ones can live in the front castle, which is closer to the actual Devil King."

Wen Ying thought to himself, Isn't this the demonic version of a method to prevent subordinates from seizing power? Presumably, those with higher status require stricter supervision, so they're made to live in the real Devil King's castle where the King can keep a close eye on them.

"Bored yet?" Beros's voice held a hint of impatience.

Wen Ying nodded and pointed at the iron chain bridge. "Then, what kind of status do those attending this banquet have?"

Beros looked over, then back at him, somewhat speechless. "Demon nobles. You even forgot that?"

Wen Ying obediently nodded, looking at Beros like an eager student.

"…How on earth did you survive in the Demon Realm?"

Beros's voice held genuine surprise. After a pause, he explained to Wen Ying, "In the domains of the Great Nobles, powerful demons are granted the title and status of Noble Demon depending on the situation. Both the Demon King and the Great Nobles have the authority to confer this title, but there are occasional evaluations. If one fails, they'll be demoted back to their original state."

"Were they all evaluated based on combat strength?"

"No, it also includes knowledge and contributions," Beros was already not very interested in discussing these common facts. His tone was perfunctory. "Noble Demons also have their own territories within the domains of the Great Nobles... That's enough to answer your initial question. Let's go."

Indeed, it was enough. If Wen Ying hadn't encountered him, he wouldn't have searched for this information online. Today had been an eye-opener. So this was how the system worked in the Demon Realm. It was somewhat similar to the feudal system in ancient China, but not entirely the same. The system here felt more relaxed.

After all, unscientific magic existed here. A powerful demon could rival an army.

Beros had already started walking towards the iron chain bridge. Wen Ying snapped out of his thoughts and hurriedly followed in a few strides.

At the edge of the flattened cliff, Wen Ying looked down at the bottomless abyss below. The fog concealed the bottom, and the sensation of weightlessness hit him. He instinctively spread his bat wings behind him and flapped them to lift himself off the ground.

The feeling of flight had always been surreal. For now, Wen Ying didn't dare walk across the iron chain bridge. Beros, however, fearlessly crossed it, using his magic to maintain his balance on the bridge made entirely of chains.

Wen Ying flew over the iron chain bridge and arrived outside the Demon King's castle on the other side. There was an irregular triangular platform extended out as a landing square.

The castle gates stood tall, towering as high as ten floors. Two rows of demonic guards stood watch at the entrance. Perseus strode forward, and Wen Ying hurried to follow, walking by his side. Those guards were inspecting the invitation cards.

Just as Perseus was about to reach the guards, Wen Ying expected him to produce the invitation. Instead, he didn't even glance at the demonic guards and walked right in.

Wen Ying: "?"

The demonic guards remained silent, their faces respectful. It dawned on Wen Ying that for ordinary demonic nobles, an invitation card was necessary, but for Perseus, his face was enough. There couldn't be another young tricereber with such arrogance and haughtiness.

He didn't even need to present an invitation.

Understanding this, Wen Ying said to Perseus, "Your face is really useful."

Perseus cast a quick glance down at him. "No magical beasts are allowed inside."

Wen Ying: ".... I may have forgotten many common facts, but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. My eyes aren't blind." He patted Little Bai. Just now, there was a demon who had walked past with a pet!

"Tsks." Perseus looked at the demon carrying a pet with a displeased expression. Although the demon was already an adult, he still couldn't afford to provoke Perseus. Upon being stared at, the demon hastily made a getaway.

Beyond the gates was a vast atrium with a very high ceiling. Some parts of the roof were made of glass, allowing sunlight to stream in, giving it a greenhouse-like atmosphere.

Here, a mix of demons roamed about, some being castle staff, others visitors. A crimson carpet stretched from the entrance all the way in, not only adding grandeur but also guiding the way.

Wen Ying sent a message to Aruda, who had yet to reply. As a result, he could only follow Beros as they walked along the red carpet, passing through several vast halls that resembled grand chambers. Eventually, Wen Ying caught sight of what seemed to be the main hall for tonight's banquet.

The place was bustling with demons, their glasses clinking together in merriment. Many of them exuded unique auras, making it easy to distinguish guests from castle personnel.

Still no sign of Aruda. Wen Ying placed Little Bai on his shoulder to free up his hands. Seeing Beros enter the hall, he followed suit, feeling somewhat apprehensive.

This scene resembled a high-society gathering in the human world, except that here, all the demons were powerhouses. Even if they didn't take any aggressive actions, an overwhelming pressure filled the air, causing weaker demons to feel stifled.

Wen Ying didn't experience any hindrance in his movements, but his instincts were constantly warning him of the perilous environment. He couldn't control this alarm that kept blaring in his mind since he entered.

Wen Ying had never been in a place where so many powerful demons gathered.

It was almost half-past five, and Wen Ying recalled the banquet starting at six. He looked around but didn't spot Wu Fei, who had returned earlier. Most of the attendees were adult demons, with children being scarce. A few familiar faces belonged to his classmates.

Everyone was dressed in traditional demonic furs, creating an atmosphere akin to a feast of predators. They appeared civilized on the surface, but one could sense that their gentle demeanor might shatter at any moment, revealing their savage nature.

After entering, Beros surveyed the crowd and approached a few adult demons that Wen Ying had never met before. Wen Ying didn't join them, instead standing in place and observing his surroundings. He felt as if he was under constant scrutiny, some gazes subtle while others blatant.

Wen Ying could sense numerous disdainful and hateful glances. His face beneath the mask remained expressionless.

Guests began arriving one after another. Many of them, whom Wen Ying didn't perceive as threats, entered the venue. He judged that these were likely ordinary demon nobles.

It was precisely these ordinary demon nobles who, in the absence of the Greater Demon, expressed their displeasure towards him first. That was putting it politely. A newly arrived demon noble swept his gaze around the banquet hall and, upon noticing the exceptionally conspicuous white demon, paused in surprise.

This demon seemed to be in middle age, with a few wrinkles on his face. He appeared only ten years older than Lai Yehua, which would be equivalent to the difference between a human's thirties and forties. However, a demon's age was unpredictable. They could regain their youth by sacrificing magic power and lifespan. Perhaps he had already entered old age.

Beside him were a child and a young female demon. Neither of these two gave Wen Ying a sense of danger.

The middle-aged demon, despite wearing furs, had an upright demeanor. Unlike Essence, who dressed provocatively, his attire was refined and well-considered. Upon seeing Wen Ying, he sized him up for a moment, frowned, and slowly approached.

Wen Ying caught a glimpse of him coming over and, within a few seconds, determined that he was targeting him. So, he turned around and asked before the demon reached him, "May I ask what business you have with me?"

"You must be a Low Rank Demon, right?" the demon interrogated, his tone unfriendly.

Suddenly, Wen Ying found Lan Jiaying rather appealing, at least in terms of appearance. Besides, she was his earliest source of income. The sight of Lan Jiaying's incompetent rage amused Wen Ying greatly. But this demon before him, though ordinary among demons, had an even worse attitude than Lan Jiaying. His good mood for the party instantly soured.

Still maintaining a polite tone, Wen Ying replied nonchalantly, "I'm a Demon of Mirrors."

"When did the banquet of the Demon King's castle start admitting low-ranking demons?" The demon scowled, his arrogance and disdain for lower-ranked demons palpable even through his mask. "How did you manage to sneak in?"

This commotion drew the attention of the surrounding demons.

"Lennach, it seems that Berlos, the Mirror Demon, is in trouble?" Lennach, Berlos's father, commented casually.

Berlos turned his head, his gaze darkening as he witnessed the spectacle. He was about to intervene when he saw Wen Ying extend his right hand behind his back, a gesture that resembled the concentration of vines in his palm. His footsteps paused.

Wen Ying had used the same gesture when he condensed vines with his magic during the ranking matches.

"The realm of demons doesn't have explicit rules forbidding entry for those below," Wen Ying spoke with a hint of amusement, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Do you believe yourself to be more powerful than I?"

The demon's gaze darkened instantly at the provocation from the mirror demon. "A mere Mirror Demon, yet you dare to speak with such arrogance. I've encountered countless young and conceited lower demons who think too highly of themselves."

Wen Ying's lips curved in the same manner as before. "May I take that as a challenge from you?"

In the Demon Realm, might is revered above all else. Should the opposing demon acknowledge that they are engaged in a challenge, any ensuing combat is deemed entirely lawful. This was an obscure rule that Wen Ying had chanced upon during her hasty crash course on Demon Realm etiquette and customs.

"Haha," the demon seemed to have heard some tremendous irony, "A challenge? Are you insulting me? I'm standing here, letting you hit me, and you can't even..."

Before the devil could finish his sentence, Wen Ying's right hand, which had been hidden behind his back, suddenly produced a well-prepared vine. He gripped it tightly and swung it out, resulting in a crisp, resounding crack. The previously arrogant middle-aged devil was sent flying over ten meters away.

Many devils were caught off guard, mostly those who had come from outside the capital. Some had never heard of it, while others knew that there was a formidable Mirror Devil at the Lucifer Demon Academy, but they didn't know what he looked like or the details. They thought it was just a rumor. Now, they witnessed it with their own eyes.

The enraged middle-aged devil, ten meters away, shouted, "You dare to lay a hand on me? You're asking for death!" As he spoke, he rushed forward with flames burning on his palm. Fireballs ignited around him as he charged, presenting an intimidating aura.

Wen Ying stroked the vine with his right hand, and his magic power spread out from his palm, enveloping the entire vine. When the opponent was about four meters away from him, he clenched the vine tightly and swung it fiercely.

A sharp and intense sonic boom echoed as the vine, imbued with Wen Ying's potent magic power, unleashed a sharp energy wave in an arc, resembling a large wind blade. It collided with the charging middle-aged devil, extinguishing the flames on his hand and around him.

Before the astonished middle-aged devil could regain his composure, Wen Ying's second lash struck his mouth, sending him flying another ten meters away. He landed precisely at Lan Jiaying's feet, sliding past.

Beros was pleased with Wen Ying's strength. One who could gain his favor couldn't be weak; they had to be capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Amidst his satisfaction, Beros harbored a tiny, inexplicable regret.

Lan Jiaying lifted his foot gently, ensuring that the devil's head didn't touch his shoes.

The familiar sound of the vine swinging and the aura of magic instantly told Lan Jiaying that the devil attacking the other was Wen Ying.

The devil on the ground looked up and saw Lan Jiaying's distinctive golden hair. He immediately got up and greeted respectfully, "Your Highness, you look even more outstanding today!"

He had inquired about Lan Jiaying's preferences and lavished praise upon his golden tresses, but Lan Jiaying didn't seem pleased. This devil was extracted from Wen Ying, and the pain in his body, which had endured hundreds, perhaps even thousands of extractions by Wen Ying, intensified along with the devil's compliments on his hair.

It was like opening an old wound. The corners of Lan Jiaying's lips lifted, but his eyes were cold. He maintained his usual facade, his voice laced with a jovial and composed elegance as he said, "You're blocking the way."

The middle-aged devil, who had been flattering him, sensed Lan Jiaying's icy gaze and stepped back hesitantly.

Wen Ying approached with a bright smile. "Your Highness, good evening, or is it still good afternoon?"

Lan Jiaying's upward curve of his lips flattened. The middle-aged devil, who had just moved aside, saw Wen Ying appear and the anger that had simmered down due to Lan Jiaying's intervention flared up again. His magic power surged out of him like a blazing fire.

The middle-aged devil shouted, "Your Highness, please step aside. I'll deal with this arrogant low-ranking devil immediately so as not to spoil the enjoyment of our esteemed lords."

Lan Jiaying's brow raised beneath his mask, and he moved aside. Wen Ying glanced at him, then turned to face the fully charged devil. His white tail ring with the golden mirror flickered slightly, and ten magic cards materialized before Wen Ying.

As the floating cards were infused with magic energy, their glow intensified. The middle-aged devil, unfamiliar with the unique demon that Wen Ying was, scoffed at the flashy display and didn't feel any sense of danger. In the next moment, before he could cast his spell, the ten cards in front of Wen Ying suddenly transformed into spells, striking him one after another.

Lightning flashed, flames whirled in a tornado, thorns of black fire, a barrage of combined magic spells unfolded seamlessly, more fluid than instant casting. It knocked the middle-aged devil flat on the ground, his charred body lifeless.

Lan Jiaying cast a glance at the stunned devils inside and said nonchalantly, "Your tricks only work on those who have never seen them before." Naive devils.

Wen Ying cast a sidelong glance, the vine in his hand still intact. He stroked it gently with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I find that Your Highness is more pleasing to me than he is."

Beros: "??!"

The guests who heard Wen Ying's voice: "?"

Anger, rebuke, confusion, admiration, disdain, astonishment - Wen Ying could sense the diverse emotions behind the gazes that fell upon him. It dawned on him that they had misunderstood his meaning.

Feeling a familiar, scorching gaze amidst these stares, as if flames were about to engulf him, Wen Ying clarified, "That's because you are stronger than he is, and your demeanor is more refined."

Lan Jiaying: "..."

His gaze darkened, and his voice turned cold with a hint of sarcasm, "Just because you can be arrogant in the academy doesn't mean you can get away with it here..."

"Little Ying, I apologize for being too occupied to come and fetch you personally," Aruda's voice echoed from outside the grand hall, drawing closer with each step. The unhindered footsteps seemed to resonate directly upon Lan Jiaying's heart.

Wen Ying spotted Aluda, and a reflexive, pleasingly obedient smile blossomed on his face, one that elders adored: "Grandma."

Aluda looked at the charred devil on the ground and asked in surprise, "What happened here?"

The arrival of Aluda seemed to hit a mute button in the grand hall. The chattering, debating, and conversing demons simultaneously fell silent, their bodies reacting faster than their minds.

The kindhearted old lady strolled in slowly, surveying the assembled demons before her gaze finally landed on Lan Jiaying. "Your Highness, what has happened here? For something unsettling to occur during the Demon Birth Day feast is not a good impression to give."

Wen Ying's tone carried a hint of grievance: "Grandma, hasn't the demon realm any rules that forbid lower-ranking demons from attending banquets in the Devil King's castle?"

Lan Jiaying: "..." You didn't have this expression on your face when you were blasting that guy with multiple spells earlier.

Essence and Muershi entered together, overhearing Wen Ying's words. A glint of contemplation flickered in their eyes as they exchanged glances, realizing that the other seemed to have had the same realization.

Alurda was surprised. "Of course not. I help prepare the magical delicacies for the banquet. Does that mean I can't even let my own child come in to play?"

"A demon like that still exists, huh?" A deep, magnetic voice with an energetic tone rang out, accompanied by the sound of rapid footsteps. "We don't need to let this demon in anymore. It's the modern age, yet we still have racial discrimination? That sets a terrible example."

As he spoke, a demonic guard immediately dragged away the charred demon on the floor, and Wen Ying's family in the hall were also politely asked to leave.

Looking at the newly arrived demon, Wen Ying sensed an air of authority and unyielding dignity, even though the creature spoke warmly. The demon had black hair, and his rakish demeanor strangely complemented his imposing presence.

This demon was the Demon King. Wen Ying had seen a photo of the young Demon King before, and the one standing before him now was that youthful figure. The Demon King also wore a mask, but despite his youthful appearance, there was an undeniable maturity that came with the passage of time, making him even more strikingly handsome than Lan Jiaying.

Lan Jiaying is like an unripened grape, while the Devil King is a matured vintage wine, exuding a rich, intoxicating aroma that captivates the soul.

It's hard to believe this is an elderly being with such irresistible charm.

"Father," Lan Jiaying promptly strode forward, respectfully greeting the Devil King. All his rebellious demeanor outside had vanished, leaving only a well-behaved and affectionate child.

"The next time you encounter a demon like that, just show them the door," the Devil King said with his hands behind his back, sighing without any air of authority, appearing troubled instead. "Really, those stubborn old racists keep popping up every now and then."

He looked at Wen Ying, who instinctively straightened his spine. The Devil King approached with a smile, ruffling his hair before commenting, "Hmm, not bad. A promising seedling."

Alruda also chuckled. "Yes, I'm quite skilled at nurturing children too."

The Devil King walked in, passing through the hall with an informal and approachable demeanor. "Everyone, stop staring. Forget about the unpleasantness. We should enjoy the feast on Devil's Birthday. Otherwise, it would be an insult to the high-grade magic confections Alruda has prepared."

Alruda chimed in, "I've been preparing these treats for two weeks, so I hope everyone will enjoy them."

One by one, the others spoke up, sampling the exquisite pastries lined up on the long dining tables, most of them praising Alruda's high-grade magical creations.

Wen Ying intercepted Lan Jiaying, who was about to follow the Devil King, a cunning and mischievous glint in his triumphant smile. "What did you want to tell me earlier? It doesn't mean you can do whatever you please here, right?"

Lan Jiaying forcefully suppressed his irritation, managing a strained smile. His gaze remained as sharp as a blade directed at Aruda: "If you've got the guts, don't rely on Aruda."

Wen Ying chuckled softly. The vine in his hand had vanished the moment Aruda appeared. He raised his hand, patting Lan Jiaying's chest gently with the back of his hand: "For someone so tall, you act like a child in front of the Devil King. If you've got the ability, don't cling to him so tightly."

Lan Jiaying's murderous intent towards Wen Ying was now impossible to conceal. Beside them, another demon couldn't hide his hostility, watching Wen Ying expressionlessly.