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    Chapter 78: Authorization

    Wen Ying dispelled the strange and inappropriate images in his mind, covering his mouth to cough. "Grandma, I'm a law-abiding demon."

    Grandma was surprised. "You said you're a demon now. In the Demon Realm, it's survival of the fittest. If you can defeat Berros, he definitely wouldn't have any objections."

    Wen Ying: "..." His understanding of Aruda had been refreshed once again. Aruda could actually say such things so matter-of-factly.

    No, he couldn't give in. The villains in novels and TV dramas who relied on their powerful families to do whatever they wanted usually ended up with bad consequences.

    But Aruda's words were too tempting and persuasive, gradually lowering Wen Ying's moral bottom line. Aruda's casual tone and demeanor made Wen Ying feel as if it was perfectly normal. He quickly changed the subject. "Grandma, I promised Berros a bento box full of love when I was in the Human Realm at noon."

    "A bento box full of love, huh? That's nice, very romantic."

    Aruda naturally continued the conversation, using the same tone for both topics. This made Wen Ying believe even more that Aruda wasn't joking earlier.

    She really thought it was okay to do that...

    Wen Ying thought to himself that Berros might have to thank him. Although if he didn't like Berros, this situation wouldn't have arisen.

    Boros, in the midst of his training, sneezed repeatedly, wondering if he had caught a cold from his recent trip to the human world.

    Wen Ying had never cooked before. In his twenty years in the human world, he was nothing but a dependent good-for-nothing, coddled by his family and relatives. He was a person who expected others to serve him meals and dress him.

    Having declared his intention to make a bento box filled with love, Wen Ying could only learn on the spot. With his body still recovering from Feng Luo's beating earlier, he didn't attempt any cooking himself; instead, he stood in the kitchen and watched Aruda handle each ingredient.

    At first, the ingredients seemed normal, but as time went on, Wen Ying's heart trembled as Aruda took out a squirming lump of meat and a blood bag from the fridge, packaged similarly to Thai milk tea.

    Aruda then retrieved a black, vine-like object from the freezer next to him. With one slice, it let out a cry like an infant.

    Wen Ying's heart skipped three beats.

    But that wasn't all – Aruda also dug out an unidentifiable meat paste from a cupboard, mixed it with a jar of purple liquid, and kneaded it together with white rice.

    Wen Ying watched as Aruda took a glass jar filled with white eyeballs from the freezer. Dozens of eyeballs, packed closely together, made Wen Ying's sanity plummet, and his eyes began to hurt.

    "Too, too, too, gra-grandmother," Wen Ying stammered, his voice shaking. "I think I'll just learn from videos online."

    While he might be able to eat these ingredients prepared by Aruda, who was known for his visually unappealing dishes, Wen Ying felt that he might lose the will to live if he had to handle such ingredients himself.

    Aruda glanced sideways and said, "Those things on the internet are meaningless. Since you're making a bento box with love, it should be nutritious. Otherwise, Bellos would be picky."

    Wen Ying fell silent, recalling how Bellos had eaten the visually unappealing dishes here without even furrowing his brow. He swallowed them naturally, which made Wen Ying hesitate.

    He did want to satisfy Bellos. After all, Bellos was such a proud demon who lowered himself to sign a contract with an ordinary exorcist like him. Even if it was a servant contract, Bellos must have felt uncomfortable.

    Knowing that he still let Bellos sign a contract with that exorcist, Wen Ying acknowledged his selfishness. But at that time, there was only one demon, Bellos. He wanted to make up for it in other ways.

    Wen Ying reluctantly leaned closer and watched Aruda handle the ingredients seriously. He observed expressionlessly as his Sanity points kept dropping. When they reached a certain point, he suddenly entered a state of enlightenment, and his Sanity points slowly recovered on their own.

    Aruda nodded in satisfaction as he watched Wen Ying enter this state.

    ...

    The next morning, Wen Ying was almost fully recovered. He woke up early to start making the bento box with love.

    Aruda had prepared some ingredients the night before, allowing them to blend and marinate overnight. Under Aruda's guidance, Wen Ying cooked the dish himself.

    The contrast between the expressionless Wen Ying and the smiling Aruda beside him was stark.

    Wen Ying woke up at five in the morning. After two and a half hours of effort, he finally completed his love lunchbox. Gazing at his creation, his usual stoic face cracked into a faint smile.

    Done. Despite its ominous appearance, the taste should be decent.

    In other people's love lunchboxes, love was often depicted with heart-shaped eggs or ketchup drawings. In Wen Ying's, love took the form of black meat paste, accompanied by a scattering of eyeballs and tentacles resembling those of an octopus – all in jet black.

    The red "tomato sauce" on the side of the black rice looked surprisingly normal.

    "Goodbye." Aruda waved at Wen Ying with a smile as he left for school.

    Wen Ying was also filled with anticipation. This was his first time cooking – no, his first time making a dish as a demon. He wondered how Perseus would react.

    Throughout the day at school, Wen Ying kept stealing glances at Perseus. Muershi nudged him, "How did it feel yesterday afternoon?"

    Wen Ying turned to look at him, "What do you mean?" He almost forgot that Aruda had asked him to invite Muershi over for dinner.

    "Those exorcists, you know. Do you think you can beat them? I heard that both you and Perseus have entered into servant contracts with them."

    To be precise, only Perseus had, but Wen Ying didn't mention it. He replied, "Not too bad. They called me just a mere Demon Mirror."

    Hearing this, Essence and Scarlet couldn't help but burst out laughing behind him.

    "Ice Cream Demon?" Essence's voice rose in mockery.

    Scarlet clicked his tongue. "Shouldn't you have shown them what an Ice Cream Demon truly is?"

    Wen Ying spoke leisurely, "Of course, I let them witness the might of an Ice Cream Demon."

    What was most impressive wasn't that his power in the human world hadn't been weakened too much, but rather, the magic cards he had created seemed to be recognized as enchanted items here, with their magic remaining completely intact.

    He only needed a tiny bit of mana to activate the full power of the spells. Hahahaha.

    At this thought, Wen Ying felt like he had cheated, and his lips curled up uncontrollably, his eyes sparkling with delight and smugness.

    Cheating was truly exhilarating – too exhilarating.

    As Wen Ying turned to speak with Essence and Scarlet, he saw Essence enter through the back door, and a lightbulb suddenly lit up in his mind.

    The moment Essence started school, he sensed an unwavering gaze by his side. He turned his head and immediately locked onto the source: Wen Ying's eyes, bright like bulbs, that sent shivers down his spine.

    What kind of gaze was that, as if a wolf had laid eyes on a sheep? Even Lan Jiaying felt a shiver down his spine.

    Wen Ying raised his hand and waved at him with a smile. Lan Jiaying ignored him and quickened his pace to reach his seat, resolving to be extra vigilant about Wen Ying's words and actions from now on.

    Seeing Lan Jiaying disappear from sight, Wen Ying let out a soft sigh. Muershi approached him and asked, "Got any new plans? Count me in."

    "Unfortunately, this idea can't be realized for the time being," Wen Ying replied. Although he was very tempted by the idea of having a doll-sized little black dragon, he couldn't let more demons know that he could bring them to the Human Realm.

    Yesterday, Feng Luo had specifically come to intimidate him, though not about this matter, the essence was similar. The pain from the beating he received from Feng Luo still lingered.

    Sighing, Wen Ying had to temporarily abandon this thought. He gazed at Muershi with a profound look that sent shivers down the latter's spine. He ventured cautiously, "Your plan... won't I be one of the victims as well?"

    In his mind, Wen Ying imagined a doll-sized bird of extreme malevolence. With a smile on his face, he replied, "How could that be?"

    He turned his gaze to Scarlet. That was a tiny dragon. Then, he looked at Essence, wondering what form she would take. Next, he glanced at Phileas, the little butterfly mermaid! So small! Lastly, he looked at Catyou. Oh~ a tiny catyou!

    Now, Wen Ying's eyes shone brightly like light bulbs when he looked at everyone in his class, even those he disliked like Wu Shaluo. His kind and gentle gaze made them all feel uncomfortable, as if they had goosebumps all over.

    "Is Wen Ying acting crazy today?"

    "What has provoked you? Your gaze is so disgusting."

    "Could it be that those exorcists upset him?"

    "Stay away from him. He's probably hatching another scheme against demons."

    Why do they always treat me like a fierce beast? Wen Ying pouted. At first, you all called me 'just a mere Mirror Demon.' Now, why aren't you doing that anymore?

    Only Perseus understood the gleam in Wen Ying's eyes. His expression remained neutral, guessing that Wen Ying was probably imagining their vulnerable and helpless state after their powers were weakened in the human world.

    Muershi had been momentarily distracted by the unexpected topic earlier. Now, he remembered and continued, "Next time you go to the human world, if possible, help me check if there are any goods suitable for sale there. You can just put the samples in your spatial magic tool and bring them back."

    Wen Ying smiled and said, "Then you'll have to pay me a commission for being your proxy shopper..."

    "Oh, right, I almost forgot," Wen Ying paused. "Are you free after school tonight?"

    "Yes," Muershi leaned sideways, propping his elbow on the table and supporting his chin with one hand, inviting him to speak.

    With a casual expression, Wen Ying said, "You consider us good friends, but you've never come over to my place to play."

    Muershi's casual, lounging posture stiffened, and he gradually sat up straight, maintaining an appearance of normalcy as he chuckled. "Hahaha, haven't you never been to my place either? How about coming over to my house tonight for some fun?"

    Boros glanced sideways.

    Wen Ying's eyes held pity. "Do you think you have a choice?"

    Muershi's handsome face fell. "Why not?"

    Wen Ying averted his gaze. "Didn't you tell me yesterday to ask my great-grandmother?"

    Muershi clamped down on his throat. "And then you sold me out?"

    "No way," Wen Ying said, with justified indignation. "I didn't mention the part about your legs getting broken."

    Muershi released him. "....Thanks a lot." Damn, Wen Ying was too unreliable.

    Wen Ying sighed and whispered in Muershi's ear, "The moment she came in, she asked who told me. With that look in her eye, she would've found out sooner or later even if I hadn't said anything. It was better to tell her a half-truth."

    "I just said that you discovered my secret and inferred that the area around the castle might be it."

    Wen Ying shrugged. "My great-grandmother's cooking is quite good. Why don't you come over for dinner tonight?"

    Muershi mumbled, "A trap, no doubt."

    He should have known better than to boast in front of Wen Ying. He wanted to show off his knowledge, but ended up implicating himself.

    Aluda... Just the thought of the previous psychological trauma made Muershi shudder as he clung to Wen Ying's arm. "Wen Ying, you have to save me tonight. Don't let her poison me!"

    Wen Ying hesitated. "I don't think she'll actually kill you, right?"

    "You don't understand," Muershi said with a mournful tone. "If she wants to silence someone, there are many ways to do it."

    "Silence what?" Essence was curious.

    Scarlet gloated, "What have you done now to incur Aluda's wrath?"

    Muershi replied cryptically, "Scarlet, I advise you not to speak so harshly, or I might just tell you about that incident and you'll have to go too."

    Scarlet: "..." Instinctively, he covered his ears.

    Muershi looked at Essence again. "Do you want to know?"

    Essence casually shifted his gaze away as if he hadn't heard Muershi's voice.

    Aluda was so intimidating, Wen Ying thought to himself.

    Due to the upcoming encounter with Aluda that night, Muershi didn't ask about what had happened after Wen Ying was summoned to the Human Realm yesterday afternoon or if it had been fun. It was as if a dark cloud was hovering above his head, casting a damp and gloomy atmosphere around him.

    The surrounding demons didn't probe much either. Wen Ying was glad to not have to think too much. When noon came, he pulled on Bellos and said, "Bellos, I've prepared a bento for you as promised!"

    Bellos: "..." For some reason, Wen Ying's tone gave him an ominous feeling.

    "Wow." Essence made a sarcastic remark as if he were an audience member, but Bellos shot him a cold glance.

    "Let's go find a place to eat," Wen Ying suggested, trying to hold onto Bellos' arm, but was rejected. Bellos led the way out, though his pace indicated that he was waiting for Wen Ying to catch up.

    Wen Ying was well aware that such a dark-looking lunch wouldn't be popular in the cafeteria, so he went to the rooftop of the academic building instead.

    It seemed like having lunch on the rooftop wasn't a common practice in the Demon Realm; there were no demons up there.

    "Why did you come to a place like this?" Beros asked.

    Wen Ying handed over the lunchbox. "Because it's spacious and there are no other demons around."

    With anticipation in his eyes, Wen Ying said, "Try it quickly and tell me if it tastes good. It's my first time cooking, and I accidentally cut myself with a knife." His wound had healed in just an hour; the recovery power of a demon's body was truly remarkable.

    Beros looked at the square lunchbox before him, then at Wen Ying's expectant expression. For some reason, his eyelids began to twitch more and more. He took the lunchbox, hesitated for a moment on the lid, and abruptly opened it.

    "..."

    After seeing the contents of the lunchbox, Beros fell silent for a few seconds. He turned to look at Wen Ying, whose eyes were still filled with anticipation. "What do you think? It's my first time cooking, so try it and see if it suits your taste."

    Seeing how eagerly Wen Ying was waiting for his response, Beros, unusually, held back from voicing his initial thoughts. Instead, he deliberated for a moment and asked, "You said this is your first time cooking?"

    Wen Ying nodded.

    "Ardor taught you?"

    Wen Ying nodded again. "She said that since I'm making you a bento box full of love, it should be nutritious, or else you'd dislike it."

    He knew it was Aruda. Despite seeing Wen Ying's anticipation without realizing the reality, Beros still picked up his chopsticks slowly. Under Wen Ying's expectant gaze, he picked up a black tentacle.

    Beros could figure out with his feet that the red thing beside it contained demonic blood. He wondered which unfortunate soul had provided it.

    "How is it?"

    Beros swallowed and said, "It tastes good." But its appearance was a complete fail.

    Wen Ying smiled and said, "When you came to the castle for dinner last time, I noticed that you didn't reject Grandma's cooking and ate it calmly, so I listened to Grandma and made this. I originally wanted to learn from online videos."

    Beros ate the food, which looked even darker than what he'd had at Aruda's place, with a calm expression. He coldly said, "Don't make me bento meals next time. I don't like them."

    Wen Ying pouted. Looking at Beros eating while speaking, he felt that Beros' words should be taken the opposite way.

    Demons in the demon world really had a high tolerance for such dark-looking food. This bento was even more exaggerated than what they usually had on their dining table. Anyway, Wen Ying didn't want to touch it.

    Beros finished his meal at a normal pace. Mainly, Wen Ying had been watching him eat; otherwise, he might have thrown up and forced himself to finish it all.

    "Shall I bring you one again tomorrow?"

    Boros's every cell rebelled instinctively. Without thinking, he immediately replied, "No need" upon hearing Wen Ying's words.

    "Weren't you going to eat it?" Wen Ying tilted his head.

    Boros felt a bit devastated inside. Why couldn't he say it? He usually expressed his feelings directly without considering the other party's thoughts. But facing Wen Ying's sparkling eyes, he found himself unable to speak.

    "I wouldn't have eaten it if you hadn't said it was your first time cooking," Boros said coldly. "There are many ingredients in there that I dislike."

    Wen Ying was surprised. "You're picky about food?"

    Boros nodded indifferently and turned to walk downstairs.

    Halfway down, he turned his head. "Muershi is going to Aruda's castle tonight?"

    "Mm-hmm."

    "I'll go with him," Boros said, turning back and continuing downstairs.

    Wen Ying froze for a moment before rushing over to walk behind him. "Why?"

    "The body-refining potion is gone."

    Wen Ying's smile held a hint of teasing as he said, "I thought you were feeling jealous."

    "Boros scoffed. "Do you think that's possible?"

    Wen Ying pouted. Oh no, the embarrassing impulse he felt last night invaded his mind again. He gazed at Boros' broad and straight back, took a step forward, and poked his back with his index finger.

    Boros turned his head, looking at him questioningly.

    Wen Ying's eyes curved into a smile. "Your back looks nice."

    Boros coldly turned away.

    Wen Ying asked again, "Will you kill me on the day you come of age? I'm so weak and harmless, can you bear to do it?"

    Boros: "...Shut up." Didn't this guy have any self-awareness? Weak and harmless, my foot.

    Wen Ying tentatively reached out to touch Boros' right hand. Boros ignored him, so he gathered his courage and moved closer. Boros still didn't react, so Wen Ying hugged him, contentedly leaning his head on Boros' arm. The warmth transmitted through the arm made him feel secure.

    Wen Ying: "…" Now he seemed to understand why Berros had indulged him that night at the hot spring villa – Berros had been wearing a mask.

    Putting Berros aside for the moment, Wen Ying gave Lu Qingtao some magic cards. Lu Qingtao was taken aback. "Why are you suddenly giving me cards?"

    "Because you've helped me a great deal," Wen Ying smiled, a hint of darkness flickering in his eyes. "Do you have any relatives in the Human Realm?"

    Unaware of how he had helped Wen Ying, Lu Qingtao instinctively replied, "Of course, I'm not an orphan."

    "Are you on good terms with them?"

    Not knowing why Wen Ying was asking, Lu Qingtao thought it harmless and answered truthfully, "Yes, we're pretty close. We keep in touch even when it's not a holiday. Wen Ying, why are you asking?"

    "Nothing," Wen Ying smiled. "It's good that you're on good terms with them." Oh no, he seemed to be slipping more into the role of the villain.

    Lu Qingtao watched as Wen Ying left, utterly perplexed.

    In the afternoon, Muershi slumped onto his desk at the sound of the final bell, barely breathing. "Wen Ying, do I really have to go?"

    Wen Ying pondered for a moment, "I think if you don't go, my great-grandmother might come looking for you."

    That would be even more terrifying. Muershi struggled to his feet and kept repeating to Wen Ying, "If I'm about to collapse, you must save me!"

    Wen Ying almost laughed, saying helplessly, "It's not that exaggerated."

    The two of them left the classroom together. Muershi noticed that Poros seemed to be heading in the same direction and turned back, asking doubtfully, "Poros, are you also going to Arudana?"

    "To get some magic potions."

    Muershi seemed to be deep in thought and was about to say something, but his current mood was as still as stagnant water. Wen Ying rarely saw such a taciturn Muershi.

    The three demons arrived at the castle together. As soon as Wen Ying opened the door, Little Bai pounced on him, enthusiastically licking Wen Ying's ear. Poros stared at it, causing Little Bai to puff up its fur and snarl at Poros.

    Wen Ying soothed Little Bai, "They're all familiar demons, don't be so aggressive."

    Arudana came out of a room in the adjacent corridor with a gentle smile, "Welcome, welcome. I've already prepared dinner. Let's eat together."

    "Thank you for your trouble," Poros said.

    Muershi maintained a composed expression with effort. "Excuse me."

    Wen Ying carried Little Bai over and asked, "Grandmama, has Little Bai finished eating?"

    "Just about to feed him."

    Wen Ying took Little Bai to fetch his food. "Then I'll feed him. You guys go ahead and eat."

    Boros, noticing Aluda's demeanor, turned around and followed Wen Ying.

    Muershi reached out to grab Boros's sleeve but missed by a few centimeters.

    Aluda's voice suddenly sounded closer. He turned his head, almost stopping his heartbeat. Aluda had somehow walked up to him, and the distance between the two devils was less than a meter.

    Aluda smiled. "Muershi, take a seat."

    Muershi: "...Okay."

    He kept glancing at the corridor where Wen Ying had disappeared, but unfortunately, Wen Ying seemed to have vanished with Boros. Despite the spacious room, Muershi felt suffocated.

    Wen Ying carried Little Bai to the room where his food was stored, noticing Perseus following them. He asked, "Didn't you dislike Little Bai?"

    "Aruda seems to want to have a private conversation with Muershi."

    Wen Ying paused in his steps, standing there in thought. By the time he realized it, Perseus had already walked behind him and gently pushed him forward.

    "Not to feed this fellow," Wen Ying nodded, assuming that Muershi would be fine for just a short while.

    After placing the food for Little Bai and allowing him to eat on his own, Wen Ying and Perseus returned to the dining table. They saw Muershi drenched in sweat, and the atmosphere was peculiar, an eerie silence lingering.

    "Wi-Wen Ying," Muershi's voice trembled slightly, as he tried to maintain his composure.

    Wen Ying studied him closely. Apart from being sweaty, Muershi looked healthy with rosy cheeks and no signs of poisoning on his lips.

    "Grandmama?" Wen Ying looked questioningly at Aruda.

    Perseus had already pulled out a chair and sat down, with Wen Ying taking the seat beside Aruda.

    "I merely had a conversation with him," Aruda said, smiling gently as he served Wen Ying some food. "After all, it would be troublesome if the extremist faction were to learn certain matters. Feng Luo that brat will probably grumble about having to work overtime again."

    Boros sat beside Muershi and noticed the slight trembling of Muershi's feet beneath the table. A shadow flickered in his red eyes as he observed Wen Ying conversing normally with Aruda, remembering the lunchbox Wen Ying had given him earlier.

    Most demons would find that lunchbox unsuitable for a gesture of affection, but Wen Ying seemed to treat it as a completely normal meal.

    As Boros gazed at Wen Ying, the latter's smiling face reflected in his crimson eyes, this silver-haired demon unexpectedly stirred a hint of wariness within him. On the day he came of age... did Wen Ying hold him down and beat him up?

    Wen Ying noticed that Boros was looking at him and warmly offered him a piece of meat with the public chopsticks. "I think this is delicious. You should try it. It's a new dish that Great-Grandma recently developed."

    With bloody sauce dripping from it, Boros calmly swallowed the food, resolving to find an excuse to get Wen Ying away from Aruda for a while. Perhaps then Wen Ying's personality might return to normal.

    He couldn't allow Wen Ying to hold him down and beat him on the day he came of age!

    The meal proceeded with the four demons each harboring their own thoughts.

    After the meal, Wen Ying failed to stop Muershi, who fled faster than an unknown motorboat duck performing lightness of body techniques on water.

    Boros obtained the medicine from Aruda but didn't leave immediately. Wen Ying invited him to his room, explaining that there were elders in the living room, so the younger generation couldn't let loose.

    Beros followed Wen Ying into his room and was instantly assaulted by memories as he saw Wen Ying's bed.

    On that very bed, he had mindlessly kissed the corner of Wen Ying's lips and was slapped in response. The recollection of this incident darkened Beros' face; it was indeed an unpleasant memory.

    Noticing Beros' persistent gaze on the bed, Wen Ying also recalled what had happened the last time Beros visited. He guiltily averted his eyes, wondering why he had instinctively slapped Beros back then.

    He should have been delighted that Beros had taken the initiative to kiss him.

    "Cough, Beros," Wen Ying spoke up, "I promise that won't happen again."

    Beros' voice was deep and somber. "Are you referring to slapping me?"

    Wen Ying crossed his index fingers. "That's all in the past now, right...?"

    Beros' expression remained gloomy. His red eyes seemed like bottomless pools, and as Wen Ying's gaze drifted downward, he noticed that Beros' slightly curly black hair, which was almost shoulder-length, appeared to have grown longer, curling inward around his neck.

    "You seem to have grown out your hair. You should get it trimmed."

    As Wen Ying spoke, he suddenly realized that Beros was fixated on the bedside table. Following his gaze, Wen Ying's heart raced as he recognized the object of Beros' attention. Swiftly dashing over, using his wings for momentum, Beros proved to be quicker. Before Wen Ying could reach the book, Beros arrived at the bedside table first and firmly pressed his hand down on it.

    Wen Ying's hand was a step too slow, landing beside Beros's.

    The two demons locked eyes. Wen Ying forced a smile. "It's just a trivial book to pass the time. You don't need to read it, right?" He gritted his teeth as he spoke, trying to pull the book from under Beros's grip, but failed.

    Beros gazed at Wen Ying and said with effort, "If it's just a book for passing the time, why can't I take a look?"

    Wen Ying stubbornly held onto the book. "This kind of book isn't suitable for you."

    Beros exerted more force, his smile twisted. "I think it suits me just fine."

    Their eyes remained locked on each other as they both strained their hands, veins bulging on their wrists. In the end, Beros had the upper hand, snatching the book away and holding it high. Wen Ying's pupils constricted.

    He lunged to snatch it back, but being too short, he instinctively tiptoed. Still not reaching, he flapped his bat-like wings to fly up. Beros promptly stored the book in his spatial magical artifact, the black collar around his neck flickering slightly.

    Beros's move left Wen Ying powerless. He drooped his eyelids and retreated. "It's just a book."

    "A book, yet you're so agitated?" Beros curled his lips, appearing calm, though the memory of the book's cover soured his mood.

    Wen Ying averted his gaze. "That book was on the shelf. I merely pulled it out out of curiosity."

    Perseus didn't believe a single word and turned to leave.

    Wen Ying's hand lifted halfway before it slowly fell back down, and he buried his head in his arms.

    "My reputation in this lifetime…" Wen Ying sighed tragically.

    After Perseus left the castle, he took out the book from his spatial magic tool not even fifty meters away. The title of the book was "Bondage Techniques".

    Although he knew that the guy's personality had changed a lot lately, Perseus never expected Wen Ying to read such a book.

    He flipped through a few pages casually, and his expression grew darker. Black flames burst out from his hand, turning the book into ashes within a dozen seconds.

    When Wen Ying went downstairs, Aluda noticed his gloomy mood and asked doubtfully, "Little Ying, what's wrong? Did you have a bad time with Perseus?"

    "He saw it," Wen Ying paused, "that book."

    Aluda looked at him questioningly, "Huh?"

    "The book on that shelf."

    Wen Ying only discovered last night, among the shelves of books Aluda prepared for him, there was a book titled "Bondage Techniques". After being tempted by Aluda the previous night, he had taken it out.

    For the love of heaven and earth, he had only read a few pages. Would he be considered a pervert in Pelos's eyes? Wen Ying was troubled.

    Aluda waved his hand in front of Wen Ying. "Since you're here, I have something to discuss with you."

    "What is it, Great-Grandmother?"

    "It's about the Human Realm," Aluda led Wen Ying to sit on the sofa. "You'll be visiting the Human Realm for some leisure time soon, right?"

    Wen Ying nodded. "Assuming nothing unexpected happens."

    "Great, then there's something I want you to take care of."

    Wen Ying promptly replied, "No problem at all!" It was rare for Aluda to ask for his help.

    Aluda chuckled. "When you're in the Human Realm, keep an eye out for exorcists who might be collaborating with the Extremist Party. If you come across any…"

    Wen Ying pricked up his ears.

    Alruda spoke with a gentle tone that belied her harsh words, "Kill them."

    Wen Ying responded, "...I'm afraid that might be a bit difficult." Murder was against the law.

    "Why is that?" Alruda gazed at Wen Ying with her emerald eyes, "If you don't eliminate them, more lives will be lost because of their actions."

    Wen Ying cautiously asked, "Grandma, why would exorcists collaborate with the extremist faction? What benefits do they gain from it?"

    Alruda seemed to be in deep thought and didn't reply immediately. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "It appears that the academy hasn't yet covered the current structure of the exorcist factions. Let me explain it to you."

    "There are currently two main groups among human exorcists: The Exorcist Association and the Church of the Archangel. Most members of the former are not born into exorcist families, while the latter typically have generations of exorcists in their lineage. There's a conflict between them. Those born into exorcist families often look down on those who became exorcists later in life."

    "However, strangely enough, based on our intelligence, most of the exorcists collaborating with the extremist faction come from the Church of the Archangel."

    "These exorcists establish contact with the demonic extremist faction through various rituals and regularly capture many humans for them to feed upon."

    Wen Ying was puzzled, "What benefits do these exorcists receive?"

    "As far as we know, the extremist faction provides them with some items from the demon realm. But, it's not only demons who find it challenging to travel between realms; inanimate objects also face difficulties. The extremist faction can basically only send over ordinary items," Alruda shook her head, "We still don't know the true intentions of these exorcists."

    Alruda, observing Wen Ying's expression, added, "If you're hesitant to act, just capture him and bring him back to me. That exorcist's spell to summon demons can allow you to transport humans through the vulnerable points of the barrier. This entire castle is surrounded by such spots."

    Wen Ying nodded. There was no problem with this.

    "By the way, Great-Grandma, can I send a message to my great-grandfather now?"

    Alruda handed him the phone.

    Sending messages was possible for the time being, but communication was not available. Wen Ying sent a message to Wen Dingjue.

    "Great-Grandfather, are you safe now?"

    "Safe, what's up?"

    "I might have a chance to come back and visit."

    "Are you serious?!"

    Given that it was an electronic device, Wen Ying couldn't guarantee that the message wouldn't be intercepted. He didn't dare say too much and only asked if anyone was monitoring them. Wen Dingjue assured him that he had stayed at the Sky Bridge for a while and wandered around several cities. Everything seemed normal around him.

    Wen Ying returned his phone to Aruda. The fact that Wen Dingjue didn't immediately ask him to go back and check meant that he was still worried. It would be safer to wait for a more opportune moment.

    Wen Ying went back to his room to work on his homework, and Little Bai followed him upstairs, insisting on lying on his lap. Its long ears wrapped around Wen Ying's waist like a warm hand warmer.

    The next day, in class, Wen Ying felt a bit hesitant to look into Beros' eyes. He glanced at Muershi, who was slumped half-dead on the desk beside him.

    "I was only gone for a while," Wen Ying said in confusion. "Why are you like this? You're so easily frightened."

    Aruda had hurriedly fed him several magic potions. The previous night, Muershi had returned home feeling as if death would have been a relief. With dark circles under his eyes, he asked, "Did you talk to Lai Yehua about the magic card authorization?"

    Wen Ying froze. "Damn, I forgot."

    So many things had happened that Wen Ying had forgotten about the progress of the second wave of magic cards, which had originally been quite important.

    Muershi's smile emerged slowly, peaceful and serene. "You must find him today."

    Wen Ying's plan was somewhat related to Aruda. He couldn't let himself be the only one suffering; Lai Yehua had to share the burden too.

    Lai Yehua was flipping through an old, yellowed notebook that reeked of history, handling it with great care.

    After class, Wen Ying went to the teacher's office in search of Lai Yehua. He peered around but didn't spot him.

    Feng Luo noticed Wen Ying peeking at the entrance and asked, "What are you doing?"

    "Teacher Feng Luo, have you seen Lai Yehua?" Wen Ying inquired.

    Suddenly, Feng Luo knew exactly why Wen Ying was looking for Lai Yehua. With a cold tone, he replied, "He's in his private office."

    "Thank you, Teacher Feng Luo," Wen Ying expressed his gratitude.

    Promptly, he made his way over and stood before Lai Yehua's office door, which was closed. He raised his hand to knock.

    "Come in," came the voice from within.

    Wen Ying turned the doorknob and entered.

    Lai Yehua lifted his gaze and saw the silver demon. His brows involuntarily furrowed.

    Since the Devil's Birthday, the concern occupying Lai Yehua's mind had been the sacrificial dance for the celebration. The shadow cast by Aruda had temporarily been replaced by this new worry, prompting him to resume his investigation into Wen Ying's background.

    He was investigating the Mirror Demons born within the last century.

    "Lai Yehua, what is it?" Lai Yehua didn't expect Wen Ying to bring any good news. He had heard about Wen Ying's recent misdeeds.

    Wen Ying revealed a bright smile. "Teacher Lai Yehua, can I ask for your authorization to use your portrait?"

    Lai Yehua frowned. "Impossible." He knew about Wen Ying's magic card business, and he had already given authorization to Lan Jiaying and the others.

    There was no way he would grant Wen Ying permission. He had no interest in having his image on magic cards sold around, degrading his status.

    "I knew you'd say that." Wen Ying sighed, looking helpless as he took out a black feather from his spatial bracelet.

    The moment Lai Yehua saw his feather, the fear he had experienced when threatened by Aluda resurfaced.

    Wen Ying spoke politely, "My great-grandmother said this would convince you to help once."

    Lai Yehua nearly had a heart attack. The shadows he had almost forgotten surged back into his mind, causing his hand holding the notebook to tremble slightly, disrupting his calm and composed demeanor.

    Aluda had actually given his feather to Wen Ying, who was now using it to make him do a simple yet absurd task.

    He clenched his notebook, his lips pressed together, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, which added a touch of maturity, became more prominent with his frown. The handsome demon's expression was far from pleasant.

    "Wen Ying," he said casually, "Teacher Feng Luo said that if you agree, he'll agree too." Wen Ying continued, "I really wish I could get Teacher Feng Luo's authorization as well."

    Lai Yehua was taken aback, his brows furrowing in disbelief. "Feng Luo?" Did that guy actually consent to such an absurd request? Had he left his brain at home?

    Incredulous, Lai Yehua pondered. But since Feng Luo had put it that way...

    Wen Ying took out the feather, knowing he would likely have to turn it into a magic card anyway. He might as well agree straightforwardly, considering it would involve Feng Luo in the process.

    Feng Luo probably assumed that Wen Ying would never consent, which was why he made such a proposal.

    Lai Yehua huffed coldly, still reluctant but reluctantly agreeing. "Fine."

    With just one word, Wen Ying sensed a hint of hostility, but pretended not to notice, his face beaming with gratitude. "Thank you so much."

    Turning to leave, Wen Ying was called back by Lai Yehua. "Wait, give me that feather."

    Damn, the shadows he had almost forgotten were bothering him again.

    Wen Ying handed the black feather obediently to Lai Yehua and left with light steps.

    Now that he knew Photoshop, there was no need for Lai Yehua to perform magic in front of him while wearing the sacrificial robe. Lai Yehua probably wouldn't have guessed that he used his image in the sacrificial robe.

    There were many videos related to Magic Birth Day on the internet.

    The corners of Wen Ying's lips curled up slightly, considering it a small revenge. He hoped that Lai Yehua would give up on investigating his background.

    He should think carefully about which version of Feng Luo to use. Perhaps he could utilize the traditional beast skin attire from Magic Birth Day as well.

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