Chapter 133: Wish

Chapter 133: Wish

Feeling refreshed after giving Yang Shiming a sound beating, Yang Rixi's previous hesitation and worries vanished. He walked over to a chair with light steps and sat down.

Yang Shiming rubbed his arm as he stood up. Though he wanted to scold Yang Rixi, he managed to suppress his anger and asked reluctantly, "What do you want?" Yang Rixi would never come to him unless something was up.

Yang Rixi took out a cotton doll. Yang Shiming hadn't noticed it before but now saw what he was holding. Seeing the doll, Yang Shiming was puzzled.

"Can you hear him?"

Yang Shiming: "..." He suspected that Yang Rixi had delusions and was slightly mentally ill.

He was just about to tell his parents about this, so they could send Yang Rixi to a mental institution and away from him. But in the next second, he actually heard a voice.

"Bond with me."

Boros knew that once Yang Shiming had the ability to bond with him, Wen Ying would pressure Yang Shiming into doing so. Indeed, there was no hint of deception in his tone, just his usual manner of speaking.

Yang Shiming: "What the f*ck?!"

Yang Shiming looked around in shock. "Who's speaking? Yang Rixi, can you change your voice?"

The male voice was deep and resonant, evoking the image of a tall and proud man, entirely different from someone like Yang Rixi.

"Call me big brother," Yang Rixi said. "You can hear me, right?"

Yang Shiming nodded blankly.

Yang Rixi sighed. He had been hoping that Yang Shiming wouldn't be able to hear him. Turning his head aside, he said, "He can hear us."

Yang Shiming's goosebumps rose. "Yang R... Big brother, who are you talking to?" He felt the temperature in the room drop suddenly, sending chills down his spine.

"What is your wish?"

The male voice spoke again.

It wasn't an auditory hallucination. Yang Shiming retreated quickly until his back was almost touching the closed door. He raised his hand and held the doorknob, cold sweat dripping down his forehead. "Big brother, what's that voice? A demon? Are you trying to rob me or kill me?"

It's not a ghost, Yang Shiming suddenly realized, remembering the confidentiality agreement he had signed a few days ago, which mentioned exorcists and demons. So, this voice was most likely a demon.

"Wish," the voice repeated with a hint of impatience.

Yang Shiming dared not speak carelessly, fearing that his life might be at stake if he made the wrong wish. He remained calm on the surface and exerted more force on the doorknob.

...It won't budge? Yang Shiming's eyelids twitched with anxiety as he kept trying to open the door, but it remained steadfastly closed.

Suddenly, a palm-sized doll appeared, pressing one hand against the door while staring at him.

Yang Shiming's lips quivered, rendering him speechless. He scrambled backward, behaving like a headless fly. Upon seeing the seemingly normal Yang Rixi, he immediately crawled to Yang Rixi's legs, clinging tightly onto his thigh and wailing in despair.

"Brother—brother, I was wrong! Whatever you say from now on, I'll obey. If you tell me to go east, I won't dare go west. We're brothers, please don't play such terrifying jokes, Brother. It's really scary."

Yang Rixi: "..." How embarrassing.

The image of Yang Shiming that had once been so lofty in his mind was now utterly shattered. The privileged Yang Shiming, who had grown up in favorable circumstances, suddenly seemed no different from someone like him, who came from humble origins.

Bellerophon suddenly lost the desire to form a contract with this coward.

Upon manifesting before Yang Shiming, Wen Ying was stunned by the young man's reaction. There was no need for violence; just a scare was enough to make him compliant.

He glided over with a gentle tone, "Don't be afraid, we're good demons. If you contract with my friend here, we can teach you magic."

No Muggle could resist the allure of magic, and Yang Shiming's expression changed instantly. There was still a difference between ghosts and demons – at least the magic of demons was somewhat enticing.

Another idea sparked in Yang Shiming's mind, "Could it be that my brother easily defeated me because he contracted with you?"

Wen Ying revealed a look of approval, "Yes."

Yang Shiming immediately stood up, straightening his clothes, "I want to contract!"

Beros swiftly completed the contract with him. As soon as it was done, he eagerly turned towards Yang Rixi. Yang Rixi reluctantly rolled up his sleeves and once again pinned Beros down for a beating.

Yang Shiming asked the black-haired demon, who had evolved from a cotton doll into a humanoid puppet, in disbelief, "Didn't I just contract with you?!"

Beros's face remained cold, but upon hearing this, he suddenly revealed a barely noticeable smile. His tone also held a subtly peculiar note, "Your wish is to defeat your brother?"

Yang Shiming, caught up in the excitement, nodded without a second thought, "That's right!"

Wen Ying: "..." This guy must have some screws loose.

Yang Rixi's lips twitched. Risking offending the black-haired demon, he delicately warned, "Are you sure?"

Yang Shiming's tone was unwavering; anyone with ears could sense his determination. "I'm sure!"

Perseus curled his lips into a cold smile. "Very well."

With that, Perseus possessed Yang Shiming's body and turned to stare directly at Yang Rixi.

Yang Rixi: "..." Possessed by the black-haired demon, Yang Shiming's gaze instantly changed. The cruelty and savagery lurking in his eyes sent shivers down Yang Rixi's spine.

Perseus didn't hide Yang Rixi's sensations, allowing him to fully feel that he had 'defeated' his brother.

While Yang Shiming was still dazed, Perseus, using his body, gave Yang Rixi a beating. When Perseus left Yang Shiming's body and hovered in mid-air, looking down at him, he declared, "I've fulfilled your wish."

"..." After a moment, Yang Rixi cursed.

"I've granted your desire," Perseus's mood finally improved. "According to the pact, I can use your body to act."

Yang Rixi fretted, "Are you going to use my body for illegal activities?"

Beros scoffed, "I don't have that kind of free time."

Wen Ying possessed Yang Rixi's body and used healing magic to treat his injuries. He smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, we won't stay for long. After some time, we'll leave, and our contract with you will automatically be terminated."

Yang Shiming let out a sigh of relief. Looking at Wen Ying in Yang Rixi's body, that gentle smile and tone made him uneasy.

"However," Wen Ying paused, "we demons consider the official exorcists who came knocking as our enemies."

Wen Ying revealed a wicked grin, "So your cultivation is considered illegal."

Yang Shiming was stunned, "What the f*ck?!" Despite his arrogance, he had never been afraid of the authorities. He never imagined that there would come a day when he would need to hide from the police.

After treating Yang Rixi, Wen Ying returned to his own body and left with Beros, leaving Yang Rixi to answer Yang Shiming's questions.

Beros, who had been "trapped" for a week, was finally able to move freely. As they made their way out, he stretched his limbs, eager to release his pent-up energy.

Wen Ying thought to himself that he should let Muershi know that he had a hand in pushing him into this situation. If he were in Muershi's shoes, he would make sure Muershi lost all his feathers.

"How's your progress?" Boreas asked after stretching his limbs.

They flew to the rooftop of an apartment complex. The night breeze felt slightly chilly against their skin.

Wen Ying chuckled, "I've taken out dozens. Although they were mostly low and mid-ranking demons, insignificant roles, I've obtained a new lead."

Boreas was conflicted. He was accustomed to handling tasks on his own, but if he persisted in his old habits now, his final grade would likely suffer. He had already fallen a week behind.

With his eyes closed, Wen Ying basked in the wind, not bothering to ask if Boreas wanted to join him. A faint smile played on his lips.

Demons perceived a different world from humans. Standing alone at the edge of the rooftop, he wasn't afraid; with arms spread wide, he could jump down for the thrill of speed before unfolding his bat wings mid-air and soar freely.

Wen Ying was at peace within himself, while Boreas was torn.

Silence hung between the two demons for a while. Eventually, Wen Ying turned his head and asked, "Have you made up your mind?"

"What are your conditions?" Boreas inquired through a pinched nose.

"Obey me."

This condition wasn't overly demanding. Pluto relaxed and said, "Alright."

"I've got a lead on a big fish," Wen Ying said slowly. "Xiao Long, one of the Holy Sons of the Archangel Church. His attendant knight has secretly taken the life force meant for the Demon Realm. If we keep an eye on him, we can earn more points."

They didn't need concrete evidence or to show it to others; all they needed was to confirm that the attendant knight was collaborating with the Extremists. The reason Wen Ying hadn't gone straight for the knight was that he wanted to find more exorcists working with the Extremists through him.

There was also the fact that Wen Ying wasn't sure if his current puppet body could defeat the opponent. He wasn't certain about the attendant knight, let alone the Holy Son.

Observation was key. With Pluto around now, Wen Ying could let Yang Shiming cultivate for a few days to ensure that Pluto's power would be fully utilized before they made their move.

Pluto suddenly asked, "Do you know about the other demons?"

"I only know Muershi," Wen Ying replied. "We'll be acting together."

Pluto furrowed his brow slightly. "Are you sure he can be trusted?" Would he betray them halfway?

Wen Ying looked at Pluto and blinked. "Don't worry, he won't dare."

Not out of incapability, but rather, out of reluctance.

Boros was suspicious. It seemed Wen Ying had made some sort of agreement with Muershi.

Looking at a nearby apartment building, Wen Ying seemed to have pinpointed Yang Shiming's balcony. He glanced at Boros, seemingly forgetting to go home and meet his parents before having Boros make a contract with Yang Rixi.

"Let's go back."

Upon returning to Yang Rixi's room, Boros realized he had relaxed too soon.

Yang Rixi was already asleep, the room pitch black. But with a demon's vision, Boros could see Wen Ying lying on the pillow, happily waving at him.

Boros flew over, only for Wen Ying to pull him down by the hand, toppling towards himself. Before the other could push him away, he whispered, "You promised to listen to me."

"...I only agreed to listen to you in matters of importance," Boros said with a darkened face.

"I didn't say just in matters of importance," Wen Ying replied as he clung to Boros like an octopus. The lights were off in the room, while Yang Rixi slept soundly on the other side, leaving them free to act without restraint.

With his body instinctively urging him to throw the other out, Boros forcefully restrained himself through sheer willpower.

Boros faced a difficult choice: lose face in front of Wen Ying or risk a low score before a crowd of demons. He reluctantly chose the former, reasoning that Wen Ying had precedent for such actions, so it wouldn't be that much of a difference.

Boros was unaware that once a person's bottom line retreats, it tends to continue retreating habitually - demons were no exception.

Wen Ying slept soundly, while Berros spent the night in light slumber, waking up repeatedly. The next day, he wore a gloomy expression as if someone owed him millions.

Yang Rixi dared not meet the gaze of the newly arrived black-haired demon; merely its presence instilled fear within him. As a cultivator, he could sense an immense creature lurking behind the demon, its cavernous maw agape, staring at him with predatory intent.

"Mr. Demon, tonight is that renowned director's birthday celebration. I'd be grateful if you could possess me and lend me your aid in the evening," Yang Rixi requested.

"Is it tonight?" Wen Ying pondered over the renowned director's birthday party, considering that his mother might attend, and he could then use Yang Rixi's presence to hint at Wen Qinxue that he had returned safely.

Boros gazed at Wen Ying as if reproaching him for neglecting his duties.

Yang Rixi went downstairs for dinner, and soon after, Huo Jue arrived.

Boros sensed Muershi's presence.

In no time, Muershi flew in through the balcony, greeting them with a cheerful smile, "Good morning."

He glanced at Beros and said to Wen Ying, "You're quite efficient."

Three palm-sized dolls sat cross-legged on a pillow.

"Last night, I sneaked into the Church's branch in Mu City and found information on that Squire Knight," Muershi began straightforwardly, "According to the computer records, he's been in Mu City recently, and Xiao Long will arrive there today."

Wen Ying pondered, "Do you think the three of us can take down Xiao Long?"

"I've heard that the Church's Holy Son can handle ordinary high-ranking demons on his own," Muershi mused, stroking his chin, "The Human Realm is his domain, and we only have a fraction of our true power here. Even if the three of us gang up on him, we could easily be turned into his trophies."

As Wen Ying repeated Muershi's words, an idea sparked in his mind. His true form, sleeping in the Demon Realm, could awaken at any moment and descend directly into the Human Realm through Lu Qingyuan.

Beros observed the increasingly cunning smile on Wen Ying's face and had the same realization, "Your true form doesn't seem to be suppressed much in the Human Realm."

Muershi's eyes lit up, "How did I forget that you have a contract with an Exorcist!"

He sprang up and embraced Wen Ying, "If we eliminate Xiao Long, first place will definitely be ours!"

Beros' face darkened. Reacting before thinking, he pulled Muershi away, then justified his action, "Stop corrupting him all the time."

Muershi chuckled and sat back, shrugging. "I didn't corrupt him."

Wen Ying didn't pay attention to Boreas's behavior. He only found the scene of Muershi happily telling him about being first place familiar. After some thought, he recalled why.

The familiarity stemmed from their collaboration during the first monthly exam, where Muershi had been the one who came in first.

Wen Ying began doing calculations. His current score only accounted for last night, and Muershi also shared that score. He wasn't aware if Muershi had any other points; if so, the first place might be at risk. He wondered if he could get more points in team battles if his main body exerted more effort.

He needed to find time to deal with Lin Wenpu, ensuring a safer score.

Those people exploited demons to extract life force, causing countless deaths. They were anything but innocent, so Wen Ying didn't feel too burdened with the act.

It wasn't an extrajudicial punishment either. This operation was carried out according to the official order from the Demon Realm, investigating and eliminating evil forces.

With the issue of combat power resolved, they started discussing how to isolate Xiao Long. The three demons chattered all day, while Huo Jue stayed there for the entire day.

Yang Zhenxing and Cai Yiyi were puzzled as to why the most outstanding member of the Huo family's younger generation would become friends with Yang Rixi and stay here for a whole day.

They noticed that Huo Jue mainly conversed with Yang Rixi, not their youngest son, Yang Shiming.

Strange, but the couple seemed delighted. Unlike other playboy scions, Huo Jue had already taken over the company and was thriving. If Yang Rixi befriended him, it would be beneficial in the future.

Families like theirs often worried about a lack of capable successors.

Huo Jue figured that since they were attending the same director's birthday party later that night, it would be convenient to go together. Moreover, he had several matters regarding demons that he wished to discuss with Yang Rixi.

As fellow humans, they could better understand the challenges faced during cultivation. Their conversation flowed smoothly, with instant rapport.

The enchanted Huo Jue was quite different from the unenchanted one; at least, he no longer acted strangely towards Yang Shize.

Huo Jue pretended as if nothing had happened earlier, showing no awkwardness at all.

That evening, Huo Jue expected them to head to the famous director's birthday party together. To his surprise, Yang Rixi picked up two young men instead of joining him and Yang Shiming.

Wen Ying, concealed in Yang Rixi's pocket, listened quietly to their conversation in the car. He quickly deduced that Yang Rixi's foster brother was not a good person either. The younger sibling spoke haughtily, treating Yang Rixi more like a tool than an older brother, making demands with a sense of entitlement.

Yang Rixi's friend initially showed some restraint in his speech, but under the influence of the foster brother, he gradually "loosened up" as well.

Yang Rixi grew slightly anxious, repeatedly emphasizing, "Be low-key when you go in, Tian'en. Don't be as casual as usual..."

"Enough, are you looking down on me?" Yang Tianen raged. "Don't think you're superior just because you've become a wealthy second-generation. You should be more worried about losing face than comparing yourself to me!"

Yang Rixi's expression froze.

"I've heard that your younger brother thinks you're an embarrassment, and your biological parents also find you small-minded and unworthy of showing off," Yang Tianen said smugly. "I grew up in the city, while you grew up in the countryside. In terms of demeanor, I'm more presentable than you. You should worry about yourself first."

Yang Rixi's expression grew even more peculiar. His younger brother was born after his adoptive parents had worked in the big city for three years and their lives had stabilized. At that time, his parents had used their savings to open a snack shop, and when business picked up, they hired a nanny to take care of Yang Tianen. Once Yang Tianen had grown out of needing constant supervision, they dismissed the nanny and took care of him themselves.

Compared to him, who had grown up by his grandfather's side, his adoptive parents naturally favored their biological son who had been raised with them. After his grandfather passed away, he moved in with his adoptive parents, but their relationship remained distant.

Due to his grandfather's passing, he didn't perform well in the college entrance exam and had to work instead. His adoptive parents saved every penny to enroll Yang Tianen in a prestigious high school, hoping he would have a bright future.

Although Yang Rixi's adoptive parents loved him too, it was clear that they preferred Yang Tianen. They would instinctively consider their younger son's needs first in everything they did.

This time, upon hearing Yang Tianen's request, his adoptive parents had asked him to bring Yang Tianen along to broaden his horizons and introduce him to people from their social circle, so that he could build connections for future endeavors.

If Yang Tianen were indeed diligent, responsible, and ambitious, Yang Rixi wouldn't have resisted. However, Yang Tianen was lazy, unrealistic, and quick to anger.

Feeling the presence of Wen Ying hidden in his pocket, Yang Rixi sighed inwardly, grateful for Mr. Devil's support.

Arriving at the hotel where the renowned director was hosting his banquet, Yang Tianen and Yang Rixi's friend Jiang Shuyang were eagerly watching the celebrities entering and exiting. Simply being allowed inside such an upscale establishment thrilled them.

Yang Tianen was envious. He kept wishing that he had been the one switched at birth, so he could indulge in a life surrounded by beauties and with financial freedom as a wealthy second-generation heir.

"Come on," Yang Rixi said coolly, striding past them and into the hotel.

Yang Tianen and Jiang Shuyang were taken aback. They had never heard Yang Rixi speak in such a manner before. They exchanged a glance, wondering if they had misheard.

Yang Rixi was already quite far ahead, and they worried about being left behind and unable to enter. They hurriedly caught up with him.

"Irked, Yang Tianen said, "Yang Rixi, why didn't you wait for me?"

The "Yang Rixi" with a changed demeanor gave him a cold glance. It was just a casual look, but it somehow made Yang Tianen feel a distance between them. Even though they were only a meter apart, it felt as if they stood worlds away.

Yang Tianen had experienced this kind of vibe from some of his classmates before. He attributed it to the noble aura cultivated by those born into privilege, capable of turning situations around with a flick of their wrist.

Jiang Shuyang leaned closer to Yang Tianen and whispered uncertainly, "What's going on with your brother? Why does he suddenly seem... sophisticated when we're in these high-class places?" He felt this was the most accurate description.

Yang Tianen scowled and said, "I have no idea."

Wen Ying walked into the grand ballroom, casually scanning the crowd to see who was present. Soft music played in the background, and under the shimmering chandeliers, everyone appeared radiant and full of vitality.

He quickly spotted the people he had been thinking of: his parents, Yang Rixi's biological parents, Huo Jue, and so on.

As Wen Ying searched for acquaintances, Yang Tianen and Jiang Shuyang gazed at the many familiar faces, their eyes gleaming with excitement. There were numerous superstars, celebrities that ordinary people could only see on TV, and they were witnessing them in person! Yang Tianen swore to himself that he would become a part of this circle. He was determined to make it happen! With so many wealthy second-generation offspring here, if he could establish connections and friendships with them, his future entrepreneurial endeavors would surely be smooth sailing.

There were also many young ladies in the crowd whom Yang Tianen had never met before, but they exuded a distinctive aura. Suddenly, he considered another path to success: wouldn't becoming the son-in-law of a powerful family be more comfortable than struggling to build his own business?

While Yang Tianen was contemplating, Wen Ying's attention was diverted by a man.

The tall and well-built man, clearly someone who worked out regularly, matched the description of the servant knight mentioned by the long-haired demon. However, this was an ordinary social gathering, so why would an exorcist from the Church be here? Standing aside, Wen Ying discreetly observed the man, his gaze darkening with uncertainty.

Spotting Huo Jue amidst the crowd, Wen Ying wondered if Muershi was hidden within him. After a moment's thought, he decided to approach.

Huo Jue turned around to see Yang Rixi and politely inquired, "Did everything go well with picking them up?"

In this kind of setting, Huo Jue was a different person from how he was in the bar. He donned an elegant and composed facade, a trait shared by many scions of influential families. However, Huo Jue was particularly adept at playing the part, hiding his playful and frivolous demeanor. At this moment, he genuinely appeared serious and steady.