Chapter 178 – A Tour

Chapter 178 - A Tour

"Thank you for your trouble."

Wen Ying had studied up on exorcists during his time at the Judgment Bureau. An exorcist who appeared to be in their thirties or forties could actually be in their sixties or seventies. He glanced sidelong at Shi Mo, unable to tell if the man's age truly matched his appearance.

Shi Mo said to Chang Ningsheng, "We'll handle the reception from here. Don't you have other tasks to attend to?"

Wei Zheng snorted. "We don't have any missions right now."

It seemed that Shi Mo was affiliated with the Church, Wen Ying thought to himself.

Next, they led Wen Ying on a tour of the academy. They visited the teaching building where classes were held, which contained regular classrooms as well as laboratories. There was also a sports field, a materials room, a greenhouse, and a library. By the time the tour ended, it was already dark.

Wen Ying paused and asked, glancing sideways, "The environment here is excellent, but I haven't seen any students."

"It's winter break now, so it's normal for there not to be any students on campus," Shi Mo explained. "We've contacted some of them. They should arrive after dinner."

The teacher standing next to Shi Mo smiled and said, "They're all outstanding students. I'm sure you'll be pleased."

Tan Qingqing mentioned it casually, "Oh right, we forgot to mention the additional clause."

"What additional clause?"

Lu Rongyu spoke with a gentle tone, "This gentleman demon said they won't accept designated students as their contract targets."

Many teachers' expressions changed noticeably. Shi Mo was slightly taken aback but quickly regained his composure. He asked Wen Ying, "Is this the stance of the demons who will be arriving later?"

"They want to choose the ones most suitable for them. After all, they are the younger generation at the top of our demon world's hierarchy. Many high-ranking demons are young, ambitious, and arrogant," Wen Ying explained. "I believe you can understand, right?"

High-ranking demons?!!

The exorcists present were shocked by the information Wen Ying had revealed. They had originally thought that the highest-ranking demons that would come would be mid-ranking ones. Who could have imagined that the demon world would actually send high-ranking demons over?

And they were allowing these high-ranking demons to form contracts with the exorcists!

It was like a pie falling from the sky, making it hard for them to believe. It was too good, causing some to doubt the demons' motives for coming.

Wen Ying heard the rapid breathing of some exorcists. Before they could ask, he said meaningfully, "We've shown our sincerity in full. We hope you can reciprocate with the same attitude."

Wei Zheng whispered, "Can only students form contracts? What about graduates?"

Everyone turned to look at Wei Zheng, who didn't feel ashamed at all. Instead, he spoke with conviction. Who wouldn't be tempted by the prospect of becoming a superior demon?

Tan Qingqing murmured, "You're something else."

Wen Ying shook his head. "Unfortunately, that's not possible."

The anticipation on Wei Zheng's face wilted like a puppy's drooping ears.

Shi Mo, having recovered from his initial shock and contemplation, said, "You're right. Mutual sincerity is key to the best cooperation."

In the dining hall, Wen Ying couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the food served by the chef and the strained expressions on the exorcists around him. It seemed they had misunderstood something. He hoped that when Perseus and the others arrived, they wouldn't be startled by this "home-cooked" meal.

After a pleasant dinner, Wen Ying accompanied them to meet the students.

As expected, Lu Qingyuan was nowhere to be seen. The dozen or so people summoned were likely the "agreed-upon" candidates for the contract within the exorcist community.

A few faces were familiar, having been seen in the classroom during the unexpected summoning previously.

Wen Ying scanned their faces, sensing an air of excellence among them; at least, none appeared to be underperforming students.

"One of the Magic Mirrors, these are the students we've contacted," a teacher explained. "They're all from the university department, third and fourth-year students. Their magical power is sufficient to sustain a summoning and allow demons to remain in the human world for a longer period."

Although Wen Ying had mentioned that the demons would make their own choices, he still tried to present these students in the best light possible.

Wen Ying nodded, remarking, "They seem energetic."

He repeated his conversation with Chang Ningsheng and the others to this group, discussing the matter of the talismans.

Spending the night here, Wen Ying would take a helicopter back the following morning.

Unbothered by the heated debates that might have erupted among exorcists last night, he slept soundly and left without a care in the world after a good rest.

Back at the Judicatory, Wen Ying informed a few Third Rank Enforcers of his intention to return to the Demon Realm first.

Upon setting foot in the Realm of Demons, Wen Ying instantly sensed a surge of demonic power within him, a feeling of strength coursing through every part of his body.

Recently, Aruda must still be consistently nourishing the Blood Tree, as Wen Ying felt his magical power increasing.

He first met the Demon King, reporting to him face-to-face, before returning to Aruda's castle.

The Claw-Eared Beast, Little Bai, eagerly dashed over, playfully scrambling all over Wen Ying. Wen Ying held onto Little Bai and carried him into the castle.

"Grandma, I'm back…" As he called out, he entered, catching sight of Perseus standing in the spacious living room.

"Perseus?" Wen Ying was momentarily taken aback.

Perseus glanced at him, then coldly withdrew his gaze, embodying the ultimate image of an aloof character.

Wen Ying walked over with Little Bai in his arms, observing him before commenting, "It seems your power has increased."

Perseus tilted his gaze slightly, his expression implying that it was to be expected.

"Has your seclusion ended?" Wen Ying chuckled, walking over and sitting on the armrest of the single sofa next to Perseus.

Perseus didn't respond, radiating an aura that warned others to keep their distance. His scarlet eyes conveyed a warning.

Wen Ying couldn't help but laugh, leaning lazily against the sofa. "How aloof you are, just after a short while apart."

"Bloios, stay away from me," the centaur said.

Wen Ying was taken aback. He looked at Bloios in surprise, "You knew I was going to take your blood?" He had bluntly revealed the truth.

Bloios: "…I knew it."

Wen Ying found it astonishing. He jumped down from the armrest, setting Little Bai aside, and darted in front of Bloios with a dark expression on his face.

"How did you know?"

Boros pushed Wen Ying away, "From the moment I saw you walk in."

Wen Ying stroked his chin. "Do you think Lan Jiaying and the others would be able to recognize me just like you do?"

Boros raised a hand to his forehead, issuing a low, resonant sigh that conveyed both the unbearable irritability he struggled to contain and the reluctantly acquired habit of acquiescence born from sheer helplessness.

As Wen Ying entered and their eyes met, Beros swore he felt a chill down his neck. This familiar sensation signaled that Wen Ying was fixating on him once again.

"They'll know it the moment they lay eyes on you," Balthos lowered his hand from where it had been pressed against his forehead, his expression somewhat dejected, "So tone down that predatory gaze of yours."

Almost as expressive as Aruda, anyone would notice.

Wen Ying touched his eyes in confusion. "Is it that obvious?"

"Beros," he turned to look at Wen Ying, "the excitement in your eyes is almost tangible."

"Speaking of which!" Wen Ying suddenly recalled something. "Beros, can I copy your history homework?"

Beros replied coldly, "I won't lend it to you."

"Don't be like that," Wen Ying seized the opportunity and hugged Beros' arm abruptly. "The Demon King gave me a mission, so I don't have time for winter holiday homework."

At first, Beros would react overly by pulling his arm away. Now, he just looked at Wen Ying coldly as if it wasn't his arm being hugged.

"What mission did the Demon King assign you?"

"It's related to our studies next semester," Wen Ying said confidently. "When I took something from you this time, it was under the Demon King's order!"