Chapter 190: A Grand Scheme

Chapter 190: A Grand Scheme

After a moment, the exorcist who had entered second whispered, "My lord, why has the higher authority assigned us the task of tarnishing the image of the Demon Realm and its demons? The hostility between us is not yet clear. What we're doing now will only provoke them, and it won't do us any good..."

"Shut up!" The leader of the exorcists in the meeting room rebuked loudly, causing the other exorcist's heart to skip a beat. His superior's gaze suddenly turned strange and terrifying.

Exorcism was supposed to be an upright profession, but looking at his superior's eyes, he felt as if he were in some secretive place that should never see the light of day, sending shivers down his spine.

The leader's voice suddenly became much calmer as he said slowly, "You must have just been promoted, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"The elders above have their reasons for issuing such tasks. They have a broader perspective and more experience than us," the leader patted the exorcist on the shoulder. "So, don't say things like that again. I'm being patient enough to explain this to you, but others might not be so understanding."

"Yes, sir."

That smile on his superior's face didn't seem particularly reassuring either, as the chill that seemed to follow him everywhere crept up to the very top of his head.

"Focus on suppressing this matter and controlling public opinion right now!"

This move was initiated by Wen Ying. Since the demon hunters' organization had already consented to allowing demons from the Demon Realm to study in their schools, it was no secret that extremist demons from the Demon Realm roamed and caused trouble in the Human Realm. The Demon Realm's Judgment Bureau branch stationed in the Human Realm could now openly reveal itself to the public.

The Church produced a film that portrayed demons negatively, which presented a perfect opportunity to draw the public's attention. With everyone focused on this, no one could forcefully suppress the widespread interest.

Thus, Wen Ying directly registered an account for the Demon Realm's Judgment Bureau's branch in the Human Realm without bothering with verification. If he had taken the time to authenticate the account, those in charge would have immediately noticed and reacted, foiling his plan. He aimed to catch them off guard.

Though unverified, with numerous accounts forwarding the information, the public would still consider it genuine, prompting them to inquire with the Disaster Countermeasures Department. The Department wouldn't be able to ignore the inquiries, and when they responded, they'd have to confirm the truth.

It was a bold, open scheme.

Using the account, Wen Ying disclosed that the Disaster Countermeasures Department and the demon hunters' organization had deliberately concealed the fact that demons from the Demon Realm were visiting the Exorcist Academy for educational exchange. After being shared by multiple demons, this revelation sparked a massive uproar online.

If the account was genuine and what it stated was true, it was... difficult to find the right words to describe it. Was it a historic milestone, witnessing history, or inviting wolves into the sheepfold? Opinions varied, and debates raged as different factions expressed their views and refuted opposing arguments.

In the blink of an eye, the attention on the demon-themed mobile game adaptation film dwindled, along with interest in the Demon Realm and its demonic image. Instead, people were engrossed in discussing the government's decision to allow demons to attend their schools.

This incident seemed to convey a message: A war between the Demon Realm and the Human Realm wasn't imminent, bringing relief to those who feared conflict. However, many also believed that the demons might be assessing human combat capabilities, and the Disaster Countermeasures Department should not have allowed them entry into the Exorcist Academy.

Although the Demon Realm claimed that the demons causing trouble in the Human Realm were all extremists, who knew if that was true? Demons didn't enjoy high credibility among humans, and fear lingered due to previous attacks, such as when demons assaulted Mu City. The square still remained in disrepair, and many buildings stood as ruins, haunting reminders of the aftermath of war.

Powerful and uncontrollable outsiders, their destructive force instills an instinctive fear in others.

Before any official response, the public had already accepted this as truth, with some even petitioning the authorities to cease involvement with the demonic realm.

Wen Ying scrolled through his phone, amused by the online discourse. Using that account, he posted a message containing two parts. People seemed to have only noticed the first part, overlooking his warning to the film producers and trolls not to slander the demon world. They conveniently ignored it.

"Kirishino," Wen Ying pushed open the door to Kirishino's office, "from now on, use this account to post daily updates about the social situation in the demon world, and share pictures of attractive demons."

Kirishino was taken aback. "My Lord, what kind of social situations should I post?"

Wen Ying counted on his fingers. "Like how the Devil becomes young to flirt, Thunder Demon Lai Yehua performing traditional dances in festival attire during Demon Birth Day, or Wind Demon Feng Luo being a miser. What's that expression for?"

Focusing his gaze, Wen Ying saw sweat beading on Kirishino's forehead, his face filled with terror and astonishment, as if he were looking at a monster.

"My Lord, if I post these, won't I die?" Kirishino's voice was laced with panic, his fox ears flattening. "How could you dare?"

Not only did he dare to think it, but he dared to say it too. Each word danced on the edge of Death's scythe, seeking immortality amidst multiple mortal provocations.

"I won't die."

Wen Ying waved his hand casually, his tone light. Seeing Kirishino still looking resistant, he pondered for a moment and said, "My great-grandmother is Arudha."

"In that case, I'm in danger too..."

"Tsk," Wen Ying curled his lip. "Where's your demonic wildness?"

Kirishino replied, "My Lord, I've lived in the human world for many years. I'm afraid of death."

Wen Ying stood up. "Forget it, forget it. I'll manage the account myself."

Kirishino had been waiting for this response from the Demon of the Magic Mirror. His face lit up, and he eagerly escorted Wen Ying out of the office before shutting the door behind them. Leaning against it, he wiped the sweat off his forehead and muttered to himself, "I almost thought I was going to die..."

The Demon of the Magic Mirror had once again broadened his worldview.

As Wen Ying left Kirishino's office and walked back to his own room, he realized that his plan might not be the safest. So, he called the Devil King and shared his harmless disguise idea. The Devil King happily agreed, with no demands about his image.

Satisfying the Devil King meant satisfying most of the demons in the Realm of Devils. A sly curve appeared at the corner of Wen Ying's mouth. As he passed by a mirror, he caught a glimpse of his reflection—

A textbook villain.

Wen Ying nonchalantly flashed an innocent smile at the mirror before departing.

Upon returning to his room, Wen Ying first requested verification from the account company. Their efficiency was astonishing; within an hour, his account became verified.

After verification, he noticed that the trolls hired by the Church were still active. He then posted two pictures – one was a selfie of the Devil King looking youthful and flirting in a bar, and the other depicted the aged Devil King sitting solemnly on his throne with rows of demons standing below.

Caption: Our Devil King (Note: Devils can revert to their youthful appearance by expending their magic power after aging)

The troll studio hired by the Church had worked tirelessly to formulate a propaganda plan, only for one team member to stumble upon the post from the Devil Realm's Judgement Bureau account, causing their efforts to go down the drain as their carefully crafted plan became obsolete.

Why would the Demon King of the Demon Realm appear like this? Isn't it too unconventional, transforming into a young man to hit on women in a bar? Speaking of which, these demons are genuinely gorgeous...

With just two pictures and a brief caption, the online world was set ablaze once more.

Without most people noticing, the trending topic on the internet quietly shifted from serious discussions to lighthearted amusement, unfolding exactly as Wen Ying had planned.

Some individuals had guessed that there must be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes, but so what? The public's perception of demons had subtly altered. The image of the Demon King of the Demon Realm, now a young man going to bars to flirt, supplanted their initial fear.

Oh, so this is how the Demon King of the Demon Realm looks. He doesn't seem that terrifying after all.

Following that, Wen Ying shared an informative post about the Demon Realm's Great Demon, Feng Luo, who strictly adhered to his working hours and never worked overtime. He even included a picture of Feng Luo looking gloomy and displeased due to having to work extra hours.

"Ha! That's hilarious, demons don't want to work overtime either?"

"I suddenly feel better about my own overtime, knowing that even demons have to do it. From another perspective, we're working overtime together."

"Upstairs, you've got a creative way with words!"

"That Demon Feng Luo is quite handsome."

" Noticed, the abstinent type."

"I'm suddenly looking forward to the start of the next semester when the demonic beings from the Realm of Magic arrive. I wonder how handsome they'll be."

"You guys are too superficial! Unlike me, I'm more curious about their physique."

"Dang it, let's focus on their strength first!"

"..."

Wen Ying ultimately refrained from posting about Feng Luo being a miser. Even though he wouldn't have to attend classes at Lucifer Academy or work under Feng Luo next semester, the Devil King hadn't specified where Class One would study the semester after that.

As for Lai Yehua, Wen Ying didn't mention him either. It was purely due to a twinge of guilt; he had taken too much advantage of Lai Yehua lately, causing his remaining conscience to ache slightly.

In the Demon Realm, ever since Lai Yehua learned that Wen Ying had registered an account with the Demon Realm's Court of Judgment in the Human World and used it to post about the Devil King and Feng Luo, he had been on edge. His eyelids twitched every day, and he periodically checked the Human World's internet, fearing that the next time he refreshed, Wen Ying would publish something related to him that would damage his image – especially regarding the festival!

It felt like a knife was hanging over his head, constantly threatening to fall. Lai Yehua found no peace within himself.

After several days of this, Lai Yehua felt as if the entire Demon Realm was going mad. Everyone looked at him with faces full of pressure and resentment.

Wen Ying was unaware that after posting about Feng Luo's incident, his informative posts on the extremist faction in the Demon Realm, comparing them to terrorists in the human world, had foiled the Church's plan to tarnish the Demon Realm through the film.

In these few days, Wen Ying had come up with a new idea. After greeting his classmates and informing the Devil King of his plan, he began putting it into action.

He started posting pictures of demons such as Cerberus, the wicked bird Muershi, the butterfly-winged merman Philemon, and the nine-tailed fox Lilith, one each day. He labeled them as demon students who would be visiting the Exorcist Academy for an exchange program next semester, specifying their respective races.

"Dang it! I'm filled with envy now. Why wasn't I born with a gift that could allow me to study at the Exorcist Academy?"

"Goodness gracious, each one of them could probably make it big in showbiz. Does the Demon Realm have a rule where all demons are inherently attractive?"

"Fox!"

"A Demon mobile game player thinks the demons in reality are even more attractive than in the game!"

"The mermaid's wings are breathtakingly unreal!"

"That demon loli is so adorable!"

"I'll admit it, I'm all about looks. When will there be a peace treaty between the Human Realm and the Demon Realm? When can we humans travel to the Demon Realm? And when can I marry a demon wife?"

"The calculative thoughts of the person upstairs are hitting me in the face."

Wen Ying observed the online discussions with great satisfaction. However, after feeling pleased, he also found himself somewhat of a traitor, making his emotions complicated.

Unhappy, then create something joyful.

Wen Ying saved his photo for the last day, posting a blurred profile shot from behind. With a mischievous touch, he wrote that he was the only Low Rank Demon among the thirty students, while the others were Mid or High Rank Demons. He wondered which lucky human student would contract with this Mirror Demon.

Lu Qingyuan saw the post and felt a sense of confusion. Despite the back view and the obscured side profile, wasn't this the very Mirror Demon he had contracted with? He had no experience with Mid or High Rank Demons, but in his heart, this Mirror Demon was already incredibly powerful.

If even a Low Rank Demon was so formidable, how powerful must the other demons be? Lu Qingyuan was astounded.

The students of the Exorcist Academy, who were still on holiday, naturally came across the post from the official demonic account. They found it rather absurd. Why would a group of seemingly sophisticated demons include a worthless Mirror Demon? Were they trying to mess with their minds?

Better to have never been chosen by any of those thirty demons than to be bound to the Mirror Demon.

It would be too demeaning and invite ridicule!

With just days remaining until the start of term, Wen Ying carefully placed the blood tokens of various demons into Ye Wang's hands, entrusting him to deliver them to the Demon-Hunter Academy. He then turned to Lu Qingyuan and said, "I shall first dissolve our contract, after which, during the collective contract signing, you must re-contract with me. Do not disclose to anyone that you will be forming a covenant with the Demon Mirror."