Chapter 261: The Wedding

Chapter 261: The Wedding

Wen Ying sat in the backseat of the car headed to the neighboring city. The driver was up front, and his parents were with him. Behind them was another car, containing Lin Tianbao's professional bodyguards that he usually hired.

Wen Qinxue hesitantly asked Wen Ying, "Is it alright for us to go there at this time?"

Wen Ying nonchalantly replied, "It's fine." Not really.

It was quite coincidental for them to receive a wedding invitation at this time. Perhaps it was a trap set by the Church.

Before leaving, the letter outside his window had disappeared, likely taken away. The corners of Wen Ying's lips curled upward, as he could imagine the reactions and expressions of the higher-ups in the organization when they read his reply.

The car soon sped onto the highway, and after two hours, they arrived in the county of the neighboring city.

This was Lin Tianbao's hometown, where he had grown up. In the early years of their marriage, he had brought both Wen Qinxue and Wen Ying back, but due to some unpleasant incidents, Lin Tianbao hadn't returned since. Instead, he only sent money back annually.

"It's been a long time," Lin Tianbao mused. "Many new shops have opened, while old ones have decreased. Many of the old neighborhoods have been demolished too."

He hadn't returned to Ping'an County in over a decade.

Recalling the incident that took place during his previous visit to Ping'an County, Lin Tianbao's expression turned somber, his sigh of reminiscence fading away.

In the past, whenever he returned home each year, his parents would always try to get him to hire some relative into Wen Corporation. If they were merely seeking an easy job, Lin Tianbao wouldn't have been so unfeeling. But these relatives all aimed for management positions, demanding to be made managers or department heads right from the start.

His parents and younger brother even claimed that since the Wen Corporation now carried their family name, once they placed their relatives in management, it would soon bear the Lin surname. Then, it would become their family's enterprise.

The last argument they had was when his parents wanted him to recruit his brother as a manager within the company.

Lin Tianbao couldn't forget the scolding he received after declining their request.

Putting aside the issue of whether the company should bear the Lin or Wen surname, his younger brother was not exactly a model student. During his time at junior college, he nearly failed to graduate due to poor academic performance. He never took his studies seriously and constantly dreamed of making a name for himself if he had money.

After being set up on a marriage, he complained about his spouse's lack of attractiveness, her low educational level, and perceived lack of culture. They couldn't communicate effectively, and within a few years, they divorced. Their child ended up with his brother, who relied on their parents to take care of the child.

Wen Ying was well aware of these circumstances, which was precisely why he came. Such a relative would undoubtedly be easily swayed by religious groups, losing sight of their own capabilities. If Wen Ying held a high position within the church, he wouldn't miss this golden opportunity.

"Qinxue, Little Ying, I'll arrange a hotel for you both later," Lin Tianbao said slowly. "I'll go alone for now. You can attend the wedding tomorrow."

Wen Qinxue said, "Won't your parents scold you again?"

Lin Tianbao replied, "It's fine. They can say what they want." Although parents usually dote on their youngest child, he and his younger brother were only one year apart. Lin Tianbao couldn't understand why his parents were so indulgent with his brother while treating him like livestock.

After marrying Wen Qinxue, he secretly took a strand of his mother's hair for a DNA test. The result puzzled him because he was indeed their biological son; it wasn't one of those soap opera scenarios where the village treated him indifferently because he wasn't blood-related.

Even now, Lin Tianbao still couldn't fathom how his parents could have such a drastically different attitude towards him and his brother, despite being born only a year apart.

From his spatial bracelet, Wen Ying pulled out a silver-white needle and said, "Dad, this is for you."

Curious, Lin Tianbao took it. "What's this? A needle?"

"It tests whether magic potions have been added to food," Wen Ying explained.

Lin Tianbao's curiosity was instantly sparked, and he said with a hint of disappointment, "There really is such a magical thing?" Initially, he hadn't thought much about it, but with Wen Ying giving him this, his mind immediately conjured up a series of potential poisoning incidents.

His parents and brother shouldn't be capable of that, right?

Wen Ying casually added, "It can also detect poison and ordinary substances."

The driver asked in surprise, "Young Master, where did you get this martial arts novel with the needles?"

"A classmate gave it to me."

The driver wisely didn't press for more information.

He drove to the largest hotel in the county, and Wen Ying and Wen Qinxue alighted. Lin Tianbao left two bodyguards behind for them before heading to his parents' house.

"In this hotel, is my cousin's wedding taking place tomorrow?" Wen Qinxue asked as they entered, her tone indifferent.

"Considering their personalities, they would definitely choose this place. After all, it's the most well-known hotel around here," she replied.

Wen Ying inquired curiously, "What's the bride's background?"

"She's the daughter of the wealthiest family in this county."

Wen Ying's eyes widened slightly. "Love match?"

"Although Father hasn't come back these years, he sends a considerable amount of money annually," explained Wen Qinxue. "Her family is in the food industry."

Wen Ying understood: "When did they start talking about it?"

"It's been a year, as I've heard."

Wen Ying slightly lifted his suspicion towards the woman; the person arranged by the church probably wasn't her.

They took the elevator to their room, and Wen Ying asked the two bodyguards to stay in another room.

That evening, he went out shopping with Wen Qinxue. As they passed by a jewelry store, Wen Qinxue suddenly said, "Little Ying, do you think I should still buy the five gold items for our wedding now?"

Wen Ying was taken aback. "Huh?"

Wen Qinxue continued, "Do they have the custom of buying the five gold items there? Or should we prepare something else?"

Wen Ying was momentarily at a loss for words. After some thought, he realized that he had no knowledge on this matter. Marriage in the demon realm... He had never thought about marrying Perseus, even though he had already imagined being bound with him for eternity. But the word 'marriage' had never crossed Wen Ying's mind.

Same-sex couples couldn't get married in Huaxia, and he wasn't sure about the demon realm.

"I don't know," Wen Ying said honestly.

Wen Qinxue said, "I'll give your great-grandfather a call tonight and ask. Your father is right; we can't let the other family look down on us."

An image of the carefree and talkative Hellhound clan leader flashed through Wen Ying's mind, causing the corner of his mouth to twitch. Pelos's father posed no threat in this regard, but Pelos's mother... was rather stern.

The more Wen Qinxue thought about it, the more he felt the need to clarify things. So, he immediately returned to the hotel to make a phone call, with Wen Ying following along.

On the other side, due to the "poison-testing silver needle" that Wen Ying had given him in the car, Lin Tianbao felt as if danger lurked around every corner after entering his own home. He didn't even dare to touch the tea on the table.

The conversation remained a familiar topic, and Lin Tianbao was scolded once again.

Just after ten o'clock, Wen Ying received a call from Lin Tianbao.

"Little Ying, the silver needle hasn't changed color. That means everything's fine, right?" Lin Tianbao said with a sigh of relief.

"No change means there's nothing. If it were poisonous, it would turn black, and if there were magic potions, it would turn green."

While Wen Qinxue was on the phone with Wen Dingjue asking about marriage in the Demon Realm, Wen Ying directly asked Wei Er through his mirror clone.

Wei Er was somewhat surprised that Wen Ying would come to him for this matter and asked curiously, "Did you think you'd ask Muershi instead?"

"Our bond is indeed closer," Wen Ying said pensively, "but he's an Archdemon bird."

Wei Er's lips curled slightly. "True enough."

As Wei Er walked deeper into the room, he asked, "What about directly inquiring with Perseus?"

Wen Ying scratched his cheek. "That wouldn't be quite appropriate either."

Wei Er sat down on the sofa and looked up at Wen Ying. "Then what is it you wish to ask?"

"Are same-sex marriages allowed in the Demon Realm?"

"No problem at all," Wei Er replied. "You can even marry magical beasts."

Wen Ying was astonished; truly, this was the Demon Realm.

He continued, "What do both parties need to provide when getting married? For example, in Flower Nation, the groom presents a dowry to the bride, and then they hold banquets for both sides."

Wei Er pondered for a moment. "A dowry... In the Demon Realm, it would be raw magic ore, unrefined stones that haven't been crafted into magic coins, the larger the better. Anything else is up to personal preference; both parties can exchange gifts freely."

Wei Er mentioned this, glancing at the white ring on Wen Ying's tail. "There's also a ring."

Wen Ying asked, "Does it have to be made of a specific material?"

Wei Er replied, "In the Demon Realm, it's currently fashionable for wedding rings to come with built-in spaces."

Surprise flickered in Wen Ying's eyes. "Thank you for telling me. I'll take my leave now."

Wei Er tilted his head. "You seem odd."

"You're mistaken," Wen Ying said quickly, leaving and closing Wei Er's dormitory door behind him.

Wei Er reached up to scratch his cheek.

Back in his own dorm, Belos, as usual, climbed into Wen Ying's bed after eleven o'clock.

Pushing away Belos' instinctive attempt to hold him, Wen Ying mused, "Belos, why did you choose this form for the spatial magic tool you gave me?"

He extended his tail, gesturing for Belos to look at it.

Boros: "Why ask this suddenly?"

"It just popped into my mind."

Boros: "The boss recommended it."

Wen Ying's smile instantly turned cold. Boros sensed that the atmosphere had shifted; he had recently cultivated a certain level of sensitivity and realized that his words might have been inappropriate.

Wen Ying sighed silently, thinking that Boros had deliberately chosen this style for him.

A shadow approached, and Wen Ying glanced sideways. Boros's ear brushed against the corner of his eyebrow. In a low, soft voice, he asked, "Want to touch it?"

Wen Ying's hand clenched, intending to maintain composure, but he failed within three seconds. He ended up messily tousling Boros's hair.

Looking at the blissful Wen Ying, Boros silently concluded in his heart – this tactic seemed to be universally effective.

He should do this from now on.

Boros's eyes narrowed slightly, his blood-red gaze flickering with pleasure and satisfaction.

...

By the next evening, Wen Qinxue and Wen Ying went straight from their hotel room to the banquet hall on the third floor.

Lin Tianbao was already there, coming over to lead them to their seats.

"Wen Ying has grown so much."

On their way to the seats, someone approached them. Wen Ying looked up to see his uncle, Lin Tianwang.

"Uncle."

"Aha," Lin Tianwang beamed. "It's been a while since you've visited, hasn't it?"

Wen Qinxue chuckled. "I just saw the bride, she's very beautiful. Lin Hang is a lucky man."

"They make a decent couple," Lin Tianwang commented. "Come sit down, don't stand there."

Wen Qinxue glanced at Lin Tianbao, who was equally perplexed. Their attitude last night had been entirely different.

Wen Ying sized up Lin Tianwang, sensing that his warmth was somewhat forced.

Lin Tianwang led them to a round table, and Wen Ying swiftly scanned the people seated there. His gaze lingered on a young man who smiled and nodded at him. Wen Ying returned the gesture.

This person seemed unfamiliar.

Wen Ying's attention was drawn because he could tell that this individual was a newly minted exorcist, with signs of magical cultivation.

Soon, a few people approached Lin Tianbao for conversation.

Noticing Wen Ying looking at Pei Xiang, Lin Tianwang enthusiastically pulled out an empty chair next to the young man, saying, "Come, Wen Ying, sit here. You're both young; you'll have plenty to talk about."

With a sense of curiosity, Wen Ying took the seat, slightly puzzled. Surely the Church wouldn't be insane enough to send an exorcist student on such a mission, would they?

But it was the Church, and indeed, quite capable of madness.

The young man introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Pei Xiang."

Wen Ying replied, "Hello, I'm Wen Ying."

"I've heard Lin Hang mention you," Pei Xiang said with a smile. "This is my sister, Pei Li."

Wen Ying nodded in greeting to the girl with loose hair standing beside Pei Xiang.

The wedding ceremony began promptly.

It had to be said that the Lin family had excellent genes. Standing alongside the bride, Lin Hang's appearance was particularly striking and handsome.

After the formalities were completed, it was time for the couple to offer toasts. Lin Hang and the bride made their way over.

After greeting his relatives, Lin Hang approached the younger generation. Upon appraising Wen Ying, a subtle, seemingly approving expression flickered behind his smile, concealed from view.

This gaze made Wen Ying uncomfortable, as if he were being sized up like some commodity. Could it be that the person arranged by the Church was him? Wen Ying's thoughts began to swirl again.

"Pei Li, isn't my cousin handsome? He's quite the catch."

Wen Ying: "..." He shouldn't have included the clueless Lin Hang among the potential candidates arranged by the Church.

Pei Li's cheeks flushed slightly as she drank the wine in her glass.

With the crowd, Lin Hang didn't say much more. However, it seemed that those around them were casting suggestive glances at Wen Ying and Pei Li, especially some older middle-aged and elderly individuals who started gossiping as soon as their lips touched.

They thought they were being discreet, but demons had keen hearing, and Wen Ying could almost have interrupted them.

He glanced at his parents, silently reminding himself that this wasn't the demon realm and he couldn't resort to violence here.

So, Wen Ying's attention shifted to his mirror clone.

The clone returned to the dormitory with the takeout for Bellerophon, saying upon entering, "Bellerophon, if anyone tries to steal you away..."

Bellerophon shot a dark glance over, his voice gloomy and lifeless, "Kill him."

Wen Ying chuckled, and even his main body couldn't resist a smile, hiding it behind his hand to avoid looking inexplicably amused in front of the others.

Amused by Bellerophon's gaze and tone, Wen Ying no longer found the groundless gossip annoying. Instead, he was rather looking forward to seeing their reactions when they found out his boyfriend was Bellerophon.

Some people misinterpreted Wen Ying's good mood as him liking Pei Li. After the wedding banquet ended and guests began to leave, Lin Hang approached.

A few guests at their table had already departed, so Lin Hang and the others simply took their seats on the empty chairs.

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue had a premonition that what was about to happen wouldn't be pleasant. Thus, Lin Tianbao spoke up first, "Little Ying can't stay up late right now. Let's head back first..."

"Brother, it's only ten. There's no rush to leave," Lin Tianwang said.

Lin Tianbao's father, Lin Gubing, also chimed in, "That's right. It's only ten. No need to rush. We haven't seen each other in so long. Sit for a while longer. There are still plenty of fruit platters on the table. Eat and chat."

Lin Tianbao had no choice but to sit down temporarily. "Alright, we'll stay for a bit more."

Lin Tianbao's mother, Shi Cailing, asked, "Little Ying, haven't you found a girlfriend yet?"

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue's eyelids twitched. Wen Ying hadn't found a girlfriend, but he had found a demonic boyfriend.

Wen Ying bashfully replied, "No, but I have found a boyfriend."

Silence fell over the entire table at his words, and everyone's expressions became rather intriguing.

"A boyfriend?!" Shi Cailing was shocked. "You're a guy! You should be looking for a girlfriend!"

Her voice drew the attention of those who hadn't left yet. Everyone loved gossip, and those who had nothing better to do deliberately slowed their pace, trying to catch more of someone else's gossip.

This was a matter concerning Mu City's wealthiest family, far more intriguing than ordinary gossip.

Pei Li's pupils trembled.

Lin Hang cleared his throat. "Grandma, in this day and age, it's not that shocking to have a boyfriend."

Wen Ying was surprised that Lin Hang was speaking up for him.

Lin Hang looked at Wen Ying. "I've heard online that this circle can be quite messy. Can you trust the person you're with?"

The bride replied, "It's said to be chaotic, but I'm not sure about reality."

Lin Tianwang asked, "Have you investigated their background?"

Everyone chimed in, and Wen Ying didn't understand their intentions. He felt a sense of novelty and said, "He has a good character, treats me well, and is handsome."

The bride's father spoke slowly, "Looks aren't everything; one must also consider ability. Most people regret not finding someone capable when they were younger."

Wen Ying grasped the underlying meaning in the words. The little figure in his mind wore a stunned expression. He had thought they would introduce a girl, but they were introducing a man! Could it be that this man was...

Wen Ying glanced at Pei Xiang.

Lin Hang said, "Everyone knows that circle is chaotic. Why don't you choose someone you're familiar with? I think Pei Xiang would be suitable. He's an exorcist and also interested in men."

Pei Xiang hurriedly replied, "I specifically brought my sister here today to watch handsome guys on blind dates. Why are you dragging me into this?"

Upon hearing 'exorcist', Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue immediately looked over. Others might have mistaken their interest as satisfaction, but in reality, it was a reflex for them.

It was a special time, and any non-affiliated exorcists appearing during this period made them overly cautious.

Wen Qinxue asked, "Are you still studying or have you started working?"

Pei Xiang looked at her. "I'm currently studying at the Exorcist Academy and will only start working a few years from now."

Lin Tianbao instinctively sighed, "The Exorcist Academy, huh."

"It should be a time of magical dividends in the future," Pei Xiang said with a confident and generous smile. "I've heard that the Wen family has introduced many medicinal dishes containing ingredients from the demon world. Uncle must be targeting that market as well, right?"

Lin Tianbao nodded. "You're correct."

Lin Tianwang seized the opportunity: "I've known Pei Xiang since he was a kid. He's Lin Hang's junior high school classmate and also an exorcist with top grades in his class. He has a promising future. I think it might be worth giving him a chance with Little Ying. It's always good to have one more family member as an exorcist."

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue glanced at Wen Ying discreetly, worried that if the Cerberus found out, Wen Ying might be in trouble. They were determined to reject this suggestion that could potentially mislead the hellhound.

Before they could voice their objections, Wen Ying said casually, "That does make sense."

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue's eyes widened in shock as they stared at Wen Ying, their expressions seemingly asking, "Can we really break up? Won't the enraged Cerberus seek revenge?"

They still felt that the Cerberus was fierce towards Wen Ying, treating him like a submissive daughter-in-law scolded by a wicked mother-in-law.

The others were delighted. Pei Xiang felt a bit awkward as he replied, "I don't have much of a career yet; I'm just good at my studies."

"Being academically excellent is enough. After graduation, you'll likely be assigned to the Disaster Department as a leader," Shi Cailing said, slapping the table in excitement. "Little Ying, it's great to have an exorcist as a partner. They can protect you from demons."

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue struggled to keep their expressions in check.

Wen Ying blinked. "But my current boyfriend can also protect me..."

Lin Hang interrupted, "I doubt your current boyfriend can fight better than Pei Xiang. Pei Xiang is destined to be an outstanding exorcist. Is your boyfriend even an exorcist?"

Wen Ying: "Not really..."

Lin Hang said smugly, "That settles it, then. No matter how capable an ordinary person is, can they be better than an exorcist? When faced with a demon, they wouldn't even be able to protect you if they wanted to."

Wen Ying fell silent, and Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue were at a loss for words as well.

Though the situation was absurd, it was clear that everyone around the table except his parents were unaware of his demonic state.

The Church's choice of executor for their plan truly baffled the demon.

Shi Cailing suggested, "Nowadays, there's surrogacy. Why don't Little Ying and Pei Xiang give it a try? If it works out, you could find a surrogate overseas in the future."

Wen Qinxue frowned. "Adopting one would be enough." Speaking of which, if Little Ying was living with a hellhound, would they adopt a demonic child or a human child in the future? Wen Qinxue fell into deep thought. If it were a demonic child, would she and Lin Tianbao have the ability to raise it?

Looking at the increasingly enthusiastic Lin Hang and the reserved Pei Xiang, Wen Ying pondered for a moment before curling the corners of his lips. "My boyfriend really likes me. If I were to break up with him unilaterally, he'd definitely cling on."

Lin Hang disdainfully replied, "People like that who cling on are the worst. You still praised his character."

Wen Ying spoke slowly, "Let's set a date then. If Pei Xiang can defeat my current boyfriend, he surely won't bother me anymore."

Lin Tianbao and Wen Qinxue: "..."

Pei Xiang hesitated, "Wouldn't it be a bit like bullying to fight an ordinary person?"

Wen Ying held her chin, "I've promised my boyfriend that if we get married abroad in the future, I'll split half of the inheritance I receive with him, such as shares."

Wen Ying could clearly sense the heated emotions around her. Pei Pei seemed to be putting on a polite and modest act, but his true feelings were no secret to a demon who fed on emotional leakage.

Lin Tianwang's breathing quickened as he said to Lin Tianbao, "Did you know Little Ying was being so reckless? She actually wants to divide half of the family assets with someone outside our family."

Lin Tianbao was surprised; he had no idea about this.

Wen Qinxue commented, "If Little Ying and the other person genuinely care for each other, they wouldn't be considered outsiders anymore."

Pei Xiang replied, "No wonder you said he'd keep pursuing you. Even I can't help but be drawn to you."

Wen Ying's smile didn't reach her eyes, "That's why I suggested setting a date, to let him know when to back off."

Lin Tianbao grew a little worried. Could someone end up hurt? With a single punch, Cerberus looked capable of knocking Pei Xiang down and calling for an ambulance.

"Alright," Pei Xiang said hesitantly, then paused, "I think you look great."

Amidst the laughter and chatter of those around them.

Sitting beside Wen Ying, Wen Qinxue hastily tugged on his sleeve and whispered, "Are you sure it's okay?"

Wen Ying tilted his head slightly and replied softly, "It's fine."

At this point, there was not much they could say. Wen Ying had grown up and had his own opinions; they would just have to follow his lead.

With their goal achieved, when Lin Tianbao mentioned leaving soon, they didn't object. However, before leaving, Shi Cailing seemed to suddenly remember something and called out to Wen Qinxue, "Wait a moment, I just remembered something I forgot. Today, I need to give you the family heirloom bracelet. I completely forgot about it."

Wen Qinxue looked puzzled, "A family heirloom bracelet?"

Lin Tianbao was also confused, "Mom, why didn't I know about this?"

Shi Cailing glared at Lin Tianbao, "With your careless personality, I'd be afraid you'd lose it if I gave it directly to you. It's for the eldest grandson's wife. I haven't given it before, but now that I'm older, I might not get the chance to give it later."

"Mom, there are still many years left," Lin Tianbao couldn't help but protest.

Wen Qinxue couldn't help but wonder if her family had truly changed. Was giving her, the eldest granddaughter-in-law, that bracelet an indication that they finally wanted to mend their relationship?

"It's getting late now, so I should head back to sleep," Shi Cailing stood up. "Let's go together then. No need to stay in a hotel. You can share a room with Tianbao tonight."

Wen Qinxue replied, "Alright."

"Let's go back together as well," Lin Gubing suggested.

Lin Hang turned to Wen Ying and asked, "Do you want to go out for a stroll or chat with Pei Xiang?"

Pei Xiang looked eager, but Wen Ying shook his head. "I'm not used to staying up late."

Pei Xiang's face fell. "It's okay. Let's exchange contact information then."

Wen Ying nodded, giving him his phone number before joining Lin Tianbao and the rest on their way back.

In the car, due to the driver's presence, Lin Tianbao typed a message on his phone for Wen Ying to read.

"You may not like Pei Xiang, but there's no need to push him to the brink."

Wen Ying also typed a message on his phone for Lin Tianbao to read.

"Don't worry, it's not fatal. No one's life is in danger."

Seeing Wen Ying so relaxed, Lin Tianbao felt like he was the one panicking while the emperor remained calm. He could only sigh and start thinking of a solution himself.

That was a Hellhound they were talking about. If someone even dared to cheat on him, he wouldn't be able to tolerate it, let alone an aggressive and fierce creature like a Hellhound.

It had been a long time since Wen Ying visited Lin Tianbao's parents' house – or rather, his grandparents' place on paper.

Their original unit was now expanded to include the one across and the one downstairs, which had been converted into two connected townhouses.

After arriving, Shi Cailing called Wen Qinxue upstairs to her room, while the rest stayed in the living room on this floor.

Wen Ying glanced at the door, listening to Shi Cailing and Wen Qinxue's footsteps ascending the stairs. He stood up and headed for the bathroom.

Locking the bathroom door behind him, Wen Ying climbed out the window. Halfway through, he suddenly realized that he had once again used the pretense of using the toilet. He was speechless for a few seconds before continuing his agile climb outwards.

Exiting through the bathroom window on this floor, Wen Ying used his magical prowess to stick himself to the high-rise building's wall and swiftly climbed upward. He then opened the bathroom window upstairs and slipped inside.

Footsteps softened, Wen Ying employed a Concealment Magic Card and stealthily exited the bathroom.

Shi Cailing and the others had already arrived and were in the living room. Hiding behind a white wall, Wen Ying discreetly surveyed the area while raising the recording crystal in her hand, ensuring it captured both sound and visuals from the living room.

As Shi Cailing closed the front door, Wen Ying sharply sensed an aura barrier forming.

Unaware of the situation, Wen Qinxue spoke casually, "Mom, the interior design here is quite nice."

However, Shi Cailing's expression suddenly turned cold, her voice hoarse, "Don't call me Mom, you devil!"

Wen Qinxue's heartbeat skipped a beat. She could hear her own heart pounding like a drum. Trying to rectify the misunderstanding, she asked, "What are you talking about? What devil?"

Wen Ying's eyelids twitched. From the conversation at the round table earlier, he deduced that they didn't know he was a demon. So why would Shi Cailing accuse Wen Qinxue of being one now?

"You've possessed my daughter-in-law's body and bewitched my son against us!" Shi Cailing rebuked fiercely, "Today, you'll pay the price!"

As she spoke, three figures clad in black robes – all exorcists – flashed into the balcony.

Wen Qinxue's expression tensed. Taking a few steps back, she glanced around for anything she could use as cover. The front door was locked, leaving her no choice but to send a message to Little Yin on her phone...

"Don't bother thinking, there's no signal for your phone here," one of the cloaked figures said with an air of certainty.

It was like a hammer blow to Wen Qinxue's head.

The other one interjected, "Stop wasting time, let's get going."

Shi Cailing asked, "Aren't we supposed to purify him here?"

The cloaked figure replied, "Only the Church has the tools for evolution. It can't be done here."

"Were you sent by the Church?" Wen Qinxue asked, her voice tense.

"You should know why we've come for you," they replied.

Wen Qinxue responded, "I don't."

"Drop the clever act. Either show us your strength or come with us."

The three cloaked individuals also adopted defensive postures, ready to counter any sudden move from Wen Qinxue.

It was yet to be known whether this woman was, in fact, a demon.