Chapter 264

Chapter 264: The Warm-Hearted Grandfather

In this world, there are far too many things beyond his understanding.

Standing by the window with an elevated view, the thought suddenly occurred to Ji Huan.

And so what of it?

Even in his original world, there were still many things he couldn't figure out. In this situation, the majority of what he didn't know was completely unknown to most monsters. Compared to other creatures, he had caught a glimpse of a vast secret.

Absolutely... If push came to shove, they had already endured the most excruciating pain together, so nothing could be more unbearable than that.

With slender black eyes gazing distantly at the street below the window, Ji Huan's contemplation was abruptly interrupted.

"Jiujiu! Jiujiu!" Black Egg stretched out its tiny paws, seeking a hug.

Ji Huan picked up the little monster, who promptly draped its right arm over Jiujiu's shoulder and nestled its small face close, aligning their gazes on the same spot.

Today was the hunters' return, as well as the Hunting Festival of Miaoleni. The hunters would bring back all sorts of treasures—prey or other acquisitions—from Aputuo, presenting them collectively to the city. Some items could be smuggled in discreetly without attracting attention, but many others, particularly the larger prey, were impossible to conceal. The spectacle of monsters transporting their spoils drew a large crowd, with spectators initially lining the roadsides before eventually occupying higher vantage points to witness both the hunters and their prey. By now, it had become one of Miaoleni's grandest celebrations.

Not all monsters were eager to broadcast their spoils to the entire community, though.

Worried that Ajin might be one of those secretive individuals, the Aputuo Hunting Association – also known as the "official" body – approached him again, seeking his consent and even offering a promotional fee… Finally, they obtained the right to make a grand spectacle of parading the monster, now under "Mr. Ji's" ownership, into the city.

The Aputuo Hunting Ground was indeed renowned, but it hadn't seen any extraordinary news in many years. The variety of game there had become quite standardized, and experienced hunters had a good grasp of the terrain. Despite the continued allure of Aputuo as a hunting ground, its administrators wished for it to live up to the expectations of the outside world's monsters.

It should be a place where one could hunt unimaginable monsters and discover priceless treasures – that was the image Aputuo ought to project. And now, nothing could better enhance its reputation than an authentic Abyssal Beast.

In Ji Huan's hometown parlance, it would be called "upping the ante."

Frankly, the monsters in the Hunting Association might be more disappointed than delighted by Ajin's record-breaking bounty. While they could collect a commission from both parties, the hunter Kalaxi received a substantial sum, while Ajin gained the first Abyssal Beast discovered in centuries. As the intermediary, the Aputuo Hunting Ground…

Received nothing but the commission! Moreover, who knew how many such creatures still roamed the grounds? If the only one was taken away by an outsider, wouldn't they suffer a great loss?

This was assuming they were unaware of the private deal between Ajin and Kalaxi. The Association members might be regretting their decision; if Ajin were willing, they'd likely offer an even higher price to buy back the Roim from him, Ji Huan speculated.

Despite Ajin's gentle demeanor and courteous behavior, he was far from an easygoing monster. Before the monsters sent by the Association could even speak, Ajin had already convinced them to return.

Not only did the Association pay Ajin a substantial "publicity fee," but they also reserved the best table on the third floor of the city's most renowned restaurant with the best view. This was precisely why Ji Huan and the others were there at that moment.

Ajin had only brought a few guards, giving the rest a day off as they prepared to leave. He allowed them half a day of free time.

The publicity fee he received from the Association was also used as a reward for the monsters who accompanied him on this trip. Even Aximu cheerfully claimed his share with Little Grey by his side before leaving with the other guards in high spirits.

Only Ji Huan's family remained, dining at the spot arranged by the Association.

When the meal was almost finished, Ajin was recognized and went to socialize. Standing by the window, Ji Huan watched the lively spectacle of the prey entering the city. Black Dan had been actively packing leftovers, but seeing Jiujiu completely ignore him, staring fixedly out the window, he grew restless. Fortunately, Grandpa was present today, so Black Dan asked Grandpa to pack up the remaining food for him, allowing him to return to Jiujiu's side.

Timing couldn't have been better. Just as Ji Huan picked up Black Dan, the Roim passed beneath their window.

All the monsters present witnessed the colossal beast, and gasps could be heard in waves from the crowd. Upon learning that this was a magical beast worth a billion gold coins, the atmosphere reached a climax!

More and more monsters flocked from all directions to catch a glimpse of the magical beast.

Heaven knows, for ordinary magical beasts, this would be the only chance they would have to see such a creature, during the brief period when the prey was being transported through the streets. In an instant, discussions about the Aputuo Hunting Ground filled the air, reigniting the monsters' longing and hope.

Finally, a monster couldn't resist and, taking advantage of the crowd's distraction, reached into the cage, grabbing a clump of dark, broken hair. The fortunate one let out an excited cry!

One led to many more. An increasing number of monsters attempted to slip their hands into the cage to snatch a "souvenir." Although the escorting monsters employed various methods to block them, with such a throng of onlookers, some inevitably slipped through the cracks.

The captive monster, though furious, was now on the brink of death, unable even to muster a mighty roar. Its aura grew increasingly agitated.

Amidst the frenzied chorus of the monsters' excitement, the guards' efforts to push back the crowd, and the low growls of the three-headed beast, which was being manhandled by weaker monsters yet unable to retaliate...

The sounds on the street below were overwhelming!

From his vantage point, Ji Huan gazed down at the not-so-distant Roim with a stony expression.

Until Hei Dan whispered in his ear, "That's from our family."

In the young monster's mind, Ajin had become an integral part of the family. Anything Ajin purchased was naturally considered family property.

The little monster's perception was crystal clear!

From initially being terrified of Ajin and avoiding contact with anything belonging to him, to now claiming that what Ajin bought was family-owned – the youngster had undergone a significant psychological transformation.

After Hei Dan finished speaking, he knitted his tiny brows.

Before Ji Huan could say anything, Ajin had already taken Hei Dan from his arms.

"Ahh, it's indeed ours. But they did pay for the exhibition, so we'll see if they return it with sincerity. Remember that, Hei Dan," Ajin said with a smile to Hei Dan.

Hei Dan nodded solemnly in response.

Watching as Ajin walked away with Hei Dan, Ji Huan didn't linger either. Along with Grandfather, the two of them followed Ajin out.

"Where are we going?" Catching up to walk alongside Ajin, Ji Huan asked him.

Ever since waking up this morning, Ajin seemed to have returned to his usual self. The revelation from last night seemed to have had no effect on him; he had even slept better than ever!

On the other hand, Ji Huan almost suffered from insomnia.

"We're going to buy milk for Hei Dan~" Listen! He was even using the childlike term for milk!

Ji Huan felt a bit speechless, but Hei Dan was delighted.

Yesterday's incident didn't seem to have a significant impact on the little monster. Despite the embarrassing accident of wetting his pants, after Jiujiu comforted him with an even scarier bedtime story, he managed to selectively forget most of the astonishing scene he had witnessed the night before.

At the mention of Ajin taking him to get some 'neinei' (milk), the little monster was ecstatic. He no longer needed Ajin to carry him and eagerly jumped down to walk on his own, leading the three adults through the alleys with ease. Miraculously, he led them straight to the very beverage shop where they first had the Tuo Tuo milk!

"Black Egg is nothing like Little Hei when it comes to getting lost," Grandpa couldn't help but mutter softly.

Despite the hushed tone, Ajin caught the comment.

The man with black hair chuckled in response, "In this aspect, Black Egg resembles Little Hua. Ji Huan has an excellent sense of direction."

Grandfather nodded in agreement.

Following Ajin, he brought up the rear of the group. The two of them closely trailed Ji Huan and Hei Dan, eventually entering the beverage shop as well.

By the time they entered, Hei Dan had already dashed to the owner's legs. His speed was too swift, and with the owner carrying several boxes in his arms, he didn't notice in time. As a result, all the boxes toppled over, spilling their contents of hay everywhere.

"Hei Dan quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry."

"No worries! It's alright!" The owner had a kind disposition. Upon noticing that the culprit was a young magical creature, he smiled warmly and bent down. He started to help upright the fallen boxes, with Grandfather and Hei Dan lending a hand as well.

Perhaps it was because the shop owner had a good memory, or perhaps Hei Dan's appearance was indeed unique, but the owner quickly recognized him. Glancing at Ajin and Ji Huan, he promptly recalled the outsiders who had visited before.

"Aha! It's you!" Rapping his head, he exclaimed as if a light bulb had just gone off, pointing at Ji Huan's group.

"Carry on with your business; I'll put these boxes away for you." Grandpa, believing himself to be an elderly man, seldom interfered when young people were discussing serious matters. He was swift and efficient in his actions, especially since this incident was caused by Hei Dan. After arranging the boxes, he offered to tidy them up further.

"But, how can I let you do that?" The shop owner waved his hands hastily, though he ultimately couldn't resist Grandpa's persistence.

"It's no trouble. Just tell me where to put them." With a dismissive wave, Grandpa bent down and lifted the towering stack of boxes all at once.

As Ji Huan and the others continued their conversation with the shop owner, Grandpa disappeared into the beverage store owner's backyard.

In the snowy courtyard stood or sat three abnormally large Toots, their massive sizes standing out amidst the white landscape.

Despite the snow, the rear yard still reeked, likely due to the unattended droppings of the Toots.

Grandpa thought to himself while setting down the boxes. Years of taking care of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren had honed his dexterity, and his eyes were always alert for tasks to be done. Considering that the discussion might take some time, and Hei Dan was well-behaved and wouldn't cause trouble, he decided to help the owner with more chores as a form of apology on Hei Dan's behalf.

Grabbing a shovel from the side, he followed the smell and, like a diligent goat-horned creature, began clearing the frozen feces beneath the snow.

In the midst of his fervent labor, the small backdoor suddenly creaked open – as if a portal had materialized out of thin snow. The horned demon noticed a fissure in the previously unbroken white expanse.

A creature stood there, with snow falling heavily around it. The snow was so thick that Ah Ye couldn't make out its features.

The being wasn't particularly tall or muscular, appearing quite ordinary in human form.

Yet—

For some inexplicable reason, when the horned demon laid eyes on this creature, he felt an odd sensation...

How to put it?

"A sense of time standing still"?

He struggled to find the right word.

They stared at each other through the thick blanket of snow for a while longer before Ah Ye finally paused his work.

"Hello?" Not knowing what else to say, the horned demon opted for the safest greeting.

"Hello." A most peculiar voice echoed amidst the snow.

The creature moved.

The crunching sound was so vivid, breaking the eerie stillness that had preceded it.

Only then did the ram-horned monster notice that the creature was pulling a sled behind it, covered with cloth. As the stranger uncovered it, Ah Ye caught sight of numerous green vegetables!

It turned out to be a delivery of feed – Ah Ye instantly recognized the creature's role.

"I'll assist you." The amiable old monster, having finished his task, promptly went over to lend a hand without hesitation.

The other creature was draped in a thick cloak, obscuring its face. However...

When it raised its head, the old monster glimpsed the strands of hair peeking out from beneath the cloak – they were like fine threads of pure silver, forming a stunning mane of beautiful silver locks.